The term "grievest" is an archaic form of the verb "grieve," which appears in older translations of the Bible. It refers to the act of causing sorrow or distress, either to oneself or to others. In the context of Scripture, grieving can be understood in several dimensions, including the emotional response to sin, the sorrow experienced by individuals, and the grief attributed to God in response to human actions.

Grieving the Holy Spirit

One of the most significant theological concepts related to grieving in the Bible is the idea of grieving the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 states, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This passage highlights the personal nature of the Holy Spirit, who can experience sorrow due to the sinful actions and attitudes of believers. Grieving the Holy Spirit involves actions that are contrary to the holiness and righteousness that God desires for His people, such as bitterness, anger, and malice, as outlined in the surrounding verses.

Human Grief and Sorrow

The Bible is replete with examples of human grief and sorrow, often as a response to loss, sin, or the consequences of disobedience. In the Old Testament, the account of Job is a profound exploration of human grief. Job experiences intense sorrow due to the loss of his children, wealth, and health. Job 2:13 describes his friends sitting with him in silence for seven days and nights, "because they saw that his pain was very great." This narrative underscores the depth of human suffering and the communal nature of grief.

Grief Over Sin

Grief over sin is a recurring theme in the Bible, where individuals express sorrow for their transgressions and seek repentance. King David's penitential psalms, such as Psalm 51, are poignant examples of this. In Psalm 51:17 , David declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." This verse illustrates the importance of genuine remorse and the desire for reconciliation with God.

God's Grief

Scripture also attributes grief to God, particularly in response to human sinfulness and rebellion. In Genesis 6:6 , it is written, "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." This passage, preceding the account of the Flood, reveals the profound sorrow of God over the wickedness of humanity. It emphasizes the relational aspect of God's nature and His desire for righteousness among His creation.

Grief in the New Testament

In the New Testament, grief is often associated with the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The Gospels recount the sorrow of Jesus' followers at His crucifixion. In John 16:20 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." This promise of transformation from grief to joy is fulfilled in the resurrection, offering hope and comfort to believers.

Pastoral Implications

Understanding the concept of grief in the Bible has significant pastoral implications. It encourages believers to acknowledge and express their sorrow, whether due to personal loss, sin, or the brokenness of the world. It also calls for sensitivity to the grieving process of others, offering support and compassion. Moreover, the biblical narrative assures believers of God's presence and comfort in times of grief, as well as the ultimate hope of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Rom. xii. 4, 5
... For if thou grievest thou dost not do mercy, but art cruel and inhuman. For if thou
grievest, how shalt thou be able to raise up him that is in sorrow? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi rom xii 4.htm

Acts xvi. 25, 26
... grieve. If thou grievest, thou art in earnest: if thou art not in earnest,
thou grievest not: if thou grievest not, thou triflest. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvi acts xvi 25.htm

Revelation of Moses.
... And Seth answered and said to him: Is it that thou rememberest the fruits of paradise
of which thou didst eat, and grievest thyself because of the desire of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of moses/revelation of moses.htm

That the Lust of Possessing, and Money, are not to be Sought For.
... But now he is besought, and thou grievest." [4507] And in the Acts of the Apostles:
"But Peter said unto him, Silver and gold indeed I have not; but what I ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/61 that the lust of.htm

What Art Thou Then, My God? What, but the Lord God? for who is ...
... Thou lovest, without passion; art jealous, without anxiety; repentest, yet grievest
not; art angry, yet serene; changest Thy works, Thy purpose unchanged ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv what art thou.htm

Philippians iii. 18-21
... things, with reason have they their belly for their god, in saying, "Let us eat
and drink, for to-morrow we die." And about thy body, thou grievest, tell me ...
/.../homily xiii philippians iii 18-21.htm

John xi. 1, 2
... Thou wast born man, and mortal; why then grievest thou that what is natural hath
come to pass? Grievest thou that thou art nourished by eating? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxii john xi 1.htm

The Second Season
... O, inconsiderate, ungrateful man, are not these things for which thou grievest,
the very things that have ruined thousands of souls? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

2 Cor. v. 1
... For that which thou groanest and grievest for, that thou art in bondage to corruption,
he removes from henceforward out of the way, and frees thee the sooner ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 2 cor v.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... For instance, if a man has lost his money, he leads a life more wretched
than any death. Why grievest thou, O man? why weepest thou? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx hebrews x 26.htm

Grievest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grievest (1 Occurrence). Job 4:5 But now it is come upon
thee, and thou grievest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. (DBY). ...
/g/grievest.htm - 6k

Grieves (5 Occurrences)

/g/grieves.htm - 8k

Grieveth (5 Occurrences)

/g/grieveth.htm - 7k

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