Curse words in the Bible
In today’s world cursing is perceived as normal. When people curse, it’s similar to letting off some steam, relieving a burden, or making someone feel bad about themselves. Our generation has made cursing commonplace, and it has even crept into the church.
There are different curse words in the Bible, with both negative and positive inclinations. In this article we will be looking at the concept of curse words in the scriptures, as well as how we can manage our speech as Christians in this world.
Should Christians use curse words
As Christians, we are supposed to emulate Christ in all our dealings, even down to our speech. Many of the common curse words today do not glorify God. Hence, we are not supposed to utter those words. Before you use curse words, you need to consider their effect on people. You also need to ask yourself an honest question if God would be happy with you.
Apostle Paul advised believers to be careful of the words we use. Our words should build people up, instead of destroying them.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Apostle Paul also tells believers in Ephesus that instead of us using profane or curse words, our lips should be filled with thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4 (ESV)
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
People who were affected by curses forever
Some people in the Bible were cursed for some reason, which affected their lives forever. The most common story everyone uses is how God cursed Adam, Eve and the Serpent.
Adam and Eve flagrantly disobeyed God’s order, and he cursed them as their punishment.
Genesis 3:14-19 (ESV)
The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly, you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
To the woman, he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain, you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”
And to Adam, he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain, you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field.
By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
Another incident where someone was cursed in the Bible was Ham, the son of Noah. After the flood, Noah was drunk with wine, and he became naked. Ham saw his Father’s nakedness, and he didn’t do the right thing. Instead, he gossiped to his brothers, who felt ashamed and acted swiftly to cover their Father’s nakedness.
Genesis 9:24-25 (ESV)
When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said,
“Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers.”
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree
Some Christians believe that because Jesus cursed the fig tree, they can use profane words anyhow. It is important to understand the context of the story of Jesus and the fig tree.
In Mark 11, Jesus and his disciples were coming from Bethany and going to Jerusalem. As they approached, Jesus saw a fig tree and hoped that he would find fruit on it. There was no fruit when he got to the tree because it was not the season. Then, Jesus cursed the tree.
Mark 11:12-14 (ESV)
On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it.
He found nothing but leaves when he came to it, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
When they passed the tree the next morning, Peter remembered, and he drew Jesus’ attention to the tree. Then, Jesus leveraged this incident to teach about the potency of faith and prayer.
Mark 11:22-25 (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Frequently asked questions
Is there swearing in the Bible?
Yes, there were different occasions in the Bible where people swore. They swore by God, idols, their names, themselves, etc.
What is considered a curse in the Bible?
Curse words in the Bible were used to cause supernatural harm. Some curses in the Bible were conditional, while some were unalterable.
Is swearing a mortal sin?
People who swore or used curse words in the Bible were not exactly labelled as sinners. However, apostles and teachers frowned at cuss words because they were regarded as filthy language that did not glorify God.
James 3:6-10 (ESV)
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.
It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
What is an example of a curse?
There are many instances in the Bible where people cursed one thing or the other. One of the common examples was when Job cursed his birth after passing through several challenges.
Job 3:1 (ESV)
After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.
Another example was where Isaac was praying for Jacob after eating his meal. Jacob had disguised as Esau, and with the help of his mother, Rebekah, he prepared a delicious meal for Isaac.
Genesis 27:29 (ESV)
Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”
What is the word curse in Hebrew
Three common Hebrew verbs mean “curse” when loosely translated to English. These words are alah, qalal and arar. These words could also mean oaths, covenants, declarations, etc.
Where in the Bible does it say not to cuss
When it comes to curse words in the Bible, the scripture is very clear on where it stands. As believers who portray the life of Christ, using curse words should be far beneath us. These curse words stand against what we believe as Christians, and there are some consequences that we cannot take back when we utter those words.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Romans 12:14 (ESV)
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Conclusion
When it comes to curse words in the Bible, believers are advised to desist from them. Since we have the Holy Spirit within us, our lips should only speak words glorifying God and edifying people around us.
Jesus also warns us in Matthew 12 that we will give an account for every word we speak on judgment day.
Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV)
I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words, you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
