The term "guardest" is an archaic form of the verb "guard," which means to protect, watch over, or keep safe. In the context of the Bible, the concept of guarding is significant, as it often relates to God's protection over His people, the responsibility of individuals to guard their hearts and minds, and the duty of leaders to safeguard their communities.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Protection: The Bible frequently speaks of God as a protector and guardian of His people. In Psalm 121:3-4 , it is written, "He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This passage highlights God's vigilant care over Israel, emphasizing His constant and unwavering protection.

2. Guarding the Heart and Mind: Believers are admonished to guard their hearts and minds against sin and false teachings. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral integrity, as the heart is the wellspring of one's actions and character.

3. Leadership and Responsibility: Leaders in the Bible are often depicted as guardians of their people, tasked with ensuring their safety and spiritual well-being. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul instructs the elders of the church in Ephesus to be vigilant shepherds. Acts 20:28 states, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood." This charge reflects the serious responsibility of leaders to guard the faith and welfare of their congregations.

4. Spiritual Warfare: The concept of guarding is also relevant in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Here, the imagery of armor signifies the need for spiritual vigilance and preparedness to guard against the attacks of the enemy.

Theological Implications

The act of guarding, whether it is God guarding His people or individuals guarding their hearts, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. It reflects the themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. The call to guard is both a divine promise and a human duty, illustrating the cooperative relationship between God and His followers in the pursuit of holiness and protection from harm.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the principle of guarding remains relevant. It involves trusting in God's protection, actively maintaining one's spiritual health, and fulfilling one's responsibilities within the community of faith. By understanding and applying the biblical concept of guarding, Christians can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and faithfulness.

Melito and the Circumstances which He Records.
... To this power thou hast succeeded, as the desired possessor, [1301] and such shalt
thou continue with thy son, if thou guardest the philosophy which grew up ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxvi melito and the circumstances.htm

Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ...
... Thee, Lord, let the voice of chaste women please, whose bodies Thou guardest holily.
The day of Herod was like him: Thy day too is like Thee! ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii blessed be that.htm

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... burst into them, and compelledst the Holy of holies, against its will, to be strutted
over by thee, and thou sayest, that thou holdest and guardest the sacred ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

Instructions to Catechumens.
... For as that custom is often able to trip thee up, though thou art careful, and guardest
thyself, and takest thought, and consideration, so if thou transferrest ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/instructions to catechumens.htm

Guardest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Guardest (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart
with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. (See JPS). ...
/g/guardest.htm - 6k

Guarded (27 Occurrences)

/g/guarded.htm - 14k

Guardeth (4 Occurrences)

/g/guardeth.htm - 7k

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