Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical literature and theology, the concept of "penetration" is not explicitly mentioned as a standalone term. However, the idea can be explored through various scriptural themes and passages that illustrate the depth and thoroughness of God's word, wisdom, and presence in the lives of believers.
Divine Wisdom and UnderstandingThe Bible frequently emphasizes the penetrating nature of divine wisdom and understanding. In
Proverbs 2:6-7 , it is written, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This passage highlights how God's wisdom penetrates the hearts and minds of those who seek Him, providing guidance and protection.
The Word of GodThe Word of God is described as having a penetrating quality that discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This verse underscores the power of Scripture to reach the innermost parts of a person's being, revealing truth and prompting transformation.
God's OmniscienceThe penetrating nature of God's knowledge is evident in His omniscience.
Psalm 139:1-4 declares, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage illustrates that God's understanding penetrates every aspect of human existence, leaving nothing hidden from His sight.
The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit's role in penetrating the hearts of believers is also significant. In
John 16:13 , Jesus promises, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Holy Spirit penetrates the believer's heart, leading them into a deeper understanding of truth and God's will.
Conviction and RepentanceThe penetrating work of God often leads to conviction and repentance. In
Acts 2:37 , after Peter's sermon at Pentecost, it is recorded, "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" The phrase "cut to the heart" signifies the deep conviction that penetrated the listeners, prompting them to seek repentance and salvation.
ConclusionWhile the term "penetration" itself is not directly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the form of God's wisdom, the power of His Word, His omniscience, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the conviction that leads to repentance. These elements collectively demonstrate the profound and penetrating impact of God's presence and truth in the lives of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of piercing, or entering; also, the act of mentally penetrating into, or comprehending, anything difficult.
2. (n.) Acuteness; insight; sharp discoverment; sagacity; as, a person of singular penetration.
Library
Seventh Tractate. On Complete Transfusion.
... through? or " a difference of no importance if any suchpenetration occurs "
that one of them pass completely through the other?...
Whether Dulness of Sense is a Sin Distinct from Blindness of Mind?
... Now a bodily sense, by a kind of metaphor, is said to pierce the medium, in so far
as it perceives its object from a distance or is able bypenetration as it...
Whether Subtlety is a Property of the Glorified Body?
... First, through smallness of quantity, especially in respect of depth and breadth,
but not of length, becausepenetration regards depth, wherefore length is not...
Bossuet -- the Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Grande Conde
... that what carries to the highest pitch worldly glory, worth, magnanimity, natural
goodness"all attributes of the heart; vivacity,penetration, grandeur and...
Spiritual Diagnosis
... How few havepenetration enough to diagnose our case, to observe our least apparent
symptoms, to get out of us what we had resolved not to tell them, to see...
The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the...
... For this is becoming yourpenetration, faith and sanctity; that since the error
has been proved to be due to him who is an enemy to the truth, ye should return...
Introduction
... Wesley was of the sweetest and most forgiving disposition, but when aroused he was
a man of the "keenestpenetration with a gift of speech that bit like the...
Contemporary Pagan and Heretical Hymns
... As that conquest proceeded and thepenetration of new ideas into pagan thought
continued, a corresponding reaction of paganism upon the new faith took place....
There is a Definite Moment at which the Seed is Ripe...
... Closer still the gimlet winds, and as it does so it bores down into the hardest
soil: and such is their strange power ofpenetration, as they are driven in...
The Will.
... subject to and directed by it. The mind has perhaps acquired greater vivacity
andpenetration. The imagination, under the action...
Thesaurus
Penetration (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) Acuteness; insight; sharp discoverment; sagacity; as, a person of singular
penetration. Multi-Version Concordance
Penetration (1 Occurrence).
...Peniel (4 Occurrences)
Intimate (12 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 1:17 For I always beseech the God of our Lord Jesus Christ--the Father
most glorious--to give you a spirit of wisdom andpenetration through an...
Into (18988 Occurrences)
... 3. (prep.) Expressingpenetration beyond the outside or surface, or access to the
inside, or contents; as, to look into a letter or book; to look into an...
Fathom (5 Occurrences)
... by soundings. 2. (n.) The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as
of intellect; profundity; reach;penetration. 3. (vt) To...
Penetrating (2 Occurrences)
Solid (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Having the constituent parts so compact, or so firmly adhering, as to resist
the impression orpenetration of other bodies; having a fixed form; hard...
Sagacious (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Hence, of quick intellectual perceptions; of keenpenetration and judgment;
discerning and judicious; knowing; far-sighted; shrewd; sage; wise; as, a...
Asher (43 Occurrences)
... Sidon, touching Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali on the East Asher seems to have taken
possession of the territory by a process of peacefulpenetration, not by...
Glorious (91 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Ephesians 1:17 For I always beseech the God of our Lord Jesus Christ--the
Father most glorious--to give you a spirit of wisdom andpenetration through an...
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