Bible Dictionary
APPLY
To apply, in the Old Testament usage, means to direct or incline the heart toward wisdom, instruction, understanding, or knowledge. It describes purposeful attention and devotion to learning what is right.
Definition
To apply, in the Old Testament usage described here, is to direct, incline, give, pursue, or place the heart toward wisdom and instruction. It expresses purposeful attention and a deliberate orientation toward understanding and knowledge.
Biblical Usage
The word is used of applying the heart to wisdom, instruction, understanding, and knowledge. Its several Hebrew originals portray the heart entering, inclining, going about, or being directed toward these objects.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-pli': Purely an Old Testament term representing five Hebrew originals which signify respectively, "to enter," "to incline," "to give," "to go about," "to put or place," in each instance spoken of the heart in its attitude to wisdom (Ps 90:12 the King James Version); instruction (Pr 23:12); understanding (Pr 2:2); knowledge (Pr 22:17).</p>