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To: Sunsong
understand - to stand among, hence observe,... 2 to gather or assume from what is known...to be informed; believe. (Websters New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition)

I have observed eternity (in the Bible), and gathered from what is known about eternity (in the Bible), and have been informed about eternity (from the Bible), and believe about eternity (what the Bible says).

Given Webster's definition for the word "understand", my post was appropriate and also directly responsive to your question.

462 posted on 11/21/2006 6:37:05 AM PST by pby
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To: pby
I think a better set of definitions is provided on-line:

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1)
un‧der‧stand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uhn-der-stand] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -stood, -stand‧ing. –verb (used with object)
1. to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend: to understand Spanish; I didn't understand your question.
2. to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of: to understand a trade.
3. to assign a meaning to; interpret: He understood her suggestion as a complaint.
4. to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of: He does not understand responsibility.
5. to regard as firmly communicated; take as agreed or settled: I understand that you will repay this loan in 30 days.
6. to learn or hear: I understand that you are going out of town.
7. to accept as true; believe: I understand that you are trying to be truthful, but you are wrong.
8. to construe in a particular way: You are to understand the phrase literally.
9. to supply mentally (something that is not expressed). –verb (used without object)
10. to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed: She told them about it in simple words, hoping they would understand.
11. to accept tolerantly or sympathetically: If you can't do it, I'll understand.
12. to have knowledge or background, as on a particular subject: He understands about boats.
13. to have a systematic interpretation or rationale, as in a field or area of knowledge: He can repeat every rule in the book, but he just doesn't understand.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME understanden, understonden, OE understondan; c. D onderstaan. See under-, stand]

And I think that these two are clearly more in line with what I was asking:

to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend
to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of: to understand a trade.

And so I ask you specifically, do you completely "grasp" the meaning of eternity - do you fully "comprehend" all that eternity contains, can you describe the nature and extent of eternity, can you describe, from experience (are you familiar with) the incorporeal and corporeal substance as well as the light of eternity?

And if so, please do

466 posted on 11/21/2006 11:05:38 AM PST by Sunsong
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