The term "decayeth" is an archaic form of the word "decay," which refers to the process of deterioration or decline. In the context of the Bible, it often symbolizes the transient nature of the physical world and the inevitable decline of earthly things, contrasting with the eternal nature of God and His promises.

Biblical References:

1. Hebrews 8:13 : "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear." This verse highlights the concept of decay in the context of the Old Covenant, which is described as becoming obsolete and ready to vanish away. The decay here signifies the transition from the old to the new, emphasizing the superiority and permanence of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.

2. 2 Corinthians 4:16 : "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day." The apostle Paul contrasts the physical decay of the human body with the spiritual renewal that believers experience. This decay of the "outer self" serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of our earthly existence and the hope of eternal life.

3. Isaiah 51:6 : "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail." This passage uses the imagery of decay to describe the eventual end of the heavens and the earth, underscoring the enduring nature of God's salvation and righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The concept of decay in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of the material world. It calls believers to focus on the eternal and unchanging nature of God and His kingdom. The decay of the physical body and the world around us is not to be feared but understood as part of the fallen state of creation, which will ultimately be restored through Christ.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

1. Hope in Renewal: While physical decay is inevitable, believers are encouraged to find hope in the spiritual renewal that comes through a relationship with Christ. This renewal is a daily process that strengthens the inner self, preparing believers for eternal life.

2. Focus on the Eternal: The transient nature of earthly things should lead Christians to prioritize their spiritual lives and invest in what is eternal. This perspective encourages a life of faith, obedience, and service to God.

3. Trust in God's Promises: Despite the decay and decline evident in the world, God's promises remain steadfast. Believers are called to trust in His unchanging nature and the assurance of His eternal kingdom.

In summary, "decayeth" in the biblical context serves as a metaphor for the temporary nature of the physical world, urging believers to focus on the eternal truths of God's word and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Sundry Passages of St. Paul which Attest Our Doctrine Rescued from ...
... inward man, and destruction to the flesh or outward man, because it is written
(in the Epistle) to the Corinthians: "Though our outward man decayeth, yet the ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xl sundry passages of st.htm

The Waterer Watered
... the universe are bound to one another by invisible chains, and there is not a single
creature in it which springeth up, or flourisheth, or decayeth for itself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in his Death.
... As his outward man decayeth, so his inward man increaseth, and waxeth stronger;
when the speech of his tongue faltereth, the sighs of his heart speak louder ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/2 meditations of the blessed.htm

Morning Blessing.
... glow! All"all decayeth, But God still stayeth, His thoughts they waver
A moment never, His word and will both eternally 'dure. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/morning blessing.htm

Of the Last Day.
... What I've believ'd stands sure, Remaineth aye secure; My part the wealth surpasseth;
The richest here amasseth; All other wealth decayeth My portion ever ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/of the last day.htm

Thanato Thanaton Kathesas.
... By Christ Who rose again. V. To thee, O Christ, be praise,. Whose power decayeth
never; To Father, and to Holy Ghost,. Be laud, and glory, ever; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/thanato thanaton kathesas.htm

The Gate of Life Stands Wide,
... By Christ Who rose again. To Thee, O Christ, be praise,. Whose power decayeth
never; To Father, and to Holy Ghost,. Be laud and glory ever; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/x the gate of life.htm

Hebrews x. 19-23
... And concerning the Covenant, That (he says) is old (for "that which decayeth and
waxeth old is ready to vanish away"" c. viii.13 ), but this is new; and has ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xix hebrews x 19-23.htm

The Life of Faith Song of the Christian Pilgrim.
... Where now my spirit stayeth. Is not her true abode,. This earthly house decayeth,.
And she will drop its load,. When comes the hour to leave beneath. ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/the life of faith song.htm

What Then did Wretched I So Love in Thee...
... nor yet as the stars are glorious and beautiful in their orbs; or the earth, or
sea, full of embryo-life, replacing by its birth that which decayeth; nay, nor ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vi what then did.htm

Decayeth (4 Occurrences)
...Decayeth (4 Occurrences). ... Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him,
Lord, by this time the body decayeth; for he hath been 'dead' four days. ...
/d/decayeth.htm - 7k

Decayed (7 Occurrences)

/d/decayed.htm - 8k

Groweth (29 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that
which decayeth and groweth old is ready to vanish away. (WBS). ...
/g/groweth.htm - 15k

Waxeth (5 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that
which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (KJV ASV). ...
/w/waxeth.htm - 7k

Drieth (6 Occurrences)
... the land, (YLT). Job 14:11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood
decayeth and drieth up: (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 17:22 ...
/d/drieth.htm - 8k

Decaying (3 Occurrences)

/d/decaying.htm - 7k

Droppeth (2 Occurrences)
... Droppeth (2 Occurrences). Ecclesiastes 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth;
and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. (KJV WBS) ...
/d/droppeth.htm - 7k

Decay (18 Occurrences)
... up") the American Standard Revised Version substitutes "wasteth," and in John
11:39 the American Standard Revised Version has "the body decayeth" instead of ...
/d/decay.htm - 13k

Drop (32 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ecclesiastes 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through
idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. (Root in KJV WBS YLT). ...
/d/drop.htm - 20k

Flood (70 Occurrences)
... Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. (See RSV). Job 14:11
As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: (KJV WBS) ...
/f/flood.htm - 31k

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