The term "occupieth" is an archaic form of the verb "occupy," which appears in various contexts within the Bible. In the Berean Standard Bible , the term is often translated into more contemporary language, but its essence remains significant in understanding biblical teachings on stewardship, responsibility, and engagement in one's duties.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Stewardship and Responsibility:
The concept of "occupieth" is closely related to the idea of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources or responsibilities and are expected to manage them wisely. This is evident in the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:12-27), where servants are given money to "occupy" or invest until their master returns. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as "Put this money to work until I come back" (Luke 19:13). This parable emphasizes the importance of being diligent and productive with what one has been given, reflecting a broader biblical principle of faithful stewardship.

2. Engagement in Work:
The term also implies active engagement in one's work or calling. In the Old Testament, the idea of occupying the land is frequently mentioned, where the Israelites are commanded to take possession and settle in the Promised Land. This involves not only physical occupation but also the cultivation and development of the land, as seen in passages like Numbers 33:53, "You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess" .

3. Spiritual Vigilance:
In a spiritual sense, "occupieth" can be understood as maintaining vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return. Believers are called to be active in their faith, living out their beliefs in anticipation of Christ's second coming. This is reflected in the exhortation to be watchful and prepared, as seen in Matthew 24:42, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come" .

4. Moral and Ethical Implications:
The use of "occupieth" also carries moral and ethical implications, urging believers to live responsibly and ethically in their daily lives. This includes being faithful in small things, as highlighted in Luke 16:10, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" . The call to occupy faithfully extends to all areas of life, encouraging integrity and accountability.

Theological Significance:

Theologically, the concept of "occupieth" underscores the belief that all things belong to God and that humans are caretakers of His creation. This stewardship is not limited to material possessions but extends to time, talents, and spiritual gifts. Believers are called to use these resources for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The expectation is that each person will give an account of their stewardship, as illustrated in the parables of Jesus.

In summary, "occupieth" in the biblical sense involves active engagement, faithful stewardship, and readiness for the Lord's return. It is a call to live purposefully and responsibly, reflecting the values and teachings of Scripture in every aspect of life.

Psalm CXXXIX.
... The Possessor is within; He occupieth not only the heart, but also the reins; not
only the thoughts, but also the delights: He then possesseth that whence I ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxix.htm

It is Also Plain that the Public Prayers are not to be Couched in ...
... be somewhat moved by the authority of Paul, whose words are by no means ambiguous:
"When thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 33 it is also.htm

Of Seeking Peace of Mind and of Spiritual Progress
... How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth himself with other men's matters,
and with things without himself, and meanwhile payeth little or rare heed ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi of seeking peace.htm

John iv. 28, 29
... soul is inflamed with holy fire, it looks then to nothing earthly, neither to glory
nor to shame, but belongs to one thing alone, the flame which occupieth it. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv john iv 28.htm

Elucidations.
... Here comes into view that reference of the apostle [4645] to the usages of the
primitive assemblies: "How shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm

Directions to Church-Wardens, &C.
... But whosoever is legally chosen, must be an inhabitant of the parish, for no
out-setter, who occupieth lands in the parish, but doth not dwell or inhabit there ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/directions to church-wardens &c.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
The Institutes of the Christian Religion. <. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Occupieth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Occupieth (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 14:16
Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he ...
/o/occupieth.htm - 7k

Occupy (25 Occurrences)

/o/occupy.htm - 16k

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing ...
/u/understandeth.htm - 13k

Occupies (1 Occurrence)

/o/occupies.htm - 6k

Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing ...
/s/sayest.htm - 26k

Room (174 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing ...
/r/room.htm - 39k

Dispossess (44 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:19 and Jehovah is with Judah, and he occupieth the hill-country, but not
to dispossess the inhabitants of the valley, for they have chariots of iron. ...
/d/dispossess.htm - 21k

Understand (208 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing ...
/u/understand.htm - 36k

Sign of the cross - what is the meaning? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus