Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8828 spite

8828 spite

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8828 spite

The malicious desire to retaliate in words or action. It may be in response to good or evil. Believers are to rid themselves of any such vindictive spirit.

Examples of people acting out of spite

In response to good

1 Kings 19:1-2 Jezebel; 2 Chronicles 16:10 Asa, king of Judah; Esther 3:6 Haman; Matthew 14:3-12 pp Mark 6:17-29 Herodias; John 12:10 the chief priests

Stephen's persecutors:

Acts 7:54,57-58

In response to evil

Psalm 140:3 See also Genesis 27:41 Esau

Joseph's brothers:

Genesis 37:4,8,11,18-27 Ezekiel 25:15 the Philistines; Acts 23:12-15 some Jews

Spite has no place in the lives of believers

Believers are to rid themselves of all spitefulness

Ephesians 4:31 See also 1 Corinthians 5:8; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1

As a result believers are enabled not to retaliate against others

Leviticus 19:18 See also Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:29; Matthew 5:38-40; Romans 12:17,19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 2:21-23; Peter 3:9