Topical Encyclopedia The term "insensate" refers to a lack of feeling, understanding, or awareness. In a biblical context, it often describes a spiritual or moral insensitivity, where individuals or groups fail to perceive or respond to God's truth, guidance, or moral law. This condition is frequently addressed in Scripture, highlighting the dangers of spiritual insensitivity and the call to awaken to righteousness.Biblical References and Themes 1. Spiritual Blindness and Deafness: The Bible often uses the metaphor of blindness and deafness to describe those who are insensate to God's word and works. In Isaiah 6:9-10, the prophet is instructed to tell the people, "Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving." This passage underscores the insensate state of Israel, who, despite witnessing God's miracles and hearing His prophets, remain unresponsive. 2. Hardened Hearts: A recurring theme in Scripture is the hardening of hearts, which leads to insensibility towards God's commands. In Exodus 7:3, God says, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, he will not listen to you." Pharaoh's insensate heart exemplifies the resistance to divine intervention and truth. 3. Foolishness and Lack of Understanding: The insensate are often equated with fools in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, the insensate are those who reject the wisdom and instruction that come from a reverent relationship with God. 4. Moral Insensitivity: The New Testament addresses the issue of moral insensitivity, particularly in the context of sin and righteousness. In Ephesians 4:18-19, Paul writes, "They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." This passage highlights the progression from insensate hearts to a lifestyle of sin. 5. Call to Awareness and Repentance: Despite the prevalence of insensate behavior, the Bible consistently calls individuals to awaken from their spiritual slumber. Romans 13:11-12 urges believers, "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Theological Implications The concept of being insensate in the Bible is not merely about a lack of physical sensation but is deeply tied to one's spiritual and moral state. It serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of ignoring God's voice. The insensate heart is often portrayed as resistant to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that is out of alignment with God's will. In the biblical narrative, the insensate are contrasted with those who are spiritually awake and responsive to God's call. The Scriptures encourage believers to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, to seek wisdom, and to remain vigilant in their faith. This involves a conscious effort to listen, understand, and act upon God's word, ensuring that one's heart remains open and receptive to divine guidance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Lacking sensibility; destitute of understanding; stupid; foolish; as, an insensate decision.Greek 3105. mainomai -- to rage, be mad ... be beside oneself, rage. Middle voice from a primary mao (to long for; through the idea of insensate craving); to rave as a "maniac" -- be beside self (mad). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3105.htm - 7k Library Him Cyrus, his Grandson by his Daughter, Expelled from the Kingdom ... The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother. Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Absurdity of ... Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ... Mortification Grant that Beauty be not to be Feared: Still it is to be Shunned ... The Fig-Tree. How Much is the Bible Worth? Family Habits. Of the Remedy for the Second Source of Weariness. Thesaurus Insensate (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Lacking sensibility; destitute of understanding; stupid; foolish; as, an insensate decision. ...Insensate (1 Occurrence). ... /i/insensate.htm - 6k Insects (17 Occurrences) Unfeeling (2 Occurrences) Insensibility (1 Occurrence) Mad (22 Occurrences) Madness (13 Occurrences) Delighted (56 Occurrences) Resources Insensate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Insensate (1 Occurrence)Psalms 119:70 Subtopics Related Terms |