Topical Encyclopedia
The term "forcible" in the context of the Bible often relates to actions or events characterized by strength, power, or compulsion. While the specific word "forcible" may not frequently appear in many English translations, the concept is present in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of force or compulsion is often associated with God's mighty acts and the deliverance of His people. For instance, the Exodus narrative is a prime example of God's forcible intervention in history. The plagues upon Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 7-14) demonstrate God's powerful hand in liberating the Israelites from bondage. These acts are described with language that conveys strength and divine authority.
The use of force is also evident in the military conquests of Israel. The battles led by Joshua, such as the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6), illustrate the forcible taking of the Promised Land as commanded by God. These events underscore the belief that God empowers His people to achieve His purposes, often through acts of strength and might.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of force is seen in the spiritual realm. Jesus' ministry involved the forcible casting out of demons, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits. In
Matthew 12:28 , Jesus states, "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." This act of driving out demons is a clear example of spiritual force used to establish God's kingdom.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of the spiritual warfare that believers engage in, using the metaphor of armor and weapons to describe the Christian's battle against spiritual forces of evil (
Ephesians 6:10-18). This passage emphasizes the need for divine strength and the use of spiritual force to stand firm in faith.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsThe Bible presents a nuanced view of force, recognizing both its necessity and potential for misuse. While God's use of force is always just and righteous, human use of force is subject to moral and ethical scrutiny. The Scriptures caution against the abuse of power and the oppression of others.
Proverbs 3:31 advises, "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways," highlighting the dangers of adopting forceful methods contrary to God's will.
In the teachings of Jesus, the use of force is often contrasted with the call to love, mercy, and forgiveness. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) challenges believers to respond to aggression with grace and to seek peace rather than retaliation.
ConclusionThe concept of "forcible" in the Bible encompasses both divine acts of power and the human use of strength. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the call for believers to exercise power in alignment with His righteous standards.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Violent; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; as, forcible entry during a burglary; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.
2. (a.) Violent; impetuous.
3. (a.) Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction.
Greek
5594. psucho -- to breathe, blow, to make cool... A primary verb; to breathe (voluntarily but gently, thus differing on the one hand
from pneo, which denotes properly a
forcible respiration; and on the other
...2478. ischuros -- strong, mighty
... boisterous, mighty, powerful, strong. From ischus;forcible (literally or figuratively)
-- boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant....
Strong's Hebrew
4834. marats -- to be sick... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be sick NASB Word Usage painful (2), plagues
(1), violent (1). embolden, be
forcible, grievous, sore.
...3612. Kaleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the...
... Caleb. Perhaps a form of keleb, or else from the same root in the sense offorcible;
Caleb, the name of three Israelites -- Caleb. see HEBREW keleb....
5808. izzuz -- mighty, powerful
... power, strong. From azaz;forcible; collectively and concretely, an army -- power,
strong. see HEBREW azaz. 5807, 5808. izzuz. 5809 . Strong's Numbers.
6273. Othni -- a Levite
... Othni. From an unused root meaning to force;forcible; Othni, an Israelite --
Othni. 6272, 6273. Othni. 6274 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font
... Their reasoning is rather ingenious thanforcible: forsooth, because the disciples
incurred the displeasure of Jesus Christ by keeping back the little children...
Impressive Phrases
... E. earth, air, stars, and sea. efficient,forcible, adequate, and potent.... lively,
vivacious, vigorous, andforcible. loss, deprivation, forfeiture, and waste....
Acts ii. 14
... As yet also he has said nothing about Judas; and yet it was known to all what a
doom and punishment he had undergone; for nothing was moreforcible than to...
Jehoshaphat's Reform
...Forcible reformations of manners, and, still more, of religion, never last, but
are sure to be followed by violent rebounds to the old order....
Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be...
... is Used in Four Ways: Intimidation, Bribery, Hypnotism, and Coercion by Force of
Arms"State Violence Can Never be Suppressed by theForcible Overthrow of the...
Letter L. To Domnio.
... If he tries to do this, he will find that what seemsforcible on a lounge is not
equallyforcible in court; and that it is one thing to discuss the doctrines...
How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and...
... a considerable power, force, and efficacy, which this old man hath in us, to carry
us away, and, as it were, command or constrain us, as by aforcible law....
Eccles. 12:12 Simplicity in Preaching.
... style. Allow me to tell my readers that it is an extremely difficult thing
to write simple, clear, perspicuous, andforcible English....
The Beatific vision.
... and intimate a manner, that, without losing her created nature or personal identity,
she is transformed into God, according to theforcible expression of St....
Publishers' Preface.
... The Introduction, by Dr. Daniel Steele, is aforcible presentation of the main
doctrines of the book, and is creditable to the head and heart of the writer...
Thesaurus
Forcible (3 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Violent; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; as,
forcible entry
during a burglary; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.
...Blow (124 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Aforcible stroke with the hand, fist, or some instrument, as a rod, a club,
an ax, or a sword. 5. (n.) A sudden orforcible act or effort; an assault....
Strong (736 Occurrences)
... 7. (superl.) Moving with rapidity or force; violent;forcible; impetuous; as, a
strong current of water or wind; the wind was strong from the northeast; a...
Violent (151 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Moving or acting with physical strength; urged or impelled with force; excited
by strong feeling or passion;forcible; vehement; impetuous; fierce...
Forcibly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In aforcible manner. Multi-Version
Concordance Forcibly (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 28:31 Thine...
Rescue (92 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Theforcible retaking, or taking away, against law, of things
lawfully distrained. 4. (n.) Theforcible liberation of a...
Eloquence (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Fluent,forcible, elegant, and persuasive speech in public; the power of
expressing strong emotions in striking and appropriate language either spoken...
Vigorous (9 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Exhibiting strength, either of body or mind; powerful; strong;forcible;
energetic; as, vigorous exertions; a vigorous prosecution of a war....
Vehement (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Acting with great force; furious; violent; impetuous;forcible; mighty;
as, vehement wind; a vehement torrent; a vehement fire or heat. Int....
Violence (98 Occurrences)
... "The Baptist has fanned a new Messianic storm of ill-advised insurrection," "the
Pharisees have shamefully usedforcible suppression of God's teachers," "the...
Resources
What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view fascism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is antifa? How should a Christian view antifa? | GotQuestions.orgForcible: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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