Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, a "threat" refers to an expression of intention to inflict harm or punishment. Throughout Scripture, threats are depicted both as actions of human beings and as divine warnings. The Bible provides numerous examples of threats, illustrating their role in the narrative of God's relationship with humanity and the moral and spiritual lessons derived from them.
Human ThreatsHuman threats in the Bible often arise from conflict, power struggles, and the sinful nature of humanity. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's anger and jealousy lead to the implicit threat and eventual murder of his brother (
Genesis 4:8). This narrative highlights the destructive potential of unchecked emotions and the consequences of sin.
In the account of David and Goliath, Goliath issues a threat to the armies of Israel, challenging them and defying the God of Israel (
1 Samuel 17:10). David's response to this threat is rooted in his faith in God, demonstrating that reliance on divine strength can overcome human intimidation.
The New Testament also records instances of threats, particularly against the early Christian community. In
Acts 4:17-21, the Sanhedrin threatens Peter and John, commanding them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Despite these threats, the apostles continue to preach boldly, trusting in God's protection and guidance.
Divine ThreatsDivine threats in the Bible are often warnings intended to lead people to repentance and obedience. These threats are not capricious but are expressions of God's justice and mercy. In the Old Testament, the prophets frequently convey God's threats of judgment against Israel and other nations due to their idolatry and wickedness. For example, through the prophet Jonah, God threatens the city of Nineveh with destruction unless they repent (
Jonah 3:4). The Ninevites heed the warning, and God relents from sending calamity, illustrating His readiness to forgive those who turn from their evil ways.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself issues warnings about the consequences of sin and the coming judgment. In
Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, threatening them with judgment for their hypocrisy and failure to recognize God's truth. These threats serve as a call to self-examination and repentance.
Responses to ThreatsThe Bible provides guidance on how believers should respond to threats. In the face of human threats, Scripture encourages trust in God and perseverance in righteousness.
Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This passage underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God's protection.
Believers are also called to respond to threats with love and forgiveness, following the example of Christ. In
Romans 12:19-21 , Paul writes, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
ConclusionThe concept of threat in the Bible serves as a reminder of the reality of conflict and the presence of evil in the world. However, it also points to the power of faith, the necessity of repentance, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all circumstances. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, believers are equipped to face threats with courage, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The expression of an intention to inflict evil or injury on another; the declaration of an evil, loss, or pain to come; menace; threatening; denunciation.
2. (n.) To threaten.
Greek
547. apeile -- athreat... a
threat. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apeile Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-i-lay') Short Definition: a threatening,
threat Definition: a threatening
...1286. diaseio -- to shake violently, to intimidate
... shake violently, to manhandle (literally, "shake someone to-and-fro"); intimidate,
coerce (blackmail, extort), forcing someone to comply underthreat (of being...
Strong's Hebrew
1606. gearah -- a rebuke... Word Origin from gaar Definition a rebuke NASB Word Usage rebuke (13),
threat (2).
rebukeing, reproof. From ga'ar; a chiding -- rebuke(-ing), reproof.
...8573. tenuphah -- a swinging, waving, wave offering, offering
... From nuwph; a brandishing (inthreat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the
official undulation of sacrificial offerings -- offering, shaking, wave...
Library
How theThreat of the Destruction of the Ninevites is to be...
... Chapter 44."How theThreat of the Destruction of the Ninevites is to Be Understood
Which in the Hebrew Extends to Forty Days, While in the Septuagint It is...
Wesley'sThreat to Deptford
... Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons for his Long
Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last Entries Wesley'sThreat to Deptford. 1787....
Eternal Punishment not a MereThreat.
... Chapter IX."Eternal punishment not a merethreat. And that no one may say
what is said by those who are deemed philosophers, that...
Concerning those who have Yielded Merely UponThreat of Penalties...
... Canon VI. Concerning those who have yielded merely uponthreat of penalties
and of the confiscation of? Concerning those who have...
Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Formulated?
... Objection 4: Further, the Old Law is called "the law of fear," in so far as it induced
men to observe the precepts, by means of thethreat of punishments....
Micah
... the leaders of the people"officials, judges, priests, prophets"accuses them of being
mercenary and time-serving, and ends with the terriblethreat that the...
Significance of Compulsory Service.
... Nothing can oblige a man to do what he does not choose except physical force, or
thethreat of it, that is"deprivation of freedom, blows, imprisonment, or...
Philemon i. 17-19
... But if He does punish, and still you say it is a matter ofthreat, and on that account
become more slothful, if it were really but athreat, would you not...
A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... The church cannot cope with the menacingthreat of worldliness except the company
of believers pray for power to meet the insidiousthreat....
1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... Then it is written in vain! No, you say, but only as athreat, that we may
become wise!... And were those things also said by way ofthreat?...
Thesaurus
Threat (7 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) To threaten. Multi-Version Concordance
Threat (7 Occurrences).
... (Root in WEB
JPS ASV NIV). Isaiah 30:17 One thousand will flee at the
threat of one.
...Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... 3. Was It a Promise or aThreat?: The question as to whether the sign given
to Ahaz was favorable or not presents many difficulties....
Thunder (48 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An alarming or startlingthreat or denunciation.... 8. (vt) To emit with noise
and terror; to utter vehemently; to publish, as athreat or denunciation....
Beacon (3 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Isaiah 30:17 One thousand will flee at thethreat of one. At
thethreat of five, you will flee until you are left like...
Shall (64703 Occurrences)
... promise your going. It thus ordinarily expresses, in the second and third
persons, a command, athreat, or a promise. If the auxiliary...
Swear (99 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth
of what is affirmed; to make a promise,threat, or resolve on oath; also...
Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... might have won. Thethreat of the king was met by the Marseillaise of the
people: "What portion have we in David? neither have we...
Banner (20 Occurrences)
... When the trumpet is blown, listen! (WEB DBY NIV). Isaiah 30:17 One thousand
will flee at thethreat of one. At thethreat of five...
Prophets (270 Occurrences)
... and elsewhere). In other cases it is only later generations who can judge
of the correctness of a prediction or of athreat. In...
Threads (13 Occurrences)
Resources
Is “I will deliver” or “Will I deliver” the correct translation of Hosea 13:14? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is corporate worship important? | GotQuestions.orgThreat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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