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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of the Bible, "practice" refers to the habitual performance or application of certain actions, principles, or behaviors, often in alignment with spiritual or moral teachings. The concept of practice is integral to the life of faith, as it involves the consistent application of God's commandments and teachings in daily life.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament emphasizes the importance of practicing God's laws and commandments. InDeuteronomy 6:6-7 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the necessity of integrating God's commandments into daily life and passing them on to future generations.

The practice of justice and righteousness is also a recurring theme.Micah 6:8 states, "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?" Here, the practice of justice, mercy, and humility is presented as a divine requirement.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of practice is closely linked to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the importance of putting His words into practice in the Sermon on the Mount. InMatthew 7:24 , He says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." This metaphor illustrates the stability and security that come from practicing Jesus' teachings.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the concept of practice in his epistles. InPhilippians 4:9 , he writes, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Paul encourages believers to follow his example and teachings, promising the presence of God's peace as a result.

Moral and Ethical Practice

The Bible consistently calls for the practice of moral and ethical behavior. InJames 1:22 , believers are admonished, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This verse highlights the danger of self-deception when one hears the word but fails to act upon it.

The practice of love is central to Christian ethics. In 1John 3:18 , it is written, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to love through action reflects the practical outworking of faith in the life of a believer.

Spiritual Disciplines

The practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, fasting, and meditation on Scripture, is encouraged throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself practiced these disciplines, often withdrawing to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). The early church is described as devoted to prayer and the apostles' teaching (Acts 2:42).

Conclusion

The biblical concept of practice encompasses the consistent application of God's commandments, the teachings of Jesus, and the ethical and moral standards set forth in Scripture. It involves both personal spiritual disciplines and the outward expression of faith through actions that reflect God's character and will.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Frequently repeated or customary action; habitual performance; a succession of acts of a similar kind; usage; habit; custom; as, the practice of rising early; the practice of making regular entries of accounts; the practice of daily exercise.

2. (n.) Customary or constant use; state of being used.

3. (n.) Skill or dexterity acquired by use; expertness.

4. (n.) Actual performance; application of knowledge; -- opposed to theory.

5. (n.) Systematic exercise for instruction or discipline; as, the troops are called out for practice; she neglected practice in music.

6. (n.) Application of science to the wants of men; the exercise of any profession; professional business; as, the practice of medicine or law; a large or lucrative practice.

7. (n.) Skillful or artful management; dexterity in contrivance or the use of means; art; stratagem; artifice; plot; -- usually in a bad sense.

8. (n.) A easy and concise method of applying the rules of arithmetic to questions which occur in trade and business.

9. (n.) The form, manner, and order of conducting and carrying on suits and prosecutions through their various stages, according to the principles of law and the rules laid down by the courts.

10. (v. t.) To do or perform frequently, customarily, or habitually; to make a practice of; as, to practice gaming.

11. (v. t.) To exercise, or follow, as a profession, trade, art, etc., as, to practice law or medicine.

12. (v. t.) To exercise one's self in, for instruction or improvement, or to acquire discipline or dexterity; as, to practice gunnery; to practice music.

13. (v. t.) To put into practice; to carry out; to act upon; to commit; to execute; to do.

14. (v. t.) To make use of; to employ.

15. (v. t.) To teach or accustom by practice; to train.

16. (v. i.) To perform certain acts frequently or customarily, either for instruction, profit, or amusement; as, to practice with the broadsword or with the rifle; to practice on the piano.

17. (v. i.) To learn by practice; to form a habit.

18. (v. i.) To try artifices or stratagems.

19. (v. i.) To apply theoretical science or knowledge, esp. by way of experiment; to exercise or pursue an employment or profession, esp. that of medicine or of law.

Greek

3096. mageuo -- topractice magic
... topractice magic. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mageuo Phonetic Spelling:
(mag-yoo'-o) Short Definition: Ipractice sorcery or magic Definition: I...

1838. hexis -- habit,practice
... habit,practice. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hexis Phonetic
Spelling: (hex'-is) Short Definition: condition, state, habit Definition...

3543. nomizo -- topractice, consider
... topractice, consider. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: nomizo Phonetic Spelling:
(nom-id'-zo) Short Definition: I think, suppose Definition: Ipractice...

778. askeo -- topractice, endeavor
... topractice, endeavor. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: askeo Phonetic Spelling:
(as-keh'-o) Short Definition: I train,practice, exercise Definition: I...

