Topical Encyclopedia
The term "closeth" is an archaic form of the verb "close," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , the term is used to describe actions of shutting, sealing, or bringing something to an end. The concept of closing is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing finality, protection, or divine intervention.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Divine Protection and Judgment: The act of closing is frequently associated with God's protective measures or His judgments. For instance, in the account of Noah's Ark, God Himself closes the door of the ark, signifying both the protection of Noah's family and the finality of judgment upon the earth (
Genesis 7:16). This act underscores God's sovereignty in both salvation and judgment.
2.
Sealing of Prophecies: In the prophetic literature, closing or sealing often refers to the concealment of divine mysteries until an appointed time. Daniel is instructed to "close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end" (
Daniel 12:4). This indicates that certain revelations are reserved for future understanding, emphasizing God's control over the unfolding of history.
3.
Spiritual and Moral Implications: The concept of closing can also have spiritual and moral implications. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the closing of doors in parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where the door is shut to those who are unprepared (
Matthew 25:10). This serves as a warning about the necessity of readiness and vigilance in spiritual matters.
4.
Finality and Completion: The closing of a matter often signifies its completion or fulfillment. In Revelation, the closing of the scrolls and the sealing of the book represent the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the finality of His judgments (
Revelation 5:1-5). This imagery reinforces the theme of divine authority and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes.
Theological SignificanceThe act of closing in the Bible is rich with theological significance. It often denotes God's authority and control over creation, history, and individual destinies. The closing of doors, scrolls, or periods of time serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of human response to His divine will. In a broader sense, it calls believers to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful and prepared for the fulfillment of His promises.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of "closeth" encourages a life of preparedness and trust in God's providence. It serves as a reminder to seek refuge in God's protection, to be vigilant in spiritual readiness, and to trust in the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan. The closing of opportunities or seasons in life should be viewed through the lens of God's overarching purpose and timing, fostering a spirit of faith and obedience.
Library
Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... in the soul, as locked it up from everything earthly, and shut out worldly things,
as effectually as a deep sleep, which shuts up the soul andcloseth all its...
And when the Ten Heard, they were Moved with Anger against James...
... unto you now, that many shall [9] seek to enter, and shall not be able [2129] "
[2130] from the time when the master of the house riseth, andcloseth the door...
The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.
... is done, prejudicial to his work and interest, and mark them among the mourners
of Zion." But what was most noticed, was that with which hecloseth this sermon...
Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. I Beseech You that Ye Walk...
... trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855. Come, brethren, let us go! The eveningcloseth
round,. 'Tis perilous to linger here. On this wild desert ground....
PM Staughton. Onward and Upward.
... eternity flows on forever. 3 Lift the eye, Christian! just as itcloseth;
Raise the heart, Christian! ere it reposeth; Thee from...
Septuagesima 112. Breast the Wave, Christian
... Faltereth never; The love of eternity. Flows on for ever. Lift thine eye, Christian,.
Just as itcloseth; Raise thy heart, Christian,. Ere it reposeth;...
If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down...
... before a fall. [3233] He whocloseth his eyes speaketh perverse things,
and provoketh all evil with his lips. [3234] The lips of...
The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. .
... declaration which they contain; "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not
pass away till all these things be fulfilled." Thiscloseth the prophecy....
On the Collections, V.
... But he who has not been fruitful therein, shall have no indulgence from the great
Recompenser, as Solomon says, "He thatcloseth his ears lest he should hear...
John xvii. 14
... spoken concerning their salvation, and their being sanctified by faith and the
Sacrifice, He afterwards speaketh of concord, and finallycloseth his discourse...
Thesaurus
Closeth (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Closeth (5 Occurrences).
... Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with
worms and clods of dust; My skin
closeth up, and breaketh out afresh.
...Closet (3 Occurrences)
Causeth (209 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:21 And Jehovah God causeth a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he sleepeth,
and He taketh one of his ribs, andcloseth up flesh in its stead....
Closets (1 Occurrence)
Sleepeth (13 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:21 And Jehovah God causeth a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he sleepeth,
and He taketh one of his ribs, andcloseth up flesh in its stead....
Breaketh (49 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem. (YLT). Job 7:5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust;
My skincloseth up, and breaketh out afresh. (ASV JPS)....
Clouds (99 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 26:9 Hecloseth in the face
of His throne, and spreadeth His cloud upon it. (See NIV)....
Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:21 And Jehovah God causeth a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he sleepeth,
and He taketh one of his ribs, andcloseth up flesh in its stead....
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