Learning biblical Hebrew vocabulary effectively involves a strategic approach that caters to both the unique characteristics of the language and the learning preferences of the individual. Here’s a comprehensive strategy to help you acquire and retain Hebrew vocabulary effectively:
1. Regular Review and Repetition
Consistent review is crucial for memory retention. Spaced repetition systems (SRS) like Anki or Quizlet can automate this process by scheduling reviews at optimal intervals to help you remember words over the long term.
2. Contextual Learning
Understanding words within their textual context aids in retention and comprehension. Study vocabulary through reading biblical passages, paying attention to how words are used in different contexts and their relationship with other words.
3. Mnemonic Devices
Creating mnemonics can significantly aid in memorizing Hebrew vocabulary. Associate Hebrew words with similar-sounding English words, use visual imagery, or create stories around the words to make them more memorable.
4. Use of Flashcards
Flashcards are a traditional but effective tool for learning vocabulary. Write the Hebrew word on one side and its meaning and perhaps a usage example on the other side. This method forces active recall, which strengthens memory.
5. Writing Exercises
Writing the Hebrew words along with their meanings and using them in sentences can reinforce their memory. Writing also involves kinesthetic learning, which can help in anchoring the words more firmly in your memory.
6. Group Study and Peer Discussions
Discussing and using new words in conversation with peers can enhance understanding. Group study sessions provide opportunities to hear different usages and nuances of words, which can deepen your understanding and retention.
7. Integration with Grammar Study
Vocabulary shouldn’t be learned in isolation. Understanding the grammatical role of words in sentences helps in memorizing them effectively. For instance, knowing the root of a Hebrew verb and how it changes in different binyanim (verb structures) can help in understanding various derived nouns or adjectives.
8. Audio Resources
Listening to the vocabulary used in contexts, such as in biblical recitations or modern Hebrew conversations (if applicable), helps with pronunciation and can reinforce memory through auditory learning.
9. Consistent Practice
Language learning requires regular practice. Set aside dedicated time each day for studying Hebrew, and vary your study methods to cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking as much as possible.
10. Visual Aids
Visual learners benefit from using tools like color-coded charts or mind maps to organize vocabulary by themes or grammatical characteristics. Creating visual associations can speed up the recall process.
11. Real-Life Application
Try to use new vocabulary in your daily life. Even simple mental exercises, like translating objects around you into Hebrew or composing sentences in your head, can reinforce learning.
12. Cultural Immersion
Engage with Hebrew culture through music, films, and books. Cultural context helps make vocabulary learning more meaningful and memorable.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively build your biblical Hebrew vocabulary, enhancing both your understanding of the language and your ability to engage deeply with the Hebrew Bible.
The Hebrew OT Alphabet
The Biblical Hebrew Alphabet: A Foundation for Understanding the Scriptures
Overview of the Biblical Hebrew Alphabet
The Hebrew language, used extensively in the composition of the Old Testament, utilizes an alphabet that is both ancient and rich in history. This script, known as the Biblical Hebrew alphabet, consists of 22 consonants, each bearing a unique phonetic sound that contributes to the meaning and pronunciation of sacred texts.
Characteristics of the Hebrew Alphabet
Unlike English and many other languages, traditional Biblical Hebrew is written and read from right to left. The alphabet is composed solely of consonants, with vowel sounds implied or added later by means of diacritical marks known as “niqqud.” Here’s a breakdown of the Hebrew alphabet with transliterations and examples:
Aleph (א) – Often serves as a placeholder for a vowel sound; example: אָב (‘av’ meaning father).
Bet (ב) – Represents a ‘b’ sound as in ‘boy’; when it appears without a dot (dagesh), it is pronounced as ‘v’ like in ‘vet’; example: בֵּית (‘bayit’ meaning house).
Gimel (ג) – Pronounced as ‘g’ as in ‘game’; example: גַּן (‘gan’ meaning garden).
Dalet (ד) – Represents a ‘d’ sound as in ‘door’; example: דֶּלֶת (‘delet’ meaning door).
