Word Studies

Avon / Iniquity

Iniquity is a biblical word that very few people use anymore, and even fewer people know what it means! In this video, we’ll explore the significance of this word in ancient Hebrew, and discover a whole new way to think about our selfish decisions and their consequences.

Pesha / Transgression

“Transgression” is one of those Bible words that seems clear until you have to explain it to somebody. In this video, we’ll explore the fascinating and sophisticated meaning of this biblical “bad word.” Get ready for a sobering reflection on human nature.

Khata / Sin

The word “sin” is one of the most common bad words in the Bible, but what does it really mean? In this video, we’ll explore the concept of “moral failure” that underlies this important biblical word. Get ready to discover a profound and realistic portrait of the human condition.

Agape / Love

The word “love” is one of the sloppiest words in our language, as it primarily refers to a feeling that happens to a person. In the New Testament, “love” refers to a way of treating people that was defined by Jesus himself: seeking the well-being of others regardless of their response.

Chara / Joy

In this video, we explore the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood, but rather a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises.

Yakhal / Hope

In the Bible people who have hope are very different from optimists! In this video, we’ll explore how biblical hope looks to God’s character alone as a basis for trusting that the future will be better than the present.

Shalom / Peace

“Peace” is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It’s also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we’ll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus.

Shema / Listen

Is hearing and listening the same thing? This video, discover how sound entering your ear-drums isn’t synonymous with “listening”, at least from a biblical perspective. This video is the first installment of our Word Studies series, a six-part exploration of the ancient biblical prayer called “The Shema”.

YHWH / LORD

YHWH, Adonai, LORD, Jehova… God seems to have a lot of names, what exactly am I supposed to call Him? We invite you into the fascinating journey behind all the different names Jews and Christians have referred to their creator throughout the centuries, and more importantly, why!

Ahavah / Love

Let’s talk about love, Old Testament style! In this video, we’ll explore the various ways the Hebrew authors used the word “love,” and how they depicted God as the ultimate source and goal of all human love.

Lev / Heart

Different cultures have different conceptions of the human heart, what it is and what it does, and the biblical authors are no exception. In this video we’ll explore the ancient Hebrew words for “heart” as well as the different ideas of what our hearts represent. There is no biblical word that captures better the essence of human thought, feeling, and desire, than this rich and wonderful word.

Nephesh / Soul

We explore the Hebrew word “nephesh” that often gets translated as “soul.” The English word usually refers to a non-material essence of a human that survives after death, but nephesh means something different. It is referring to humans as living, breathing, physical beings, or just to life itself. Prepare to be surprised at the biblical meaning of this fascinating word!

Meod / Strength

What does it mean to love God “with all of your strength”? In this final installment of our videos on the Shema, we explore the Hebrew word underneath this phrase. And spoiler alert: “strength” is only one of many ways this rich word could be translated!