Topical Encyclopedia
The term "returneth" is an archaic form of the word "returns" and is often used in biblical contexts to describe the act of coming back or turning back to a previous state, place, or condition. This concept is significant in the Bible, as it frequently relates to themes of repentance, restoration, and the cyclical nature of life and divine justice.
Biblical Usage and Themes1.
Repentance and Restoration: The idea of returning is closely linked to repentance in the Bible. The call to return to God is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for individuals to turn away from sin and back to righteousness. In the prophetic literature, God often calls His people to return to Him, promising forgiveness and restoration. For example, in the book of Joel, the prophet urges, "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (
Joel 2:13).
2.
Divine Justice and Retribution: The concept of returneth also appears in the context of divine justice, where actions and their consequences are seen as returning to the individual. This is evident in the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, which often highlights the principle of reaping what one sows.
Proverbs 26:27 states, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them" , illustrating the idea that evil deeds return upon the doer.
3.
Cyclical Nature of Life: Ecclesiastes reflects on the cyclical nature of life, where events and conditions return in a repetitive cycle. This is captured in
Ecclesiastes 1:7, "All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again" . This passage underscores the natural order and the perpetual cycles established by God.
4.
Return from Exile: The historical books of the Old Testament recount the return of the Israelites from exile, a significant event that symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The return from Babylonian captivity is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking a period of renewal and rebuilding, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
5.
Spiritual Renewal: The New Testament also speaks of returning in the context of spiritual renewal and conversion. The parable of the prodigal son in
Luke 15 illustrates the joy and celebration that accompany a sinner's return to God. The father's welcome of his returning son is a powerful image of God's grace and readiness to forgive those who repent.
ConclusionThe concept of "returneth" in the Bible is rich with theological significance, encompassing themes of repentance, divine justice, and the cyclical nature of life. It serves as a reminder of God's call to His people to return to Him and the assurance of His mercy and restoration for those who do.
Library
That God Should Love in the Soul is Most Easy to Believe
... to declare"(For it can return those flames upon all Eternity, and upon all the
creatures and objects in it)"unless we say, as a mirror returneth the very ...
Psalm CIX.
... Our Lord Himself returneth good for evil, who "justifieth the ungodly;" [4922] and
who, when hanging upon the Cross, said, "Father, forgive them; for they know ...
Third Sunday after Epiphany. For as the Rain Cometh Down
... For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven; and returneth not thither,
but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give ...
On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... thou go away, deservedly fall off, yea, deservedly even from thine own self depart;
deservedly hear the words, "A spirit that goeth and returneth not." [4208 ...
Letter cxliii. (AD 412. )
... The words "returneth to God" are further insisted upon by some, who say, How
could it return to a place where it had never been before? ...
Rachel's Refuge
... Behind him, walking cautiously, was a man. "Anubis returneth," Rachel said, sitting
up. ... "Stay with me, Rachel.". "Thy father's servant returneth in twenty days. ...
A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... Like a precious promise of future blessing for that field came the words: "As the
rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but ...
Andromeda
... silent. Answered the dark-browed priests, 'No word, once spoken, returneth,
Even if uttered unwitting. Shall gods excuse our rashness? ...
Aus Tiefer Noth Schrei' Ich Zu Dir. Out of the Deep I Cry to Thee.
... 4. And though I wait the livelong night And till the morn returneth, My heart
undoubting trusts his might Nor in impatience mourneth. ...
Light at Evening Time
... For instance, God says, "As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and
returneth not thither, even so shall my word be, it shall not return unto me void ...
Thesaurus
Returneth (27 Occurrences)...Returneth (27 Occurrences). Genesis 37:29 And Reuben
returneth unto the pit, and
lo, Joseph is not in the pit, and he rendeth his garments, (YLT).
...Returning (37 Occurrences)
... 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it turneth
about continually in its circuit, and the wind returneth again to its circuits ...
Youthful (4 Occurrences)
... dust. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Job 33:25 His flesh is tenderer than a child's;
he returneth to the days of his youth; (See NAS RSV). Isaiah ...
Yields (21 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:10 For, as come down doth the shower, And the snow from the heavens, And
thither returneth not, But hath watered the earth, And hath caused it to ...
Watereth (9 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth
not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that ...
Whirleth (2 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north;
it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to ...
Watering (21 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth
not thither, except it water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, and ...
Fastings (6 Occurrences)
... Psalms 35:13 And I -- in their sickness my clothing 'is' sackcloth, I have humbled
with fastings my soul, And my prayer unto my bosom returneth. (YLT). ...
Tenderer (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tenderer (1 Occurrence). Job 33:25 His flesh shall be
fresher than a child's; He returneth to the days of his youth. (See JPS). ...
Returnest (1 Occurrence)
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