Enemy
“Hater, adversary; distresser; hostile one”
Summary
Scripture speaks of enemies at multiple levels: personal adversaries, national foes, and spiritual enemies including Satan and death. While God's people inevitably face opposition, they are commanded to love their enemies—a revolutionary ethic that reflects divine character and anticipates Christ's ultimate victory over all hostile powers.
☩Hebrew Terminology
Several Hebrew words express the concept of enemy. 'Oyebh (from a root meaning 'to hate') is most common, especially in the Psalms' cries for deliverance (Ps 3:7; 6:10; 7:5; 8:2; 9:3). Tsar or tsarar means 'distresser' or 'straitener'—one who pressures or confines (Num 10:9; Job 16:9; Ps 27:2, 12). Sane' ('to hate' or 'be sharp') appears in contexts of active hostility (Exod 1:10; Prov 25:21; 27:6). These varied terms capture different dimensions of enmity—from cold hatred to active oppression.
☩The Command to Love Enemies
Despite the reality of human enemies, Jesus commanded: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you' (Matt 5:44; cf. Luke 6:27). Paul echoes this: 'If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink' (Rom 12:20). This revolutionary ethic does not deny the reality of opposition but transforms the believer's response, reflecting God's own character who 'maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good' (Matt 5:45).
☩Spiritual Enemies
Beyond human adversaries, Scripture identifies spiritual enemies including Satan (Matt 13:39; Luke 10:18), death (1 Cor 15:26), and evil spiritual forces (Eph 6:12; Col 2:15). The enemies of Christians become enemies of God, and God's enemies become enemies of his people (Exod 23:22; Ps 37:20; 55:2-3; Matt 10:22). Yet Christ has conquered all these through his death and resurrection: 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death' (1 Cor 15:26). In the day of his final victory, all hostile powers will be permanently subdued.
Related Verses131 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Enemy," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.Don Fleming, "Enemy," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).
- 3.Don Fleming, "Enemy," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).