TLV Glossary

of Hebrew Words & Terms

Click on the words below to see their definitions.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

An Aramaic word used as an affectionate and intimate term of address to someone’s father. Yeshua used it to refer to God as His Father, and believers in Yeshua also use it today to address God as Father. In Modern Hebrew, this common name (אבא) means “Dad” or “Daddy.” See also Father.

Reference(s): (Mark 14:36)

Hebrew for “LORD.” When written in small capitals, it refers to God’s personal name YHWH as given in the Hebrew Bible. This personal name is God’s “covenant name,” used when God is relating to the Jewish people in an intimate way. Since its pronunciation is not known, and also out of respect for God’s name, Jews traditionally substitute the word Adonai. See also Elohim and LORD.

Reference(s): (Matthew 1:22; Mark 5:19; Luke 1:5; John 1:23)

To pour oil on a person or thing. In the Tanakh, kings and priests were anointed by the application of oil. The word “Messiah” means “Anointed One.” In this case it does not mean that the Messiah had oil put on him, but that God set Him apart for the task of being the Redeemer. See also Mashiach and Messiah.

Reference(s): (Matthew 6:17; Mark 14:8; Luke 7:46; Luke 14:25 title; John 1:41; John 11:2)

B

Hebrew for “Gospel” or “Good News.” In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Good News is the announcement that ADONAI has come to deliver his people and restore Israel from exile. Writers of the New Covenant Scriptures see Yeshua as the fulfillment of this proclamation. Their message of Good News tells the story of the life, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Yeshua, who is now seated at the right hand of God.

Reference(s): (Isaiah 61:1)

Hebrew for “the covenant of circumcision,” (bris in Yiddish). The removal of the foreskin of males on the eighth day after birth. Also the ceremony that takes place at that time, signifying the formal entry into the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, which included inheriting the land as a permanent possession (Genesis 17:8-14). In English, it is called “circumcision,” and the verb is “to circumcise.” See also circumcision.

Reference(s): (Luke 2:21)

What is the benefit to studying the glossary?

Studying the terms in the glossary will help you understand the vocabulary this Bible uses. It also introduces you to terms often used by Jewish believers in Messianic gatherings.

Where can we find the glossary words in the text?

At the end of every definition in this glossary you will find chapter and verse references in parentheses. These will show you places where that word is used in context. Looking up those scriptures can be a good way to learn the meanings of these words.

Why are some words italicized?

In this translation, the italicized words (such as Elohim) are transliterated Hebrew. This means we use English letters to represent Hebrew sounds. The transliteration allows you to become familiar with the sounds of spoken Hebrew and may encourage you to learn written Hebrew as well.

How do I say the Hebrew transliterated words?

Unlike in English, each vowel sound in Hebrew nearly always has the same sound. Use this chart to help with the pronunciation of the vowels:

a—sounds like the a in father
e—sounds like the e in sent
i—sounds like the i in spaghetti
ei—sounds like the ey in they
ai—sounds like the ai in aisle
u—sounds like the u in truth
o—sounds like the o in go
’—sounds like a very short "a" as in about

Consonants are like English with these exceptions:

tz—sounds like the zz in pizza

ch or kh—sounds like the ch in Bach

Which syllable gets the emphasis in Hebrew?

Hebrew words often have their accent on the last part of the word, the opposite of English. But there are many exceptions. Sometimes pronunciation and accents even vary from region to region. So in this glossary we mark the syllable to be accented in bold. And while you would read actual Hebrew writing from right to left, read the transliteration from left to right as in English.

C

Physically the removal of the foreskin (see brit-milah), but this term can also apply spiritually to the condition of a person’s heart. Jewish people are sometimes referred to as “those of the circumcision” (Acts 11:1-3; Galatians 2:11-12; Philippians 3:2-6). Paul did not oppose circumcision; in fact, he circumcised Timothy to clarify his status as Jewish (Acts 16:1-4). In contrast, Paul did not circumcise Titus, who was a Gentile (Galatians 2:3-5). (Acts 7:8; Acts 15; Romans 2:25-29)

Reference(s): (Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4).

