Topical Encyclopedia The term "oft" is an archaic adverb meaning "often" or "frequently." In the context of the Bible, it is used to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly or habitually. While the word "oft" itself may not appear frequently in modern translations, the concept it represents is prevalent throughout Scripture, illustrating the regularity and consistency of certain actions, behaviors, or divine interventions.Biblical Usage and Context 1. Prayer and Worship: The Bible emphasizes the importance of regular prayer and worship. Believers are encouraged to engage in these practices frequently as a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. For instance, in the New Testament, the early church is described as being devoted to prayer and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). The concept of praying "oft" is implicit in passages that encourage believers to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 2. Divine Intervention: The Scriptures recount numerous instances where God intervenes in the lives of His people. These interventions are often described as occurring repeatedly, demonstrating God's continual involvement and faithfulness. For example, the Israelites experienced God's deliverance "oft" during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as seen in the repeated provision of manna (Exodus 16). 3. Rebuke and Correction: The Bible also speaks to the frequent need for rebuke and correction, both from God and within the community of believers. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This highlights the concept of "oft" in the context of repeated admonitions intended to guide individuals back to righteousness. 4. Sin and Repentance: Human nature's propensity to sin is a recurring theme in the Bible, necessitating frequent repentance. The cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and restoration is evident throughout the history of Israel, as seen in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites "did evil in the sight of the LORD" repeatedly, leading to cycles of oppression and deliverance (Judges 2:11-19). 5. Teaching and Instruction: The Bible underscores the importance of regular teaching and instruction in the ways of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs, "And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage reflects the concept of "oft" in the context of continual education in God's commandments. Theological Implications The concept of "oft" in the Bible underscores the importance of consistency and perseverance in the Christian life. Whether in prayer, worship, teaching, or repentance, the frequent repetition of these actions is vital for spiritual growth and maturity. It reflects a life committed to following God's will and maintaining a steadfast relationship with Him. The regularity of divine intervention and correction also serves as a reminder of God's enduring presence and faithfulness to His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv.) Often; frequently; not rarely; many times.2. (a.) Frequent; often; repeated. Greek 3740. hosakis -- as often as ... as often as. Multiple adverb from hos; how (ie With an, so) many times as -- as oft(-en) as. see GREEK hos. see GREEK an. (osakis) -- 3 Occurrences. 3739, 3740 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3740.htm - 6k 4178. pollakis -- often 4212. posakis -- how often? 4435. pugme -- the fist 4183. polus -- much, many Strong's Hebrew 4100. mah -- what? how? anything... how long, oft, what end, good, purpose, thing,. Or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? ... /hebrew/4100.htm - 6k 1767. day -- sufficiency, enough Library Septuagesima 116. Oft in Danger, Oft in Woe Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ... Which is Chaste Love; and How in Some Creatures Such Sensible ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ... Praise and Thanksgiving the Faithfulness of God. Hebrews vi. 7, 8 How a Man Should have Him in Beginning of this Work against all ... Penitence in Great Inward Distress. St. Peter 283. Forsaken Once, and Thrice Denied Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity. Trust in the Lord with all ... Thesaurus Oft (18 Occurrences)...Oft (18 Occurrences). ... Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. (KJV DBY). ... /o/oft.htm - 11k Oft-times (3 Occurrences) Candle (16 Occurrences) Off-times (1 Occurrence) Ofttimes (3 Occurrences) Onesiphorus (2 Occurrences) Guardroom (4 Occurrences) Guard-chamber (2 Occurrences) Distributeth (4 Occurrences) Guards (42 Occurrences) Resources Why does God hate divorce? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Paul mean when he said he had fought the good fight? | GotQuestions.org Why do Christians try to impose their values on others? | GotQuestions.org Oft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Oft (18 Occurrences)Matthew 9:14 Matthew 17:15 Matthew 18:21 Mark 7:3 Luke 18:3 Acts 26:11 1 Corinthians 11:25 2 Corinthians 11:23 2 Timothy 1:16 Hebrews 6:7 1 Kings 14:28 2 Kings 4:8 2 Chronicles 12:11 Job 21:17 Job 39:25 Psalms 78:40 Jeremiah 20:8 Jeremiah 48:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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