Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "observes" often refers to the act of keeping, watching, or adhering to God's commandments, laws, and decrees. This concept is central to the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's instructions.
Old Testament UsageThe Hebrew word often translated as "observe" is "shamar," which means to keep, guard, or watch over. This term is frequently used in the context of observing God's commandments and statutes. For example, in
Deuteronomy 6:17 , it is written, "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has commanded you."
Observance in the Old Testament is closely tied to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were repeatedly instructed to observe the Sabbath, festivals, and various laws as a sign of their commitment to God. In
Exodus 31:16 , the observance of the Sabbath is described as a perpetual covenant: "The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it as a lasting covenant for the generations to come."
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the Greek word "tereo" is often used to convey the idea of observing or keeping. Jesus emphasized the importance of observing His teachings as a demonstration of love and discipleship. In
John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
The New Testament also expands the concept of observance beyond the letter of the law to include the spirit of the law. This is evident in Jesus' teachings, where He calls for a deeper, heart-centered obedience. In
Matthew 23:23 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their legalistic observance, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness."
Observance and FaithObservance in the Bible is not merely about external compliance but is deeply connected to faith and relationship with God. The prophets often called Israel back to genuine observance that reflects a heart aligned with God's will. In
Micah 6:8 , the prophet summarizes what God requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of observance in his letters, particularly in relation to the law and grace. In
Romans 2:13 , Paul writes, "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous."
ConclusionThe biblical concept of observing God's commandments is integral to understanding the relationship between God and His people. It encompasses both the external adherence to God's laws and the internal commitment to living a life that reflects His character and purposes. Observance is ultimately about aligning one's life with God's will, demonstrating love, faith, and obedience.
Greek
5426. phroneo -- to have understanding, to think... view (1), conceited* (1), concern (1), concerned (1), feel (1), have...attitude
(3), intent on...purpose (1), live in harmony (1), mind (4),
observes (2), set
...578. apoblepo -- to look away from all else at an object
... By separating himself (), he went on to God's . ["In secular Greek, 578 () expresses
the activity of the astronomer whoobserves the heavenly motions, or that...
Strong's Hebrew
8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve... keeper (8), keepers (2), keeping (10), keeps (19), kept (38), kept watch (2),
maintained (1), mark (2), observe (30), observed (6),
observes (1), observing (1
...6213a. asah -- do, make
... 4), makes (19), making (5), obey (1), observe (33), observe them carefully (1),
observe to do (2), observe carefully (2), observed (12),observes (5), offer (35...
5341. natsar -- to watch, guard, keep
... 1), guards (2), hidden things (1), keep (7), keep watch (1), keeper (1), keeps
(3), kept (1), man (1), observe (10), observed (1),observes (1), preserve (10...
Library
Whether the ChurchObserves a Suitable Rite in Baptizing?
... OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the Churchobserves
a suitable rite in baptizing? Objection 1: It seems that...
"A Judicious NaturalistObserves, that Sound and Strong Lungs are...
... Address 81: "A judicious naturalistobserves, that sound and strong lungs
are that on which? "A judicious naturalistobserves, that...
Further Still, the Educated ManObserves that those Sections which...
... Book 4 Chapter 13. Further still, the educated manobserves that those sections
which the Greeks call "kommata"? 13. Further still...
Whether the Theological virtues Observe the Mean?
... mean? Objection 1: It would seem that theological virtueobserves the mean.
For... Therefore theological virtueobserves the mean. On the...
Whether Magnificence is a virtue?
... Objection 2: Further, moral virtueobserves the mean, according to Ethic.... x.
Hence magnificenceobserves not the mean, but the extreme....
Whether the Mean of Justice is the Real Mean?
... ii, 6) to be "an elective habit whichobserves the mean fixed, in our regard, by
reason." Therefore justiceobserves the rational and not the real mean....
Whether Moral virtues Observe the Mean?
... iv, 2,3. Therefore not every moral virtueobserves the mean. Objection... conformity.
Therefore it is evident that moral virtueobserves the mean....
Whether the Intellectual virtues Observe the Mean?
... Because moral virtueobserves the mean by conforming to the rule of reason....
ii, 6). Therefore also intellectual virtueobserves the mean....
Whether Christ was Buried in a Becoming Manner?
... because "Joseph wrapped His body in a clean linen cloth," as is related by Matthew
(27:59), "but not with gold or gems, or silk," as Jeromeobserves: yet on...
Whether it is Allowable for a Menstruous Wife to Ask for the...
... On the contrary, "Thou shalt not approach to a woman having her flowers"
(Lev.18:19) where Augustineobserves: "Although he has already sufficiently forbidden...
Thesaurus
Observes (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Observes (14 Occurrences).
... (See RSV). Ecclesiastes 11:4
He who
observes the wind won't sow; and he who regards the clouds won't reap.
...Eats (57 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who does
not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Abstains (2 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV). Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he
who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Special (89 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who does
not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Observe (216 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he
who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Thanks (151 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who does
not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Honor (240 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who does
not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Meat (387 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who
does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Doesn't (300 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Romans 14:6 He whoobserves the day,observes it to the Lord; and he who
does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it....
Resources
Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean for a church or organization to be interdenominational? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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