Bible Words

We appreciate your interest to learn the meaning of important biblical words. We welcome you to contact us if there is a word you would like defined – [email protected]. 

THEOLOGICAL TERMS

Apologetics – The science of defending the Christian faith. The mission of Christian apologetics is to share proof and evidence that the Christian message is true. Christian apologetics presents a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and truth to those who disagree. We are all commanded to be equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15).

Hypostatic Union – This important theological concept is not mentioned in scripture. However, the concept is broadly described and is based in the New Testament describing Jesus Christ as being both God and man. Christian orthodoxy accordingly teaches that Christ is both all man and all God, joined together, being of one essence but two distinct wills. This is called the hypostatic union.

Trinity – Understanding the Trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one. However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the godhead). They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will and role. For more information, please read our e-chapter, The Trinity.

Theology – The study of the themes of scripture that allows one to better understand the nature and the actions of God. It is a foundational step in the practical study of scripture. The word comes from the Greek words theos meaning “God” and logos meaning word.

WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE

Commandment – entolē – injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription, precept.

This is referring to orders from God. In the New Testament with Christ’s coming, we a have a commandment to love one another.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

Peace – Greek, Eirene – made quiet, join.

The Jews and Gentiles were made one in Christ. By becoming Christians, unity was brought to these two groups that formerly hated one another, which established peace and harmony.

Ephesians 2:14-15  For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Salvation – Greek, sōtēria – rescue or safety (physically or morally).

Our salvation is a gift from God. We were undeserving of God’s mercy, but he made the ultimate sacrifice and offered his Son because only Christ was sufficient for our sins to be forgiven. By faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Holy – Greek, hagios – sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated).

We receive salvation by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, through which we obtain forgiveness of our sins and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are considered holy and blameless (i.e., forgiven of our sins and our imperfect bodies considered righteous) before God.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Fellowship – Greek, koinōnia – a partnership.

The Greek word describes sharing, a communion that we have with other believers. In fellowship, we experience a connection with one another, a linking together, that is much deeper than if we were just all part of the same car club, sports team, or community organization.

1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

Kingdom – Greek, basileia – properly royalty, that is a realm.

The church has spiritual aspects of the kingdom, but the physical kingdom will come when Christ returns.

2 Samuel 7:12-16 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Cornerstone – Greek, akrogōniaios – chief corner.

The cornerstone is the strongest stone in the building, that provides its location and direction. Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, from which apostles and prophets extend and create the foundation and on which we as individual Christians are built upon it, as living stones, to create the temple of God.

Ephesians 2:20-21 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Predestined – Greek, proorizō – to decide beforehand.

God chose us and predetermined us to salvation.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Love – Greek, agape – selfless love.

The type of love that God has for us, and we should have for each other, which is a giving, selfless love with the good of the other person in mind.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

Wisdom – Greek, sofia – knowledge.

To have biblical wisdom indicates both knowledge of the topic as well as an ability to practically apply what is known.

Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Praise – Greek, epainos – to commend.

As God manifests His holy character and actions we respond with our praise (commendation and thanks). God deserves this praise as He brought us to salvation through faith in Christ’s death on the cross for our sins.

Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Grace – Greek, charis – Usually means ‘unmerited favor’ and applies most often in scripture to our salvation.

God saved us by His grace and not by any work we did ourselves.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Adoption – Greek uihothesia – Placing of a son.

Adoption represents a position that we have before Christ as believers. In the Greco-Roman world, as in many countries today, once adopted legally, the child has all the rights and privileges as the natural born offspring and cannot be removed from the family. So it is with Christians in the family of God!

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Chosen – Greek eklegomai – to be picked out.

Before the foundation of the world, God has selected each of us as worthy to represent him and belong to his family.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

Blessing – Greek eulogia – well speak.

Spiritual blessings come through Christ and by context many blessings are derived from our salvation.

Romans 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Mystery – Greek musterion – information that was not known previously, but now is revealed.

Christ made known to us the parts of His plan of salvation not mentioned before in the Old Testament scriptures: gentiles as co-heirs with Israel (Ephesians 3:3-9); the church (Matthew 13); the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51); and Christ in us, the hope of glory (i.e., the regeneration, Colossians 1:27).

Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Sanctification – Greek hagiasmos – purification.

When a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, they are sanctified and have a permanent condition of holiness making them set apart from sin.

Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Dispensation – Greek oikonomia – the oversight of another’s property.

God manages His people in different ways at different times, though salvation is always by grace.

Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Baptism – Greek baptisma – immersion, submersion.

When we have faith in our salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection, we receive a spiritual baptism that makes us a new person who is no longer corrupt with sin.

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Saint – Greek hagios – pure, sacred, blameless.

A person that is forgiven of their sins by faith by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

Anoint – Greek chrisma – something rubbed in (normally referring to an oil).

Kings and priests were anointed and the oil was emblematic of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. Christ is called ‘the anointed one’ and as Christians we are anointed and regenerated to a new person.

Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Regeneration – Greek paliggenesia – new birth.

