Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8281 insight

The spiritual quality that enables a person to appreciate God's mind and will in matters of behaviour, truth and providence, especially where right perception is not obvious. Insight is akin to wisdom and understanding. It is given by God and is to be sought by believers.

Insight is given by God

2 Timothy 2:7 See also Proverbs 2:6

Insight through angelic instruction

Job 33:23; Daniel 9:20-22

Insight through Jesus Christ's teaching

Luke 24:45-47 See also Luke 24:27; Matthew 16:12

Insight through the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:9-13 See also Isaiah 64:4; Ephesians 3:4-5

Human insight cannot comprehend spiritual truth

1 Corinthians 2:14 See also Job 9:11; 1 Corinthians 1:20-21

Insight into spiritual truth

Insight into the truth about Jesus Christ

Colossians 2:2-3 See also John 16:12-15

Insight into the believer's hope and power

Ephesians 1:18-19

Insight into the make-up of the church

Acts 10:34-35; Ephesians 3:2-6

Insight into the number of the beast

Revelation 13:18

Insight into the providence of God

Joseph's insight

Genesis 50:20 See also Genesis 45:4-8

David's insight

2 Samuel 5:12 pp 1 Chronicles 14:2

Job's insight

Job 42:1-6 Job does not learn why he has suffered, but reaffirms his trust in God's superior wisdom and power. See also Job 15:9 Human insight into Job's suffering did not bring enlightenment; Job 26:3; Job 34:35

Insight into correct behaviour

Philippians 1:9-11 See also Proverbs 28:7; Colossians 1:9-10; Psalm 19:12 discerning one's own faults; Psalm 119:34 understanding God's law; Proverbs 5:1-4 avoiding evil

Insight into the truth about people

2 Kings 4:8-9 The Shunammite woman recognises Elisha as a man of God; Nehemiah 6:1-2 Nehemiah discerns the motives of his enemies; Matthew 9:3-4 pp Mark 2:6-8 pp Luke 5:21-22 Jesus Christ is aware of the evil thoughts of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law; John 4:19 The woman of Samaria understands some of the truth about Jesus Christ.

Insight is to be sought

Proverbs 2:3-5 See also Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 18:15

Asking God for insight

James 1:5 See also 1 Kings 3:9-12 pp 2 Chronicles 1:10-12

Insight through meditation on God's word

Psalm 119:98-100 See also Psalm 119:104; Daniel 9:2; Matthew 22:29 pp Mark 12:24

Examples of people of insight

1 Kings 4:29-34 Solomon; 1 Chronicles 27:32 Jonathan, David's uncle; Daniel 5:11 Daniel

Examples of lack of insight

Matthew 16:9-11 pp Mark 8:17-21 Jesus Christ's disciples; Matthew 16:22 pp Mark 8:32 Simon Peter; Luke 24:25 Cleopas and his companion; John 3:10 Nicodemus; John 20:2 Mary Magdalene

See also

1180  God, wisdom of
1441  revelation, necessity
1466  vision
1614  Scripture, understanding
2045  Christ, knowledge of
5026  knowledge
5149  eyes
5191  thought
8226  discernment
8319  perception, spiritual
8355  understanding
8361  wisdom
8419  enlightenment
8474  seeing God