King James Bible Glossary — Archaic Words Explained

For grammar guides, explore Pronouns and Verb Forms.

Words with a different meaning today

Alphabetical word list

Some familiar words carry a different meaning in the KJV; others are older words, expressions, objects or measures that are less familiar today. This alphabetical glossary brings them together. Read each meaning in its verse context: a word can have more than one sense, and some ancient animal, plant and musical terms remain uncertain.

Word	Meaning
abase	Bring low; humble.
abated	Reduced in amount or intensity.
abhor	Detest; regard with horror.
abjects	Outcasts; contemptible people.
abode	Stayed or remained; also a dwelling place.
acceptation	Acceptance; approval.
acquit	Declare free from guilt or liability.
adamant	An exceptionally hard stone or mineral.
adjure	Charge solemnly under oath.
admiration	Astonishment or wonder, not respect or esteem.
admonish	Instruct; counsel; warn.
ado	Fuss; trouble; commotion.
advertise	Inform; make known; give notice.
advisement	Counsel; careful consideration.
affinity	Relationship or alliance by marriage.
affording	Providing; yielding.
affright	Frighten; terrify.
afoot	On foot.
afore	Before.
afresh	Again; anew.
agone	Ago.
ague	Fever, especially with chills.
alamoth	A musical term associated with maidens or a high register; its precise performance meaning is uncertain.
albeit	Although; even though.
all to	Completely; entirely, as in “all to brake.”
alleluia	Praise ye the LORD.
allow	Approve; accept; acknowledge.
alms	Gifts or assistance for the poor.
aloof	At a distance.
ambassage	A delegation of ambassadors; an embassy or its message.
ambushment	An ambush; a surprise attack.
amen	Truly; so be it.
amerce	Punish by imposing a fine.
amiable	Lovely; beloved.
amiss	Wrongly; improperly.
anathema	Accursed; under a curse.
angle	A fishhook.
anise	An aromatic herb, commonly identified as dill in Matthew 23:23.
anon	Soon, or shortly — "immediately."
apace	Quickly; at a rapid pace.
apothecary	One who compounds perfumes, ointments or medicines.
apparel	Clothing.
appertain	Belong; pertain.
archangel	A chief angel.
ariel	“Lion of God”; a name applied to Jerusalem in Isaiah 29.
aright	Rightly; correctly.
ark	A chest or vessel: Noah’s ship, the ark of the covenant, or the basket holding the infant Moses, depending on context.
armholes	Openings for the arms; in Ezekiel 13:18, the underlying expression is difficult and translations differ.
array	Arrange; clothe; equip.
artificer	A skilled craftsperson or artisan.
artillery	Weapons or military equipment; in 1 Samuel 20:40, Jonathan’s weapons.
asp	A venomous snake.
assayed	Attempted; tried; tested.
assent	Agreement; consent.
asswage	Lessen; subside; relieve.
astonied	Astonished; stunned; dismayed.
atonement	Reconciliation; the dealing with sin that restores a relationship with God.
attent	Attentive; observant.
augment	Increase; enlarge.
austere	Severe; strict; harsh.
averse	Turned away; opposed.
avouched	Declared; affirmed; acknowledged.
away with	Depending on context, tolerate or endure (Isaiah 1:13), or take away (John 19:15).
axletree	An axle; the shaft on which a wheel turns.
backbiting	Slander; speaking maliciously about someone absent.
bade	Past tense of bid: commanded, invited or told.
balm	A healing resin or medicinal preparation.
banquetings	Drinking parties; revelry.
baptise	Baptize; immerse or wash. Christian traditions differ on baptism’s mode and significance.
barbarous	Foreign; speaking an unfamiliar language.
barked	Stripped the bark from.
base	Low; lowly; of humble status.
bath	An ancient Hebrew liquid measure, equivalent in capacity to an ephah; modern estimates vary.
battlement	A low protective wall around a roof, or a defensive parapet.
became him	Was fitting or appropriate for him.
beeves	Cattle.
begat / beget	Fathered; became the ancestor of / to father or produce offspring.
beggarly	Poor; impoverished; inadequate.
behemoth	A powerful grass-eating creature described in Job 40:15–24; its exact identification is disputed.
bekah	A half-shekel weight (Exodus 38:26).
belied	Spoke falsely about; misrepresented.
beseech	Implore; earnestly ask.
besom	A broom.
besought	Earnestly asked; implored; past tense of beseech.
bestead	Placed or situated; “hardly bestead” means in severe difficulty.
bestow	Give or place; also store or gather, depending on context.
