Copyright: Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta - Falmouth, VA 22405
Citation: Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta - Falmouth, VA 22405


860 Bible words

The evaluation version only contains 70 words.  When you register the program with the author, the disk that we mail you will contain the complete database of words...over 800 words from the King James Version!


Additional Study Tools and Resources

Archaic Words and the Authorized Version

The 21st Century King James Version

Return to Main Menu


Another Notepad

Our Another Notepad features... Hot keys for nearly every function. (Why did Microsoft not include something so simple and essential  as hot-keys?) CTL+S to Save, CTL+O to Open a file, CTL+A to Select all text, and many more)

Easily merge a second file into the notepad. You no longer need to open two copies of Notepad to clipboard cut and paste the contents of one notepad into another!

Wordstar key commands! For programmers who cut their teeth on programmer's editors and the Wordstar key command set...relief is here!

Sort the contents of the notepad in ascending or descending order!

Maintains a list of the last 7 files you opened for quick reloading! If you work on the same files over and over again, oh what a joy a "recently used file list" is!

Where did that notepad go?! Stop searching... Another Notepad has an option to make it stay on top of all other applications.

Tired of the default font that Microsoft forces you to use? No longer! Another Notepad lets you choose the font style and size. Itsy bitsy or mammoth LARGE!

Auto-save and auto-restore your custom settings. Resize our Another Notepad, move it around on the desktop, change the fonts...then exit the program. When you restart Another Notepad it will look exactly the way you left it...in the very same spot on the screen...the same window dimensions (height/width)...the same fonts, etc! It remembers!

Automatically inserts the date and/or time and/or your name and/or your address at the current cursor position!

Set and retrieve up to 10 bookmarkers.

Convert a block of text to UPPERCASE or lowercase.

Strip all numbers from a highlighted block of characters.

Whoops! Microsoft's Notepad says the file you attempted to load is too large! Another Notepad is more flexible and allows you to load text files up to 16 megabytes in size.

Views binary files in hexadecimal read-only mode automatically. Great for peeking safely inside .DLLs and .EXEs without damaging these files.

Smart tabs! Auto-indentation! User definable word wrapping! and more!

Return to previous page


Archaic Words and the Authorized Version

Title: Archaic Words and the Authorized Version

Author: Laurence M. Vance

Publisher: Vance Publications

ISBN: 0-9628898-4-9

Pages: 575

Archaic Words and the Authorized Version is as suitable for reading as it is valuable for reference.  This book provides an explicit and comprehensive examination of every word in the Authorized Version of the Bible that has been deemed archaic, obsolete, antiquated, or otherwise outmoded.  The result is both a fascinating and encyclopedic study of words - their meaning, derivation, usage, and significance.  The goal of this work is to show that the King James translation is no more archaic than daily newspapers, current magazines, and modern Bible versions.

This book is unique in that it seeks neither to criticize nor to correct the text of the Authorized Version.  Extensively documented with over 5000 footnotes.

For more information:

Vance Publications

P.O. Box 11781

Pensacola, FL 32524

(904) 474-1626

A sample page from Archaic Words and the Authorized Version

Return to Main Menu


Bible and inspirational software

Acts of the Apostles

An interactive Bible atlas and quiz based on the New Testament book of Acts. Visually follow the journeys of the 1st century apostles as you read each chapter on the screen.  Maps can be printed out. Quizzes are available to test one's knowledge as you progress.  An excellent learning tool for serious Bible students.

A Bible Companion

An electronic Bible handbook.  A handy and informative Bible study tool containing: 1) daily Bible reading plan - using this plan for one year will take the reader through the entire Bible. The reading plan can be printed to bookmarkers. 2) Charts - weights and measures, Solomon's temple, the Tabernacle in the wilderness, 3) Maps of the Holy Land and Mediterranean (with city/ region word search), 4) Dictionary of archaic/difficult KJV words, 5) Poetry & riddles, 6) Many articles on Bible study, translations, and hermeneutics + more...

Bible Crossword Puzzles

What's the six letter word for the name of a Christian prophet who forewarned of a great famine in the days of Paul?

What's a four letter word by which the city of Jerusalem has been known by?

Now you can SOLVE electronic crossword puzzles on your computer interactively!  Many puzzles have been included for your enjoyment.  All clues are related to the Bible. Includes references to the King James version.  Features include: Answer peek, save your work to disk for later retrieval, help screens. A fun way to increase your knowledge of the Bible.

Frontlets (for DOS)

FRONTLETS is an inspirational memory resident program (TSR) that can be popped-up any time over any DOS based text program. Also functions as an attractive screen saver.  After a user specified time interval of keyboard inactivity, FRONTLETS will pop-up on your screen, and then alternates a different Bible verse every ten seconds until interrupted by keyboard activity.  Verses are displayed in very LARGE letters, making this an eye-catcher and nice witnessing tool.

Frontlets (for Windows)

An inspirational Bible screen saver for Windows 3.x and 95.  Frontlets will randomly display Bible verses in large, colorful letters.  The screen saver will activate after a user specified time interval of keyboard inactivity.  When the screen saver activates, a different Bible verse appears every 5-30 seconds until interrupted by keyboard or mouse activity.  The Bible verses are displayed in large letters, and can be seen by others clearly halfway across a room.  Frontlets will surely attract a passerby's attention.  The screen saver can also be customized to display your choice of background colors and fonts.

