The term "persecuteth" is an archaic form of the verb "persecute," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It refers to the act of pursuing someone with the intent to oppress, harass, or cause suffering, often because of their faith or beliefs. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is frequently associated with the trials faced by the faithful.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, persecution is often depicted as the suffering endured by the righteous at the hands of the wicked. The Psalms frequently express the anguish of those who are persecuted. For example, in Psalm 7:1 , David cries out, "O LORD my God, in You I take refuge; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers." Here, the term "pursuers" can be understood as those who persecute, highlighting the plea for divine intervention against unjust oppression.

The prophets also faced persecution for their messages. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," experienced significant opposition and suffering due to his prophetic ministry. In Jeremiah 20:2, he is beaten and put in stocks by Pashhur the priest, illustrating the physical and emotional toll of persecution.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, persecution becomes a central theme in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and His followers. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face for His name's sake. In Matthew 5:10-12 , He states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."

The early church experienced significant persecution, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, initially persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion. Acts 8:3 notes, "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison."

Paul's own ministry was marked by persecution, which he endured with steadfast faith. In 2 Timothy 3:12 , he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This statement underscores the expectation of persecution as a part of the Christian experience.

Theological Implications

Persecution is often seen as a test of faith and a means of spiritual refinement. It serves to strengthen the believer's reliance on God and to demonstrate the power of faith in the face of adversity. The Bible encourages believers to respond to persecution with love and forgiveness, following the example of Christ. In Romans 12:14 , Paul exhorts, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

The concept of persecution also highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, with the faithful often caught in the crossfire. It serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the ultimate hope of vindication and reward in the kingdom of heaven.

Schin.
... kill the body," etc. I have scorned man who persecuteth me, and have overcome
the devil that would seduce me. 160. Then follows, "I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/schin.htm

Psalm CXLII.
... We have other enemies, invisible, who persecute us in another way. Man persecuteth,
that he may slay the body; another persecuteth, that he ensnare the soul. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlii.htm

John Chapter xv. 26, 27
... signified to be the Jews, that it might be perfectly apparent that they also were
included in the appellation of that damnable world that persecuteth the saints ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcii john chapter xv.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... and that He either holdeth in equal estimation the good and the wicked: or even,
and this is a still more pernicious notion, that He persecuteth the good, and ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Psalm CXXIX.
... I consented not with them unto sin. For every wicked man persecuteth the good on
this account, because the good man consenteth not with him to evil. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxix.htm

Psalm CXLIII.
... There lacketh not then of whom the Body too may say, "For the enemy hath persecuted
my soul." For what doth each one who persecuteth us endeavour save to make ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliii.htm

Fire! Fire! Fire!
... day forward, whether you read through the life of Abraham, or Isaac, or Jacob, it
still standeth true, "He that is born after the flesh persecuteth him that is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fire fire fire.htm

Psalm CXLI.
... Because, "rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." [5772] "The righteous
One shall amend me." Because He persecuteth thee? God forbid. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxli.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... Did you never read, that 'the dragon persecuteth the woman?' (Revelation 12). And
that Christ saith, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation' (John 16:33). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Persecuteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Persecuteth (1 Occurrence). Psalms 143:3 For the
enemy persecuteth my soul: he hath crushed my life down ...
/p/persecuteth.htm - 6k

Persecuting (14 Occurrences)

/p/persecuting.htm - 10k

Persecutest (7 Occurrences)

/p/persecutest.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus