Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, "precepts" refer to commandments, instructions, or principles intended to guide behavior and belief. The term is often used in the context of God's laws and teachings, which are meant to direct the lives of the faithful. Precepts are seen as divine guidelines that help believers live in a manner pleasing to God, ensuring a life of righteousness and holiness.
Old Testament UsageThe concept of precepts is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. The Hebrew word often translated as "precepts" is "piqqudim," which conveys the idea of mandates or authoritative orders. These precepts are considered an integral part of the Torah, the law given by God to the people of Israel.
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, extensively discusses the importance of God's precepts. The psalmist expresses a deep love and reverence for these divine instructions, recognizing them as a source of wisdom and understanding. For example,
Psalm 119:4-5 states, "You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in keeping Your statutes!"
The precepts of the Lord are portrayed as trustworthy and righteous, providing guidance and stability.
Psalm 19:8 declares, "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."
New Testament ContextWhile the term "precepts" is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept remains significant. Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of adhering to God's commandments and teachings. In
Matthew 5:17-19 , Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of the law: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
The apostle Paul also underscores the importance of following God's precepts, particularly in the context of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. In
Romans 8:4 , Paul writes, "so that the righteous standard of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
Theological SignificancePrecepts are not merely rules to be followed; they are expressions of God's character and will. They serve as a moral compass, guiding believers in their daily lives and helping them to cultivate a relationship with God. By adhering to these divine instructions, believers demonstrate their love and commitment to God, as well as their desire to live in accordance with His will.
The precepts of God are seen as a source of spiritual nourishment and growth. They provide clarity and direction in a world often marked by confusion and moral ambiguity. As such, they are cherished by those who seek to live a life of faithfulness and devotion to God.
Greek
1778. entalma -- an injunction, ie religious precept... See 1785 (). Word Origin from entellomai Definition an injunction, ie religious
precept NASB Word Usage commandments (1),
precepts (2). commandment.
...5084. teresis -- a watching, hence imprisonment, a keeping
... Feminine Transliteration: teresis Phonetic Spelling: (tay'-ray-sis) Short Definition:
a prison, observance Definition: a prison; observance (as ofprecepts)....
4747. stoicheion -- one of a row, hence a letter (of the alphabet)...
... refers to "the with which mankind . . were (before the time of Christ), ie the
elements of religious training or the ceremonialprecepts common alike...
Strong's Hebrew
6490. piqqud -- a precept... 6489, 6490. piqqud. 6491 . a precept. Transliteration: piqqud Phonetic
Spelling: (pik-kood') Short Definition:
precepts. Word Origin
...Library
Whether thePrecepts of the Decalogue arePrecepts of Justice?
... OF THEPRECEPTS OF JUSTICE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts of the decalogue
areprecepts of justice? Objection 1: It seems that...
Whether all the MoralPrecepts of the Old Law are Reducible to the...
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether all the moralprecepts
of the Old Law are reducible to the tenprecepts of the decalogue?...
Whether thePrecepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Formulated?
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts
of the decalogue are suitably formulated? Objection...
Whether the TenPrecepts of the Decalogue are Set in Proper Order?
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the tenprecepts
of the decalogue are set in proper order? Objection...
Whether thePrecepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Distinguished...
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts
of the decalogue are suitably distinguished from one another?...
Whether thePrecepts of the Parts of Fortitude are Suitably Given...
... OF THEPRECEPTS OF FORTITUDE (TWO ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts of the
parts of fortitude are suitably given in the Divine Law?...
Whether the MoralPrecepts of the Law are About all the Acts of...
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the moralprecepts
of the Law are about all the acts of virtue? Objection...
Whether, Besides the Moral and CeremonialPrecepts, There are Also...
... Whether, besides the moral and ceremonialprecepts, there are also judicial
precepts? Objection 1: It would seem that there are...
Whether thePrecepts of the Decalogue are Dispensable?
... OF THE MORALPRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts
of the decalogue are dispensable? Objection 1: It would...
Whether thePrecepts of the virtues Annexed to Temperance are...
... OF THEPRECEPTS OF TEMPERANCE (TWO ARTICLES) Whether theprecepts of the virtues
annexed to temperance are suitably given in the Divine law?...
Thesaurus
Precepts (40 Occurrences)...Precepts (40 Occurrences). Matthew 15:9 but it is in vain they worship Me, while
they lay down
precepts which are mere human rules.'" (WEY ASV NAS RSV).
...Meditate (37 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Psalms 119:15 I will meditate on yourprecepts, and consider your ways....
Psalms 119:27 Let me understand the teaching of yourprecepts!...
Precept (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To teach byprecepts. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. PRECEPT. pre'-sept: A commandment, an authoritative...
Ten (234 Occurrences)
... which were broken. Moses was commanded to write the specialprecepts given
by God during this interview; but the. Ten Commandments...
Lovest (13 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:9 For theprecepts, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," "Thou shalt do no
murder," "Thou shalt not steal," "Thou shalt not covet," and all other...
Washing (56 Occurrences)
... Moses had commanded washings oft, but always for some definite cause; but the Jews
multiplied the legal observance till they formed a large body ofprecepts....
Wandered (29 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 119:110 The wicked have laid a
snare for me; but I have not wandered from thyprecepts. (DBY YLT)....
Mere (56 Occurrences)
... Mere (56 Occurrences). Matthew 15:9 but it is in vain they worship Me, while
they lay downprecepts which are mere human rules.'" (WEY)....
Perversely (15 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 119:78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me
without a cause: but I will meditate in thyprecepts. (KJV DBY WBS YLT)....
Commandments (181 Occurrences)
... In the Ten Commandments, or, more properly, Ten Words, EVm (debharim), they are
reduced to a few all-comprehensiveprecepts of permanent validity, upon which...
Resources
Are the Ten Commandments taken from the forty-two precepts of Ma'at? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Judaism and what do Jews believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from Psalm 119? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
