The term "guardeth" is an archaic form of the verb "guard," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions such as the King James Version. In the context of Scripture, "guardeth" conveys the act of protecting, keeping watch over, or preserving something or someone. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's protective nature and the responsibilities of His followers.

Divine Protection

The Bible frequently speaks of God's role as a protector and guardian of His people. In Psalm 121:7-8 , it is written, "The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore." Here, the term "guard" underscores God's active involvement in safeguarding His people from harm and guiding them throughout their lives.

Human Responsibility

While God is the ultimate guardian, Scripture also emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to guard their hearts and actions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of being vigilant in maintaining one's spiritual and moral integrity, recognizing that the heart is the wellspring of one's actions and character.

Guarding the Faith

Believers are called to guard the faith entrusted to them. In 1 Timothy 6:20 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called 'knowledge.'" This charge reflects the necessity of preserving the purity and truth of the Gospel against false teachings and worldly influences.

Guarding Against Sin

The Bible also instructs believers to guard against sin and temptation. In Matthew 26:41 , Jesus warns His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This admonition serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to resist the lure of sin and remain steadfast in faith.

Guarding the Community

In the context of the Christian community, believers are encouraged to guard one another in love and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage underscores the communal aspect of guarding, where mutual encouragement and support help maintain the spiritual health of the body of Christ.

In summary, the concept of "guardeth" in the Bible encompasses both divine protection and human responsibility. It calls believers to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, to protect the integrity of their faith, and to support one another in the journey of faith.

Psalm CXLVI.
... Just as thou hast; "the Lord, guardeth proselytes" (ver.9). "Proselytes"
are strangers. ... Yet the Lord, not any man, guardeth them. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvi.htm

Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
... thief pride. Therefore there is none that guardeth the virginal good, save
God Himself Who gave it: and God is Charity. [2211] The ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 52 here some one.htm

'Tis Patience must Support You. --Heb. x. 35-37.
... the while. With earnest fervent pray'r, Each morn and eve she guardeth
Herself from ill, and wardeth Off Satan's every snare. To ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/tis patience must support you heb.htm

Of a Low Estimation of Self in the Sight of God
... 2. This is the doing of Thy love which freely goeth before me and succoureth me
in so many necessities, which guardeth me also in great dangers and snatcheth me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter viii of a low.htm

The Benefit of Culture.
... [1873] "For hatred," says Solomon, "raises strife, but instruction guardeth the
ways of life;" [1874] in such a way that we are not deceived nor deluded by ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the benefit of culture.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... Lord. [3221] He that keepeth his lips guardeth his own soul; but he that
is rash with his lips shall be a terror to himself. [3222 ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

Ain.
... For he receiveth power of endurance, which guardeth him from being overcome with
pain, from Him from whom he receiveth the victory over lust, which preventeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/ain.htm

Warning of Eternal Sin.
... But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon
you. "When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/warning of eternal sin.htm

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
... Fourth argument:] ^c 21 When the strong man fully armed guardeth his own court,
his goods are in peace: 22 but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlviii blasphemous accusations of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ...
... A lascivious eye guardeth not virginity; a meretricious tongue mingles with the
Evil One; feet that walk disorderly accuse of disease or danger. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxvii on the words.htm

Guardeth (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Guardeth (4 Occurrences). Luke 11:21 When the strong
'man' fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: (ASV). ...
/g/guardeth.htm - 7k

Guardhouse (6 Occurrences)

/g/guardhouse.htm - 8k

Guardest (1 Occurrence)

/g/guardest.htm - 6k

Court (172 Occurrences)
... cohort. (WEB WEY ASV DBY). Luke 11:21 When the strong 'man' fully armed
guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: (ASV). Luke ...
/c/court.htm - 47k

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