Hijacking the Language? :(

Does it bother anybody else that it seems as though the English language has been hijacked over time? I prefer to use the KJV and I admit I have to have a dictionary at times [my software is keyed with the Websters 1828]--it is here where I first noticed some not so subtle changes to definitions. I first noticed that the word soul has no eternal meaning anymore [according to the new Websters]. This morning I am studying for Church tonight and looked up the word glory in the Websters 1828:

GLO'RY, n. L. gloria; planus; hence, bright, shining. Glory, then, is brightness, splendor. The L. floreo, to blossom, to flower, to flourish, is probably of the same family.

1. Brightness; luster; splendor.

The moon, serene in glory, mounts the sky.

For he received from God the Father honor and glory,when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. 2 Pet.1.

In this passage of Peter, the latter word glory refers to the visible splendor or bright cloud that overshadowed Christ at his transfiguration. The former word glory, though the same in the original, is to be understood in a figurative sense.

2. Splendor; magnificence.

Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one

of these. Matt.vi.

3. The circle of rays surrounding the head of a figure in painting.

4. Praise ascribed in adoration; honor.

Glory to God in the highest. Luke 2.

5. Honor; praise; fame; renown; celebrity. The hero pants for glory in the field. It was the glory of Howard to relieve the wretched.

6. The felicity of heaven prepared for the children of God; celestial bliss.

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterwards receive me to glory. Ps.73.

7. In scripture, the divine presence; or the ark, the manifestation of it.

The glory is departed from Israel. 1 Sam.4.

8. The divine perfections or excellence.

The heavens declare the glory of God. Ps.19.

9. Honorable representation of God. 1 Cor. 11.8.

10. Distinguished honor or ornament; that which honors or makes renowned; that of which one may boast.

Babylon, the glory of kingdoms. Is.13.

11. Pride; boastfulness; arrogance; as vain glory.

12. Generous pride.

Now notice the new Websters def:

Definition of GLORY

1
a : praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown
b : worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>
2
a : something that secures praise or renown <the glory of a brilliant career>
b : a distinguished quality or asset
3
a (1) : great beauty and splendor : magnificence <the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome — E. A. Poe> (2) : something marked by beauty or resplendence <a perfect glory of a day>
b : the splendor and beatific happiness of heaven; broadly : eternity
4
a : a state of great gratification or exaltation <when she's acting she's in her glory>
b : a height of prosperity or achievement
5
: a ring or spot of light: as
a : aureole
b : a halo appearing around the shadow of an object

Do you see this not so subtle change? Glory was an attribute which belonged to God and now it is given in relation to man.....to me glory is a word which belongs to God and we should be careful how we use it--my thoughts are: when did they hijack the English language? Whose idea was it to change it? Notice all the Bible references in the Websters 1828--don't see those anymore do we? I'm just curious, does this bother anyone else? God bless

 

Hello C4K! I don't know how to debate your answer because I agree with you; however, my gripe is that somehow our culture has shifted and it happened in such a way most people don't even realize it. Editing books and defaming our founding fathers [George Washington a womanizer, baby killer etc] are some of the reasons why politicians and left wingers can argue we weren't a Christian nation--when we have the 1828 Websters and old history books [I have an 1865 HS history book and the first 25% of it is the Bible] that would say otherwise.

My gripe is that at some point someone said "we need to change this" and I imagine it happened so that no one really paid attention. This could have been the work of an entire company, could have been the work of one man/woman. When people don't pay attention one person can do a lot of damage [aka Madalyn Murray Ohaire]

Amen, but I would still argue that Websters should be an American work as it used to be, and changing word definitions [ie removing most references to God]may pacify someones cultural beliefs, but it doesn't alter the truth.

 

I understand your point--you do know that the punctuation and spelling of the 1611 KJV has been changed somewhat in the last 400 yrs, right? BTW, I have a Geneva Bible photocopy edition and it is very challenging to read until you get used to it [ESPECIALLY the margin notes!]

Having said that, I agree with C4K, the KJV is very readable, but like all things worth anything, it takes some time to study and grasp--doesn't matter what version of the Bible a person uses, there is a lifetime of study and learning within God's Word!