The term "intercedeth" refers to the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, particularly in a spiritual or prayerful context. In the Bible, intercession is a significant theme, highlighting the role of individuals and divine beings who plead or advocate for others before God.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Old Testament Intercession: The concept of intercession is evident throughout the Old Testament. Figures such as Abraham, Moses, and the prophets often stood in the gap for others, pleading with God to spare or bless His people. For instance, Moses interceded for the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf (Exodus 32:11-14). His intercession was pivotal in God’s decision to relent from destroying the people.

2. Priestly Intercession: The Levitical priesthood was established to serve as mediators between God and Israel. The high priest, in particular, had the role of interceding for the people, especially on the Day of Atonement, when he would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16).

3. Messianic Intercession: The prophetic literature points to a future intercessor, the Messiah, who would bear the iniquities of many and make intercession for transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 speaks of the Suffering Servant who "bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors."

New Testament Fulfillment

1. Christ as the Ultimate Intercessor: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate intercessor. His sacrificial death and resurrection provide the basis for His ongoing intercession for believers. Romans 8:34 states, "Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" . This highlights His role as the mediator who continually advocates for His followers.

2. The Holy Spirit's Intercession: The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role in intercession. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" . The Spirit aids believers in prayer, aligning their petitions with God's will.

3. Believers' Role in Intercession: Christians are called to intercede for others, following the example of Christ and the early church. Paul frequently requested prayers from the churches for his ministry (Ephesians 6:18-20), and James 5:16 encourages believers to "pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" .

Theological Significance

Intercession underscores the relational nature of the Christian faith, where believers are invited to participate in God's redemptive work through prayer. It reflects the heart of God, who desires to engage with His creation and bring about His purposes through the prayers of His people. The intercessory work of Christ and the Holy Spirit assures believers of their access to the Father and the effectiveness of their prayers.

The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... And He said, I am the angel who intercedeth for the race of Israel, that He smite
them not utterly, because every evil spirit attacketh it. ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm

Rom. viii. 28
... Who then is to condemn us, since God crowns us, and Christ was put to death for
us, and not only was put to death, but also after this intercedeth for us? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xv rom viii 28.htm

The Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Of the Shepherd, and the ...
... and the Body. He hath already risen again. We have therefore the Head in
heaven. Our Head intercedeth for us. Our Head without sin ...
/.../sermon lxxxvii the tenth chapter.htm

Psalm CXXXI.
... But if we have a High Priest in Heaven, who intercedeth with the Father for us
(for He hath entered into the Holy of Holies, within the veil),...we are safe ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxi.htm

The Objection Has Been Made, that the Words of St. ...
... To which point I will briefly answer that Spirit is often put for the grace of the
Spirit, as the Apostle also said: "For the Spirit Himself intercedeth for us ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi the objection has.htm

Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended
... The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered; For man's atonement, while he
nothing heedeth,. God intercedeth. For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,. ...
/.../holy week 155 ah holy.htm

But How Shall I Suffice with the Tongue of My Pen to Utter all Thy ...
... Whom Thou calledst to adoption the believing people, and therein me also;"I beseech
Thee by Him, who sitteth at Thy right hand, and intercedeth with Thee for ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ii but how shall.htm

Now was the Day Come Wherein I was in Deed to be Freed of My...
... have vomited it up; and Thou wouldest hear them when they cried unto Thee; for by
a true death in the flesh did He die for us, who now intercedeth unto Thee ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv now was the.htm

John Chapter xiii. 10-Jun
... [1138] And every day, therefore, is He who intercedeth for us, [1139] washing our
feet: and that we, too have daily need to be washing our feet, that is ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lvi john chapter xiii.htm

The General Service to one Martyr.
... in faith laud the martyr (mentioned by name), for he doth shed healings unto those
that come to him in faith, appeaseth great pains and intercedeth for those ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiv the general service.htm

Intercedeth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Intercedeth (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 53:12 Therefore
I give a portion to him among the many, And with the ...
/i/intercedeth.htm - 6k

Intercedes (3 Occurrences)

/i/intercedes.htm - 7k

Interceding (1 Occurrence)

/i/interceding.htm - 6k

Apportioneth (9 Occurrences)
... Because that he exposed to death his soul, And with transgressors he was numbered,
And he the sin of many hath borne, And for transgressors he intercedeth. ...
/a/apportioneth.htm - 9k

Exposed (39 Occurrences)
... Because that he exposed to death his soul, And with transgressors he was numbered,
And he the sin of many hath borne, And for transgressors he intercedeth. ...
/e/exposed.htm - 17k

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