The term "dullest" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of spiritual dullness or lack of understanding is addressed throughout Scripture. This entry explores the biblical perspective on spiritual dullness, its implications, and the exhortations given to overcome it.

Spiritual Dullness in Scripture

Spiritual dullness refers to a lack of perception or understanding of spiritual truths. It is often associated with a hardened heart or a failure to respond to God's revelation. In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently exhibited spiritual dullness, despite witnessing God's mighty works. For instance, in Isaiah 6:9-10 , God instructs the prophet Isaiah: "Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed."

In the New Testament, Jesus often confronted spiritual dullness among His disciples and the religious leaders. In Mark 8:17-18 , Jesus questions His disciples: "Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them, 'Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?'"

Causes of Spiritual Dullness

1. Hardened Hearts: A primary cause of spiritual dullness is a hardened heart, which resists God's truth and fails to respond to His call. Hebrews 3:13 warns, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

2. Worldly Distractions: The cares and concerns of the world can lead to spiritual dullness. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains that the seed sown among thorns represents those who hear the word, but "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mark 4:19).

3. Lack of Spiritual Discipline: Neglecting prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers can contribute to spiritual dullness. Hebrews 5:11-12 admonishes believers: "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word."

Overcoming Spiritual Dullness

1. Repentance and Renewal: Turning away from sin and seeking God's forgiveness is essential for overcoming spiritual dullness. Acts 3:19 encourages, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away."

2. Seeking Wisdom and Understanding: Believers are urged to seek wisdom and understanding from God. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

3. Engagement with Scripture: Regular study and meditation on God's Word can sharpen spiritual perception. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

4. Prayer and Fellowship: Maintaining a vibrant prayer life and engaging in fellowship with other believers can help prevent spiritual dullness. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, while the term "dullest" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept of spiritual dullness is a significant theme. Scripture provides both warnings against and remedies for this condition, urging believers to remain vigilant and responsive to God's truth.

Coming Now to the Science of Number, it is Clear to the Dullest ...
... Book 2 Chapter 56. Coming now to the science of number, it is clear to
the dullest apprehension? 56. Coming now to the science ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 56 coming now to.htm

Carey's College
... Buried in this obscure village in the dullest period of the dullest of all centuries,
the boy had no better prospect before him than that of a weaver or ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... Even the dullest creature that can but stoutly disclaim his Maker, has by it
sufficiently secured its title to ingenuity; and such measures being once ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

Signs and Wonders.
... sense must tell us, that our Lord could have given a sign of His almighty power
if He had chosen; and such a sign as no man, even the dullest, could have ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xix signs and wonders.htm

Scholars of Christ.
... prize. In Christ's school there is a place, and a prize, for the dullest,
and he will succeed very well if only he wants to learn. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon liv scholars of christ.htm

To Each one his Work
... The root-principle that distinguished his teaching from what was current at the
time was this: Every boy in school, the dullest, must have the same attention ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/iv to each one his.htm

The Certainty and Joy of the Resurrection
... Then, with a swift revulsion of feeling, he turns away from that dreary picture,
and with a change of key, which the dullest ear can appreciate, from the ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the certainty and joy of.htm

The Knowledge of God Naturally Implanted in the Human Mind.
... if there is any quarter where it may be supposed that God is unknown, the most likely
for such an instance to exist is among the dullest tribes farthest ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 the knowledge of.htm

A Statement in vindication of the Doctrine of the Apostles as ...
... From this, therefore, let them understand that the matter is not left obscure or
doubtful even to the slowest and dullest minds: from this, I say, let these ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxii a statement in vindication.htm

The Science of Numbers not Created, but Only Discovered, by Man.
... 56. Coming now to the science of number, it is clear to the dullest apprehension
that this was not created by man, but was discovered by investigation. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 38 the science of numbers.htm

Dullest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dullest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 94:8 Consider, you senseless
among the people; you fools, when will you be wise? (See RSV). ...
/d/dullest.htm - 6k

Dull (16 Occurrences)

/d/dull.htm - 12k

Dullness (1 Occurrence)

/d/dullness.htm - 6k

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