Topical Encyclopedia
The term "runneth" is an archaic English form of the verb "run," commonly found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version. It is used to describe the action of running, often in a metaphorical or spiritual sense. In the Berean Standard Bible , the equivalent modern term "runs" is used, but the concept remains significant in understanding various biblical themes.
Biblical Usage and Themes1.
Spiritual Pursuit and Zeal: The concept of running is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize the pursuit of spiritual goals and the zeal with which believers are to seek God. In
1 Corinthians 9:24 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." Here, the act of running represents the Christian's dedication and effort in living a life that honors God.
2.
Divine Provision and Abundance: The imagery of running is also used to depict God's abundant provision.
Psalm 23:5 states, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." The overflowing cup symbolizes the abundance and generosity of God's blessings, suggesting that His provision is more than sufficient for our needs.
3.
Urgency and Readiness: Running can also convey a sense of urgency and readiness to respond to God's call. In the parable of the prodigal son, found in
Luke 15:20 , the father runs to meet his returning son: "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." This act of running illustrates the father's eagerness and readiness to forgive and restore his son, reflecting God's readiness to forgive repentant sinners.
4.
Endurance and Perseverance: The Christian life is often likened to a race that requires endurance.
Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This passage emphasizes the need for perseverance in the faith journey, urging believers to remain steadfast despite challenges.
5.
Joy and Celebration: Running can also be associated with joy and celebration. In the context of victory or good news, running signifies the exuberance and excitement of the moment. For instance, in the Old Testament, when David's men returned victorious from battle, they ran to share the good news, highlighting the joy of triumph and deliverance.
ConclusionThe term "runneth," though archaic, captures a dynamic and active aspect of the Christian faith. Whether illustrating the pursuit of holiness, the abundance of God's blessings, the urgency of His call, the endurance required in the faith, or the joy of salvation, the imagery of running enriches the biblical narrative and offers profound insights into the believer's relationship with God.
Strong's Hebrew
7310. revayah -- saturation...runneth over, wealthy. From ravah; satisfaction --
runneth over, wealthy. see
HEBREW ravah. 7309, 7310. revayah. 7311 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My CupRunneth Over.
... X. THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL; MY CUPRUNNETH OVER. In these words
the Psalmist alludes to one of the most touching offices...
The Freedom of the Will is Also the Gift of God, for God Worketh...
... you, both to will and to do of His own good pleasure;" [1133] and in another place:
"So, then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him thatrunneth, but of...
The Life of Adam
... This goeth about Inde. The second is called Gijon, otherwise Nilus, and thatrunneth
about Ethiopia, the other two be called Tigris and Euphrates....
Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... "So run that ye may obtain." And the reasons are: (1.) Because all or every one
thatrunneth doth not obtain the prize; there may be many that do run, yea, and...
Two Fortresses
... 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteousrunneth into it, and is
safe.11.... 'The righteousrunneth into it and is safe,' says my text....
He Has You on his Heart.
... said, "Why, Mr. Taylor, that won't make the connection." And Mr. Taylor smiled and
in his very quiet way said, "Good-bye, Doctor, my Fatherrunneth the trains...
Predestination to Eternal Life is Wholly of God's Free Grace.
... Then he draws his conclusion: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him
thatrunneth, but of God that showeth mercy." [1284] Thus both the twins were...
Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... He thatrunneth [a race] seeth none of those that meet him; whether he be passing
through meadows, or through dry places: he thatrunneth looketh not at the...
The Ninth Passage.
... Chapter XIX"(40.) The Ninth Passage. "This passage, too," says he, "is quoted by
them: It is not of him that willeth, nor of him thatrunneth, but of God...
Paul Fought, but God Gave the victory: He Ran, but God Showed...
... my course." Now, who is it that says this, but he who declares in another passage,
"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him thatrunneth, but of God...
Thesaurus
Runneth (36 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Runneth (36 Occurrences).
... Romans 9:16 So then it is not
of him that willeth, nor of him that
runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
...Declareth (71 Occurrences)
... allies. (YLT). Genesis 24:28 And the young personrunneth, and declareth
to the house of her mother according to these words. (YLT)....
Draweth (52 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:20 and she hasteth, and emptieth her pitcher into the drinking-trough,
andrunneth again unto the well to draw, and draweth for all his camels....
Kisseth (14 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:13 And it cometh to pass, when Laban heareth the report of Jacob his
sister's son, that herunneth to meet him, and embraceth him, and kisseth him...
Runs (28 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Psalms 58:7 Let them melt away as water thatrunneth apace; when he aimeth
his arrows, let them be as though they were cut off. (See NAS RSV)....
Embraceth (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:13 And it cometh to pass, when Laban heareth the report of Jacob his
sister's son, that herunneth to meet him, and embraceth him, and kisseth him...
Boweth (53 Occurrences)
... Genesis 18:2 and he lifteth up his eyes and looketh, and lo, three men standing
by him, and he seeth, andrunneth to meet them from the opening of the tent...
Run (147 Occurrences)
... 19. (v.) To extend; to reach; as, the road runs from Philadelphia to New
York; the memory of manrunneth not to the contrary. 20....
Hasteth (32 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:20 and she hasteth, and emptieth her pitcher into the drinking-trough,
andrunneth again unto the well to draw, and draweth for all his camels....
Flee (187 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:21 And they stand each in his place, round about the camp, and all
the camprunneth, and they shout, and flee; (YLT). Judges...
Resources
What does it mean that my cup runneth over? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Psalms | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to walk through the valley of the shadow of death? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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