The term "fighteth" is an archaic form of the verb "fight," often found in older translations of the Bible. It denotes engaging in battle or conflict, whether physical, spiritual, or moral. In the context of Scripture, "fighteth" can refer to both literal warfare and the spiritual battles faced by believers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of fighting is frequently associated with the Israelites' battles against their enemies. God often commanded His people to fight in order to claim the land He promised them. For instance, in Deuteronomy 1:30 , it is written, "The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt." Here, the term underscores God's role as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people.

The battles fought by the Israelites were not merely physical but also carried spiritual significance. They were often a test of faith and obedience to God's commands. In 1 Samuel 17:47 , during David's confrontation with Goliath, David declares, "And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands." This highlights the belief that God is the ultimate source of victory in any conflict.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of fighting takes on a more spiritual dimension. Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Here, the fight is against spiritual adversaries, requiring believers to put on the full armor of God.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of fighting to describe the Christian life. In 1 Timothy 6:12 , he exhorts Timothy, "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses." This passage emphasizes perseverance and steadfastness in the faith amidst trials and temptations.

Divine Assistance in Battle

Throughout Scripture, the theme of God fighting for His people is prevalent. In Exodus 14:14 , Moses reassures the Israelites, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This assurance of divine intervention is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty in the midst of their battles.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The concept of fighting in the Bible also extends to moral and ethical struggles. Believers are called to fight against sin and pursue righteousness. In Romans 7:23 , Paul describes the internal conflict, "But I see another law at work in my body, waging war against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me." This internal battle underscores the ongoing struggle against sin that every believer faces.

Conclusion

The term "fighteth" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from physical battles to spiritual and moral conflicts. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to engage in the fight of faith, relying on God's strength and guidance to overcome adversities and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.

Psalm XCVI.
... regions where the Roman empire hath never yet reached; what is as yet closed to
those who fight with the sword, is not closed to Him who fighteth with wood. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvi.htm

Psalm LXIV.
... wait. For he that with sword fighteth hand to hand, openly fighteth: he
that shooteth an arrow deceiveth, in order to strike. For ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxiv.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... With these "fingers" then the Body of Christ fighteth, going forth to "war," going
forth to "battle."...By works of Mercy our enemy is conquered, and we could ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

"I Will Endure the Indignation of the Lord. " --Micah vii.
... From pain all free May never be He 'gainst the Lord who fighteth, As I
each day, Who trod the way Wherein the world delighteth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/i will endure the indignation.htm

A Path in the Sea
... took off their chariot-wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians
said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

The Power of God's Grace is Proved.
... she says, "Give me eloquent speech in my mouth, and enlighten my words in the sight
of the lion, and turn his heart to hatred of him that fighteth against us"? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 38 xx the power of.htm

Jehovah
... "The Lord is a man of war"; "The Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you";
"The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace"; "Be not afraid ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

Psalm CXL.
... They made for me what I was to fight against all the day. For from thence, from
such hearts as these, ariseth all that the Christian fighteth against. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxl.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... The slanderer is an enemy, as the most fierce and outrageous, so the most base and
unworthy that can be; he fighteth with the most perilous and most unlawful ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The War of Truth
... to carry out the holy maxim, "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you."
The Christian soldier hath no gun and no sword, for he fighteth not with men. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

Fighteth (23 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fighteth (23 Occurrences). ... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Exodus
17:8 And Amalek cometh, and fighteth with Israel in Rephidim, (YLT). ...
/f/fighteth.htm - 13k

Captureth (24 Occurrences)
... charioteers. (YLT). 2 Samuel 12:26 And Joab fighteth against Rabbah of the
Bene-Ammon, and captureth the royal city, (YLT). 2 Samuel ...
/c/captureth.htm - 13k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... Joshua 10:29 And Joshua passeth over, and all Israel with him, from Makkedah
'to' Libnah, and fighteth with Libnah; (YLT). Joshua ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

Gathereth (65 Occurrences)
... through his border, and Sihon gathereth all his people, and cometh out to meet Israel
into the wilderness, and cometh in to Jahaz, and fighteth against Israel. ...
/g/gathereth.htm - 26k

Captured (143 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:47 and Saul captured the kingdom over Israel, and he fighteth round
about against all his enemies, against Moab, and against the Bene-Ammon, and ...
/c/captured.htm - 36k

Fighters (12 Occurrences)

/f/fighters.htm - 9k

Bene-ammon (44 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:47 and Saul captured the kingdom over Israel, and he fighteth round
about against all his enemies, against Moab, and against the Bene-Ammon, and ...
/b/bene-ammon.htm - 20k

Smiting (76 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 19:8 And there addeth to be war, and David goeth out and fighteth against
the Philistines, and smiteth among them -- a great smiting, and they flee ...
/s/smiting.htm - 31k

Smiteth (156 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 19:8 And there addeth to be war, and David goeth out and fighteth against
the Philistines, and smiteth among them -- a great smiting, and they flee ...
/s/smiteth.htm - 38k

Turneth (249 Occurrences)
... at Gilgal. (YLT). Joshua 10:38 And Joshua turneth back, and all Israel with
him, to Debir, and fighteth against it, (YLT). Joshua 10 ...
/t/turneth.htm - 38k

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