The term "approveth" is derived from the verb "approve," which in biblical contexts often refers to the act of expressing satisfaction or agreement with something or someone, particularly in alignment with God's will or standards. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of approval is frequently associated with divine endorsement or the commendation of righteous behavior.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Approval: In Scripture, God's approval is the ultimate standard for human conduct. The Bible emphasizes that God's approval is not based on external appearances or human standards but on the heart and obedience to His commandments. For instance, in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 , Paul writes, "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts."

2. Moral and Ethical Conduct: Approval in the biblical sense often relates to moral and ethical behavior that aligns with God's laws. Romans 14:18 states, "For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." This verse highlights that serving Christ with righteousness and peace is both pleasing to God and earns the approval of others.

3. Testing and Approval: The process of testing and proving one's faith is a recurring theme in the Bible. James 1:12 notes, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Here, approval is linked to enduring trials and remaining faithful, resulting in divine reward.

4. Human Approval vs. Divine Approval: The Bible often contrasts human approval with divine approval, urging believers to seek the latter. Galatians 1:10 states, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." This verse underscores the importance of prioritizing God's approval over human accolades.

5. Role of Faith: Faith plays a crucial role in obtaining God's approval. Hebrews 11:2 says, "This is why the ancients were commended." The chapter goes on to list figures from the Old Testament who were approved by God because of their faith, demonstrating that trust in God is foundational to receiving His commendation.

Theological Implications

The concept of approval in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It reflects the relationship between God and humanity, where divine approval is seen as a mark of favor and blessing. It also serves as a guiding principle for Christian living, encouraging believers to align their lives with God's will and to seek His approval above all else. The pursuit of divine approval is not merely about following rules but about cultivating a heart that desires to please God in all things.

But for what Fruit Would they Hear This? do they Desire to Joy ...
... children, whose mouth talketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of
iniquity, but that brotherly mind which when it approveth, rejoiceth for me ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv but for what.htm

Of the Law and a Christian
... and blessed a righteousness, that this thundering law of Mount Sinai cannot find
the least fault or diminution therein, but rather approveth and alloweth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/of the law and a.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... and blessed a righteousness, that this thundering law of mount Sinai cannot find
the least fault or diminution therein; but rather approveth and alloweth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

Thus Then what is Written, "The Mouth that Lieth...
... in the heart, where is approved and decreed whatever also by the voice, when we
speak the truth, is uttered: so that he lieth with the heart who approveth a lie ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 31 thus then what.htm

Meditations of the State of a Christian Reconciled to God in ...
... all the righteousness of Christ as freely and fully imputed to him (Romans 4:5,
19;) and so God is reconciled to him (2 Corinthians 5:19;) and approveth him as ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the state of.htm

'Tis Patience must Support You. --Heb. x. 35-37.
... carnal mind Unclouded joy and gladness In God aye hop'd to find, Though He hath
made it clear, He chastens whom He loveth, And whom He much approveth, He much ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/tis patience must support you heb.htm

Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace
... clouds, having yet a discernment of good and evil, a distinction of the true and
the false, though it be powerless to fulfil all that it approveth, and possess ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lv of the corruption.htm

That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted
... of him, he ought to rouse himself and to do what in him lieth; and the Lord will
help his desire for the good will which he hath, which God specially approveth ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x that holy communion.htm

That the Sacrifices of the Wicked are not Acceptable.
... Third Book. 111. That the sacrifices of the wicked are not acceptable. In the same:
"The Highest approveth not the gifts of the unrighteous." [4615]. Footnotes: ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/111 that the sacrifices of.htm

But that He Judgeth all Things, this Answers to his Having ...
... For He judgeth and approveth what He findeth right, and He disalloweth what He findeth
amiss, whether in the celebration of those Sacraments by which such are ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxiii but that he.htm

Approveth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Approveth (2 Occurrences). Romans ... God. Happy is he
that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth. (ASV). ...
/a/approveth.htm - 6k

Judgeth (37 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Romans 14:22 The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before
God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth. (ASV). ...
/j/judgeth.htm - 16k

Approving (2 Occurrences)

/a/approving.htm - 7k

Approvest (1 Occurrence)

/a/approvest.htm - 6k

Allow (86 Occurrences)
... to prove," "approve." "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in the thing which
he alloweth" (the Revised Version (British and American) "approveth," ie in ...
/a/allow.htm - 33k

Allowance (11 Occurrences)
... to prove," "approve." "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in the thing which
he alloweth" (the Revised Version (British and American) "approveth," ie in ...
/a/allowance.htm - 12k

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