Investigating
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Definition and Context
Investigating, in a biblical context, refers to the act of seeking knowledge, understanding, or truth through careful examination and inquiry. This concept is deeply rooted in the pursuit of wisdom and discernment, which are highly valued in Scripture. The Bible encourages believers to seek truth and understanding, both in spiritual matters and in daily life.

Biblical Examples and Principles
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who engaged in investigation to gain deeper insight into God's will and truth. One prominent example is the Bereans, who are commended for their diligent investigation of the Scriptures. Acts 17:11 states, "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." This passage highlights the importance of verifying teachings against the Word of God.

Another example is King Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom and understanding. Solomon's pursuit of knowledge is evident in his request for wisdom from God, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:9 : "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" Solomon's desire to investigate and discern reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes.

The Role of Investigation in Faith
Investigation plays a crucial role in the life of a believer, as it fosters a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His Word. Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This verse suggests that God delights in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding, as it leads us closer to Him.

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of testing and discerning spiritual truths. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This call to investigation ensures that believers remain grounded in truth and are not led astray by false teachings.

Practical Application
In practical terms, investigating involves studying the Scriptures, seeking counsel from wise and godly individuals, and praying for discernment. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God is willing to provide the insight needed for understanding His will.

Furthermore, investigation requires a humble and teachable spirit, as seen in Proverbs 2:3-5 : "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage underscores the value of earnest seeking and the rewards of gaining divine wisdom.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "investigating," the principles of seeking truth, wisdom, and understanding are woven throughout its teachings. Believers are encouraged to engage in thoughtful examination of Scripture and to seek God's guidance in all areas of life, ensuring that their faith is rooted in truth and aligned with God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Investigate.
Greek
350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate
... completing a ," which intensifies 2919 , "to select by separating/judging") -- properly,
to by vigorously judging "down to up," ie (investigating) through "the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/350.htm - 8k
Strong's Hebrew
995. bin -- to discern
... gives understanding (1), has understanding (6), have understanding (1),
have...understanding (1), intelligent (1), interpret (1), investigating (1), learned ( ...
/hebrew/995.htm - 7k
Library

In Investigating the Truth the Philosophers have Broken through ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XXVI. In investigating the
truth the philosophers have broken through their own rules.? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxvi in investigating the.htm

Celsus, Therefore, not Investigating in a Spirit of Impartiality ...
... Chapter VI. Celsus, therefore, not investigating in a spirit of impartiality
the facts? Celsus, therefore, not investigating in ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter vi celsus therefore not.htm

The Heretics, from their Disbelief of the Truth, have Fallen into ...
... Heresies: Book II Chapter XI."The heretics, from their disbelief of the truth, have
fallen into an abyss of error: reasons for investigating their systems. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xi the heretics from their.htm

Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder
... The inner circle of "Spirituals" which we are now engaged in investigating was never
numerically large or impressive, nor was it in the public mind well ...
/.../chapter iii two prophets of.htm

Authorities in Support of the Council. Theognostus; Dionysius of ...
... Theognostus then, after previously investigating in the way of an exercise [926] ,
proceeds to lay down his sentiments in the foregoing words. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vi authorities in support of.htm

The Preacher as a Thinker.
... Paul's person, must have gone as a great intellectual awakening, which taught men
to use their minds in investigating the profoundest problems of life. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ix the preacher as.htm

Extracts No. Ii.
... There can be no harm, therefore, in investigating this subject in the same way
and on the same principles, as I would investigate all subjects. ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no ii.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... of the? Chapter XXVI. In investigating the truth the philosophers have
broken through their own rules.? Chapter XXVII. The first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... and quickening influence of the Spirit of God, without whom nothing divine can be
received or understood, was to be left the work of investigating the divine ...
/.../epistle of paul to the.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... All that is, or that can fairly be, claimed, in investigating the question before
us, is, that the various precepts and arguments, along with the uniform ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

Thesaurus
Investigating (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Investigate. Multi-Version
Concordance Investigating (2 Occurrences). Ezra 10:17 They ...
/i/investigating.htm - 7k

Investigation (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of investigating; the process of inquiring
into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. ...
/i/investigation.htm - 8k

Investigated (6 Occurrences)

/i/investigated.htm - 8k

Shabbethai (3 Occurrences)
... Sabbath-born, a Levite who assisted in expounding the law and investigating into
the illegal marriages of the Jews (Ezra 10:15; Nehemiah 8:7; 11:16). Int. ...
/s/shabbethai.htm - 9k

Resources
How should Christians view Disney? | GotQuestions.org

What are some exciting discoveries in biblical archaeology? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Areopagus? | GotQuestions.org

Investigating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Investigating (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 10:17
They made an end with all the men who had married foreign women by the first day of the first month.
(See NAS)

Job 11:11
For he knows false men. He sees iniquity also, even though he doesn't consider it.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Investigating

Related Terms

Question (153 Occurrences)

Investigate (11 Occurrences)

Latin (2 Occurrences)

Examination (10 Occurrences)

Syriac (2 Occurrences)

Version

Text (5 Occurrences)

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Psychology

Malefactor (2 Occurrences)

Nehelamite (4 Occurrences)

Visitation (17 Occurrences)

Noble (61 Occurrences)

Learn (76 Occurrences)

Goel

Inquisition (5 Occurrences)

Inquiry (15 Occurrences)

Investigator (1 Occurrence)

Investigating (2 Occurrences)

Information (14 Occurrences)

Facts (11 Occurrences)

Tools (3 Occurrences)

Refer (4 Occurrences)

Equal (70 Occurrences)

Evidence (41 Occurrences)

Examine (48 Occurrences)

Maid-servant (49 Occurrences)

Pan (26 Occurrences)

Profound (7 Occurrences)

Commentary (2 Occurrences)

Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)

Commencement (22 Occurrences)

Connected (11 Occurrences)

Apocryphal

Almost (27 Occurrences)

Attack (221 Occurrences)

Scourging (5 Occurrences)

Scourge (24 Occurrences)

Science (1 Occurrence)

Special (89 Occurrences)

Sabbateus

General (9 Occurrences)

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Johannine

Ezra (28 Occurrences)

Account (460 Occurrences)

Hebrew (37 Occurrences)

Code (6 Occurrences)

Careful (130 Occurrences)

Apocrypha

Ethics

Abiathar (29 Occurrences)

Government (20 Occurrences)

Chronology

Really (100 Occurrences)

Care (466 Occurrences)

Ezranehemiah

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Ezra-nehemiah

Canon

Arrest (22 Occurrences)

Trial (45 Occurrences)

Magus

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Old (3966 Occurrences)

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Proper (62 Occurrences)

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Apostle (25 Occurrences)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Persecution (22 Occurrences)

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Investigated
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