The term "feedest" is an archaic form of the verb "feed," primarily found in older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version. It is the second person singular form of the verb, used in contexts where one person is addressed directly. In the Berean Standard Bible , this form is modernized to "feed."

Biblical Context and Usage

The concept of feeding in the Bible is rich with both literal and metaphorical meanings. It often refers to the provision of physical sustenance, as well as spiritual nourishment. The act of feeding is associated with care, provision, and the sustenance of life, reflecting God's providence and the responsibilities of leaders and shepherds.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, feeding is frequently associated with God's provision for His people. For example, in Psalm 23:1-2 , David writes, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." Here, the imagery of a shepherd feeding his flock underscores God's role as a provider and caretaker.

The responsibility of leaders to feed their people is also emphasized. In Ezekiel 34:2-3 , God rebukes the shepherds of Israel: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock." This passage highlights the expectation that leaders should care for and nurture those under their charge.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the theme of feeding takes on a deeper spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, is depicted as the ultimate provider of spiritual nourishment. In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This statement emphasizes the spiritual sustenance that Christ offers to believers.

The responsibility to feed others spiritually is also entrusted to the apostles and church leaders. In John 21:15-17 , Jesus instructs Peter, "Feed My lambs...Tend My sheep...Feed My sheep." This charge underscores the pastoral duty to nurture and guide the spiritual growth of the Christian community.

Theological Implications

The act of feeding, both physically and spiritually, is a reflection of God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. It signifies care, provision, and the sustenance of life. In a spiritual sense, feeding represents the teaching and nurturing of believers, ensuring their growth in faith and understanding.

The biblical mandate to feed others, especially within the context of spiritual leadership, underscores the importance of selflessness and service. Leaders are called to prioritize the well-being of those they serve, reflecting the example set by Christ Himself.

Conclusion

While the term "feedest" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, the underlying principles of feeding as an act of provision and care remain central to biblical teaching. Whether in the context of physical sustenance or spiritual nourishment, the call to feed others is a profound expression of love and responsibility, rooted in the character of God and the example of Jesus Christ.

Tell Me, O Thou whom My Soul Loveth, Where Thou Feedest, Where ...
... CHAPTER I. 6. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou
reposest at midday, lest I should begin to wander after the flocks of thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/6 tell me o thou.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd ...
... fair, before by sin deformed, beautiful afterward through pardon and grace, speak
in her love and ardour after Him, and say to Him, "Where feedest Thou?" [4136 ...
/.../sermon lxxxviii on the words.htm

Chapter i
... against me; they made me keeper in the vineyards; mine own vineyard have I not
kept.7. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

The First Degree of Prayer
... they should place themselves as sheep before their Shepherd, looking up to Him for
their true substantial food: "O Divine Shepherd, Thou feedest Thy flock with ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter iii the first degree.htm

Grace Before Meat.
... O most gracious God, and loving Father, who feedest all creatures living, which
depend upon thy divine providence, we beseech thee, sanctify these creatures ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/grace before meat.htm

O Lord! I Sing with Mouth and Heart.
... Thee. Thou feedest us from year to year, And constant dost abide; When danger
fills our hearts with fear, With help art at our side. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/o lord i sing with.htm

In the Garden of God
... HYMNS IN THE GARDEN OF GOD. "Tell me, O Thou whom my soul loveth, where Thou feedest,
where Thou makest Thy flock to rest at noon.""Cant. i.7. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/in the garden of god.htm

How a Man Shall Know when his Thought is no Sin; and if it be Sin ...
... Insomuch, that thou restest thee in that thought, and finally fastenest thine heart
and thy will thereto, and feedest thy fleshly heart therewith: so that thee ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the tenth chapter.htm

To the Pastors.
... The Almighty has bidden such even especially to be fed. Consider, when thou
feedest the sick, thou art also lending to the High One. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxxviii to the pastors.htm

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity. In Thy Presence is Fulness of Joy ...
... Through deserts of the cross Thou leadest,. I follow leaning on Thy hand; From out
the clouds Thy child Thou feedest,. And giv'st him water from the sand. ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/eleventh sunday after trinity in.htm

Feedest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Feedest (2 Occurrences). Psalms 80:5 Thou feedest them
with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure. ...
/f/feedest.htm - 7k

Feedeth (11 Occurrences)

/f/feedeth.htm - 9k

Veileth (2 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock ,
Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is ...
/v/veileth.htm - 7k

Veils (5 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where
thou makest thy flock to rest at noon; for why should I be as one that veileth ...
/v/veils.htm - 7k

Givest (31 Occurrences)
... slander. (YLT). Psalms 80:5 Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and
givest them tears to drink in great measure. (KJV WBS). ...
/g/givest.htm - 15k

Feeders (2 Occurrences)

/f/feeders.htm - 7k

Makest (68 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where
thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth ...
/m/makest.htm - 25k

Loveth (88 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where
thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth ...
/l/loveth.htm - 30k

Herself (121 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock,
Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is ...
/h/herself.htm - 36k

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