3191. meletao -- to care for,practice, study
... to care for,practice, study. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: meletao Phonetic
Spelling: (mel-et-ah'-o) Short Definition: I devise, plan Definition: I...

4238. prasso -- to do,practice
... to do,practice. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prasso Phonetic Spelling:
(pras'-so) Short Definition: I do, fare, require Definition: I do, perform...

3132. manteuomai -- to divine
... to divine. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: manteuomai Phonetic Spelling:
(mant-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: Ipractice soothsaying Definition: I divine...

2039. ergasia -- work (noun)
... Short Definition: working, activity, trade, performance Definition: working, activity,
work, service, trade, business, gains of business, performance,practice...

4914. sunetheia -- habit, habitual use
... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sunetheia Phonetic Spelling: (soon-ay'-thi-
ah) Short Definition: a custom, habit Definition: a custom, habit,practice....

4203. porneuo -- to commit fornication
... to commit fornication. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: porneuo Phonetic Spelling:
(porn-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I fornicate,practice idolatry Definition...

Strong's Hebrew

5172. nachash -- topractice divination, observe signs
... nachash. 5173 . topractice divination, observe signs. Transliteration: nachash
Phonetic Spelling: (naw-khash') Short Definition: divination. Word Origin a prim...

6049a. anan -- topractice soothsaying
... 6049, 6049a. anan. 6049b . topractice soothsaying. Transliteration:
anan Short Definition: witchcraft. Word Origin a prim. root...

7080. qasam -- topractice divination
... 7079, 7080. qasam. 7081 . topractice divination. Transliteration: qasam
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-sam') Short Definition: diviners....

4611. maalal -- a deed,practice
... 4610, 4611. maalal. 4612 . a deed,practice. Transliteration: maalal Phonetic
Spelling: (mah-al-awl') Short Definition: deeds. Word...

3784. kashaph -- topractice sorcery
... 3783, 3784. kashaph. 3785 . topractice sorcery. Transliteration: kashaph
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-shaf') Short Definition: sorcerers....

6049. anan -- topractice soothsaying
... 6048, 6049. anan. 6049a . topractice soothsaying. Transliteration: anan
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nan') Short Definition: bring. bring...

6213a. asah -- do, make
... 1), oppressed* (1), ordained (1), perform (31), performed (23), performers (1),
performing (2), performing the made (1), performs (3),practice (9),practice...

3651. ken -- so, thus
... 1), here (1), inasmuch* (5), like (3), like this (1), likewise (10), means* (2),
more (4), nevertheless (1), now* (1), possessed* (1),practice* (1), reason* (4...

5953a. alal -- to act severely
... Definition to act severely NASB Word Usage abuse (2), abused (1), bring pain (1),
deal (1), dealt (2), made a mockery (2), make sport (1),practice deeds (1...

4941. mishpat -- judgment
... 3), kind (1), manner (3), matters of justice (1), mode of life (1), order (1),
ordinance (29), ordinances (79), plan (1), plans (1),practice (1), procedure (4...

Library

ThePractice of Piety
ThePractice of Piety. <. ThePractice of Piety Lewis Bayly. Table of Contents.
Title Page. BIOGRAPHICAL PREFACE. THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. CONTENTS....

ThePractice of the Presence of God
ThePractice of the Presence of God. <. ThePractice of the Presence of God
Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence (Nicholas Herman) Table of Contents....

Of thePractice of Piety in Fasting.
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. OF THEPRACTICE
OF PIETY IN FASTING. There are divers kinds of fasting...

ThePractice of Piety at Meals, and the Manner of Eating.
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. THEPRACTICE OF
PIETY AT MEALS, AND THE MANNER OF EATING. Before dinner...

ThePractice of Piety at Evening.
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. ThePractice of Piety
at Evening. At evening when the due time of repairing...

Profession andPractice.
... PROFESSION ANDPRACTICE.... SUBJECT."The true Christian is he who is such in understanding
and in affection, or, in other words, in profession and inpractice....

ThePractice of Piety; Directing a Christian How to Walk that He...
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. THEPRACTICE OF PIETY;
DIRECTING A CHRISTIAN HOW TO WALK THAT HE MAY PLEASE GOD....

