Original Languages
Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic words defined.
'hear, O Israel'
'Hear, O Israel' (Hebrew: שְׁמַע, Yisrael) calls for wholehearted obedience to God rather than just passive listening.
'ot (אוֹת)
The Hebrew word 'ot (אוֹת) means 'sign' or 'token,' often pointing to God's power, identity, or covenant promises.
'ôt Běrît
'Ôt běrît (Hebrew: אֹת בְּרִית) means 'sign of the covenant' and refers to a visible reminder of God's promises.
“the Woman Whom You Gave”
The phrase 'The woman whom you gave' appears in Genesis 3:12, where Adam shifts blame for his sin to God after eating the forbidden fruit.
Aasab
The term 'aasab' is a lesser-known biblical term, possibly referring to a language or cultural group mentioned in the context of ancient Israel's interactions.
Abad
The Hebrew word abad (עָבַד) means 'to perish' or 'to destroy,' often describing complete ruin or obliteration.
Abba
The word 'Abba' comes from Aramaic and means 'Father,' reflecting a term of intimate address.
Accursed
The word 'accursed' (Hebrew: *arar*, Greek: *kataraō*) means to be under divine judgment or separated from God’s blessing.
Act Justly
To 'act justly' (Hebrew: ṣādaq) means to live with fairness, integrity, and moral righteousness.
Adonai
Adonai is a Hebrew term meaning 'Lord' or 'Master,' often used in the Bible to express reverence and authority.
Agape
Agape, from the Greek word for selfless, sacrificial love, is central to Christian teaching.
Akoē
The Greek word *akoē* (ἀκοή) means 'hearing' or 'audience' and is central to understanding how faith grows through listening.
Akouō
The Greek word *akouō* (ακούω) means to hear, listen to, or obey.
All That the Lord Has Spoken We Will Do
The phrase 'All that the Lord has spoken we will do' (Exodus 19:8) reflects a Hebrew covenantal commitment, derived from *na’aseh* ('we will do') and *na’shma’* ('we will hear/obey').
Allegorically
The Greek term *allegoreō* (from which we get 'allegorically') means to interpret or speak in a symbolic way, using stories to reveal deeper spiritual truths.
Almah
The Hebrew word *almah* (עַלְמָה) translates to 'young woman' or 'maiden,' often referring to a virgin of marriageable age.
Amen
Amen, from the Hebrew אָמֵן (aman) and Greek ἀμήν, means 'to confirm' or 'to be firm.
And He Died
The phrase 'and he died' appears in Hebrew as 'vayamut' (from 'muth') and in Greek as 'apethanen' (from 'thanatos'). It is a clear way the Bible marks the end of a life.
Anechomenoi
The Greek term *anechomenoi* (ἀνεχομένοις) means 'being borne' or 'endured,' often tied to steadfastness in faith.
Apostesontai
The Greek word *apostesontai* (ἀποστελῶσιν) means 'they will be sent' and comes from *apostello*, meaning 'to send' or 'to commission.
Aramaic
Aramaic (Hebrew: ܐܪܡܝܐ, Greek: Ἀραμαῖος) is a Semitic language that became prominent in the ancient Near East.
As You Have Done, It Shall Be Done to You
The phrase 'As you have done, it shall be done to you' (Hebrew: כִּי-מַעֲשֶׂיךָ יֵעָשֶׂה לָּךְ) reflects a principle of divine justice in Scripture, emphasizing that actions have consequences.
Asah
The Hebrew word *asah* (אָשַׂה) means 'to do' or 'to make,' often conveying intentional action.
Assurance
In the Bible, assurance (Greek: *pepoithēsis*) refers to the confident trust believers have in God’s promises and His work in their lives.
Banah
The Hebrew word 'banah' (בנה) means 'to build' or 'construct,' often used in the context of creating structures, relationships, or spiritual foundations.
Bara
The Hebrew word *bara* (בָּרָא) means 'to create' and is used in Scripture to describe God bringing the universe into existence from nothing.
Barak (bless)
The Hebrew word *Barak* (בָּרַךְ) means 'to kneel' or 'to bless,' often linking physical posture with spiritual gratitude.
