KJV dictionary · 34 words
King James Bible Words and What They Mean
Thee and thou, verily, suffer, prevent, quick, charity… The King James Bible is beautiful, but some words have changed meaning since 1611. Here's what they mean, with a verse for each.
Anonat once, immediatelyBegatwas the father ofBeseechbeg, urge, pleadCharityloveComforterhelper, advocate (the Holy Spirit)Conversationway of life, behaviourCovetwant what belongs to someone elseFaingladly, eagerlyFirmamentsky, expanseHath, Dothhas, doesHoly GhostHoly SpiritHusbandmanfarmer, gardenerLethinder, hold backLolook, beholdLongsufferingpatienceMammonmoney, wealthMeatfood (any kind)Meeknessgentle strength, humilityPeradventureperhaps, what ifPreventgo before, come beforePublicantax collectorQuickliving, aliveRaimentclothingSorevery, greatlySufferallow, letTarrystay, waitTemperanceself-controlThee, Thou, Thy, Thineyou, your, yours (said to one person)TwaintwoVerilytruly, I tell you the truthVictualsfood, suppliesWistknewWotknowYeyou (plural)
Questions
Why is the King James Bible hard to read?
It was translated in 1611, and some words have since changed meaning or fallen out of use. Learning a few dozen of them makes it much easier.
What does thou mean?
“Thou” means “you” when speaking to one person. “Ye” is the plural.