The term "mayst" is an archaic form of the word "may," primarily found in older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is a second person singular form used in addressing someone directly, often in a context of permission, possibility, or ability. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use "mayst," understanding its usage in older translations can provide insight into the language and interpretation of biblical texts.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the context of the Bible, "mayst" is often used to convey a sense of permission or potential action granted by God or another authority. It reflects the subjunctive mood, which expresses wishes, hypotheticals, or conditions contrary to fact. This form is typically found in dialogues or divine instructions, where God or a prophet is addressing an individual.

Examples in Scripture

While the Berean Standard Bible does not use "mayst," examining the King James Version can illustrate its usage. For instance, in Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV), God commands Adam, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it." Here, "mayest" (a variant of "mayst") indicates the permission granted to Adam regarding the trees of the garden.

Theological Implications

The use of "mayst" in biblical texts often underscores the relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency. It highlights the permissions and boundaries set by God, reflecting His authority and the moral choices available to humanity. This linguistic form can emphasize the conditional nature of certain divine promises or warnings, where human response plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan.

Relevance to Modern Readers

Understanding the term "mayst" and its implications can enrich a reader's comprehension of biblical narratives and commands. While modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible use contemporary language, recognizing the nuances of older forms can deepen one's appreciation for the historical and theological dimensions of Scripture. It also serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of language and its impact on biblical interpretation.

Conclusion

While "mayst" is not present in the Berean Standard Bible, its study in older translations can provide valuable insights into the biblical text's original intent and meaning. By exploring such terms, readers can gain a fuller understanding of the dynamics between divine authority and human responsibility as presented in the Scriptures.

But Now, Thou Mayst Ask Me and Say, "Thou Speakest So Much of Love ...
... CHAPTER X. But now, thou mayst ask me and say, "Thou speakest so much of
love? But now, thou mayst ask me and say, "Thou speakest ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/chapter x but now thou.htm

Three Degrees of Love I Shall Tell Thee, for I Would that Thou ...
... of love. And methinks that thou, who hast nothing else to do but for to
love GOD, mayst come thereunto if any may get it. The third ...
/.../chapter viii three degrees of.htm

Third Part of the Book.
... When thou comest to the town to ease thy body, seek where thou mayst most worthily
dwell for thy condition and in most peace: and where thou mayst most profit ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/third part of the book.htm

Acts and Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
... And on this account I wish thee to hear the mystery of the cross, in order that
thou perhaps, acknowledging it, mayst believe, and believing, mayst come ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of the holy apostle andrew/acts and martyrdom of the.htm

Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... If thou canst hear and bear the rod of affliction which God shall lay upon thee,
remember this lesson, thou art BEATEN that thou mayst be better. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/bunyans dying sayings.htm

How Herod, by Permission from Caesar Accused his Sons Before an ...
... had determined to do to thee was impious, and that thou oughtest to keep them in
prison; and if thou thinkest any thing further necessary, thou mayst indeed so ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod by.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... Woman, thou mayst be amiable in thy temper and excellent in thy deportment, but
thou shalt perish as surely as a harlot, unless Christ have pity upon thee. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... As much as thou mayst, be merciful, if thou have much good give abundantly, if thou
have but little, yet study to give and to depart thereof gladly, for thou ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

28TH DAY. A Joyful Resurrection.
... Having this hope in thee, art thou purifying thyself, even as He is pure? Be much
with Jesus now, that thou mayst exult in meeting Him hereafter. ...
/.../macduff/the faithful promiser/28th day a joyful resurrection.htm

How to Live the Christ-Life.
... Jesus. O Christ, I die, that thou mayst live, That thou mayst live in me;
That all I think or speak or do, May be, O Lord, for thee. ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/how to live the christ-life.htm

Mayst (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mayst (5 Occurrences). John 1:33 and I did not
know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water, He said ...
/m/mayst.htm - 8k

Mazitias

/m/mazitias.htm - 6k

Baptizing (16 Occurrences)
... John 1:33 and I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water, He said
to me, On whomsoever thou mayst see the Spirit coming down, and remaining ...
/b/baptizing.htm - 11k

Buttons (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:33 And thou shalt hang the vail under the buttons, that thou mayst bring
in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall ...
/b/buttons.htm - 8k

Access (9 Occurrences)
... I pray thee, let me have access to thee; (for he knew not that she was his
daughter-in-law:) and she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayst have access ...
/a/access.htm - 11k

Mayest (240 Occurrences)

/m/mayest.htm - 36k

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