Gospel Parallels

Any Bible student who studies the Gospels knows how valuable a cross reference can be. GOSPEL PARALLELS goes beyond a typical cross reference. By displaying the 4 books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John side by side, you can find any matching parallel passages in any of the books at the press of one key! KJV. Features include: 1) chronological index, 2) table of parallel passages (handy for printing), 3) word search, 4) cut/paste text to internal full screen editor for printing or saving to disk, 5) VGA maps

The Grape Vine

THE GRAPE VINE is a delightfully challenging, graphical Bible word game. Very similar in play to "Wheel Of Fortune" and "Hangman" but now with a new twist!  Uncover the missing letters to a Bible verse or phrase before the grapes turn to raisins!  3 skill levels, makes the program suitable even for children. Play against the clock. Colorful, clean, educational program for the whole family.

Here A Little, There A Little...

Here A Little, There A Little... is a Tetris style Bible word game that requires quick thinking and action.  The player must position the falling words into a Bible verse before time expires.  2 skills levels available. Attractive VGA graphics.  Challenging, fun, educational.

Hebrew Flashcards

HEBREW FLASHCARDS was written for the beginning student desiring to learn the Hebrew language.  Learn the order of the Hebrew alphabet, simple word  definitions, English transliterations, and where applicable Strong's  concordance numbers, are available to the user within this program.   Interactive, on-screen quizzes are also available.  Hebrew letters are displayed in large graphic characters.

KJVocabulary

KJVocabulary is a King James Bible quiz and dictionary.

Is the King James Version full of hard to understand, archaic words?  Through a quiz format you can learn the meaning of all those tough Bible words, like "concupiscence," "greaves" and "wist".  Or you can go directly to a handy on-line dictionary.  The entire dictionary can be printed out for use with your Bible reading.  An interesting and fun way to increase one's knowledge of this classic Bible translation. Included are several essays on the history and background of the King James Version, and its importance in the modern age.

The Proverbs of Solomon

The Proverbs of Solomon is a menu-driven program that tests and increases one's knowledge of the Old Testament book of Proverbs.  The program features 2 different interactive quizzes that challenge your memory: 1) match proverbial couplets together, 2) fill in the blanks.  Also included are numerous textual commentaries (resource notes).  Also includes the complete text to all 31 chapters for easy viewing.  Educational and challenging

Questions from the Bible

QUESTIONS FROM THE BIBLE is an in-depth storehouse of questions gathered from the Old and New Testaments.  Thousands of interesting facts are presented as questions in a quiz-like environment, prompting the user for the correct answers.  The questions are grouped into dozens of categories, from "Word meanings" to "Geography of the Bible". The DELUXE VERSION (available upon registration) allows the user to add, modify or delete the existing questions, and even create new categories.

You can download all of these programs at: http://www.pc-shareware.com/

Return back to previous page


Contacting the author

The author of Words From The Past can be reached at the following address:

Philip P. Kapusta

406 Monroe Avenue

Falmouth, VA 22405

To contact the author by Internet email:

info@pc-shareware.com

74170.3550@compuserve.com

For more software, visit our Web sites:

http://www.pc-shareware.com/

http://www.pcshareware.com/

http://users.aol.com/shareware/


Downloading an update
Visit our Internet Web site to download the latest version:

Primary site:

http://www.pc-shareware.com

Mirror sites:

http://www.pcshareware.com/

http://users.aol.com/shareware

Once you have the registration key, you can unlock ALL future versions of the program.  That's correct, free upgrades for life by just downloading the latest version!


Educational software

Big Math Attack!

BIG MATH ATTACK! is a colorful, graphic program that tests your math solving, spelling, typing and metric conversions skills in a fun arcade environment.  Several skill levels are available that makes this program suitable for both children and adults.  Top scores in each category are recorded to track one's progress.

The objective of the game is to protect your city from falling meteorites. The only defense that you have is to fire missiles at the descending meteorites.  Problems fall from the sky at increasing frequency and must be solved before they pummel your town into dust.

Don't let the program name fool you...this program tests typing skills (like Letterfall) AND spelling words.  You can even add custom spelling word lists and make the falling meteorites turn into spelling words.

Crayon Box

Crayon Box is a collection of fun activities and educational tools for young children.  This one program features a coloring book with over 450 colors/patterns, drawing tools, and spiral designs.

On the educational side...Crayon Box features + - / and x drills with large, easy to see numbers, at 10 skill levels.

Also included is a color recognition and counting game, and a USA game that prompts the user to identify a state or capital on a color map.  Along with a Concentration type memory game where you find matching pairs.  Lotsa music and a player piano keyboard where your young Beethovens can practice their music skills.

This collection will keep your young ones busy for hours!  Fun, educational, and easy to use.

Create A Quiz

Create A Quiz allows you to generate your own on-screen interactive quizzes. Supports multiple choice and fill in the blank style tests.  Quizzes can also be printed out for use in conventional pencil/paper tests, however its specialty is "on-screen" quizzing.  If you have ever wanted to create your own trivia games, or in-house training, Create A Quiz makes your job easier.  Point and shoot menu interface, mouse support.  Great also for home schooling parents. Comes with sample quizzes to test your knowledge of plants, animals, math, capitols, and more.

