The term "chanceth" is an archaic form of the word "chance," which appears in the context of the King James Version of the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of chance is often translated in terms of events that occur without apparent design or predictability, yet within the sovereign will of God. The notion of chance in the Bible is not to be understood as random or outside of God's control, but rather as part of the divine orchestration of events.

Biblical References:

1. Ecclesiastes 9:11 : "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." This verse suggests that human efforts and abilities do not always determine outcomes. Instead, time and chance—events beyond human control—play a role in the unfolding of life. This reflects the biblical understanding that while humans have free will, God's providence ultimately governs the course of history.

2. 1 Samuel 6:9 : "Watch it. If it goes up to its own territory, toward Beth Shemesh, then it was the LORD who brought this great disaster upon us. But if it does not, then we will know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened by chance." In this passage, the Philistines are determining whether the calamity they experienced was a result of divine intervention or mere chance. This highlights the biblical theme of discerning God's hand in the events of life.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of chance in the Bible is often juxtaposed with the sovereignty of God. While events may appear random or coincidental to human observers, Scripture affirms that God is ultimately in control of all things. Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This verse underscores the belief that even seemingly random events are under God's sovereign direction.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the casting of lots was a common practice used to make decisions or discern divine will. The Israelites, too, employed this method, believing that God could reveal His will through such means. The concept of chance, therefore, was not seen as independent of divine influence but as a potential vehicle for God's purposes.

Practical Application:

For believers, the understanding of chance as part of God's providential plan offers comfort and assurance. It encourages trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when life seems unpredictable or chaotic. Christians are called to live by faith, recognizing that while they may not always understand the reasons behind certain events, they can trust in God's ultimate goodness and sovereignty.

In summary, while the term "chanceth" may suggest randomness, the biblical worldview integrates this concept within the framework of divine providence, affirming that God is actively involved in the details of life, guiding and directing according to His perfect will.7137. qareh -- chance, accident
... From qarah; an (unfortunate) occurrence, ie Some accidental (ceremonial)
disqualification -- uncleanness that chanceth. see HEBREW qarah. 7136b, 7137. ...
/hebrew/7137.htm - 6k

Psalm LXVII.
... There chanceth loss, there chanceth bereavement: other men pity him perchance as
being miserable, who know not what the ant hath within to eat, and they say ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

Now I Thought at that Time that all Men were Judged Worthy of the ...
... But avail thou thyself of all that chanceth; for neither shall any one take account
of thee for these things, nor are the things that are done by men known at ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter ix now i thought.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing." And after, "If there be among
you any man that is unclean, by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

Sermons on the Card.
... It chanceth in process of time, that by the singular acquaintance and frequent
familiarity of this captain with the Frenchmen, these Frenchmen give unto the ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/sermons on the card.htm

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... days be good: but St. Paul calleth it the "evil day," because of the
misfortune that chanceth or cometh in that day. As we have a ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

John iv. 28, 29
... lest any one should deem that the Prophets were deprived of their reward, He asserteth
something strange and paradoxical, such as never chanceth in sensual ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv john iv 28.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... For a trance is the mind's going out: which thing sometimes chanceth through fear;
but sometimes through some revelation, the mind suffering separation from ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

Chanceth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chanceth (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 23:10 If
there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of ...
/c/chanceth.htm - 6k

Chances (6 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 23:10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of
that which chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he ...
/c/chances.htm - 8k

Chance (78 Occurrences)
... have the same Hebrew noun and the verb, from which the noun is taken, a number of
times, but variously rendered into English: Uncleanness that "chanceth him by ...
/c/chance.htm - 37k

Change (109 Occurrences)

/c/change.htm - 42k

Abroad (120 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 23:10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of
uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp ...
/a/abroad.htm - 39k

Uncleanness (56 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 23:10 If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of
uncleanness that chanceth him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp ...
/u/uncleanness.htm - 38k

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