Topical Encyclopedia
The term "stern" in the context of the Bible often refers to a manner or approach that is firm, strict, or severe. It is used to describe actions, judgments, or characteristics that are uncompromising and resolute. The concept of sternness is frequently associated with God's righteous judgment, the discipline of believers, and the moral expectations set forth in Scripture.
God's Stern JudgmentThroughout the Bible, God's sternness is evident in His judgments against sin and disobedience. The Old Testament provides numerous examples where God's sternness is manifested in His dealings with the Israelites and other nations. For instance, in the book of Exodus, God delivers stern judgments upon Egypt through the ten plagues as a response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites (Exodus 7-12). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance of sin.
In the New Testament, the sternness of God is also evident in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of stern rebukes to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, calling them "hypocrites" and "blind guides" for their legalism and lack of genuine righteousness (
Matthew 23:13-36). This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views hypocrisy and the importance of true spiritual integrity.
Discipline and SternnessSternness is also a key aspect of divine discipline. The book of Hebrews emphasizes that God's discipline, though stern, is an expression of His love and is intended for the growth and holiness of His children.
Hebrews 12:5-6 states, "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This passage underscores the idea that sternness in discipline is a necessary component of spiritual development and maturity.
Moral ExpectationsThe Bible sets forth stern moral expectations for believers, calling them to live lives that reflect God's holiness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a high standard of righteousness, urging His followers to be perfect as their Heavenly Father is perfect (
Matthew 5:48). This call to holiness is stern in its demand for complete devotion and purity of heart.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the need for sternness in dealing with sin within the church. In
1 Corinthians 5, Paul instructs the Corinthian church to expel a member who is living in blatant immorality, emphasizing the need for stern action to maintain the purity of the church (
1 Corinthians 5:1-13). This reflects the seriousness with which the early church approached issues of sin and discipline.
Sternness in LeadershipBiblical leaders are often depicted as having a stern demeanor when necessary to fulfill their God-given responsibilities. Moses, for example, exhibits sternness in his leadership of the Israelites, particularly when confronting their idolatry and rebellion (
Exodus 32:19-28). Similarly, the Apostle Paul demonstrates sternness in his letters to the churches, addressing false teachings and moral failures with directness and authority (
Galatians 1:6-9).
In summary, the concept of sternness in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing God's righteous judgment, the discipline of believers, moral expectations, and leadership responsibilities. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the high standards to which He calls His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The black tern.
2. (superl.) Having a certain hardness or severity of nature, manner, or aspect; hard; severe; rigid; rigorous; austere; fixed; unchanging; unrelenting; hence, serious; resolute; harsh; as, a stern resolve; a stern necessity; a stern heart; a stern gaze; a stern decree.
3. (n.) The helm or tiller of a vessel or boat; also, the rudder.
4. (n.) The after or rear end of a ship or other vessel, or of a boat; the part opposite to the stem, or prow.
5. (v. t.) Fig.: The post of management or direction.
6. (n.) The hinder part of anything.
7. (n.) The tail of an animal; -- now used only of the tail of a dog.
8. (a.) Being in the stern, or being astern; as, the stern davits.
Greek
4403. prumna -- thestern (of a ship)... the
stern (of a ship). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: prumna Phonetic
Spelling: (proom'-nah) Short Definition: the
stern of a ship Definition
...4642. skleros -- hard, rough
... hard, rough. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: skleros Phonetic Spelling:
(sklay-ros') Short Definition: hard, violent, harsh,stern Definition: hard...
2048. eremos -- solitary, desolate
... for shepherds and their flocks. Hepworth Dixon () says, 'Even in the
wilderness nature is not sostern as man. Here and there, in...
Strong's Hebrew
5802. Azbuq -- an Israelite... NASB Word Usage Azbuk (1). Azbuk. From az and the root of buwqah;
stern depopulator;
Azbuk, an Israelite -- Azbuk. see HEBREW az. see HEBREW buwqah. 5801, 5802
...5797. oz -- strength, might
... Word Origin from azaz Definition strength, might NASB Word Usage fortress* (1),
loud (1), might (3), mighty (4), power (12),stern (1), strength (53), strong...
