Sith
Definition and Translation
'Sith' is an archaic English word, derived from Anglo-Saxon, that functioned as a conjunction meaning 'since,' 'afterward,' or 'seeing that.' It is not a term from the original biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. Instead, it represents a translation choice made by the 17th-century scholars who produced the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. In modern translations, this word has universally been replaced by its contemporary equivalents to maintain clarity for today's readers.
Biblical Occurrence and Context
The primary and most notable appearance of 'sith' is in Ezekiel 35:6 in the King James Version: "Therefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will prepare thee unto blood, and blood shall pursue thee: sith thou hast not hated blood, even blood shall pursue thee." This verse is part of a prophetic oracle against Mount Seir (Edom), pronouncing judgment for their perpetual hatred and violence against Israel (Ezekiel 35:5). The word 'sith' here introduces the causal reason for God's judgment: because or since Edom cherished bloodshed, bloodshed would be their fate. The New International Version translates this clause as "Because you did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue you," capturing the intended causal relationship.
Significance in Translation History
The use of 'sith' highlights how Bible translation is an ongoing process tied to living language. By the time of the 1885 Revised Version and the 1901 American Standard Version, translators updated the text to 'since,' recognizing that 'sith' had fallen out of common use. This change underscores a core principle of translation: to faithfully communicate the original meaning in the vernacular of the target audience. Studying such archaic terms helps modern readers appreciate the history of the English Bible and the careful work required to make Scripture accessible across generations.
Lessons for Modern Readers
While the word itself is obsolete, the function it served in Ezekiel 35:6 remains theologically vital. It connects action and consequence, sin and judgment, within the moral framework of God's justice. The verse teaches that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are direct responses to human choices and attitudes. The shift from 'sith' to 'since' in modern versions ensures that this crucial link between cause and effect in God's dealings with nations remains clear and impactful for contemporary study.
Biblical Context
The term 'sith' appears only in the King James Version (1611) of Ezekiel 35:6. It functions as a causal conjunction in God's prophecy of judgment against Edom, linking their historic violence ('thou hast not hated blood') to their coming punishment ('blood shall pursue thee'). No other canonical book uses this term, and it does not correspond to any specific original language word, being purely a feature of Early Modern English translation.
Theological Significance
Theologically, the concept conveyed by 'sith' (i.e., 'since' or 'because') underscores the righteousness and justice of God's judgments. It demonstrates that divine punishment is a consequential response to human sin and moral failure, not capricious action. In Ezekiel 35, it emphasizes that Edom's fate is directly tied to their own choices and enduring hostility toward God's people, reinforcing the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7).
Historical Background
'Sith' (also spelled 'syth' or 'sithen') was a common conjunction in Middle and Early Modern English, originating from the Old English 'siþþan,' meaning 'afterward' or 'since.' It was standard in the English vernacular of the late 16th and early 17th centuries when the KJV was translated. Its replacement in later Bible versions reflects the natural evolution of the English language. Extra-biblical sources, such as the works of Shakespeare and Chaucer, contain the word, confirming its widespread usage during that era.