The term "halteth" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of the Bible, often translated in modern versions as "limps" or "stops." It is derived from the Hebrew word "צָלַע" (tsala), which means to limp or to be lame. This term appears in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, often carrying both literal and metaphorical significance.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 32:31 : "The sun rose above him as he passed by Penuel, and he was limping because of his hip." This verse describes Jacob after his encounter with the angel of the Lord, where he wrestled until daybreak. As a result of this divine encounter, Jacob's hip was dislocated, causing him to limp. This physical condition served as a perpetual reminder of his struggle and subsequent transformation, marking a pivotal moment in his life where he was renamed Israel, meaning "he struggles with God."

2. 1 Kings 18:21 : "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word." In this passage, the term "halteth" is used metaphorically to describe the indecisiveness of the Israelites. Elijah challenges the people to choose between worshiping Yahweh or Baal, highlighting their spiritual limping or wavering between two beliefs. This call to decision underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to God.

3. Micah 4:6-7 : "‘In that day,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those I have afflicted. I will make the lame into a remnant, and the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.’" Here, the term is used to describe those who are physically and spiritually marginalized. God's promise to gather and restore the lame signifies His compassion and redemptive power, turning weakness into strength and establishing His eternal reign.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "halteth" in the Bible often symbolizes human frailty and the need for divine intervention. In the case of Jacob, his physical limping became a testament to his encounter with God and a symbol of his reliance on divine strength rather than his own. Similarly, the metaphorical use of "halteth" in the context of spiritual indecision calls believers to a firm commitment to God, rejecting any form of idolatry or divided loyalty.

Furthermore, the prophetic promise in Micah highlights God's inclusive plan of salvation, where those who are weak, marginalized, or afflicted are not forgotten but are integral to His kingdom. This reflects the biblical theme of God's preferential option for the humble and the broken, who are often the recipients of His grace and restoration.

In summary, "halteth" serves as a powerful reminder of the human condition and the transformative power of God's grace, calling believers to steadfast faith and trust in His sovereign will.

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ...
... xlii.6. As God's holiness grew great in your eyes, sins uncleanness would grow
proportionably, Isaiah 6:3, 5. And here your repentance halteth in the very entry ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii and there is.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... For one cause, because he transgresses; for another, that as he ought to amend others,
and then halteth, he is worthy of a double punishment, because of his ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... Many are lame and halting; this is hinted at in the promise of the nineteenth verse:
"I will save her that halteth." Pilgrims on the road to Zion were made to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... Zephaniah 2:1-3. "Behold, at that time I will deal with all them that afflict thee:
and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven away; and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

Matt. xxiv. 33, 34
... Master, as also to dispense them as is fit. But if the one be wanting, the
other halteth. For if he be faithful and steal not, yet ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvii matt xxiv 33.htm

Secret Sins
... He is almost persuaded to be a Christian; he halteth between two opinions; he intendeth
to serve God, he striveth to give up sin, but he findeth it a hard ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/secret sins.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Then take this for thy comfort, he hath said, "I will assemble her that
halteth"I will make her that halted a remnant," (Micah 4:6), "and I will save her ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
Jerusalem Sinner Saved. <. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

And ii.
... Ver.6. "In that day, saith the Lord, I will assemble that which halteth, and that
which hath been driven out I will gather, and that which I have afflicted. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... 'Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee,' saith the Lord to his
people, 'and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Halteth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Halteth (2 Occurrences). Micah 4:6 In that day,
saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I ...
/h/halteth.htm - 7k

Undo (9 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 3:19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will
save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get ...
/u/undo.htm - 9k

Halting (8 Occurrences)

/h/halting.htm - 9k

Fame (38 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 3:19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will
save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get ...
/f/fame.htm - 21k

Halter (1 Occurrence)

/h/halter.htm - 7k

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