The term "followeth" is an archaic form of the verb "follow," often found in older translations of the Bible. It denotes the act of pursuing, adhering to, or imitating someone or something. In the context of Scripture, "followeth" is frequently used to describe the relationship between believers and God, Christ, or His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of discipleship, obedience, and the pursuit of righteousness.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Discipleship and Obedience: The concept of following is central to the life of a disciple. In the New Testament, Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, indicating a life of commitment and obedience. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." Here, "followeth" implies a continuous, active pursuit of Christ's example and teachings.

2. Imitation of Christ: Believers are called to imitate Christ in their daily lives. This imitation is not merely external but involves a transformation of the heart and mind. In 1 Peter 2:21 , it is written, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." The use of "followeth" in this context underscores the call to emulate Christ's humility, love, and sacrifice.

3. Pursuit of Righteousness: The act of following is also associated with the pursuit of righteousness and godliness. In Psalm 23:6 , David declares, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Here, "followeth" conveys the idea of God's blessings and favor pursuing the believer as they walk in His ways.

4. Spiritual Guidance: The term is also used to describe the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit. In John 10:27 , Jesus states, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." This passage highlights the intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep, where "followeth" signifies trust and reliance on divine guidance.

5. Endurance and Perseverance: Following Christ often involves enduring trials and persevering in faith. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "run with endurance the race set out for us," implying that following Christ requires steadfastness and resilience.

Theological Implications

The use of "followeth" in Scripture carries significant theological implications. It reflects the believer's response to God's call, emphasizing the necessity of faith and action. Following Christ is not a passive endeavor but an active, lifelong commitment that involves self-denial, sacrifice, and a continual striving towards holiness. It is a journey marked by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to walk in the footsteps of their Savior.

In summary, "followeth" encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship, calling believers to a life of obedience, imitation, and pursuit of the divine. It is a term that resonates with the core message of the Gospel, urging followers of Christ to live out their faith with conviction and purpose.

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS HERE FOLLOWETH THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM.
The Sunday called Quinquagesima is read in the church the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

Here Followeth the History of Job
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS HERE FOLLOWETH THE HISTORY OF JOB.
Read on the first Sunday of September. There was a man in ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of.htm

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS HERE FOLLOWETH THE HISTORY OF TOBIT.
Which is read the third Sunday of September. Tobit of the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS HERE NEXT FOLLOWETH THE HISTORY OF MOSES.
Which is read in-the Church on Mid-lent Sunday. These ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with ...
... Here followeth a discourse between my Wife and the Judges, with others, touching
my Deliverance at the Assizes following; the which I took from her own Mouth. ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here followeth a discourse between.htm

Of the Statement which John Made Concerning the Man who Cast Out ...
... and having nothing to eat;" and so on, down to the words, "John answered Him, saying,
Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v of the statement which.htm

"Jesus Christ that Doeth Good against Evil is Our Very Mother: we ...
... evil is our Very Mother: we have our Being of Him where the Ground of Motherhood
beginneth,"with all the sweet Keeping by Love, that endlessly followeth.". ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lix jesus christ that.htm

Offenses
... They had seen one casting out devils in that name, and had forbidden him, "because
he followeth not us." The spirit of partisanship which these words betray is ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 38-50 offenses.htm

Psalm CXVIII.
... that is, the devil and his angels; that devil whom elsewhere he calleth "the prince
of the power of the air." [5106] Hear therefore what followeth: "The Lord ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxviii.htm

John Chapter viii. 12
... 5. That unfailing Light, the Light of wisdom, speaking through the cloud of the
flesh, says to men, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxiv john chapter viii.htm

Followeth (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Followeth (18 Occurrences). Matthew 10:38 And he that
taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (KJV WBS). ...
/f/followeth.htm - 11k

Follows (65 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that
followeth after vain things is void of understanding. (See RSV). ...
/f/follows.htm - 25k

Tilleth (2 Occurrences)
... Tilleth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied
with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. ...
/t/tilleth.htm - 7k

Ranges (5 Occurrences)
... priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said
unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill ...
/r/ranges.htm - 9k

Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences)
... the priest commanded the captains of hundreds, the officers of the host, and said
unto them: 'Have her forth between the ranks; and him that followeth her slay ...
/j/jehoi'ada.htm - 21k

Devils (48 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in
thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth...
/d/devils.htm - 31k

Followers (37 Occurrences)

/f/followers.htm - 16k

Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread;
but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding. (DBY NAS RSV). ...
/w/worthless.htm - 35k

Master (346 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in
thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth...
/m/master.htm - 40k

Satisfied (110 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread:
but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (KJV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/s/satisfied.htm - 35k

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