The term "subdueth" is an archaic form of the verb "subdue," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It generally refers to the act of bringing something under control or overcoming it. In the biblical narrative, the concept of subduing is often associated with God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the triumph of righteousness over evil.

Biblical Usage:

1. Creation Mandate:
The first instance of the concept of subduing appears in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." Here, subduing is part of the divine mandate given to humanity, emphasizing stewardship and dominion over creation. This command reflects humanity's role as caretakers of the earth, tasked with managing and harnessing its resources responsibly.

2. Conquest and Warfare:
The term is also used in the context of military conquest and the subjugation of nations. In Joshua 18:1 , it is recorded, "The whole congregation of the Israelites assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The land was subdued before them." This passage highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan, demonstrating His faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands in achieving victory.

3. Divine Power and Sovereignty:
Subduing is frequently associated with God's power over creation and His enemies. In Psalm 47:3 , it is declared, "He subdues nations beneath us, and peoples under our feet." This verse underscores God's supreme authority and His ability to bring nations under His control, assuring His people of His protection and ultimate victory over adversaries.

4. Personal and Spiritual Victory:
On a personal level, subduing can refer to overcoming sin and personal struggles. In Romans 8:13 , Paul writes, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." While the term "subdueth" is not directly used here, the concept of subduing sinful desires through the power of the Holy Spirit is evident. This reflects the Christian's call to live a life of holiness and victory over sin.

5. Messianic Fulfillment:
The ultimate subduing is seen in the messianic prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:25-27 , Paul states, "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For 'God has put everything under His feet.'" This passage speaks to the eschatological hope that Christ will subdue all powers and authorities, culminating in the defeat of death itself.

Theological Implications:

The concept of subduing in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It reflects God's intention for humanity to exercise dominion responsibly, His power to fulfill His promises, and His ultimate plan for redemption through Christ. The act of subduing is not merely about control but aligns with God's purposes for order, justice, and righteousness in the world. Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome personal and spiritual challenges, participating in the divine victory over sin and death.

David's Strength
... his hands to war, and his fingers to fight; his hope and his fortress, his castle
and deliverer, his defence, in whom he trusts; who subdueth the people that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... (Compare Psalm 18:44: "Thou makest me the head of the heathen;" and in ver.48:
"God who avengeth me, and subdueth people under me.") He who was raised up on ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

At the Manger.
... His health and light, Heal and give sight, And heaven's Joy All earthly ill undoeth.
Immanuel, Of joy the Well, The devil, hell, And all their pow'r subdueth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/at the manger.htm

A Song of Christian Consolation and Joy.
... wax 'fore fire away. My Jesus death subdueth, My sin remitteth quite, He
washeth aad reneweth, The crimson maketh white. I joy in ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a song of christian consolation.htm

The Image and the Stone
... And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces
and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the image and the stone.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... In all these things, in all my toil, in all my battles, in all my difficulties,
in Him have I hoped, "who subdueth my people under me." Behold, our Head ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

The Living One
... Ps. xviii.46-48 (47-49). "The Lord liveth...It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth
the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies:" etc. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the living one.htm

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
... "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces
and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 40 nebuchadnezzars dream.htm

On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel.
... For of it is said: "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron; as iron breaketh
and subdueth all things, so shall it break and subdue all things." And ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel iii scholia on.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... This surely is a lion not to be strangled but by Hercules himself, or the highest
stress of our minds, and an atom of that power which subdueth all things unto ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

Subdueth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Subdueth (6 Occurrences). ... Psalms 18:47 It is God that avengeth
me, and subdueth the people under me. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/s/subdueth.htm - 8k

Subdued (41 Occurrences)
... Psalms 18:47 Even the God that executeth vengeance for me, and subdueth peoples
under me. ... Psalms 47:3 He subdueth peoples under us, and nations under our feet. ...
/s/subdued.htm - 19k

Executeth (11 Occurrences)
... Higgaion. Selah. (KJV WBS). Psalms 18:47 Even the God that executeth vengeance
for me, And subdueth peoples under me. (ASV JPS). Psalms ...
/e/executeth.htm - 9k

Beateth (7 Occurrences)
... Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh
in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these ...
/b/beateth.htm - 8k

Crusheth (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh
in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these ...
/c/crusheth.htm - 7k

Avengeth (6 Occurrences)
... cry of the poor. (See JPS). Psalms 18:47 It is God that avengeth me, and
subdueth the people under me. (KJV WBS). Nahum 1:2 Jehovah ...
/a/avengeth.htm - 8k

Subdues (6 Occurrences)

/s/subdues.htm - 8k

Subduing (3 Occurrences)

/s/subduing.htm - 7k

Bruise (19 Occurrences)
... Daniel 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh
in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these ...
/b/bruise.htm - 14k

Permitted (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 24:7 And David subdueth his men by words, and hath not permitted them to
rise against Saul; and Saul hath risen from the cave, and goeth on the way ...
/p/permitted.htm - 15k

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