Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope: Comprehension, in a biblical context, refers to the ability to understand and grasp the meaning of God's Word, His nature, and His will for humanity. It involves both intellectual understanding and spiritual insight, which are gifts from God. Comprehension is essential for believers to grow in faith, discern truth, and live according to God's commandments. Biblical Basis: The Bible emphasizes the importance of comprehension in several passages. In Proverbs 2:2-5, the pursuit of wisdom and understanding is encouraged: "making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage highlights the active pursuit of comprehension as a means to know God more deeply. In the New Testament, comprehension is linked to spiritual maturity and discernment. The Apostle Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus, saying, "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18). Here, comprehension is portrayed as a divine enlightenment that enables believers to grasp the spiritual realities of their faith. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in aiding comprehension. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, helping believers to understand and apply God's Word to their lives. In 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, Paul explains that spiritual truths are discerned through the Spirit: "We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." Challenges to Comprehension: Several factors can hinder comprehension, including spiritual blindness, hardness of heart, and worldly distractions. Jesus addressed these obstacles in the Parable of the Sower, where He explained that the seed (the Word of God) can be snatched away, fall on rocky ground, or be choked by thorns, representing various barriers to understanding (Matthew 13:18-23). Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to seek comprehension through prayer, study, and meditation on Scripture. James 1:5 assures that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Regular engagement with the Bible, participation in communal worship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit are vital practices for enhancing comprehension. Conclusion: Comprehension is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires both divine assistance and human effort. It is foundational for spiritual growth, enabling believers to live faithfully and effectively as followers of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of understanding, knowing, containing, or comprising; inclusion.2. (n.) That which is comprehended or enclosed within narrow limits; a summary; an epitome. 3. (n.) The capacity of the mind to perceive and understand; the power, act, or process of grasping with the intellect; perception; understanding; as, a comprehension of abstract principles. 4. (n.) The complement of attributes which make up the notion signified by a general term. 5. (n.) A figure by which the name of a whole is put for a part, or that of a part for a whole, or a definite number for an indefinite. Greek 4908. sunetos -- intelligent ... works in keeping with . " comprehension" (4908 ) however is only sound when it follows God's word. 4908 ("understanding") from faith ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4908.htm - 7k 3563. nous -- mind, understanding, reason Library Whether Comprehension is Necessary for Happiness? In what Respect Philosophy Contributes to the Comprehension of ... What Augustin Requests from his Readers. The Errors of Readers ... In Regard to Things Above Our Comprehension, we Should Glorify the ... Whether Three Dowries of the Soul are Suitably Assigned? Whether those who See the Essence of God Comprehend Him? Whether Christ was a Perfect Comprehensor in the First Instant of ... Entering into the Infinite He Discusses the Incomprehensibility of the Divine Essence, and ... Letter ccxxxv. To the Same, in Answer to Another Question. Thesaurus Comprehension (2 Occurrences)... of the mind to perceive and understand; the power, act, or process of grasping with the intellect; perception; understanding; as, a comprehension of abstract ... /c/comprehension.htm - 7k Yours (226 Occurrences) Quantity (18 Occurrences) Know (8133 Occurrences) Knowledge Understanding (248 Occurrences) Incapable (5 Occurrences) Intelligence (45 Occurrences) To (219938 Occurrences) Elude (2 Occurrences) Resources What is absurdism? | GotQuestions.orgUnderstanding the Bible ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is Chabad Lubavitch? | GotQuestions.org Comprehension: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Comprehension (2 Occurrences)Mark 8:17 Philippians 4:7 Subtopics Related Terms |