Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of attentiveness in the Bible is closely associated with the idea of listening carefully, being watchful, and giving heed to God's word and His commands. It is a virtue that is encouraged throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of focusing one's heart and mind on the teachings and guidance of the Lord.
Biblical References:1.
Listening to God's Word: Attentiveness is often highlighted in the context of listening to God's word. In
Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema begins with the call to "Hear, O Israel," urging the people to listen attentively to the commandments of God. This call to hear is not merely about auditory reception but involves an active, attentive engagement with God's instructions.
2.
Proverbs and Wisdom: The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of attentiveness in acquiring wisdom.
Proverbs 4:20-21 states, "My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." Here, attentiveness is linked to the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, suggesting that a careful and focused approach to learning is necessary for spiritual growth.
3.
Prayer and Watchfulness: In the New Testament, attentiveness is also associated with prayer and spiritual vigilance. Jesus instructs His disciples in
Matthew 26:41 , "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This call to watchfulness underscores the need for spiritual alertness and attentiveness in maintaining one's faith and resisting temptation.
4.
Attentiveness to Others: The Bible also encourages attentiveness to the needs and concerns of others.
Philippians 2:4 advises, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This form of attentiveness involves empathy and consideration, reflecting the love and compassion that believers are called to exhibit.
5.
God's Attentiveness: Scripture also speaks of God's attentiveness to His people.
Psalm 34:15 declares, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry." This assurance of God's attentive care provides comfort and encouragement, reminding believers that they are never out of His sight or concern.
Theological Implications:Attentiveness in the biblical sense is more than mere focus; it is a spiritual discipline that involves the heart, mind, and soul. It requires believers to be fully present and engaged with God's word, to be vigilant in prayer, and to be considerate of others. This attentiveness is a reflection of one's devotion and commitment to living a life that honors God.
In summary, attentiveness is a multifaceted concept in the Bible that encompasses listening to God's word, seeking wisdom, maintaining spiritual vigilance, and caring for others. It is a vital aspect of the Christian life, encouraging believers to remain focused on their relationship with God and their responsibilities to those around them.
Greek
1874. epakroaomai -- to listenattentively... to listen
attentively. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epakroaomai Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ak-ro-ah'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I listen to, hear Definition
...333. anatheoreo -- to observe carefully
... carefully. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: anatheoreo Phonetic Spelling:
(an-ath-eh-o-reh'-o) Short Definition: I look atattentively, consider Definition...
357. analogizomai -- to consider
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: analogizomai Phonetic Spelling: (an-al-og-id'-zom-
ahee) Short Definition: I think upon, considerattentively Definition: I...
4648. skopeo -- to look at, contemplate
... to look at, contemplate. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: skopeo Phonetic Spelling:
(skop-eh'-o) Short Definition: regardattentively, take heed Definition...
5255. hupekoos -- giving ear, obedient
... obedient. From hupakouo;attentively listening, ie (by implication) submissive --
obedient. see GREEK hupakouo. (upekooi) -- 2 Occurrences....
872. aphorao -- to look away from all else at
... look. From apo and horao; to considerattentively -- look. see GREEK apo. see GREEK
horao. (aphido) -- 1 Occurrence. (aphorontes) -- 1 Occurrence. 871, 872....
1873. epakouo -- to listen to, to hearken to
... 1873 (from 1909 , ", fitting," which intensifies 191 , "to hear") -- properly, listen
(), ieattentively "with the implication of to what is heard" (, 1, 24.60...
5219. hupakouo -- to listen, attend to
... From hupo and akouo; to hear under (as a subordinate), ie To listenattentively;
by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority -- hearken, be...
Strong's Hebrew
8085. shama -- to hear... heard for certain (1), hearing (5), hears (33), heed (5), heeded (2), indeed obey
(1), keep on listening (1), listen (226), listen
attentively (1), listen
...Library
"Indeed, Postumianus," Replied I, "While I was Listening...
... Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus. Chapter XXIV. "Indeed, Postumianus," replied
I, "while I was listeningattentively? "Indeed, Postumianus...
That Contemplation is Made Without Labour, which is the Third...
... Sometimes also weattentively behold in God several of his infinite perfections,
yet with a simple view and without distinction, as he who with one glance...
How Easy Our Saviour Has Made the Increase of Love.
... The moreattentively we regard our image in a looking-glass, the moreattentively
it regards us again; and the more lovingly God casts his gracious eyes upon...
The Reward of the Righteous
... To those whoattentively consider the thirteenth chapter of the First Epistle
to the Corinthians, it will be undeniably plain that what St....
A Catholic Household
... with joy. I never troubled myself if people looked at me, I was only occupied
in listeningattentively to the preacher. A sermon...
a Catholic Household
... with joy. I never troubled myself if people looked at me, I was only occupied
in listeningattentively to the preacher. A sermon...
First Communion and Confirmation
... sparkling with pleasure. She opened it with care, and, looking through it
attentively, told me how privileged I was. In fact, several...
First Communion and Confirmation
... sparkling with pleasure. She opened it with care, and, looking through it
attentively, told me how privileged I was. In fact, several...
The Christian Urged To, and Assisted In, an Express Act of Self...
... But whatever you use, weigh it well, meditateattentively upon it, that you may
"not be rash with your mouth to utter any thing before God." (Eccl.5:2) And...
Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus.
... in that book of? Chapter XXIV. "Indeed, Postumianus," replied I, "while
I was listeningattentively? Chapter XXV. "For, if it...
Thesaurus
Attentively (35 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Attentively (35 Occurrences). Genesis 15:5 and
He bringeth him out without, and saith, 'Look
attentively...Regard (230 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To look closely at; to observeattentively; to pay attention to; to notice
or remark particularly.... 9. (vi) To lookattentively; to consider; to notice....
Attentive (18 Occurrences)
Boweth (53 Occurrences)
... Samuel 24:8 and David riseth afterwards, and goeth out from the cave, and calleth
after Saul, saying, 'My lord, O king!' And Saul lookethattentively behind him...
Appearance (126 Occurrences)
... Numbers 12:8 mouth unto mouth I speak with him, and 'by' an appearance, and not
in riddles; and the form of Jehovah he beholdethattentively; and wherefore...
Despised (96 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:42 and the Philistine lookethattentively, and seeth David, and despiseth
him, for he was a youth, and ruddy, with a fair appearance. (See NIV)....
Vanished (13 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 51:6 Lift ye up to the heavens your eyes, And lookattentively unto the earth
beneath, For the heavens as smoke have vanished, And the earth as a...
Gnats (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 51:6 Lift ye up to the heavens your eyes, And lookattentively unto the earth
beneath, For the heavens as smoke have vanished, And the earth as a...
Weareth (4 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 51:6 Lift ye up to the heavens your eyes, And lookattentively unto
the earth beneath, For the heavens as smoke have vanished, And the earth as a...
Tenderness (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:15 Lookattentively from the heavens, And see from Thy holy and
beauteous habitation, Where 'is' Thy zeal and Thy might?...
Resources
What does it mean that God is omnipresent? | GotQuestions.orgAttentively: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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