Hebrew Language - Holy Branches

An Introduction to the Hebrew Alphabet

Written by Holy Branches on February 4, 2025. Posted in Hebrew Language. No Comments on An Introduction to the Hebrew Alphabet

Find my free printable Hebrew Alphabet Flash Cards here!

Many Christians learn the Biblical Hebrew language to illuminate their Bible studies. Knowledge of the original languages brings an understanding of the Bible that we can’t quite reach through a translation.

Hebrew can be intimidating to English speakers because it’s a different alphabet. Not only do we have to learn the language, but we also have to start by learning an entirely different alphabet!

It’s not as difficult as it sounds, though. There are only 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet and 12 vowels, called nikkud. Most Hebrew students start by learning the letters and their sounds, which isn’t very difficult with a bit of practice.

Here are my free printable Hebrew Alphabet Flash Cards so you can get started on memorizing the alphabet today!

The Hebrew alphabet is often called the aleph-bet because the first two letters are aleph and bet. Most letters have the same sound as the beginning of their name. For example, bet makes the “b” sound. That makes most letters easy to remember.

There are also some sounds in Hebrew that we don’t have in English, called gutturals. The letter Chet makes the same sound as the “ch” in “Bach.” You make this sound in the back of your throat like you’re clearing your throat.

Here’s a song commonly used to memorize the Hebrew alphabet. Putting the letters to music makes them so easy to remember!

א Aleph

Aleph is one of two silent letters in the Hebrew alphabet. When pronounced, it takes the sound of whatever vowel it accompanies.

בּ Bet

Bet is pronounced “b,” just like the letter B in English.

ב Vet

A vet is just a bet without the dot inside. The dot is called a dagesh, and vet is pronounced “v” like the letter V in English.

ג Gimmel

Gimmel makes a hard G sound, as in “goat.” It may have a dagesh inside like this גּ, but it makes the same sound with or without the dagesh.

ד Dalet

Dalet is pronounced “d,” like the letter D in English. It can also carry a dagesh, which doesn’t change its sound like this דּ.

ה Hay

Hay is pronounced “h” like the letter H in English. When it appears at the end of a word, it’s silent. It sometimes has a dot inside (הּ), called a mappiq, instead of a dagesh that appears in other letters. It indicates that the hay should be pronounced as a consonant, even though it may occur in a place in a word where it would usually be silent.

ו Vav

Vav makes the “v” sound, exactly like the letter vet above. What makes vav interesting is that it can also function as two different vowel sounds. When it appears as וֹ (called holem vav), it’s pronounced “oh,” like the sound at the end of “mow,” and when you see וּ (called shurek), you’d pronounce it “ooo” like the sound at the end of “blue.”

ז Zayin

Zayin is pronounced “zzz,” like the letter Z in English. It can carry a dagesh (זּ), which doesn’t change the pronunciation.

ח Chet

Chet is one of the guttural letters in Hebrew. As I said above, it is pronounced in the back of your throat and sounds like the “ch” in the name “Bach.”

ט Tet

Tet is pronounced “t” like the letter T in English. It will sometimes appear with a dagesh (טּ), which doesn’t change its pronunciation.

י Yod

The tiny letter yod sounds like the English letter “y,” as in “yellow.” Like others, it can carry a dagesh (יּ), which doesn’t change its pronunciation.

כּ Kaf

Kaf is pronounced “k” like the English letter K. It’s always pronounced this way when the dot (dagesh) is present. Without the dagesh, it sounds like the following letter on this list: Chef.

Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards: Second Edition

כ Chaf

The “ch” in the name of the letter chaf is pronounced as a guttural, similar to the “ch” in “Bach,” like the letter chet above. It makes the same sound as chet the “ch” sound. When this letter has a dagesh, it makes the sound “k,” as described above.

What’s unique about Chaf that I haven’t discussed yet is that it looks different when it appears at the end of a word. Five Hebrew letters do this, and this end form of a letter is called the final (or sofit) form. When at the end of a word, chaf will look like this: ך.

ל Lamed

Lamed makes the same “l” sound as the letter L in English. Lamed may have a dagesh and look like this (לּ) but is pronounced the same.

מ Mem

Mem is pronounced “mmm,” like the letter M in English, and its sound is not changed when it appears with a dagesh (מּ). Mem also has a final form, ם, which is almost always found only when a mem is at the end of a word.

