The term "whereto" is an archaic English word that is often used in older translations of the Bible to mean "to what place" or "to what end." In the context of Scripture, it is typically used to inquire about the purpose or destination of an action or event. While the Berean Standard Bible does not frequently use the term "whereto," understanding its meaning can provide insight into the intentions and directions found within biblical narratives.

Biblical Usage and Context

In the King James Version (KJV) and other older translations, "whereto" appears in several passages, often in the context of questioning or seeking understanding about God's plans or human actions. Although the BSB may not use the exact term "whereto," the concept is present in the inquiries and explorations of purpose found throughout Scripture.

Examples in Scripture

1. Purpose and Direction: The concept of "whereto" is closely related to the biblical theme of seeking God's purpose and direction. In Isaiah 55:11 , the prophet speaks of God's word accomplishing its intended purpose: "so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." This reflects the idea of divine intention and fulfillment, akin to asking "whereto" God's word is sent.

2. Human Inquiry: In the Psalms and other wisdom literature, there is a recurring theme of seeking understanding and direction from God. For instance, Psalm 25:4 states, "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths." This plea for guidance is a reflection of the human desire to know "whereto" one's life is directed under God's sovereign will.

3. Divine Plans: The question of "whereto" is also relevant in discussions of God's overarching plans for humanity and creation. In Jeremiah 29:11 , God reassures His people of His purposeful plans: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." This verse underscores the assurance that God knows the ultimate destination and purpose of His plans for His people.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inquiry of "whereto" aligns with the Christian understanding of God's sovereignty and providence. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and to seek His will in all aspects of life. The Bible teaches that God has a purpose for every individual and that His plans are ultimately for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are called to live with an awareness of God's direction and purpose. This involves prayerful consideration of one's actions and decisions, seeking to align them with God's revealed will in Scripture. The question of "whereto" can serve as a reminder to continually seek God's guidance and to trust in His perfect plan for our lives.

In summary, while the specific term "whereto" may not be prevalent in modern translations like the BSB, the concept remains integral to understanding the purpose and direction inherent in the biblical narrative. Through Scripture, believers are invited to explore the "whereto" of God's plans, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.1. (adv.) To which; -- used relatively.

2. (adv.) To what; to what end; -- used interrogatively.

Whether all Will Rise Again from Ashes?
... Objection 4: Further, the term "wherefrom" corresponds to the term "whereto." Now
the term "whereto" of the resurrection is not the same in the good as in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether all will rise again.htm

Whether to Create is to Make Something from Nothing?
... Reply to Objection 2: Changes receive species and dignity, not from the term
"wherefrom," but from the term "whereto." Therefore a change is more perfect and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether to create is to.htm

Whether an Angel Can be Moved Locally?
... 86) "nothing which is devoid of parts is moved"; because, while it is in the term
"wherefrom," it is not moved; nor while it is in the term "whereto," for it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel can be 2.htm

Whether Adoption is Rightly Defined?
... Accordingly, just as natural procreation has a term "whereto," namely the form which
is the end of generation, and a term "wherefrom," namely the contrary form ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether adoption is rightly defined.htm

Heathen Examples Cry Shame Upon this "Infirmity of the Flesh. "
... Suffice it thee once for all to marry, whereto "from the beginning" thou
wast created, whereto by "the end" thou art being recalled! ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter xvii heathen examples cry shame.htm

Third Sunday after Epiphany. For as the Rain Cometh Down
... goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish
that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/third sunday after epiphany for.htm

Thus Soul-Sick was I, and Tormented, Accusing Myself Much More ...
... and laid hold of it; and yet came not at it, nor touched nor laid hold of it;
hesitating to die to death and to live to life: and the worse whereto I was inured ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xi thus soul-sick was.htm

The Wicked and Dishonourable Opinions Held by Arians, Sabellians.. ...
... 112. "Thou art a subject being." Whereto He will reply: "Why, then, dost thou seek
freedom and pardon of Him Whom thou thinkest to be subject as a slave?". 113. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii the wicked and.htm

Whether a Divine Person Can be Properly Sent?
... I answer that, the notion of mission includes two things: the habitude of the one
sent to the sender; and that of the one sent to the end whereto he is sent. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a divine person can.htm

Whether the Justification of the Ungodly is the Remission of Sins?
... And because movement is named after its term "whereto" rather than from its term
"whence," the transmutation whereby anyone is changed by the remission of sins ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the justification of the.htm

Whereto (5 Occurrences)
...Whereto (5 Occurrences). Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already
attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (KJV DBY). ...
/w/whereto.htm - 8k

Whereunto (36 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) Same as Whereto. Multi-Version Concordance
Whereunto (36 Occurrences). Matthew 11:16 But whereunto ...
/w/whereunto.htm - 17k

Wheresoever (17 Occurrences)

/w/wheresoever.htm - 11k

Vigour (8 Occurrences)
... confidence. (YLT). Job 30:2 Yea, whereto should the strength of their hands
profit me, men in whom vigour hath perished? (DBY). Psalms ...
/v/vigour.htm - 8k

Whither (151 Occurrences)
... 3. (adv.) To what point, degree, end, conclusion, or design; whereunto; whereto; --
used in a sense not physical. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/whither.htm - 40k

Accomplishing (9 Occurrences)
... My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, except
it accomplish that which I please, and make the thing whereto I sent it ...
/a/accomplishing.htm - 9k

Steps (113 Occurrences)
... Didn't we walk in the same steps? (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Philippians
3:16 But whereto we have attained, let us walk in the same steps. (DBY). ...
/s/steps.htm - 34k

Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)
... 6:10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall
he put upon his flesh; and he shall take up the ashes whereto the fire hath ...
/b/burnt-offering.htm - 38k

Profit (143 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 30:2 Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit
me, in whom old age was perished? (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/p/profit.htm - 35k

Whereto: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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