Topical Encyclopedia
The term "profiteth" is an archaic form of the word "profits" or "benefits," often used in the context of spiritual or moral gain as opposed to mere material or worldly advantage. In the Bible, the concept of what truly "profiteth" a person is frequently addressed, contrasting temporal gains with eternal values.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "profit" is יָעַל (ya'al), which can mean to benefit or be of use. The Scriptures frequently emphasize that true profit comes from righteousness and obedience to God rather than from material wealth or human wisdom. For example, in
Job 35:3, Elihu questions, "What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?" This rhetorical question underscores the belief that spiritual integrity holds greater value than earthly gain.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word ὠφελέω (opheleo) is often used to convey the idea of profit or benefit. Jesus Christ frequently taught about the nature of true profit. In
Matthew 16:26 , He poses a profound question: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" This teaching highlights the eternal perspective that spiritual well-being and salvation are of utmost importance, far surpassing any worldly success or accumulation of wealth.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of profit in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 13:3 , he writes, "If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." Here, Paul emphasizes that actions, no matter how sacrificial, are of no profit without love, which is the greatest commandment and the essence of Christian living.
Spiritual and Moral ImplicationsThe Bible consistently teaches that what profiteth a person is not measured by material wealth or social status but by one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. In
Proverbs 11:4 , it is written, "Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." This verse underscores the belief that spiritual righteousness is the only true profit that can deliver a person from eternal judgment.
Furthermore, the Scriptures warn against the deceitfulness of riches and the danger of placing trust in material possessions. In
Mark 8:36 , Jesus reiterates, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" This teaching serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly gain can lead to spiritual loss if it becomes the primary focus of one's life.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of what profiteth serves as a guiding principle in making life choices. It encourages prioritizing spiritual growth, moral integrity, and service to others over the pursuit of personal gain. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles call Christians to evaluate their lives in light of eternal values, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (
Matthew 6:33).
In summary, the biblical concept of profiteth challenges individuals to consider the eternal implications of their actions and to seek that which truly benefits the soul, aligning their lives with God's will and purpose.
Library
That in the Time of this Work the Remembrance of the Holiest...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE NINTH CHAPTER That in the time of this work the remembrance of
the holiest Creature that ever God made letteth more than itprofiteth....
Christ's Assertion About the Unprofitableness of the Flesh...
... He says, it is true, that "the fleshprofiteth nothing;" [7525] but then, as in
the former case, the meaning must be regulated by the subject which is spoken of...
John Chapter vi. 60-72
... 4. And He said, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the fleshprofiteth nothing."
Before we expound this, as the Lord grants us, that other must not be...
Whether the Body of Christ be in this Sacrament in Very Truth, or...
... Many of His disciples on hearing it said: 'this is a hard saying'": to whom He rejoined:
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the fleshprofiteth nothing": as if...
On Love
... "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be
burned, and have not love, itprofiteth me nothing." 1:Cor.13:3....
Love's Labours
... true godliness. So essential is it that, if we have everything beside,
but have not charity, itprofiteth us nothing. The absence...
That in the Time of this Word all the Creatures that ever have...
... it be full profitable sometime to think of certain conditions and deeds of some
certain special creatures, nevertheless yet in this work itprofiteth little or...
Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself
... humbly of oneself. There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but
whatprofiteth knowledge without the fear of God? Better of...
Spiritual Sacrifices
... conscious surrender of myself to God. 'The fleshprofiteth nothing,' and
yet the fleshprofiteth much. But here is the order that...
On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd...
... But mark what follows; "but have not charity, itprofiteth me nothing." Lo, they
have come to suffering, come even to the shedding of blood, yea come to the...
Thesaurus
Profiteth (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Profiteth (9 Occurrences). Matthew 27:24 And
Pilate having seen that it
profiteth nothing, but rather a
...Charity (29 Occurrences)
... If a man should have all gifts of miracles and intellect, and perform all the works
of goodness and devotion, "and have not love, itprofiteth nothing," for...
Profited (13 Occurrences)
Quickeneth (4 Occurrences)
... (KJV). John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the fleshprofiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV)....
Keepest (16 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:25 For circumcision verilyprofiteth, if thou keepest the law; but if thou
art a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. (WBS)....
Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). John 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the fleshprofiteth
nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life. (ASV)....
Fashioneth (5 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:18 Whatprofiteth the graven image, that the maker thereof hath graven
it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he that fashioneth its...
Front (327 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:24 And Pilate having seen that itprofiteth nothing, but rather a tumult
is made, having taken water, he did wash the hands before the multitude...
Reviveth (8 Occurrences)
... (WBS). John 6:63 It is the spirit that reviveth; the fleshprofiteth nothing: the
words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life. (WBS)....
Dependeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dependeth (1 Occurrence). Habakkuk 2:18 Whatprofiteth
the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it?...
Resources
What is the King James Version (KJV)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does quicken mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
