The great words of the Bible
Some words carry more than a single English word can hold — the love called agape, the peace called shalom, the mysterious selah of the Psalms. Here is what the key Greek and Hebrew words of Scripture actually mean, and where they live in the text.
Abba
AramaicFather (intimate, tender)
The tender, family word for father that Jesus used to address God.
Agape
Greekself-giving love
The New Testament's word for the highest love — the love God is, and the love he commands.
Aletheia
Greektruth; reality unveiled
Not just accuracy, but reality itself — the truth that sets us free.
Amen
Hebrewtruly; so be it; it is firm
The word we end prayers with means far more than the end — it means it is sure.
Charis
Greekgrace; unmerited favour
The New Testament's word for God's free, undeserved gift.
Ebenezer
Hebrewstone of help
The memorial stone Samuel raised — hitherto hath the LORD helped us.
Ekklesia
Greekchurch; assembly; the called-out ones
The New Testament word for church — a people called out and gathered by God.
Elohim
HebrewGod (the Mighty One)
The Bible's first name for God — the powerful Creator of Genesis 1.
Euangelion
Greekgood news; gospel
The word behind gospel and evangelism — a herald's joyful announcement.
Hallelujah
HebrewPraise the LORD
A command, not just an exclamation — praise ye Yah, the LORD.
Hesed
Hebrewsteadfast covenant love; lovingkindness
God's loyal, unbreakable love — the mercy that endures for ever.
Hosanna
HebrewSave now! (a cry of praise)
The Palm Sunday shout that began as a plea for salvation.
Immanuel
HebrewGod with us
The name that captures the whole wonder of Christmas.
Jubilee
Hebrewthe year of release and liberty
Every fiftieth year, Israel proclaimed liberty and returned every debt.
Kavod
Hebrewglory; weight; honour
The weighty, radiant glory of God that filled the temple.
Koinonia
Greekfellowship; sharing in common
The deep, shared life of the church — more than friendship.
Logos
GreekWord; reason; the divine self-expression
John's title for Christ — the eternal Word through whom all things were made.
Maranatha
AramaicOur Lord, come!
An early Christian prayer for the return of Christ, kept in its original tongue.
Messiah
Hebrewthe Anointed One
The promised, anointed King — Christ is its Greek translation.
Metanoia
Greekrepentance; a change of mind
Not just regret, but a turning of the whole mind and life.
Parakletos
GreekComforter; Advocate; one called alongside
Jesus' name for the Holy Spirit — the helper called to our side.
Pistis
Greekfaith; trust; faithfulness
The New Testament word for faith — trust in a trustworthy God.
Ruach
Hebrewspirit; wind; breath
One Hebrew word for spirit, wind, and breath — the life of God moving.
Sabbath
Hebrewrest; ceasing
The God-given rhythm of rest, woven into creation itself.
Selah
Hebrewpause and reflect (a musical or liturgical term)
The Psalms' mysterious word — likely a call to stop, lift up, and consider.
Shalom
Hebrewpeace, wholeness, well-being
Far more than the absence of conflict — the flourishing wholeness God intends for his people.
Shema
HebrewHear (and obey)
The first word of Israel's daily creed — hear, O Israel.
Soter
GreekSaviour; rescuer; deliverer
The New Testament's title for Jesus — the one who saves his people.
Yahweh
HebrewI AM; the LORD
The personal covenant name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
Why the original words matter
The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and now and then a single original word opens a window that translation alone leaves half-shut. Knowing that the love of John 3:16 is agape, or that the peace of Numbers 6 is shalom, does not replace the English — it deepens it.
Each study here gives the word in plain transliteration, its meaning, and a verse where it appears — quoted exactly from the King James Version — so you can carry the fuller sense back into your reading.