The term "believedst" is an archaic form of the verb "believe," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is the second person singular past tense form, used to address an individual directly. In the context of Scripture, to "believe" is to have faith or trust in God, His promises, and His revelations. This concept is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of faith in the life of a believer.

Biblical Context and Usage

The act of believing is foundational in the Bible, as it is through faith that individuals are justified and brought into a right relationship with God. The Berean Standard Bible translates the concept of belief in various passages, highlighting its significance in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament

While the specific form "believedst" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept of belief is evident. For example, Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This passage underscores the principle that faith, rather than works, is the basis for righteousness before God.

New Testament

In the New Testament, belief is a recurring theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the Gospel message, emphasizing belief in Jesus Christ as the pathway to salvation.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the necessity of faith in passages such as Romans 10:9-10 : "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Here, belief is linked to both justification and salvation, highlighting its critical role in the Christian faith.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and reliance on God. It is an active, living faith that transforms the believer's life. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see," illustrating that belief encompasses both conviction and hope.

The concept of belief is also tied to the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables individuals to have faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that belief itself is a gift from God, underscoring the grace that underlies the Christian doctrine of salvation.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, belief in the biblical sense calls for a response of obedience and commitment to God's will. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This indicates that genuine belief will manifest in a life that reflects the teachings and character of Christ.

In summary, while the specific term "believedst" may not appear frequently in modern translations, the concept of belief is integral to the biblical narrative and Christian doctrine. It is through belief that individuals enter into a covenant relationship with God, receive His promises, and live out their faith in daily life.

The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
... good tidings.20 And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the
day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the birth of john.htm

The Promised Birth of John the Baptist.
... And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these
things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the promised birth of john.htm

Jesus the Resurrection and Life.
... Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou
shouldest see the glory of God? So they took away the stone. ...
/.../xxiii jesus the resurrection and.htm

The Raising of Lazarus.
... Jesus saith unto her, "Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou
shouldest see the glory of God?". So they took away the stone. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the raising of lazarus.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... sign; and also a punishment for having sought a sign] and not able to speak, until
the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... Her words show how little expectation of a resurrection she had.] 40 Jesus saith
unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... these words. If thou believedst the words of Christ I should not be compelled
to bring forward facts to induce belief. But since ...
/.../homily viii 1 thessalonians iv.htm

John Chapter v. 19-40
... For if thou art far from thyself, how canst thou come near to God? I was speaking
of God, and thou believedst that thou wouldst understand. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxiii john chapter v.htm

John Chapter viii. 15-18
... This is what God says to thee: When thou despisedst, I did see it; and when thou
believedst not, I did not frustrate my sentence. I delayed it, not removed it. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxvi john chapter viii.htm

Believedst (2 Occurrences)
...Believedst (2 Occurrences). ... (ASV). John 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto
thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (ASV). ...
/b/believedst.htm - 7k

Believer (15 Occurrences)

/b/believer.htm - 11k

Believed (135 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:20 And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day
that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words ...
/b/believed.htm - 35k

Pass (1172 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:20 And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day
that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words ...
/p/pass.htm - 44k

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