Q. What are the meanings of “ensample” and “example” in the King James Bible? Are they the same, or different?
A. First, let us consider a little background behind this question.
In the video “Do We Need a Standard English Bible” (which was mentioned in another post), Mark Ward brought up an illustration given at the West Coast Baptist College Leadership Conference, of words in the King James Bible with nuances that need to be kept. One set of these were “ensample” and “example,” positing nuance of meaning derived from their prefixes – inside from “en” and outside from “ex”.
I looked for and at historical information about this argument. Ward claimed he had not read a King James defender who made these arguments, and thought perhaps the speaker was just guessing based on the role of English prefixes. Whether or not he is aware of them, these same types of presentations of these two words predate this speaker from 2023. A quick Google search will dispel any theory that this is new to Lloyd Read (the speaker he is critiquing). It is not.
Perhaps we might initially point out that Mark Ward should be aware of this discussion. Ward claims to have read The King James Bible in America by Bryan Ross (2019), and Ross calls attention to this. He has an entire chapter or words of this nature – alway/always, throughly/thoroughly, etc. Not only does he have a chapter on the phenomenon, but he has 15 pages on ensample/example alone! See pages 44-58 of this book. He called specific attention to Matthew Verschuur’s 2009 book Glistering Words, in which Verschuur discusses “ensample” and “example” 14 years before Lloyd Read brought it up. Regarding the differences, Bryan Ross concluded, “It is high time that we King James Bible Believers cease manufacturing ‘discriminated’ differences in meaning between words, which don’t exist, and accept the fact that there are different ways of saying the same thing. Our beloved translators knew this and translated accordingly; it’s time for us to recognize it as well” (pp. 57-58).
When is the first use or earliest record of distinguishing “ensample” and “example” rather than just seeing them as synonyms?
Some history.
In 2003 Gail Riplinger hints at a distinction in her book In Awe of Thy Word but does not spell it out as clearly as later writings by others.
“The brevity of the KJV translators extends even to the letters. The KJV uses the shorter word ‘example’ (7 letters), but retains the longer word ensample (8 letters) because it contains the built-in definition (sample). The so-called archaic word may be the only word that contains the definition built inside the word. For that reason it must be retained. In 1 Cor. 10:6 the KJV translators updated the word ‘ensamples’ to ‘examples.’ They did not change it in verse 11 because the word ‘ensamples’ contains the built-in definition, ‘sample.’”
On September 12, 2004 Blackstone Valley Baptist Church made a blog post “Changes In Your King James Bible,” in which they referenced American Bible publishers changing words such as “ensample” to “example.” They did not go into detail about those words. In February 2008 The Glory Land web site (E. Morales, administrator) published an updated version of this which included this comment: Gods Word Uses Both “Alway” And “Always”, “Ensample” And “Example” And Other Pairs Of Similar Words. A Thorough Study Would Show That, Though Similar, These Words Each Have A Slightly Different Meaning As God Intended Them To Have.
Yes, always different.
Perhaps there are earlier examples I have not found, but there seems to be at least 20 years of discussions that make a distinction between ensample and example. These first are followed by:
- Glistering Truths, by Matthew Verschuur, 2009
- Ensample & Example, by Scriptural View blog administrator, June 2011
- “Ensample” and “Examples”—Same of Different?, by Shawn Brasseaux, November 2017
- Understanding Examples & Ensamples, by David Guyon, May 2018
- Ensample or Example, by Paul Scott January 2019
- Shall We View “Ensample” as Just an Archaic Form of “Example”?, by John M. Asquith, November 2019
- What are Ensamples & Examples in the KJB - Built in Dictionary, by Wesley Ray, August 2020
Verschuur makes the distinction this way: “An ‘example’ is an outward sample, while an ‘ensample’ is one that can be internalised through specific personal knowledge of the object looked at.” Glistering Truths, p. 18
“Surely any ordinary person can see that ‘en’ on the front of a word means something to do with ‘in’. For example, without getting all complicated and just keeping it basic, an entrance is the way in. In the same way ‘ex’ on the front of a word means something to do with ‘out’. For example, an exit is the way out.
“The word ‘ensamples’ has to do with that which reflects within the group referred to; the Israelites. The word ‘examples’ has to do with that which radiates to outside of the group where it took place.” Scriptural View blog administrator 2011
“If we dissect these terms, we can see—at least in ‘ensample’—the stem ‘sample.’ The two prefixes are ‘en–‘ (‘in’) and ‘ex–‘ (‘out’). Just with these few observations, we see a sample in and a sample out. A distinction is thus obvious: there are differences in relationships between nouns.” Shawn Brasseaux
“…ensample always and only refers to man’s characteristic and behavior. Ensample never applies to an inanimate product. Example, on the other hand, may apply to both personal or (and as typically used), general products and processes (not personal). …in conclusion, when the word ensample(s) is used, look for a pattern of personal behavior and conduct, be it good or bad. A subtle difference in spelling cues the reader about the context.” Paul Scott
This distinction is primarily made by modern Christian authors who support the King James Bible. However, I found one secular modern source distinguishing the two: “Ensample vs Example: Differences And Uses For Each One,” by Shawn Manaher, the founder and CEO of “The Content Authority” (a content provider with a pool of writers). So writing is supposed to be their thing. Whether his view is influenced by a religious and/or King James background, I do not know. “Ensample is a term that is used to refer to a typical or representative example of something. It is a model or pattern that serves as a guide for others to follow.”