נ Nun

Nun (Pronounced both noon and nun) is pronounced “n” like the English letter N. It can have a dagesh, which would look like this (נּ), but the pronunciation remains the same. Nun has a final form for when it’s found at the end of a word, which looks like this: ן.

ס Samech

Samech is pronounced like the English letter S and is pronounced “s.” It can also have a dagesh (סּ) and is pronounced the same if it does.

ע Ayin

Like aleph, ayin is a silent letter. It only makes the sound of the vowel that accompanies it.

פּ Pey

Pey is pronounced “p,” like the letter P in the English alphabet. If it has a dagesh, it’s pronounced “p,” and if it doesn’t, it’s pronounced “f,” further explained below.

פ Fey

Fey is, like the English letter F, pronounced “f.” This sound is made only when it doesn’t have a dagesh because if it does, it’s pronounced “p.” Fey also has a final form, ף, for when it appears at the end of a word.

צ Tsade

This letter’s name is pronounced tsa-dee, with the “ts” being a consonant blend sound like the sound at the end of the word “nuts.” The “ts” sound is also the way the letter is pronounced. It’s said the same when it contains a dagesh and has a final form (ץ) at the end of a word.

ק Qof

Qof makes the “q” sound like the English letter Q. It can also appear with a dagesh, pronounced the same.

ר Resh

Hebrew Word Study: Revealing the Heart of God By Chiam Bentorah

Resh is pronounced “rrr” like the English letter R. It’s a guttural, so it’s said from the back of your throat and is rolled like the letter R in Spanish.

שׁ Shin

Shin is pronounced “sh” like the commonly-used consonant blend in English, and it sounds the same when it has a dagesh. Which side the dot on top is on indicates whether it’s pronounced “sh” or “s.”

שׂ Sin

The name of this letter is pronounced sin or seen. It makes the same sound as the letter S in English, “sss.” This sound is the same as the letter samech, and sin makes the same sound when it has a dagesh. Pay careful attention to which side the dot is on, as this is what differentiates between shin and sin.

ת Tav

Tav, the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet, is pronounced “t” just like the English letter T. It sounds the same when it has a dagesh, like this: תּ.

Click here for a printable version of this Hebrew Consonant chart!

That’s it! Pretty simple, right? With a bit of practice, you can master the Hebrew alphabet and, in doing so, conquer the first step to your knowledge of the Hebrew language!

For more helpful resources for learning Hebrew, visit my Resources page!

10 Bible Verses Where Knowing Hebrew Really Helps

Written by Holy Branches on February 4, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. 5 Comments on 10 Bible Verses Where Knowing Hebrew Really Helps

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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

5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know: A Bite-Sized Bible Study

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

Hebrew Word Study: Revealing the Heart of God (Volume 1)

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.

7 Ways Learning Hebrew Benefits Your Christian Faith

Written by Holy Branches on January 30, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots, Hebrew Language. 3 Comments on 7 Ways Learning Hebrew Benefits Your Christian Faith

Astonishingly, we live in a time when God’s Word is readily available in our language! The Bible is available in 670 languages, and the New Testament can be found in 1,521 languages! With the Old and New Testaments available in many different versions to English-speaking Christians, why would we need to learn Hebrew?

1. To strengthen our relationship with God.

As Bible-believing Christians, our highest priority is to have a relationship with the God of the Bible. As we study His Word, we learn of God’s character and thus get to know Him better. Since the Bible is where we learn about Him, we should be diligent students of it, and it should be our life’s work to understand and unpack its truths fully, and learning the Hebrew language aids us in that.

Picture a Shakespearean literary scholar. A Hindi-speaking one. Now imagine that he proceeds in his studies and teaches, writes, and speaks on the subject of his life’s work without ever learning English but instead uses a Hindi translation of the writings. Wouldn’t that be strange? We’d expect him to study the language these plays were written in. Beyond that, we’d expect that he would also become adept at understanding the details of Elizabethan English. His not doing so would cause us to question his authority and understanding of the subject.

It’s the same when we study the Bible. We could make better use of our years of bible study as we mature as Christians if we incorporated insight into the Hebrew language into our studies. To deepen our understanding of the Bible, we must immerse ourselves in the study of it. As we put years in on digging deeper into biblical truths, we should become at least some level of expert on the subject. Returning to my example of a literary scholar or an earnest student of any topic, Christians should become adept at more and more aspects of biblical study as we mature.

