DefinitionSo that not; for fear that; in order to prevent.
Key Verses"Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God." (Deuteronomy 29:18)
KJV Usage NoteOften introduces the thing to be avoided or guarded against.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean “unless”; it usually means “so that not.”
EtymologyFrom Old English phrase meaning “whereby less that.”