Go! And Rediscover the Roots of Your Faith
Lost in Translation: Hebrew Words to Transform Your Christian Faith
Introduction: Gripped by the Ancient Truth
Shalom, dear friends.
Let me ask you a question that might surprise you: What if you’ve been reading the Bible your entire life, but missing the depth of what God was really saying? What if the richness, the beauty, the power of God’s Word was at times—lost in translation?
We read our Bibles in English, but God first spoke to His people in Hebrew. And that language—ancient, poetic, vivid—was carefully chosen by God to reveal Himself to Israel, and through them, to the world. But sometimes, our English words are simply too flat to carry the full weight of the Hebrew behind them.
Tonight, I want to take you on a journey—a rediscovery of the roots of our Christian faith through 15 Hebrew words. Words that will transform your understanding, deepen your worship, and strengthen your trust in Jesus.
Let’s begin in the Word of God:
John 1:1, 14 (NLT): “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God… So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.”
The Word—the Logos in Greek—was with God. But that Word has Hebrew roots. And tonight, we go deeper.
1. Emunah (????????) – Faithfulness, Steadfast Trust
Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT): “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.”
The Hebrew word emunah means much more than “faith” as belief. It is active trust, loyalty, steadfastness. It's not just believing God exists; it's living every moment in faithful reliance upon Him.
Charles Stanley once said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” That is emunah. Not passive belief, but radical trust.
When your world is shaking, do you cling to God? Emunah means being faithful to God even when it hurts.
2. Teshuvah (??????????) – Return, Repentance
Isaiah 55:7 (NLT): “Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.”
Teshuvah means more than feeling sorry—it means a complete return to God. Like a child running back to a father’s open arms.
John Piper writes, “The Gospel is not a call to self-improvement, but to self-abandonment.”
A prodigal son left home. He squandered everything. When he returned, he was rehearsing apologies—but the father ran to meet him! That’s teshuvah. God doesn’t wait with crossed arms—He runs with open arms.
3. Shalom (???????) – Peace, Wholeness, Restoration
Numbers 6:24–26 (NLT): “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favour and give you his peace.”
Shalom is not just absence of conflict—it is the presence of wholeness. Body, soul, relationships—restored under God.
Max Lucado said, “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” That’s shalom—the peace in knowing your destination is secured in Christ.
4. Yeshua (????????) – Salvation
Matthew 1:21 (NLT): “And you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua—which literally means “The Lord is salvation.”
This is not just a name—it is His mission. Salvation is not a thing, it’s a Person.
R.T. Kendall said, “Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, but to make dead people alive.” That is what Yeshua does—He resurrects the dead.
5. Ruach (?????) – Spirit, Breath, Wind
Genesis 1:2 (NLT): “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.”
Ruach is the creative breath of God, the wind of His presence, the Spirit who gives life.
Tim Keller said, “The Spirit’s main job is to make Jesus real to you.”
Let the Ruach breathe life into your dry bones tonight.
6–15: Rapid-Fire Revelation
Let’s briefly explore 10 more Hebrew words to stir your soul:
Word Meaning Life Application
Chesed (?????) Covenant love, mercy God’s love won’t give up on you.
Avodah (????????) Work, worship, service Your job can be worship when done for God.
Kadosh (???????) Holy, set apart Be different—be holy, like your God.
Davar (??????) Word, matter When God speaks, things change. Listen.
Shema (??????) Hear and obey True hearing = obedient action.
Melech (??????) King Jesus is not just Saviour—He is your King.
Zakar (?????) Remember Remember what God has done—and live in thanks.
Tzedakah (???????) Righteousness/charity Generosity reflects God’s character.
Barak (???????) Bless, kneel Praise is humble blessing back to God.
Hallelujah (???????????) Praise the Lord This must be your lifestyle, not just a song lyric!
Gospel-Centred Conclusion: Jesus, the Fulfilment of Every Word
Every word we explored tonight—Emunah, Teshuvah, Shalom, Yeshua, and the rest—points to Jesus.
Luke 24:27 (NLT): “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Jesus is the Word made flesh, the Prince of Shalom, the embodiment of Chesed, the breath of Ruach, the righteous Melech, the salvation of Yeshua.
Imagine reading a love letter from someone who died for you, but never learning their native language. That’s what it’s like reading Scripture without understanding its Hebrew heart. But when you learn His language, you hear His heartbeat.
Call to the Cross: Turn and Trust
Friend, these words are not just academic curiosities. They demand a response.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Today, you can experience teshuvah—you can return. You can receive shalom. You can place your emunah in Yeshua. You can be filled with ruach.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you’ve never repented of your sin and trusted in Jesus Christ, let tonight be your moment.
Pray from your heart:
“Jesus, I believe You are Yeshua—my salvation. I repent of my sins. I return to You. Fill me with Your Spirit. I trust You as my Lord and Saviour. Amen.”
If you prayed that sincerely—welcome home. You’ve returned. You are loved.
Final Exhortation: Live the Language of Heaven
Colossians 3:16 (NLT): “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.”
Let these ancient words not remain ancient—live them. Speak them. Let them shape your marriage, your parenting, your work, your witness.
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May He smile on you and be gracious to you.
May He show you His favour and give you His shalom.
Go and speak the language of heaven—
Live with emunah, walk in teshuvah, worship the King—Yeshua.