Baruteron
The term 'baruteron' is not found in standard biblical lexicons, but if we consider it as a hypothetical Greek term related to bearing burdens, it could connect to Galatians 6:5, which says, 'For each will have to bear his own load.
Because of Sarai
'Because of Sarai' (Hebrew: *לַעֲבוּרֵי שָׂרַי*, la'avurei Sarah) is a phrase from Genesis 16:1-2 that explains the cause-and-effect relationship between Sarai’s barrenness and Abram’s decision to take Hagar as a concubine.
Behold Now
The phrase 'Behold now' (Hebrew: hinneh) grabs attention, signaling a moment of urgency or revelation.
Behold, Your Servant Is in Your Power
The phrase 'Behold, your servant is in your power' (Hebrew: הִנֵּה עַבְדְּךָ בְּיָדְךָ) appears in Daniel 6:21, where Daniel declares his trust in God’s sovereignty after being rescued from the lion’s den.
Bereshit
Bereshit (Hebrew: בְּרֵאשִׁית) means 'In the beginning' and opens the Bible with Genesis 1:1.
Berith
The Hebrew word 'berith' (בְּרִית) means 'covenant'—a sacred agreement between parties, often involving mutual promises and obligations.
Berith Olam
Berith olam (בְּרִית עוֹלָם) translates to 'eternal covenant' in Hebrew.
Bohu
Bohu, from the Hebrew word meaning 'formless' or 'without shape,' appears in Genesis 1:2, where the earth is described as 'formless and empty' (tohu wabohu).
Born Again (anagennēsas)
The Greek term *anagennēsas* (ἀναγεννηθῆναι) means 'born again' or 'born anew,' combining *ana* (again) and *gennao* (to beget).
Came to Himself
The phrase 'came to himself' in Luke 15:17 (Greek: *eiselthōn eis heauton*) describes a moment of spiritual awakening, where the prodigal son realizes his foolishness and desperation.
Capital Cases
The term 'Capital Cases' refers to legal matters involving the death penalty, often linked to intentional murder or grave offenses in biblical law.
Chara
In the Bible, *chara* (from the Greek word for joy) describes a deep, lasting happiness rooted in God’s presence.
Charis
The Greek word 'charis' (χάρις) means grace - unmerited favor and divine empowerment.
Christ (christos)
The word *Christ* (Greek: *Christos*) means "anointed one" and points to Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills God’s plan for salvation.
Clouds of Heaven
The phrase 'Clouds of Heaven' appears in both the Old and New Testaments, often symbolizing divine presence, majesty, or judgment.
Curds and Milk
In the Bible, 'curds and milk' (Hebrew: גְּבֵי חָלָב, gebey chalav) refers to a simple, nourishing dairy food often associated with hospitality and provision.
Da'at
The Hebrew word *da'at* (דַּעַת) translates to 'knowledge' or 'understanding' and often signifies a deep, relational awareness in Scripture.
Dabar
The Hebrew word *dabar* (דָּבָר) means 'word' or 'speech,' often representing God’s active, creative commands in Scripture.
Dabber
The Hebrew word *dabbar* (דַּבָּר) means 'word,' 'message,' or 'thing,' and it appears over 900 times in the Old Testament.
Demiourgos
Demiourgos (δημιουργός) is a Greek term meaning 'builder' or 'craftsman,' used in the New Testament to describe one who creates or constructs.
Diallagēthēti
The Greek term *diallagēthēti* (διαλλαγηθῆτι) means 'to be reconciled' or 'restored to harmony.
Dike
Dike (Greek: δίκη) means justice, judgment, or what is right.
Doulos (servant/slave)
The Greek word *doulos* (δοῦλος) means 'servant' or 'slave,' emphasizing total devotion and submission to another.
Ebed
The Hebrew word 'ebed' (עבד) means 'servant' or 'slave' and appears frequently in Old Testament laws about servitude.
Echad
The Hebrew word *echad* (אֶחָד) means 'one' and is central to understanding biblical concepts of unity and oneness.
El Shaddai
El Shaddai (Hebrew: אֵל שַׁדַּי) is often translated as 'God Almighty' or 'God of the Mountain.
Elders of the People
The term 'Elders of the people' (Hebrew: *zaken*, Greek: *presbuteros*) refers to respected leaders chosen for their wisdom and maturity.
