The term "profiteth" is an archaic form of the word "profits" or "benefits," often used in the context of spiritual or moral gain as opposed to mere material or worldly advantage. In the Bible, the concept of what truly "profiteth" a person is frequently addressed, contrasting temporal gains with eternal values.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "profit" is יָעַל (ya'al), which can mean to benefit or be of use. The Scriptures frequently emphasize that true profit comes from righteousness and obedience to God rather than from material wealth or human wisdom. For example, in Job 35:3, Elihu questions, "What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?" This rhetorical question underscores the belief that spiritual integrity holds greater value than earthly gain.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word ὠφελέω (opheleo) is often used to convey the idea of profit or benefit. Jesus Christ frequently taught about the nature of true profit. In Matthew 16:26 , He poses a profound question: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" This teaching highlights the eternal perspective that spiritual well-being and salvation are of utmost importance, far surpassing any worldly success or accumulation of wealth.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of profit in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 13:3 , he writes, "If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." Here, Paul emphasizes that actions, no matter how sacrificial, are of no profit without love, which is the greatest commandment and the essence of Christian living.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

The Bible consistently teaches that what profiteth a person is not measured by material wealth or social status but by one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. In Proverbs 11:4 , it is written, "Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." This verse underscores the belief that spiritual righteousness is the only true profit that can deliver a person from eternal judgment.

Furthermore, the Scriptures warn against the deceitfulness of riches and the danger of placing trust in material possessions. In Mark 8:36 , Jesus reiterates, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" This teaching serves as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly gain can lead to spiritual loss if it becomes the primary focus of one's life.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of what profiteth serves as a guiding principle in making life choices. It encourages prioritizing spiritual growth, moral integrity, and service to others over the pursuit of personal gain. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles call Christians to evaluate their lives in light of eternal values, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

In summary, the biblical concept of profiteth challenges individuals to consider the eternal implications of their actions and to seek that which truly benefits the soul, aligning their lives with God's will and purpose.

That in the Time of this Work the Remembrance of the Holiest ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE NINTH CHAPTER That in the time of this work the remembrance of
the holiest Creature that ever God made letteth more than it profiteth. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the ninth chapter.htm

Christ's Assertion About the Unprofitableness of the Flesh ...
... He says, it is true, that "the flesh profiteth nothing;" [7525] but then, as in
the former case, the meaning must be regulated by the subject which is spoken of ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xxxvii christs assertion about the.htm

John Chapter vi. 60-72
... 4. And He said, "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing."
Before we expound this, as the Lord grants us, that other must not be ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvii john chapter vi.htm

Whether the Body of Christ be in this Sacrament in Very Truth, or ...
... Many of His disciples on hearing it said: 'this is a hard saying'": to whom He rejoined:
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing": as if ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the body of christ.htm

On Love
... "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be
burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing." 1:Cor.13:3. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 139 on love.htm

Love's Labours
... true godliness. So essential is it that, if we have everything beside,
but have not charity, it profiteth us nothing. The absence ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/loves labours.htm

That in the Time of this Word all the Creatures that ever have ...
... it be full profitable sometime to think of certain conditions and deeds of some
certain special creatures, nevertheless yet in this work it profiteth little or ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the fifth chapter.htm

Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself
... humbly of oneself. There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but
what profiteth knowledge without the fear of God? Better of ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii of thinking humbly.htm

Spiritual Sacrifices
... conscious surrender of myself to God. 'The flesh profiteth nothing,' and
yet the flesh profiteth much. But here is the order that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/spiritual sacrifices.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd ...
... But mark what follows; "but have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." Lo, they
have come to suffering, come even to the shedding of blood, yea come to the ...
/.../sermon lxxxviii on the words.htm

Profiteth (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Profiteth (9 Occurrences). Matthew 27:24 And
Pilate having seen that it profiteth nothing, but rather a ...
/p/profiteth.htm - 9k

Charity (29 Occurrences)
... If a man should have all gifts of miracles and intellect, and perform all the works
of goodness and devotion, "and have not love, it profiteth nothing," for ...
/c/charity.htm - 23k

Profited (13 Occurrences)

/p/profited.htm - 10k

Quickeneth (4 Occurrences)
... (KJV). John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV). ...
/q/quickeneth.htm - 7k

Keepest (16 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keepest the law; but if thou
art a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. (WBS). ...
/k/keepest.htm - 11k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). John 6:63 It is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth
nothing: the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, are are life. (ASV). ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Fashioneth (5 Occurrences)
... Habakkuk 2:18 What profiteth the graven image, that the maker thereof hath graven
it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that he that fashioneth its ...
/f/fashioneth.htm - 8k

Front (327 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:24 And Pilate having seen that it profiteth nothing, but rather a tumult
is made, having taken water, he did wash the hands before the multitude ...
/f/front.htm - 37k

Reviveth (8 Occurrences)
... (WBS). John 6:63 It is the spirit that reviveth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the
words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life. (WBS). ...
/r/reviveth.htm - 8k

Dependeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dependeth (1 Occurrence). Habakkuk 2:18 What profiteth
the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it? ...
/d/dependeth.htm - 6k

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