Hebrew Words

Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong’s Number 

H430  

Meaning 

Elohim is the Hebrew word most often translated "God" in English Translations of the Bible. Although it is grammatically plural, it frequently refers to the one true Creator of heaven and earth. The word can also refer to false gods, angels, human rulers, judges, or other spiritual beings depending on the context, making context essential for understanding its meaning. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I often use the word Elohim instead of God. I do so because it is the word used throughout much of the Hebrew Scriptures and because it encourages readers to think about the original language rather than the assumptions, we often bring to English words.  

Key Passages 

• Genesis 1:1 

• Deuteronomy 6:4 

• Psalm 82 

• Exodus 20:2–3 

 

YHWH (יהוה )

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong’s Number 

H3068  

Meaning 

יהוה is the Hebrew spelling of the personal covenant Name of the Creator—the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It consists of four Hebrew letters: 

• י (Yod)  

• ה (He)  

• ו (Waw/Vav)  

• ה (He)  

These four letters are commonly transliterated into English as YHWH and are often referred to as the Tetragrammaton, meaning "four letters." His Name appears nearly 7,000 times throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, making it the most frequently occurring name for the Creator in the Bible. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I frequently quote The Scriptures published by the Institute for Scripture Research (ISR). Unlike most English Bible translations, which replace the Creator's Name with "LORD" (in capital letters), The Scriptures preserves the Hebrew text by printing יהוה wherever the Name appears. 

For this reason, readers will often encounter יהוה in Scripture quotations on this website. When His name is used, I believe it should be with the utmost reverence and respect. Exodus 20:7 

Pronunciation 

Because the ancient pronunciation was not preserved with certainty, I avoid insisting upon a single pronunciation. 

Today, the pronunciations Yahweh and Yehovah are the two most common proposals. Throughout this website I simply use יהוה when quoting Scripture and YHWH when writing in English. 

Key Passages 

• Exodus 3:13–15  

• Exodus 6:2–3  

• Exodus 20:7 

• Deuteronomy 6:4  

• Isaiah 42:8  

• Ezekiel 36:22–23  

• Joel 2:32 

 

Yehoshua (יהושע)

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong’s Number 

H3091 

Transliteration 

Yehoshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) 

Common Short Form: Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) 

Meaning 

יהושע (Yehoshua) is a Hebrew name meaning "YHWH is salvation" or "YHWH saves." The name is formed from the divine Name יהוה (YHWH) together with a Hebrew verb meaning "to save" or "deliver." 

Over time, a shortened form of the name, ישוע (Yeshua), came into common use, particularly during the Second Temple period. 

When the New Testament was written in Greek, the name was transliterated as Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous). From Greek, it passed into Latin (Iesus) and eventually into English as Jesus. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I often use the name Yehoshua when referring to the Messiah. 

I do this because I believe it shows reverence, and it reflects the Hebrew form of His name and reminds readers that He was born a Jew, lived among the Jewish people, taught from the Hebrew Scriptures, and fulfilled the promises made to Israel.  

When quoting English Bible translations that use the name Jesus, I generally leave the quotation unchanged. However, in my own writing I usually use Yehoshua.

Key Passages 

• Numbers 13:16 (Hoshea renamed Yehoshua)  

• Joshua 1:1–9  

• Ezra 3:2  

• Nehemiah 8:17  

• Zechariah 6:11-12 

• Matthew 1:21  

• Acts 4:12 

 

Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ)(Messiah) 

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

H4899 

Meaning 

מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) is the Hebrew word commonly translated Messiah or Anointed One. 

The word comes from a Hebrew verb meaning to anoint or to smear with oil. Throughout the Tanakh, anointing with oil symbolized that a person had been set apart by Elohim for a particular purpose or office. 

In the Scriptures, the word Mashiach may refer to: 

• A king anointed to rule.  

• A priest anointed to serve.  

• On occasion, another person chosen by Elohim for a specific purpose.  

• Ultimately, the promised Messiah whom Elohim would send to redeem His people.  

The context determines which meaning is intended. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I generally use the title Messiah rather than Christ. 

Both titles refer to the Anointed One, but I believe the title Messiah better reflects the Hebrew context of the Scriptures and naturally points the reader back to the promises found throughout the Tanakh.  For this reason, when referring to Master Yehoshua in my own writing, I will generally use the title, Messiah. 

Pronunciation 

Mashiach is commonly pronounced mah-shee-AHKH. 

The final sound is produced in the throat, similar to the "ch" in the German word Bach or the Scottish word loch. Many English speakers simply pronounce it mah-shee-ah. 

Key Passages 

• 1 Samuel 16:13  

• Psalm 2:2  

• Isaiah 61:1  

• Daniel 9:25–26  

• John 1:41  

• John 4:25–26  

• Acts 2:36 

 

Ruach (רוּחַ)

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

H7307 

Meaning 

רוּחַ (Ruach) is a Hebrew word translated as spirit, breath, or wind. The exact meaning depends upon the context in which it is used. 

In the Scriptures, Ruach can refer to: 

• The Spirit of Elohim.  

• The spirit of a person.  

• The breath of life.  

• Wind or a moving current of air.  

• One's disposition, attitude, or inner being.  

Although English translations often use different words for these ideas, the Hebrew Scriptures frequently use the same word—Ruach. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I often use the Hebrew word Ruach because it captures a richness of meaning that is sometimes lost in English translation. 

When referring specifically to the Spirit of Elohim, I may use the expression Ruach HaQodesh, meaning "the Set-Apart Spirit" . Using the Hebrew term reminds us that the Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is the same Spirit who gives life, empowers His people, and leads them into truth. 

Pronunciation 

Ruach is commonly pronounced roo-AHKH, with the final sound produced in the throat, like the "ch" in the German word Bach or the Scottish word loch.  

Key Passages 

• Genesis 1:2  

• Genesis 2:7  

• Numbers 11:25  

• Psalm 51:10–11  

• Ezekiel 37:1–14  

• Joel 2:28–29  

• John 3:8 

 

Torah (תּוֹרָה)

Language

Hebrew

Strong's Number

H8451

Meaning

תּוֹרָה (Torah) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as law in many English Bibles. However, the word more accurately means instruction, teaching, direction, or guidance.

The Torah is the instruction given by Almighty Elohim to teach His people how to live in covenant relationship with Him and with one another. Depending on the context, the word may refer to:

• A specific instruction or teaching.
• A collection of commandments.
• The Law of Moses.
• The first five books of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy), often called the Torah or the Pentateuch.

The context determines which meaning is intended.

Why I Use This Word

Throughout this website I often use the Hebrew word Torah instead of simply writing law.

In modern English, the word law often brings to mind rules, legislation, or legal requirements. While the Torah certainly contains commandments, the Hebrew word carries the broader idea of a loving Father's instruction and guidance for His people.

Using the word Torah reminds us that Elohim's commandments were given not merely as regulations to obey, but as instruction intended to teach His people how to walk in wisdom, righteousness, and covenant faithfulness.

Pronunciation

Torah is commonly pronounced TORE-ah, with the emphasis on the first syllable. 

Key Passages

• Deuteronomy 4:1–8
• Psalm 1:1–2
• Psalm 19:7–11
• Psalm 119:1–176
• Proverbs 6:20–23
• Isaiah 2:2–3

 

Qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ)  

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

H6918 

Meaning 

קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as holy. Its primary meaning is set apart, separate, sacred, or dedicated for the purposes of Elohim. 

Something that is qadosh has been distinguished from what is common or ordinary and devoted to Him. Depending on the context, the word may describe: 

• Almighty YHWH Himself.  

• People who belong to Him.  

• The Sabbath.  

• His appointed times.  

• The Tabernacle or Temple.  

• Priests and sacred objects.  

• Anything He has set apart for His purposes.  

While holiness certainly includes purity and righteousness, the fundamental idea is that of being set apart unto YHWH our Elohim. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I use the words set apart rather than the word holy, because I believe this better reflects the primary meaning of the Hebrew word Qadosh. 

Understanding this word has greatly influenced my own study of the Scriptures. For example, when Scripture commands us to "keep the Sabbath holy," it is calling us to recognize that Almighty YHWH Himself has set apart that day from the other six days of the week. 

Likewise, believers are called to be a people who are set apart for His purposes, living lives that reflect His character and His ways. 

Pronunciation 

Qadosh is commonly pronounced kah-DOHSH. The initial Q represents the Hebrew letter Qoph (ק), which is pronounced farther back in the throat than the English K. In English, however, it is often pronounced much like a hard K. 

Key Passages 

• Exodus 20:8–11  

• Leviticus 11:44–45  

• Leviticus 19:2  

• Isaiah 6:3  

• Ezekiel 22:26  

• 1 Peter 1:15–16 

 

Tanakh 

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

Not Applicable 

Meaning 

Tanakh (תַּנַ״ךְ) is the traditional Hebrew name for the collection of inspired writings commonly referred to in many English Bibles as the Old Testament. 

The word Tanakh is an acronym formed from the first letters of its three major divisions: 

• Torah (תּוֹרָה) – The Instruction (Genesis–Deuteronomy)  

• Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים) – The Prophets  

• Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים) – The Writings  

Together, these three sections make up the Scriptures that Yehoshua, His disciples, and the apostles read, taught from, and quoted throughout the Apostolic Writings. 

