Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "instructs" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the divine guidance and teaching that God provides to His people. The act of instructing is not merely about imparting knowledge but is closely tied to the moral and spiritual formation of individuals according to God's will.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "instruct" is "yara," which can also mean to teach or to direct. One of the most significant aspects of instruction in the Old Testament is the Law, or Torah, which itself means "instruction." God’s instructions to Israel are encapsulated in the commandments and statutes given through Moses. In Deuteronomy 4:1, Moses exhorts the Israelites, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you." The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of instruction. Proverbs 4:13 states, "Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life." Here, instruction is portrayed as a life-giving force, essential for righteous living and wisdom. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Greek word "didasko" is commonly used for instructing or teaching. Jesus Christ is the ultimate instructor, whose teachings form the foundation of Christian doctrine. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The apostolic writings continue this theme of instruction. The Apostle Paul frequently instructs the early churches through his epistles. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in instructing believers. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. In John 14:26, Jesus assures His disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." Parental and Communal Instruction The Bible also emphasizes the role of parents and the faith community in instruction. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, parents are commanded to teach God's commandments to their children diligently. "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." The early church is depicted as a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, as seen in Acts 2:42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Conclusion The biblical concept of instruction is comprehensive, encompassing divine, parental, and communal teaching. It is integral to the life of faith, guiding believers in righteousness and equipping them for good works. Strong's Hebrew 3256. yasar -- to discipline, chasten, admonish... discipline (4), disciplined (4), disciplined me severely (1), disciplines (1), disciplining (1), gave instruction (1), instructed (2), instructs (2), punish (2 ... /hebrew/3256.htm - 6k 3384. yarah -- to throw, shoot 7919a. sakal -- to be prudent Library Wesley Instructs Parents Then in Due Succession He Instructs them in Physics, Geometry, and ... I Will Lay Hold Upon Thee and Bring Thee into My Mother's House ... Ephesians vi. 8-May Job. Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers. Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them In Internal Contemplative Ways a Guide is Necessary, and Why? 2... Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. The Holy Spirit's Intercession Thesaurus Instructs (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Instructs (4 Occurrences). Psalms 16:7 I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons. ... /i/instructs.htm - 7k Catechist Instruct (34 Occurrences) Teacher (103 Occurrences) Catechumen Instrument (45 Occurrences) Novice (1 Occurrence) Instructors (4 Occurrences) Instructor (6 Occurrences) Institution (1 Occurrence) Resources What does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian consider using CBD oil? | GotQuestions.org What is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Instructs (4 Occurrences)Psalms 16:7 Psalms 25:8 Proverbs 16:23 Isaiah 28:26 Subtopics Related Terms Threshing-instruments (1 Occurrence) |