He (ה) – Pronounced as ‘h’ as in ‘hello’; example: הוֹד (‘hod’ meaning splendor).
Vav (ו) – Functions as a consonant with a ‘v’ sound or as a vowel; example: וֶשֶׁת (‘veshet’ meaning and).
Zayin (ז) – Pronounced as ‘z’ as in ‘zebra’; example: זֶה (‘zeh’ meaning this).
Chet (ח) – Represents a throaty sound similar to the Scottish ‘loch’; example: חַי (‘chai’ meaning alive).
Tet (ט) – Pronounced as ‘t’ as in ‘top’; example: טוֹב (‘tov’ meaning good).
Yod (י) – Represents a ‘y’ sound as in ‘yes’; example: יָד (‘yad’ meaning hand).
Kaf (כ, ך) – Sounds like ‘k’ as in ‘kite’; when it appears at the end of a word, it is written as ך; example: כֶּסֶף (‘kesef’ meaning silver).
Lamed (ל) – Pronounced as ‘l’ as in ‘lion’; example: לֵב (‘lev’ meaning heart).
Mem (מ, ם) – Represents an ‘m’ sound; it appears as ם at the end of a word; example: מַיִם (‘mayim’ meaning water).
Nun (נ, ן) – Sounds like ‘n’; it appears as ן at the end of a word; example: נֵר (‘ner’ meaning lamp).
Samekh (ס) – Pronounced as ‘s’ as in ‘snake’; example: סָבִיב (‘saviv’ meaning around).
Ayin (ע) – A guttural sound not common in English; example: עִיר (‘ir’ meaning city).
Pe (פ, ף) – Represents a ‘p’ sound; it appears as ף at the end of a word; when it appears without a dot, it is pronounced as ‘f’; example: פֶּה (‘peh’ meaning mouth).
Tsade (צ, ץ) – A ‘ts’ sound as in ‘nuts’; it appears as ץ at the end of a word; example: צָפוֹן (‘tzafon’ meaning north).
Qof (ק) – A ‘k’ sound as in ‘kiosk’; example: קוֹל (‘kol’ meaning voice).
Resh (ר) – Pronounced as ‘r’ as in ‘red’; example: רֹאשׁ (‘rosh’ meaning head).
Shin (ש) – Represents ‘sh’ as in ‘shoe’; example: שָׁלוֹם (‘shalom’ meaning peace).
Tav (ת) – Sounds like ‘t’ as in ‘tap’; example: תּוֹרָה (‘Torah’ meaning law).
Application in Scripture
Each letter of the Hebrew alphabet holds not only phonetic significance but also numerical value, which has been used in various forms of Jewish mysticism and interpretation. For example, the first word in the Bible, “בְּרֵאשִׁית” (‘B’reishit’ meaning ‘In the beginning’), provides a foundational example of how these letters combine to form meaningful and significant words, setting the tone for the narrative that follows in Genesis.
The structure and usage of the Hebrew alphabet in forming words and phrases in the Bible is fundamental to understanding the linguistic and cultural nuances of the Biblical text. This understanding enriches the study of Biblical Hebrew, allowing readers and scholars to appreciate the depth and complexity of the sacred writings.
How to Pronounce Biblical Hebrew.
Pronouncing Biblical Greek words involves understanding the phonetic system of Koine Greek, the dialect in which the New Testament was written. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started with the pronunciation, focusing on the standard Erasmian method, which is commonly used in academic settings to facilitate the learning of Greek.
1. Vowels
Biblical Greek has seven vowels: α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, ω. Each can be short or long, but length only occasionally affects pronunciation in the Erasmian method:
α (alpha): Pronounced as “ah” as in “father.”
ε (epsilon): Pronounced as “eh” as in “bet.”
η (eta): Pronounced as “ay” as in “they.”
ι (iota): Pronounced as “ee” as in “see.”
ο (omicron): Pronounced as “o” as in “not.”
υ (upsilon): Pronounced as “oo” as in “loop.”
