Definition and Usage:
Aforethought refers to the consideration or planning of an action before it is carried out. In biblical terms, it often relates to the intentionality behind actions, particularly those that are premeditated. The concept of aforethought is significant in understanding the moral and ethical dimensions of human actions as depicted in the Bible.

Biblical Context:
While the specific term "aforethought" is not directly used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is evident in various passages that discuss intentionality and premeditation. The Bible frequently addresses the heart's intentions, emphasizing that God discerns not only actions but also the thoughts and motives behind them.

Old Testament Insights:
In the Old Testament, the idea of aforethought is closely linked to the condition of the heart. Jeremiah 17:10 states, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This verse highlights that God evaluates the intentions behind actions, not merely the actions themselves.

The concept is also evident in the laws given to Israel, where distinctions are made between accidental and premeditated actions. For example, in Numbers 35:22-24, the law differentiates between accidental killings and those committed with malice aforethought, prescribing different consequences for each.

New Testament Insights:
In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:21-22 , He teaches, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." Here, Jesus extends the commandment against murder to include the intentions and thoughts that precede the act, underscoring the significance of aforethought.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of intentionality in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , he writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This passage highlights the importance of intentionality in giving, suggesting that the value of an action is enhanced when it is done with forethought and a willing heart.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
The concept of aforethought in the Bible underscores the moral responsibility individuals have for their intentions. It suggests that actions are not morally neutral but are evaluated based on the intentions that precede them. This understanding calls believers to cultivate pure and righteous intentions, aligning their hearts with God's will.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the concept of aforethought emphasizes God's omniscience and His ability to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in aligning believers' intentions with God's purposes.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives regularly, seeking to ensure that their actions are guided by love, integrity, and a desire to honor God. The concept of aforethought invites Christians to live intentionally, making decisions that reflect their faith and commitment to God's commandments.1. (a.) Premeditated; prepense; previously in mind; designed; as, malice aforethought, which is required to constitute murder.

2. (n.) Premeditation.

The King's Highway Opened and Cleared
... If he killed another unawares, and had no malice aforethought, he might flee at
once to the City of Refuge; and if he could enter its gates before the avenger ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the kings highway opened and.htm

Useless Sacrifice
... not afraid of being told the truth; to English people who do wrong rather from
forgetfulness and luxury, than from meanness and cruelty aforethought; who, as ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvi useless sacrifice.htm

Masterful Dying.
... Jesus died deliberately. This is quite clear. It was done of love aforethought.
It was His own act fitted into the circumstances surrounding Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/masterful dying.htm

Sin is Only from the Will. His Own Life and Will Best Known to ...
... answer, by asking in this manner: Suppose that the sleeper already knew what the
other would do with his hand, and of purpose aforethought, having drunk so ...
/.../chapter 10 name is only.htm

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... He who neglects to save a life, kills. There are more murderers than those who lift
violent hands with malice aforethought against a hated life. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the portrait of a drunkyard.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... and under singular circumstances, a most fierce and terrible blast from the adversary,
before which he falls mournfully, but not with malice aforethought. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... You will meet with all manner of malice aforethought and deceit, and with faithlessness
and malignity on the part of those you have benefited; again, with ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... Human law distinguishes between a blow inflicted by accident (without evil design)
and a blow delivered with 'malice aforethought.' Apply then this same ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

The Wedding Garment
... No evidence was required; he had come there on set purpose with malice aforethought
to display his disloyalty, and had done so in the presence of the King. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

Aforethought (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Premeditated; prepense; previously in mind; designed; as, malice aforethought,
which is required to constitute murder. ...Aforethought (5 Occurrences). ...
/a/aforethought.htm - 8k

Aforetime (19 Occurrences)

/a/aforetime.htm - 12k

Forethought (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Thought of, or planned, beforehand; aforethought; prepense; hence, deliberate.
Multi-Version Concordance Forethought (3 Occurrences). ...
/f/forethought.htm - 7k

Murder (41 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The offense of killing a human being with malice pretense or aforethought,
express or implied; intentional and unlawful homicide. ...
/m/murder.htm - 24k

Aforesaid (1 Occurrence)

/a/aforesaid.htm - 6k

Aforethought: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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