The term "fainteth" is an archaic form of the verb "faint," which appears in various passages of the Bible, often conveying a sense of physical weakness, spiritual weariness, or emotional exhaustion. In the context of Scripture, it is used to describe the human condition in times of trial, distress, or divine testing, as well as the response of the faithful to God's sustaining power.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "fainteth" is frequently used to describe the physical and spiritual state of individuals who are overwhelmed by circumstances. For example, in Isaiah 40:29-31 , the prophet speaks of God's provision for those who are weary: "He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint."

This passage highlights the contrast between human frailty and divine strength, emphasizing that reliance on the Lord results in renewed vigor and perseverance. The imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual upliftment and resilience granted by God.

In Psalm 27:13 , David expresses his confidence in God's goodness despite his trials: "Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living." The implied context is one of perseverance and hope, even when one's heart "fainteth" under the weight of adversity.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of fainting is often linked to spiritual endurance and the call to remain steadfast in faith. In Luke 18:1 , Jesus tells His disciples a parable "to show them that they should always pray and not lose heart." Here, "lose heart" is akin to fainting in spirit, suggesting a lapse in faith or perseverance. The parable of the persistent widow that follows underscores the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith in God's justice.

Similarly, in Galatians 6:9 , Paul encourages believers: "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up." The exhortation to not "grow weary" or "faint" in doing good is a call to maintain diligence and faithfulness, trusting in God's timing for the reward.

Theological Implications

The recurring theme of "fainteth" in Scripture serves as a reminder of human limitations and the necessity of divine intervention. It underscores the importance of relying on God's strength rather than one's own, and it calls believers to a life of prayer, faith, and perseverance. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, providing them with the strength to endure trials and emerge victorious.

In a broader theological context, the concept of fainting can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual struggle and the ongoing battle against sin and discouragement. The assurance of God's presence and power offers comfort and hope, encouraging believers to press on in their spiritual journey with confidence in His promises.

Psalm LXIII.
... Sleep of body we all ought to have: because if sleep of body is not taken,
a man fainteth, the body itself fainteth. For our frail ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxiii.htm

Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men
... in the verse that follows it, again we find the expressions 'faint' and 'weary,'
while in the verse before my text we read that 'the Lord fainteth not, neither ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/unfailing stabs and fainting men.htm

Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide
... Fainteth not, neither is weary!" Heavy is the task, but the Eternal giveth power
and strength. ... The eternal God fainteth not, neither is weary. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/hillis god the unwearied.htm

'Have Ye Not? Hast Thou Not?'
... 'He fainteth not, neither is weary.' Strange anomaly that in His universe
there should be the faint and 'them that have no might'! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/have ye not hast thou.htm

The Secret of Immortal Youth
... And in that connection it is very striking to notice how the prophet, in the context,
reiterates these two words, 'fainteth not, neither is weary.' He begins ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the secret of immortal youth.htm

2 Kings iv. 25, 26.
... May we never behave, as if the Consolations of GOD were small[d]; lest it should
be as when a Standard-Bearer fainteth[e], and whole Companies of Soldiers are ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/2 kings iv 25 26.htm

The Lord Our Dwelling Place
... The truth is, our souls are made for God. He is our natural home, and we can never
be at rest anywhere else. "My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 8 the lord our.htm

Strength in the Weak.
... thou hast an Omnipotent arm to lean on. "He fainteth not, neither is weary!" Listen
to His own gracious assurance: "Fear not, for I am with thee. ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/17th day strength in the.htm

I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest...
... the delight of the Lord, that I be protected in His temple:" [2149] and, "Turn not
away Thy face from me:" [2150] and, "My soul longeth and fainteth unto the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 39 i fear i.htm

Wilt Thou be Made Whole?
... that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint." Even as God the Creator fainteth not nor is ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter viii wilt thou be.htm

Fainteth (11 Occurrences)
...Fainteth (11 Occurrences). ... Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the
courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. ...
/f/fainteth.htm - 9k

Faint (76 Occurrences)
... Assyria when his purposes of chastisement on Israel have been fulfilled, the collapse
of Assyria is said to be "as when a standard-bearer fainteth." For this ...
/f/faint.htm - 38k

Faints (8 Occurrences)
... water. (See RSV). Psalms 77:3 When I think thereon, O God, I must moan;
when I muse thereon, my spirit fainteth. Selah (See RSV). ...
/f/faints.htm - 8k

Pineth (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts
of Jehovah; My heart and my flesh cry out unto the living God. (See JPS). ...
/p/pineth.htm - 7k

Fainthearted (7 Occurrences)

/f/fainthearted.htm - 8k

Yearneth (2 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of Jehovah;
My heart and my flesh cry out unto the living God. (See JPS). ...
/y/yearneth.htm - 7k

Kaph (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kaph (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:81 KAPH. My soul fainteth
for thy salvation; 'But' I hope in thy word. (ASV YLT). ...
/k/kaph.htm - 6k

Longeth (9 Occurrences)
... Psalms 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart
and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/l/longeth.htm - 8k

Gasping (2 Occurrences)
... that gaspeth for breath, that spreadeth her hands: 'Woe is me, now! for
my soul fainteth before the murderers.' (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gasping.htm - 7k

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