The term "decketh" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, meaning "to adorn" or "to decorate." It is derived from the verb "deck," which implies the act of dressing or embellishing something with ornaments or decorations. In the context of Scripture, "decketh" is often used to describe the act of adorning oneself or something else, typically with the intent of enhancing beauty or splendor.

Biblical Usage

1. Adorning with Beauty and Splendor: The concept of decking is frequently associated with the beautification of individuals or objects. In Ezekiel 16:11-13 , God describes how He adorned Jerusalem, symbolizing His chosen people, with fine garments and jewelry: "I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth."

2. Idolatry and False Worship: The act of decking is also used in a negative sense to describe the adornment of idols and the practice of idolatry. In Jeremiah 10:4 , the prophet speaks against the customs of the nations, highlighting the futility of idol worship: "They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter."

3. Symbol of Judgment and Desolation: In prophetic literature, decking can symbolize impending judgment or desolation. In Isaiah 3:18-24 , the Lord warns the daughters of Zion of the coming judgment, which will strip away their finery and adornments: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets, headbands, and crescents... Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty."

Theological Implications

The use of "decketh" in Scripture often carries deeper theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly beauty and the dangers of placing value on outward adornment over inner spiritual qualities. The Bible encourages believers to focus on the adornment of the heart, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4 : "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, adornment was a common practice, often signifying status, wealth, or religious devotion. Jewelry, fine clothing, and other forms of decoration were used to express identity and allegiance, whether to a deity, a nation, or a social class. The biblical narrative reflects these cultural practices while also critiquing them, particularly when they lead to idolatry or moral decay.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of decking challenges believers to examine their priorities and values. It calls for a reflection on the motivations behind one's desire for adornment and the potential for such desires to lead away from a focus on God. The biblical admonition is to seek a beauty that is rooted in righteousness and godliness, rather than in external appearances.

In summary, "decketh" serves as a multifaceted term within the biblical text, illustrating both the beauty of God's provision and the potential pitfalls of human vanity and idolatry. Through its various uses, Scripture invites believers to pursue a deeper, more enduring form of adornment that aligns with divine principles.

The First Rule of Tichonius.
... [1898] Galatians 3:29. [1899] Isaiah 61:10 (LXX.). "As a bridegroom decketh himself
with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels" (AV). ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 31 the first rule of.htm

February 1 Evening
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/february 1 evening.htm

March 7 Morning
... greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed
me with the garments of salvation, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 7 morning.htm

August 14 Morning
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/august 14 morning.htm

Its Results
... in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

The Transfiguration
... I am He that "decketh Himself with light as it were with a garment, who layeth the
beams of His chambers in the waters, and walketh upon the wings of the wind ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xv the transfiguration.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... "I sit alone; I shall see no sorrow." Behold, she decketh herself out with scarlet,
she arrayeth herself with silk; all the nations of the earth are quiet when ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... flesh, walked upon the water, and said to his sinking disciples, "Be not afraid,
it is I," so surely has the same everlasting I AM, "who decketh himself with ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

The Margin of the Nile
... She robeth herself in fine linen, decketh herself with jewels, anointeth
her hair and maketh her eyes lovely with kohl, and lo! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiv the margin of.htm

Joy, a Duty
... joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath
covered me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/joy a duty.htm

Decketh (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Decketh (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly
rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my ...
/d/decketh.htm - 6k

Turban (13 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with the ...
/t/turban.htm - 11k

Deckest (1 Occurrence)

/d/deckest.htm - 6k

Decks (2 Occurrences)

/d/decks.htm - 7k

Diadem (9 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a ...
/d/diadem.htm - 11k

Priestly (16 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a ...
/p/priestly.htm - 11k

Adorneth (2 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/a/adorneth.htm - 7k

Ornaments (50 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ...
/o/ornaments.htm - 22k

Victory (71 Occurrences)
... in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered
me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a ...
/v/victory.htm - 27k

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