The term "apportioneth" is an archaic form of the verb "apportion," which means to divide and allocate portions of something among different people or groups. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the distribution of land, resources, or responsibilities as directed by God or His appointed leaders. The concept of apportioning is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereignty, justice, and provision for His people.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Allocation of Land:
The most prominent example of apportioning in the Bible is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered Canaan, the land was apportioned according to God's instructions. In the Book of Joshua, we see the detailed process of dividing the land among the twelve tribes. Joshua 18:10 states, "Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he apportioned the land to the Israelites according to their divisions." This apportioning was not merely a human decision but was guided by divine will, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance.

2. Distribution of Responsibilities:
Apportioning also occurs in the context of assigning duties and responsibilities. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the distribution of spiritual gifts among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:11 , Paul writes, "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines." Here, the Holy Spirit is seen as the divine agent who apportions gifts to believers, equipping them for service in the body of Christ.

3. Provision and Justice:
The concept of apportioning is closely linked to God's provision and justice. In the Old Testament, the apportioning of land and resources was a means of ensuring that each family and tribe had what they needed to thrive. This reflects God's concern for justice and equity among His people. Proverbs 31:15 speaks of the virtuous woman who "rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants." This verse highlights the importance of fair and thoughtful distribution within a household, mirroring the larger biblical principle of just apportionment.

4. Eschatological Apportioning:
In eschatological terms, apportioning can also refer to the final judgment and the allocation of eternal rewards or punishments. Jesus speaks of this in the parable of the talents, where servants are rewarded or punished based on their stewardship of what was apportioned to them (Matthew 25:14-30). This underscores the biblical teaching that God will ultimately apportion eternal destinies based on His perfect justice and righteousness.

Theological Implications

The act of apportioning in the Bible underscores several key theological themes:

· Sovereignty of God: Apportioning reflects God's ultimate authority and control over creation. Whether it is land, spiritual gifts, or eternal destinies, God is the one who decides how things are distributed.

· Justice and Equity: The biblical narrative emphasizes that God's apportioning is always just and equitable. He ensures that His people receive what they need according to His perfect wisdom and love.

· Stewardship: With apportioning comes the responsibility of stewardship. Believers are called to faithfully manage what God has apportioned to them, whether it be material resources, spiritual gifts, or opportunities for service.

In summary, the concept of "apportioneth" in the Bible is a multifaceted theme that highlights God's sovereign distribution of resources, responsibilities, and rewards, calling His people to faithful stewardship and trust in His just and equitable provision.Apportioneth (9 Occurrences)

Genesis 49:27
Benjamin! a wolf teareth; In the morning he eateth prey, And at evening he apportioneth spoil.'
(YLT)

Joshua 18:10
And Joshua casteth for them a lot in Shiloh before Jehovah, and there Joshua apportioneth the land to the sons of Israel, according to their divisions.
(YLT)

2 Samuel 6:19
and he apportioneth to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, from man even unto woman, to each, one cake of bread, and one eshpar, and one ashisha, and all the people go, each to his house.
(YLT)

Job 21:17
How oft is the lamp of the wicked extinguished, And come on them doth their calamity? Pangs He apportioneth in His anger.
(YLT)

Psalms 68:12
Kings of hosts flee utterly away, And a female inhabitant of the house apportioneth spoil.
(YLT)

Proverbs 17:2
A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.
(YLT)

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I give a portion to him among the many, And with the mighty he apportioneth spoil, Because that he exposed to death his soul, And with transgressors he was numbered, And he the sin of many hath borne, And for transgressors he intercedeth.
(YLT)

Daniel 11:39
And he hath dealt in the fortresses of the strongholds with a strange god whom he hath acknowledged; he multiplieth honour, and hath caused them to rule over many, and the ground he apportioneth at a price.
(YLT)

Micah 2:4
In that day doth 'one' take up for you a simile, And he hath wailed a wailing of wo, He hath said, We have been utterly spoiled, The portion of my people He doth change, How doth He move toward me! To the backslider our fields He apportioneth.
(YLT)

Apportioneth (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Apportioneth (9 Occurrences). ... a wolf teareth; In the morning
he eateth prey, And at evening he apportioneth spoil.' (YLT). ...
/a/apportioneth.htm - 9k

Apportioned (24 Occurrences)
... Joshua 18:10 And Joshua casteth for them a lot in Shiloh before Jehovah, and there
Joshua apportioneth the land to the sons of Israel, according to their ...
/a/apportioned.htm - 13k

Wailed (11 Occurrences)
... spoiled, The portion of my people He doth change, How doth He move toward
me! To the backslider our fields He apportioneth. (YLT). ...
/w/wailed.htm - 9k

Inhabitant (54 Occurrences)
... men. (KJV DBY WBS). Psalms 68:12 Kings of hosts flee utterly away, And a
female inhabitant of the house apportioneth spoil. (YLT). ...
/i/inhabitant.htm - 25k

Intercedeth (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I give a portion to him among the many, And with the mighty
he apportioneth spoil, Because that he exposed to death his soul, And with ...
/i/intercedeth.htm - 6k

Teareth (6 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Genesis 49:27 Benjamin! a wolf teareth; In the morning he eateth prey,
And at evening he apportioneth spoil.' (YLT). Deuteronomy ...
/t/teareth.htm - 8k

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame,
And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance. (YLT). ...
/r/ruleth.htm - 12k

Eshpar (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 6:19 and he apportioneth to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel,
from man even unto woman, to each, one cake of bread, and one eshpar, and ...
/e/eshpar.htm - 6k

Extinguished (14 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 21:17 How oft is the lamp of the wicked extinguished, And come on them
doth their calamity? Pangs He apportioneth in His anger. (YLT). ...
/e/extinguished.htm - 10k

Eateth (81 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 49:27 Benjamin! a wolf teareth; In the morning he eateth
prey, And at evening he apportioneth spoil.' (YLT). Exodus ...
/e/eateth.htm - 31k

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