KJV Dictionary Definition: earn

earn

EARN, v.t. ern.

1. To merit or deserve by labor, or by any performance; to do that which entitles to a reward, whether the reward is received or not. Men often earn money or honor which they never receive.

Earn money before you spend it, and spend less than you earn.

2. To gain by labor, service or performance; to deserve and receive as compensation; as, to earn a dollar a day; to earn a good living; to earn honors or laurels.

earned

EARNED, pp. ern'ed. Merited by labor or performance; gained.

earnest

EARNEST, a. ern'est.

1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain; having a longing desire; warmly engaged or incited.

They are never more earnest to disturb us, than when they see us most earnest in this duty.

2. Ardent; warm; eager; zealous; animated; importunate; as earnest in love; earnest in prayer.

3. Intent; fixed.

On that prospect strange

Their earnest eyes were fixed.

4. Serious; important; that is, really intent or engaged; whence the phrase, in earnest. To be in earnest, is to be really urging or stretching towards an object; intent on a pursuit. Hence, from fixed attention, comes the sense of seriousness in the pursuit, as opposed to trifling or jest. Are you in earnest or in jest?

EARNEST, n. ern'est. Seriousness; a reality; a real event; as opposed to jesting or feigned appearance.

Take heed that this jest do not one day turn to earnest.

And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest.

1. First fruits; that which is in advance, and gives promise of something to come. Early fruit may be an earnest of fruit to follow. The first success in arms may be an earnest of future success. The christian's peace of mind in this life is an earnest of future peace and happiness. Hence earnest or earnest-money is a first payment or deposit giving promise or assurance of full payment. Hence the practice of giving an earnest to ratify a bargain.

This sense of the word is primary, denoting that which goes before, or in advance. Thus the earnest of the spirit is given to saints, as a pledge or assurance of their future enjoyment of God's presence and favor.

earnful

EARNFUL, a. ern'ful. Full of anxiety. Not used.

earning

EARNING, ppr. ern'ing. Meriting by services; gaining by labor or performance.

EARNING, n. ern'ing.plu. earnings. That which is earned; that which is gained or merited by labor, services or performance; wages; reward. The folly of young men is to spend their earnings in dissipation or extravagance. It is wise for the poor to invest their earnings in a productive fund.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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