ω (omega): Pronounced as “o” as in “tome.”
2. Diphthongs
Diphthongs are combinations of two vowels that form a single syllable. Here are some common diphthongs in Biblical Greek:
αι (ai): Pronounced as “eye.”
ει (ei): Pronounced as “ay” in “they” (historically, but “ee” in some modern pronunciations).
οι (oi): Pronounced as “oy” in “boy.”
υι (ui): Rarely used, pronounced as “wee.”
αυ (au): Pronounced as “ow” in “cow.”
ευ (eu): Pronounced as “ew” in “new.”
ου (ou): Pronounced as “oo” in “loop.”
3. Consonants
Most consonants in Biblical Greek are pronounced similarly to their English counterparts, with a few exceptions:
β (beta): Pronounced as “v” in “vine” (Erasmian) or “b” in “ball” (modern Greek).
γ (gamma): Before κ, γ, χ, ξ pronounced as “ng” in “sing”; otherwise, pronounced as “g” in “get.”
δ (delta): Pronounced as “th” in “this.”
ζ (zeta): Pronounced as “dz.”
θ (theta): Pronounced as “th” in “think.”
κ (kappa): Pronounced as “k” in “kite.”
λ (lambda): Pronounced as “l” in “lion.”
μ (mu): Pronounced as “m” in “man.”
ν (nu): Pronounced as “n” in “noon.”
ξ (xi): Pronounced as “x” in “axe.”
π (pi): Pronounced as “p” in “pot.”
ρ (rho): Pronounced as “r” in “rat,” but it’s a trilled or rolled “r.”
σ (sigma): Pronounced as “s” in “sister.” At the end of a word, it’s written as ς and pronounced the same.
τ (tau): Pronounced as “t” in “stop.”
φ (phi): Pronounced as “ph” in “photo.”
χ (chi): Pronounced as “ch” in “Bach.”
ψ (psi): Pronounced as “ps” in “lapse.”
4. Breathing Marks and Accents
Smooth Breathing (᾿): No effect on pronunciation.
Rough Breathing (῾): Adds an “h” sound at the beginning of the word; e.g., ἡλιος (helios) vs. ελιος (elios).
Acute (ά), Grave (ὰ), and Circumflex (ᾶ): These marks indicate the pitch or stress of the syllable in classical pronunciation, but in reading Biblical Greek, they generally indicate which syllable is stressed.
5. Pronunciation Practice
To effectively learn the pronunciation, engage regularly with the text:
Read Aloud: Practice reading passages aloud to familiarize yourself with the flow of the language.
Listening: Listen to recordings of the Greek New Testament to get accustomed to the sounds.
Repetition: Regular practice is crucial. Repetition will help solidify the sounds and improve your reading fluency.
By consistently applying these pronunciation guidelines, learners can develop a strong foundation in reading Biblical Greek, enhancing both their understanding of the language and their ability to interpret the New Testament texts more accurately.