Elogisthe
The Greek word 'elogisthe' (from 'eulogeo,' meaning 'to speak well of' or 'bless') appears in Matthew 5:12, where Jesus says, 'Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
Elohim
Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים), the plural form of 'el,' means 'God' or 'divine' and is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God’s supreme authority and creative power.
Engiken
The term 'engiken' (from the Greek *engiken*, meaning 'to come near' or 'to approach') appears in 1 Corinthians 16:17, where it describes the refreshing impact of fellow believers who support and encourage the church.
Epizetousa
The Greek word 'epizetousa' (ἐπίζω) literally means 'to live upon' or 'to dwell.
Epizētousa
Epizētousa (ἐπιζητοῦσα) means 'to seek or pursue with intensity.
Erets
The Hebrew word *erets* (אֶרֶץ), often translated as 'land' or 'earth,' refers to the physical world God created.
Escape for Your Life
The phrase 'escape for your life' (Hebrew: pa·la·'âh) means to flee or deliver oneself from danger.
Euangelion
Euangelion (Greek: εὐαγγέλιον) means 'good news,' especially the message of God’s kingdom and salvation through Jesus.
Every Nation, Tribe, People, and Language
The phrase 'every nation, tribe, people, and language' (Greek: *ethnos, phulē, lēalē, glossa*) in Scripture emphasizes the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
Evidence
In Scripture, 'evidence' (Greek: *sēmeion*, meaning 'sign' or 'mark') refers to observable proof of divine truth or authority.
Fornication
In the Bible, fornication (Greek: πορνεία, porneia) refers to sexual immorality or any sexual activity outside of God’s design for marriage.
Fruitful Seasons
In Scripture, 'fruitful seasons' (Hebrew: *mo'edot peri*, 'appointed times of fruit') refers to God's promised cycles of provision, such as harvests and festivals.
Garrison
In the Bible, 'garrison' (Hebrew: *matzua*) refers to a military outpost or fortified stronghold.
Gathered to His People
The biblical phrase 'gathered to his people' (Hebrew: *qāḇaš*) is used to describe the end of a life, particularly when a person joins their ancestors in death.
Gehenna
Gehenna, derived from the Hebrew 'Ge Hinnom,' refers to a valley near Jerusalem later symbolizing divine judgment and eternal punishment in the New Testament.
Go Up
The biblical term 'Go up' (Hebrew: *alah*, Greek: *anabaino*) means to move upward, either physically or spiritually.
Gopher Wood
Gopher wood, mentioned in Genesis 6:14, is a Hebrew term (גֹּפֶר) referring to a durable, unknown material used to build Noah’s Ark.
Great Chasm
The term 'Great Chasm' (Greek: *chasma megas*) describes an unbridgeable divide between heaven and hell, as seen in Luke 16:26 where it separates the rich man in torment from Abraham and Lazarus.
Greek Lexicon
A Greek lexicon is a reference tool that helps scholars and readers understand the meanings of words in the original Greek New Testament.
H-s-d
The Hebrew term 'hesed' (h-s-d) refers to God's steadfast love, covenantal loyalty, and compassionate devotion.
Hades
Hades (Greek: ᾅδης) is a biblical term referring to the realm of the dead, often contrasted with the afterlife.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah is a Hebrew term meaning 'Praise the Lord,' combining 'hallel' (praise) and 'Yah' (a name for God).
Haplotes
The Greek word *haplotes* (ἁπλότης) means 'singleness of purpose' or 'unified simplicity.
Haqar
The Hebrew term *haqar* (חָקַר) means 'to weigh, examine, or consider carefully.
Haya
The Hebrew word 'haya' (היה), meaning 'to be' or 'to become,' lies at the heart of God's creative power.
Hear
The biblical term 'Hear' (Hebrew: שָׁמַע, 'shema'; Greek: ἀκούω, 'akouo') means more than just physical hearing - it’s about active, intentional listening that leads to obedience.
Hebrew Alphabet
The Hebrew alphabet, known as ʾālēph-bēṭ in Hebrew, is the 22-letter script used to write the Old Testament.