The quizzes are graded automatically as the user takes a quiz behind a computer.  Yes, your very own on-line, interactive teaching tutor!  Dozens of different configuration options allow you to customize each quiz to your specifications. Supports 16-color .PCX images.  Even functions as an online "survey" - prompting user for input and logging results to disk.

Very flexible, easy to use, and can be used in many different settings.

Crossword Challenge

Now you can SOLVE electronic crossword puzzles on your computer interactively!  Many puzzles have already been included for your enjoyment.  Features include: Answer peek, save your work to disk for later retrieval, help screens. A fun way to increase your vocabulary.  A cruciverbalist's delight.

Lil' Picasso

LIL' PICASSO is a coloring and creativity package for children. Your children will spend hours coloring the pre-drawn pictures with a paintbrush of over 300 colors and patterns.  Children can also choose from a variety of drawing tools to create their own masterpieces.  Fun, simple to use.  Colorful point and click icons make understanding the interface easy (ideal for little children who can't read yet). Artwork can be saved to disk or printed.

Show 'N Spell

SHOW 'N SPELL is a high-resolution graphic spelling bee for children (and adults?).

Over a thousand different large 2" graphic images appear for the user to spell correctly.  For example, fist a picture of a horse will appear, and then the program prompts the user to correctly spell the object before continuing on to the next picture.  Options include: Playing against the clock; 3 different skill levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced); "Top 10" score board records best work;

Customized word lists can also be created and imported into the program.  Words from such lists then can be displayed in flashcard method, or for fun, scramble each word and have the user try to unscramble the letters to find the original.

Supports mouse for those who may be physically impaired and unable to type.

A fun yet educational program.

You can download all of these programs at: http://www.pc-shareware.com/

Return to previous page


How to Register
How to register Words From The Past:

To view the registration form, click on the picture glyph below:

Words From The Past is distributed as shareware software.  Shareware is a software concept that allows users to evaluate software for a trial period.  If during this trial period you find the software useful and plan to continue using it, then you are obligated to financially support the author.  If you do not support the author with your registration, then you must delete the program and cease using it.  Shareware relies totally on the honor system.

The author of Words From The Past receives no royalties from the distribution of this program and relies totally upon users like yourself to support the shareware concept.  If users do not support the author, the author goes unpaid for his labors.  A single license for use on one PC costs $11.50 (U.S.A.)

If you are still not convinced to support this software project, click here for additional incentives to register.

For further information or questions, Email inquiries can be sent to any one of these email addresses:

    info@pc-shareware.com

    74170.3550@compuserve.com

Visit our Internet Web sites for more great programs that you can download and try!

    http://www.pc-shareware.com/

    http://www.pcshareware.com/

    http://members.aol.com/shareware/

Go to Main Menu


King James I of England

      King James I of England (age 27)


Other software

Words From The Past is just one of our many Bible and educational software titles.

If you like Words From The Past then you may be interested in trying some of our other programs.  Most of our programs are family, educational, or Bible related.  For free, shareware evaluation copies, you can obtain the latest versions if you have Internet access and a Web browser by surfing to one of our Softword Technology Web sites, at:

http://www.pc-shareware.com/

http://members.aol.com/shareware/

The following is a summary of our other programs that you may find of interest:

Bible and inspirational software

Educational software

Productivity and utilities

Exit and return to program


Print Registration Form
To print this form, click on the printer glyph:

Words From The Past - Registration Form:

I am submitting $11.50* (U.S.A.) to register my copy of Words From The Past.  I understand that in return for my registration I will receive a personalized copy with all registration reminders removed.  The registered version that I will receive will contain over 800 Bible words.

Your name: ____________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

City: _______________________ State: _____________

Zip code: ________________ Phone: _______________

Email address (if any): ____________________________

* Please print very, VERY clearly! *

Make funds payable in U.S.A. dollars to:

Philip Kapusta

406 Monroe Avenue

Falmouth, VA 22405  USA

* Note: Customers living outside the U.S.A. (and who also do not have an Internet email address) must include $2.00 additional for Air Mail costs.  Registrants who live in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom or Europe may choose to pay in their native currency IF you mail CASH, otherwise a money order in U.S. $ will be required.  If mailing foreign cash, CONVERT FIRST to U.S. dollars using the correct exchange rate, and wrap well in paper.  No coins!  You can register with a credit card at: http://www.pc-shareware.com/prices.htm

Virginia residents must add 4.5% Va. sales tax.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your program disk  to arrive.

Please check with author before submitting your registration AFTER December 31, 1999 for current pricing.  At that time send a self-addressed U.S. stamped envelope or international postal coupon for a reply, or contact us by Internet email: info@pc-shareware.com   or   74170.3550@compuserve.com.


Productivity and utilities

Another Notepad

"Why another notepad?" you may ask. "What's wrong with the notepad utility that Microsoft provides?" We're glad that you asked. Click here to see a host of features that Microsoft forgot.

Browse and View

This offline browser makes the World Wide Web and your HTML pages available to those who do not have Internet access.  Now you can place your HTML pages on a diskette, along with Book Browser, and the World Wide Web can be delivered on a diskette to anyone!

