The term "prolongeth" is an archaic form of the verb "prolong," which means to extend the duration of something. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the extension of life, days, or blessings as a result of obedience to God's commandments or as a demonstration of His mercy and grace.

Biblical Usage:

1. Prolonging Life through Obedience:
The concept of prolonging life is frequently associated with adherence to God's laws and commandments. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were often reminded that obedience to God's statutes would result in a long and prosperous life. For example, in Deuteronomy 5:33 , it is written: "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

2. Wisdom and Longevity:
The Book of Proverbs often links wisdom with the prolongation of life. Proverbs 3:1-2 states: "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life." Here, the prolonging of days is directly connected to the wisdom and understanding that come from following divine instruction.

3. Divine Favor and Mercy:
The extension of life is also seen as an act of divine favor. In the narrative of King Hezekiah, God responds to Hezekiah's prayer by adding fifteen years to his life. 2 Kings 20:6 records God's promise: "I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David."

4. Warnings against Wickedness:
Conversely, the Bible warns that wickedness and disobedience can lead to a shortened life. Proverbs 10:27 contrasts the outcomes of righteousness and wickedness: "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." This highlights the moral and spiritual dimensions of longevity as understood in biblical teaching.

5. Eternal Perspective:
While the prolongation of physical life is a theme in the Scriptures, the Bible also points to an eternal perspective where the ultimate "prolonging" is found in eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 encapsulates this promise: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Theological Implications:

The concept of "prolongeth" in the Bible underscores the relationship between human behavior and divine blessing. It reflects the biblical principle that obedience to God and living according to His wisdom can lead to a fuller, more abundant life. This principle is not merely about physical longevity but encompasses spiritual well-being and eternal life. The Bible presents a holistic view of life where physical, moral, and spiritual dimensions are interconnected, and where God's grace and mercy are central to the human experience.

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... seen in the days of my vanity: (and among the rest) there is a just man that perisheth
in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongeth his life ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... In the view of the Rabbis this had a twofold advantage; for "much prayer is sure
to be heard," and "prolix prayer prolongeth life." At the same time, as each ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Worship of the Synagogue
... both on entering and leaving the synagogue, it was customary to offer prayer, and
that it was a current Rabbinical saying, "Prolix prayer prolongeth life." But ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 17 the worship of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... as soon as he passeth the cataract"the birds no longer descend upon the
fields;"creator of corn, maker of barley,"he prolongeth the existence of temples ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Prolongeth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Prolongeth (6 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Proverbs 10:27 The fear
of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. ...
/p/prolongeth.htm - 8k

Prolongs (4 Occurrences)
... things have I seen in the days of my vanity; there is a righteous man that perisheth
in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life ...
/p/prolongs.htm - 7k

Oppressions (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Proverbs 28:16 A leader lacking understanding
multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days. ...
/o/oppressions.htm - 8k

Dishonest (33 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 28:16 A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions,
Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days. (YLT). ...
/d/dishonest.htm - 16k

Multiplieth (13 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Proverbs 28:16 A leader lacking understanding multiplieth
oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days. (YLT). ...
/m/multiplieth.htm - 10k

Prolongest (1 Occurrence)

/p/prolongest.htm - 6k

Perisheth (15 Occurrences)
... 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth
in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life ...
/p/perisheth.htm - 10k

Prolong (20 Occurrences)
... prolong the time" (parelkuo); 38:14, "prolong life," the Revised Version (British
and American) "maintenance of life" (embiosis); 30:22, "prolongeth his days ...
/p/prolong.htm - 15k

Prolonging (5 Occurrences)

/p/prolonging.htm - 8k

God-fearing (24 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 8:12 because a sinner doeth evil a hundred times, and prolongeth his
days--though yet I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, that ...
/g/god-fearing.htm - 13k

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