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 […]

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 […]

Destroy ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English word ‘destroy’ is translated in the New Testament primarily from the Greek verb ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), which carries a range of meanings including to destroy, lose, or perish. This verb is a complex term encompassing both the cessation of existence and the concept of ruin without complete annihilation. In the […]

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, […]

Desolate in the Bible | ἔρημος (erēmos) | Adjective

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The word ‘desolate’ in English, conveying a sense of abandonment or emptiness, is often translated from the Greek word ‘ἔρημος’ (erēmos), an adjective found frequently in the New Testament. This Greek term carries connotations of solitude, barrenness, and isolation, painting pictures of uninhabited and desolate places or the emotional state of […]

Depart in the Bible | ἀπέρχομαι (Greek) | Verb

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The English word “depart” is derived from the Old French ‘departir’, meaning to divide or separate. In the Bible, its Greek counterpart is ἀπέρχομαι (apérchomai), a verb signifying to go away, leave, or depart. This word appears in several New Testament passages, reflecting various contexts. For instance, in Matthew 8:34, it […]

Dan | שֵׁ֖בֶט דָּ֑ן (Hebrew) | Tribe Name

Etymology and Semantic Analysis The name “Dan” originates from the Hebrew word “שֵׁ֖בֶט דָּ֑ן” (shevet Dan), literally translating to “tribe of Dan.” This term uniquely identifies one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. The word “Dan” itself means “judge” or […]

Queen in the Bible | βασίλισσα (Greek) | Noun

Definition The English word “queen” denotes a female monarch or the wife of a king. In the biblical context, it often refers to a woman of significant power and influence. Various Translations In the King James Version, “queen” is consistently used, while other translations, like the New International Version, sometimes employ terms like “royal woman” […]

Abiathar

A Priestly Figure at the Crossroads of Biblical History and Theological Discourse Abiathar, whose name in Hebrew (אֶבְיָתָר) is derived from אָב (’āḇ), meaning “father”, and יֶתֶר (yéther), signifying “remains” or “excelled”, is emblematic of continuity or superiority over one’s paternal lineage. In the scriptural narrative, Abiathar emerges as Ahimelech’s son, the priest at Nob. […]