Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "let" in the Bible often serves as a versatile word with various meanings depending on the context. It can denote permission, allowance, or a command to permit something to happen. In the original Hebrew and Greek texts, different words are translated as "let" in English, each carrying its own nuance.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "let" frequently appears in the context of God's commands or permissions. For example, in the creation narrative, God uses "let" to initiate creation: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). Here, "let" signifies a divine command that brings about creation through God's sovereign will. The word also appears in the context of human actions and decisions. In Exodus 5:1, Moses and Aaron speak to Pharaoh, saying, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.'" In this instance, "let" is a demand for permission, reflecting God's authority over earthly rulers. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, "let" often appears in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing moral and spiritual directives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Here, "let" is an exhortation for believers to live in a way that reflects God's glory. The Apostle Paul frequently uses "let" in his epistles to guide Christian conduct. For instance, in Philippians 2:5, he writes, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" . This usage encourages believers to adopt the mindset and humility of Christ. Theological Implications The use of "let" in Scripture underscores the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. When God uses "let," it often signifies His authoritative command that cannot be thwarted. Conversely, when humans are instructed to "let" something occur, it implies a call to align with God's will and purposes. In the broader theological context, "let" can also reflect the permissive will of God, where He allows certain events or actions to occur within His sovereign plan. This is evident in the narrative of Job, where God permits Satan to test Job, saying, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger" (Job 1:12). Practical Application For believers, the frequent biblical exhortation to "let" something happen serves as a reminder of the active role they play in their spiritual journey. It calls for a response of obedience, faith, and alignment with God's will. Whether it is letting one's light shine, letting peace rule in one's heart, or letting the word of Christ dwell richly, these commands encourage a life that reflects the character and purposes of God. In summary, the word "let" in the Bible is a powerful term that conveys divine authority, human responsibility, and the call to live in accordance with God's will. Its usage throughout Scripture provides insight into the nature of God's interaction with His creation and His expectations for His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To retard; to hinder; to impede; to oppose.2. (n.) A retarding; hindrance; obstacle; impediment; delay; -- common in the phrase without let or hindrance, but elsewhere archaic. 3. (n.) A stroke in which a ball touches the top of the net in passing over. 4. (imp. & p. p.) of Let 5. (v. t.) To leave; to relinquish; to abandon. 6. (v. t.) To consider; to think; to esteem. 7. (v. t.) To cause; to make; -- used with the infinitive in the active form but in the passive sense; as, let make, i. e., cause to be made; let bring, i. e., cause to be brought. 8. (v. t.) To permit; to allow; to suffer; -- either affirmatively, by positive act, or negatively, by neglecting to restrain or prevent. 9. (v. t.) To allow to be used or occupied for a compensation; to lease; to rent; to hire out; -- often with out; as, to let a farm; to let a house; to let out horses. 10. (v. t.) To give, grant, or assign, as a work, privilege, or contract; -- often with out; as, to let the building of a bridge; to let out the lathing and the plastering. 11. (v. i.) To forbear. 12. (v. i.) To be let or leased; as, the farm lets for USD500 a year. See note under Let, v. t. 13. (n.) A noun suffix having a diminutive force; as in streamlet, wavelet, armlet. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LET(katecho): Usually in the sense of "permit" (Anglo-Saxon, leetan), but also in Old English with meaning of "hinder" (Anglo-Saxon, lettan). This latter sense is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 the King James Version, "Only he who now letteth will let," where the Revised Version (British and American) has, "Only there is one that restraineth now." Greek 1554. ekdidomi -- to give up, give out, let out for hire ... to give up, give out, let out for hire. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekdidomi Phonetic Spelling: (ek-did-o'-mee) Short Definition: I give out, let, let ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1554.htm - 6k 2524. kathiemi -- to let down 1439. eao -- to let alone, leave 2277. eto -- let be. 3409. misthoo -- to let for hire, to hire 1459. egkataleipo -- to leave behind, ie (in a good sense) let ... 5288. hupostello -- to draw in, let down, draw back 2020. epiphosko -- to let shine, ie to dawn 3386. meti ge -- let alone, much less, much more 630. apoluo -- to set free, release Strong's Hebrew 8058. shamat -- to let drop... 8057, 8058. shamat. 8059 . to let drop. Transliteration: shamat Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-mat') Short Definition: release. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/8058.htm - 6k 6544a. para -- let go, let alone 7662. shebaq -- to leave, let alone 3451. yeshimah -- let death seize 3240. yanach -- bestow, cast down, lay down, up, leave off, let ... 6544. para' -- let go, let alone 3361. Yoqmeam -- "let the people be established," a city in ... 3377. Yareb -- "let him contend," the name of an Assyrian king 3378. Yerubbaal -- "let Baal contend," a name of Gideon 8281. sharah -- to let loose Library "Let us Pray" Let those of us who are under the Rod, be Very Solicitous to ... Let us have Peace Let Me Find Thee! Alleluia, Let us Sing, 'Let Him Alone' But Let us Admit That, as is Said, Jupiter Has Himself Appointed ... Let Him In. PM Let it be Supposed, that Your Ingenious Reason Should Suggest to ... Let us not Sink in Hopeless Sorrow, or Break Out into Clamorous ... Thesaurus Let (16815 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A retarding; hindrance; obstacle; impediment; delay; -- common in the phrase without let or hindrance, but elsewhere archaic. ... 4. (imp. & pp) of Let. ... /l/let.htm - 8k Let's (74 Occurrences) Sea-lands (24 Occurrences) Vine-garden (43 Occurrences) Stubborn (40 Occurrences) Seemeth (36 Occurrences) Vindication (14 Occurrences) Shelter (36 Occurrences) Vines (39 Occurrences) Storehouses (23 Occurrences) Resources Are we supposed to let go and let God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God say, “Let there be light,” during creation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to “let the weak say I am strong” in Joel 3:10? | GotQuestions.org Let: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Let (16815 Occurrences)Let is found 16815 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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