The term "askance" is not directly found in the Bible; however, its meaning and implications can be explored through various biblical narratives and teachings. "Askance" generally refers to a look of suspicion, disapproval, or distrust. In the context of Scripture, this attitude can be seen in the interactions between individuals and in the responses to divine actions or commands.

Biblical Instances of Suspicion and Disapproval

1. Cain and Abel: In Genesis 4, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates an attitude akin to looking askance. Cain's offering was not regarded by the Lord, leading to his anger and eventual murder of his brother Abel. The Lord's response to Cain's demeanor is telling: "Why are you angry, and why is your face downcast?" (Genesis 4:6). Cain's reaction to God's favor towards Abel's offering can be seen as a metaphorical look askance, filled with jealousy and disapproval.

2. The Pharisees and Jesus: Throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees often looked askance at Jesus and His teachings. Their suspicion and disapproval are evident in passages such as Matthew 12:14, where they conspire against Him after He heals on the Sabbath: "But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus" . Their inability to accept Jesus' authority and divinity led to a constant attitude of skepticism and hostility.

3. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites frequently exhibited an askance attitude towards Moses and God's provision during their journey in the wilderness. In Exodus 16:2-3, the congregation grumbles against Moses and Aaron, questioning God's care and provision: "The whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness" . Their suspicion and lack of trust in God's plan reflect a broader theme of disapproval and doubt.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, looking askance can be seen as a lack of faith or trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Bible consistently calls believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . An askance attitude, therefore, stands in contrast to the biblical call for faith and trust.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The moral teachings of the Bible encourage believers to avoid suspicion and disapproval without cause. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-2 warns against judgmental attitudes: "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you" . This principle underscores the importance of approaching others with grace and understanding rather than suspicion and disapproval.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate an attitude of trust and openness, both towards God and others. This involves seeking to understand rather than immediately suspect, and to extend grace rather than disapproval. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, exhorts believers to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), which stands in opposition to an askance perspective.

In summary, while the term "askance" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its implications are woven throughout Scripture, challenging believers to trust in God and approach others with a spirit of grace and understanding.1. (adv.) With an indirect meaning; with suspicion or mistrust; skeptically, suspiciously.

2. (v. t.) To turn aside.

At the Foot of the Bamboos
... The Chinese converts at first looked quite askance at what appeared to them an
effort to supersede their highly venerated Chinese character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/v at the foot of.htm

Introduction
... origin of the sect. The Montanists did not look askance at voluntary martyrdom,
but rather encouraged it. [412] The Montanist movement ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction 4.htm

Confession and Absolution
... a tax-gatherer, probably one of the most extortionate of his class, for the Pharisee
seems to hint as much; and I doubt not he cast his eye askance at this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/confession and absolution.htm

The Demoniac of Gadara
... A mixed race was there, indifferent to religion, rearing great herds of swine, upon
which the law looked askance, but the profits of which they held so dear ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 1-20 the demoniac of.htm

What, Then, is Justice? we Distinctly Remember what in the Course ...
... deception arising from appearance, and thus drift away to the opposite; as happened,
we are told in the heathen fable, to the dog which looked askance at the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxi what then is.htm

Of Liberality. ...
... the Church had redeemed. They themselves were harder than slavery itself
to look askance at another's mercy. If they themselves ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xv of liberality .htm

The Breach with Gregory of Nazianzus.
... He probably looked askance at the orthodoxy of Basil. Basil would never have called
him homopsuchos (Ep. ccx.. 5) if he had been unsound on the incarnation. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/vii the breach with gregory of.htm

With whom we are to Associate.
... but in those wretches which are a burden on the earth, and overlook the chaste widow,
who is of far higher value than a Melit??an pup, and look askance at a ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv with whom we are.htm

Letter xxxviii. To Marcella.
... Therefore, if the scorpion looks askance upon her purpose, and with alluring words
tempts her once more to eat of the forbidden tree, she must crush him ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxviii to marcella.htm

Sanctification
... If you speak of holiness men look askance at you, and yet holiness is simply wholeness
or healthfulness and is to the soul what health is to the body. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/sanctification.htm

Askance (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Askance (1 Occurrence). Psalms 68:16 Why look ye askance,
ye high mountains, At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode? ...
/a/askance.htm - 6k

Ask (1255 Occurrences)

/a/ask.htm - 9k

Peaks (5 Occurrences)
... Bashan. (See JPS NAS). Psalms 68:16 Why look ye askance, ye high mountains,
At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode? Yea ...
/p/peaks.htm - 7k

Asked (1840 Occurrences)

/a/asked.htm - 6k

Judah (802 Occurrences)
... The sons of Joseph evidently looked askance upon Judah's promotion, and their own
claims to hegemony were backed by considerable resources (49:22;). ...
/j/judah.htm - 101k

Desired (144 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 68:16 Why look ye askance, ye high mountains, At the mountain which
God hath desired for his abode? Yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever. ...
/d/desired.htm - 34k

Abode (112 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 68:16 Why look ye askance, ye high mountains, At the mountain which
God hath desired for his abode? Yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever. ...
/a/abode.htm - 36k

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