In the context of the Bible, the term "impresses" can be understood as the act of engraving or inscribing something upon the heart or mind, often with the intent of leaving a lasting impact. This concept is closely related to the idea of teaching, remembering, and internalizing God's commandments and truths.

Old Testament Context

The concept of impressing God's commandments upon the heart is vividly illustrated in the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The passage emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly and diligently teaching His commandments to the next generation. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Here, the act of impressing is not merely a passive reception but an active, intentional process of embedding God's words into daily life and practice.

The Hebrew word used in this context, "שָׁנַן" (shanan), conveys the idea of sharpening or engraving, suggesting that God's commandments should be deeply etched into one's being. This process involves repetition and meditation, ensuring that the teachings are not only memorized but also understood and lived out.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not use the term "impresses" in the same way, the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasized the importance of internalizing His teachings and allowing them to transform one's life. In John 15:7 , Jesus says, "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." The idea here is that His words should dwell within believers, shaping their thoughts, actions, and prayers.

The apostle Paul also speaks to this concept in Romans 12:2 , where he urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves impressing God's truths upon the mind, leading to a life that reflects His will and purpose.

Practical Application

The act of impressing God's word upon one's heart is a lifelong endeavor that requires dedication and intentionality. It involves regular study of the Scriptures, meditation, prayer, and the application of biblical principles in everyday life. Parents are encouraged to impress these truths upon their children, creating a legacy of faith that endures through generations.

In the broader Christian community, the concept of impressing God's word is often associated with discipleship and spiritual growth. Believers are called to support one another in this journey, encouraging each other to remain steadfast in faith and to allow God's word to guide their lives.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of impressing God's commandments and truths upon the heart is a foundational aspect of faith that underscores the importance of internalizing and living out the teachings of Scripture. Through diligent study, meditation, and application, believers are called to engrave God's word upon their hearts, allowing it to transform their lives and influence future generations.(n.) Plural of Impress.

Whether God Moves the Created Intellect Immediately?
... So a thing is said to move the intellect, whether it gives to him who understands
the power of understanding; or impresses on him the likeness of the thing ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god moves the created.htm

Sanctification and Justification.
... The latter impresses us with the feeling that the, name of Jehovah is infinitely
exalted above the low level of this impure and sinful life; we discover a ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iii sanctification and justification.htm

Seal and Earnest
... The Spirit of God comes into our spirits, and by gentle contact impresses upon the
material, which was intractable until it was melted by the genial warmth of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/seal and earnest.htm

Sources of Our Knowledge of Jesus
... 23. The first gospel impresses the careful reader with three things: (1)
A clear sense of the development of Jesus' ministry. The ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/ii sources of our knowledge.htm

Prayerlessness in the Pulpit
... Just as live, spiritual preaching is the kind which impresses and moves men,
so the same kind of pulpit praying moves and impresses God. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/viii prayerlessness in the pulpit.htm

Preface.
... If it impresses upon any the general sentiment which it contains,"the sentiment
of religious resignation and triumph in affliction; if it shall cause any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/preface.htm

The Art of Talking
... speakers. The daily mental life of a man indelibly impresses itself upon
his face, where it can be unmistakably read by others. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/the art of talking.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... Thus the chalk is no unimportant element in the masonry of the earth's crust, and
it impresses a peculiar stamp, varying with the conditions to which it is ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

Of Querulousness.
... 4. But God knows the most of our complaints cannot pretend to such considerable
motives: they are not the bowels of a Father, the impresses of Nature that ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section x of querulousness.htm

Conclusion
... with God. It impresses with a sense of increased obligation, that furnishes
an ardour of mind, powerfully impelling to duty. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/conclusion.htm

Impresses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Impresses (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 17:10 A word of protest
goes deeper into one who has sense than a hundred blows into a foolish man. ...
/i/impresses.htm - 6k

Impression (2 Occurrences)
... from without. 3. (n.) That which impresses, or exercises an effect, action,
or agency; appearance; phenomenon. 4. (n.) Influence ...
/i/impression.htm - 8k

Impressed (4 Occurrences)

/i/impressed.htm - 7k

Pen (16 Occurrences)
... As the trained writer records a speech, so the Psalmist's tongue impresses or engraves
on his hearers' minds what he has conceived. James A. Patch. ...
/p/pen.htm - 14k

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... discretion. It impresses upon us in the most forcible manner the value
of intelligence and prudence and of a good education. The ...
/p/proverbs.htm - 43k

Sensible (15 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) Sensation; sensibility. 8. (n.) That which impresses itself on the sense;
anything perceptible. 9. (n.) That which has sensibility; a sensitive being. ...
/s/sensible.htm - 11k

Lot (145 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19, coming immediately after the intercession of Abraham for Sodom that
poignantly impresses on the reader's mind the wickedness of Lot's environment ...
/l/lot.htm - 60k

Writing (194 Occurrences)
... Perhaps the most primitive form of printing is that of the pintadoes, by which the
savage impresses war paint or other ceremonial forms on his face and body. ...
/w/writing.htm - 70k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)
... of such a God. His "I" impresses itself upon man with absolute power and
demands his service entirely. This "I" constantly remains ...
/i/israel.htm - 101k

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