Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Mansion" means "dwelling places." The intimacy of dwelling with God. Jesus promised not gold-plated palaces but permanent dwelling places in His Father's house -- rooms where the Father's children would live, remain, abide. The word was about permanence and belonging, not luxury and size. 'Many mansions' meant 'room for everyone to stay' -- abundance of welcome, not square footage.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Inflated from 'dwelling place/room/abiding place' (Latin mansio 'a staying/dwelling' from manere 'to remain') to 'a very large, luxurious house,' turning Jesus's promise of intimate dwelling with the Father into a real estate prospectus. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1800.

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Mansion"?

Accepted Answer

"Mansion" was replaced by: "rooms" (though this generic and small; mansion-as-dwelling-place meant a permanent abode prepared specifically for you); "dwelling places" (though this closer but compound; mansion was a single word for 'a place where you will remain'); "homes" (though this domestic; mansion carried the permanence of being settled forever).

What Does “Mansion” Mean in the Bible?

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