Original Languages

Biblical Languages Center

Discover important Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words found in Scripture — with pronunciation, lexical meaning, key passages, and how each word points to Jesus Christ. Written to be accessible for beginners while remaining careful and accurate.

9 words available. New entries are added regularly.

Chesed (חֶסֶד)

Hebrew

Steadfast love, lovingkindness, mercy

God's covenant loyalty and lovingkindness toward his people, often translated 'mercy' or 'lovingkindness' in the Old Testament.

Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)

Hebrew

Peace, wholeness, completeness

A rich Hebrew word for peace that means far more than the absence of conflict — wholeness, completeness, and flourishing.

Ruach (רוּחַ)

Hebrew

Spirit, breath, wind

The Hebrew word used for God's Spirit, human breath, and wind, carrying rich theological meaning across the Old Testament.

Abba (אַבָּא)

Aramaic

Father, Daddy

The intimate Aramaic term Jesus used to address God the Father, later used by believers through the Spirit of adoption.

Maranatha (מָרָנָא תָא)

Aramaic

Our Lord, come!

An early Christian Aramaic prayer expressing longing for Christ's return, preserved in Paul's closing words to the Corinthians.

Agape (ἀγάπη)

Greek

Selfless, sacrificial love

The Greek word for God's selfless, sacrificial love, displayed supremely at the cross and commanded of believers toward one another.

Logos (λόγος)

Greek

Word, reason, message

The Greek word John uses to identify Jesus Christ as the eternal Word of God, present with God from the beginning.

Charis (χάρις)

Greek

Grace, unearned favor

The New Testament's central word for God's unmerited favor toward sinners, freely given through Jesus Christ.

Metanoia (μετάνοια)

Greek

A change of mind, repentance

The Greek word for genuine repentance — a complete change of mind and direction, central to the preaching of Jesus and the apostles.