The term "grindeth" is an archaic form of the verb "grind," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It is primarily associated with the process of milling grain into flour, a common and essential activity in ancient agrarian societies. The act of grinding is often performed using a hand mill or a larger millstone, operated by humans or animals.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, grinding is frequently mentioned in the context of daily life and sustenance. For example, in Exodus 11:5, the Lord warns of the impending death of the firstborn in Egypt, affecting everyone "from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl who is at her hand mill." This passage highlights the universality of grinding as a task, performed by both the lowly and the mighty.

Judges 16:21 recounts the account of Samson, who, after being captured by the Philistines, is put to work grinding grain in prison: "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison." This act symbolizes Samson's humiliation and loss of strength, as grinding was considered menial labor.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, grinding is used metaphorically to illustrate the suddenness of the coming of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 24:41, Jesus describes the unexpected nature of His return: "Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left." This imagery serves to remind believers to remain vigilant and prepared for the Lord's coming.

Symbolism and Cultural Context

Grinding in biblical times was a labor-intensive process, often performed by women. It was a daily task necessary for preparing food, and thus, it became a symbol of provision and sustenance. The imagery of grinding also conveys themes of judgment and separation, as seen in the New Testament.

The act of grinding can also be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Just as grain is crushed and refined to produce flour, so too are individuals refined through their experiences and faith.

Conclusion

The term "grindeth" and its associated imagery provide rich insights into the daily life, cultural practices, and spiritual lessons of biblical times. Through its various appearances in Scripture, grinding serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, humility, and the refining process of faith.

The Demoniac Boy
... Him, Master, I brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever
it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 14-29 the demoniac boy.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks ...
... is stumbled against, it lieth low; by lying low, it "shaketh" him that stumbleth
against it; being lifted on high, by its coming down it "grindeth" the proud ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xli on the words.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... him, and he suddenly crieth out; ^b 18 and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth
him down: ^c and it teareth him that he foameth, ^b and grindeth his teeth ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 5.htm

The Epileptic Boy.
... my son: for he is mine only child: and behold, he hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever
it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the epileptic boy.htm

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
... and low, rich and poor, together," Psalm 49:1, 2. For it is the concern of all,
from the king that sits upon the throne, to the servant that grindeth at the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the care of the soul.htm

Psalm XLVI.
... powder. To be broken is less than to be ground to powder: but none grindeth
He coming exalted, save whom He brake lying low. For ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlvi.htm

Philippians ii. 8-May
... Whensoever we stand apart from Him, he puffeth himself up greatly, he uttereth terrible
sounds, he grindeth his teeth, because he finds us without our greatest ...
/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... himself Khnumu,"when he ariseth, then the earth shouts for joy,"then are all bellies
joyful,"each back is shaken with laughter,"and every tooth grindeth ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Grindeth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grindeth (2 Occurrences). Mark 9:18 and wheresoever
it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and ...
/g/grindeth.htm - 7k

Grinding (13 Occurrences)

/g/grinding.htm - 10k

Grinders (1 Occurrence)

/g/grinders.htm - 6k

Gnash (12 Occurrences)
... instance only) to mean "to grate or gnash with the teeth," indicating the effect
of a paroxysm, the Revised Version (British and American) "grindeth his teeth ...
/g/gnash.htm - 12k

Dasheth (5 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:18 and wheresoever it taketh him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and
grindeth his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they ...
/d/dasheth.htm - 7k

Burneth (67 Occurrences)
... Exodus 32:20 and he taketh the calf which they have made, and burneth 'it' with
fire, and grindeth until 'it is' small, and scattereth on the face of the waters ...
/b/burneth.htm - 28k

Scattereth (18 Occurrences)
... Exodus 32:20 and he taketh the calf which they have made, and burneth 'it' with
fire, and grindeth until 'it is' small, and scattereth on the face of the waters ...
/s/scattereth.htm - 11k

Causeth (209 Occurrences)
... Exodus 32:20 and he taketh the calf which they have made, and burneth 'it' with
fire, and grindeth until 'it is' small, and scattereth on the face of the waters ...
/c/causeth.htm - 38k

Waters (386 Occurrences)
... Exodus 32:20 and he taketh the calf which they have made, and burneth 'it' with
fire, and grindeth until 'it is' small, and scattereth on the face of the waters ...
/w/waters.htm - 42k

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