The term "offerest" is an archaic form of the verb "offer," commonly found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of presenting something to God, typically in the context of sacrifices, offerings, or acts of worship. The concept of offering is central to biblical theology, reflecting humanity's relationship with God through acts of devotion, thanksgiving, and atonement.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, offerings were a fundamental aspect of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for offering, "korban," signifies something brought near to God. Offerings were instituted by God as a means for the Israelites to express their worship, gratitude, and repentance. The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.

For example, in Leviticus 1:3-4 , the burnt offering is described: "If one's offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him."

The act of offering was not merely ritualistic but was intended to reflect the heart's posture towards God. In 1 Samuel 15:22 , the prophet Samuel emphasizes obedience over ritual sacrifice: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of offering takes on a new dimension with the advent of Jesus Christ, who is portrayed as the ultimate and perfect offering. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Christ's atoning death on the cross. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, a spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

Spiritual Significance

The act of offering in the Bible is deeply symbolic, representing the surrender of one's will, resources, and life to God. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a response to His grace and provision. Offerings are not limited to material gifts but encompass acts of service, praise, and obedience.

In the Christian life, the principle of offering extends to the stewardship of one's time, talents, and treasures. The Apostle Paul highlights the importance of cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."

Conclusion

The concept of "offerest" in the Bible underscores the importance of a heart devoted to God, expressed through acts of worship, sacrifice, and service. It is a reminder of the believer's call to live a life that honors God, reflecting His love and grace to the world.

Concerning Sacrifices and Oblations, and those who Truly Offer ...
... forth towards the King; and the Lord, wishing us to offer it in all simplicity and
innocence, did express Himself thus: "Therefore, when thou offerest thy gift ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii concerning sacrifices and oblations.htm

Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ...
... is thy countenance fallen? If thou offerest rightly, but dost not rightly
distinguish, hast thou not sinned? Fret not thyself, for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the cause of.htm

Rom. xii. 1
... And if thou hast aught in thee relaxed and secular, and yet offerest the sacrifice
with a good intention, the fire of the Spirit will come down, and both wear ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xx rom xii 1.htm

How to Keep the Heart
... Thou wilt say if temptation comes, "What dost thou offer me? Thou offerest
me pleasure; lo! I have got it. Thou offerest me gold; lo! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/how to keep the heart.htm

Of Sacrifices.
... And God said unto Cain, Why is thy countenance fallen? hast thou not"if thou offerest
indeed aright, but dost not divide aright"sinned? Hold thy peace. ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter v of sacrifices.htm

I Know that Thy Life is Given to the Service of God. ...
... with how great and how good will thou presentest thy vows before Him: for on that
He has set His eyes, and if thou with great desire offerest thy prayers, with ...
/.../chapter iii i know that.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And God said to Cain, Why art thou grieved, and why is thy countenance fallen? If
thou offerest rightly, but dost not divide rightly, hast thou not sinned? ...
/.../chapter iv many evils have already.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... whom thou lovest, thou thus chastenest; and that thou scourgest every son that thou
receivest." That if I endure thy chastening, thou offerest thyself unto me ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ...
... And if thou desire to follow the despisers of the world think not what thou forsakest
but what thou despisest; with what desire thou offerest thy will to God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxix the teaching of.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And God said to Cain, Why art thou grieved, and why is thy countenance fallen? If
thou offerest rightly, but dost not divide rightly, hast thou not sinned? ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Offerest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Offerest (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 2:4 And when
thou offerest an oblation of a meal-offering baken in ...
/o/offerest.htm - 7k

Offereth (28 Occurrences)

/o/offereth.htm - 15k

Meal-offering (120 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 2:4 And when thou offerest an oblation of a meal-offering baken in the
oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or ...
/m/meal-offering.htm - 40k

Performance (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:8 And when thou offerest a bullock for a burnt-offering, or a sacrifice
for the performance of a vow, or for a peace-offering to Jehovah, (DBY). ...
/p/performance.htm - 8k

Baken (7 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 2:4 And when thou offerest an oblation of a meal-offering baken in the
oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or ...
/b/baken.htm - 8k

Bringest (18 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 2:4 And when thou offerest an oblation of a meal-offering baken in the
oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or ...
/b/bringest.htm - 11k

Offered (320 Occurrences)

/o/offered.htm - 37k

Spread (257 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 2:4 And when thou offerest an oblation of a meal-offering baken in the
oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or ...
/s/spread.htm - 40k

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