42: The Lost Sheep – A Metaphor of Divine Pursuit, Redemption, and Joy
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 15:4–7 1. Introduction In Luke 15:4–7, Jesus tells the parable of…
Category: Religion
43: Sheep Among Wolves – A Metaphor of Vulnerable Mission and Spirit-Led Discernment
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 10:16 1. Introduction In Matthew 10:16, Jesus warns His disciples, “Behold,…
44: The Pearl of Great Price – A Metaphor of Incomparable Value and Sacrificial Devotion
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 13:45–46 1. Introduction In one of His shortest parables, Jesus says:…
45: The Mustard Seed – A Metaphor of Humble Beginnings and Expansive Kingdom Growth
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 13:31–32 1. Introduction Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is like…
46: The Yeast in the Dough – A Metaphor of Silent Influence and Transformative Power
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 13:33 1. Introduction In Matthew 13:33, Jesus declares: “The kingdom of…
47: The Treasure Hidden in a Field – A Metaphor of Joyful Surrender and the Hidden Glory of the Kingdom
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 13:44 1. Introduction Jesus teaches, “The kingdom of heaven is like…
48: The Net Cast into the Sea – A Metaphor of Universal Invitation and Final Separation
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 13:47–50 1. Introduction Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like…
49: The Lost Sheep – A Metaphor of Individual Worth and Divine Pursuit
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 15:1–7; Matthew 18:12–14 1. Introduction Jesus asks, “Suppose one of you…
50: The Lost Coin – A Metaphor of Diligent Search and Inestimable Worth
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 15:8–10 1. Introduction In Luke 15:8–10, Jesus likens the Kingdom to…
51: The Lost Son (The Prodigal Son) – A Metaphor of Rebellion, Repentance, and Relational Restoration
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 15:11–32 1. Introduction Jesus concludes His trilogy of lost parables with…
52: The Faithful and Wise Servant – A Metaphor of Watchful Stewardship and Prepared Accountability
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 12:42–48; Matthew 24:45–51 1. Introduction Jesus presents a metaphor comparing the…
53: The Ten Virgins – A Metaphor of Spiritual Readiness and Final Exclusion
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 25:1–13 1. Introduction Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to ten…
54: The Talents – A Metaphor of Faithful Stewardship and Eternal Consequence
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 25:14–30 1. Introduction Jesus tells of a man who, before leaving…
55: The Sheep and the Goats – A Metaphor of Final Judgement and True Righteousness
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 25:31–46 1. Introduction In one of His most sobering eschatological parables,…
56: The Cup – A Metaphor of Suffering, Divine Wrath, and Redemptive Obedience
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:39; John 18:11 1. Introduction In the Garden of…
57: The Grain of Wheat – A Metaphor of Death that Brings Life
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus John 12:24 1. Introduction As Jesus approaches His crucifixion, He proclaims a…
58: The Yoke – A Metaphor of Discipleship, Rest, and Covenant Partnership
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 11:28–30 1. Introduction “Take my yoke upon you and learn from…
59: The Sign of Jonah – A Metaphor of Death, Burial, and Resurrection
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 12:39–41; Luke 11:29–32 1. Introduction When sceptical religious leaders demanded a…
60: The Wedding Banquet – A Metaphor of the Kingdom’s Invitation and Final Judgment
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus Matthew 22:1–14 1. Introduction In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, Jesus…
61: The Vine and the Branches – A Metaphor of Abiding Life and Fruitfulness
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus John 15:1–5 1. Introduction “I am the true vine, and you are…
62: The Living Water – A Metaphor of Spiritual Satisfaction and Eternal Life
📘 All Metaphors and Symbolic Sayings of Jesus John 4:10–14; John 7:37–39 1. Introduction To a Samaritan woman at a…
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…
1: Hebrew Term: Shem — שֵׁם
Pronunciation: shemMeaning: Name; not merely a label, but an expression of identity, character, authority, and reputation — especially when referring…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
1: Covenant (Berith) in Ancient Near Eastern Context
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty between parties, especially between God and Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural…
2: Kingship (Melek) and Monarchy in Ancient Israel
1. Term: Melek — מֶלֶךְ (King) Meaning: King, ruler, sovereign; a political and often religious leader. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3.…
3: The Holy Spirit (Ruach) in Ancient Jewish Thought
1. Term: Ruach — רוּחַ (Spirit, Breath, Wind) Meaning: Spirit; God’s dynamic presence, life-giving breath, or wind. 2. Historical-Cultural Context:…
