Overhearing
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Overhearing, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of hearing something unintentionally or without the speaker's awareness. This concept appears in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture, often revealing truths, intentions, or divine messages that impact the course of events or the understanding of God's will.

Biblical Instances of Overhearing

1. Sarah Overhears the Promise: In Genesis 18:10-15, Sarah overhears the Lord's promise to Abraham that she will bear a son. Her reaction of laughter, due to her old age, leads to a direct encounter with the Lord, who questions her disbelief. This incident highlights the theme of divine promise and human skepticism. The Lord says, "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14), emphasizing His power to fulfill His promises despite human doubt.

2. David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17:23-27, David overhears the taunts of Goliath and the fear of the Israelite soldiers. This overhearing stirs David's spirit and leads him to inquire about the reward for defeating the Philistine. David's response to what he overhears demonstrates his faith and courage, setting the stage for his victory over Goliath and his rise as a leader in Israel.

3. Jesus and the Pharisees: In Mark 2:6-8, Jesus overhears the thoughts of the Pharisees questioning His authority to forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, addresses their doubts directly, saying, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?" (Mark 2:8). This instance underscores Jesus' divine insight and authority, as well as His ability to address and correct misunderstandings about His mission.

4. The Samaritan Woman: In John 4:27-30, the disciples return to find Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman. Although they do not overhear the conversation, their surprise at seeing Jesus engage with her reflects cultural norms and prejudices. The woman's testimony to the townspeople, based on what she heard from Jesus, leads many to believe in Him, illustrating the transformative power of hearing and sharing the Word.

Theological Implications

Overhearing in the Bible often serves as a catalyst for revelation and action. It can lead to a deeper understanding of God's character, as seen in Sarah's encounter with the Lord, or prompt decisive action, as in David's response to Goliath. In the New Testament, overhearing reveals Jesus' divine nature and His mission to challenge and transform societal norms.

From a theological perspective, overhearing can be seen as a means by which God communicates His will and purposes, often in unexpected ways. It serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and His ability to use all circumstances to reveal His truth and further His kingdom.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of overhearing encourages attentiveness to God's voice in everyday situations. It challenges individuals to be open to divine guidance and to respond faithfully to what they perceive, even when it comes through indirect or unexpected means. Overhearing also calls for discernment, as believers seek to align their actions with God's revealed will and purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overhear.
Greek
3878. parakouo -- to overhear, to hear amiss, to take no heed
... Word Origin from para and akouo Definition to overhear, to hear amiss, to take no
heed NASB Word Usage overhearing (1), refuses to listen (2). neglect to hear. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3878.htm - 7k
Library

A Clean Tongue.
... We have heard of a good woman, who, overhearing one of her boys using what she called
"dirty words," took him to the sink, and washed out his mouth, not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xix a clean tongue.htm

Jesus Heals a Little Girl
... Why trouble the Master further?" But Jesus, overhearing the message, said
to the ruler of the synagogue, "Have no fear, only trust.". ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus heals a little girl.htm

Jesus' Conditions of Friendship.
... missionary. There was a third case. Another man, overhearing what had been
said, proposed also to become a disciple"but not yet. "I ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter iv jesus conditions of.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.
... Mr. Peden, being in another room overhearing all, was so grieved that he came to
the chamber door and said to him, Sir, hold your peace; ere twelve o'clock you ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 2.htm

Events During the War
... Up until this time Father was a member of the ME South denomination; but after
overhearing this conversation he no longer professed to be one of them. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iv events during the.htm

Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ...
... II. And while they spoke thus, behold his mistress, by name Xanthippe, overhearing
these words, and learning of the teaching of Paul, said, What is the name of ...
/.../unknown/the acts of xanthippe and polyxena/life and conduct of the.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... [2999] St. John 11:6. [3000] I adopt the reading parakosas which seems to me better
rendered by overhearing' than by not heeding,' as in the Revised Version. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Thesaurus
Overhearing (1 Occurrence)
...Overhearing (1 Occurrence). Mark 5:36 But Jesus, overhearing the words, said
to the Warden, "Do not be afraid; only have faith." (WEY NAS). ...
/o/overhearing.htm - 6k

Overheard (3 Occurrences)

/o/overheard.htm - 7k

Over-high (3 Occurrences)
Over-high. Overhearing, Over-high. Over-indulge . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Overhearing, Over-high. Over-indulge . Reference Bible.
/o/over-high.htm - 7k

Warden (8 Occurrences)
... further?" (WEY). Mark 5:36 But Jesus, overhearing the words, said to the
Warden, "Do not be afraid; only have faith." (WEY). Luke 8 ...
/w/warden.htm - 9k

Faith (769 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Mark 5:36 But Jesus, overhearing the words, said to the Warden,
"Do not be afraid; only have faith." (WEY BBE). Mark 6:6 ...
/f/faith.htm - 49k

Resources
What is the meaning of talitha cumi? | GotQuestions.org

Overhearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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