The term "expecteth" is an archaic form of the verb "expect," which means to look forward to or anticipate something with a sense of hope or assurance. In the context of the Bible, the concept of expectation is often tied to faith, hope, and the promises of God. The idea of expecting is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where believers are encouraged to live in anticipation of God's actions, both in the present and in the eschatological future.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Faith and Expectation: Expectation in the Bible is closely linked to faith. Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This verse highlights the relationship between faith and expectation, where believers are called to trust in God's promises even when they are not yet visible.

2. Hope in God's Promises: The Psalms frequently express a sense of expectation in God's deliverance and faithfulness. Psalm 62:5 declares, "Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him." Here, the psalmist demonstrates a confident expectation in God's provision and timing.

3. Messianic Expectation: Throughout the Old Testament, there is a strong theme of expectation regarding the coming of the Messiah. Prophets like Isaiah spoke of a future hope and salvation through the promised Savior. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders." This expectation was fulfilled in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus Christ.

4. Eschatological Expectation: The New Testament continues the theme of expectation with a focus on the return of Christ. Believers are encouraged to live in anticipation of His second coming. Titus 2:13 speaks of "waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This expectation motivates Christians to live holy and godly lives.

5. Prayer and Expectation: In the teachings of Jesus, expectation is also linked to prayer. In Mark 11:24 , Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This instruction emphasizes the importance of expecting God to answer prayers according to His will.

Theological Implications

The concept of expectation in the Bible underscores the importance of trust and reliance on God's character and promises. It calls believers to a posture of hopeful anticipation, grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness. Expectation is not merely wishful thinking but is rooted in the certainty of God's revealed word and His unchanging nature. This expectation shapes the believer's worldview, encouraging a life of active faith and hope in the midst of a fallen world.

Proverbs False and True. October 21.
... There is no falser proverb than that devil's beatitude, "Blessed is he who expecteth
nothing, for he shall never be disappointed." Say rather, "Blessed is he ...
/.../kingsley/daily thoughts /proverbs false and true october.htm

Mr. Bernard Shaw
... The man who said, "Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be
disappointed," put the eulogy quite inadequately and even falsely. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/iv mr bernard shaw.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian
... is the revelation of the mind and will of God, both as to the truth of what is either
in himself or ways, and also as to what he requireth and expecteth of thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/of the trinity and a.htm

Leadership for Service
... to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... is the revelation of the mind and will of God, both as to the truth of what is either
in himself or ways; and also as to what he requireth and expecteth of thee ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

Certain Amorous Speeches of the Soul to Herself in Prayer:
... be rest? how long wilt thou securely sleep in destruction? 19. Return unto
our Lord thy God, for He expecteth thee. 20. Make haste ...
/.../certain amorous speeches of the.htm

Delivered on the Lord's Day, on that which is Written in the ...
... I suppose he cultivates his field. If then God the Father be a Husbandman, He hath
a field; and His field He cultivateth, and from it He expecteth fruit. ...
/.../sermon xxxvii delivered on the.htm

But How is that Future Diminished or Consumed, which as yet is Not ...
... For it expects, it considers, it remembers; that so that which it expecteth, through
that which it considereth, passeth into that which it remembereth. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxviii but how is.htm

Time in the Human Mind, which Expects, Considers, and Remembers.
... For it both expects, and considers, and remembers, that that which it expecteth,
through that which it considereth, may pass into that which it remembereth. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxviii time in the human.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... God, therefore, expecteth fruit. ... God expecteth fruit, God calls for fruit, yea,
God will shortly come seeking fruit on this barren fig-tree. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Expecteth (3 Occurrences)
...Expecteth (3 Occurrences). Matthew 24:50 the lord of that servant shall come in
a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, (ASV). ...
/e/expecteth.htm - 7k

Knoweth (152 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Matthew 24:50 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when
he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, (ASV). ...
/k/knoweth.htm - 35k

Expected (18 Occurrences)

/e/expected.htm - 11k

Expecting (22 Occurrences)

/e/expecting.htm - 12k

Asunder (37 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:46 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and
in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his ...
/a/asunder.htm - 22k

Bondman (108 Occurrences)
... from his master. (DBY). Job 7:2 As a bondman earnestly desireth the shadow,
and a hireling expecteth his wages, (DBY). Job 31:13 If ...
/b/bondman.htm - 36k

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