The term "bestoweth" is an archaic form of the verb "bestow," which means to give, grant, or confer something upon someone. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the act of God granting gifts, blessings, or responsibilities to individuals or groups. The use of "bestoweth" is found in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version, and it conveys the idea of a deliberate and purposeful giving.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Gifts and Blessings: The concept of bestoweth is frequently associated with the divine act of giving spiritual gifts or blessings. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the spiritual gifts that God bestows upon believers for the edification of the church. 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 the one who bestows various gifts to believers according to His will.

2. Wisdom and Understanding: The Bible also speaks of God bestowing wisdom and understanding upon those who seek Him. In James 1:5 , it is written, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This passage highlights the readiness of God to bestow wisdom upon those who earnestly seek it.

3. Authority and Responsibility: The act of bestowing is not limited to gifts and blessings but also includes the granting of authority and responsibility. In the Old Testament, God bestows leadership upon individuals such as Moses, Joshua, and David, entrusting them with the responsibility to lead His people. In the New Testament, Jesus bestows authority upon His disciples to preach the gospel and perform miracles in His name (Matthew 10:1).

4. Honor and Favor: Bestoweth can also refer to the granting of honor and favor. In Proverbs 3:34 , it is stated, "He mocks the mockers but gives grace to the humble." This verse illustrates the principle that God bestows grace and favor upon those who are humble, contrasting with His opposition to the proud.

5. Eternal Life: One of the most significant gifts that God bestows is eternal life through Jesus Christ. In John 10:28 , Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand." This promise of eternal life is a profound example of the divine bestowal of grace and salvation.

Theological Implications

The concept of bestoweth underscores the sovereignty and generosity of God. It reflects the belief that all good things come from God, who is the ultimate source of every blessing. The act of bestowing is not arbitrary but is aligned with God's divine purpose and plan. It also emphasizes the responsibility of the recipient to use the bestowed gifts, wisdom, or authority in a manner that honors God and fulfills His will.

In summary, "bestoweth" in the biblical context is a rich term that encapsulates the divine act of giving, whether it be spiritual gifts, wisdom, authority, honor, or eternal life. It serves as a reminder of God's grace and the responsibility of believers to steward what has been entrusted to them.

Calvinists.
... and would fall totally and finally, but for the mercy and faithfulness of God, who
keepeth the feet of his saints; also, that he who bestoweth the grace of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/calvinists.htm

On Patience
... That virtue of the mind which is called Patience, is so great a gift of God, that
even in Him who bestoweth the same upon us, that, whereby He waiteth for evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /on patience.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... it becometh as a soul to the soul itself; and the body of the angry man it maketh
its own, and over his soul it getteth the mastery, and it bestoweth upon the ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

Or are we Indeed to Believe that it is for any Other Reason...
... all men were as I myself; but each one hath his own proper gift from God; one in
this way, and another in that way." [2168] Who therefore bestoweth these gifts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 41 or are we.htm

Of the Holy Trinity.
... He's Abraham's and Isaac's God, And Jacob's whom He knoweth, The Lord of Hosts,
who every good Both night and day bestoweth, Who only doeth wonders! ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/of the holy trinity.htm

Song.
... All earthly gifts excelling, The Holy Ghost indwelling, Give us to make us glorious,
And lead to Thee victorious. All this Thy hand bestoweth, Thou Life! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/song.htm

For Temporal and Eternal Welfare.
... Great gain thence ever floweth. Then what of good It pleaseth God To give,
great peace bestoweth. The little that by God's great ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/for temporal and eternal welfare.htm

Of Lowly Submission
... and delivereth the humble man, He loveth and comforteth the humble man, to the humble
man He inclineth Himself, on the humble He bestoweth great grace, and ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii of lowly submission.htm

Colossians iii. 16, 17
... So then he knoweth what things are divine, and what are human, and from the
one he keeps himself, on the other he bestoweth his pains. ...
/.../homily ix colossians iii 16.htm

Doddridge. Thanksgiving for the Fruits of the Earth.
... let the people meet, And lay their thankful offerings at his feet; With grateful
love that hand divine confessing, Which on each heart bestoweth every blessing ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/397 10 & 11s m.htm

Bestoweth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bestoweth (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 12:5 let the
priests take it to them, every man from his acquaintance ...
/b/bestoweth.htm - 6k

Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 12:5 let the priests take it to them, every man from him that bestoweth
it upon him; and they shall repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any ...
/r/repairs.htm - 13k

Bestowing (2 Occurrences)

/b/bestowing.htm - 7k

Bestower (1 Occurrence)

/b/bestower.htm - 6k

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