Topical Encyclopedia
The term "pricked" in the Bible often conveys the idea of being pierced or wounded, both physically and metaphorically. It is used to describe a sensation of sharp pain or a deep emotional or spiritual conviction. This entry explores the various contexts in which "pricked" appears in the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in biblical narratives and teachings.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the concept of being "pricked" is frequently associated with physical pain or injury. For example, in
Numbers 33:55, the Israelites are warned that if they do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those remaining will become "pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides." This metaphorical use of "pricks" suggests a persistent source of irritation and trouble, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the term takes on a more spiritual dimension. One of the most notable uses is found in
Acts 2:37, where Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost leads to a profound reaction among the listeners: "When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" . Here, "pricked in their heart" signifies a deep conviction and realization of sin, prompting a desire for repentance and salvation.
Another significant reference is in
Acts 9:5, during Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. Jesus confronts Saul, saying, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "pricked" here, the imagery of goads—sharp sticks used to drive cattle—implies a similar concept of being pierced or prodded, symbolizing resistance to divine guidance.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "pricked" in the Bible often underscores the transformative power of God's word and the Holy Spirit. It illustrates how divine truth can penetrate the human heart, leading to conviction, repentance, and ultimately, spiritual renewal. This piercing of the heart is a crucial step in the process of conversion, as it awakens individuals to their need for God's grace and forgiveness.
In a broader sense, the concept of being "pricked" serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers. Just as physical pricks can cause discomfort and pain, spiritual pricks can challenge complacency and prompt growth in faith. The believer is called to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting, allowing God's truth to continually shape and refine their character.
ConclusionThe biblical use of "pricked" encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, illustrating the profound impact of God's word on the human heart. Whether through the conviction of sin or the call to obedience, being "pricked" serves as a catalyst for transformation and a deeper relationship with God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Prick.
Greek
2660. katanusso -- to prick violently... 2660 (from 2596 , "down" and 3572 , "pierce") -- properly, pierce , ie () pained;
"emotionally pierced through"; psychologically
pricked, emotionally ().
...Strong's Hebrew
5350. niqqud -- perhaps what is crumbled or easily crumbles...... Crumb, Biscuit. From the same as naqod; a crumb (as broken to spots); also a biscuit
(as
pricked) -- cracknel, mouldy. see HEBREW naqod. 5349, 5350.
...Library
Pricked in their Heart
...Pricked in Their Heart. A Sermon (No.2102).... When we follow the run of Peter's argument,
we do not wonder that his hearers werepricked in their hearts....
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up...
... For, as the Apostles spake, they werepricked; [2955] they werepricked in conscience,
who hadpricked Him with the spear; and beingpricked they sought for...
Psalm IV.
... [97] In your chambers be yepricked." This is what has been expressed already "in
heart." For this is the chamber, of which our Lord warns us, that we should...
'Lovest Thou Me?'
... and how Peter's heart must have throbbed, and the others' ears beenpricked up,
when it was broken by 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?' We may listen with...
Acts ii. 37
... Acts II. 37. Acts II.37 "Now when they heard these words (EV this,') they werepricked
in their heart... You will ask, where is the proof that they werepricked?...
Psalm XXX.
... 13. "That my glory should sing unto Thee, and I should not bepricked"
(ver.12). That now, not my humiliation, but my glory should...
Life in London
... soon after this, possibly the same evening, while sewing together some sheets of
paper on which to take notes of the lectures, I accidentallypricked the first...
Psalm LIII.
... Wonder not, soft are even the roots of brambles; if any one handle them, he is not
pricked: but that wherewith thou shalt bepricked from thence hath birth....
Peter's First Sermon
... Now when they heard this, they werepricked in their heart, and said unto Peter
and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38....
part viii.
... For he was at leastpricked in his conscience, when Naboth had been murdered, and
was afraid at the sight [1741] of Elijah, but this man neither reverenced the...
Thesaurus
Pricked (2 Occurrences)... & pp) of Prick. Multi-Version Concordance
Pricked (2 Occurrences).
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS
YLT). Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was
pricked in my reins.
...Prick (2 Occurrences)
... a skewer. 2. (n.) The act of pricking, or the sensation of beingpricked;
a sharp, stinging pain; figuratively, remorse. 3. (n.) A...
Pricking (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) The driving of a nail into a horse's foot so as to produce lameness.
4. (n.) Same as Nicking. 5. (n.) A sensation of beingpricked....
Kidneys (15 Occurrences)
... So the reins instruct (Psalm 16:7) or are "pricked" (Psalm 73:21), and God can be
said to be far from the reins of sinners (Jeremiah 12:2). In all of these...
Ferment (3 Occurrences)
... in a ferment. (WEY). Psalms 73:21 When my heart was in a ferment, and I
waspricked in my reins, (DBY JPS). Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead...
Reins (15 Occurrences)
... heart. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and
I waspricked in my reins. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). Psalms...
Printed (2 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary orpricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a...
Print (3 Occurrences)
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary orpricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a...
Printing
... for worship, war, mourning, etc. This paint might be temporary orpricked
in by the tattoo process. Tattooing itself is rather a...
Cracknel
... The Hebrew word is niqquddim, from naqadh, "to prick" or "mark"; most probably
cakes with holespricked in them like our biscuits....
Resources
Is joking a sin? What does the Bible say about telling jokes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christ consciousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Christian themes in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader? | GotQuestions.orgPricked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
