Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the term "fists" is often associated with physical aggression, violence, and the exertion of power. The use of fists is typically depicted in a negative light, symbolizing human anger and conflict, which are contrary to the teachings of peace and love found throughout Scripture.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the notable references to fists in the Old Testament is found in the book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah admonishes the people of Israel for their hypocritical fasting and religious practices, which are accompanied by violence and strife.
Isaiah 58:4 states, "You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice heard on high." Here, the use of fists is emblematic of the insincere and violent behavior that undermines true worship and devotion to God.
The imagery of fists is also present in the context of oppression and injustice. In
Isaiah 58:9-10 , the Lord calls for the removal of the "yoke of oppression, the pointing finger, and malicious talk," urging His people to extend their hands in service and compassion rather than in violence or accusation.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus Christ emphasize turning away from violence and aggression. While the term "fists" is not explicitly mentioned, the underlying principle of refraining from physical aggression is clear. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (
Matthew 5:39). This teaching encourages believers to respond to aggression with humility and non-retaliation, contrasting the natural human inclination to use fists in defense or retribution.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of fists as a symbol of human anger and violence is antithetical to the Christian call to love one's neighbor and pursue peace. The Bible consistently advocates for self-control, gentleness, and reconciliation. In
Galatians 5:22-23 , the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These virtues stand in stark contrast to the aggressive use of fists.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical perspective on fists serves as a reminder to avoid physical aggression and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Christians are called to embody the teachings of Christ by promoting peace and demonstrating love, even in the face of provocation. The transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome the natural tendency toward violence and to live in a manner that reflects the character of Christ.
In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the reality of human anger and conflict, it consistently calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that eschews the use of fists in favor of peace, love, and reconciliation.
Greek
2852. kolaphizo -- to strike with the fist... Word Origin from kolaphos (a blow with the fist) Definition to strike with the fist
NASB Word Usage beat...with their
fists (2), harshly treated (1), roughly
...Strong's Hebrew
2651. chophen -- the hollow of the hand... 2650, 2651. chophen. 2652 . the hollow of the hand. Transliteration: chophen
Phonetic Spelling: (kho'-fen) Short Definition:
fists.
...fists, both hands, handful
...Library
On the Feast of St Augustine
... nor did I make a boast of the Presence of Thy Hand; I sat alone, because Thou hast
filled me with threats;" as though he had been threatened with bothfists....
The Insults Received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas.
... some others could not restrain their cruel inclinations, but pulled out handfuls
of his hair and beard, spat upon him, struck him with theirfists, wounded him...
A Divine Colloquy Between the Soul and Her Saviour Upon the...
... heaven. Soul. Lord, wherefore did they buffet thee withfists, and heat
thee with staves? (Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:30.). Christ....
His Military Life --He is Wounded at the Siege of Pampeluna --His...
... During the operation, as in all he suffered before and after, he uttered no word
and gave no sign of suffering save that of tightly clenching hisfists....
But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for...
... Where there are mere contests, there are some wounds:fists make reel, heels kick
like butting rams, boxing-gloves mangle, whips leave gashes....
Of the Apostle's Language Concerning Food.
... wills are found (indulged), and all who are subject to you ye stealthily sting;
or else ye fast with a view to abuse and strifes, and ye smite with thefists....
Seeing, Then, Man's Own Reflections, Even in Spite of the...
... And will the boxer go unpunished? I suppose he received these c??stus-scars, and
the thick skin of hisfists, and these growths upon his ears, at his creation!...
The Scourging of Jesus.
... They struck our Lord with theirfists, and dragged him by the cords with which he
was pinioned, although he followed them without offering the least resistance...
To Him who Wishes for Martyrdom.
... With exclamation and with eagerness beat thy breast with thyfists. Even now,
if thou hast conquered by good deeds, thou art a martyr in Him....
For the Epiphany
... In the eleventh year, let the great sea praise thefists of the Son that measured
it, [491] and it was astonished and saw that He came down, was baptized in a...
Thesaurus
Fists (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fists (6 Occurrences). Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in
his face and beat him with their
fists, and some slapped him, (WEB NAS NIV).
...Fist (7 Occurrences)
... Fist (7 Occurrences). Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with
theirfists, and some slapped him, (Root in WEB WEY NAS NIV)....
Spit (15 Occurrences)
... Spit (15 Occurrences). Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with
theirfists, and some slapped him, (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV)....
Beat (85 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with
theirfists, and some slapped him, (WEB NAS). Matthew 27:30...
Face (780 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with theirfists, and
some slapped him, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Officers (171 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with
fists, and to tell him, "Prophesy!" The officers struck him with the palms of...
Joyous (10 Occurrences)
... become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes
by her will hiss, and shake theirfists. (WEB JPS ASV)....
Lair (8 Occurrences)
... become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes
by her will hiss, and shake theirfists. (See RSV NIV)....
Guards (42 Occurrences)
... Mark 14:65 Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with
fists, and to tell him, "Prophesy!" The officers struck him with the palms of...
Thereupon (22 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 14:65 Thereupon some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, while
striking Him with theirfists and crying, "Prove that you are a prophet." The...
Resources
What does it mean that “by His stripes we are healed”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it speaks of the breaking of bread? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow the innocent to suffer? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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