Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "thinks" in the Bible is closely related to the mind, thoughts, and the inner reflections of the heart. The Bible places significant emphasis on the nature and quality of one's thoughts, as they are seen as a reflection of one's spiritual state and relationship with God.Biblical Understanding of Thoughts In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "thoughts" is "machashabah," which can refer to plans, intentions, or purposes. In the New Testament, the Greek word "logismos" is used, which can mean reasoning or imagination. The Bible consistently teaches that God is concerned with the thoughts of individuals, as they reveal the true nature of a person. God's Knowledge of Thoughts Scripture affirms that God is omniscient and fully aware of human thoughts. Psalm 139:2 states, "You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar." This verse highlights God's intimate knowledge of our inner life. Similarly, in Jeremiah 17:10, God declares, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." The Importance of Righteous Thinking The Bible encourages believers to cultivate righteous and pure thoughts. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul exhorts, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This passage underscores the importance of focusing one's mind on virtuous and godly matters. The Battle for the Mind The New Testament often describes the Christian life as a spiritual battle, with the mind being a primary battleground. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This verse emphasizes the need for believers to actively control their thoughts and align them with the teachings of Christ. Transformation Through Renewed Thinking The transformation of the believer's life is closely linked to the renewal of the mind. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This renewal is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to discern and follow God's will. The Heart and Thoughts In biblical anthropology, the heart is often seen as the seat of thoughts and intentions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of protecting one's inner life, as it influences outward behavior and spiritual health. Evil Thoughts and Sin The Bible also warns against evil thoughts, which can lead to sinful actions. Jesus taught in Mark 7:21-23, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This passage illustrates the connection between internal thoughts and external sins. Conclusion The Bible's teachings on thoughts emphasize the importance of aligning one's mind with God's truth and righteousness. Believers are called to cultivate a thought life that reflects their faith and commitment to Christ, recognizing that their thoughts are known by God and have a profound impact on their spiritual journey. Greek 1380. dokeo -- to have an opinion, to seem ... best (1), seemed fitting (1), seemed good (4), seems (3), suppose (5), supposed (2), supposes (1), supposing (4), think (18), thinking (1), thinks (6), thought ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1380.htm - 9k 3049. logizomai -- to reckon, to consider 3543. nomizo -- to practice, consider Strong's Hebrew 8176. shaar -- to calculate, reckon... 8175c, 8176. shaar. 8177 . to calculate, reckon. Transliteration: shaar Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-ar') Short Definition: thinks. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/8176.htm - 6k Library Which Thing Whoso Thinks Cannot have Been done by the Apostles... Moreover, it Thinks it Has Attained Something Very Great if it is ... He Vainly Thinks that the Doubt About the Energies is to be Solved ... If any one Perchance Thinks that we are Speaking Wicked Calumnies. ... Whoever, Then, Thinks that He Understands the Holy Scriptures... If, However, any one Thinks to Refute Our Argument on this Ground. ... He Thinks, Besides, that those who Support the Cause of Christ by ... What Pelagius Thinks is Needful for Ease of Performance is Really ... Celsus, Moreover, Thinks that we have Invented this "Tree of Life" ... After These Matters, Then, He Thinks that He Can Make us ... Thesaurus Thinks (20 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Thinks (20 Occurrences). ... If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. ... /t/thinks.htm - 12k Lydia (5 Occurrences) Deceives (14 Occurrences) Deceive (48 Occurrences) Bilhan (3 Occurrences) Bethbasi Canneh (1 Occurrence) Criticism (1 Occurrence) Archaeology Tabor (12 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgIs God a megalomaniac? | GotQuestions.org What is the Passion Translation of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Thinks (20 Occurrences)Luke 8:18 Romans 14:14 1 Corinthians 3:18 1 Corinthians 8:2 1 Corinthians 10:12 1 Corinthians 14:37 Galatians 6:3 Philippians 3:4 James 1:26 Deuteronomy 29:19 1 Samuel 20:3 2 Samuel 16:3 Esther 8:5 Job 24:15 Psalms 10:6 Psalms 10:11 Proverbs 23:7 Ecclesiastes 8:17 Isaiah 44:19 Lamentations 3:20 Subtopics Related Terms |