The term "happeneth" is an archaic English word that appears in some translations of the Bible, including the King James Version, and is derived from the verb "happen," meaning to occur or take place. In the context of Scripture, "happeneth" is often used to describe events or occurrences that are perceived as part of God's providential plan or as a result of human actions within the framework of divine sovereignty.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 :
"I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise, nor wealth to the discerning, nor favor to the skillful; rather, time and chance happen to them all."

In this verse, the Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the unpredictability of life. The use of "happeneth" in this context underscores the notion that human efforts and abilities do not always guarantee success or favorable outcomes. Instead, time and chance—elements under God's ultimate control—play a significant role in the unfolding of events. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, acknowledging that His ways are higher than human understanding.

Proverbs 19:21 :
"Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail."

While the word "happeneth" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is closely related. Human beings may devise numerous plans and strategies, but it is ultimately God's purpose that will come to pass. This aligns with the understanding that what "happeneth" in the world is not random or without meaning, but is part of a divine plan that transcends human comprehension.

Theological Implications:

From a theological standpoint, the occurrences that "happeneth" in life are often viewed through the lens of divine providence. Conservative Christian theology emphasizes that God is sovereign over all creation, and nothing occurs outside of His will. This belief provides comfort and assurance to believers, as they trust that God is actively involved in the details of their lives, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Practical Application:

In practical terms, the concept of "happeneth" encourages Christians to live with humility and dependence on God. Recognizing that not all events are within human control, believers are called to submit their plans to the Lord, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things. This attitude fosters a spirit of prayerfulness and reliance on God's provision and timing.

Conclusion:

The term "happeneth," though not commonly used in modern translations, captures a timeless truth about the nature of life and God's sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that while humans may strive and plan, it is ultimately God who directs the course of history and individual lives.

What Solomon, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Says Regarding the ...
... as light excelleth darkness, and though the eyes of the wise man are in his head,
while the fool walketh in darkness, [1318] yet one event happeneth to them all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 what solomon in the.htm

The Wise Man, Having Found that Wisdom Brought with it but ...
... former certainly morally elevates a man now; but here comes an awful shadow across
reason's path: "but I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter ii the wise man.htm

Chapter ii.
... 14. "And I perceived myself also that one event happeneth to them all. 15.
Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/the works of dionysius/chapter ii.htm

"My Times are in Thy Hand"
... holy predestination. Whatsoever happeneth here happeneth not by chance,
but according to the counsel of the Most High. The acts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/my times are in thy.htm

Psalm CXLVIII.
... For if he thirsted, he would be willing to learn, and he would find that everything
happeneth upon earth by God's Providence, and he would wonder at the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlviii.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... upon wave rolls over thee, "He is in one mind!" He is carrying out still his one
great purpose; none of these cometh by chance, none of these happeneth to me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... None shall then be perplexed because "there be just men, unto whom it happeneth
according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men to whom it ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

Satan's Banquet
... of old age, unless God shall cast into those dregs a fresh flood of his lovingkindness
and tender mercy, so that once again, as it always happeneth to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... Ofttimes it happeneth that some one hath lost a son; [1372] and comforters without
number have been of no avail to withdraw him from tears and groans. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily viii an exhortation to.htm

On the Contemplation of Human Misery
... Why art thou disquieted because it happeneth not to thee according to thy wishes
and desires? Who is he that hath everything according to his will? ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxii on the contemplation.htm

Happeneth (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Happeneth (7 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Psalms 91:10 Evil happeneth
not unto thee, And a plague cometh not near thy tent, (YLT). ...
/h/happeneth.htm - 8k

Chance (78 Occurrences)
... "Her hap was to ligh t on the portion of the field" (Ruth 2:3). "Something hath
befallen him" (1 Samuel 20:26). "One event happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes ...
/c/chance.htm - 37k

Happen (328 Occurrences)
... befallen"). "Happeneth" occurs (Ecclesiastes 2:15, as it happeneth to the
fool" (miqreh); APC 2Esdras 10:6 Baruch 3:10 (ti estin)). ...
/h/happen.htm - 8k

Happening (17 Occurrences)

/h/happening.htm - 11k

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)
... Ruth 2:3 And she goeth and cometh and gathereth in a field after the reapers, and
her chance happeneth -- the portion of the field is Boaz's who 'is' of the ...
/g/gathereth.htm - 26k

Fought (109 Occurrences)
... let us act wisely concerning it, lest it multiply, and it hath come to pass, when
war happeneth, that it hath been joined, even it, unto those hating us, and ...
/f/fought.htm - 38k

Event (14 Occurrences)
... let us act wisely concerning it, lest it multiply, and it hath come to pass, when
war happeneth, that it hath been joined, even it, unto those hating us, and ...
/e/event.htm - 11k

Boaz's (1 Occurrence)
... Ruth 2:3 And she goeth and cometh and gathereth in a field after the reapers, and
her chance happeneth -- the portion of the field is Boaz's who 'is' of the ...
/b/boaz's.htm - 6k

Hap (1 Occurrence)
... unto Boaz"); in 1 Samuel 6:9, the same word is translated "chance" (that happened);
"event," in Ecclesiastes 9:2, 3, with "happeneth," in Ecclesiastes 2:14. ...
/h/hap.htm - 9k

Haply (26 Occurrences)
... unto Boaz"); in 1 Samuel 6:9, the same word is translated "chance" (that happened);
"event," in Ecclesiastes 9:2, 3, with "happeneth," in Ecclesiastes 2:14. ...
/h/haply.htm - 17k

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