Definition and Concept
In biblical terms, "enlightening" refers to the process of gaining spiritual insight, understanding, and wisdom through the illumination provided by God. It is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who opens the eyes of believers to comprehend divine truths and mysteries. Enlightening is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, transforming the heart and mind to align with God's will.

Biblical References

1. Psalm 19:8 · "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."
This verse highlights the enlightening power of God's commandments. The laws and precepts of the Lord are not burdensome but are designed to bring joy and clarity, illuminating the path of righteousness for believers.

2. Ephesians 1:18 · "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints."
Here, the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian believers to have their hearts enlightened. This enlightenment is crucial for understanding the hope and inheritance that come with being part of God's family, emphasizing the transformative power of divine revelation.

3. Hebrews 6:4 · "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit..."
This passage speaks to the profound experience of enlightenment that comes with partaking in the Holy Spirit. It suggests a deep, experiential knowledge of God's grace and truth, which is a hallmark of genuine faith.

4. 2 Corinthians 4:6 · "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
This verse draws a parallel between God's creation of light and the spiritual enlightenment He provides. The knowledge of God's glory, revealed in Jesus Christ, is the ultimate form of enlightenment, dispelling spiritual darkness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the process of enlightening believers. As the Spirit of truth, He guides Christians into all truth (John 16:13), revealing the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge. The Spirit's work is essential for understanding Scripture, discerning God's will, and growing in spiritual maturity.

Enlightenment and Wisdom
Biblical enlightenment is closely linked to wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This wisdom is not worldly but divine, enabling believers to live in a manner that pleases God. It involves a heart and mind transformed by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life marked by discernment and godliness.

Practical Implications
For believers, seeking enlightenment involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. It requires humility and a willingness to be taught by God, recognizing that true understanding comes from Him alone. Enlightenment leads to a deeper relationship with God, greater clarity in decision-making, and a more profound sense of purpose in the Christian life.215. or -- to be or become light
... root Definition to be or become light NASB Word Usage bright (1), brightened (2),
dawned (1), enlighten (2), enlightened (1), enlightening (1), gave light (1 ...
/hebrew/215.htm - 6k

74. Abner -- "my father is a lamp," an Israelite name
... Abner. Or (fully) nabiyner {ab-ee-nare'}; from 'ab and niyr; father of light (ie
Enlightening); Abner, an Israelite -- Abner. see HEBREW 'ab. see HEBREW niyr. ...
/hebrew/74.htm - 6k

Whether the Inferior Angel Speaks to the Superior?
... In the same way every angelic speech is an enlightening. ... Hence to communicate what
comes from the created will is not, as such, an enlightening. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the inferior angel speaks.htm

Whether Extreme Unction is a Sacrament?
... Objection 3: Further, according to Dionysius (Eccl. Hier. iii, v) every sacrament
aims at either cleansing, or enlightening, or perfecting. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether extreme unction is a.htm

Whether There are Seven Orders?
... account for the Orders by likening them to the heavenly hierarchy, where the Orders
are distinguished in reference to cleansing, enlightening, and perfecting. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are seven orders.htm

The Fall of Babylon.
... And as the enlightening of the earth by its promulgation, pre-supposes a previous
state of corresponding moral darkness, it must, as in the tenth chapter ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fall of babylon.htm

Psalm XIX.
... "The commandment of the Lord is lucid, enlightening the eyes." "The commandment
of the Lord is lucid," with no veil of carnal observances, enlightening the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xix.htm

As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and ...
... You cannot say, It matters nothing to me what another man dreamed, for in those
most enlightening books of yours you tell us that this was the motive which led ...
/.../32 as to your charge.htm

Whether There are Several Orders in one Hierarchy?
... Objection 3: Further, in the ecclesiastical hierarchy the orders are distinguished
according to the actions of "cleansing," "enlightening," and "perfecting ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are several orders.htm

Whether the Gifts of the Holy Ghost Remain in Heaven?
... Of understanding, he says "that it penetrates the truths heard, refreshing the heart
and enlightening its darkness," of which, hearing passes away, since "they ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gifts of the 3.htm

Whether God is the Cause of Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of ...
... Now we must consider that God is the universal cause of the enlightening of souls,
according to Jn.1:9: "That was the true light which enlighteneth every man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god is the cause.htm

Concerning Sacerdotal Consecrations.
... holy ministration, then, of the Mystic Rites has, as first Godlike power, the holy
cleansing of the uninitiated; and as middle, the enlightening instruction of ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput v i concerning sacerdotal.htm

Enlightening (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Enlightening (5 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians
4:4 in whom the god of this age did blind the minds of the ...
/e/enlightening.htm - 8k

Enlighten (8 Occurrences)
... This spiritual enlightening the Spirit of God brings about through the
Divine word (Psalm 119:130 2 Timothy 3:15 2 Peter 1:19). ...
/e/enlighten.htm - 10k

Enlightenment (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Act of enlightening, or the state of being enlightened
or instructed. Multi-Version Concordance Enlightenment (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/enlightenment.htm - 6k

Quickening (7 Occurrences)
... as a small moment hath grace been from Jehovah our God, to leave to us an escape,
and to give to us a nail in His holy place, by our God's enlightening our eyes ...
/q/quickening.htm - 9k

Unbelievers (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 4:4 in whom the god of this age did blind the minds of the unbelieving,
that there doth not shine forth to them the enlightening of the good news ...
/u/unbelievers.htm - 9k

Intercession (12 Occurrences)
... The Holy Spirit works upon our minds and hearts, enlightening and quickening, and
thus determining our desires 'according to the will of God,' as our advocate ...
/i/intercession.htm - 52k

Frauds (2 Occurrences)
... Peor.' (YLT). Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the man of frauds have met together,
Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both. (YLT). ...
/f/frauds.htm - 7k

Radiant (14 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's
commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. (See NIV). ...
/r/radiant.htm - 12k

Enlighteneth (6 Occurrences)

/e/enlighteneth.htm - 7k

Exorcism
... 16:17). The power attributed to "His name" supplies us with the opportunity
for a most enlightening comparison and contrast. 3. Exorcism ...
/e/exorcism.htm - 14k

Should a Christian study philosophy? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we live in a fallen world? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Satan masquerades as an angel of light? | GotQuestions.org

Enlightening: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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