The term "curseth" is an archaic form of the verb "curse," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is used to describe the act of invoking harm or misfortune upon someone or something, often through spoken words. The concept of cursing is significant in biblical theology, as it contrasts with the act of blessing and reflects the moral and spiritual state of individuals and nations.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the act of cursing is often associated with disobedience to God's commandments and the resulting divine judgment. One of the earliest instances of cursing is found in Genesis 3:14-19, where God curses the serpent, the ground, and pronounces consequences upon Adam and Eve following the Fall. This passage illustrates the profound impact of sin and the introduction of suffering into the world.

The Mosaic Law contains specific prohibitions against cursing. For example, Exodus 21:17 states, "Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death." This severe penalty underscores the importance of honoring one's parents and maintaining societal order. Similarly, Leviticus 20:9 reiterates this command, emphasizing the gravity of such an offense.

Cursing is also depicted as a tool of divine retribution against Israel's enemies. In Numbers 22-24, the prophet Balaam is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. However, God intervenes, and Balaam is compelled to bless Israel instead. This narrative highlights God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of cursing takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus addresses the issue of cursing in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that one's words reflect the condition of the heart. In Matthew 5:44, He instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This command challenges believers to respond to hostility with love and prayer rather than curses.

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 12:14, where he writes, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." This exhortation encourages Christians to embody Christ-like behavior, even in the face of persecution, and to trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal vengeance.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of cursing in his epistle. In James 3:9-10, he warns against the inconsistency of using the tongue to both bless God and curse others: "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" This passage emphasizes the importance of integrity and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in controlling one's speech.

Theological Implications

The act of cursing in the Bible is often associated with the broader themes of sin, judgment, and redemption. It serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. However, the biblical narrative also points to the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ, who bore the curse of sin on the cross (Galatians 3:13) so that believers might receive the blessing of eternal life.

In summary, "curseth" in the biblical context is a multifaceted concept that underscores the power of words, the reality of divine judgment, and the call to live in accordance with God's will, reflecting His love and grace to the world.

That the Gentiles Should Rather Believe in Christ.
... I will bless thee, and I will magnify thy name; and thou shalt be blessed: and I
will bless him that blesseth thee, and I will curse him that curseth thee: and ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/21 that the gentiles should.htm

Of the Things Mystically Prefigured in Esau and Jacob.
... wine: let nations serve thee, and princes adore thee: and be lord of thy brethren,
and let thy father's sons adore thee: cursed be he that curseth thee, and ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 37 of the things mystically.htm

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
... Ver.3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and him who curseth thee I will curse:
and in thee all the families of the earth shall be blessed.". ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise to the patriarchs.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Curse Anyone?
... But it is not lawful to curse the devil, as neither is it lawful to curse oneself;
for it is written (Ecclus.21:30): "While the ungodly curseth the devil, he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 13.htm

Matt. xv. 1
... tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and thy mother: and,
He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily li matt xv 1.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and
I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... and I will surely bless thee, and make thy name great, so that thou shalt be a blessing,
I will also bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study v the pioneers influence.htm

Never a Man Like Him
... For Moses said: 'Honour thy father and thy mother'; and, 'Whoso curseth father or
mother, let him die the death:' but ye say, 'If a man shall say to his father ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter vii never a man.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... thee," Jehovah declared, "and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

How a Soul Shall Dispose it on Its Own Part, for to Destroy all ...
... Insomuch, that he weepeth and waileth, striveth, curseth, and banneth; and shortly
to say, him thinketh that he beareth so heavy a burthen of himself that he ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the four and 3.htm

Curseth (11 Occurrences)
...Curseth (11 Occurrences). Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father
and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. ...
/c/curseth.htm - 9k

Honour (475 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY BBE DBY). Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and
mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. ...
/h/honour.htm - 35k

Blesseth (55 Occurrences)
... serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy
mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and ...
/b/blesseth.htm - 22k

Die (401 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that
curseth father or mother, let him die the death. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/d/die.htm - 42k

Obscure (7 Occurrences)
... hearts; (DBY). Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp
shall be put out in obscure darkness. (KJV WBS). Proverbs ...
/o/obscure.htm - 9k

Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 20:9 For whatsoever man there be that curseth his father or his mother
shall surely be put to death; he hath cursed his father or his mother; his ...
/b/bloodguiltiness.htm - 11k

Couches (15 Occurrences)
... shall rouse him up? Blessed be every one that blesseth thee, and cursed be
every one that curseth thee. (See NAS). Deuteronomy 33:13 ...
/c/couches.htm - 10k

Cursest (1 Occurrence)

/c/cursest.htm - 6k

Stooped (15 Occurrences)
... lioness: who will stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed
is he that curseth thee. (DBY). 1 Samuel 24:8 David also ...
/s/stooped.htm - 11k

Stir (57 Occurrences)
... who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he
that curseth thee. (KJV DBY). Deuteronomy 2:9 and Jehovah ...
/s/stir.htm - 25k

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