Disk Note Librarian

DISK NOTE LIBRARIAN is a file and disk cataloging utility that allows you to add descriptions & comments to each file name, including directories, on a disk. Descriptions can be up to 300 characters in length, & can easily be edited at a later date. Some of the features included are; on screen editing, a hot key for instant access to DOS, file view utility, file compression utilities, and many more. There's also file management utilities like; copy, delete, sort, attribute control, & quick glance. This program is ideal the home user and professional, who needs control of their software libraries.

The Disk Vendor

THE DISK VENDOR catalog on diskette authoring software

For businesses that would like an alternative to a printed product catalog THE DISK VENDOR offers a solution.  THE DISK VENDOR is a software authoring system that allows your company to easily create professional looking menu driven catalogs for your customers that can be distributed via computer floppy diskette.  Sell anything from "anchors" to "zippers".  The program handles credit cards, large volume discounts, shipping and handling charges, printed order forms, custom opening & closing screens.  Complete instructions are included with the program (on-disk) and a sample catalog.  If you know how to use a word processor, then you have all the skill necessary to create your own on-line electronic catalog on a disk!

The D-Jet Survival Kit

A collection of useful utilities and tips for Hewlett-Packard DeskJet series printer. Includes instructions and diagrams for refilling empty inkjet cartridges, saving you $$$'s!  Also prints 2, 4 or 8 pages of micro text on 1 sheet!  Also sets ESC codes. Includes TSR address grabber utility that will grab an address off the screen and send it to an envelope.  A must have collection of utilities if you own a H/P DeskJet series printer.

Envelopes Plus...

ENVELOPES PLUS... is an easy to use, menu driven database for printing envelopes of all sizes, for printing 1 to 4 column mailing labels, and for printing Rolodex cards.  The program can even dial phone numbers.  Works with dot matrix, H/P DeskJet inkjets, and H/P laser printers.  The program even allows the user to attach a 100 line memo field/file!  Calculator, lots of extras.  Intuitive DOS interface.  Great for the beginner or novice (and even small businesses) to establish a database of names/contacts.  The program does not require the user to know anything about database setup. Forget about indexes, data fields, and record names...the program allows you to begin entering data within 30 seconds after start-up. Supports Avery piggyback and sheet labels..

Electronic Text Publishing System

The Electronic Text Publishing System is used to make "electronic" books or magazines, such as tutorials, training manuals, or even works of literature.

The E-Text system allows you to create professional looking, royalty-free programs with minimal effort.  E-Text uses text files that you create and compiles them into a menu driven "electronic" book, complete with a table of contents.  If you know how to use a word processor, then you have all the skills necessary to publish your own "electronic" books on a disk.

E-Text also supports the use of 256-color .PCX images, submenus, executing DOS commands.

A sample electronic document has been included "Aesop's Fables".  To view, just type: READ  [press ENTER].  Once you have seen what E-Text can do, take a look at the COMPILE.DOC documentation on how to create your own E-Texts using the included compiler.

Home Loan Diary

Want to earn 1729% on your money by investing in your home mortgage?  Want to see what an extra $25 principal per month will do to the length of your mortgage?  HOME LOAN DIARY is one of the easiest to use mortgage amortization calculators around!  Scroll back and forth through an amortization table just like a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet. Great for playing "what-if".  Powerful, yet very practical, for it shows you how much $$$ you can save by prepaying a loan.  Even tracks escrow accounts and allows user notes/comments to be attached to each loan.   Written specifically for home owners.

ItemTree

There are times when a notepad won't do and times when a database is overkill.  For bits of data that you need to keep track of ItemTree may be the solution...  The data you enter into ItemTree, whether it be Web URLs, phone numbers, or a list of things to do, can be entered in a hierarchical format, allowing you to easily classify items under different categories.  The result looks like a family tree chart.

My Screen Saver

Have you ever wanted to design your very own, personalized Windows screen saver? Now you can build one, adding your favorite graphic images and words of wisdom.

Offsite Explorer

A Microsoft Internet Explorer browser look-alike. Useful for viewing and editing your HTML files while NOT connected to the Internet.

The Paper Saver

The Paper Saver is a printer utility for all laser printers & Hewlett Packard DeskJet printers.  It is a great solution for reducing the paper glut that comes when printing large ASCII text files. Prints up to 8 pages of text on every sheet in a tiny, but very readable font.  Or you can use a standard 10 cpi font in various layouts (landscape, back and front sides, etc.)  The program can print 1, 2, 4 or 8 pages on every sheet in single or double columns, front and/or back, collated.  It even prints booklets. Menu driven, easy to navigate.

Password Guardian

Having a hard time remembering all those passwords, PINs and combinations? Here's a great database to securely keep them!

Sentry 95

Sentry 95 will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer.  Think of it as a personal guard standing beside your computer, asking all who approach for a password in order to gain access.

Sheet Music Designer

Sheet Music Designer is a utility to print blank music paper on letter size (8.5" x 11") paper.  With this program you can print treble and bass staves, along with guitar tablature. You have the ability  to adjust left and right margins, line thickness, and closing brackets.

Type-It

TYPE-IT - Converts your dot matrix or daisy wheel printer into a typewriter.  This utility allows you to print out notes, envelopes, etc. quickly, just as if your printer was a typewriter.

The Unzip Wizard

The friendly Unzip Wizard interface will make you feel confident and secure that your ZIP files are being unarchived properly.  It's as easy as 1-2-3!  Simply... 1) Choose the ZIP file you wish to unzip...2) Select the files you wish to extract...3) Choose a destination.  That's it!  Presto!  Your files are unzipped!

