KJV word meaning
What does “Suffer” mean in the Bible?
Suffer = allow, let
“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me.”Matthew 19:14, King James Version
Explanation
In the King James, “suffer” often means “allow”, not “feel pain”. Jesus is saying “let the children come”.
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 suffer mean in the KJV?
In the King James Version, “Suffer” means allow, let. In the King James, “suffer” often means “allow”, not “feel pain”. Jesus is saying “let the children come”.
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.