The term "exacteth" is an archaic form of the verb "exact," which means to demand and obtain something, often with authority or force. In the context of the Bible, it is used to describe the act of demanding payment, retribution, or justice. The term is found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, and reflects the language of the time when these translations were made.

Biblical Usage

The concept of exacting is often associated with justice, fairness, and the fulfillment of obligations. It can be seen in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, where it is used to describe the actions of individuals, leaders, or even God Himself in ensuring that justice is served and that people fulfill their duties and obligations.

Scriptural References

1. Job 11:6 · "and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves."

In this passage, Zophar the Naamathite speaks to Job, suggesting that God, in His wisdom, is merciful and does not exact the full measure of punishment that Job's sins might warrant. This reflects the biblical theme of God's mercy and justice, where He tempers judgment with compassion.

2. Isaiah 58:3 · "'Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?' Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please and exact from all your laborers."

Here, the prophet Isaiah addresses the hypocrisy of the Israelites, who seek God's favor through fasting while continuing to exploit their workers. The term "exact" in this context highlights the unjust demands placed on laborers, contrasting with the true spirit of fasting and humility that God desires.

3. Ezekiel 18:18 · "As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what was not good among his people, he will die for his iniquity."

Although the term "exacteth" is not directly used in this verse, the concept of exacting through extortion is evident. The passage underscores the principle of individual responsibility and the consequences of unjust actions, emphasizing that each person is accountable for their own sins.

Theological Implications

The use of "exacteth" in the Bible often carries a moral and ethical dimension, reflecting the divine expectation for justice and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair dealings and the avoidance of exploitation or undue demands on others. In the broader biblical narrative, it underscores the balance between justice and mercy, a recurring theme in God's dealings with humanity.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of exacting serves as a call to live justly and to treat others with fairness and integrity. It challenges individuals to examine their own actions and attitudes, ensuring that they align with the principles of justice and mercy as taught in Scripture. This involves not only refraining from unjust demands but also advocating for the rights and well-being of others, reflecting the character of God in everyday interactions.

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... "Know, therefore," saith Zophar, "God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquities
deserve." God exacteth not according to law, he craveth not according to the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

Psalm XXXIII.
... 5. "He loveth Mercy and Judgment:" for He loveth Mercy, which now He showeth first;
and Judgment, wherewith He exacteth that which He hath first shown. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiii.htm

A Memorial
... a soul that, according to the Author's doctrine, doth so carefully avoid all defects
that it presently, upon sight of any default, exacteth an amendment of ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/a memorial.htm

Philippians ii. 16-Dec
... And accordingly this is the consideration, which his friends urged upon him; "Know
therefore that God exacteth less of thee than thine iniquities deserve ...
/.../homily viii philippians ii 16-dec.htm

Psalm LXVII.
... Because good He is to whom they confess: He exacteth confession, to the end that
He may deliver the humble; He condemneth one not confessing, to the end that ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvii.htm

Again in John v. 2, Etc. , on the Five Porches, Where Lay a Great ...
... He alarmeth me, who doth not allow me to keep silence. He exacteth of me what He
hath given. For He hath given it to be laid out, not to be kept up. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxv again in john.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... Hilariust [1257] saith further, That God teacheth, rather than exacteth, the knowledge
of himself, and authorizing his commands by the miracles of his heavenly ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... the eyes of the world, and do our part to make them believe that Christ is no more
for holiness than Satan, or that the Christian religion exacteth holiness no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Confessio Augustana.
The Creeds of the Evangelical Protestant Churches. <. ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

Exacteth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exacteth (3 Occurrences). ... Know therefore that God exacteth
of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/e/exacteth.htm - 7k

Exacted (9 Occurrences)

/e/exacted.htm - 9k

Exacting (5 Occurrences)

/e/exacting.htm - 8k

Overthrows (6 Occurrences)
... man. (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 29:4 The king by justice establisheth the land;
but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. (See NAS). ...
/o/overthrows.htm - 7k

Gift (148 Occurrences)
... 29:4), may also mean a bribe, the King James Version "he that receiveth gifts,"
the Revised Version (British and American) "he that exacteth gifts," margin ...
/g/gift.htm - 59k

Forgotten (69 Occurrences)
... manifold! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity
deserveth. (See NIV). Job 19:14 My relatives have gone away. ...
/f/forgotten.htm - 28k

Forgets (8 Occurrences)
... that sound wisdom is manifold! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less
than thine iniquity deserveth. (See NAS). Job 24:20 The ...
/f/forgets.htm - 8k

Exacts (3 Occurrences)
... deserves. (WEB RSV). Proverbs 29:4 The king by justice establisheth the land;
but he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it. (See RSV). ...
/e/exacts.htm - 7k

Deserveth (3 Occurrences)
... they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee
less than thine iniquity deserveth. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/d/deserveth.htm - 7k

Perverseness (46 Occurrences)
... in mine eyes, (YLT). Psalms 89:22 An enemy exacteth not upon him, And a
son of perverseness afflicteth him not. (YLT). Psalms 92:15 ...
/p/perverseness.htm - 18k

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