The term "wandereth" is an archaic form of the verb "wander," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often conveying themes of aimlessness, searching, or deviation from a set path. In the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of wandering is frequently associated with spiritual and physical journeys, reflecting both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the human experience.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of wandering is prominently featured in the narrative of the Israelites. After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to their disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises. This period of wandering is a significant theme in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Numbers 32:13 states, "So the LORD’s anger burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness for forty years until the whole generation that had done evil in His sight was gone."

The concept of wandering is also present in the wisdom literature, where it often symbolizes a departure from wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 21:16 warns, "The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." Here, wandering is equated with straying from the path of wisdom, leading to spiritual death.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of wandering is less about physical movement and more about spiritual deviation. The Epistle of James addresses the issue of spiritual wandering, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. James 5:19-20 states, "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This passage highlights the importance of community and accountability in preventing spiritual wandering.

The parable of the lost sheep, found in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7, also illustrates the concept of wandering. In this parable, Jesus describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has wandered away. This account emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of those who have strayed from His fold, underscoring His mercy and love.

Theological Implications

Theologically, wandering is often seen as a metaphor for the human condition. It reflects the tendency of individuals to stray from God's commandments and the need for divine guidance and redemption. The Bible consistently portrays God as a shepherd who seeks out the lost and guides them back to the right path. Psalm 23:1-3 beautifully captures this imagery: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for the sake of His name."

In summary, the concept of "wandereth" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the human propensity to stray and the divine initiative to restore and guide. It calls believers to remain vigilant in their faith, to seek wisdom, and to trust in God's unfailing guidance.

Psalm CXX.
... The body wandereth in places, the soul wandereth in its affections. ... Wherefore? Because
"my soul hath wandered much." He wandereth there where he ascendeth. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxx.htm

The Style of Speaking in the Book of Genesis is Simple and Clear.
... [1157] In allusion, perhaps, to Proverbs 27:8: "As a bird that wandereth
from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.". ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxvii the style of speaking.htm

The Wandering Bird
... "As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from
his place.""Proverbs 27:8. Solomon spoke from observation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm

Sin Laid on Jesus
... Not like the ox which "knoweth its owner," nor even like the ass which "remembers
its master's crib nor even like the swine which if it wandereth all day long ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/sin laid on jesus.htm

Antichrist in Isaiah
... They intimate how that the persecuted Jews flee to the land of Moab for refuge "
"Hide the outcasts; betray not him that wandereth," makes this clear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/1 antichrist in isaiah.htm

Psalm CXLIX.
... In the part which abideth in heaven is the bliss of angels, in the part
which wandereth in this world is the hope of the righteous. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

The Call of Abraham
... Doubtless, the prudent father cautioned him to avoid so great a risk, and the anxious
mother bade him remember that, as a bird wandereth from his nest, so is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

An Instructive Truth
... I have known people who have been very much given to change; I cannot commend them,
for I remember that Solomon said, "As a bird that wandereth from her nest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/an instructive truth.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... curses. And 'the man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall
remain in the congregation of the dead' (Proverbs 21:6). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Heavenly Rest
... in this mortal state the child of God is also subject to sin; even he faileth in
his duty, and wandereth from his God; even he doth not walk in all the law of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm

Wandereth (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wandereth (5 Occurrences). Job 15:23 He wandereth
abroad for bread, saying, Where is it? he knoweth that ...
/w/wandereth.htm - 7k

Bewray (1 Occurrence)
... heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing"); (3) galah, "to denude," figuratively,
"to reveal" (Isaiah 16:3), "bewray not him that wandereth" (the American ...
/b/bewray.htm - 9k

Noon-day (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the
midst of the noon-day; hide the outcasts; discover not him that wandereth. ...
/n/noon-day.htm - 8k

Wanderest (1 Occurrence)

/w/wanderest.htm - 6k

Bewrayer
... heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing"); (3) galah, "to denude," figuratively,
"to reveal" (Isaiah 16:3), "bewray not him that wandereth" (the American ...
/b/bewrayer.htm - 8k

Shades (29 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding
Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. (See JPS BBE). ...
/s/shades.htm - 13k

Strayeth (1 Occurrence)
... Strayeth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of
understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead. (See JPS). ...
/s/strayeth.htm - 6k

Wandering (120 Occurrences)

/w/wandering.htm - 37k

Shadow (72 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the
midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. ...
/s/shadow.htm - 35k

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