Betimes
What Does 'Betimes' Mean in the Bible?
The English word 'betimes,' found in classic translations like the King James Version (KJV), means 'early,' 'promptly,' or 'in good time.' It conveys a sense of diligence and earnestness, not merely chronological earliness. In scripture, it often translates Hebrew verbs that carry the core idea of rising early to undertake an important task, reflecting a posture of eager priority and spiritual alertness.
Key Hebrew Words Behind 'Betimes'
Two primary Hebrew roots are translated as 'betimes' in the KJV. The first is shakham (שָׁכַם), which literally means 'to load up' or 'to shoulder a burden,' and by extension, 'to start early' or 'to rise early in the morning.' This word describes concrete, early-morning action, as when Abraham rose early to obey God's difficult command concerning Isaac (Genesis 22:3) or when Laban rose early to kiss his departing family (Genesis 31:55). It appears in the phrase 'rose up betimes' in narratives like Genesis 26:31 and 2 Chronicles 36:15.
The second is shachar (שָׁחַר), meaning 'to seek or search diligently early,' often with the dawn. This usage emphasizes earnest, persistent seeking. For example, God tells Job that if he would 'seek unto God betimes' (Job 8:5), he would find understanding. In the Apocrypha, Sirach 6:36 urges seeking wisdom by 'rising betimes' to her doors, a call to proactive pursuit.
Betimes in Biblical Narratives and Poetry
In biblical narratives, acting 'betimes' frequently marks decisive, obedient, or urgent moments. Prophets were sent 'rising up betimes and sending' God's warnings to His people (2 Chronicles 36:15, KJV). This portrays God's persistent grace and the prophets' diligence. In the poetic books, the concept shifts to the internal posture of the heart. The psalmist sings, 'I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me' after a night of weeping, suggesting a turning to praise at the first opportunity (Psalm 13:6, with 'chasteneth him betimes' in some readings). The call to seek wisdom 'betimes' in Job and Proverbs underscores that divine understanding requires earnest, prioritized seeking.
Theological Significance of Diligence and Priority
The biblical use of 'betimes' teaches that a relationship with God requires intentionality and priority. It is not passive. God Himself is depicted as rising early to send His word (Jeremiah 7:13, 25), demonstrating His proactive love and desire to warn and save. The human response modeled is one of eager obedience (like Abraham), diligent seeking (for wisdom), and timely repentance. This theme connects to Jesus' teachings on seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and being spiritually awake, ready for the master's return (Matthew 24:42-44). The 'early' seeking reflects a heart that values God's presence and instruction above all else.
From Ancient Context to Modern Application
In the ancient Near East, rising early was essential for travel and work before the heat of the day, making it a natural metaphor for diligence and wisdom. The biblical authors harness this cultural habit to frame spiritual life. For modern readers, the concept moves beyond literal dawn to a mindset of spiritual priority. It challenges believers to be proactive in prayer, scripture study, and obedience, to 'seek first' rather than fit faith into leftover time. The call to act 'betimes' is a call to put God at the center of one's daily life and ambitions from the very start.
Biblical Context
The term 'betimes' appears primarily in the King James Version and other older English translations. It is found in historical narratives (Genesis, 2 Chronicles), wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs), and the Apocrypha (Sirach, 1 Maccabees). It describes both physical actions, like rising early to journey or sacrifice, and spiritual postures, like diligently seeking God or wisdom. Its role is to emphasize urgency, priority, and earnest effort in one's relationship with God and pursuit of righteousness.
Theological Significance
The concept of 'betimes' teaches that God values and rewards spiritual diligence. It reveals God's character as one who proactively reaches out to humanity ('rising early' to send prophets). For believers, it underscores that faith requires intentional seeking, prompt obedience, and giving God the first priority, the 'firstfruits' of one's time and energy. It connects to themes of watchfulness, wisdom, and the blessedness of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).
Historical Background
In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, rising at dawn was a practical necessity for farming, travel, and avoiding midday heat. This made 'early rising' a powerful cultural symbol for diligence, responsibility, and wisdom. Extra-biblical wisdom literature from Egypt and Mesopotamia also praises the early riser as virtuous and successful. The biblical use of terms translated 'betimes' fits within this broader ancient Near Eastern ethic that associated early action with moral and practical excellence.