Topical Encyclopedia
The term "layest" is an archaic form of the verb "lay," which appears in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of placing or setting something down. In the context of Scripture, "layest" often refers to actions performed by God or individuals in various narratives, illustrating themes of divine providence, human responsibility, and the establishment of spiritual truths.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Divine Action: In the Bible, God is often depicted as the one who "lays" the foundations of the earth or the heavens. This act signifies His sovereign power and creative authority. For example, in
Job 38:4 , God challenges Job, saying, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding." Here, "layest" underscores God's role as the Creator and the one who establishes order in the universe.
2.
Human Responsibility: The term is also used to describe human actions, particularly in the context of laying down laws, offerings, or burdens. In
Exodus 23:5 , the law instructs, "If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it." The act of laying down one's animosity to assist another reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor.
3.
Spiritual and Moral Implications: "Layest" can also imply the setting down of spiritual or moral principles. In
Proverbs 24:12 , it is written, "If you say, 'Behold, we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the heart consider it? Does not He who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?" This passage suggests that God lays bare the intentions of the heart, holding individuals accountable for their actions.
4.
Symbolic and Prophetic Significance: In prophetic literature, "layest" can symbolize the laying down of future events or judgments.
Isaiah 28:16 states, "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This prophecy points to the coming of Christ, the cornerstone of faith, laid by God as the foundation of salvation.
Theological ReflectionsThe use of "layest" in Scripture invites reflection on the nature of God's interaction with the world and His expectations of humanity. It emphasizes God's initiative in creation and redemption, as well as the human call to align with divine purposes. The act of laying, whether it be foundations, laws, or burdens, serves as a metaphor for establishing what is firm, true, and enduring in the sight of God.
In summary, "layest" in the biblical context is a multifaceted term that conveys God's creative power, human duty, and the unfolding of divine plans. It challenges believers to recognize God's sovereignty and to participate in His work by laying down their lives in service and obedience.
Library
Psalm XCIV.
... will consist in eternal mercy towards those who have not despised His mercy; but
thy treasure will be discovered in wrath, and what thou dailylayest up by...
Which Thing Whoso Thinks Cannot have Been done by the Apostles...
... For it had been said to the inn-keeper to whom that wounded man was brought, "Whatever
thoulayest out more, at my coming again I will repay thee." [2490] The...
Immense is this Reward. How Shall we Obtain It?
... [148] Romans 1:32. [149] Literally, "didst run with.". [150] Literally, "didst
weave.". [151] Or, "layest a snare for.". [152] Psalm 50:16-23....
Kissing the Rod.
... Teach me Job's confiding patience,. Dreading words from pride that flow;
For Thou, Lord, alone exaltest,. And Thou onlylayest low....
For the Obtaining of Internal Peace, Tis Necessary for the Soul to...
... 92. Thou would'st be penitent, but with another's patience; and if the impatience
still continues, thoulayest the fault with much pains upon thy companion...
A Lamb Bears all the Guilt Away.
... "I'll go where, Father! thou dost send, Bear what on me Thoulayest, My will doth
on Thy word depend, My work is what Thou sayest." O mighty love!...
Warning against Disobedience. Prayer.
... having opened the eyes of our heart to the knowledge of Thee, who alone "dost rest
highest among the highest, holy among the holy," [4315] who "layest low the...
Immense is this Reward. How Shall we Obtain It?
... spirit.". [4184] Romans 1:32. [4185] Literally, "didst run with.". [4186] Literally,
"did weave.". [4187] Or, "layest a snare for.". [4188...
Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy.
... And do not fear when thou givest alms: thoulayest up for thyself a good reward
against the day of need; because alms delivereth from death, and does not...
We must Reserve the Likeness of the virtues in Ourselves. ...
... liable to condemnation? Thoulayest aside the likeness of the Eternal King,
and raisest in thyself the image of death. Rather cast...
Thesaurus
Layest (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Layest (10 Occurrences).
... and wherefore have I not found
favor in thy sight, that thou
layest the burden of all this people upon me?
...Necromancers (8 Occurrences)
... the woman said to him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul has done, how he has cut off
the necromancers and the soothsayers out of the land; and whylayest thou a...
Layers (2 Occurrences)
Retire (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 18:14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish,
saying, I have sinned; retire from me: I will bear what thoulayest upon me....
Receivest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Receivest (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou
receivest my words, andlayest up my commandments with thee, (DBY)....
Capture (53 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 20:19 When thoulayest siege unto a city many days, to fight against
it, to capture it, thou dost not destroy its trees to force an axe against them...
Cleaves (11 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth
to my throat; and Thoulayest me in the dust of death. (See NAS RSV)....
Soothsayers (16 Occurrences)
... the woman said to him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul has done, how he has cut off
the necromancers and the soothsayers out of the land; and whylayest thou a...
Spiritists (8 Occurrences)
... Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that divine
by a ghost or a familiar spirit out of the land; wherefore thenlayest thou a...
Afflicted (171 Occurrences)
... servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in thy sight, that thoulayest
the burden of all this people upon me? (KJV WBS). Numbers...
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