The term "fliest" is an archaic form of the verb "fly," used in older English translations of the Bible. It is not commonly found in modern translations, but it may appear in discussions or studies of biblical texts that use older language. The concept of flying in the Bible often symbolizes swiftness, escape, or divine intervention.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Symbol of Swiftness and Escape: In the Bible, the act of flying is frequently associated with speed and the ability to escape danger. For instance, in the Psalms, the imagery of flying is used to express a desire for swift deliverance from trouble. Psalm 55:6 states, "I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.'" Here, the psalmist longs for the ability to escape his distress quickly, using the metaphor of flight.

2. Divine Intervention and Protection: The imagery of flying is also used to describe God's protective care over His people. In Exodus 19:4 , God reminds the Israelites of His deliverance: "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." This metaphor of being borne on eagles' wings signifies God's powerful and nurturing protection.

3. Angelic Beings: In biblical literature, flying is often associated with angelic beings who serve as messengers of God. In Isaiah 6:2 , the seraphim are described as having six wings, indicating their ability to swiftly carry out God's commands: "Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying."

4. Prophetic Visions: The concept of flying is also present in prophetic visions, symbolizing the rapid execution of God's plans. In Daniel 9:21 , the angel Gabriel is described as coming swiftly: "while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice."

Theological Implications

The use of "fliest" and the broader concept of flying in the Bible underscores themes of divine intervention, protection, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. It reflects the belief in a God who is actively involved in the world, capable of delivering His people with speed and power. The imagery of flight serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance of His presence in times of need.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In ancient cultures, the ability to fly was often attributed to deities or supernatural beings, symbolizing power and transcendence. The biblical use of flying imagery would have resonated with contemporary audiences, reinforcing the understanding of God's supreme authority and His ability to transcend earthly limitations.

Conclusion

While the term "fliest" itself may not appear frequently in modern translations, the concept it represents is rich with meaning and significance throughout the biblical narrative. The imagery of flight continues to inspire and comfort believers, reminding them of God's swift and powerful intervention in their lives.

Philippians iii. 10-Jul
... Are they not worthy of tears? Whither fliest thou, wretched and miserable
man? Whither fliest thou from thy Life and thy Salvation? ...
/.../homily xi philippians iii 10-jul.htm

Introduction
... shard? Lo, all things fly thee, for thou fliest Me! Strange, piteous, futile,
thing! Wherefore should any set thee love apart? Seeing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/introduction 5.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... Abide with the Church, and the Church does not hand thee over to the enemy: but
if thou fliest from the Church, the Church is not the cause of thy capture. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

Whither is Thy Beloved Gone, O Thou Fairest among Women? Whither ...
... know Him themselves. O conquering Love! when Thou fliest away most rudely,
then Thou achievest the most victories! and this soul ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/17 whither is thy beloved.htm

A Sight of God Mortifies us to the World.
... Thy wondrous blood, dear dying Christ,. Can make this load of guilt remove; And
thou canst bear me where thou fliest,. On thy kind wings, celestial Dove!]. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 41 a sight of.htm

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ...
... nothing in God to affright a sinner, but his justice, holiness, and righteousness,
but unto thee who, in the humble confession of thy sins, fliest into Jesus ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix if we confess.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 6
... Consider what man is, what God; whom thou desertest, and unto whom thou
fliest for refuge; and thou wilt soon be right altogether. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 1 cor iv.htm

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... "except these bonds?" And what confidence remains for thee, if thou art ashamed
of these things, and fliest from them, and this before so great a multitude? ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... I hurt nobody willingly, but thou Art a self-murderer; thou know'st not how To do
what good is; no, thou lovest evil; Thou fliest God's law, adherest to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... Whether thou art poor, thou mayest live cheerfully denying thyself; or rich,
thou art most miserable of all men if thou fliest from virtue. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

Fliest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fliest (1 Occurrence). Job 11:17 And above the noon
doth age rise, Thou fliest -- as the morning thou art. (YLT). ...
/f/fliest.htm - 6k

Flieth (12 Occurrences)

/f/flieth.htm - 9k

Flies (16 Occurrences)

/f/flies.htm - 15k

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