The term "durst" is an archaic English word meaning "dared" or "had the courage to." It is derived from the Old English "dearr," which is the past tense of "dare." In the context of the Bible, "durst" is used in several passages to convey the idea of boldness or audacity in the face of fear or authority.

Biblical Usage:

1. Acts 7:32 · In Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, he recounts the account of Moses at the burning bush. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and durst not look." Here, "durst" is used to describe Moses' reverence and fear before the divine presence, highlighting his humility and the overwhelming nature of encountering God.

2. Mark 12:34 · After Jesus wisely answers a scribe's question about the greatest commandment, the passage notes: "And from then on, no one durst ask Him any more questions." This use of "durst" emphasizes the authority and wisdom of Jesus, which left His challengers in awe and unable to confront Him further.

3. Hebrews 11:23 · In the chapter often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," the parents of Moses are commended for their faith: "By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they durst not fear the king’s edict." Here, "durst" underscores the courage and faith of Moses' parents, who defied Pharaoh's command out of reverence for God and love for their child.

Theological Implications:

The use of "durst" in these passages reflects a deeper theological theme of faith and reverence. In each instance, the individuals involved are faced with a choice between fear of man and fear of God. The term "durst" highlights their decision to act in faith, often in defiance of earthly authority, because of their trust in God's greater power and purpose.

Historical Context:

In the King James Version and other older translations, "durst" is more commonly found, reflecting the language of the time. Modern translations often replace "durst" with "dared" or similar terms to convey the same meaning in contemporary language. The choice of words in translation can affect the perceived intensity and nuance of the original text, making "durst" a word that carries with it a sense of historical and linguistic depth.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary readers, the concept of "durst" serves as a reminder of the call to boldness in faith. Just as the figures in Scripture acted with courage in the face of daunting circumstances, believers today are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance. The examples of Moses, his parents, and others who "durst" to act in faith provide a powerful model for living a life that honors God above all else.1. (imp.) of Dare.

2. (imp.) of Dare.

5111. tolmao -- to have courage, to be bold
... to venture (objectively or in act; while tharrheo is rather subjective or in feeling);
by implication, to be courageous -- be bold, boldly, dare, durst. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5111.htm - 8k

Blemished Offerings
... The diseased lamb was laid without scruple or hesitation on God's altar, and not
one of these tricky priests durst have taken it to Court in order to secure ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/blemished offerings.htm

The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ...
... 3. Now none of the populace durst not only make a reply, but durst not so much as
get upon the wall, for it was all taken up by the robbers, who were also the ...
/.../chapter 2 the surrender of.htm

Festus Succeeds Felix who is Succeeded by Albinus as He is by ...
... Upon the Whole, nobody durst speak their minds, but tyranny was generally tolerated;
and at this time were those seeds sown which brought the city to ...
/.../chapter 14 festus succeeds felix.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... In proportion as we overcome it we draw near to God.] And no man after that durst {
^c 40 For they durst not any more} ask him any question. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to 3.htm

Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
... And none of the disciples durst inquire of him, Who art thou? knowing that
it was the Lord. [It was not, as some suppose, because ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxl seventh appearance of jesus.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... While Goliath came again, and challenged them, and reproached them, that they had
no man of valor among them that durst come down to fight him; and as David ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the philistines.htm

Second Part of the Book.
... when he made a sacrifice to GOD, fowls of the air lighted thereon, and would have
defiled it; and he cleared those birds away, so that none durst come nigh it ...
/.../second part of the book.htm

Antipater is Convicted by Bathyllus; but He Still Returns from ...
... to those that raised stories against him; for that in case any thing had been moved
to his disadvantage, it was owing to his absence, which durst not have been ...
/.../chapter 31 antipater is convicted.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them," ie to the Apostles;
"but the people magnified them," ie the Jewish people. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

A Relation of My Imprisonment in the Month of November 1660
... together. Bun. To whom I said, that I durst not make any further promise;
for my conscience would not suffer me to do it. And again ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a relation of my imprisonment.htm

Durst (9 Occurrences)
...Durst (9 Occurrences). Matthew 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither
durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. ...
/d/durst.htm - 9k

Dusk (21 Occurrences)

/d/dusk.htm - 12k

Questions (76 Occurrences)
... 34 And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him,
'Thou art not far from the reign of God;' and no one any more durst question him ...
/q/questions.htm - 28k

Understanding (248 Occurrences)
... 34 And Jesus, having seen him that he answered with understanding, said to him,
'Thou art not far from the reign of God;' and no one any more durst question him ...
/u/understanding.htm - 38k

Terrified (88 Occurrences)
... God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 'And Moses having become terrified,
durst not behold, (YLT). Acts 24:25 As he reasoned about ...
/t/terrified.htm - 30k

Railing (9 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but ...
/r/railing.htm - 10k

Eli'hu (11 Occurrences)
... Job 32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am young,
and ye are very old; wherefore I held back, and durst not declare you mine ...
/e/eli'hu.htm - 8k

Discreetly (3 Occurrences)
... art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him
any question. (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Timothy 2:9 In the same way ...
/d/discreetly.htm - 7k

Dine (10 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples
durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. ...
/d/dine.htm - 9k

Disputed (10 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but ...
/d/disputed.htm - 9k

Durst: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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