As an example of the use of the singular thee in the King James Version, Bible teacher Ron Bailey (in the previous post) cited Jesus’ words to Peter just prior to that devastating night when he denied his Lord three times.
Jesus had said;
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat,
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (Lk. 22.31,32).
You is always plural in the KJV. The Lord is telling Peter that Satan has desired (or more accurately, has claimed and obtained permission) to sift them all (collectively) as wheat. But the Lord now shows His very personal interest in each one of his disciples, telling Peter specifically, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…”
This prayer of course was answered. Peter’s faith was tried very severely, tried to the depths. But it did not fail. He came out of this heart-searching ordeal a very broken man with a heart to strengthen his brethren. There had been impurities in him, and so the accuser of the brethren had claimed the right to have him. No doubt his wicked motive was to completely destroy Peter. But along with an accuser who was jealous of him, and hated him, Peter also had an intercessor who loved him deeply, and it was His intention in all this to bring Peter forth a pure and sifted kernel of wheat.
(And remember that the Lord, with purposed intent and healing love, later gave Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Him—three times. See John Chapter 21.)
It’s very encouraging to know—and very necessary to know—that in times of trial and testing we have such an intercessor at the right hand of God—the place of all authority. He is determined to see us through. He prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail. That prayer was answered. He prays for us also, with the same power of the throne in His prayers. He loves us with an everlasting love. Loves you and me, I mean—as He loved Peter. He prays for me. He prays for you.
He is deeply committed to us—individually.
Paul tells us that Jesus “gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal. 1.4).
But a little later on in this same letter to the Galatian churches we find Paul affirming that He “loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2.20).
How deeply we ourselves need this conviction, this persuasion—that Jesus not only died for us, but died for each of us—for you, for me.
And we need to know (thanks to Robert Wurtz for the following insight) that He will never leave us—that is, will never leave you, will never leave me.
The writer of Hebrews says: “Let your conversation (your conduct, your way of life) be without covetousness: and be content with such things as ye have…”
Note the plural there: “Let your conversation… such things as ye have…” Your and ye are also always plurals in the KJV.
But now he continues: “For He (Himself) hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13.5).
Thee? That means you, beloved Christian. That means me.
Thank you, Jesus. Eradicate all doubt for our hearts, Lord, so that we know and believe the love You have for each one of us, even in times when You are silent. May we always put our trust in You. You are at the right hand of God, and ever live to make intercession for us—each one of us, that is. Amen.
A Mending Feast 