God is beyond our comprehension (Romans 11:32-36; Job 5:9; Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 40:28) but more importantly, His love for us is incomprehensible (Ephesians 3:8). It is this love that draws us to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:39; 1 John 4:16) that we might come to know Him (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20). The Bible was/is given to us that we might know of this love (John 20:31; Ephesians 3:19), but most importantly the Holy Spirit is sent out to those of us who believe that we might experience this love and share it with others (Romans 5:5; Galatians 4:6; 5:22; 1 Peter 1:22) as we grow in His grace and love (2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 3:16-19), from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
2Co 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift (ἀνεκδιήγητος ‘anekdiēgētos’)
G411
ἀνεκδιήγητος
anekdiēgētos
Thayer Definition:
1) the unspeakable, indescribable
ἀνεκδιήγητος ‘anekdiēgētos’ is a derivative of ἐκδιηγέομαι ‘ekdiēgeomai’ which means to narrate in full or wholly, to relate, tell or declare. Tacit knowledge is the term used for “knowing” a thing but not being able to fully put into words that understanding. More on this below.
The love of Christ transcends knowledge
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth (ὑπερβάλλω ‘huperballō’) knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
G5235
ὑπερβάλλω
huperballō
Thayer Definition:
1) to surpass in throwing, to throw over or beyond any thing
2) to transcend, surpass, exceed, excel
3) excelling, exceeding
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches and of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable {ἀνεξερεύνητος ‘anexereunētos’} are His judgments and His ways past finding out {ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’}!
Rom 11:34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who became His counselor?” Isa. 40:13
Rom 11:35 “Or who first gave to Him, and it will be repaid to him?” Job 41:11
Rom 11:36 Because of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
ἀνεξερεύνητος
anexereunētos
Thayer Definition:
1) that cannot be searched out
Part of Speech: adjective
ἀνεξιχνίαστος
anexichniastos
Thayer Definition:
1) that cannot be searched out, that cannot be comprehended
Part of Speech: adjective
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2487
Eph 3:8 This grace was given to me, I being less than the least of all the saints, to preach the gospel of the unsearchable {ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’} riches of Christ among the nations,
Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable {LXX ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’} marvellous things without number:
Psa 40:5 Many things have You done, O Jehovah my God; Your works of wonder and Your purposes toward us; there is none to set them in order to You; I will declare and I will speak; they are more than can be counted.
Isa 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Jehovah, the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth; He is not faint, nor does He grow weary; there is no searching to His understanding.
Job 9:10 who is doing great things past finding out; yea, marvelous things without number?
Psa 139:17 And how precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I should count them, they are more than the sand; when I awake I am still with You.
Psa 71:15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day; for I do not know the numbers.
Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, being joined together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God, even of the Father and of Christ,
Col 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.
God is indescribable, He can’t be expressed by words. Yet, all things were created from His Word.
Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Jhn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jhn 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Jhn 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
To reveal His nature or character, the Word became flesh.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
1Jn 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus revealed the name of God which is His character. Jesus is the character, the image of God. His words and his life reveal the indescribable.
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Joh 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Joh 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Joh 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible (ἀόρατος ‘aoratos’) God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
ἀόρατος
aoratos
ah-or’-at-os
From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3707; invisible: – invisible (thing).
G3707
ὁρατός
horatos
hor-at-os’
From G3708; gazed at, that is, (by implication) capable of being seen: – visible.
G3708
ὁράω
horaō
hor-ah’-o
Properly to stare at (compare G3700), that is, (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally); by extension to attend to; by Hebraism to experience; passively to appear: – behold, perceive, see, take heed.
ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’ that which cannot be searched out, that which cannot be comprehended
Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable {LXX ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’} marvellous things without number:
Job 5:9 עשׂה גדלות ואין חקר נפלאות עד־אין מספר׃
ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’ is used to translate the phrase אין חקר ‘ayn cheqar’
Psa 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable {אין חקר ‘ayn cheqar’}.
אין ‘ayn’ means without or the inability to do something. חקר ‘cheqar’ has the meaning of examining, searching or digging.
חקר ‘cheqar’ comes from the root כר ‘kar’ which means the palm of man, the palm as hollowed out. It has the sense of digging as in a farmer or digging into a tablet or stone. It has the sense of looking deeply, examining.
Pro 25:2 The glory of God is to conceal (סתר ‘satar’) a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out (חקר ‘chaqar’) a matter.
God conceals or hides a thing but desires us to search it out.
Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Mat 7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Mat 7:9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Mat 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Mat 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible (ἀόρατος ‘aoratos’) God, the firstborn of every creature:
ἀόρατος ‘aoratos’ is used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word סתר ‘satar’ (hidden).
סתר ‘satar’ is the source of the English word mystery, tracing back through the Greek word μυστήριον ‘mysterion.’
