Let’s Not Overlook Ancient Hebrew
Many Christians rely exclusively on English Bible translations for their spiritual growth and Biblical understanding. While modern translations are valuable tools created by dedicated scholars, they can only take us so far. Learning even basic Hebrew opens understandings of Scripture that simply cannot be captured in English translation. This is mainly due to the passage of time, as language often changes, as well as how different the language itself is. (We read left to right, Hebrew reads right to left…. Oh, so sometimes it is okay to be a bit backwards? Got it. <3)
But you don’t need to become a Hebrew scholar to begin learning Hebrew. With modern tools and a simple approach, any Christian can begin exploring Hebrew and immediately enhance their Bible study.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Hebrew
Learning Hebrew, even at a basic level, offers profound benefits for Christian faith and biblical understanding. For starters, learning the original language of the Old Testament allows for deeper scripture engagement. Hebrew poetry, prophecy, and narrative contain layers of meaning, wordplay, and theological significance that emerge more clearly in the original text. It also enhances word study. Looking up the definitions of words in an English dictionary is good, but looking up the same word in Hebrew can add many key theological concepts that English cannot convey. Deeper spiritual insight and a more accurate biblical interpretation are just on the other side of this effort.
The cultural and historical context of Scripture comes alive through Hebrew language study. It gives access to the ancient Near Eastern mindset and culture that shaped biblical texts, helping you understand the original audience’s perspective. This also gives a better understanding of Christianity’s Jewish roots. The continuity between the Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament becomes much clearer. (Especially when it comes to understanding grace. Amen, somebody!)
The Problem with Translation-Only Study
While we should be grateful for quality English translations, relying solely on them presents several challenges for serious Bible study:
1.) Every Translation Involves Interpretation.
Translators must choose between competing meanings, cultural contexts, and theological implications. What appears as straightforward English often represents complex decisions about ambiguous Hebrew texts.
2.) Hebrew Wordplay and Literary Devices Aren’t Always Clear
Hebrew Scripture contains extensive wordplay, puns, alliteration, and literary structures that carry theological significance but disappear in translation.
3.) Cultural Concepts Don’t Always Have Equivalents
Terms like “covenant,” “righteousness,” or “glory” carry rich cultural and theological meaning that English words cannot fully capture.
4.) Translator Bias Influences Word Choices
All translation teams bring theological presuppositions that may reflect particular denominational perspectives or contemporary trends.
5.) Multiple Meanings Get Collapsed into Single Words
Hebrew and Greek words often have ranges of meaning that English cannot capture, forcing translators to choose one meaning where the original might intentionally preserve multiple possibilities.
Let me share two specific examples that demonstrate how Hebrew knowledge transforms biblical understanding:
The Word “Create” (Bārā) in Genesis 1
When English Bibles use “create” in Genesis 1, they’re translating the Hebrew word “bārā.” But “bārā” is special. It appears 48 times in the Hebrew Bible and is used exclusively for God’s creative activity. Humans can make, form, or build things, but only God can “bara.” This word emphasizes that creation is uniquely divine work, bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before. English readers miss this theological emphasis because “create” in English can refer to human activity (we “create” art, businesses, or problems). The Hebrew “bara” immediately signals divine, supernatural activity that’s qualitatively different from human making. When we know this, it is much easier to toss aside false doctrine that grants humans this equivalency.
The Word “Spirit/Wind/Breath” (Ruach)
The Hebrew word “ruach” can mean wind, breath, or spirit depending on context. In Genesis 1:2, when “ruach Elohim” hovers over the waters, it could be God’s Spirit, God’s wind, or God’s breath. Each carries different theological implications. English forces translators to choose just one meaning, but Hebrew readers can appreciate the rich ambiguity. This same word appears when God breathes into Adam (Genesis 2:7), when the Spirit empowers judges and prophets, and when God’s wind parts the Red Sea. Understanding “ruach” helps you see connections throughout Scripture that English translations obscure.
A Brief Introduction to James Strong: The Scholar Who Democratized Hebrew Study
James Strong (1822-1894) was an American biblical scholar who created one of the most influential Bible study tools in history. In 1890, he published “Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible,” which listed every word in the King James Version and showed where each word appears throughout Scripture.
Strong’s most lasting contribution was assigning a unique number to every Hebrew and Greek word in the Bible. Hebrew words received numbers 1-8674, while Greek words got numbers 1-5624. These “Strong’s numbers” became the standard reference system still used today. Before Strong, only scholars with Hebrew and Greek training could trace original words behind English translations. Strong made it possible for anyone to connect English translations back to original languages using simple numbers. When someone references “Strong’s 7965,” they’re referring to the Hebrew word “shalom. Today, Strong’s numbers are embedded in most Bible software, study Bibles, and online tools.
How Should You Start? Very Simple.
You can begin benefiting from Hebrew knowledge immediately through simple word studies. You can pursue learning the Hebrew alphabet, grammar, and pronunciation if you want, but it’s perfectly fine to save time with word studies. (For clarity, a word study is like a topical study. You look at the meaning of the word in its original language, the way it’s used to better understand the text.) This approach adds Hebrew vocabulary painlessly. You can forgo pronunication all together, or wait until later if it’s something you really want to do. (Logos software allows you to do both.) The Strong’s numbers are generally already incorporated into whatever software you choose to use. You can do a quick word study on your phone through the Logos app before getting out of bed. Sometimes, with life, that may be your only chance throughout the day. Bible software will also allow you to see every occurrence of that specific Hebrew word and how it’s translated in different contexts.
Recommended Modern Tools
If you can’t tell already, I really value Logos. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar, preacher, or hold any fancy title to access it, nor does it require hours and hours to study. Much of what you are seeking is only a click away. It’s free to use, but you can also purchase packages that include extensive libraries. The free account includes much more than enough to get you started.
Here are more resources you can use:
Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.org) - Excellent for beginners
Bible Hub (biblehub.com) - Comprehensive concordances and lexicons
Accordance - Popular among scholars and pastors
A Good Study Bible — The CBS Study Bible incorporates Hebrew and Greek word studies in its notes. The NET Study Bible is also another good choice, as it includes detailed notes from the translation team about the words used and explanations of their word choices. The entire Bible (including the notes) can be read online.
The Hebrew Bible wasn’t written in English, and every translation involves interpretation. By taking simple steps toward Hebrew knowledge, you’re not just improving your Bible study - you’re connecting more directly with the language God used to reveal Himself to His people.
Your journey into Hebrew doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. It can begin today with a single word study that will change how you read Scripture forever.