The term "saith" is an archaic English word commonly found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is the third person singular form of the verb "say," used to indicate what someone has spoken. In modern translations, including the Berean Standard Bible , "saith" is typically rendered as "says." Despite its archaic nature, "saith" holds a significant place in biblical literature, reflecting the solemn and authoritative tone of divine and prophetic speech.

Usage in Scripture

In the Bible, "saith" is frequently used to introduce direct speech, particularly in prophetic declarations and divine pronouncements. It often precedes statements made by God, prophets, or Jesus Christ, underscoring the authority and importance of the message being conveyed. For example, in the prophetic books, phrases like "Thus saith the LORD" are common, emphasizing that the words following are not merely human opinions but divine revelations.

Examples in the Berean Standard Bible

While the Berean Standard Bible uses contemporary language, the essence of "saith" is preserved in its translation as "says." Here are a few examples where the concept of "saith" is evident:

1. Divine Pronouncements: In Isaiah 1:18 , the Lord invites His people to reason together, saying, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall become like wool." This passage highlights the authoritative and redemptive nature of God's speech.

2. Prophetic Declarations: In Jeremiah 29:11 , the Lord declares His plans for His people: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." The use of "declares" in place of "saith" maintains the prophetic authority of the message.

3. Jesus' Teachings: In the New Testament, Jesus often uses authoritative speech. In John 14:6 , Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Here, the word "says" conveys the same authoritative tone as "saith" would in older translations.

Theological Significance

The use of "saith" in Scripture underscores the belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God. When God "saith," it is not merely a record of past speech but a living and active word that continues to speak to believers today. This reflects the doctrine of the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture, where God's words are seen as true and authoritative across all generations.

Cultural and Historical Context

The use of "saith" in older translations like the KJV reflects the linguistic style of the time, which was formal and reverent. This style was intended to convey the majesty and solemnity of the biblical text. While modern translations have moved towards more accessible language, the reverence for the divine speech remains unchanged.

In summary, while "saith" may not appear in contemporary translations like the Berean Standard Bible, its function as a marker of divine and authoritative speech continues to be a vital aspect of biblical interpretation and understanding.(v.) 3d pers. sing. pres. Of Say.5002. neum -- utterance
... speaks (1). has said, said. From na'am; an oracle -- (hath) said, saith. see
HEBREW na'am. 5001, 5002. neum. 5003 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5002.htm - 6k

Therefore Thus Saith the Apostle, the Teacher of the Gentiles...
... Section 3. Therefore thus saith the Apostle, the teacher of the Gentiles?
3. Therefore (thus) saith the Apostle, the teacher of ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 3 therefore thus saith.htm

But Since, as the Lord Saith, "Not all Receive this Word...
... Section 12. But since, as the Lord saith, "Not all receive this word?
12. But since, as the Lord saith, "Not all receive this ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 12 but since as.htm

And a Little after He Saith, "For as Touching the Ministering to ...
... Section 18. And a little after he saith, "For as touching the ministering
to the saints? 18. And a little after he saith, "For ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 18 and a little.htm

They Shall He Mine, Saith the Lord. Mal 3:16-18
... MALACHI Hymn 80 They shall he mine, saith the Lord. Mal 3:16-18. John Newton
8,6,8,6. They shall he mine, saith the Lord. Malachi 3:16-18. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 80 they shall he.htm

What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER II What the truth saith inwardly
without noise of words. Speak Lord, for thy servant ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii what the truth.htm

"Thou Art My Portion," Saith My Soul,
... MEDITATIONS "Thou art my portion," saith my soul,. tr., John Brownlie 8.6.8.6.
I. "Thou art my portion," saith my soul,. And I am rich in Thee; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/thou art my portion saith.htm

"But Now do Ye Also," Saith He, "Put Down All...
... Section 31. "But now do ye also," saith he, "put down all? 31. "But now
do ye also," saith he, "put down all;" [1927] and he makes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 31 but now do.htm

St. Andrew's Day. And Jesus Saith unto Them, Follow Me. . . And ...
... St. Andrew's Day. And Jesus saith unto them, Follow me. . . And they straightway
left their nets, and followed Him. And Jesus saith unto them, Follow me. . . ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/st andrews day and jesus.htm

SM Anonymous. The Spirit Saith "Come!"
... VI. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 194. SM Anonymous. The Spirit Saith "Come!".
1 The Spirit in our hearts Is whispering, "Wanderer, come ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/194 s m anonymous the.htm

Of this Weakness of His, He Saith in Another Place...
... Section 13. Of this weakness of his, he saith in another place? 13. Of
this weakness of his, he saith in another place, "We made ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 13 of this weakness.htm

Saith (8327 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Saith (8327 Occurrences). Saith appears 8327 times in
12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. ...
/s/saith.htm - 6k

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)
... Conceiveth (27 Occurrences). Genesis 4:1 And the man knew Eve his wife, and she
conceiveth and beareth Cain, and saith, 'I have gotten a man by Jehovah;' (YLT). ...
/c/conceiveth.htm - 13k

Addeth (44 Occurrences)
... Genesis 18:29 And he addeth again to speak unto Him and saith, 'Peradventure there
are found there forty?' and He saith, 'I do 'it' not, because of the forty ...
/a/addeth.htm - 18k

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

Boweth (53 Occurrences)
... YLT). Genesis 47:31 and he saith, 'Swear to me;' and he sweareth to him,
and Israel boweth himself on the head of the bed. (YLT). ...
/b/boweth.htm - 22k

Blesseth (55 Occurrences)
... Genesis 1:28 And God blesseth them, and God saith to them, 'Be fruitful, and multiply,
and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over fish of the sea, and ...
/b/blesseth.htm - 22k

Appeareth (31 Occurrences)
... Genesis 12:7 And Jehovah appeareth unto Abram, and saith, 'To thy seed I give this
land;' and he buildeth there an altar to Jehovah, who hath appeared unto him ...
/a/appeareth.htm - 15k

Pierce (30 Occurrences)
... And what -- am I indignant? -- Jehovah hath not been indignant! (YLT). Numbers
23:11 And Balak saith unto Balaam, 'What hast thou done to me? ...
/p/pierce.htm - 15k

Simile (61 Occurrences)
... simile, (YLT). Mark 4:13 And he saith to them, 'Have ye not known this
simile? and how shall ye know all the similes? (YLT). Mark ...
/s/simile.htm - 22k

Sweareth (34 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 25:33 and Jacob saith, 'Swear to me to-day:' and he sweareth
to him, and selleth his birthright to Jacob; (YLT). Genesis ...
/s/sweareth.htm - 17k

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