Smote is the past tense form of the verb smite, which means “to strike sharply or heavily, especially with the hand or with something held in the hand” or “to kill or severely injure by striking.” It is an old-fashioned word that is commonly encountered in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version. In the Bible, smote is often used in the context of God or His angels inflicting punishment or judgment on individuals or groups. It can also refer to physical attacks or acts of violence committed by humans. The word smote has various past participle forms, including smitten and smote, and can be used in different tenses depending on the context.
Examples of Smote in the Bible
The Bible contains numerous examples of the word smote being used to describe various events and actions. These instances shed light on the diverse ways in which the word is employed in biblical contexts.
In the Old Testament, we see that Moses smote the rock to bring forth water for the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 20:11). This powerful act demonstrated God’s provision for His people in a time of need.
Another well-known example is the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd, smote the Philistine giant with a sling and a stone, defeating him and becoming a symbol of courage and faith (1 Samuel 17:50).
And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord smote King Herod, causing him to be eaten by worms and die (Acts 12:23). This serves as a reminder of God’s power and judgment in the face of human arrogance.
These examples illustrate the significance of the word smote in biblical stories, showcasing both divine intervention and human acts of triumph over adversity. They provide rich material for understanding the cultural and historical context in which these events took place.
Table: Examples of Smote in the Bible
| Example | Reference |
|---|---|
| Moses smote the rock | Numbers 20:11 |
| David smote Goliath | 1 Samuel 17:50 |
| The angel smote King Herod | Acts 12:23 |
Significance of Smote in Biblical Stories
The word smote carries significant meaning in biblical stories. It often signifies God’s judgment or punishment upon individuals or nations who have fallen into sin or rebellion. In many instances, the act of being smitten is a consequence of disobedience to God’s commands or disregard for His authority.
Additionally, the word smote can also represent God’s intervention or protection for His people, as seen in the stories of Moses, David, and other biblical figures who overcame their enemies through the power of God. For example, when the Israelites were being pursued by Pharaoh and his army, God smote the Egyptians with the ten plagues, ultimately freeing His people from bondage. This act of smiting demonstrated God’s sovereignty and His commitment to deliver His chosen ones from harm.
And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, and took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:23-25, King James Version).
Overall, the word smote serves as a reminder of God’s justice, sovereignty, and ability to deliver His people from harm. It signifies both the consequences of disobedience and the protective hand of God for those who faithfully follow Him. The use of smote in biblical stories adds depth and meaning to the narratives, highlighting the power and authority of God in human affairs.
Meaning of Smote in Biblical Stories
The word smote, when used in biblical stories, carries a profound significance. It is often employed to depict God’s judgment or punishment upon individuals or nations that have strayed from His commandments. Through the act of being smitten, these individuals or nations face the consequences of their disobedience and rebellion against God’s authority.
For instance, in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God smote the cities with fire and brimstone as a punishment for their wickedness and immorality. This act of smiting serves as a powerful reminder of God’s righteousness and His intolerance towards sin.
On the other hand, the word smote can also represent God’s intervention and protection for His faithful followers. It is often associated with instances where God delivers His people from their enemies or adversity. A notable example is the story of David and Goliath, where God enabled David to smite the giant with a single stone, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His chosen ones.
Examples of Smote in Biblical Stories
The Bible contains numerous examples of the word smote being used to describe significant events and actions. These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which the word smote is employed in biblical contexts.
- Moses smote the rock to bring forth water for the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 20:11).
- David smote the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50).
- The angel of the Lord smote King Herod, causing him to be eaten by worms and die (Acts 12:23).
- God smote the Egyptians with plagues to secure the freedom of the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 7-12).
These examples highlight the significant role of smote in biblical stories, showcasing both God’s judgment and His intervention on behalf of His people.
| Character | Event | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Moses | Smote the rock to bring forth water | Numbers 20:11 |
| David | Smote the Philistine giant Goliath | 1 Samuel 17:50 |
| The angel of the Lord | Smote King Herod | Acts 12:23 |
| God | Smote the Egyptians with plagues | Exodus 7-12 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the word smote in the Bible carries multiple meanings and uses. It can refer to physical violence or punishment inflicted by humans, as well as the divine judgment or intervention of God. The instances of smote in biblical stories provide insights into the character of God and His relationship with humanity. Understanding the meaning of smote in the Bible adds depth and nuance to the interpretation of various biblical passages and enhances our understanding of the cultural and historical context in which these events took place.
FAQ
What does the word “smote” mean in the Bible?
The word “smote” in the Bible is the past tense form of the verb “smite,” which means “to strike sharply or heavily, especially with the hand or with something held in the hand” or “to kill or severely injure by striking.” It is commonly encountered in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, and is often used in the context of God or His angels inflicting punishment or judgment on individuals or groups.
Can “smote” also refer to physical attacks or acts of violence committed by humans?
Yes, “smote” can refer to physical attacks or acts of violence committed by humans. While it is frequently used in the context of God’s judgment or punishment, it can also describe instances where individuals or groups aggressively strike or attack others with force.
What are the different past participle forms of “smote”?
The past participle forms of “smote” include “smitten” and “smote.” These variations of the word are used in different tenses depending on the context of the sentence or passage in the Bible.
Can you provide examples of “smote” being used in the Bible?
Certainly! In the Old Testament, Moses smote the rock to bring forth water for the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 20:11). David smote the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50). In the New Testament, the angel of the Lord smote King Herod, causing him to be eaten by worms and die (Acts 12:23). These examples showcase different acts of striking or attacking described using the word “smote” in biblical narratives.
What is the significance of “smote” in biblical stories?
The word “smote” holds significant meaning in biblical stories. It often signifies God’s judgment or punishment upon individuals or nations who have fallen into sin or rebellion. The act of being smitten is frequently a consequence of disobedience to God’s commands or disregard for His authority. Additionally, “smote” can represent God’s intervention or protection for His people, as seen in the stories of Moses, David, and other biblical figures who overcame their enemies through the power of God.
How does understanding the meaning of “smote” enhance our interpretation of the Bible?
Understanding the meaning of “smote” in the Bible adds depth and nuance to the interpretation of various biblical passages. It helps us grasp the cultural and historical context in which these events took place and sheds light on the character of God and His relationship with humanity. The instances of “smote” in biblical stories provide insights into God’s justice, sovereignty, and His ability to deliver His people from harm.
Where can I find the word “smote” in the Bible?
The word “smote” can be found in various translations of the Bible, particularly in older versions like the King James Version. To locate specific occurrences, you can use a Bible concordance or search online Bible study tools that offer keyword search functions.
I’m Benjamin, a passionate spiritual seeker and creator of Verses and Prayers. Alongside my girlfriend Emma and our pet lizard Mulle, I cherish family life, enjoy exploring new places, and am deeply involved in my church community. My love for reading and singing biblical verses inspires every aspect of my journey.