The term "compelleth" is derived from the verb "compel," which means to drive or urge with force, or to necessitate action. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to a strong urging or forceful persuasion to act in accordance with God's will or to fulfill a particular duty. The concept of compulsion in the Scriptures can be seen as both a divine urging towards righteousness and a human response to divine authority.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 5:41 : "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about going beyond what is required or expected. The term "forces" here is akin to "compelleth," suggesting a willingness to exceed the demands placed upon us, reflecting a spirit of generosity and service.

2. Luke 14:23 : "Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.'" In this parable of the great banquet, the master represents God, and the act of compelling signifies the urgency and importance of inviting others into the kingdom of God. It underscores the necessity of evangelism and the active role believers must take in sharing the Gospel.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:14 : "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." Here, the Apostle Paul speaks of the compelling nature of Christ's love, which drives believers to live for Him who died and was raised. This compulsion is not out of obligation but out of a profound understanding and appreciation of Christ's sacrificial love.

Theological Implications:

The concept of "compelleth" in Scripture often involves a divine or moral imperative that moves individuals to act beyond their natural inclinations. It reflects the transformative power of God's love and the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life. This compulsion is not coercive in a negative sense but is a compelling force that aligns with God's purposes and the believer's ultimate good.

In the context of Christian duty, "compelleth" can also relate to the believer's responsibility to live out their faith actively and intentionally. It suggests a proactive approach to faith, where believers are urged to engage in acts of service, evangelism, and discipleship, driven by the love and commands of Christ.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, the concept of compulsion was often associated with authority and power. Roman soldiers, for example, could compel civilians to carry their burdens for a mile, as referenced in Matthew 5:41. Jesus' teaching to go the extra mile subverts this practice, encouraging His followers to respond to compulsion with grace and generosity.

The use of "compelleth" in the parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:23) reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and the urgency of the Gospel message. The master's command to compel guests to attend the banquet illustrates the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the lengths to which God will go to ensure His house is full.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the concept of "compelleth" serves as a reminder of the active role they are to play in God's redemptive plan. It challenges Christians to examine what compels them in their daily lives and to ensure that their actions are motivated by Christ's love and the desire to fulfill His commands. Whether in acts of service, sharing the Gospel, or living out one's faith, the believer is called to respond to God's compelling love with obedience and dedication.

Ye have Heard Also that it was Said unto the Ancients...
... to him also thy wrapper. [697] And whosoever compelleth thee one mile,
go with [10] [Arabic, p.35] him twain. [698] And he that ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ix ye have heard.htm

Concerning Patience and Swearing.
... And whosoever shall be angry, is in danger of the fire. And every one that
compelleth thee to go with him a mile, follow him two. ...
/.../the first apology of justin/chapter xvi concerning patience and swearing.htm

And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
... is right to be done, or while, seeing it, one is overcome; that is, that a sin is
done, either for that the truth is hidden, or for that infirmity compelleth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 22 and to holy.htm

That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted
... Him. 7. He who only prepareth himself when a festival is at hand or custom
compelleth, will too often be unprepared. Blessed is ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter x that holy communion.htm

Knox in the English Puritan Troubles at Frankfort: 1554-1555
... The churching of women, they said, is both Pagan and Jewish. "Other things not so
much shame itself as a certain kind of pity compelleth us to keep close.". ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter vi knox in the.htm

The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... God is my witness, I speak whatsoever is spoken of the good-will that I bear you;
God is my witness, which knoweth my heart, and compelleth me to say that I say ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/the second sermon in the.htm

John vii. 25-27
... Again, had He been about to stay with them a long time, so also they would have
been remiss. But now He in every way compelleth and terrifieth them. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily l john vii 25-27.htm

The Kingdome Apperteineth to Ovr God.
... ouer his people and flocke, (and watchman are they whose eyes he doth open, and
whose conscience he pricketh to admonishe the vngodlie) compelleth me to vtter ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/the kingdome apperteineth to ovr.htm

Psalm CVII.
... That wickedness that doth prate against unity, and compelleth truth to be made manifest,
shall be convicted, and have its mouth stopped. 10. "Who is wise? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvii.htm

1 Cor. xi. 2
... Joel 2:28. Acts 2:17.). Well then: the man he compelleth not to be always
uncovered, but only when he prays. "For every man," saith ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 1 cor xi.htm

Compelleth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Compelleth (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 21:11
also, he hath made high places in the mountains of Judah ...
/c/compelleth.htm - 6k

Compelled (22 Occurrences)

/c/compelled.htm - 12k

Compels (5 Occurrences)

/c/compels.htm - 7k

Whoredom (58 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 21:11 also, he hath made high places in the mountains of Judah, and
causeth the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit whoredom, and compelleth Judah. ...
/w/whoredom.htm - 24k

Causeth (209 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 21:11 also, he hath made high places in the mountains of Judah, and
causeth the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit whoredom, and compelleth Judah. ...
/c/causeth.htm - 38k

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