The most popular argument for dismissing the King James Bible is that it contains archaic words. (A poor reason to avoid reading a book, especially the Bible.)
Archaic words are just old words or words rarely in use. Some people think when words (or people) get to this state, they should just die (along with any Bible that contains them). They would be wrong!
They may be old or rare, but they can still live! Some already dead can even be resurrected! (True for words and people.)
One such example is the word redound, which finds its way on most every list of “archaic words in the KJV”.
On July 29th, 2025, the always modern Dictionary.com chose redound for its Word of the Day.
Redound can be found in only one verse of the King James Bible – 2 Corinthians 4:15 – making it rarely used even within the KJV. This makes it archaic, but wait…
The definition provided by Dictionary.com fits the Biblical use and, more importantly, was accompanied by many examples of recent use from modern publications like Scientific American, BBC, and Salon. (It was used more by Salon than the Bible!)
It’s alive! It’s alive! Take it off the dead list! (It has always been a living word for readers of the King James Bible who love 2 Corinthians 4 and Hebrews 4:12.)
Redound may be a word you don’t hear much in public, but it is hardly a dead word. Many might be ignorant of the definition, but that is why we have dictionaries. (Thank you for your service, Dictionary.com!)
With use, so-called “dead words” can be revived, expand our vocabulary, and make writing more interesting. All it takes is someone who knows how to use them (or who uses a King James Bible).
For your redounding edification,
Justin “resurrecting words” Johnson