Did you know that there are 39 diseases mentioned in the Bible? These diseases branch out to other diseases that inflict pain and suffering on people in this world. Let us learn more about them below.
What Does the Bible Say About the 39 Stripes of Jesus?
A stripe is a line or long mark made by a whip, rod, or switch on the skin. It can also be defined as a line or band of color that differs from the background.
When Jesus was beaten with 39 stripes, it was a severe punishment. He was scourged and flogged by the Romans using a “Roman Flagrum”–a type of whip with sharp bones and iron that could rip off the area of the flesh that was hit. The whipping would have caused deep lacerations and bruising.
The 39 stripes that Jesus received are significant because they represent the 39 diseases that Jesus took care of for all of humanity. The Bible is firm with this by stating that “by His stripes, we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Most of the 39 diseases are found in the Old Testament, with only a handful mentioned in the New Testament. And only a few of them are described in much detail; the rest are only mentioned by name.
Below are examples of the diseases that the Bible gives an overview of:
- Leprosy. Leprosy is a bacterial infection that attacks the nervous system, causing skin lesions and muscle weakness. It was considered a severe disease in biblical times and often fatal.
- Boils. Boils are caused by a bacterial infection of the skin. They are painful and can be highly uncomfortable.
- Malaria. Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a severe disease that can cause death.
- Arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. It causes pain and stiffness in the joints, making it difficult to move around.
- Cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. It is a serious disease that can be fatal.
- Diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar. It can lead to complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
- Epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. It can be a serious and fatal condition.
- Gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. It causes joint pain and swelling, making it difficult to move around.
- Heart disease. Heart disease is a general term that refers to any condition affecting the heart. It is a serious condition that can cause death.
- Hypertension. Hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure.
These are just some of the diseases mentioned in the Bible. While many more diseases afflict people today, these ten are some of the most serious. If you or someone you know suffers from these diseases, please seek medical help immediately.
The 39 stripes of Jesus further reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem at times, God is always there to help us carry our burdens. We can look to Jesus’ example and be encouraged that He has already taken on our suffering, so we don’t have to.
Will God Heal Us if We Are Sick?
Yes, God can and does heal people who are sick. But He doesn’t always do so in the way we think or immediately when we want Him to. Often, God uses sickness to accomplish His purposes in our lives—to grow our faith, humble us, or draw us closer to Him.
For example, in the Bible, God sometimes healed people instantly. Other times, He healed them gradually over time. And in some cases, He didn’t heal them at all but allowed them to remain sick or even die. Stories like those of Job, Paul, and Lazarus illustrate this point.
Job was a righteous man who suffered great physical, mental, and emotional pain in the form of various illnesses. Yet God allowed him to remain afflicted for many years before finally restoring his health. The reason behind this was to demonstrate Job’s faithfulness amid his suffering.
The apostle Paul suffered a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Though he repeatedly prayed for it to be removed, God allowed Paul to remain afflicted until the end of his life. The purpose was likely to remind Paul that he needed God for his strength.
But there were other times when Jesus chose not to heal people. He allowed Lazarus, a close friend of His, to die (John 11:1–44) and even declined a request from His own mother Mary (John 2:3–5).
But God does promise that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So no matter what our physical condition may be, we can trust in Him to provide the strength and comfort we need to endure it. We can also rely on His grace and mercy to bring healing and restoration in His perfect timing. And perhaps most importantly, when we experience physical healing, we can use it as an opportunity to give Him the glory He deserves.
Ultimately, when you find yourself asking, “Will God heal me?”, remember that His love knows no bounds, and whatever He gives or withholds is always done out of love. Even if He doesn’t heal us as we expect, He will always give us strength and peace. We can trust Him to work all things out for our good and His glory. With Him by your side, you have nothing to fear.
Why Does God Allow Innocent People To Die?
The Bible teaches us that death was never part of God’s perfect plan. In fact, the Bible paints a picture of a world where death does not exist at all. However, God gives us free will and when we choose to disobey Him, we will most likely have to deal with the consequences. This can be seen in many different ways throughout our lives, such as illness, accident, or even death.
The concept of death can be frightening, but the Bible teaches us that in everything, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God may not always answer our questions, but He reveals Himself to us through His Word as loving and gracious.
When we live with God in Heaven someday, we will have a much clearer understanding of why God allowed innocent people to suffer and die. Until then, we can trust that God is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives, even when tragedy strikes. The promise of eternal life with God gives us hope and strength to keep going, even during our darkest moments.
Why Have Diseases Evolved So Much Over Time?
It is apparent that diseases have evolved over time, but what has caused this? There are a few possible explanations.
One theory is that diseases evolve as a result of natural selection, which occurs when individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive than those without them. As populations grow and become more diverse, the potential for new infections also rises. In natural selection, the infections that are more likely to survive and reproduce are the ones that evolve to adapt to their environment.
Another possibility is that diseases have evolved as a response to human activities. In particular, many infectious diseases have been linked to increased levels of travel and trade, which has allowed for the rapid spread of pathogens from one place to another.
Additionally, climate change has caused shifts to the environment that may have helped certain infections spread more easily. Human activities such as deforestation and intensive agriculture can cause ecological disturbances that make it easier for diseases to survive and spread.
Because of these and other factors, diseases have evolved and become more dangerous over time. This means that it is important for us to stay vigilant about monitoring the emergence of new infections, as well as taking action to prevent the spread of existing ones. By doing so, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from potentially devastating illnesses.
Bottom Line
Diseases exist in every corner of the world. However, we must remember that even in the darkest of times, God is always with us. He knows our every need and will never leave us alone.
The Bible mentions 39 diseases, most of which are still around today. These diseases include leprosy, blindness, deafness, epilepsy, skin disease, madness, and cancer. However, we must remember to lean on God to get us through these challenging times. We must let His plans unfold and have faith that He will see us through.
