Definition and Meaning:
The term "cumbereth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "cumber," which means to hinder, obstruct, or burden. In biblical contexts, it often refers to something that is unproductive or that hinders growth and progress. The word is used in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, but is less common in modern translations.

Biblical Usage:
The concept of being "cumbered" is illustrated in the Bible to describe situations where individuals or objects are weighed down or hindered from fulfilling their purpose. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "cumbereth," the idea is present in several passages.

Key Scripture References:

1. Luke 13:6-9 :
In the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus speaks of a fig tree that does not bear fruit. The owner of the vineyard says, "For three years now I have come to search for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?" (Luke 13:7). The tree is described as "using up the soil," which aligns with the concept of being cumbered, as it occupies space and resources without producing fruit.

2. Luke 10:40 :
In the account of Mary and Martha, Martha is described as being "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." The King James Version uses the term "cumbered" to describe Martha's state. This passage highlights the idea of being burdened or hindered by unnecessary concerns, preventing one from focusing on what is truly important.

Theological Implications:
The notion of being cumbered carries significant theological implications. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual unproductiveness and the distractions that can hinder one's relationship with God. The Bible encourages believers to be fruitful and to avoid being weighed down by worldly concerns or unproductive endeavors.

Practical Application:
In a practical sense, the concept of "cumbereth" challenges Christians to evaluate their lives and identify areas where they may be hindered or burdened. It calls for a focus on spiritual growth and the removal of obstacles that prevent one from fulfilling God's purpose. Believers are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His guidance in overcoming distractions and burdens.

Related Concepts:
· Fruitfulness: The Bible frequently uses agricultural metaphors to describe spiritual growth and productivity. Believers are called to bear fruit in their lives, reflecting their faith and obedience to God.
· Distraction: The New Testament warns against being distracted by the cares of this world, which can lead to spiritual stagnation.
· Stewardship: Christians are called to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities God provides, ensuring they are not wasted or hindered by unproductive pursuits.

Supposing Him to be the Gardener
... the "certain man" came in and saw the fig tree that it brought forth no fruit, he
said unto the dresser of his vineyard, "Cut it down: why cumbereth it the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/supposing him to be the.htm

But as for those who have Suffered None of These Things...
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon iii but as for.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree.
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xx the barren fig-tree.htm

The Honored Servant
... If he was quite sure that no fruit would be the result of his toil he would leave
the tree to itself, or else he would say "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the honored servant.htm

That no Bishop, Presbyter or Deacon Should be a "Conductor...
... procurators;" nor seek their food by any base and vile business, for they should
remember how it is written, "No man fighting for God cumbereth himself with ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xvi that no bishop.htm

The Tears of Christ.
... Already the axe was laid to the root of the tree; already the sentence had gone
forth, "cut it down: why cumbereth it the ground?" Already the hand of the ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlv the tears of.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... Lo, these three years,' (saith He to the dresser of His Vineyard), come I seeking
fruit on this fig-tree, and find none; cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/.../chapter xi causes of corruption.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... THEN SAID HE UNTO THE DRESSER OF HIS VINEYARD, BEHOLD, THESE THREE YEARS I COME
SEEKING FRUIT ON THE FIG-TREE, AND FIND NONE: CUT IT DOWN; WHY CUMBERETH IT THE ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Wicked Servant
... care and love, the tree brings forth no fruit, then, soon or late, the sentence
goes forth against it in God's kingdom, 'Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xviii the wicked servant.htm

Known by their Fruits.
... Vineyard has looked upon some of us, seeking fruit, and finding none, and we know
not how soon the sentence may go forth, "Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xliii known by their.htm

Cumbereth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cumbereth (1 Occurrence). Luke 13:7 Then said
he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three ...
/c/cumbereth.htm - 6k

Vineyard (69 Occurrences)
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/v/vineyard.htm - 29k

Cumbered (1 Occurrence)

/c/cumbered.htm - 7k

Cumbrance (1 Occurrence)

/c/cumbrance.htm - 6k

Cumber (1 Occurrence)
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/c/cumber.htm - 7k

Seeking (182 Occurrences)
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/s/seeking.htm - 35k

Ground (538 Occurrences)
... said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking
fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ...
/g/ground.htm - 43k

What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus