Topical Encyclopedia
Investigation, in a biblical context, refers to the process of seeking truth, examining facts, and discerning the will of God. The concept of investigation is woven throughout Scripture, as believers are encouraged to seek understanding and wisdom through diligent study and inquiry.
Biblical Basis for InvestigationThe Bible encourages believers to engage in investigation as a means of growing in knowledge and faith.
Proverbs 25:2 states, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out." This verse highlights the value placed on seeking out truth and understanding the mysteries of God.
In the New Testament, the Bereans are commended for their investigative spirit.
Acts 17:11 notes, "Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." Their example serves as a model for believers to verify teachings against the Word of God.
Investigation in the Life of JesusJesus Himself engaged in investigation, often questioning and probing the hearts of those He encountered. In
Luke 2:46-47, we see a young Jesus in the temple, "sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers." This passage illustrates Jesus' commitment to understanding and engaging with the Scriptures and the religious leaders of His time.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers in their investigation of spiritual truths.
John 16:13 states, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit aids in discerning and understanding the deeper meanings of Scripture, providing insight that goes beyond human wisdom.
Investigation and DiscernmentInvestigation is closely linked with discernment, as believers are called to test and evaluate teachings and spirits. 1
John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This call to discernment underscores the importance of investigation in safeguarding the faith against false teachings.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, investigation involves studying the Bible, seeking counsel from wise and godly individuals, and praying for understanding.
James 1:5 encourages believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise assures believers that God will provide the wisdom needed for proper investigation and understanding.
ConclusionInvestigation is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to grow in knowledge, discern truth, and align their lives with God's will. Through diligent study, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to navigate the complexities of life and faith with confidence and clarity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.
Greek
351. anakrisis -- an examination... Cognate: 351 -- a judicial examination. 351 () was an " for a preliminary
investigation --
distinct from the actual , or trial" (JB Lightfoot, , 67).
...199. akribos -- with exactness
... NASB Word Usage accurately (1), careful* (1), carefully (2), full well (1), more
accurately (1), more exact (1), more thoroughinvestigation (1), more...
Strong's Hebrew
4097. midrash -- study, exposition, midrash... story. From darash; properly, an
investigation, ie (by implication) a treatise or
elaborate compilation -- story. see HEBREW darash. 4096, 4097.
...Library
Claim of JudicialInvestigation.
... Chapter III."Claim of judicialinvestigation. But lest any one think that
this is an unreasonable and reckless utterance, we demand...
AnInvestigation of the Origin of a Sudden Change of Feeling from...
... Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter II. Aninvestigation of the origin of
a sudden change of feeling from inexpressible joy to extreme dejection of mind....
But after thisInvestigation of his Assertions, as if his Object...
... Chapter LX. But after thisinvestigation of his assertions, as if his
object were to swell his? But after thisinvestigation of...
Prefatory Remarks on the Need of ExactInvestigation of the Most...
... TOU AGIOU BAChILEIOU PERI TOU PNEUMATOCh BIBLION. Chapter I. Prefatory remarks on
the need of exactinvestigation of the most minute portions of theology....
Sins May be Divided into Corporeal and Spiritual Both Equally...
... Chapter III."Sins May Be Divided into Corporeal and Spiritual Both Equally Subject,
If Not to Human, Yet to DivineInvestigation and Punishment....
The Object of Philosophical and Theological Inquiry --The...
... away to disputing and doubting, much less are we, who are attached to the really
true philosophy, on whom the Scripture enjoins examination andinvestigation....
To Prevent Ambiguity, we must Begin with Clear Definition.
... And the knowledge pre-existing of each object ofinvestigation is sometimes merely
of the essence, while its functions are unknown (as of stones, and plants...
Prolegomena.
... The study of Introduction was gradually limited to aninvestigation of the origin,
the composition, the history, and the significance of the Bible as a whole...
Thoughts on a Revelation.
... Geology, ethnology, mythical interpretation, criticalinvestigation, and inquiries
of other kinds, have raised their several difficulties; and, in consequence...
The Beecher Trial
... Open, above board, frank, generous, he trusted others, and, as Dr. Abbott has said,
accepted "as true, without inquiry orinvestigation, statements which a man...
Thesaurus
Investigation (6 Occurrences)... the moralist. Multi-Version Concordance
Investigation (6 Occurrences). Luke
1:3 it has seemed right to me also, after careful
investigation...Question (153 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Examination with reference to a decisive result;investigation; specifically,
a judicial or officialinvestigation; also, examination under torture....
Investigate (11 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To pursue a course ofinvestigation and study; to makeinvestigation.
Multi-Version Concordance Investigate (11 Occurrences)....
Latin (2 Occurrences)
... 5. Cyprian's Bible: Criticalinvestigation has made it clear that the version used
by Cyprian survives in a fragmentary copy of Mark and Matthew, now at Turin...
Examination (10 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of examining, or state of being examined; a careful search,
investigation, or inquiry; scrutiny by study or experiment....
Syriac (2 Occurrences)
... other New Testament books are concerned, there is evidence in favor of this view
which has been added to by recent discoveries; and freshinvestigation in the...
Version
... 5. Cyprian's Bible: Criticalinvestigation has made it clear that the version used
by Cyprian survives in a fragmentary copy of Mark and Matthew, now at Turin...
Text (5 Occurrences)
... The whole tendency of recentinvestigation is to give less place to the oral tradition
of Christ's life and teaching and to press back the date of the writing...
Manuscripts
... The whole tendency of recentinvestigation is to give less place to the oral tradition
of Christ's life and teaching and to press back the date of the writing...
Psychology
... for either theory. Birth is a mystery which bafflesinvestigation, and
Scripture throws no light upon that mystery. Yet some who...
Resources
How accurate was the virginity test mentioned in Deuteronomy 22? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is doxastic voluntarism? | GotQuestions.orgDid God create the universe? | GotQuestions.orgInvestigation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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