Basic Bible Vocabulary

We can find ourselves reading and discussing the bible without always truly knowing what some of the words therein actually mean. The following list (mostly) contains the NIV translation meaning/definition of words we come across most regularly in this context.

Christ – Anointed one.

Jesus – In Hebrew the name Yehoshua is that it comes from the root ישע yod-shin-'ayin, meaning "to deliver, save, or rescue"

And so, the name Jesus Christ essentially means ‘God’s anointed savior of mankind’.

Anoint – To pour oil on a person (usually on their head) as a ceremonial symbol, setting him or her apart for blessings or special service to God.

Savior – One who rescues or heals. Jesus Christ is revealed as the Savior who rescues His people from sin and eternal punishment.

Messiah – A name of Jesus that emphasizes His role as God’s chosen deliverer of mankind.

Son of Man - A name of Jesus that emphasizes His dual nature as both fully God and fully human.

Lamb of God – One of the names of Jesus, which demonstrates the connection between Jesus’ sacrificial death and the offerings of the Old Testament.

Bread of Life – By saying this, Jesus was proclaiming that He is the source of true fulfilment and satisfaction.

Transgression(s) – Offense against God; synonymous with sin.

Sin – Evil, moral shortcoming, wrongdoing or disobedience. This term refers to any action, thought or attitude that does not meet the standards set by God.

Idol – Any object, person or idea that someone worships other than the one true God.

Blasphemed – Uttered words or actions intended to insult or devalue God.

Covenant – An agreement or promise between two parties. A covenant was intended to be unbreakable.

Pharisees – The most powerful group of religious authorities within Judaism. The Pharisees were highly focused on their interpretation of the laws given by God, and they often challenged Jesus regarding these precepts.

Sadducees – An upper-class group of Jewish leaders who oversaw the temple administration.

Samaritan – An inhabitant of Samaria.

Gospel – The message that Jesus has come to reconcile humanity to God and that each individual can accept this undeserved gift and enter into a relationship with Him; synonymous with Good News.

Good News – The literal translation of the word gospel, this word refers to the message that Jesus has come to reconcile humanity to God. The good news is that each individual can accept this undeserved gift and enter into a relationship with Him.

Holy – The common literal meaning of this word is set apart. God is holy and fundamentally different from humans because of His purity and perfection; however, God invites people to be holy and live in a way that is set apart to serve Him.

Sovereign – This term describes the fact that God has complete control over all things.

Hosanna – A Hebrew expression meaning Save, which became an exclamation of praise.

Grace – Unmerited favor and blessing. In the New Testament, this term often refers to the undeserved pardon from sin through Jesus. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Faith – Complete trust. True faith is much deeper than mere intellectual agreement with certain facts – it affects the desires of one’s heart.

Baptism – A symbolic act demonstrating that new believers have abandoned their former ways and have embarked on a new life.

Holy Spirit – The manifestation of God who dwells within those who believe in Jesus Christ and empowers them to follow God’s way.

Seraphim - Angelic beings occupied constantly in the praise and worship of God.

Angel – A messenger of God.

Salvation –In the Biblical sense, the term salvation expresses the release from the debt of sin owed to God and the experience of never-ending life with Him in heaven.

Justification – The process by which one is made acceptable in the sight of God. Justification occurs through faith that Jesus died to pay the price for human sin; thus, Jesus himself justifies each person who believes in Him.

Sanctification – The process of growing continually closer to God and taking on His characteristics. Sanctification is essential to the Christian life as evidence of and an effect of the spiritual reality of justification.

Atonement – To make mends to God for wrongdoing (sin) through a sacrifice. In the Old Testament crops or livestock were offered or sacrificed for atonement. In the New Testament the death of Jesus was the sacrifice that pays for the sins of His people.

Redemption – The release of humanity from the debt owed to God for disobedience, and the resulting restoration of a relationship with Him.

Righteous - Living according to the standards set by God. A righteous person is one who values God above everyone and everything, and who lives a life of obedience to God. God’s righteousness refers to His justice and perfection.

Born Again – A term signifying the new spiritual life gained when one believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and accepts His death on the cross as a “free gift” that releases people from the penalty of sin.

Hallelujah - Hebrew for ‘praise the Lord’ (hallel means ‘praise’ and yah is a short form of Yahweh).

Disciples – The followers of Jesus (synonymous with Apostles).

Prophet – A person selected by God to deliver divinely-inspired messages to His people.

Amen – This is certain, or It is so.

You can also refer to the Bible Hub App to see more dictionaries, etc.