CINXE.COM

<!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: Oppressive</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/o/oppressive.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/judges/6-2.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/oppressive.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> > Oppressive</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/oppressions.htm" title="Oppressions">◄</a> Oppressive <a href="/topical/o/oppressively.htm" title="Oppressively">►</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="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</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>The term "oppressive" in the biblical context often refers to unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, leading to the suffering or subjugation of others. The Bible addresses oppression in various forms, including social, economic, and spiritual dimensions, and consistently condemns it as contrary to God's will for justice and righteousness.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>In the Old Testament, oppression is frequently mentioned in the context of social justice. The Israelites were reminded of their own experience of oppression in Egypt and were commanded to treat others with fairness and compassion. <a href="/exodus/3-9.htm">Exodus 3:9</a> states, "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them." This verse highlights God's awareness and concern for the oppressed, leading to His intervention in liberating the Israelites.<br><br>The Law given to Moses includes specific commands against oppression. <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Leviticus 19:13</a> instructs, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." This command underscores the importance of fair treatment and timely justice in economic dealings.<br><br>The prophets also spoke out against oppression. <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, the call is to actively pursue justice and rectify situations of oppression, particularly for the vulnerable in society.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by a profound concern for the oppressed. In <a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a> , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." This mission statement emphasizes the liberation and healing that Jesus brings to those suffering under various forms of oppression.<br><br>The early church also addressed issues of oppression, particularly within the community of believers. <a href="/james/5-4.htm">James 5:4</a> warns, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage condemns economic oppression and assures that God hears the cries of those who are wronged.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The biblical condemnation of oppression is rooted in the character of God, who is just, merciful, and compassionate. God's people are called to reflect these attributes in their interactions with others. The consistent biblical narrative is one of liberation and justice, where God acts on behalf of the oppressed and calls His followers to do the same.<br><br>Throughout Scripture, the call to oppose oppression is linked with the broader mandate to love one's neighbor and to act justly. <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> encapsulates this divine requirement: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"<br><br>In summary, the Bible presents oppression as a grave sin that contradicts God's desire for justice and righteousness. Believers are called to stand against oppression in all its forms, advocating for the vulnerable and ensuring that justice prevails in their communities.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>a.</I>) Unreasonably burdensome; unjustly severe, rigorous, or harsh; as, oppressive taxes; oppressive exactions of service; an oppressive game law.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Using oppression; tyrannical; as, oppressive authority or commands.<p>3. (<I>a.</I>) Heavy; overpowering; hard to be borne; as, oppressive grief or woe.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/1419.htm"><span class="l">1419. dusbastaktos -- hard to be borne, <b>oppressive</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> hard to be borne, <b>oppressive</b>. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: dusbastaktos<br> Phonetic Spelling: (doos-bas'-tak-tos) Short Definition: difficult to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1419.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><p><a href="/greek/926.htm"><span class="l">926. barus -- heavy</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and met; violent, <b>oppressive</b>. Cognate: 926 -- (an adjective, also used<br> substantively) -- properly, heavy (weighty); (figuratively <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/926.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/4001.htm"><span class="l">4001. mebusah -- a treading down, subjugation</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4000, 4001. mebusah. 4002 . a treading down, subjugation. Transliteration:<br> mebusah Phonetic Spelling: (meb-oo-saw') Short Definition: <b>oppressive</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4001.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6216.htm"><span class="l">6216. ashoq -- oppressor, extortioner</span></a><br><b>...</b> oppressor. From ashaq; <b>oppressive</b> (as noun, a tyrant) -- oppressor. see HEBREW<br> ashaq. 6215, 6216. ashoq. 6217 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6216.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/2929.htm"><span class="l">2929. Talmon -- an Israelite name</span></a><br><b>...</b> name NASB Word Usage Talmon (5). Talmon. From the same as chargol; <b>oppressive</b>; Talmon,<br> a temple doorkeeper -- Talmon. see HEBREW chargol. 2928, 2929. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2929.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/4157.htm"><span class="l">4157. muaqah -- compression, distress</span></a><br><b>...</b> Definition: burden. Word Origin from uq Definition compression, distress<br> NASB Word Usage <b>oppressive</b> burden (1). affliction. From uwq <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4157.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/pamphilius/the_life_of_constantine/chapter_iii_equalization_of_the_more.htm"><span class="l">Equalization of the More <b>Oppressive</b> Taxes.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Book IV. Chapter III."Equalization of the More <b>Oppressive</b> Taxes. And whereas<br> some persons found fault with the surveys of land <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter iii equalization of the more.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/on_christian_doctrine_in_four_books/chapter_18_and_then_the.htm"><span class="l">And Then the Future Captivity under an <b>Oppressive</b> King is <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Book 4 Chapter 18. And then the future captivity under an <b>oppressive</b> king<br> is announced as approaching? 18. And then the future <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 18 and then the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bliss/a_brief_commentary_on_the_apocalypse/the_fourth_vial.htm"><span class="l">The Fourth vial.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> rays will scorch and destroy; so a genial government is a blessing to the people,<br> while its arbitrary and tyrannical acts are often insupportably <b>oppressive</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fourth vial.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/city_of_god/chapter_18_what_the_history_of.htm"><span class="l">What the History of Sallust Reveals Regarding the Life of the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And so Sallust adds this reason for what he said. "For," he says, "the <b>oppressive</b><br> measures of the powerful, and the consequent secessions of the plebs from the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 what the history of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/white/the_story_of_prophets_and_kings/chapter_6_the_rending_of.htm"><span class="l">The Rending of the Kingdom</span></a> <br><b>...