The term "heedeth" is an archaic form of the verb "heed," which means to pay careful attention to or to take notice of. In the context of the Bible, to heed is to listen to and obey the commandments and teachings of God. The concept of heeding is central to the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's word.

Biblical Usage and Significance

The concept of heeding is woven throughout the Scriptures, underscoring the relationship between God and His people. Heeding God's word is portrayed as a path to wisdom, blessing, and life, while failure to heed leads to folly, curses, and destruction.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the call to heed God's commandments is a recurring theme. For instance, in Deuteronomy 4:1 , Moses exhorts the Israelites: "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you." Here, the act of heeding is directly linked to the promise of life and prosperity in the Promised Land.

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently emphasizes the importance of heeding instruction. Proverbs 1:8 states, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother." This verse highlights the value of heeding parental guidance as a reflection of heeding divine wisdom.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the call to heed takes on a renewed significance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus often called His followers to listen and obey His words. In Matthew 7:24 , Jesus says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Here, heeding is equated with wisdom and stability, contrasting with the foolishness of ignoring His teachings.

The apostle James also underscores the importance of heeding God's word. In James 1:22 , he writes, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This admonition highlights the necessity of active obedience, not merely passive listening.

Theological Implications

Heeding God's word is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reflects a heart posture of humility, reverence, and submission to divine authority. The act of heeding is not merely about external compliance but involves an internal transformation that aligns one's will with God's purposes.

Throughout Scripture, the blessings of heeding are contrasted with the consequences of neglect. Those who heed God's word are promised guidance, protection, and favor, while those who disregard it face judgment and separation from God.

Practical Application

For believers today, the call to heed remains relevant. It involves a commitment to studying Scripture, listening to the Holy Spirit, and applying biblical principles in daily life. Heeding God's word requires discernment, prayer, and a willingness to be corrected and guided by divine truth.

In summary, "heedeth" encapsulates a vital biblical principle of attentiveness and obedience to God's word, serving as a cornerstone for a faithful and fruitful relationship with the Creator.

'Tis Patience must Support You. --Heb. x. 35-37.
... its fears. It is a beauteous light That giveth him who heedeth, And whom
God's guidance leadeth, A face with joy all bright. Great ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/tis patience must support you heb.htm

Be Joyful All, Both Far and Near.
... "Of hell have I the overthrow Accomplish'd, none now needeth To fear the pains of
endless woe, Who Me and My word heedeth; He's freed from Satan's grievous yoke ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/be joyful all both far.htm

Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended
... The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered; For man's atonement, while he
nothing heedeth,. God intercedeth. For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,. ...
/.../holy week 155 ah holy.htm

The Prophet of the Highest.
... Observe how they go about"seeking indulgences and pardons, ringing bells, decking
altars, dressing churches. God heedeth not your ceremonies.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/iv the prophet of the.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... There is another assertion of the wicked: because God neither regardeth these things,
nor observeth that He may know how I live, God heedeth me not. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Psalm LII.
... For he hath heard the Prophet saying, "He hath trusted in the multitude of his riches:"
forthwith if he is poor, he heedeth his rags, he hath observed near him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lii.htm

Heedeth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Heedeth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way
of life that heedeth correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth. ...
/h/heedeth.htm - 6k

Heeded (11 Occurrences)

/h/heeded.htm - 9k

Forsaketh (17 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that heedeth
correction; But he that forsaketh reproof erreth. (ASV DBY JPS). ...
/f/forsaketh.htm - 11k

Heeding (2 Occurrences)

/h/heeding.htm - 7k

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