Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "explanation" refers to the act of making something clear or understandable, often through interpretation or teaching. The need for explanation arises due to the complexity of biblical texts, cultural and historical contexts, and the depth of spiritual truths contained within Scripture. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where explanation is provided to ensure understanding of God's word and His will.Old Testament In the Old Testament, explanation is often seen in the role of prophets and teachers who interpret God's messages to the people. For example, in Nehemiah 8:8, we read about the Levites who "read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read" . This highlights the importance of explanation in making the Scriptures accessible and comprehensible to the community. The book of Proverbs also emphasizes the value of understanding and wisdom, which often requires explanation. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding" . This pursuit of understanding often necessitates explanation, whether through study, teaching, or divine revelation. New Testament In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate explainer of God's truth. He frequently used parables to convey deep spiritual truths, and He often provided explanations to His disciples. In Matthew 13:36-43, after delivering the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains its meaning to His disciples, illustrating His role as a teacher who clarifies divine truths. The apostles also played a crucial role in explaining the gospel and the teachings of Christ. In Acts 8:30-31, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. Philip asks, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The eunuch replies, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" . Philip then explains the Scriptures to him, leading to the eunuch's conversion and baptism. The epistles further emphasize the need for explanation and understanding. In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul prays for the believers, asking "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him" . This prayer underscores the necessity of divine assistance in understanding spiritual truths, often facilitated through explanation. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is central to the process of explanation and understanding in the Christian faith. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper who would teach and remind believers of His teachings. In John 14:26, Jesus says, "But the Helper, 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 thus plays a vital role in illuminating the Scriptures and providing believers with insight and understanding. Teaching and Preaching The ministry of teaching and preaching is integral to the explanation of biblical truths. In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul exhorts Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" . This charge highlights the responsibility of church leaders to explain and apply Scripture in a way that edifies and equips the congregation. Conclusion While the Bible itself is a profound and complex text, the provision of explanation through teaching, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of the church ensures that believers can grow in their understanding and application of God's word. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.2. (n.) That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation. 3. (n.) The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense. 4. (n.) A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation. Greek 1063. gar -- for, indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause ... ... used to express cause, explanation, inference or continuation). Part of Speech: Conjunction Transliteration: gar Phonetic Spelling: (gar) Short Definition: for ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1063.htm - 7k 1955. epilusis -- a release, an interpretation 1421. dusermeneutos -- hard of interpretation 2058. hermeneia -- interpretation Strong's Hebrew 2808. cheshbon -- a reckoning, account... 2807, 2808. cheshbon. 2809 . a reckoning, account. Transliteration: cheshbon Phonetic Spelling: (khesh-bone') Short Definition: explanation. ... /hebrew/2808.htm - 6k 263. achavah -- a declaring Library Explanation of "Corban. " An Explanation. The Rationalistic Explanation. Explanation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, in which St. ... Explanation of what is Meant by the Body, which is to be Raised ... An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew Tells us How the ... An Explanation of the Circumstance that Matthew States that ... An Explanation of the Circumstance That, According to the ... Explanation of the System of the Naasseni Taken from one of their ... Explanation of the Phrase: "For I Delight in the Law of God after ... Thesaurus Explanation (9 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in ... /e/explanation.htm - 9k Merab (4 Occurrences) Dreamer (4 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Confusion (71 Occurrences) Evolution Tithe (30 Occurrences) Lips (199 Occurrences) Explain (30 Occurrences) Phinehas (24 Occurrences) Resources What is the principle of sufficient reason? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Occam's Razor? Does Occam's Razor disprove the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.org Explanation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Explanation (9 Occurrences)Galatians 2:2 Ephesians 3:4 Hebrews 5:11 Esther 4:7 Esther 10:2 Ecclesiastes 7:25 Ecclesiastes 7:27 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Daniel 5:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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