Hebrew Biblical Vocabulary
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The Importance of Hebrew Language Words in the Bible
Hebrew is the original language of most of the Old Testament and a foundational language for biblical studies. Understanding Hebrew words enriches our grasp of Scripture’s meaning, theology, and cultural context. Hebrew in the Bible Key Hebrew Biblical Words and Their Significance Theological and Cultural Impact
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1: Hebrew Term: Shem — שֵׁם
Pronunciation: shemMeaning: Name; not merely a label, but an expression of identity, character, authority, and reputation — especially when referring to God. Old Testament Usage: Shem carries profound theological significance, often referring to God’s revealed identity and presence. To invoke God’s name is to appeal to His nature and covenant…
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2: Covenant — Berith (OT), Diathēkē (NT), and ITL Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Berith — בְּרִית Pronunciation: beh-REETHMeaning: Covenant; formal agreement between God and His people with promises and obligations. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Example Verses: Comparative Summary:
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3: Spirit — Ruach (OT), Pneuma (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Ruach — רוּחַ Pronunciation: roo-AKH (ch as in Bach)Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind; the invisible life force and presence of God or humans. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Example Verses: Comparative Summary:
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4: Salvation — Yeshuah (OT), Soteria (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Yeshuah — יְשׁוּעָה Pronunciation: yeh-shoo-AHMeaning: Salvation, deliverance; God’s saving acts on behalf of His people. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Example Verses: Comparative Summary:
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5: Wisdom — Chokmah (OT), Sophia (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Chokmah — חָכְמָה Pronunciation: khohk-MAHMeaning: Wisdom; practical skill, insight, and understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Example Verses: Comparative Summary:
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6: Faith — Emunah (OT), Pistis (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Emunah — אֱמוּנָה Pronunciation: eh-moo-NAHMeaning: Faithfulness, trust, steadfastness; firm belief and loyalty toward God. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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7: Love — Chesed (OT), Agape (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Chesed — חֶסֶד Pronunciation: kheh-SEHDMeaning: Loving-kindness, mercy, steadfast love; God’s faithful, covenantal love and mercy. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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8: Righteousness — Tzedakah (OT), Dikaiosyne (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Tzedakah — צְדָקָה Pronunciation: tzeh-dah-KAHMeaning: Righteousness, justice, charity; right conduct and acts of kindness toward others. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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9: Prayer — Tefillah (OT), Proseuchē (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Tefillah — תְּפִלָּה Pronunciation: tef-ih-LAHMeaning: Prayer; an act of communication with God, including praise, petition, and confession. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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10: Holy Spirit — Ruach HaKodesh (OT), Pneuma Hagion (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Ruach HaKodesh — רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ Pronunciation: roo-AKH hah-koh-DESHMeaning: Holy Spirit; the sacred Spirit of God, active in creation, revelation, inspiration, and sanctification. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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11: Kingdom — Malkuth (OT), Basileia (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Malkuth (Malchut) — מַלְכוּת Pronunciation: mal-KOOTMeaning: Kingdom, reign, sovereignty; refers to God’s rule and the dominion of kings. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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12: Law — Torah (OT), Nomos (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Pronunciation: toh-RAHMeaning: Law, instruction, teaching; refers primarily to the Pentateuch and God’s revealed will for Israel. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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13: Messiah — Mashiach (OT), Christos (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Mashiach — מָשִׁיחַ Pronunciation: mah-SHEE-akhMeaning: Anointed One; the promised deliverer and king in Israel. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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14: Kingdom — Malkuth (OT), Basileia (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Malkuth (Malchut) — מַלְכוּת Pronunciation: mal-KOOTMeaning: Kingdom, reign, sovereignty; refers to God’s rule and the dominion of kings. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary:
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15: Law — Torah (OT), Nomos (NT), and Intertestamental Usage
1. Hebrew Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Pronunciation: toh-RAHMeaning: Law, instruction, teaching; refers primarily to the Pentateuch and God’s revealed will for Israel. Old Testament Usage: Intertestamental Usage: New Testament Usage: Comparative Summary: