The term "watereth" is an archaic form of the verb "to water," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing nourishment, growth, and the sustaining power of God. In the agrarian society of biblical times, watering was essential for the survival and flourishing of crops, making it a powerful metaphor for spiritual sustenance and divine blessing.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 11:25 : "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." The word "refreshes" in this context is often translated as "watereth" in older versions of the Bible. This verse highlights the principle of reciprocity in generosity, suggesting that those who provide for others will themselves be provided for. The act of watering, or refreshing, is seen as a virtuous deed that brings mutual benefit.

2. Isaiah 58:11 : "The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Here, the imagery of a "well-watered garden" symbolizes the abundance and vitality that come from God's guidance and provision. The metaphor emphasizes the spiritual nourishment and continuous sustenance that God provides to His people.

3. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 : "I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." In this passage, the Apostle Paul uses the act of watering to illustrate the roles of different ministers in the growth of the church. While human efforts are necessary, it is ultimately God who brings about spiritual growth and maturity.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Nourishment and Growth: Watering is frequently associated with the nurturing and growth of plants, symbolizing how spiritual nourishment leads to the growth of faith and righteousness in believers. Just as plants require water to thrive, so do individuals need spiritual sustenance to grow in their relationship with God.

· Divine Provision: The act of watering often represents God's provision and care for His creation. In a spiritual sense, God is the ultimate source of life-giving water, sustaining His people through His Word and Spirit.

· Generosity and Reciprocity: The concept of watering others, as seen in Proverbs 11:25, underscores the importance of generosity and the blessings that come from serving and refreshing others. This principle is a reflection of the Christian call to love and serve one's neighbor.

· Human Effort and Divine Sovereignty: In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, the roles of planting and watering highlight the partnership between human effort and divine sovereignty. While believers are called to labor in God's service, it is God who ultimately brings about growth and fruitfulness.

In summary, the term "watereth" in the Bible conveys rich imagery of spiritual nourishment, divine provision, and the interplay between human effort and God's sovereign work in the lives of His people.

Argument. --He Skilfully Replies to a Passage which the Heretics ...
... Therefore neither is he that planteth anything, nor he that watereth, but
God who gives the increase. Now he that planteth and he ...
/.../chapter xxvii argument he skilfully replies.htm

Third Sunday after Epiphany. For as the Rain Cometh Down
... For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven; and returneth not thither,
but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/third sunday after epiphany for.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... Therefore neither he that planteth is anything, nor he that watereth, but He that
giveth the increase, even God." [2649] He it is therefore that giveth the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

The Comparison, Found in the Gospel of St. ...
... Again, it being written, "But neither he which planteth is anything, nor he that
watereth; but God, Who giveth the increase," [2497] you will rest the fulness ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xii the comparison found.htm

The Words, "The Head of Every Man is Christ. ...
... Christ, in so far as Christ is human, in regard of His Manhood, and the unwisdom
of their opposition upon the text, "He who planteth and He who watereth are one ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii the words the.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 3-Jan
... But the whole was of God. [6.] Ver.7. "So then, neither is he that planteth any
thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase.". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily viii 1 cor iii.htm

Apollos at Corinth
... So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth;
but God that giveth the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:4-7. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 26 apollos at corinth.htm

John Chapter vi. 41-59
... Without is the planter of the tree, within is the tree's Creator. He that planteth
and He that watereth work from without: this is what we do. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvi john chapter vi.htm

2 Cor. xii. 11
... One hath dug the soil, another planted, a third carefully covered the roots, another
watereth what is planted, another hedges it round and fortifies it ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvii 2 cor xii.htm

A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
... promise of future blessing for that field came the words: "As the rain cometh down,
and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/iv a god-given field 1894-1900.htm

Watereth (9 Occurrences)
...Watereth (9 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth
any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ...
/w/watereth.htm - 9k

Waterest (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS RSV). Psalms 104:13 He watereth the mountains from his chambers:
The earth is filled with the fruit of thy works. (See JPS RSV). ...
/w/waterest.htm - 7k

Planteth (10 Occurrences)
... Planteth (10 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth
any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ...
/p/planteth.htm - 9k

Satisfied (110 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Psalms 104:13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth
is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/satisfied.htm - 35k

Upper-chambers (1 Occurrence)
... Upper-chambers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 104:13 He watereth the mountains from his
upper-chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. (DBY). ...
/u/upper-chambers.htm - 6k

Labour (119 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY DBY YLT). 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are
one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. ...
/l/labour.htm - 35k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing,
neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Waterfall

/w/waterfall.htm - 7k

Inches (1 Occurrence)
... as the latter rain that watereth the earth" (Hosea 6:3); "They opened their mouth
wide as for the latter rain" (Job 29:23); and as a reason for worshipping ...
/i/inches.htm - 12k

Rainfall
... as the latter rain that watereth the earth" (Hosea 6:3); "They opened their mouth
wide as for the latter rain" (Job 29:23); and as a reason for worshipping ...
/r/rainfall.htm - 12k

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