BEHOLD!

 If you were ever asked to summarize the Bible in one word, what would that one word be? I have thought about it often, and apart from such obvious names as “God” or “Jesus,” what word would best describe the whole message of the Book? My answer is the word “Behold!” The reason is that “behold” describes the beholding of Some One and some thing, as well as describes the person who is beholding. It is a pity that some of our more modern translations have done away with “behold” because it is seen as an archaic word. For example the Authorized King James Version uses it 1326 times, the Amplified Bible 1058 times, the New King James 593 times and the New International version only 6 times! When we know the importance of that word and what it entails when it is written in Scripture, we realize that there is always something special and important we need to see and hear within the context of that passage.

To “behold” means to “see, to view, to face, to look out, regard, watch, consider, to behold intensely, to observe fully, to see mentally or prophetically, to look with attention and earnestness, to survey with accuracy, earnest spiritual contemplation, to look at purposely, to perceive, apprehend, learn, know, calling attention to what may be seen or heard.”

To “behold” for the Christian is to look to God, to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit to see, observe and comprehend His will and ways through His Word, the Bible. It means we have a choice – a choice to behold or not to behold. It represents the responsibility that is our part in the Christian walk. We behold the ways of God, then behold our own lives. As a result of that beholding we seek to align ourselves more and more with that which we are beholding. “Behold” is a responsible word. It is a call to keep our eyes open, to make sure we are seeing and hearing clearly and accurately, so we can make those decisions that will glorify God. “Behold” is a prophetic word. It beautifully describes someone who is focused on pleasing their Master.

Why is it that there is so much spiritual blindness today? People have not taken the time to Behold the Truth. They need to “Behold the Man!” so they can then “Behold your King!” (John 19:5, 14, NKJV). Once we have beheld Him (Jesus), we do not need anyone to explain to us Who He is! Why? Because we have beheld Him for ourselves and know indeed that this is the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:41-42). We also will crown Him as King in our lives!

The result of beholding was revelation – revelation of Who Jesus was (is), and out of that comes responsibility to obey that which we have beheld

There is so much involved in the meaning and outworking of the word “behold”! To me it describes the Bible, Christianity, the Prophetic, and my responsibility to God very well. What would your one word be? – Rodney Francis.

Bible  Readings:  

John 1:29-37; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 10:17-24; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 1 John 3:1-3;  

Please Pray This Prayer:

 “Dear Eternal and Loving Father, I come to You in Jesus’ mighty name. Help me to behold You more and more, to take the time to simply sit and observe Who You are, and why You have chosen me to carry Your name in 2004 and beyond. Cause my perception and focus to be more and more challenged, and my life simplified through my beholding of You and Your Wonderful Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry, New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.