Hebrew Doubling
Hebrew doubling, or 'Mazik' in Hebrew, refers to the grammatical feature where consonants are doubled in words, often indicating emphasis, plurality, or a specific form.
Hebrew Honorifics
Hebrew honorifics are respectful titles used in the Old Testament to address God or authority figures, such as 'Adonai' (Lord) or 'Abba' (Father), derived from Hebrew roots meaning 'greatness' or 'reverence.
Hebrew Language
The Hebrew language, derived from the term 'Ivrit,' is the linguistic heritage of the Israelites and the primary medium through which God revealed His covenant to His people.
Hebrew Vocalization
Hebrew Vocalization (Hebrew: נִיקוּד, *Niqqud*) is the system of diacritical marks used to indicate vowels and stress in written Hebrew.
Hebrew Word Qadash
The Hebrew word *qadash* (קָדַשׁ) means 'to consecrate' or 'set apart as holy,' often describing something dedicated to God’s sacred purposes.
Hessed
Hessed (חֶסֶד), a Hebrew term often translated as 'lovingkindness' or 'steadfast love,' describes God's unwavering, merciful loyalty toward His people.
Hosanna
The word *Hosanna* (from Hebrew) means 'save, we pray' or 'save now.
I Myself
The phrase 'I myself' in Scripture (from the Greek *ego*) emphasizes personal authority and sovereignty.
I Will Be With You
The phrase 'I will be with you' (Hebrew: ēḥēyeh ʿith-ḵā) appears in Exodus 3:12, where God assures Moses of His constant presence during the Israelites’ deliverance.
I Will Go
The phrase 'I will go' in Scripture often conveys purposeful movement or divine direction, derived from Hebrew (lecha) or Greek (poreuthesomai) roots.
I Will Take... Gather... Bring
The phrase 'I will take.
If-then Vow
An 'if-then vow' is a conditional promise made to God, often expressed in Hebrew as *neder*, where a commitment is tied to a specific outcome.
Im-makh
The Hebrew term 'im-makh' (עַלְמָה) appears in Isaiah 7:14 and is often translated as 'virgin.
Image (tselem)
The Hebrew word 'tselem' (תַּבְלֵם) means 'image' or 'likeness,' and in Genesis 1:27, it describes how God made humans in His own image.
Isaac (hebrew: Yitzchak)
Isaac (Hebrew: Yitzchak) means 'he laughs' and is the promised son of Abraham and Sarah, born when they were too old to have children (Genesis 21:1-2).
Jehovah Rapha
Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רֹפֵא) translates to 'The Lord Who Heals,' combining YHWH (a name for God) with 'rapha' (to heal, cure, or make whole).
Kaleō (καλέω)
The Greek word *kaleō* (καλέω) means 'to call' in a relational, purposeful sense, often reflecting God’s active invitation or summons.
Know
The word 'know' in Scripture (Hebrew: yada, Greek: ginosko) goes beyond intellectual awareness - it means to experience a deep, personal relationship.
Know Them
The phrase 'know them' in Scripture (Hebrew: יָדַע, yada and Greek: γινώσκω, ginosko) signifies more than intellectual recognition - it implies an intimate, experiential relationship.
Kyrios
Kyrios (Greek for "Lord") is a title of divine authority and sovereignty, often used in the New Testament to describe Jesus.
Lapped Like Dogs
The Hebrew phrase 'lapped like dogs' (Psalm 22:16) uses vivid imagery to describe violent abandonment.
Latin
In biblical context, the Latin term 'Verbum' (translated as 'Word') is central to understanding John 1:14, where 'Verbum caro factum est' ('The Word became flesh') highlights Jesus as the living embodiment of God's communication.
Legal Language
In the Bible, 'legal language' refers to the formal, structured way divine laws and covenants are communicated, often found in passages like Deuteronomy 4:13-14, where God inscribes His commandments on stone tablets.
Let Me Find Favor in the Sight of My Lord
The phrase 'Let me find favor in the sight of my lord' originates from the Hebrew word *chen* (חֵן), meaning grace, kindness, or unmerited favor.
Life (greek: Ζωή)
The Greek word 'ζωή' (zōē) refers to life—especially the eternal, abundant life found in Christ.
