How to Use the Command 'kjv' (with examples)

The kjv command-line tool provides a convenient method for accessing the Bible in the King James Version directly from your terminal or desktop. This tool is particularly beneficial for users who wish to quickly look up scripture verses, perform pattern searches across the Bible, or simply read through the text without needing to reference an online source. Developed by Bontibon, it can be easily integrated into a variety of workflows, enhancing both accessibility and efficiency for individuals who want spiritual enrichment at their fingertips.

Use case 1: Display books

Code:

kjv -l

Motivation:
The option to list all the books of the Bible is useful when you want a quick overview or need to reference the order of the books. If you’re not entirely familiar with the sequence of the books in the King James Version or if you want to verify spelling before looking up a specific book, this feature can be a real time-saver.

Explanation:

• -l: This flag is used to list all the books of the Bible, making it easier for the user to locate the book they are interested in.

Example output:

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
...
Revelation

Use case 2: Open a specific book

Code:

kjv Genesis

Motivation:
Sometimes you may want to read or reference the contents of a specific book. Whether for personal study, academic purposes, or sermon preparation, accessing an entire book quickly allows for comprehensive reading without distractions.

Explanation:

• Genesis: Specifying the name of the book allows the command to fetch and display the full text of that book from the Bible.

Example output:

Genesis 1
1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep....

Use case 3: Open a specific chapter of a book

Code:

kjv Genesis 2

Motivation:
Opening a specific chapter enables focused study or review of a particular section within a book. This feature is particularly helpful for users working on thematic studies, devotional readings, or when analyzing specific portions of the text for exegesis.

Explanation:

• Genesis: Specifies the book from which you want to read.
• 2: Indicates that you wish to read the second chapter of Genesis.

Example output:

Genesis 2
2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day....

Use case 4: Open a specific verse of a specific chapter of a book

Code:

kjv John 3:16

Motivation:
Accessing a specific verse is invaluable for those who need to quickly reference a verse for quotation, meditation, or reflection. This precise retrieval is beneficial for pastors, students, or anyone memorizing scripture.

Explanation:

• John: Specifies the book of the Bible.
• 3:16: Indicates the chapter and verse numbers, respectively, pointing directly to John 3:16.

Example output:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Use case 5: Open a specific range of verses of a book’s chapter

Code:

kjv Proverbs 3:1-6

Motivation:
Sometimes you may want to read sections in context without reading an entire chapter. This function allows the user to specify a range, enabling a broader but focused reading suitable for study groups, discussions, or personal reflection.

Explanation:

• Proverbs: Specifies the book from which the verses are retrieved.
• 3:1-6: Defines the range of verses within chapter 3 to be displayed, starting from verse 1 and ending at verse 6.

Example output:

Proverbs 3:1-6
3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee....

Use case 6: Display a specific range of verses of a book from different chapters

Code:

kjv Matthew 1:7-2:6

Motivation:
When a passage of interest spans multiple chapters, being able to specify a range across these chapters is necessary. This capability is convenient for comprehensive readings that follow a narrative or thematic thread across chapter boundaries.

Explanation:

• Matthew: Indicates the book from which the range is read.
• 1:7-2:6: Specifies the range across chapters, starting from Matthew 1:7 through to Matthew 2:6.

Example output:

Matthew 1:7-2:6
1:7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;...
...
2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Use case 7: Display all verses that match a pattern

Code:

kjv /Plagues

Motivation:
This feature shines in situations where topical research or thematic study is required. Finding all occurrences of a specific term or event quickly allows for thorough examination and deeper understanding of themes and topics found within the Bible.

Explanation:

• /Plagues: The pattern enclosed by slashes signifies a keyword search. The command returns all verses containing the word “Plagues.”

Example output:

Exodus 9:14
For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people...
...
Revelation 15:1
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Use case 8: Display all verses that match a pattern in a specific book

Code:

kjv 1Jn/antichrist

Motivation:
When studying a theme or topic specifically within one book, refining your search to locate all mentions of a term within that context is highly beneficial. This is particularly useful for those focusing on doctrinal studies or preparing teaching material.

Explanation:

• 1Jn: The abbreviation of the book (1 John) to search within.
• /antichrist: The pattern enclosed by slashes specifies the search keyword. Only verses in 1 John containing “antichrist” are returned.

Example output:

1 John 2:18
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come...
1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist...

Conclusion:

The kjv command-line tool is a versatile utility for accessing the King James Version of the Bible from the terminal. Through its varied use cases—ranging from viewing entire books to searching for specific verses—it offers a valuable resource for those wishing to explore and reference biblical text efficiently, directly from their desktop environment. Whether used for personal study, theological research, or sermon preparation, kjv provides a fast and accessible interface to sacred scripture.