4: Covenant (Berith) Rituals and Symbolism
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty, especially between God and His people. 2. Historical-Cultural Context:…
5: Kingship and Anointing (Melek and Mashiach)
1. Terms: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
6: The Holy Spirit in Early Judaism and Christianity
1. Term: Holy Spirit Meaning: God’s empowering presence and active force in the world and in believers. 2. Historical-Cultural Context:…
7: Messiah Expectations in Second Temple Judaism
1. Term: Messiah — מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) Meaning: Anointed one; expected deliverer and king. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4.…
8: The Kingdom of God in Jewish Thought
1. Term: Kingdom of God — מַלְכוּת הָאֱלֹהִים (Malkuth HaElohim) Meaning: God’s reign, sovereignty, and rule. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3.…
9: Law (Torah) and Its Interpretation in Jewish Culture
1. Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Meaning: Law, instruction, teaching; the divine guidance given to Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary…
10: Prophecy and Its Role in Israelite Society
1. Term: Nabi — נָבִיא (Prophet) Meaning: One who is called to speak on behalf of God; a messenger. 2.…
11: Sacrificial System and Temple Worship
1. Term: Korban — קָרְבָּן (Sacrifice, Offering) Meaning: An offering presented to God, usually involving animals, grain, or incense. 2.…
12: Sabbath and Festivals in Ancient Israel
1. Term: Shabbat — שַׁבָּת (Sabbath) Meaning: The seventh day of rest; a sacred day set apart for rest and…
13: Wisdom Literature and Its Social Role
1. Term: Hokmah (Hebrew) — חָכְמָה (Wisdom) Meaning: Practical skill, insight, and understanding; living life in accordance with God’s will.…
14: Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature
1. Term: Nabi (נָבִיא) — Prophet / Apocalypse (ἀποκάλυψις) — Revelation Meaning: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural…
15: Sacrificial System and Priesthood
1. Terms: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
16: Festivals and Liturgical Calendar
1. Term: Moedim — מוֹעֲדִים (Festivals, Appointed Times) Meaning: Sacred times set by God for worship, remembrance, and communal identity.…
The Importance of Aramaic in Biblical Studies and Christian Tradition
Aramaic is a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and was widely spoken throughout the Near East from the late…
1: Abba — אָבָּא
1. Aramaic Term: Abba — אָבָּא Pronunciation: AH-bahMeaning: Father; an intimate, personal term for father, expressing closeness and affection. 2.…
2: Raca — רֵיקָא
1. Aramaic Term: Raca — רֵיקָא Pronunciation: RAY-kahMeaning: Empty, worthless; a term of contempt or insult. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
3: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא
1. Aramaic Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Pronunciation: mam-MOH-nahMeaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or…
4: Talitha koum — תַלִיתָא קוּמִי
1. Term: Talitha koum — תַלִיתָא קוּמִי Meaning: “Little girl, arise!” — A phrase spoken by Jesus to raise a…
5: Ephphatha — אֶפְתַּח
1. Term: Ephphatha — אֶפְתַּח Meaning: “Be opened!” — A command spoken by Jesus to heal a man who was…
6: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא
1. Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Meaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or idol. 2.…
7: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא
1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — An expression of longing for the Lord’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural…
8: Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani? — אֱלָהִי אֱלָהִי לָמָה שְׁבַקְתַּנִי?
1. Term: Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani? Meaning: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3.…
9: Rabbouni — רַבּוּנִי
1. Term: Rabbouni — רַבּוּנִי Meaning: “My teacher” or “My master”; a respectful form of address for a teacher or…
10: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא (Review and Deeper Insight)
1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — A liturgical invocation expressing longing for Christ’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural…
11: Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani — אֵלִי אֵלִי לָמָה שְׁבַקְתַּנִי
1. Term: Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani Meaning: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — Jesus’ cry from…
12: Eliyahu (Elijah) — אֵלִיָּהוּ
1. Term: Eliyahu — אֵלִיָּהוּ Meaning: “My God is Yahweh”; the name of the prophet Elijah. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3.…
13: Hosanna — הוֹשַׁעְנָא
1. Term: Hosanna — הוֹשַׁעְנָא Meaning: “Save, please!” or “Save now!” — A cry of praise and petition for salvation.…
14: Barabbas — בַּר אֲבָּא
1. Term: Barabbas — בַּר אֲבָּא Meaning: “Son of the father” — Name of the prisoner released instead of Jesus.…
15: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא (Further Cultural Insights)
1. Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Meaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or idol. 2.…
16: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא (Review and Deeper Insight)