bethink	Consider; call to mind; come to one’s senses.
betimes	Early; promptly; in good time.
betwixt	Between.
bewray	Reveal; betray; make known.
bid	Tell; command; invite.
billow	A large wave or surge of water.
bishoprick	An office of oversight.
bittern	A creature associated with desolate places; the Hebrew animal identification is uncertain, with bird and hedgehog proposed.
blains	Blisters; inflamed sores.
blaze	Proclaim; spread abroad.
blessed	Favored; happy; receiving God’s blessing.
bolled	Bearing seed pods; in the pod.
bolster	A pillow or supporting cushion.
bondman	An enslaved man; a man in bondage.
bosses	Raised projections, such as those on a shield.
botch	A boil or inflamed sore.
bowels	Internal organs; figuratively, deep feelings or compassion.
brawler	A quarrelsome or contentious person.
bray	Make a loud cry; also pound or crush, as in “bray a fool in a mortar” (Proverbs 27:22).
breach	A break; an opening; a breaking through.
breeches	Trousers or an undergarment covering the loins and thighs.
brigandine	A coat of armor.
brimstone	Sulfur.
broided	Braided; plaited; interwoven.
broidered	Embroidered; decorated with needlework.
brood	Offspring, especially young birds.
bruit	A report; rumor; news.
brutish	Like an unreasoning animal; lacking understanding.
buckler	A shield.
buffet	Strike with the fist; beat.
bulrush	A tall marsh plant, such as a reed or papyrus.
bulwark	A defensive wall or fortification.
bunches of camels	Camels’ humps.
by and by	Immediately; presently; soon, according to context.
cab	An ancient Hebrew dry measure, one-eighteenth of an ephah.
caldron	A large cooking pot; a cauldron.
canker	Something that eats away; corrosion or a spreading disease, according to context.
carbuncle	A precious stone, traditionally understood as red; exact ancient stone identifications can be uncertain.
careful	Full of care, worry or anxiety.
carnal	Of the flesh; worldly; governed by fleshly desires.
carriage	Something carried; baggage or goods.
casement	A window.
cast angle	Fish with a hook.
cast in the teeth	Reproach; taunt to someone’s face.
caul	A membrane or fatty covering associated with an internal organ.
cauls	Ornamental head coverings or hairnets.
celestial	Heavenly; relating to the heavens.
centurion	A Roman military officer traditionally commanding about a hundred soldiers.
chambering	Sexual indulgence; wantonness.
chamberlain	An officer attending a ruler or managing a household; sometimes a eunuch.
chamois	An animal named in Deuteronomy 14:5, traditionally a wild goat or antelope; exact identification is uncertain.
champaign	A plain; flat open country.
chapiter	The capital or top of a column.
chapmen	Merchants; traders.
chargeable	Burdensome; imposing expense on another.
charger	A large plate or platter.
charity	Self-giving love, as in 1 Corinthians 13, not almsgiving alone.
chaste	Pure; modest; sexually faithful.
check	Rebuke; reproof; restraint.
chide	Scold; rebuke; quarrel.
choler	Anger; wrath.
churl	A rude, harsh or ungenerous person.
circumspect	Watchful; cautious; attentive to circumstances.
clamour	Loud outcry; noisy complaining.
cleanness of teeth	Lack of food; famine (Amos 4:6).
cleave	Split or divide; with “unto,” cling or adhere. The context distinguishes these opposite senses.
cleft	A split, crack or opening; also split or divided.
clouts	Pieces of cloth; rags or patches.
cloven	Split; divided.
cockatrice	A venomous serpent; precise species uncertain.
cockle	A weed growing among grain.
cogitations	Thoughts; reflections.
collop	A piece of flesh or a fold of fat.
comely	Attractive; fitting; becoming.
communicate	Share; give; take part with others, not only speak.
compass	Go around; surround; encircle.
conceit	One’s own understanding or opinion, not vanity ("wise in his own conceit").
concision	Mutilation; in Philippians 3:2, a polemical term for advocates of circumcision.
concord	Agreement; harmony.
concupiscence	Strong desire, especially lust.
confectionaries	Makers of perfumes or ointments.
consecrate	Set apart as holy; dedicate to God.
constrain	Compel; urge strongly; press.
consumption	A wasting disease; destruction or wasting away.
contemn	Despise; treat with contempt.
contentious	Quarrelsome; argumentative.
convenient	Fitting; suitable; proper.
conversation	Conduct or way of life, not spoken dialogue.
convince	Convict; prove wrong; bring to acknowledgment.
coping	The top course or covering of a wall.
