CategoryArchaic Word
Modern Equivalenthither = to here; thither = to there; whither = to where.
KJV Word TypeDirectional adverbs
DefinitionDirectional words common in older English: “hither” means to here, “thither” means to there, and “whither” means to where. They describe movement toward a place rather than simple location.
Key Verses"Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5); "Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither." (Genesis 19:22); "For whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge." (Ruth 1:16)
KJV Usage NoteThese words usually show direction toward a place: “hither” means toward here, “thither” means toward there, and “whither” asks toward where.
Common MisunderstandingThey do not simply mean here, there, and where as locations; they usually imply motion toward a place.
EtymologyFrom Old English directional adverbs: hider (“to here”), þider (“to there”), and hwider (“to where”).