Topical Encyclopedia
The term "blood-thirsty" in the Bible is often used to describe individuals or groups characterized by a violent and murderous disposition. This term is not only descriptive of physical violence but also indicative of a deeper moral and spiritual corruption. The Bible frequently condemns such behavior, associating it with wickedness and rebellion against God's righteous standards.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of being blood-thirsty is often linked with the shedding of innocent blood, which is explicitly condemned by God.
Proverbs 29:10 states, "Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life." Here, the "men of bloodshed" are contrasted with the upright, highlighting the moral depravity associated with a blood-thirsty nature.
The Psalms also address this theme. In
Psalm 5:6, the psalmist declares, "You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." This verse underscores God's abhorrence of those who are blood-thirsty, equating their actions with deceit and falsehood.
Historical ExamplesThroughout the historical narratives of the Old Testament, various figures and nations are depicted as blood-thirsty. The Assyrians, for example, were known for their brutal military campaigns and are often portrayed as instruments of God's judgment due to their excessive violence.
Nahum 3:1 describes Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, as a "city of blood," emphasizing its reputation for bloodshed and cruelty.
King David, despite being a man after God's own heart, was not permitted to build the temple because he had "shed much blood on the earth" (
1 Chronicles 22:8). This highlights the seriousness with which God views the shedding of blood, even in the context of warfare.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from physical violence to the spiritual implications of a blood-thirsty heart. Jesus teaches that harboring anger and hatred is akin to murder. In
Matthew 5:21-22, He states, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, lists "enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions" among the works of the flesh (
Galatians 5:19-21). These attitudes, which can lead to blood-thirsty actions, are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, peace, and gentleness.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible consistently portrays blood-thirstiness as antithetical to the character of God, who is described as just, merciful, and loving. The call for believers is to emulate Christ, who embodies peace and reconciliation.
Romans 12:18 urges, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive stands in stark contrast to the blood-thirsty nature condemned throughout Scripture.
Ultimately, the Bible's treatment of blood-thirstiness serves as a warning against the destructive power of unchecked anger and violence, urging believers to pursue righteousness and peace in all their dealings.
Strong's Hebrew
582. enosh -- man, mankind... another,
bloodthirsty, certain, divers, fellow, in the flower of their age.
... man in
general (singly or collectively) -- another, X (
blood-)
thirsty, certain, chap
...Library
Of the Adversaries of the Name of Christ, whom the Barbarians for...
... To their very threshold theblood-thirsty enemy raged; there his murderous fury
owned... that, contrary to the custom of war, thesebloodthirsty barbarians spared...
Ignatius is Condemned by Trajan.
... the soldiers, like a distinguished ram [1414] the leader of a goodly flock, that
he might be carried to Rome, there to furnish food to thebloodthirsty beasts....
Herod and John the Baptist
... I would have said, "I do not believe that thebloodthirsty wretch who took the life
of John the Baptist ever had a serious thought in his life about his soul's...
The Greatest Trial on Record
... Here they made a temporary call, to gratify thebloodthirsty Annas with the sight
of his victim; and then, hastening on, they brought him to the house of...
Judas Hangs Himself.
... "I have sinned. I have betrayed innocent blood. Oh, youblood-thirsty judges, to
condemn the innocent blood.". "Peace, peace, Judas," cried the council....
Hence Neither is it Lawful to Accuse those who have Left All...
... God in a dream," he says, "that they should not return to Herod, they departed into
their own country another way." [2337] Hence thebloodthirsty "Herod, when...
A Home Question
... THIS WAS A HOME STROKE. When the children of Israel hadbloodthirsty thoughts towards
their brethren of Judah, the prophet very earnestly dissuaded them....
Christ's Sheep
... ignorance, and wanted to be taught. They were not proud and self-sufficient,
not fierce orbloodthirsty. The text does not say that...
The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
... heard. We were notblood-thirsty, it may be, against his children, but
we had sins both black and heinous; yet he stopped us. Not...
Of the Fourth Seal.
... He was so fierce andblood-thirsty, that he left most of the cities void of the
male sex." The same writer, in the Life of Gallienus, says: "The Scythians...
Thesaurus
Bloodthirsty (6 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BLOODTHIRSTY.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Bloodthirsty (6 Occurrences). Psalms 5:6 You will destroy those who speak lies.
...Blood-thirsty (2 Occurrences)
Blood-thirsty.Bloodthirsty,Blood-thirsty. Bloody . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Bloodthirsty,Blood-thirsty. Bloody . Reference Bible.
Deceitful (46 Occurrences)
... Yahweh abhors thebloodthirsty and deceitful man....Bloodthirsty and deceitful men
shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you....
Bloody (19 Occurrences)
... the expression (the King James Version "bloody") is variously rendered, "man of
blood" (2 Samuel 16:7, 8); "men of blood" (Psalm 26:9); "bloodthirsty" (Psalm 5...
Deceit (160 Occurrences)
... Yahweh abhors thebloodthirsty and deceitful man....Bloodthirsty and deceitful men
shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you....
Nethermost (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 55:23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction:
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will...
Jonath (2 Occurrences)
... Psalms 55:23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction:
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will...
Lowest (28 Occurrences)
...Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust
in you. (See RSV). Psalms 86:13 For your loving kindness is great toward me....
Weasel (1 Occurrence)
... They have a slender, elongated body, and are noted for the quickness of their movements
and for theirbloodthirsty habit in destroying poultry, rats, etc....
Treachery (18 Occurrences)
... pit of destruction.Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half
their days, but I will trust in you. (See RSV). Isaiah 24...
Resources
Why did blood and water come out of Jesus' side when He was pierced? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Catholic sacrament of Holy Eucharist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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