4285. ‘Et dixit ad eum, Quid nomen tuum? et dixit, Jacob’: quod significet quale boni a vero, constat ex significatione ‘nominis’ quod sit quale, de qua n. 144, 145, 1754, 1896, 2009, 2724, 3006; et ex repraesentatione ‘Jacobi’ quod sit bonum veri, de qua supra n. 4273.

As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.