The term "respecteth" is an archaic form of the verb "respect," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions such as the King James Version. In the context of Scripture, "respecteth" often refers to the act of showing partiality or favoritism, or alternatively, the act of showing honor and reverence.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Partiality and Favoritism: In the Bible, God is frequently described as one who does not show partiality or favoritism. This is a significant theme, emphasizing God's justice and fairness. For instance, in Acts 10:34-35 , Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." This passage highlights the impartial nature of God, who "respecteth" no person based on external factors such as nationality or social status.

2. Respect for Persons: The concept of "respecteth" in terms of showing undue favor is addressed in several passages. James 2:1-4 warns against showing favoritism: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" This admonition reflects the biblical principle that respect should not be based on external appearances or wealth.

3. Honor and Reverence: While "respecteth" can imply favoritism, it can also denote the proper honor and reverence due to God and others. In Ephesians 6:2-3 , the commandment to "Honor your father and mother" is reiterated, emphasizing the respect and esteem that should be shown to parents. This respect is not about partiality but about recognizing the God-given authority and role of parents in the family structure.

4. God's Impartial Judgment: The impartiality of God is a recurring theme, as seen in Romans 2:11 : "For God does not show favoritism." This underscores the belief that God's judgments are based on truth and righteousness, not on human distinctions. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute by treating others with fairness and justice, reflecting God's character in their interactions.

Theological Implications

The concept of "respecteth" in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It underscores the nature of God as just and impartial, a God who judges based on the heart rather than outward appearances. This understanding calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, urging them to avoid favoritism and to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, as each person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Furthermore, the call to respect and honor others, particularly those in positions of authority or within the family, aligns with the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). This respect is rooted in the recognition of God's order and the inherent value of each person.

Why it is That, as Soon as Cain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the ...
... let him not seek the empty honors of a famous name upon earth, for "Blessed is the
man that maketh the name of the Lord his trust, and respecteth not vanities ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 21 why it is that.htm

Of those who Maintain that they Worship the Gods not for the Sake ...
... do well to commence my disputation with the truthful oracle of the holy psalm,
"Blessed is the man whose hope is the Lord God, and who respecteth not vanities ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 1 of those who maintain.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... [THIS WORD FEAR AS TAKEN FOR GOD HIMSELF.]. FIRST. Of this word "fear," AS
IT RESPECTETH GOD HIMSELF, who is the object of our fear. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Our Deserts
... There is proof enough that God is not one who afflicts willingly, or grieves the
children of men out of any neglect or spite, or respecteth one person more ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxviii our deserts.htm

Psalm CXXXVIII.
... dost thou not fear this very thing, that He willeth not to see thee?...The lofty
then, it seemeth, He hath not respect unto, for it is the lowly He respecteth. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxviii.htm

The Kingdome Apperteineth to Ovr God.
... But because I remembre that accomptes of the talentes receiued must be made to him,
who nether respecteth the multitude, nether yet approueth the wisdome ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/the kingdome apperteineth to ovr.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... them may rejoice that he can apply to himself the words of the Psalm, (Psalm 40,
4:) Blessed is the man who maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... need. The publicans and harlots enter into the kingdom of heaven. 2. As this
text respecteth persons, so it respecteth things. There ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

2 Cor. I. 6, 7
... prophet, "And shall not I spare this city wherein dwell more than six score thousand
persons?" (Jonah 4:11.) Then lest thou think He respecteth the multitude ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 2 cor i.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... to the outward work wrought; for God alloweth not our fast for the work sake (which
of itself is a thing merely indifferent), but simply respecteth the heart ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm

Respecteth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Respecteth (3 Occurrences). ... (See JPS ASV). Job 37:24 Men
do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart. ...
/r/respecteth.htm - 7k

Treacherously (42 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS). Psalms 40:4 Blessed is the man that maketh Jehovah his trust,
And respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (See JPS). ...
/t/treacherously.htm - 19k

Respectful (6 Occurrences)

/r/respectful.htm - 7k

Respecter (2 Occurrences)

/r/respecter.htm - 7k

Prince (160 Occurrences)
... Generally speaking, a prince is a wealthy man (compare Job 34:19: "That respecteth
not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor"), and ...
/p/prince.htm - 53k

Regards (43 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 34:19 That respecteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the
rich more than the poor? For they all are the work of His hands. ...
/r/regards.htm - 18k

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