Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being mistreated is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the fallen nature of humanity and the resulting injustices that individuals often face. The Bible addresses mistreatment in various contexts, offering guidance, comfort, and hope to those who suffer.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, mistreatment is often seen in the context of oppression and injustice. The Israelites themselves experienced severe mistreatment during their bondage in Egypt.
Exodus 1:11-14 describes how the Egyptians "set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor," highlighting the harsh conditions they endured. God’s response to their cries for help is a central theme in the narrative of the Exodus, demonstrating His concern for the oppressed: "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings" (
Exodus 3:7).
The Law given to Moses includes numerous provisions to protect individuals from mistreatment. For example,
Leviticus 19:13 commands, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages due a hired hand must not remain with you until morning." These laws reflect God's desire for justice and fair treatment among His people.
Prophetic WarningsThe prophets frequently addressed the issue of mistreatment, particularly in the context of social injustice.
Isaiah 1:17 exhorts the people to "learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow." The prophets called out the leaders and people of Israel for their failure to uphold justice and for their mistreatment of the vulnerable, warning of divine judgment as a consequence.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies how to respond to mistreatment. Despite being unjustly accused and crucified, He did not retaliate. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, setting an example for His followers.
1 Peter 2:23 states, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."
Jesus also taught His followers to respond to mistreatment with love and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (
Matthew 5:44). This radical teaching calls believers to rise above the natural inclination for revenge and to reflect the character of God.
Apostolic GuidanceThe apostles continued to address the issue of mistreatment in their letters to the early church. Paul, in
Romans 12:17-19, advises, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"
James also speaks to the issue, particularly in the context of economic oppression. He warns the rich who exploit and mistreat the poor, saying, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts" (
James 5:4).
Comfort and HopeFor those who are mistreated, the Bible offers comfort and hope.
Psalm 9:9 assures, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and to find solace in His presence.
Revelation 21:4 provides the ultimate hope for those who suffer: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."
The biblical response to mistreatment is rooted in trust in God's justice, a commitment to love and forgiveness, and the hope of ultimate redemption and restoration.
Greek
2559. kakoo -- to ill-treat... See 2556 (). Word Origin from kakos Definition to ill-treat NASB Word Usage embittered
(1), harm (2), mistreat (1),
mistreated (2). to mistreat, harm.
...5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult
... Word Origin from hubris Definition to run riot, to outrage, insult NASB Word Usage
insult (1), mistreat (1),mistreated (3). to mistreat, insult....
Library
Introduction
... Although these elements constitute its music they are continuallymistreated.
We flirt with and pirouette around them constantly....
Putting Clouds Over the Sun
... He feels humiliated and hurt. He feels, and justly feels, that he has been
mistreated. It sinks down into his soul and rankles there....
Egg-Shell Christians
... He is constantly smarting under a sense of injustice. He feels he is constantly
beingmistreated. Oh, this self-love! How many pains it brings!...
Prayer Born of Compassion
... his Jewish brethren, was concerned over them, and his heart was strangely warmed
with tender compassion for their salvation, even thoughmistreated and sorely...
Things which are Characteristic of Mark.
... The fourth is that of the Wicked Husbandmen whomistreated the Owner's servants,
and ended by killing His well-beloved Son (12:1-9). Thus it will be seen, that...
Tee Advice of Hotep
... To my mind they aremistreated beyond their deserts. I would have the powers of
Egypt use them better.". "Is it known in the north what Mesu's purpose is?...
Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... cutting off his hair. She called for the Philistines, and they came and put
out his eyes and otherwisemistreated him. On an occasion...
The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... 772] For the Jews, having the prophecies, and constantly looking for the Christ,
failed to recognize him when he came"more than that, they evenmistreated him...
Thesaurus
Mistreated (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Mistreated (14 Occurrences). Matthew 22:6 and the rest
grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.
...Mistreat (13 Occurrences)
Mistress (20 Occurrences)
Newborn (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:19 The same took advantage of our race, andmistreated our fathers, and forced
them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive....
Ill-treat (3 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:6 God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a strange
land, and that they would be enslaved andmistreated for four hundred years....
Forced (84 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:19 The same took advantage of our race, andmistreated our fathers, and forced
them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive....
Treacherously (42 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:19 The same took advantage of our race, andmistreated our fathers, and forced
them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive....
Treat (53 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:6 God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a strange
land, and that they would be enslaved andmistreated for four hundred years....
Race (36 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:19 The same took advantage of our race, andmistreated our fathers, and forced
them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive....
Enslaved (18 Occurrences)
... Acts 7:6 God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a strange
land, and that they would be enslaved andmistreated for four hundred years....
Resources
What does the Bible say about child abuse? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Ishmaelites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgMistreated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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