The term "distinguisheth" refers to the act of recognizing or perceiving differences between things, often implying discernment or judgment. In the context of the Bible, distinguishing is a critical aspect of spiritual wisdom and understanding, enabling believers to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and holy and profane.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Discernment and Wisdom:
The ability to distinguish is closely linked with the biblical concept of discernment, a gift and skill highly valued in Scripture. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon famously asks God for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to distinguish between good and evil." This request highlights the importance of discernment in leadership and governance, as well as in personal spiritual growth.

2. Spiritual Gifts:
The New Testament speaks of distinguishing as a spiritual gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists "distinguishing between spirits" as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This gift enables believers to discern the spiritual source of messages or actions, whether they are from God, human, or demonic origins.

3. Moral and Ethical Distinctions:
The Bible frequently calls believers to distinguish between moral and ethical choices. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and the development of discernment through practice and experience.

4. Holiness and Purity:
Distinguishing is also related to the concept of holiness, where God’s people are called to separate themselves from sin and impurity. Leviticus 10:10 instructs the priests to "distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean." This command underscores the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in worship and daily life.

5. Judgment and Justice:
The ability to distinguish is essential for fair judgment and justice. Proverbs 28:11 notes, "A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a discerning poor man sees through him." This proverb illustrates how discernment allows one to see beyond appearances and make just evaluations.

Theological Implications:

The act of distinguishing is foundational to the Christian life, as it involves aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's will. It requires a heart attuned to the Holy Spirit and a mind renewed by Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible emphasizes the role of discernment in understanding and applying God’s truth, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and insight from the Lord.

In summary, "distinguisheth" in the biblical sense is a multifaceted concept that encompasses spiritual discernment, moral judgment, and the pursuit of holiness. It is a vital aspect of living a life that honors God and reflects His character in a world filled with complexity and moral ambiguity.

John vi. 41, 42
... raiseth up. He distinguisheth not His working from that of the Father, (how
could that be?) but showeth equality [1290] of power. As ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlvi john vi 41.htm

John Chapter x. 13-Nov
... Hirelings are also found among ourselves, but the Lord alone distinguisheth
them. He that searcheth the heart, distinguisheth them ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlvi john chapter x.htm

Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall.
... so denominated? We see the apostle contra-distinguisheth the law as spiritual,
from man's nature as carnal and sinful. Wherefore ...
/.../proposition iv concerning the condition.htm

Argument. --It is Proved from the Scriptures that Christ was ...
... And if "God standeth in the assembly of the gods, and in the midst God distinguisheth
between the gods," [5174] and Christ stood at various times in the ...
/.../chapter xx argument it is proved.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... OR, AS IT IS in the Greek: "For who distinguisheth thee?" "Who giveth thee
distinguishing and discriminating mercy?" "Who maketh thee to differ from another ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

John x. 14, 15
... ii.21 ); and again, "Let no man seek his own, but every man his neighbor's." ( 1
Corinthians 10:24.) From both Christ distinguisheth Himself; from those who ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lx john x 14.htm

Psalm CXXXVI.
... iniquity!" [5676] and the rest, which He says certainly not to all, but to some,
because He saith it in distinguishing, and yet He distinguisheth between the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvi.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... 'And as many'; by these words, as by the former, you may see how the Holy Ghost
distinguisheth or divideth between men and men; the sons, and the sons of Adam. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... 18. "While He that is above the heavens [2768] distinguisheth kings over
Her, with snow they shall be made white in Selmon" (ver.14). ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

Letter xviii. --To Flavian .
... Hom. 18 in Act.), he distinguisheth those congregations that were on other
days from those that were held upon the Lord's day. Upon ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xviii to flavian.htm

Distinguisheth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Distinguisheth (1 Occurrence). Exodus 11:7 But
against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move ...
/d/distinguisheth.htm - 6k

Distinguishing (6 Occurrences)

/d/distinguishing.htm - 8k

Distinguishes (1 Occurrence)

/d/distinguishes.htm - 6k

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