The term "inwardly" in the Bible often refers to the inner life of a person, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and spiritual condition. It contrasts with outward appearances or actions, emphasizing the importance of the heart and mind in one's relationship with God.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Heart and Mind: The Bible frequently highlights the significance of the heart and mind in one's spiritual life. Inwardly, a person may harbor thoughts and intentions that are not immediately visible to others but are fully known to God. Jeremiah 17:10 states, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This verse underscores God's focus on the inward condition rather than mere external actions.

2. Hypocrisy and Authenticity: Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for their outward displays of piety that masked inward corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage highlights the danger of focusing solely on external appearances while neglecting inward purity and sincerity.

3. Transformation and Renewal: The New Testament emphasizes the transformation of the inner person through the work of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 encourages believers, "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." This transformation begins inwardly, affecting one's thoughts and attitudes, leading to outward changes in behavior.

4. Inner Peace and Joy: The Bible also speaks of the inward peace and joy that come from a relationship with God. Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is an inward reality that transcends external circumstances, rooted in trust and faith in God.

5. Inward Struggle and Sin: The Apostle Paul describes the inward struggle with sin in Romans 7:22-23 , "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. But I see another law at work in my body, waging war against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me." This passage reflects the internal conflict believers may experience as they strive to live according to God's will while battling sinful desires.

Theological Implications

The focus on the inward life in Scripture underscores the importance of sincerity, authenticity, and integrity in one's faith journey. It calls believers to examine their hearts and minds, seeking transformation through the Holy Spirit. The inward condition is crucial in determining one's true spiritual state, as God values the heart's intentions over mere outward compliance with religious norms.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to cultivate an inward life that aligns with God's will, characterized by genuine love, humility, and faith. This involves regular self-examination, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for inner renewal. By prioritizing the inward over the outward, Christians can develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, reflecting His character in their lives.1. (adv.) In the inner parts; internally.

2. (adv.) Toward the center; inward; as, to curve inwardly.

3. (adv.) In the heart or mind; mentally; privately; secret/y; as, he inwardly repines.

4. (adv.) Intimately; thoroughly.

4913. sunedomai -- to rejoice together
... to rejoice together. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sunedomai Phonetic Spelling:
(soon-ay'-dom-ahee) Short Definition: I delight inwardly in Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4913.htm - 7k

2081. esothen -- from within
... soul. Word Origin from eso Definition from within NASB Word Usage inside
(6), inwardly (2), within (4). inwardly, from within. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2081.htm - 6k

1573. ekkakeo -- faint, be weary.
... 1573 (from 1537 , " and " and 2556 , "inwardly bad") -- properly, to be
negatively influenced with the of experiencing inner . Word ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1573.htm - 7k

2153. eusebos -- piously
... Cognate: 2153 (from 2152 , "inward piety") -- venerably, inwardly pious (devout).
Word Origin adverb from eusebes Definition piously NASB Word Usage godly (2). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2153.htm - 6k

2556. kakos -- bad, evil
... 2556 (an adjective, and the root of 2549 , "inner malice") -- properly, inwardly , ();
(figuratively) inner flowing out of a character (= the "rot is already ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2556.htm - 7k

5545. chrisma -- an anointing, unction
... See 5548 (). [This anointing functions through (4102 ), ie God inwardly the
believer of His preferences (cf. also Hab 2:1-4; 1 Jn 5:4).]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5545.htm - 7k

2927. kruptos -- hidden
... Word Origin from krupto Definition hidden NASB Word Usage hidden (5), inwardly
(1), secret (7), secrets (2), things hidden (2). hidden, inward, secret. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2927.htm - 6k

7130. qereb -- inward part, midst
... 2), entrails (20), heart (1), herself (1), inner thought (1), inside (1), inward
feelings (1), inward part (1), inward thought (1), inwardly (2), middle (2 ...
/hebrew/7130.htm - 6k

926. bahal -- to disturb, terrify
... A primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), ie (figuratively) be (causative,
make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously ...
/hebrew/926.htm - 6k

What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER II What the truth saith inwardly
without noise of words. Speak Lord, for thy servant ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii what the truth.htm

The Second Chapter: Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of ...
... BOOK THREE. INTERNAL CONSOLATION The Second Chapter: Truth Speaks Inwardly
Without the Sound of Words. The Disciple SPEAK, Lord, for ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the second chapter truth speaks.htm

Whether God Alone, or the Minister Also, Works Inwardly unto the ...
... OF THE CAUSES OF THE SACRAMENTS (TEN ARTICLES) Whether God alone, or the
minister also, works inwardly unto the sacramental effect? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god alone or the.htm

Whether Idolatry is a Sin?
... iii), that "God is worshipped by faith, hope and charity." Now a man may happen
to worship idols outwardly, and yet not wander from the true faith inwardly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether idolatry is a sin.htm

Whether Faith is Infused into Man by God?
... some do not. Hence we must assert another internal cause, which moves
man inwardly to assent to matters of faith. The Pelagians ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith is infused into.htm

First Sunday in Lent
... ye are God's husbandry, God's building." That is, we labor upon you with the external
Word"teaching and admonishing; but God, working inwardly through the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

Psalm XCVIII.
... Who is he who is healed unto Him? He who is healed inwardly. Who is he
that is healed inwardly? He who trusteth in Him, that when ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcviii.htm

Revelations of Divine Love
... Therefore He saith thus: Pray inwardly, [133] though thee thinketh it savour thee
not: for it is profitable, though thou feel not, though thou see nought; yea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xli.htm

On the Feast of St Agatha, or the Holy virgins
... second qualification is, that she must guard herself diligently against worldly
customs and conduct, and against all harmful habits, both outwardly and inwardly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon viii on the feast.htm

Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
... to suffer, and to bear heavy burdens, and to bow down humbly beneath the mighty
hand of God; he must be afflicted outwardly and inwardly, from wheresoever his ...
/.../xxii sermon for the twelfth.htm

Inwardly (12 Occurrences)
... 2. (adv.) Toward the center; inward; as, to curve inwardly. 3. (adv.) In the heart
or mind; mentally; privately; secret/y; as, he inwardly repines. ...
/i/inwardly.htm - 10k

Inwards (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Into, or toward, the mind or thoughts; inwardly; as, to turn the attention
inward. 3. (adv.) See Inward. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/i/inwards.htm - 14k

Inward (43 Occurrences)
... Its adverbial equivalent in Biblical use is "inwardly." INWARD MAN (which see) is
identical in meaning. ... They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. ...
/i/inward.htm - 21k

Outwardly (7 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. (WEB ASV DBY YLT RSV). ...
/o/outwardly.htm - 8k

Appear (111 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/a/appear.htm - 39k

Hypocrisy (11 Occurrences)
... 29; 24:51); but, in general, the meaning is acting a part, false, deceptive and
deceived, formally and outwardly religious and good, but inwardly insincere and ...
/h/hypocrisy.htm - 14k

Full (1047 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/f/full.htm - 36k

Unclean (393 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/u/unclean.htm - 39k

Outward (17 Occurrences)
... For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly
are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. ...
/o/outward.htm - 13k

Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... Psalms 62:4 They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight
in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. ...
/l/lofty.htm - 20k

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Inwardly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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