Topical Encyclopedia
The term "ruthless" is often used to describe individuals or actions that are merciless, lacking compassion, or showing no pity. In the context of the Bible, ruthlessness is generally portrayed as a negative trait, associated with wickedness and injustice. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the consequences and moral implications of being ruthless.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 11:17 · "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself." This verse contrasts kindness with cruelty, implying that ruthlessness ultimately leads to self-destruction. The Bible consistently encourages kindness and compassion, suggesting that ruthlessness is contrary to God's desires for human behavior.
2.
Isaiah 13:9 · "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it." Here, the term "cruel" is used to describe the severity of God's judgment. While God’s actions are just, the use of the term highlights the severity and seriousness of divine retribution against sin.
3.
Ezekiel 7:24 · "I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their holy places will be profaned." This passage speaks to the consequences of national and personal pride, where God uses ruthless nations as instruments of judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness.
4.
Habakkuk 1:6 · "For behold, I am raising up the Chaldeans, that ruthless and impetuous nation that marches through the breadth of the earth to seize dwellings not their own." The Chaldeans, known for their ruthlessness, are depicted as a tool of God's judgment. Their merciless nature serves as a warning of the destructive power of unchecked aggression and pride.
Moral and Theological Implications:In the biblical narrative, ruthlessness is often associated with the absence of God’s love and justice. The Bible teaches that God is compassionate and merciful, and His followers are called to emulate these attributes. Ruthlessness, therefore, stands in stark contrast to the character of God and the behavior expected of His people.
The teachings of Jesus further emphasize the importance of mercy and compassion. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the merciful (
Matthew 5:7) and calls His followers to love their enemies (
Matthew 5:44). These teachings underscore the expectation that believers should reject ruthlessness and instead pursue a life marked by love and kindness.
Historical and Cultural Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, ruthlessness was often associated with power and dominance. Conquering nations and leaders frequently displayed ruthless behavior to instill fear and maintain control. However, the biblical narrative challenges this worldview by promoting a kingdom built on justice, mercy, and humility.
The prophets frequently condemned the ruthless actions of Israel and surrounding nations, calling for repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. This prophetic critique serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of ruthlessness and the need for a heart aligned with God’s values.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for any traces of ruthlessness, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or societal interactions. The call to be merciful and compassionate is a central tenet of the Christian faith, urging individuals to reflect God's character in all aspects of life. By rejecting ruthlessness and embracing kindness, believers can bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a world often marked by cruelty and indifference.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Merciless; cruel; pitiless.
Strong's Hebrew
2541. chamots -- theruthless (ones)... 2540, 2541. chamots. 2542 . the
ruthless (ones). Transliteration: chamots
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-motse') Short Definition:
ruthless.
...2556c. chamats -- to beruthless
... chamats. 2557 . to beruthless. Transliteration: chamats Short Definition: man....
root Definition to beruthless NASB Word Usageruthless man (1). 2556b, 2556c...
6184. arits -- awe-inspiring, terror-striking
... 6183, 6184. arits. 6185 . awe-inspiring, terror-striking. Transliteration:
arits Phonetic Spelling: (aw-reets') Short Definition:ruthless....
Library
For Whereas we are Composed of Two Distinct Natures...
... savage beasts, assail the nations of civilized men, ravage their country, and enslave
their cities, rushing on those who inhabit them likeruthless wolves of...
Andromeda
... set Andromeden, most beautiful, shaped like a goddess, Lifting her long white arms
wide-spread to the walls of the basalt, Chaining them,ruthless, with brass...
Marcion's Christ not the Subject of Prophecy the Absurd...
... For when I observe that, during so long a period, his lord [3129] bore with the
greatest patience the veryruthless Creator who was all the while announcing...
That the vicissitudes of this Life are Dependent not on the Favor...
... in all things, and that from the abyss of despair in which he then lay he forthwith
returned unhurt to Rome, and entered the city theruthless leader of a...
The Empress Theodora
... revolutionists in the Hippodrome. Aruthless massacre followed, in which
thirty-five thousand persons perished. The power of the...
Trinidad
... That fatal present of gold brought down on them enemies far moreruthless than the
Caribs of the northern islands, who had a habit of coming down in their...
The Bereavements of the Christian Home. [A]
... What sudden ravages does thisruthless foe of life, often make in the family!... With
ruthless haste he bound The silken fringes of those curtained lids Forever....
The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications
... New ideas are, in the main, a new light on old ideas, and nothing is gained by a
ruthless handling of the older gospel which our fathers held and taught, and...
Introduction.
... Heart-wrung at theruthless slaughter"as we, in our day, have been by the horrors
of the Indian mutiny or of the Bulgarian atrocities"-the Reformer sought...
Preface
... "The Reformer's violent counsels and intemperate speech were remarkable," writes
Dr. Robertson, "even in his ownruthless age," and he gives fourteen examples....
Thesaurus
Ruthless (21 Occurrences)...Ruthless (21 Occurrences).
... Isaiah 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like
fine dust, and the multitude of the
ruthless ones like chaff that blows away.
...Ruthlessly (8 Occurrences)
Instant (19 Occurrences)
... (Root in YLT NAS NIV). Isaiah 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine
dust, and the multitude of theruthless ones like chaff that blows away....
Bloody (19 Occurrences)
... the flaying of men alive, "great baskets stuffed with the salted heads of their
foes." For two hundred years it is the story of brute force andruthless cruelty...
Ceases (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). Isaiah 29:20 For theruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer
ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off- (WEB)....
Alert (19 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 29:20 For theruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer
ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off- (WEB)....
Scoffer (11 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:20 For theruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer ceases, and
all those who are alert to do evil are cut off- (WEB ASV WBS RSV)....
Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)
... From this town came those famous "sons of Zeruiah," David's nephews, whose loyalty
and whoseruthless cruelty became at once a protection and a menace to their...
Chaff (24 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the
multitude of theruthless ones like chaff that blows away....
Botany
... brought to Jerusalem comes from ever-increasing distances, as the wood in the
neighborhood is consumed, and the destruction has been increasinglyruthless....
Resources
What is the Massacre of the Innocents? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Antiochus Epiphanes? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God sometimes use evil to accomplish His plans (Habakkuk 1:5-11)? | GotQuestions.orgRuthless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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