Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "beholding" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of seeing, observing, or gazing upon something with attention and contemplation. It is often used to describe a deeper, more intentional form of looking that involves understanding or perceiving spiritual truths. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, the concept of beholding is frequently associated with witnessing the glory and majesty of God. For instance, in Exodus 33:18-23, Moses requests to see God's glory. Although the term "beholding" is not explicitly used in this passage, the act of seeing God's back while His face is hidden illustrates the profound nature of beholding divine presence. Psalm 27:4 expresses a desire to behold the beauty of the Lord: "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, beholding is linked with worship and the longing to experience God's presence. New Testament References: In the New Testament, beholding often relates to recognizing the truth and glory of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The act of beholding here is tied to witnessing the incarnation and the divine nature of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 provides a significant theological insight: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This passage suggests that beholding the Lord's glory is transformative, leading believers to become more like Christ. Theological Implications: Beholding in the biblical sense is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one that involves the heart and mind. It is an invitation to perceive and understand God's nature, character, and works. The act of beholding can lead to spiritual transformation, as believers are called to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). Practical Application: For believers, beholding is an essential aspect of spiritual life. It involves setting aside time to meditate on Scripture, worship, and prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths about God. By beholding the Lord, Christians are encouraged to grow in their faith and be conformed to the image of Christ. Conclusion: While the Bible does not always use the word "beholding," the concept is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of seeing and understanding God's glory and truth. Through beholding, believers are invited into a deeper relationship with God, experiencing His presence and being transformed by His Spirit. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Behold.2. (a.) Obliged; beholden. 3. (n.) The act of seeing; sight; also, that which is beheld. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEHOLDINGbe-hold'-ing: Many Hebrew and Greek words are so rendered in English Versions of the Bible, but epopteusantes, "your good works, which they behold" (1 Peter 2:12); "beholding your chaste behavior" (1 Peter 3:2), and epoptai, "We were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16) are peculiar to Peter. The fact that this word is used only by Peter and is used in both epistles is an argument for identity of authorship. The word epoptes denotes one who had been initiated into the innermost secrets of his faith and who enjoyed the highest religious privileges; but now in contradiction to the secrecy of all pagan "mysteries" (Eleusinian, etc.) the apostles would share with all the faithful every spiritual vision which they enjoyed ("we made known unto you"). Greek 3705. horama -- that which is seen ... neuter noun derived from 3708 , "to see, spiritual and mentally") -- a vision (spiritual seeing), focusing on the impact it has on the one beholding the vision ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3705.htm - 7k 2734. katoptrizo -- to reflect as a mirror Strong's Hebrew 7212. reith -- a look... Word Origin from raah Definition a look NASB Word Usage look* (1). beholding. From ra'ah; sight -- beholding. see HEBREW ra'ah. 7211, 7212. ... /hebrew/7212.htm - 6k Library Transformation by Beholding That in the Time of this Work a Soul Hath no Special Beholding to ... That in the Time of this Work a Perfect Soul Hath no Special ... The Kingdom of God Revealed to Babes. --The Blessedness of the ... "In Falling and in Rising we are ever Preciously Kept in one Love ... "God Willeth to be Seen and to be Sought: to be Abided and to be ... Of the Meditations of them that Continually Travail in the Work of ... "It is God's Will that we have Great Regard to all his Deeds that ... "The Place that Jesus Taketh in Our Soul He Shall Never Remove ... The Unveiled Face Thesaurus Beholding (45 Occurrences)... beheld. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEHOLDING. be ... joy. MO Evans. Multi-Version Concordance Beholding (45 Occurrences). Matthew ... /b/beholding.htm - 21k Beholds (9 Occurrences) Wrought (186 Occurrences) Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences) Foreknow (1 Occurrence) Mag'dalene (11 Occurrences) Astonished (92 Occurrences) Beholdeth (25 Occurrences) Glass (12 Occurrences) Quicken (16 Occurrences) Resources What is glorification? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “from glory to glory” in 2 Corinthians 3:18? | GotQuestions.org What does quicken mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Beholding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beholding (45 Occurrences)Matthew 13:14 Matthew 27:55 Mark 4:12 Mark 5:22 Mark 9:15 Mark 10:21 Mark 12:41 Mark 15:40 Mark 15:47 Luke 6:42 Luke 10:18 Luke 14:29 Luke 21:6 Luke 23:35 Luke 23:48 Luke 23:49 John 2:23 John 6:40 John 12:45 Acts 1:9 Acts 4:13 Acts 4:14 Acts 8:13 Acts 9:7 Acts 14:9 Acts 17:16 Acts 17:23 Acts 23:1 2 Corinthians 3:18 Colossians 2:5 James 1:23 1 Peter 3:2 Revelation 11:11 Revelation 17:8 Genesis 31:5 Job 10:15 Psalms 17:15 Psalms 22:7 Psalms 63:2 Psalms 119:37 Proverbs 15:3 Ecclesiastes 5:11 Ecclesiastes 7:11 Jeremiah 20:4 Ezekiel 28:18 Subtopics Related Terms |