G3466 μυστήριον mustērion
Thayer Definition:
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals
1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will
1c1a) of men
1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense (Sod)
2a) of an OT saying
2b) of an image or form seen in a vision
2c) of a dream
It is considered the “sod” level of Biblical interpretation.
H5475 סוד sôd sode
From H3245; a session, that is, company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication intimacy, consultation, a secret: – assembly, counsel, inward, secret (counsel).
The meaning of סוד ‘sod’ indicates intimacy of two friends conversing in a tent, a seed planted in a field.
Job 29:4 As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret (סוד ‘sod’) of God was upon my tabernacle;
Psa 25:14 The secret (סוד ‘sod’) of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
The example of Abraham, the friend of God (James 2:23).
Gen 18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
Gen 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
Gen 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Gen 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Gen 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
סוד ‘sod’ is the source of the English word sod, pointing back to the theme of digging for understanding of God.
סוד ‘sod’ also has the sense of counsel as in the assembly of persons who counsel others.
Psa 111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly (סוד ‘sod’ ) of the upright, and in the congregation (עֵדָה ‘edah’).
Psa 111:2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
עֵדָה ‘edah’ comes from the root עד ‘ed.’ This word combines the eye and the door meaning “see the door” as coming to a tent of meeting and entering in.
Entrance into God’s tent is only through the door (John 14:6). Christ is that door (John 10:7). Through His sacrifice, Christ has opened up the door to eternity. He has pierced the veil that delivers us from death and allows us to enter in the eternal Kingdom of Light. The word for eternity or “everlasting” in Hebrew is this same word עד ‘ed.’
In Christ is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
To know Christ and to be shown the glory of God in Him is indescribable.
Pro 25:2 The glory of God is to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Deu 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Mat 13:10 And coming near, the disciples said to Him, Why do You speak to them in parables?
Mat 13:11 And answering, He said to them, Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but it has not been given to those.
Mat 13:12 For whoever has, to him will be given, and he will have overabundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
Mat 13:13 Because of this, I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled on them, which says, “In hearing you will hear and in no way understand, and seeing you will see yet in no way perceive.
Mat 13:15 For the heart of this people has grown fat, and they heard heavily with the ears, and they have closed their eyes, that they not see with the eyes, or hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and be converted, and I heal them.” Isa. 6:9, 10
Mat 13:16 But your eyes are blessed because they see; and your ears because they hear.
Mat 13:17 For truly I tell you that many prophets and righteous ones desired to see what you see and did not see, and to hear what you hear and did not hear.
Luk 8:10 And He said, To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables, that seeing they might not see, and hearing, they might not understand. Isa. 6:9
Mar 4:11 And He said to them, To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to these, those outside, all things are being given in parables,
Mar 4:12 that seeing they may see and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand, lest they should convert, and the sins be forgiven to them.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, having been hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,
The Holy Spirit reveals that which the prophets and angels desire to know
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Christ dwelling in our hearts
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Eph 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This Mystery of Christ is the message of the Gospel. The love of God for ALL mankind. Love that breaks down the barriers and walls which man has set up to divide (Ephesians 2:1-22; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Love that breaks down the wall of sin which has separated man from God (Isaiah 59:2; John 3:16; 12:32; Isaiah 49:6; Revelation 5:9). This love is revealed in our actions towards our fellow man, not in our intellectual proclamations. All of us see through a glass darkly which keeps us from seeing eye to eye (1 Corinthians 13:12). The only remedy for this is love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 John 4:7-21). Love and patience towards one another until the Lord returns and His salvation is fully revealed (Isaiah 52:7-10). Love allows man to understand that we can have differences of opinions but ultimately if we abide in love we can dwell in peace and unity (Ephesians 4:2-16, 32; 5:1-2; Colossians 3:9-17).
Man was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) but that image was corrupted when Adam sinned. From there man took up the image of Adam which still pointed back to God, but in a corrupted form (Genesis 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Messiah came to earth in the very image of Almighty God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3), who is love. His life displayed that love and He calls all those who believe in Him to display that love as well (John 13:32; Galatians 5:13-14; 6:2; 1 John 3:10-11; Ephesians 3:17-19). This is the essence of the concept of ‘Christ in us.’ It is through His love that man is formed into His image (Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29) where there is no longer Jew or Greek, Barbarian or Scythian but Messiah is all and in all (Colossians 3:11).
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
His ways are beyond search, without number
Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out {חקר ‘cheqar’}; yea, and wonders without number {אין מספר ‘ayn mispar’}.
Psa 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
The word numbered is from the Hebrew in Psalm 40:5 is ספר ‘saphar’ which is also translated as scroll. There are not enough words or numbers to describe God.
