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In the context of the Bible, the concept of "stares" is not directly addressed as a specific topic or term. However, the act of staring or gazing can be inferred from various passages that describe looking intently or fixing one's eyes upon something or someone. This act can carry different connotations depending on the context, ranging from admiration and contemplation to judgment and scrutiny.

Biblical Instances and Implications

1.Admiration and Contemplation: In some instances, staring or gazing is associated with admiration or deep contemplation. For example, in the Psalms, the psalmist often speaks of gazing upon the beauty of the Lord.Psalm 27:4 states, "One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple." Here, the act of gazing is an expression of worship and longing for divine presence.

2.Judgment and Scrutiny: Staring can also imply judgment or scrutiny, as seen in the interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees. InLuke 6:7 , it is written, "Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath." Their intent gaze was not one of admiration but of critical observation, seeking to find fault.

3.Astonishment and Fear: The Bible also records instances where people stare in astonishment or fear. InActs 3:12 , after Peter heals a lame man, the people are described as staring in amazement: "When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: 'Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we have made this man walk?'" Here, the stare is one of astonishment at the miraculous.

4.Intense Focus and Attention: The act of fixing one's eyes can also denote intense focus or attention. InHebrews 12:2 , believers are encouraged to fix their eyes on Jesus: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual focus and direction.

Cultural and Theological Considerations

In biblical times, the act of staring or gazing could carry significant cultural implications. It could be seen as a sign of respect, curiosity, or even challenge. Theologically, the Bible encourages believers to direct their gaze towards God and His works, fostering a sense of reverence and spiritual awareness. The act of staring, when directed towards the divine, becomes an act of worship and devotion.

Moral and Ethical Reflections

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible cautions against the misuse of one's gaze. Jesus teaches inMatthew 5:28 , "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This highlights the importance of purity in thought and intention, reminding believers that the eyes can be a gateway to sin if not guarded.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address "stares" as a standalone topic, the act of staring is woven into various narratives and teachings, each carrying its own spiritual and moral implications.

Wesley on Geology and Rousseau
... a coxcomb. But he hides both his doggedness and vanity a little better;
whereas here itstares us in the face continually. As to...

I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... the great mart of woodland Numidia, the warehouse and the bazaar, where to this
day the nomad comes to lay in a stock of provisions, andstares with childish...

On Certain Modern Writers and the Institution of the Family
... He can stare at the Chinese because for him the Chinese are a passive thing to be
stared at; if hestares at the old lady in the next garden, she becomes active...

False Professors Solemnly Warned
... truth. Again, it is a paradox, but itstares us in the face every day,
that we have covetous Christians. It is an inconsistency....

Mr. Fearing Comforted
... My shop must be closed; bankruptcystares me in the face, and I know not what is
to become of me." Or else your troubles take another shape, and you feel that...

The Necessity of the Spirit's Work
... Is it not a fact thatstares us in the face, that our fashionable preachers, our
eloquent preachers, our learned preachers, are just the most useless men in...

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... Hear how he shrieks for help! Mark what agony and terror are in his soul, and on
his brow! Deathstares him in the face, and shakes at him his iron spear....

Lenten Thoughts
... You can hardly open a page of God's blessed Book without finding something which
stares you in the face with the question, 'Do I do thus?' or, 'Do I not do thus...

A Psalm of Remembrance
... pins pulled up by the invading enemy; he thought at last that nothing would be left
him, "Surely I shall die in poverty," says he, for bankruptcystares him in...

The Withering Work of the Spirit
... I said, Clothe me,' and lo! He has torn off from me the few rags which
covered me before, and my nakednessstares me in the face....

Stares (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceStares (1 Occurrence). Psalms 55:3 Because of the
voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked....

Stared (3 Occurrences)

Stargazers (1 Occurrence)

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