So you cracked open your King James Bible, made it five verses in, and thought:
“What language is this, and do I need a translator… or a time machine?”
You’re not alone.
Let’s take a dive into the most common vocabulary quirks in the KJV — not to make fun of it (we love it here!), but to demystify it, one thee and thou at a time.
📜 1. The Thee’s, Thou’s, and Thy’s
Let’s start with the classics.
These aren’t just fancy, poetic fluff — they actually serve grammatical purpose in the KJV:
- Thou = you (singular, subject)
- Thee = you (singular, object)
- Thy / Thine = your / yours
- Ye = you all (plural)
Example:
“Thou shalt not steal.” = YOU (yes, you) shouldn’t steal.
It’s personal. Direct. Not vague.
In fact, modern English loses meaning by flattening “you” into one word. The KJV gives you clarity — once you get the hang of it.
🪓 2. What’s Up with All the “Smiting”?
If you’ve read more than a few pages of the Old Testament, you’ve probably noticed:
Everyone is smiting someone. Constantly.
To smite just means “to strike” or “to hit with force.” Usually in battle.
And spoiler alert: someone always gets smitten right after.
Fun bonus:
- Smitten = struck, afflicted
- But also: “deeply affected by love” (as in “smitten with love”)
Go figure. Context is everything.
🎒 3. Words That Sound Made Up (But Aren’t)
Here’s a cheat sheet for some of the most “what now?” vocabulary in the KJV:
| KJV Word | Modern Meaning |
|---|---|
| Staves | Wooden staffs / poles |
| Scrip | Small bag or pouch |
| Concupiscence | Strong desire, often lust |
| Eschew | To avoid deliberately |
| Wot | To know (past tense = wist) |
| Hither / Thither | Here / There |
| Peradventure | Perhaps, maybe |
| Divers | Various kinds |
| Habergeon | A sleeveless coat of armor |
| Lamentation | A passionate expression of grief |
Once you’ve seen these a few times, they’ll stop feeling like riddles from a Tolkien novel.
🧠 4. Why Not Just Update the Words?
Great question. Many modern translations do update the vocabulary. But the KJV’s vocabulary is part of its structure and depth. The precision and reverence in the original phrasing carries more weight than modern equivalents.
That’s why we should choose the KJV — even if it means Googling “what is a concubine” at 11pm.
🕊️ 5. So How Do I Learn This Stuff Without Getting Overwhelmed?
Start small:
- Keep a notebook or sticky note of new words as you go.
- Use a KJV dictionary or concordance (or honestly, Google works fine).
- Read slowly. Pause. Ask questions.
You’re not cramming for a test — you’re spending time with the Word.
And here’s the fun part:
The more you read, the easier it gets. These once-weird words become familiar friends — and the Bible becomes a whole lot more alive.
✨ Final Thought:
The King James Bible isn’t confusing because it’s wrong. It’s confusing because it’s rich. And like all good things, it takes a little effort to understand — but the reward is worth it.
Stick with it. Study with intention. Laugh at the weird words when needed (looking at you, cracknels).
And remember: you’re not reading alone.
Until the next thee and thou,
💛 Verity James
DOWNLOAD THE FREEBIE! KJV Vocabulary Study Sheet!
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