Bible terms & word study
Theological vocabulary and Hebrew/Greek roots — read Scripture with confidence in a Catholic context.
Charis and Eucharistia: Grace, Thanksgiving, and the Holy Eucharist
Charis is grace; eucharistia is thanksgiving. These two Greek words, close to Scripture and liturgy, help explain why the Mass is the thanksgiving feast where grace is given.
Pistis: Faith in Biblical Greek — Trust, Faithfulness, Clinging To
Pistis is not only "right belief" but also trust and faithfulness to God. Understanding this term helps illuminate the letters of James and Romans in the light of Catholicism: faith works through love.
Ekklesia: The Term "Church" in the Bible Is Not Just a Building
The Greek ekklesia originally means “the called out assembly.” In the New Testament, it refers to the community called by Christ — His body — not limited to a building or individual groups outside of communion.
Kyrios and the Name of God: The Term "Lord" in the Greek Bible
In the LXX and the New Testament, the Greek word Kyrios is associated with the reading of the holy name YHWH. Understanding this term helps deepen the Gospel — always in the light of Jewish tradition and the Church, not separated from the Liturgy.
Sin and Repentance: Hamartía and Metánoia in the New Testament
Hamartía suggests "missing the mark" — deviating from God; metánoia is to change one's mind, to turn back. The two words together in the first Gospel: repent and believe — not just a feeling of guilt but a new decision in grace.
Messiah, Christos, Savior: The Same Name of Redemption
Messiah (Hebrew Mashiach) and Christ (Greek Christos) both mean "the anointed one." Christians believe that Jesus is the complete Messiah — King, Priest, and Prophet in one mystery.
Amen, Alleluia, Hosanna: The Hebrew Language in the Mouth of the Church
Many of the words we sing every Sunday are in Hebrew or Biblical Hebrew: Amen (let it be so), Alleluia (praise the Lord), Hosanna (save us). Understanding their origins enriches the Liturgy.
Righteousness, Grace, Salvation: Dikaiosyne, Charis, Soteria
Three linked terms in Paul and the Psalms that should not be opposed too simply. Charis is God's gift, dikaiosyne is right relationship with God, and soteria is salvation in its full sense.
Agapē and Hesed: Two Great "Words of Love" in the Bible
Greece uses many words for love; the Old Testament emphasizes hesed — the faithful lovingkindness of God in the covenant. Understanding the differences helps deepen the Psalms and the Gospel of John without oversimplifying.
Read From Hebrew and Greek: Why Original Languages Still Matter?
The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Understanding a few points of etymology helps avoid misunderstandings — but always accompanied by commentary and the teachings of the Church, without independently "building theology" from a single word.