The term "beforetime" is an archaic expression found in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It generally refers to events or conditions that existed in the past, often highlighting a contrast with the present or future. In biblical contexts, "beforetime" is used to emphasize the continuity of God's plan, the fulfillment of prophecy, or the transformation brought about by divine intervention.

Biblical Usage

1. Historical Context: The word "beforetime" is often used to describe the state of affairs in ancient times, particularly in relation to God's dealings with humanity. For example, in 1 Samuel 9:9 , it is noted, "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 passage highlights the evolution of terminology and roles within the spiritual leadership of Israel.

2. Prophetic Fulfillment: The concept of "beforetime" is significant in understanding the fulfillment of prophecies. The prophets often spoke of events that would come to pass, and the realization of these prophecies serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. In Isaiah 46:10 , God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.'"

3. Transformation and Redemption: The use of "beforetime" can also underscore the transformation that occurs through God's redemptive work. In Ephesians 2:11-13 , Paul reminds the Gentile believers of their past state: "Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called 'uncircumcision' by the so-called 'circumcision' that is done in the body by human hands—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Theological Implications

The use of "beforetime" in Scripture serves to remind believers of the continuity and consistency of God's plan throughout history. It emphasizes that God's purposes are not bound by time and that His promises are sure. The transformation from "beforetime" to the present reality in Christ illustrates the profound change that occurs through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, reflecting on the concept of "beforetime" can inspire gratitude for the work God has done in their lives and encourage trust in His ongoing plan. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding one's spiritual heritage and the transformative power of God's grace. By recognizing the contrast between the past and the present, Christians are called to live in the light of their new identity in Christ, embracing the hope and purpose that come with it.(adv.) Formerly; aforetime.7223. rishon -- former, first, chief
... previously (1). ancestor, that were beforetime, beginning, eldest, first,
forefather most, former thing, of old time,. Or riishon ...
/hebrew/7223.htm - 6k

Acts x. 23, 24
... What then? Was He "a respecter of persons" beforetime? God forbid! For
beforetime likewise it was just the same: "Every one," as ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii acts x 23.htm

Epistle iii. --To Fabius, Bishop of Antioch.
... Already, indeed, the edict had arrived; and it was of such a tenor as almost perfectly
to correspond with what was intimated to us beforetime by our Lord ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle iii to fabius bishop of.htm

Further Proofs, from Ezekiel. Summary of the Prophetic Argument ...
... a "sign") in which the foundation of life was forelaid for mankind; (a "sign") in
which the Jews were not to believe: just as Moses beforetime kept on ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter xi further proofs from ezekiel.htm

Further Examples from the Old Testament in Favour of Fasting.
... a God-ward fast is a work of reverential awe: and by its means also Hannah the wife
of Elkanah making suit, barren as she had been beforetime, easily obtained ...
/.../chapter vii further examples from the.htm

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8. And there was great joy in that
city, 9. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/seed scattered and taking root.htm

Blessed be He who was Baptized that He Might Baptize You, that Ye ...
... forth her love,"lo! she pardons and quickens freely. 15. The sheep that
beforetime were in the fold"lo! they hasten forth to ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi blessed be he.htm

The Cities of Refuge
... pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because
he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime.6. And he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the cities of refuge.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither
shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

Where, Then, Ye Friends of Christ, Shall I Begin? and with what ...
... Since these, then, have also shown beforetime things not yet come to pass, and have
declared the devices and deceits of wicked men, who are destined to be made ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece iii where then ye.htm

Since, Then, the Blessed Prophets have Been Eyes to Us...
... things. For as being designated seers, [1885] they of necessity signified
and spake of these things beforetime. Footnotes: [1878 ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece i since then the.htm

Beforetime (21 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Beforetime (21 Occurrences). ... Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld
the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime. ...
/b/beforetime.htm - 13k

Beforehand (38 Occurrences)
... of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into his
hand; because he smote his neighbour unawares, and hated him not beforetime. ...
/b/beforehand.htm - 17k

Formerly (55 Occurrences)
... Yahweh. (See NAS). Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban,
and, behold, it was not toward him as beforetime. (See NAS). ...
/f/formerly.htm - 22k

Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences)
... Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence against the
inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher. ...
/k/kiriath-sepher.htm - 8k

Kiriath-arba (9 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE NAS). Joshua 14:15 Now the name of Hebron beforetime was
Kiriath-arba; which Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. ...
/k/kiriath-arba.htm - 9k

Smote (281 Occurrences)
... Joshua 11:10 And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the
king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those ...
/s/smote.htm - 39k

Kir'iath-se'pher (4 Occurrences)
... Kir'iath-se'pher (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence against the
inhabitants of Debir--now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher. ...
/k/kir'iath-se'pher.htm - 7k

Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Joshua 14:15 Now the name of Hebron beforetime was Kiriath-arba, which
Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. And the land had rest from war. ...
/k/kir'iath-ar'ba.htm - 9k

Noticed (19 Occurrences)
... it. (WEB RSV). Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and,
behold, it was not toward him as beforetime. (See NIV). ...
/n/noticed.htm - 11k

Utterances (9 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 41:26 Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we
may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is right? ...
/u/utterances.htm - 8k

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