Definition and Usage in Scripture:
In the Bible, the term "imaginations" often refers to the thoughts, plans, or schemes of the human heart and mind. It is frequently used in a negative context, highlighting the sinful or rebellious nature of human thinking apart from God. The Hebrew word often translated as "imaginations" is "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת" (machashavot), which can mean thoughts, plans, or devices. In the New Testament, the Greek word "διαλογισμοί" (dialogismoi) is used, which can mean reasonings or thoughts.

Old Testament References:
The concept of imaginations is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 6:5, it is written, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." Here, imaginations are linked to the inherent sinfulness of humanity, which led to the judgment of the flood.

In Jeremiah 7:24, the prophet laments, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." This passage underscores the tendency of the Israelites to follow their own imaginations rather than God's commandments, leading to spiritual decline.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, imaginations are addressed in the context of spiritual warfare and the renewal of the mind. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Here, imaginations are seen as obstacles to knowing God, which must be overcome through spiritual discipline and submission to Christ.

Romans 1:21 also speaks to the futility of human imaginations apart from God: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This passage highlights the consequences of rejecting God, leading to futile and darkened imaginations.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, imaginations reflect the inner workings of the human heart and mind, which are naturally inclined toward sin due to the Fall. The Bible teaches that apart from divine intervention, human imaginations are prone to evil and rebellion against God. This underscores the need for regeneration and the renewing of the mind through the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds against sinful imaginations and to cultivate thoughts that are pleasing to God. Philippians 4:8 provides guidance: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on virtuous and godly thoughts, Christians can align their imaginations with God's will.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the power and influence of human imaginations, it also offers a path to redemption and transformation through Christ. By submitting our thoughts to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, we can overcome the sinful inclinations of our imaginations and live in accordance with God's truth.4112. plastos -- formed, molded
... contrived. 4112 ("plastic, fabricated"), used only in 2 Pet 2:3, refers
to " to suit their vain imaginations" (M. Vincent). That ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4112.htm - 7k4906. maskith -- a showpiece, figure, imagination
... Definition a showpiece, figure, imagination NASB Word Usage carved images (1), figured
(1), figured stones (1), imagination (1), imaginations (1), settings (1 ...
/hebrew/4906.htm - 6k

How a Religious Man Should Commit Himself to God in all ...
... Above all it is important for you to keep your mind bare - without imaginations
and images and free of any sort of entanglement, so that you are not concerned ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 8 how a religious.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... the Truth of what hath been said upon this Subject, design to consider particularly
those several Schemes, and various Hopes, which the Imaginations of Men ...
/.../sermon viii hebrews x 26.htm

Of Scrupulosity Arising from Certain Inward Temptations. ...
... inward temptations which do ordinarily afford matter of fear and scrupulosity to
well-minded tender souls are, first, either such ill imaginations or thoughts ...
/.../chapter ix of scrupulosity arising.htm

Anti-Methodistic Attitude.
... They mistake imaginations for divine revelations. And the sensation rising from
such imaginations they regard as effects of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-methodistic attitude.htm

A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse.
... over me; so shall I be undefiled, and innocent from the great offence." [2916] And
the apostle too, in another place: "Casting down imaginations, and every ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/ii a synopsis of some.htm

section ii.
... and devour me; and therefore Defenda me Dios de me, "Lord deliver me from my self,"
is a part of my Letany, and the first voice of my retired imaginations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii 2.htm

On Purity of Heart which is to be Sought Above all Things
... so far as possible, you can keep the doors of your heart resolutely barred to the
forms and images of the physical senses and worldly imaginations by shutting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 5 on purity of.htm

That the Devout Man Should Cleave to God with Naked Understanding ...
... So learn to withdraw from imaginations and the images of physical things, since
what pleases God above everything is a mind bare of those sorts of forms and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 6 that the devout.htm

That one Should not be Concerned About Feeling Tangible Devotion ...
... For what pleases God above everything is a mind free from imaginations, that
is images, ideas and the representations of created things. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 10 that one should.htm

St John the Baptist
... What, then, was John the Baptist like? What picture of him and his character
can we form to ourselves in our own imaginations? for ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxviii st john the.htm

Imaginations (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Imaginations (9 Occurrences). Romans 1:21 Because
that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God ...
/i/imaginations.htm - 9k

Imagination (20 Occurrences)
... 13:10; Jeremiah 16:12; Jeremiah 18:12; Jeremiah 23:17); in Psalm 81:12 the King
James Version it is, "lust," margin "hardness or imaginations"; 3 times of ...
/i/imagination.htm - 16k

Imagine (24 Occurrences)

/i/imagine.htm - 14k

Understands (16 Occurrences)
... the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind;
for Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the ...
/u/understands.htm - 10k

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for
the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the ...
/u/understandeth.htm - 13k

Obstacle (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted
against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to ...
/o/obstacle.htm - 8k

Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted
against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to ...
/l/lofty.htm - 20k

Goldsmith (6 Occurrences)
... of gold work from the earliest Egyptian periods are so numerous in the museums of
the world that we do not have to draw on our imaginations to appreciate the ...
/g/goldsmith.htm - 12k

Wholehearted (8 Occurrences)
... God of thy father, and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind; for
the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the ...
/w/wholehearted.htm - 8k

Foolish (259 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish ...
/f/foolish.htm - 36k

Is it wrong to have pictures of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

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