Topical Encyclopedia
The term "provokes" in the biblical context often refers to actions or attitudes that incite anger, wrath, or a strong emotional response, particularly in relation to God or interpersonal relationships. The concept of provocation is significant in understanding the dynamics of sin, obedience, and the nature of God's holiness and justice.
Provocation of God:In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently provoked God through idolatry, disobedience, and lack of faith. This provocation is often met with divine judgment or discipline. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 9:7 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD." This passage highlights the persistent nature of Israel's rebellion and the resulting divine displeasure.
The Psalms also reflect on the theme of provocation.
Psalm 78:40 states, "How often they disobeyed Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert!" Here, the psalmist recounts the repeated provocations of the Israelites, emphasizing the grief it caused God.
Provocation in Interpersonal Relationships:The New Testament addresses provocation in the context of human relationships, particularly within the family and the church.
Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This instruction underscores the importance of nurturing and guiding children without inciting anger or resentment.
Similarly,
Colossians 3:21 echoes this sentiment: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." The emphasis here is on fostering an environment where children can grow in faith and character without being disheartened by harsh or unjust treatment.
Provocation and Sin:Provocation is often linked to sin, as it can lead individuals to act out of anger or frustration.
Proverbs 15:1 offers wisdom on avoiding unnecessary provocation: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb highlights the power of words to either calm or incite, encouraging believers to choose gentleness over harshness.
James 1:19-20 further advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage underscores the importance of self-control and the avoidance of provocation in maintaining righteousness.
Divine Response to Provocation:God's response to provocation is often characterized by a balance of justice and mercy. While God is provoked by sin and rebellion, He is also patient and longsuffering, desiring repentance and restoration.
Romans 2:4 reminds believers of God's kindness: "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" This verse highlights the divine desire for reconciliation rather than retribution.
In summary, the concept of provocation in the Bible serves as a warning against actions that incite anger or judgment, whether in relation to God or others. It calls for a life marked by obedience, patience, and love, reflecting the character of God and fostering harmonious relationships.
Strong's Hebrew
5674b. abar -- to be arrogant, become angry... angry NASB Word Usage angry (1), arrogant (1), been full (1), been full of wrath
(1), filled with wrath (2), full of wrath (1), meddles (1),
provokes him to
...7065. qanah -- to be jealous or zealous
... envied (1), envious (4), envy (2), jealous (14), jealousy (1), made him jealous
(1), made me jealous (1), provoked him to jealousy (1),provokes to jealousy (1...
Library
Of the Cause thatProvokes Anger, and of the Remedies of Anger...
... OF THE CAUSE THATPROVOKES ANGER, AND OF THE REMEDIES OF ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES)
[*There is no further mention of these remedies in the text, except in A .]....
Whether Strife is Always a Sin?
... is derived from the snarling [rictu] of a dog, because the quarrelsome man is ever
ready to contradict; he delights in brawling, andprovokes contention." Now...
Whether the Motive of Anger is Always Something done against the...
... OF THE CAUSE THATPROVOKES ANGER, AND OF THE REMEDIES OF ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES)
[*There is no further mention of these remedies in the text, except in A...
Whether the Sole Motive of Anger is Slight or Contempt?
... OF THE CAUSE THATPROVOKES ANGER, AND OF THE REMEDIES OF ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES)
[*There is no further mention of these remedies in the text, except in A...
The Inwardness of Prayer
... Moreover, He is the Giver not only of the answer, but first of the prayer itself.
His giftprovokes ours.... His loveprovokes our sacred forwardness....
On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows...
... This evokes the following singular burst of critical indignation from the Reverend
author of the present Essay:""Itprovokes a smile on serious topics,""(a...
This is the Chief Passage which those who were Sent from the East...
... his former self-restraint and to become a furious madman: he was quiet before, now
he is a mover of sedition: he was peaceable, now heprovokes war: instead of...
Revelation of Paul.
... Know, ye sons of men, that the whole creation has been made subject to God;
but the human race alone, by sinning,provokes God to anger....
The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
... LECTURE IV THE INFLUENCE OF THE KING JAMES VERSION ON ENGLISH LITERATURE. THE Bible
is a book-making book. It is literature whichprovokes literature....
Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends
... for another time, let us direct the discourse to another subject; for a table with
only one sort of food produces satiety, while varietyprovokes the appetite....
Thesaurus
Provokes (4 Occurrences)...Provokes (4 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Therefore a defiant spirit in such
a case
provokes not man but God, who puts His Holy Spirit into your hearts.
...Provoketh (7 Occurrences)
Lock (6 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looks toward the north;
where there was the seat of the image of jealousy, whichprovokes to jealousy...
Instigator (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who incites orprovokes misbehavior.
Multi-Version Concordance Instigator (1 Occurrence). Acts...
Forfeits (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion.
He whoprovokes him to anger forfeits his own life. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Roaring (28 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He whoprovokes
him to anger forfeits his own life. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
Ridicule (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Remarks designed to excite laughter with a degree of contempt; wit of that
species whichprovokes contemptuous laughter; disparagement by making a...
Defiant (2 Occurrences)
... Defiant (2 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Therefore a defiant spirit in such
a caseprovokes not man but God, who puts His Holy Spirit into your hearts....
Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... the unwise (Proverbs 20:1); (4) its moral and spiritual effects: it leads to a
maladministration of justice (Proverbs 31:5 Isaiah 5:23),provokes anger and a...
Provokedst (1 Occurrence)
Resources
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