Topical Encyclopedia
The term "cleaveth" is an archaic form of the verb "cleave," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , the word "cleave" is used to convey two primary meanings: to adhere closely or to split apart. The context in which it is used determines its meaning, and it is often associated with themes of loyalty, unity, and division.
1.
Adherence and LoyaltyIn many instances, "cleaveth" is used to describe a deep, unwavering attachment or loyalty. This is often seen in the context of relationships, particularly in marriage and devotion to God. One of the most well-known uses of this term is found in
Genesis 2:24, where it describes the union between a husband and wife: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Here, "cleave" signifies the intimate bond and commitment that marriage entails.
Similarly, in
Deuteronomy 10:20, the term is used to describe the Israelites' relationship with God: "You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." The phrase "hold fast" is synonymous with "cleave," emphasizing the importance of steadfast devotion and faithfulness to God.
2.
Division and SeparationConversely, "cleaveth" can also mean to split or divide. This usage is less common but is significant in illustrating the power of God's word and judgment. In
Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is described as "sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the concept of cleaving is metaphorically applied to the discerning and penetrating nature of divine truth.
3.
Spiritual and Moral ImplicationsThe dual meanings of "cleaveth" reflect the spiritual and moral choices faced by believers. On one hand, it calls for a commitment to righteousness and a close relationship with God and others. On the other hand, it warns of the potential for division and separation from God due to sin and disobedience. In
Joshua 23:8, the Israelites are exhorted to "hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have done to this day," highlighting the ongoing need for faithfulness and the dangers of turning away.
4.
Cultural and Historical ContextUnderstanding the term "cleaveth" within its cultural and historical context enriches its significance. In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of cleaving was deeply tied to covenant relationships, whether between individuals or between God and His people. The covenantal aspect underscores the seriousness and depth of the commitment involved, whether in marriage, community, or faith.
In summary, "cleaveth" in the Bible encompasses themes of loyalty, unity, division, and discernment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of steadfastness in relationships and faith, as well as the consequences of division and separation from God.
Library
Daleth.
... St. Augustin on the Psalms. Daleth. 25. "My soulcleaveth to the pavement:
O quicken Thou me according to Thy word" (ver.25). What...
Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... "For as the girdlecleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto
me the whole house of Israel, and the whole house of Judah, saith the Lord...
Thirst and Satisfaction
... we adhere to the original meaning of the words of this last clause, than they are
in our translation, for the psalm really reads, 'My soulcleaveth after Thee...
Moreover, Flies Falling into Myrrh, and Suffocated Therein, Make...
... But he who removeth stones, indeed shall undergo no light labour; [107] and he
whocleaveth wood shall bear danger with him in his own weapon....
The Resurrection.
... have made mad work in our bodies as well as in our souls; 'tis sin commonly that
is the cause of all that deformity and ill-favoredness that nowcleaveth to us...
How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots...
... Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the
way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt thatcleaveth to the...
How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of...
... fainting. They go to pray, but their tonguecleaveth to the roof of their mouth:
they are straitened and cannot get their hearts vented....
Wisdom Brevities
... little. Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he
thatcleaveth to harlots will be the more reckless. Moths...
A Song of Christian Consolation and Joy.
... he eats. My mind this clear perceiveth, Yet am I undismay'd; To Thee my
heart ayecleaveth, On Thee shall cares be laid. Though...
Feasting on the Sacrifice
... as that the whole reads liker history than prophecy, in 'All My bones are out of
joint; My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and My tonguecleaveth to My...
Thesaurus
Cleaveth (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Cleaveth (26 Occurrences). Luke 10:11 Even the
very dust of your city, which
cleaveth on us, we do wipe
...Cleaves (11 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tonguecleaveth
to my throat; and Thou layest me in the dust of death. (See NAS RSV)....
Heweth (6 Occurrences)
... Jehovah in Gilgal. (YLT). Psalms 29:7 The voice of Jehovahcleaveth the
flames of fire. (See JPS). Ecclesiastes 10:9 Whoso heweth...
Asunder (37 Occurrences)
... households (Numbers 16:31). (2) (pillach): Job complains of God, "Hecleaveth
my reins asunder" (Job 16:13). Cut asunder (1) (qitstsets...
Breaketh (49 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 141:7 As when one ploweth andcleaveth the earth,
Our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol. (See JPS)....
Cleaving (10 Occurrences)
Quicken (16 Occurrences)
... thee? (See JPS ASV). Psalms 119:25 My soulcleaveth unto the dust: quicken
thou me according to thy word. (KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT). Psalms...
Quarrieth (1 Occurrence)
... Quarrieth (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes 10:9 Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt
therewith; and he thatcleaveth wood is endangered thereby. (See JPS)....
Kisseth (14 Occurrences)
... 48:10 And the eyes of Israel have been heavy from age, he is unable to see; and
he bringeth them nigh unto him, and he kisseth them, andcleaveth to them; (YLT...
Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences)
... Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, whichcleaveth on us, we do wipe off
against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is...
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