Hebrew & Greek Etymology with KJ3 Examples
The Bible was written in two primary languages: Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. Understanding the root words of these languages unlocks deeper meaning in Scripture.
A root is the core part of a word that carries its fundamental meaning. In Hebrew, most roots consist of three consonants (called "triliteral roots"). By adding vowels and prefixes/suffixes, many related words are formed from a single root.
For example, the Hebrew root ק-ד-שׁ (q-d-sh) carries the idea of "holiness" or "set apart." From this single root come words like:
Hebrew roots typically consist of three consonants. The vowels and patterns added to these consonants determine the specific meaning and grammatical function of each word.
New Testament Greek (Koine Greek) uses root words that combine with prefixes and suffixes to create related terms. Understanding these roots illuminates the precise theological vocabulary of the apostles.
Visualize how words branch from a common root. Click on a root to explore its word family.
Test your knowledge of Hebrew and Greek word roots!