Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "bristling" is not directly mentioned in the text. However, the concept can be understood through related themes and imagery that convey a sense of standing on end, being defensive, or showing aggression. The Bible often uses vivid imagery to describe emotional and spiritual states, which can be related to the idea of bristling.
Imagery and SymbolismThe imagery of bristling can be associated with the defensive posture of animals, such as a porcupine raising its quills or a dog with its fur standing on end. This imagery can be metaphorically applied to human emotions and reactions, particularly in the context of fear, anger, or spiritual warfare.
Fear and DefenseIn the Bible, fear is a common human experience, and the response to fear can be likened to bristling. For instance, when faced with danger or the unknown, individuals may become defensive or anxious. The Bible addresses fear and encourages believers to trust in God rather than succumb to fear. In
Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Anger and ConflictBristling can also be associated with anger and conflict. The Bible provides guidance on how to manage anger and avoid unnecessary strife. In
Proverbs 15:1 , it is written, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse highlights the importance of responding with gentleness rather than allowing emotions to escalate into conflict.
Spiritual WarfareThe concept of bristling can be extended to spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand firm against the forces of evil.
Ephesians 6:11-13 instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual readiness and defense, akin to the bristling posture of an animal prepared to defend itself.
Trust in GodUltimately, the Bible encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than relying on their own defenses.
Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This trust in God provides peace and assurance, reducing the need for a defensive or bristling response to life's challenges.
In summary, while the term "bristling" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the concept is reflected in the themes of fear, anger, and spiritual defense. The Bible offers guidance on managing these emotions and encourages believers to trust in God's protection and strength.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bristle.
Strong's Hebrew
5569. samar --bristling, rough... samar. 5570 .
bristling, rough. Transliteration: samar Phonetic Spelling:
(saw-mar') Short Definition: bristly.
... rough. From camar;
bristling, ie Shaggy --
...8181. sear -- hair
... hairy, rough. Or sa.ar (Isaiah 7:20) {sah'-ar}; from sa'ar in the sense of dishevelling;
hair (as if tossed orbristling) -- hair(-y), X rough. see HEBREW sa'ar...
4548. masmer -- a nail
... masmrah (Eccles. 12:11) {mas-mer-aw'}; from camar; a peg (asbristling from
the surface) -- nail. see HEBREW camar. 4547, 4548. masmer...
Library
In Danger of Death
... same way. And then, standing withbristling hair and horrible cries in
the middle of the room, he vanished from sight. Stanislaus...
Prologue
... It needs courage and perseverance to penetrate into this labyrinth of text,
allbristling with theology and exegesis and metaphysics....
Hymn after Fasting
... Yea, to the meads and grassy fields The lamb restores, where no thorn balks,
No rough burrs tear, no thistle yields Itsbristling stalks:...
The Monk of Thagaste
... religion. To close their mouths, he gathered against them an elaborate
mass of documents,bristling with the latest scandals. He...
Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been Barren, at Length, through the...
... younger. Well, the first that was born,bristling over with hair, was called
Esau, while Jacob was the name given to the younger....
But, Says My Opponent, if He was not a God...
... 5004] slippery length; if it had a head and tail, a back covered with scales,
diversified by spots of various colours; if it had a mouthbristling with fangs...
Cliii. Report of the Same to the Empresses Pulcheria and Eudoxia.
... Then they assembled an unconstitutional council by themselves, and have ventured
on proceedings iniquitous, irregular, andbristling with absurdities....
The Two Roots of Action, Love and Cupidity; and Each Brings Forth...
... according to the will of man, and which is capable, at the planter's own choice,
of either shedding a beautiful bloom of virtues, or ofbristling with the...
Praying is Fighting.
... Look a bit at how the strong climax of this long sentence runs. It is fairlybristling
with points. Soldier-points all of them; like bayonet points....
Discourse viii. The Help of Religion.
... New York, with its Broadway and its Wall Street; with its proud buildings and its
bristling masts; is a reality"but that city of which the text makes mention...
Thesaurus
Bristling (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bristle. Multi-Version
Concordance
Bristling (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:27 Set up
...Bristled (1 Occurrence)
Bristly (1 Occurrence)
Canonicity
... The field here entered is onebristling with controversy, and it is necessary to
choose one's steps with caution to find a safe way through it....
Horrid (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Rough; rugged;bristling. 2. (a.) Fitted to excite
horror; dreadful; hideous; shocking; hence, very offensive....
Horror (51 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Abristling up; a rising into roughness;
tumultuous movement. 2. (n.) A shaking, shivering, or...
Hasenuah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible DictionaryBristling or hated, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles
9:7). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HASENUAH. has-e-nu...
Bible
... The field here entered is onebristling with controversy, and it is necessary to
choose one's steps with caution to find a safe way through it....
Resources
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