The term "howsoever" is an archaic English word that appears in some translations of the Bible, including older versions of the King James Bible. It is used to convey the meaning of "in whatever way" or "however." In the context of Scripture, "howsoever" often introduces a statement of flexibility or variability in circumstances or actions, emphasizing the sovereignty of God and the adaptability required of His followers.

Biblical Usage and Context

While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "howsoever," the concept it conveys can be found throughout Scripture. The idea of "howsoever" is often related to the understanding that God's will and plans may unfold in various ways, and believers are called to trust and obey regardless of the circumstances.

Examples in Scripture

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Response: The concept of "howsoever" can be seen in passages that highlight God's control over events and the need for human beings to respond with faith and obedience. For instance, in the account of Joseph, his brothers' actions were meant for harm, but God used them for good (Genesis 50:20). This illustrates the principle that, howsoever events may occur, God's purposes will prevail.

2. Flexibility in Obedience: The idea is also reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of being adaptable and responsive to God's leading. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs His disciples to be "shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves," indicating that howsoever they are received, they must remain wise and pure.

3. Faith Amidst Uncertainty: The Book of Job provides a profound exploration of faith amidst suffering and uncertainty. Job's declaration, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15, KJV), captures the essence of trusting God howsoever circumstances may appear.

Theological Implications

The concept of "howsoever" underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority and the call for believers to maintain faith and obedience regardless of life's unpredictability. It reflects a trust in God's wisdom and timing, acknowledging that human understanding is limited. This perspective encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that God's plans are perfect and His ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Practical Application

In practical terms, the principle of "howsoever" encourages believers to:

· Trust in God's Plan: Recognize that God's purposes are being worked out in all situations, even when they are not immediately apparent.
· Remain Obedient: Follow God's commands and guidance, howsoever challenging the circumstances may be.
· Adapt with Faith: Be willing to adjust one's actions and attitudes in response to changing situations, always seeking to align with God's will.

In summary, while the specific term "howsoever" may not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept it represents is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, calling believers to a life of trust, obedience, and adaptability under God's sovereign care.1. (adj. & conj.) In what manner soever; to whatever degree or extent; however.

2. (adj. & conj.) Although; though; however.

7535. raq -- but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least ...
... 7534, 7535. raq. 7536 . but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least,
nevertheless. Transliteration: raq Phonetic Spelling: (rak) Short Definition: but ...
/hebrew/7535.htm - 6k

3605. kol -- the whole, all
... in the singular only, but often in a plural sense) -- (in) all (manner, (ye)),
altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many ...
/hebrew/3605.htm - 7k

In which Also Concerning Exemplars.
... nature; Source and Measure of ages, and Framer of times, and Age of things that
be, Time of things coming into being, Being of things howsoever being, Birth of ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput v concerning beingin which.htm

The Likeness of God
... Howsoever man may have fallen, he may rise. Howsoever the likeness may
be blotted and corrupted, it can be cleansed and renewed. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

And He Comes Back Again, and in all Ways...
... is entrusted unto me;" to wit, that by my dispensation as a steward, because Christ,
because the truth, is that which I preach, howsoever because of occasion ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 10 and he comes.htm

1 Cor. xii. 1, 2
... you ignorant. Ye know that when ye were Gentiles, ye were led away unto
those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led. This whole ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 1 cor xii.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.2 Ye know that when ye
were Gentiles ye were led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might be led ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

Exile: Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554
... For, howsoever wicked themselves be in life, or howsoever ungodly their precepts
or commandments be, ye must obey them for conscience' sake; except in chief ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter v exile appeals for.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... be burnt, and have not charity," (ie unless unfeigned love to God, and to mankind
for his great name's sake, be the principle of such actions, howsoever it may ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Two Forms of one Saying
... I think, most men's hearts will respond, if they give themselves leisure to think;
and if they 'see life steadily, and see it whole.' For howsoever many days ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two forms of one saying.htm

The Wail of a Broken Heart
... And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.22 Then said Ahimaaz the ton of Zadok
yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the wail of a broken.htm

Abiding in Love
... It is the utterance of a nature conscious of no sin, of a humanity that never knew
one instant's film of separation, howsoever thin, howsoever brief, between ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/abiding in love.htm

Cushy (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 2 Samuel 18:22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab,
But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushy. ...
/c/cushy.htm - 7k

Howsoever (5 Occurrences)
...Howsoever (5 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 12:2 Ye know that when ye were Gentiles
'ye were' led away unto those dumb idols, howsoever ye might led. (ASV). ...
/h/howsoever.htm - 8k

How (6021 Occurrences)
... 19 Luke 10:20 the English Revised Version, "nevertheless" the American Standard
Revised Version; (Philippians 4:14), for "nay" (Romans 7:7). Howsoever (in what ...
/h/how.htm - 16k

Overran (3 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him,
Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushy. (KJV JPS). ...
/o/overran.htm - 7k

Street (54 Occurrences)
... Judges 19:20 The old man said, "Peace be to you; howsoever let all your wants lie
on me; only don't lodge in the street." (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS). ...
/s/street.htm - 26k

Supply (40 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Judges 19:20 The old man said, "Peace be to you; howsoever let all your
wants lie on me; only don't lodge in the street." (See NIV). ...
/s/supply.htm - 21k

Broad (113 Occurrences)
... (See JPS YLT). Judges 19:20 And the old man said, Peace be unto thee; howsoever
let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street. (See JPS YLT). ...
/b/broad.htm - 40k

Wants (49 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Judges 19:20 The old man said, "Peace be to you; howsoever let all your wants
lie on me; only don't lodge in the street." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/w/wants.htm - 20k

Hozai (1 Occurrence)

/h/hozai.htm - 8k

Punished (47 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so
their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they ...
/p/punished.htm - 20k

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