The term "meant" is often used in biblical studies to explore the intended meaning or purpose behind words, actions, or events as recorded in the Scriptures. Understanding what is "meant" by a particular passage is crucial for accurate interpretation and application of biblical teachings.

Biblical Context and Interpretation

In the Bible, discerning what is "meant" by a text involves examining the original language, historical context, and the broader narrative of Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible provides a translation that seeks to maintain accuracy and clarity, aiding readers in understanding the intended message of the biblical authors.

Examples in Scripture

1. Parables of Jesus: Jesus often used parables to convey deeper spiritual truths. For instance, in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), the meaning is not immediately apparent to all listeners. Jesus explains the parable to His disciples, revealing that the seed represents the word of God and the various types of soil represent the hearts of those who hear it (Matthew 13:18-23). Here, understanding what is "meant" by the parable is essential for grasping its spiritual significance.

2. Prophetic Writings: Prophecies in the Old Testament often have layers of meaning, with immediate and future fulfillments. For example, Isaiah 7:14 speaks of a virgin bearing a son, which is understood in the New Testament as a prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:22-23). The original audience may have understood it differently, but the ultimate meaning is revealed in the New Testament.

3. Apostolic Teachings: The epistles of the New Testament contain teachings that require careful interpretation to understand what the apostles "meant." In 1 Corinthians 13:12 , Paul speaks of seeing "in a mirror dimly," referring to the partial understanding believers have in this life compared to the full understanding they will have in eternity. The meaning here emphasizes the hope and future clarity believers will experience.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping believers discern what is "meant" by Scripture. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide His followers into all truth (John 16:13). This guidance is essential for interpreting the Bible correctly and applying its teachings to one's life.

Theological Implications

Understanding what is "meant" by biblical texts has significant theological implications. It affects doctrines, ethical teachings, and the believer's relationship with God. Misinterpretation can lead to doctrinal errors or misguided practices, highlighting the importance of sound hermeneutics and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

While this entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that discerning what is "meant" by Scripture is a foundational aspect of biblical study. Through careful examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and its application to their lives.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Mean.

2. (v.) imp. & p. p. of Mean.

3717. orthos -- straight, upright
... See Heb 12:13. ["In earlier Greek, meant 'straight up and down' while meant 'straight
on the horizontal plane' " (, p 703, fn 8).]. Word Origin a prim. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3717.htm - 7k

1510. eimi -- I exist, I am
... existed (4), existed* (1), falls (1), found (1), had (8), happen (4), have (2),
have come (1), lived (1), mean (1), mean* (2), means (7), meant (2), originate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1510.htm - 9k

3014. lepra -- leprosy
... To contract this ailment meant the leper was reduced to a social outcast --
barred from all the activities at the Temple. See 3015 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3014.htm - 6k

4422. ptoeo -- to terrify
... [4422 () in ancient Greek meant "to , be startled, terrified" ().]. Word Origin
a prim. word Definition to terrify NASB Word Usage startled (1), terrified (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4422.htm - 7k

3853. paraggello -- to transmit a message, to order
... 7,8. [3853 () "originally meant to or ; hence, used as a military term,
of or ; and so generally to " (, 222).]. Word Origin from ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3853.htm - 9k

1813. exaleipho -- to wipe out, erase, obliterate
... [1813 () originally meant, "to plaster, rub smooth, or whitewash." Later it referred
to "wiping out" in the sense of "to " (rubbing out a writing or seal ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1813.htm - 7k

5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror
... 5401 (from , "to flee, withdraw") -- (from Homer about 900 bc on) 5401 () meant ,
fleeing because feeling inadequate (without sufficient , ). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5401.htm - 7k

5178. tumpanizo -- to beat a drum, to torture by beating
... 5178 () originally meant "to a drum" and was later used for someone of a drum --
hence the expression, " to death" (cf. BF Westcott at Heb 11:35). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5178.htm - 7k

1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge
... judging" (going too far, vacillating). Only the context indicates which
sense is meant. [1252 () "literally means, 'to separate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1252.htm - 9k

26. agape -- love, goodwill
... So too in secular ancient Greek, 26 () focuses on ; likewise the verb form (25 )
in antiquity meant "to " (, 7). In the NT, 26 () typically refers to (= what ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/26.htm - 7k

3244. yanshuph -- (a ceremonially unclean bird) perhaps an owl
... apparently from nashaph; an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps
from its blowing cry, or because the night-heron is meant (compare nesheph ...
/hebrew/3244.htm - 6k

2803. chashab -- to think, account
... 13), devised (8), devises (1), devising (1), esteem (2), esteemed (2), execute
(1), have (1), impute (1), intend (2), make (2), makers (1), meant (2), mindful ...
/hebrew/2803.htm - 6k

