bethink

In Jewish tradition

In Solomon's prayer at the Temple, to bethink oneself means to think again and come to one's senses in a far land, and then turn back to God.

Interpretation. The tradition reads this as the beginning of repentance (teshuvah): a person thinks about what they did, turns, and prays. God is said to hear such prayer even from far away. In the primary lessons: a stern command in old tales to a person who is doing wrong: «Bethink yourself!» means think again about what you have done.

Meaning

1. To bethink yourself is to stop and think, to consider what you are doing. tree →
2. To bethink yourself can also mean to come to your senses and behave better. tree →

Examples

• yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn, and make supplication unto Thee in the land of their captivity, saying: We have sinned, we have done iniquitously, and have dealt wickedly; (Writings 2CH.6.37, JPS 1917) tree →
• Bethink yourself, rogue, and say you are sorry. tree →
• Stop and bethink yourself before you act in anger. tree →
• He bethought himself of his promise and went home. tree →

Note

nothing for maths