Linguistic Diversity
Linguistic diversity, derived from the Greek word 'σπεῖραν' (speiran), meaning 'to scatter' or 'confuse,' refers to the multiplicity of languages and dialects among humanity.
Little Scroll
The term 'little scroll' (Greek: 'biblion mikron') appears in Revelation 10:1-11, where an angel holds a scroll that is both like a scroll and a little book.
Logos
In the Bible, the Greek term *Logos* (λόγος) means 'word,' 'speech,' or 'expression,' often pointing to intentional communication.
Logos (word)
The Greek word 'logos' (λόγος) means 'word,' 'speech,' or 'reason.
Malak
The Hebrew word *malak* (מַלַּךְ) means 'messenger' and often refers to angelic beings who deliver God's messages.
Maranatha
Maranatha is an Aramaic phrase meaning 'Our Lord, come!' or 'The Lord is coming!' - a heartfelt plea for Christ’s return.
Mashiach Nagid
The term *mashiach nagid* (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ נָגִד) means 'Anointed Prince' or 'Messiah the Ruler.
Masiah
The Hebrew word *masiah* (מָשִׁיחַ) means 'anointed one,' a title for a person set apart by God for a special role.
Merism
A merism is a rhetorical device where opposing terms (like 'heaven and earth' or 'from one end to the other') are paired to emphasize completeness.
Messiah (mashiach)
The term 'Messiah' (Hebrew: Mashiach, Greek: Christos) means 'anointed one,' referring to a divinely appointed savior.
Metaphor
In biblical terms, a metaphor (Greek: *metaphora*, meaning 'transfer' or 'comparison') is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things by stating one is the other.
Ministers of Our God
In Scripture, 'Ministers of our God' refers to those who serve in religious or spiritual roles, often translated from the Greek *leitourgos* (priestly service) or Hebrew *kohen* (priest).
Mishpat (justice)
Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), a Hebrew term, means 'justice' or 'judgment' and emphasizes fairness, right living, and God’s standard for righteous behavior.
Mitzvah (commandment)
The Hebrew word *mitzvah* (מִצְוָה) means 'commandment' or 'instruction,' rooted in a verb meaning 'to command.
More Bearable
The term 'more bearable' in Scripture often relates to the idea of something being manageable or not overwhelming, rooted in the Greek word 'anexikona' (1 Corinthians 10:13), meaning 'able to endure.
Mot Tamut
The Hebrew term 'mot tamut' (מ֣וֹת תָּמ֗וּת) literally means 'dead, dead' or 'the dead,' emphasizing finality and divine judgment.
Musterion
The Greek word *musterion* (μυστήριον) means 'mystery' - a truth once hidden but now revealed by God.
Naham
Naham (Hebrew: נחăm) means to relent, show compassion, or change one's mind.
Nakah
The Hebrew word *nakah* (נָחַשׁ) means to mock, scoff, or treat something with contempt.
Naphach
The Hebrew word *naphach* (נָפַח) appears in Exodus 28:6 as part of the description for the ephod’s intricate materials, often translated as 'gold thread' or 'gold chain.
Natan
The Hebrew name *Natan* means 'he who has been given' and appears in Scripture as the name of a prophet who anointed David's son Solomon (1 Kings 1:34).
Nephesh
The Hebrew word *nephesh* (נֶפֶשׁ) is often translated as "soul" or "life" and appears over 700 times in Scripture.
Nikaō
The Greek word 'nikaō' (νικάω) means 'to conquer' or 'to overcome,' often used in the New Testament to describe triumphing over challenges through faith in Christ.
Nikē (νίκη)
The Greek word *nikē (νίκη)* means 'victory' or 'triumph,' often describing overcoming obstacles through strength or faith.
Nikeo
The Greek word 'nikeo' (νικέω) means 'to conquer' or 'to overcome.
Noahic Covenant
The Noahic Covenant (Hebrew: 'brit Noah') is God's promise to never destroy the earth by flood again, made with Noah and all living creatures after the Great Flood.
Obedience
Obedience, from the Hebrew *shema* (שְׁמַע, 'to hear') and Greek *hypakouo* (ὑπακούω, 'to heed'), means more than following rules—it's about wholehearted listening and responding to God's voice.
