The Bible is dominantly written in Hebrew words. In fact, there’s a growing understanding that even most of the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew. That’s why, studying the Hebrew language can dramatically improve your biblical understanding. To give you a headstart, in this blog, let me share with you 9 important Hebrew words you should know!
The Bible in Hebrew
When you study the Bible, something extraordinary happens—you’re not just reading words on a page.
You’re stepping into history, you’re walking ancient paths, you’re discovering the heartbeat of God.
But have you ever thought about what the Bible would feel like if you could understand the words as the original writers intended?
Hebrew, the language in which the Old Testament was written, is rich with meaning, layers, and depth.
A single word in Hebrew can open up profound new insights and give you a richer view of God’s Word.
Here are a few Hebrew words that will help you do just that—words that will take you deeper into the Bible and your relationship with God.
1. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – More Than Just “Peace”
You’ve probably heard “shalom” translated as “peace,” but it means so much more than that.
Shalom goes beyond the absence of conflict. It means wholeness, completeness, well-being.
When the Bible speaks of shalom, it’s speaking of the peace that God intends for all of creation, the kind of peace that mends what is broken and heals what is hurt.
When you say “shalom,” you’re speaking God’s best for someone’s entire being. Imagine the impact of praying for shalom in your life, your relationships, and your community.
God’s peace isn’t just calm; it’s restorative, all-encompassing, and life-giving.
2. Chesed (חֶסֶד) – The Relentless Love of God
Chesed is a word that defies a one-word translation.
It’s often translated as “loving-kindness,” “mercy,” or “steadfast love,” but it’s so much more.
Chesed is a love that’s unshakable, a mercy that never ends, a kindness that’s persistent.
When God shows chesed, He is showing a love that doesn’t give up, even when we don’t deserve it.
This is the love that relentlessly pursues, the love that says, “I will not let you go.”
When you think of God’s love for you, remember that it’s chesed—a love that clings to you, that fights for you, that won’t abandon you.
3. Emet (אֱמֶת) – Truth That Can Be Trusted
The word “emet” means truth, but it’s more than factual accuracy. It speaks of reliability, faithfulness, and dependability.
When the Bible calls God “Emet,” it’s saying He is the God you can depend on, the One whose promises will not fail.
In a world that often feels shaky and unstable, emet reminds us that we can cling to God’s words because they are solid, trustworthy, and eternally true.
Imagine the comfort that comes from knowing that God’s emet—His truth—is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
4. Ruach (רוּחַ) – The Breath of God, the Spirit of Life
“Ruach” means spirit, wind, or breath.
It’s the same word used when God breathed life into Adam, and it’s the word used to describe the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible.
Ruach represents God’s life-giving power, His creative force, His presence moving within and around us.
When you feel weak, remember that the same Ruach that breathed life into humanity is also the Spirit that renews us and empowers us daily.
It’s not just air—it’s the very breath of God filling your lungs, bringing you to life, filling your spirit.
5. Yadah (יָדָה) – A Surrendering Praise
The word “yadah” means to praise, but it also means to extend your hand in worship and surrender.
Imagine lifting your hands, open and outstretched, giving everything you have to God.
That’s what yadah embodies—a full surrender, an acknowledgment of God’s greatness. It’s not just about singing a song; it’s a physical act of worship and a declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty.
When we yadah, we’re saying, “God, I trust You with everything.”
It’s a vulnerable, powerful gesture that can change how we approach worship.
6. Qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) – The Holiness of God
“Qadosh” means holy, set apart, different. When the Bible says God is “qadosh,” it means He is utterly unique, utterly pure, and utterly perfect.
God’s holiness isn’t just about moral perfection—it’s about being entirely different from anything else in existence.
He is not like us; He is other.
Qadosh helps us grasp the awe and reverence we should feel when approaching God.
This isn’t a God who is like us; this is a God who is above us, greater than us, and worthy of our complete devotion.
7. Shema (שְׁמַע) – To Hear and Obey
“Shema” is a word that means “hear,” but in Hebrew, it goes much deeper.
To “shema” is not just to listen but to hear with the intent to obey.
In Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one,” this famous prayer doesn’t just call Israel to listen but to act in response.
Shema calls us to not only hear God’s Word but to let it shape our lives. It’s a call to active listening, a reminder that true hearing leads to action.
When you say you “shema” God, you’re saying, “I will listen, I will obey, and I will live it out.”
8. Berith (בְּרִית) – Covenant, a Sacred Agreement
“Berith” means “covenant,” a word we encounter frequently in the Old Testament.
A covenant in Hebrew culture is more than a contract; it’s a sacred agreement made with the utmost seriousness. God’s covenant with His people, from Noah to Abraham to Moses, is a binding promise—one that He fulfills even when we fall short.
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the “new covenant” sealed in His blood, a promise that binds us to Him forever.
When we speak of berith, we speak of God’s commitment to His people, a promise of grace, love, and faithfulness.
9. Tzedakah (צְדָקָה) – Righteousness and Generosity
“Tzedakah” is often translated as “charity,” but it’s more than giving to those in need. It’s an obligation, a moral responsibility to live righteously, generously, and justly.
Tzedakah isn’t about charity as a simple act of kindness; it’s about embodying justice and generosity as a way of life. God calls us to be people of tzedakah, to act with righteousness, not out of duty but out of a heart transformed by His love.
Imagine a world where we all practiced tzedakah—where generosity and justice were the norm.
10. Emunah (אֱמוּנָה) – Faith That Stands Firm
“Emunah” is typically translated as “faith,” but it’s not merely belief—it’s steadfastness, trust, and a commitment that stands firm even when things get tough.
Emunah speaks to a faith that holds on, a trust that doesn’t waver. In the Old Testament, people of emunah are those who cling to God, who walk in His ways, and who remain loyal despite hardship.
Emunah is faith in action—a faith that doesn’t just say “I believe” but “I trust, I commit, I remain.” This is the kind of faith that can move mountains and carry you through the storms of life.
Let These Hebrew Words Change the Way You Read Scripture
The next time you open your Bible, remember these words. Let them remind you of the depth and richness of God’s Word, of a language that goes beyond our surface-level understanding.
Hebrew carries nuances that draw us into a fuller picture of who God is and what He desires for us.
Take a moment to let “shalom” settle into your soul, to embrace “chesed” as God’s unbreakable love for you, to seek “qadosh” holiness that sets you apart.
These aren’t just words; they’re windows into the heart of God.
