The term "searcheth" is an archaic form of the verb "search," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often describing the divine action of God examining the hearts and minds of individuals. This concept is central to understanding God's omniscience and His intimate involvement in the lives of His creation.

Biblical Usage

1. Divine Omniscience: The Bible frequently uses the term "searcheth" to describe God's all-knowing nature. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "search" is "חָקַר" (chaqar), which conveys the idea of thorough investigation or examination. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent is "ἐρευνάω" (ereunao).

2. God's Examination of Hearts: One of the most profound uses of "searcheth" is in the context of God examining the hearts of men. In Jeremiah 17:10 , it is written, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This passage highlights God's ability to discern the true intentions and motivations of individuals, beyond outward appearances.

3. The Spirit's Role: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is also described as one who searches. Romans 8:27 states, "And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Here, the Spirit's role in intercession is linked to His deep understanding of human hearts and God's will.

4. Wisdom and Understanding: The concept of searching is also associated with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 25:2 declares, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This suggests that while God may conceal certain truths, it is the responsibility and honor of individuals, particularly leaders, to diligently seek out understanding.

5. Human Responsibility: While God is the ultimate searcher of hearts, humans are also called to search their own hearts and lives. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer of David, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." This reflects a posture of humility and openness to divine correction and guidance.

Theological Implications

The use of "searcheth" in Scripture underscores several key theological themes:

· God's Sovereignty: God's ability to search and know all things affirms His sovereign rule over creation. Nothing is hidden from His sight, and His judgments are based on perfect knowledge.

· Moral Accountability: The fact that God searches the hearts of individuals implies a level of moral accountability. Humans are accountable not only for their actions but also for their thoughts and intentions.

· Intimacy with God: The idea that God searches the hearts of His people suggests a deep, personal relationship. God is not distant or detached but is actively involved in the lives of His followers, guiding and shaping them according to His purposes.

· Call to Self-Examination: Believers are encouraged to engage in self-examination, inviting God to reveal areas in need of growth or repentance. This aligns with the biblical call to holiness and transformation.

In summary, the concept of "searcheth" in the Bible reveals the depth of God's knowledge and His active role in the moral and spiritual lives of individuals. It calls believers to live transparently before God, seeking His wisdom and aligning their lives with His will.

October 11. "And He that Searcheth the Hearts Knoweth what is the ...
... "And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because
He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 11 and he that.htm

We Shall Follow the Example of Abdemelech, if we Believe that the ...
... Lastly, that the Spirit searcheth the deep things of God is not a mark of ignorance,
since the Father and the Son are likewise said to search, and Paul ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi we shall follow.htm

Heaven
... But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all
things, yea, the deep things of God.""1 Corinthians 2:9-10. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/heaven.htm

The Holy Spirit Our Helper in Prayer
... "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth ... "But God hath revealed them unto us by
his spirit; for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the reality of prayer/xiv the holy spirit our.htm

Psalm VII.
... but it is said also, "Let the righteous become more righteous;" he joins on the
words, "And Thou shalt direct the righteous, O God, who searcheth the hearts ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm vii.htm

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... We read in 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11, "But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit:
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter i the personality of.htm

Psalm LIII.
... such manner, that what by the gift of God a creature doth, God is said to
do....For hence has been said the following also, "For the Spirit searcheth all ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm liii.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... has the Spirit is also as plainly evident by the context: verses 10-12" "God hath
revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply ...
... its perfection: For "No man knoweth the Son but the Father, neither knoweth any
man the Father but the Son": and the Holy Spirit is he who "searcheth the deep ...
/.../2 nevertheless a necessity as.htm

The Source of Power in Prayer.
... And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because
he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/xii the source of power.htm

Searcheth (12 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Searcheth (12 Occurrences). Romans 8:27 And he
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the ...
/s/searcheth.htm - 10k

Hidden (181 Occurrences)
...searcheth out all hidden things in the secrets of the earth," the Revised Version
(British and American) "He who made all things and searcheth out hidden ...
/h/hidden.htm - 39k

Perfection (30 Occurrences)
... or "perfection (Psalm 119:96); takhlith (twice), "end," "completeness" (Job 11:7,
"Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?" 28:3, "searcheth out all ...
/p/perfection.htm - 25k

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with
a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts ...
/u/understandeth.htm - 13k

Goodwill (5 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favour; but he that
searcheth for evil, it shall come unto him. (See NIV). ...
/g/goodwill.htm - 7k

Wholehearted (8 Occurrences)
... 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with
a whole heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searcheth all hearts ...
/w/wholehearted.htm - 8k

Ranges (5 Occurrences)
... the LORD. (KJV WBS). Job 39:8 The range of the mountains is his pasture,
and he searcheth after every green thing. (See RSV NIV). ...
/r/ranges.htm - 9k

Reins (15 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall
know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give ...
/r/reins.htm - 13k

Displeasing (31 Occurrences)
... Let it not be displeasing in the eyes of my lord that I am not able to rise at thy
presence, for the way of women 'is' on me;' and he searcheth, and hath not ...
/d/displeasing.htm - 16k

Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God ...
/m/maketh.htm - 34k

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