Topical Encyclopedia
The term "molest" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of causing harm, especially of a sexual nature, is addressed through various scriptures that emphasize the protection of the vulnerable and the condemnation of immoral behavior. The Bible consistently upholds the dignity and sanctity of every individual, particularly the innocent and defenseless, such as children and women.
Protection of the VulnerableScripture places a strong emphasis on the protection of those who are vulnerable. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the weak and defenseless. For example, in
Deuteronomy 10:18, it is stated, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This reflects God's heart for justice and protection for those who cannot protect themselves.
Condemnation of ImmoralityThe Bible is clear in its condemnation of sexual immorality and any form of exploitation. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks sternly against causing harm to children. In
Matthew 18:6 , Jesus warns, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This passage underscores the severity with which God views the mistreatment of children.
Sexual Purity and RespectThe Bible calls for sexual purity and respect for others. In
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." This passage highlights the expectation for believers to live in a way that honors God and respects others.
Justice and AccountabilityThe Bible also speaks to the need for justice and accountability for those who commit acts of harm. In
Romans 13:4 , Paul explains the role of governing authorities: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This indicates that God has established systems of justice to address wrongdoing and protect society.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "molest," its teachings clearly advocate for the protection of the innocent and the condemnation of any form of abuse or exploitation. Believers are called to uphold the dignity of every person, live in purity, and seek justice for those who have been wronged.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To trouble; to disturb; to render uneasy; to interfere with; to vex.
2. (n.) Molestation.
Greek
1908. epereazo -- to revile... revile. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epereazo Phonetic Spelling:
(ep-ay-reh-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I insult, treat wrongfully,
molest Definition:
...5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye
... Short Definition: I bruise, worry, exhaust Definition: I strike under the eye, hence:
I bruise, treat severely, discipline by hardship,molest, annoy, harass...
Library
Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in...
... Objection 3: Further, the Old Law mercifully forbade strangers to be molested: for
it is written (Ex.22:21): "Thou shalt notmolest a stranger, nor afflict him...
Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
... And so thieves, and robbers, and ruffians, and torturers, and slayers, are more
hated of them than lascivious, drunken, luxurious men, if thesemolest no man....
Concerning Persecution
... The Greek word to persecute', signifies to vex andmolest', sometimes to prosecute
another', to arraign him at the bar', and to pursue him to the death'....
Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's...
... Those nations were descended from Lot, and Moses was forbidden tomolest
them in possession of the lands which God had given them....
What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs...
... peoples; and their Lord shall reign for ever." [3800] In the same also our vengeance
is described, and the repentance of those who persecute andmolest us is...
Israel at the Red Sea
... be no more dangers, no more troubles, no more trials; the Egyptians themselves have
sent us away, and they are too much afraid of us ever tomolest us again....
Chapter x.
... And temptationsmolest this temporal life; but they will have no existence when
these words shall be fully realized, "Thou shall hide them in the secret of Thy...
And Jesus Six Days Before the Passover...
... [2670] And they were angry with [2671] Mary. [2672] And Jesus perceived it,
and said unto them, [2673] Leave her; whymolest ye her?...
Christians, Temples of the Living God
... and desolate parts of the earth, what would this avail us, unless we could agree
with a wicked heart and wicked tempter not to pursue andmolest us there?...
Christ the Support of the Tempted
... Why did he tell Eve, "You shall not surely die?" He is full of malice, envy, and
revenge; for what reasons else could induce him tomolest innocent man in...
Thesaurus
Molest (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Molest (5 Occurrences).
... Leviticus 19:33 And if a stranger
sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not
molest him. (DBY).
...Moles (1 Occurrence)
Molested (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofMolest. Multi-Version Concordance
Molested (1 Occurrence). Ruth 2:22 Naomi said to Ruth...
Assail (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To attack with violence, or in a vehement and hostile manner; to assault;
tomolest; as, to assail a man with blows; to assail a city with artillery....
Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... Probably so. Thus he would gain admittance, and thus, too, in the precarious
condition of the throne, it might well not be safe tomolest him....
Resources
What is the cause of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about child sexual abuse? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Haman the Agagite? | GotQuestions.orgMolest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
