The term "watcheth" is an archaic form of the verb "watch," often found in older translations of the Bible. It conveys the idea of being vigilant, alert, and attentive, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense. In the context of Scripture, "watcheth" is associated with the call to remain spiritually awake and prepared for the coming of the Lord, as well as to guard against temptation and sin.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Spiritual Vigilance: The concept of watching is frequently used in the Bible to encourage believers to remain spiritually vigilant. In the New Testament, Jesus often exhorts His disciples to watch and pray. For instance, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructs Peter, James, and John: "Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41). Here, "watcheth" implies a state of spiritual alertness necessary to withstand trials and temptations.

2. Eschatological Preparedness: The theme of watching is also prominent in eschatological teachings, where believers are urged to be prepared for the return of Christ. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus emphasizes the importance of readiness: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). The call to "watch" in this context is a reminder of the unpredictability of the Second Coming and the need for constant readiness.

3. Moral and Ethical Alertness: Watching is also related to maintaining moral and ethical integrity. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul exhorts the church: "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" . Here, "watcheth" involves being steadfast in faith and moral conviction, resisting the pressures and temptations of the world.

4. Guarding Against False Teachings: The early church faced numerous challenges from false teachings and heresies. Believers were encouraged to watch for these dangers. In Acts 20:31, Paul warns the Ephesian elders: "Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears" . The act of watching here involves discernment and vigilance against doctrinal error.

Theological Implications

The call to "watcheth" in Scripture underscores the importance of a proactive and engaged faith. It is a reminder that the Christian life is not passive but requires active participation in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. Watching is an expression of faithfulness and obedience, reflecting a heart that is attuned to the will of God and responsive to His leading.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the exhortation to "watcheth" remains relevant. It involves cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, being attentive to the Holy Spirit, and living with an eternal perspective. In a world filled with distractions and moral challenges, the call to watch serves as a guiding principle for maintaining spiritual health and readiness for the Lord's return.

Preface
... in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, 'white raiment that thou mayest be
clothed'; and 'Blessed', He says also, 'is he that watcheth, and keepeth his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/howard/standards of life and service/preface.htm

Christ's Resurrection Song.
... The law of His God is in His heart; none of His steps shall slide. The wicked
watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay Him. Jehovah ...
/.../gaebelein/the lord of glory/christs resurrection song.htm

How Lovely God Is.
... Thy poor handmaid; for, lo! I am fallen softly asleep beneath Thy shadow,
and my heart watcheth. Eternal Wisdom."Listen, then, my ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter vii how lovely god.htm

Behold the Bridegroom Cometh
... I. Behold the Bridegroom cometh. At the hour of midnight drear,. And blest be he
who watcheth. When his Master shall appear,. But woe betide the careless one. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/behold the bridegroom cometh.htm

The Admonition.
... The Admonition. "Behold, I come like a thief. Happy is he who watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." Rev.16:15. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the admonition.htm

How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety.
... cxxx.6;) and as soon as thou awakest say to him thus: My soul waiteth on thee,
O Lord, more than the morning watch watcheth for the morning! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/how a private man must.htm

Song.
... caress them. In vain is all our doing, The labour we're pursuing In our
hands prospers never, Unless God watcheth ever. Our song ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/song.htm

The 23Rd Psalm of David.
... THE 23RD PSALM OF DAVID. The Lord, the earth who ruleth, And with His hand controlleth,
Whose goodness never endeth, He watcheth me and tendeth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/the 23rd psalm of david.htm

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... We may remember, too, the blessing pronounced in the Apocalypse on 'Him who watcheth
and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked.' Shortly before daybreak the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself
... Better of a surety is a lowly peasant who serveth God, than a proud philosopher
who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii of thinking humbly.htm

Watcheth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Watcheth (6 Occurrences). ... Blessed is he that watcheth,
and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. ...
/w/watcheth.htm - 8k

Watchful (17 Occurrences)

/w/watchful.htm - 11k

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (KJV WEY DBY). ...
/k/keepeth.htm - 23k

Watchest (1 Occurrence)

/w/watchest.htm - 6k

Talketh (3 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 6:22 In thy going up and down, it leadeth thee, In thy lying down, it watcheth
over thee, And thou hast awaked -- it talketh 'with' thee. (YLT). ...
/t/talketh.htm - 7k

Awaked (9 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 6:22 In thy going up and down, it leadeth thee, In thy lying down, it watcheth
over thee, And thou hast awaked -- it talketh 'with' thee. (YLT). ...
/a/awaked.htm - 9k

Watches (23 Occurrences)
... of the poor, and the violent perverting of justice and righteousness in the state,
marvel not at the matter; for one higher than the high watcheth, and there ...
/w/watches.htm - 14k

Rights (35 Occurrences)
... of the poor, and the violent perverting of justice and righteousness in the state,
marvel not at the matter; for one higher than the high watcheth, and there ...
/r/rights.htm - 16k

Walked (178 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:15 (Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walked naked, and they see his shame.) (WEY). ...
/w/walked.htm - 38k

Leadeth (42 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 6:22 In thy going up and down, it leadeth thee, In thy lying down,
it watcheth over thee, And thou hast awaked -- it talketh 'with' thee. (YLT). ...
/l/leadeth.htm - 18k

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