Zarhites | זרחי (Hebrew) | Tribe

Ancient Zarhites amid their tents, capturing daily life in a 19th-century lithograph style.

Etymology and Semantic Analysis of Zarhites The term “Zarhites” traces back to the Hebrew root ‘זרחי’ (Zarchi or Zarhi), directly linked to Zerah, a name meaning “dawning” or “rising of light.” The Zarhites were descendants of Zerah, one of Judah’s sons, making them a significant clan within the tribe of Judah. This etymological journey from […]

Yea | ναί (nai) | Greek (adverb)

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘yea’ in English translations of the Bible is derived from the Old English ‘gēa’, signifying affirmation or truth. In the Greek New Testament, ‘yea’ often translates as ‘ναί’ (nai), serving as a term of strong affirmation or agreement. This adverb is most prominent in the New Testament, reflecting a […]

Yesternight | לַ֣יְלָה (layilah) | Noun

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The term ‘yesternight,’ an archaic English word, signifies the previous night or last night. It originates from the combination of ‘yester-‘ (meaning ‘previous’) and ‘night.’ In Biblical Hebrew, the word ‘לַ֣יְלָה’ (layilah) conveys a similar meaning, referring to the night or nighttime. This Hebrew term appears in several Old Testament verses, […]

Yell | צָעַק (Tsa’aq) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘yell’ in English typically conveys a loud, often sharp cry, especially one that expresses pain or alarm. In the Hebrew Bible, the word often translated as ‘yell’ is צָעַק (Tsa’aq), a verb that carries a range of meanings primarily associated with crying out, calling aloud, or shouting, often in […]

Yarn | חוּט (Chut) | Noun

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English word ‘yarn’ is synonymous with a long, continuous strand of interlocked fibers used for knitting or weaving. In the Bible, the Hebrew term חוּט (Chut) represents ‘yarn’ or ‘thread’. The word appears in a handful of Old Testament verses but is notably absent in the New Testament Greek texts. […]

Drive | נָדַד (nadad) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English word ‘drive’ is multifaceted, evoking images of steering, propelling, or pushing forward. Its Old English roots lie in ‘drīfan’, implying a forceful or directed movement. In the Biblical context, ‘drive’ primarily translates from the Hebrew verb נָדַד (nadad), meaning to flee, retreat, or wander aimlessly. Notably, the semantic range […]

Year | שָׁנָה (shanah) | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English word ‘year’ finds its ancient roots in the Old English ‘gēar,’ akin to the Old High German ‘jār,’ and is related to the Greek word ‘ὥρα’ (hora), signifying a season or a period of time. In the Hebrew Bible, the term ‘שָׁנָה’ (shanah) is predominantly used, denoting a division […]

Drink | πίνω (pino) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘drink’ in English is derived from the Old English ‘drincan’, signifying the act of consuming a liquid. In the New Testament, the Greek verb πίνω (pino) is frequently used, encapsulating both the physical act of drinking and metaphorical interpretations. Notable occurrences of πίνω are found in various contexts, such […]

Drunk | μεθύω (methuo) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English term ‘drunk’ originates from the Old English ‘druncen’, historically linked to the concept of being overcome or absorbed by a substance. In the Bible, the Greek equivalent most often found is ‘μεθύω’ (methuo), a verb meaning ‘to be drunk’ or ‘to get intoxicated’. This term appears in several contexts, […]

Divide | διαιρέω (diaireō) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English term ‘divide’ traces its roots to the Latin ‘dividere’, meaning to separate or distribute. However, in the biblical context, the Greek word often translated as ‘divide’ is διαιρέω (diaireō). This term, primarily found in the New Testament, conveys the idea of distributing, separating, or dispersing. The semantic range of […]

Biblical Distress | θλῖψις (thlipsis) | Noun

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The term ‘distress’ in English translations of the Bible mainly corresponds to the Greek word θλῖψις (thlipsis), a noun that signifies pressure, affliction, or tribulation. This word is deeply evocative, painting a picture of being compressed or squeezed, signifying severe mental or societal pressure. The usage of θλῖψις is widespread in […]

Despise in the Bible | καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘despise’ originates from the Old French ‘despire,’ or Latin ‘despicere’ meaning to look down on or scorn. In the New Testament, the Greek verb καταφρονέω (kataphroneō) carries the meaning of thinking little or nothing of, to view with contempt, or to disdain. This word occurs in several key verses, […]

Jaazaniah | יַעֲזַנְיָה (Hebrew) | Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis Jaazaniah, a Hebrew name found in the Old Testament, originates from יַעֲזַנְיָה (Ya’azanyah), signifying “Yahweh hears.” This name appears in several instances, notably in 2 Kings 25:23 and Jeremiah 35:3, where Jaazaniah son of a Maacathite is mentioned as a military leader during the Babylonian siege. Another Jaazaniah, the son of […]

Quantity in the Bible | ποσότης (Greek, Noun)

Definition The term “quantity” in the context of biblical translations refers to the amount or number of something. This term encapsulates both the physical magnitude of objects and the abstract concept of numerical value. Various Translations In the King James Bible, “quantity” is often used to denote the size or number of objects or entities. […]