14 Common Hebrew Words in the Old Testament
Quick Summary
The Old Testament preserves a rich collection of Hebrew words that shape its theology, worship, and storytelling. Words like shalom, hesed, ruach, nephesh, and torah carry layers of meaning that deepen how readers understand God’s character and the life of faith. Each Hebrew word opens a window into the world of Scripture, revealing insights that often cannot be fully captured by a single English translation.
Introduction
Most Christians encounter the Old Testament in translation, but the Hebrew text carries a world of nuance that English alone cannot convey. Hebrew is a deeply expressive language—poetic, compact, and full of imagery. Some words point to central themes that run throughout Scripture. Others capture ideas that shaped Israel’s prayers, laws, worship, and identity.
This post explores several common and theologically significant Hebrew words in the Old Testament, each with a paragraph explanation to help readers grasp its meaning, use, and importance in the biblical story.
1. Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)
Meaning: Peace, wholeness, well-being, harmony.
Explanation: More than the absence of conflict, shalom describes a state where everything is as it ought to be—relationships restored, communities flourishing, and life aligned with God’s purposes. When God blesses someone with shalom, it is a blessing of fullness: physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. The prophets longed for a future marked by shalom, and the Psalms often pray for it. In many ways, shalom is the Old Testament’s vision of the world set right.
2. Hesed (חֶסֶד)
Meaning: Steadfast love, covenant loyalty, mercy.
Explanation: One of the most important words in the Old Testament, hesed refers to God’s faithful, committed love for his people. It is not simply kindness but covenant loyalty—love that keeps promises even when humans fail. Psalm 136 repeats the refrain, “his steadfast love (hesed) endures forever,” a reminder that God’s character is unwavering. This word captures the relational heart of Scripture: God chooses, loves, forgives, and sustains his people.
3. Ruach (רוּחַ)
Meaning: Spirit, breath, wind.
Explanation: Ruach is used for the Spirit of God moving over the waters in Genesis 1:2, for the breath that animates life, and for the wind that symbolizes God’s power. Its range of meaning highlights the Spirit’s active presence in creation, prophecy, and renewal. When Ezekiel speaks of God’s ruach bringing life to dry bones, he connects physical breath with spiritual restoration. The word conveys both gentle presence and world-shaking power.
4. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ)
Meaning: Soul, life, self, living being.
Explanation: Unlike modern ideas of "soul" as something separate from the body, nephesh describes the whole person—body, breath, emotions, and life itself. When Genesis says that humans became a living nephesh, it means a fully alive creature. The Psalms frequently use nephesh to express desire or distress: “My soul (nephesh) thirsts for God.” It is a holistic word capturing the depth of human life before God.
5. Torah (תּוֹרָה)
Meaning: Instruction, teaching, law.
Explanation: Though often translated "law," torah is broader, referring to God’s guidance for righteous living. It includes commandments, but also stories, wisdom, and instruction. Psalm 1 celebrates the joy of meditating on torah, and Deuteronomy calls Israel to live by God’s teaching in every area of life. Torah is not merely legal—it is relational, shaping Israel’s identity and spiritual formation.
6. Berit (בְּרִית)
Meaning: Covenant.
Explanation: A central theme of the Old Testament, berit describes the binding relationship God establishes with individuals and communities—Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David. Covenants involve promises, responsibilities, blessing, and belonging. God’s covenant faithfulness is the backbone of the biblical story, and understanding berit helps readers see how God binds himself to his people out of love.
7. Tov (טוֹב)
Meaning: Good, beautiful, fitting.
Explanation: Used repeatedly in Genesis 1, tov expresses the goodness of creation. It describes what is beneficial, life-giving, and aligned with God’s purposes. The word carries aesthetic and moral weight: something is tov when it contributes to flourishing. When the prophets lament evil or injustice, they are calling Israel back to what is tov.
8. Ra (רַע)
Meaning: Evil, harmful, destructive.
Explanation: Ra stands as the opposite of tov. It includes moral evil, injustice, suffering, and anything that breaks shalom. The Old Testament treats ra not merely as wrongdoing but as a force that fractures life. Understanding ra helps frame Israel’s calling to pursue justice, righteousness, and holiness.
9. Kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ)
Meaning: Holy, set apart.
Explanation: God is called kadosh—holy—not just because of moral purity but because of God’s uniqueness and otherness. Holiness marks God’s presence in the temple, shapes Israel’s worship, and calls the people to reflect God’s character: “Be holy, for I am holy.” The word speaks to identity, vocation, and transformation.
10. Shema (שְׁמַע)
Meaning: Hear, listen, obey.
Explanation: In Hebrew thought, listening and obeying are inseparable. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6—“Hear, O Israel…”—summons God’s people to attentive obedience rooted in love. Shema is not passive hearing but active, faithful response. It is the heart of Israel’s spiritual life.
11. Amen (אָמֵן)
Meaning: Truly, certainly, let it be so.
Explanation: Spoken at the end of prayers or declarations, amen affirms trust in God’s faithfulness. It expresses agreement, confidence, and communal affirmation. The word reflects a posture of reliance on God’s promises.
12. Halal / Hallelujah (הַלֵּל / הַלְלוּ־יָה)
Meaning: Praise; "Praise the Lord."
Explanation: These words form the language of worship throughout the Psalms. Hallelujah is both invitation and celebration, calling the community to lift its voice in gratitude and wonder. It reflects joy, reverence, and the communal nature of Israel’s praise.
13. Adonai (אֲדֹנָי)
Meaning: Lord, Master.
Explanation: Used in prayer and worship, Adonai conveys authority, intimacy, and reverence. It becomes a spoken substitute for the divine name YHWH, reflecting awe for God’s holiness. The title highlights God’s sovereignty and care.
14. Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)
Meaning: God, mighty one.
Explanation: A common term for God, Elohim appears in the opening verse of Genesis. Though plural in form, it refers to the singular God of Israel. The word conveys majesty, power, and creative authority. It reminds readers that the biblical story begins—and ends—with God’s action.
Why These Words Matter
They reveal the heart of Scripture.
Each word carries layers of meaning that shape theology, worship, and identity.
They deepen biblical understanding.
Recognizing these terms enriches how readers approach familiar passages.
They connect modern readers with ancient faith.
Hebrew words invite reflection on the world of the Old Testament and the relationships that formed Israel’s life with God.
They illuminate God's character.
Words like hesed, shalom, and kadosh reveal God’s love, peace, and holiness.
FAQs
Why learn Hebrew words if we read the Bible in English?
A few key Hebrew terms can clarify meaning and help readers appreciate the richness of Scripture.
Are these the only important Hebrew words?
No. The Old Testament contains many more, but these represent foundational themes for understanding the biblical story.
Do these words still shape Jewish worship today?
Yes. Many appear in prayers, blessings, and liturgy across centuries.
