The term "lacketh" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible, often used to denote a deficiency or absence of something. In the context of Scripture, it is typically employed to describe a shortfall in material, spiritual, or moral resources. The Berean Standard Bible translates this concept with more contemporary language, but the underlying themes remain consistent throughout biblical teachings.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Material Needs: The concept of lacking material resources is addressed in several passages. In James 1:5 , the Scripture states, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Here, the term "lacks" is used to describe a deficiency in wisdom, which God is willing to supply generously. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God provides for the needs of His people, whether they are physical or spiritual.

2. Spiritual Deficiency: The Bible often speaks to the spiritual deficiencies of humanity and the need for divine intervention. In Matthew 19:20-21 , the rich young ruler asks Jesus what he still lacks to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me." This passage highlights the spiritual lack that can exist even when material wealth is abundant, emphasizing the need for a heart aligned with God's will.

3. Moral and Ethical Shortcomings: The concept of lacking is also applied to moral and ethical dimensions. In 2 Peter 1:5-9 , believers are encouraged to supplement their faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The passage warns that "whoever lacks these qualities is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that he has been cleansed from his past sins." This underscores the importance of cultivating a Christ-like character to avoid spiritual blindness and moral failure.

Theological Implications

The notion of lacking in the Bible often serves as a reminder of human insufficiency apart from God. It underscores the need for reliance on divine provision and grace. The Scriptures consistently teach that God is the ultimate source of all that is needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Believers are encouraged to seek God's kingdom and righteousness, with the assurance that all necessary things will be added to them (Matthew 6:33).

Practical Application

For Christians, recognizing areas of lack in one's life can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and deeper dependence on God. Prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers are means by which God often supplies what is lacking. The call to address deficiencies, whether in wisdom, spiritual maturity, or moral integrity, is a continual process in the life of a believer, guided by the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the concept of "lacketh" in the Bible serves as a profound reminder of the human condition and the sufficiency of God's provision. It calls believers to a life of faith, seeking God's presence and guidance to fill every void and meet every need.

Lovest Thou Me?
... alive to the Saviour. He that lacketh love, must lack also every other grace
in the proportion in which he lacketh love. If love be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/lovest thou me.htm

The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton.
... repented of, make not an ill man.7. That faith, hope and charity are so linked together,
that he who hath one of them hath all, and he that lacketh one lacketh ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr patrick.htm

1 Cor. xii. 21
... Seest thou how he points out, that of necessity "greater honor" is given to "that
which lacketh?" "For had not this been so, the injury would have become ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxi 1 cor xii.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... And I fear me this land is not yet ripe to be ploughed: for, as the saying is, it
lacketh weathering: this gear lacketh weathering; at least way it is not for ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... and his word, and he shall be a chosen one of God for ever; and because of him my
father Jacob instructed me saying, He shall fill up that which lacketh of thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Seventh Commandment
... innocent. . . . Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding:
he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/seventh commandment.htm

Concerning "Life. "
... we apply to It when we consider how It teems with all living things, and how under
manifold forms It is beheld and praised in all Life and lacketh not Life or ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter vi concerning life.htm

Sensuality is a Power of Our Soul
... For this same power is it, that grumbleth when the body lacketh the needful things
unto it, and that in the taking of the need stirreth us to take more than ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the six and 5.htm

How that after the Likeness of Moses, of Bezaleel, and of Aaron ...
... And since we be both called of God to work in this work, I beseech thee
for God's love fulfil in thy part what lacketh of mine. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the three and 6.htm

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
... but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.9. He that is despised, and
hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.10 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the many-sided contrast of wisdom.htm

Lacketh (17 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lacketh (17 Occurrences). James 1:5 But if any
of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to ...
/l/lacketh.htm - 11k

Lacks (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Deuteronomy 15:8 for thou dost certainly open thy hand to him, and dost
certainly lend him sufficient for his lack which he lacketh. (See NAS). ...
/l/lacks.htm - 13k

Lack (86 Occurrences)
... lack" ("Do I lack madmen?") where the King James Version has "need of"; Proverbs
5:23, "for lack," instead of "without"; 6:32, "void of" for "lacketh"; 10:21 ...
/l/lack.htm - 33k

Lacking (53 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 6:32 He that committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding;
he doeth it that would destroy his own soul. (See NAS). ...
/l/lacking.htm - 22k

Lackest (2 Occurrences)

/l/lackest.htm - 7k

Leaneth (6 Occurrences)
... not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that
leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. ...
/l/leaneth.htm - 8k

Roundness (1 Occurrence)
... Roundness (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 7:2 Thy waist 'is' a basin of roundness,
It lacketh not the mixture, Thy body a heap of wheat, fenced with lilies, (YLT) ...
/r/roundness.htm - 7k

Encircled (17 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Song of Songs 7:2 Thy waist 'is' a basin of roundness, It lacketh not
the mixture, Thy body a heap of wheat, fenced with lilies, (See RSV NIV). ...
/e/encircled.htm - 11k

Esteem (25 Occurrences)
... British and American) are of interest: for "He that is despised and hath a servant,
is better than he that honoreth himself and lacketh bread" (Proverbs 12:9 ...
/e/esteem.htm - 17k

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