Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "troth" is an archaic English word that signifies faithfulness, fidelity, or a solemn pledge of truth. It is often associated with vows or promises, particularly in the context of marriage. The word is derived from the Old English "treowth," which is related to "truth" and "trust."
Biblical Context:In the Bible, the concept of troth is closely linked to the ideas of covenant and faithfulness. While the specific term "troth" is not frequently used in modern translations, the underlying principles are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. Troth is reflected in the covenants between God and His people, as well as in human relationships, especially marriage.
Marriage and Troth:The idea of troth is most prominently seen in the context of marriage. In biblical times, marriage was considered a covenantal relationship, a binding agreement that required faithfulness and commitment. The Bible emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, reflecting the troth pledged between husband and wife. In
Malachi 2:14 , the prophet speaks against unfaithfulness in marriage, highlighting the importance of the marital covenant: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant."
God's Faithfulness:Troth is also a key attribute of God's character. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as faithful and true to His promises. His covenant with Israel and the new covenant through Jesus Christ are demonstrations of His unwavering troth. In
Deuteronomy 7:9 , it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments."
Human Faithfulness:Believers are called to emulate God's faithfulness in their own lives. This includes being true to one's word and maintaining integrity in relationships. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in
Matthew 5:37 : "But let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' For anything more comes from the evil one."
Covenantal Relationships:Troth is foundational to the concept of covenant, a central theme in the Bible. Covenants are solemn agreements that involve commitments and responsibilities. The Bible records several key covenants, including those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, each underscoring the importance of faithfulness and troth.
Conclusion:While the term "troth" may not be commonly used today, its principles of faithfulness, truth, and covenantal commitment remain vital in understanding biblical teachings on relationships, both divine and human. The Bible calls believers to uphold troth in their lives, reflecting the faithfulness of God in their interactions with others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Belief; faith; fidelity.
2. (n.) Truth; verity; veracity; as, by my troth.
3. (n.) Betrothal.
Library
Whether a Betrothal is a Promise of Future Marriage?
... For as Isidore says (Etym. iv), "a man is betrothed not by a mere promise, but by
giving histroth [spondet] and providing sureties [sponsores]"....
His Earliest Oracles. (ii. 2-iv. 4. )
... II.1, 2, And he said, Thus sayeth the Lord:(140). I remember thetroth of thy youth,
Thy love as a bride, Thy following Me through the desert, The land unsown....
Of Saint Francis
... Then quoth St. Francis: "Brother wolf, I will that thou plight metroth
for this promise, that I may trust thee full well." And St....
The Sheltering Wing
... And if, instead of 'truth,' we read the good old English word 'troth,' we should
be a great deal nearer understanding what the Psalmist meant....
Thou Shalt not Take the Name of the Lord, Thy God, in Vain.
... And this is especially prevalent in marriage affairs where two go and secretly betroth
themselves to one another, and afterward abjure [their plightedtroth]....
The Appointment.
... Jesus had appointed a tryst with these men, and in making it He was plighting His
troth, pledging His word to them. He had asked them to risk all for Him....
Song of Consolation for Married Christians.
... Thou dost bestow, What streams of blessing ever flow Down from Thy holy heaven,
When they True stay To Thee ever, Leave Thee never, Whosetroth plighted, In...
A Song in the Night
... Lord, take me home to Thy palace fair,. So will I ever anoint Thee there. "I will,
but My plightedtroth saith, Wait,'. And My love saith, Work to-day;'....
Two Happy Bridals
... Approach, come gladly, ye prepared, in sight. Of God and chosen friends your
troth to plight. With the symbolic ring, and willing hands....
Prologue
... and had given her a commandment, so that by obedience she might have merited to
be confirmed and established with her Bridegroom in an eternaltroth, and never...
Thesaurus
Troth (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) Belief; faith; fidelity. 2. (n.) Truth; verity; veracity; as, by my
troth.
3. (n.) Betrothal. Multi-Version Concordance
Troth (1 Occurrence).
...Betroth (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one'stroth to.... BETROTH.
be-troth', be-troth' ('dras): On betrothal as a social custom see MARRIAGE....
Yeast (48 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The foam, ortroth (top yeast), or the sediment (bottom yeast), of beer
or other in fermentation, which contains the yeast plant or its spores, and...
Troph'imus (3 Occurrences)
Troph'imus. Trophimus, Troph'imus.Troth . Multi-Version Concordance
Troph'imus (3 Occurrences).... Trophimus, Troph'imus.Troth . Reference Bible.
Atroth-shophan (1 Occurrence)
... at'-roth-sho'fan `Troth shophan; Septuagint gen sophan: A town built or fortified
by the children of Gad East of the Jordan (Numbers 32:35), named next to Aroer...
Atrothshophan (1 Occurrence)
... at'-roth-sho'fan `Troth shophan; Septuagint gen sophan: A town built or fortified
by the children of Gad East of the Jordan (Numbers 32:35), named next to Aroer...
Short (128 Occurrences)
... 5. (superl.) Deficient; defective; imperfect; not coming up, as to a measure
or standard; as, an account which is short of thetroth....
Trouble (477 Occurrences)
Songs (100 Occurrences)
... In the following passages the lover described is supposed to be the shepherd to
whom the Shulammite had plighted hertroth: 1:2-7, 9-14; 1:16-2:1; 2:3-7, 8-17...
Song (207 Occurrences)
... In the following passages the lover described is supposed to be the shepherd to
whom the Shulammite had plighted hertroth: 1:2-7, 9-14; 1:16-2:1; 2:3-7, 8-17...
Resources
Should a Christian pledge allegiance to the flag? | GotQuestions.orgTroth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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