Hebrew & Greek concepts
The original Hebrew and Greek words behind key biblical ideas — hesed, logos, shalom, agape — and what English translations flatten or miss.
20 topics
Agape
Agape in the Bible signifies a selfless, unconditional love that is more about action and commitment than emotion, which is often missed in English translati…
Berith
The Hebrew word 'Berith' implies a binding, often solemn agreement that encompasses not just legal obligations but relational and communal dimensions, which …
Charis
"Charis, often translated simply as 'Grace' in the Bible, encompasses a far richer tapestry of meanings that standard English translations often flatten or o…
Emunah
The Hebrew word "Emunah" (אֱמוּנָה) encompasses a sense of steadfastness and reliability, which goes beyond the simple concept of 'faith' as often translated…
Goel
The Hebrew word 'Goel' encompasses a legal and familial role that extends beyond 'redeemer' to include avenger and protector, which English translations ofte…
Hesed
"Hesed conveys a covenantal loyalty and loving-kindness that is deeply relational, often lost in mere translations as 'mercy' or 'love'." The original Hebrew…
Imago Dei
The term 'Imago Dei' in the Bible emphasizes a functional and relational aspect of humanity's role rather than merely a physical resemblance to God. The orig…
Kabod
The Hebrew word "Kabod" conveys a sense of weightiness and honor that goes beyond mere "glory" and includes notions of presence and substance. The original w…
Kairos
The Greek word 'Kairos' refers to a qualitative, opportune moment rather than a quantitative measure of time, which is often missed in English translations t…
Logos
The Greek word 'Logos' encompasses not just 'word' but a profound concept of divine reason and creative order, which English translations often simplify. The…
Metanoia
The Greek word 'Metanoia' is often flattened to 'repentance' in English, missing its deeper connotation of a transformative change of heart and mind. In its …
Mishpat
The Hebrew word "Mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט) encompasses a broader concept of justice that includes not only legal decisions but also social equity and restorative …
Nephesh
The Hebrew word "Nephesh" (נֶפֶשׁ) is often flattened to "soul" in English, missing its broader meaning of "life force" or "living being" that encompasses ph…
Pistis
The Greek word "Pistis" encompasses a spectrum of meanings from belief to trust and faithfulness, which are often flattened in English translations to simply…
Pneuma
The Greek word "Pneuma" (πνεῦμα) encompasses a dynamic range of meanings from "breath" to "spirit," which English translations often fail to fully capture, l…
Ruach
The Hebrew word 'Ruach' encompasses a dynamic range of meanings from physical breath to divine inspiration, which English translations often simplify to 'spi…
Sarx
The Greek word 'Sarx,' often translated as 'flesh,' carries a deeper connotation of human nature and frailty, which is frequently overlooked in English trans…
Shalom
Shalom in the Bible encompasses a sense of wholeness and completeness that goes beyond mere 'peace' as understood in English. The original Hebrew word, שָׁלו…
Sozo
The Greek word "Sozo" (σῴζω) encompasses a holistic sense of Salvation, including physical healing and deliverance, which is often missed in English translat…
Tsedaqah
Tsedaqah in the Bible encompasses a broader sense of social justice and communal responsibility, beyond the individualistic notion of righteousness often emp…