The term "propounded" refers to the act of putting forward an idea, question, or plan for consideration or discussion. In the context of the Bible, it often involves the presentation of teachings, parables, or questions by Jesus, the prophets, or the apostles to convey divine truths or to challenge the understanding of the listeners.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Jesus' Teachings and Parables: Jesus frequently propounded parables and teachings to the crowds and His disciples to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. These parables were designed to provoke thought and reflection, often requiring spiritual insight to understand their deeper meanings. For instance, in Matthew 13:10-11 , the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the people in parables, and He replied, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."

2. Philosophical and Theological Questions: Throughout the Gospels, Jesus propounded questions to challenge the religious leaders and to clarify His teachings. In Matthew 22:41-46 , Jesus asked the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?" This question was intended to reveal their limited understanding of the Messiah's divine nature.

3. Apostolic Preaching and Teaching: The apostles, following the example of Christ, propounded the gospel message to both Jews and Gentiles. They presented the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection, urging their listeners to repent and believe. In Acts 17:2-3 , Paul, as was his custom, went into the synagogue and "reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead."

4. Prophetic Messages: The prophets of the Old Testament often propounded messages from God to the people of Israel. These messages were sometimes in the form of direct proclamations, visions, or symbolic actions. For example, the prophet Isaiah propounded the coming of the Messiah and the salvation He would bring, as seen in Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is described.

Theological Significance

The act of propounding in the Bible serves several purposes. It is a means of revelation, where divine truths are disclosed to humanity. It also functions as a method of instruction, guiding believers in understanding God's will and purpose. Furthermore, it acts as a tool for correction and reproof, challenging erroneous beliefs and practices.

In the New Testament, the propounding of questions and parables by Jesus often served to separate those who were truly seeking God from those who were merely curious or opposed to His message. This aligns with the biblical principle that spiritual truths are discerned by those who are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Practical Application

For believers today, the concept of propounding encourages a thoughtful engagement with Scripture. It invites Christians to delve deeper into the Word of God, seeking understanding and wisdom. It also challenges believers to be prepared to give an answer for their faith, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 , "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you."

In summary, the act of propounding in the Bible is a dynamic and multifaceted tool used by God to communicate His truth, challenge His people, and invite them into a deeper relationship with Him.(imp. & p. p.) of Propound.2330. chud -- to propound a riddle
... Word Origin denominative verb from the same as chidah Definition to propound a
riddle NASB Word Usage propound (3), propounded (1). put forth. ...
/hebrew/2330.htm - 6k

The Questions Propounded by Laurentius.
... Chapter 4."The Questions Propounded by Laurentius. You are anxious, you
say, that I should write a sort of handbook for you, which ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 4 the questions propounded by.htm

Questions Propounded.
... Homily I. Chapter XVII."Questions Propounded. Then I set forth my purpose
from the beginning, and how I had spent myself upon ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xvii questions propounded.htm

The Judges Said: Speak to those Points, Archelaus, which He Has ...
... 30 The judges said: Speak to those points, Archelaus, which he has just
now propounded.? The judges said: Speak to those points ...
/.../30 the judges said speak.htm

Whether the Prohibitive Precepts Relating to the vices Opposed to ...
... OF THE PRECEPTS RELATING TO PRUDENCE (TWO ARTICLES) Whether the prohibitive precepts
relating to the vices opposed to prudence are fittingly propounded in the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the prohibitive precepts relating.htm

Of the First Covenant.
... And then for the manner; that it is propounded covenant-wise, with a promise, not
to expect the creature's consent"for it did not depend on his acceptation ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxii of the first.htm

The Sixth and Last Point which I am Told that He Brings against Me ...
... no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ
also the church," after my own simple explanation I propounded the question ...
/.../28 the sixth and last.htm

Marcellus Bishop of Ancyra; his Heresy and Deposition.
... commenced when He was born of Mary, and that His kingdom would have an end; he had,
moreover, drawn up a written document wherein these views were propounded. ...
/.../chapter xxxiii marcellus bishop of ancyra.htm

To Prevent Ambiguity, we must Begin with Clear Definition.
... Since you will not say in what sense you allege what you have propounded (for I
would not have thus engaged in a discussion about meanings, but I would now ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv to prevent ambiguity we.htm

The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
... one command, if thou dost rebel against a single ordinance, I will destroy thee
for ever." That is the Hagar covenant"the covenant propounded on Sinai ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the allegories of sarah and.htm

Bethphage
... 17:8;"and when that judge of the lower council, who, after the determination and
sentence pronounced in that cause, which he propounded, shall refuse to obey ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 37 bethphage.htm

Propounded (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Propounded (1 Occurrence). Judges 14:16 Samson's wife
wept before him, and said, "You just hate me, and don't love me. ...
/p/propounded.htm - 6k

Philosophy (1 Occurrence)
... On the one hand, Pyrrho and his school propounded a thoroughgoing skepticism
which denied the possibility of all knowledge whatsoever. ...
/p/philosophy.htm - 27k

Gospel (108 Occurrences)
... political gospel. 5. (v.) Anything propounded or accepted as infallibly
true; as, they took his words for gospel. 6. (a.) Accordant ...
/g/gospel.htm - 101k

Riddle (11 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the
only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judges 14:12-18). ...
/r/riddle.htm - 11k

Proposal (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) That which is proposed, or propounded for consideration or acceptance; a
scheme or design; terms or conditions proposed; offer; as, to make proposals ...
/p/proposal.htm - 8k

Propped (2 Occurrences)

/p/propped.htm - 7k

Propound (3 Occurrences)

/p/propound.htm - 7k

Comparative
... 2. Theories of Origin and Growth of Religion: To account for the origin and growth
of religion various theories have been propounded: (1) "Humanism," which is ...
/c/comparative.htm - 29k

Commandment (209 Occurrences)
... There is a sense in which it is true that Christ propounded no new commandment,
but the new thing in His teaching was the emphasis laid on the old commandment ...
/c/commandment.htm - 47k

Samson (37 Occurrences)
... Judges 14:3), but Samson's motive in marrying her was that he "sought an occasion
against the Philistines" At the wedding feast Samson propounded to his guests ...
/s/samson.htm - 37k

What is the doctrine of the perspicuity of Scripture? Is the Bible perspicuous? | GotQuestions.org

What are Khazar Jews / Khazars? | GotQuestions.org

Propounded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus