The concept of being "examined" in the Bible often relates to the idea of testing, proving, or scrutinizing one's faith, actions, or heart. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where God, His prophets, and His followers engage in the examination of individuals and communities.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the examination is frequently associated with God's testing of His people. For instance, in Psalm 26:2, David invites God to examine him: "Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind." Here, the psalmist seeks divine scrutiny to affirm his integrity and righteousness. The Hebrew word often translated as "examine" in such contexts is "bachan," which implies a thorough testing or proving.

The examination is also evident in the narrative of Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faithfulness. Job's trials serve as a profound examination of his character and devotion to God, ultimately demonstrating his steadfastness despite immense suffering.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of examination takes on a more personal and introspective dimension. Believers are encouraged to examine themselves to ensure their faith aligns with the teachings of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul exhorts the Corinthian church: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?"

The Greek word used here, "dokimazo," conveys the idea of proving or testing something to determine its genuineness. This self-examination is crucial for maintaining a sincere and authentic relationship with Christ.

Examination by Leaders and Authorities

The Bible also records instances where leaders and authorities examine individuals to discern truth or guilt. In the Gospels, Jesus is frequently examined by religious leaders who question His authority and teachings. For example, in Luke 20:20-26, the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with questions about paying taxes to Caesar, seeking to examine His response for grounds to accuse Him.

Similarly, in Acts 4:9, Peter and John are examined by the Sanhedrin after healing a lame man, as the authorities seek to understand by what power or name they performed the miracle.

Spiritual Examination

The theme of examination extends to the spiritual realm, where believers are called to examine their hearts and motives. In 1 Corinthians 11:28, Paul instructs the church regarding the Lord's Supper: "Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." This self-examination ensures that participants approach the sacrament with reverence and sincerity, acknowledging the body and blood of Christ.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of examination serves as a vital tool for spiritual growth and accountability. Whether through divine testing, self-reflection, or scrutiny by others, examination helps believers align their lives with God's will and maintain a faithful walk with Him.(imp. & p. p.) of Examine.426. anetazo -- to examine judicially
... Word Origin from ana and etazo (to examine) Definition to examine judicially NASB
Word Usage examine (1), examined (1). examine, investigate. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/426.htm - 6k

350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate
... to examine, investigate NASB Word Usage appraised (2), appraises (1), asking questions
(2), called to account (1), examine (2), examined (4), examines (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/350.htm - 8k

7200. raah -- to see
... 9), choice (1), consider (13), considered (1), display (1), displayed (1), distinguish
(1), encountered (1), enjoy (1), enjoy* (3), examined (1), experience (1 ...
/hebrew/7200.htm - 7k

5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize
... Usage able (1), acknowledge (3), acknowledges (1), discern (1), distinguish (1),
distinguishes (1), examine (1), examine and see (1), examined (1), familiar (1 ...
/hebrew/5234.htm - 6k

Jesus Examined by Caiaphas
... ILLUSTRATIONS: JESUS EXAMINED BY CAIAPHAS. And they that had laid hold on
Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus examined by caiaphas.htm

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... LECTURES LECTURE V. PETER AND JOHN EXAMINED BY THE COUNCIL. Chap. iv.1-22.
IN the last Lecture, I considered the miracle performed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

A Passage of Jeremiah Examined.
... Discourse III."Thaleia. Chapter V."A Passage of Jeremiah Examined. And
here I may adduce the prophet Jeremiah as a trustworthy ...
/.../chapter v a passage of jeremiah.htm

Certain Articles to be Diligently Examined and Weighed. Because ...
... FIFTH PART CERTAIN ARTICLES TO BE DILIGENTLY EXAMINED AND WEIGHED. BECAUSE
SOME CONTROVERSY HAS ARISEN CONCERNING THEM AMONG EVEN ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/certain articles to be diligently.htm

The Appearance to Lot is Examined.
... Book II. Chapter 12."The Appearance to Lot is Examined. "But there came
two angels to Sodom at even." Here, what I have begun ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 12 the appearance to lot.htm

Pelagius' Answer Examined.
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 6."Pelagius' Answer Examined.
Indeed, in this very book which contains these statements ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 6 pelagius answer examined.htm

The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ...
... MARK. CHAPTER IV. THE EARLY VERSIONS EXAMINED, AND FOUND TO YIELD UNFALTERING
TESTIMONY TO THE GENUINENESS OF THESE VERSES. The ...
/.../chapter iv the early versions.htm

The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ...
... CHAPTER IV. THE EARLY VERSIONS EXAMINED, AND FOUND TO YIELD UNFALTERING
TESTIMONY TO THE GENUINENESS OF THESE VERSES. The Peshito ...
/.../chapter iv the early versions.htm

We have Also Examined what Thou Willedst to be Shadowed Forth...
... Book XIII Chapter XXXIV We have also examined what Thou willedst to be
shadowed forth? We have also examined what Thou willedst ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxiv we have also.htm

Pelagius' Answer Examined. On Origen's Error Concerning the Non ...
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 10."Pelagius' Answer Examined.
On Origen's Error Concerning the Non-Eternity of ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 10 pelagius answer examined on.htm

Examined (16 Occurrences)
...Examined (16 Occurrences). ... Acts 11:6 Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely,
and saw various kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. (WEY). ...
/e/examined.htm - 11k

Cross-examined (1 Occurrence)
Cross-examined. Crosses, Cross-examined. Crossing . Noah Webster's Dictionary
(imp. ... Multi-Version Concordance Cross-examined (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/cross-examined.htm - 6k

Unquestioned (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not called in question; not doubted. 2. (a.) Not
interrogated; having no questions asked; not examined or examined into. ...
/u/unquestioned.htm - 6k

Closely (38 Occurrences)
... Acts 11:6 Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various kinds
of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. (WEY RSV). ...
/c/closely.htm - 17k

Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... Alexander. Man-defender. (1.) A relative of Annas the high priest, present when
Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim (Acts 4:6). ...
/a/alexander.htm - 32k

Guilty (131 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the
people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a ...
/g/guilty.htm - 39k

Examine (48 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Corinthians 4:3 But for me it is the very
smallest matter that I be examined of you or of man's day. ...
/e/examine.htm - 23k

Examines (12 Occurrences)

/e/examines.htm - 9k

Syriac (2 Occurrences)
... in the British Museum. The fragments were examined by Canon Cureton of
Westminster and edited by him in 1858. The manuscript from ...
/s/syriac.htm - 26k

Crossing (26 Occurrences)

/c/crossing.htm - 14k

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