Divers; Diverse; Diversities
TextsWhat is the meaning of Divers; Diverse; Diversities in the Bible?
The term 'divers' historically denoted variety or difference in kind but has become obsolete, surviving only as a synonym for 'several'. In contrast, 'diverse' retains the specific meaning of being different in kind. The Revised Version of the Bible replaced 'divers' in nearly all instances, preserving it only where the sense of 'several' was intended.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the shift from 'divers' to 'diverse' in biblical translations clarifies the precise nature of the groups or items described in scripture. This distinction aids readers in accurately interpreting whether a text refers to a simple count of multiple entities or to a fundamental difference in their character or type.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Divers; Diverse; Diversities in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Divers; Diverse; Diversities clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.