The term "weakeneth" is an archaic form of the verb "weaken," which means to make or become weaker. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to the diminishing of strength, power, or resolve, whether physical, spiritual, or moral. The concept of weakening is significant in Scripture, as it can pertain to individuals, nations, or spiritual entities.

Physical Weakening

Physical weakening is a common theme in the Bible, often illustrating human frailty and dependence on God. In Isaiah 14:12, the fall of Lucifer is described: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations." This passage highlights the weakening of a once-powerful being due to pride and rebellion against God.

Spiritual and Moral Weakening

Spiritual weakening is frequently addressed in the Scriptures, warning believers of the dangers of straying from God's commandments. In the New Testament, Jesus warns His disciples in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." This verse underscores the need for vigilance and prayer to prevent spiritual weakening.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of moral weakening in 1 Corinthians 8:9-12, where he advises believers to be cautious in exercising their freedom so as not to become a stumbling block to the weak. He writes, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, who have this knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?" Here, Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the stronger believer to support and not weaken the faith of others.

National and Collective Weakening

The weakening of nations is a recurring theme in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. God often uses the weakening of nations as a form of judgment. In Jeremiah 18:7-10, God declares, "At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent and not bring the disaster I had planned." This passage illustrates how national weakening can be both a consequence of sin and an opportunity for repentance and restoration.

Divine Strength in Weakness

Despite the negative connotations of weakening, the Bible also presents a paradoxical truth: God's strength is made perfect in human weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul concludes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." This teaching encourages believers to rely on God's strength rather than their own, recognizing that human weakness can be a conduit for divine power.

In summary, the concept of "weakeneth" in the Bible serves as a reminder of human limitations and the need for reliance on God's strength. Whether addressing physical, spiritual, or national weakening, Scripture consistently points to the sufficiency of God's power and grace in overcoming human frailty.

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... As to your quibble about Paul and Apollos, whether they, or others, were the persons,
though I am satisfied you are out, yet it weakeneth not my argument; for ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Weakeneth (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Weakeneth (4 Occurrences). Exodus 17:13 and Joshua
weakeneth Amalek and his people by the mouth of the sword. (YLT). ...
/w/weakeneth.htm - 7k

Weakening (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:4 Then the princes said unto the king: 'Let this man, we pray thee,
be put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that ...
/w/weakening.htm - 7k

Weakener (1 Occurrence)

/w/weakener.htm - 6k

Fetter (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fetter (4 Occurrences). Job 12:18 He weakeneth the
government of kings, and bindeth their loins with a fetter; (DBY). ...
/f/fetter.htm - 8k

Poureth (28 Occurrences)
... Jehovah, (YLT). Job 12:21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth
the strength of the mighty. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 16 ...
/p/poureth.htm - 14k

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this
man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that ...
/s/seeketh.htm - 24k

Forasmuch (64 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:4 Then the princes said unto the king, Let this man, we pray thee, be
put to death; forasmuch as he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that ...
/f/forasmuch.htm - 28k

Beseech (85 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this
man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that ...
/b/beseech.htm - 31k

Government (20 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Job 12:18 He weakeneth the government of kings, and bindeth their loins
with a fetter; (DBY). Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born. ...
/g/government.htm - 50k

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