How to Study Greek and Hebrew Roots with FaithGPT

Explore the original languages of the Bible to gain deeper understanding of Scripture without formal language training.

How-To Guides6 min read

Why Study Original Languages?

The Bible was written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Aramaic (portions), and Greek (New Testament). English translations are excellent, but studying the original languages reveals:

BenefitExample
Word nuancesHebrew "hesed" - lovingkindness/covenant love
Multiple meaningsGreek "love" has 4 different words
Cultural contextIdioms and expressions
Deeper precisionVerb tenses and forms
Fresh perspectivesBeyond familiar translations

Hebrew Basics

Characteristics

  • Read right to left
  • 22-letter alphabet
  • Root-based (3-letter roots)
  • Concrete, pictorial language
  • Poetry-rich

Common Roots to Know

RootMeaningExamples
שָׁלוֹם (shalom)Peace, wholenessGreeting, peace offerings
חֶסֶד (hesed)Covenant loveGod's faithfulness
אָהַב (ahav)LoveRomantic, familial, divine
יָרֵא (yare)Fear, reverenceFear of the Lord
אֱמֶת (emet)Truth, faithfulnessGod's character

Hebrew Word Study Process

  1. Find the Hebrew word in your passage
  2. Look up the root letters
  3. Explore related words from same root
  4. See how it's used elsewhere
  5. Understand the semantic range

Greek Basics

Characteristics

  • 24-letter alphabet
  • