Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "observes" often refers to the act of keeping, watching, or adhering to God's commandments, laws, and decrees. This concept is central to the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's instructions.Old Testament Usage The Hebrew word often translated as "observe" is "shamar," which means to keep, guard, or watch over. This term is frequently used in the context of observing God's commandments and statutes. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:17 , it is written, "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has commanded you." Observance in the Old Testament is closely tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were repeatedly instructed to observe the Sabbath, festivals, and various laws as a sign of their commitment to God. In Exodus 31:16 , the observance of the Sabbath is described as a perpetual covenant: "The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it as a lasting covenant for the generations to come." New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "tereo" is often used to convey the idea of observing or keeping. Jesus emphasized the importance of observing His teachings as a demonstration of love and discipleship. In John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The New Testament also expands the concept of observance beyond the letter of the law to include the spirit of the law. This is evident in Jesus' teachings, where He calls for a deeper, heart-centered obedience. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their legalistic observance, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." Observance and Faith Observance in the Bible is not merely about external compliance but is deeply connected to faith and relationship with God. The prophets often called Israel back to genuine observance that reflects a heart aligned with God's will. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet summarizes what God requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of observance in his letters, particularly in relation to the law and grace. In Romans 2:13 , Paul writes, "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous." Conclusion The biblical concept of observing God's commandments is integral to understanding the relationship between God and His people. It encompasses both the external adherence to God's laws and the internal commitment to living a life that reflects His character and purposes. Observance is ultimately about aligning one's life with God's will, demonstrating love, faith, and obedience. Greek 5426. phroneo -- to have understanding, to think ... view (1), conceited* (1), concern (1), concerned (1), feel (1), have...attitude (3), intent on...purpose (1), live in harmony (1), mind (4), observes (2), set ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5426.htm - 8k 578. apoblepo -- to look away from all else at an object Strong's Hebrew 8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve... keeper (8), keepers (2), keeping (10), keeps (19), kept (38), kept watch (2), maintained (1), mark (2), observe (30), observed (6), observes (1), observing (1 ... /hebrew/8104.htm - 7k 6213a. asah -- do, make 5341. natsar -- to watch, guard, keep Library Whether the Church Observes a Suitable Rite in Baptizing? "A Judicious Naturalist Observes, that Sound and Strong Lungs are ... Further Still, the Educated Man Observes that those Sections which ... Whether the Theological virtues Observe the Mean? Whether Magnificence is a virtue? Whether the Mean of Justice is the Real Mean? Whether Moral virtues Observe the Mean? Whether the Intellectual virtues Observe the Mean? Whether Christ was Buried in a Becoming Manner? Whether it is Allowable for a Menstruous Wife to Ask for the ... Thesaurus Observes (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Observes (14 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Ecclesiastes 11:4 He who observes the wind won't sow; and he who regards the clouds won't reap. ... /o/observes.htm - 10k Eats (57 Occurrences) Abstains (2 Occurrences) Special (89 Occurrences) Observe (216 Occurrences) Thanks (151 Occurrences) Honor (240 Occurrences) Meat (387 Occurrences) Doesn't (300 Occurrences) Resources Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean for a church or organization to be interdenominational? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Observes (14 Occurrences)Romans 14:6 James 1:23 James 1:24 Numbers 9:14 Nehemiah 9:29 Psalms 11:4 Psalms 33:15 Psalms 119:129 Proverbs 21:12 Ecclesiastes 11:4 Ezekiel 18:17 Ezekiel 18:21 Ezekiel 20:11 Ezekiel 20:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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