</b> idolatrous women. The tribes had long suffered grievous wrongs under the<br> <b>oppressive</b> measures of their former ruler. The extravagance <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xxxviii_fresh_troubles.htm"><span class="l">Fresh Troubles</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Church is splendid, dominant, orthodox, <b>oppressive</b>; services are numerous,<br> ritualism elaborate; women kneel to priests and kiss their hands; the Holy <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxxviii fresh troubles.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lactantius/the_divine_institutes/chap_x_of_the_advent_of.htm"><span class="l">Of the Advent of Jesus; of the Fortunes of the Jews, and their <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> on account of their iniquities, and at last taken captive and led to Babylon, they<br> suffered punishment for their impiety by <b>oppressive</b> slavery, until Cyrus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x of the advent of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/yeardley/memoir_and_diary_of_john_yeardley_minister_of_the_gospel/chapter_xxi_last_journey_and.htm"><span class="l">Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> On the 30th John Yeardley and his companion landed at Constantinople; they<br> found the heat and noise of the city very <b>oppressive</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/salvian/on_the_government_of_god/iv_on_the_government_of.htm"><span class="l">On the Government of God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Bagaudae, but without lasting success, and this situation was rendered the more<br> serious by the fact that the cause of the rebellion was <b>oppressive</b> taxation for <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../salvian/on the government of god/iv on the government of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pringle/the_record_of_a_quaker_conscience_cyrus_pringles_diary/the_record_of_a_quaker.htm"><span class="l">The Record of a Quaker Conscience</span></a> <br><b>...</b> for none, deny any obligation to support so unlawful a system, as we hold a war<br> to be even when waged in opposition to an evil and <b>oppressive</b> power and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the record of a quaker.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/o/oppressive.htm"><span class="l"><b>Oppressive</b> (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (a.) Unreasonably burdensome; unjustly severe, rigorous, or harsh; as, <b>oppressive</b><br> taxes; <b>oppressive</b> exactions of service; an <b>oppressive</b> game law. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/oppressive.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tyrannize.htm"><span class="l">Tyrannize (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (vi) To act the tyrant; to exercise arbitrary power; to rule with unjust and<br><b>oppressive</b> severity; to exercise power others not permitted by law or required <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tyrannize.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sultry.htm"><span class="l">Sultry (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (superl.) Very hot, burning, and <b>oppressive</b>; as, Libya's sultry deserts. 2.<br> (superl.) Very hot and moist, or hot, close, stagnant, and <b>oppressive</b>, as air. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sultry.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/burden.htm"><span class="l">Burden (111 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (n.) That which is borne or carried; a load. 2. (n.) That which is borne with<br> labor or difficulty; that which is grievous, wearisome, or <b>oppressive</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/burden.htm - 46k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/heavy.htm"><span class="l">Heavy (110 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (superl.) Not easy to bear; burdensome; <b>oppressive</b>; hard to endure or accomplish;<br> hence, grievous, afflictive; as, heavy yokes, expenses, undertakings <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/heavy.htm - 44k</font><p><a href="/topical/q/quit.htm"><span class="l">Quit (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (imp. & pp) of Quit. 4. (v.) To set at rest; to free, as from anything<br> harmful or <b>oppressive</b>; to relieve; to clear; to liberate. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/q/quit.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/oppressively.htm"><span class="l">Oppressively (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/oppressively.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/oppressions.htm"><span class="l">Oppressions (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/oppressions.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/light.htm"><span class="l">Light (2869 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> task. 25. (superl.) Easy to be digested; not <b>oppressive</b> to the stomach; as,<br> light food; also, containing little nutriment. 26. (superl <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/light.htm - 31k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gadara.htm"><span class="l">Gadara</span></a><br><b>...</b> Great in 30 BC (Ant., XV, vii, 3; BJ, I, xx, 3). The emperor would not listen to<br> the accusations of the inhabitants against Herod for <b>oppressive</b> conduct (Ant <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gadara.htm - 12k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/American-Revolution-Romans-13.html">Was the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13:1-7? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Samson-and-Delilah.html">What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/law-vs-grace.html">Law vs. grace-why is there so much conflict among Christians on the issue? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/oppressive.htm">Oppressive: 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">Oppressive (6 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Judges 6:2</a></span><br />The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/66-11.htm">Psalms 66:11</a></span><br />You brought us into prison. You laid a burden on our backs. <br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalms 73:16</a></span><br />When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Isaiah 10:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers who write <span class="boldtext">oppressive</span> decrees;<br /><span class="source">(WEB NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/18-2.htm">Isaiah 18:2</a></span><br />Which sends its representatives by the sea, even in ships of papyrus on the waters. Go back quickly, O representatives, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people causing fear through all their history; a strong nation, crushing down its haters, whose land is cut through by rivers.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/18-7.htm">Isaiah 18:7</a></span><br />In that time an offering will be made to the Lord of armies from a people tall and smooth, causing fear through all their history; a strong nation, crushing down its haters, whose land is cut through by rivers, an offering taken to the place of the name of the Lord of armies, even Mount Zion.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/o/oppressive.htm">Oppressive</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oppressive.htm">Oppressive (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oppressor.htm">Oppressor (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lightly.htm">Lightly (31 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/o/oppressions.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Oppressions"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Oppressions" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/o/oppressively.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Oppressively"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Oppressively" /></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>