The term "callest" is an archaic form of the verb "call," often found in older English translations of the Bible. It is a second person singular form, typically used in direct address. While the Berean Standard Bible modernizes much of the language found in earlier translations, understanding the usage of "callest" can provide insight into the nuances of biblical dialogue and the nature of communication with God and among individuals in biblical times.

Biblical Usage

In the context of the Bible, "callest" is often used in direct speech, reflecting a personal and intimate form of address. This form of the verb is found in passages where individuals are speaking directly to God or to one another, emphasizing the personal nature of the communication.

Examples in Scripture

While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "callest," examining its usage in other translations can illuminate its meaning. For instance, in the King James Version, the term appears in passages such as:

· Matthew 19:17 (KJV): "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

In this passage, Jesus addresses the rich young ruler, questioning the use of the term "good" and pointing to the ultimate goodness of God. The use of "callest" here underscores the direct and personal nature of the conversation.

Theological Implications

The use of "callest" in biblical dialogue often highlights themes of identity, authority, and relationship. When individuals "call" upon God, it signifies a recognition of His sovereignty and a desire for His intervention or guidance. Similarly, when God calls individuals, it denotes a divine summons or invitation to a particular purpose or mission.

Call and Response

The concept of calling is central to the biblical narrative, where God calls individuals and nations to Himself. This call often requires a response, whether it be obedience, repentance, or worship. The personal nature of "callest" reflects the intimate relationship God desires with His people, as seen in passages where He calls them by name.

· Isaiah 43:1 : "But now, thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.'"

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, understanding the concept of "callest" can deepen one's appreciation for the personal nature of God's communication with humanity. It serves as a reminder of the importance of listening for God's call in one's life and responding in faith and obedience. The personal address inherent in "callest" encourages believers to engage in a direct and personal relationship with God, recognizing His voice and responding to His call with a willing heart.

Thou Callest us Then to Understand the Word, God...
... Book XI Chapter VII Thou callest us then to understand the Word, God? Thou
callest us then to understand the Word, God, with Thee ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vii thou callest us.htm

Wherefore Callest Thou Him "Our Lord"?
... Lord's Day 13 Question 34 Wherefore callest thou him "our Lord"? Wherefore
callest thou him "our Lord"? Because he hath redeemed ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 34 wherefore callest thou.htm

Of the Little Children on whom He Laid his Hands; of the Rich Man ...
... between them, because the words were, according to Matthew, "Why askest thou me
about the good?" while according to the others they were, "Why callest thou me ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxiii of the little children.htm

Almost a Disciple
... And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou Me good! ... 'Why callest thou Me good?' is
more than a waving aside of a compliment, or a lesson in accuracy of speech. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/almost a disciple.htm

The Last Incidents in Per??a - the Young Ruler who Went Away ...
... Jewish Rabbi addressed as Good Master,' but the obvious difficulties connected with
the answer of Christ, according to the common reading: Why callest thou Me ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiii the last incidents.htm

Come from Lebanon, My Spouse, Come from Lebanon, Come; Thou Shalt ...
... Why so earnestly and so continually invite a spouse to a consummation she so
passionately desires? Thou callest her from Lebanon though she is in Jerusalem. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 come from lebanon my.htm

We Ought not to Allow the Idea of Profit to Get Hold of Us. ...
... Then thou collectest wealth from the misery of all, and callest this industry and
diligence, when it is but cunning shrewdness and an adroit trick of the trade ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi we ought not.htm

Ephesians iv. 17
... not only dost thou not bring him in, but if by any accident he has found entrance,
thou drivest him out from every place, thou callest everybody together, and ...
/.../homily xii ephesians iv 17.htm

The Way.
... 'Good Master,' said the kneeling youth, and is interrupted by the Master:". 'Why
callest thou me good?' he returns. ... 'Why callest thou me good? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the way.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... Thou callest God, "Father," and dost thou straightway revile thy brother? Think,
whence is it thou callest God, "Father"? Is it from nature? ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

Callest (6 Occurrences)
...Callest (6 Occurrences). Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me
good? ... (KJV WBS). Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? ...
/c/callest.htm - 8k

None (573 Occurrences)
... (WEY NIV). Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? ... Mark
10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? ...
/n/none.htm - 35k

Calledst (6 Occurrences)

/c/calledst.htm - 8k

Save (375 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? ... (WEB KJV DBY
WBS YLT). Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? ...
/s/save.htm - 37k

Givest (31 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Proverbs 2:3 For, if for intelligence thou callest,
For understanding givest forth thy voice, (YLT). Proverbs ...
/g/givest.htm - 15k

Wilt (324 Occurrences)
... it to them for me and thee. (DBY). Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him,
Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that ...
/w/wilt.htm - 36k

Beautified (7 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 55:5 Lo, a nation thou knowest not, thou callest, And a nation who know thee
not unto thee do run, For the sake of Jehovah thy God, And for the Holy One ...
/b/beautified.htm - 8k

Criest (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 58:9 Then thou callest, and Jehovah answereth, Thou criest, and He saith,
'Behold Me.' If thou turn aside from thy midst the yoke, The sending forth of ...
/c/criest.htm - 7k

Concerning
... 2 Corinthians 11:21), instead of "concerning reproach"; "Why askest thou me concerning
that which is good?" (Matthew 19:17) instead of "Why callest thou me good ...
/c/concerning.htm - 8k

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