With Christ’s death and resurrection, we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit into a new person and our old self dies.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Apostle – Greek apostolos – A messenger.

The 12 apostles were taught in person by Christ and governed the early church, passing down the information they learned from our Savior to subsequent generations.

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Covenant – Greek diathēkē – A binding contract.

In the Old Testament, a covenant involved an animal sacrifice (sins were covered by sacrifices). Under the new covenant, God sacrificed His Son once for all, completely erasing our sins.

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Revelation – Greek apokalypsis – information unveiled or revealed.

In scripture it indicates information revealed that is associated with the first or second coming of Christ. The epistles reveal the information associated with Christ’s first coming.

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Resurrection – Greek anastasis – to rise from the dead.

By faith we died when Christ was crucified and are raised with Him (resurrected) unto eternal life.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Reconcile – Greek apokatallassō – to change, bring into agreement or harmony.

Through Christ’s blood, we are reconciled in our relationship with God.

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Redemption – Greek apolutrōsis – liberation through payment of ransom.

Christ’s death on the cross paid the ransom we owed for our sin that had bound us.

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Amen – Greek, amēn – so be it.

Coming from the Hebrew word for ‘to believe’, therefore we affirm or believe what was just said.

Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

GREEK WORDS IN THE BIBLE

Wrath – ὀργή – orgē – or-gay’ – properly desire, that is, (by analogy) violent passion; by implication punishment: – anger, indignation, vengeance. God’s directed punishment to us for our sins. By our nature we were destined for God’s wrath.

Walk – περιπατέω – peripateō – per-ee-pat-eh’-o – to tread all around, that is, walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow: go, be occupied with, walk (about). This is word if often referring to your manner of life.

Sin – ἁμαρτάνω – hamartanō – ham-ar-tan’-o – to miss (and so not share in the prize), that is, (figuratively) to err, especially (morally): offend, trespass. Means to miss the mark or an active sin; in other words, a sin of commission.

Trespass – παράπτωμα – paraptōma – par-ap’-to-mah – a side slip (lapse or deviation), that is, (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression: fall, fault, offence, sin. This indicates an unintentional sin or sin of omission.

Dead – νεκρός – nekros – nek-ros’ – From nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively). This is where we get the word necrotic, which can mean dead either spiritually or physically.

Fill – πληρόω – plēroō – play-ro’-o – to make replete, that is, (literally) to level up, finish, verify: accomplish, (be) complete, end, fulfil, perfect. Commonly used in scripture and literally means ‘to fill’ but has a secondary abstract meaning of ‘mature’ or ‘complete’.

Might – δύναμις – dunamis – doo’-nam-is – force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): ability, strength. This is another word for power and from where we get the word dynamite.

Principality – ἀρχή – archē – ar-khay’ – beginning, origin; the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader. This is where we get the word arch as in ‘arch enemy’.

Riches – πλοῦτος – ploutos – ploo’-tos – wealth, literally money, possessions, or figuratively abundance, richness. This is a general term defined by the context. In the epistles, it refers to the benefits derived from God often related to our great salvation.

Hope – ἐλπίς – elpis – el-pece’ – to anticipate, expectation or confidence: faith. In scripture, the word hope almost always refers to our salvation.

Calling – κλῆσις – klēsis – klay’-sis – an invitation (figuratively). In scripture this almost always refers to our summons or invitation to salvation.

Knowledge – ἐπίγνωσις – epignōsis – ip-ig’-no-sis – recognition. A strengthened form of knowledge, which is adapted by Paul and Peter, to indicate a special perception or knowledge of God that only Christians have, derived from His word. Otherwise, as believers, who possess both the Spirit and the Bible, we can know God much better than pre-resurrection saints.

Revelation – ἀποκάλυψις – apokalupsis – ap-ok-al’-oop-sis – disclosure, appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, to be revealed, revelation. A general Greek word used in scripture to indicate information revealed, associated with the first or second coming of Christ. The epistles reveal the information associated with Christ’s first coming.

Earnest – ἀῤῥαβών – arrhabōn – ar-hrab-ohn’ – a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest. This refers to the Spirit as a down payment. In Roman time, like today, this was understood to be like earnest money typically deposited in a real estate transaction which guarantees the intention or the purchaser to complete the deal.

Sealed – σφραγίζω – sphragizō – sfrag-id’-zo – to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively). He sealed us until the day we are fully redeemed in Christ at the end of all time.

Gospel – εὐαγγέλιον – euaggelion – yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on – meaning good news or good message. We access the gospel by hearing and then believing. Individuals need to say the gospel to indicate belief (Romans 10:15). Truth from God provides salvation, not the ways of society which tries to shame us into silence about this truth.

Trust – προελπίζω – proelpizō – pro-il-pid’-zo – means hope beforehand. Hope in the epistles takes a general Greek word for hope (elpizo) and uses it for the confidence believers have in salvation. In the epistles, hope always means our sure salvation (Hebrews 11:1). “Hope beforehand” is only used here in scripture and probably indicates those who were first to come to faith in Ephesus.

