Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Revelation" means "end-times catastrophe." The unveiling. Apokalypsis simply meant pulling the cover off something -- like removing a sheet from a statue. The Revelation of Jesus Christ was not primarily about future destruction but about the unveiling of who Jesus really is. Every revelation was God lifting the curtain so humans could see reality as it actually is.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Greek apokalypsis ('unveiling/uncovering/pulling back the curtain to show what was always there') sensationalized into 'apocalyptic destruction' or restricted to the last book of the Bible. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but sensationalized (~1900).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Revelation"?

Accepted Answer

"Revelation" was replaced by: "apocalypse" (though this destruction and catastrophe; apokalypsis was simply an unveiling -- showing what was hidden); "end times" (though this futuristic and fearful; revelation was god pulling back the curtain on present reality); "insight" (though this human discovery; revelation was god actively choosing to show what could not otherwise be seen).

What Does “Revelation” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost