Topical Encyclopedia
The term "handleth" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, often translated in modern versions as "handles" or "deals with." It is derived from the Hebrew and Greek words that convey the act of touching, managing, or dealing with something or someone. In the context of Scripture, "handleth" can refer to both physical and metaphorical interactions.
Biblical Usage:1.
Physical Handling: · In the Old Testament, "handleth" is used to describe the physical act of touching or managing objects. For example, in
Proverbs 26:17 (KJV), it states, "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears." Here, the act of handling is likened to the imprudent action of grabbing a dog by the ears, illustrating the potential danger and folly of involving oneself in matters that do not concern them.
2.
Metaphorical Handling: · The term is also used metaphorically to describe the way individuals deal with situations or manage their affairs. In
Isaiah 52:11 (KJV), the call to "be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD" implies a careful and respectful handling of sacred duties and responsibilities.
3.
New Testament Context: · In the New Testament, the concept of handling is often related to the teachings and interactions of Jesus Christ. For instance, in
Luke 24:39 , Jesus invites His disciples to "handle Me and see; for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." This invitation to physically handle Him serves as proof of His bodily resurrection, affirming the reality of His physical presence post-resurrection.
Theological Implications:·
Stewardship and Responsibility: · The biblical concept of handling extends to the stewardship of God's creation and the responsibilities entrusted to believers. In
Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This dominion involves a careful and respectful handling of the world, reflecting God's sovereignty and care.
·
Moral and Ethical Conduct: · The way one handles situations, relationships, and resources is a reflection of their moral and ethical standing before God.
Proverbs 12:24 states, "The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor." This proverb highlights the importance of diligent and wise handling of one's duties and responsibilities.
·
Faith and Assurance: · The invitation to handle the resurrected Christ provides assurance of faith. It underscores the tangible reality of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief, and invites believers to engage with their faith in a personal and experiential manner.
Practical Application:· Believers are encouraged to handle their relationships, resources, and responsibilities with wisdom and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.
· The concept of handling serves as a reminder of the tangible and practical aspects of faith, urging Christians to live out their beliefs in everyday actions and decisions.
· In ministry and service, handling the Word of God and the responsibilities of leadership requires diligence, care, and a commitment to truth, as emphasized in
2 Timothy 2:15 : "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth."
In summary, "handleth" in the biblical context encompasses both the physical and metaphorical aspects of dealing with the world and one's responsibilities, urging believers to act with wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness.
Library
John vi. 53, 54
... [1320] He continuallyhandleth the subject of the Mysteries, showing the necessity
of the action, and that it must by all means be done. Ver.55....
Trust in God --True Wisdom
... Spurgeon. "He thathandleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso
trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.""Proverbs 16:20. Wisdom...
John xvi. 16, 17
... and together with this, the hearing that "I came out from God, and thither I go,"
gave them no common comfort, He continuallyhandleth these things....
John viii. 31, 32
... Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me.". He here repeatedlyhandleth their
murderous intention, and maketh mention of Abraham. And...
John xv. 11, 12
... Therefore He everywherehandleth this, saying, "they have not known Me"; and, "for
My sake they shall do it"; and, "for My Name's sake, and for the Father's...
John xiv. 15-17
... It was not enough for Him to have said, "Yet a little while I am with you" ( c.
vii.33 ), but He continuallyhandleth this painful subject, (with good reason...
False Profession.
... 40:17. Behemoth is a type of the devil; but behold how hehandleth his
tail, even as if a man should swing about a cedar. This is...
John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians...
... Hear how Paulhandleth the point; 'But I say, that the things which the Gentiles
[or openly profane] sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God; and I...
Israel's Hope Encouraged;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Handleth (3 Occurrences)...Handleth (3 Occurrences). Proverbs 16:20 He that
handleth a matter wisely shall
find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (KJV WBS).
...Trusteth (30 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Proverbs 16:20 He thathandleth a matter wisely shall find good: and
whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (KJV JPS ASV WBS)....
Rideth (15 Occurrences)
... Amos 2:15 Neither shall he stand thathandleth the bow; and he that is swift of
foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver...
Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... underworld. (BBE). Proverbs 16:20 He thathandleth a matter wisely shall find
good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. (KJV WBS)....
Handles (10 Occurrences)
Handling (12 Occurrences)
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus