The term "thee-ward" is an archaic English expression found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is a directional term that means "toward you" or "in your direction." While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "thee-ward," understanding its meaning can enhance comprehension of biblical passages where similar concepts are expressed.

Biblical Context and Usage:

The term "thee-ward" is often used in the context of prayer, supplication, or divine favor directed toward an individual or group. It reflects a personal and intimate relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the direction of God's attention, blessings, or actions toward them.

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Favor and Blessing:
The concept of "thee-ward" underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His people. It highlights the idea that God's favor and blessings are not generic but are specifically directed toward His chosen ones. This is evident in passages where God promises to turn His face toward His people, signifying His attentive care and benevolence.

2. Prayer and Supplication:
In the context of prayer, "thee-ward" reflects the direction of the believer's petitions toward God. It signifies a heart oriented toward seeking God's will, guidance, and intervention. The Bible encourages believers to direct their prayers to God with confidence that He hears and responds to their needs.

3. Covenantal Relationship:
The directional aspect of "thee-ward" can also be seen in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. God's promises and actions are directed toward His covenant people, ensuring their protection, provision, and ultimate redemption. This relationship is characterized by mutual commitment and faithfulness.

Scriptural Illustrations:

While the BSB does not use "thee-ward," similar concepts are present in various passages:

· Psalm 67:1 : "May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us." This verse reflects the idea of God's favor being directed toward His people, akin to the concept of "thee-ward."

· Numbers 6:24-26 : "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." This priestly blessing illustrates the personal and directed nature of God's blessings.

· 2 Chronicles 7:14 : "And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." Here, the direction of prayer and repentance is toward God, who responds with forgiveness and healing.

Conclusion:

The concept of "thee-ward" enriches the understanding of the personal and directed nature of God's relationship with His people. It emphasizes the importance of directing one's heart and prayers toward God, trusting in His attentive care and faithfulness.THEE-WARD

the'-werd. "To thee-ward" (1 Samuel 19:4) = toward thee.

See WARD.

LM Moravian. Seeking God.
... O, when shall all my wanderings end, And all my steps to Thee-ward tend! 4 Is there
a thing beneath the sun, That strives with Thee my heart to share? Ah! ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/219 l m moravian seeking.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... be slanders, vindicated him. David has not sinned against thee; his works
have been to thee-ward very good. Wherefore then wilt ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

Theeward
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia THEE-WARD. the'-werd. "To
thee-ward" (1 Samuel 19:4) = toward thee. See WARD. ...
/t/theeward.htm - 6k

Thee-ward (1 Occurrence)
Thee-ward. Theeward, Thee-ward. Theft . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
THEE-WARD. the'-werd. ... Theeward, Thee-ward. Theft . Reference Bible.
/t/thee-ward.htm - 7k

Theft (5 Occurrences)

/t/theft.htm - 9k

Ward (27 Occurrences)
... So, "to God-ward" (Exodus 18:19 2 Corinthians 3:4 1 Thessalonians 1:8); "to
thee-ward" (1 Samuel 19:4); "to us-ward" (Psalm 40:5 Ephesians 1:19 2 Peter 3:9 ...
/w/ward.htm - 19k

Thee (22896 Occurrences)

/t/thee.htm - 6k

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