The term "kicketh" is an archaic form of the verb "kick," found in the King James Version of the Bible and other older translations. It is most notably associated with the phrase "kick against the pricks," which appears in Acts 9:5 and Acts 26:14 in the context of Saul's (later Paul) conversion experience. In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase is rendered as "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

Biblical Context:

1. Acts 9:5 : In the account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus speaks to Saul, saying, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." The phrase "kick against the goads" is not included in the Berean Standard Bible's main text of Acts 9:5 but is found in some manuscript traditions and is included in Acts 26:14.

2. Acts 26:14 : During Paul's defense before King Agrippa, he recounts his encounter with Jesus, stating, "We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’"

Interpretation:

The imagery of "kicking against the goads" is drawn from agricultural practices. A goad is a sharp stick used to drive oxen or cattle. If an animal resisted by kicking against the goad, it would only cause itself more pain. This metaphor illustrates the futility and self-destructive nature of resisting divine will.

In the context of Saul's conversion, the phrase signifies the futility of his efforts to oppose the spread of the Gospel and persecute Christians. It underscores the idea that Saul's resistance to God's plan was not only ineffective but also harmful to himself. The encounter with Jesus marks a turning point, leading to Saul's transformation into Paul, a devoted apostle of Christ.

Theological Significance:

The use of "kicketh" or "kick against the goads" highlights the sovereignty of God and the futility of human resistance to His purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of divine intervention and the call to submit to God's will. Saul's conversion is a testament to God's grace and the potential for redemption, even for those who have been vehemently opposed to His work.

This phrase also serves as a broader metaphor for the human condition, where individuals may resist God's guidance and direction, often to their own detriment. It calls believers to examine their own lives for areas of resistance and to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Historical and Cultural Background:

The metaphor of kicking against the goads would have been familiar to a first-century audience, particularly in agrarian societies where such practices were common. The use of this imagery by Jesus in His revelation to Saul would have been both vivid and poignant, effectively communicating the message of resistance and submission.

In summary, "kicketh" as used in the biblical context serves as a powerful illustration of the struggle between human will and divine purpose, emphasizing the importance of aligning oneself with God's plan and the futility of opposing His sovereign will.Kicketh (6 Occurrences)

2 Kings 17:20
And Jehovah kicketh against all the seed of Israel, and afflicteth them, and giveth them into the hand of spoilers, till that He hath cast them out of His presence,
(YLT)

Psalms 78:59
God hath heard, and sheweth Himself wroth. And kicketh exceedingly against Israel.
(YLT)

Psalms 78:67
And He kicketh against the tent of Joseph, And on the tribe of Ephraim hath not fixed.
(YLT)

Proverbs 10:8
The wise in heart accepteth commands, And a talkative fool kicketh.
(YLT)

Proverbs 10:10
Whoso is winking the eye giveth grief, And a talkative fool kicketh.
(YLT)

Hosea 4:14
Therefore commit whoredom do your daughters, And your spouses commit adultery, I do not see after your daughters when they commit whoredom, And after your spouses when they commit adultery, For they with the harlots are separated, And with the whores they do sacrifice, A people that doth not understand kicketh.
(YLT)

Kicketh (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kicketh (6 Occurrences). ... Psalms 78:59 God hath heard, and
sheweth Himself wroth. And kicketh exceedingly against Israel. (YLT). ...
/k/kicketh.htm - 8k

Talkative (5 Occurrences)
... hunteth to overflowing. (YLT). Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accepteth
commands, And a talkative fool kicketh. (YLT). Proverbs 10 ...
/t/talkative.htm - 7k

Kicked (9 Occurrences)

/k/kicked.htm - 9k

Kicking (4 Occurrences)

/k/kicking.htm - 7k

Afflicteth (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 17:20 And Jehovah kicketh against all the seed of Israel, and afflicteth
them, and giveth them into the hand of spoilers, till that He hath cast them ...
/a/afflicteth.htm - 7k

Accepteth (9 Occurrences)
... dost multiply bribes! (YLT). Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accepteth commands,
And a talkative fool kicketh. (YLT). Ecclesiastes 9 ...
/a/accepteth.htm - 9k

Sheweth (34 Occurrences)
... against Israel, (YLT). Psalms 78:59 God hath heard, and sheweth Himself wroth.
And kicketh exceedingly against Israel. (YLT). Psalms 112 ...
/s/sheweth.htm - 16k

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