As for the uncommon words in the KJV:
I believe God intentionally preserved His Words in archaic 1600s English for His glory.
Its consistent in Scripture for God to do this.
1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV): says:
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”
What could be more foolish in the eyes of men than for God to preserve His words in 1600s English?Personally, I believe there is an extra layer of meaning by these archaic words.
In fact, many critics of the King James Bible point to its so-called archaic or uncommon words as outdated or confusing, yet these very expressions often reveal layers of meaning and spiritual depth that modern wording cannot fully capture.
The phrase “ye are straitened in your own bowels” (2 Corinthians 6:12) means that one’s affections are restricted or narrowed. The word “straitened” (not “straightened”) carries the idea of being confined or limited. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, straitened means “restricted in scope or freedom.” This parallels the Greek word στενοχωρέω (stenochōreō) used in this verse, which literally means “to hem in closely, to restrict, or to press upon” (Strong’s G4729).
The term “bowels” refers to the seat of one’s deepest affections, much like when a person says they feel something in the pit of their stomach or have butterflies for someone. The Greek word σπλάγχνον (splagchnon) signifies “the inward parts” and is used figuratively in Scripture for tender compassion or affection, as seen in Philippians 1:8 and Colossians 3:12.
Interestingly, this concept of being restricted connects with other passages in Scripture that use the same imagery of narrowness. Jesus said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14). The English word strait comes from the same root, meaning restricted or narrow. Just as the strait gate represents the disciplined and focused path that leads to life, so being straitened in your bowels means your affections are restricted, not freely opened as they should be.
Thus, even in its so-called archaic language, the KJV reveals either an internal harmony across passages or speaks to examples in real life, showing that its words still resonate with both the spiritual and the practical truths of human experience.
Consider also that Jesus said certain words that others did not understand at first. This was intentional, for men to ponder what He said and to seek out God’s help to understand it. Jesus spoke in parables and used expressions concerning His resurrection and other truths, and yet many were unable to understand His words until later.
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