What Does Afflicted Mean In The Bible?
Afflicted is a word often used in the Bible to refer to people who experience great suffering, either physically, mentally, or spiritually. Generally, the word afflicted means to be weakened, or reduced in strength or influence. It can also refer to someone in a difficult or oppressive circumstance, or any form of intense suffering. Verse references throughout the Bible refer to this affliction, in various ways, helping us to better understand the depths of hardships experienced by those of earlier times.
In Bible times, affliction could encompass a wide range of difficulties, both small and large. Most often the Bible refers to illness or physical disabilities as affliction. These were frequent problems to ancient populations, who lacked the benefit of modern-day medical treatments. Job, for example, is infamously known for enduring this type of severe physical affliction during a stretch of difficult times (Job 2:7). In poverty-stricken communities, being afflicted could also refer to current financial burdens, like the lack of regular paychecks or food resources.
The word is also used to describe mental health issues and social ostracism. For example, in Isaiah 66:14, the words “needy and afflicted” are used together to describe those who feel left out and without hope in their current circumstances. This can represent people facing discrimination, depression, or any other type of feeling of not belonging. Mental affliction can also be seen in the verses of Nehemiah, who was deeply grieved after learning of the ruined state of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:3-4).
Finally, spiritually-related affliction also appears often in the Bible. This form of affliction usually involves trials of faith or times of spiritual growth or purification. In James 1:2-4, we read about Christians who encounter spiritual tribulation “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Affliction in this way can be a difficult test, but it can also reinforce faith and lead to a deeper understanding of God’s will.
In conclusion, in order to understand what afflicted means in the Bible, we must look closely at the way it is used throughout the context of Scripture. The verse references give us insight into the various forms of affliction — physical, mental, social, and spiritual — that people of the time might suffer, and the divine wisdom that can be gained from these experiences. The afflictions of the past can serve as an important reminder to us today, of all the ways we can be called to endure hardship, and of the strength we can find in a relationship with God.
Physical Affliction
Physical affliction, such as illness and disability, was a common affliction among the people of Bible times. Examples of physical affliction are found throughout the Bible, from the stories of Job, to the minor illnesses of Jesus’s ministry. Physical affliction was far more difficult to bear in times before modern medical technology, and so the scriptures offer us countless stories of those who endured severe suffering while waiting for God’s deliverance. The afflicted person was often met with a great amount of sympathy and understanding, even when no cure could be found.
The book of Job, for example, gives us an extensive and varied look at physical affliction. Job suffered great loss and trial, his body being disfigured and weakened as a result of his suffering (Job 2:7). This form of spiritual affliction serves as a reminder of how painful such physical ailments can be, and how hope is the only solace in such desperate times. In Ecclesiastes 7:14, the fact that the end of suffering is death is also acknowledged, and we are encouraged to turn to God in our sufferings, knowing that He will provide the comfort we seek.
Physical affliction, although not always discussed in modern contexts, is still very much a part of life today. No matter how far medical science has come, we still witness and experience physical ailment and disability. Those affected by such situations can draw strength from the stories throughout the Bible, while seeking comfort and hope in the promises of God’s faithfulness.
Mental Affliction
Mental affliction has been experienced by people throughout history, and the Bible offers insight into various forms of such affliction. The Bible talks about mental illness, grief, depression, and other forms of mental ailment in a variety of different contexts. Many of the Psalms and other writings discuss the feelings of mental anguish, or the feelings of shame and guilt experienced by those who have sinned.
The book of Nehemiah is filled with Nehemiah’s outpourings of grief over the ruined state of Jerusalem. When Nehemiah hears of the city’s afflictions and its people’s need for rescue, he begins to weep and mourn greatly (Nehemiah 1:3-4). This passage illustrates the intense emotional impact that this kind of mental affliction can have, and serves as a reminder of the importance of being honest with God and one another. Nehemiah’s example of prayer and faith can still offer hope to those who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances today.
As a way to combat mental affliction, we can turn to the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which reads “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” These words serve as a reminder that God is faithful to comfort us in our afflictions, and to strengthen us to reach out to others in their time of need.
Social Affliction
Social affliction is also mentioned in the Bible, referring to a feeling of being socially excluded and outcast. Isaiah 66:14 specifically mentions “the needy and afflicted” as being those who feel excluded and unprotected. Being physically or mentally unwell can often cause people to be treated as outcasts by their communities, as if they were of lesser worth or even unwelcome.
The stories of Jesus’s ministry are full of examples of social affliction. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus meets people of all kinds, and He always seeks to bring comfort and healing to the afflicted. The lepers (Luke 17:11-19) and the poor (Mark 10:17-27) in particular are singled out for Jesus’s healing touch, and He shows a special love for those who are often seen as rejected and unworthy by the rest of society. By doing so, Jesus is showing us how to effectively love and support those who are socially and spiritually afflicted.
Today, we can draw from Jesus’s example by actively seeking to build relationships with those who may feel alienated or neglected. We can offer up our time and attention, our prayers and resources, and our love and understanding to those whose situation is made difficult by social affliction. In so doing, we honor the example of Jesus, and point others to the hope found in a relationship with God.
Spiritual Affliction
Throughout the Bible, spiritual affliction is also discussed as a result of trials of faith. James 1:2-4 speaks of Christians undergoing trials as a way to prove the genuineness of their faith and to glorify God at the end of it. Spiritual affliction is an integral part of being a Christian and the Bible encourages us to “consider it pure joy, when you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2) knowing that it is for our spiritual good.
Scripture also tells us that although spiritual affliction is difficult and painful to endure, we are not to be afraid, because Almighty God is with us in the midst of it. David encourages us to, “humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will lift us up” (James 4:10). In times of spiritual trial, mindfulness of God is crucial, since He is the only one who can ultimately free us from our bondage. In Isaiah 45:2 we are reminded that we can put our trust in God, even when we feel as if we