Of thePractice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. OF THEPRACTICE
OF PIETY IN HOLY FEASTING. Holy feasting is a solemn...

ThePractice of Piety in Glorifying God in the Time of Sickness...
ThePractice of Piety. <.... THEPRACTICE OF PIETY. THEPRACTICE
OF PIETY IN GLORIFYING GOD IN THE TIME OF SICKNESS, AND...

Whether it be Unlawful toPractice the Observances of the Magic...
... OF SUPERSTITION IN OBSERVANCES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether it be unlawful to
practice the observances of the magic art? Objection 1: It...

Thesaurus

Practice (71 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Frequently repeated or customary action; habitual performance; a succession
of acts of a similar kind; usage; habit; custom; as, thepractice of rising...

Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... a setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion;
application; use; habitual activity; occupation, in general;practice....

Use (620 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) Continued or repeatedpractice; customary employment; usage; custom;
manner; habit. 5. (vt) Common occurrence; ordinary experience....

Cremation
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A burning; esp., the act orpractice of cremating
the dead. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CREMATION....

Practiced (22 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) ofPractice. 2. (a.) Experienced; expert; skilled; as, a practiced
marksman. 3. (a.) Used habitually; learned bypractice....

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)
... Literally bed-keeper or chamberlain, and not necessarily in all cases one who was
mutilated, although thepractice of employing such mutilated persons in...

Cutting (178 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The flesh in various ways was an idolatrouspractice,
a part of idol-worship (Deuteronomy 14:1; 1 Kings 18:28)....

Ablution
... 21). To thispractice the Psalmist alludes, Psalm 26:6. (3... The samepractice
was common among the Greeks and Romans. The Pharisees...

Triune
... HISTORICALPRACTICE 1. The Jews 2. John the Baptist 3. The Didache 4. Justin Martyr
5. Tertullian 6. Eunomius 7. Greek Church LITERATURE I. Linguistic Basis....

Trine
... HISTORICALPRACTICE 1. The Jews 2. John the Baptist 3. The Didache 4. Justin Martyr
5. Tertullian 6. Eunomius 7. Greek Church LITERATURE I. Linguistic Basis....

Resources

What does it mean that the Bible should be our sole authority for faith and practice? | GotQuestions.org

Why do so many Christians fail the “practice what you preach” standard? | GotQuestions.org

Why do some cultures practice female genital mutilation (FGM)? | GotQuestions.org

Practice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance •Bible Dictionary •Bible Encyclopedia •Topical Bible •Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Practice (71 Occurrences)

Matthew 7:23
Then I will tell them,'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
(See NAS)

Matthew 7:24
"Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.
(See NIV)

Matthew 7:26
Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.
(See NIV)

Matthew 23:3
All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.
(See RSV NIV)

Luke 6:47
Every one who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them inpractice, I will show you whom he is like.
(WEY NIV)

Luke 6:49
But he who hears, and doesn't do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
(See NIV)

Luke 8:21
But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God, and do it."
(See NIV)

Acts 8:9
But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used topractice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,
(WEB RSV NIV)

Acts 16:21
and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans."
(See RSV NIV)

Acts 24:16
Herein I alsopractice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
(WEB)

Romans 1:32
who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those whopractice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Romans 2:1
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judgepractice the same things.
(WEB NAS)

Romans 2:2
We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those whopractice such things.
(WEB NAS)

Romans 2:3
Do you think this, O man who judges those whopractice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
(WEB NAS)

Romans 2:25
For circumcision, indeed, doth profit, if law thou mayest practise, but if a transgressor of law thou mayest be, thy circumcision hath become uncircumcision.
(See NAS)

Romans 3:13
"Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit." "The poison of vipers is under their lips;"
(See NIV)

Romans 7:15
For I don't know what I am doing. For I don'tpractice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do.
(WEB)

Romans 7:19
For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that Ipractice.
(WEB NAS)

Romans 12:13
Relieve the necessities of God's people; always practise hospitality.
(See RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:2
Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. Wepractice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience.
(WEY RSV)

Galatians 5:21
envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those whopractice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
(WEB NAS)

Ephesians 4:19
who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
(See NAS RSV)

Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
(See NAS NIV)

1 Thessalonians 4:10
for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more;
(See NAS)

1 Timothy 4:15
Habitually practise these duties, and be absorbed in them; so that your growing proficiency in them may be evident to all.
(See RSV)

