Happy Riches answers request by Lynn Hall
Is
the Phrase "Be Deadly Fend With" Correct English? A Theological and
Linguistic Exploration
The phrase “be deadly fend with”
is not recognized in standard English usage and appears to be either a
mistranslation or a mishearing of a more conventional expression. It seems to
attempt to convey intense opposition or hostility—perhaps in the context of
enmity with God. However, the construction itself is linguistically awkward and
likely originates from a misunderstanding.
Let’s unpack this from both a
grammatical and theological standpoint.
1.
The Linguistic Inconsistency
To begin with, the phrase contains
the word “fend,” which is a verb, not a noun. “Fend” typically means to ward
off, repel, or defend against something—often in the sense of
resisting attack or managing to survive. For instance, one might “fend off
criticism” or “fend for oneself” in difficult circumstances. The phrase “be
fend with,” however, is grammatically incorrect. English does not pair “be”
with the verb “fend” in this way.
Additionally, combining “deadly” (an
adjective implying lethality) with “fend” creates more confusion than clarity.
“To be deadly fend with God” doesn’t form a coherent idea in English, unless
one attempts to stretch the meaning creatively—something like “to resist God in
a deadly manner.” But even this is not idiomatic or natural usage. It’s more
likely that the speaker meant something else entirely.
2.
Possibly Intended Phrases
There are several possible phrases
that might have been confused here:
- “Deadly fiend of God”:
This would refer to a being (perhaps a demon) who is utterly opposed to
God—an enemy of the worst kind.
- “Deadly feud with God”: This phrase could reflect an ongoing, bitter
hostility toward God.
- “Deeply offended by God”: This might describe someone who has taken personal
offense at divine truth or providence.
Each of these phrases makes more
sense than “be deadly fend with,” and they all reflect real human (and
spiritual) responses to God—opposition, offense, or enmity.
3.
Theological Implications: Demonic Hatred and Human Rebellion
The example you gave—“only demons
could hate God so much that they are deadly fend with God”—reveals the
heart of the matter: a being in total opposition to God. In biblical terms,
such beings exist. Satan and his angels (demons) are portrayed as rebellious
and antagonistic toward God’s will. They oppose His truth, His people, and His
purposes.
This level of opposition can rightly
be described as deadly and fiendish. A “deadly fiend”—the correct
expression—refers to a mortal enemy, and in Christian theology, demons fit this
description. They are not merely adversaries; they are destroyers who seek to
devour (1 Peter 5:8) and deceive (Revelation 12:9). They hate God because they
are aligned with the father of lies (John 8:44) and war against the truth.
However, while demons embody this
opposition, human beings are also capable of harboring deep-seated resentment
toward God. Sometimes it is masked as philosophical disagreement, personal
disappointment, or moral rebellion—but at its root lies spiritual hostility.
4.
A Biblical Defense: Fending Off the Devil, Not God
In contrast, fending is a
word the Bible indirectly affirms through metaphorical language. Consider
Ephesians 6:10–16, where Paul exhorts believers to put on the whole armor of
God. This includes:
- The belt of truth
- The breastplate of righteousness
- The shield of faith,
with which one can quench the flaming darts of the Evil One.
This is spiritual warfare language.
It’s about standing firm, resisting demonic attack—not resisting God. So while
we are called to fend off the devil’s schemes, we are never encouraged
to “fend off” God. To do so would be to resist truth, love, and life itself.
Perhaps the phrase “be deadly fend
with” was a mistaken attempt to articulate how some beings, or even people, resist
God with all their might—though such resistance is ultimately futile.
5.
Job’s Confusion: When Suffering Feels Like Divine Wrath
This confusion also appears in the
Book of Job. In Job 6:4, he declares:
“For the arrows of the Almighty are
in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against
me.”
Job, in his anguish, attributes his
suffering to God. But later Scripture—like Ephesians—makes it clear that these
“flaming darts” are fired by the devil, not God. Job, perhaps unknowingly,
mistook satanic assault for divine punishment. It was his faith, however, that
sustained him through the ordeal.
This demonstrates how easily humans
can misinterpret spiritual warfare and blame God for what the enemy does. In
this light, people who feel God is against them may actually be projecting pain
and misunderstanding onto the One who longs to save them.
6.
Offended by the Truth: A Modern Dilemma
Another likely misinterpretation
behind the phrase may involve the idea of being “deeply offended with God.”
This is more common than most would admit. People are often offended by God's
moral demands or by the implications of divine sovereignty. When confronted
with uncomfortable truths—such as the futility of life without God or the
certainty of judgment—many choose to resent rather than repent.
The Bible has examples:
- Ezekiel 25:12
— Edom acted revengefully against Judah and “grievously offended”
God.
- Matthew 15:12
— The Pharisees were offended when Jesus told them the truth about
their traditions nullifying God’s commandments.
This offense often stems from pride—the
refusal to submit, the unwillingness to acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy, and
the desire to define good and evil on our own terms.
7.
Hatred for God: Denial and Deception
People may claim they don’t hate
God. They may argue they don’t believe in Him at all. But hatred of God often
hides beneath intellectualism, materialism, or indifference. Some say that
thoughts are just chemical reactions—mere evolutionary mechanisms—not spiritual
realities. But these same people react emotionally, sometimes violently, to the
idea of a moral God who holds them accountable.
Such reactions betray an internal
struggle, and often, a spiritual influence they refuse to recognize.
Conclusion:
Right Words Matter—But So Does Right Understanding
In conclusion, the phrase “be deadly
fend with” is not correct English. But beneath its confusion lies a real
spiritual concern—humans and spirits opposing God with bitter resistance.
Whether it is demonic hatred, human rebellion, or deep personal offense at
God’s truth, the solution remains the same: to surrender to the One who is
truth, love, and life.
Instead of fending off God, we are
called to submit to Him, resist the devil, and stand firm in faith. Let
us not be fiends, but friends of God—by grace, through faith.
SHARING IS CARING
No comments:
Post a Comment