Reading

In the Bible, the act of reading holds significant spiritual and communal importance, often associated with the understanding and dissemination of God's word. The Hebrew term "qara" (קָרָא), meaning "to call out" or "to read," indicates a public declaration of Scripture, which is frequently highlighted in contexts of worship and instruction. For example, in Nehemiah 8:8, when Ezra reads the Law to the people, it is accompanied by explanation to ensure comprehension: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” This illustrates that reading is not merely an act of vocalization but is meant to facilitate understanding and application of God's teachings.In the New Testament, reading is also emphasized in the context of the early church. Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13, saying, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." This underscores the communal aspect of reading Scripture as a means of edification and spiritual growth. Furthermore, Revelation 1:3 promises a blessing to those who read and heed the words of the prophecy, highlighting the transformative power of engaging with the biblical text. Thus, reading in the biblical sense transcends mere literacy; it is an act of worship, learning, and community engagement, aimed at deepening one’s relationship with God and understanding His will.