Topical Encyclopedia
The term "perverteth" is an archaic form of the verb "pervert," which means to lead someone away from what is considered right, natural, or acceptable, or to distort something from its original course, meaning, or state to a corruption of what was first intended. In the context of the Bible, "perverteth" often refers to the distortion or corruption of justice, truth, or moral integrity.
Biblical Usage:1.
Perverting Justice: The Bible frequently warns against the perversion of justice, emphasizing the importance of fairness and righteousness in legal and social matters. In
Deuteronomy 16:19 , it is written, "Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." Here, the act of perverting justice is linked to bribery and partiality, which corrupt the judicial process and lead to injustice.
2.
Perverting the Way of the Lord: In
Acts 13:10 , the apostle Paul confronts Elymas the sorcerer, saying, "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?" This passage highlights the spiritual danger of leading others away from the truth of God's ways, emphasizing the seriousness of distorting divine teachings.
3.
Perverting the Truth: The distortion of truth is another significant concern in the Scriptures.
Proverbs 19:1 states, "Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse." This proverb contrasts the value of integrity with the folly of perverse speech, underscoring the moral imperative to uphold truth and honesty.
4.
Perverting Moral Integrity: The Bible also addresses the perversion of moral integrity, often in the context of sexual immorality or idolatry. In
Isaiah 47:10 , the prophet speaks against Babylon, saying, "You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge have deluded you, for you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is none besides me.'" This passage illustrates how self-deception and pride can lead to moral corruption and a departure from God's standards.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the concept of "perverteth" serves as a warning against the corruption of God's intended order, whether in justice, truth, or moral conduct. It underscores the importance of adhering to divine principles and the dangers of allowing human desires or deceit to lead one astray. The Bible consistently calls believers to maintain integrity, seek justice, and uphold the truth, reflecting the character of God in their lives.
Practical Application:In practical terms, the admonition against perverting justice, truth, and morality calls Christians to examine their own lives and communities. It encourages believers to advocate for fairness, speak truthfully, and live according to God's commandments. By doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the righteousness of God's kingdom.
Library
The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... in maliciousness, and he driveth away the good, and taketh unto him the evil, and
is ruled by Beliar; and even though he work what is good, heperverteth it in...
G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said
unto them, Ye brought unto me this man, as one thatperverteth the people...
The King of Heaven at the Bar of Pilate.
... "Ye have brought this man unto me," he said to the chief priests, "as one that
perverteth the people, and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found...
Jesus and Pilate
... Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one thatperverteth the people:
and, behold, I having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this...
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
... "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty; and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside
down," (in the original,perverteth the face thereof,) "and scattereth...
Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him...
... c Ye brought unto me this man, as one thatperverteth the people: and behold, I
having examined him before you, found no fault in this man touching those...
The Trial Before Pilate Resumed.
... And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and
said unto them, "Ye brought unto me this man, as one thatperverteth the people...
God Operates on Men's Hearts to Incline their Wills Whithersoever...
... Thus you will not run counter to that proverb of Solomon: "The foolishness of a
manperverteth his ways, yet he blameth God in his heart." [3212] Grace, however...
Jesus Led Back from the Court of Herod to that of Pilate.
... He came forward and said to the accusers of Jesus: 'You have presented unto me this
man, as one thatperverteth the people, and behold I, having examined him...
A Discourse On
... or guile deceive his soul; for the bewitching of naughtiness bedimmeth the things
which are good, and the giddy whirl of desireperverteth an innocent mind....
Thesaurus
Perverteth (7 Occurrences)...Perverteth (7 Occurrences).
... Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift
blindeth the wise, and
perverteth the words of the righteous.
...Blindeth (2 Occurrences)
... Blindeth (2 Occurrences). Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift
blindeth the wise, andperverteth the words of the righteous....
Perverting (6 Occurrences)
Perverted (26 Occurrences)
Uprightly (32 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Proverbs 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he
thatperverteth his ways shall be known. (KJV JPS ASV WBS)....
Open-'eyed (1 Occurrence)
... Open-'eyed (1 Occurrence). Exodus 23:8 And a bribe thou dost not take; for the bribe
bindeth the open-'eyed', andperverteth the words of the righteous. (YLT)....
Whereof (94 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one thatperverteth
the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no...
Fault (42 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one thatperverteth
the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no...
Fretteth (1 Occurrence)
... Fretteth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of manperverteth his way:
and his heart fretteth against the LORD. (KJV JPS ASV WBS)....
Touching (121 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one thatperverteth
the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no...
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