suffer

[DaSwede]

"Suffer the little children to come unto me" - what (exactly)does 'suffer' mean in this biblical quote, and is it ever used in that sense in contemporary English?

[shero101]

One of the definitions of 'suffer' is to permit or allow. It is in this context that the word is used in the biblical quote.

[Clanad]

The quote is from the King James translation and uses language from 1611AD and archaic for todays use. Still, it has great value and is, poetically, profound...

[DaSwede]

Thanks shero101, it's exactly like in the Swedish text, then. I wasn't sure.

I agree, Clanad, it's beautiful. I can't think of this word (used in the same sense) in any other quote, can any of you? Perhaps that why we perceive it as 'heavy.'

[kempie]

Of course, the pre-translation version in Middle English is still recognisable, making the usage even more archaic.

This from Wycliffe's Bible of c1380...

"Suffre ye children to come to me"

http://www.sbible.boom.ru/wyc/luk18.htm

[kempie]

As for other instances of use in the Bible...

Judges 16:26

"And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them."

[dr john]

And Exodus 22:18 'Suffer not a witch to live.'

[DaSwede]

Oh kempie, how lovely is that! Wish I understood all of it, I don't, but enough to appreciate the stern beauty of it. Thank you so much.

dr john, yes, now that you mention it, I had heard that one before! Thanks for reminding me, it was completely gone from my mind.

[Kingaroo]

I suspect that "sufferage" (being pernitted to vote) is also related.

[DaSwede]

Yes, of course, the brave suffragettes. That's good thinking, Kingaroo, thanks!