The term "askest" is an archaic form of the verb "ask," commonly found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used in the second person singular, typically in contexts where a direct address is made to an individual. In the Berean Standard Bible , the modern equivalent "ask" is used, reflecting contemporary language while maintaining the original meaning.

Biblical Context and Usage

The concept of asking is deeply embedded in biblical teachings, often associated with prayer, seeking wisdom, and making requests to God. The act of asking is portrayed as a demonstration of faith and dependence on God's provision and guidance.

1. Prayer and Petition: In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of asking in prayer. In Matthew 7:7 , Jesus instructs, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." This verse highlights the assurance that God responds to the earnest prayers of His people.

2. Wisdom and Understanding: The Bible encourages believers to ask for wisdom. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This passage underscores the readiness of God to impart wisdom to those who seek it sincerely.

3. Faith and Trust: Asking is also an expression of faith. In Mark 11:24 , Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This teaching connects the act of asking with the necessity of believing in God's power and willingness to answer.

4. Intercession and Advocacy: The Bible records instances where individuals ask on behalf of others. In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham intercedes for Sodom, asking God to spare the city if righteous people are found within it. This narrative illustrates the role of asking in intercessory prayer and advocacy.

Theological Implications

The act of asking in the biblical sense is not merely about making requests but involves a relational dynamic between the believer and God. It reflects a heart posture of humility, recognizing one's own limitations and God's sovereignty. Asking is an acknowledgment of God's authority and a submission to His will, trusting that His responses are rooted in His perfect wisdom and love.

Practical Application

For believers, the principle of asking is a vital aspect of their spiritual life. It encourages a continual dialogue with God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. By asking, believers are invited to participate in God's work, aligning their desires with His purposes. It is a practice that cultivates patience, as believers learn to wait on God's timing and trust in His answers, whether they come in the form of a "yes," "no," or "wait."

In summary, the concept of "askest" in its biblical context serves as a reminder of the privilege and responsibility of approaching God with our needs, desires, and intercessions, always with a heart of faith and submission to His divine will.

A Good Declaring of Certain Doubts that May Fall in this Word ...
... contemplative. BUT now thou askest me, "What is he, this that thus presseth upon
me in this work; and whether it is a good thing or an evil? ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eighth chapter.htm

Of the Little Children on whom He Laid his Hands; of the Rich Man ...
... do in order to obtain eternal life, there may appear to be some discrepancy between
them, because the words were, according to Matthew, "Why askest thou me ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxiii of the little children.htm

On the Lord's Prayer in St. Matthew's Gospel, Chap. vi. 9, Etc. To ...
... It is holy. Why then askest thou for that which is already holy? ... No. Understand
it aright, and it is for thine own self thou askest. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon vi on the lords.htm

Diverse Things are Spoken Concerning the Same Christ, on Account ...
... On this account also He replied to him, who had called Him Good Master, when seeking
advice of Him how he might attain eternal life, "Why askest thou me about ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 13 diverse things are spoken.htm

The Eighth Book Very Notably Overthrows the Blasphemy of The
... He was not, and shows the Son to be no new being, but from everlasting, from His
having said to Moses, "I am He that is," and to Manoah, "Why askest thou My ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 1 the eighth book.htm

John Chapter x. 13-Nov
... But if thou askest me for His peculiar personal quality: [888] "In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." [889] If thou ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlvi john chapter x.htm

Psalm CXLI.
... Thou askest the reason, and they assign one....He vexeth the members of Christ,
who cleanseth the earth with a furrow: he vexeth the members of Christ, who ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxli.htm

Jesus Before Caiaphas
... nothing. Why askest thou Me? ask them which heard Me, what I have said unto them:
behold, they know what I said. ... indictment. 'Why askest thou Me? ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/jesus before caiaphas.htm

The Way.
... life?'. But again the Lord takes hold of the word good:". 'Why askest thou
me concerning that which is good?' he rejoins. 'One there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the way.htm

John Chapter xviii. 13-27.
... Why askest thou me? ... Therefore He said, "Why askest thou me? ask those who heard
me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.". ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxiii john chapter xviii.htm

Askest (5 Occurrences)
...Askest (5 Occurrences). Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why askest thou me
concerning that which is good? ... (KJV ASV WBS). John 18:21 Why askest thou me? ...
/a/askest.htm - 7k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asketh, and saith, 'Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and
he saith, 'Why 'is' this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there. ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 19:17 And he said to him, What askest thou me concerning goodness?
one is good. But if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. ...
/g/goodness.htm - 35k

Wouldest (66 Occurrences)
... wouldest be profited: (DBY). Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why askest
thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who ...
/w/wouldest.htm - 26k

Blesseth (55 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asketh, and saith, 'Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and
he saith, 'Why 'is' this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there. ...
/b/blesseth.htm - 22k

Concerning
... Lord" (Acts 18:25), "concerning Jesus" (diferent text), "by way of disparagement"
(2 Corinthians 11:21), instead of "concerning reproach"; "Why askest thou me ...
/c/concerning.htm - 8k

Askelon (3 Occurrences)

/a/askelon.htm - 7k

Declare (346 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asketh, and saith, 'Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and
he saith, 'Why 'is' this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there. ...
/d/declare.htm - 37k

Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold,
they know what I said" (John 18:20, 21 the King James Version). ...
/a/arrest.htm - 45k

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold,
they know what I said" (John 18:20, 21 the King James Version). ...
/t/trial.htm - 52k

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