KJV Word Help Library – Letter S

KJV Words Beginning With S

This section of the KJV Word Help Library focuses on words that begin with the letter [S]. Each word includes modern synonyms, a simple sentence to explain its meaning, and Bible verses that show how the word is used in Scripture. These definitions are designed to help you read the King James Bible with clarity and understanding, no matter your level of familiarity with older English.

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LETTER S

1. Sackcloth

Definition/Synonyms:
— coarse cloth, mourning garment, rough fabric, burlap-like covering
Simple Meaning: Rough clothing worn to show deep sorrow or repentance.
Verse Reference(s): (Jonah 3:6; Revelation 11:3)

2. Salutation

Definition/Synonyms:
— greeting, welcome, blessing, acknowledgment
Simple Meaning: A greeting given when meeting or speaking to someone.
Verse Reference(s): (Luke 1:29; 2 John 1:13)

3. Sanctify

Definition/Synonyms:
— set apart, make holy, consecrate, purify
Simple Meaning: To set something or someone apart for God.
Verse Reference(s): (John 17:17; Leviticus 20:7)

4. Satrap (KJV: “princes” in some contexts but used historically)

Definition/Synonyms:
— governor, ruler, official, overseer
Simple Meaning: A high official or governor over a region.
Verse Reference(s): (Daniel 6:1–2; Esther 3:12)

5. Scant

Definition/Synonyms:
— small, limited, barely enough, insufficient
Simple Meaning: Something very little or not enough.
Verse Reference(s): (Proverbs 13:23; Deuteronomy 25:14)

6. Scepter

Definition/Synonyms: – royal staff, symbol of authority
Simple meaning: A rod that represents a king’s rule.
Verse Reference(s): (Genesis 49:10; Hebrews 1:8)

7. Scoffers

Definition/Synonyms: – mockers, ridiculers
Simple meaning: People who mock or make fun of truth.
Verse Reference(s): (2 Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18)

8. Scorn

Definition/Synonyms:
— mock, ridicule, despise, disrespect
Simple Meaning: To show disrespect or make fun of someone.
Verse Reference(s): (Proverbs 3:34; Psalm 1:1)

9. Scourging

Definition/Synonyms: – whipping, severe punishment
Simple meaning: Beating as a form of discipline.
Verse Reference(s): (Hebrews 12:6; John 19:1)

10. Scrip

Definition/Synonyms:
— bag, pouch, wallet, small satchel
Simple Meaning: A small bag used to carry food or items.
Verse Reference(s): (1 Samuel 17:40; Luke 10:4)

11. Sepulchre

Definition/Synonyms:
— tomb, grave, burial place, vault
Simple Meaning: A place where someone is buried.
Verse Reference(s): (Matthew 28:6; John 19:41)

12. Shekels

Definition/Synonyms:
— coins, money, weight measure, currency
Simple Meaning: A unit of money or weight used in Bible times.
Verse Reference(s): (Genesis 23:15; Judges 16:5)

13. Shew

Definition/Synonyms: – show, display
Simple meaning: To make something known or visible.
Verse Reference(s): (Matthew 5:16; James 2:18)

14. Shewbread / Showbread

Definition/Synonyms:
— holy bread, offering bread, consecrated bread, sanctuary bread
Simple Meaning: Bread placed before God in the tabernacle as a holy offering.
Verse Reference(s): (Exodus 25:30; Matthew 12:4)

15. Shroud

Definition/Synonyms:
— covering, wrap, veil, cloth
Simple Meaning: A cloth used to cover something, often for burial.
Verse Reference(s): (Isaiah 25:7; Ezekiel 7:18)

16. Similitude

Definition/Synonyms: – likeness, resemblance
Simple meaning: A comparison showing similarity.
Verse Reference(s): (Hosea 12:10; Hebrews 7:15)

17. Sleight

Definition/Synonyms: – trickery, deception
Simple meaning: Skillful but deceptive tricks.
Verse Reference(s): (Ephesians 4:14)

18. Slothful

Definition/Synonyms: – lazy, idle
Simple meaning: Unwilling to work or make effort.
Verse Reference(s): (Romans 12:11; Proverbs 19:15)

19. Sluices

Definition/Synonyms:
— channels, openings, floodgates, water passages
Simple Meaning: Openings that release or direct flowing water.
Verse Reference(s): (Isaiah 24:18; Amos 5:24)

20. Smite

Definition/Synonyms:
— strike, hit, wound, attack
Simple Meaning: To strike someone or something forcefully.
Verse Reference(s): (Exodus 17:6; Matthew 26:31)

21. Sojourn

Definition/Synonyms:
— stay temporarily, dwell for a time, lodge, reside briefly
Simple Meaning: To live somewhere for a short or temporary period.
Verse Reference(s): (Genesis 12:10; 1 Peter 1:17)

22. Soothsaying

Definition/Synonyms: – fortune-telling, divination
Simple meaning: Seeking knowledge of the future apart from God.
Verse Reference(s): (Acts 16:16; Deuteronomy 18:10)

23. Staggered

Definition/Synonyms: – doubted, wavered
Simple meaning: Hesitated or doubted instead of standing firm.
Verse Reference(s): (Romans 4:20; Isaiah 7:9)

24. Subdued

Definition/Synonyms: – conquered, brought under control
Simple meaning: Forced into submission or controlled.
Verse Reference(s): (Micah 7:19; 1 Corinthians 9:27)

25. Suborned

Definition/Synonyms: – bribed to lie, persuaded falsely
Simple meaning: Secretly encouraged to give false testimony.
Verse Reference(s): (Acts 6:11)

26. Subtlety

Definition/Synonyms: – cunning, craftiness
Simple meaning: Cleverness used to deceive.
Verse Reference(s): (2 Corinthians 11:3; Proverbs 8:5)

27. Subtly

Definition/Synonyms: – craftily, cleverly
Simple meaning: Acting in a sneaky or deceptive way.
Verse Reference(s): (Genesis 3:1; Matthew 26:4)

28. Subvert

Definition/Synonyms: – overthrow, ruin, destroy
Simple meaning: To turn something from its proper course.
Verse Reference(s): (Titus 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:18)

29. Succor

Definition/Synonyms: – help, aid, relief
Simple meaning: Help given in time of need.
Verse Reference(s): (Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 46:1)

30. Suffice

Definition/Synonyms: – be enough, satisfy
Simple meaning: To be enough or adequate.
Verse Reference(s): (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 4:3)

31. Sundry

Definition/Synonyms: – various, different
Simple meaning: Of many kinds.
Verse Reference(s): (Hebrews 1:1; Hebrews 9:10)

32. Supplication

Definition/Synonyms:
— earnest prayer, request, plea, petition
Simple Meaning: A humble and heartfelt prayer asking God for help.
Verse Reference(s): (Philippians 4:6; Daniel 9:3)

33. Swerved

Definition/Synonyms: – turned aside, deviated
Simple meaning: To stray from the right path.
Verse Reference(s): (1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21)