Bible Dictionary
SAYEST
“Thou sayest” is a New Testament idiom meaning “you are right” or “yes,” especially in replies to questions about Jesus’ identity. In some passages it is rendered “I am.”
Definition
“Thou sayest,” or “Thou hast said,” is a New Testament idiom meaning that the statement is right or affirmative. In one parallel rendering it appears as “I am.”
Biblical Usage
The expression occurs in replies to questions concerning Jesus’ identity, including questions asked by Pilate and the high priest. It also appears in the reply to Judas and in Jesus’ answer before the council. The phrase functions as an affirmative rabbinical idiom.
Historical Background
The idiom is not found in the Old Testament. The supplied material notes that the relevant passages were punctuated interrogatively by Westcott and Hort’s text.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sa'-est: "Thou sayest" (Mt 27:11; Mr 15:2; Lu 22:70, "Ye say"; Joh 18:37), i.e. rightly; "Thou hast said" (Mt 26:25,64), = "Yes"; a rabbinical idiom never found in the Old Testament. Mr 14:62 renders by "I am." All these passages WHm punctuate interrogatively (compare Kethubhoth, f. 103 b).</p>