Although the order of the books differs somewhat from that found in most modern English Bibles, the contents are essentially the same. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I use the word Tanakh instead of Old Testament. 

I do so because it is the traditional Hebrew name for these inspired writings and better reflects the way they were understood by the Jewish people in biblical times. 

Using Tanakh also reminds us that these Scriptures remain the foundation upon which the Apostolic Writings were built. Yehoshua and His apostles consistently taught from the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, affirming their enduring authority and significance. 

Pronunciation 

Tanakh is commonly pronounced tah-NAHKH. 

The final sound is produced in the throat, similar to the "ch" in the German word Bach or the Scottish word loch. Many English speakers simply pronounce it tah-nock or tah-nahk. 

Key Passages 

• Luke 24:44  

• John 5:39  

• Acts 17:11  

• 2 Timothy 3:15–17 

 

תְּשׁוּבָה (Teshuvah) - Repentance 

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

Not Applicable 

Note: The noun תְּשׁוּבָה (Teshuvah) is not found as a separate entry in Strong's Concordance. It is derived from the Hebrew verb שׁוּב (Shuv), Strong's H7725, meaning to return, turn back, or restore. 

Meaning 

תְּשׁוּבָה (Teshuvah) literally means return or returning. 

Although the English word repentance is often used to describe this concept, the Hebrew idea is much broader. Teshuvah is not merely feeling sorrow for sin or confessing wrongdoing. It is the act of turning away from sin and returning to Elohim with one's whole heart. 

Throughout the Tanakh, Elohim repeatedly calls His people to return to Him: 

(Mal 3:7 [TS2009]) 

“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My laws and did not guard them. Turn back to Me, and I shall turn back to you,” said יהוה of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what shall we turn back?’ 

(Joel 2:12 [TS2009]) 

“Yet even now,” declares יהוה, “turn to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 

(Hos 14:1 [TS2009]) 

O Yisra’ĕl, return to יהוה your Elohim, for you have stumbled by your crookedness. 

 Teshuvah involves a change of heart that is demonstrated by a change in direction. It is a turning from disobedience to faithful obedience and a restoration of covenant relationship with Elohim. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I occasionally use the Hebrew word Teshuvah because I believe it expresses the biblical idea more fully than the English word repentance. 

While repentance often emphasizes sorrow for sin, Teshuvah reminds us that Elohim's call is not simply to feel remorse, but to return to Him. It is an invitation to turn back to His ways, seek His face, and walk faithfully in covenant relationship with Him. 

Pronunciation 

Teshuvah is commonly pronounced teh-shoo-VAH. 

Key Passages 

• Deuteronomy 30:1–10  

• 1 Kings 8:46–50  

• Isaiah 55:6–7  

• Jeremiah 3:12–14  

• Ezekiel 18:30–32  

• Hosea 14:1–2  

• Joel 2:12–13  

• Malachi 3:7  

• Matthew 3:1–2  

• Acts 3:19 

 

אֶחָד (Echad) 

Language 

Hebrew 

Strong's Number 

H259 

Meaning 

אֶחָד (Echad) is a Hebrew word meaning one, one alone, single, first, or each, depending on the context. 

Like many Hebrew words, Echad has a range of meanings that must be understood from the surrounding passage. It can describe: 

• A single person or object.  

• One day or one year.  

• One of a group.  

• The first in a sequence.  

• A unity or collection regarded as one.  

The context determines which meaning is intended. 

One of the best-known uses of the word is found in the Shema: 

(Deut 6:4 [TS2009])
“Hear, O Yisra’ĕl: יהוה our Elohim, יהוה is one!

This declaration affirms the uniqueness and oneness of Almighty YHWH and stands as one of the foundational statements of biblical faith. 

Why I Use This Word 

Throughout this website I occasionally use the Hebrew word Echad because it appears in several foundational passages of Scripture and carries nuances that are not always apparent in English. 

Rather than assigning a single definition to every occurrence, I encourage readers to examine how the word is used in its immediate context. Doing so helps us better understand the intent of the biblical authors and avoids reading later theological ideas into the text. 

Pronunciation 

Echad is commonly pronounced eh-KHAHD. 

The first letter (א) is silent. 

The middle sound (ח) is produced in the throat, similar to the "ch" in the German word Bach or the Scottish word loch. 

Many English speakers pronounce it eh-kad, though this loses the Hebrew guttural sound. 

Key Passages 

• Genesis 1:5  

• Genesis 2:24  

• Genesis 11:6  

• Exodus 12:46  

• Deuteronomy 6:4  

• Ezekiel 37:17  

• Zechariah 14:9