What does "Smitten by God" mean?

The phrase “Smitten by God” evokes strong emotions and invites us to explore the intricate relationship between humanity and the divine. But what does it truly mean to be “smitten by God”? Is it about punishment, favor, or something altogether different? This blog post delves into the origins, interpretations, and personal significance of being “smitten by God.”

The Roots: Biblical and Literary Contexts

To understand the phrase, it helps to look at its roots. In older English, to be “smitten” simply meant to be struck or afflicted, often by a higher power. The Bible uses the term in both the Old and New Testaments, sometimes relating to God’s judgment or intervention. For example, individuals or nations might be “smitten” as a consequence of turning away from God or as part of divine discipline. In Psalm 69:26, the psalmist cries, “For they persecute him whom you have struck down, and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.” Here, being smitten relates to suffering under God’s hand.

Yet, in literary and modern usage, “smitten” also means to be deeply affected, often with love or admiration. To be “smitten” with someone is to feel a sudden, overpowering affection. This dual meaning adds to the richness of the phrase “smitten by God.” It can suggest both a profound encounter with God’s power—whether in awe, love, or discipline—and a transformation that leaves a lasting mark on the soul.

Beyond Punishment: The Transformative Touch

While some may associate being “smitten by God” with punishment or suffering, many spiritual writers and everyday believers describe it as an experience of being deeply moved, changed, or awakened by the divine presence. Think of Moses before the burning bush, overwhelmed by the holiness of God, or Paul on the road to Damascus, struck blind yet spiritually awakened. In these stories, being smitten is less about destruction and more about transformation.

This transformative aspect can manifest in various ways: a sudden realization of purpose, a deep conviction of truth, or a sense of unconditional love. It is a moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, when the heart is pierced by the reality of God’s nearness. The individual may experience an overwhelming sense of awe, humility, or gratitude that reshapes their outlook on life. In this sense, to be “smitten by God” is to be set apart, called, or awakened to a higher reality.

The Language of Love: Divine Affection

The romantic connotation of “smitten” also plays a significant role in spiritual language. Many mystics and poets have described their relationship with God in terms of passionate love. The Song of Solomon in the Bible, though a love poem, has often been interpreted as an allegory for the soul’s longing for God. Saints like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross wrote about being overtaken by divine love, unable to resist its pull.

To be “smitten by God” in this context is to fall deeply in love with the Creator, to be captivated and drawn into an intimate relationship. This love is not always comfortable; it may disrupt routines, challenge assumptions, and demand transformation. Yet, it is ultimately a source of profound joy and fulfillment. The smitten soul becomes receptive, vulnerable, and open to the mystery of divine presence.

Wrestling with Suffering: When Being Smitten Hurts

Of course, not every experience of being “smitten by God” feels positive at first. Sometimes, it involves loss, hardship, or a sense of being wounded. The Bible recounts stories where God’s smiting leads to repentance, renewal, or a deeper dependence on Him. For example, Jacob limped after wrestling with God, but he walked away with a new name and a renewed sense of purpose.

In our own lives, moments of crisis or brokenness can become opportunities to encounter God in unexpected ways. The pain of being “smitten” may lead to greater self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual maturity. It reminds us that God’s ways are often mysterious and that growth can emerge from struggle.

Embracing the Mystery: A Personal Invitation

Ultimately, to be “smitten by God” is to be touched in a way that leaves us changed—sometimes through love, sometimes through suffering, but always with the possibility of transformation. It is a phrase that invites us to pay attention to the ways God might be reaching out to us, stirring our hearts, or drawing us closer.

Whether you interpret the phrase as an experience of awe, discipline, or loving affection, it points to the reality that an encounter with the divine rarely leaves us unchanged. To be “smitten by God” is to live with the awareness that we are seen, known, and loved by a Presence greater than ourselves. It is an invitation to open ourselves to transformation, to accept both the joy and the challenge of a life touched by the divine.