Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "irritated" can be understood as a state of annoyance or impatience, often resulting from provocation or frustration. While the specific term "irritated" may not frequently appear in the biblical text, the underlying emotions and reactions associated with irritation are evident throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that address the human tendency to become irritated and offers guidance on how to respond in a manner that aligns with God's will.
Old Testament Examples1.
Moses' Frustration: One of the most notable instances of irritation in the Old Testament is seen in the life of Moses. Despite his close relationship with God, Moses experienced moments of frustration with the Israelites. In
Numbers 20:10-11 , Moses, exasperated by the people's complaints, struck the rock twice to bring forth water, an action that ultimately led to God's rebuke: "Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, 'Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?' Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink."
2.
Jonah's Anger: The prophet Jonah also displayed irritation, particularly in his reaction to God's mercy toward Nineveh.
Jonah 4:1-3 describes his displeasure: "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. So he prayed to the LORD: 'O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.'"
New Testament Teachings1.
Jesus' Response to Irritation: Jesus Christ, though fully divine, experienced human emotions, including moments that could have led to irritation. However, He consistently responded with patience and love. In
Mark 10:13-14 , when the disciples rebuked those bringing children to Jesus, He responded with compassion: "People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'"
2.
Paul's Exhortation: The Apostle Paul provides practical advice for dealing with irritation in his letters. In
Ephesians 4:26-27 , he writes, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage acknowledges that while irritation and anger are natural human emotions, they must be managed in a way that does not lead to sin.
Biblical Principles for Managing Irritation1.
Patience and Self-Control: The Bible emphasizes the importance of patience and self-control as fruits of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23). Believers are encouraged to cultivate these virtues to manage irritation effectively.
2.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Scripture calls for forgiveness and reconciliation as antidotes to irritation and conflict. In
Colossians 3:13 , Paul instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
3.
Prayer and Dependence on God: Turning to God in prayer is a powerful way to handle irritation.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Through these teachings and examples, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and managing irritation in a way that honors God and promotes peace among individuals.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Irritate.
Library
But There were Still Some thatIrritated the Multitude against Me....
... Section 31. But there were still some thatirritated the multitude against
me? 31. But there were still some thatirritated the...
The Powers that be are not Needlessly to beIrritated. ...
... Book I. Chapter XLII. The powers that be are not needlessly to beirritated.?
The powers that be are not needlessly to beirritated....
Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the...
... the country of Tyre, and were vagabonds that had run away from its villages; and
by the means of these he laid waste all Galilee, andirritated a considerable...
The Test of Courage
... Why not let me alone in mine?". But oftenest he could only smile and say nothing.
And whether he answered or kept silence, Paul was sure to grow moreirritated....
Revival in the Home
... "Love does not behave itself unseemly (is not rude) seeketh not her own (is not
selfish), is not easily provoked (does not getirritated), thinketh no evil...
At Dilligen
... And of course thatirritated some of the other servants, just as it hadirritated
his brother Paul. And so he had no lack of teasing and petty insults....
On the Perfection of Patience.
... For that evil is so far incurable that it is made worse by attentions, it is increased
by services, isirritated by presents, because as the same Solomon says...
Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of...
... king [16] and though he oftentimes sent the eunuchs to her, she did nevertheless
stay away, and refused to come, till the king was so muchirritated, that he...
The Highway of Holiness
... us see. Perhaps someone annoyed me, and I wasirritated. God wants... to it. If
I had been broken, I would not have beenirritated. So, as...
Nicodemus
... He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour's words.
He wasirritated by their close application to himself....
Thesaurus
Irritated (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Irritated (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 19:3 The folly of
man distorteth his way, and his heart is
irritated against Jehovah. (DBY).
...Irritate (2 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To make morbidly excitable, or oversensitive; to fret; as, the skin is
irritated by friction; to irritate a wound by a coarse bandage....
Irritation (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of irritating, or exciting, or the state of beingirritated; excitement;
stimulation, usually of an undue and uncomfortable kind; especially...
Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Apt to argue; given to contention; easilyirritated
or provoked to contest; irascible; choleric. Multi-Version Concordance...
Vex (20 Occurrences)
... to tease. 3. (vt) To twist; to weave. 4. (vi) To beirritated; to fret.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VEX, VEXATION. veks, vek...
Kadesh (30 Occurrences)
... Here the people murmured for want of water, as their forefathers had done formerly
at Rephidim; and Moses,irritated by their chidings, "with his rod smote the...
Fret (9 Occurrences)
... the malignant breast. 10. (vi) To be vexed; to be chafed orirritated; to be
angry; to utter peevish expressions. 11. (n.) The agitation...
Eliphaz (14 Occurrences)
... In his second speech he isirritated because Job's blasphemous words are calculated
to hinder devotion (Job 15:4), attributes them to iniquity (Job 15:5, 6...
Distorteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Distorteth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 19:3 The folly of
man distorteth his way, and his heart isirritated against Jehovah. (DBY)....
Meek (23 Occurrences)
... 1. (superl.) Mild of temper; not easily provoked orirritated; patient under injuries;
not vain, or haughty, or resentful; forbearing; submissive....
Resources
What is truth? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Stephen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs the universe expanding? | GotQuestions.orgIrritated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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