Sirach 25:14 - Any calamity, but a calamity from those who hate me; And any vengeance, but the vengeance of enemies.

Generated Verse: Sirach 25:14

What does "Sirach 25:14" mean?


Sirach 25:14 expresses a strong preference for suffering any kind of misfortune rather than experiencing harm or vengeance specifically at the hands of one's enemies. Here's a breakdown of the verse:

"Any calamity, but a calamity from those who hate me": This implies that the speaker is willing to endure any kind of hardship or misfortune, such as illness, financial trouble, or natural disasters. However, they dread experiencing a calamity that is caused directly by the malice or hatred of their enemies. The source of the suffering matters. Suffering inflicted by enemies is felt to be particularly painful because it carries an additional layer of emotional and psychological distress.

"And any vengeance, but the vengeance of enemies.": Similarly, the speaker would prefer to face any form of punishment or retribution for wrongdoing rather than be subjected to the specific vengeance of their enemies. The speaker would rather deal with any other form of justice than be at the complete mercy of their enemy.

In essence, the verse highlights that the source of suffering greatly impacts its severity. Experiencing hardship or punishment inflicted by enemies is considered much worse than facing similar consequences from other sources. This is because the hatred and malicious intent behind the enemy's actions amplify the pain and suffering.

Possible Interpretations:

Psychological Impact: The verse acknowledges the deep psychological impact of being targeted by hate. Suffering inflicted by an enemy carries a heavier emotional burden, as it is often accompanied by feelings of betrayal, resentment, and vulnerability.

Lack of Mercy: The speaker fears the lack of mercy and fairness that might come from their enemies. They might believe that enemies would be more likely to inflict disproportionate or cruel punishment.

Honor and Reputation: Perhaps the speaker is concerned about the damage to their honor and reputation that could result from being defeated or humiliated by their enemies.

Control and Power: The verse reflects a desire to maintain control over one's own destiny. Being subjected to the whims of an enemy means relinquishing control and becoming vulnerable to their power.

Overall, Sirach 25:14 emphasizes the profound difference between suffering in general and suffering caused by the deliberate malice of enemies, suggesting that the latter is a uniquely agonizing experience.

What categories does "Sirach 25:14" have?