Wit and Wisdom

Screen saver that displays clever thoughts, famous quotations and witticisms randomly on your screen.

The X-Filer

Convert a single .TXT file into stand alone .EXE in seconds!

You can download all of these programs at: http://www.pc-shareware.com/

Return to previous page


Table of Contents
Words From The Past

Copyright 1997 by Philip Kapusta

"Understandest thou what thou readest?" (Acts 8:30)

About Words From The Past

The History of the Authorized Version of 1611

Additional Study Tools and Resources

How To Purchase This Program

Exit


The 21st Century King James Version

Title: The 21st Century King James Bible

Publisher: 21st Century King James Bible Publishers

Overview of 21st Century King James Bible

After nearly eight years spent updating, the 21st Century King James Version of the Holy Bible (KJ21) was published in May 1994.

The KJ21 is neither a new translation or a revision of the King James Version (KJV); it is an updating.  No attempt has been made to "improve" the timeless message or literary style of the original KJV, but words which are no longer understood have been replaced by carefully selected current equivalents.  Also, updated spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and paragraphing have been used.  These changes have been painstakingly made so as not to alter the meaning or beauty of the King James in any way.  They simply make the KJ21 easier to read and understand.

Why?

The publishers of the KJ21 have four objectives in mind in updating the King James Version.  Their first objective is to honor and celebrate the King James Version's four centuries of acceptance as the most loved, most powerful, must trusted, and most widely read book in the English language.

Their second objective is to update the text of the King James Version by the elimination of obsolete and archaic words which today are not readily understood by the literate Bible-reading public, and otherwise to adapt Biblical English to accommodate, when necessary, to language changes which have evolved over the course of almost four centuries.

Their third objective is to preserve the glorious language of worship and prayer found in the King James Version against the onslaught of so-called "modern" translations with all of the simplifications, commonalities and idiomatic expressions with which they abound.

Their fourth objective is to protect inviolate the Word of God as contained in the King James Version from efforts to alter its meaning and redirect its emphasis to conform to current social trends and philosophies essentially alien to its tenor and spirit.

An updating

The 21st Century King James Version (KJ21) retains the unparalleled power, beauty, and dignity of the King James Version while using modern punctuation, paragraphing and format to make the KJ21 easier to read and understand.

Not a new translation or revision

The KJ21 is not a new translation or a revision, but an updating of the King James Version, now nearing 400 years of age, and long acknowledged for its general accuracy and its unsurpassed beauty and power.

No change in doctrine or meaning

During the seven years of preparation, the 21st Century King James Bible Publishers dedicated staff labored over each and every word to make sure any changes made would enhance readability, yet do nothing that would change the meaning or theology of the original KJV.

Examples of word updating

Over time some words have become obsolete.  In the KJ21 these obsolete words have been replaced by modern equivalents.

                  KJV           KJ21

                 ------        ------

                 bewray        betray

                 minish        diminish

                 wist          knew

The meanings of some words have changed over the past 400 years, and in the KJ21 these words have been replaced with modern synonyms.

                KJV             KJ21

               ------          ------

               prevent         precede

               conversation    manner of living

               convince        convict

               carriage        baggage

Some words are archaic but still understood by modern readers.  These words have not been changed in the KJ21.  Examples of archaic but unchanged words include "thee," "thou," "hath," "art," "cometh," and "hast".

Modern translators change many words which tend to change meaning.  The KJ21 retains the meaning and indeed the flavor of the KJV by retaining these words.

             Modern Versions    KJV and KJ21

             ---------------    ------------

             greed              covetousness

             justice            judgment

             happy              blessed

             made well          made whole

Who?

21st Century King James Bible Publishers is very small, probably the smallest Bible publishing firm in the United States.  Their company is a division of Deuel Enterprises, a South Dakota business corporation.  The updating staff consists of William D.  Prindle, retired Juris Doctor from the state of Minnesota, and updating consultants, Barbara P.  Graff, B.A. and Florence P.  Ronning, B.A.

Where?

Their address is P.O. Box 40, Gary, SD 57237-0040.  Their phone numbers are 605-272-5575 and 1-800-225-5521.

Return to Main Menu


The Bible in English

Someone once said that literary fashions come and go: yet this book remains.  Bernard Shaw at a certain time of his life wrote this of the King James Version:

"The translation was extraordinarily well done because to the translators what they were translating was not merely a curious collection of ancient books written by different authors in different stages of culture, but the word of God divinely revealed through His chosen and expressly inspired scribes.  In this conviction they carried out their work with boundless reverence and care and achieved a beautifully artistic result.  It did not seem possible to them that they could better the original texts; for who could improve on God's own style?...nor could they doubt that God would, as they prayed, take care that His message should not suffer corruption at their hands.  In this state of exaltation they made a translation so magnificent that to this day the common human Britisher or citizen of the United States of North America accepts and worships it as a single book by a single author, the book being the Book of Books and the author being God."

