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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Overbearing</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/o/overbearing.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_timothy/1-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/o/overbearing.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Overbearing</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/o/over-anxious.htm" title="Over-anxious">◄</a> Overbearing <a href="/topical/o/overbearingly.htm" title="Overbearingly">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Characteristics:</b><br>Overbearing behavior is characterized by an excessive and domineering manner, often marked by arrogance, pride, and a lack of consideration for others. It involves imposing one's will on others, often disregarding their opinions or feelings. In a biblical context, overbearing behavior is generally viewed negatively, as it contradicts the virtues of humility, gentleness, and love that are central to Christian teachings.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></b> · "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the dangers of pride, a key component of overbearing behavior. It serves as a warning that such attitudes can lead to one's downfall.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></b> · "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to adopt a humble attitude, contrasting sharply with overbearing tendencies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a></b> · "Do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock." This instruction to church leaders emphasizes servant leadership, warning against the temptation to be overbearing in positions of authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></b> · Jesus contrasts the leadership styles of the Gentiles, who "lord it over" others, with the servant leadership He models and expects from His followers. This passage underscores the call to humility and service rather than domination.<br><br><b>Theological Insights:</b><br><br>· <b>Humility vs. Pride:</b> The Bible consistently elevates humility as a virtue and warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance. Overbearing behavior is often rooted in pride, which is considered a sin that distances individuals from God and others.<br><br>· <b>Servant Leadership:</b> The concept of servant leadership is central to Christian teachings. Jesus Christ exemplified this through His life and ministry, emphasizing that true greatness comes from serving others rather than exerting power over them.<br><br>· <b>Relational Impact:</b> Overbearing behavior can damage relationships, both within the church and in broader society. It can lead to conflict, resentment, and division, which are contrary to the unity and love that Christians are called to embody.<br><br><b>Practical Application:</b><br><br>· <b>Self-Examination:</b> Believers are encouraged to examine their own behavior and attitudes, seeking to identify and repent of any overbearing tendencies. This involves cultivating humility and a servant's heart.<br><br>· <b>Community and Accountability:</b> Engaging in a community of faith provides opportunities for accountability and growth. Fellow believers can offer support and correction, helping individuals to overcome overbearing behaviors.<br><br>· <b>Prayer and Dependence on God:</b> Prayer is a vital tool for seeking God's help in transforming one's character. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential for developing the fruits of the Spirit, such as gentleness and self-control, which counteract overbearing tendencies.<br><br>In summary, the Bible presents overbearing behavior as contrary to the character and teachings of Christ. Believers are called to embody humility, love, and service, reflecting the nature of Jesus in their interactions with others.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>a.</I>) Overpowering; subduing; repressing.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Aggressively haughty; arrogant; domineering; tyrannical; dictatorial; insolent.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_k/balaam.htm"><span class="l">Balaam</span></a> <br><b>...</b> All sin is thus the <b>overbearing</b> of conscience, or the sophistication of conscience,<br> and all sin is the incurring voluntarily of consequences which at the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/balaam.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kleiser/fifteen_thousand_useful_phrases/section_iv_impressive_phrases.htm"><span class="l">Impressive Phrases</span></a> <br><b>...</b> aptitude, capacity, efficiency, and power. arbitrary, dictatorial, domineering,<br> and imperious [imperious = arrogantly domineering or <b>overbearing</b>]. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm</font><p><a href="/library/goforth/how_i_know_god_answers_prayer/iii_go_forward_on_your.htm"><span class="l">"Go Forward on Your Knees"</span></a> <br><b>...</b> teacher. He was a man of high degree, equal to the Western MA, and was one<br> of the proudest and most <b>overbearing</b> of Confucian scholars. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iii go forward on your.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_gospel_of_st_john_and_hebrews/homily_xv_hebrews_ix_5-jan.htm"><span class="l">Hebrews ix. 5-Jan</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He even submits to do things fit for slaves, flattering those whom he ought not;<br> again he is <b>overbearing</b> where he ought not to be, being inconsistent in every <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm</font><p><a href="/library/abbott/xerxes/chapter_i_the_mother_of.htm"><span class="l">The Mother of Xerxes.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> A king or an emperor could have more palaces, more money, and more wives than other<br> men; and if he was of an <b>overbearing</b> or ambitious spirit, he could march <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/dick/lectures_on_the_acts_of_the_apostles/lecture_xxiv_the_last_interview.htm"><span class="l">The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and possessed of great natural talents, and of miraculous p6wers, he was not elated<br> with an idea of his superiority, nor haughty and <b>overbearing</b> in his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm</font><p><a href="/library/yonge/the_chosen_people/lesson_vi_the_kingdom_of.htm"><span class="l">The Kingdom of all Israel.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> widows to wife, he offered to come to terms with David, but in leaving the place<br> of meeting, he was treacherously killed by David's <b>overbearing</b> nephew, Joab <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_gospel_of_pseudo-matthew/chapter_39_again_the_jews.htm"><span class="l">Again the Jews Asked Mary and Joseph a Third Time to Coax Him to <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Joseph and Mary, fearing the people, and the <b>overbearing</b> of the princes, and<br> the threats of the priests, led Him again to school, knowing that He could <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 39 again the jews.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_17_1871/now_and_then.htm"><span class="l">Now, and Then</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If we forget it, our sympathies are soon dried up, our temper is apt to get churlish,<br> our opinions may be rather <b>overbearing</b>, and our selfishness very repulsive <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xxix_eutyches_is_indignant.htm"><span class="l">Eutyches is Indignant</span></a> <br><b>...</b> They consisted in loud and <b>overbearing</b> reiteration of assertions, supported by flimsy<br> sophisms which had been over and over again refuted; in boundless <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxix eutyches is indignant.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/o/overbearing.htm"><span class="l"><b>Overbearing</b> (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (a.) Aggressively haughty; arrogant; domineering; tyrannical; dictatorial;<br> insolent. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Overbearing</b> (7 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/overbearing.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/imperious.htm"><span class="l">Imperious (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Commanding; domineering; <b>overbearing</b>; ascendant;<br> imperial; lordly; majestic. 2. (a.) Haughty; arrogant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/imperious.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/overweening.htm"><span class="l">Overweening (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Overweening (3 Occurrences). Proverbs 21:24 A proud and haughty man, scorner is<br> his name, even he that dealeth in <b>overbearing</b> pride. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/overweening.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/overbearingly.htm"><span class="l">Overbearingly (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/overbearingly.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/over-anxious.htm"><span class="l">Over-anxious (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Over-anxious. Overall, Over-anxious. <b>Overbearing</b> . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br> (WEY). Overall, Over-anxious. <b>Overbearing</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/over-anxious.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/insolent.htm"><span class="l">Insolent (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (a.) Presumptuous; insulting; haughty, contemptuous or brutal in behavior or<br> language; <b>overbearing</b>; domineering; grossly rude or disrespectful; saucy; as <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/insolent.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/insolence.htm"><span class="l">Insolence (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous<br> and <b>overbearing</b> treatment of others; arrogant contempt; brutal impudence. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/insolence.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dictation.htm"><span class="l">Dictation (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (n.) The speaking to, or the giving orders to, in an <b>overbearing</b> manner;<br> authoritative utterance; as, his habit, even with friends, was that of dictation. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dictation.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/domineering.htm"><span class="l">Domineering (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Domineer. 2. (a.) Ruling arrogantly;<br><b>overbearing</b>. Multi-Version Concordance Domineering (2 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/domineering.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/arrogance.htm"><span class="l">Arrogance (30 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act or habit of arrogating, or making undue claims<br> in an <b>overbearing</b> manner; that species of pride which consists in <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/arrogance.htm - 15k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/overbearing-controlling-parents.html">What does the Bible say about overbearing or controlling parents? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/mother-in-law-dealing.html">Dealing with a mother-in-law...? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/content_family_relationships.html">Family Relationships ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/overbearing.htm">Overbearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Overbearing (7 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a></span><br />who before was a blasphemer and persecutor, and an insolent <span class="boldtext">overbearing</span> man: but mercy was shewn me because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief.<br /><span class="source">(DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a></span><br />for it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not self-pleased, nor irascible, not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre;<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a></span><br />Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/37-35.htm">Psalms 37:35</a></span><br />I have seen the evil-doer in great power, covering the earth like a great tree.<br /><span class="source">(See RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident.<br /><span class="source">(Root in JPS DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/17-7.htm">Proverbs 17:7</a></span><br />Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.<br /><span class="source">(See JPS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/21-24.htm">Proverbs 21:24</a></span><br />The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride. <br /><span class="source">(See JPS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/overbearing.htm">Overbearing</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/overbearing.htm">Overbearing (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/overboard.htm">Overboard (5 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/o/over-anxious.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Over-anxious"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Over-anxious" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/o/overbearingly.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Overbearingly"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Overbearingly" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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