The term "forsooth" is an archaic English word that means "in truth" or "indeed." It is derived from the Middle English "forsoth," which combines "for" (meaning "in") and "sooth" (meaning "truth"). While the word itself does not appear in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek texts of the Bible, it has been used in older English translations to convey affirmation or emphasis.

Usage in Biblical Context

In the context of the Bible, "forsooth" would have been used to emphasize the truthfulness or certainty of a statement. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "forsooth," older translations like the King James Version (KJV) might employ it to render certain Hebrew or Greek expressions that convey certainty or truth.

Truth in Scripture

The concept of truth is central to the biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "emet" is often used to denote truth, faithfulness, or reliability. For example, in Psalm 119:160 , it is written, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever." This verse underscores the belief that God's word is inherently true and trustworthy.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "aletheia" is frequently used to express truth. Jesus Christ Himself is described as the embodiment of truth. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement highlights the centrality of truth in the Christian faith, with Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's truth.

Affirmation and Certainty

The use of terms like "forsooth" in older translations reflects the biblical emphasis on affirming the certainty and reliability of God's promises and declarations. In Hebrews 6:18 , it is stated, "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged." This passage reassures believers of the unchanging and truthful nature of God's promises.

Conclusion

While "forsooth" is not a term found in modern Bible translations, its historical use in English versions of the Bible serves as a reminder of the emphasis placed on truth and certainty within the Scriptures. The Bible consistently affirms that God's word is true and that His promises are reliable, providing a foundation of faith and hope for believers.1. (adv.) In truth; in fact; certainly; very well; -- formerly used as an expression of deference or respect, especially to woman; now used ironically or contemptuously.

2. (v. t.) To address respectfully with the term forsooth.

3. (n.) A person who used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person.

After This, Forsooth, the Jew of Celsus, to Keep up the Character ...
... Chapter LIV. After this, forsooth, the Jew of Celsus, to keep up the
character assigned to the? After this, forsooth, the Jew ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter liv after this forsooth.htm

How and in what Time I came to Solitary Life: and of the Song of ...
... The spirit forsooth has set my mind on fire to have and to love this, the which
henceforth to lead according to the measure of my sickness I have taken care. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xv how and in.htm

But Thou who Both Hast Sons, and Livest in that End of the World.. ...
... you would have done what the Apostle says, after he had said, "It is good for them,
if they shall have so continued, even as I;" [2246] forsooth he straightway ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 11 but thou who.htm

Of God's Privy Doom: and that they that Fall Again be not Deemed ...
... Forsooth if they bide in their covetousness and their wickedness, in vain they hope
themselves sicker of mercy, whiles their wickedness is not left; for sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxx of gods privy.htm

Thus Much Will Suffice to have Treated on Behalf of True ...
... Forsooth the body is indeed different from the nature of the soul, yet is it not
alien from the nature of man: for the soul is not made up of body, but yet man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 26 thus much will.htm

How Perfect Love is Gotten by Cleanness and Love: and of Imperfect ...
... Truly whiles any man is busy to love Christ with all his strength he feels
in himself, forsooth, great sweetness of eternal life. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xvii how perfect love.htm

Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ...
... Forsooth John Baptist, after Christ the prince of hermits, tarrying in no desire,
chose a solitary life; and others have also chosen it, like to a gadfly, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiv of the praise.htm

That Solitary or Hermit's Life Passes Common and Mixed Life. And ...
... Forsooth he that chooses solitary life for God, and leads it in good manner, is
not near woe but fair virtue; and the name of Jesu shall continually delight ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiii that solitary or.htm

That Contemplative Life is Worthier and Meedfuller than Active ...
... Forsooth some gainsetting say: active life is more fruitful; for it does works of
mercy, it preaches and works other such deeds; wherefore it is more ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxi that contemplative life.htm

Of the Sighings, Desire, and Meekness of a Perfect Lover: and of ...
... Forsooth when I feel the halsing and kissing of my Love, with untold delight as
it were I overflow; whom true lovers, for love only of His unmeasured goodness ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxvi of the sighings.htm

Forsooth (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To address respectfully with the term forsooth. 3. (n.) A person who
used forsooth much; a very ceremonious and deferential person. ...
/f/forsooth.htm - 7k

Forswear (1 Occurrence)

/f/forswear.htm - 7k

Forsookest (2 Occurrences)

/f/forsookest.htm - 7k

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