1696. dabar -- to speak
... 2), assert (1), boast* (1), commanded (1), counseled (2), declare (2), declared
(5), declared* (1), directed (2), discuss (1), made (1), meant (1), named (1 ...
/hebrew/1696.htm - 6k

Explanation of what is Meant by the Body, which is to be Raised ...
... Chapter XXXV."Explanation of What is Meant by the Body, Which is to Be
Raised Again Not the Corporeality of the Soul. But He also ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxxv explanation of what is.htm

By all Things' is Meant the Redemptive Attributes and Power of ...
... Section 3. By all things' is meant the redemptive attributes and power of
Christ. Thus, then, we may understand all things to have ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 by all things.htm

Concerning Peace, and what is Meant by the Self-Existent Being ...
... Concerning Peace, and what is meant by the self-existent Being; what is the
self-existent Life, and what the self-existent Power, and such like expressions. ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput xi concerning peace and.htm

Concerning "Peace" and what is Meant by "Very Being" Itself, "Very ...
... THE DIVINE NAMES CHAPTER XI Concerning "Peace" and what is meant by "Very Being"
Itself, "Very Life," "Very Power," and similar phrases. ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter xi concerning peace and.htm

What is Meant by the Conforming of the Saints to the Image of the ...
... Book XXII. Chapter 16."What is Meant by the Conforming of the Saints to the Image
of The Son of God. Then, again, these words, "Predestinate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 16 what is meant by.htm

What is Meant by the Good Going Out to See the Punishment of the ...
... Book XX. Chapter 22."What is Meant by the Good Going Out to See the
Punishment of the Wicked. But in what way shall the good go ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 what is meant by.htm

What is Meant by Abraham's Marrying Keturah after Sarah's Death.
... Book XVI. Chapter 34."What is Meant by Abraham's Marrying Keturah After Sarah's
Death. What did Abraham mean by marrying Keturah after Sarah's death? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 34 what is meant by.htm

What is Meant under the Name of Fate.
... Book II. Chapter 12."What is Meant Under the Name of Fate. Because they
who affirm fate contend that not only actions and events ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 what is meant under.htm

So when one Says, "Moses Meant as I Do"...
... Book XII Chapter XXXI So when one says, "Moses meant as I do"? So when
one says, "Moses meant as I do"; and another, "Nay, but ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxi so when one.htm

"Howbeit, they Meant it Not. "
... Homily XII. Chapter XXXI.""Howbeit, They Meant It Not.". To this I answered,
"Those, therefore, who do wrong are not guilty, because ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxxi howbeit they meant it.htm

Meant (28 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meant (28 Occurrences). ... Mark 9:10 They kept this saying
to themselves, questioning what the "rising from the dead" meant. ...
/m/meant.htm - 14k

Veil (67 Occurrences)
... If, however, the Revised Version's translation is correct, a light ornamental
veil is meant. ... A light mantle is certainly meant. ...
/v/veil.htm - 35k

Narcissus (2 Occurrences)
... But, as in the case of Aristobulus, some famous person of this name must be meant. ...
lxiv.3), they think to be the Narcissus meant here (Paul, chapter xix). ...
/n/narcissus.htm - 9k

Unknown (15 Occurrences)
... No better starting-point for an address could be wished. What the inscription actually
meant, however, is another question. Nothing is known about it. ...
/u/unknown.htm - 13k

Accursed (26 Occurrences)
... The root-word meant "to separate," "shut off." The Arabic charim denoted the precincts
of the temple at Mecca, and also the women's apartment (whence the word ...
/a/accursed.htm - 18k

Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... What is meant by "the yoke on their jaws" in Hosea 11:4 is quite obscure.
Possibly a horse's bit is meant; possibly the phrase is ...
/y/yoke.htm - 40k

Darius (26 Occurrences)
... There are some, however, who think that the king here meant was Darius III.
(Codomannus), the antagonist of Alexander the Great (BC 336-331). Int. ...
/d/darius.htm - 24k

Fellow (166 Occurrences)
... fel'-o (chabher, rea`; hetairos): Meant originally a "partner," from fe, "property,"
and lag, "to lay," then "a companion," "an equal," "a person or individual ...
/f/fellow.htm - 42k

Wild (147 Occurrences)
... American) "four-rooted beast." (1), (2) and (3) are of doubtful etymology, but the
context makes it clear in each case that wild beasts of some sort are meant. ...
/w/wild.htm - 50k

Kinds (110 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV). 1 Corinthians 6:13 Food of all kinds is meant for the stomach, and the
stomach is meant for food, and God will cause both of them to perish. ...
/k/kinds.htm - 36k

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