Topical Encyclopedia
The term "exceedeth" is an archaic form of the verb "exceed," which means to go beyond a certain limit or standard. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to surpassing expectations, standards, or righteousness. The concept of exceeding is significant in understanding the depth of spiritual and moral teachings in Scripture.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Righteousness that Exceeds: One of the most notable uses of the concept of exceeding is found in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the need for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 5:20 states, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, one that is not merely external or legalistic but is rooted in the heart and reflects true obedience to God's will.
2.
Exceeding Joy and Glory: The New Testament also speaks of joy and glory that exceed earthly understanding. In
1 Peter 1:8 , the apostle Peter writes, "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy." This joy exceeds human comprehension and is a result of faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the profound spiritual blessings available to believers.
3.
Exceeding Power and Grace: The apostle Paul frequently speaks of God's power and grace as exceeding human limitations. In
Ephesians 3:20 , Paul declares, "Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." This passage underscores the limitless nature of God's power, which exceeds all human expectations and capabilities. Similarly, in
2 Corinthians 9:14 , Paul refers to the "surpassing grace of God" bestowed upon believers, emphasizing the abundant and overflowing nature of divine grace.
4.
Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The concept of exceeding is also used to describe the depth of human sinfulness. In
Romans 7:13 , Paul writes, "Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful." Here, the law reveals the exceeding sinfulness of sin, highlighting the need for redemption through Christ.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "exceedeth" in Scripture often points to the surpassing nature of God's attributes and the standards He sets for His followers. It challenges believers to pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, characterized by a righteousness that goes beyond mere external observance. The concept also reassures Christians of the abundant grace, power, and joy available through faith in Jesus Christ, encouraging them to rely on God's limitless resources rather than their own strength.
Library
Chapter i
... Wheat is the Divine Gloom. Trinty, whichexceedeth all Being, Deity, and Goodness!
[514] Thou that instructeth Christians in Thy heavenly wisdom!...
Coming to the King.
... Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and,
behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperityexceedeth the fame...
Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
... For heavenexceedeth all this in glory, so far, as that no tongue is able to express,
nor heart of man to conceive, the glory thereof, as witnesseth St....
A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... of the helpless, and in thee the fatherless findeth mercy (Hosea 14:3:) for though
my sins be exceeding great, yet thy mercy, O Lord, farexceedeth them all...
On the Words of the Gospel, John xii. 44, "He that Believeth on Me...
... of a Virgin in time. The first nativityexceedeth times; the second nativity
enlighteneth times. Yet both nativities are marvellous...
A Royal Seeker after Wisdom
... Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and,
behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperityexceedeth the fame...
But How Shall I Suffice with the Tongue of My Pen to Utter all Thy...
... ruminate. Perfect me, O Lord, and reveal them unto me. Behold, Thy voice is
my joy; Thy voiceexceedeth the abundance of pleasures. Give...
Upon the Infinite Extent of the Understanding and Affection of the...
... as well in extent, as fervour).8. An exact fitness between the powers of the soul,
and its objects: neither being desolate, because neitherexceedeth the other...
CM Whittier. Not Lost, but Gone Before.
... here. 3 Unto our Father's will alone One thought hath reconciled; That
He whose loveexceedeth ours Hath taken home his child. 4...
A Sermon on the Parable of a King that Married his Son, Made by...
... Paul saith, Gratia exsuperat supra peccatum; "The grace and mercies of Godexceedeth
far our sins." Therefore let us ever think and believe that the grace of...
Thesaurus
Exceedeth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Exceedeth (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 10:7 Howbeit
I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had
...Exceedest (2 Occurrences)
Exceeding (101 Occurrences)
Howbeit (103 Occurrences)
... Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and,
behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperityexceedeth the fame...
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