Offspring (singular)
The biblical term 'Offspring (singular)' (Hebrew: zera, Greek: sperma) refers to a descendant or lineage, often carrying covenantal significance.
Olah
The Hebrew word *olah* (אֹלָה) means 'burnt offering,' a sacrifice completely consumed by fire to symbolize total surrender to God.
Olam
The Hebrew word *olam* (Hebrew: עַד-עוֹלָם) means 'forever' or 'eternal,' often describing God’s unending faithfulness and the lasting nature of His promises.
Original Language
The term 'original language' refers to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek in which the Bible was first written.
Outcry
The biblical term 'outcry' (Hebrew: tse'akah) refers to a loud, desperate cry for help, often from oppression or need.
Pan
Pan (from the Greek πᾶν) means 'all' or 'every' and is used in Scripture to emphasize completeness.
Parakletos
The Greek word Parakletos (παράκλητος) means 'advocate,' 'helper,' or 'intercessor,' and appears in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John.
Paroikos
The Greek term *paroikos* (παροικός) literally means 'one who dwells alongside'—formed from 'para' (beside) and 'oikos' (house).
Paroxynen
The Greek word 'paroxynen' (παροξύνω) means 'to provoke' or 'to incite to anger,' often in the sense of testing or irritating someone's patience.
Peripateite
The Greek word 'peripateite' (περιπατέω) means 'to walk' or 'to conduct oneself' in daily life.
Perish
The biblical term 'perish' (Greek: *apollumi*, Hebrew: *shachath*) means to be destroyed, lost, or cut off forever.
Phileo
Phileo (Greek: φιλέω) is a New Testament word for affectionate, relational love.
Pistis
Pistis (Greek: πίστις) is a New Testament term meaning 'faith' or 'trust,' central to the Christian life.
Pleion Thusia
The Greek phrase 'pleion thusia' (πλεῖον θυσία) literally means 'more sacrifices' or 'abundant offerings.
Pneuma
Pneuma (πνεῦμα in Greek) means 'wind,' 'breath,' or 'spirit,' capturing both the tangible and spiritual aspects of life.
Poiema
The Greek word *poiema* (ποίημα) means 'workmanship' or 'masterpiece,' derived from *poiein*, meaning 'to make' or 'to create.
Polites
The Greek term 'polites' (πολίτης) means 'citizen,' emphasizing one's identity and responsibilities within a city or community.
Ponerou
The Greek term *ponerou* (πονηροῦ) means 'evil' or 'wickedness,' derived from *poneros* (πονηρός), which conveys moral corruption or harmful intent.
Proverbs 24:34
Proverbs 24:34 (Hebrew: 'āmal) warns that laziness leads to sudden poverty and need, using vivid imagery of a thief and armed man.
Qadosh (holy)
The Hebrew word *qadosh* (קָדוֹשׁ) means 'holy' and comes from the root *qadash* (קָדַשׁ), which means 'to consecrate' or 'set apart.
Qodesh
The Hebrew word 'qodesh' (קָדַשׁ) means 'holy' or 'sacred,' describing something set apart for God's purposes.
Ra’
The Hebrew word 'Ra’' (רָע) means 'evil' or 'bad,' representing moral corruption and opposition to God's goodness.
Racham
The Hebrew word *racham* (רַחַם) means 'to show mercy, have compassion, or be gracious.
Raqia
The Hebrew word *raqia* (רָקִיעַ) means 'firmament' or 'expanse' and is central to understanding God’s creation of the heavens in Genesis 1:6-8.
Raqîa
The Hebrew word *raqîa* (רָקִיעַ) means 'expanse' or 'firmament' and appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God creates a 'firmament' to separate the waters above from the waters below.
Ratsach
The Hebrew word *ratsach* (רָצַח) means 'to murder' or 'to kill unjustly.
Remain a Widow
The phrase 'remain a widow' (Greek: *menein gar gones*) appears in 1 Corinthians 7:28-29, where Paul addresses the value of celibacy in light of life’s uncertainties.
Rhema
Rhema (Greek: ῥῆμα) refers to a spoken word, especially one from God, carrying divine authority and life-changing power.
