Quit
An Archaic English Term
The word "quit" in the Bible carries meanings quite different from its modern usage. When modern readers see "quit," they think of stopping or giving up. But in the language of the King James Version, "quit" meant to be acquitted, freed from responsibility, or to conduct oneself bravely. Understanding this older meaning unlocks several important passages that might otherwise be confusing.
Quit as Acquittal or Release
In Exodus 21:19, the law states that if one man strikes another and the injured person recovers and walks about, the one who struck him shall be "quit" — meaning he is released from further legal liability, though he must still compensate the injured person for lost time and medical expenses. Similarly, in Exodus 21:28, if an ox gores someone, the owner of the ox is "quit" under certain circumstances — freed from blame if proper precautions had been taken. The underlying Hebrew word conveys the idea of being guiltless or innocent.
In Joshua 2:20, Rahab and the Israelite spies make an agreement: if she reveals their mission, they will be "quit" of the oath they swore to her — that is, released from their obligation to protect her and her family when Jericho falls. This use shows "quit" as release from a sworn covenant obligation.
Quit Yourselves Like Men
The most memorable use of "quit" in the Bible comes in 1 Samuel 4:9 and 1 Corinthians 16:13. When the Philistines heard that the Ark of the Covenant had been brought into the Israelite camp, they urged one another: "Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O Philistines" (1 Samuel 4:9). Here "quit yourselves" means "conduct yourselves" or "act" — specifically, to behave with courage and manliness. The underlying Hebrew simply means "to be" or "to become."
Paul echoes this language in 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." The Greek word here means "to act like a man" or "to show courage." Paul uses it as part of a string of military-style commands, urging the Corinthian believers to stand firm against spiritual challenges with bravery and resolve.
The Call to Spiritual Courage
Paul's use of "quit you like men" in 1 Corinthians 16:13 is a call to spiritual maturity and courage that applies to all believers. The surrounding context makes clear that this is not about gender but about the kind of courageous resolve that faces challenges head-on rather than shrinking back. Modern translations render this as "act like men" or "be courageous," capturing the essence of the original exhortation.
Connecting the Two Meanings
Both senses of "quit" — acquittal and courage — share an underlying concept of standing firm and being free. The person who is "quit" of legal responsibility stands free before the law. The person who "quits themselves like men" stands firm in the face of opposition. Both usages point to the biblical value of integrity and steadfastness, whether in legal obligations or in the challenges of faith.
Biblical Context
The word 'quit' appears in Exodus 21:19, 28 (legal acquittal), Joshua 2:20 (release from an oath), 1 Samuel 4:9 (Philistine encouragement to fight bravely), and 1 Corinthians 16:13 (Paul's exhortation to courage). It spans legal, narrative, and epistolary literature in both Testaments.
Theological Significance
The concept of being 'quit' connects to the broader biblical themes of justification and courage. Being declared guiltless before God's law foreshadows the New Testament doctrine of justification by faith. The call to 'quit yourselves like men' embodies the biblical expectation that believers will face challenges with steadfast courage rather than timidity, trusting in God's strength.
Historical Background
The English word 'quit' derives from the same Latin root as 'quiet' and originally meant to be set free or discharged from obligation. This older meaning was standard in English when the King James Version was translated in 1611. The legal contexts in Exodus reflect ancient Near Eastern law codes, where liability for injuries and property damage was carefully defined, similar to provisions found in the Code of Hammurabi.