The term "runagate" is an archaic English word that refers to a runaway or fugitive, often used in historical texts to describe someone who has fled from their duties or obligations. While the specific term "runagate" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of a runaway or fugitive is present in several biblical narratives and laws.

Biblical Context

1. Old Testament Laws on Runaways:
The Mosaic Law addresses the issue of runaway slaves. In Deuteronomy 23:15-16 , it is written: "Do not return a slave to his master if he has taken refuge with you. Let him live among you wherever he chooses, in the town of his pleasing. Do not oppress him." This law reflects a compassionate approach towards those who have fled, allowing them to find refuge and protection within the community of Israel.

2. Fugitives in Biblical Narratives:
Several biblical figures can be considered runagates due to their circumstances of fleeing. One prominent example is David, who fled from King Saul's pursuit. In 1 Samuel 21-24, David becomes a fugitive, seeking refuge among the Philistines and in the wilderness to escape Saul's attempts on his life. Despite being a runagate, David is portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

3. The Prodigal Son:
In the New Testament, the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the theme of a runaway. The younger son demands his inheritance and leaves his father's house, squandering his wealth in a distant land. His eventual return and repentance highlight themes of forgiveness and redemption, as the father welcomes him back with open arms.

4. Onesimus:
The Epistle to Philemon in the New Testament provides another example of a runaway. Onesimus, a slave, had fled from his master Philemon. After encountering the Apostle Paul and converting to Christianity, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter urging Philemon to receive him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:15-16).

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of runagates underscores themes of mercy, justice, and reconciliation. The Mosaic Law's provision for runaway slaves reflects God's concern for the oppressed and marginalized. The narratives of David, the Prodigal Son, and Onesimus illustrate the possibility of redemption and restoration for those who have strayed or fled from their responsibilities.

In a broader theological sense, the concept of a runagate can be seen as a metaphor for humanity's estrangement from God due to sin. The Bible consistently portrays God as a loving Father who seeks to restore and reconcile those who have wandered away, offering forgiveness and a path back to righteousness through faith and repentance.(n.) A fugitive; a vagabond; an apostate; a renegade. See Renegade.RUNAGATE

run'-a-gat: A runaway: "The runagates continue in scarceness" (Psalm 68:6, Prayer Book Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "The rebellious dwell in a parched land").

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... injunctions. He then got together an army, as large as he was able, and joined
to it the runagate and wicked Jews, and came against Judas. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm

On the Duty of Working for a Livelihood.
... But if thou beest diligent, thy harvest shall come as a fountain, and want shall
fly from thee as an evil runagate." [2859] And again: "He that manageth his ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec viii on the duty of.htm

Knox in England: the Black Rubric: Exile: 1549-1554
... They by no means shared Knox's ideas of religion, rather regarding him as a penniless
unfrocked "Scot runagate," whose alliance was discreditable and ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iv knox in england .htm

How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ...
... to David, and plainly saw his entire disposition; for Saul could not restrain his
anger, but reproached Jonathan, and called him the son of a runagate, and an ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david upon.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... While Lauder was reading these accusations, he had put himself into a most violent
sweat, frothing at the mouth and calling Mr. Wishart a runagate traitor, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... When this Pickthank had told his tale, the judge directed his speech to the prisoner
at the bar, saying, Thou runagate, heretic, and traitor, hast thou heard ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Holy War,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Runagate
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A fugitive; a vagabond; an apostate; a renegade.
See Renegade. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RUNAGATE. ...
/r/runagate.htm - 6k

Runnels (2 Occurrences)

/r/runnels.htm - 7k

Run (147 Occurrences)

/r/run.htm - 43k

Runagate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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