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The Hebrew Word For Altar Means ‘Surrender’

by Christa
written by Christa

Evangelist Matt Cruz shares the meaning behind the Hebrew word for “altar.”

Hebrew word for altar

According to Matt, “altar” in Hebrew means so much more. It is a “place of surrender; a place of exchange and sacrifice.” He said, “This is where you lay down all your problems and idols.”

In the Old Testament, God’s people would build altars to place sacrificial offerings to God. They would typically burn their animal sacrifices as a pleasing aroma before the throne of God. However, there are situations in the Bible, such as with Abel and Elijah, where God sent fire and consumed the sacrifice as an act of His approval and delight.

Today, Matt affirmed that altars are no longer physically built. Instead, they are surrendered to God. God’s people offer their hearts as altars for God’s consuming fire.

He said, “So many ask God to send the fire and God is saying where will I send it? He always sends the fire on a sacrifice and when you lay yourself down on that altar God will send the fire! The altar is not only your secret place of encounters – but the true & real altar is in the heart of God’s people. That’s where the fire of the Lord burns.”

Matt encouraged them to lay down their problems and idols on the altar as an act of surrender to God. Matthew 16:24-26 says, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

“It is at the altar where they lose their life and allow Jesus to become everything in them,” he said. “When you are at the altar, that’s when you give up everything and you gain all God wants to give you.”

 

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A post shared by Matt Cruz️ (@mattcruz96)

Header Image: Altar, Bradley Lembach [photographer], retrieved: https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-rock-formation-near-green-trees-during-daytime-Zzi48bEuROw on March 27, 2024

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The Biblical Hebrew Word Of ‘Laabod’ Or ‘Cultivate’

by Christa
written by Christa

‘Laabod’ is the Hebrew word for ‘work.’ And studying it from the perspective of Biblical Hebrew learning, we will discover more about the kind of work God had made men do.

Laabod or work

Genesis 2:5 says, “Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth, and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth, and there was no one to work the ground.” The word ‘work’ mentioned in verse is ‘laabod.’ It implies management, administration, orderly development, and make fruitful or cultivate.

Therefore, one of the principal motives of the Creator for the creation of humankind was to provide a manager, administrator, and ruler, of the planet earth.

He perfectly expressed it in His words in Genesis 1:26. He says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and overall the creatures that move along the ground.'”

God of order

Since God made men in His own image, just like He is the ruler, He intended mankind to rule and take dominion. And in His rulership and government, there is peace and order. “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

In the beginning, there was chaos and disorder, as evident by darkness and the world having no form and shape. But, God came into the scene and ruled. He created the universe in the perfect order and its complete design for six days.

And, God passed His nature to His creations who take after His image. And He mandated us to rule in the same way He does. We are to establish His government on earth that destroys chaos and maintains order. His Kingdom is God’s solution to disorder.

 

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ArticlesIsrael

The Hebrew Word Study Of The Name ‘Isaac’

by Christa
written by Christa

Isaac was one of the three patriarchs of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Out of the three, only his name did not change. So, what does his name mean in the Hebrew language?

Isaac, the Patriarch

Isaac was Abraham’s promised son. “And God said, Sarah, your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.” (Genesis 17:19)

His name means “he laughs” in Hebrew because Abraham laughed. Genesis 17:17 says, “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

Indeed, everyone laughed in great delight when Isaac was born. All of Abraham’s household rejoiced in the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Hebrew Word Study

Isaac is spelled: Qoof, Chet, Tsade, and Yood. And in the Hebrew alphabet, every letter represents a picture with its corresponding meanings.

So, Yood has a picture of a hand that means to work, a mighty deed, or make.
Tsade is a picture of a fishhook that means to catch, desire, and need.
Chet is a picture of an inner room. It means to separate, fence, or sanctuary.
Lastly, Qoof pictures the back of the head. It means behind, the last, or the least.

Based on its pictographic meaning, Isaac is also translated as a mighty deed, done out of a desire to separate and provide sanctuary for the last and the least.

We recall that Isaac was the father of Jacob or Israel. Then, they became a great nation because of God’s covenant with their forefathers. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 perfectly parallels Isaac’s pictorial translation.

It says, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord, your God, has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

Reference: Living Word

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A Hebrew Word Study Of ‘Chayim’ Which Means Life

by Christa
written by Christa

The Jewish people highly value life. In fact, the commandment to preserve life comes after the first three God-centered commands. They sometimes even add ‘Chayim’ to a sick person’s name to ensure recovery and healing.

Chayim, the Hebrew Word for Life

Chayim comes from the Hebrew root, “chai,” meaning “alive.” And it is not pronounced like the Indian tea, chai, with the sound of ‘ch’ in ‘church.’ But, it is pronounced with the sound of ‘kh’ just like ‘kite.’

