Topical Encyclopedia
The term "martial" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of martial activities, such as warfare and the role of soldiers, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of warfare, the conduct of soldiers, and the spiritual implications of martial endeavors.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, warfare is often depicted as a means by which God executes judgment or delivers His people. The Israelites frequently engaged in battles as they entered the Promised Land, with God commanding them to conquer various nations. For instance, in the Book of Joshua, God instructs Joshua to lead the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, emphasizing obedience and reliance on divine guidance (
Joshua 1:6-9).
The role of warriors and the martial spirit is exemplified in figures like King David, who was both a warrior and a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). David's military exploits, such as his victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), highlight the importance of faith and divine support in martial success.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul uses martial imagery to describe the Christian life, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against spiritual adversaries (
Ephesians 6:11-17). This passage outlines the spiritual armor, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Jesus Christ, while not advocating physical violence, acknowledges the reality of conflict in a fallen world. He teaches about the cost of discipleship, which may involve persecution and spiritual battles (
Matthew 10:34-36).
The Role of SoldiersThe Bible addresses the conduct of soldiers, emphasizing integrity and righteousness. John the Baptist, when approached by soldiers, instructs them to "do not extort money, and do not accuse people falsely—be content with your wages" (
Luke 3:14). This guidance underscores the expectation of ethical behavior even within martial professions.
Spiritual WarfareThe concept of spiritual warfare is a significant theme in the New Testament. Believers are called to be vigilant and prepared for spiritual battles against the forces of evil. Paul encourages Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" (
1 Timothy 6:12), highlighting the ongoing struggle against sin and temptation.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "martial," it provides a comprehensive view of warfare, both physical and spiritual. The Scriptures emphasize reliance on God, ethical conduct, and the importance of spiritual readiness in the face of conflict.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Pertaining to, or suited for, war; military; as, martial law; a martial appearance.
2. (a.) Practiced in, or inclined to, war; warlike; brave.
3. (a.) Belonging to war, or to an army and navy; -- opposed to civil; as, martial law; a court-martial.
4. (a.) Pertaining to, or resembling, the god, or the planet, Mars.
5. (a.) Pertaining to, or containing, iron; chalybeate; as, martial preparations.
Strong's Hebrew
2571. chamushim -- in battle array... Word Origin from an unused word Definition in battle array NASB Word Usage army
(1), battle array (2),
martial array (1). armed men, harnessed.
...Library
Epistle Lxvii. To the Clergy and People Abiding in Spain...
... Epistle LXVII. To the Clergy and People Abiding in Spain, Concerning Basilides
andMartial. Argument."Basilides andMartial, Bishops...
In the Darkest Ages of Romish Superstition, aMartial Spirit of...
... Address 179: In the darkest ages of Romish superstition, amartial spirit
of zeal and glory for? In the darkest ages of Romish...
Set at Liberty.
... There would probably, therefore, have been amartial and noble procession from Galilee,
which followed the course of the Jordan to the oasis of Jericho, and...
Of the Various Degrees of the Holy Union which is Made in Prayer.
... Look at S.Martial (for he was, they say, the blessed child mentioned in S. Mark):
Our Saviour took him, lifted him up, and held him for a good while in his...
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
... They would never have become a great nation. So they had to be, by necessity,
undermartial law. The word must be, Obey or die....
Objections to Genuineness.
... Under Claudius "sub CLDIO"Peter the Apostle sent certain disciples into Gaul to
preach,"they were, Trophimus, Paulus,Martial, Austremonius, Gatianus...
The Power of Little Things.
... The other replied: "If you were going to be tried by a court-martial as an officer
and a gentleman, I suppose you would expect an honorable acquittal?" The...
Chapter ii.
...Martial wrote a few years before the younger Pliny: and, as his manner was, made
the suffering of the Christians the subject of his ridicule....
San Josef
... who died of their wounds (and most of the wounded men died); the six who committed
suicide; the three that were shot by sentence of the court-martial, and one...
"Love that Passeth Knowledge. "
... bless you. I am reminded of another incident"that of a boy who had been
tried by court-martial and ordered to be shot. The hearts...
Thesaurus
Martial (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Pertaining to, or suited for, war; military;
as,
martial law; a
martial appearance. 2. (a.) Practiced
...Claudia (1 Occurrence)
... An ingenious theory has been proposed, upon the basis of the mention of Claudia
and Pudens as husband and wife in an epigram ofMartial, that they are...
Army (401 Occurrences)
... Although there could have been but little of themartial spirit in a people so long
and grievously oppressed, their journeyings through the wilderness toward...
Martyr (2 Occurrences)
Martha (12 Occurrences)
Omega (3 Occurrences)
... Compare Theodoret, Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica, iv. 8: "We used alpha down
to omega, ie all." A similar expression is found in Latin (Martial, v.26)....
Linus (1 Occurrence)
... The Claudia mentioned here is, they hold, identical with the one who, according
toMartial, married a certain Pudens (85-90 AD), and she, in turn, with the...
Warlike (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Fit for war; disposed for war; as, a warlike state; a warlike disposition.
2. (a.) Belonging or relating to war; military;martial....
Foreskin (12 Occurrences)
... A peculiarmartial custom is mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:25, 27 (compare 2 Samuel
3:14), where Saul is represented as asking "a hundred foreskins of the...
Expedition (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An important enterprise, implying a change of place; especially, a warlike
enterprise; a march or a voyage withmartial intentions; an excursion by a...
Resources
Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian view of Tai Chi (TaiChi)? | GotQuestions.orgMartial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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