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Some Interesting Bible Words
Sometimes we read words in the Bible that we may not fully understand. Here are a few such terms and short definitions:
Abba (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15) – This word means “father” in Aramaic, the common language of Jews after the captivity. This form was retained because it is a more personal address of God than the formal “father.”
Lord of Sabaoth (Rom. 9:29; James 5:4) – A transliterated Hebrew word meaning hosts or armies. It signifies God’s sovereign power over all beings heavenly and otherwise.
Zion (Rom. 9:33, 11:26; Heb. 12:22) – Multiple references include the old city of David, then to all of Jerusalem and by extension the Israelites. The spiritual connotation is to the kingdom of God and salvation in Christ.
Belial (II Cor. 6:15) – The original meaning was worthlessness or hopeless ruin and eventually became a proper name for Satan. It refers to something of Satanic origin, such as false worship and idolatry.
Prodigal (Luke 15:13, some versions) – This word family means wastefulness, squandering, reckless indulgence and partying. The “prodigal son” totally wasted his inheritance in sinful excess, much like many people do today.
Hades/Sheol (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:27) – These Greek and Hebrew forms refer to the realm of departed spirits preceding our final and eternal destination. Some translation irregularities have confused many on these terms.
Maranatha (I Cor. 16:22) – This is also an Aramaic word (actually two words – maran-atha). The precise definition is hard to pin down, but most translators render it in a future sense: “O Lord, come!” (NKJ).
Saint (Acts 9:13; Rom. 1:7; etc.) – Though a common designation of a believer in the early church, this term has fallen into disuse perhaps because it has been corrupted to mean only a notable Christian. The root of the term is to be sanctified or set apart unto God, something true of all believers.
