Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, "precepts" refer to commandments, instructions, or principles intended to guide behavior and belief. The term is often used in the context of God's laws and teachings, which are meant to direct the lives of the faithful. Precepts are seen as divine guidelines that help believers live in a manner pleasing to God, ensuring a life of righteousness and holiness.Old Testament Usage The concept of precepts is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. The Hebrew word often translated as "precepts" is "piqqudim," which conveys the idea of mandates or authoritative orders. These precepts are considered an integral part of the Torah, the law given by God to the people of Israel. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, extensively discusses the importance of God's precepts. The psalmist expresses a deep love and reverence for these divine instructions, recognizing them as a source of wisdom and understanding. For example, Psalm 119:4-5 states, "You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in keeping Your statutes!" The precepts of the Lord are portrayed as trustworthy and righteous, providing guidance and stability. Psalm 19:8 declares, "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." New Testament Context While the term "precepts" is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept remains significant. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of adhering to God's commandments and teachings. In Matthew 5:17-19 , Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of the law: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." The apostle Paul also underscores the importance of following God's precepts, particularly in the context of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. In Romans 8:4 , Paul writes, "so that the righteous standard of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Theological Significance Precepts are not merely rules to be followed; they are expressions of God's character and will. They serve as a moral compass, guiding believers in their daily lives and helping them to cultivate a relationship with God. By adhering to these divine instructions, believers demonstrate their love and commitment to God, as well as their desire to live in accordance with His will. The precepts of God are seen as a source of spiritual nourishment and growth. They provide clarity and direction in a world often marked by confusion and moral ambiguity. As such, they are cherished by those who seek to live a life of faithfulness and devotion to God. Greek 1778. entalma -- an injunction, ie religious precept ... See 1785 (). Word Origin from entellomai Definition an injunction, ie religious precept NASB Word Usage commandments (1), precepts (2). commandment. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1778.htm - 6k 5084. teresis -- a watching, hence imprisonment, a keeping 4747. stoicheion -- one of a row, hence a letter (of the alphabet) ... Strong's Hebrew 6490. piqqud -- a precept... 6489, 6490. piqqud. 6491 . a precept. Transliteration: piqqud Phonetic Spelling: (pik-kood') Short Definition: precepts. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6490.htm - 6k Library Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Precepts of Justice? Whether all the Moral Precepts of the Old Law are Reducible to the ... Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Formulated? Whether the Ten Precepts of the Decalogue are Set in Proper Order? Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Distinguished ... Whether the Precepts of the Parts of Fortitude are Suitably Given ... Whether the Moral Precepts of the Law are About all the Acts of ... Whether, Besides the Moral and Ceremonial Precepts, There are Also ... Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Dispensable? Whether the Precepts of the virtues Annexed to Temperance are ... Thesaurus Precepts (40 Occurrences)...Precepts (40 Occurrences). Matthew 15:9 but it is in vain they worship Me, while they lay down precepts which are mere human rules.'" (WEY ASV NAS RSV). ... /p/precepts.htm - 17k Meditate (37 Occurrences) Precept (7 Occurrences) Ten (234 Occurrences) Lovest (13 Occurrences) Washing (56 Occurrences) Wandered (29 Occurrences) Mere (56 Occurrences) Perversely (15 Occurrences) Commandments (181 Occurrences) Resources Are the Ten Commandments taken from the forty-two precepts of Ma'at? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Judaism and what do Jews believe? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from Psalm 119? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Precepts (40 Occurrences)Matthew 15:9 Mark 7:7 Luke 1:6 Romans 2:26 Romans 13:9 Galatians 3:10 Colossians 2:20 Colossians 2:22 Deuteronomy 33:10 Nehemiah 9:14 Psalms 19:8 Psalms 103:18 Psalms 111:7 Psalms 111:10 Psalms 119:4 Psalms 119:15 Psalms 119:27 Psalms 119:40 Psalms 119:45 Psalms 119:56 Psalms 119:63 Psalms 119:69 Psalms 119:78 Psalms 119:87 Psalms 119:93 Psalms 119:94 Psalms 119:100 Psalms 119:104 Psalms 119:110 Psalms 119:128 Psalms 119:134 Psalms 119:141 Psalms 119:159 Psalms 119:168 Psalms 119:173 Psalms 119:176 Proverbs 4:2 Jeremiah 35:18 Daniel 9:5 Hosea 8:12 Subtopics Related Terms |