Persecute

Persecute - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

PER'SECUTE, v.t. [L. persequor; per and sequor, to pursue. See Seek and Essay.]

1. In a general sense, to pursue in a manner to injure, vex or afflict; to harass with unjust punishment or penalties for supposed offenses; to inflict pain from hatred or malignity.

2. Appropriately, to afflict, harass, or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship. Thus Nero persecuted the Christians by crucifying some, burning others, and condemning others to be worried by dogs. See Acts 22.

3. To harass with solicitations or importunity.

Definition

The terms “persecute” and “persecution” refer to continually treating a person or a certain group of people in a harsh way that causes harm to them.

• Persecution can be against one person or many people and usually involves repeated, persistent attacks.
• The Israelites were persecuted by many different people groups Who attacked them, captured them, and stole things from them.
• People often persecute other people who have different religious beliefs or who are weaker.
• The Jewish religious leaders persecuted Jesus because they did not like what he was teaching.
• After Jesus went back to heaven, the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman government persecuted his followers.
• The term “persecute” could also be translated as “keep oppressing” or “treat harshly” or “continually mistreat.”
• Ways to translate “persecution” could include, “harsh mistreatment” or “oppression” or “persistent hurtful treatment”

(See also: Christian, church, oppress, Rome)

Bible References

• Acts 7:52
• Acts 13:50
• Galatians 1:13-14
• John 5:16-18
• Mark 10:30
• Matthew 5:10
• Matthew 5:43-45
• Matthew 10:22
• Matthew 13:20-21
• Philippians 3:6

Examples from the Bible stories

• __33:7 “The rocky ground is a person who hears God’s word and accepts it with joy. But when he experiences hardship or persecution__, he falls away.”
• __45:6 That day many people in Jerusalem started persecuting__ the followers of Jesus, so the believers fled to other places.
• __46:2 Saul heard someone say, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Master?” Jesus replied to him, “I am Jesus. You are persecuting__ me!”
• __46:4 But Ananias said, “Master, I have heard how this man has persecuted__ the believers.”

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1814, H7291, H7852, G13750, G13760, G13770, G15590, G23470