KJV word meaning
What does “Sore” mean in the Bible?
Sore = very, greatly
“And they were sore afraid.”Luke 2:9, King James Version
Explanation
“Sore afraid” means “very afraid”, not “afraid and in pain”.
More King James words
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
What does sore mean in the KJV?
In the King James Version, “Sore” means very, greatly. “Sore afraid” means “very afraid”, not “afraid and in pain”.
Why does the King James Bible use old words?
The King James Version was published in 1611, and English has changed since then. Some words have dropped out of use and others have changed meaning.