The term "comprehends" in the biblical context often refers to the ability to understand, grasp, or perceive the meaning and significance of spiritual truths. This concept is crucial in the study of Scripture, as it relates to the human capacity to understand divine revelation and the mysteries of God.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. John 1:5 · "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not comprehended it."
In this passage, the Apostle John introduces the theme of light and darkness, symbolizing the revelation of Christ and the ignorance or rejection by the world. The term "comprehended" here implies not only a lack of understanding but also a failure to overcome or extinguish the light. The darkness, representing sin and unbelief, is unable to grasp the full reality and truth of Christ's divine nature and mission.

2. Ephesians 3:18-19 · "that you may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul prays for believers to have the strength to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ's love. This comprehension is not merely intellectual but experiential, leading to a deeper relationship with God. The love of Christ is described as surpassing knowledge, indicating that true comprehension involves a spiritual insight granted by the Holy Spirit.

3. Job 37:5 · "God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things we cannot comprehend."
The book of Job highlights the limitations of human understanding in the face of God's majesty and power. Here, "comprehend" underscores the finite nature of human wisdom compared to the infinite and often inscrutable ways of God. This acknowledgment calls for humility and trust in God's sovereign purposes.

Theological Implications

The concept of comprehension in the Bible is closely tied to the work of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual comprehension is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative process that involves the heart and mind. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in illuminating the Scriptures, enabling believers to understand and apply God's Word to their lives.

Human Limitation and Divine Revelation

While human beings are limited in their ability to fully comprehend the mysteries of God, Scripture assures us that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. The pursuit of understanding is encouraged, but it is always accompanied by the recognition of our dependence on God's grace and revelation.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek comprehension through prayer, study, and meditation on the Word of God. Engaging with Scripture in community, such as through Bible study groups and church teachings, can also enhance understanding. Ultimately, comprehension is a gift from God, cultivated through a relationship with Him and a willingness to be taught by His Spirit.8085. shama -- to hear
... root Definition to hear NASB Word Usage announce (2), announced (3), announces
(3), completely (1), comprehends (1), diligently (1), discern (1), disregarded ...
/hebrew/8085.htm - 7k

Whether God Comprehends Himself?
... OF GOD'S KNOWLEDGE (SIXTEEN ARTICLES) Whether God comprehends Himself? Objection
1 ... understands Himself. Therefore He comprehends Himself. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god comprehends himself.htm

How Charity Comprehends all the virtues.
... VIRTUES, ACTIONS AND PERFECTIONS OF THE SOUL. CHAPTER VIII. HOW CHARITY
COMPREHENDS ALL THE VIRTUES. There flowed a river out of the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii how charity comprehends.htm

The Same Kind of Righteousness is Bestowed on all Christ ...
... Chapter XCIII."The same kind of righteousness is bestowed on all Christ
comprehends it in two precepts. "For [God] sets before ...
/.../chapter xciii the same kind of.htm

Whether the Soul of Christ Comprehended the Word or the Divine ...
... Divine Essence? Objection 1: It would seem that the soul of Christ
comprehended and comprehends the Word or Divine Essence. For ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the soul of christ.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... For we now dare aver (for here is the faith that is characterized by knowledge
[3318] ) that such an one knows all things, and comprehends all things in the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

After this Manner Pray;' or the Model Prayer.
... of the Eternal Life. So simple that the child can lisp it, so divinely
rich that it comprehends all that God can give. A form of ...
/.../murray/lord teach us to pray/after this manner pray or.htm

Fourth Lesson after this Manner Pray;'
... of the Eternal Life. So simple that the child can lisp it, so divinely
rich that it comprehends all that God can give. A form of ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/fourth lesson after this manner.htm

That the World Took Its Beginning in Time.
... And although it comprehends matters of profounder significance than the mere historical
narrative appears to indicate, and contains very many things that are ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v that the world took.htm

James iv. 8-10
... James iv. 8-10. The inward and the outward James comprehends as one. Purity of heart
from all worldly stains, must show itself in purity of the outward conduct. ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james iv 10-aug.htm

Argument. In the Former Books an Exposition Has Been Given of the ...
... The abuse of it, Chap.13. The second general head, Of the Sacraments, comprehends
three particulars,"I. Of the Sacraments in general, Chap.14"II. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/argument in the former books.htm

Comprehends (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Comprehends (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians
2:11 For who among men knows the things of a man, except the ...
/c/comprehends.htm - 7k

Kingly (7 Occurrences)
... his people. Christ's office as mediator comprehends three different functions,
viz., those of a prophet, priest, and king. These ...
/k/kingly.htm - 10k

Under (4325 Occurrences)
... 4. (prep.) Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that represents
or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense, or the like ...
/u/under.htm - 8k

General (9 Occurrences)
... method. 8. (n.) The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates
to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular. 9. (a ...
/g/general.htm - 49k

In (142459 Occurrences)
... it as the representative of an adverbial phrase, the context indicating what the
omitted object is; as, he takes in the situation (ie, he comprehends it in his ...
/i/in.htm - 13k

Ituraea (1 Occurrence)
... north-east of Palestine, forming, along with the adjacent territory of Trachonitis,
the tetrarchy of Philip (Luke 3:1). The present Jedur comprehends the chief ...
/i/ituraea.htm - 10k

Repentance (28 Occurrences)
... But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension
of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Psalm 51:1; 130:4). ...
/r/repentance.htm - 31k

Exodus (2 Occurrences)
... Others contend for the shorter period of two hundred and fifteen years, holding
that the period of four hundred and thirty years comprehends the years from the ...
/e/exodus.htm - 82k

Comprehended (5 Occurrences)

/c/comprehended.htm - 8k

Comprehension (2 Occurrences)

/c/comprehension.htm - 7k

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