The term "scattereth" is an archaic form of the word "scatter," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often conveying the idea of dispersing, spreading, or distributing. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing divine judgment, the consequences of disobedience, and the spreading of God's people or His word.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, "scattereth" frequently appears in the context of divine judgment and punishment. For instance, in Proverbs 11:24 , it is written, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor." This verse illustrates the principle that generosity leads to abundance, while withholding leads to lack, metaphorically using the idea of scattering to describe the act of giving freely.

The scattering of people is a recurring theme, particularly in the prophetic books. In Ezekiel 11:16 , God speaks through the prophet, saying, "Therefore say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Though I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’" Here, scattering is depicted as a form of exile, a consequence of Israel's disobedience, yet it also carries a promise of God's continued presence and eventual restoration.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of scattering takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus uses the imagery of scattering in His teachings. In Matthew 12:30 , Jesus states, "Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters." This verse emphasizes the importance of unity with Christ and the mission of gathering souls into the Kingdom of God. Those who do not actively participate in this mission are seen as contributing to the scattering, or division, of people away from the truth.

The early church also experienced a form of scattering, which, while initially a result of persecution, ultimately served to spread the Gospel. Acts 8:1 recounts, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." This scattering led to the wider dissemination of Christian teachings and the establishment of new communities of believers.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of scattering in the Bible often serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of human actions. It underscores the idea that disobedience and sin lead to dispersion and separation from God's intended blessings. However, it also highlights God's redemptive plan, as scattering can lead to the spread of His word and the growth of His Kingdom.

In a broader sense, "scattereth" reflects the dual nature of God's dealings with humanity—both as a just judge who disciplines and as a loving Father who seeks to gather His children back to Himself. The imagery of scattering and gathering is a powerful reminder of the choices individuals and communities face in their relationship with God.Scatterreth (1 Occurrence)

Proverbs 20:26
A wise king scatterreth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
(WBS)

Scatterreth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scatterreth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 20:26 A wise king
scatterreth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. (WBS). ...
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Scatters (12 Occurrences)

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Scatterings (2 Occurrences)

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