Definition: The Hebrew verb "amativeness" comes from a root that means "to make angry," and it originally referred to a type of offensive behavior or action by which an individual sought to provoke another to anger. Here's its broader definition:

The Origin:

The term "amativeness" is found in the Old Testament, primarily in the Psalms. It was used as a derogatory term for those who engaged in acts of violence or harm towards others. This term could be applied to both individuals and groups engaging in violent behavior, reflecting a broader concept of causing offense.

The Meaning:

In its most literal sense, "amativeness" means "to provoke anger." This term is typically used as an adjective, meaning someone who provokes anger by their actions or words. It can also be applied figuratively, suggesting someone who causes unnecessary distress or harm to others.

The Usage in the Bible:

There are many instances in the Old Testament where "amativeness" was associated with violence, particularly in verses related to war and combat. These examples emphasize the destructive and often brutal nature of aggression: - In Deuteronomy 21:3 (verse 9), Moses commands his army to commit acts of murder when necessary:

The Command:

"And ye shall do that which ye may have power, as if ye had power: And let none of you take war against the children of Israel or upon them that dwell in their lands, and be angry, because ye shall not die from it; for it is a great evil." - In 2 Samuel 16:4 (verse 7), Saul orders his army to kill the man who provoked him:

The Command:

"And the man that said unto me, ‘I have trespassed upon thee’ did I slay unto thee. For the hand of God hath smitten the man, and he shall be slain." - In Proverbs 15:8 (verse 9), Job, who had been provoked into anger by his friend, replies to a slanderous statement:

Job's Reply:

"Thus saith the Lord; I know that thou hast made him angry with me, and that he hath made me angry with thee. Let it be so: let him go away, that he may come back again."

The Usage in Historical Contexts:

In many instances, "amativeness" was used figuratively to refer to the act of provoking a person or group to anger. It often referred to aggressive behavior without any direct violence: - In Proverbs 14:6 (verse 2), the prophet declares that someone who provokes others' anger is like "the fire of wrath of God, which burneth not with men; but it burneth with God." - In Ecclesiastes 5:7 (verse 8), King David warns his people against provoking the anger of a strong man:

The Command:

"Hasten not thou thy heart to provoke me. But hast thou not seen my hand when it was set upon thee? And hast thou not seen my hand when I smote thee in the hand?"

amativeness