The term "discerneth" is derived from the verb "discern," which means to perceive, recognize, or distinguish something with clarity and insight. In the context of the Bible, discernment is a spiritual gift and a vital aspect of Christian living, enabling believers to understand and apply God's truth in their lives.

Biblical Usage and Meaning

Discernment in the Bible often refers to the ability to judge well, especially in spiritual matters. It involves distinguishing between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and the spirits of good and evil. This ability is not merely intellectual but is deeply rooted in spiritual insight granted by the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, discernment is frequently associated with wisdom and understanding. For example, in 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God for a "discerning heart" to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong. This request pleased God, who granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom and discernment.

New Testament References

The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of discernment for believers. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, the Apostle Paul explains that "the natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." This highlights that discernment is a spiritual process, requiring the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 4:12 also underscores the discerning power of God's Word: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, discernment is linked to the transformative and revealing nature of Scripture.

Spiritual Gift of Discernment

Discernment is listed among the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul mentions "distinguishing between spirits" as a gift given by the Holy Spirit. This gift enables believers to identify false teachings and deceptive practices, safeguarding the church from error and spiritual harm.

Practical Application

In practical terms, discernment involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer, studying Scripture, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's will, as well as a commitment to living according to biblical principles.

Role in Christian Life

Discernment is crucial for making wise decisions, understanding God's will, and maintaining doctrinal purity. It helps believers navigate the complexities of life, ensuring that their actions and beliefs align with God's truth. As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

In summary, "discerneth" in the biblical context refers to the God-given ability to perceive and understand spiritual truths, enabling believers to live faithfully and righteously in accordance with God's Word.

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
... some small beginnings of spiritual motion; but as yet he has no spiritual senses
capable of discerning spiritual objects; consequently, he "discerneth not the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 19 the great privilege.htm

Moreover, Wisdom, when it is Found in a Man...
... For the wise man knows and discerneth beforehand the judgment, which shall
come at the right time, and sees that it shall be just. ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter viii moreover wisdom when.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... When he doth come he shall be as perceptible as the lightning's flash, which
every man's eye discerneth without the need of an instructor. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Christ, Unser Herr, Zum Jordan Kam. To Jordan came Our Lord the ...
... 6. Who in this mercy hath not faith, Nor aught therein discerneth, Is yet in sin,
condemned to death, And fire that ever burneth; His holiness avails him not ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxxiv christ unser herr zum.htm

Behold, I Too Say, O My God, Where Art Thou? See...
... day, and the darkness, night. For who discerneth us, but Thou? And what
have we, that we have not received of Thee? out of the same ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xiv behold i too.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... As the prophet says again, The Lord trieth the just, and discerneth the reins [4372] .'
Again, for this cause He tries each one of us, either that to those who ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

That Out of the Children of the Night and of the Darkness ...
... and the darkness night. [1257] For who discerneth us but Thou? But what
have we that we have not received of Thee? [1258] Out of ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiv that out of the.htm

Psalm C.
... but somewhat which can understand God, which peculiarly doth belong to the mind,
which can distinguish justice and injustice, as the eye discerneth white from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm c.htm

Of Holy Prayer
... Therefore, my brother, do thou labour humbly in prayer; for God, who is all good
and gracious, knoweth all things, and discerneth what is best for thee; and ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xi of holy prayer.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... I am preaching; for I am about to discourse on true, vital, internal piety; and
an inspired apostle hath told us, "that the natural man discerneth not the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

Discerneth (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Discerneth (10 Occurrences). Genesis 37:33 And
he discerneth it, and saith, 'My son's coat! an evil beast ...
/d/discerneth.htm - 9k

Discerning (29 Occurrences)

/d/discerning.htm - 15k

Enlighten (8 Occurrences)
... Sin mars the intellectual discernment; "but he that is spiritual discerneth all
things" (1 Corinthians 2:15 King James Version, margin). MO Evans. ...
/e/enlighten.htm - 10k

Desirable (49 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 6:30 Is there in my tongue perverseness? Discerneth not my palate desirable
things? (YLT). Job 20:20 For he hath not known ease in his belly. ...
/d/desirable.htm - 21k

Discern (49 Occurrences)
... It may simply mean "observe" (bin), "I discerned among the youths" (Proverbs 7:7);
or discriminating knowlege, "A wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment ...
/d/discern.htm - 22k

Discernest (1 Occurrence)

/d/discernest.htm - 6k

Discerned (17 Occurrences)
... rent in pieces! (DBY). Genesis 42:8 And Joseph discerneth his brethren, but
they have not discerned him, (YLT). Deuteronomy 33:9 Who ...
/d/discerned.htm - 11k

Disguised (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 42:7 And Joseph seeth his brethren, and discerneth them, and maketh himself
strange unto them, and speaketh with them sharp things, and saith unto them ...
/d/disguised.htm - 9k

Perverseness (46 Occurrences)
... righteousness 'is' in it. (YLT). Job 6:30 Is there in my tongue perverseness?
Discerneth not my palate desirable things? (YLT). Job 11:14 If ...
/p/perverseness.htm - 18k

Palate (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Palate (15 Occurrences). Job 6:30 Is there in my tongue
perverseness? Discerneth not my palate desirable things? (YLT NAS). ...
/p/palate.htm - 10k

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