Top 10 Hebrew and Greek Words Every Bible Student Should Know 1. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) “Shalom” goes beyond a casual greeting; it’s about total well-being, wholeness, and peace. This word captures God’s heart for restoring every dimension of our lives. In Isaiah 26:3 we read, “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” True shalom brings deep calm and the reassurance that we can trust the One who holds our future. 2. Hesed (חֶסֶד) “Hesed” points to steadfast, covenant love—an unbreakable commitment rooted in God’s goodness. It’s often translated as “loving devotion” or “mercy.” As Psalm 103:8 proclaims, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.” Hesed is a love that never quits and never fails, even when circumstances shake us. 3. Yadah (יָדָה) To “yadah” is to give thanks, to praise, or to extend the hands in worship. When our hearts overflow with gratitude, we are actively engaging in yadah. Observe Psalm 138:1: “I will give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I will sing Your praises.” This humble acknowledgment of God’s greatness ignites a powerful way to deepen faith. 4. Ruach (רוּחַ) “Ruach” refers to breath, wind, or spirit, emphasizing God’s transformative power. Genesis 1:2 says, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” In every new beginning, God’s ruach speaks life into the void and reminds us He can renew what seems empty. 5. Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) “Elohim” is a majestic name for God, seen right at the start of Scripture. Genesis 1:1 announces, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The plural form here highlights greatness and power, showing that no task is too big for the One who spoke the universe into existence. 6. Logos (λόγος) “Logos” stands for “Word,” embodying reason, truth, and divine expression. John 1:1 affirms, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” We discover not just a spoken word, but a living Person, whose presence illuminates our hearts with life and understanding. 7. Agape (ἀγάπη) “Agape” love is selfless, unconditional, and radically giving—perfectly demonstrated by the greatest sacrifice. John 3:16 proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” This love reaches out to the undeserving, showcasing divine compassion at its finest. 8. Charis (χάρις) “Charis” grips us with the idea of grace—a gift we could never earn or pay back. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you…” Charis lifts our burdens, spurs renewed strength, and comforts us in our weakness, reminding us we stand under the waterfall of divine kindness. 9. Dunamis (δύναμις) “Dunamis” speaks of power, ability, and miraculous force—something beyond mere human effort. Acts 1:8 declares, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” This spiritual empowerment propels believers to live vibrantly, serve boldly, and share hope with unstoppable passion. 10. Metanoia (μετάνοια) “Metanoia” means a change of mind and heart, commonly rendered as “repentance.” Mark 1:15 records, “The time is fulfilled…Repent and believe in the gospel!” Far from mere regret, metanoia calls us to a fresh direction—a joyful turning to the Source of everlasting life and purpose. |