Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the concept of "heeds" is closely associated with attentiveness, careful consideration, and obedience to God's word and commandments. The term is often used to emphasize the importance of listening to and following divine instructions, as well as being vigilant against spiritual and moral dangers.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "heed" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to keep, guard, or observe. This term is frequently used in the context of obeying God's laws and commandments. For instance, in
Deuteronomy 4:9 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren."
The call to heed God's commandments is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature as well.
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."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "προσέχω" (prosechō) is often used to convey the idea of taking heed or being attentive. Jesus frequently admonished His followers to be watchful and heed His teachings. In
Luke 21:34 , Jesus warns, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a trap."
The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of taking heed in the context of spiritual vigilance and doctrinal purity. In
1 Timothy 4:16 , Paul advises Timothy, "Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
Heeding as Obedience and VigilanceHeeding God's word is not merely about listening but involves active obedience and a commitment to living according to His will.
James 1:22 underscores this by stating, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves."
The concept of heeding also encompasses vigilance against false teachings and spiritual complacency. In
Hebrews 2:1 , believers are exhorted, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, taking heed involves a daily commitment to studying Scripture, prayer, and applying biblical principles to one's life. It requires a heart that is open to correction and guidance from the Holy Spirit. The act of heeding is both a personal and communal responsibility, as believers are called to encourage one another in faithfulness and obedience.
In summary, the biblical concept of heeding is integral to a life of faith, characterized by attentiveness to God's word, obedience to His commands, and vigilance against spiritual dangers.
Greek
5083. tereo -- to watch over, to guard... word teros (a guard) Definition to watch over, to guard NASB Word Usage continue
(1), guard (1), guards (1), heed (2),
heeds (1), held in custody (1), keep (27
...Strong's Hebrew
8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve... 1), give heed (2), giving heed (1), guard (20), guarded (7), guards (4), guardsmen
(1), have charge (1), heed to yourself and keep (1),
heeds (1), hoarded (1
...Library
The First Great Group of Parables.
... Of the four hearts indicated, the first one hears, butheeds nothing; the second
oneheeds, but is checked by external influences; the thirdheeds, but is...
Beside the Still Waters.
... perhaps hardly as much as"the perpetually dropping rain, the wind that seems to
blow as it listeth, the tides that come and go and no manheeds them, the sun...
The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... Why should I pray? Who knows whether Godheeds or will hear my prayer?
If I do not pray, some one else will. And thus they fall...
Why the Divine Invitation is Refused.
... be required of thee;" but far worse if a man in this short and fleeting earthly
life misses hearing the divine invitation, and so littleheeds this significant...
Almsgiving and Forgiveness
... can. Thus oneheeds God's command: "Love your enemies, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them that persecute you." [159]....
On the Feast of the Holy Martyr, St Laurence
... He who desires to keep himself unspotted, must let all outward visible things pass
by, and must force his way on, as through things that heheeds not, while he...
I am So Glad, Dearest Celine
... I repeat, it is the world that is insane, because itheeds not what Jesus
has done and suffered to save it from eternal damnation....
He was Transfigured
... The dew is heavy upon His bowed form, but Heheeds it not. The shadows of night
gather thickly about Him, but He regards not their gloom....
The Control of the Temper
... A fool gives way to his wrath, But a wise man restrains his anger. A fool's anger
is known at once, But a sensible manheeds not an insult....
The Conversion of S. Paul
... With lips firm closed and fix??d eye,. Like warrior when the fight is nigh,. Nor
talk nor landscapeheeds. What sudden blaze is round him pour'd,....
Thesaurus
Heeds (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Heeds (9 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way
of life who
heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
...Correction (26 Occurrences)
... WBS). Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life whoheeds correction, but
he who forsakes reproof leads others astray. (WEB ASV NIV)....
Reproof (29 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life whoheeds correction, but he who
forsakes reproof leads others astray. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)....
Heel (8 Occurrences)
Liar (18 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 116:11 I said in my haste, "All men are liars." (Root in WEB KJV JPS
ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Proverbs 17:4 An evildoerheeds wicked lips....
Forsakes (7 Occurrences)
... RSV). Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life whoheeds correction, but he
who forsakes reproof leads others astray. (WEB). Proverbs...
Trusts (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 16:20 He whoheeds the Word finds prosperity.
Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed. (WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Refuses (21 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
but he whoheeds correction shall be honored. (WEB)....
Evildoer (9 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. (See RSV NIV). Proverbs 17:4 An evildoerheeds wicked lips. A liar
gives ear to a mischievous tongue. (WEB NAS RSV). Isaiah...
Despises (16 Occurrences)
... poor. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father's correction,
but he whoheeds reproof shows prudence. (WEB RSV)....
Resources
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