450 Most Frequently Occurring Vocabulary Words in Biblical Hebrew
:
אֵל (ʾēl) – “God, deity”
בֵּן (ben) – “son”
דָּבָר (dāvār) – “word, thing, matter”
הִנֵּה (hinnēh) – “behold, look”
זֶה (zeh) – “this, here”
טוֹב (ṭov) – “good”
יוֹם (yom) – “day”
כֹּהֵן (kohen) – “priest”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מֶלֶךְ (melekh) – “king”
נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) – “soul, life, person”
סֵפֶר (sefer) – “book, scroll”
עַם (ʿam) – “people, nation”
פֶּה (peh) – “mouth”
צַדִּיק (tsaddiq) – “righteous, just”
קוֹל (qol) – “voice, sound”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, wind, breath”
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “peace, well-being”
תוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֲדָמָה (adamah) – “ground, earth”
בְּרִית (berit) – “covenant, pact”
גּוֹי (goy) – “nation, people”
דֶּרֶךְ (derek) – “way, path, road”
הָר (har) – “mountain, hill”
זָכָר (zakhar) – “male”
טָהוֹר (tahor) – “clean, pure”
יָד (yad) – “hand”
כֶּסֶף (kesef) – “silver, money”
לַיְלָה (laylah) – “night”
מַיִם (mayim) – “waters”
נָשִׂיא (nasi) – “prince, leader”
סוּס (sus) – “horse”
עֵץ (etz) – “tree, wood”
פָּנִים (panim) – “face, presence”
צִיּוֹן (tzion) – “Zion”
קֶרֶב (qerev) – “midst, among”
רֹאשׁ (rosh) – “head, top”
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) – “heaven, sky”
תָּבְנִית (tavnit) – “pattern, form”
אֲבִי (avi) – “my father”
בְּרָכָה (berakhah) – “blessing”
גַּן (gan) – “garden”
דֶּרֶשׁ (deresh) – “inquire, seek”
הַר (har) – “mountain”
זָהָב (zahav) – “gold”
טוֹב (tov) – “good”
יָשַׁר (yashar) – “straight, right”
כַּבּוֹד (kavod) – “honor, glory”
לֵאָה (le’ah) – “weary, tired”
מֶלֶךְ (melech) – “king”
נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) – “soul, life”
סֶלָה (selah) – “pause, interruption”
עוֹלָם (olam) – “forever, eternity”
פָּעַל (pa’al) – “do, make”
צָדַק (tzadak) – “be just, righteous”
קָדוֹשׁ (kadosh) – “holy”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, breath”
שָׁאוּל (sha’ul) – “asked, borrowed”
תְּהִלָּה (tehillah) – “praise”
אָדָם (adam) – “man, mankind”
בָּרוּךְ (barukh) – “blessed”
גֵּר (ger) – “sojourner, foreigner”
דּוֹר (dor) – “generation”
הוֹד (hod) – “splendor, glory”
זָקֵן (zaken) – “elder, old”
טָהֹר (tahor) – “clean, pure”
יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushalayim) – “Jerusalem”
כֹּחַ (koach) – “strength, power”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מִצְוָה (mitzvah) – “commandment”
נָבִיא (navi) – “prophet”
סַפֵּר (saper) – “tell, recount”
עֵד (ed) – “witness”
פֶּשַׁע (pesha) – “transgression, offense”
צִיּוֹן (tzion) – “Zion”
קָרָא (qara) – “call, proclaim”
רָע (ra) – “evil, bad”
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “peace”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֶרֶץ (eretz) – “land, earth”
בֵּית (bayit) – “house”
גָּדוֹל (gadol) – “great, large”
דָּוִד (David) – “David”
הֵיכָל (heikhal) – “temple, palace”
זְרָע (zera) – “seed, offspring”