Ruach
Ruach (Hebrew: רוַח) means 'wind,' 'breath,' or 'spirit,' bridging the physical and spiritual.
Š-l-ḥ (shin-lamed-ḥet)
In the Hebrew Bible, the term š-l-ḥ (ש-ל-ח, shin-lamed-ḥet) refers to a deep-seated sin or iniquity, often linked to rebellion against God.
Š-l-m
The Hebrew root š-l-m (שָׁלוֹם) means 'peace' but carries a deeper biblical meaning of wholeness, completeness, and covenantal harmony.
Šābat (שָׁבַת)
The Hebrew word šābat (שָׁבַת) means 'to rest' or 'cease,' and in Greek is often translated as σαββατεύω (sabbateuo), meaning 'to keep the Sabbath.
Sarx
In the Bible, the Greek term *sarx* (σάρξ) refers to human flesh or nature, often carrying the idea of our physical, sinful condition.
Say You Are My Sister
The phrase 'Say you are my sister' appears in Genesis 12:13, where Abram instructs Sarai to lie about their relationship to Pharaoh to avoid harm.
Seek Peace and Pursue It
The phrase 'Seek peace and pursue it' (Psalm 34:14) combines two Hebrew verbs - 'darchem' (seek) and 'rada`' (pursue) - urging intentional action toward harmony.
Segullah
Segullah (Hebrew: שְׁגֻלָּה, segûlāh) refers to something cherished or a treasured possession.
Semantics
Semantics, derived from the Greek 'semantikos' (meaning-giving), refers to the study of meaning in language.
Semi-nomadic
Semi-nomadic refers to a lifestyle combining wandering with periods of settlement, often seen in biblical accounts like Abraham’s journey in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls him to leave his homeland but also promises to guide him.
Shalem
The Hebrew word *shalem* (שָׁלֵם) means 'complete, whole, or perfect,' often describing something without defect or lacking parts.
Shalom
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם), a Hebrew word often translated as 'peace,' encompasses far more than the absence of conflict - it signifies wholeness, harmony, and well-being.
Shama
The Hebrew word *shema* (שָׁמַע) means to hear, listen, or obey, and its Greek counterpart is *akouo* (ἀκούω).
She Is More Righteous Than I
The phrase 'She is more righteous than I' reflects the biblical concept of righteousness, rooted in the Hebrew word tsaddiq and the Greek word dikaios, which mean 'righteous' or 'just'.
She Is My Sister
The phrase 'She is my sister' appears in Genesis 12:11-13 when Abram tells Pharaoh that Sarai, his wife, is his sister to avoid persecution.
Shekinah
Shekinah (from the Hebrew root meaning 'to dwell' or 'to reside') refers to God's visible, tangible presence among His people, especially in the tabernacle and temple.
Sheol
Sheol, a Hebrew word meaning 'the grave' or 'the abode of the dead,' appears over 60 times in the Old Testament.
Skandalon
The Greek word *skandalon* (σκάνδαλον) means 'stumbling block' or 'offense' - something that causes someone to fall into sin or lose faith.
Skia
The Greek word *skia* (σκιά) means 'shadow' or 'outline' and appears in verses like Hebrews 10:1, where it describes the Old Covenant rituals as a shadow of the good things to come through Christ.
Smoking Rubble
In the Bible, 'Smoking Rubble' (Hebrew: *chemah*, meaning 'heat' or 'burning') describes a desolate, scorched wasteland, often used to symbolize divine judgment.
Sojourn in This Land
The phrase 'sojourn in this land' comes from the Hebrew word *gur*, meaning to live temporarily in a foreign place.
Soma
The Greek word 'soma' (σῶμα) means 'body' and is often used in Scripture to describe the physical form of a person.
Son Of
The term 'Son of' is Hebrew ben and Greek huios. It refers to a child or descendant, emphasizing familial or relational ties.
Sōzō (σώζω)
The Greek word *sōzō* (σώζω) means 'to save' or 'to preserve,' and it's central to the message of the Bible.
Substance
In the Bible, 'substance' (Greek: *hypostasis*) refers to the reality or confidence behind something unseen.
Tapeinoo
The Greek word *tapeinoo* (ταπεινόω) means to humble oneself or adopt a lowly attitude.
