The term "thenceforth" is an archaic English word that appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is used to denote a point in time from which something continues or changes. In biblical contexts, "thenceforth" often marks a significant transition or a new phase in a narrative or teaching.

Biblical Usage

1. Transition in Jesus' Ministry: In the New Testament, "thenceforth" is used to indicate a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. For example, in Matthew 16:21 , it is written: "From that time on [thenceforth], Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." This passage marks a shift in Jesus' focus towards His impending passion and resurrection, highlighting the gravity and purpose of His mission.

2. Judgment and Consequences: The term is also used in contexts of judgment or consequence. In John 19:12 , it is noted: "From then on [thenceforth], Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, 'If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!'" Here, "thenceforth" underscores Pilate's increasing struggle and the mounting pressure from the Jewish leaders, leading to the eventual crucifixion of Jesus.

3. Spiritual Transformation: In the epistles, "thenceforth" can signify a transformation in the believer's life. Romans 6:6 states: "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." While the word "thenceforth" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is present in the idea of a life changed from that point forward, living in the freedom from sin's dominion.

Theological Implications

The use of "thenceforth" in Scripture often marks a moment of divine intervention or revelation that alters the course of events or the understanding of those involved. It signifies a new beginning or a decisive change, whether in the life of Jesus, the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, or the transformation of believers.

In a broader theological context, "thenceforth" can be seen as a reminder of the continuous nature of God's work in the world and in individual lives. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to these pivotal moments, aligning one's life with God's purposes and embracing the new direction He provides.

Conclusion

While the term "thenceforth" may not be commonly used in modern language, its presence in biblical texts serves as a powerful indicator of change and continuity in God's unfolding plan. It invites readers to reflect on the moments in their own lives where a "thenceforth" has occurred, prompting a deeper commitment to following Christ and living out the implications of His transformative work.(adv.) From that time; thereafter.1537. ek -- from, from out of
... heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in,...ly, (because, by reason) of,
off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1537.htm - 7k

If, after Man's Sin, God Exercised his Attribute of Justice and ...
... Thenceforth it is "man to the ground," and not as before, "from the ground"; to
death thenceforth, but before, to life; thenceforth with coats of skins, but ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi if after mans sin.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... But if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth
good for nothing but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 24 upon our lords.htm

Of the Time of the Migration of Abraham, When, According to the ...
... Likewise in what follows, "And thenceforth, when his father was dead, he settled
him in this land, wherein ye now dwell, and your fathers," he does not say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 of the time of.htm

1 Cor. vi. 15
... then reminding him of that day which is coming; he abashes him again by saying,
"Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ?" thenceforth speaking as ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xviii 1 cor vi.htm

Turning-Points
... him, lets him play with the bait, and gorge it in peace, fancying that he is well
off, when really he is fast hooked for ever, led captive thenceforth from bad ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

Matt. Ii. 2
... saying, "That it might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt have I called my Son." And at
the same time beginnings of fair hopes were thenceforth proclaimed before to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily viii matt ii 2.htm

Matt. Iii. 1, 2
... After this baptism He was thenceforth to do away with the law: wherefore even until
this age, which admits of all sins, He continues fulfilling it all; that no ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily x matt iii 1.htm

Acts x. 44, 46
... command. "Then prayed they him""well might they do so""to tarry certain
days:" and with a good courage thenceforth he does tarry. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiv acts x 44.htm

The Great Awakening.
... 15, 1727, and thither a few months later he brought his "espoused saint," Sarah
Pierpont, consummate flower of Puritan womanhood, thenceforth the companion not ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Matt. xxvi. 26-28.
... And this Luke shows by saying, that after this Satan entered [2948] into him, not
as despising the Lord's body, but thenceforth laughing to scorn the traitor's ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxii matt xxvi 26-28.htm

Thenceforth (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Thenceforth (11 Occurrences). ... it is thenceforth good for
nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. ...
/t/thenceforth.htm - 10k

Treading (26 Occurrences)
... of papyrus upon the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered
and ravaged, to a people terrible from their existence and thenceforth; to a ...
/t/treading.htm - 15k

Existence (35 Occurrences)
... of papyrus upon the waters, saying, Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered
and ravaged, to a people terrible from their existence and thenceforth; to a ...
/e/existence.htm - 17k

Thence (152 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) From that place. 2. (adv.) From that time;
thenceforth; thereafter. 3. (adv.) For that reason; therefore. ...
/t/thence.htm - 37k

Valuable (17 Occurrences)
... 23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king
of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth...
/v/valuable.htm - 11k

Onward (25 Occurrences)
... 23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king
of Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth...
/o/onward.htm - 13k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and
to be trodden under foot of men. (KJV ASV DBY). Matthew 15 ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)
The-not-beloved. Thenceforth, The-not-beloved. Theocanus . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY). Thenceforth, The-not-beloved. Theocanus . Reference Bible.
/t/the-not-beloved.htm - 6k

Thereafter (8 Occurrences)
... brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah king of
Judah; so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. ...
/t/thereafter.htm - 8k

Eyeing (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eyeing (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 18:9 and Saul
is eyeing David from that day and thenceforth. (YLT). ...
/e/eyeing.htm - 6k

Thenceforth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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