If you are learning Biblical Greek, building your vocabulary is an essential part of the process. While there are many words to learn in Greek, some are more important than others, and knowing these essential words can help you to understand and communicate more effectively. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 essential vocabulary words that every Greek learner should know.
- θεός (theos) - God This word appears over 1300 times in the New Testament and is one of the most important words to know when studying Greek.
- ἀνθρωπος (anthropos) - man This word is used to refer to both men and women and appears over 500 times in the New Testament.
- υἱός (huios) - son This word is used to refer to a male child and is often used in the New Testament to refer to Jesus as the Son of God.
- πνεῦμα (pneuma) - spirit This word can be translated as "spirit," "breath," or "wind" and is used in the New Testament to refer to the Holy Spirit.
- ἀγάπη (agape) - love This word refers to the unconditional love that God has for his people and is a central theme in the New Testament.
- Ἰησοῦς (Iesous) - Jesus This is the Greek name for Jesus and appears over 900 times in the New Testament.
- ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) - church This word is used to refer to the community of believers and appears over 100 times in the New Testament.
- σωτηρία (soteria) - salvation This word refers to the saving work of God through Jesus Christ and appears over 40 times in the New Testament.
- πίστις (pistis) - faith This word refers to the belief and trust that Christians have in God and appears over 200 times in the New Testament.
- ἁγιάζω (hagiazo) - to sanctify This word refers to the process of making something holy or set apart for God's purposes and appears over 20 times in the New Testament.
By learning these 10 essential vocabulary words, you will have a solid foundation for understanding many of the key themes and concepts in the New Testament. While there are many more words to learn in Greek, these words will help you to begin communicating more effectively and deepen your understanding of the Bible's message. With practice and dedication, you can continue to build your Greek vocabulary and unlock the beauty and richness of this ancient language.
