Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "victims" can refer to individuals who suffer harm, injustice, or persecution. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings related to victims, emphasizing God's concern for justice, mercy, and the protection of the vulnerable.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament frequently addresses the plight of victims, particularly in the context of social justice. The Law of Moses includes numerous provisions to protect those who might be victimized, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. For instance,
Exodus 22:21-22 states, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan."
The prophets also speak out against the victimization of the innocent.
Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This reflects a divine mandate to protect and advocate for those who are vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies compassion for victims through His ministry. He heals the sick, comforts the grieving, and stands against the injustices of His time. In the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses those who suffer for righteousness' sake, indicating God's favor upon those who endure persecution (
Matthew 5:10).
The parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37) further illustrates the call to care for victims. In this account, Jesus highlights the importance of showing mercy and compassion to those in need, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.
The Role of the ChurchThe early Church continued this mission of caring for victims.
Acts 6:1-7 describes how the apostles addressed the needs of Hellenistic widows, ensuring they were not neglected in the daily distribution of food. This reflects the Church's responsibility to care for its members and address injustices within the community.
The Epistles also emphasize the importance of supporting those who suffer.
James 1:27 declares, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
God's Justice and MercyThroughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a defender of victims.
Psalm 9:9 affirms, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." God's justice is often depicted as a source of hope for those who suffer, promising eventual vindication and restoration.
The ultimate expression of God's concern for victims is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ offers healing and hope to all who have been victimized by sin and its consequences. As believers, Christians are called to emulate Christ's love and compassion, advocating for justice and providing support to those in need.
Greek
4968. sphagion -- a victim (for slaughter)... slaughtered victim. Word Origin from sphage Definition a victim (for slaughter)
NASB Word Usage
victims (1). slain beast. Neuter
...Strong's Hebrew
2491a. chalal -- pierced... Usage kill* (1), killed (3), mortally (1), one slain (1), one who (1), one who has
been slain (1), slain (71), slain man (2), slain one (1),
victims (1), who
...622. asaph -- to gather, remove
... received (2), returned (1), surely assemble (1), surely gathered (1), take (3),
take my away (1), take away (2), taken away (5), took (1),victims (1), wane (1...
Library
The So-Called Gods of one Place are Used asvictims in Another.
... Against the Heathen. Section 24. The so-called gods of one place are used asvictims
in another. This, then, is no slight proof of their real godlessness....
We have Shown Sufficiently, as I Suppose, thatvictims...
... Book VII. 13 We have shown sufficiently, as I suppose, thatvictims? We
have shown sufficiently, as I suppose, thatvictims, and...
If Perchance it is not This, arevictims not Slain in Sacrifice to...
... Book VII. 4 If perchance it is not this, arevictims not slain in sacrifice
to the gods? If perchance it is not this, [4785] are...
But You Err, Says My Opponent, and Fall into Mistakes...
... But you err, says my opponent, and fall into mistakes; for in sacrificing female
victims to the female deities, males to the male deities, there is a hidden...
Of the Sacrifices Offered to God by the Saints, which are to be...
... For the animals selected asvictims under the old law were required to be immaculate,
and free from all blemish whatever, and symbolized holy men free from all...
Diocletian, as Being of a Timorous Disposition, was a Searcher...
... Diocletian, as being of a timorous disposition, was a searcher into futurity, and
during his abode in the East he began to slayvictims, that from their livers...
And as we are Now Speaking of the Animals Sacrificed...
... be gods who are believed to be so"are of one mind, or should be of one nature, kind,
and character, all are not appeased with all thevictims, but certain...
But Let us Agree, as You Wish, that There are Both Infernal...
... gods or other dwell in these by no means favourable to men, and presiding over
misfortunes; and what cause, what reason is there, that blackvictims, even [4859...
Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... 1 is probably to be rendered as in the Revised Version, 'on that day.' The appetite
for blood roused by Stephen's martyrdom at once sought for furthervictims....
And Now Let us Proceed to Explain the Reasons for which this...
... to Saturn. The Rhodians, on the sixth day of the month Metageitnion, [3564]
offered humanvictims to the same god. At Salamis, a...
Thesaurus
Victims (12 Occurrences)...Victims (12 Occurrences). Hebrews 9:17 for a covenant over dead
victims 'is' stedfast,
since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth, (YLT).
...Molech (16 Occurrences)
... it was practiced from the days of Ahaz and Manasseh was the Valley of Hinnom where
Topheth stood, a huge altar-pyre for the burning of the sacrificialvictims....
Moloch (2 Occurrences)
... it was practiced from the days of Ahaz and Manasseh was the Valley of Hinnom where
Topheth stood, a huge altar-pyre for the burning of the sacrificialvictims....
Basin (37 Occurrences)
... (4.) A utensil (Hebrews saph) for holding the blood of thevictims (Exodus
12:22); also a basin for domestic purposes (2 Samuel 17:28)....
Nero
... though guilty and deserving to be made examples of by capital punishment, because
they seemed not to be cut off for the public good, butvictims to the...
Cross (157 Occurrences)
... Instances are on record ofvictims of the cross who survived their terrible injuries
when taken down from the cross after many hours of suspension (Josephus...
Demonology
... their malevolent presence, the rivers, the seas, the tops of mountains; they appeared
sometimes as serpents gliding noiselessly upon theirvictims, as birds...
Demoniac (7 Occurrences)
... their malevolent presence, the rivers, the seas, the tops of mountains; they appeared
sometimes as serpents gliding noiselessly upon theirvictims, as birds...
Demon (26 Occurrences)
... their malevolent presence, the rivers, the seas, the tops of mountains; they appeared
sometimes as serpents gliding noiselessly upon theirvictims, as birds...
Victim (3 Occurrences)
Resources
What does the Bible have to say to victims of human trafficking? | GotQuestions.orgI am a victim of abuse. Why do I feel guilty? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical perspective on domestic violence? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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