Topical Encyclopedia The term "brutish" in the Bible is often used to describe a lack of understanding or wisdom, akin to the behavior of animals that act on instinct rather than reason. It is a term that conveys a sense of spiritual and intellectual dullness, often associated with idolatry and moral corruption.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "brutish" is "ba'ar" (בַּעַר), which can mean senseless or foolish. This term is used to describe those who lack spiritual insight and understanding. For example, in Psalm 92:6 , it is written, "A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand." Here, the "senseless man" is described as brutish, lacking the wisdom to comprehend the works of God. Jeremiah 10:8 also uses this term in the context of idolatry: "But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!" The prophet Jeremiah criticizes the people for their foolishness in worshiping idols, equating their lack of understanding with being brutish. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with foolishness, and the brutish person is often depicted as one who rejects wisdom. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." The term "stupid" here is synonymous with being brutish, highlighting a rejection of wisdom and correction. Prophetic Literature In the prophetic books, the term is used to describe the spiritual state of the people. Ezekiel 21:31 says, "I will pour out My indignation upon you; I will blow against you with the fire of My wrath, and deliver you into the hands of brutal men, skilled in destruction." Here, "brutal men" are those who act without moral restraint, emphasizing the destructive nature of being brutish. New Testament Context While the specific term "brutish" is not commonly found in the New Testament, the concept is present in the descriptions of those who live according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. Romans 1:21-22 describes those who, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." This passage reflects the brutish nature of rejecting God's truth and wisdom. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, being brutish is associated with a rejection of divine wisdom and an embrace of worldly or fleshly understanding. It is a state of spiritual blindness and moral insensitivity, often leading to idolatry and sin. The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and understanding from God, contrasting the brutish nature with the enlightened mind of one who follows the Lord. Practical Application In practical terms, the call to avoid being brutish is a call to pursue wisdom, understanding, and spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance and to cultivate a heart that is receptive to His teachings, avoiding the pitfalls of foolishness and moral insensitivity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Pertaining to, or resembling, a brute or brutes; of a cruel, gross, and stupid nature; coarse; unfeeling; unintelligent.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BRUTE; BRUTISHbroot, brootish (ba`ar, "stupid"; alogos, "without speech," hence, irrational, unreasonable (Acts 25:27 2 Peter 2:12 Jude 1:10 the King James Version)): The man who denies God acts in an irrational way. Such persons are described as brutish (Psalm 49:10; Psalm 92:6; Psalm 94:8 Jeremiah 10:14, 21; Jeremiah 51:17). These are stupid, unteachable. This is a graphic description of the atheist. The proverb, "No fool like the learned fool," is especially true of the ignorance of the unbelievers of the Scriptures. Their obj ections to the Bible, as a rule, are utterly ridiculous. The word is occasionally used in the sense of thoughtless ignorance. Brutish counsel is counsel that is foolish, unreasonable (Isaiah 19:11). The term is used by Agur (Proverbs 30:2) to express the low estimate he has of himself and his conscious lack of knowledge. Strong's Hebrew 1197b. baar -- to be brutish... 1197a, 1197b. baar. 1198 . to be brutish. Transliteration: baar Short Definition: stupid. Word Origin denominative verb from beir ... /hebrew/1197b.htm - 5k 1197. ba'ar -- to burn, consume 1198. baar -- brutishness 1199. Baara -- an Israelite woman Library "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind," The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly Psalm 49 The Judgment of Paris. The Cedars of Lebanon. Whether in the Resurrection the Soul Will be Reunited to the Same ... A Homily for Humble Folks "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that ... Thesaurus Brutish (12 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BRUTE; BRUTISH. ... Such persons are described as brutish (Psalm 49:10; Psalm 92:6; Psalm 94:8 Jeremiah 10:14, 21; Jeremiah 51:17). ... /b/brutish.htm - 11k Stupid (20 Occurrences) Brute (4 Occurrences) Fraud (15 Occurrences) Founder (5 Occurrences) Refiner (10 Occurrences) Devoid (4 Occurrences) Brutal (2 Occurrences) Senseless (22 Occurrences) Goldsmith (6 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian respond to bullying? | GotQuestions.orgThe Haters: The KJV Only Movement | GotQuestions.org Brutish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Brutish (12 Occurrences)Psalms 49:10 Psalms 73:22 Psalms 92:6 Psalms 94:8 Proverbs 12:1 Proverbs 30:2 Isaiah 19:11 Jeremiah 10:8 Jeremiah 10:14 Jeremiah 10:21 Jeremiah 51:17 Ezekiel 21:31 Subtopics Related Terms |