The term "overreached" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of overreaching, which involves taking unfair advantage or exceeding proper limits, is addressed in various scriptural contexts. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that warn against deceit, exploitation, and the pursuit of selfish gain at the expense of others.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the most illustrative accounts of overreaching is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, whose name can mean "supplanter," overreached by taking advantage of his brother Esau's hunger to acquire his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, Jacob deceived his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29). These actions, while part of God's sovereign plan, demonstrate the human tendency to overreach for personal gain.

2. Laban and Jacob: In a twist of fate, Jacob himself becomes a victim of overreaching when his uncle Laban deceives him. Laban overreaches by tricking Jacob into marrying Leah before Rachel, despite their agreement (Genesis 29:15-30). This account highlights the consequences and relational strife that can result from deceitful overreaching.

3. Ahab and Naboth's Vineyard: King Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard is another example of overreaching. Ahab, unable to acquire the vineyard through fair means, allows his wife Jezebel to orchestrate Naboth's unjust execution (1 Kings 21:1-16). This act of overreaching leads to divine judgment against Ahab and his household.

4. Warnings Against Overreaching: The Bible contains explicit warnings against overreaching in business and personal dealings. Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand." Similarly, Proverbs 22:22-23 advises, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them."

5. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues to address the issue of overreaching. In 1 Thessalonians 4:6, Paul warns, "In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before" . This passage underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in relationships.

6. Parable of the Rich Fool: Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) serves as a cautionary tale against overreaching in the pursuit of wealth. The rich man, focused solely on accumulating goods, fails to recognize the fleeting nature of life and the importance of being "rich toward God."

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical narrative consistently portrays overreaching as contrary to God's will for His people. It is associated with greed, deceit, and a lack of trust in God's provision. Believers are called to live with integrity, fairness, and contentment, trusting that God will meet their needs without resorting to unethical means. The Bible encourages a life marked by honesty, humility, and a commitment to justice, reflecting the character of God in all dealings.(imp. & p. p.) of Overreach.

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... But if ye shall have forgiven any, so (do) I; for I, too, if I have forgiven ought,
have forgiven in the person of Christ, lest we be overreached by Satan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

The Olivet Message.
... in the sharp competition of the world where duty calls him, to resist the sly
temptations to overreach, to keep keenly alert not to be overreached; and through ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery ...
... But like all too cunning schemers, these pious detectives overreached the goal of
their intention, and bearing in mind the fact of the Cardinal's unsuspecting ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxvi the same night which.htm

Judas
... for his ability as a manager. Judas regarded himself as the capable one,
who could not be overreached. In his own estimation he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 76 judas.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... For it is impossible that the righteous man should not be afflicted, though he be
rich: for when he is willing to be overreached, to be wronged, to suffer all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

Christ Ledges with Zaccheus. (Luke, xix. , 2, Seq. )
... the fulness of his joy he vowed to prove his repentance by dividing half of his
property among the poor, and remunerating four-fold all whom he had overreached ...
/.../section 237 christ ledges with.htm

But You Will Perhaps Say that the King was a Diviner. ...
... But for a mortal's anticipating [4300] what Jupiter"whom [4301] he overreached"was
going to say, could the god not know in what ways a man was preparing to ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/4 but you will perhaps.htm

Admitting that all These Things which do the Immortal Gods ...
... Then Jupiter, being ensnared by the ambiguous terms used, uttered these words:
"Thou hast overreached me, Numa; for I had determined that evils portended by ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/1 admitting that all these.htm

A Paradox
... clear. Thus the Gibeonites overreached them, as we also shall be overreached
when we are so exceeding sure of our course. Brethren ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a paradox.htm

"The Lord is Risen"
... "Say ye," said the priests, "His disciples came by night, and stole Him away
while we slept." Here the priests overreached themselves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 81 the lord is.htm

Overreached (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Overreach. Multi-Version Concordance
Overreached (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 22:12 In thee have ...
/o/overreached.htm - 6k

Over-reached (1 Occurrence)
Over-reached. Overreached, Over-reached. Overreaching . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Overreached, Over-reached. Overreaching . Reference Bible.
/o/over-reached.htm - 6k

Overreach (1 Occurrence)

/o/overreach.htm - 7k

Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... dishes his son's hunting supplied. At any rate, this partiality defeated
itself because it overreached itself. The wife, who had ...
/j/jacob.htm - 77k

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