All KJV Words
Archaic KJV Word
What Does “Listeth” Mean in the Bible?
In the King James Bible, “Listeth” means “wishes” in modern English. It is an archaic word from the 1611 KJV that has dropped out of everyday use.
What Was Lost
The sovereignty of the Spirit. 'The wind bloweth where it listeth' meant the wind blows where it desires to blow -- it has its own will, its own pleasure. Jesus was describing the Holy Spirit as having sovereign, inscrutable desire. The word made the wind (and the Spirit) a willing agent, not a random force.
Unlock all 57+ study tools
Full access to the AI companion, sermon builder, prayer generators, and every study tool — free for 7 days.
AI Scripture Companion with unlimited questions
AI sermon builder and lesson-prep tools
Personalized prayer and devotional generators
Socratic Bible tutor and contradiction explainer
Personal study journal, bookmarks, and highlights