The word “gainsay” appears in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible and is an older English term that is not commonly used today. Many readers may wonder what gainsay means in a biblical context and how it applies to faith truth and Christian living.
Understanding the biblical meaning of gainsay helps us grasp important teachings on opposition truth and the authority of God’s Word. This topic explores the definition of gainsay its usage in the Bible and its relevance for believers today.
Definition of Gainsay
1. Meaning of the Word Gainsay
The word “gainsay” comes from the Old English and Middle English term “gegensagen” which means “to speak against” or “to contradict”. In the Bible gainsay refers to opposing refuting or denying something often in the context of rejecting truth or resisting authority.
In modern English the equivalent words for gainsay are:
- Contradict
- Oppose
- Dispute
- Refute
- Deny
2. Gainsay in Biblical Context
The Bible uses gainsay in the sense of resisting divine truth or arguing against God’s wisdom. Those who gainsay are often described as rebellious resistant to the gospel or unwilling to accept God’s authority.
Bible Verses About Gainsay
The term gainsay appears in several key Bible passages primarily in the King James Version (KJV). Let’s explore some of these verses to understand its significance.
1. Luke 21:15 – Wisdom That Cannot Be Gainsaid
“For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:15 KJV)
Explanation:
Jesus assures His followers that He will give them wisdom and words that cannot be refuted. This verse highlights that the truth of God is irrefutable and those who oppose it will ultimately fail in their arguments.
2. Titus 1:9 – Refuting Those Who Gainsay
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:9 KJV)
Explanation:
Paul instructs that leaders in the church must be able to defend sound doctrine and refute those who contradict the truth. This emphasizes the importance of knowing Scripture and standing firm against false teachings.
3. Acts 10:29 – No Gainsaying the Will of God
“Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” (Acts 10:29 KJV)
Explanation:
Peter states that he obeyed God without gainsaying meaning he did not argue or resist. This verse shows that believers should submit to God’s will without opposition.
4. Isaiah 54:17 – No One Can Gainsay God’s Judgment
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV)
Explanation:
While the word “gainsay” does not appear here directly the idea is the same—no argument or opposition can stand against God’s truth and protection.
Examples of Gainsaying in the Bible
1. The Pharisees Gainsaying Jesus
Throughout His ministry Jesus faced opposition from the Pharisees who constantly tried to challenge His authority and teachings.
- Matthew 22:15-46 – The Pharisees and Sadducees repeatedly tested Jesus but they could not gainsay His wisdom.
- John 8:58-59 – Jesus declares His divinity (“Before Abraham was I AM”) and the Pharisees attempt to stone Him instead of accepting the truth.
2. The Israelites Gainsaying Moses
The Israelites often rebelled and opposed Moses even after witnessing God’s miracles.
- Numbers 14:2-4 – The people complain against Moses and desire to return to Egypt.
- Exodus 32:1-10 – The golden calf incident shows how they rejected God’s commandments.
This demonstrates how gainsaying often leads to disobedience and spiritual downfall.
3. Gainsaying in the Last Days
The Bible warns that many will reject God’s truth in the last days.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.”
This passage highlights how people will oppose sound teaching and prefer false doctrines instead.
The Danger of Gainsaying God’s Word
1. Leads to Spiritual Blindness
Rejecting the truth results in spiritual blindness and separation from God.
- Romans 1:21-22 – “Because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was darkened.”
2. Hardens the Heart
Repeatedly gainsaying God’s word can harden the heart making repentance difficult.
- Hebrews 3:15 – “Today if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation.”
3. Brings Judgment
Those who persist in gainsaying God’s truth will face divine judgment.
- Romans 2:5 – “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
How to Avoid Gainsaying
1. Be Humble and Teachable
Instead of resisting God’s truth we must approach Scripture with humility.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
2. Study and Know God’s Word
Knowing the Bible helps us recognize and reject false teachings.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.”
3. Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and accept God’s truth.
- John 16:13 – “Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth.”
The biblical meaning of gainsay refers to contradicting opposing or rejecting God’s truth. Throughout Scripture those who gainsay God’s Word are often rebellious spiritually blind and resistant to divine authority.
Believers are called to stand firm in faith avoid rejecting God’s wisdom and humbly submit to His truth. By embracing biblical teachings and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance we can overcome gainsaying and grow in spiritual wisdom.
