Overview
The Bible addresses motive across 24 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Ezekiel and Genesis. Closely related themes include Works, Good, Prayer, Adoption and Lord's Prayer. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Cain.
Key Bible verses about motive
Old Testament
Ezekiel
But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.
New Testament
Matthew
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. alms: or, righteousness of your: or, with your
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. do not: or, cause not a trumpet to be sounded
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you They have their reward.
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
People in the Bible and motive
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying motive for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 4:7, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew, Ezekiel and Genesis each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Cain and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Works, Good, Prayer, Adoption and Lord's Prayer.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about motive?
The Bible addresses motive across 24 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Ezekiel and Genesis. Closely related themes include Works, Good, Prayer, Adoption and Lord's Prayer. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Cain.
How many Bible verses are about motive?
The Bible references motive in 24 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention motive?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 4:7: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. be accepted: or, have the excellency unto: or, subject unto thee”
Which people in the Bible are associated with motive?
Cain.
Preach & teach
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