Occurrent
What Does 'Occurrent' Mean?
The word 'occurrent' is an obsolete English term simply meaning 'occurrence,' 'event,' or 'happening.' It is a noun derived from the verb 'to occur.' In modern Bible translations, this archaic word has been replaced with clearer, more contemporary language to aid reader comprehension.
Its Single Biblical Appearance
The term appears only once in the entire Bible, in the King James Version (KJV) of 1 Kings 5:4. The verse, speaking of King Solomon's reign, reads: "But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent." The context describes a period of peace and security God granted Solomon, free from conflict or troubling events. Modern translations, like the New International Version, render this as "no adversary or disaster," and the English Standard Version uses "no adversary or misfortune."
The Importance of Translation and Language
The presence of 'occurrent' highlights a key principle in Bible study: the necessity of understanding the historical development of the English language. Words change meaning or fall out of use over centuries. The KJV, published in 1611, contains many such terms that were common in Early Modern English but are unfamiliar today. This underscores the value of comparing translations and using study tools to grasp the original intent of the biblical authors. The shift from 'occurrent' to 'disaster' or 'misfortune' in newer versions makes the promise of divine peace in 1 Kings 5:4 immediately clear to the modern reader.
Theological Implication of the Concept
While the word itself is not theologically loaded, the concept it conveys in 1 Kings 5:4 is significant. The 'evil occurrent'—or harmful events—from which God gave Solomon rest points to a theme of divine providence and covenantal blessing. God's fulfillment of his promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-13) resulted in a tangible period of national peace and stability. This rest was a direct result of God's faithfulness, illustrating how His sovereignty extends over the events and circumstances of life, shielding His people from adversarial forces when it serves His redemptive purposes.
Biblical Context
The term 'occurrent' appears only in 1 Kings 5:4 (KJV). It is part of Solomon's message to King Hiram of Tyre, explaining the peaceful conditions that allow him to undertake the construction of the Temple. Solomon attributes this season without 'adversary or evil occurrent' to the rest given by God, fulfilling earlier promises of peace for the Davidic king.
Theological Significance
Theologically, the concept behind 'occurrent' in its context reinforces God's sovereignty over history and daily events. The absence of 'evil occurrents' during Solomon's early reign was a manifestation of God's covenantal blessing and a direct answer to prayer for peace (1 Chronicles 22:9). It serves as a testament to God's ability to provide rest and security for His people as part of His redemptive plan, foreshadowing the ultimate rest found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Historical Background
As a linguistic artifact, 'occurrent' reflects the state of the English language in the early 17th century. The King James translators aimed for a dignified, literary text, sometimes employing Latinate vocabulary like 'occurrent' (from the Latin occurrere, meaning 'to run to meet'). Extra-biblical sources from the period, such as the works of Shakespeare, show similar usage, confirming it was a standard term for an event or incident at the time.