cor	An ancient measure equivalent to a homer; used for quantities of grain or liquid.
corn	Grain generally, not specifically maize.
cornet	A wind instrument; a horn or trumpet.
cotes	Enclosures or shelters for animals.
coulter	The cutting blade of a plough.
countenance	Face or appearance; as a verb, favor or support.
countervail	Equal; offset; compensate for.
covert	A shelter; a hiding place.
cracknels	Crisp cakes or biscuits.
crisping pins	An uncertain expression in Isaiah 3:22, traditionally taken as curling implements; some render it as bags or purses.
cruse	A small vessel or jar for liquid.
cubit	A length based on the forearm, commonly about 18 inches; ancient standards varied.
cumbered	Burdened; distracted or overwhelmed with cares.
cummin	An aromatic seed used as a spice.
curious	Skillfully made; intricately worked.
curious arts	Magical practices; sorcery (Acts 19:19).
dam	A mother animal.
daub	Coat or cover with plaster or another substance.
daysman	An arbiter; mediator; umpire.
dayspring	Dawn; sunrise.
dearth	Scarcity; famine.
defer	Delay; postpone.
derision	Ridicule; mockery.
descry	Survey; spy out; discover.
despite	Contempt; spite; malicious treatment.
diadem	A royal headband or crown.
discomfited	Defeated; thrown into confusion; routed.
discover	Uncover; reveal; expose.
disdain	Despise; reject as unworthy.
dissembled	Concealed true motives; pretended; acted deceitfully.
dissimulation	Pretense; hypocrisy; concealment of one’s true character or purpose.
divers	Various; different; of several kinds.
doctor	A teacher or learned interpreter, especially of the law.
doleful	Mournful; sorrowful.
dragon	A great serpent or monster; in some Old Testament contexts a desert creature. In Revelation 12:9 the dragon represents Satan. Identification depends on context.
draught house	A latrine; a public toilet.
draught of fish	A catch or haul of fish.
dregs	Sediment or residue at the bottom of a liquid.
dropsy	An illness marked by swelling from retained fluid; edema.
drove	A herd or flock driven together; a company.
duke	A chief or leader of a clan or tribe.
dureth	Endures; lasts; continues.
durst	Dared; was bold enough.
earing	Ploughing; tilling the ground.
earnest	A pledge or first installment guaranteeing what is to follow.
effeminate	An older term for softness or perceived unmanliness; the precise sense in 1 Corinthians 6:9 is debated and should be read in context.
emerods	Swellings or tumors, traditionally understood as hemorrhoids.
emulation	Rivalry; zeal to equal or surpass another, sometimes jealousy.
enjoin	Command; charge; require.
enmity	Hostility; hatred.
ensample	An example; a pattern to follow or avoid.
ensign	A flag; banner; signal.
ensue	Pursue; follow after.
environ	Surround; encircle.
ephah	An ancient Hebrew dry measure, one-tenth of a homer; also a container holding that amount. Modern volume estimates vary.
ephod	A priestly garment; the high priest’s ephod had special ornamentation.
epistle	A letter, often formal or instructional.
ere	Before.
eschew	Avoid; shun; turn away from.
espied	Caught sight of; observed; discovered.
euroclydon	The violent storm wind named in Acts 27:14.
eventide	Evening.
every several	Each individual; each separately.
exactors	Those who demand payment, tribute or labor.
exhortation	Earnest encouragement; urging; counsel.
extol	Praise highly; exalt.
eyesalve	An ointment or medicine for the eyes.
fain	Gladly; willingly; eagerly wishing to.
fairs	Markets; in Ezekiel 27, goods or merchandise traded.
fallow deer	An animal named in the KJV; traditionally a deer, though the Hebrew identification is uncertain.
fallow ground	Uncultivated or untilled land.
fan	A winnowing implement used to separate grain from chaff.
farthing	A very small coin; the KJV uses the word for more than one Roman coin denomination.
fast	Abstain from food; in other contexts, firmly or securely.
fatling	An animal fattened for slaughter.
fats	Vats; large vessels for collecting wine or oil.
feign	Pretend; invent; disguise.
felloe	The rim of a wheel supported by its spokes.
fens	Marshes; swamps.
fetched a compass	Went around; followed a circuitous route.
fillet	A narrow band, strip or ornamental binding.
firebrand	A burning piece of wood.
firkin	A liquid measure used in John 2:6; its exact modern equivalent depends on the measure intended.
firmament	The expanse or vault of the sky.
