Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Choose" means "pick." The testing and proving. Bachar meant to examine something carefully, test it, and then commit to it -- like choosing a foundation stone by testing its strength. 'Choose life' was not 'pick the option you prefer' but 'examine the two paths, understand what each leads to, and commit your whole existence to the right one.'

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Hebrew bachar ('to select/test/prove/choose after careful examination') was consumerized into preference-selection. Choosing became consumer behavior rather than covenant commitment. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but consumerized (~1950).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Choose"?

Accepted Answer

"Choose" was replaced by: "pick" (though this casual and arbitrary; bachar was a weighty, examined, consequential decision); "select" (though this consumer behavior; bachar was testing and proving before committing permanently); "prefer" (though this taste-based; choosing life over death was not preference but the most consequential decision possible).

What Does “Choose” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost

Related KJV Words