Article View

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611, has profoundly shaped English-speaking theological discourse. However, the evolution of English over four centuries has resulted in semantic shifts that risk obscuring the original meanings of biblical texts. This study employed a qualitative-descriptive design within a diachronic linguistic framework to investigate the semantic development of twenty-eight purposively selected lexical items in the Book of Genesis. The analysis utilized a typology of semantic change—comprising broadening, narrowing, amelioration, pejoration, metaphorical extension, metonymic shift, and obsolescence—to trace the evolution of word meanings from Biblical Hebrew to Early Modern English and into contemporary usage. Findings indicate that semantic shifts have substantial implications for theological interpretation, particularly in key doctrinal concepts such as creation, covenant, and sin. The study underscores the need for linguistic awareness in exegesis and translation, recommending the integration of diachronic analysis into theological education and biblical hermeneutics. Limitations include the restricted lexical sample and exclusive focus on the KJV. Future studies may extend this approach to other biblical books and translations. The study contributes to biblical linguistics by demonstrating how semantic change affects the interpretive integrity of sacred texts.