The term "oft-times" is an archaic expression meaning "often" or "frequently." It appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible , to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly or habitually. This term is used to convey the persistence or regularity of certain behaviors, events, or divine interventions.

Biblical Usage:

1. Miracles and Healings:
In the context of Jesus' ministry, "oft-times" is used to describe the frequent occurrences of miraculous events. For instance, in the healing of the demon-possessed boy, the father of the boy describes how the spirit "oft-times" throws him into the fire or water to destroy him (Mark 9:22). This highlights the persistent and destructive nature of the affliction, underscoring the urgency of the need for Jesus' intervention.

2. Human Behavior:
The term is also used to describe the repeated actions of individuals. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are oft-times depicted as turning away from God, despite His continuous guidance and provision. This recurring theme of rebellion and repentance is a central narrative in the history of Israel, illustrating the cyclical nature of human disobedience and divine mercy.

3. Divine Patience and Judgment:
"Oft-times" can also reflect God's patience and long-suffering with His people. Despite their frequent transgressions, God remains steadfast in His love and willingness to forgive. However, it also serves as a warning of the eventual judgment that comes if repentance is not forthcoming. The repeated calls to repentance and the consequences of ignoring them are a testament to God's justice and righteousness.

4. Wisdom Literature:
In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, "oft-times" is used to convey the regularity of certain truths or observations about life. For example, the repetitive nature of human folly or the inevitability of certain life experiences is often highlighted, encouraging readers to seek wisdom and understanding.

Theological Implications:

The use of "oft-times" in Scripture emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns in human behavior and divine interaction. It serves as a reminder of the constancy of God's character in contrast to the fickleness of human nature. The frequent occurrences of certain events or behaviors call believers to vigilance, repentance, and reliance on God's grace.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of "oft-times" encourages self-examination and awareness of recurring patterns in one's spiritual life. It challenges individuals to identify areas where they may be repeatedly falling short and to seek God's help in overcoming these challenges. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the importance of regular spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study, to foster a consistent and growing relationship with God.

Of Some Certain Tokens by the which a Man May Prove Whether He be ...
... Nay, so is it not. For from a young ghostly prentice in this work, the actual
feeling thereof is ofttimes withdrawn for divers reasons. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the five and 6.htm

The Epileptic Boy.
... him, it dasheth him down: and he foameth, and grindeth his teeth, and pineth away:
for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the epileptic boy.htm

The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... There is no doubt that with many people this feeling of reverence has been in the
way of the truest understanding of Jesus, and ofttimes those who have clung ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter i the humanheartedness of.htm

Danger of Having to Take Part in Heathenish Rites, and Revels.
... and hung with lanterns, as from some new consistory of public lusts; she will have
to sit with her husband ofttimes in club meetings, oft-times in taverns; and ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter vi danger of having to.htm

Our Lord in the Garden
... And Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place; for Jesus ofttimes resorted
thither with His disciples." Where our version says "a place called Gethsemane ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xi our lord in the.htm

"But Jesus Sent Him Away" (Luke 8:00 38)
... In the secret closet we often seem to be very near to him, and how our souls would
love to remain there, but ofttimes, like the man out of whom the devils were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-seven but jesus sent.htm

That by virtue of this Work a Sinner Truly Turned and Called to ...
... Insomuch, that she had ofttimes little special remembrance, whether that
ever she had been a sinner or none. Yea, and full ofttimes ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the sixteenth chapter.htm

That in all Other Works Beneath This, Men Should Keep Discretion ...
... sometime sickness and other unordained dispositions in body and in soul, with many
other needfulness to nature, will let thee full much, and ofttimes draw thee ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the one and 3.htm

That Ilk Man Chosen of God Has his State Ordained
... Others also that live in fleshly penance, unseen in the sight of men, are ofttimes
in their lives granted or shown tokens; or else after their death, although ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter iii that ilk man.htm

That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ...
... For by these things a man ofttimes slides into vainglory; by the other always, if
a man bear it patiently, he in this life shall be taught meekness, and in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ix that god is.htm

Ofttimes (3 Occurrences)
...Ofttimes (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV). John 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew
the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. (KJV). ...
/o/ofttimes.htm - 7k

Oft-times (3 Occurrences)
Oft-times. Ofttimes, Oft-times. Og . Multi-Version Concordance Oft-times (3
Occurrences). ... (ASV). Ofttimes, Oft-times. Og . Reference Bible.
/o/oft-times.htm - 7k

Oftentimes (7 Occurrences)

/o/oftentimes.htm - 8k

Og (22 Occurrences)

/o/og.htm - 17k

Vexed (37 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for
ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. (KJV). ...
/v/vexed.htm - 16k

Off-times (1 Occurrence)
... Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously;
for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and off-times into the water. ...
/o/off-times.htm - 6k

Onesiphorus (2 Occurrences)
... paid to Paul in his Roman prison were intensely "refreshing." And it was not once
or twice that he thus visited the chained prisoner, but he did so ofttimes. ...
/o/onesiphorus.htm - 11k

Lunatic (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed:
for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. ...
/l/lunatic.htm - 7k

Lunatick (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed:
for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. (KJV). ...
/l/lunatick.htm - 9k

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