KJV Bible Glossary

Definitions and plain-English explanations of King James Version words, phrases, and theological terms — so nothing in scripture is lost in translation.

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512 words
E

Ere


CategoryArchaic Word
Modern Equivalentbefore.
KJV Word TypePreposition / conjunction
DefinitionBefore.
Key Verses"Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." (Matthew 26:34)
KJV Usage Note“Ere” is an older poetic or narrative form meaning “before.”
Common MisunderstandingIt is not an error or abbreviation; it is a full older English word.
EtymologyFrom Old English ǣr, “before, earlier.”