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comprehend to seize, overcome or take hold of
John 1:5 — the darkness "comprehended it not" — is the darkness failing to overpower the light, not failing to understand it. Both senses were live in 1611.
Means: to seize, overcome or take hold ofIn the KJV: 5 timesStill in use, different meaning
Forms in the text
The word behind it
Where it appears
All 5 verses.
God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Common questions
What does "comprehend" mean in the Bible?
In the King James Version comprehend means to seize, overcome or take hold of. John 1:5 — the darkness "comprehended it not" — is the darkness failing to overpower the light, not failing to understand it. Both senses were live in 1611.
How many times does "comprehend" appear in the King James Version?
5 times, counting its other forms (comprehended 3 times, comprehend 2 times).
What Greek word is behind "comprehend"?
Most often καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō), Strong's G2638, meaning to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively).
More like this
All 100 words → · Strong's concordance
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