Psa 139:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Psa 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Psa 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Psa 139:5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Psa 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Psa 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Psa 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Psa 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psa 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psa 139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
The incomprehensible knowledge of the Most High leads us to Jesus Christ
Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, being joined together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God, even of the Father and of Christ,
Col 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.
Eph 3:8 This grace was given to me, I being less than the least of all the saints, to preach the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the nations,
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light all, what is the fellowship of the mystery having been hidden from eternity in God, the One creating all things through Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:10 so that now to the rulers and to the authorities in the heavenlies might be made known through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Eph 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through His faith.
Eph 3:13 Therefore, I ask you not to faint at my troubles on your behalf, which is your glory.
Eph 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 of whom every family in Heaven and on earth is named,
Eph 3:16 that He may give you, according to the riches of His glory, by His power to become mighty in the inward man through His Spirit,
Eph 3:17 that through faith Christ may dwell in your hearts, having been rooted and founded in love,
Eph 3:18 that you may be given strength to grasp, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and depth and height,
Eph 3:19 and to know the surpassing knowledge and love of Christ, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now to Him being able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think, according to the power working in us,
Eph 3:21 to Him be the glory in the assembly in Christ Jesus, to all the generations of the age of the ages. Amen.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches and of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Rom 11:34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who became His counselor?” Isa. 40:13
Rom 11:35 “Or who first gave to Him, and it will be repaid to him?” Job 41:11
Rom 11:36 Because of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Tacit Knowledge
Tacit knowledge is the term used for “knowing” a thing but not being able to fully put into words that understanding. Tacit knowledge describes the love of God transcends knowledge. It is beyond description. Ineffable is used as well as it describes something too profound or complex to be adequately expressed in words.
Tacit knowledge is also called implicit knowledge, something that is folded in like a sealed scroll. Explicit knowledge is something fully unfolded as in an unrolled scroll.
Rev 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Tacit comes from the Latin ‘tacitus’ which means silence.
“The highest form of prayer is to stand silently in awe before God.” – St. Isaac the Syrian
“More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” – A.W. Tozer
It is in the presence of the Holy Spirit that I begin to recognize what a sinful man I really am. The apostle Paul said, “Woe is me.” Isaiah the prophet cried, “Woe is me!” when he came into the presence of God. They were experiencing the mysterious wonder of that One who is incomprehensible – A.W. Tozer
Psa 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Psa 33:9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
“Awe is the condition of a man’s spirit realizing Who God is and what He has done for him personally. Our Lord emphasizes the attitude of a child; no attitude can express such solemn awe and familiarity as that of a child.” (Not Knowing Whither, 882 L – Oswald Chambers)
For something that is awe-inspiring the term sublime is often used. Sublime has the meaning of something that goes beyond grandeur to evoke profound awe, often with a sense of vastness, beauty, or transcendence that can feel overwhelming
Sublime comes from the Latin ‘sublimis’ which means “uplifted, high, lofty, exalted, eminent, or distinguished.” It breaks down into ‘sub’ which means “up to” or “under” in the sense of approaching from below as “up toward” and ‘limen’ which means a “lintel,” the horizontal beam or threshold above a door. “Raised up to the threshold.”
The Greek equivalent is ὕψος ‘hypsos’ which has the meaning of height, loftiness, elevation, grandeur or excellence. It describes something exalted, awe-inspiring, or transcendent. This word is often used in the New Testament referring to heaven.
Luk 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high (ὕψος ‘hypsos’ ) hath visited us,
Luk 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (ὕψος ‘hypsos’ ).
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high (ὕψος ‘hypsos’), he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
ὕψος ‘hypsos is used to point to the fourth dimension of heaven, revealed in the love of Christ
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height (ὕψος ‘hypsos’);
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Christ opens the door
Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
For more on this subject see: Daily Tidbits 2/18 – Love & the 4th Dimension
God is beyond our comprehension
Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out (ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’)!
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable (ἀνεξιχνίαστος ‘anexichniastos’) riches of Christ;
ἀνεξιχνίαστος
anexichniastos
Thayer Definition:
1) that cannot be searched out, that cannot be comprehended
Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Psa 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
Isa 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
God’s love for us is incomprehensible
Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
It is God’s love that draws us to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:39; 1 John 4:16) that we might come to know Him (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20).
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
The Bible was/is given to us that we might know of this love (John 20:31; Ephesians 3:19),
Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Eph 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Most importantly the Holy Spirit is sent out to those of us who believe that we might experience this love and share it with others (Romans 5:5; Galatians 4:6; 5:22; 1 Peter 1:22) as we grow in His grace and love (2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 3:16-19), from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Php 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Related studies:
Daily Tidbits 5/3 – His Name is the Word
Daily Tidbits 2/18 – Love & the 4th Dimension
Daily Tidbits 1/10/12 – Farming
littleguyintheeye@gmail.com
Little Guy in the Eye 