The term "prevaileth" is an archaic form of the verb "prevail," which means to prove more powerful or superior, to triumph, or to be victorious. In the context of the Bible, "prevaileth" often conveys the idea of overcoming obstacles, achieving victory, or demonstrating strength and endurance. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the power and sovereignty of God, the perseverance of His people, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Biblical Usage and Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty and Power: The notion that God prevails is a central theme in Scripture. God's will and purposes are depicted as ultimately prevailing over human plans and the forces of evil. In Job 23:13, it is stated, "But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires." This verse underscores the idea that God's purposes cannot be thwarted.

2. Spiritual Warfare: The concept of prevailing is also significant in the context of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting that God will enable them to prevail against spiritual adversaries. Ephesians 6:13 encourages believers to "take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

3. Perseverance of the Saints: The perseverance of God's people is another aspect of prevailing. The faithful are often depicted as prevailing through trials and tribulations by relying on God's strength. In Revelation 12:11, it is written, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." This passage highlights the victory of believers through faith and testimony.

4. Christ's Victory: The ultimate expression of prevailing is found in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, Christ prevails over the powers of darkness, offering salvation to humanity. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

5. Prevailing Prayer: The power of prayer is another context in which the term "prevaileth" is relevant. James 5:16 emphasizes the effectiveness of prayer: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse encourages believers to engage in fervent prayer, trusting in its power to bring about change according to God's will.

Examples in Scripture

· Genesis 32:28: In the account of Jacob wrestling with the angel, Jacob is told, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed." This encounter signifies Jacob's perseverance and the transformative power of prevailing in faith.

· Matthew 16:18: Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This promise assures the enduring strength and victory of the Church against all opposition.

· Psalm 13:4: The psalmist cries out, "Lest my enemy say, 'I have prevailed against him,' and my foes rejoice when I am shaken." This plea reflects the desire for God's deliverance and the assurance that enemies will not ultimately triumph over the righteous.

In summary, the concept of "prevaileth" in the Bible encompasses the themes of divine sovereignty, spiritual victory, perseverance, and the power of prayer. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the assurance of victory for those who trust in Him.

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... CHAPTER XVI. HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH, WHEN ERROR PREVAILETH,
AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR CARRIETH MANY AWAY. There is ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life
... CHAPTER XVI. HOW TO MAKE USE OF CHRIST AS THE TRUTH, WHEN ERROR PREVAILETH,
AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR CARRIETH MANY AWAY. CHAPTER XVII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brown/christ the way the truth and the life/

The Third Part.
... Prayer if it bee fervent, prevaileth much: the zealous witnesses had power to shut
and open heaven: by this, Israel wrastled with God, overcame, and was called ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the third part.htm

Written November 6, 1727
... O merciful Father, who never afflictest Thy children but for their own good, and
with justice, over which Thy mercy always prevaileth, either to turn them to ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/iii written november 6 1727.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... enemy that abides always alike strong, fight and oppose as we will, yea, not only
is not weakened, far less overcome, but that groweth in power, and prevaileth ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

John xi. 1, 2
... harlot?" That He might put away her iniquity; that He might show His lovingkindness;
that thou mightest learn that there is no malady which prevaileth over His ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxii john xi 1.htm

Psalm CL.
... For the number four prevaileth in forty; and the world and the year have each four
parts; and by the addition of the number ten, as a sort of reward added for ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

PM Anonymous. O Father! Hear.
... Thou who art pity where sorrow prevaileth, Thou who art safety when mortal help
faileth, Strength to the feeble and hope to despair, Hear, Father, hear our ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/488 p m anonymous o.htm

The Church Militant 469. Lord of Our Life, and God of Our ...
... faileth; Lord, thou canst save when deadly sin assaileth; Lord, o'er thy rock
nor death nor hell prevaileth: Grant us thy peace, Lord! ...
/.../the church militant 469 lord.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... unto the ingenious world, than this noble eluctation [112] of truth; wherein, against
the tenacity of prejudice and prescription, this century now prevaileth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm

Prevaileth (3 Occurrences)
...Prevaileth (3 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevaileth against
him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. ...
/p/prevaileth.htm - 7k

Three-fold (1 Occurrence)
... Three-fold (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevaileth against him,
two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. (WBS). ...
/t/three-fold.htm - 6k

Prevailest (2 Occurrences)

/p/prevailest.htm - 7k

Prevailing (3 Occurrences)

/p/prevailing.htm - 7k

Cors (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 27:5 And he hath fought with the king of the sons of Ammon, and prevaileth
over them, and the sons of Ammon give to him in that year a hundred ...
/c/cors.htm - 8k

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