Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "oftentimes" is an adverb that means frequently or repeatedly. In the context of the Bible, it is used to describe actions or events that occur on multiple occasions. The word is synonymous with "often" and is used to emphasize the regularity or frequency of an event or action.
Biblical Context:In the Bible, "oftentimes" is used to describe the repeated actions of individuals, the recurring nature of certain events, or the persistent behavior of groups. It highlights the consistency and regularity of these occurrences, often in the context of human behavior, divine intervention, or spiritual practices.
Scriptural References:1.
Human Behavior: · In the Gospels, the term is used to describe the frequent actions of individuals. For example, in
Mark 9:22, a father describes how an evil spirit has tormented his son: "It has often thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
2.
Divine Intervention: · The Bible also uses "oftentimes" to describe God's repeated actions or interventions. In the Old Testament, God frequently intervenes in the lives of His people, providing guidance, deliverance, and judgment. This regular divine involvement underscores God's ongoing relationship with His creation.
3.
Spiritual Practices: · The term is also relevant in the context of spiritual disciplines and practices. Believers are encouraged to engage in prayer, worship, and study of the Scriptures regularly. The frequent practice of these disciplines is seen as essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
Theological Implications:The use of "oftentimes" in the Bible underscores the importance of consistency and perseverance in the life of faith. It reflects the idea that spiritual growth and maturity are achieved through regular and repeated engagement with God and His Word. The frequent actions of individuals, whether in sin or righteousness, reveal the patterns of the heart and the need for continual reliance on God's grace and guidance.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for patterns of behavior that occur "oftentimes." This self-examination can lead to greater awareness of areas needing repentance or growth. Additionally, the regular practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study, is vital for maintaining a strong and vibrant faith.
Conclusion:The concept of "oftentimes" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of regularity and consistency in both human behavior and spiritual practices. It calls believers to a life of faithful repetition in their walk with God, trusting in His continual presence and guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) Frequently; often; many times.
Strong's Hebrew
7969. shalosh -- a three, triad... 2), 42,360* (2), 43,730* (1), 53,400* (3), 59,300* (2), 603,550* (2), 623* (1),
64,300* (1), 7,337* (2), 743* (2), 973* (2), forks* (1),
oftentimes* (1), third
...6471. paam -- a beat, foot, anvil, occurrence
... foot, anvil, occurrence NASB Word Usage all (1), annual* (1), anvil (1), each story
(1), feet (9), footsteps (3), hoofbeats (1), now (5),oftentimes* (1), once...
Library
"We FailOftentimes of the Sight of Him, and Anon we Fall into Our...
... ANENT CERTAIN POINTS IN THE FOREGOING FOURTEEN REVELATIONS CHAPTER XLVII "We fail
oftentimes of the sight of Him, and anon we fall into our self, and then find...
How weOftentimes Repulse the Inspiration and Refuse to Love God.
... THE SECOND BOOK. THE HISTORY OF THE GENERATION AND HEAVENLY BIRTH OF DIVINE LOVE.
CHAPTER X. HOW WEOFTENTIMES REPULSE THE INSPIRATION AND REFUSE TO LOVE GOD....
Of a Certain Remainder of Love thatOftentimes Rests in the Soul...
... BOOK IV. OF THE DECAY AND RUIN OF CHARITY. CHAPTER IX. OF A CERTAIN REMAINDER OF
LOVE THATOFTENTIMES RESTS IN THE SOUL THAT HAS LOST HOLY CHARITY....
In Every Sinful Man and Woman that is Bound in Deadly Sin...
... he can not bring them into such sins which might make all men wonder at them who
knew them, he beguiles many so privily that they cannotoftentimes feel the...
Hebrews xiii. 17
... For the former indeed areoftentimes saved, andoftentimes are in peril, [3497]
but the latter will be altogether in peril, being led into the pit [of...
Hebrews x. 13-Aug
... [3136] And every Priest standeth daily ministering, and offeringoftentimes
the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins....
The Holy Spirit Sending Men Forth to Definite Lines of Work.
... Here is whereoftentimes we fail to receive God's wisdom.... Here we find the reason
why menoftentimes do not know God's will and have the Spirit's guidance....
No Man Cometh to the Father but by Me.
... it. 3. Through the sleight of Satan and the power of corruption, they are
oftentimes declining from this pure gospel way. 4. The...
The Life of Mr. John Semple.
... all ranks of people stood in awe of him, and particularly the clergy, he being a
great check upon the lazy and corrupt part of them, whooftentimes were much...
Revelations of Divine Love
... But yetoftentimes our trust is not full: for we are not sure that God heareth us,
as we think because of our unworthiness, and because we feel right nought...
Thesaurus
Oftentimes (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Oftentimes (7 Occurrences). Luke 8:29 (For he
had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.
...Often (74 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we haveoftentimes
proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great...
Oftener (1 Occurrence)
Ofttimes (3 Occurrences)
Ignorant (32 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, thatoftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit...
Deserts (18 Occurrences)
... Foroftentimes it had seized him: and he was kept under guard, and bound with chains
and fetters; and breaking the bands asunder, he was driven of the demon...
Diligent (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we haveoftentimes
proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great...
Purposed (44 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, thatoftentimes I purposed
to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit...
Brake (80 Occurrences)
... Foroftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters;
and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness...
Caught (110 Occurrences)
... Foroftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters;
and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness...
Resources
What is narrative theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about abortion? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is faith promise giving, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgOftentimes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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