Short Answer
Overview
The verb “slew” in the Bible is the simple past form of “slay,” meaning to kill or cause death. It appears primarily in older English translations such as the King James Version (KJV), where translators chose a more archaic diction. In most modern translations the same passages render the word as “killed,” “slain,” or “put to death.” Understanding that “slew” denotes a violent act of killing is essential for interpreting narratives about warfare, divine judgment, and moral teaching.
History / Background
The English word “slew” derives from Old English slēan, meaning “to strike, kill.” When the KJV was produced in 1611, its translators favored a literal rendering of the Hebrew harag and Greek apoktenno, both of which convey the act of killing. Consequently, “slew” appears over 150 times in the KJV, ranging from the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 4:8) to the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 5:38). Later translations, aiming for contemporary readability, replaced “slew” with more familiar verbs, but the original term remains a point of study for scholars of biblical language and history.
Importance and Impact
The use of “slew” influences theological interpretation, especially in passages dealing with divine wrath or human violence. Readers who encounter the term without understanding its meaning may underestimate the severity of the described actions. Moreover, the word’s archaic tone can affect the perceived tone of a passage, lending it a more solemn or dramatic quality. Biblical commentators often note the term when discussing concepts such as judgment, sacrifice, and the moral implications of killing.
Why It Matters
For contemporary readers, grasping the meaning of “slew” aids accurate exegesis and prevents misinterpretation of key doctrines. It also highlights the broader issue of translation choices and how language evolves. Knowing that “slew” simply means “killed” allows believers, students, and scholars to focus on the intended message rather than being distracted by unfamiliar vocabulary.
Common Misconceptions
“Slew” is a typo for “slow.”
“Slew” is an intentional past‑tense verb meaning “killed,” not a misspelling of “slow.”
The term indicates a gentle or metaphorical death.
In biblical usage, “slew” denotes a direct, often violent act of killing, not a figurative or gentle passing.
FAQ
Is “slew” used in the New Testament?
Yes. The verb appears in several New Testament passages, such as Matthew 5:38 and Mark 9:41, where it is translated in modern versions as “killed” or “slain.”
Does “slew” ever have a non‑violent meaning in the Bible?
In biblical contexts, “slew” consistently denotes killing. It is not used metaphorically to mean “defeated” or “overcome” without a literal death.
Why did the KJV translators keep the word “slew” instead of a simpler term?
The KJV aimed for a literal translation from the original languages. “Slew” reflected the past‑tense form of “slay” found in the source texts and preserved the archaic style of early 17th‑century English.
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