Topical Encyclopedia The term "dragged" in the Bible often conveys a sense of forceful movement or compulsion, typically in the context of persecution or judgment. This entry explores the usage and implications of being "dragged" within the biblical narrative, highlighting key passages and theological insights.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of being dragged is frequently associated with judgment and the consequences of sin. For instance, in the prophetic literature, the imagery of being dragged is used to depict the inevitable judgment that comes upon those who rebel against God. In Jeremiah 15:3, God declares, "I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy." Here, the act of being dragged away by dogs symbolizes the disgrace and destruction that befalls the unrepentant. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "dragged" is often used in the context of persecution faced by early Christians. In Acts 8:3, we read about Saul's persecution of the church: "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." This passage highlights the severe opposition faced by the early believers and the lengths to which their persecutors would go to suppress the spread of the Gospel. Another significant instance is found in Acts 16:19, where Paul and Silas are dragged before the authorities in Philippi: "When her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities." This event underscores the hostility and injustice that the apostles encountered as they proclaimed the message of Christ. Theological Implications The act of being dragged in the biblical text often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual struggle between the forces of good and evil. It reflects the reality of persecution that believers may face for their faith, as well as the ultimate triumph of God's justice. The imagery of being dragged can also serve as a reminder of the cost of discipleship, as Jesus warned His followers in John 15:20, "If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well." Furthermore, the notion of being dragged into judgment or persecution can be seen as a call to steadfastness and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to endure trials with the assurance that God is sovereign and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Conclusion The biblical use of the term "dragged" provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by God's people throughout history. Whether in the context of divine judgment or human persecution, it serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle that believers are engaged in and the hope of deliverance through faith in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Drag.Greek 4884. sunarpazo -- to seize and carry away ... Word Origin from sun and harpazo Definition to seize and carry away NASB Word Usage caught (1), dragged...away (1), dragging along (1), seized (1). catch. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4884.htm - 6k 4951. suro -- to draw, drag 1670. helko -- to drag Strong's Hebrew 5498. sachab -- to drag... Definition: drag. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to drag NASB Word Usage drag (2), drag off (2), dragged (1). draw out, tear. A ... /hebrew/5498.htm - 5k Library Dragged on his Way But as to the Unjust, they are Dragged by Force to the Left Hand.. ... But, Says Some One, "Are These Things to be Understood of the Lord ... Martyrdom of the Saints Eusebius, Nestabus, and Zeno in the City ... Epistle iii. --To Fabius, Bishop of Antioch. Jesus Before Pilate. The Martyrs in Alexandria. Addition to Acts of Philip. Chapter twenty-eight Jesus is Taken Before Pilate. Thesaurus Dragged (19 Occurrences)... & pp) of Drag. Multi-Version Concordance Dragged (19 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Matthew 21:39 "So they seized him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and killed him. ... /d/dragged.htm - 12k Jason (5 Occurrences) Drag (19 Occurrences) Seized (118 Occurrences) Rulers (310 Occurrences) Wall (227 Occurrences) Dragging (6 Occurrences) Middle (169 Occurrences) Magistrates (18 Occurrences) Partition (4 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about overcoming lust? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God draws us to salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I control sinful impulses? | GotQuestions.org Dragged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dragged (19 Occurrences)Matthew 10:18 Matthew 21:39 Luke 9:42 John 21:11 Acts 6:12 Acts 7:58 Acts 8:3 Acts 14:19 Acts 16:19 Acts 17:6 Acts 21:30 James 1:14 2 Samuel 20:12 Job 20:28 Jeremiah 22:19 Jeremiah 49:20 Jeremiah 50:45 Lamentations 1:4 Ezekiel 32:20 Subtopics Related Terms |