A formal or informal group of people with shared interests or common beliefs. The first use of the Greek term “ekklesia” in the New Covenant occurs on the lips of Yeshua, who says He will build His community on Peter (Matthew 16:18). But this term was first used in the Septuagint when Moses reveals that God told him “gather to Me” the people, that they might hear My words and teach their children (Deuteronomy 4:10 LXX). The emphasis is on people—a holy community “called out” to be “set apart” for God. As Messiah’s community expanded globally, new groups gathered and the teaching spread through the shlichim and their letters of instruction, which were preserved and passed on to us as part of the New Covenant. Starting from the Hebrew kahal (קהל), the Greek word “ekklesia” is also translated as assembly, congregation, or church.

Reference(s): (Israelites—Acts 7:38; local gatherings and house groups—Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 2; gathering to address community concerns—Matthew 18:17; Acts 15:22; 1 Corinthians 11:18; all believers living in a region—Acts 5:11; 8:3; 9:31; Messiah’s global community—Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 1:22)

D

An expression originally found in the Tanakh, referring to a time when God will come to save or deliver some and to judge others (Matthew 24:29-31). In the New Covenant, it is also called by other names, including the “Day of Messiah” (showing that Yeshua is Himself divine) or just “the Day.”

Reference(s): (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:2, 2 Peter 3:10—Day of the Lord; 1 Corinthians 1:8—Day of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah; 2 Corinthians 1:14—the Day of our Lord Yeshua; Philippians 1:10, 2:16—the Day of Messiah; 1 Corinthians 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:4, Hebrews 10:25—the Day)

E

Equivalent to the Hebrew zaken (זקן)/plural zekeinim (זקנים). Used of leaders within the Jewish community who primarily taught and judged, often in a synagogue setting, and also of similar leaders appointed to oversee Messiah’s community. Elders were often—but not always—older men who possessed wisdom. Qualifications for being an elder are listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

Reference(s): (Matthew 26:3; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; Titus 1:5)

In the first stage of a marriage covenant, usually lasting a year, after which the full marriage would take place and the bride and groom would live together. Engagement, also called “betrothal” and in Aramaic erusin (ארוסין), in biblical times was much more like a marriage than it is today. It was legally binding and could be broken only by divorce. Sexual intimacy outside of this relationship was considered adultery, punishable by death.

Reference(s): (Matthew 1:18; Luke 2:5)

F

The offering to God of the first part of an agricultural harvest. The Hebrew term is bikkurim (ביקורים), which pilgrims brought to the Temple from Shavuot through Sukkot. Until a tithe was offered back to God, the entire crop was considered holy and therefore unavailable for common use. The concept extends to people as well, including the harvest of New Covenant faithful, redeemed by Messiah—the firstfruits from the dead.

Reference(s): (Romans 8:23; 11:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23; 16:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)

G

A word for “hell,” the place of perpetual misery and suffering after this life. It comes from the Greek “Geenna” and the Hebrew “Gei-Hinnom” (גיהנום), which means “the valley of Hinnom.” There was actually such a valley by that name near the Temple in Jerusalem. It was used as a garbage dump, and fires were always burning there, making it a suitable picture of life in hell. In Jewish sources, the term is used as the opposite of Gan-Eden (גן-אדן), the Garden of Eden or Paradise.

Reference(s): (Matthew 23:33, Mark 9:43)

H

I

To dip the whole body under water as an act of dedication to the Lord or as a profession of faith in Yeshua. The word is often seen in other translations as “baptize.” The ceremony of dipping is called “immersion” or “baptism.” Yeshua’s cousin was known as John the Immerser (Matthew 3:1; Mark 6:14; Luke 7:20). The Hebrew term for immersion is tevilah (טבילה).

Reference(s): (Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; John 1:26)

J

The Jews are God’s chosen people, descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with whom He made His covenants. God gave the Torah to the Jewish people and promised them the land of Israel. The term is derived from the name of the land of Judea where the descendants of all Twelve Tribes returned from Exile to rebuild the Temple. “Jewish” is the word that describes this people or anything that has to do with them, such as holidays and ceremonies.

Reference(s): (2 Kings 16:6; Jeremiah 40:12; Matthew 2:2; Mark 7:3; Esther 8:17; Luke 23:3; John 2:13)

K

Hebrew for “holy.” This term describes the people set apart for God, often translated as the “saints” (Greek hagioi). In the Torah portion named Kedoshim, the people are commanded to be kedoshim, for Adonai Himself is kadosh (Leviticus 19:1-2). Many letters to Messiah’s newly formed communities address Yeshua’s followers as the kedoshim.

