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.

3395. 'And Isaac said to him, Because I said, Perhaps I may die because of her' means that it would not be received. This is clear from what has been stated above in 3387, at the words 'for he was afraid to say, My wife, [thinking,] The men of the place may perhaps kill me on account of Rebekah'. More plainly than anywhere else 'saying' here means perceiving and thinking.