Topical Encyclopedia
The term "smites" in the Bible refers to the act of striking, hitting, or inflicting a blow, often with the intent to cause harm or punishment. This action is frequently attributed to God, individuals, or nations as a form of divine judgment, personal retribution, or warfare. The concept of smiting is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, illustrating both the justice and the wrath of God, as well as the human propensity for violence.
Divine SmitingIn the Scriptures, God is often depicted as the one who smites as a form of divine judgment against sin and disobedience. This is seen in various instances where God exercises His power to discipline or punish. For example, in
Exodus 12:29, God smites the firstborn of Egypt as a final plague to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: "Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well."
Similarly, in
2 Samuel 6:7, God smites Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Covenant: "And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God."
Human SmitingThe act of smiting is also carried out by individuals, often in the context of personal vengeance or warfare. In
1 Samuel 17:49, David smites Goliath with a stone: "Then David reached into his bag and took out a stone, and he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground."
In the context of warfare, smiting is a common occurrence, as seen in the battles of the Israelites against their enemies.
Joshua 10:10 describes a victory given by God: "And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the road to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah."
Smiting as a MetaphorBeyond the literal sense, smiting is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the impact of God's word or the consequences of sin. In
Hosea 6:1, the prophet calls the people to repentance, acknowledging God's smiting as a means of correction: "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds."
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of smiting in the Bible underscores the themes of justice, retribution, and the seriousness of sin. It reflects the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin, as well as His sovereign authority to judge and discipline. At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the hope of restoration through God's mercy and grace.
Strong's Hebrew
5062. nagaph -- to strike, smite... root Definition to strike, smite NASB Word Usage beaten (1), defeated (17), hurts
(1), plagued (1), routed (4), smite (3),
smites (1), smote (3), strike (7
...Library
Liii. Smitten of God.
... His foes. Hesmites us, and then lifts us up; Hesmites his enemies, and
then casts them down for ever. WHICH ARE YOU? Herod was...
A Christlike Judgment of Men
... There is no leader or guide, no Joshua or director to order their march; they are
a worn-out, tired, unregulated mob, and the sightsmites upon His eye, and it...
The Winepress and Its Treader
... His love leads Him to warn before Hesmites, but it does not contradict His
threatenings, nor augur our impunity. Nay rather, love compels Him to smite....
Justice Satisfied
... if that were not enough, since the creature had not power of itself to give forth
all the vengeance of God upon its own substitute, God himselfsmites his Son....
Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply...
... reproach and evil speaking. But it is not true, as he says, that he turns
the left cheek to one whosmites him on the right. It is on...
Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
... is slow to anger. First I will prove that he is "slow to anger;" because
he neversmites without first threatening. Men who are...
Chastisement
... Many of you have been foolish enough when bereaved of your property, to cry out,
"Ah! God takes everything away. Hesmites me with one stroke upon another....
The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... friendly with him: he gives him, as it were, the kiss of Judas; he entices him into
the field where he is alone; he takes him unawares; hesmites him, and...
Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright...
... the sun is hidden and the stars are not yet come into the sky, and night descending
from above o'erspreads the earth: but if the north windsmites this scene...
What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and...
... speech too hard. And hesmites and slays his friend, because overstrained
contumely cuts him off from the spirit of love. For the...
Thesaurus
Smites (10 Occurrences)...Smites (10 Occurrences).
... (DBY). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, He that
smites Kirjath-sepher and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife. (DBY
...Kirjath-sepher (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, He thatsmites Kirjath-sepher and takes
it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife. (DBY WBS)....
Massah (5 Occurrences)
... He takes with him the elders of Israel, andsmites with his rod the rock on which
the Lord stands in Horeb, whereupon water gushes forth, and the people drink....
Meribah (11 Occurrences)
... He takes with him the elders of Israel, andsmites with his rod the rock on which
the Lord stands in Horeb, whereupon water gushes forth, and the people drink....
Plague (142 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) That whichsmites, wounds, or troubles; a blow;
a calamity; any afflictive evil or torment; a great trail or vexation....
Body-coat (2 Occurrences)
... Luke 6:29 To him thatsmites thee on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him
that would take away thy garment, forbid not thy body-coat also. (DBY)....
Arm (110 Occurrences)
... Yahweh is sometimes likened to a warrior andsmites with His arm (Psalm 89:10 Isaiah
63:5 Jeremiah 21:5). The arm of Yahweh is holy (Psalm 98:1 Isaiah 52:10)....
Smiter (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One whosmites. Multi-Version Concordance
Smiter (9 Occurrences). Exodus 21:19 if he rise, and hath...
Smitest (5 Occurrences)
Smiters (3 Occurrences)
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