The term "approachest" is an archaic form of the verb "approach," which means to come near or draw closer to something or someone. In the context of the Bible, approaching often signifies drawing near to God, whether in prayer, worship, or in seeking His presence. This concept is central to the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing reverence, humility, and the desire for communion with the Divine.

Biblical Context

1. Approaching God in Worship and Prayer: The act of approaching God is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed on how to approach God, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Levitical laws provided specific guidelines for how the priests and the people were to come before God, emphasizing the need for purity and reverence (Leviticus 10:3).

2. The Holiness of God: The concept of approaching God is deeply tied to His holiness. In Exodus 3:5, God tells Moses, "Do not come any closer," and instructs him to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This illustrates the reverence required when approaching the Almighty.

3. The Role of the High Priest: In the Old Testament, the high priest had a unique role in approaching God on behalf of the people. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:2-34). This act symbolized the mediation necessary to approach a holy God.

4. New Testament Fulfillment: In the New Testament, the concept of approaching God takes on new dimensions with the coming of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Through Christ's sacrifice, believers have direct access to God, no longer requiring an earthly mediator.

5. Faith and Repentance: Approaching God also involves faith and repentance. James 4:8 exhorts, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual preparation necessary to approach God, emphasizing the need for a sincere heart and a repentant spirit.

6. Eschatological Hope: The theme of approaching God is also present in eschatological contexts. Believers look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of approaching God in the New Jerusalem, where they will dwell in His presence eternally (Revelation 21:3).

Theological Implications

The act of approaching God underscores the relationship between the Creator and His creation. It reflects the balance between God's transcendence and immanence—His holiness and His accessibility. Through Christ, the barriers that once separated humanity from God have been removed, allowing believers to approach Him with confidence and assurance of His grace and mercy. This access is a profound privilege and responsibility, calling for a life of holiness, devotion, and continual seeking of God's presence.

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... [1699] When therefore thou degradest thyself by the passions of the flesh, slave
of thy belly, and thy lowest parts, thou approachest animals without reason ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

Prayer.
... Wherefore look, when thou approachest the throne of grace, that thou give diligence
to seek for the "Lamb as it had been slain," that is in the midst of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xix prayer.htm

Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... in due season]." He well said, "for help in time of need." If thou approach now
(he means) thou wilt receive both grace and mercy, for thou approachest "in due ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily vii hebrews iv 13-nov.htm

John xix. 16-18
... Hence the Mysteries take their beginning; that [2499] when thou approachest to that
awful cup, thou mayest so approach, as drinking from the very side. Ver.35. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxv john xix 16-18.htm

John Chapter x. 22-42
... Thou approachest the light and art enlightened, and numbered among the sons of God;
if thou withdrawest from the light, thou fallest into obscurity, and art ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlviii john chapter x.htm

John vi. 41, 42
... Now as this is a great and wonderful thing, so if thou approach it with pureness,
thou approachest for salvation; but if with an evil conscience, for ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlvi john vi 41.htm

John Chapter xi. 55-57; xii
... Church, signest thyself with the sign of Christ, art baptized with the baptism of
Christ, minglest thyself with the members of Christ, and approachest His altar ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate l john chapter xi.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 1
... Shall the next thing be, that while thou art so scrupulous in that which is but
a trifle, thou approachest with a soul defiled, and darest to touch It?". ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliii 1 cor xvi.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... We are justified by his blood, through faith in his blood (Romans 5:6-9). Wherefore,
I say, look when thou approachest the throne of grace, that thou give ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Approachest (1 Occurrence)
...Approachest (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 20:10 When thou approachest unto a city
to fight against it, thou shalt proclaim peace unto it. (DBY). ...
/a/approachest.htm - 6k

Approaches (8 Occurrences)

/a/approaches.htm - 9k

Approacheth (4 Occurrences)

/a/approacheth.htm - 7k

Approach (56 Occurrences)
... NAS). Deuteronomy 20:10 When thou approachest unto a city to fight against
it, thou shalt proclaim peace unto it. (Root in DBY NAS). ...
/a/approach.htm - 24k

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