Jesus made it clear that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4; cp. Deut. 8:3; Luke 4:4). EVERY word! When we study, it is important that we don’t skip over anything that we don’t understand or feel has value. The reality is if God put it in His word, it has to be significant!

Ye and Thee

In the King James Version (KJV) we see the words ye and thee in the Bible very often, but it is important to note that they have different meanings. The word thee is always singular and ye is always plural. In John 3:7, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus and says, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” In this verse, He is only talking to one person in that instant but His message about being born again applies to everyone! Everybody needs to be born again! The ye is used on purpose.

Will and Shall

The Bible often uses the words will and shall as well. Though some may use them interchangeably—they emphasize something different. Will speaks of God, His part, and that fact that something is certain. Shall speaks of what should happen. James 4:13-15  tells us to say that “if the Lord will, we shall.” 

That is because we can boast about what we will do tomorrow or in a year but there is so much out of our control that to speak with that kind of certainty is unwise and unrealistic. We should say what we shall do or what should happen, if it’s the Lord’s will. The Lord, on the other hand, knows all, sees all, and can do all can say what He will surely do. Nothing can stop Him. Will and shall are different!

Every Word Matters

Small words make a big difference! Even in everyday conversation, a single word can completely change the meaning of a sentence. When you study the Bible, remember that every word has purpose and value—because we live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God! If it comes from God, it matters. Keep this study tip in mind as you dig into the word of God.