The term "countest" is an archaic form of the verb "count," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions of the King James Bible. In the context of Scripture, "countest" generally refers to the act of considering, reckoning, or regarding something in a particular way. This term is often used in discussions of righteousness, faith, and the evaluation of one's actions or status before God.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Righteousness and Faith: The concept of counting or reckoning is significant in the biblical discussion of righteousness and faith. In Romans 4:3 , it is written, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." The act of God counting or crediting righteousness to Abraham because of his faith is a foundational principle in Christian theology, emphasizing that righteousness is not earned by works but is granted through faith.

2. Divine Judgment: The idea of counting is also present in the context of divine judgment. In Psalm 32:2 , it states, "Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit." Here, the term reflects God's merciful decision not to hold one's sins against them, highlighting the grace and forgiveness available to believers.

3. Human Evaluation: In the New Testament, the concept of counting is used in the evaluation of one's own life and actions. Philippians 3:7-8 illustrates this: "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." The apostle Paul uses the term to express the re-evaluation of his priorities and values in light of his relationship with Christ.

4. Wisdom and Understanding: The act of counting is also associated with wisdom and understanding. In Psalm 90:12 , the psalmist prays, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Here, counting is metaphorically linked to the wise use of time and the pursuit of a life that honors God.

Theological Implications

The use of "countest" and its related concepts in Scripture underscores several key theological themes:

· Justification by Faith: The reckoning of righteousness through faith, as seen in the example of Abraham, is central to the doctrine of justification. It affirms that believers are made right with God not by their own merits but through faith in Jesus Christ.

· Grace and Forgiveness: The idea that God does not count sins against those who are in Christ highlights the transformative power of grace and the complete forgiveness available through the atoning work of Jesus.

· Spiritual Prioritization: The re-evaluation of what is truly valuable in life, as demonstrated by Paul, encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.

· Pursuit of Wisdom: The call to number our days and seek wisdom reflects the biblical emphasis on living a life that is mindful of eternity and aligned with God's purposes.

In summary, the concept of "countest" in the Bible invites believers to consider how they are evaluated by God, how they evaluate their own lives, and how they can live in a manner that reflects their faith and commitment to Christ.

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... 8. Thou countest tens of thousands, God counts those who are in a state of salvation;
thou countest the dust which is without number, I the vessels of election ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

True Disciples
... Thy disposal. Give me, I pray Thee, the childlike consciousness that my
fruit is pleasing to Thee, what Thou countest much fruit. ...
/.../murray/the true vine meditations for a month on john 151-16/true disciples.htm

Monday in Passion Week. And when He was Come Near, He Beheld the ...
... That tell how Thou hast all our sorrows borne. Thou countest up my tears and sighs,.
E'en were they numberless; Not one is hidden from thy eyes,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/monday in passion week and.htm

Whitsuntide the Spirit of Wisdom, Love, and Joy.
... Thou art wise, before Thee stand. Hidden things unveil'd to Thee,. Countest up the
grains of sand,. Fathomest the deepest sea,. And Thou knowest well how blind, ...
/.../whitsuntide the spirit of wisdom.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... hast become known unto him." "Or the son of man, that Thou valuest him?" Thou valuest
him, that is, Thou makest him of such importance, Thou countest him of ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

The Ground of all Things.
... My prayers, my longings Thou dost hear,. And for my wants dost Thou provide,. Thou
countest every sigh and tear,. No sorrow from Thine eye can hide,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the ground of all things.htm

1 John i. 1-ii. 11
... But these which we call light, do not thou make light of. If thou make light of
them when thou weighest them, be afraid when thou countest them. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily i 1 john i.htm

John xv. 11, 12
... Why, thou oughtest, even didst thou give from thine own, not to be so miserly, but
now when thou givest what is thy Lord's, why countest thou every little? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxvii john xv 11.htm

Psalm L.
... But ten and seven, if thou countest from one unto seventeen, by adding all the numbers
by steps, so that to one thou mayest add two, add three, add four, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm l.htm

Consolation Proportionate to Spiritual Sufferings
... Oh! put him down for a high figure; and when thou countest up thine aids and
auxiliaries, put down Christ for all in all, for in him victory is certain"the ...
/.../consolation proportionate to spiritual sufferings.htm

Countest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Countest (3 Occurrences). Philemon 1:17 If then thou
countest me a partner, receive him as myself. (ASV WBS). ...
/c/countest.htm - 7k

Counteth (7 Occurrences)

/c/counteth.htm - 8k

Countervail (1 Occurrence)

/c/countervail.htm - 7k

Count (85 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Job 13:24 Wherefore dost thou hide
thy face, and countest me for thine enemy? (Root in DBY RSV). ...
/c/count.htm - 33k

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