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Unfamiliar Words Defined

Words of the King James Version


When reading the King James Version, especially reading a passage for the first time, we might come across a word we don't understand. How do we figure out what that word means? Look in the dictionary? Well, that might work, but not entirely. Do we look in a Greek or Hebrew Dictionary, Strong's Concordance, Greek Lexicon? No to all these. These things are the words of men, and men can lie so very often. You can try perhaps to find out the meaning of a particular word with these things, but chances are you might be given a definition which is not entirely what God was wanting to say. I personally began using a Strong's Concordance to help. But then I realized that it wasn't giving me the right words. I would use its definition, and find that things didn't make sense.

So how do we find out the meaning of unfamiliar words? Surely God would not leave us in the dark would He? Definitely not. You will be surprised to know, that the Bible has it's own "built in dictionary" for lack of better words. Using parallelism, the Bible defines a word by it's use in context. Most of the time, when a particular word is used the very first time, it is, in the same verse, or the verses close by, or even in the same chapter, or even broader if need be, coupled with something that will define it. This helps also to preserve the sense of words, so that God always tells you what He means. Words change over time, in the world. But God, in His Power and Might and Wisdom, actually included a type of "dictionary" that would define words the way He meant them in His Word! By doing this, He makes sure that people do not misunderstand His Words when they read them! God's Words are set in heaven, they are unchanging! But man's words are constantly changing.

The way this "dictionary" is done, is mostly by parallelism. repeated phrases or sounds, or even repeated number or syllables per verse! This is another reason we should not mess with God's Word! He has placed things so perfectly, that it is like a shirt hung together thread by thread. You pull one thread out, and the whole thing falls apart! The same thing with the Word of God, you mess with One Word, you mess with and corrupt the entire Word of God!

It is true that the Word of God has this "dictionary" built in, and is seen in examples of others reading the Word. In one example a prisoner took a test and found he had a 5th grade reading level. He then began reading the King James Version of the Bible and a year later when he was tested, he was put at a 17th grade reading level! This is no exaggeration nor lie. I'd seen improvements in my own life like that.

Now, reading the Word of God alone, will help you to understand certain unfamiliar words. As you read, you will unknowingly, subconsciously retain the definitions and meanings of words you may come across. If you come across an unfamiliar word, try re-reading the verse, or the verses before and after, and then try reading the chapter again. If you still cannot figure it out, try using a Concordance to find out other places the word may be used, and look around those verses to see. Many times a definition is given on the first occurrence of a word.

If you still are having problems with that word, I offer my own personal help. I truly want you to understand the Word of God, and will help you as best I am capable of! Therefore, I ask that you send me an E-mail here or submit it below. Send me the Word you are needing help with, along with the Verse you are reading it in. I will then get back with you ASAP and let you know the meaning as it is in context. I will also put the word on this page, for others to see in case they may need help with that word as well.

I know it is just the same as using another man's words for help. This is why my help is an option for if you are having trouble. Also, the main difference is that I will use the Word of God itself to help define the word, not the "underlying Greek" or a Dictionary which shows the word's meaning according to the world today. Though first try to find the meaning in the Word yourself, so that you cannot have it said that you are "trusting man's word" or anything. In addition, after I do give you the meaning as God gives me wisdom to help, see if it fits in with the Word of God in the Verse you are reading. If you disagree and feel I am wrong, tell me and we can continue to work to find the meaning!

Again, I truly want you to be able to understand God's Word, so therefore if you have searched and used the tips listed above for finding out the definition of a particular word and you still are having trouble, I offer my help.

Another good help is The King James Bible Companion. Read it online for some unfamiliar words defined also in context.


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Unfamiliar Words Defined

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