In the Bible, “declare” often means to announce, proclaim, or make known something significant, especially pertaining to God’s works, truths, or commandments. It emphasizes the act of communicating God’s message openly and with authority, as seen in various scriptures where believers are called to declare His praises and deeds.
Scripture
14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh.
15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
16 Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Biblical Definition of “Declare
The concept of “declare” in the Bible encompasses a profound responsibility bestowed upon believers to communicate God’s truths and works within their communities and beyond. In Psalm 96:3, for example, the psalmist exhorts, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” This verse illustrates the importance of proclaiming God’s greatness and ensures that His deeds are known far and wide, to testify about God’s character and actions in both personal and communal contexts.
Additionally, in the New Testament, the concept of declaring takes on a missional dimension, as seen in Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission. Jesus commands His followers a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” called to “declare the excellencies” of Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thus, declaring in the biblical sense is a dynamic and relational act, integral to the faith experience, encapsulating worship, witness, and the active dissemination of God’s redemptive narrative throughout the world.
The biblical act of declaring also encompasses the proclamation of God’s truth and the sharing of His commandments, which permeate the lives of those who walk in fellowship with Him. In the context of the Old Testament, the prophets frequently engaged in declaring messages of repentance and calling the people action based on divine principles.
Further expanding upon this theme, the act of declaration is often linked to testimony thus inviting others into a personal encounter with Him. This sense of testimony is evident in various narratives within the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to declare their faith boldly, motivated by their transformative experiences with Christ. Ultimately, the biblical concept of declaring is woven throughout various contexts, symbolizing not only a proclamation of God’s deeds but also a deep, personal engagement with His redemptive narrative aimed at glorifying Him and fostering spiritual community.
Proclamation of Faith
In the biblical context, to “declare” often signifies a public proclamation of one’s faith or beliefs. This act of declaration serves as a testimony to others, affirming the individual’s commitment to God and His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s faith openly, encouraging others to recognize and understand the truth of God’s word.
Announcement of God’s Works
Another significant meaning of “declare” in the Bible relates to the announcement of God’s mighty works and deeds. This involves recounting the history of God’s actions in the world, such as His creation, deliverance, and salvation. By declaring these works, believers not only honor God but also inspire faith and hope in others, reminding them of His power and faithfulness throughout generations.
Affirmation of Truth
To declare can also mean to affirm or assert the truth of God’s promises and commandments. This aspect of declaration involves a the teachings of the Bible, reinforcing the moral and spiritual truths that guide believers’ lives. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to live according to these truths and to encourage others to do the same.
How to Boldly Proclaim God’s Truth as a Christian
Proclaiming God’s truth boldly as a Christian is not just about speaking loudly or forcefully; it’s about living authentically and sharing your faith with love and conviction. Start by immersing yourself to stand firm in your beliefs, even when it’s challenging. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you live that truly proclaims God’s truth to the world around you.
Bible References to the Definition of “Declare”:
Exodus 9:27-28: 27 Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, “This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong.
28 Plead with the Lord, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”
1 Samuel 10:24-25: 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”
25 Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. So Samuel sent all the people away, every one to his home.
Psalm 19:1-4: 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
Psalm 40:9-10: 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.
Isaiah 43:12-13: 12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and I am God.
13 Also henceforth I am he;
there is none who can deliver from my hand;
I work, and who can turn it back?”
Jeremiah 20:9: 9 If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Matthew 10:27: 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Luke 12:2-3: 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
John 1:18: 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
John 17:26: 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Acts 4:20: 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.
Romans 10:9-10: 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Philippians 1:18-20: 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Hebrews 11:1-3: 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Revelation 12:11-12: 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.