Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Poisoning refers to the act of administering a substance that can cause harm or death to living organisms. In biblical times, the concept of poisoning was understood in both literal and metaphorical terms. While the Bible does not frequently mention poisoning directly, the idea of harmful substances and their effects is present in various passages.
Biblical References:The Bible contains several references to poison and its effects, often using it as a metaphor for sin, deceit, and the destructive power of evil. One of the most direct references to poison is found in the context of serpents and their venom. In
Deuteronomy 32:33, the venom of serpents is used to describe the bitterness and destructive nature of Israel's enemies: "Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras."
In the New Testament,
James 3:8 speaks of the tongue as a source of deadly poison, highlighting the potential for words to cause harm: "But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Metaphorical Use:Poison is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the corrupting influence of sin and false teachings. In
Romans 3:13, Paul quotes from the Psalms to illustrate the sinful nature of humanity: "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The venom of vipers is on their lips." This imagery underscores the destructive power of deceit and malice.
Historical and Cultural Context:In ancient times, poisoning was a known method of assassination and harm. The use of poison in warfare and personal vendettas was not uncommon. The Bible reflects this understanding, as seen in the metaphorical use of poison to describe treachery and betrayal.
Moral and Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the concept of poisoning serves as a powerful illustration of the insidious nature of sin. Just as poison can infiltrate and destroy the body, sin can corrupt the soul and lead to spiritual death. The Bible warns believers to guard against the influence of sin and false teachings, which can act as a poison to one's faith and relationship with God.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to be vigilant against the "poisons" of life, such as deceit, malice, and false doctrine. The call to purity and truth is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging Christians to seek wisdom and discernment in their walk with God. As
Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life."
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide extensive details on the physical act of poisoning, its metaphorical use serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of sin and the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity. Through vigilance and reliance on God's Word, believers can protect themselves from the spiritual poisons that threaten their faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Poison.
Strong's Hebrew
8079. semamith -- (a kind of) lizard... spider. Probably from shamem (in the sense of
poisoning); a lizard (from the
superstition of its noxiousness) -- spider. see HEBREW shamem. 8078, 8079.
...Library
Method ofPoisoning Goats.
... Book IV. Chapter XXXI."Method ofPoisoning Goats. And if one smear [243]
the ears of goats over with cerate, they say that they...
Pheroras's Wife is Accused by his Freedmen, as Guilty ofPoisoning...
... CHAPTER 4. Pheroras's Wife Is Accused By His Freedmen, As Guilty OfPoisoning Him;
And How Herod, Upon Examining; Of The Matter By Torture Found The Poison...
Jewish Criticism of the Law of Christ.
... if on this account He hinders any one putting away a wife, unless she be caught
in fornication, for any other reason, as for example forpoisoning, or for the...
Book 17 Footnotes
... v. sect.1, which would fall to the ground if he wore himself poisoned; nor could
thepoisoning of Pheroras serve any design that appears now going forward; it...
I Remember Indeed that one of These People, when He was Convicted...
... as I am told, of his master, he went about all through Italy, accusing me, stirring
up the people, throwing confusion into the churches,poisoning even the...
The Anti-Missionary Agitation.
... that he had arrested and examined a man who confessed that he, with three others,
had been employed by foreigners to engage in this work ofpoisoning the people...
The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... While the boa of rebellion was stretching itself across the heart of the empire
a whole brood of little serpents werepoisoning and devouring other outlying...
The Way of Darkness.
... power, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, adultery, murder, rapine, haughtiness,
transgression, [1715] deceit, malice, self-sufficiency,poisoning, magic, avarice...
God and Mammon.
... they lent money at exorbitant interest; and then their debtors, to escape payment,
turned on them for not being Christians; accused them ofpoisoning the wells...
Chapter xxxv
... But most important of all, there had been a most pernicious and dangerous practice
subtly at workpoisoning the fountainhead of all true religion"idols were...
Thesaurus
Poisoning (2 Occurrences)...Poisoning (2 Occurrences).
... (BBE). Psalms 78:45 He sent different sorts of flies among
them,
poisoning their flesh; and frogs for their destruction. (BBE).
...Poisonous (8 Occurrences)
Poisoned (7 Occurrences)
Wound (58 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and let what was in his vessel come down on
the earth; and it became an evilpoisoning wound on the men who had the mark of...
Intoxication (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Apoisoning, as by a spirituous or a
narcotic substance. 2. (n.) The state of being intoxicated...
Fishing (4 Occurrences)
... Two of these, dynamiting andpoisoning with the juice of cyclamen bulbs or other
poisonous plants, can be passed over as havi ng no bearing on ancient methods....
Vessel (118 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and let what was in his vessel come down on
the earth; and it became an evilpoisoning wound on the men who had the mark of...
Different (87 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 78:45 He sent different sorts of flies among them,
poisoning their flesh; and frogs for their destruction. (BBE)....
Hierapolis (1 Occurrence)
... as the stronghold of Satan, for there was a Plutonium, or a hole reaching far down
into the earth, from which there issued a vapor, evenpoisoning the birds...
Resources
Is there any truth to the chemtrail conspiracy? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gautama Buddha? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be our response when a Christian leader renounces the faith and falls away? | GotQuestions.orgPoisoning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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