Study of the Word “Let” by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 11, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 43.

Study of the Word “Let”

By John Norton Loughborough

I HAVE of late had a very interesting study tracing through the Bible the use of the word “let.” This word first occurs in the record of creation week as found in the first chapter of Genesis. Here we read of what was done on each day of the first week of time. “Let” is used in the imperative mode, taking the form of a command, as, “God said, Let there be light.” Gen. 1:3. The word is also used as a command in many other scriptures. But whether used as a command, entreaty, or prayer, it always contemplates the accomplishment of that which is spoken of.

In the old English, “let” gained the meaning of hinder as well as permit. In King James’s Version of the Scriptures there are some instances where the word is thus used. One of these is in 2 Thess. 2:7: “He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” If, in this case, “let” was used in the sense of permit, the permitting would not stand in the way of “the man of sin.” “Let” in this instance was used in the old English sense of hinder.

In Isaiah’s prophecy we read, “I will work, and who shall let it?” Isa. 43:13. The translators undoubtedly saw the obscurity in this translation, and so they placed in the margin, “turn it back,” as another meaning of the word “let,” which they had used in the text.

As late as 1878, when I commenced labor in southern England, I found some of the elderly men still using the word “let” in the sense of hinder, saying such and such things occur without let or hindrance; thus using both terms, but clinging to the old use of “let.”

“LET” AS A COMMAND

We will notice a few cases where “let” is thus used. “Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Ex. 25:8. “Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” 1 Kings 8:61. “Let them praise Thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.” Ps. 99:3. “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” Ps. 150:6. “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.” Prov. 23:17. “Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare His praise in the islands.” Isa. 42:12. “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar.” Joel 2:17. “Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.” Joel 3:12. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16. “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.” Luke 12:35, 36. “Let no man deceive himself.” 1 Cor. 3:18. “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” 1 Cor. 10:24. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Cor. 14:40. “Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Gal. 6:6. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” Eph. 4:31. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6, 7.

J. N. Loughborough.