shalt

Thou shalt not steal.

Definition

1. Verb (archaic, second person singular present tense of "shall"):
   • Used to express obligation, necessity, or future action: "shalt" is an archaic form of "shall," specifically used with the pronoun "thou" (the informal second person singular). It indicates a command, promise, or inevitable future event, often found in religious, poetic, or historical texts.

Usage Examples

• (A biblical commandment: you are forbidden to kill.)
• (A moral directive: you must love your neighbour.)
• (A promise: you will certainly succeed.)

Advanced Usage

• "thou shalt" is the standard construction in Early Modern English, equivalent to modern "you shall."

  • Thou shalt go to the market and buy bread. (You are commanded to go to the market.)

• "shalt not" is used for prohibitions, parallel to modern "must not" or "shall not."

  • Thou shalt not steal. (You must not steal.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shall (verb): the modern equivalent, used for all persons (I, you, he/she, we, they).

  • You shall go to the store. (Modern command or promise.)

• Should (verb): the past tense of "shall," indicating obligation or expectation.

  • You should try harder. (A suggestion or mild obligation.)

• Thou (pronoun): the archaic second person singular subject pronoun.

  • Thou art my friend. (You are my friend.)

Synonyms

• Must: expresses necessity or obligation (modern equivalent).

  • You must obey the law. (A command similar to "thou shalt obey.")

• Will: expresses future action (less authoritative than "shalt").

  • You will go tomorrow. (A prediction or intention.)

Related Idioms

• "Shalt not" is a fixed phrase in the Ten Commandments and similar moral codes.

  • Thou shalt not bear false witness. (You must not lie.)

• "Thou shalt" is used in solemn promises or prophecies.

  • Thou shalt be king one day. (A prophecy of future greatness.)