The word ‘chai’ is prevalent in Jewish customs. Its two Hebrew letters, chet and yud, had become a Jewish symbol, appearing primarily in pendants and other Jewish jewelry.

Moreover, each Hebrew letter has a corresponding numerical value in the Hebrew alphabet. So, chai has a numerical equivalent of 18 since the sum of chet (numerical value of 8) and yud (numerical value of 10) is 18.

Because of this, the number 18 is a unique number to the Jews. They make gifts or donate contributions in multiples of $18.

Life in Jesus

The Hebrew word for life is written in the plural form, “Chayim.” The reason is believed to denote that life cannot be lived alone. Our lives are meaningless if we don’t connect to the Son of the Living God or Elohim Chayim. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” 

Chayim is composed of two Hebrew words, ‘chai’ (which means alive) and the particle ‘im’ (meaning if). It further proves that being alive is conditional on our communion with God in the truth. And Jesus is the Truth. Outside of Him, there is no life at all. As 1 John 5:12 say”, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Reference: Hebrews4Christians

 

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ArticlesIsrael Insider

The Difference Between “Shaphat” And “Diyn,” The Hebrew Words For Judge

by Christa
written by Christa

There are two Hebrew words used for the word “judge” in the Hebrew Bible: Shaphat and Diyn. But, what is the difference between each word?

Shaphat and Diyn

Shaphat is most commonly used as it appeared several times in the Bible, especially in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 2:23, it says, “And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age.”

We recall that before the kings ruled the nation of Israel, judges governed the land. And judges or shaphats administer justice by pronouncing sentences to the accused.

Today, we see judges inside the courtrooms determining the guilty and the innocent. But, in Israel’s time, they were military leaders and governors.

But, there is another Hebrew word for “judge,” which is “Diyn.” According to the Living Word, the verb “Diyn” is also “to judge” but in the idea of ruling or regulating, like how an umpire does.

In Genesis 6:3, it says, “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.”

The word “strive” is translated as “diyn.” The above passage tells us that rather than punishing or vindicating, God will guide by ruling and regulating to direct His people to life.

Vindication Through Jesus

Moreover, it is important to note that “diyn” appears first in the ancient prophetic texts  before “shaphat.” Because it shows us that God had intended to guide His people by ruling and regulating to lead them into abundant life, just like He promised. He would only resort to punishment and condemnation if they continue to disobey.

But just like in every case, there is vindication in God. And that is through Jesus. He bore our transgressions and received the punishment for our sins. In Him, we are redeemed and renewed.

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perfect or tamiym
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Hebrew Study Of The Word “Tamiym”

by Christa
written by Christa

The Hebrew word, Tamiym, is translated as ‘perfect’ in English. But, when we look at the context of the word in its original language, we understand that there is more to the meaning of the word. So, what does it really mean?

Tamiym or Perfect

In Psalm 19:7, it says, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” The word, perfect, here is translated tamiym in Hebrew. But, the usage of the word does not really mean perfect. In Hebrew, Tamiym means complete, whole, entire, in the sense of being unimpaired, innocent, and having integrity.

So, according to Psalm 19:7, the law of the Lord is perfect in the sense that it is complete and morally pure. It gives us instructions to be at peace with God and in His ways.

But, tamiym is also found in another verse. Exodus 12:5 says, “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.” 

To be used as a sacrificial offering, Moses instructed that the lamb should be tamiym, or without blemish or spots. Is the lamb perfect? No, it is not. But, it is tamiym – blameless, complete, and unimpaired.

Furthermore, Paul shared that the church of Christ should follow being blameless and without blemish. He said in Ephesians 5:27, “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her  to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

We are not encouraged to be entirely perfect but to be tamiym. We can achieve this when we received Jesus’ cleansing through His Word. We, then, become like Him, the Lamb of God, without blemish and spot.

Reference: Living Word

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ArticlesIsrael Insider

Two Hebrew Words For Darkness, Araphel And Choshek

by Christa
written by Christa

Darkness in Hebrew can be translated into two words, araphel and choshek. Although they may mean the same in English, they are different when we look at their usage in the original language. So, how do they differ?

Hebrew words for darkness

Let us start with the Hebrew word, choshek. Choshek is the conventional “darkness.” It is found in the first two verses of the Bible. Genesis 1:2 says, “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” 

Choshek is the absence of light. It is the same as the idea of a glass filled with water. We can always fill the glass with water, but we cannot fill it with emptiness. Emptiness is there when the water is gone. Therefore, choshek is there when there is an absence of light.

On the other hand, araphel has a spiritual significance. It means more than just darkness.

Araphel, more than just darkness

In the 16 times araphel appeared in the Bible, it is always joined with the Presence of God. Such as in Exodus 20:21, “And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” Or in Psalm 72:1-2, “The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice, let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about Him; righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” And in 2 Chronicles 6:1, “Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.”