The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner’s Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition

2. It helps us better understand the scriptures.

While some details will be lost in translation between any two languages, some translate more easily into English than others. Take the word peace, for example. In Spanish, it’s “paz,” meaning tranquility or peacefulness, much like what it means in English. So, paz = peace and vice versa. But in Hebrew, shalom is the word for peace. Shalom doesn’t just mean peace, though. Its full Hebrew meaning encompasses completeness, welfare, prosperity, perfection, soundness, safety, health, and more. Yet when translated into English almost everywhere it appears in the Bible; in nearly every English bible translation, it is merely translated as “peace.”

The inaccurate translation is not the fault of bible translators. They are brilliant and well-educated, using their knowledge to replace Hebrew with the best possible English words to preserve the meaning. The confusion comes from the vast differences between the two languages. Even with such valuable resources as we have in the development of today’s numerous bible translations, some meaning will still be lost.

The other source for potential confusion is how a word or phrase is translated, depending on the translator. Without their own understanding of the scripture’s original language, the reader must lean on the translator’s interpretation. Take 1 Sam 2:30 (emphasis mine in both verses).

The ESV version of the verse reads this way:

“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

Yet the NIV version is this:

“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.”

So, which is it? Will those who despise God be disdained or merely lightly esteemed?

We can find the answer in the Hebrew. The root of the word used here is qalal. Its meaning includes lightly esteemed and disdained but also trifling, treated with contempt, dishonored, cursed, and insignificant. Neither of these translations is wrong, but neither fully conveys the word’s meaning.

The Christian student of the Hebrew language will shed light on this inevitable confusion. By learning to understand Hebrew – both the word meanings and how the words relate to the context, one gains a greater overall understanding of the scriptures concerning their original intended language.

3. It helps us understand Jewish culture.

While I don’t subscribe to all of Martin Luther’s beliefs and reject some of his teachings, he advocated for Christians to learn Hebrew. I love the following quote from his book Table Talk about Christians learning Hebrew.

“The Hebrew language is the best language of all, with the richest vocabulary… If I were younger I would want to learn this language, because no one can really understand the Scriptures without it. For although the New Testament is written in Greek, it is full of Hebraisms and Hebrew expressions. It has therefore been aptly said that the Hebrews drink from the spring, the Greeks from the stream that flows from it, and the Latins from a downstream pool.”
Martin Luther

Luther concludes, as do many Christians, that even the New Testament can be better understood through the Hebrew language. However, we need to know more than just the words to understand the Bible. Jewish culture in the time of both the Old and New Testaments was very different from our American culture. Learning Hebrew culture illuminates the Bible in a way that merely reading our English versions can’t.

Idioms – There are Hebrew idioms (sayings) in the Bible – even the New Testament. These are some of what Luther calls “Hebraisms” or “Hebrew expressions.” An idiom is a statement that conveys a message but must be previously defined to be understood. Some English idioms are “kick the bucket” or “see eye to eye.”

The meaning of some of these idioms, understood in ancient culture, is lost to us by translating from Hebrew word for word. For example, in Exodus 3:8, God tells of His plan to bring the Israelites out of Egypt to a “land flowing with milk and honey.” This phrase doesn’t mean a land where milk and honey are flowing literally but a fertile land that will meet their needs and even provide luxury.

In Romans 12:20, Paul uses an expression from his Hebrew culture by quoting Proverbs 25:21-22, “‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” From the standpoint of our modern American culture, heaping burning coals on someone’s head seems like a pretty horrific way to treat them! But Paul calls it overcoming evil with good. Proverbs says that God will reward people who treat their enemies this way.

Poem and Song – Poetic structure is also lost in translation. Much of the Old Testament was written in song or poem form to aid in memorization or clarify concepts, but these things are lost when these scriptures are translated into English, where the verses then lose their cadence. Old Testament scripture read in Hebrew has a beautiful sound that cannot be reproduced when translated from the original language. One prominent example of this is the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:7-9.

Separation of the words from the culture encompassing them results in a loss of meaning. An in-depth understanding of Hebrew can help us discover the scriptures’ implications beyond their mere translation..

4. It’s the language used in synagogues.

One of the most apparent differences between worship in a Messianic Synagogue vs. a traditional Christian church is the use of the Hebrew language. The Hebrew liturgy shocked me since I walked into the first synagogue I attended with a complete knowledge of maybe 20 words in Hebrew!

