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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Etymology


CategoryBackground / Word Study Term
Modern Equivalentword origin and historical meaning study.
KJV Word TypeStudy term / word-history term
DefinitionThe study of the origin and historical development of words, including changes in form, meaning, and usage over time.
Key Verses"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)
KJV Usage Note“Etymology” is not a biblical word in the KJV text, but it helps readers understand how older English Bible words developed over time.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not itself a KJV Bible word; it is a study field used to explain how biblical and older English terms developed.
EtymologyFrom Greek etymon ("true sense") + logia ("study").