In the context of the Bible, the act of staring can be understood as a fixed or intense gaze, often reflecting a range of emotions or intentions. While the term "stared" itself may not frequently appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept is present in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures. Staring can denote curiosity, amazement, judgment, or even hostility, depending on the context.

Biblical Instances and Contexts:

1. Curiosity and Amazement:
In the New Testament, the reaction of the people to Jesus' miracles and teachings often involved staring in amazement. For instance, when Jesus healed the paralytic, the crowd was filled with awe. Although the specific term "stared" is not used, the reaction of the people can be inferred as one of intense observation and wonder. This reflects the divine authority and power of Jesus, which often left onlookers in a state of astonishment.

2. Judgment and Hostility:
Staring can also be associated with judgment or hostility. In the Gospels, the Pharisees and other religious leaders often watched Jesus closely, seeking to find fault in Him. This intense scrutiny was not merely observational but was laden with critical intent. In Luke 6:7 , it is noted, "The scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely, to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse Him." Here, the act of watching or staring is tied to a desire to condemn.

3. Divine Encounter:
In the Old Testament, encounters with the divine often left individuals in a state of awe, leading them to gaze intently. For example, when Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the covenant, his face shone with the glory of God, and the Israelites stared at him in fear and wonder (Exodus 34:30). This reflects the transformative power of God's presence and the reverence it commands.

4. Prophetic Vision:
Prophets in the Bible often experienced visions that left them staring in awe or confusion. Daniel, for instance, had visions that were so intense and overwhelming that they left him physically affected and deeply contemplative (Daniel 8:27). The act of staring in this context is tied to receiving and processing divine revelation.

Theological Implications:

The act of staring in the biblical narrative often serves as a window into the human response to the divine, the miraculous, and the morally significant. It underscores the profound impact of God's actions and presence on humanity. Whether in awe, judgment, or revelation, the intense gaze reflects the heart's engagement with the divine narrative.

From a theological perspective, the instances of staring in the Bible invite believers to consider their own responses to God's work in the world. Are we, like the crowds, filled with wonder at His miracles? Do we, like the Pharisees, scrutinize with a critical spirit? Or are we, like the prophets, left in awe of His revelations? Each instance challenges the faithful to reflect on their posture before God and His unfolding account.(imp. & p. p.) of Stare.

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... And you," he continued, advancing a step toward the priests, who stared at him in
amazement, "You priests, guardians of the temple, can you see this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

The First Day his Father Resumed his Work, Diamond Went with Him ...
... Illness makes a great difference.". "Why, that girl must have been to the back of
the north wind!" thought Diamond, but he said nothing, only stared; and as he ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 27 the first day.htm

Of those Things in the 110Th Psalm which Relate to the Priesthood ...
... Yea, they looked and stared at me." [1095] By which words he certainly meant His
body stretched out on the cross, with the hands and feet pierced and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of those things in.htm

A visit from vigilantius
... was uncertain. Who is that youth from Nazareth?' asked Vigilantius. 'I fear
I stared at him too rudely, and made him blush. But my ...
/.../chapter xl a visit from.htm

Chapter twelve
... And the Rectangle from its windows, its saloon steps, its filthy sidewalk, gutter
and roadway, paused, and with undisguised wonder stared at the two girls. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twelve.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... I spurred my horse on, expecting to be in the high road in a moment; the horse,
however, snorted and stared wildly, and was evidently unwilling to cross the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ...
... Madame Patoux turned her warm red face round from the fire over which she was
bending, and stared at her precocious offspring aghast. "What! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ii lovely to a poet.htm

The Cardinal was Still in his Room Alone with the Boy Manuel...
... Henri and Babette were the first to stir. They got up from their knees, brushed
the dust of the floor from their clothes, and stared curiously at Fabien. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/vi the cardinal was still.htm

During These Various Changes in the Lives of those with whom He ...
... garden.'". Varillo raised himself on one elbow, and stared at the pale
face and smiling mouth of the speaker in fear and wonder. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxv during these various changes.htm

Meanwhile Cardinal Bonpre had once More Reached his Own Apartments ...
... The sobbing servants held their breath"and all stared as if fascinated at the young
boy, as after a pause, he took Angela's hand that hung so inertly down ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxx meanwhile cardinal bonpre had.htm

Stared (3 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Stare. Multi-Version Concordance Stared (3 Occurrences). John
13:22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. (See NIV) ...
/s/stared.htm - 7k

Stare (4 Occurrences)

/s/stare.htm - 8k

Stares (1 Occurrence)

/s/stares.htm - 6k

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