In biblical literature, the term "insides" often refers to the inner parts of a person, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It encompasses the heart, mind, and soul, which are central to understanding human nature and spirituality from a biblical perspective.

Physical Insides

The Bible occasionally references the physical insides of a person, often in the context of sacrifices and offerings. In the Old Testament, the inner parts of animals were used in various sacrificial rites. For example, in Leviticus 3:3-4 , it is written: "From the peace offering, he is to present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on them, both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys."

These passages highlight the importance of the insides in the sacrificial system, symbolizing the offering of one's innermost being to God.

Metaphorical Insides

More frequently, the Bible uses "insides" metaphorically to describe the inner life of a person, including thoughts, emotions, and spiritual condition. The heart, often synonymous with the insides, is a focal point in Scripture. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." Here, the heart represents the core of one's being, influencing actions and decisions.

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the transformation of the insides through faith in Christ. In Matthew 23:25-26 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well." This passage underscores the necessity of inner purity over mere external compliance with religious rituals.

Spiritual Insides

The concept of the insides extends to the spiritual realm, where it is associated with the soul and spirit. The psalmist often speaks of the soul's longing for God, as in Psalm 42:1-2 : "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" This longing reflects the deep spiritual insides yearning for communion with the Creator.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the transformation of the insides through the Holy Spirit. In Romans 12:2 , he writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." The renewal of the mind signifies a profound change in one's insides, aligning them with God's will.

Conclusion

The biblical understanding of insides encompasses the physical, metaphorical, and spiritual dimensions of human existence. It calls for a holistic approach to faith, where the transformation of the heart, mind, and soul is paramount in one's relationship with God.

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
... When he sacrificed, the insides of the victims (as the beasts offered in sacrifice
were called) were said to look in such a way as to show that the gods were ...
/.../chapter ix from gallienus to.htm

Copies of Christ's Manner
... of his attitudes or the peculiarities of his way of looking at things"only,
unfortunately, outsides are a good deal more easily imitated than insides. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/copies of christs manner.htm

John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... the fitting set of duties and system of opinions, underprop their religion with
sacred performances; "chameleon-like, they even turn their insides to whatever ...
/.../chapter xvi john smith platonistan.htm

Insides (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Insides (1 Occurrence). Exodus 29:22 Then take
the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the ...
/i/insides.htm - 6k

Insight (39 Occurrences)

/i/insight.htm - 16k

Joining (43 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Then take the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the
insides, and the fat joining the liver and the two kidneys with the fat round ...
/j/joining.htm - 19k

Broad (113 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) The spread of a river into a sheet of water; a flooded fen. 13. (n.) A
lathe tool for turning down the insides and bottoms of cylinders. Int. ...
/b/broad.htm - 40k

Leg (24 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Then take the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the
insides, and the fat joining the liver and the two kidneys with the fat round ...
/l/leg.htm - 19k

Covering (191 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Then take the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the
insides, and the fat joining the liver and the two kidneys with the fat round ...
/c/covering.htm - 39k

Inside (185 Occurrences)

/i/inside.htm - 36k

Marked (163 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Then take the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the
insides, and the fat joining the liver and the two kidneys with the fat round ...
/m/marked.htm - 38k

Offering (850 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:22 Then take the fat of the sheep, the fat tail, the fat covering the
insides, and the fat joining the liver and the two kidneys with the fat round ...
/o/offering.htm - 39k

Insides: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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