"The Greatest Writing Project of History"

James I of England and VI of Scotland came to the throne in 1603 upon the death of Elizabeth.  As he travelled from Scotland to London he was petitioned by various factions, Puritan and Catholic.  So in January, 1604, he called a meeting at Hampton Court Palace to discuss "what was pretended to be amiss in the church."  Such questions as whether wedding rings should be given and worn passed into oblivion as the plea of an eminent Puritan, Dr. John Reynolds, was made and accepted.  "May your Majesty", he said, "be pleased to direct that the Bible be now translated, such versions as are extant not answering to the original."  "If every man's humour might be followed", snorted the Bishop of London, "there would be no end to translating."  Said the King: "I could never yet see a Bible well translated in English, but I think that of Geneva is the worst."

So those who did and those who did not oppose the giving and wearing of wedding rings, were drawn, as Gustavus Paine says, "by a few dissident words into the greatest writing project of history".

The Translators

There were six groups of men appointed for the work of the King James' version.  Three groups were composed of men whose dominant skill was Greek; the other three - Hebrew; fifty-four learned men in all.  Most of them could of course converse fluently in Latin, which was the daily language of scholars, and many of them were equally proficient in Hebrew and Greek.  They met at Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster, a Hebrew and a Greek group in each place.  They worked (as far as can be judged) from late 1604 to 1610.  A review group worked at the Stationers' Hall in Westminster (1609).  Miles Smith and Thomas Bilson worked as final editors.

Their Rules

They operated under fifteen rules, the first of which said: "The ordinary Bible read in church, commonly called the Bishops' Bible, to be followed and as little altered as the truth of the original will permit."  However, the fourteenth allowed that "These translations to be used when they agree better with the text than the Bishops' Bible - Tyndale's, Matthew's, Coverdale's, the Great Bible and Geneva".  Rule eight said that: "Every particular man of each company to take the same chapter or chapters, and having translated or amended them severally by himself, where he thinketh good, all to meet together to confer when they have done, and agree for their parts what shall stand."

Debt to Tyndale and others

The Bishop's Bible which was the subject of Rule one, was in turn dependent upon those versions made earlier, and close study in the years following 1611, when the King James version was first printed, has shown that sixty per cent of the New Testament is Tyndale's 1534 translation.  But even Wyclif and his followers made their contribution: "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way"; "The cup of blessing which we bless."  And from Tyndale came such lasting cadences as: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon"; "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow"; "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"; "It is more blessed to give than to receive"; "Out of darkness into his marvelous light."  From Coverdale we have: "Death is swallowed up in victory."  From Taverner: "According to thy word"; and "He would have given thee living water."

Rhythm's Aid to the Mind

To the translators of the King James version rhythm was important, for they knew it was to be a book "appointed to be read in churches".  Only memory could serve those who could not read.  Rhythm was vital not merely as a source of pleasure to the ear, but as an aid to the mind.  "for the ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meats", we read in Job.  So there was brought to bear linguistic skill, scholarship, a keen sense of what provided truth, expression and cadence, the word to be remembered, words that gave harmony.

Word of Dissent

But when all was done there was still opposition.  A famous Hebrew scholar of the day, Dr. Hugh Broughton, was one severe critic.  F.F. Bruce in "The English Bible" says: "For all his erudition, Broughton was not included among the revisers; he was not cut out for collaboration with others, and would have proved an impossible colleague.  Probably he resented the fact that he was not invited to serve, and when the new version appeared, he sent a critique of it to one of the king's attendants: "The late Bible...was sent to me to censure: which bred in me a sadness that will grieve me while I breathe, it is so ill done.  Tell His Majesty that I had rather be rent in pieces with wild horses, than any such translation by my consent should be urged upon poor churches...The new edition crosseth me.  I require it to be burned.""

Ronald Hill, The Bible in English: The King James Version, The Christadelphian, vol. 105, p. 113.


The History of the Authorized Version of 1611

King James I of England

The Bible in English

Title Page, Preface, Type-style and Contents

14 Rules The Translators Were To Abide By

Return to Main Menu


The Rules for Revision

The fourteen rules drawn up, apparently by James himself, for the guidance of the revisers may thus be briefly summarized:

1. The Bishops' Bible to be followed "and as little altered as the original will permit."

2. The proper names "to be retained as near as may be...as vulgarly used."

3. Old ecclesiastical words not to be changed, "as the word "Church" not to be translated "congregation"."

4. Words of varying interpretations to be rendered in accordance with patristic tradition and the analogy of faith.

5. No change to be made in the chapter divisions.

6. No notes except to explain Hebrew or Greek words."

7. Cross references to be inserted.

8. As each reviser completes the portion assigned to him, all his company should compare results and decide on the rendering to be chosen.

9. The completed work of each company to be sent to the other companies "to be considered of seriously and judiciously; for, his Majesty is very careful in this point."

10. Doubts thence arising to be settled "at the general meeting of the chief persons of each company, at the end of the work."

11. In really obscure passages the help of other learned people is to be sought.

12. The bishops are to look for men capable of assisting in the work.

13. The directors to be the deans of Westminster and Chester and the regius professors of Hebrew and Greek.

14. "These translations to be used when they agree better with the text than the Bishops' Bible: namely, Tindal's, Matthew's, Coverdale's, Whitchurch's, the Geneva."

