The term "payeth" is an archaic form of the verb "pay," commonly found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of giving or rendering what is due, whether it be a debt, a vow, or a form of recompense. In the context of Scripture, "payeth" often carries significant theological and moral implications, reflecting the principles of justice, obligation, and faithfulness.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Financial Obligations: In the Bible, the concept of paying debts is emphasized as a moral duty. Proverbs 22:7 states, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This highlights the importance of fulfilling financial obligations and the ethical responsibility to repay what is owed.

2. Vows and Promises: The act of paying vows is a recurring theme in Scripture. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." This underscores the seriousness with which vows made to God should be treated, emphasizing the importance of integrity and faithfulness.

3. Divine Justice and Retribution: The concept of God "paying" or rendering justice is also present in the Bible. Romans 12:19 instructs, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage reassures believers that God is the ultimate judge who will repay wrongs and administer justice in His perfect timing.

4. Rewards and Consequences: The Bible frequently speaks of God rewarding individuals according to their deeds. In Matthew 16:27, Jesus declares, "For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done." This reflects the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and God will justly reward or punish based on one's conduct.

5. Generosity and Giving: The principle of giving and receiving is also encapsulated in the idea of "paying." Luke 6:38 encourages, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity and the blessings that come from a giving heart.

Theological Implications

The use of "payeth" in the Bible is not merely transactional but deeply theological. It reflects God's character as just and faithful, who expects His people to mirror these attributes in their dealings with others. The act of paying what is due, whether in financial, relational, or spiritual terms, is a reflection of one's commitment to living a life that honors God and upholds His commandments.

In summary, "payeth" in the biblical sense encompasses a wide range of human interactions and divine principles, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling obligations, maintaining integrity, and trusting in God's ultimate justice and provision.

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... 10. "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again" (ver.20). He receiveth, and
will not repay. What is it he will not repay? Thanksgiving. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

Of Seeking Peace of Mind and of Spiritual Progress
... How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth himself with other men's matters,
and with things without himself, and meanwhile payeth little or rare heed ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi of seeking peace.htm

Psalm LXII.
... Unto this our common republic, as it were each of us according to our measure payeth
that which we owe, and according to the powers which we have, as it were a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... (8) The borrower, who borrows money from others, with an intention never to pay
them again. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.' Psalm 37:21. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

Colossians iv. 5, 6
... honor, so that piety be not injured. Seest thou not how Daniel payeth court
to an impious man? Seest thou not the three children ...
/.../homily xi colossians iv 5.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... Herewith the Psalm closeth, "Happy, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against
the rock" (ver.9). Her he calleth unhappy, but him happy who payeth her as ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... manifest and clear. Oh the love-visits which Christ payeth to his people
when they are in the prison of their trouble! Then he layeth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... on earth.-3. In pleading, Christ observes these rules: (1.) He granteth what is
charged on us.-(2.) He pleads his own goodness for us.-He payeth all our debts ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Psalm LV.
... Money-lending also is called a science; a corporation is spoken of, a corporation
as if necessary to the state, and of its profession it payeth revenue; so ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
The Wonders of Prayer. <. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Payeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Payeth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth,
and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. ...
/p/payeth.htm - 6k

Paying (17 Occurrences)

/p/paying.htm - 11k

Graciously (24 Occurrences)
... RSV). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; But the
righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth. (ASV JPS). Psalms ...
/g/graciously.htm - 13k

Dealeth (22 Occurrences)
... proudly. (ASV). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again;
But the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth. (ASV JPS). ...
/d/dealeth.htm - 12k

Payed (2 Occurrences)

/p/payed.htm - 6k

Borroweth (1 Occurrence)
... Borroweth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again:
but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/borroweth.htm - 6k

Borrows (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not; but
the righteous dealeth graciously, and giveth. (See NAS RSV). ...
/b/borrows.htm - 6k

Showeth (20 Occurrences)
... (ASV WBS). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous
showeth mercy, and giveth. (WBS). Psalms 45:4 As to Thy majesty -- prosper ...
/s/showeth.htm - 11k

Sheweth (34 Occurrences)
... knowledge. (KJV DBY YLT). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not
again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. (KJV). ...
/s/sheweth.htm - 16k

Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS NAS RSV). Psalms 37:21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not; but the righteous
dealeth graciously, and giveth. (Root in JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS). ...
/g/gracious.htm - 37k

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