Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "discern" in the Bible refers to the ability to perceive, distinguish, or judge something clearly and accurately. It involves a deep understanding and insight that goes beyond mere surface-level observation. Discernment is often associated with wisdom and spiritual insight, enabling individuals to differentiate between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, or good and evil.
Biblical Usage:Discernment is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of spiritual insight and understanding. It is considered a gift from God, essential for making wise decisions and living a life that aligns with His will.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, discernment is often linked with wisdom and understanding. For example, in
1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God for "an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." This request highlights the necessity of discernment for leadership and governance. The Hebrew word often translated as "discern" is "bin," which conveys the idea of understanding or perceiving.
Proverbs frequently addresses the concept of discernment.
Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages seeking wisdom and understanding, promising that those who do will "understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." Discernment is portrayed as a treasure that leads to a deeper relationship with God.
New Testament References:In the New Testament, discernment is closely associated with spiritual maturity and the work of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "diakrinō" is often used, meaning to distinguish or judge. In
1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul explains that "the natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." This passage underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in granting believers the ability to discern spiritual truths.
Philippians 1:9-10 expresses Paul's prayer for the Philippians, that their "love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent." Here, discernment is linked with love and knowledge, suggesting that it is integral to Christian growth and ethical living.
Spiritual Gift of Discernment:Discernment is also considered a spiritual gift, as mentioned in
1 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul lists "distinguishing between spirits" as one of the gifts of the Spirit. This gift enables believers to recognize the influence of the Holy Spirit versus other spirits, aiding in the protection of the church from false teachings and deception.
Practical Application:In practical terms, discernment is vital for Christians as they navigate a world filled with conflicting messages and moral challenges. It involves applying biblical principles to everyday situations, making choices that reflect God's truth and righteousness.
Hebrews 5:14 states that "solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This suggests that discernment is developed through spiritual growth and the consistent application of God's Word.
Conclusion:While discernment is a gift, it is also a skill that can be cultivated through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is essential for maintaining doctrinal purity, making wise decisions, and living a life that honors God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To see and identify by noting a difference or differences; to note the distinctive character of; to discriminate; to distinguish.
2. (v. t.) To see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; as, to discern a difference.
3. (v. i.) To see or understand the difference; to make distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.
4. (v. i.) To make cognizance.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DISCERNdi-zurn': Five Hebrew words are thus translated: bin, yadha`, nakhar, ra'ah and shama`. It may simply mean "observe" (bin), "I discerned among the youths" (Proverbs 7:7); or discriminating knowlege, "A wise man's heart discerneth time and judgment" (Ecclesiastes 8:5, yadha`); "He discerned him not, because his hands," etc. (Genesis 27:23, nakhar); "Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked" (Malachi 3:18, ra'ah); "So is my lord the king to discern good," etc. (2 Samuel 14:17, shama`). In the New Testament the words anakrino, diakrino and dokimazo are thus translated, expressing close and distinct acquaintance with or a critical knowledge of things. Used in1 Corinthians 2:14 the King James Version of "the things of the spirit of God"; in1 Corinthians 11:29 of "the (Lord's) body" in the sacrament; inMatthew 16:3 of "the face of the heaven"; inHebrews 5:14 of a clear knowledge of good and evil as the prerogative of a full-grown man. See also next article.
Henry E. Dosker
Greek
2529. kathorao -- todiscern clearly... to
discern clearly. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kathorao Phonetic Spelling:
(kath-or-ah'-o) Short Definition: I see clearly Definition: I see clearly
...1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge
... to judge. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: diakrino Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-ak-ree'-no) Short Definition: I distinguish,discern, doubt, hesitate Definition...
3708. horao -- to see, perceive, attend to
... horao Phonetic Spelling: (hor-ah'-o) Short Definition: I see, look upon, experience
Definition: I see, look upon, experience, perceive,discern, beware....
1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize
... recognize. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epiginosko Phonetic Spelling:
(ep-ig-in-oce'-ko) Short Definition: I come to know,discern, recognize Definition...
350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate
... examining (2), trial (1). question,discern, examine, search. From ana and krino;
properly, to scrutinize, ie (by implication) investigate...
1381. dokimazo -- to test, by impl. to approve
... 1381 ("to approve by testing") is done to what is , ie . 1381 () does focus on
something (ie to show it is ). allow,discern, examine, approve, try....
2334. theoreo -- to look at, gaze
... Phonetic Spelling: (theh-o-reh'-o) Short Definition: I behold, look at, experience
Definition: I look at, gaze, behold; I see, experience,discern; I partake of...
1253. diakrisis -- the act of judgment
... Word Origin from diakrino Definition the act of judgment NASB Word Usagediscern
(1), distinguishing (1), passing judgment (1). discerning, disputation....
