Topical Encyclopedia
The term "forgetteth" is an archaic form of the verb "forget," appearing in various passages of the Bible, primarily in older translations. In the context of Scripture, forgetting can have both literal and metaphorical implications, often carrying significant spiritual and moral weight.
Divine Forgetting:In the Bible, God is sometimes described as "forgetting" the sins of those who repent. This is not to imply a lapse in divine memory but rather an intentional act of grace and forgiveness. For instance, in
Isaiah 43:25 , God declares, "I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." This divine forgetting is a profound expression of God's mercy, emphasizing His willingness to restore a right relationship with His people.
Human Forgetting:Human forgetfulness is often portrayed as a spiritual failing or a lack of faithfulness. In
Deuteronomy 6:12 , the Israelites are warned, "Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." Forgetting God and His commandments is equated with disobedience and ingratitude, leading to spiritual decline and judgment.
Forgetting in Wisdom Literature:The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently addresses the theme of forgetting, particularly in the context of human frailty and the fleeting nature of life. In
Ecclesiastes 1:11 , it is observed, "No remembrance of former things exists, and none will be remembered of those yet to come by those who follow." This reflects on the transient nature of human achievements and the inevitability of being forgotten by future generations.
Forgetting and Forgiveness:The New Testament also touches on the concept of forgetting, especially in the context of forgiveness and reconciliation. In
Philippians 3:13 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Here, forgetting is associated with moving past former sins and failures, focusing instead on spiritual growth and the pursuit of Christlikeness.
Moral and Spiritual Implications:Forgetting, in a biblical sense, often serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of memory in maintaining faithfulness to God. The act of remembering God's past deeds, His laws, and His promises is central to the life of faith. Conversely, to forget these is to risk falling away from the path of righteousness.
In summary, the concept of "forgetteth" in the Bible encompasses both divine grace and human responsibility. It highlights the importance of memory in the spiritual life, urging believers to remember God's works and commands while also embracing the divine forgiveness that "forgets" our sins.
Library
A Doer that Worketh Shall be Blessed in Doing
... He that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being
not a hearer thatforgetteth, but a doer that worketh, this man shall be...
James i. 22-24
... not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he
beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightwayforgetteth what manner of...
Beside the Manger.
... With Thy great love beyond compare, My soul Thou fillest ever, Thy glance
so sweet, Thine image fair, My heartforgetteth never....
Thanksgiving for Gracious Sunshine.
... Appeas'd His wrath our sighs That to His ears did rise, For Heforgetteth never
His mercy that dures ever, His Spirit tow'rd us yearning, His anger ceas'd from...
The Stichera of the Last Kiss.
... When, hurried forth by fearful angels,. The soul forsakes her earthly frame,. Then
friends and kindred sheforgetteth,. And this world's cares have no more claim...
Saved by Saving.
... He thatforgetteth about his own life in eagerly saving others shall find that he
has saved his own life, and that it has grown into a new fulness and richness...
The Holy Communion the Remembrance.
... [215]Kern. Died 1835. Oh how could I forget Him. Who ne'erforgetteth me? Or tell
the love that let Him. Come down to set me free? I lay in darkest sadness,....
Psalm x.
... according to the multitude of His anger He will not search it out." Great is His
anger, when He searcheth not out, when He as it wereforgetteth and marketh...
But as yet by Faith and not by Sight...
... I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even he as yet,
doth not think himself to have apprehended, andforgetteth those things which...
For that Year were My Studies Intermitted: Whilst after My Return...
... he, as already hence anticipating his descendants, gladly told it to my mother;
rejoicing in that tumult of the senses wherein the worldforgetteth Thee its...
Thesaurus
Forgetteth (10 Occurrences)...Forgetteth (10 Occurrences). James 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his
way, and straightway
forgetteth what manner of man he was. (KJV ASV WBS).
...Forgetting (8 Occurrences)
... perish, (YLT). Job 39:15 Andforgetteth that the foot may crush them, or
that the wild beast may trample them. (See RSV). Psalms 9...
Remembereth (19 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
heforgetteth not the cry of the humble. (KJV ASV DBY WBS)....
Forgettest (6 Occurrences)
Remembered (120 Occurrences)
... this house, (YLT). Genesis 40:23 and the chief of the butlers hath not
remembered Joseph, butforgetteth him. (YLT). Genesis 41:31...
Inquisition (5 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them:
heforgetteth not the cry of the humble. (KJV ASV DBY WBS)....
Forget (77 Occurrences)
... "Forgetful" in James 1:25 is epilesmone, the Revised Version (British and American)
"a hearer thatforgetteth." "Forgetfulness" Psalm 88:12, "the land of...
Feeds (14 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Job 24:20 The wombforgetteth him; the worm feedeth sweetly on him; he
shall be no more remembered; and unrighteousness is broken as a tree....
Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)
... not. (YLT). Proverbs 2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, andforgetteth
the covenant of her God. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs...
Forgets (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 24:20 The wombforgetteth him; the worm feedeth sweetly on him; he
shall be no more remembered; and unrighteousness is broken as a tree....
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