But over years of studying Hebrew and attending Messianic Synagogues, it’s no longer shocking; it’s beautiful! I love hearing the blessings, prayers, and scripture readings in their original language. What may be lost in translation to English is retained, and all can appreciate the beauty of the language combined with centuries-old traditions surrounding it.

5. Hebrew is spoken in Modern Israel.

Once considered a dead language, Hebrew is now the national language of Israel. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda is credited with reviving spoken Hebrew near the end of the 19th century. He created words for everyday use, making Hebrew user-friendly and a single language to replace the many languages used in that area at that time.

There are differences between Biblical Hebrew (the language used in Hebrew scrolls, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) and Modern Hebrew (spoken in Israel today), but learning one will excel the process of learning the other.

Many Christians travel to the Holy Land, and a grasp of Hebrew would greatly benefit a trip like this one. There are plenty of other reasons that it’s beneficial to learn Hebrew. Knowledge of another language is helpful in various areas of life, such as career and mission work.

6. Our Messiah Jesus learned Hebrew!

What a privilege we have to be able to learn the same language and study the very scriptures that Jesus did! Aramaic was the language he would have probably spoken, but Hebrew was the language of the synagogues in his day, much like today.

In the area where Jesus lived, the people spoke many languages. Judging from his activities and those he conversed with in the New Testament, he probably knew at least some Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and possibly others.

Since he was raised in a Jewish household, he would have learned the Torah (the first five Old Testament books) in Hebrew, as all Jewish boys did. He conversed with religious leaders in the synagogue when he was twelve (Luke 2:39-52). Due to the Hebrew language being used in the synagogue, even then, we can conclude that this conversation either took place in or contained much Hebrew.

What a unique way to learn about and from Jesus! To understand one of the same languages he used to study the scriptures is a gift we should readily accept!

7. Many resources for learning Hebrew.

The availability of information in our day can be for good or evil. There are plenty of both out there, but Christian students of the Hebrew language certainly have a significant advantage right now. There are numerous resources for learning Hebrew; many are custom-made for Christians interested in learning Hebrew. Check out my Hebrew Language resources page for some beginner-friendly resources.

Given the availability of sources for American Christians to learn Hebrew, it is now relatively easy for us to study Hebrew in our spare time and obtain a solid understanding of it. We can use this to deepen our faith and grow closer to God in the process.

Learn Hebrew for Adult Beginners: 3 Books in 1: Read, Write, and Speak Hebrew in 30 Days!

Why not learn Greek or Aramaic?

If this question crosses your mind, you’re not alone! Much of the Old Testament is in Hebrew, but it also contains some Aramaic. The New Testament is in Koine Greek, so why wouldn’t I encourage Christians to learn those too?

Well, honestly, I would! Going back to my example of a Shakespearean scholar, I think we should employ all the resources God makes available to us to better learn His Word and His character.

However, if you’re going to start somewhere, the above seven reasons show that Hebrew is the best place to start. Once you get a firm grasp on Hebrew, make sure not to stop there! Continue to be a student of the Bible until God chooses to end your time on earth!

Whether or not you start down the path of learning the Hebrew language, make sure you are continually a diligent student of the Bible. Unlike any other book, it is alive with words from the Creator of the universe, written for you to get to know Him personally. Don’t miss the gifts He has in it for you!

75 Hebrew Words You Need to Understand the Bible

Written by Holy Branches on December 19, 2024. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. No Comments on 75 Hebrew Words You Need to Understand the Bible

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
on 75 Hebrew Words!

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.

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 10% discount
on 75 Hebrew Words!

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!

Who Were the Amalekites?

Written by Holy Branches on January 3, 2024. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. No Comments on Who Were the Amalekites?

Who were the Amalekites and where are they today?

Read the answer and get insight into the Hebrew with the Israel Institute.

Learn Hebrew Online with Holy Branches!

Written by Holy Branches on December 21, 2023. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. 2 Comments on Learn Hebrew Online with Holy Branches!

Have you ever wondered about the depth of knowledge that Biblical Hebrew or Greek could add to your Bible studies? The Israel Institute on Biblical Studies provides quality online courses in Biblical languages and studies, catering to both degree and non-degree programs.

Click here to check out the courses at The Israel Institute

I started studying Biblical Hebrew ten years ago but reached a point where I had a pretty good understanding of most things I needed – the liturgy at our synagogue and Bible study on a fundamental level. I slowed down on my Hebrew studies and had difficulty finding a class on my level. Studying alone didn’t hold me accountable enough to stay challenged, so I knew I needed something else to move forward in my studies.

