Read the Bible

KJV dictionary & concordance

lest

Meaning of “lest”

For fear that, to prevent the possibility that, or so that an undesired or warned-of result may not occur.

Definition sources

KJV context and cross-referencesWebster 1828
240 occurrences229 verses40 booksKJV PCE

Some verses contain the word more than once.

First occurrence: Genesis 3:3

Complete exact-word concordance

Every verse containing “lest”

KJV PCE

Remembering a verse with different wording? Find a verse across the Bible →

Showing verses 1–5 of 5 · 5 word occurrences in this result

John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
1 word occurrence in this verse
The 1611 reading & marginal notes
1611 witness · John 3:20 · retained source text

For euery one that doeth euill, hateth the light, neither commeth to the light, lest his deeds should be reproued.

1611 marginal noteOr, discouered.

John 5:14
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
1 word occurrence in this verse
The 1611 reading
1611 witness · John 5:14 · retained source text

Afterward Iesus findeth him in the Temple, & said vnto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sinne no more, lest a worse thing come vnto thee.

John 12:35
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
1 word occurrence in this verse
The 1611 reading
1611 witness · John 12:35 · retained source text

Then Iesus said vnto them, Yet a little while is the light with you: walke while ye haue the light, lest darkdesse come vpon you: For he that walketh in darkenesse, knoweth not whither he goeth.

John 12:42
¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
1 word occurrence in this verse
The 1611 reading
1611 witness · John 12:42 · retained source text

¶ Neuerthelesse, among the chiefe rulers also, many beleeued on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confesse him, lest they should be put out of the Synagogue.

John 18:28
¶ Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
1 word occurrence in this verse
The 1611 reading & marginal notes
1611 witness · John 18:28 · retained source text

¶ Then led they Iesus from Caiaphas vnto the hall of Iudgement: And it was earely, and they themselues went not into the Iudgement hall, lest they should be defiled: but that they might eat the Passeouer.

1611 marginal noteOr, Pilats house.

1611 marginal noteMat. 27.2.

1611 marginal noteActs 10.28.

Complete reference index — all 229 verses

Where “lest” appears

Select a book to filter the concordance. Occurrences and verses are counted separately.

Source order

Definition evidence

Historical English dictionary sources

Historical definitions