Rule 2, that the proper names "be retained as near as may be...as vulgarly used," was observed in the case of the Old Testament, the extravagances of some previous translators being avoided.  But in the New Testament these proper names stand in the familiar form derived from the Vulgate through the Greek; e.g., "Elias" instead of "Elijah" (Matt. 11:14 and 17:3-12); and "Jesus" instead of "Joshua" (Heb. 4:8), though Tyndale, Cranmer, Geneva, and R.V. have "Joshua."

The revisers interpreted in a wide sense rule 6, which precluded notes.  In defense of their notes they say: "Though in those things that are plainely set down in the Scriptures all such matters are found that concern faith, hope and charitie, yet...it hath pleased God in his divine providence to scatter wordes and sentences of that difficultie and doubtfulnesse, not in doctrinal points that concerne salvation, (for in such it hath been vouched that the Scriptures are plaine) but in matters of lesse moment."

Though rule 8 provided for a certain amount of collaboration, yet, as Scrivener says, "Our very meagre information respecting the progress of the translators give us no great reason to believe that this wholesome desire was carried out in practice, while internal evidence points decidedly to the contrary conclusion"; the version of the Psalms is, he adds, a case in point, for it is "prosaic, and however exact and elaborate, spiritless."

Pope, Hugh. English Versions of the Bible (Westport, Ct.: Greenwood Press, Publishers), pp. 309-325.


Title Page, Preface, Type-style and Contents

The result of the extensive labors of the revisers appeared in 1611.  The title page of the new version reads as follows: The Holy Bible, Conteyning the Old Testament and the New: Newly Translated out of the Originall tongues, with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties speciall commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.  Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie.  Anno Dom. 1611.  On either side stand Moses and Aaron; in the four corners are the Evangelists; at the top the name of God is in Hebrew letters, with the sun and moon on either side.  Above is the Paschal Lamb with the apostles; below is a pelican.  The New Testament is entitled: The Newe Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Newly translated out of the Originall Greeke; and with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesties speciall Commandement.  Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie.  Anno Dom. 1611. cum Privilegio.

 	The expression "newly translated" shows that we are in the presence of a fresh version, in spite of rule 1, which demanded merely a revision of the Bishops' Bible.  The version is not said to be "authorized"; yet "appointed to be read in Churches" (not on the title page of the New Testament) could be interpreted to mean that as successor to the Bishops' Bible, which was thus appointed, it might be regarded as "authorized"; moreover the Bishops' Bible was the legitimate successor of the expressly "authorized" Great Bible.

Peculiarities of the Version

Measuring 16 inches by 10« inches, the King James Bible was even larger than the Great Bible or "Bible of the largest size."  It was printed in black letter, and words not standing in the original were printed in small italicised Roman type.  The use of italics to indicate words not in the original was inaugurated by Munster in his Latin version, 1534, the Geneva Bible being the first English version to employ them.  These were so multiplied in later editions that a formal protest was made against them as "deteriorating the vernacular version, discovering great want of critical taste, unnecessarily exposing the sacred text to the scoffs of infidels, and throwing such stumbling blocks in the way of the unlearned, as are greatly calculated to perplex their minds, and unsettle their confidence in the text of Scripture."

Pope, Hugh. English Versions of the Bible (Westport, Ct.: Greenwood Press, Publishers), pp. 309-325.

The Bible which was finally published by Robert Barker

in 1611 - the "King James" Bible - was in every respect a worthy successor to the line of English Bibles that had begun in Coverdale's time.  It was a handsome folio volume, its text printed in black-letter type, with a smaller roman type where italics are now used.  The title-page is found in two styles, one an engraving, the other a woodcut, but they are identical in their wording.  It is generally believed that the engraved title-page is the earlier, as it is certainly the handsomer, being very dignified.  It shows Moses and Aaron standing in monumental niches, and the seated figures of the four Evangelists in the corners.  The wood-cut title-page is of the same design as was also used for the New Testament, and shows the Evangelists at top and bottom, flanked on either side by the shield of the twelve tribes of Israel and the figure of the twelve apostles.

After the title-page comes the flattering dedication to the King and then the long preface to the Reader.  This is followed by an almanac and various tables.  In some copies there were included a genealogical chart and a map of Canaan.  Before the text of the Old Testament there was a table of contents: "The names and order of all the Bookes of the Olde and New Testament, with the Number of their Chapters."  The Old Testament is not divided into sections but there is a blank page before the Psalms and another before Isaiah.  At the end of Malachi is a notice, "The end of the Prophets."  On the following page the Apocryphal Books begin, and at the end of them is another note, "The end of Apocrypha."  the New Testament is furnished with a separate title-page, as mentioned.  At the end of the volume there is a simple "Finis."

Each chapter was supplied with an "Argument" or summary of its contents at the beginning, and there was a running summary at the top of each column of the text, except in the Apocrypha.  The text was divided into numbered verses, and in the prose portions (as distinct from the poetical books and the epistles) there were also paragraph signs, taken over from some of the earlier versions.  Most of these features are still included in our modern editions of the King James Bible.

Butterworth, Charles C.  The Literary Lineage of the King James Bible (New York: Octagon Books, 1971), pp. 207-215.


Words From The Past

Words From The Past  is a software program that features an online, interactive quiz that tests your knowledge of the unique words found in the King James translation.

The King James translation (Authorized Version) of the Bible is often praised for its place in literature, its majestic style, and its poetic rhythm, but unfortunately these statements are often followed up by the charge that the language found upon its pages is archaic Elizabethan English that renders the Bible unintelligible and difficult.

