If you have spent any time reading the Psalms or the letters of Paul, you have likely encountered the word “afflicted.” In modern English, we often use it to describe someone suffering from a disease or a specific hardship. However, in a biblical context, “afflicted” carries a much deeper, more nuanced meaning that touches on the physical, emotional, and spiritual state of a person.
To understand what it means to be afflicted in the Bible, we must look at the original languages and the purpose behind the suffering described.
1. The Linguistic Roots
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). Each uses specific words to convey different shades of affliction.
Hebrew: ‘Anah
In the Old Testament, the primary word for affliction is ‘anah. It literally means to be “bowed down,” “humbled,” or “depressed.” It describes a person who has been brought low, whether by circumstances, enemies, or God Himself.
- Psalm 119:71 says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Here, the affliction is seen as a tool for humility and instruction.
Greek: Thlipsis and Kakoo
In the New Testament, the most common word is thlipsis, which means “pressure,” “oppression,” or “tribulation.” It conveys the idea of being squeezed or crushed by the weight of external circumstances. Another word, kakoo, refers to being treated badly or harmed by others.
2. Types of Affliction in Scripture
Biblical affliction isn’t one-size-fits-all. It generally falls into three categories:
- Physical and Economic: This includes illness, poverty, or the lack of basic needs. The “afflicted” are often grouped with the poor and the fatherless (Isaiah 10:2).
- Persecution: Many biblical figures were afflicted because of their faith. The early Church was “afflicted” by those who sought to stop the spread of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:8).
- Inward/Spiritual: This refers to the “affliction of the soul”—a deep sense of grief, conviction of sin, or a broken spirit before God.
3. Why Does God Allow Affliction?
One of the most difficult questions in the Bible is why the righteous are often afflicted. Scripture provides several reasons:
To Refine Character
Just as gold is purified in a furnace, the Bible suggests that affliction “refines” the believer. It removes the “dross” of pride and self-sufficiency.
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” — Isaiah 48:10
To Foster Dependence on God
When things are going well, it is easy to forget God. Affliction strips away earthly comforts, forcing a person to rely solely on God’s strength. Paul spoke of a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble and dependent on God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
To Prepare Us to Comfort Others
Affliction grants a person empathy. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God comforts us in our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.
4. Key Biblical Examples
- Job: Perhaps the most famous example, Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health. His affliction was a test of faith that ultimately led to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty.
- David: Many of the Psalms were written from a place of deep affliction. David used his suffering to cry out to God, turning his pain into worship.
- Jesus Christ: The Bible refers to Jesus as the “Man of Sorrows.” Isaiah 53 describes Him as “afflicted” and “oppressed.” In the ultimate sense, Jesus took on the affliction of the world to bring about redemption.
5. How Should a Believer Respond to Affliction?
The Bible does not tell believers to enjoy suffering, but it does tell them how to navigate it:
- Pray: James 5:13 asks, “Is anyone among you afflicted? Let him pray.”
- Trust in the Outcome: Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things (including affliction) together for the good of those who love Him.
- Look to Eternity: The Apostle Paul, who suffered immensely, called his troubles “light and momentary affliction” because he compared them to the “eternal weight of glory” awaiting him in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Summary
In the Bible, being afflicted is not a sign of God’s abandonment. Instead, it is often a “severe mercy”—a difficult season used to humble the heart, refine the spirit, and draw the believer into a closer relationship with the Creator. It is the process of being bowed down so that, in due time, God may lift you up.