Grudge
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Grudge in the Bible?
Grudge denotes a persistent state of resentment or hostility, often rooted in biblical Hebrew concepts such as natar, which describe the act of harboring anger or maintaining an antagonistic stance toward another individual.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific nature of grudge in biblical texts illuminates the complexities of interpersonal conflict and the cultural mechanisms for forgiveness, offering deeper insight into how ancient communities managed grievances to preserve social cohesion.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Grudge. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Grudge in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Grudge clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Grudge." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/grudge/