fitches	Plants or seeds named in the KJV; the underlying Hebrew terms differ by passage, so the identification depends on context.
flagon	A vessel for drink; in some passages, a term traditionally rendered as a portion of drink but also interpreted as a raisin cake.
flay	Strip off the skin.
flowers	In the expression “her flowers,” menstrual flow.
flux	A discharge from the body; “bloody flux” means dysentery.
fold	A multiple, as in twofold; in other contexts, an enclosure for sheep.
forbear	Refrain; restrain oneself; hold back.
foresaw	Saw or knew beforehand.
forswear	Swear falsely; commit perjury.
forthwith	Immediately; without delay.
forwardness / forward	Eagerness; readiness; willingness to act.
foursquare	Square; having four equal sides.
fray	Frighten; scare away.
fret	Be vexed or troubled; also eat or wear away, according to context.
fretting	Spreading or eating away, as of a destructive disease.
froward	Stubborn, contrary, difficult to deal with.
fuller	A worker who cleans or finishes cloth.
furbish	Polish; scour; brighten.
furlong	A measure of distance, approximately one-eighth of a mile.
gaddest about	Go restlessly from place to place.
gainsay	Contradict; oppose.
gall	A bitter or poisonous substance; figuratively, bitterness.
garrison	A military post or the troops stationed there.
gerah	An ancient weight, one-twentieth of a shekel.
gin	A trap; snare; noose.
girdle / girt	A belt or sash / fastened or wrapped around.
go to	Come now; an expression calling for attention or action.
goad	A pointed stick used to urge cattle onward.
gospel	Good news; the message of salvation through Christ.
grave	A burial place; as a verb, engrave; as an adjective, serious or dignified.
graven	Carved or engraved, especially of an image.
greaves	Armor protecting the lower legs.
grisled	Speckled; streaked; marked with different colors.
grove	A group of trees; in many KJV passages, a term for an Asherah or associated pagan cult object, not merely woodland.
guile	Deceit; craftiness.
habergeon	A coat of mail or protective body armor.
haft	A handle.
hale	Drag; haul forcibly.
hallow	Make or regard as holy; set apart.
halt	Lame; limping; as a verb, limp or hesitate.
haply	Perhaps; by chance.
hard by	Close to; beside.
hardly bestead	In severe distress or difficulty.
harrow	An implement for breaking up soil; to work the ground with such an implement.
hart	A male deer; a stag.
haughty	Proud; arrogant.
haunt	A place frequented; to visit or occupy often.
heady	Headstrong; rash; reckless.
heath	A shrub of barren land; exact plant identification is uncertain.
heed	Pay attention; take care.
helm	The steering apparatus of a ship; a rudder.
henceforth	From this time forward.
her hap was to	She happened to; it was her lot to.
herewith	With this.
hewn	Cut; shaped by cutting.
hin	An ancient Hebrew liquid measure, one-sixth of a bath.
hind	A female deer; a doe.
hinder end	The rear; the back part.
hireling	A hired worker.
hither / hitherto	To this place / until now or to this point.
hoar / hoary	White or gray, especially with age.
holden	Held; restrained.
holy	Set apart; sacred; dedicated to God.
homer	An ancient measure equal to ten ephahs or ten baths; not the same as an omer.
hosen	Leg coverings; trousers.
host	An army; a multitude.
hough	Hamstring; cut the tendons of the hind legs.
husbandman	A farmer; one who cultivates the land.
ignominy	Shame; public disgrace.
immutable	Unchanging; not subject to change.
implacable	Not easily appeased or reconciled.
implead	Bring a legal charge against; sue.
importunity	Persistent, pressing entreaty.
impotent	Powerless; weak; physically infirm.
impudent	Shameless; brazen.
impute	Reckon; attribute; charge to someone’s account.
in no wise	By no means; not at all.
incontinent	Lacking self-control.
inditing	Composing; expressing; putting into words.
infidel	An unbeliever.
inordinate	Unrestrained; excessive; disordered.
instant	Urgent; persistent; earnest, rather than simply immediate.
issue	Offspring or descendants; also a flow or bodily discharge, according to context.
jangling	Empty or noisy talk; quarrelling.
joined hard	Adjoined; bordered closely upon.
jot	A very small letter or mark; traditionally associated with the Hebrew yod.
kin / kindred	Relatives; family; people of common descent.
kine	Cows; cattle.
knop	A knob or bud-shaped ornament.
lade	Load; burden.
lasciviousness	Unrestrained sexual indulgence; lewdness.