I enrolled in a course with the Israel Institute, and I’m so pleased with my class! Since I had previous Hebrew experience, I didn’t have to start at the beginning but tested into a course appropriate for my level. My class is small, so my teacher is accessible, and there’s room for discussion during classes.

One of the best aspects of these courses is their flexibility. The classes meet weekly online, and you can choose the day and time that best fits your schedule. Each class lasts about an hour, with manageable homework assignments in between. You can expect to spend about 1-2 hours weekly on homework. Course materials are available in both printable and book formats, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

The Israel Institute offers a variety of intriguing course options. Beyond Biblical Hebrew, they also provide courses in Greek and Biblical Studies. They collaborate with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to offer both degree and non-degree programs. Having experienced the high quality of their courses, I’m excited about exploring more of their offerings in the future!

If you’re interested in Biblical Language courses or even taking your Bible studies to the next level, check out the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. I’m a student and an affiliate of theirs, so please use the provided affiliate link from this page for enrollment. Thank you in advance!

The Names of God: Adonai, Our Lord and Master

Written by Holy Branches on July 24, 2020. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. 2 Comments on The Names of God: Adonai, Our Lord and Master

God is given many names throughout the Bible by His people and even by Himself! Each of these names reveals an aspect of His character, of who He is. The amazing thing here is that we can get to know God and grow closer to Him through a study of His names.

This article covers the name Adonai and those related. If you’re interested in more names of God, here are others in this series you may enjoy.

The Names of God: Revealing God’s Personality Traits

The Names of God: יהוה, the God of Israel

The Names of God: Elohim, The Mighty One

Find the free printable PDF Names of God Chart here!

If you’re new to the Hebrew language, it may be helpful to start with my posts on the Hebrew Alphabet and the Hebrew Vowels. You’ll also find my Hebrew Language Resources page helpful.

Adonai – אֲדֹנָי

When it appears in Hebrew scripture, English Bible translators most often translate this name as “Lord”. Note that it will appear as “Lord” in lower case letters and not “LORD”. When the word “Lord” is in all caps in the Bible, it’s referring to the name יהוה.

It’s an extended form of the word Adon (אָדוֹן), which is also a name for God but can also be used to refer to men or angels. Adonai can be found in combination with Yahweh as Adonai Yahweh (אֲדֹנָי יַהְוֶה), which is another name translated as “Lord God”. It’s also used to substitute יהוה when reading from Hebrew scripture or praying out loud out of respect for God’s name.

Adoni אֲדֹנִי

Sometimes the word Adonai will be conjugated differently to mean similar but different things. When it appears as Adoni, it means “my Lord”, as David used it in Psalm 110:1. We can all use this name in prayer! Claim Him as your Lord!

Names of God Wall Art, Adonai Lord and Master

Adoneinu אֲדֹנֵנוּ

Like Adoni, the meaning of this name is “our Lord” and is also translated “our Master” as in 1 Samuel 16:16. Isn’t it amazing that we can call the God of the Universe ours?!

It can also be spelled אֲדֹנֵינוּ, which is pronounced the same but used to refer not just to God but also to King David. Examples of these differing uses can be found in Ps. 8:1 and 1 Kings 1:43.

Adonei HaAdonim אֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים

Meaning “Lord of Lords”, one place this name can be found is in Deuteronomy 10:17. This is just after the second set of tablets is brought to the Hebrew people by Moses. Verses 12-22 give an awesome description of who God is and what He requires of us. Read it today if you have a moment!

Adon Yahweh Tsevaot אָדוֹן יְהוָה צְבָאֹות

This is translated as “Lord God of hosts” or “Lord God of Armies”. It can refer to both earthly and supernatural armies.

This is the name David calls God by when he’s before the Philistine army in 1 Samuel 17:45. He announced that they were up against God and not just him and predicted their impending doom. As powerful as the armies of the world (or even the supernatural world) are, God is over even them!

Adon Kol HaAretz אֲדֹון כָּל־הָאָרֶץ

The “Lord of all the earth” or “Lord of the whole earth” is what this name means. It’s used in Psalm 97 (verse 5), which is a breathtaking description of God’s power and elevated position over all.

Click here for a free printable PDF version of my Names of God Chart!

The name Adonai introduces us to God as our Lord and our Master. He’s the Lord of Lords and over all the earth. Isn’t it humbling that such a God knows and loves each of us individually? What an awesome God we have!