Topical Encyclopedia
The term "testifieth" is an archaic form of the word "testifies," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is used to describe the act of bearing witness or giving evidence, often in a legal or formal context. In the biblical sense, it frequently refers to the testimony given by God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, or the prophets and apostles concerning divine truth, moral law, or the fulfillment of God's promises.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the concept of testifying is closely linked to the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Law, given to Moses, serves as a testimony to God's holiness and His requirements for Israel. For example, in
Deuteronomy 31:26 , Moses instructs the Levites: "Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you." Here, the Law itself "testifieth" to the standards God has set for His people.
The prophets also play a crucial role in testifying to God's will and future plans.
Isaiah 8:20 states, "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn." The testimony of the prophets serves as a guiding light, pointing Israel back to the truth of God's word.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of testifying takes on a more personal and relational dimension through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself testifies to the truth of His identity and mission. In
John 8:18 , Jesus declares, "I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me." Here, the dual testimony of the Son and the Father underscores the divine authority and truth of Jesus' claims.
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continue this testimony. In
Acts 2:32 , Peter proclaims, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses." The apostles' testimony is foundational to the early church's proclamation of the gospel, affirming the resurrection and lordship of Christ.
The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in testifying to believers. In
Romans 8:16 , Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal testimony assures believers of their identity and relationship with God, providing comfort and confidence in their faith.
Theological SignificanceThe act of testifying in the Bible is not merely about providing information; it is a divine mandate to bear witness to the truth of God's revelation. It involves a commitment to uphold and proclaim the truths of Scripture, the reality of Christ's redemptive work, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The testimony of believers, both in word and deed, serves as a living witness to the world, reflecting the light of Christ and the hope of the gospel.
In summary, "testifieth" in the biblical context encompasses the multifaceted witness of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the faithful, all pointing to the ultimate truth and reality of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Library
John iii. 31
... "He that cometh from above is above all. And what He hath heard He speaketh, and
what He hath seen Hetestifieth; [759] and no man receiveth His testimony."....
Final Admonitions.
... written in this book. He, whotestifieth these things, saith, Surely I
come quickly. So be it, come, O Lord Jesus! "The grace of...
John Chapter iii. 29-36
... 7. "He that cometh from heaven is above all; and what He hath seen and heard, that
Hetestifieth: and no man receiveth His testimony." Cometh from heaven, is...
Another Sermon of M. Latimer, Concerning the Same Matter.
... and then come and offer thy oblation." This card was spoken by Christ, as
testifieth St. Matthew in his fifth chapter, against all...
The False and the True Sabbath.
... And He Himselftestifieth, [1659] saying, "Behold, to-day [1660] will be as a thousand
years." [1661] Therefore, my children, in six days, that is, in six...
But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This...
... and therefore they also were circumcised;) but "without law," are the Gentiles which
have not yet believed, to whom yet the Apostletestifieth himself to have...
Of this Weakness of His, He Saith in Another Place...
... her children." What therefore he saith to the Corinthians, that he had power of
his apostleship, as also the other Apostles, which power hetestifieth that he...
On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God...
... 2531] setting apart, then, this power, which that the preachers of the word have
over them to whom they preach, he oftentestifieth; speaking, moreover, of the...
The Christian Rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment.
... he who gave him that revelation, even Jesus, the faithful and true witness, concludes
with these lively and important words: "He whotestifieth these things...
The Title of the Book.
... of all things," by whom he was to speak in the last days, Heb.1:2. The BAPTIST said
of Christ, that "what he hath seen and heard, this hetestifieth," John 3:22...
Thesaurus
Testifieth (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Testifieth (13 Occurrences). John 3:32 And what he hath
seen and heard, that he
testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
...Testimony (175 Occurrences)
... (WBS). John 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that hetestifieth; and no
man receiveth his testimony. (KJV WEY DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Loathe (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Job 16:8 And Thou dost loathe me, For a witness it hath been,
And rise up against me doth my failure, In my face ittestifieth. (YLT)....
Failure (5 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 16:8 And Thou dost loathe me, For a witness it hath been, And rise
up against me doth my failure, In my face ittestifieth. (YLT)....
Testifiest (2 Occurrences)
Receiveth (48 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). John 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that hetestifieth;
and no man receiveth his testimony. (KJV ASV WBS YLT)....
Approved (18 Occurrences)
... WBS). Job 29:11 For the ear heard, and declareth me happy, And the eye
hath seen, andtestifieth 'to' me. (See RSV). Ecclesiastes...
Shrivelled (6 Occurrences)
... Job 16:8 And thou hast laid fast hold on me, which is a witness against me : And
my leanness riseth up against me, Ittestifieth to my face. (See JPS DBY)....
Melchisedec (10 Occurrences)
... KJV DBY WBS). Hebrews 7:17 For hetestifieth, Thou art a priest for ever
after the order of Melchisedec. (KJV DBY WBS). Hebrews 7:21...
Testify (110 Occurrences)
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