The term "perfecteth" is derived from the verb "to perfect," which in biblical context often refers to the process of bringing something to its intended completion or maturity. This concept is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of spiritual growth and sanctification, where believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Biblical Usage and Meaning

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "perfect" is "tamim," which conveys the idea of completeness, integrity, or blamelessness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "teleioō" is used, meaning to complete, accomplish, or bring to an end. This term is frequently associated with the work of God in the life of a believer, as He brings them to spiritual maturity.

Key Scriptures

1. Psalm 138:8 : "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever—do not abandon the works of Your hands." This verse highlights the assurance that God will complete His work in the believer, emphasizing His faithfulness and enduring love.

2. Philippians 1:6 : "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Here, the Apostle Paul expresses confidence in God's ongoing work of sanctification in the lives of believers, assuring them that God will bring His work to completion.

3. Hebrews 10:14 : "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This passage underscores the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, which has made believers perfect in their standing before God, even as they continue to grow in holiness.

4. James 1:4 : "Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James encourages believers to let perseverance have its full effect, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.

Theological Implications

The concept of "perfecteth" is central to the doctrine of sanctification. It reflects the belief that while believers are justified and made righteous through faith in Christ, they are also called to grow in holiness. This growth is a cooperative process between the believer and the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides them toward spiritual maturity.

The idea of perfection in the Christian life does not imply sinlessness in this present age but rather a wholehearted devotion to God and a continual striving toward Christlikeness. The ultimate perfection of believers will be realized in the eschatological future, when they are glorified and fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to pursue spiritual growth actively, relying on God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. The assurance that God is perfecting His work in them provides motivation and hope, even amidst trials and challenges.

In summary, "perfecteth" encapsulates the dynamic process of spiritual growth and maturity in the life of a believer, rooted in the faithfulness of God to complete the good work He has begun.

Psalm XLVI.
... is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." [1474] But
The End He is called, not because He consumeth, but because He perfecteth. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvi.htm

This Person Differs in Nothing
... infinite a measure. Is the means by which the Father loveth, acteth, createth,
redeemeth, governeth, and perfecteth all things. And the ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/44 this person differs in.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... Had they however known that tribulation perfecteth patience, and patience experience,
and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed,' they would have ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... it is with that servile fear "which is not in love; for perfect love casteth out
fear." [1559] Therefore to them that hope in Him He perfecteth His sweetness ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

The Introduction, with Some General Observations from the Cohesion ...
... healing diseased souls, and of making broken bones stronger than ever they
were.3. Thus he effectually accomplished his noble designs, and perfecteth his work ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter i the introduction with.htm

Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ...
... And true reasoning will also dare to affirm that even the Creator of all things
Himself yearneth after all things, createth all things, perfecteth all things ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter iv concerning good light.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... It really means, "I will cry unto God most high"unto God who perfecteth all things
concerning me." David's career was charged with a great work; it was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... He is teaching us in order to an eternal heritage: and this learning He often giveth
us by means of wicked men, through whom He trieth and perfecteth our love ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

The Fifth Theological Oration.
... is angry or tempted; That revealeth, illumineth, quickeneth, or rather is the very
Light and Life; That maketh Temples; That deifieth; That perfecteth so as ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the fifth theological oration.htm

Perfecteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Perfecteth (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 44:26 Confirming
the word of His servant, The counsel of His messengers ...
/p/perfecteth.htm - 6k

Wastes (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:26 Confirming the word of His servant, The counsel of His messengers it
perfecteth, Who is saying of Jerusalem, She is inhabited, And of cities of ...
/w/wastes.htm - 16k

Perfecter (1 Occurrence)

/p/perfecter.htm - 6k

Perfecting (5 Occurrences)

/p/perfecting.htm - 8k

Confirming (10 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:26 Confirming the word of His servant, The counsel of His messengers it
perfecteth, Who is saying of Jerusalem, She is inhabited, And of cities of ...
/c/confirming.htm - 9k

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