טָמֵא (tame) – “unclean, impure”
יָד (yad) – “hand”
כְּנֶסֶת (keneset) – “assembly, gathering”
לָמַד (lamad) – “learn, teach”
מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) – “judgment, law”
נָא (na) – “please, now”
סוּךְ (sukh) – “anoint, cover”
עֵבֶר (ever) – “side, region”
פֶּה (peh) – “mouth”
צָדִיק (tzadik) – “righteous”
קוֹל (qol) – “voice, sound”
רָאשׁ (rosh) – “head”
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) – “heavens, sky”
תְּהוֹם (tehom) – “deep, abyss”
אָב (av) – “father”
בָּרָק (baraq) – “lightning”
גַּן (gan) – “garden”
דֶּרֶךְ (derekh) – “way, path”
הַר (har) – “mountain”
זֶה (zeh) – “this, here”
טוֹב (tov) – “good”
יָם (yam) – “sea”
כֹּהֵן (kohen) – “priest”
לָכֵן (lakhen) – “therefore”
מָוֶת (mavet) – “death”
נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) – “soul, life, person”
סֵפֶר (sefer) – “book, scroll”
עַם (am) – “people, nation”
פָּנִים (panim) – “face, presence”
צָפוֹן (tzafon) – “north”
קָדֹשׁ (qadosh) – “holy”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, wind, breath”
שַׁעַר (shaar) – “gate”
תָּמִיד (tamid) – “continually, always”
אֹהֶל (ohel) – “tent”
בְּרִית (berit) – “covenant, pact”
גָּלוּת (galut) – “exile”
דָּם (dam) – “blood”
הִנֵּה (hinneh) – “behold, here”
זְרוֹעַ (zeroa) – “arm”
טָהֳרָה (tahorah) – “cleanness, purity”
יְרוּשָׁלִַם (Yerushalayim) – “Jerusalem”
כֶּסֶף (kesef) – “silver, money”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) – “altar”
נָשִׂיא (nasi) – “prince, leader”
סוֹד (sod) – “secret”
עֵד (ed) – “witness”
פֶּשַׁע (pesha) – “transgression, offense”
צֶדֶק (tzedek) – “righteousness, justice”
קָרָה (qarah) – “happen, occur”
רָעָה (ra’ah) – “evil, bad”
שָׁלַח (shalach) – “send, stretch out”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֶרֶץ (eretz) – “earth, land”
בֹּקֶר (boqer) – “morning”
גְּבוּל (gevul) – “border, boundary”
דֶּשֶׁא (deshe) – “grass”
הַר (har) – “mountain”
זֶהָב (zahav) – “gold”
טִיט (tit) – “clay, mud”
יָד (yad) – “hand”
כָּבוֹד (kavod) – “glory, honor”
לַיְלָה (laylah) – “night”
מַיִם (mayim) – “water”
נָבִיא (navi) – “prophet”
סוּכָּה (sukkah) – “booth, tabernacle”
עוֹלָם (olam) – “eternity, forever”
פֶּסַח (pesach) – “Passover”
צִיּוֹן (tzion) – “Zion”
קֶשֶׁת (qeshet) – “bow”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, wind, breath”
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) – “heavens, sky”
תְּפִלָּה (tefillah) – “prayer”
אָבִיב (aviv) – “spring”
בָּשָׂר (basar) – “flesh, meat”
גָּל (gal) – “wave, heap”
דְּבָרִים (devarim) – “words, things”
הֶבֶל (hevel) – “vanity, breath”
זָקֵן (zaken) – “elder, old”
טָהֳרָה (tahorah) – “purity, cleanliness”
יָשַׁע (yasha) – “to save, deliver”
כֹּחַ (koach) – “strength, power”
לֵאָה (le’ah) – “weary”
מֶלֶךְ (melech) – “king”
נֵר (ner) – “lamp, light”
סֵפֶר (sefer) – “book, scroll”
עֵץ (etz) – “tree, wood”
פֶּתַח (petach) – “opening, entrance”
צִפּוֹר (tzippor) – “bird”
קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh) – “holiness, sanctuary”
רֹאשׁ (rosh) – “head, top”
