The term "retaineth" is an archaic form of the verb "retain," which means to hold, keep, or maintain possession of something. In the context of the Bible, "retaineth" is often used to describe the act of holding onto wisdom, knowledge, or righteousness. This concept is significant in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and perseverance in one's faith and moral conduct.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 11:16 : "A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches." This verse contrasts the values of honor and wealth, suggesting that while both can be retained, the means and implications of retaining them differ. A gracious woman is depicted as one who holds onto honor through her character, while ruthless men are portrayed as those who hold onto material wealth, possibly through less virtuous means.

2. Proverbs 3:18 : "She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed." Although the word "retaineth" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is present. Wisdom is personified as a tree of life, and those who "lay hold" of her, or retain her, are blessed. This highlights the value of retaining wisdom as a source of life and blessing.

3. Proverbs 4:4 : "He taught me and said, 'Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live.'" Here, the instruction is to retain the words and commandments of wisdom in one's heart. The retention of these teachings is linked to life itself, underscoring the life-giving power of divine wisdom and instruction.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical context, retaining is not merely about physical possession but involves a deeper, spiritual commitment. Retaining wisdom, knowledge, and righteousness is seen as essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. It requires an active engagement of the heart and mind, suggesting that believers must be diligent and intentional in their spiritual walk.

The act of retaining is also associated with the idea of perseverance. In the New Testament, believers are often encouraged to hold fast to their faith amidst trials and tribulations. This perseverance is a form of retaining one's commitment to Christ and His teachings, ensuring that one's faith remains steadfast and unshaken.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the concept of "retaineth" serves as a reminder of the importance of holding onto the truths of Scripture and the teachings of Christ. It calls for a commitment to live out one's faith consistently, to cherish and uphold the values of the Kingdom of God, and to resist the temptations and distractions of the world. Retaining wisdom and righteousness is a daily endeavor, requiring prayer, study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Again on the Lord's Prayer, Matt. vi. To the Competentes.
... For sometimes a man remitteth with the mouth, and in the heart retaineth; he remitteth
with the mouth for men's sake, and retaineth in the heart, as not ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon viii again on the.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... all his works;" "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity and passeth
by the transgressions of the remnant of his heritage; he retaineth not his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

The Creator Has Made Wisdom the Supreme Prize
... her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
And happy is every one that retaineth her. The LORD by ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv the creator has made.htm

How Each one Ought to Prepare Himself for the Future Resurrection.
... "She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her," says the prophet; [2769]
"and happy is every one that retaineth her." "A tree planted by the waterside ...
/.../chapter iii how each one ought.htm

The Gifts of Heavenly Wisdom
... paths are peace.18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
and happy is every one that retaineth her.19. The Lord by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the gifts of heavenly wisdom.htm

Further Proofs of the Same Truth in the Same Chapter, from the ...
... remnant of Thine heritage. He retaineth not His anger as a testimony against
them, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter x further proofs of the.htm

The Second Part.
... nation hath not so yielded to Roman institutions, as to have lost the form of Jews;
but hath been subjected to the Romans so as that it still retaineth its own ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part 2.htm

Great is the Power of Memory, a Fearful Thing...
... as the arts; or by certain notions or impressions, as the affections of the mind,
which, even when the mind doth not feel, the memory retaineth, while yet ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvii great is the.htm

March 8 Morning
... of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because
he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 8 morning.htm

June 29 Evening
... he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy."Unto him that
loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, to him be glory ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/june 29 evening.htm

Retaineth (3 Occurrences)
...Retaineth (3 Occurrences). Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay
hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/r/retaineth.htm - 7k

Retained (10 Occurrences)

/r/retained.htm - 9k

Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences)
... the English Revised Version "mercy") for thousands, forgiving iniquity and
transgression and sin" (compare Numbers 14:18); Micah 7:18, "He retaineth not his ...
/l/lovingkindness.htm - 40k

Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... Testament. "A gracious woman retaineth honor" (Proverbs 11:16 the King
James Version; compare Ecclesiastes 10:12 Luke 4:22). The ...
/g/gracious.htm - 37k

Forgiveth (4 Occurrences)
... transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger
for ever, because he delighteth in loving-kindness. (DBY). ...
/f/forgiveth.htm - 7k

Retaining (1 Occurrence)

/r/retaining.htm - 6k

Retain (24 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour:
and strong men retain riches. (Root in KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/r/retain.htm - 15k

Pardoneth (2 Occurrences)
... transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger
for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/p/pardoneth.htm - 7k

Pardoning (2 Occurrences)
... the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His
anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. (See RSV). ...
/p/pardoning.htm - 7k

Delighteth (23 Occurrences)
... he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. (KJV JPS ASV
DBY WBS YLT). Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. ...
/d/delighteth.htm - 13k

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