Tribulation
Summary
Tribulation refers to afflictive circumstances involving pressure, distress, and trial, whether as divine punishment for sin or as testing for believers.
☩Etymology and Meaning
The Hebrew tsar and Greek thlipsis both literally signify pressure or straits. The Greek term derives from thlibo, meaning 'pressing together' as of grapes, squeezing or pinching. The Latin tribulatio comes from tribulum, the threshing sledge by which corn was separated from husks, thus representing the disciplinary ordeal of distress and adversity. The term expresses afflictive dispensations either as punishment or as trial.
☩Tribulation in Old Testament
The Hebrew terms are variously rendered 'affliction,' 'tribulation,' and 'distress.' They describe straitened circumstances, being closely pressed as though pent up. The feminine form tsarah appears in passages describing national distress and personal affliction. Tribulation in the Old Testament often resulted from famine, captivity, enemy oppression, or divine discipline for disobedience.
☩Tribulation for Christians
Jesus declared plainly, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation.' Tribulation is the appointed destiny of Christians, consisting largely of persecution and opposition from an unfriendly world. Paul told his converts that through many tribulations they must enter the kingdom of God. The Thessalonians received the word with much tribulation yet with joy of the Holy Spirit. Christians are exhorted to be patient in tribulation, knowing that it produces perseverance and proven character.
☩Benefits of Tribulation
Tribulation in the Christian life results in increased spiritual vitality. 'Our light tribulation, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.' Tribulation produces patience, and God comforts the faithful in their distress, enabling them to comfort others. Believers can glory in tribulations knowing that neither tribulation nor anguish nor persecution can separate them from the love of Christ.
☩The Great Tribulation
Scripture speaks of a distinct future period of tribulation such as never has been nor shall be again. Jesus described this coming time in the Apocalyptic Discourse concerning both the Jewish nation and His disciples. Daniel and Jeremiah prophesied of this time of Jacob's trouble. In Revelation, a great multitude is described as having come out of the great tribulation, receiving the highest place of honor in heaven.
Related Verses25 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tribulation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tribulation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tribulation," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Tribulation," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Tribulation," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).