Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "provoking" often refers to actions or behaviors that incite anger, irritation, or a strong emotional response. The concept is addressed in various passages, highlighting both the negative consequences of provoking others and the importance of self-control and love in interpersonal relationships.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of provoking God through disobedience and idolatry. In
Deuteronomy 9:7, Moses reminds the Israelites of their rebellious nature: "Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God to anger in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD." This passage underscores the seriousness of provoking God through disobedience and the need for repentance and faithfulness.
The Israelites' idolatry is another form of provocation. In
1 Kings 14:9, Jeroboam is rebuked for his actions: "You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have made for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me to anger, and you have cast Me behind your back." Here, provoking God is linked to the worship of false gods, which is seen as a direct affront to His holiness and sovereignty.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of provoking is often related to interpersonal relationships and the Christian community.
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 verse highlights the responsibility of parents to nurture their children in a way that fosters respect and understanding, rather than anger and 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 the importance of encouragement and positive reinforcement in parenting, avoiding actions that might lead to discouragement or bitterness.
Theological ImplicationsProvoking, in a biblical sense, often carries a negative connotation, associated with actions that lead to conflict, anger, or divine displeasure. The Bible encourages believers to avoid provoking others, whether it be God through disobedience or fellow humans through unkindness or insensitivity.
The call to love and self-control is central to the Christian life.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues stand in contrast to provoking behavior and are essential for maintaining harmony within the Christian community and in one's relationship with God.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to examine their actions and attitudes to ensure they are not provoking others unnecessarily. This involves practicing patience, understanding, and forgiveness, as well as seeking reconciliation when conflicts arise. By embodying the love and grace of Christ, Christians can avoid the pitfalls of provocation and foster a spirit of unity and peace.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Provoke.
2. (a.) Having the power or quality of exciting resentment; tending to awaken passion or vexation; as, provoking words or treatment.
Strong's Hebrew
3707. kaas -- to be vexed or angry... to anger (1), provoked (7), provoked him to anger (2), provoked me to anger (2),
provoked the to anger (1), provoked to anger (1),
provoking (7),
provoking him
...4784. marah -- to be contentious or rebellious
... rebels (2), very rebellious (1). bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey,
grievously, provocation,provoking. A primitive root; to be...
Library
Provoking Each Other to Love and Good Works.
...PROVOKING EACH OTHER TO LOVE AND GOOD WORKS.... Why is this, and whence also the need,
in addition toprovoking to love, of special incitements to good works?...
Psalm LXVIII.
... they had not. "Likewise menprovoking that dwell in the tombs:" that is,
every way dead, taken up with dead works. For these men...
Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... to the shame of our age, is now so much in fashion, and with some men in vogue;
the invoking God's name, appealing to His testimony, andprovoking His judgment...
Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the...
... several considerations: 1. The glory of God is much concerned. Heart-evils
are veryprovoking evils to the Lord. The Schools correctly...
A Kingdom's Epitaph
... Before it, verses 7-12, narrate Israel's sin, which culminates inprovoking
the Lord to anger (ver.11). After it, the sins are reiterated...
Why are Men Saved?
... the next place, they were an ungrateful people""they remembered not the multitude
of thy mercies." In the third place, they were aprovoking people""they...
"And He is the Propitiation,"
... There is aprovoking quality in it, fit to alienate the holy heart of God, and to
incense his indignation, which, when once it is kindled who can stand before...
A Moment's Flashing Glance of Half-Amused Dismay at Angela...
... Now Sylvie, your friend Sylvie"is so distinctly charming that she becomesprovoking
and irritating. I am sure she has told you I am a terrible villain . . ."....
The Right Understanding of the Law
... It is highlyprovoking to God to bring any superstitious ceremony into his worship
which he has not prescribed; it is to tax God's wisdom, as if he were not...
How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
... For the cunning adversary wages war against two; that is, by inflaming one to be
the first to offer insults, andprovoking the other to return insults under a...
Thesaurus
Provoking (29 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having the power or quality of exciting resentment; tending to awaken passion
or vexation; as,
provoking words or treatment.
...Provoking (29 Occurrences).
...Provocation (20 Occurrences)
... An example of the good sense of the word is in Hebrews 10:24, "Consider one another
to provoke (literally, "to theprovoking," here paroxusmos) unto love and...
Provoke (64 Occurrences)
... An example of the good sense of the word is in Hebrews 10:24, "Consider one another
to provoke (literally, "to theprovoking," here paroxusmos) unto love and...
Provoketh (7 Occurrences)
Provoked (70 Occurrences)
... Israel out of this good land, which He gave to their fathers, and will scatter them
beyond the River; because they have made their Asherim,provoking the LORD....
Vainglorious (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vainglorious (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:26 Let us not
become vainglorious,provoking one another, envying one another. (ASV)....
Vain-glory (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vain-glory (3 Occurrences). Galatians 5:26 Let us not
be desirous of vain-glory,provoking one another, envying one another. (WBS)....
Nabathaeans
... In 47 BC Malchus I assisted Caesar, but in 40 BC refused to assist Herod against
the Parthians, thusprovoking both the Idumean Dynasty and the Romans....
Nabataeans
... In 47 BC Malchus I assisted Caesar, but in 40 BC refused to assist Herod against
the Parthians, thusprovoking both the Idumean Dynasty and the Romans....
Odious (9 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Causing orprovoking hatred, repugnance, or disgust; offensive;
disagreeable; repulsive; as, an odious sight; an odious smell....
Resources
Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sorcery? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? | GotQuestions.orgProvoking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
