Topical Encyclopedia
The term "obtaineth" is an archaic form of the verb "obtain," which means to acquire, secure, or gain possession of something. In the context of the Bible, "obtaineth" often refers to the acquisition of spiritual blessings, wisdom, favor, or salvation through faith, obedience, and the grace of God. The use of "obtaineth" in the King James Version and other traditional translations highlights the active pursuit and reception of divine gifts and virtues.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Wisdom and Understanding: The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, and "obtaineth" is used to describe the acquisition of this precious gift.
Proverbs 3:13-14 states, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold." Here, the act of obtaining wisdom is portrayed as a blessed endeavor, emphasizing its supreme value over material wealth.
2.
Favor and Life: In
Proverbs 8:35 , wisdom personified declares, "For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD." This verse underscores the connection between obtaining wisdom and receiving divine favor and life. The pursuit of wisdom is thus linked to a deeper relationship with God and the blessings that flow from it.
3.
Righteousness and Salvation: The New Testament also speaks of obtaining righteousness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. In
2 Peter 1:1 , the apostle Peter writes, "To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have obtained a faith as precious as ours." This passage highlights the divine origin of faith and righteousness, which believers obtain through the grace of God.
4.
Eternal Inheritance: The concept of obtaining an eternal inheritance is central to the Christian hope.
Hebrews 9:15 states, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." Here, the term "obtaineth" is implicit in the reception of the promised inheritance through Christ's redemptive work.
5.
The Crown of Life:
James 1:12 speaks of the reward for those who persevere under trial: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." The act of obtaining the crown of life is contingent upon enduring faith and love for God, illustrating the reward for steadfastness.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "obtaineth" in Scripture conveys the active and dynamic nature of the believer's relationship with God. It suggests that while divine gifts are freely given by grace, there is an element of human responsibility in seeking, receiving, and cherishing these gifts. The term underscores the importance of diligence, faith, and obedience in the Christian life, as believers are called to actively pursue the things of God and lay hold of the promises He has made.
In summary, "obtaineth" in the biblical context reflects the intersection of divine grace and human response, where the believer is invited to partake in the riches of God's wisdom, favor, righteousness, and eternal life through a life of faith and devotion.
Library
Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... "Know you that they which run in a race run all, but oneobtaineth the prize?... "Know
ye not, that they which run in a race run all, but oneobtaineth the prize?...
Of Two Ghostly Devices that be Helpful to a Ghostly Beginner in...
... conceived, it is nought else but a longing desire unto God, to feel Him and see
Him as it may be here: and such a desire is charity, and itobtaineth always to...
The Service to a Female Martyr.
... Theotokion: No one that hath recourse unto thee, O most pure Theotokos-Virgin; goeth
away from thee with shame, but asking for grace, heobtaineth the grant of...
Aus Tiefer Noth Schrei' Ich Zu Dir. Out of the Deep I Cry to Thee.
... 5. What though our sins are manifold? Supreme his mercy reigneth; No limit
can his hand withhold, Where evil mostobtaineth. He...
Under the Cross when God Delays his Help.
... firm believeth, God doth regard his pray'r sincere, His heart's wish freely giveth."
Then one and all Draw near and call, Who asketh, heobtaineth; Who seeketh...
The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
... 'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is
brutish.2. A good manobtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices...
That the Grace of Devotion is Acquired by Humility and Self-Denial
... This man in receiving the Holy Eucharistobtaineth the great grace of Divine Union;
because he hath not regard to his own devotion and comfort, but, above all...
The Scripture Knows no Christians but Saints, who in all Things...
... Paul, comparing the way of salvation to a race, says, "In a race all run, but ONE
obtaineth the prize: so run that ye may obtain." Now if Paul had seeing eyes...
The General Service to Two or Many Monk Martyrs.
... the Theotokion: No one that hath recourse unto thee, O most pure Theotokos-Virgin,
goeth away from thee with shame; but asking for grace heobtaineth the grant...
Do the Catholics or the Arians Take the Better Course to Assure...
... again, to the Father, here are plain proofs of love and regard: seeing that They
so render, the One to the Other, that neither He Who receivethobtaineth as it...
Thesaurus
Obtaineth (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Obtaineth (5 Occurrences).
... (See JPS DBY). Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman
obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches. (See JPS ASV)
...Obtains (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Obtains (4 Occurrences). Proverbs 8:35 For whoso findeth
me findeth life, andobtaineth favour of the LORD. (See NAS RSV)....
Obtaining (5 Occurrences)
Mischievous (13 Occurrences)
... deceit. (DBY). Proverbs 12:2 A good manobtaineth favour of Jehovah; but a
man of mischievous devices will he condemn. (DBY). Proverbs...
Obtained (61 Occurrences)
Findeth (66 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, andobtaineth favour of the LORD. (KJV JPS ASV WBS)....
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