Topical Encyclopedia
The term "searcher" is not explicitly used in the Bible; however, the concept of searching, seeking, and the role of a searcher is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. The idea of searching is often associated with the pursuit of wisdom, truth, and understanding, as well as the divine search for the hearts of men.
Divine SearcherGod is frequently depicted as the ultimate searcher, who examines the hearts and minds of individuals. In
Jeremiah 17:10 , it is written, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This verse highlights God's omniscience and His ability to discern the true intentions and thoughts of every person.
Similarly, in
Psalm 139:23-24 , the psalmist invites God to search him: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting." This reflects a desire for divine examination and guidance, acknowledging God's role as the searcher of the human soul.
Human SearchersThe Bible also speaks to the human responsibility to search for God and His wisdom.
Proverbs 2:3-5 encourages believers to seek wisdom diligently: "If you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." This passage underscores the value of earnest searching in the pursuit of spiritual understanding.
In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking in
Matthew 7:7-8 : "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Here, the act of seeking is portrayed as a necessary step in receiving divine blessings and understanding.
The Search for TruthThe search for truth is a recurring theme in Scripture. In
John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement positions Jesus as the ultimate truth that believers are to seek. The pursuit of truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual journey that leads to a relationship with Christ.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is also described as a searcher, particularly in the context of interceding for believers.
Romans 8:27 states, "And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in understanding and aligning with God's will, acting as a divine searcher within the believer's life.
ConclusionThe concept of a searcher in the Bible encompasses both the divine and human aspects of searching. God, as the ultimate searcher, examines the hearts of men, while humans are called to seek God, His wisdom, and His truth. The Holy Spirit aids in this search, guiding believers in their spiritual journey. Through these various dimensions, the theme of searching is integral to the biblical narrative, encouraging a life of earnest pursuit of God and His righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, or that which, searches or examines; a seeker; an inquirer; an examiner; a trier.
2. (n.) Formerly, an officer in London appointed to examine the bodies of the dead, and report the cause of death.
3. (n.) An officer of the customs whose business it is to search ships, merchandise, luggage, etc.
4. (n.) An inspector of leather.
5. (n.) An instrument for examining the bore of a cannon, to detect cavities.
6. (n.) An implement for sampling butter; a butter trier.
7. (n.) An instrument for feeling after calculi in the bladder, etc.
Strong's Hebrew
1230. Baqbaqqar -- a Levite... Bakbakkar. Reduplicated from baqar;
searcher; Bakbakkar, an Israelite -- Bakbakkar.
see HEBREW baqar. 1229, 1230. Baqbaqqar. 1231 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Let Then the EagerSearcher into Words for Wisdom...
... Address 162: Let then the eagersearcher into words for wisdom? Let then
the eagersearcher into words for wisdom, the book- devourer...
Diocletian, as Being of a Timorous Disposition, was aSearcher...
... Chap. X. Diocletian, as being of a timorous disposition, was asearcher into
futurity? Diocletian, as being of a timorous disposition...
That a Man Should not be a CuriousSearcher of the Sacrament, but...
... OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR CHAPTER XVIII That a man should not be a curioussearcher
of the Sacrament, but a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense...
We Shall Follow the Example of Abdemelech, if we Believe that the...
... 128. But if this moves you that He said "searcheth," learn that this is also said
of God, inasmuch as He is thesearcher of hearts and reins....
God's Exhaustive Knowledge of Man. [*Continued]
... No man knows more of his own heart than theSearcher of hearts knows. Up to this
point, certainly, the truth of the text is incontrovertible....
Chapter ii.
... But such do not receive a reward from God theSearcher of the heart, unless it be
the punishment of their deceit: from men, however, says He, "They have...
The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... adduces no evidence" mentions no circumstances, evidential of his love to Christ,
but refers the matter back directly to him, as thesearcher of hearts and...
We Give Offence by Proclaiming that There is one God...
... There are some who, though they do not deny the existence of God, hold withal that
He is neitherSearcher, nor Ruler, nor Judge; treating with especial disdain...
Preface.
... Mr. Boyle, the most exactsearcher into the works of nature that any age has known,
and who saw atheism and infidelity beginning to shew themselves in the...
Repentance
... The sinner has a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feels the terror of
appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before theSearcher of hearts....
Thesaurus
Searcher (6 Occurrences)...Searcher (6 Occurrences). Acts 15:8 And God, the
searcher of hearts, was a witness
to them, giving them the Holy Spirit even as he did to us; (BBE).
...Intercessions (2 Occurrences)
... Romans 8:27 and theSearcher of hearts knows what the Spirit's meaning is, because
His intercessions for God's people are in harmony with God's will. (WEY)....
Tester (5 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord am thesearcher of the heart, the tester of the thoughts,
so that I may give to every man the reward of his ways, in keeping with the...
Torches (18 Occurrences)
... into which a fugitive might retreat; finally, there were probably a garden-house
and tower, into whose gloom it might be necessary for asearcher to throw...
Meaning (41 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Romans 8:27 and theSearcher of hearts knows what the Spirit's meaning
is, because His intercessions for God's people are in harmony with God's will....
Searchers (2 Occurrences)
Agreement (341 Occurrences)
... Romans 8:27 And he who is thesearcher of hearts has knowledge of the mind of the
Spirit, because he is making prayers for the saints in agreement with the...
Searched (71 Occurrences)
Designs (118 Occurrences)
... Solomon my son, get knowledge of the God of your father, and be his servant with
a true heart and with a strong desire, for the Lord is thesearcher of all...
Men's (76 Occurrences)
... Solomon my son, get knowledge of the God of your father, and be his servant with
a true heart and with a strong desire, for the Lord is thesearcher of all...
Resources
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