Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextBiting, in the biblical context, often symbolizes aggression, harm, or destructive behavior. It is used both literally and metaphorically in Scripture to convey various moral and spiritual lessons. The act of biting can represent physical violence or verbal attacks, reflecting the broader themes of sin and human fallibility.
Biblical References1.
Literal Biting While the Bible does not frequently mention literal biting, it does appear in contexts that highlight the dangers of wild animals or the consequences of sin. For example, in the wilderness, the Israelites faced the threat of venomous snakes as a consequence of their rebellion against God.
Numbers 21:6 states, "So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died." This incident underscores the physical danger of biting and serves as a divine judgment for disobedience.
2.
Metaphorical Biting The metaphorical use of biting is more prevalent in Scripture, often illustrating harmful speech or actions. In
Galatians 5:15 , Paul warns the church, "But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another." Here, biting symbolizes destructive behavior within the Christian community, emphasizing the need for love and unity rather than conflict and division.
3.
Biting as a Symbol of Judgment Biting can also symbolize divine judgment or the consequences of sin. In
Ecclesiastes 10:8 , it is written, "He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake." This proverb highlights the principle of reaping what one sows, where harmful actions lead to self-inflicted consequences.
Theological ImplicationsBiting, whether literal or metaphorical, serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of self-control. The Bible consistently calls believers to exercise restraint in their actions and words, promoting peace and edification within the community.
James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," illustrating the potential harm of unchecked speech, akin to the metaphorical biting that can destroy relationships and communities.
Moral and Ethical LessonsThe biblical teachings on biting encourage believers to reflect on their behavior and interactions with others. The call to avoid "biting and devouring" one another (
Galatians 5:15) is a call to pursue the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and patience (
Galatians 5:22-23). By doing so, Christians can overcome the destructive tendencies symbolized by biting and instead build up the body of Christ in love and unity.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, believers are encouraged to guard their tongues and actions, being mindful of the impact they have on others.
Proverbs 15:1 advises, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This wisdom underscores the power of words and the importance of responding with grace and kindness, avoiding the metaphorical biting that can lead to conflict and division.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bite.
2. (a.) That bites; sharp; cutting; sarcastic; caustic.
Greek
1030. brugmos -- abiting, a gnashing of teeth... a
biting, a gnashing of teeth. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
brugmos Phonetic Spelling: (broog-mos') Short Definition: a grinding or gnashing
...2637. katalalos -- a defamer
... defamer. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: katalalos Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-al'-al-os) Short Definition: slanderous, back-biting Definition: slanderous...
1818. exapatao -- to seduce wholly, deceive
... 1818 ("deceived into illusion") emphasizes the of deception -- ie missing
true reality because "biting on the that brings the !"....
Library
But Now, Since My Pleading Has Steered Its Course Out of These...
... me. The first is that I am a scurrilous person, a detractor of every one;
that I am always snarling andbiting at my predecessors....
From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General...
... Though assailed often by bitter railing andbiting sarcasm, he maintained the gravity
of the minister of Christ and the meekness of the consistent Christian....
Entire Sanctification Obtainable.
... The sorrow of the world may produce remorse, that continualbiting which tortures
the soul of the lost; but remorse is not repentance, and the sorrow of the...
The Note of Pity.
... Seated yonder in his booth,biting his nails in vexation, he is the type of the
preacher whose righteous indignation, because of its lack of that element of...
The Shepherd of Pella
... He drove on and the woman, who had wrapped her cloak about her as thebiting wind
of the hills heightened through the narrow defiles to the north, followed....
The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... He shows the best first and keeps the worst till last. First, he shows the wine
sparkling in the glass, then comes thebiting of the serpent' (Proverbs 23:32)....
These Discussions, Therefore, Concerning the Different Deserts of...
... concerning Holy Virginity, and in a Book which we composed with as great pains as
we could against Faustus the Manichee; since, by mostbiting reproaches in...
Beware of False Teachers.
... of the ungodly is sudden, and a subject of rejoicing." [535] For "they are dumb
dogs, that cannot bark," [536] raving mad, andbiting secretly, against whom ye...
The Christian Alone Rich.
... And riches, wriggling either in an experienced or inexperienced grasp, are dexterous
at adhering andbiting; unless one, despising them, use them skilfully, so...
The Unrivalled Friend
... swarm around the plants while they are covered with flowers and those flowers contain
nectar for their honey; but let November send itsbiting frosts, the...
Thesaurus
Biting (12 Occurrences)...Biting (12 Occurrences).
... (BBE). Genesis 49:17 May Dan be a snake in the way, a horned
snake by the road,
biting the horse's foot so that the horseman has a fall.
...Muzzle (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A fastening or covering (as a band or cage) for the mouth of an
animal, to prevent eating or viciousbiting. 4. (vt) To...
Nip (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vt) To remove by pinching,biting, or cutting with two meeting edges
of anything; to clip.... 10. (n.) Abiting sarcasm; a taunt. 11....
Leather (34 Occurrences)
... the mark is increased in the clothing, or in the threads of the material, or in
the leather, whatever the leather is used for, it is the diseasebiting into it...
Gnaw (4 Occurrences)
... or tough, which is not readily separated or crushed; to bite off little by little,
with effort; to wear or eat away by scraping or continuousbiting with the...
Bitter (203 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Having a peculiar, acrid,biting taste, like that of wormwood or
an infusion of hops; as, a bitter medicine; bitter as aloes....
Bite (13 Occurrences)
... 13. (n.) The wound made bybiting; as, the pain of a dog's or snake's bite; the
bite of a mosquito. 14. (n.) A morsel; as much as is taken at once bybiting....
Material (61 Occurrences)
... the mark is increased in the clothing, or in the threads of the material, or in
the leather, whatever the leather is used for, it is the diseasebiting into it...
Disease (213 Occurrences)
... the mark is increased in the clothing, or in the threads of the material, or in
the leather, whatever the leather is used for, it is the diseasebiting into it...
Venom (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The poisonous fluid excreted by snakes,
scorpions, spiders and bees bybiting or stinging. 2. (n...
Resources
What does the Bible say about vampires? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.orgIs The Divine Comedy / Dante's Inferno a biblically accurate description of Heaven and Hell? | GotQuestions.orgBiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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