1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — A liturgical invocation expressing longing for Christ’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural…
The Importance of Latin in Biblical Studies and Christian Tradition
Latin holds a prominent place in the history of Christianity and the transmission of the Bible. While it is not…
1: Deus
1. Term: Deus Pronunciation: DAY-oosMeaning: God — the supreme divine being. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological Significance:
2: Spiritus
1. Term: Spiritus Pronunciation: SPEE-ree-toosMeaning: Spirit, breath; refers to the Holy Spirit or a spiritual being/presence. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
3: Fides
1. Term: Fides Pronunciation: FEE-daysMeaning: Faith, trust, belief; confidence in God and His promises. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…
4: Gratia
1. Term: Gratia Pronunciation: GRAH-tee-ahMeaning: Grace; unmerited favour or divine assistance given by God. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…
5: Verbum
1. Term: Verbum Pronunciation: WEHR-boomMeaning: Word; the spoken or written expression, often referring to God’s Word or the Logos. 2.…
6: Spiritus Sanctus
1. Term: Spiritus Sanctus Pronunciation: SPEE-ree-toos SANK-toosMeaning: Holy Spirit; the third Person of the Trinity, God’s sanctifying presence. 2. Biblical…
7: Salvator
1. Term: Salvator Pronunciation: sal-vah-TORMeaning: Savior; one who delivers or saves from danger, sin, or death. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
8: Pax
1. Term: Pax Pronunciation: pahksMeaning: Peace; a state of harmony, reconciliation, and well-being. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4.…
9: Ecclesia
1. Term: Ecclesia Pronunciation: eh-kleh-SEE-ahMeaning: Church; assembly or congregation of believers. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological Significance:
10: Gloria
1. Term: Gloria Pronunciation: GLOH-ree-ahMeaning: Glory; the manifestation of God’s presence, majesty, and honour. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…
11: Veritas
1. Term: Veritas Pronunciation: weh-REE-tahsMeaning: Truth; reality, faithfulness, and genuineness. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological Significance:
12: Caritas
1. Term: Caritas Pronunciation: kah-REE-tahsMeaning: Charity, love; selfless, sacrificial love for others. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological…
13: Pax
1. Term: Pax Pronunciation: pahksMeaning: Peace; harmony, reconciliation, and well-being. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological Significance:
14: Gratia
1. Term: Gratia Pronunciation: GRAH-tee-ahMeaning: Grace; unmerited favor, divine assistance given freely by God. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…
15: Lux
1. Term: Lux Pronunciation: looksMeaning: Light; both physical light and metaphorical illumination, truth, and divine revelation. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
16: Fides
1. Term: Fides Pronunciation: FEE-desMeaning: Faith, trust, belief; confidence in God and His promises. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…
The Importance of Syriac in Biblical Studies and Christian Tradition
Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic, holds a unique and vital place in the study of the Bible and the history…
1: Alaha (ܐܠܗܐ)
1. Term: Alaha — ܐܠܗܐ Pronunciation: A-la-haMeaning: God — the supreme divine being in Syriac Christianity. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
2: Ruha — ܪܘܚܐ
1. Term: Ruha — ܪܘܚܐ Pronunciation: Roo-khaMeaning: Spirit, breath, wind; refers to the Holy Spirit or human spirit. 2. Biblical…
3: Mshiha — ܡܫܝܚܐ
1. Term: Mshiha — ܡܫܝܚܐ Pronunciation: msh-ee-khaMeaning: Messiah, Anointed One; the promised Savior and King. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example…
4: Qadisha — ܩܕܝܫܐ
1. Term: Qadisha — ܩܕܝܫܐ Pronunciation: qad-EE-shaMeaning: Holy, sacred; set apart for God. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4.…
5: Teshbuhta — ܬܫܒܘܚܬܐ
1. Term: Teshbuhta — ܬܫܒܘܚܬܐ Pronunciation: tesh-BOOKH-taMeaning: Praise, worship; expressions of adoration and reverence to God. 2. Biblical Usage: 3.…
6: Malko — ܡܠܟܐ
1. Term: Malko — ܡܠܟܐ Pronunciation: MAL-koMeaning: King; ruler, sovereign. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological Significance:
7: Qaddishtha — ܩܕܝܫܬܐ
1. Term: Qaddishtha — ܩܕܝܫܬܐ Pronunciation: qad-DEESH-thaMeaning: Holiness; the state or quality of being holy or sacred. 2. Biblical Usage:…
8: Suryoyo — ܣܘܪܝܝܐ
1. Term: Suryoyo — ܣܘܪܝܝܐ Pronunciation: soo-ree-YOMeaning: Syriac or Syrian; refers to the people, language, and cultural identity of Syriac…
9: Malka — ܡܠܟܐ
1. Term: Malka — ܡܠܟܐ Pronunciation: MAL-kahMeaning: King; sovereign ruler or monarch. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Theological…
10: Bar ‘Alaha — ܒܪ ܐܠܗܐ
1. Term: Bar ‘Alaha — ܒܪ ܐܠܗܐ Pronunciation: bar ah-LAH-haMeaning: Son of God 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4.…
11: Qadishat Ruhha — ܩܕܝܫܬ ܪܘܚܐ
1. Term: Qadishat Ruhha — ܩܕܝܫܬ ܪܘܚܐ Pronunciation: qad-EE-shet roo-KHAMeaning: Holy Spirit; the sanctifying Spirit of God. 2. Biblical Usage:…
12: Malkutha — ܡܠܟܘܬܐ
1. Term: Malkutha — ܡܠܟܘܬܐ Pronunciation: mal-KOO-thaMeaning: Kingdom; the reign or dominion of God. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse:…