latchet	A sandal strap or lace.
laver	A basin for washing.
leasing	Lying, or falsehood (Psalm 4:2).
lees	Sediment or dregs in wine.
lest	For fear that; so that something may not happen.
leviathan	A formidable creature described in Job 41 and elsewhere; interpreted in different contexts as a great sea creature or serpent. Exact identification is disputed.
lintel	The horizontal piece above a doorway.
listed / listeth	Wished or chose / wishes or chooses; is inclined to.
lively	Living; vigorous; full of life.
log	An ancient Hebrew liquid measure, one-twelfth of a hin.
loins	The waist or lower trunk; sometimes associated with strength or descendants.
lowring	Dark or threatening, especially of the sky.
lucre	Money or gain, often with a disapproving sense.
lusty	Healthy; strong; vigorous.
mammon	Wealth; riches, especially as an object of trust.
maneh	An ancient unit of weight or money, also called a mina; its value varied by system.
mantle	A cloak or outer garment.
maranatha	An Aramaic expression commonly understood as “Our Lord, come”; traditionally also rendered “Our Lord cometh.”
marishes	Marshes; wet ground.
matrix	The womb.
mattock	A tool for digging or breaking up earth.
maul	A heavy hammer or club.
maw	An animal’s stomach.
mean man	A person of common or low social rank.
meat	Food in general, not flesh specifically.
mess	A portion of food.
mete	Measure; apportion.
meteyard	A measuring rod or standard of length.
milch	Giving milk; kept for milk.
mincing	Walking with short, affected steps.
minish	Diminish; reduce.
ministration	Service; ministry.
mirth	Gladness; rejoicing.
mite	A coin of very small value; in Mark 12:42, two mites make a farthing.
mitre	A turban or ceremonial head covering.
mollified	Softened; soothed.
mortify	Put to death; subdue, especially sinful practices.
mote	A speck or small splinter.
muffler	A veil or covering for the face.
munition	A stronghold; a fortified place; defensive supplies, according to context.
murrain	A pestilence affecting livestock.
naught / nought	Nothing; worthless or bad, according to context.
nave	The hub of a wheel.
necromancer	One who seeks knowledge by consulting the dead.
neesings	Sneezings.
neginoth	A musical term associated with stringed instruments.
nephew	In older usage, a grandson or descendant.
nether	Lower; beneath.
nigh	Near in place or time.
nitre	A cleansing mineral alkali, generally understood as natron; not modern saltpeter in the biblical passages.
no little kindness	Exceptional or considerable kindness.
noisome	Harmful; pestilential; offensive.
not a whit	Not at all; not in the least.
obeisance	A bow or other gesture of respect.
odd number	The remainder; the amount over and above another total.
offend	Cause to stumble or fall into sin; transgress; give offense, according to context.
offscouring	What is scraped or scoured off; figuratively, something treated as refuse.
omer	An ancient Hebrew dry measure, one-tenth of an ephah (Exodus 16:36).
omnipotent	All-powerful.
oracle	A divine utterance; in temple descriptions, the innermost sanctuary or Holy of Holies.
ouches	Settings or mounts for precious stones.
outgoings	Outer limits; boundaries; outlets or departures, according to context.
outwent	Went ahead of; outpaced.
overcharged	Weighed down; burdened.
pangs	Sharp pains, especially of childbirth.
paps	Breasts.
paramour	A lover.
parbar	A location or structure on the west side of the temple precincts; its precise nature is uncertain.
pate	The head; crown of the head.
patrimony	An inherited estate or possession.
peculiar	Special; belonging particularly to someone; one’s own.
peeled	Stripped; made bare or smooth.
penny	In many New Testament passages, a denarius; in Matthew 20:2, an agreed day’s wage.
penury	Poverty; extreme need.
peradventure	Perhaps; possibly.
perdition	Ruin; destruction; eternal loss.
pernicious	Destructive; harmful.
phylacteries	Small cases containing Scripture passages, worn on the arm or forehead.
pilled	Peeled; stripped of skin or bark.
pitch	A dark, sticky material used for waterproofing.
plaiting	Braiding or intertwining, especially of hair.
platted	Braided; woven together.
polled his head	Cut the hair from his head.
pommels	Rounded or bowl-shaped ornaments at the tops of pillars.
post	A runner or royal messenger; from a Hebrew verb meaning “to run” (Job 9:25; Esther 3:13).
potsherd / sherd	A fragment of broken pottery.
