The term "chargest" is an archaic English word that appears in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is derived from the verb "charge," which in biblical context often means to command, instruct, or entrust with responsibility. In modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible , the term is typically rendered as "command" or "instruct."

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Command and Instruction: The concept of charging someone in the Bible often involves giving a directive or command that carries authority. This is seen in various contexts, such as God giving commandments to His people, leaders instructing their followers, or individuals being entrusted with specific duties.

2. Divine Commands: In the Old Testament, God frequently charges His people with commandments and statutes. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , God commands the Israelites to keep His words in their hearts and diligently teach them to their children. This charge emphasizes the importance of obedience and the transmission of faith across generations.

3. Leadership and Responsibility: Biblical leaders are often charged with specific tasks or responsibilities. In the book of Joshua, Moses charges Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:9 records God's charge to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This charge underscores the themes of courage, faith, and divine presence.

4. Apostolic Instructions: In the New Testament, the apostles frequently charge believers with instructions for living a Christian life. For instance, in 1 Timothy 6:13-14 , Paul charges Timothy: "I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, to keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, the charge is a solemn exhortation to maintain faithfulness and integrity.

5. Moral and Ethical Directives: Charges in the Bible often carry moral and ethical implications, urging individuals to live according to God's standards. These charges are not merely suggestions but are seen as binding instructions that reflect God's will and purpose for His people.

Theological Significance

The concept of being charged in the Bible highlights the relationship between God and His people, where God, as the ultimate authority, provides guidance and direction. It reflects the covenantal relationship, where obedience to God's charges is a response to His faithfulness and love. The charges given to individuals and communities serve as a means to align their lives with God's purposes and to fulfill their roles within His divine plan.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, understanding the biblical concept of being charged can inspire a sense of duty and responsibility in their spiritual walk. It encourages them to heed God's commands, live out their faith with integrity, and pass on the teachings of Scripture to future generations. The charges found in Scripture serve as timeless reminders of the call to live a life that honors God and reflects His character in the world.

Of Meditation Upon the Hidden Judgments of God, that we May not be ...
... I stand astonished, and remember that the heavens are not clean in thy sight.(1)
If Thou chargest Thine angels with folly, and didst spare them not, how shall ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xiv of meditation upon.htm

1 Timothy i. 18, 19
... that went before on thee." Listen to them, obey them. And say; what chargest
thou? "That by them thou shouldest war a good warfare ...
/.../homily v 1 timothy i.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... forty and nine? Unless there is a judgment and a retribution after this
world, thou chargest God with unrighteousness. Marvel not ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

He.
... which I have longed for. Aid me that I may do that which Thou chargest me:
Thyself give what Thou dost command. "O quicken Thou me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/he.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... The monstrosity with which thou ignorantly chargest the true doctrine, is really
to be found in the world which, according to thy fanciful stories, is made ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... The charge wherewith thou chargest my people is thine own (Job 8:4-6). Not only
as to a matter of charge, but the things that thou accusest them of are thine ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a vindication of gospel truths.htm

Chargest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chargest (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 3:8 Then was
Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am ...
/c/chargest.htm - 6k

Chargeth (15 Occurrences)

/c/chargeth.htm - 10k

Judah's (18 Occurrences)
... unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have
not delivered thee into the hand of David, and yet thou chargest me this day ...
/j/judah's.htm - 12k

Charges (58 Occurrences)

/c/charges.htm - 22k

Ish-bo'sheth (13 Occurrences)
... unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have
not delivered thee into the hand of David, and yet thou chargest me this day ...
/i/ish-bo'sheth.htm - 10k

Belongeth (36 Occurrences)
... unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have
not delivered thee into the hand of David; and yet thou chargest me this day ...
/b/belongeth.htm - 17k

Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences)
... unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have
not delivered thee into the hand of David; and yet thou chargest me this day ...
/i/ish-bosheth.htm - 15k

Displeasing (31 Occurrences)
... with the house of Saul thy father, unto his brethren, and unto his friends, and
have not delivered thee into the hand of David -- that thou chargest against me ...
/d/displeasing.htm - 16k

Reference (23 Occurrences)
... with the house of Saul thy father, unto his brethren, and unto his friends, and
have not delivered thee into the hand of David -- that thou chargest against me ...
/r/reference.htm - 14k

Showing (41 Occurrences)
... unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have
not delivered thee into the hand of David, and yet thou chargest me this day ...
/s/showing.htm - 19k

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