Biblical Meaning Of Hearing Knocking

The Bible is full of symbolism and hidden meanings that can provide guidance and insight into our lives. One such symbol is the act of hearing knocking, which can have several interpretations in biblical texts. In this article, we will explore the biblical meaning of hearing knocking and what it can signify.

Understanding the Symbolism of Knocking

The act of knocking has a powerful symbolic meaning in biblical texts. It represents a request for entry, an invitation to connect, and an opportunity for spiritual growth. Knocking is also a sign of respect and honor, as it acknowledges the authority and presence of the one on the other side of the door.

In the Bible, knocking is often associated with the door of our hearts, which represents our innermost thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. The act of hearing knocking can be interpreted as an invitation from God to open our hearts and receive His grace and love.

The Biblical Meaning of Hearing Knocking

The biblical meaning of hearing knocking can vary depending on the context and situation in which it occurs. Here are some of the most common interpretations:

1. God is Calling You

In the book of Revelation, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

This verse is often interpreted as a call from God to open our hearts and receive His grace and salvation. When we hear knocking, it may be a sign that God is trying to get our attention and is inviting us to come closer to Him.

2. Opportunity for Growth

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened.”

This verse suggests that when we hear knocking, it may be an opportunity for growth and change. It is a sign that if we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive what we need to grow and develop spiritually.

3. Testing Our Faith

In the book of James, it says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3).

When we hear knocking, it may be a test of our faith and perseverance. It is a sign that we need to trust in God and have faith that He will guide us through difficult times.

4. Warning of Danger

In the book of Revelation, it says, “Behold, I am standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear my voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with me” (Revelation 3:20, TPT).

This verse can also be interpreted as a warning of danger. When we hear knocking, it may be a sign that we need to be cautious and vigilant against the dangers of the world. We need to open our hearts to God and trust in His protection and guidance.

Ways to Interpret Hearing Knocking in the Bible

As we have seen, hearing knocking in the Bible can have multiple meanings. Here are some additional ways to interpret this symbol:

1. A Call to Repentance

In Acts 26:20, it says, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” When we hear knocking, it may be a sign that we need to turn away from sin and towards God. It can be an invitation to confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and make amends.

2. An Invitation to Communion

In Luke 24:28-29, it says, “As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.'” This verse suggests that hearing knocking can be an invitation to commune with God. It is an opportunity to spend time in prayer, worship, and contemplation.

3. A Sign of Humility

In Matthew 18:3-4, it says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” When we hear knocking, it may be a sign that we need to adopt a posture of humility. It is a reminder that we are not in control and that we need to rely on God’s guidance and wisdom.

4. A Warning of Judgment

In Isaiah 22:22, it says, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” This verse suggests that hearing knocking can also be a warning of judgment. It is a sign that God has the power to open or close doors, and that our actions and choices have consequences.

Practical Applications of Hearing Knocking

So, how can we apply the biblical meaning of hearing knocking to our daily lives? Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Listen attentively

When we hear knocking, we need to pay attention and listen carefully. We need to discern the voice of God and distinguish it from the noise and distractions of the world. We can do this by spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking wise counsel.

2. Respond obediently

Once we have discerned God’s voice, we need to respond obediently. We need to open the door of our hearts and let God in. We can do this by confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. We can also respond by taking steps of faith, trusting in God’s guidance and provision.

3. Grow intentionally

When we hear knocking, it may be an opportunity for growth and change. We need to embrace these opportunities intentionally and actively seek to develop spiritually. We can do this by attending church, participating in small groups, and engaging in spiritual disciplines such as fasting, meditation, and service.

The Symbolism of Doors in the Bible

To fully understand the biblical meaning of hearing knocking, we need to explore the symbolism of doors in the Bible. Doors can represent:

1. Opportunity

In Revelation 3:20, it says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This verse suggests that doors can be a symbol of opportunity. They can represent the chance to commune with God, receive blessings, and experience growth.

2. Protection

In Exodus 12:22-23, it says, “Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.” This verse suggests that doors can also be a symbol of protection. They can represent the boundary between safety and danger, between God’s favor and judgment.

3. Separation

In Matthew 7:13-14, it says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This verse suggests that doors can also be a symbol of separation. They can represent the choice between following God’s path or the world’s path, between life and death.

4. Revelation

In Revelation 4:1, it says, “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.'” This verse suggests that doors can also be a symbol of revelation. They can represent the unveiling of God’s mysteries, the invitation to enter into deeper intimacy with God, and the promise of eternal life.

Practical Applications of Door Symbolism

So, how can we apply the symbolism of doors to our daily lives? Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Discern opportunities

We need to discern the doors of opportunity that God is opening for us. We can do this by seeking God’s will, listening to wise counsel, and following our passions and talents.

2. Seek protection

We need to seek the doors of protection that God is providing for us. We can do this by living according to God’s commands, seeking refuge in God’s presence, and surrounding ourselves with godly community.

3. Choose wisely

We need to choose the doors that lead to life and avoid the doors that lead to destruction. We can do this by seeking truth, pursuing holiness, and avoiding the temptations of the world.

4. Embrace revelation

We need to embrace the doors of revelation that God is opening for us. We can do this by studying the Bible, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and cultivating a life of prayer and worship.

In conclusion, hearing knocking in the Bible can be interpreted as an invitation to open the door of our hearts to God. The symbolism of doors can help us understand the opportunities, protection, separation, and revelation that doors represent in the Bible. By discerning the doors that God is opening for us, seeking protection, choosing wisely, and embracing revelation, we can experience deeper intimacy with God and a more fulfilling life in Christ.