שָׁאַר (shaar) – “remainder, rest”
תּוֹלָדוֹת (toladot) – “generations, history”
אֲחוּזָּה (achuzzah) – “possession, holding”
בֵּרֵךְ (berakh) – “knee”
גַּן (gan) – “garden”
דָּרַךְ (darak) – “to tread, walk”
הָדָר (hadar) – “splendor, majesty”
זָרַע (zara) – “to sow, scatter seed”
טָמֵא (tame) – “unclean, impure”
יַד (yad) – “hand”
כֶּסֶף (kesef) – “silver, money”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) – “judgment, law”
נָגַע (naga) – “to touch, reach”
סוֹף (sof) – “end, conclusion”
עֵרֶב (erev) – “evening”
פְּלֵיטָה (peletah) – “escape, deliverance”
צָפוֹן (tzafon) – “north”
קוֹל (qol) – “voice, sound”
רֶגֶל (regel) – “foot, leg”
שָׁעָה (sha’ah) – “to look, gaze”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֲבִי (avi) – “my father”
בְּרִית (berit) – “covenant, pact”
גְּבוּרָה (gevurah) – “strength, might”
דָּל (dal) – “low, weak”
הַלָּךְ (halak) – “to go, walk”
זְקוּנִים (zequnim) – “old age”
טָהוֹר (tahor) – “pure, clean”
יָרֵא (yare) – “to fear, revere”
כָּלָה (kalah) – “bride, daughter-in-law”
לָמַד (lamad) – “to learn, teach”
מֶלַח (melach) – “salt”
נָחָשׁ (nachash) – “serpent, snake”
סוּכָּה (sukkah) – “booth, tabernacle”
עָנָן (anan) – “cloud”
פֶּה (peh) – “mouth”
צָרָה (tzarah) – “trouble, distress”
קֶרֶן (keren) – “horn, ray”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, wind, breath”
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “peace”
תֵּבָה (tevah) – “ark, box”
אֵשׁ (esh) – “fire”
בָּמָה (bamah) – “high place, altar”
גָּדוֹל (gadol) – “great, large”
דּוּמָה (dumah) – “silence”
הוֹד (hod) – “splendor, glory”
זָכָר (zakhar) – “male, remember”
טָהוֹר (tahor) – “pure, clean”
יָרֵחַ (yareach) – “moon”
כְּסֵא (kise) – “chair, throne”
לַיְלָה (laylah) – “night”
מַעַל (ma’al) – “above, upward”
נָשִׂיא (nasi) – “prince, leader”
סָבִיב (saviv) – “around, about”
עֵץ (etz) – “tree, wood”
פָּנִים (panim) – “face, presence”
צְבָאִים (tzva’im) – “hosts, armies”
קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh) – “holy”
רָעָה (ra’ah) – “to shepherd, to graze”
שָׁעָר (sha’ar) – “gate”
תְּפִלָּה (tefillah) – “prayer”
אָהֳלִי (oheli) – “my tent”
בְּרָכָה (berakhah) – “blessing”
גַּל (gal) – “wave, heap”
דָּרוֹם (darom) – “south”
הָר (har) – “mountain”
זָהָב (zahav) – “gold”
טוֹב (tov) – “good”
יַד (yad) – “hand”
כֹּה (koh) – “thus, so”
לֶחֶם (lechem) – “bread”
מֶשֶׁךְ (meshek) – “possession, property”
נֶגֶב (negev) – “south, dry area”
סִיר (sir) – “pot”
עֵרָב (erev) – “evening”
פָּעַל (pa’al) – “do, make”
צִפּוֹר (tzippor) – “bird”
קָרַב (qarav) – “to approach, come near”
רֹאשׁ (rosh) – “head, top”
שָׁלַח (shalach) – “send, stretch out”
תְּמוּנָה (temunah) – “form, image”
אֲדָמָה (adamah) – “ground, earth”
בַּיִת (bayit) – “house”
גָּלָה (galah) – “uncover, reveal”
דָּבָר (davar) – “word, thing, matter”
הִיא (hi) – “she, it”
זָקֵן (zaken) – “elder, old”
טָהֳרָה (tahorah) – “purity, cleanness”
יָרֵחַ (yareach) – “moon”
כֹּל (kol) – “all, every”
לֵילָה (layil) – “night”
מַלְאָךְ (mal’ach) – “angel, messenger”
נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) – “soul, life, person”
סוּס (sus) – “horse”
עַיִן (ayin) – “eye”
פֶּה (peh) – “mouth”
צַדִּיק (tzaddik) – “righteous”
קָדֹשׁ (qadosh) – “holy”
רָעָה (ra’ah) – “bad, evil”
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) – “peace”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אָח (ach) – “brother”
בֵּרֵךְ (berech) – “knee”
גַּם (gam) – “also, even”
דֶּשֶׁא (deshe) – “grass”
הוֹד (hod) – “splendor, majesty”
זָרַע (zara) – “sow, scatter seed”
טָהוֹר (tahor) – “pure, clean”
יָדָה (yadah) – “to acknowledge, give thanks”
כֶּרֶב (kerev) – “sword”
לָשׁוֹן (lashon) – “tongue, language”
מַעַל (ma’al) – “treachery, unfaithfulness”
נָסָה (nasah) – “to test, try”
סֶלַע (sela) – “rock, cliff”
עוֹלָם (olam) – “eternity, forever”
פָּעַל (pa’al) – “to do, make”
צִיּוֹן (tzion) – “Zion”
קוֹל (qol) – “voice, sound”
רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit, wind, breath”
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) – “heavens, sky”
תּוֹלָדוֹת (toladot) – “generations, descendants”
אֵשׁ (esh) – “fire”
בְּרָכָה (berakhah) – “blessing”
גֵּר (ger) – “sojourner, foreigner”
דָּמָה (damah) – “to be like, resemble”
הָלַךְ (halakh) – “to go, walk”
זְכוּת (zkhut) – “right, merit”
טָעַם (ta’am) – “taste, reason”
יַעַקֹב (Ya’akov) – “Jacob”
כָּלָה (kalah) – “bride”
לֶחֶם (lechem) – “bread”
מָקוֹם (maqom) – “place”
נִשְׂאָה (nissah) – “to be lifted, carried”
סַפָּר (sappar) – “to count, tell”
עֵד (ed) – “witness”
פָּנִים (panim) – “face, presence”
צָר (tzar) – “adversary, distress”
קֶרֶן (keren) – “horn, ray of light”
רֶגֶל (regel) – “foot, leg”
שָׁבַע (shavah) – “to swear, take an oath”
תִּפְאָרָה (tifarah) – “beauty, glory”
אָרוֹן (aron) – “ark, chest”
בֵּית (bayit) – “house, home”
גָּלוּת (galut) – “exile, captivity”
דֶּרֶךְ (derekh) – “way, path”
הֵיכָל (heikhal) – “temple, palace”
זֶה (zeh) – “this, here”
טָהֳרָה (tahorah) – “purity, purification”
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael) – “Israel”
כֹּהֵן (kohen) – “priest”
לָמַד (lamad) – “to learn, teach”
מָשִׁיחַ (mashiach) – “anointed one, Messiah”
נֵצֶר (netser) – “shoot, sprout”
סוּס (sus) – “horse”
עַם (am) – “people, nation”
פֶּשַׁע (pesha) – “transgression, rebellion”
צָפוֹן (tzafon) – “north”
קְדוֹשִׁים (qedoshim) – “holy ones”
רֹאשׁ (rosh) – “head, chief”
שָׁבָת (shabbat) – “Sabbath, rest”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֲבָנִים (avanim) – “stones”
בּוֹרֵא (bore) – “creator”
גָּן (gan) – “garden”
דָּגָן (dagan) – “grain, cereal”
הָר (har) – “mountain”
זִקְנָה (ziqnah) – “old age”
טַבָּח (tabbach) – “slaughter, butcher”
יְהוּדָה (Yehudah) – “Judah”
כְּסִיל (kesil) – “fool”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim) – “Egypt”
נַחַל (nachal) – “stream, valley”
סִפְרָה (sifrah) – “book, document”
עֵץ (etz) – “tree, wood”
פֶּלֶא (pele) – “wonder, miracle”
צִדְקִיָּה (Tzidkiyah) – “Zedekiah”
קֶרֶם (kerem) – “vineyard”
רַחֲמִים (rachamim) – “compassion, mercy”
