Learning the Hebrew Language can be very beneficial to our faith as Christians. It’s through Hebrew that we can gain a deeper understanding of the Old Testament and, ultimately, the roots of our faith! When we can know more clearly what the Bible says, we can grow closer to the God of the Bible and our Savior, Jesus!

While understanding Hebrew will help you in your studies throughout the Bible (even the New Testament!), here are ten places I’ve found the Hebrew to make a big difference.

1. Genesis 1:1 – Elohim

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1

There’s no better place to start than at the very beginning. Many note that the word used for God here is “Elohim”. The “im” suffix in Hebrew indicates that the word is in its masculine plural form. This appearance of a plural noun form leads some to conclude that this verse shows that it wasn’t just God the Father present before creation, but the whole Trinity – the Father God, the Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

The first thing to note is that there are words in Hebrew that appear to be plural, like the word for water, מַּיִם, and the word for face, פָּנִים. Although they have the “im” suffix, they are not always plural.

But when you know the Hebrew language enough to conjugate verbs, you can see that the verb just preceding Elohim, בָּרָא, is conjugated in the masculine singular form. This verb form shows that only one male was creating, not three.

That said, I won’t comment on the truth of whether the other persons of the Trinity were present at creation or not. If that’s your belief, the verse in Genesis below may better support your discussion on the subject, along with others in the New Testament (John 1:1-3, 1 Cor. 8:6, and Col. 1:16-17).

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:26 (Emphasis added)

2. Exodus 15:2 – Yeshua

And while we’re on the subject of names, let’s look at the use of the name of our Savior! We know that Jesus’s name is used in the New Testament, as the stories about his life and ministry are found there.

But Jesus’s name is used throughout the Bible, not just in the New Testament. His Hebrew name, Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), is found throughout the Old Testament as well. The Hebrew language is based mainly on root words. The root word of Yeshua is ya-shah (יָשַׁע) and means “to save” or “to deliver.” So, we can see why God told Mary to give Jesus this name. He came to save us – to be our deliverer!

When we find Yeshua in the Old Testament, we can see how the attributes of our savior are foreshadowed even before he came to earth.

The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my yeshua

Exodus 15:2a, emphasis mine

The name “Joshua” (Ye-ho-shua – יְהוֹשֻׁעַ‎) is similar in Hebrew spelling to that of yeshua, which also indicates that the actions of Joshua in the Old Testament also foreshadows Jesus.

Other interesting places to find the word yeshua in the Old Testament are:

• Exodus 14:13
• 2 Chronicles 20:17
• Psalm 9:14, 13:5, 14:7, 20:5, 21:5, 53:6, 62:2, 67:2, 118:14, and 119 (many verses).
• Isaiah 33:6, 52:7-10, and 62:1.

3. Genesis 2:18 – Ezer

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”

Genesis 2:18

This verse is sometimes used to show that a wife is less capable or significant than her husband. She’s merely his “helper”. But when we look at the Hebrew word used here for “helper,” it changes the perspective.

The word used here is “ezer” (עֵזֶר, pronounced “eh-zer”). “Helper” isn’t an inaccurate word to use when translating ezer from Hebrew to English, but let’s look at some other places where this same Hebrew word is used.

This word is used 21 times in the Old Testament, most of which refer to God as the helper. So this story in Genesis isn’t telling us that a wife is a helper in the respect that we would allow a toddler to be our “helper” in the kitchen but as a necessary and indispensable source of support. 

Without God’s help, we’re absolutely nothing. So when we see the same word for “helper” used for a wife as it is used for God, we can conclude that God’s view of a wife is that she’s of great importance in a marital relationship!

4. Psalms 1:2 – Torah

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:2

The word “law” is typically considered a negative thing among Christians. It’s believed that the grace given to us through Jesus and the Law given to us by God cannot coexist. Therefore, we must throw out any idea of the Law applying to us to accept the grace given to us through Jesus.

But the word that’s translated here and elsewhere as “law” in some translations is the word “Torah” (תּוֹרָה). So, this verse says:

But his delight is in the Torah of the LORD,

And in His Torah he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1:2

Knowing the Hebrew changes the overall meaning of the verse, doesn’t it? Other translations translate “Torah” as “instruction,” which emits an entirely different emotional response than the word “law.” Rather than a bad thing God’s given to control us, the “law” or the “Torah” is instruction to lead, educate, and help us know right from wrong.

If the Law is a positive thing, that explains how we can “delight” in it, as the Psalm says. When we understand the Hebrew, we can see God’s love and guidance that He’s given us in His Word and even in His commands. He knows what’s best for us, and we’re blessed that He has instructed us on how to live.

5. Exodus 20:13 – Murder

“Thou shalt not kill.”

Exodus 20:13

This verse is from the King James Version of the Bible, but it’s worded differently in most other versions. Most say, “You shall not murder” or something similar.

The word “murder” is a much better translation of the Hebrew word in this verse. The Hebrew says ratz-ah (רָצַח), which means “to slay” or “to dash to pieces” and is used in the Bible mainly in the context of homicide. In contrast, the Hebrew word for “to kill” is ha-rog (הָרַג) and is used in situations such as killing others in war or killing an animal for food.

The usage of this word is significant because the commandment not to kill (or murder) is often used to imply that war is a sin. While a quick read of the Old Testament will reveal that there are times God does condone war, this command uses a different word than the one used in the case of war to make sure we don’t confuse the two.

So, while killing may at times be murder, the word murder implies more than just killing. Murder reveals a condition of the heart. It shows actions resulting from malice, pride, hate, bitterness, and selfishness. It implies that the victim is innocent or at least doesn’t deserve the consequence of death by another.

6. Psalm 34:7 – Malak

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

Psalm 34:7

Along with the other places in the Old Testament where angels are mentioned, the Hebrew word translated into “angel” is mal-ak (מַלְאָךְ). Malak isn’t a word for a specific type of being, though. A better translation is “messenger” or “deputy.”

In Scripture, the word “malak” is usually followed by “of the LORD,” meaning the being described is sent from God to deliver a message or do some work God sent it (or him? or her?) to do. Knowing the Hebrew here helps us understand that the word isn’t meant to describe the being itself but its purpose in interacting with humans in these situations.

7. Job 2:2 – Satan

The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”

Job 2:2

While we don’t like to dwell on Satan (Sah-tahn – שָׂטָן) as we study our Bibles, it’s helpful to understand his character so we know what we need to avoid and rid our lives of. And we don’t have to go further than his name to understand who he is.

The word “satan” comes from a Hebrew verb meaning ” to accuse” or “to be an adversary” (also pronounced sah-tahn – שָׂטַן). In the Bible, names have significant meanings. Names weren’t just to identify but to describe one’s identity or purpose. Satan’s name tells us he’s “the adversary” or “the accuser.”

So, who is Satan an adversary of, and who does he accuse? God? Humans? Jesus? We can find examples to back up each of those in the Bible, so the answer is all of the above. When we can see Satan for who he is – an adversary of our God – we know that he’s our adversary as well. We know that siding with Satan or anything he stands for puts us on the wrong side.

8. Acts 2:2-4 – Spirit

 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Acts 2:2-4

Hebrew in verses from Acts, you say? But the New Testament isn’t translated from Hebrew! True (mostly), but the New Testament was written by those with a knowledge of Hebrew and a mindset based on their Hebrew culture.

Take, for example, the Hebrew word for “spirit,” ruach (roo-ach – רוּחַ). While it does mean “spirit,” it also can mean “wind” or “breath.” The Hebrew language contains words that represent more than one thing. Because these words come from the same root word, they don’t just sound alike; they’re related concepts.

In the verses above, the Holy Spirit is being given to the apostles, and they hear a sound like a violent wind filling their house. It was at that time that they became filled with the Holy Spirit!
The Spirit sounded like a rushing wind because wind is an aspect of God’s Spirit. The following verse is another place we see the Ruach – God’s Spirit:

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

Gen 1:2

9. Genesis 2:7 – Soul

Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:7

Here’s another word for “spirit”. Neshama (נְשָׁמָה) can mean “spirit,” but it can also be translated as “breath”. And the remainder of this verse has the beautiful Hebrew word for “soul” in it – nefesh (נֶפֶשׁ), which is translated as life. 

So, when God “breathed life” into Adam, he gave him a “soul breath.” Doesn’t that give you chills? The God of the universe has soul breath, breath that contains His very spirit that, when shared with a human, gives them a soul! What a truly awesome God we have! 

10. Matthew 1:16 – Messiah

Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

Matthew 1:16

The word “Messiah” is derived from the Hebrew word “mashiach” (ma-shee-ach – מָשִׁיחַ), and so is the word “Christ.” Mashiach means “anointed one,” so “messiah” and “christ” do also. But did you know that this Hebrew word for “messiah” is also found in the Old Testament?

Levitical priests are frequently described as mashiach, or anointed, as in the following verse, as well as in Leviticus 4:

“The anointed priest who will be in his place among his sons shall offer it. By a permanent ordinance it shall be entirely offered up in smoke to the LORD.

Leviticus 6:22

This verse could also say “the mashiach priest.” I’m pretty sure no version of the Bible translates this as “the messiah priest,” but it’s the same word. Most translate it as “the anointed priest.” Someone being anointed means they’re chosen by God and consecrated for a specific job, such as the priests being anointed for work in the Temple. 

The knowledge of this word’s meaning is significant because it draws a parallel for us between our Messiah and the Levitical priests. The book of Hebrews describes how Jesus is the perfect High Priest (chapters 9 & 10) and how, because of that, he is able to atone for our sin fully. Our God chose him and sent him to save us from the desolate consequences of our sin. What amazing grace!

Learning the Hebrew language will illuminate so many things in your Bible and can ultimately help you grow closer to God through a better understanding of who He is! If you want to get started, check out my post on the Hebrew Alphabet, Hebrew Vowels, and Biblical Hebrew Words for Beginners. Interested in an online course? Check out the one I’m currently taking through the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

Understand more about the Bible with Israel365’s newest book. In celebration of 75 years as a country, this beautiful book contains 75 Hebrew words that reveal concepts in God’s word. 

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 10% discount 
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The creators of this book, Israel365, have a passion for the people and land of Israel. They connect the people of Israel to those who desire to support the Holy Land. Israel365 is a dependable source of news concerning Israel, which can be difficult to find otherwise. They provide Biblical resources to help Bible students understand the Bible, as well as Biblical Hebrew.

The latest book by Israel365 is focused on Hebrew words throughout the Hebrew Bible. Understanding the Hebrew language can boost your understanding of the entire Bible. Read why I encourage all Believers to study Hebrew here: 7 Ways Learning Hebrew Benefits Your Christian Faith. 

In 75 Hebrew Words, Rabbi Akiva Gersh has chosen words that increase your understanding of Biblical concepts. Here are a few of the words he explains in the book.

Soul

Hebrew: Neshamah, נְשָׁמָה 

The rabbi teaches the connection between the soul and breath when describing the meaning of neshamah. Neshamah is the word used in Genesis 2:7 when God breathed His breath into the nostrils of the human. Understanding the full meaning of the word neshamah shows us that God not only gave us breath, He also breathed our souls into us! 

Hymn

Hebrew: Zemer, זֶמֶר

The word “hymn” is used throughout the Psalms as a way we can connect with God, just as King David did. We know God hears our hymns, just as He heard King David’s. Why does the Hebrew text in Psalms sometimes say “Of David, a hymn,” but other times, “A hymn, of David”? Rabbi Gersh explains the difference and the significance in this book!

Holiness

Hebrew: Kedushah, קֶדֻשָּׁה

We may think we understand the concept of holiness, but the Hebrew provides even more clarity. Kedushah means holiness, but its root word, kadosh, indicates separation. This aspect of separation shows us that holiness includes a complete separation from things that are not holy. The rabbi expands on this idea of separation even more in his explanation of this word.

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75 Hebrew Words not only has intriguing explanations of Hebrew words from the Bible. It also features beautiful pictures from the Holy Land. It’s a well-made book that would make a great gift or even supplement your Biblical Hebrew studies. Click here for more information or to purchase yours!

Studying the Bible can teach us so much about life, but perhaps the most important thing we can learn from the Bible is about God’s character. When we study, we see what God can do and how He interacts with His people. As His character is revealed, so are His attributes, and we can get to know who He is! 

If you’re interested in even more names of God, here are other articles in this series you may enjoy.

The Names of God: Revealing God’s Personality Traits

The Names of God: Elohim, The Mighty One

The Names of God: Adonai, Our Lord and Master

Click here for a free printable PDF Names of God Chart to use in your studies! 

If you’re new to the Hebrew language, starting with my posts on the Hebrew Alphabet and the Hebrew Vowels may be helpful.

Yahweh – יהוה

This name is the most common one of God used in the Bible. יהוה is used 6,823 times and found in all but three books of the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes, Esther, and Song of Songs). It’s called the Tetragrammaton, Greek for “made of four letters.” In English translations, it appears as “LORD” in all capital letters to distinguish it from other Hebrew words for God. 

Since no vowels accompany these four consonants in the oldest texts, there’s some speculation on the pronunciation of this name. Many agree that it’s pronounced “Yahweh,” with the vowels appearing as יַהְוֶה, yet others propose that the vowels are as such instead יְהֹוָה. This second pronunciation would render another familiar name for God – “Yehovah” or the common translation of “Jehovah.”

Most Hebrew words are derived from a 3-consonant root word, and the words derived from that root have similar meanings. יהוה comes from the Hebrew root word meaning “to be.” This translation would make sense as God referred to Himself as “I AM,” a form of the verb “to be.”

יהוה is used as God’s name mostly in situations where He’s interacting with His people. One example is when He appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Ex. 3:2) or breathed life into Adam (Gen. 2:7). 

A shortened form of Yahweh, Yah (יָהּ), is used in many places. When Moses and the people of Israel sing, “The LORD is my strength and song” (Ex. 15:2), Yah is the name used for “LORD.”

The Scriptures Large Print Duotone Charcoal Edition (ISR)

As the name of God is holy, many don’t speak it out of reverence and respect. Instead, it’s often replaced by “HaShem,” meaning “the name,” or “Adonai,” meaning “my Lord,” as well as other terms of honor.

Many Christians are interested in returning to more literal interpretations of scripture, including the name of God.  The Scriptures Bible from the Institute for Scripture Research has restored יהוה as the name for God throughout the text, rather than replacing it with other words.

יהוה is combined with other words to show us His character even more precisely. Below are examples of this. Each of them reveals yet another aspect of God’s awesome character. 

Yahweh Elohim יהוה אֱלֹהִים

This name can be translated as “LORD God,” but it emphasizes God’s creative nature as in Genesis 2:4. One variation on this is יְהוָֽה אֱלֹהָי, Yahweh Elohai, which means “the LORD my God” instead. Another variation is when God addresses His people: “I am the LORD your God.” This is Yahweh Elohechem, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם.

Yahweh El Elyon יהוה אֵל עֶלְיֹון

This term means “LORD God most high,” found in Genesis 14 when Melchizedek blesses Abram just before God promises him a son and countless descendants. It’s also found in Psalms in the form of praise to God.

Yahweh Elohei David יהוה אֱלֹהֵי דָּוִד

Isaiah prophecies to Hezekiah on his supposed deathbed that the “God of his father, David,” would add fifteen years to his life. We can see that God was indeed the God of King David as we get to know many aspects of God through David in Psalms and otherwise.

Yahweh Roie יהוה רֹעִי

Most Christians are very familiar with this aspect of God. This name means “God my shepherd” and is found in the first verse of Psalm 23. It’s translated as “The LORD is my shepherd…”.

Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards: Second Edition

Yahweh Tsuri V’goali יהוה צוּרִי וְגֹאֲלִי

Here’s another name given to God by King David in the Psalms. From Psalm 19:14, God is called David’s “rock and Redeemer” after giving glory to God for His Laws, judgments, and commands.

Yahweh Sali יהוה סַלְעִי

This name, also given by King David, means “God my hiding place.” This phrase is similar to “God, my rock and redeemer” above, but here, the word “rock” can also mean “cliff” or “boulder.” It can also be translated as “refuge.”

Yahweh Avienu יהוה אָבִינוּ

“God, our Father” is what this Hebrew name for God means. It’s found in the book of Isaiah, chapters 63 and 64, where Isaiah pleads for mercy for the people of Israel, as well as David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20.

Yahweh Shalom יהוה שָׁלֹום

“The LORD is peace” is what Gideon named the altar he built in Judges 6:24. This was just after an angel appeared to him and told him that God would help him defeat the Midianites, which he later did.

But wait, didn’t God bring war and not peace in this case? Why say that God is peace if He promised the Israelites a war victory?

The peace was brought to God’s people through the defeat of the Midianites because Midian had greatly oppressed the Israelites. Defeating them with God’s help brought freedom and peace.

Yahweh Rof’ekah יהוה רֹפְאֶךָ

Also, Yahweh Rafa (רָפָא) is a name God gave to Himself in Exodus 15:26. He said that he would spare the Hebrew people from the plagues he put on the Egyptians if they were obedient. This name means “healer,” and He has control over our bodies as our Creator. He can heal and protect.

Yahweh Yir’eh יהוה יִרְאֶה

This name comes from Genesis 22:14 when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac out of obedience to God. It means “God provides” or “God who sees”.

Although this name is commonly translated as “Jehovah Jireh,” there’s no “j” sound in Hebrew as there is in English, so a more accurate pronunciation of this name would be “Yuh-hoe-vah yeer-eh”.

For us today, throughout the Bible, even in situations of great persecution like what Paul experienced, God sees our circumstances and knows exactly what’s needed to fulfill His plan for His people. We can be sure that He’s faithful and will always provide!

Yahweh Elohai Yisrael יהוה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

This one is used many times throughout the Old Testament to emphasize that our God is the one being referred to and to distinguish Him from the gods of the people in the surrounding areas.

Yahweh Nissie יהוה נִסִּי

Used only once in the Bible, Exodus 17:15, this is the name Moses gave the altar he built after the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. It means “God, my banner.” The word “banner” could also be “exaltation” or “refuge” as well. Whichever of those he meant, Moses was attributing their victory to God in naming the altar.

Yahweh Maqadashem יהוה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם

This is a name God gives Himself, mostly while He’s giving His Law to His people. It means “LORD, your sanctifier.” We don’t have the power to sanctify ourselves or anything, for that matter. Only our holy God can declare something holy.

Yahweh Oseinu יהוה עֹשֵׂנוּ

This name refers to God’s creative abilities and means “God, our Maker.” It’s found in Psalm 95, which implores us to worship Him and recognize that we’re His people. God is our Creator! He made us, and we are His! Isn’t that amazing?!

Yahweh Shamah יהוה שָׁמָּה

“God is there” is what this name means. From Ezekiel 48:35, this is a prophecy stating the name of the city God will inhabit in the Millennial Kingdom. The city’s name clarifies that God will be physically present there. How amazing! I wonder what it will be like!

Yahweh Tsidqenu יהוה צִדְקֵנוּ

Tsidqenu (pronounced tseed-qay-noo) means righteousness, so this name means “God, our righteousness.” It’s used twice in Jeremiah, chapters 23 and 33, to predict the Messiah. We’re not righteous. But through Jesus, we can appear righteous before God!

For a more in-depth study of more names of God, check out His Names are Wonderful: Getting to Know God Through His Hebrew Names by Elizabeth Vander Meulen and Barbara Malden.