The term "roareth" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version of the Bible, often used to describe the loud, powerful sound made by a lion or other formidable creature. In the context of the Bible, it is used metaphorically to convey strength, authority, and sometimes impending danger or judgment.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." In this passage, the imagery of a roaring lion is used to describe the devil, emphasizing his predatory nature and the threat he poses to believers. The roar signifies his presence and his intent to instill fear and destruction.

2. Amos 3:8 : "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" Here, the roar of the lion is paralleled with the voice of God. Just as the roar of a lion demands attention and evokes fear, the word of God commands reverence and compels His prophets to speak. This verse underscores the authority and power of God's word.

3. Proverbs 19:12 : "A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." The roar of a lion is used to symbolize the wrath of a king, suggesting that it is both fearsome and commanding. This comparison highlights the king's power to instill fear and enforce his will, while also contrasting it with the gentleness of his favor.

Theological Significance:

The use of "roareth" in the Bible often serves to illustrate the might and majesty of God, as well as the seriousness of His judgments. The lion, as the king of beasts, is a fitting symbol for divine authority and power. In the New Testament, the devil's comparison to a roaring lion serves as a warning to Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, recognizing the spiritual dangers that lurk.

Symbolism:

In biblical symbolism, the lion's roar is a multifaceted image. It can represent the voice of God, calling His people to attention and action, as well as the threat posed by evil forces. The duality of the lion's roar—as both a symbol of divine authority and a representation of satanic threat—reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between good and evil.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the lion was a symbol of royalty and power. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the lion's roar is associated with kingship and divine authority. The imagery would have been immediately recognizable to the original audience, conveying a sense of awe and respect.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of "roareth" serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the importance of heeding God's word. Just as the roar of a lion cannot be ignored, the call to live a life of faith and obedience is one that demands attention and action. The imagery encourages Christians to be aware of the spiritual battles they face and to rely on God's strength and guidance.

The Fall of Babylon.
... and occupies a position so conspicuous, that the earth is enlightened with his glory;
and the one cries "with a loud voice as when a lion roareth," while the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fall of babylon.htm

The Lord's Furnace
... It is put in very graphic and remarkable metaphors: 'Like as a lion roareth on his
prey when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the lords furnace.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. v. 22, "Whosoever Shall Say to ...
... kind. "The lion roareth, who doth not fear?" [1957] And yet wherein is
it that thou dost find thyself to be stronger than he? Not ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon v on the words.htm

The Majestic Voice
... earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency:
and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the majestic voice.htm

Psalm XXXVIII.
... but the groaning of the flesh; they do not hear him who groans "with the groaning
of his heart." Some one hath carried off his goods; he "roareth," but not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxviii.htm

Psalm LXX.
... thoughts. In these thoughts, as in a bottomless pit, the devil hath been
bound, [3044] he roareth and breaketh not forth. For it ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... As a lion roareth over his prey, so did Paul rejoice that the saints in Damascus
were now in his power; but the Lord struck him down, and turned the lion to a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... then say thou, I am freed from this law, these thunderings have nothing to do with
my soul; nay even this law, while it thus thunders and roareth, it doth both ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... judgment. "Jehovah roareth from Zion, and from Jerusalem He giveth His voice."
The very use of the name Jehovah here deserves attention. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

Another Royal Procession
... for they feared the people. That day every foeman cowered down before the
Lord, like dogs when a lion roareth. When he entered the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

Roareth (9 Occurrences)
...Roareth (9 Occurrences). Revelation 10:3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a
lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. ...
/r/roareth.htm - 9k

Roaring (28 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 6:23 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy;
their voice roareth like the sea, and they ride upon horses, every one set in ...
/r/roaring.htm - 15k

Roared (8 Occurrences)

/r/roared.htm - 8k

Lion's (14 Occurrences)
... 5 And Samson goeth down -- also his father and his mother, to Timnath, and they
come unto the vineyards of Timnath, and lo, a lion's whelp roareth at meeting ...
/l/lion's.htm - 10k

Lightnings (17 Occurrences)
... Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth; He thundereth with the voice of his majesty;
And he restraineth not 'the lightnings' when his voice is heard. (ASV NAS RSV). ...
/l/lightnings.htm - 11k

Withereth (13 Occurrences)
... Amos 1:2 And he said, Jehovah roareth from Zion, and uttereth his voice from Jerusalem;
and the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the top of Carmel withereth ...
/w/withereth.htm - 10k

Whelp (4 Occurrences)
... 5 And Samson goeth down -- also his father and his mother, to Timnath, and they
come unto the vineyards of Timnath, and lo, a lion's whelp roareth at meeting ...
/w/whelp.htm - 10k

Flashes (16 Occurrences)
... Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency,
and holdeth not back the flashes when his voice is heard. (DBY). ...
/f/flashes.htm - 11k

Thundereth (4 Occurrences)
... Job 37:4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency;
and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/thundereth.htm - 7k

Treaders (3 Occurrences)
... all these words, and hast said unto them: Jehovah from the high place doth roar,
And from His holy habitation giveth forth His voice, He surely roareth for His ...
/t/treaders.htm - 7k

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