Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "biteth" is an archaic form of the verb "bite," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is used to describe the action of biting, often in a metaphorical sense, to convey harm, deceit, or the consequences of sin.
Biblical References:The concept of biting is used in the Bible to illustrate the destructive nature of certain behaviors or entities. One notable reference is found in
Proverbs 23:32, which warns of the dangers of excessive drinking: "In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper." Here, the term "biteth" is used metaphorically to describe the harmful effects of alcohol, likening it to the venomous bite of a serpent.
Another reference is found in
Ecclesiastes 10:8, which states, "He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake." This passage uses the imagery of being bitten to illustrate the principle of reaping what one sows, emphasizing the unforeseen consequences of one's actions.
Theological Significance:In a theological context, the imagery of biting often symbolizes the consequences of sin and the deceptive nature of evil. The serpent's bite is a powerful metaphor for the initial temptation and fall of humanity in
Genesis 3, where the serpent deceives Eve, leading to the original sin. This act of biting, though not explicitly mentioned in the Genesis account, is emblematic of the cunning and destructive nature of sin.
The use of "biteth" in the Bible serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of straying from God's commandments. It underscores the importance of vigilance and discernment in the life of a believer, warning against the seductive allure of sin that can lead to spiritual harm.
Moral and Ethical Implications:From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of biting as used in the Bible encourages believers to be wary of actions and influences that may seem harmless but ultimately lead to negative consequences. It calls for a life of sobriety, wisdom, and adherence to divine principles to avoid the metaphorical bite of sin.
Practical Application:In practical terms, the warnings associated with "biteth" can be applied to everyday life by encouraging individuals to consider the long-term effects of their choices. Whether it is the consumption of substances, the company one keeps, or the decisions one makes, the biblical admonition is to seek God's guidance and wisdom to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to spiritual and moral decay.
By understanding the metaphorical use of "biteth" in the Bible, believers are reminded of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by integrity, and free from the snares of sin.
Library
The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... At the last itbiteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.33. Thine eyes
shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.34....
As the Lord Jesus Christ Made his Sojourn with us in the Flesh...
... And what, then, did he say of him? "Let Dan be a serpent sitting by the way, that
biteth the horse's heel?" [1934] And what serpent was there but the deceiver...
Drunkenness.
... As it is written;" "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its
color in the cup, when it goeth down smoothly: at the last itbiteth like a...
Ahab and Elijah
... it is bitter afterwards. 'At the last itbiteth like a serpent, and stingeth like
an adder!'. Then, you may say again, 'All that is very much exaggerated....
Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... itself aright [is fermented]. At the last itbiteth like a serpent, and
stingeth like an adder." Prov.23:29-32. We would say again...
An Appeal and a Response
... Where the poor people are being ruined by that cup which not only curses now, but
at the last 'biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder'"go there....
The Heart: a Gift for God
... when it moveth itself aright. At the last itbiteth like a serpent, and
stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange...
The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
... do not touch that cup that is offered to you by the harlot world, spiced and fragrant
and foaming; 'at the last itbiteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an...
On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an...
... and devour our brethren? The evil speaker eateth the flesh of his brother,
andbiteth the body of his neighbour. Because of this...
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... its character""Dan is a lion's whelp that leapeth forth from Bashan" on the Hermon;*
"a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, thatbiteth the horse's...
Thesaurus
Biteth (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Biteth (5 Occurrences).
... (See JPS). Proverbs 23:32 At
the last it
biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
...Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... (8)..., or tsiph`oni, occurs in Proverbs 23:32, "At the last itbiteth like
a serpent (nachash), and stingeth like an adder" (tsiph`oni)....
Digging (8 Occurrences)
... turneth. (YLT). Ecclesiastes 10:8 Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it,
And whoso is breaking a hedge, a serpentbiteth him. (YLT)....
Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... 7 Hosea 4:11); (3) its effects on man's happiness and prosperity: its immediate
effect is to make one oblivious of his misery; but ultimately it "biteth like a...
Bithia (1 Occurrence)
Backwards (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY). Genesis 49:17 Dan will be a serpent on the way, A horned snake on the
path, Whichbiteth the horse's heels, So that the rider falleth backwards....
Bites (5 Occurrences)
Basilisk (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Basilisk (3 Occurrences). Proverbs 23:32 At the last it
biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder. (See JPS YLT)....
Adder (9 Occurrences)
... Selah. (Root in KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 23:32 At the last itbiteth like
a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. (KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV)....
Stingeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stingeth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 23:32 At the last it
biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
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