שָׁלַם (shalam) – “to pay, complete”
תָּמָר (tamar) – “palm tree”
אֵל (El) – “God”
בָּשָׂר (basar) – “flesh, meat”
גּוֹלָה (golah) – “exile, captives”
דָּל (dal) – “poor, weak”
הָמוֹן (hamon) – “multitude, crowd”
זָכָר (zakhar) – “male, remember”
טוֹב (tov) – “good”
יָשַׁר (yashar) – “straight, right”
כַּף (kaf) – “palm, spoon”
לַיְלָה (laylah) – “night”
מָוֶת (mavet) – “death”
נָא (na) – “please, now”
סִין (Sin) – “Sinai, thorn”
עוֹד (od) – “still, yet, again”
פֵּן (pen) – “lest, otherwise”
צוּר (tzur) – “rock, strength”
קוֹל (qol) – “voice, sound”
רֹאשׁ (rosh) – “head, top”
שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) – “heaven, sky”
תּוֹלָדוֹת (toladot) – “generations, descendants”
אֶרֶץ (eretz) – “earth, land”
בֹּקֶר (boqer) – “morning”
גְּבוּרָה (gevurah) – “might, strength”
דָּג (dag) – “fish”
הִנֵּה (hineh) – “behold, here”
זָקֵן (zaken) – “old, elder”
טָהוֹר (tahor) – “pure, clean”
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael) – “Israel”
כֶּלֶב (kelev) – “dog”
לֵאָה (leah) – “weary”
מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) – “altar”
נָחָשׁ (nachash) – “snake, serpent”
סָבִיב (saviv) – “around, about”
עוֹלָם (olam) – “forever, eternity”
פֶּלֶא (pele) – “wonder, miracle”
צָדִיק (tzadik) – “righteous”
קָרַב (qarav) – “to approach, come near”
רָקִיעַ (raqia) – “firmament, expanse”
שָׁעָר (shaar) – “gate”
תְּפִלָּה (tefillah) – “prayer”
אֲדָמָה (adamah) – “soil, ground”
בְּרֵאשִׁית (bereshit) – “in the beginning”
גַּל (gal) – “wave”
דְּבֵר (dever) – “pestilence, plague”
הָדָס (hadas) – “myrtle”
זְמָן (zman) – “time”
טֶרֶם (terem) – “before, not yet”
יוֹם (yom) – “day”
כָּבוֹד (kavod) – “glory, honor”
לֵב (lev) – “heart”
מַלְאָךְ (mal’ach) – “angel, messenger”
נָגַע (naga) – “to touch, strike”
סוּכָּה (sukkah) – “booth, tabernacle”
עֵרֶב (erev) – “evening”
פְּלִשְׁתִּים (pelishtim) – “Philistines”
צְפַרְדֵּעַ (tzefardea) – “frog”
קָצֶה (qatseh) – “end, edge”
רָחוֹק (rachok) – “far, distant”
שָׂדֶה (sadeh) – “field, country”
תֵּבָה (tevah) – “ark, box”
אָהֳלִי (oheli) – “my tent”
בּוֹר (bor) – “pit, cistern”
גָּן (gan) – “garden”
דּוּד (dud) – “pot, kettle”
הַר (har) – “mountain”
זָהָב (zahav) – “gold”
טָהֹר (tahor) – “pure, clean”
יָרֵא (yare) – “to fear, revere”
כֹּל (kol) – “all, every”
לַיְלָה (laylah) – “night”
מָשַׁל (mashal) – “proverb, parable”
נָשִׂיא (nasi) – “prince, leader”
סֶלַע (sela) – “rock, cliff”
עָפָר (afar) – “dust, earth”
פָּנֶה (paneh) – “to turn, face”
צִפּוֹר (tzippor) – “bird”
קָרָה (qarah) – “to happen, occur”
רָאָה (ra’ah) – “to see”
שָׁמַע (shama) – “to hear”
תּוֹרָה (torah) – “law, instruction”
אֶרֶץ (eretz) – “land, earth”
בְּשָׂר (besar) – “flesh, meat”
גָּלָה (galah) – “to uncover, reveal”
דָּבָר (davar) – “word, thing, matter”
הֶבֶל (hevel) – “vanity, breath”
זָכָר (zakhar) – “male, remember”
טָמֵא (tame) – “unclean, impure”
יַיִן (yayin) – “wine”
כֹּחַ (koach) – “strength, power”
לֵאָה (le’ah) – “weary”
מַיִם (mayim) – “water”
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