Predestined – προορίζω – proorizō – pro-or-id’-zo – chosen beforehand to salvation. God alone determines the outcome of history, and our salvation is according to His own purpose and will.

Inheritance – κληρόω – klēroō – klay-ro’-o – to allot that is (figuratively) to assign (a privilege): obtain an inheritance. This is a general Greek word for inheritance but in scripture it always means our salvation.

Dispensation – οἰκονομία – oikonomia – oy-kon-om-ee’-ah – The management of a household or of household affairs; specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of another’s property. God manages His people in different ways at different times though salvation is always by grace (e.g., God managed the Israelites differently than in the current times when he manages His people through the church).

Mystery – μυστήριον – mustērion – moos-tay’-ree-on – God revealed something that was hidden and then made known, often referring to things not made known in the Old Testament but revealed in the New Testament.

Prudence – φρόνησις – phronēsis – fron’-ay-sis – Intellectual or moral insight. Derived from the Greek word for diaphragm, which Greeks believed to be the moral and knowledge basis for a person’s heart (their core nature) since the heart rests on the diaphragm in normal anatomy.

Redemption – ἀπολύτρωσις – apolutrōsis – ap-ol-oo’-tro-sis – ransom in full. Christ, by His death on the cross, paid the price we owe for our sins and took our punishment to satisfy a just and holy God.

Wisdom – σοφια – sophia – sof-ee’-ah – Indicates both knowledge of the topic as well as an ability to practically apply what is known, i.e. the practical application of knowledge.

Love – ἀγάπη – agapē – ag-ah’-pay – A giving, selfless love with the good of the other person in mind.

Grace – Χάρις – charis – khar’-ece – Usually means ‘unmerited favor’ and applies most often in scripture to our salvation.

Saint – ἅγιος – hagios – hag’-ee-os – – a holy person, that is forgiven of their sins by faith (the faithful) by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Christ – Χριστός – Christos – khris-tos’ – the anointed one, the Messiah.

Teleios – τέλειος – tel’-i-os – of full age, mature, complete, perfect.

THEOLOGICAL TERMS

Evangelical – The word comes from the Greek word, “evangelion,” which means good news or gospel. The word typically describes Christians who believe they are saved by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, that the gospel needs to be shared, and hold the Bible to be truth.

Doctrine – A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, that which is taught and believed to be true by a church. The official teachings of a church. This word is from the Latin doctrina meaning “to teach.” Learn more in our e-chapter, Hermeneutics.

Eschatology – The study of the end times and Christ’s return as detailed in the Bible. The return of Christ is the fulfillment of our great hope of salvation and a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing. Learn more in our e-chapter, The return of Christ – Eschatology.

Hermeneutics – How to interpret the Bible, the study of the meanings of writings, speech, and biblical texts. Learn more in our e-chapter, Hermeneutics.

Doxology – Means a study of praise. The word comes from the Greek doxa (glory, splendor) and logos (word, speaking). Most doxologies are expressions of praise to God, such as a hymn sung during Christian worship. Learn more in our e-chapter, Tools to Christian Maturity.

Soteriology – The study of salvation, the who/what/when/why/how we are saved. This includes our means of salvation, the process of our salvation and our security of salvation. Learn more in our e-chapter, Salvation Explanation.

Disciple – a follower of Jesus. The Bible requests us to ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19). Outreach is an important aspect of our faith. To believe in Christ people have to be told verbally (Romans 10:14). Learn more on this topic in our e-chapter, Practicing our Christian Walk – Outreach.

Canon – The biblical books constituting the Old and New Testaments. The true Word of God was written down as epistles with guidance by the Holy Spirit. These letters were circulated probably in the early church period when apparently an informal canon of scriptures was formed. For more information read our e-chapter, The Christian Life.

Communion – This is a fundamental sacrament often celebrated by the local church. The rite is based on the last supper of Christ, when He broke the bread and poured wine to remember His sacrifice upon the cross for sins and our salvation at His coming again. The wine represents Christ’s blood spilt on the cross and the bread represents His broken body on the cross. For more information read our e-chapter, The Sacraments.

Sacraments – The word ‘sacrament’ is not found in the Bible. The word is used to describe rites performed by the church. The two most common with the soundest biblical basis are baptism and communion. The number and the form of the sacraments among Christians are quite controversial and are in part what define church denominations. For more information read our e-chapter, The Sacraments.

Apostolic authority –God gave truth to Christ; Christ taught the apostles this truth; the apostles then taught the truth to the second-generation Christians under apostolic authority. During the second generation of the church, this truth was written down to provide our canon of scriptures which is the basis of God speaking to us today. For more information read our e-chapter, God’s Leading & Freedom.

Legalism – Oxford defines legalism in theology as ‘dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.’ Although extra laws added to scripture such as: do not drink, do not smoke, do not go to parties, etc. that are not in scripture, may sound holy but can lead to many problems. For more information read our e-chapter, God’s Leading & Freedom.