Reference(s): (Jeremiah 2:3; Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2)

The high priest who served as head official, the only one to enter the Holy of Holies. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first man appointed as kohen gadol. In later times, the kohen gadol was in charge of the Temple and its administration. The kohen gadol Caiaphas played a key role in questioning Yeshua at His trial. The writer of Hebrews describes Yeshua as our great Kohen Gadol, who gives us access to God’s throne in the heavenly sanctuary.

Reference(s): (Leviticus 21:10; Haggai 1:14; Nehemiah 3:1; Matthew 26:57ff; Mark 14:61ff; John 18:19ff; Hebrews 4:14ff; 10:19-22)

A sacrifice or offering dedicated to God, especially to fulfill a vow. If something was to be dedicated to God, it generally could not be used for other purposes. Some people wrongly used this as an excuse not to provide for their parents in their old age, even though Jewish teaching insisted that the commandment to honor one’s father and mother extended to providing for their needs.

Reference(s): (Mark 7:11)

L

Also sometimes called the “end of days.” The time period that comes at the end of history before the Day of the Lord, the reign of Messiah, and the resurrection of the dead. In the Bible, any time after the Resurrection of Yeshua is sometimes called the “last days,” or it can refer more specifically to the time just before Messiah returns. It is a phrase found often in the Tanakh, as the Hebrew acharit ha-yamim (אחרית הימים) .

Reference(s): (2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; Jacob 5:3).

A title given to Yeshua after His resurrection, in recognition of His deity. The Greek term “Kurios” has a wide range of meanings, including “Sir,” “Master,” and “Lord.” Depending on who uses the term and what this person knows about the one being addressed, “Kurios” or “Lord” can indicate various levels of respect—from politely addressing a stranger, boss, or even a king, to recognizing deity worthy of worship. “Kurios” in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of Tanakh) refers directly to Adonai—the LORD, the only God who creates all and rules over all. See also Master and Adonai.

Reference(s): (Matthew 15:22; Mark 7:28; Luke 2:11; John 21:7)

The ceremony in which we remember Yeshua’s atoning death by partaking of bread and wine. Also known as the Lord’s Table, Communion, or the Eucharist, and in Hebrew as Seudat ha-Adon (סעודת האדון), it is based on what took place at Yeshua’s final Passover Seder, usually called the “Last Supper.”

Reference(s): (See Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

M

N

O

“The world to come” or “the age to come.” Following the millennium, it describes a time after the world is perfected under the rulership of Messiah. This term also refers to the afterlife, where the soul passes after death. It can be contrasted with olam ha-zeh, “this world.”

Reference(s): (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; 20:35; Ephesians 1:21; Hebrews 6:5; Revelation 20-21)

P

One of the sects of Judaism in the first century. The Pharisees had their own views of how exactly to keep Torah. They were especially concerned with ritual purity, and (unlike the Sadducees) they believed in the resurrection of the dead. While the Sadducees were more involved with the Temple, the Pharisees were concerned more with home and synagogue life. The Hebrew term is P’rushim (פרושים).

Reference(s): (Matthew 5:20; Mark 7:3; Luke 7:36; John 4:1)

R

S

God’s saving acts in human history. For Israel, salvation means deliverance from enemies or exile as well as national deliverance from God’s judgment, leading to peace and long life in the homeland. Salvation, with respect to individuals, also refers to deliverance from God’s judgment. For Yeshua's faithful followers, salvation begins in this life and leads to everlasting life in God's presence in the age to come. See also Savior and Yeshua.

Reference(s): (Exodus 14:13; 2 Samuel 22:47; Psalm 13:6; Luke 1:77; John 4:22)

The Feast of Weeks, sometimes called Pentecost, occurring on the 50th day after Passover. One of the festivals given to Israel in the Tanakh, which originally celebrated the harvest but later commemorated the day God gave the Torah to Israel. After Yeshua’s resurrection, the disciples waited for God’s gift of the Ruach ha-Kodesh, which also came on Shavuot.

