Dure
What Does 'Dure' Mean?
The word 'dure' is an early modern English verb derived from the Latin durare, meaning 'to harden' or 'to last.' In the context of the King James Bible, it is synonymous with the modern verb 'to endure.' It describes the capacity to withstand difficulty, opposition, or trial over a period of time. This concept is central to the biblical understanding of faith and perseverance.
The Key Biblical Appearance
The primary and most significant occurrence of 'dure' is in the Parable of the Sower, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. In the KJV, Matthew 13:21 states of the shallow-hearted hearer: "Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended." Most modern translations, like the ESV, render this as "endures for a while." This verse contrasts temporary, emotional reception of God's word with a faith that is deeply rooted and can persist through hardship.
The Concept of Endurance in Scripture
While the specific word 'dure' is rare, the concept it represents—endurance—is a major theme throughout the Bible. True faith is consistently described as one that perseveres. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). Jesus himself taught that "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). The apostle James writes that the testing of faith produces steadfastness, or endurance (James 1:3). The parable using 'dure' serves as a warning against a superficial faith that lacks the resilience to survive life's challenges.
Modern Translation and Understanding
The shift from 'dure' to 'endure' in modern translations (like the RSV, NIV, and ESV) helps contemporary readers grasp the intended meaning without linguistic distraction. This update allows the focus to remain on the parable's powerful spiritual lesson rather than on deciphering archaic vocabulary. The enduring message is that authentic Christian discipleship requires a faith that is not merely initial enthusiasm but a deeply rooted commitment that can withstand tribulation and persecution.
Biblical Context
The term 'dure' appears only once in the King James Version, in Matthew 13:21, within Jesus's Parable of the Sower. This parable, also found in Mark 4:1-20 and Luke 8:4-15, explains the different responses people have to the gospel message. The word describes the temporary nature of the faith of the 'rocky soil' hearer, who receives the word with joy but falls away when trouble comes. It plays a critical role in distinguishing between transient emotional response and lasting, genuine faith.
Theological Significance
The use of 'dure' highlights the biblical doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. It teaches that saving faith is characterized by endurance through trials. This challenges notions of faith as a mere momentary decision, emphasizing instead that it is a work of God's grace that produces lasting fruit and stability. It points to God's power to sustain believers, reminding us that true faith reveals itself over time and under pressure, relying on God's strength rather than human willpower alone.
Historical Background
'Dure' was a common English word in the early 17th century when the KJV was translated. Its use reflects the vernacular of the Jacobean era. The translators chose it to accurately render the Greek word proskairos in Matthew 13:21, which means 'for a season' or 'temporary.' There is no direct archaeological context for the word itself, but its meaning is deeply embedded in the cultural and literary history of Early Modern English. Understanding this linguistic context helps explain why the term was later updated in subsequent Bible translations for clarity.