Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "aforetime" is an archaic English word that means "in times past" or "formerly." It is used in the Bible to refer to events, practices, or conditions that existed in previous times. The word is often employed to contrast past events with present circumstances, highlighting changes or continuities in God's dealings with humanity.
Biblical References:In the Berean Standard Bible , "aforetime" is used to convey the idea of past occurrences or established traditions. It is a term that helps readers understand the historical context of certain biblical narratives or teachings.
1.
1 Samuel 9:9 : "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer." This verse illustrates the historical evolution of terminology within Israelite society, showing how the role of a prophet was understood and referred to in earlier times.
2.
Nehemiah 13:5 : "He had prepared for him a large chamber where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests." Here, "aforetime" is implied in the description of the chamber's previous use, emphasizing the restoration of proper worship practices.
3.
Job 30:3 : "They are gaunt from poverty and hunger; they gnaw the dry land, in desolate wastelands by night." While "aforetime" is not directly used in this verse, the context of Job's lament reflects on the drastic change from his former prosperity to his current suffering, a theme common in the book of Job.
Theological Significance:The use of "aforetime" in the Bible often serves to remind readers of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenantal promises throughout history. It underscores the importance of remembering past lessons and divine interventions as a guide for present and future faithfulness.
Historical Context:In biblical times, oral tradition and historical memory played crucial roles in maintaining the identity and faith of the Israelite community. References to "aforetime" would have resonated with the original audience, who valued the accounts of their ancestors and the mighty acts of God in their history.
Application for Believers:For contemporary believers, the concept of "aforetime" encourages reflection on personal and communal spiritual journeys. It invites Christians to consider how God has worked in their lives and the lives of those who came before them, fostering a sense of gratitude and trust in God's unchanging nature.
Conclusion:The term "aforetime" serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of biblical history and its relevance for today. Through understanding the past, believers are better equipped to navigate the present and future with faith and hope.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In time past; formerly.
Greek
4270. prographo -- to write before... Verb Transliteration: prographo Phonetic Spelling: (prog-raf'-o) Short Definition:
I write previously Definition: (a) I write previously (
aforetime); I write
...Strong's Hebrew
6924. qedem -- front, east, formerly... 6923, 6924. qedem. 6924a . front, east, formerly. Transliteration: qedem
Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-dem) Short Definition:
aforetime.
...1836. denah -- this
... pronoun Definition this NASB Word Usage one another* (1), therefore* (6), this
(42), thus (2).aforetime, after this manner, here after, one....
6928. qadmah -- former time
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to qadmah Definition former time NASB
Word Usage ago (1), previously (1).aforetime, ago. (Aramaic...
Library
The Fear of Death and Judgment Called Him, Believing in the...
... Chapter XVI."The Fear of Death and Judgment Called Him, Believing in the Immortality
of the Soul, Back from His Wickedness, Him WhoAforetime Believed in the...
I Look Upon all the Four Gospels as Thoroughly Genuine...
... his windows being opened to Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day
and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he didaforetime." Put praying...
Daniel, the Praying Captive
... opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a
day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he didaforetime." Do not...
Sight Given to the Blind.
... seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which saw himaforetime, that
he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?...
Of Monastic Vows.
...Aforetime they were schools of theology and other branches, profitable to the Church;
and thence pastors and bishops were obtained. Now it is another thing....
Light for those who Sit in Darkness
... the salvation of the Gentiles, so the leaving of these privileged ones shall open
a door of mercy and hope to those who have not enjoyed the privilegeaforetime...
Ephesians ii. 3-Jan
... Homily IV. Ephesians II. 1-3. Ephesians II. 1-3 "And you did He quicken, when ye
were dead through your trespasses and sins, whereinaforetime ye walked...
Ephesians ii. 11, 12
... paul the apostle to the ephesians. Homily V. Ephesians II. 11, 12. Ephesians II.
11, 12 "Wherefore remember, thataforetime ye the Gentiles in the flesh, who...
John v. 6, 7
... And Paul declared this when he said, "Whatsoever things were writtenaforetime,
were writtenaforetime for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are...
A Miracle in Jerusalem.
... seeing. The neighbors therefore, and they that saw himaforetime, that he
was a beggar, said, "Is not this he that sat and begged?"....
Thesaurus
Aforetime (19 Occurrences)...Aforetime (19 Occurrences). John 9:8 The neighbors therefore, and they that saw
him
aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
...Sometime (5 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) changes to "aforetime" in The Wisdom
of Solomon 5:3; 1 Peter 3:20; to "once" in Ephesians 2:13; Ephesians 5:8; to...
Zamzummin (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See NAS)....
Zamzum'mim (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See RSV)....
Zamzummites (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See NIV)....
Overflowed (14 Occurrences)
... soles of the priests' feet were drawn up unto the dry ground, that the waters of
the Jordan returned unto their place, and went over all its banks, asaforetime...
Forbearance (9 Occurrences)
... of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering"; 3:25 the Revised Version (British
and American), "the passing over of the sins doneaforetime, in the...
Tabret (3 Occurrences)
... harp? (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Job 17:6 He hath made me also a byword of the
people; andaforetime I was as a tabret. (KJV WBS). Isaiah...
Reph'aim (17 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt
thereinaforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See RSV)....
Reside (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD: My people went downaforetime into
Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause....
Resources
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