The term "willest" is an archaic form of the verb "will," often found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to express a future action or intention, typically in the second person singular form. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "willest," understanding its usage in biblical contexts can provide insight into the language and theology of Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the context of the Bible, "willest" would have been used to convey the intention or desire of an individual, often in relation to God's will or commandments. The concept of "will" is significant in Scripture, as it pertains to both human agency and divine sovereignty.

Divine Will

The will of God is a central theme throughout the Bible. It encompasses His plans, purposes, and desires for creation and humanity. Scriptures such as Ephesians 1:11 highlight the sovereignty of God's will: "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This verse underscores the belief that God's will is ultimate and all-encompassing, guiding the course of history and individual lives.

Human Will

The Bible also addresses the human will, particularly in the context of obedience and submission to God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus exemplifies the submission of human will to divine will. In Matthew 26:39 , Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will." This moment reflects the tension between human desires and the call to align with God's purposes.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The exercise of human will is often discussed in relation to moral and ethical decisions. The Bible encourages believers to seek and align with God's will in their lives. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse emphasizes the transformative process of understanding and living according to God's will.

Prayer and Will

Prayer is a means by which believers seek to understand and align with God's will. The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:10 , includes the petition, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This prayer reflects a desire for God's will to be realized in the world and in the lives of individuals.

Conclusion

While the term "willest" itself is not present in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of will—both divine and human—is deeply embedded in biblical theology. Understanding the interplay between God's sovereign will and human agency is crucial for interpreting Scripture and applying its teachings to daily life.

John xxi. 15
... young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest; but when thou
art old, others shall gird thee, [2620] and carry thee whither thou willest not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxviii john xxi 15.htm

That the Greatness and Charity of God is Shown to Men in the ...
... Saint of saints and I the refuse of sinners; behold, Thou stoopest unto me who am
not worthy to look upon Thee; behold, Thou comest unto me, Thou willest to be ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ii that the greatness.htm

Morning Prayers.
... Amen. 15. Now with the new-born day I give Myself anew to Thee, That as Thou
willest, I may live, And what Thou willest, be. Amen. 16. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/little folded hands/morning prayers.htm

My Father, for Another Night
... Now with the newborn day I give. Myself anew to thee,. That as thou willest I may
live,. And what thou willest be. Whate'er I do, things great or small,. ...
/.../daily prayer morning 6 my.htm

Whether the Saints Will Never Use their Agility for the Purpose of ...
... But glorified bodies will have no need, since as Augustine says (De Spiritu et Anima,
lxiii [*Cf.[5094] Q[70], A[2], ad 1]), "all thou willest will be there ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the saints will never.htm

Tenth Chapter
... Dear Lord and Bridegroom, I here vow and promise to Thee surely that all
which Thou willest I also will. Come sickness, come health ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/tenth chapter.htm

HymnConcerning Our Lord and John
... 7. "How, my Lord, willest Thou to be baptized,"Thou Who in Thy baptism atonest
all?"Baptism looks unto Thee;"shed Thou on it holiness and perfection?". ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiv hymn concerning our.htm

Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness
... Thou willest not that I should perish, but come to the knowledge of the truth: and
therefore I believe that I shall not perish, but come to the knowledge of ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xi self-respect and self-righteousness.htm

Psalm LXX.
... Follow Me. Thou willest to go before Me, thou willest to give Me counsel, it is
better that thou follow My counsel: this is, "go back," go back behind Me. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

Righteous Hatred
... approach thy God. Or if thou willest, try another exercise: after committing
a sin, go into the world and seek to do good. Why, man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Willest (1 Occurrence)
...Willest (1 Occurrence). ... "My Father," He said, "if it is possible, let this cup pass
away from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou willest." (WEY). ...
/w/willest.htm - 6k

Willeth (14 Occurrences)

/w/willeth.htm - 11k

Willedst (2 Occurrences)

/w/willedst.htm - 7k

Distance (75 Occurrences)
... "My Father," He said, "if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou willest." (WEY). ...
/d/distance.htm - 29k

Short (128 Occurrences)
... "My Father," He said, "if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou willest." (WEY). ...
/s/short.htm - 37k

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