Does the King James contain archaic, obsolete words?

See how well you do in recognizing the correct definition of each word as it is hidden among 3 bogus definitions.  For example, can you find the true meaning of the word "neesing"?...

Or how about these words?  "avouch", "bruit", "collop", "concupiscence", "durst", "emerods", "greaves", "wist"...?  Hmmm...no so easy, is it?

Words From The Past  seeks to increase your knowledge of the King James translation's unique vocabulary.  Over 860 of the most challenging words found in this translation can be found in this program.

Words From The Past  is an interesting and fun way to increase one's knowledge of this classic Bible translation!

Each word presented to you during the quiz is also accompanied with a definition and is accompanied with an actual Bible verse showing the context of how the word is used in the Bible.

Return to Main Menu


click here for additional incentives

Shareware is based on the honor system.  You are allowed a reasonable evaluation period in which to try this program (30 days).  If you like the program, and continue to use it on a regular basis, then you are legally responsible for supporting the author financially.  We do not receive any royalties from this program, and unless users like yourself support the program, the author goes unpaid for his labors.

Some additional benefits that come with your registration include...

1) If you find any bugs in the program, or incorrect questions, you will receive a free program update.

2) You will be entitled to a 25% discount on any of our dozens of other software titles.

3) You are extended a wholesale price on the Educational Software Cooperative's shareware collection on CD-ROM for only $6.95.

The Educational Software Cooperative (ESC) is a non-profit forum whose goal is to promote educational shareware as a low-cost, high-quality alternative to retail educational software.  The ESC consists of shareware program authors, teachers, and software vendors.

As a member of the ESC, Philip P. Kapusta can provide this high-quality collection of educational shareware to registrants at a special price.  If you take advantage of this offer AT THE SAME TIME YOU REGISTER THIS PROGRAM then the price for the Educational Software Coop. CD-ROM is only $6.95 (shipping is free)!

This price of $6.95 applies only to those who are registering the accompanying program, and your request must accompany your registration payment to the author.  If you are interested in this offer but are not planning on registering the shareware program you just evaluated, or if you discover this offer AFTER registering, then the cost of the CD is $16.95.

Over 150 educational programs are included on this CD-ROM.  They are direct from the authors so they are very current versions and virus free.  The CD-ROM contains an easy to use graphical, point and shoot menu system that helps you find, install, and browse through the programs.  Contains many hundreds of hours of fun and education for you and your children.  With everything from simple DOS programs that teach a four-year-old basic spelling to complicated Windows hypertexts that cover the Chemistry periodic table!

Most of the programs on this CD-ROM are shareware and require registrations for continued use beyond the trial period specified.  The price paid for this CD is for the purchase of the CD-ROM disk only and does not cover the registration of any of the included software.

Some of the categories and programs found on this CD-ROM disk:

ABC's - ABC-Talk; Animated Words; Crossword Challenge; Jurassic Spelling; Show 'N Spell; Talking ABC's; Word Rescue; and many others..

123's - 123-Talk; Animated Money; Animated Multiplication and Division; Big Math Attack!; Basic Algebra; Math Challenge; Math Rescue.

Drawing - Crayon Box; EGA Mouse Paint; KidArt; Magic Crayon; Lil' Picasso.

Miscellaneous - Algebra Equation Generator; Animal Quest; Animated Clock; Animated Shapes; Create A Quiz; Creativity Package; Gradebook Power; Melissa's Music Flashcards; Quizmaker; School Mom; Touch Type Tutor; Tutorial Writer; Vocabulary Power; and many, many more...

Games - Animated Memory Game; Acrostix; PC Jigsaw; Simple Simon's Photo Scramble; VGA Concentration; Wordtrix!; and many more...

Religion - A Bible Companion; Acts of the Apostles; Animated New Testament; Bible-IQ Challenge; Frontlets screen saver; Gospel Parallels; The Grape Vine; Here A Little, There A Little; Israel - The Land of Promise; King James Dictionary; KJVocabulary; Scripture Quest; Bible Crossword Puzzles; Questions from the Bible; and many, many more...

Please note that most of our other shareware programs are included on this CD, and therefore this CD-ROM is a great way to try out other software programs by Philip Kapusta.

Ordering instructions:  When you submit your registration for Words From The Past, simply mention the ESC CD-ROM offer and include an additional $6.95.

Return to previous page


sample page

The following is a sample from Archaic Words and the Authorized Version...

Greaves

And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. (1 Samuel 17:6).

The word greaves occurs only once in the AV.  It is from the French greve, "shin."  Greaves, usually always found in the plural, refers to armor for the lower leg.  It is definitely an archaic word so why the NRSV, NIV, and NASB retained the word as the AV is a mystery.  The NKJV alone translates it as "armor."

Grisled

And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. (Zec. 6:3)

The word grisled, appearing four times in the AV, is a variation of grizzled.  The base form grizzle is from the French grisel, from gris, "gray."  A grisled animal is one that is gray-colored, either whole or spotted.  Twice the NIV updates grisled to "spotted," and twice the NKJV changes it to "gray-spotted," but NASB and NRSV use the somewhat obscure "mottled."  In the other two places where grisled is used, our supposedly modern, up-to-date versions replace grisled with the arcane "dappled."

Return to previous page