pound	A unit of weight; in other passages, a unit of money. Its value depends on the context.
prating	Chattering; talking idly or maliciously.
presbytery	An assembly or body of elders.
prevent	Often means "go before" or precede, not "stop."
pricks	Thorns or sharp points; also goads used to urge animals onward.
principalities	Rulers, authorities or their domains; sometimes spiritual powers.
privily	Secretly; in private.
privy	Aware of something private; sharing knowledge of a secret.
profane	Treat as common or unholy; desecrate.
profound	Deep; going deeply into something.
prognosticators	Those who claim to foretell future events.
proper	One’s own; particular; also handsome or well-formed, according to context.
propitiation	An atoning sacrifice or means of reconciliation with God, dealing with sin and divine wrath.
proselyte	A convert, especially to Judaism.
provender	Food for livestock; fodder.
psalm	A sacred song or hymn.
psaltery	An ancient stringed musical instrument.
publican	A tax collector.
pulse	Edible seeds such as peas, beans or lentils.
purloining	Stealing; pilfering.
purtenance	Internal organs; entrails.
putrifying	Decaying; becoming putrid.
quaternion	A group of four soldiers.
quick	Alive, living — as in "the quick and the dead" (2 Timothy 4:1).
quit	Acquitted; cleared; free from an obligation, according to context.
quit you like men	Act courageously; show resolve (1 Corinthians 16:13).
raiment	Clothing; garments.
rampart	A defensive wall or embankment.
rank	Full-grown; vigorous; luxuriant.
ravening	Seizing prey; devouring greedily.
ravin	Prey or spoil taken by violence; as a verb, seize or devour.
ravished	Seized or violated; in other contexts, captivated or delighted. The verse determines the meaning.
rebuke	Reprove; reprimand; restrain.
recompence	Repayment; reward or punishment, according to what is due.
redound	Result in; contribute to; overflow or return to.
reel	Stagger; sway unsteadily.
reins	Kidneys; figuratively, the innermost feelings or thoughts.
remission	Forgiveness; release from a debt or penalty.
rend / rent	Tear apart / torn; split forcibly.
renown	Fame; a widely known reputation.
reproach	Disgrace; shame; a rebuke or insult.
reprobate	Rejected; failing the test; disapproved.
reproof	Correction; rebuke.
requite	Repay; return something in response.
rereward	The rear guard; the part at the back.
residue	The remainder; what is left.
revellings	Carousing; riotous celebrations.
rie	An older spelling of rye, a grain.
ringstraked	Marked with rings, bands or stripes.
road	A raid or hostile incursion, as in 1 Samuel 27:10.
roe	A deer or gazelle; precise animal identification depends on the passage.
ruddy	Reddish, especially of the complexion or hair.
rude	Untrained; unskilled; unlearned.
rue	An aromatic herb.
sabaoth	Hosts; armies. “Lord of sabaoth” means Lord of hosts.
sabbath	Rest; cessation from work; the appointed day of rest.
sackbut	An ancient musical instrument named in Daniel 3; its exact identification is uncertain.
sackcloth	Coarse cloth worn as a sign of mourning, humiliation or repentance.
sacrilege	The violation or theft of sacred things.
salutation	A greeting.
sanctify	Make holy; set apart for God.
satan	The adversary; the devil.
satyr	A goat-like creature in passages describing desolation; the Hebrew term and its associations require attention to context.
savour	Smell; taste; a distinctive quality or influence.
savourest	You think upon, value or take delight in; a second-person singular form.
scall	A scaly skin disease or eruption.
score	Twenty; “fourscore” means eighty.
scourge	A whip; to whip or flog.
seemly	Fitting; proper; becoming.
seethe	Boil; cook by boiling.
selvedge	The finished edge of woven cloth that prevents unraveling.
sepulchre	A tomb; a burial place.
servitor	An attendant; a servant.
set at nought	Despise; disregard; treat as worthless.
shambles	A meat market.
sheaf	A bundle of cut grain stalks.
sheepcote	An enclosure or shelter for sheep.
shekel	An ancient unit of weight, also used for amounts of money; standards varied.
sheminith	A musical term connected with “the eighth”; its precise performance meaning is uncertain.
sheriff	A government or administrative official in the KJV’s rendering of Daniel 3.
shew	An older spelling of show.
signet	A seal, often on a ring, used to mark ownership or authority.
single	Sound; clear; sincere or undivided, depending on context.
