The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible contains many words that are no longer commonly used in modern English. One such word is ‘peradventure.’ This term appears multiple times throughout the Old and New Testaments, often in contexts of uncertainty, possibility, or hypothetical situations.
But what exactly does ‘peradventure’ mean in the KJV Bible? Why was it used in biblical translation, and how do modern translations interpret it? This topic explores the meaning, biblical usage, and significance of this archaic word in Scripture.
1. Definition of ‘Peradventure’
The word ‘peradventure’ is an archaic English term that means ‘perhaps,’ ‘possibly,’ or ‘by chance.’ It is used to express uncertainty, conditional situations, or hypothetical possibilities.
In the KJV Bible, ‘peradventure’ often appears in dialogues where people are making requests, asking questions, or proposing possible scenarios.
Modern Equivalents of ‘Peradventure’
Today, words that can replace ‘peradventure’ include:
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Perhaps
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Possibly
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Suppose that
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If it may be
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By chance
2. Origin of ‘Peradventure’
The word ‘peradventure’ comes from Middle English and was borrowed from Old French (‘par aventure’), which means ‘by chance’ or ‘through adventure.’ It was commonly used in Early Modern English, the period during which the King James Bible (1611) was translated.
While the term has mostly disappeared from modern English, it remains preserved in the KJV Bible and other historical texts.
3. Biblical Usage of ‘Peradventure’ in the KJV Bible
The word ‘peradventure’ appears in various passages of the KJV Bible, typically in hypothetical situations, prayers, and negotiations.
Here are some key examples of ‘peradventure’ in Scripture:
A. Abraham’s Plea for Sodom (Genesis 18:24-32)
One of the most famous uses of ‘peradventure’ is found in Genesis 18, where Abraham pleads with God to spare the city of Sodom if righteous people are found there.
‘Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?’
(Genesis 18:24, KJV)
Abraham continues bargaining with God, using ‘peradventure’ multiple times as he lowers the number from fifty to ten righteous people.
Meaning: Here, ‘peradventure’ expresses uncertainty and hope. Abraham is asking, ‘What if there are righteous people in the city? Will You spare it?’
B. Gideon’s Request for a Sign (Judges 6:36-39)
Gideon, a judge of Israel, asks God for a miraculous sign to confirm His will.
‘Peradventure there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.’
(Judges 6:39, KJV)
Meaning: Gideon is testing God’s guidance, saying ‘Perhaps God will show me a sign.’ This reflects his uncertainty and desire for confirmation.
C. Joseph’s Brothers and Their Fear (Genesis 44:34)
When Judah pleads with Joseph (who is disguised as an Egyptian ruler), he expresses concern for their father, Jacob.
‘Peradventure I shall see the evil that shall come on my father.’
(Genesis 44:34, KJV)
Meaning: Judah fears that Jacob will suffer great sorrow if they fail to bring back Benjamin. The word ‘peradventure’ here implies a possible negative outcome.
D. Paul’s Teaching on Repentance (2 Timothy 2:25)
In the New Testament, Paul speaks about teaching with humility, hoping that people will repent.
‘In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.’
(2 Timothy 2:25, KJV)
Meaning: Paul expresses that repentance is possible but not guaranteed. ‘Peradventure’ here conveys the idea that God may or may not grant repentance.
4. Why Did the KJV Bible Use ‘Peradventure’?
The KJV translators (1611) used ‘peradventure’ because it was a common English word at that time. It helped to:
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Express hypothetical situations clearly
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Convey uncertainty and possibility in a formal way
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Match the elevated, poetic style of biblical language
Today, the word is no longer in everyday use, which is why most modern translations replace it with simpler words.
5. How Modern Translations Interpret ‘Peradventure’
Many modern Bible versions no longer use ‘peradventure.’ Instead, they translate it into more natural and contemporary English.
Comparison of Translations (Genesis 18:24)
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KJV:‘Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?’
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NIV:‘What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?’
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ESV:‘Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?’
Conclusion: The meaning stays the same, but modern translations use ‘What if’ or ‘Suppose’ instead of ‘peradventure.’
6. Lessons from ‘Peradventure’ in the KJV Bible
Though the word ‘peradventure’ is outdated, the spiritual truths behind its use remain relevant.
A. Faith and Uncertainty
Bible figures like Abraham, Gideon, and Judah faced uncertain situations and sought God’s guidance. Faith requires trusting God, even when the outcome is unknown.
B. God’s Mercy and Judgment
Abraham’s plea for Sodom shows that God listens to intercessory prayer. Even when destruction seems certain, God is willing to show mercy.
C. Seeking God’s Guidance
Gideon’s use of ‘peradventure’ reminds us that it’s okay to ask God for confirmation when making major life decisions.
D. The Possibility of Repentance
Paul’s use of ‘peradventure’ in 2 Timothy 2:25 highlights that repentance is a gift from God. People should not take their opportunity to repent lightly.
The word ‘peradventure’ in the KJV Bible conveys uncertainty, possibility, and hope. While it is no longer commonly used in English, it played an important role in biblical dialogue and teachings.
Modern translations replace it with simpler words like ‘perhaps,’ ‘what if,’ or ‘suppose,’ but the message remains the same. Understanding words like ‘peradventure’ helps readers appreciate the depth and richness of biblical language while applying its lessons to their lives today.