The term "runnest" is an archaic form of the verb "run," found in older English translations of the Bible. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use this specific form, understanding its usage and context in Scripture can provide insight into the biblical themes of pursuit, urgency, and divine calling.

Biblical Context and Usage:

1. Pursuit and Urgency:
The concept of running in the Bible often symbolizes urgency and the need for swift action. In the Old Testament, running is frequently associated with messengers or individuals carrying important news. For example, in 2 Samuel 18:21, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok requests to run and bring King David news of Absalom's defeat. This act of running underscores the urgency and importance of the message being delivered.

2. Divine Calling and Obedience:
Running can also represent a response to God's calling. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of running a race to describe the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." Here, running is a metaphor for living a life of faith and obedience, striving towards the goal of eternal life with Christ.

3. Spiritual Zeal:
The act of running is sometimes used to depict spiritual zeal and fervor. In Psalm 119:32 , the psalmist declares, "I run in the path of Your commandments, for You have broadened my understanding." This verse highlights the eagerness and enthusiasm with which the believer pursues God's commandments, driven by a deep understanding and love for God's law.

4. Escape and Deliverance:
Running is also associated with escape and deliverance from danger or sin. In Genesis 39:12, Joseph runs from Potiphar's wife, fleeing from temptation and sin. This act of running signifies a decisive and immediate rejection of sin, emphasizing the importance of purity and righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The imagery of running in the Bible conveys several theological themes. It reflects the urgency of responding to God's call, the dedication required in the Christian journey, and the need for swift action in the face of spiritual challenges. Running symbolizes the active pursuit of holiness and the believer's commitment to living according to God's will.

In summary, while the specific term "runnest" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of running remains a powerful biblical metaphor. It challenges believers to live with urgency, zeal, and obedience, always striving towards the ultimate goal of eternal life with God.

Monotony and Crises
... THE PROVERBS MONOTONY AND CRISES. 'When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.'"Proverbs 4:12. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/monotony and crises.htm

1 John v. 3-Jan
... Christ hath told us, "I am the Way." [2489] What the home to which we run? "I am
the Truth." By Him thou runnest, to Him thou runnest, in Him thou restest. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily x 1 john v.htm

The Two Paths
... paths of uprightness. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened;
And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii the two paths.htm

Of those who Live Between the Two.
... light. Why runnest thou in the synagogue to the Pharisees, that He may become
merciful to thee, whom thou of thy own accord deniest? ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxiv of those who live between.htm

The Two Paths
... right paths.12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and
when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.13. Take fast ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two paths.htm

Philemon i. 17-19
... If thou art of the same mind with me, if thou runnest upon the same terms,
[1569] if thou considerest me a friend, receive him as myself. ...
/.../homily iii philemon i 17-19.htm

December 30 Evening
... in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and
when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Enter not into ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/december 30 evening.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 24
... thee not to God; neither if thou eat art thou the better, nor if thou eat not art
thou the worse." (1 Corinthians 8:8.) Plainly then thou runnest at random ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 1 cor ix.htm

The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint.
... and that thou mayest eat pleasantly, seeking out fine cooks; and that thou mayest
drink pleasantly, procuring costly wines; and in summer runnest about seeking ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xx the true gnostic exercises.htm

Matt. Ii. 4, 5
... a journey for His sake, before seeing Him; thou not even after thou hast seen Him
dost emulate them, but forsakest Him after seeing Him, and runnest to see the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily vii matt ii 4.htm

Runnest (1 Occurrence)
...Runnest (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not
be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ...
/r/runnest.htm - 6k

Runners (21 Occurrences)

/r/runners.htm - 13k

Runneth (36 Occurrences)

/r/runneth.htm - 16k

Straitened (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not
be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. ...
/s/straitened.htm - 10k

Stumblest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stumblest (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 4:12 In thy walking
thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not. (YLT). ...
/s/stumblest.htm - 6k

Goest (79 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when
thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/g/goest.htm - 32k

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