Thank you for the Bible reading question, “Is it true that there is a difference between memorizing biblical scripture and absorbing it?”
There is a significant difference between reading and memorizing the Scriptures. Reading connotes understanding the content of what is written and being able to restate it in a verbal or written manner. Memorizing connotes being able to verbatim recite what was read like the Ten Commandments or the Greatest Commandment. A person who reads it will likely forget what was read within one week while a person who memorizes it has spent time ensuring that one has the word order correct. It does not necessary mean that one understands what is recited but one is able to get it word perfect.
As a person digs deeper into the Scriptures from memorizing to Bible Study and ultimately to application that is the higher principle of learning from facts to faith or from knowledge to experience. The term, absorb, implies making what is read or memorized becoming part of one’s life. It becomes part of one’s life. The seed takes root in the person.
The Parable of the Sower illustrates four types of hearts that responds to the seed or the Word of God. There is only one heart that truly bears fruit in one’s life.
Jesus said this in Matthew 13, “18 Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sow.” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
There will be a tug-of-war in a Christian’s heart and mind of whether the Scriptures have an impactul effect on the person’s personality or actions. The word, understand, is more than just comprehension but a transformational impact on one’s life. The Word of God is liken to a two edge sword that is able to discern one’s thoughts and motives. A good heart will make a fertile space in one’s life so that the Word can be rooted and grow in one’s life. It’s the Word that directs one’s heart and mind, not his or her own ambitions or needs.
SUMMARY: Knowledge without transformation of life is a barren tree.
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