Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "saw" is often used figuratively to convey deeper spiritual truths and insights. This figurative use of "saw" is not merely about physical sight but involves spiritual perception, understanding, and revelation. The concept of seeing in a spiritual sense is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of discernment and insight granted by God.Spiritual Insight and Revelation One of the primary figurative uses of "saw" in the Bible is to describe the spiritual insight or revelation given by God to His people. In the Old Testament, prophets often "saw" visions from God, which were divine revelations meant to guide, warn, or instruct the people of Israel. For instance, Isaiah 1:1 states, "This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." Here, "saw" indicates a prophetic vision, a divine message received through spiritual insight. Understanding and Perception In the New Testament, the concept of seeing is frequently associated with understanding and perception. Jesus often used the metaphor of sight to describe spiritual awareness. In Matthew 13:13 , Jesus explains, "This is why I speak to them in parables: 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.'" Here, "seeing" refers to the ability to perceive and understand spiritual truths, which some people lack despite having physical sight. Faith and Belief The figurative use of "saw" is also linked to faith and belief. In John 20:29 , Jesus tells Thomas, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." This passage highlights the distinction between physical sight and spiritual belief. While Thomas saw the risen Christ and believed, Jesus commends those who have faith without the need for physical evidence, emphasizing the spiritual nature of true belief. Blindness and Spiritual Darkness Conversely, the Bible uses the concept of blindness to describe a lack of spiritual insight or understanding. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 , Paul writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Here, blindness is a metaphor for spiritual darkness and the inability to perceive the truth of the Gospel. Transformation and Renewal The transformative power of spiritual sight is evident in the conversion of Saul, later known as Paul. In Acts 9:18 , after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, "Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized." This physical restoration of sight symbolizes the spiritual awakening and renewal that Paul experienced, marking his transition from spiritual blindness to enlightenment and faith. Conclusion The figurative use of "saw" in the Bible underscores the importance of spiritual perception and understanding. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine revelation and insight to truly comprehend the truths of God. Through the metaphor of sight, Scripture calls believers to seek spiritual discernment and to walk in the light of God's truth. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 10:15Shall the ax boast itself against him that hews therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shakes it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take... Or nacah (Psalm 'eb: 'abad ('abad)) {naw-saw'}; a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel. ... /hebrew/5375.htm - 8k 5590. saar -- to storm, rage 5582. saad -- to support, sustain, stay 5549. salal -- to lift up, cast up Library A Figurative Description of the Procedure of Divine Love Figurative Interpretation of the Same. The Figurative Language of Scripture. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ... Meditation viii. Institution of the Holy Eucharist. What those who were to be Initiated Promised on Entering the ... And Whereas Celsus Ought to have Recognised the Love of Truth ... Letter clxxx. (AD 416. ) Meditation ii. The Supper-Room. 'Physicians of no Value' Resources How should a Christian respond to people who claim, “I saw Jesus”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”? | GotQuestions.org Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org Saw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |