greek & hebrew word studies

The Bible is alive and powerful in every translation — but it was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), with a few sections in Aramaic. These original languages carry layers of meaning that English often struggles to capture. By studying key words in Hebrew and Greek, you uncover richness, precision, and depth that can completely transform your understanding of Scripture.

One English Word = Multiple Meanings in Greek/Hebrew
 

• Example: In English, we use just the word “love.”
   
• In Greek, there are multiple words:
   
  • Eros → romantic love.
     
  • Philia → friendship love.
     
  • Storge → family love.
     
  • Agapē → unconditional, sacrificial love.
     
• When Jesus commands us in John 13:34 to “love one another,” He uses agapē, not a shallow or conditional love.
   

Hebrew Words Carry Imagery & Action
 

Hebrew often paints pictures rather than giving abstract definitions.
 

Example: Shalom is usually translated as “peace.” But in Hebrew it means wholeness, completeness, flourishing, and harmony in every part of life. When Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace,” it points to His role as the One who makes us whole.
 

Deeper Insight Leads to Deeper Worship
 

Studying words in their original language helps you see God’s heart more clearly, grasp His promises more fully, and worship Him more passionately.
 

Pick a Key Word
 

• Choose a word that stands out during your reading.
   
• Example: “Blessed” in Psalm 1:1.
   

Look Up the Original Word
 

• Use free tools like:
   
  • Blue Letter Bible
     
  • BibleHub
     
  • Strong’s Concordance
     
• “Blessed” in Psalm 1:1 is ’esher (H835) in Hebrew, meaning “happiness, deep joy, supreme favor.”
   

Check Usage Across Scripture
 

• See where else the word appears.
   
• ’Esher shows up in places like Proverbs 8:34: “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors.”
   
• Together, these references build a fuller definition: true blessing is tied to joy in God’s presence and obedience to His Word.
   

Study the Range of Meaning
 

• Words may carry nuances depending on context.
   
• Example: Logos (Greek for “Word”) in John 1:1 refers to Jesus Himself as the divine Word — far beyond just “speech.”
   

Reflect & Apply
 

• Ask: What new insight does this give me about God?
   
• How does this change the way I live, pray, or worship?
   

• Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
   
• Dynamis = miraculous ability, divine strength, explosive force (root of the English word dynamite).
   
• Insight: The Spirit doesn’t just give you “influence” — He fills you with God’s unstoppable power for bold witness.
   

• Romans 5:5 – “…hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts…”
   
• Elpis = confident expectation, not wishful thinking.
   
• Insight: Biblical hope isn’t crossing your fingers — it’s certainty rooted in God’s promises.
   

• Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created (bara) the heavens and the earth.”
   
• Bara = to create from nothing, something only God can do. Humans “make” (asah), but only God bara.
   
• Insight: This reminds us of God’s unique, sovereign power to bring life from nothing — the same power that makes us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
   

• Isaiah 40:31 – “…those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”
   
• Qavah = not passive waiting, but active tension, like a cord being pulled tight. It implies expectation and strength that builds as you wait.
   
• Insight: Waiting on God isn’t wasted time — it’s strengthening time.
   

• Start small: one word at a time.
   
• Use both the Strong’s number (e.g., G26 for agapē, H7965 for shalom) and context.
   
• Keep a word study journal with space for the word, Strong’s number, definitions, cross-references, and application.
   
• Always let Scripture interpret Scripture.
  

Final Thought 

Studying Greek and Hebrew words won’t just expand your vocabulary — it will deepen your faith. Every word of Scripture is chosen by God and alive with meaning. As you explore the richness of His Word, you’ll find your heart stirred, your prayers sharpened, and your walk with Him strengthened.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” – Psalm 119:130