Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "recite" generally refers to the act of repeating something aloud from memory, often in a formal or public setting. In a biblical context, recitation involves the oral repetition of Scripture, prayers, or other religious texts. This practice has been integral to the transmission and preservation of biblical teachings throughout history.
Biblical Basis for Recitation:Recitation is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, serving as a means of teaching, memorization, and worship. The Bible emphasizes the importance of speaking and meditating on God's Word. In
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , the Israelites are instructed: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the importance of verbal repetition in embedding God's commandments in the hearts and minds of believers.
Historical Practice:Throughout history, recitation has been a key method for preserving and disseminating Scripture, especially in times and places where written texts were scarce. The oral tradition was vital in the early church and among Jewish communities, where Scripture was often memorized and recited in synagogues and homes. The Psalms, for example, were frequently recited as part of worship and personal devotion.
Recitation in Worship and Education:Recitation plays a significant role in both corporate worship and personal spiritual practice. In worship settings, Scripture readings, creeds, and prayers are often recited collectively, fostering a sense of unity and shared belief among congregants. In educational contexts, recitation aids in the memorization and internalization of biblical truths, as seen in the practice of catechism and Bible verse memorization in Sunday schools and Christian education programs.
Examples of Recitation in Scripture:Several biblical figures exemplify the practice of recitation.
Joshua 1:8 instructs, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." Here, the act of keeping the Law on one's lips implies regular recitation and meditation.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself recited Scripture, notably during His temptation in the wilderness (
Matthew 4:1-11), where He responded to each of Satan's temptations with quotations from the Old Testament. This demonstrates the power and authority of Scripture when spoken aloud.
Theological Significance:Recitation is not merely a mechanical repetition of words but a spiritual discipline that engages the heart and mind. It serves as a means of grace, allowing believers to internalize God's Word, align their thoughts with divine truth, and fortify their faith. The practice of recitation reflects the biblical principle that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (
Romans 10:17).
Conclusion:While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that recitation remains a vital practice for believers seeking to deepen their understanding and application of Scripture in their daily lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To repeat, as something already prepared, written down, committed to memory, or the like; to deliver from a written or printed document, or from recollection; to rehearse; as, to recite the words of an author, or of a deed or covenant.
2. (v. t.) To tell over; to go over in particulars; to relate; to narrate; as, to recite past events; to recite the particulars of a voyage.
3. (v. t.) To rehearse, as a lesson to an instructor.
4. (v. t.) To state in or as a recital. See Recital, 5.
5. (v. i.) To repeat, pronounce, or rehearse, as before an audience, something prepared or committed to memory; to rehearse a lesson learned.
6. (n.) A recital.
Strong's Hebrew
241. ozen -- an ear... word Definition an ear NASB Word Usage attentive (1), closely (1), ear (60), ears
(58), hear* (2), hearing (39), inform* (1), known* (2),
recite* (1), reported
...7760. sum -- to put, place, set
... 2), performed (3), place (15), placed (21), plant (1), prepare (1), preserve (1),
put (123), puts (6), putting (2), really set (1),recite* (1), regard* (1...
Library
Canon Lxxviii. It Behoves those who are Illuminated to Learn the...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon LXXVIII. It behoves those who are
illuminated to learn the Creed by heart and torecite? It...
The Ten Commandments of God.
... These are the most necessary parts which one should first learn to repeat word for
word and which our children should be accustomed torecite daily when they...
Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... in some Churches made on Holy Thursday, according to Canon 46 of the Synod of Laodicea:
"Those to be baptized must learn the Creed by heart, andrecite it to...
William Christopher Berkenmeyer.
... the Dutch congregations, especially, as the Reformed made concessions to Lutherans
uniting with them, eg, by having the Lutheran childrenrecite the Lutheran...
Incidents of Childhood
... When Mr. Nutter, who taught our school one winter, saw that I could notrecite because
of my impediment of speech, he had all the classesrecite with me so as...
Of Scrupulosities About External Duties, as the Office, Fasting...
... number of religious by means of any employment should be hindered from the choir,
they should in the place of such their employmentrecite the Office in common...
John Chapter v. 19
... Irecite again concerning the Word what you know: "In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God:" here is equality with the...
The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do...
... Here we do not as yetrecite the abuses of the common people [how manifest idolatry
is practiced at pilgrimages].... Nor is there need here torecite examples....
Letter i. Behavior and Manners.
... to a school friend whom I had learned to admire greatly for her superior intellect,
quick wit, power of acquiring knowledge, and ability torecite well in class...
Elucidations.
... Nicene. The Anglo-American Church has ceased torecite this Confession in
public worship, but does not depart from it as doctrine....
Thesaurus
Recite (5 Occurrences)... written down, committed to memory, or the like; to deliver from a written or printed
document, or from recollection; to rehearse; as, to
recite the words of an
...Rehearse (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To repeat, as what has been already said; to tell
over again; torecite.... 5. (vi) Torecite or repeat something for practice....
Read (681 Occurrences)
... 2. (imp. & pp) of Read. 3. (vt) To advise; to counsel. 4. (vt) To interpret; to
explain; as, to read a riddle. 5. (vt) To tell; to declare; torecite....
Overflows (9 Occurrences)
... A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. Irecite my verses for the
king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer. (WEB NAS RSV)....
Lilies (15 Occurrences)
... A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. Irecite my verses for the
king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer. (WEB YLT RSV NIV)....
Write (865 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To frame or combine ideas, and express them in written words; to
play the author; torecite or relate in books; to compose....
Writer (4 Occurrences)
... A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. Irecite my verses for
the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer....
Wedding (24 Occurrences)
... A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. Irecite my verses for the
king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer. (WEB NIV)....
Improvise (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To compose,recite, or sing extemporaneously, especially in verse; to
extemporize; also, to play upon an instrument, or to act, extemporaneously....
Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To utter orrecite in detail; to give an account of; to narrate.
3. (vt) To make known; to publish; to disclose; to divulge....
Resources
What is the Lord's prayer and should we pray it? | GotQuestions.orgIs there anything wrong with repetitive prayer? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to pray written prayers? | GotQuestions.orgRecite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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