Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "understanding" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both intellectual comprehension and spiritual discernment. It is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and insight, and is considered a gift from God that enables individuals to perceive His will and apply His teachings in their lives.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, understanding is frequently linked with wisdom and is portrayed as a divine attribute that humans should seek. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This verse highlights that true understanding is a gift from God, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine guidance. The Book of Proverbs repeatedly encourages the pursuit of understanding. Proverbs 4:7 advises, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Here, understanding is presented as a valuable asset, essential for living a righteous life. Understanding is also associated with obedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 4:6 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'" This passage underscores the idea that understanding God's laws leads to a testimony of wisdom before others. New Testament Context In the New Testament, understanding takes on a deeper spiritual dimension. Jesus often spoke in parables, which required spiritual insight to comprehend fully. In Matthew 13:13 , Jesus explains, "This is why I speak to them in parables: 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.'" Here, understanding is linked to spiritual perception, which is necessary to grasp the truths of the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul frequently prays for believers to gain spiritual understanding. In Colossians 1:9 , he writes, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Paul emphasizes that understanding is crucial for knowing God's will and living a life pleasing to Him. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in imparting understanding to believers. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit is depicted as the divine teacher who grants believers the understanding necessary to comprehend and apply Jesus' teachings. Practical Implications Understanding in the biblical sense is not merely intellectual but involves a heart aligned with God's purposes. It requires humility and a willingness to be taught by God. James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This invitation to seek understanding from God underscores the belief that He is the ultimate source of true insight. In summary, understanding in the Bible is a divine gift that encompasses both intellectual and spiritual dimensions. It is essential for discerning God's will, living according to His commandments, and growing in spiritual maturity. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to seek and cultivate this vital attribute. Greek 4920. suniemi -- to set together, fig. to understand ... to understand NASB Word Usage gained...insight (1), understand (17), understanding (1), understands (2), understood (5). understand, be wise. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4920.htm - 8k 191. akouo -- to hear, listen 1987. epistamai -- to know, to understand Strong's Hebrew 998. binah -- an understanding... an understanding NASB Word Usage clearly (1), consideration (1), discernment (3), truth (1), understand (1), understanding (29), understands (1), understood (1 ... /hebrew/998.htm - 6k 3045. yada -- to know 995. bin -- to discern 7919a. sakal -- to be prudent Library Whether God Understands Himself? Whether the Intellect Understands the Act of the Will? Whether the Separated Soul Understands Separate Substances? Whether the Intellect Understands the Indivisible Before the ... Whether the Soul Understands all Things through Innate Species? Whether Our Intellect Understands by Composition and Division? Whether the Soul Understands Corporeal Things through Its Essence? Whether Our Intellect Understands Corporeal and Material Things by ... Whoever, Then, Thinks that He Understands the Holy Scriptures... But He that no Otherwise Understands in the Beginning He Made... Thesaurus Understands (16 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Understands (16 Occurrences). ... Romans 3:11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). ... /u/understands.htm - 10k Yields (21 Occurrences) Yielding (19 Occurrences) Yield (78 Occurrences) Understand (208 Occurrences) Understanding's (1 Occurrence) Utters (26 Occurrences) Understanding (248 Occurrences) Imagination (20 Occurrences) Imaginations (9 Occurrences) Resources Should a church be seeker sensitive? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't God respond when I cry out, “God, please help me!”? | GotQuestions.org How does Alcoholics Anonymous compare with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Understands (16 Occurrences)Matthew 13:23 Romans 3:11 1 Corinthians 14:2 1 Timothy 6:4 Deuteronomy 29:4 1 Chronicles 28:9 Job 28:23 Psalms 33:15 Psalms 53:2 Psalms 90:11 Proverbs 8:9 Proverbs 29:19 Isaiah 33:19 Isaiah 57:1 Jeremiah 9:24 Daniel 8:23 Subtopics Related Terms Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) Understanding (248 Occurrences) |
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