Hearing

In the Bible, "hearing" often carries significant spiritual connotations beyond the mere physical act of listening. It is frequently associated with understanding and obeying God's word. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema begins with "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." Here, "hearing" implies not just auditory reception but an active engagement with God's commandments, leading to faithfulness and obedience. Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of hearing in His parables, often concluding with "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15). This suggests that true hearing involves discernment and a willingness to apply what is heard.Moreover, the Hebrew term "shama," often translated as "hear," can mean to listen, understand, and respond appropriately (Brown-Driver-Briggs, p. 1023). This comprehensive understanding of hearing highlights its relational aspect with God, as seen in James 1:22, which instructs believers to not only hear the word but also be doers of the word. Thus, biblical hearing is an active and transformative process that encompasses attentiveness, comprehension, and the commitment to enact what one has perceived.

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