1 Timothy 5:4
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
(See NAS NIV)

Hebrews 5:14
Such persons are mere babes. But solid food is for adults--that is, for those who through constantpractice have their spiritual faculties carefully trained to distinguish good from evil.
(WEY NAS RSV)

James 3:16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
(See RSV NIV)

1 Peter 4:9
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
(See RSV)

2 Peter 1:10
For this reason, brethren, be all the more in earnest to make sure that God has called you and chosen you; for it is certain that so long as you practise these things, you will never stumble.
(See NAS)

1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don't tell the truth.
(See NAS)

1 John 3:10
In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.
(See NAS)

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
(See RSV)

Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
(See RSV)

Revelation 9:21
Nor did they repent of their murders, theirpractice of magic, their fornication, or their thefts.
(WEY)

Revelation 21:8
But as for cowards and the unfaithful, and the polluted, and murderers, fornicators, and those who practise magic or worship idols, and all liars--the portion allotted to them shall be in the Lake which burns with fire and sulphur. This is the Second Death."
(See NIV)

Revelation 22:11
Let the dishonest man act dishonestly still; let the filthy make himself filthy still; let the righteous practise righteousness still; and let the holy be made holy still."
(See NAS)

Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
(Root in WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 29:26
Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.
(See NAS)

Genesis 44:15
Joseph said to them, "What deed is this that you have done? Don't you know that such a man as I can indeed divine?"
(See NAS)

Leviticus 18:30
Therefore you shall keep my requirements, that you do notpractice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am Yahweh your God.'"
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 19:26
"'You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it; neither shall you use enchantments, norpractice sorcery.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 20:8
You shall keep my statutes, and do them. I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.
(See NAS)

Deuteronomy 18:14
For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those whopractice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do.
(WEB NAS NIV)

1 Samuel 27:11
David saved neither man nor woman alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, "Lest they should tell of us, saying,'So did David, and so has been his manner all the while he has lived in the country of the Philistines.'"
(See NAS NIV)

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.
(See NAS)

Ezra 9:14
shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? wouldn't you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?
(See RSV NIV)

Psalms 52:2
Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
(See NIV)

Psalms 101:8
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all whopractice wickedness from the city of the LORD.
(WBS)

Psalms 106:3
Blessed are those who keep justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.
(See NAS)

Psalms 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do thereafter; His praise endureth for ever.
(See RSV)

Psalms 141:4
Don't incline my heart to any evil thing, topractice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don't let me eat of their delicacies.
(WEB WBS NAS)

Ecclesiastes 8:8
There is no man who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does he have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those whopractice it.
(WEB NAS NIV)

Isaiah 2:6
For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled from the east, with those whopractice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners.
(WEB NIV)

Isaiah 32:6
For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, topractice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, To make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 6:13
For from the least of them even to the greatest, everyone is given up to getting money; from the prophet even to the priest, everyone is working deceit.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 7:5
For if your ways and your doings are truly changed for the better; if you truly give right decisions between a man and his neighbour;
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 8:10
So I will give their wives to others, and their fields to those who will take them for themselves: for everyone, from the least to the greatest, is given up to getting money; from the priest even to the prophet, everyone is false.
(See NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 9:24
but let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says Yahweh.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 22:21
I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear. This has been your manner from your youth, that you didn't obey my voice.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 13:23
Therefore you shall no more see false visions, norpractice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 23:43
Then said I of her who was old in adulteries, Now will they play the prostitute with her, and she with them.
(See RSV)

Ezekiel 33:31
They come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 33:32
Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they don't do them.
(See NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 45:9
Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Let it suffice you, princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute justice and righteousness; dispossessing my people, says the Lord Yahweh.
(See NAS)

Daniel 8:24
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, andpractice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
(WBS)

Daniel 11:23
After the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.
(See NAS)

Hosea 7:1
When I would heal Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered, also the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief enters in, and the gang of robbers ravages outside.
(See NIV)

Micah 2:1
Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, theypractice it, because it is in the power of their hand.
(WEB WBS)

Zechariah 7:9
"Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying,'Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother.
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Practice

Related Terms

Allegory (6 Occurrences)

Augury (5 Occurrences)

Wizards (10 Occurrences)

Enchantments (12 Occurrences)

Mediums (10 Occurrences)

Ablution

Enchantment (4 Occurrences)

Abstinence (2 Occurrences)