Reference(s): (Exodus 34:22; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Acts 2:1; 20:16; 1 Corinthians 16:8)

A ram’s horn, used in the Bible for summoning armies, calling to repentance, and in other situations. Blasts of various lengths and numbers signified different instructions. Metal trumpets were also used for similar purposes, but exclusively by the kohanim. Today, the shofar is used on Rosh ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish High Holy Days. The shofar also ushers in the Year of Jubilee. See also trumpet.

Reference(s): (Leviticus 25:9-10; Zechariah 9:14; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

A person who violates the commandments of God. The word can refer to someone who does not act according to God’s will, and also (especially in Paul’s letters) to all people who are sinners by nature (Matthew 26:45; Mark 2:15; Luke 18:13; John 9:24). Sometimes it refers to people who lived sinfully and had a bad social reputation.

Reference(s): (Genesis 13:13; Proverbs 23:17; Matthew 11:19, Mark 2:15, Luke 19:7)

The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. This holiday came in the fall at the time of the grape harvest and was a time of great rejoicing. The Hebrew word sukkah (סוכוה) means “booth.” Sukkot is the plural and can mean either “booths” or the name of this holiday. See also tabernacle.

Reference(s): (Leviticus 23:34; Zechariah 14:16; 2 Chronicles 8:13; Matthew 17:4; Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33; John 7:1 title)

T

A temporary dwelling, such as the booths constructed during the Feast of Tabernacles. It is also used in the Tanakh of the tent in which God dwelt among the Jewish people in the wilderness and in the land of Israel. When the word is used as a verb, it refers to Yeshua coming to dwell among His people, reminding us of the wilderness Tabernacle and also of the Feast of Tabernacles. See also Sukkot.

Reference(s): (Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 6:17; John 1:14; 7:2)

The Hebrew Scriptures. This word is an acronym, made up of the first letters of Torah (Pentateuch), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). So T + N + K becomes Tanakh. (Christians commonly call it the “Old Testament,” a name not preferred by Jews, however, because "old" sounds outdated and because not all Jews abide a belief that there is a "new" testament.)

Reference(s): (Luke 22:7 title; John 1:35 title)

Literally “instruction,” this term can refer to the five books of Moses or more generally to God’s commandments. Some Jews distinguish the Written Torah from the Oral Torah, which was transmitted by oral tradition until being written down at the end of the second century CE. Depending on context, the Greek word “nomos” is usually translated as Torah or law in a universal sense. See also commandment.

Reference(s): (Matthew 5:17; Mark 1:22; Luke 24:44; John 7:19; Romans 7:1ff.; 1 Corinthians 9:20-21; Galatians 3:21)

A metal horn made of hammered silver, used exclusively by the kohanim for occasions such as gathering the people for festivals, giving marching orders, and coronating kings. The Hebrew term is chatzotzrah (חצצרה) or the plural chatzotzrot (חצצרות). See also shofar, or ram’s horn, which was used more broadly by the people at large. After the destruction of the Temple, musical instruments were banned and the role of the shofar expanded in religious use.

Reference(s):(Numbers 10:1-10; 2 Kings 11:14; 1 Chronicles 15:24, 28; 1 Corinthians 14:8; Psalm 98:6LXX; Revelation 8:2ff.)

U

Ritually impure. The Hebrew term is tamei (טמא). It was the duty of the kohanim to distinguish between kadosh (holy) and chol (common, mundane, profane, or unholy) and between tamei (unclean or ritually impure) and tahor (clean or ritually pure) in order to preserve the sanctity and purity that God’s presence required (Leviticus 10:10).

Reference(s): (Matthew 10:1; Acts 5:16; 8:7—unclean spirits; Acts 10:14, 11:8—unclean food; Acts 10:28—unclean people)

W

Actions, things one does. In Scripture, these are often actions one does in order to obey God and His Word. Occasionally the word refers to actions that are evil (Luke 11:48; John 7:7). Also, when done by God the Father or Yeshua, it refers to their miracles or to acts that demonstrate their power and authority (Isaiah 12:4; Psalm 77:15; Matthew 11:2; Mark 6:2; John 9:3).

Reference(s):(Matthew 5:16; John 6:28)

TLV Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

W

Y

Z

Free Gift!

Why we Exist?

Contact

Quick Links