Topical Encyclopedia
The term "finisheth" is an archaic form of the verb "finish," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, signifying the completion or fulfillment of a task, process, or divine purpose. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of finishing is often associated with God's sovereign acts, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the completion of individual missions or tasks.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Creation: The concept of finishing is first introduced in the context of creation. In
Genesis 2:1-2 , it is written, "Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work." Here, the completion of creation signifies the perfection and sufficiency of God's work, setting a precedent for the Sabbath rest.
2.
Prophetic Fulfillment: The idea of finishing is also crucial in the prophetic literature of the Bible. In
Daniel 9:24 , the prophecy of the seventy weeks includes the phrase, "to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place." This passage highlights the ultimate completion of God's redemptive plan through the Messiah.
3.
Jesus Christ's Mission: The New Testament frequently uses the concept of finishing in relation to Jesus Christ's earthly ministry and sacrificial work. In
John 19:30 , Jesus declares, "It is finished," as He dies on the cross. This statement signifies the completion of His atoning work, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and securing salvation for humanity.
4.
Apostolic Mission: The Apostle Paul often speaks of finishing the race or completing the task assigned to him by God. In
2 Timothy 4:7 , Paul writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This reflects the perseverance and dedication required to fulfill one's divine calling.
5.
Eschatological Completion: The Book of Revelation also speaks of the completion of God's plan for the world. In
Revelation 10:7 , it is stated, "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets." This points to the ultimate consummation of history and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
Theological SignificanceThe concept of finishing in the Bible underscores the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. It assures believers that God's purposes will be accomplished, and His promises will be fulfilled. The completion of creation, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the finished work of Christ all serve as reminders of God's perfect plan and the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Him.
In the life of a believer, the call to finish one's race or complete the tasks set by God is a call to faithfulness and perseverance. It encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (
1 Corinthians 15:58).
Library
Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day...
... of the eighth day, or when they had spent in a manner the whole of their sabbath
in waiting upon their Lord, then in comes their Lord, andfinisheth that their...
Thesaurus
Finisheth (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Finisheth (13 Occurrences). Genesis 17:22 and He
finisheth speaking with him, and God goeth up from Abraham. (YLT).
...Finished (157 Occurrences)
... (WEB YLT NAS NIV). Genesis 24:19 And shefinisheth giving him drink, and saith,
'Also for thy camels I draw till they have finished drinking;' (YLT NAS RSV NIV)...
Finishing (17 Occurrences)
Gathereth (65 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 49:33 And Jacobfinisheth commanding his sons, and gathereth up his
feet unto the bed, and expireth, and is gathered unto his people. (YLT)....
Finishes (1 Occurrence)
Expireth (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 49:33 And Jacobfinisheth commanding his sons, and gathereth up his
feet unto the bed, and expireth, and is gathered unto his people. (YLT)....
Completion (40 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 31:24 And it cometh to pass, when Mosesfinisheth to write the
words of this law on a book till their completion, (YLT)....
Casteth (54 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:17 And it cometh to pass when hefinisheth speaking, that he casteth away
the jaw-bone out of his hand, and calleth that place Ramath-Lehi; (YLT)....
Blesseth (55 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:18 And Davidfinisheth from causing to ascend the burnt-offering, and
the peace-offerings, and blesseth the people in the name of Jehovah of Hosts...
Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... people. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Exodus 34:33 And Mosesfinisheth speaking
with them, and putteth on his face a vail; (YLT). Exodus...
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