The term "sufferest" is an archaic form of the verb "suffer," which in biblical context often means to allow, permit, or endure. This term appears in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, and is reflective of the language used during that period. In modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible , the term is typically rendered as "allow" or "permit."

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Allowing or Permitting: In many instances, "sufferest" is used to describe God's allowance of certain actions or events. This can be seen in contexts where God permits human free will or the unfolding of His divine plan, even when it involves suffering or hardship. For example, in the context of divine patience and longsuffering, God may allow certain events to occur to fulfill His greater purposes.

2. Enduring Hardship: The concept of suffering as enduring hardship is prevalent throughout the Bible. Believers are often called to endure trials and tribulations as a test of faith and character. This endurance is seen as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, who Himself endured the cross for the sake of humanity's redemption.

3. Moral and Spiritual Implications: The use of "sufferest" in the Bible often carries moral and spiritual implications. It can refer to the endurance of persecution for righteousness' sake or the patience required in the face of injustice. The Bible encourages believers to "suffer" in a way that reflects Christ's own suffering, with humility and trust in God's ultimate justice and mercy.

Scriptural References

· Revelation 2:20 : "But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols." In this passage, the term "tolerate" is akin to "sufferest," indicating the allowance of false teaching and immoral behavior within the church, which is rebuked by Christ.

· Matthew 19:14 : "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Here, "let" is used in place of "suffer," emphasizing the importance of allowing children to approach Jesus, symbolizing openness and acceptance in the kingdom of God.

· 1 Peter 2:20-21 : "But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." This passage highlights the commendable nature of enduring suffering for righteousness, aligning with Christ's example.

Theological Significance

The concept of "sufferest" in the Bible underscores the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It reflects the reality of living in a fallen world where God permits certain events to occur, yet calls His people to respond in faith and obedience. The endurance of suffering is seen as a means of spiritual growth and a testament to one's faith in God's ultimate plan.

In summary, "sufferest" in biblical terms encompasses the ideas of allowing, enduring, and responding to life's challenges in a manner that honors God and reflects the character of Christ.

To Monna Alessa Dei Saracini
... And this shall be the sign to thee that thou dost not drink wholly in God: when
thou sufferest from that which thou lovest, either by some talk thou didst hold ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna alessa dei saracini.htm

Psalm LVIII.
... Thou wast doing somewhat, and there was a cry raised in thy hands: how art thou
constrained to return to thy heart when this thing thou sufferest in the hands ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lviii.htm

Psalm LXII.
... whosoever thou art that dost hear these words (but however, thou dost hear, if in
the members of Christ thou art): whatsoever thing thou sufferest from those ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm

Psalm LXX.
... [3038] Behold thou sufferest persecution, and cursest them from whom thou sufferest:
how dost thou imitate the Passions of thy Lord that have gone before ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

Psalm XXXVII.
... Who shall then? "Reveal thy way unto the Lord: trust also in Him, and He shall bring
it to pass" (ver.5). Mention to Him what thou sufferest, mention to Him ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

Outward and Inward Morality
... If thou sufferest only regarding thyself, from whatever cause it may be,
that suffering causes grief to thee, and is hard to bear. ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/vii outward and inward morality.htm

Matt. xxvii. 27-29.
... Considering then all these things, control thyself. For what sufferest thou
like what thy Lord suffered? Wast thou publicly insulted? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvii matt xxvii 27-29.htm

Psalm CIII.
... He will show mercy unto thee if thou shalt have been merciful: thou shalt be merciful,
without the injuries thou sufferest losing their punishment; "To Me ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ciii.htm

From the Second Chapter.
... 2. "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience."] In the first epistle He
speaks thus: I know that thou sufferest and workest, I see that thou art ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the second chapter.htm

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery ...
... This violence, good Jesus, Thou who sufferest dost exercise, strong and merciful
to save,[276] showing mercy and strength with thine arm,[277] and preserving ...
/.../chapter ii malachys pity for.htm

Sufferest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sufferest (1 Occurrence). Revelation 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou ...
/s/sufferest.htm - 6k

Suffereth (14 Occurrences)

/s/suffereth.htm - 10k

Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and ...
/n/notwithstanding.htm - 18k

Teacheth (22 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 But I have 'this' against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel,
who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my ...
/t/teacheth.htm - 12k

Calleth (261 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and ...
/c/calleth.htm - 35k

Seduceth (2 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 But I have 'this' against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel,
who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my ...
/s/seduceth.htm - 7k

Sufferers (1 Occurrence)

/s/sufferers.htm - 6k

Lewdness (68 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to ...
/l/lewdness.htm - 29k

Fornication (52 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou
sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and ...
/f/fornication.htm - 24k

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