The term "lettest" is an archaic form of the verb "let," which appears in older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). In modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible , this term is often updated to reflect contemporary language usage. The word "let" in its archaic form can mean to allow or permit, but it can also mean to hinder or prevent, depending on the context. This dual meaning can sometimes lead to confusion for modern readers.

Biblical Usage:

1. Allowing or Permitting:
In many instances, "lettest" is used in the sense of allowing or permitting something to happen. This usage aligns with the modern understanding of the word "let" as to allow. For example, in the context of prayer or divine intervention, one might encounter a plea for God to "let" something occur, signifying a request for permission or allowance.

2. Hindering or Preventing:
Less commonly, "lettest" can mean to hinder or prevent. This usage is more obscure in contemporary English but was understood in older contexts. An example of this can be found in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV), where the term is used to describe a restraining force. In the BSB, this is rendered in a way that clarifies the meaning: "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way."

Theological Implications:

The dual meanings of "lettest" reflect the broader theological themes of divine sovereignty and human agency. In Scripture, God is often depicted as the one who permits or restrains events according to His divine will. This is evident in narratives where God allows certain events to unfold for the fulfillment of His purposes, as well as in instances where He restrains evil or chaos.

Examples in Scripture:

· Genesis 1:3 : "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." Here, "let" signifies God's command and permission for light to exist, demonstrating His creative authority.

· Matthew 19:14 : "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" In this passage, "let" is used in the sense of allowing or permitting, emphasizing Jesus' welcoming nature and the openness of the kingdom of heaven.

Historical Context:

The use of "lettest" in older translations reflects the linguistic style of the time. The King James Version, completed in 1611, employed the language of its day, which included many terms and grammatical structures that have since evolved. Understanding these terms in their historical context is crucial for accurate interpretation and application of biblical texts.

Modern Application:

In contemporary Bible study, recognizing the historical and linguistic context of terms like "lettest" can enhance one's understanding of Scripture. Modern translations, such as the Berean Standard Bible, aim to provide clarity by using language that is accessible to today's readers while maintaining the integrity of the original texts. This approach helps believers apply biblical principles to their lives with greater understanding and relevance.

Presentation in the Temple. Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant ...
... Presentation in the Temple. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,
according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/presentation in the temple lord.htm

The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... 29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, O Lord, According to thy word, in peace;
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f the presentation of jesus.htm

Simeon's Swan-Song
... 'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. ... now
lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace,' as being a petition; 'Lord! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/simeons swan-song.htm

Of Death and Dying. --Psalm Xc.
... Thou lettest all the crowds of men Through death's dark portals wander,
And biddest them return again, Those others follow yonder. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/of death and dying psalm xc.htm

"Nunc Dimittis"
... "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.""Luke 2:29-30. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

Life.
... new heard; where it says that the Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life; and
the meaning of the 104th Psalm also, where it says""Thou lettest Thy breath ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xvii life.htm

New Testament Hymns
... spoken by Zacharias, the Nunc dimittis,. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart
in peace (Luke 2:29-32),. by Simeon, and above all the Magnificat,. ...
/.../christian hymns of the first three centuries/iii new testament hymns.htm

Liturgical Hymns
... Praise becomes Thee,. and {Nyn apolyeis ton doulon sou}, Nunc dimittis,. Now lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace; and a prayer at dinner, {Eulogetos ei},. ...
/.../messenger/christian hymns of the first three centuries/iv liturgical hymns.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... The sins of the heart are these: Ill-thought: ill delight: assent to sin: desire
of ill; wicked will: ill suspicion: undevotion: if thou lettest thine heart ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

How Some Persons are Unconsciously Attracted by God.
... my days with Thee in love and praise, such would be its desire; for truly that man
is blest whom Thou dost anticipate so lovingly that Thou lettest him have ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter i how some persons.htm

Lettest (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lettest (8 Occurrences). Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou
thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/l/lettest.htm - 8k

Letteth (11 Occurrences)

/l/letteth.htm - 9k

Turnest (12 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Job 15:13 That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest
such words go out of thy mouth? (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/turnest.htm - 10k

Rope (10 Occurrences)
... way. (See RSV). Job 41:1 Dost thou draw leviathan with an angle? And with
a rope thou lettest down -- his tongue? (YLT NIV). Job 41 ...
/r/rope.htm - 11k

Empty-handed (13 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Deuteronomy 15:13 And when thou lettest him go free from thee,
thou shalt not let him go empty; (See NAS RSV). Deuteronomy ...
/e/empty-handed.htm - 10k

Depart (211 Occurrences)
... daughter. (WBS). Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, according to thy word: (KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV). Luke ...
/d/depart.htm - 36k

Bondman (108 Occurrences)
... and took off his ear. (DBY). Luke 2:29 Lord, now thou lettest thy bondman
go, according to thy word, in peace; (DBY). Luke 7:2 And a ...
/b/bondman.htm - 36k

Angle (19 Occurrences)
... the wall. (BBE). Job 41:1 Dost thou draw leviathan with an angle? And with
a rope thou lettest down -- his tongue? (YLT). Proverbs 21 ...
/a/angle.htm - 14k

Letters (51 Occurrences)

/l/letters.htm - 23k

Canst (62 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 41:1 Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his
tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/c/canst.htm - 24k

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