sith	Since — used to mean "seeing that" or "because."
slack	Slow; negligent; lacking diligence.
sleight	Trickery; deceitful craftiness.
slow bellies	Lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12).
sod / sodden	Boiled; cooked by boiling.
soothsayer	One who claims to predict events by divination.
sop	A small piece of bread or food dipped in liquid.
sottish	Foolish; senseless; lacking understanding.
spite	Malice; ill will; vexation.
spoil	Plunder; booty; as a verb, rob or strip of possessions.
stanched	Stopped flowing, especially of blood.
standard	A flag or banner used as a signal.
staves	Staffs; rods; poles; clubs.
stay	Support; uphold; something relied upon. “Stayed” can also mean held or restrained.
stomacher	An ornamental covering for the chest or front of the body.
straightway	Immediately; at once.
strait	Narrow; confined; as a noun, a difficult or distressing situation.
straitened	Restricted; confined; distressed or constrained.
strake	An older past-tense form of strike; struck.
strowed / strawed	Scattered; spread over a surface.
succour	Help; aid; relief.
suffer	Allow or permit, as in "suffer the little children to come unto me."
sup	Eat; dine.
sup up	Gather or consume; in Habakkuk 1:9, gather up captives.
superfluous	More than is needed; unnecessary.
suppliants	Those who humbly plead or petition; worshippers seeking favor.
surfeiting	Overindulgence in food or drink.
swaddling clothes	Cloths wrapped around an infant.
tablets	Small ornaments or pieces of jewelry in certain KJV passages.
tabret	A small drum or tambourine.
taches	Hooks; clasps; fasteners.
tale	A count or total; also a report or story, according to context.
talent	An ancient unit of weight or a corresponding amount of money; modern “ability” is not the literal monetary sense in Matthew 25.
tares	Weeds growing among grain, often identified as darnel.
target	A shield.
tarry	Wait; remain; lodge for a time.
tell	Count; number; also relate or report, according to context.
temperance	Self-control; moderation.
tempered	Mixed; blended; combined.
tempest	A violent storm.
terrestrial	Earthly; belonging to the earth.
testament	A covenant; also a will that takes effect at death.
thither	To that place.
thitherward	Toward that place; in that direction.
thrice	Three times.
tired	Adorned or dressed, especially about the head; not necessarily weary.
tirshatha	A Persian title for a governor.
tithe	A tenth part.
tittle	A tiny stroke or mark in writing.
told out	Counted out; numbered; tallied.
tow	Coarse flax or other fibers prepared for spinning.
traffick	Trade; conduct business.
translate	Transfer; carry or remove to another place or state.
trodden / trode	Trampled or walked upon / stepped or walked upon; forms of tread.
trow	Think; suppose; believe.
twain	Two.
unction	An anointing.
unseemly	Improper; inappropriate.
untoward	Perverse; difficult to guide; contrary.
urim and thummim	Objects associated with the high priest’s breastplate and seeking divine judgment; their exact form and use are uncertain. Thummim is included in this entry.
usury	Interest charged on a loan, not only an excessive rate in the modern sense.
utter court / utter gate	The outer court / outer gate.
valour	Courage; bravery.
variance	Disagreement; discord.
vaunt oneself	Boast; brag about oneself.
vehement	Forceful; intense; violent.
verily	Truly; certainly.
verity	Truth.
vestments	Robes or ceremonial garments.
vesture	Clothing; a garment.
vial	A vessel or container for liquid; in Revelation, commonly understood as a bowl.
victuals	Food; provisions.
villany	Wickedness; disgraceful conduct.
visage	The face; appearance.
vocation	A calling, especially God’s call.
want	Lack; be deficient in.
wanton	Unrestrained; reckless; luxuriant or sexually undisciplined, according to context.
ward	Custody; a guard; a prison or division of guards, according to context.
wast / wert	You were / if you were; forms used with singular thou.
wax	To grow or become, as in "wax old" or "wax cold," not the substance.
wen	A swelling or growth.
whelp	A young animal; a cub.
whence	From where; from what source.
wherefore	Why, or for this reason — not "where."
whether is	Which of the two is?
whither	To where; to what place.
wimples	Head coverings or veils.
wine on the lees	Wine left to rest on its sediment or dregs.
winefat	A wine vat or collecting vessel.
withs	Flexible twigs or cords used for binding.
wont	Accustomed; in the habit of.

