Definition and Usage:
The term "aforetime" is an archaic English word that means "in times past" or "formerly." It is used in the Bible to refer to events, practices, or conditions that existed in previous times. The word is often employed to contrast past events with present circumstances, highlighting changes or continuities in God's dealings with humanity.

Biblical References:
In the Berean Standard Bible , "aforetime" is used to convey the idea of past occurrences or established traditions. It is a term that helps readers understand the historical context of certain biblical narratives or teachings.

1. 1 Samuel 9:9 : "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called a seer." This verse illustrates the historical evolution of terminology within Israelite society, showing how the role of a prophet was understood and referred to in earlier times.

2. Nehemiah 13:5 : "He had prepared for him a large chamber where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests." Here, "aforetime" is implied in the description of the chamber's previous use, emphasizing the restoration of proper worship practices.

3. Job 30:3 : "They are gaunt from poverty and hunger; they gnaw the dry land, in desolate wastelands by night." While "aforetime" is not directly used in this verse, the context of Job's lament reflects on the drastic change from his former prosperity to his current suffering, a theme common in the book of Job.

Theological Significance:
The use of "aforetime" in the Bible often serves to remind readers of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenantal promises throughout history. It underscores the importance of remembering past lessons and divine interventions as a guide for present and future faithfulness.

Historical Context:
In biblical times, oral tradition and historical memory played crucial roles in maintaining the identity and faith of the Israelite community. References to "aforetime" would have resonated with the original audience, who valued the accounts of their ancestors and the mighty acts of God in their history.

Application for Believers:
For contemporary believers, the concept of "aforetime" encourages reflection on personal and communal spiritual journeys. It invites Christians to consider how God has worked in their lives and the lives of those who came before them, fostering a sense of gratitude and trust in God's unchanging nature.

Conclusion:
The term "aforetime" serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of biblical history and its relevance for today. Through understanding the past, believers are better equipped to navigate the present and future with faith and hope.(adv.) In time past; formerly.4270. prographo -- to write before
... Verb Transliteration: prographo Phonetic Spelling: (prog-raf'-o) Short Definition:
I write previously Definition: (a) I write previously (aforetime); I write ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4270.htm - 6k6924. qedem -- front, east, formerly
... 6923, 6924. qedem. 6924a . front, east, formerly. Transliteration: qedem
Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-dem) Short Definition: aforetime. ...
/hebrew/6924.htm - 6k

1836. denah -- this
... pronoun Definition this NASB Word Usage one another* (1), therefore* (6), this
(42), thus (2). aforetime, after this manner, here after, one. ...
/hebrew/1836.htm - 6k

6928. qadmah -- former time
... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to qadmah Definition former time NASB
Word Usage ago (1), previously (1). aforetime, ago. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/6928.htm - 6k

The Fear of Death and Judgment Called Him, Believing in the ...
... Chapter XVI."The Fear of Death and Judgment Called Him, Believing in the Immortality
of the Soul, Back from His Wickedness, Him Who Aforetime Believed in the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xvi the fear of death.htm

I Look Upon all the Four Gospels as Thoroughly Genuine...
... his windows being opened to Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day
and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he did aforetime." Put praying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter x i look upon.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a
day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Do not ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Sight Given to the Blind.
... seeing. The neighbours therefore, and they which saw him aforetime, that
he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xx sight given to the.htm

Of Monastic Vows.
... Aforetime they were schools of theology and other branches, profitable to the Church;
and thence pastors and bishops were obtained. Now it is another thing. ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvii of monastic vows.htm

Light for those who Sit in Darkness
... the salvation of the Gentiles, so the leaving of these privileged ones shall open
a door of mercy and hope to those who have not enjoyed the privilege aforetime ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/light for those who sit.htm

Ephesians ii. 3-Jan
... Homily IV. Ephesians II. 1-3. Ephesians II. 1-3 "And you did He quicken, when ye
were dead through your trespasses and sins, wherein aforetime ye walked ...
/.../homily iv ephesians ii 3-jan.htm

Ephesians ii. 11, 12
... paul the apostle to the ephesians. Homily V. Ephesians II. 11, 12. Ephesians II.
11, 12 "Wherefore remember, that aforetime ye the Gentiles in the flesh, who ...
/.../homily v ephesians ii 11.htm

John v. 6, 7
... And Paul declared this when he said, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime,
were written aforetime for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvii john v 6.htm

A Miracle in Jerusalem.
... seeing. The neighbors therefore, and they that saw him aforetime, that he
was a beggar, said, "Is not this he that sat and begged?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/a miracle in jerusalem.htm

Aforetime (19 Occurrences)
...Aforetime (19 Occurrences). John 9:8 The neighbors therefore, and they that saw
him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? ...
/a/aforetime.htm - 12k

Sometime (5 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) changes to "aforetime" in The Wisdom
of Solomon 5:3; 1 Peter 3:20; to "once" in Ephesians 2:13; Ephesians 5:8; to ...
/s/sometime.htm - 9k

Zamzummin (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See NAS). ...
/z/zamzummin.htm - 6k

Zamzum'mim (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See RSV). ...
/z/zamzum'mim.htm - 6k

Zamzummites (1 Occurrence)
... Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt therein
aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See NIV). ...
/z/zamzummites.htm - 6k

Overflowed (14 Occurrences)
... soles of the priests' feet were drawn up unto the dry ground, that the waters of
the Jordan returned unto their place, and went over all its banks, as aforetime...
/o/overflowed.htm - 10k

Forbearance (9 Occurrences)
... of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering"; 3:25 the Revised Version (British
and American), "the passing over of the sins done aforetime, in the ...
/f/forbearance.htm - 10k

Tabret (3 Occurrences)
... harp? (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Job 17:6 He hath made me also a byword of the
people; and aforetime I was as a tabret. (KJV WBS). Isaiah ...
/t/tabret.htm - 8k

Reph'aim (17 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Deuteronomy 2:20 That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim dwelt
therein aforetime; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, (See RSV). ...
/r/reph'aim.htm - 11k

Reside (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Isaiah 52:4 For thus saith the Lord GOD: My people went down aforetime into
Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. ...
/r/reside.htm - 12k

Aforetime: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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