The term "consisteth" is an archaic form of the verb "consist," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. It is used to describe the nature or essence of something, often in relation to its composition or the principles that sustain it. In the Berean Standard Bible, the equivalent concept is often rendered with more contemporary language, but the underlying theological implications remain significant.

Biblical Usage:

1. Colossians 1:17 : "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse speaks to the preeminence and sustaining power of Christ. The phrase "hold together" in the BSB captures the essence of "consisteth," emphasizing that all creation is maintained and upheld by Christ's power. This reflects the belief in Christ's divine nature and His active role in the ongoing existence of the universe.

2. Luke 12:15 : "Then He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Here, Jesus teaches that the essence of life is not found in material wealth. The use of "consist" in this context underscores the idea that true life and fulfillment are not determined by external possessions but by spiritual richness and alignment with God's will.

Theological Implications:

· Christ's Sovereignty: The use of "consisteth" in relation to Christ's sustaining power in Colossians 1:17 highlights His sovereignty over creation. This affirms the doctrine of Christ's divinity and His integral role in the cosmos, reinforcing the belief that He is both Creator and Sustainer.

· Materialism vs. Spirituality: In Luke 12:15, the concept of what life "consists" of challenges believers to evaluate their priorities. It serves as a warning against materialism and encourages a focus on spiritual values. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme that true life is found in relationship with God rather than in earthly wealth.

Historical and Linguistic Context:

The term "consisteth" is derived from the Latin "consistere," meaning "to stand together" or "to be composed of." In biblical translations, it often conveys the idea of being held together or maintained by a particular force or principle. In the context of Scripture, it frequently points to divine agency as the sustaining force behind creation and life.

Relevance for Believers:

Understanding the concept of "consisteth" encourages believers to recognize the centrality of Christ in all aspects of life. It calls for a reliance on His sustaining power and a reevaluation of what constitutes true life and fulfillment. By acknowledging that all things are held together by Christ, believers are reminded of their dependence on Him and the importance of aligning their lives with His purposes.2076. esti -- are, belong, call, come, consist
... singular present indicative of eimi; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural)
they are -- are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2076.htm - 6k

And Herein Consisteth the Infinite Goodness of God, in the Birth ...
... [Way-2-84] And herein consisteth the infinite goodness of God, in the
birth of all intelligent creatures? And herein consisteth ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-84 and herein consisteth the.htm

Wherein Consisteth Christ's Exaltation?
... Question 28: Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation? A28: Christ's exaltation
consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the ...
/.../question 28 0 0 wherein consisteth christs.htm

Psalm CL.
... mystery. [6007] For it consisteth of a week of weeks, with the addition
of one as an eighth to complete the number of fifty. For ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

The Rich Fool
... 15. And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.16. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rich fool.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 15, "And He Said unto Them ...
... "Beware," He saith, "of all covetousness: For a man's life consisteth not in the
abundance of the things which he possesseth." He that stores up great abundance ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lvii on the words.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... The church of God consisteth not of any one particular denomination of men; the
church of God consisteth of those whose names are written in the book of God's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Youthful Confessors
... The issue might have taught the steward a wholesome lesson in dietetics, which he
and a great many of us much need. 'A man's life consisteth not in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/youthful confessors.htm

The Westminster Shorter Catechism. AD 1647.
... Ques.28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation? Qu??s. In quo consistit
Christi exaltatio? Ans. Christ's exaltation consisteth ...
/.../the westminster shorter catechism a d.htm

The Westminster Shorter Catechism
... a king? Question 27: Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? Question 28:
Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation? Question 29: How ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the westminster shorter catechism/

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... This is a parable or similitude wherein our Saviour compared the kingdom of God,
that is, the preaching of his word, wherein consisteth the salvation of mankind ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

Consisteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Consisteth (1 Occurrence). Luke 12:15 And he
said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for ...
/c/consisteth.htm - 6k

Consisting (6 Occurrences)

/c/consisting.htm - 8k

Possesseth (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's
life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. ...
/p/possesseth.htm - 8k

Consistent (3 Occurrences)

/c/consistent.htm - 7k

Heed (223 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's
life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. ...
/h/heed.htm - 36k

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