“After exploring the differences between ensample and example, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While they both refer to something that serves as a model or illustration, ensample is specifically used in a moral or religious context, while example has a broader usage in everyday language.”
No, not exclusively.
“...such a difference between example and ensample is not wholesale...Could the ‘en’ mean ‘in’, as in internal and the ‘ex’ mean external, as in things or outside? Sometimes, perhaps...However, such distinctions between the words ‘example’ and ‘ensample’ are not wholesale, For example, both example and ensample refer to ‘things’ in 1 Cor 10:6, 11.”
Here are some others:
In an article titled “Types of Spiritual Things” in the Primitive Baptist periodical Signs of the Times, the author (presumably the editor, F. A. Chick) says “There is no difference of meaning between ‘ensample’ and ‘example’…” (March 15, 1910, p. 182)
The only difference between “ensample” and “example” is that one is 17th-century spelling and the other is 20th-century. The words are the same.
I see no real difference in the meaning. If you go back and compare previous English bibles you will see that both spellings were acceptable English, and where one English translation uses “example” another has “ensample”, and vice versa.
In this book, Ross writes: “The synonymous nature of ‘ensample’ and ‘example’ is further confirmed by a consideration of how the King James translators handled these words when doing their work.” (p. 48)
Dictionaries and concordances.
1622—Clement Cotton. The Christians Concordance, Containing the Most Materiall Words in the New Testament intriguingly and curiously gives 14 verses under the word ensample: Matt. 1:19; John 13:15; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:16; 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Pet. 2:21; 5:3; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7. (Clement Cotton wrote a Dedicatory to the First English Edition of 1605 of Calvin’s Commentary on Hebrews.) Previous English Bibles, Geneva and Bishops.
Geneva 1560 Matt. 1:19 (example); John 13:15 (example); rest are ensample: 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:16; 4:12; Titus 2:7; Heb. 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:21; 5:3; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7.
1599 Geneva: Example: Matt. 1:19; John 13:15; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Peter 2:21; Jude 7; rest are ensample: 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:16; 4:12; 2 Pet. 2:6.
Bishops 1568 Matt. 1:19 (example); rest are ensample (exceptions in parentheses) John 13:15; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:16 (example); 4:12 (pattern); Titus 2:7 (pattern); Heb. 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:21; 5:3; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7.
Bishops 1602 Matt. 1:19 (example); rest are ensample (exceptions in parentheses) John 13:15; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Phil. 3:17; 1 Thess. 1:7; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:16 (example); 4:12 (pattern); Titus 2:7 (pattern); Heb. 4:11 (example); 1 Pet. 2:21; 5:3; 2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7.
Other miscellaneous considerations.
The words “ensample” and “example” were used interchangeably in sermon/lesson proclaimed by Henry Airay – sometime before his death in 1616, and printed in 1618, only a few years after the release of the new English translation in 1611. See pages 789-793 in Lecture LXVII (Lectures on the Whole Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, London: Edward Griffin, 1618)
King James marginal notes in 1 Corinthians.
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 ensamples || Or, Types
- 1 Corinthians 10:6 our examples † Or, our figures
The verses themselves.
“Ensample” is found in 6 verses in the King James Bible. They are (with Greek word following):
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 τυπος
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:7 τυπος
so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:9 τυπος
not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
“Example” is found in 9 verses in the King James Bible. They are (with Greek word following):
- Matthew 1:19 παραδειγματισαι
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Related:
- 1 Timothy 1:16 pattern, υποτυπωσις
- Titus 2:7 pattern, τυπος
- Hebrews 8:5 pattern, τυπος
- Hebrews 9:23 patterns, υποδειγμα
Concluding thoughts.
In conclusion, I will be brief. There is little support for churches, preachers, commentators, etc. of earlier times making a fine distinction between “ensample” and “example.”
First, this is an important matter which might affect how one interprets any given Bible verses containing these words. Let each verse be interpreted on its own without carrying a preconceived idea to the verse.
I neither doubt nor question the sincerity of those who think ensample and example are similar words with different connotations. However, we see that they are making the distinction based on their own interpretations of the texts. They find the verses, and go through them with a fine-toothed comb looking for similarities and differences. This results in the grid taken to the Scriptures being placed above the Scriptures themselves. On the other hand, the King James Bible itself denotes the words as synonyms - compare 2 Peter 2:6 and Jude 1:7. The condemned cities are an ensample, an example. This should settle the question.
This does not mean that slightly different connotations might be found in various verses using “ensample” and “example.” But, if so, let us find this in the verse itself, and not bring it with us to the verse to put it there.
