8406. And the sons of Israel said unto them. That this signifies thought from anxiety, is evident from the signification of “saying,” when it relates to such things as affect the mind, as being thought (see also n. 3395, 7097, 7244, 7937). That it is from anxiety is evident, because this is said in temptation.

3395. And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her. That this signifies that it would not be received, is evident from what has been said above (n. 3387), at the words, “because he feared to say, She is my woman; lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah.” That to “say” signifies to perceive and to think, is better seen here than elsewhere.