Old Testament Liquid Measures

Unit	Approx. U.S. equivalent	Relative value
Log	⅔–⅞ pint	12 logs = 1 hin
Hin	1–1⅓ gallons	6 hins = 1 bath
Bath	6–8 gallons	10 baths = 1 homer
Homer / Cor	60–80 gallons	1 homer = 1 cor

Old Testament Dry Measures

Unit	Approx. U.S. equivalent	Relative value
Cab	2⅔–3½ pints	6 cabs = 1 seah
Seah	2–2⅔ gallons	3 seahs = 1 ephah
Omer	0.6–0.8 gallon	10 omers = 1 ephah
Ephah	6–8 gallons	10 ephahs = 1 homer
Homer	60–80 gallons	1 homer = 10 ephahs

Old Testament Weight Measures

Many Old Testament transactions used weighed silver or other commodities rather than minted coins. In Jeremiah 32:9–10, Jeremiah weighs the silver for his purchase in balances.

Unit	Approx. weight	Relative value / context
Gerah	0.6 gram	20 gerahs = 1 shekel
Bekah	5.7 grams / 0.2 ounce	2 bekahs = 1 shekel
Shekel	11–12 grams / 0.4 ounce	20 gerahs = 1 shekel
Maneh	About 0.7 kilogram / 1½ pounds in Ezekiel	60 shekels = 1 maneh (Ezekiel 45:12); standards varied
Pound	Depends on the passage and standard	The gold amounts in 1 Kings 10:17 and 2 Chronicles 9:16 suggest 100 shekels per pound in that comparison; not a universal conversion
Talent	About 34 kilograms / 75 pounds	3,000 shekels per talent in Exodus 38:25–26; not a modern pound

Further reference: Weights and Measures. For biblical ratios, see Ezekiel 45:10–14 and Exodus 16:36; 38:25–26.

Go deeper

For a suggested reading order and a place to read the text online, see the resources page. For the KJV’s wider influence on the English language beyond Scripture itself, see its legacy in language and literature.