The term "whiles" is an archaic English word that appears in some translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is used to denote a period of time during which an action occurs, often synonymous with "while" or "during." In the context of Scripture, "whiles" is employed to convey the continuity or duration of an event or state.

Biblical Usage:

1. Acts 5:4 : In the account of Ananias and Sapphira, Peter confronts Ananias about his deceit regarding the sale of property. The verse states, "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." Here, "while" is used to emphasize the period during which the property was unsold and under Ananias's control, highlighting his responsibility and the gravity of his deception.

2. Daniel 5:1-4 : In the narrative of Belshazzar's feast, the term "whiles" is used to describe the ongoing nature of the king's actions. The passage recounts how Belshazzar, "while he tasted the wine, commanded that the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem be brought to him." The use of "whiles" underscores the continuous indulgence and sacrilege occurring during the feast.

Theological Implications:

The use of "whiles" in Scripture often serves to highlight the immediacy and continuity of human actions in relation to divine expectations or judgments. It underscores the idea that God is aware of human behavior at all times and that actions taken "whiles" certain conditions persist are subject to divine scrutiny.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the use of "whiles" in the Bible can serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability. The term suggests that individuals are responsible for their actions during specific periods and that these actions have consequences. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of living righteously and being mindful of one's conduct at all times.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the historical and cultural context of the Bible, the use of "whiles" reflects the linguistic style of earlier English translations. It captures the continuous nature of events and actions, which is a common narrative technique in biblical literature. Understanding this term within its historical context can enhance one's appreciation of the text's depth and the nuances of its message.

Conclusion:

While the term "whiles" may seem antiquated to modern readers, its presence in the Bible serves as a linguistic bridge to the past, offering insights into the continuity of human actions and their spiritual significance. By examining its usage, believers can gain a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative and its implications for faith and conduct.1. (n.) Meanwhile; meantime.

2. (n.) sometimes; at times.

3. (conj.) During the time that; while.

3755. hotou -- while
... of hostis,, qv. while For the genitive case of hostis (as adverb); during which
same time, ie Whilst -- whiles. see GREEK hostis. (otou) -- 5 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3755.htm - 6k

Christ's 'little Whiles'
... CHRIST'S 'LITTLE WHILES'. 'A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again,
a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs little whiles.htm

Of the Stink of Lechery and the Peril of Touching: and of the ...
... Whiles a man weds not for pure love of God and virtue and chastity, but is busy
to live in chastity and in array of all virtue, doubtless he gets to himself a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxiv of the stink.htm

Of Man's Turning to God; and what Helps and what Lets his Turning.
... to be loved. Withouten doubt thus every man is turned to Christ whiles nought
is desired by him but only Christ. Truly turning from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter i of mans turning.htm

That Lovers of God Shall Deem with Him: and of the Love of ...
... Sweetest forsooth is the rest which the spirit takes whiles sweet godly sound comes
down, in which it is delighted, and in most sweet and playful songs the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xi that lovers of.htm

How and in what Time I came to Solitary Life: and of the Song of ...
... I was sitting forsooth in a chapel, and whiles I was mickle delighted with sweetness
of prayer or meditation, suddenly I felt within me a merry and unknown heat ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xv how and in.htm

Of Fairness of Mind: Vanity of the World: Love of God: and Union ...
... of the everlasting is truly kindled in our souls, without doubt all vanity of this
world and all fleshly love is held but as foulest filth; and whiles the soul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xix of fairness of.htm

That a True Lover Despises Worldly Things and Desires Heavenly ...
... Whiles a true soul, certain, desires burningly only the presence of the spouse,
it is perfectly cooled from all wantonness of vainglory. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxviii that a true.htm

Of Contemplation
... Begin therefore by wilful poverty, so that whiles thou desirest nought in this world,
before God and man thou livest soberly, chastely and meekly. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xii of contemplation.htm

Of Prayer
... and stirrings. They are enfeebled and as it were without strength, whiles
we, strong and not overcome, bide in prayer. Truly those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vii of prayer.htm

Of God's Privy Doom: and that they that Fall Again be not Deemed ...
... Therefore we ought to consider, that the clothing of His clearness is as a groundless
pit; wherefore we ought, whiles we are in this way, to dread, and in no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxx of gods privy.htm

Whiles (8 Occurrences)
... 3. (conj.) During the time that; while. Multi-Version Concordance Whiles (8 Occurrences). ...
(KJV). Acts 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? ...
/w/whiles.htm - 9k

Whilst (21 Occurrences)

/w/whilst.htm - 12k

While (3135 Occurrences)

/w/while.htm - 7k

Experiment (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/e/experiment.htm - 8k

Distribution (32 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/d/distribution.htm - 18k

Ministration (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/m/ministration.htm - 15k

Professed (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/p/professed.htm - 8k

Subjection (40 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ...
/s/subjection.htm - 18k

Sleepeth (13 Occurrences)
... Hosea 7:6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in
wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a ...
/s/sleepeth.htm - 9k

Vanity (100 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:29 Whiles they see vanity unto thee, whiles they divine a lie unto thee,
to bring thee upon the necks of them that are slain, of the wicked, whose ...
/v/vanity.htm - 39k

Whiles: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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