Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, "hard sentences" refer to difficult or enigmatic sayings, riddles, or parables that require wisdom and discernment to understand. These expressions often appear in contexts where divine wisdom is contrasted with human understanding, highlighting the need for spiritual insight to grasp deeper truths.
Old Testament ContextThe concept of hard sentences is notably illustrated in the account of Daniel, a young Hebrew man endowed with divine wisdom. In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has a troubling dream that none of his wise men can interpret. Daniel, however, is able to reveal and interpret the dream through God's revelation. This event underscores the theme that true understanding of hard sentences comes from God alone.
Daniel 5:12 states, "This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, was found to have an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems."
The Book of Proverbs also touches on the concept of hard sentences.
Proverbs 1:6 speaks of understanding "proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise." Here, the pursuit of wisdom is encouraged, as it enables one to comprehend complex and profound truths.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses parables, which can be considered a form of hard sentences. These parables often contain hidden meanings that are not immediately apparent to all listeners. Jesus explains to His disciples that He speaks in parables so that those who are spiritually attuned may understand, while others may not. In
Matthew 13:11 , Jesus says, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of spiritual wisdom in his letters. In
1 Corinthians 2:7 , he writes, "No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began." Paul emphasizes that understanding the deeper truths of God requires spiritual discernment, which is granted by the Holy Spirit.
The Role of Wisdom and DiscernmentThroughout the Bible, the ability to interpret hard sentences is linked to wisdom and discernment, gifts that are bestowed by God. Solomon, known for his wisdom, is another key figure associated with this theme. When God offers Solomon anything he desires, Solomon asks for wisdom to govern his people. Pleased with this request, God grants him unparalleled wisdom, enabling him to understand and judge complex matters (
1 Kings 3:12).
The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring exhortation in Scripture, as seen in
James 1:5 : "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This verse encourages believers to seek divine wisdom to navigate life's challenges and understand the deeper truths of God's Word.
ConclusionIn summary, hard sentences in the Bible serve as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of divine wisdom. They challenge believers to seek God's guidance and to cultivate a heart of discernment, enabling them to comprehend the profound mysteries of faith.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Hard SentencesHARD SAYINGS; HARD SENTENCES
sa'-ingz;, sen'-ten-siz: InDaniel 5:12 the King James Version (Aramaic 'aqiahan), the Revised Version (British and American) "dark sentences," of enigmatic utterances which preternatural wisdom was needed to interpret; inJohn 6:60 (skleros. ho logos), of sayings (Christ's words at Capernaum about eating His flesh and drinking His blood) difficult for the natural mind to understand (compare 6:52).
Library
The Unseen Watcher
... and soothsayers; forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and showing ofhard sentences, and dissolving of...
Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate ReluctantlySentences Him...
... Pilate ReluctantlySentences Him to Crucifixion.... [The soldiers had no special malice
against Jesus, but the Roman military system made menhard of heart....
He Will be an Intellectual Genius
... The Hebrew word here translated "darksentences" is the same as the one rendered
"hard questions" in 1 Kings 10:1, where we read of the Queen of Sheba coming...
"What is Your Life?"
... And if God did not rather choose a fewhard solidsentences of truth to perpetuate
an answer to one of the most solid thoughts of life, is it not just because...
The New Testament Text and Its History.
... In Acts 9:5, the words, It ishard for thee to kick against the... of omissions is the
similar termination of two adjacent words, lines, orsentences, causing the...
Antichrist in Daniel
... noun for "darksentences" is used of Samson's riddle (Judges 14:12, of the Queen
of Sheba'shard questions (1 Kings 10:1), and of the dark sayings of the wise...
Of the Massacre of Thessalonica; the Boldness of Bishop Ambrosius...
... You have inflicted wounds righthard to heal; what salve have you applied?" "Yours...
make the sentence of your passion null and void; let thesentences which have...
Prologue.
... by the Latins in imitation of the four books of "Sentences" of Peter... time are added
the annotations explaining all the difficulties and thehard and lofty...
"This is his Commandment, That," &C.
... by obedience, and lay hold on his righteousness as your own, and in him ye are
justified, and delivered from all thesesentences andhard writings against you....
He Comes to his Own.
... This is the most heart-breaking of all of John's heart-breakingsentences.
John had ahard time writing this Gospel of his. He was...
Resources
Why is life so hard? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is it so hard to understand the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to kick against the pricks? | GotQuestions.orgHard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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