The term "half-open" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various scriptural themes and narratives that imply partial revelation, incomplete understanding, or the state of being between two conditions. In biblical literature, the idea of being "half-open" can be metaphorically related to spiritual insight, the condition of the heart, or the unfolding of divine mysteries.

Spiritual Insight and Understanding

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to the partial understanding of spiritual truths that believers experience in this life. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 , Paul writes, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." This passage suggests a "half-open" state of spiritual perception, where believers have some understanding of divine truths but await complete revelation in the fullness of time.

The Condition of the Heart

The concept of a "half-open" heart can be seen in the parable of the sower, where Jesus describes different types of soil representing the receptivity of the human heart to the Word of God. In Matthew 13:20-21 , Jesus explains, "The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." Here, the heart is partially open to receiving the Word but lacks the depth and commitment to sustain it, illustrating a "half-open" spiritual condition.

Divine Mysteries and Revelation

The Bible often speaks of mysteries that are partially revealed to humanity. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel is given visions that are not fully understood until later times. Daniel 12:9 states, "Go on your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end." This sealing of words indicates a "half-open" revelation, where understanding is limited until God's appointed time for full disclosure.

The State of Being Between Two Conditions

The notion of being "half-open" can also be seen in the spiritual journey of individuals who are in transition between two states. In Revelation 3:15-16 , the church in Laodicea is admonished for being lukewarm: "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth." This rebuke highlights a "half-open" spiritual state, where the church is neither fully committed nor completely indifferent.

In summary, while the term "half-open" is not directly found in the biblical text, its thematic presence is evident in the partial understanding of spiritual truths, the condition of the heart, the unfolding of divine mysteries, and the transitional states of spiritual commitment. These concepts encourage believers to seek a fuller revelation and deeper commitment to their faith.

Jesus Hanging on the Cross Between Two Thieves.
... terrible crown of thorns, which prevented his raising it even for a moment without
the most intense suffering, his mouth parched and half open from exhaustion ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xli jesus hanging on.htm

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... as yet cover the face. She closed the half-open eyes of Jesus, and kept
her hand upon them for some time. She also closed the mouth ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter li the embalming of.htm

Wesley in Danger
... at the west end of the town, seeing a door half open, I made toward it and would
have gone in; but a gentleman in the shop would not suffer me, saying they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley in danger.htm

Two Fountains, one Stream
... for a poor soul from the blackness of sorrow, and the sharp grim rocks of despair,
to the smiling pastures of hope, with all their half-open blossoms, is ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/two fountains one stream.htm

Meanwhile Cardinal Bonpre had once More Reached his Own Apartments ...
... She fell back from him trembling, her full red mouth half open,"and her face paling
with terror. "Murder!" she whispered""Dio mio! Dio mio!". ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxx meanwhile cardinal bonpre had.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... "When gracious beams of holy light From heaven's half-open'd portals play, And from
our scene of suffering night Melts nigh its haunted gloom away; Each doubt ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

Useless Sacrifice
... You look, against the will of your smart and ostentatious guide, through a
half-open door, and see another sight"a room, dark and foul, mildewed and ruinous ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvi useless sacrifice.htm

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.
... blood appeared like dark marks; his cheeks became more sunken, his nose more pointed,
and his eyes, which were obscured with blood, remained but half open. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlv fifth sixth and.htm

Daily Bread
... A chestnut bough swings low, and with hospitable hand proffers a half-open burr,
out of which shine the glossy brown nuts. Sweet is the taste of the nuts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

Monos
... So puzzling vainly, I fell asleep, to awake, in the gray dawn, to the prettiest
idyllic picture, through the half-open door, of two kids dancing on a stone at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

Half-open (4 Occurrences)
Half-open. Half-homer, Half-open. Halfpenny . Multi-Version
Concordance Half-open (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings 6:18 And ...
/h/half-open.htm - 7k

Colocynths (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with colocynths and
half-open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. (DBY). ...
/c/colocynths.htm - 7k

Sculptures (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved
sculptures of cherubim, and palm-trees, and half-open flowers, within and without ...
/s/sculptures.htm - 6k

Half-homer (1 Occurrence)
Half-homer. Half-heartedly, Half-homer. Half-open . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Half-heartedly, Half-homer. Half-open . Reference Bible.
/h/half-homer.htm - 6k

Halfpenny (2 Occurrences)

/h/halfpenny.htm - 6k

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