The term "playeth" is an archaic form of the verb "play," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe various forms of amusement, entertainment, or activity, typically involving music, dance, or games. In the context of the Bible, "playeth" can carry both positive and negative connotations, depending on the circumstances and the intent of those involved.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 32:6 : "So the next day they rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink, and they got up to indulge in revelry." In this passage, the term "revelry" is often associated with the idea of "playing" in a manner that is displeasing to God. The Israelites, having grown impatient waiting for Moses, engaged in idolatrous worship and revelry around the golden calf, which included music and dancing. This incident highlights the potential for play to lead to sinful behavior when it becomes an act of rebellion against God.

2. 2 Samuel 6:5 : "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals." Here, the act of playing music and dancing is portrayed positively as King David and the Israelites celebrate the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This joyful expression of worship demonstrates how play, in the form of music and dance, can be an act of devotion and reverence to God.

3. Judges 16:25 : "And while their hearts were merry, they said, 'Call for Samson, that he may entertain us.' So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them." In this account, the Philistines call upon Samson to "play" or entertain them during a feast. This instance of play is marked by mockery and humiliation, as Samson is brought out to amuse his captors. It serves as a reminder of how play can be used to demean and exploit others.

Theological Implications:

The concept of "playeth" in the Bible underscores the dual nature of play as both a potential expression of joy and worship, as well as a vehicle for sin and idolatry. In a positive light, play can be a form of celebration and thanksgiving to God, as seen in the worship practices of ancient Israel. However, when play becomes self-indulgent or idolatrous, it can lead individuals away from God's commandments and into moral decay.

From a conservative Christian perspective, the use of play and entertainment should be approached with discernment, ensuring that it aligns with biblical principles and honors God. Believers are encouraged to engage in activities that foster community, joy, and worship, while avoiding those that promote immorality or distract from their faith.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, play often involved music, dance, and communal gatherings. These activities were integral to both religious ceremonies and social events. Instruments such as harps, tambourines, and cymbals were commonly used in celebrations, reflecting the cultural importance of music and dance in expressing joy and worship.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of "playeth" serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will, using play as a means to glorify Him rather than to indulge in worldly desires.

"Often I Wondered Why by the Great Foreseeing Wisdom of God the ...
... great foreseeing wisdom of God the beginning of sin was not hindered: for then,
methought, all should have been well." "Sin is behovable"[playeth a needful ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xxvii often i wondered.htm

Revelations of Divine Love
... great foreseeing wisdom of God the beginning of sin was not hindered: for then,
methought, all should have been well." "Sin is behovable--[playeth a needful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/julian/revelations of divine love/

Against Foolish Talking and Jesting.
... it lieth in pat allusion to a known story, or in seasonable application of a trivial
saying, or in forging an apposite tale: sometimes it playeth in words and ...
/.../against foolish talking and jesting.htm

"By the Assay of this Falling we Shall have an High Marvellous ...
... Riwle (Camden Society's version, edited by J. Morton, DD), p. 231: "The sixth comfort
is, that our Lord, when He suffereth us to be tempted, playeth with us ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxi by the assay.htm

The Second Part.
... and the Jewes, that would sacrifice their children to Molech, in imitation of Abraham:
In these the Divell becomes an Angell of light, and playeth that Dragon ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the second part.htm

Human Inability
... the believer in Christ, tell him of the beauties of the person of the Redeemer,
he is quite deaf to all your description; you are as one that playeth a goodly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human inability.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... They come again: the one listens, and the minister is to him as one that playeth
a goodly tune upon an instrument: the other listens and weeps; he feels that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

WT Vn to the Christen Reader.
... for his electe childern & turneth all vn to good to them & smiteth them to heale
them agayne & killeth them to make them aliue agayne/ & playeth with them (as ...
/.../tyndale/the prophete ionas with an introduccion/w t vn to the.htm

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... Say, who is it, thou or another, who playeth a perilous game with Israel, this day,
when its God hath already rent Egypt and consumed her in wrath? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... crucifixion; And, inasmuch as death is slain, it caused no suffering to the
martyrs. With a wounded serpent one playeth without fear; A ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/a homily on guria and.htm

Playeth (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Playeth (5 Occurrences). Judges 16:25 And it cometh
to pass, when their heart 'is' glad, that they say, 'Call ...
/p/playeth.htm - 7k

Maybe (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 18:27 And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith,
'Call with a loud voice, for he 'is' a god, for he is meditating, or ...
/m/maybe.htm - 8k

Plays (4 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 12:9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than
he that playeth the man of rank, and lacketh bread. (See RSV). ...
/p/plays.htm - 7k

Playful (2 Occurrences)

/p/playful.htm - 7k

Playest (1 Occurrence)

/p/playest.htm - 6k

Aholah (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:44 Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth
the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women. ...
/a/aholah.htm - 8k

Aholibah (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:44 Yet they went in unto her, as they go in unto a woman that playeth
the harlot: so went they in unto Aholah and unto Aholibah, the lewd women. ...
/a/aholibah.htm - 8k

Play (61 Occurrences)
... heart 'is' glad, that they say, 'Call for Samson, and he doth play before us;' and
they call for Samson out of the prison-house, and he playeth before them ...
/p/play.htm - 28k

Asleep (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 18:27 And it cometh to pass, at noon, that Elijah playeth on them, and saith,
'Call with a loud voice, for he 'is' a god, for he is meditating, or ...
/a/asleep.htm - 23k

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