The words “vex” and “vexed” appear numerous times throughout the Bible, carrying meanings related to anger, frustration, annoyance, and provocation. At its core, being “vexed” refers to a state of agitation, disturbance, or distress inflicted upon someone. Let’s explore what the Bible says about vexing and being vexed.
Old Testament Usage
In the Old Testament, “vex” most commonly translates the Hebrew word “ya’ar” meaning to frustrate, be grieved, make angry, provoke, or vex. Here are some examples of “vex” in the Old Testament:
- “Now this was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” (Genesis 21:11-12)
- “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.” (Exodus 22:22-24)
- “And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.” (Numbers 21:5-6)
In these passages, vexing or provoking God brings about His displeasure, anger, and judgment. Vexing widows and orphans invokes God’s wrath. The people’s vexing words against God and Moses resulted in death by fiery serpents.
New Testament Usage
In the New Testament, “vex” commonly translates the Greek word “ochleo” meaning to trouble, disturb, or annoy. “Vexed” often translates “diaponeomai” meaning to be thoroughly worn out, troubled, or wearied. Here are some examples:
- “Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.” (Matthew 18:32)
- “When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:28-29)
- “And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.” (Luke 13:11-13)
Here we see servants vexing their masters by not forgiving others, demons vexing and tormenting people, and infirmities severely vexing individuals. Jesus frees people from these vexations.
Vexation of Spirit
“Vexation of spirit” is used several times in Ecclesiastes to describe the frustrations of a meaningless life lived under the sun:
- “I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23)
- “What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-13)
- “Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12)
This “vexation of spirit” comes from the futility of life without God, striving after meaningless goals, and the uncertainty and brevity of life. It emphasizes the need to find purpose and meaning in God rather than in earthly pursuits.
Vexation from Unbelievers
The apostle Peter describes the “vexation” that righteous Lot experienced living among the rampant wickedness in Sodom:
- “…and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard)…” (2 Peter 2:7-8)
Lot was severely vexed and troubled by the immorality around him. His righteous soul was tormented by the lawlessness. This illustrates how the ungodliness of the world can frustrate and bother believers trying to live faithfully.
Vexation from Persecution
The early apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus:
- “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41)
Yet they pleaded for boldness to continue speaking the gospel even amid persecution:
Though willing to suffer, they rightly sought relief from the vexation of those threatening and persecuting them. Believers should pray for boldness to endure persecution, while also asking God’s help and deliverance.
Paul’s Thorn and Vexing Messenger
The apostle Paul mentioned a “thorn in the flesh” and “messenger of Satan” that vexed him:
- “So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.” (2 Corinthians 12:7)
We’re unsure exactly what this thorn was. But it highlights that believers will face difficulties – whether physical, spiritual, or emotional – that God permits to humble, teach, and sanctify them. In our vexations and trials, we can turn to Christ for grace and strength.
How to Respond to Vexation
When vexed or persecuted for righteousness, believers should:
- Pray for relief, deliverance, and God’s help
- Ask God for grace, comfort, boldness, and perseverance
- Maintain faith and trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness
- Refrain from sinful responses like anger or vengeance
- Continue pursuing righteousness and godliness
- Be encouraged that God is using the trial for ultimate good
- Look to the reward we have in heaven
Although vexations are unpleasant, they remind us this world is not our home. We can rejoice that God will use them to conform us to Christ’s image. Our true hope remains in eternal life with God.
Vexing the Holy Spirit
Believers are warned against vexing or grieving the Holy Spirit through ongoing unrepentant sin:
- “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
The Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of believers and seeks to produce Christlike virtues like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). When believers engage in sinful attitudes and behaviors we frustrate the Spirit’s work in us. We are exhorted not to vex God’s Spirit but to continually yield to His leading and cooperate with His sanctifying work.
How to Avoid Vexing Others
Although we cannot control other people’s responses, believers shouldaim not to vex others. We can avoid vexing others by:
- Being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19)
- Seasoning our speech with grace and kindness (Colossians 4:6)
- Bearing with one another in patience and love (Ephesians 4:2)
- Pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace (2 Timothy 2:22)
- Respecting authorities God has placed over us (Romans 13:1-7)
- Being humble, gentle, patient and peaceful (Ephesians 4:1-3)
When conflicts arise, we should seek reconciliation and forgiveness, not provoking further anger. As far as it depends on us, we should live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18).
Jesus – Man of Sorrows, Acquainted with Grief
Although sinless, Jesus suffered immensely for our salvation. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus was despised, rejected, stricken, afflicted, wounded, bruised, and chastised to bring us peace, healing, and forgiveness (Isaiah 53:3-6).
During His earthly ministry Jesus experienced weariness (John 4:6), grief (John 11:35), anger and sorrow (Mark 3:5), agony (Luke 22:44), and the weight of the world’s sin (Matthew 26:38). Yet He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
As our High Priest, Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations (Hebrews 4:15). He invites all the weary and heavy-laden to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30). Because of Christ’s suffering, believers can come boldly and confidently to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
The Day of the Lord’s Vengeance
While believers are called to patiently endure vexations in this life, leaving vengeance to God, Scripture warns of a coming “day of the Lord’s vengeance” (Isaiah 34:8) or “day of wrath” (Romans 2:5). On that day, God will right every wrong and execute perfect justice:
- “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:4-6)
- “For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31)
- “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19)
Knowing perfect justice awaits helps us endure injustice now. On the day of vengeance, God will redress every grievance faced by His people.
Our Hope in Christ
Believers vexed by sin, persecution, and trials of this life can take hope in Christ. His death and resurrection conquered sin, death, and fear. All who trust in Him will be raised to eternal life without vexation forevermore. As Hebrews 2:14-15 says:
- “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Through His victory, Jesus sets the vexed free from bondage to sin, Satan, and death. He gives eternal joy, peace, and rest for souls vexed in this life. When vexed, we can hold fast to the hope set before us in Jesus Christ our Lord.