The term "supporteth" is an archaic form of the verb "support," which means to bear, uphold, or sustain. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's sustaining power and provision for His people, as well as the mutual support believers are called to provide for one another.

Divine Support

The concept of God as the ultimate supporter is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. God's support is depicted as both physical and spiritual, encompassing His provision, protection, and guidance. In the Old Testament, the psalmist frequently acknowledges God's sustaining power. For instance, Psalm 55:22 states, "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." This verse highlights the assurance that God will uphold those who trust in Him, providing stability and strength in times of trouble.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes God's sustaining grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Here, the divine support is portrayed as sufficient and empowering, especially in human frailty.

Mutual Support Among Believers

The Bible also calls for mutual support among believers, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith. This support is both a practical and spiritual duty. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This directive underscores the importance of bearing each other's burdens, thereby fulfilling the commandment to love one another as Christ loved us.

The early church exemplified this principle of mutual support. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone in need. This communal support was a testament to their unity and love, serving as a model for Christian fellowship.

Support in Trials

The Bible assures believers of God's support during trials and tribulations. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort with the words, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This promise of divine support is a source of encouragement, reminding believers of God's unwavering presence and assistance.

In the New Testament, James 1:12 speaks to the blessedness of enduring trials with God's support: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This verse highlights the reward and strength that come from relying on God's support during difficult times.

Conclusion

The concept of "supporteth" in the Bible encompasses both the divine support provided by God and the mutual support expected among believers. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the call for Christians to embody His love through acts of support and encouragement within the community of faith.

Morning Blessing.
... Whate'er supporteth, Is useful or hurteth, Thou knowest ever, And chastenest
never Too much, in case we o'erburden'd should be. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/morning blessing.htm

How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ...
... will be agreeable to thy magnanimity, and to thy good nature: free them from the
miserable condition they are in, because that God, who supporteth thy kingdom ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how ptolemy philadelphus.htm

How Shall one Make Use of Christ as the Life, when Wrestling with ...
... to let them see this clear difference betwixt the strokes they lie under, and the
judgments of pure wrath which attend the wicked; and this supporteth the soul ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxvii how shall one.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... Joy and gladness is promised in the covenant, Jeremiah 31:13. But further, though
he keep up these influences of joy and comfort, he supporteth another way. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... yea sometimes fear wringeth out confession, pain extorteth it: and he that waileth
in tortures, but feareth to be killed if he confess, supporteth tortures as ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

Hebrews i. 1, 2
... but also the needy. Yea even if there be any person who supporteth himself
by begging, even for him is this word. For there is no ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily i hebrews i 1.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... eye." This he saith to thee who ministereth to thee, and shareth thy labours, and
so "thine hand." This he saith to thee it may be who supporteth thee, who ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... Since he whom we cannot see nevertheless supporteth all things that are,
we feel that the invisible is the basis of all things. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... 6). This joy is a very strong passion, and will carry a man through a world of
difficulties; it is a passion that beareth up, that supporteth and strengtheneth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Supporteth (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Supporteth (4 Occurrences). ... Psalms 41:3 Jehovah supporteth
on a couch of sickness, All his bed Thou hast turned in his weakness. (YLT). ...
/s/supporteth.htm - 7k

Supporters (12 Occurrences)

/s/supporters.htm - 10k

Supporting (31 Occurrences)

/s/supporting.htm - 16k

Rejoiceth (39 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 104:15 And wine -- it rejoiceth the heart of man, To cause the face
to shine from oil, And bread -- the heart of man it supporteth. (YLT). ...
/r/rejoiceth.htm - 17k

Setteth (116 Occurrences)
... Genesis 48:17 And Joseph seeth that his father setteth his right hand on the head
of Ephraim, and it is wrong in his eyes, and he supporteth the hand of his ...
/s/setteth.htm - 35k

Slipped (13 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 94:18 If I have said, 'My foot
hath slipped,' Thy kindness, O Jehovah, supporteth me. (YLT NAS). ...
/s/slipped.htm - 10k

Weakness (25 Occurrences)
... hearing.' (YLT). Psalms 41:3 Jehovah supporteth on a couch of sickness,
All his bed Thou hast turned in his weakness. (YLT). Psalms ...
/w/weakness.htm - 14k

Supported (43 Occurrences)
... battle. (WEB NIV). Psalms 94:18 If I have said, 'My foot hath slipped,'
Thy kindness, O Jehovah, supporteth me. (See NIV). Psalms ...
/s/supported.htm - 19k

Aside (416 Occurrences)
... Genesis 48:17 And Joseph seeth that his father setteth his right hand on the head
of Ephraim, and it is wrong in his eyes, and he supporteth the hand of his ...
/a/aside.htm - 37k

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