Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Instantly" means "earnestly." The sustained, pressing quality of biblical prayer and worship. They besought Jesus 'instantly' -- not quickly, but with pressing urgency, leaning in, refusing to be dismissed. 'Instantly serving God day and night' meant serving with unrelenting earnestness, not serving with speed. The twelve tribes' worship was characterized by intensity, not velocity.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Shifted from 'urgently/earnestly/with intense persistence' (Latin instare 'to press upon/stand upon') to 'immediately/without delay,' changing the word from describing the manner of action to the speed of action. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1800 (the 'urgently/earnestly' meaning faded).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Instantly"?

Accepted Answer

"Instantly" was replaced by: "urgently" (though this close but modern urgency implies crisis; instantly-as-urgently meant sustained, pressing earnestness); "earnestly" (though this mild; instantly carried the force of someone pressing in, refusing to relent); "immediately" (though this the modern meaning -- temporal rather than emotional).

What Does “Instantly” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost