Topical Encyclopedia
The term "faileth" is an archaic English word often found in older translations of the Bible, including the King James Version (KJV). It is derived from the verb "fail," meaning to fall short, cease, or come to an end. In the context of Scripture, "faileth" is used to describe the cessation or inadequacy of human strength, resources, or efforts, often in contrast to the unfailing nature of God's love, power, and promises.
Scriptural Usage:1.
Human Limitations: The word "faileth" is frequently used to highlight the limitations and weaknesses inherent in human nature. For instance, in
Isaiah 40:30-31 , the prophet contrasts the frailty of human strength with the enduring power of God: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, the concept of failing is implicit in the human tendency to grow weary and stumble, underscoring the need for divine strength.
2.
Divine Faithfulness: In contrast to human failure, the Bible emphasizes the unfailing nature of God's love and faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage reassures believers of the constancy and reliability of God's mercies, which stand in stark contrast to human frailty.
3.
Prophetic Assurance: The prophets often used the concept of "faileth" to assure the people of Israel of God's enduring promises. In
Habakkuk 3:17-18 , the prophet declares, "Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!" Here, the failure of crops and livestock serves as a metaphor for hardship, yet it is met with unwavering faith in God's salvation.
4.
Moral and Spiritual Failure: The Bible also addresses moral and spiritual failure, urging believers to rely on God's strength to overcome sin. In
Romans 3:23 , Paul writes, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This acknowledgment of human failure is met with the redemptive work of Christ, who provides the means for reconciliation with God.
Theological Implications:The concept of "faileth" in Scripture serves to remind believers of their dependence on God. Human efforts, wisdom, and strength are limited and prone to failure, but God's power and love are infinite and unfailing. This understanding encourages a posture of humility and reliance on divine grace. The recognition of human frailty and the assurance of God's faithfulness are central themes in the Christian faith, calling believers to trust in the Lord's provision and guidance in all circumstances.
Greek
413. anekleiptos -- unfailing... unfailing. From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of ekleipo;
not left out, ie (by implication) inexhaustible -- that
faileth not.
...Library
April 29. "Love NeverFaileth" (I. Cor. xiii. 8).
... APRIL 29. "Love neverfaileth" (I. Cor. xiii. 8). "Love neverfaileth"
(I. Cor. xiii.8). In our work for God it is a great thing...
Love NeverFaileth.
... Book I. Chapter 38."Love NeverFaileth. 42. But sight shall displace faith;
and hope shall be swallowed up in that perfect bliss...
Psalm 136
... for mercy hath he ever. ^2Thanks to the God of gods give ye: for his gracefaileth
never.... 4Who only wonders great can do: for his gracefaileth never....
The Defence
... "Love," urges Paul, "neverfaileth." Then he begins again one of his marvellous
lists of the great things of the day, and exposes them one by one....
The Heart-Strings of God.
... He'd never have started away; and he'd never have tried to get away. For love
neverfaileth.... Love neverfaileth. It can't; because it's love....
Two Innumerable Series
... mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they
are more than the hairs of mine head; therefore my heartfaileth me.'"Psalm 40...
Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men
... UNFAILING STABS AND FAINTING MEN. '...For that He is strong in power; not
onefaileth.... He giveth power to the faint; and to them...
Love and the Comforter.
... things. Love neverfaileth . . . .... It failed us not as a lamp that goes out
in the dark. The Love of the Holy Spirit neverfaileth. And...
Caph.
... For it is said of a good failing: "My soul hath a desire and failing to enter into
the courts of the Lord." [5245] So also here he saith not,faileth away from...
Psalm 136
... 21Their land by lot he gave; For his gracefaileth never,. ^22That Isr'el might
it have.... Eternally. ^25Who to all flesh gives food; For his gracefaileth never....
Thesaurus
Faileth (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Faileth (26 Occurrences). Luke 12:33 Sell
... thy presence?
for the money
faileth. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Nehemiah 4
...Failed (58 Occurrences)
... for the moneyfaileth. (KJV WBS). Genesis 47:16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle;
and I will give you for your cattle, if money hath failed. (WBS)....
Fail (130 Occurrences)
... forsake thee," Joshua 1:5 1 Chronicles 28:20); of '-abhadh, "to perish," "be lost"
(Psalm 142:4, "Refuge hath failed me"; Ezekiel 12:22, "Every visionfaileth...
Failing (12 Occurrences)
Charity (29 Occurrences)
... Many of life's activities cease or change, but "love neverfaileth." 8. Ultimate
Ideal: To it all other graces and virtues are subordinated....
Vanish (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity neverfaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they
shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be...
Lack (86 Occurrences)
... lack," instead of "without"; 6:32, "void of" for "lacketh"; 10:21, "lack" for "want";
31:11, "lack" for "need"; Isaiah 59:15, "lacking" for "faileth." In the...
Lean (22 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). Psalms 109:24 My knees are weak through
fasting; And my fleshfaileth of fatness. (See JPS NAS)....
Gender (2 Occurrences)
... abhar, "to pass over," etc., or of a separate word meaning "to bear," "to be fruitful"),
translated "gendereth," "Their bull gendereth, andfaileth not"; in...
Gendereth (2 Occurrences)
... Agar. (KJV WBS). Job 21:10 Their bull gendereth, andfaileth not; their cow
calveth, and casteth not her calf. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
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