Literate
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The term "literate" refers to the ability to read and write, a skill that has significant implications for understanding and interpreting the Scriptures. In biblical times, literacy was not as widespread as it is today, yet it played a crucial role in the dissemination and preservation of God's Word.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, literacy was primarily associated with scribes and priests, who were responsible for recording and teaching the Law. The importance of literacy is evident in passages such as Deuteronomy 6:6-9, where the Israelites are commanded to keep God's commandments on their hearts and to teach them diligently to their children. This implies a level of literacy necessary for understanding and transmitting the Law.

The role of the scribe is highlighted in the life of Ezra, a priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses. Ezra 7:6 states, "This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given." Ezra's literacy enabled him to lead a spiritual revival by reading the Law to the people and explaining its meaning (Nehemiah 8:1-8).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, literacy continues to be significant, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The apostles and early Christians relied on written texts to spread the Gospel and instruct believers. The Apostle Paul, for instance, wrote numerous letters to various churches, which were read aloud to congregations (Colossians 4:16: "After this letter has been read among you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea").

The ability to read and understand Scripture was crucial for the Bereans, who were commended for their diligence in examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received (Acts 17:11: "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true").

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, literacy is a gift that enables believers to engage directly with God's Word. The Protestant Reformation emphasized the importance of personal Bible study, which was facilitated by the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages and the spread of literacy. This movement underscored the priesthood of all believers, allowing individuals to read and interpret Scripture for themselves.

The Bible encourages believers to grow in knowledge and understanding, as seen in passages like 2 Timothy 2:15 (BSB: "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth"). Literacy, therefore, is not merely a practical skill but a means by which Christians can deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith more fully.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly discuss literacy as a concept, the ability to read and understand Scripture is implicitly valued throughout its pages. Literacy enables believers to access the truths of God's Word, participate in the life of the church, and fulfill the Great Commission by teaching others. As such, it remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship and spiritual growth.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Instructed in learning, science, or literature; learned; lettered.

2. (n.) One educated, but not having taken a university degree; especially, such a person who is prepared to take holy orders.

3. (n.) A literary man.

Strong's Hebrew
3045. yada -- to know
... 1), know well (1), knowing (5), knowledge (4), known (65), knows (54), knows well
(1), lain* (1), leading (1), learn (7), learned (1), literate* (1), made ...
/hebrew/3045.htm - 8k

5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book
... Book (47), book (79), books (2), certificate (3), deed (6), deeds (3), illiterate*
(1), indictment (1), letter (14), letters (15), literate* (1), literature (2 ...
/hebrew/5612.htm - 6k

Library

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... Will it say: "There is no converting the Romanist; there is no convincing the literate
and crafty Brahmin?" Is the iron to break the northern iron and the steel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

A Simple Sermon for Seeking Souls
... "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Man of eighty,
child of eight, young man and maiden, rich, poor, literate, illiterate, to you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a simple sermon for seeking.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... Indeed all, whoever they may be, that are ordained at the present day from among
the literate class make it their study not how to seek out the marrow of ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

Thesaurus
Literate (1 Occurrence)
... prepared to take holy orders. 3. (n.) A literary man. Multi-Version Concordance
Literate (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 29:11 And the vision ...
/l/literate.htm - 7k

Literal (2 Occurrences)

/l/literal.htm - 7k

Lettered (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Letter. 2. (a.) Literate; educated; versed in literature.
3. (a.) of or pertaining to learning or literature; learned. ...
/l/lettered.htm - 7k

Libraries
... from sundry considerations: (1) The fact that all the surrounding nations, Moabites,
Edomites, Amorites, Hittites, Mitannians, etc., were literate nations with ...
/l/libraries.htm - 38k

Literature (2 Occurrences)

/l/literature.htm - 82k

Resources
What is the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Great Schism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Book of Giants? | GotQuestions.org

Literate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Literate (1 Occurrence)

Isaiah 29:11
And the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book which is shut, which men give to one who has knowledge of writing, saying, Make clear to us what is in the book: and he says, I am not able to, for the book is shut:
(See NAS)

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