The term "withheldest" is an archaic form of the verb "withhold," which means to hold back, refrain from giving, or restrain. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's actions or human responses in which something is deliberately kept back or not granted. This term appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both divine and human interactions.

Biblical Usage:

1. Divine Restraint:
· In the Scriptures, God sometimes withholds blessings, judgment, or information for His purposes. This withholding can be a form of divine mercy, discipline, or testing. For example, God may withhold rain as a form of judgment or to call His people to repentance.

2. Human Action:
· Humans also withhold things, whether it be resources, forgiveness, or truth. The Bible often addresses the moral and ethical implications of such actions. Withholding can be seen as an act of disobedience or lack of faith when it involves not giving what is due to God or others.

Key Scripture References:

· Genesis 22:12 : "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him," said the angel, "for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me." This passage highlights Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating his faith and obedience to God. Abraham's refusal to withhold his son is seen as a profound act of trust in God's promises.

· Psalm 84:11 : "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." This verse assures believers of God's generosity and faithfulness. It emphasizes that God does not withhold blessings from those who live righteously, underscoring His benevolent nature.

· James 4:2 : "You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask." This passage speaks to the human tendency to withhold requests from God, leading to unmet needs and desires. It encourages believers to bring their petitions to God rather than withholding them out of pride or unbelief.

Theological Implications:

The concept of withholding in the Bible often serves to highlight the relationship between faith, obedience, and divine provision. When God withholds, it is typically for a greater purpose, whether to teach, test, or guide His people. Conversely, when humans withhold, it can reflect a lack of trust or a failure to align with God's will.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, withholding is intricately connected to themes of sacrifice, stewardship, and divine sovereignty. Believers are called to trust in God's timing and provision, recognizing that what He withholds is as significant as what He gives. This trust is foundational to a life of faith, as exemplified by figures like Abraham, who did not withhold his son, and by the assurance that God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly.

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... out in the Old Testament as truly as in the New, for we read in Nehemiah 9:20,
"Thou gavest also Thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not Thy ...
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Withheldest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Withheldest (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest
also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest...
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Withheld (32 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest
not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. ...
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Withhold (32 Occurrences)

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Gavest (36 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest
not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. ...
/g/gavest.htm - 17k

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