The term "ripeneth" is an archaic form of the verb "ripen," which refers to the process of maturing or reaching a stage of full development. In the context of the Bible, the concept of ripening is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual growth, moral development, or the fulfillment of God's purposes.

Biblical References:

While the specific term "ripeneth" may not appear frequently in modern translations, the concept is present throughout Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into this theme through various passages that discuss growth and maturity.

1. Spiritual Maturity:
· In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of spiritual growth. In Ephesians 4:15 , Paul writes, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." This passage emphasizes the importance of maturing in faith and becoming more like Christ, akin to the ripening of fruit.

2. Harvest Imagery:
· The imagery of ripening is closely associated with the harvest, a common biblical metaphor for the culmination of God's work. In Matthew 9:37-38 , Jesus says to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." Here, the ripening harvest symbolizes the readiness of people to receive the Gospel and the need for laborers to gather them into God's kingdom.

3. Moral and Ethical Development:
· The process of ripening can also be seen in the development of moral and ethical character. In Galatians 5:22-23 , Paul lists the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues represent the mature character that believers are called to cultivate, much like fruit ripening on a tree.

4. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
· The concept of ripening is also relevant in the context of prophecy and the fulfillment of God's plans. In Revelation 14:15 , an angel calls out, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." This passage depicts the end times when God's purposes reach their full completion, and the earth is ready for judgment.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the process of ripening reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Just as fruit ripens through natural processes, Christians are called to grow in grace and knowledge, becoming more Christ-like over time. This maturation is not merely an individual endeavor but is deeply rooted in the community of faith, where believers encourage and edify one another.

The ripening process also underscores the urgency of the Gospel message. As the harvest is plentiful, there is a pressing need for believers to engage in evangelism and discipleship, bringing others to maturity in Christ. The imagery of ripening serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of life and the importance of being prepared for the eventual return of Christ.

In summary, the concept of "ripeneth" in the Bible encompasses spiritual growth, readiness for harvest, moral development, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. It calls believers to a life of continual growth and readiness for the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

The Bride's Reminiscences
... The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the
voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree ripeneth her green ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii the brides reminiscences.htm

Communion Broken --Restoration
... The time of the singing of birds is come,. And the voice of the turtle is heard
in our land; The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs,. And the vines are in blossom ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section ii communion brokenrestoration.htm

Then Answered Certain of the Scribes and Pharisees, that they ...
... it to the fruit; and first it [52] will be blade, and after it ear, and at last
perfect wheat in the ear: [1202] and whenever the fruit ripeneth, [1203] he ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xvi then answered certain.htm

The New Nature
... forth? But we know whither the new nature tendeth, for it ripeneth towards
the perfect image of Him that created us in Christ Jesus. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the new nature.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... The corruption of a land, the universality of it, and formality in worshipping of
God, ripeneth a land for the harvest of judgment,"exposeth it to any storm ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

Ripeneth (1 Occurrence)
...Ripeneth (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 2:13 The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs,
And the vines are in blossom; They give forth their fragrance. ...
/r/ripeneth.htm - 6k

Fig-tree (33 Occurrences)
... They belong to the early signs of spring: "The voice of the turtle-dove is heard
in our land; The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs" (paggim) - Songs 2:12, 13. ...
/f/fig-tree.htm - 26k

Ripening (1 Occurrence)

/r/ripening.htm - 6k

Ripeness (2 Occurrences)

/r/ripeness.htm - 7k

Figtree
... They belong to the early signs of spring: "The voice of the turtle-dove is heard
in our land; The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs" (paggim) - Songs 2:12, 13. ...
/f/figtree.htm - 15k

Fig (45 Occurrences)
... They belong to the early signs of spring: "The voice of the turtle-dove is heard
in our land; The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs" (paggim) - Songs 2:12, 13. ...
/f/fig.htm - 33k

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