Words that open the Scriptures
One biblical Hebrew word at a time, explained plainly. Look up the passage listed with each word and read it in context.
Shema · “hear, listen”
In Hebrew, to hear is more than sound reaching the ear. Shema carries the sense of listening and then responding. Hearing that leads to doing.
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4Torah · “instruction, teaching”
Usually translated "law", Torah comes from a root meaning to aim or point the way. It is a Father's instruction, showing His children how to walk.
Read: Psalm 119Teshuvah · “return, turning back”
The Hebrew picture of repentance is turning around and coming home: a return to Yehovah and His ways.
Read: Hosea 14Mo'ed (plural mo'adim) · “appointed time”
The feasts of Leviticus 23 are called mo'adim, appointed times. They are set meetings on His calendar, not just holidays.
Read: Leviticus 23:2Shalom · “wholeness, peace”
Shalom is more than the absence of conflict. It means completeness, everything whole and in its right place.
Read: Numbers 6:26Emunah · “faithfulness, steadiness”
Often translated "faith", emunah is steady, faithful trust shown over time. It comes from the same root as "amen".
Read: Habakkuk 2:4Kadosh · “holy, set apart”
Holy means set apart for a purpose: belonging to Him and distinct from the common.
Read: Leviticus 19:2Ruach · “wind, breath, spirit”
One Hebrew word covers wind, breath and spirit. The Ruach HaKodesh is the Set-apart Spirit.
Read: Genesis 1:2