2924. kritikos -- critical
... of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: kritikos Phonetic Spelling: (krit-ee-kos')
Short Definition: able to judge Definition: critical, able to judge ordiscern...
826. augazo -- to shine forth
... Spelling: (ow-gad'-zo) Short Definition: I shine forth Definition: I flash, gleam,
shine forth, appear white, bright; but perhaps: I see, see clearly,discern....
Strong's Hebrew
995. bin -- todiscern... 994b, 995. bin. 996 . to
discern. Transliteration: bin Phonetic Spelling:
(bene) Short Definition: understand. Word Origin a prim.
...5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize
... root Definition to regard, recognize NASB Word Usage able (1), acknowledge (3),
acknowledges (1),discern (1), distinguish (1), distinguishes (1), examine (1...
8085. shama -- to hear
... root Definition to hear NASB Word Usage announce (2), announced (3), announces
(3), completely (1), comprehends (1), diligently (1),discern (1), disregarded...
3045. yada -- to know
... understand (2), cohabit (1), comprehend (1), concern (2), concerned (1), consider
(3), declare (1), detected (1), directed (1),discern (2), disciplined (1...
7919a. sakal -- to be prudent
... to be prudent NASB Word Usage act wisely (1), acts wisely (3), behaved himself wisely
(1), comprehend (1), consider (1), considers (2),discern (1), expert (1...
7200. raah -- to see
... applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative) -- advise
self, appear, approve, behold, X certainly, consider,discern, (make to...
Library
How toDiscern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... CHAPTER VIII. HOW TODISCERN OUR TITLE TO THE SAINTS' REST. Self-examination
urged, 1. From the possibility of arriving at a certainty...
By this we MayDiscern what Strange Power God Hath Given to us by...
... THE SECOND CENTURY 60 By this we maydiscern what strange power God hath
given to us by loving us infinitely. By this we maydiscern...
A Means toDiscern this Imperfect Love.
... BOOK IV. OF THE DECAY AND RUIN OF CHARITY. CHAPTER XI. A MEANS TODISCERN
THIS IMPERFECT LOVE. But, you will ask me, what means...
How we are toDiscern Whether a Phrase is Figurative.
... Book III. Chapter 10."How We are toDiscern Whether a Phrase is Figurative.
14. But in addition to the foregoing rule, which guards...
The Signs of the Times
... Second Series Sermon 66 The Signs of the Times. "Ye candiscern the face of the
sky; but can ye notdiscern the signs of the times?" Matthew 16:3....
The Signs of the Redeemer's Return
... times of His advent. But the Jews failed todiscern these Signs and the
Saviour reproached them for their failure. Said He, "When...
The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... So then, there needs be no more question about the divine authority of the scriptures
among those who have their senses exercised todiscern between good and...
1 Corinthians ii. 12
... therefore, as beings devoid of reason cannot understand the truths of science, or
of man's wisdom, for they are without the faculty which candiscern them; so...
Agree with Thine Adversary
... Ye hypocrites, ye candiscern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it
that ye do notdiscern this time?" If God can give you common sense about one...
A Description of Mystical Theology, which is no Other Thing than...
... of our own heart in the infinite diversity of motions by which it turns itself,
in so many ways and with such promptitude, that one cannotdiscern its track....
Thesaurus
Discern (49 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To see by the eye or by the understanding; to perceive and recognize; as,
to
discern a difference.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
DISCERN.
...Distinguish (16 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To recognize ordiscern by marks, signs, or characteristic quality or qualities;
to know and discriminate (anything) from other things with which it...
Difference (19 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 2 Samuel 19:35 I am this day eighty years old. Can Idiscern between good
and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?...
Discerning (29 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofDiscern. 2. (a.) Acute;
shrewd; sagacious; sharp-sighted. Multi-Version Concordance...
O (1414 Occurrences)
... You know how todiscern the appearance of the sky, but you can'tdiscern the signs
of the times! (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Overcast (1 Occurrence)
... threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how todiscern the appearance of the sky,
but you can'tdiscern the signs of the times! (See NIV)....
Lowering (2 Occurrences)
... lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye candiscern the face of the sky; but can
ye notdiscern the signs of the times? (KJV ASV DBY WBS)....
Weather (5 Occurrences)
... Hypocrites! You know how todiscern the appearance of the sky, but you can't
discern the signs of the times! (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT)....
Interpret (27 Occurrences)
... You know how todiscern the appearance of the sky, but you can'tdiscern the
signs of the times! (See RSV NIV). Luke 12:56 You hypocrites!...
Foul (41 Occurrences)
... Hypocrites! You know how todiscern the appearance of the sky, but you
can'tdiscern the signs of the times! (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Resources
How can we discern counterfeit miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many televangelist scandals? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about discernment? | GotQuestions.orgDiscern: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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