Technites
The term 'technites' (Greek: τέχνιτες) refers to skilled craftsmen or weavers, specifically applied to the tribe of Naphtali in Judges 5:14.
Teleioo
The Greek word 'teleioō' (τελειόω) means to complete, perfect, or bring to fulfillment.
The Thing Has Come from the Lord
The phrase 'The thing has come from the Lord' (Hebrew: *hadavar me'et YHWH*) affirms that an event or decision originates from God’s will.
Themeliois
The Greek word 'themeliois' (θεμέλιος) means 'foundations' and appears in Hebrews 1:10, where it describes God as the Creator who 'laid the foundation of the earth.
Tohu
The Hebrew word 'tohu' (תֹּהוּ) means 'emptiness' or 'formless waste,' describing a state of chaos without order.
Tohu Wa-bohu (תֹ֙הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ)
The Hebrew phrase *tohu wa-bohu* (תֹ֙הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ) describes a state of formless chaos or emptiness.
Torah (instruction)
The Hebrew word *Torah* (תּוֹרָה) means 'instruction' or 'teaching' and is central to understanding God’s will for His people.
Transferred
The biblical term 'transferred' (Greek: μεταθέσις, metathesis) means to move someone or something from one place, position, or status to another.
Tsedeqa
The Hebrew word *tsedeqa* (צְדָקָה) often translates to 'righteousness' or 'justice' and is rooted in the idea of living in harmony with God's character and commands.
Tsedeqa (righteousness)
Tsedeqa (righteousness) comes from the Hebrew word *tsadaq*, meaning 'to be just' or 'to act uprightly.
Tzedakah (righteousness)
Tzedakah (Hebrew: צדקה) means righteousness, living justly, and showing mercy, rooted in God's character.
Ugaritic Myth of Baal
The Ugaritic Myth of Baal refers to ancient Near Eastern texts from the city of Ugarit, describing the Canaanite god Baal’s battles for cosmic order.
Vain Repetitions
The term 'vain repetitions' comes from the Greek phrase *κενὰ τὰ λόγια* (kena ta logia), meaning 'empty words' or 'vain phrases.
Walking in the Cool of the Day
The phrase "Walking in the cool of the day" (Genesis 3:8) comes from the Hebrew *charaph*, meaning to walk or move about.
Went in to Her
In Genesis 29:16, the Hebrew phrase *'vayavo elah'* ('went in to her') describes Jacob's marital union with Leah.
Wisdom
In the Bible, wisdom (Hebrew: *sekhel* or *binah*, Greek: *sophia*) means living in alignment with God’s truths and applying them to life.
Workmanship (poiēma)
The Greek word *poiēma* (ποιημα) means 'workmanship' or 'masterpiece,' derived from the verb *poieo* (to make or create).
Yāḇām
The Hebrew word *yāḇām* (יָבַם) refers to a desert, wasteland, or barren region, often symbolizing spiritual testing or divine guidance in Scripture.
Yada
The Hebrew word *yada* (יָדָה) means to know, understand, or acknowledge, often implying a deep, personal relationship.
Yahweh (yhwh)
The Hebrew name YHWH (Yahweh) means 'I AM' and is God's personal name revealed in Scripture.
Yahweh Shalom
Yahweh Shalom (YHWH Shalom) means 'The Lord is Peace' in Hebrew.
Yare
The Hebrew word 'yare' (יָרֵא) means 'to fear, revere, or respect' - often used to describe a deep awe of God.
Yerushalayim
Yerushalayim (Hebrew for 'Jerusalem') means 'Foundation of Peace' or 'City of Peace.
Zarah
The Hebrew word *zarah* (זָרָה) means 'stranger,' 'foreigner,' or 'outsider,' and appears in Exodus 22:21, where God commands, 'You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Μωρία (mōria)
The Greek word μωρία (mōria) means 'foolishness' or 'absurdity' and appears in New Testament contexts where human wisdom clashes with divine truth.
Ῥητῶς (rētōs)
The Greek word ῥητῶς (rētōs) means 'clearly' or 'plainly' and is used in John 18:37 when Pilate asks Jesus, 'So you are a king?' Jesus responds, 'You say I am a king.