5803. Azgad -- "Gad is mighty," an Israelite name
... name NASB Word Usage Azgad (4). Azgad. From az and gad;stern troop; Azgad, an
Israelite -- Azgad. see HEBREW az. see HEBREW gad. 5802, 5803. Azgad. 5804 ....
Library
The Voice ofStern Rebuke
... Prophets of the Northern Kingdom Chapter 10 The Voice ofStern Rebuke.
[This chapter is based on 1 Kings 17:8-24; 28:1-19.] For a...
Discipline
... And as the sage looked down on that well- ordered camp, he seems to have forgotten
for a moment that every man therein was astern and practised warrior....
Whether the Philosopher Suitably Assigns the Species of Anger?
... iv, 5) where he says that some angry persons are "choleric," some "sullen," and
some "ill-tempered" or "stern." According to him, a person is said to be "sullen...
Ahab and Micaiah
... because He is, it is absolutely necessary that what comes from Him, and is the reflex
and cast, so to speak, of His character, should be instern and continual...
God's Curse on Sin.
... Now, inasmuch as your early years are the seed-time of your life, thesestern reminders
that if you sow any sin in your soul you will some day reap its curse...
The Meek and Lowly One
... A Christian man will often feel him self called to bear most solemn andstern witness
against the error of his times, But Christ's mission, although it...
Hosea
... as symbolic of the divine love for Israel, which refuses to be defeated, but will
seek to recover the people, though it be through thestern discipline of...
Hymn for those who Fast
... There, vowed to abstinence, he grew To manhood, and withstern disdain He turned
from meat and drink, until He saw night's shadow fall again; And locusts and...
The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah
... No rational answer to thatstern 'Why?' is possible.... Repentance and cleansing of
life come first. But thesestern requirements, if taken alone, kindle despair....
The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
... From the law, the prophets, and the book of Proverbs they drew theirstern spirit
of justice, their zeal for righteousness, and their uncompromising...
Thesaurus
Stern (8 Occurrences)... of nature, manner, or aspect; hard; severe; rigid; rigorous; austere; fixed; unchanging;
unrelenting; hence, serious; resolute; harsh; as, a
stern resolve; a
...Stern-faced (1 Occurrence)
Stern-faced.Stern,Stern-faced. Sternly . Multi-Version Concordance
Stern-faced (1 Occurrence). Daniel 8:23 In the...
Sternly (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In astern manner.... And assuming astern tone Jesus
said to them, "Be careful to let no one know." (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Gallery (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A frame, like a balcony, projecting from thestern or quarter of a ship,
and hence calledstern gallery or quarter gallery, -- seldom found in vessels...
Cushion (3 Occurrences)
... it was one of the customary furnishings of the boat, and it was probably similar
to the cushion placed for the comfort of passengers in thestern of modern...
Aground (5 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:29 Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four
anchors from thestern, and wished for daylight. (WEB NAS)....
Joab (128 Occurrences)
... His rebuke of David's great grief over Absalom's death can only be characterized
as just; he is thestern warrior who, after being once merciful and forgiving...
Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... 1. In the Old Testament: In the Old Testament, intemperance is most repugnant to
thestern ethical rigorism of the prophets, as well as to the more utilitarian...
Run (147 Occurrences)
... a sheep run. 61. (n.) The aftermost part of a vessel's hull where it narrows
toward thestern, under the quarter. 62. (n.) The distance...
Boats (11 Occurrences)
... In the boat on which Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Lake after the feeding
of the 5,000, Jesus was in thestern "asleep on the cushion" (Mark 4:38...
Resources
What is the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say to Peter, “Get behind me Satan”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches? Should a Christian fear witchcraft? | GotQuestions.orgStern: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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