The term "observest" is an archaic form of the verb "observe," which appears in older translations of the Bible. In the context of Scripture, to observe often means to keep, watch, or adhere to certain commandments, laws, or practices. The concept of observing is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's instructions.

Biblical Context

1. Observance of the Law: In the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly instructed to observe the laws and commandments given by God through Moses. This observance is not merely a ritualistic practice but a covenantal obligation that signifies their relationship with God. For example, in Deuteronomy 4:6 , it is written, "Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'"

2. Sabbath Observance: One of the most significant aspects of observance in the Old Testament is the Sabbath. The command to observe the Sabbath is found in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated in Exodus 20:8 , "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Observing the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a day set apart for rest and worship.

3. Feasts and Festivals: The Israelites were also commanded to observe various feasts and festivals, such as Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These observances served as reminders of God's deliverance and provision. Leviticus 23 outlines these appointed times, emphasizing their importance in the communal and spiritual life of Israel.

4. Prophetic Observance: The prophets often called the people back to true observance, not just in external rituals but in heartfelt obedience. Isaiah 1:13-17 criticizes empty rituals and calls for justice and righteousness, indicating that true observance involves ethical living and social justice.

5. New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the concept of observance, particularly in relation to the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." Here, Jesus emphasizes the spirit of the law over mere ritualistic observance.

6. Christian Observance: For Christians, observance takes on a new dimension in the light of Christ's fulfillment of the law. While the ceremonial aspects of the law are seen as fulfilled in Christ, the moral and ethical teachings continue to be observed as expressions of faith and love. In John 14:15 , Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments," highlighting the connection between love for Christ and the observance of His teachings.

Theological Significance

Observance in the biblical sense is not just about following rules but is deeply connected to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reflects a heart posture of obedience, reverence, and love. Observance is a means by which believers demonstrate their faithfulness to God and their commitment to living according to His will. Throughout Scripture, the call to observe God's commandments is a call to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character to the world.

A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer.
... For he went on his way rejoicing, although, as thou observest, hands were not laid
on him by the bishop, that he might receive the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/a treatise on re-baptism by.htm

That Worldly Things are Absolutely to be Avoided.
... its contents. Such is God's word, and it seems good to thee. Thou observest
man's command, and shunnest God's. Thou trustedst to ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/lvii that worldly things are absolutely.htm

John vii. 9, 10
... Ver.15. "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?". Observest thou how
the Evangelist showeth here also their marveling to be full of wickedness? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlix john vii 9.htm

Psalm CXLVIII.
... summer. Now during the winter weather the fruits appear not on the stock;
thou observest, so to say, dead trees during the winter. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlviii.htm

Acts xxi. 18, 19
... "It is not enough to have not (so) preached there, but there was need also to do
something more, that those may be persuaded that thou observest the law. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlvi acts xxi 18.htm

Philippians ii. 16-Dec
... among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, that
I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ." Observest thou that he ...
/.../homily viii philippians ii 16-dec.htm

Psalm XCII.
... They flourish when it is winter, but they will wither in the summer. Thou observest
the flower of the grass? What more quickly passeth by? What is brighter? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcii.htm

2 Timothy ii. 20, 21
... It is of a natural endowment that thou observest it, since if thou wast chaste from
fear of punishment, and didst violence to nature in submitting to so severe ...
/.../homily vi 2 timothy ii.htm

The Love of Rameses
... What more?". "So thou observest these things I am satisfied.". "Gods! but thou
art moderate. Masanath is worth more than that. Do I take her?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxv the love of.htm

John x. 14, 15
... stone, thou wilt certainly be rendered kinder; though thou livest a soft and dissipated
life, thou wilt certainly become wiser, when thou observest the nature ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lx john x 14.htm

Observest (3 Occurrences)
...Observest (3 Occurrences). Matthew 7:3 But why lookest thou on the mote that is
in the eye of thy brother, but observest not the beam that is in thine eye? ...
/o/observest.htm - 7k

Observes (14 Occurrences)

/o/observes.htm - 10k

Observe (216 Occurrences)
... but chiefly shamar, "to keep," "to watch" etc.): Properly means "to take heed to,"
as in Isaiah 42:20, "Thou seest many things, but thou observest not" and ...
/o/observe.htm - 38k

Observeth (4 Occurrences)

/o/observeth.htm - 7k

Lookest (8 Occurrences)
... Lookest (8 Occurrences). Matthew 7:3 But why lookest thou on the mote that is in
the eye of thy brother, but observest not the beam that is in thine eye? (DBY). ...
/l/lookest.htm - 8k

Roots (31 Occurrences)
... Job 13:27 And puttest in the stocks my feet, And observest all my paths,
On the roots of my feet Thou settest a print, (YLT). Job ...
/r/roots.htm - 16k

Seest (52 Occurrences)
... understanding. (YLT). Isaiah 42:20 Thou seest many things, but thou observest
not; his ears are open, but he heareth not. (ASV). Isaiah ...
/s/seest.htm - 23k

Hears (78 Occurrences)
... Surely, there is no one who hears your words. (WEB). Isaiah 42:20 Seeing many things,
thou observest not; opening the ears, he heareth not. (See NAS). ...
/h/hears.htm - 28k

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