The term "fashioneth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "fashion," which means to shape, form, or mold something. In the context of the Bible, "fashioneth" is often used to describe the act of creating or forming, particularly by God or skilled artisans. This term appears in various passages, illustrating both divine creation and human craftsmanship.

Biblical Usage

1. Divine Creation: The concept of God as the ultimate creator is central to the biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, God is frequently described as the one who "fashioneth" the heavens, the earth, and humanity. For instance, in Isaiah 45:7, God declares, "I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things." Here, the act of forming or fashioning is attributed to God's sovereign power over creation.

2. Human Craftsmanship: The Bible also uses "fashioneth" to describe the work of human hands, particularly in the context of constructing idols or crafting objects for worship. In Isaiah 44:12-13, the prophet describes the process of idol-making: "The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers, and forges it with the might of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint." This passage highlights the futility of human efforts to create objects of worship, contrasting them with the living God who alone is worthy of worship.

3. Moral and Spiritual Formation: Beyond physical creation, "fashioneth" can also refer to the shaping of moral and spiritual character. In Psalm 33:15, it is written, "He fashions their hearts alike; He considers all their works." This suggests that God is actively involved in shaping the inner lives of individuals, aligning their hearts with His divine purposes.

Theological Implications

The use of "fashioneth" in the Bible underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and creative authority. It affirms that all of creation is subject to His will and design. The term also serves as a reminder of the distinction between the Creator and the created, emphasizing the futility of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God.

Furthermore, the concept of God fashioning the human heart speaks to the transformative power of divine grace. It suggests that God is not only concerned with the physical world but is also intimately involved in the spiritual development of His people. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and sanctification, where God continually works to mold His followers into the image of Christ.

In summary, "fashioneth" is a term that captures the essence of God's creative work, both in the physical universe and in the hearts of individuals. It serves as a powerful reminder of His authority, creativity, and ongoing involvement in the world.

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... value. God gives love; it is his nature and his essence. Satan also
fashioneth a thing which he calls love, but it is lust. God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... There is a vessel upon the potter's wheel, would it not be preposterous for that
clay which the potter fashioneth to boast itself and say, "How well am I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

2 Cor. xi. 13
... Ver.14, 15. "And no marvel; for if even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of
light, is it a great thing if his ministers also fashion themselves as ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiv 2 cor xi.htm

Of the Idols which the Gentiles Think to be Gods.
... But no man will be able to fashion a god like to himself. For since he
is mortal, he fashioneth a dead thing with wicked hands. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/59 of the idols which.htm

Jews.
... it is written in the prophets. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he
understandeth all their works. "11. I believe, with a perfect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

How Spirit Cannot be Penetrated by Spirit, and How God Alone is ...
... there is no creature invisible in His sight, but all things are naked and open to
His eyes." [1472] And the blessed David says: "Who fashioneth their hearts ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii how spirit cannot.htm

Psalm XXXIII.
... 15. "He fashioneth their hearts singly:" He giveth spiritually to their hearts their
proper gifts, so that neither the whole body may be eye, nor the whole ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiii.htm

Whether the Cause of Idolatry was on the Part of Man?
... use, in the wood . . . and by the skill of his art fashioneth it, and maketh
it like the image of a man . . . and then maketh prayer ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the cause of idolatry.htm

The Voice of the Lord God
... the training which we find, by the very facts of nature, fit and necessary for our
children, be the same as God's training, by which he fashioneth the hearts ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iii the voice of.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... concerning Wisdom, that being one, it can do all things, and remaining in itself,
it maketh all things new; and passing upon holy souls, fashioneth the friends ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

Fashioneth (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fashioneth (5 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no
marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. (ASV). ...
/f/fashioneth.htm - 8k

Fashioning (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:12 The smith maketh an axe, and worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it
with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm; yea, he is hungry, and his ...
/f/fashioning.htm - 7k

Iron-smith (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 44:12 The iron-smith hath a chisel, and he worketh in the coals, and he
fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm; but he is hungry ...
/i/iron-smith.htm - 6k

Faileth (26 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:12 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth
it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry ...
/f/faileth.htm - 13k

Fashioned (22 Occurrences)
... a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth
it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? (See JPS). ...
/f/fashioned.htm - 13k

Fashioner (1 Occurrence)

/f/fashioner.htm - 6k

Potsherd (6 Occurrences)
... Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him
that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? ...
/p/potsherd.htm - 9k

Potsherds (2 Occurrences)
... Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him
that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? ...
/p/potsherds.htm - 7k

Chisel (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:12 The iron-smith hath a chisel, and he worketh in the coals, and he
fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with his strong arm; but he is hungry ...
/c/chisel.htm - 8k

Considereth (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Considereth (9 Occurrences). Psalms 33:15 He fashioneth
their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/c/considereth.htm - 9k

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