persecute

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