Araphel, therefore, is God’s darkness. It is a different type of darkness. It is a deep gloom, thick darkness, and heavy cloud. We often associate darkness with evil and light with good. But, interestingly, araphel reconciles this idea. It is a darkness that is good since God, who is good, dwells in it.

Reference: Ancient Hebrew Research Center

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ArticlesIsrael Insider

Uncovering The Original Hebrew Name Of The Temple Mount

by Christa
written by Christa

The Temple Mount is one of the famous Jewish, holy places. However, before it became the ‘Temple Mount,’ its original Hebrew name was given in the Old Testament, during the time of Abraham. So, what was it?

Mount Moriah

The Temple Mount, or in Hebrew Har Habbayit, was traditionally the place where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Later on, the mount became an important place for the Israelites as it was the site of both ancient Jewish temples (the temple Solomon built and the temple after the exile to Babylon.) It was also where Jesus demonstrated his zealousness as he overturned the money changers’ tables.

But, before it was called Har Habbayit, it was initially named Mount Moriah or, in Hebrew, Har Hamoriyah.

Temple Mount

There are two theories for the meaning of the word, Moriyah. First, Moriyah comes from the Hebrew verb, Yoreh, which means to teach. We recall that the temple is located on Mount Moriah. And inside the temple is the holy of holies, where the Ark of the Covenant is located. The Ark of the Covenant contains the Tablets of God’s instructions. So, Moriah is where God teaches His people His ways.

The second theory is that Moriah is the place where God was seen. Moriah comes from the Hebrew verb, ro’eh, which means to see. Since the temple is where God meets His people, the priests come to see God, expressly, by Abraham. In Genesis 22;14, after the binding of Isaac, he then called the site ‘Adonai Yireh.,’ which means God will be seen in this site.

Whichever theories are true, Moun Moriah remains the foundation of the Jewish people’s covenant with God. As God declared in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.”

Reference: Israel Institute of Biblical Studies

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‘Tsabat’: The Rarest Of Hebrew Words

by Christa
written by Christa

‘Tsabat’ in English means ‘reached’. But, the special thing about this word is that it is only found one time in the Ancient Scriptures. Is there any significance about it?

Why tsabat is special?

According to the Rock Island Books, there are almost four hundred Hebrew words that appeared only once in the Bible. And there are even fewer that do not share even a root with other words; tsabat is one of them.

‘Tsabat’ is only found in Ruth 2:14, “And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.”

The word ‘reached’ in its original translation is ‘tsabat’.  As we look at the letters used in tsabat, we will discover the beauty behind this word.

Tsabat is spelled as tsade, beyt, and tet. Tsade has the picture meaning of to catch, strong desire or need, and righteous and just. Beyt is the picture of a tent and means house or dwelling place or the physical body. It is the first letter in the Torah that represented the Son of God. While tet has a picture meaning of surround, trap, or entwined in the good or bad way.

Understanding the given verse, Boaz reached out to Ruth with the desire to bring her into his house and surround her with his protection.

The mystery behind

Moreover, there is a mystery behind tsabat. Since tsade means just or righteous, and beyt identifies the Son of God, we can see that the Son of God wants to reach out to people and entwine them in a good way.

Boaz is a kinsman-redeemer. He examples the Messiah who is the Redeemer of people. So, when Boaz reached out to Ruth, a Moabitess woman, he pictures Yeshua, our Messiah, who offers Himself for all people.

That is why it is a very special and rarest word because it demonstrates something unique and powerful. The Messiah tsabat; He reaches out to His children with a strong desire to surround us with His love and back into His family.

Reference: Living Word

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Garden
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Garden Of Eden Is A Garden Of Delight Or Pleasure

by Christa
written by Christa

Christians are familiar with the Garden of Eden. It is a popular place where the history of humanity began. But, let us look at the Garden of Eden from the Hebrew perspective to find its deeper meaning.

Garden of Eden

The word Eden first appeared in the second chapter of the first book of the Bible. It says, “And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground, the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers.” (Genesis 2:8-11)

Pleasure or delight

The Hebrew root of Eden, “A-D-N,” means “pleasure” or “delight.” The same Hebrew root is also found in the story of Sarah, where she found out that she will get pregnant after her old age.

“So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” Pleasure in this verse is from the Hebrew word, ‘Ednah.’

Another passage in Psalms proved that Eden means delight or pleasure. “They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.” (Psalm 36:8) The word, ‘delights’ in Hebrew is “Adanecha.” It is derived from the same root of Eden as well.

Therefore, Eden is delight or pleasure. It simply means that the Garden of Eden is where all the good things that God created dwelled. He delighted over His creations and was pleased with all His work. “God looked at everything He had made, and He was very pleased.” (Genesis 1:31)

Reference: Hebrewversity

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