Glossary

Hebrew and Christian Glossary (Jewish Messianic Traditions)

A

Abba (אַבָּא)

Definition: A Hebrew and Aramaic term meaning “Father” or “Daddy.”

Purpose: Used in prayer and worship to express an intimate, personal relationship with God. Yeshua used this term when addressing God, emphasizing the close connection between believers and their Heavenly Father (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15).

Adonai (אֲדֹנָי)

Definition: A Hebrew term meaning “Lord” or “Master,” used as a reverent substitute for the divine name of God (YHWH).

Purpose: Used in Jewish and Messianic traditions to honor God’s sovereignty without pronouncing the sacred Name.

Aliyah (עֲלִיָּה)

Definition: Literally means “ascent.” Refers to Jewish immigration to Israel or being called up to read the Torah in a synagogue.

Purpose: In Messianic belief, it signifies returning to God’s covenant promises and, spiritually, the believer’s ascent to a higher walk of faith.

Amen (אָמֵן)

Definition: Means “so be it” or “truly.”

Purpose: A declaration of agreement, often used at the end of prayers, affirming faith in God’s will.

B

Baruch HaShem (בָּרוּךְ הַשֵּׁם)

Definition: “Blessed be the Name [of the Lord].”

Purpose: A phrase used to express gratitude and reverence to God.

Berakhah (בְּרָכָה)

Definition: A blessing or benediction.

Purpose: Spoken over food, people, and sacred events as an expression of gratitude to God.

Besorah (בְּשׂוֹרָה)

Definition: Means “Good News” or “Gospel.”

Purpose: The message of Yeshua as the Messiah and His redemption. Messianic believers see the Besorah as the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures (Isaiah 52:7, Luke 4:18).

C

Challah (חַלָּה)

Definition: A special braided bread eaten on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Purpose: Symbolizes the provision and blessing of God, often connected with Messianic observance of Shabbat.

Chesed (חֶסֶד)

Definition: Loving-kindness, mercy, or covenantal faithfulness.

Purpose: Demonstrates God’s loyal love, a core aspect of His character (Psalm 136:26).

D

D’var HaShem (דְּבַר הַשֵּׁם)

Definition: “Word of the Lord.”

Purpose: Used to refer to God’s spoken and written revelation, particularly in relation to the teachings of the Messiah (John 1:1).

E

Echad (אֶחָד)

Definition: “One” in Hebrew.

Purpose: Central to the Shema prayer: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Messianic believers understand this as a unity within the Godhead.

Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)

Definition: A name of God, often used to emphasize His power and majesty.

Purpose: Reflects God’s divine authority and creative power in Scripture.

F

Feasts of the Lord

Definition: Biblical holy days given by God (Leviticus 23), including Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

Purpose: Messianic believers see these feasts as prophetic symbols fulfilled in Yeshua.

G

Galut (גָּלוּת)

Definition: Exile or dispersion.

Purpose: Refers to the Jewish diaspora, but also symbolizes spiritual exile from God, with redemption found in Messiah.

Goy (גוֹי)

Definition: A non-Jew or Gentile.

Purpose: In Messianic faith, Gentiles who believe in Yeshua are grafted into the covenant (Romans 11:17-24).

H

HaMashiach (הַמָּשִׁיחַ)

Definition: “The Messiah.”

Purpose: Title given to Yeshua as the anointed Savior and Redeemer.

Havdalah (הַבְדָּלָה)

Definition: A ceremony marking the end of Shabbat.

Purpose: Symbolizes the separation between the sacred and the ordinary, recognizing God’s holiness.

I-J

Immanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל)

Definition: “God with us.”

Purpose: A prophetic name for the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).

K

Kedushah (קְדוּשָׁה)

Definition: Holiness or sanctification.

Purpose: Describes God’s holiness and the call for believers to be holy.

L

L’Chaim (לְחַיִּים)

Definition: “To life!”

Purpose: A traditional Hebrew toast celebrating God’s gift of life.

M

Mitzvah (מִצְוָה)

Definition: A commandment or good deed.

Purpose: Reflects obedience to God’s law and loving-kindness.

N

Nasi (נָשִׂיא)

Definition: “Prince” or “Leader.”

Purpose: Sometimes used for the Messiah as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

O-P

Pesach (פֶּסַח)

Definition: Passover.

Purpose: Commemorates the Exodus and is a Messianic symbol of Yeshua as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Q-R

Ruach HaKodesh (רוּחַ הַקּוֹדֶשׁ)

Definition: “The Holy Spirit.”

Purpose: God’s Spirit who empowers and guides believers.

S

Shabbat (שַׁבָּת)

Definition: The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Purpose: A day of rest and worship. Messianic believers see Yeshua as the fulfillment of Shabbat rest (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Shema (שְׁמַע)

Definition: “Hear, O Israel…” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Purpose: Central Jewish prayer affirming God’s oneness.

T-Z

Torah (תּוֹרָה)

Definition: The first five books of the Bible.

Purpose: God’s divine instruction.

Tzion (צִיּוֹן)

Definition: Zion, the spiritual and physical dwelling place of God’s people.

Purpose: Represents God’s Kingdom on Earth.

This glossary highlights key Hebrew terms used in Jewish Messianic traditions, showing their connection to faith in Yeshua as the Messiah.