In the context of the Bible, "intents" often refers to the inner purposes, motivations, or desires of the heart and mind. The concept of intent is crucial in understanding the moral and spiritual dimensions of human actions as depicted in Scripture. The Bible emphasizes that God not only observes outward actions but also discerns the intents of the heart.

Biblical References:

1. Hebrews 4:12 · "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This verse highlights the penetrating power of God's Word, which is capable of discerning the deepest thoughts and intents of individuals. It underscores the belief that God is concerned with the internal motivations behind actions, not just the actions themselves.

2. 1 Chronicles 28:9 · "As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." Here, King David advises Solomon to serve God with sincerity and integrity, emphasizing that God understands the intent behind every thought. This passage reflects the importance of aligning one's intentions with God's will.

3. Proverbs 16:2 · "All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD." This proverb teaches that while individuals may justify their actions, God evaluates the true motives behind them. It serves as a reminder that human judgment is limited, but God's understanding is perfect.

4. Jeremiah 17:10 · "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This verse reinforces the idea that God examines the heart and mind, rewarding individuals based on the true intent behind their actions. It highlights the divine attribute of omniscience, where God fully comprehends human intentions.

5. Matthew 5:28 · "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that sinful intent is equivalent to sinful action in the eyes of God. This teaching elevates the importance of pure intentions and thoughts, not just outward compliance with the law.

Theological Implications:

The concept of intent in the Bible underscores the importance of inner purity and sincerity in one's relationship with God. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and align their intentions with God's will. The biblical teaching on intent calls for a transformation that begins internally, leading to genuine outward expressions of faith and obedience.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart that seeks to please God in all things. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to purify one's intentions. By focusing on the intents of the heart, Christians are called to live lives marked by authenticity, integrity, and a deep commitment to God's purposes.

Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vii hebrews iv 13-nov.htm

The Power of God's Word to Convict Men of Sin.
... two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, andis a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/i the power of gods.htm

Let Him Deliver Him Now
... I venture to say that if all the forces in the universe were put together, and all
the kindly intents of all who are our friends were put together, and we were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/let him deliver him now.htm

Micah's Message for To-Day
... The law is spiritual, and touches the thoughts, the intents, the emotions,
the words, the actions; but specially God demands the heart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/micahs message for to-day.htm

Tenth Commandment
... The outward conduct may be regulated, but the thoughts and intents of a man are
beyond the reach of human law. But God can see behind outward actions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Concerning Great, Small, Same, Different, Similar, Dissimilar ...
... impediment; and operating, and piercing through, to "a dividing of soul and spirit,
and joints and marrow"; and "discerning thoughts and intents of heart," yea ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput ix concerning great small.htm

Appendix i. Pericope De Adultera.
... years. There never was a time"as far as is known"when they were not
where,"and to all intents and purposes what"they now are. ...
/.../appendix i pericope de adultera.htm

Appendix (A).
... Here is, to all intents and purposes, a record of what was once found in two Codices
of the iii^rd century; in nine of the iv^th; in three of the v^th;"added ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark/appendix a.htm

Morning Hymn
... No longer then may we disguise Our dark intents from those clear eyes: Yea, at the
dayspring's advent blest Our inmost thoughts will stand confest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/ii morning hymn.htm

The Pruning Knife
... shaper than any two-edged sword, that pierces even to the dividing asunder of the
soul and spirit, and is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart ...
/.../the true vine meditations for a month on john 151-16/the pruning knife.htm

Intents (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Intents (3 Occurrences). Hebrews 4:12 For the
word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any ...
/i/intents.htm - 7k

Accomplishes (4 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and
until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall ...
/a/accomplishes.htm - 7k

Executed (39 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and
until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall ...
/e/executed.htm - 18k

Psychology
... than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit,
of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the ...
/p/psychology.htm - 38k

Intercede (12 Occurrences)

/i/intercede.htm - 10k

Intently (16 Occurrences)

/i/intently.htm - 10k

Accomplished (64 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and
until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall ...
/a/accomplished.htm - 25k

Purposes (67 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of Jehovah shall not return, until he have executed, and
till he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall ...
/p/purposes.htm - 25k

Trinity
... to contend that if a man could have an absolutely perfect idea of all that was in
his mind at any past moment, he would really, to all intents and purposes, be ...
/t/trinity.htm - 39k

Latter (91 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until he has executed, and
until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days you shall ...
/l/latter.htm - 34k

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