The term "saying" in the Bible often refers to a spoken word, command, or declaration, typically attributed to God, Jesus, prophets, or other significant biblical figures. The use of "the" before "saying" can denote a specific, notable utterance or teaching that holds particular importance within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sayings are frequently associated with divine revelation or prophetic messages. For instance, the phrase "the saying of the LORD" is commonly used to introduce a prophetic message. These sayings often convey God's will, judgment, or promises to His people. An example can be found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet delivers messages prefaced by divine authority: "This is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him" (Isaiah 37:22).

The wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, is replete with sayings that offer moral and ethical guidance. These sayings are often attributed to Solomon and are intended to impart wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:1-2 states, "These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, sayings of Jesus are of paramount importance. The Gospels record numerous sayings of Jesus, which are central to Christian doctrine and ethics. These sayings include parables, teachings, and declarations about the Kingdom of God. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers a series of profound teachings, beginning with the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

The apostle Paul also refers to sayings in his epistles, often highlighting the teachings of Jesus or foundational truths of the Christian faith. In 1 Timothy 1:15 , Paul writes, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst."

Theological Significance

Sayings in the Bible are not merely historical records but are considered divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice. They are seen as a means through which God communicates His truth and guidance to humanity. The sayings of Jesus, in particular, are viewed as the ultimate revelation of God's will, as Jesus is believed to be the incarnate Word of God (John 1:14).

In conservative Christian theology, the sayings of the Bible are held in high regard as infallible and inerrant, serving as the foundation for doctrine, moral conduct, and the believer's relationship with God. The emphasis is on the literal and historical accuracy of these sayings, as well as their spiritual and practical application in the life of the believer.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that sayings in the Bible, whether from the Old or New Testament, carry significant weight in conveying divine truth and guiding the lives of believers. They are integral to understanding the character of God, the mission of Jesus, and the principles of Christian living.

Christ's Saying, "The Father is Greater than I," is Explained in ...
... Book II. Chapter VIII. Christ's saying, "The Father is greater than I,"
is explained in accordance with the principle? Christ's ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii christs saying the.htm

Why the Lord's Yoke is Felt Grievous and his Burden Heavy.
... in vain, and stumbling in their ways, in ancient paths, to walk in them in a way
not trodden." [2338] For according to Solomon's saying: "The ways of those who ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxiv why the lords.htm

The Joys of 'that Day'
... The reference is, of course, directly to the immediately preceding thoughts, in
which His departure and the sorrow that accompanied it and was to merge into joy ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the joys of that day.htm

Therefore the Good of Marriage Throughout all Nations and all Men ...
... straightway he added, "to have children, to be mothers of families." But unto the
faith of chastity pertains that saying, "The wife hath not power of her own ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 32 therefore the good.htm

On the Sacramentals
... beads here are fifty-three small beads on which we say the "Hail Mary" and six large
beads on which we say the "Our Father." In saying the Rosary, before ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 27 on the sacramentals.htm

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours:
and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

It is not by their Works, but by Grace, that the Doers of the Law ...
... Now he could not mean to contradict himself in saying, "The doers of the law shall
be justified," [929] as if their justification came through their works, and ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 45 it is not by.htm

Jonathan's Brave Deed
... But Saul made a great mistake that day, for he strictly commanded the people, saying,
"The man who shall eat any food until evening and until I take vengeance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans brave deed.htm

John Chapter xiv. 10-14.
... If, then, in saying, "The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself," He
is thereby accounted of a power so inferior, that what He doeth is not what ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxi john chapter xiv.htm

The Interpretation of that Passage of the Canticles.
... that He had been drawn to love by the splendour of the inner man shining forth in
its glory, even as the Psalmist also testifies, saying, "The King's daughter ...
/.../chapter ii the interpretation of that.htm

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)
Saying'the. Sayings, Saying'the. Says . Multi-Version Concordance
Saying'the (1 Occurrence). Job 17:12 They change the night into ...
/s/saying'the.htm - 6k

Saying (2162 Occurrences)
... Matthew 3:3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The
voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Lord. ...
/s/saying.htm - 35k

Thorn-tree (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash, king of Israel, sent to Amaziah, king of Judah, saying,
The thorn-tree in Lebanon sent to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, Give your ...
/t/thorn-tree.htm - 8k

Woodland (13 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash, king of Israel, sent to Amaziah, king of Judah, saying,
The thorn-tree in Lebanon sent to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, Give your ...
/w/woodland.htm - 11k

Treadeth (25 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash king of Israel sendeth unto Amaziah king of Judah,
saying, 'The thorn that 'is' in Lebanon hath sent unto the cedar that 'is' in ...
/t/treadeth.htm - 14k

Underfoot (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash, king of Israel, sent to Amaziah, king of Judah, saying,
The thorn-tree in Lebanon sent to the cedar in Lebanon, saying, Give your ...
/u/underfoot.htm - 11k

Esaias (18 Occurrences)
... Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The
voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make ...
/e/esaias.htm - 11k

Trod (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying,
The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying ...
/t/trod.htm - 11k

Trode (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying,
The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying ...
/t/trode.htm - 9k

Thistle (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:9 Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying,
"The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying ...
/t/thistle.htm - 9k

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