Afore
The Word Afore in the Bible
Afore is an archaic English word meaning "before" with respect to time, equivalent to "previously" or "formerly." In the King James Version of the Bible, it appears both as a standalone word and in compound forms such as "aforetime" and "aforehand." While modern translations have replaced it with contemporary equivalents, the word appears in passages of significant theological importance dealing with God's prior actions, promises, and foreknowledge.
New Testament Usage
In the New Testament, "afore" most commonly translates the Greek prefix meaning "before" in compound words. Romans 1:2 speaks of the gospel "which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures," emphasizing that the good news about Christ was not a last-minute development but had been announced in advance through the Old Testament prophets. Romans 15:4 states that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning," teaching that the Old Testament Scriptures remain relevant and instructive for New Testament believers.
In other passages, "afore" translates a Greek word meaning "at some time" or "once." John 9:13 describes the man born blind being brought to the Pharisees "that aforetime was blind," emphasizing the dramatic change from his previous condition. First Peter 3:5 describes how "the holy women also, who trusted in God" adorned themselves "in the old time" (or aforetime). Colossians 3:7 reminds believers of sins "in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them."
The Theological Concept of God's Prior Action
While "afore" is simply an English translation choice, the concept it conveys is theologically rich. The biblical writers consistently emphasize that God's redemptive plan was established before its visible fulfillment. Ephesians 1:4 declares that God "chose us in him before the foundation of the world." First Peter 1:20 says Christ was "foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times."
This emphasis on God's prior action, his "afore" work, serves several purposes. It demonstrates that salvation is not an afterthought or emergency response to human sin but the unfolding of an eternal plan. It validates the Old Testament as genuinely prophetic rather than merely historical. And it assures believers that God's purposes are certain because they were established before the circumstances that might threaten them.
Aforetime and the Continuity of Scripture
Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning", establishes one of the most important principles of biblical interpretation: the unity and continued relevance of the whole Bible. Paul argues that the Old Testament narratives, laws, psalms, and prophecies were not merely for their original audience but were preserved for the instruction of all subsequent generations of believers.
This principle shapes how Christians read the entire Bible. The stories of Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets are not ancient curiosities but living instruction. The promises, warnings, and examples recorded "aforetime" continue to teach, encourage, and correct.
Language Change and Bible Translation
The word "afore" illustrates the natural evolution of the English language over the four centuries since the KJV was published in 1611. Words that were common in Jacobean English have fallen out of everyday use, replaced by simpler or more familiar terms. Modern translations serve the important function of making Scripture accessible to contemporary readers without requiring knowledge of archaic vocabulary.
At the same time, engagement with older translations can deepen understanding by drawing attention to the precise theological concepts embedded in the original languages. The concept of "afore", God's prior, deliberate, purposeful action, is one such concept that rewards careful study regardless of which English word is used to express it.
Biblical Context
Afore appears in the KJV in Romans 1:2 (God's prior promises through prophets), Romans 15:4 (things written aforetime for our learning), John 9:13 (the man aforetime blind), 1 Peter 3:5 (holy women in old time), and Colossians 3:7 (former sinful conduct). The word conveys temporal priority and God's advance planning.
Theological Significance
The concept behind 'afore', God's prior action and foreknowledge, is foundational to biblical theology. It establishes that salvation was planned before creation (Ephesians 1:4), promised through the prophets before Christ's appearance (Romans 1:2), and that the Old Testament was written for the instruction of all believers (Romans 15:4). This framework of divine prevenience assures believers that God's purposes are neither accidental nor uncertain.
Historical Background
The word 'afore' was common in Middle and Early Modern English, used by writers from Chaucer through Shakespeare. It derives from Old English and Germanic roots. By the 18th century, it was already becoming archaic, gradually replaced by 'before' and 'previously' in standard usage. The KJV translators used it naturally as part of their contemporary vocabulary, not as a deliberately archaic choice.