20 Common Greek Words in the Bible
Quick Summary
This article introduces some of the most important Greek words in the New Testament—terms that shape Christian theology, worship, and discipleship. Each entry includes the Greek word, its meaning, and a short explanation of its significance in Scripture. A recommended reference book for deeper study is included at the end.
Introduction
The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the eastern Roman Empire. Because Greek is more expressive and nuanced than English, many central biblical ideas rest on single Greek words that carry layers of meaning. Understanding a few of these terms can deepen a reader’s grasp of Christian faith and illuminate how the earliest believers understood the gospel.
Below is a list of common and theologically important Greek words found throughout the New Testament, each with a short explanation. These entries are not exhaustive but highlight terms that appear frequently in preaching, teaching, and biblical interpretation.
Common Greek Words in the New Testament
1. Logos (λόγος) – Word, message, reason
Logos appears prominently in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the eternal Word of God. The term carries philosophical weight—reason, order, or principle—but in Christian theology it reveals Jesus as God’s self-expression. In Scripture, the logos is not abstract but personal and living.
2. Agape (ἀγάπη) – Self-giving love
Agape describes God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for humanity. It appears throughout the New Testament, especially in Jesus’ teachings and Paul’s letters. Unlike other Greek words for love, agape expresses a love rooted in action and commitment rather than emotion alone.
3. Pistis (πίστις) – Faith, trust, faithfulness
Pistis can mean trust, belief, or reliability. New Testament faith is not mere intellectual agreement but relational trust in God’s character. Paul uses pistis extensively to describe how believers are justified by grace through faith.
4. Charis (χάρις) – Grace, gift, favor
Charis refers to God’s generous and undeserved kindness toward humanity. Paul employs this word to speak of salvation as a gift, not something earned. Charis shapes Christian understandings of forgiveness, calling, and divine generosity.
5. Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) – Church, assembly
Ekklesia originally meant a civic assembly in Greek cities, but in the New Testament it becomes the word for the gathered people of God. It never refers to a building but to a community called and sent into the world.
6. Kyrios (κύριος) – Lord, master
Kyrios is one of the most important titles for Jesus. It conveys authority and divinity, echoing the Old Testament use of "Lord" for God. Early Christians’ confession that “Jesus is Lord” was both theological and political.
7. Christos (χριστός) – Christ, Anointed One
Christos is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Messiah. It is not a surname but a royal and spiritual title expressing Jesus’ role as God’s chosen king who inaugurates the kingdom of God.
8. Dikaiosune (δικαιοσύνη) – Righteousness, justice
Dikaiosune blends the ideas of moral integrity, right relationships, and justice. Paul often uses this term to describe God’s saving work—setting people right and restoring them to wholeness.
9. Metanoia (μετάνοια) – Repentance, change of mind
Metanoia means more than feeling sorry. It refers to a deep transformation of mind and direction. Jesus’ preaching begins with a call to metanoia—a turning toward God and away from destructive paths.
10. Paraklētos (παράκλητος) – Advocate, Helper, Comforter
Used by Jesus in John’s Gospel, Paraklētos refers to the Holy Spirit as one who stands alongside believers—strengthening, guiding, and comforting them. It conveys a rich sense of personal presence and divine support.
11. Pneuma (πνεῦμα) – Spirit, breath, wind
Pneuma carries vivid imagery of life and movement. In the New Testament it refers to the Holy Spirit, the breath of God who empowers the church, gives gifts, and renews creation.
12. Sōzō (σῴζω) – To save, heal, rescue
Sōzō includes physical healing and spiritual salvation. When the New Testament speaks of being “saved,” it often evokes both deliverance and restoration.
13. Euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) – Gospel, good news
Euangelion refers to a royal announcement. In the New Testament it proclaims Jesus’ victory, reign, and the arrival of God’s kingdom. It is both a message and a reality believers enter.
14. Diakonia (διακονία) – Service, ministry
Diakonia denotes acts of care, leadership, and practical ministry. The early church used this word to describe both servant-heartedness and structured roles like deacons.
15. Koinōnia (κοινωνία) – Fellowship, partnership, sharing
Koinōnia conveys close relational bonds among believers. It includes shared worship, mutual support, and participation in the life of Christ.
16. Telos (τέλος) – End, goal, fulfillment
Telos appears in theological contexts to describe purpose or completion. It speaks to God’s redemptive intention—history moving toward renewal.
17. Zoe (ζωή) – Life, fullness of life
Zoe refers not only to physical life but to the fullness offered through Christ—abundant, eternal, and spiritually renewed.
18. Hamartia (ἁμαρτία) – Sin, missing the mark
Hamartia describes brokenness, failure, and rebellion. It includes both wrong actions and deeper patterns that distort human relationships with God and others.
19. Hypomone (ὑπομονή) – Endurance, steadfastness
Hypomone expresses patient endurance, especially in suffering. Early Christians used the word to describe faithfulness during trials.
20. Phōs (φῶς) – Light
A favorite term in John’s Gospel, phōs symbolizes truth, goodness, and God’s presence. Jesus calls himself the “light of the world,” illuminating human lives.
A Trustworthy Reference for Further Study
For readers who want to explore Greek in more detail, a widely respected resource is:
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
This classic reference book allows readers to look up any English term in the Bible and find its corresponding Greek (or Hebrew) word, definition, and usage. It remains one of the most accessible tools for laypeople and students beginning biblical word study.
Another excellent option is:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Vine’s offers clear explanations of Greek terms without requiring knowledge of the alphabet or grammar. It is ideal for devotional study or sermon preparation.
Both books are commonly available in print and online.
FAQs
Why learn Greek words if we have English translations?
Greek can clarify nuances that English sometimes flattens. A single Greek word may express an idea that takes several English words to convey.
Do I need to know Greek to study the Bible?
No. Reliable translations communicate Scripture faithfully. Learning key Greek terms simply adds depth.
Are all Christian terms based on Greek words?
Many central theological terms—grace, church, gospel, faith—come directly from Greek, but Christian vocabulary also reflects Hebrew and Aramaic roots.
Is Koine Greek still used today?
Koine is no longer spoken, but it remains the primary language studied by pastors, scholars, and seminary students who work with the New Testament text.
