Question 1

What does "Bewray" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Bewray" means "gives you away." Peter's unintentional self-exposure. His Galilean speech 'bewrayed' him -- it gave him away without his consent or intention. The word distinguished between deliberate betrayal and involuntary revelation. Peter did not betray himself (that was Judas's word); he bewrayed himself -- his own mouth exposed what he was trying to hide.

Question 2

Why did the word "Bewray" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Simply replaced by 'betray' and 'reveal,' and died completely. 'Bewray' (to reveal/expose involuntarily) was distinct from 'betray' (to treacherously hand over), but the distinction was lost. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1700.

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Bewray"?

Accepted Answer

"Bewray" was replaced by: "reveal" (though this voluntary; bewray meant involuntary exposure -- you bewrayed yourself without meaning to); "betray" (though this treacherous intent; bewray was innocent exposure -- your accent bewrayed your origin); "give away" (though this casual; bewray carried the dramatic weight of being exposed against your will).

What Does “Bewray” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost