Topical Encyclopedia The term "wholehearted" in a biblical context refers to a complete and undivided commitment or devotion to God. It signifies a sincerity and fullness of heart in one's relationship with the Lord, characterized by an earnest and enthusiastic pursuit of His will and commandments. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where believers are called to love and serve God with all their heart, soul, and strength.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 6:5 · "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment, known as the Shema, is central to the Jewish faith and underscores the importance of a wholehearted devotion to God. It calls for an all-encompassing love that permeates every aspect of one's being. 2. Joshua 14:8-9 · Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land, is described as having followed the Lord "wholeheartedly." "But my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'" Caleb's unwavering faith and complete trust in God's promises set him apart and secured his inheritance. 3. 1 Kings 8:61 · In Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple, he exhorts the people of Israel: "And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time." This call to wholeheartedness emphasizes the need for a steadfast and undivided heart in obedience to God's laws. 4. Psalm 119:10 · "With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments." The psalmist expresses a deep, heartfelt pursuit of God, seeking Him with an undivided heart and a desire to remain faithful to His word. 5. Jeremiah 29:13 · "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." This promise from God highlights the importance of a sincere and earnest search for Him, assuring that those who seek Him wholeheartedly will indeed find Him. 6. Matthew 22:37 · Jesus reiterates the commandment from Deuteronomy, saying, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’" This greatest commandment calls for a comprehensive love for God that encompasses every aspect of one's life. Theological Implications: Wholeheartedness in the biblical sense is not merely an emotional state but a deliberate and conscious choice to prioritize God above all else. It involves aligning one's desires, actions, and thoughts with God's will, demonstrating a commitment that is both internal and external. This concept challenges believers to examine their own lives and to strive for a faith that is not divided by worldly distractions or competing loyalties. In the life of a believer, wholehearted devotion is reflected in consistent prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and a lifestyle that seeks to honor God in all things. It is a call to integrity, where one's public and private life are in harmony with the teachings of Christ. Wholeheartedness is a mark of true discipleship, where the believer's love for God is evident in their obedience and service to Him. Strong's Hebrew 3605. kol -- the whole, all... 20), whoever (45), whoever then any (1), whoever* (6), whoever...any (3), whole (125), whole and let all (1), whole and all (3), wholehearted* (1), wholly (2 ... /hebrew/3605.htm - 7k 3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart Library Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart Foreword Son, Go Work True Disciples Except Ye Abide Obey and Abide Crucifixion of Self. Exalting the Cross The Portrait of the Bride Thesaurus Wholehearted (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Wholehearted (8 Occurrences). Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, and ... /w/wholehearted.htm - 8k Whole-hearted (6 Occurrences) Whole-armour (1 Occurrence) Epistles (2 Occurrences) John (154 Occurrences) Resources What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to rob God (Malachi 3:8)? | GotQuestions.org Faith vs. belief'what is the difference? | GotQuestions.org Wholehearted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wholehearted (8 Occurrences)Genesis 6:9 Genesis 17:1 2 Kings 20:3 1 Chronicles 28:9 1 Chronicles 29:19 Psalms 37:18 Isaiah 38:3 Isaiah 42:19 Subtopics Related Terms |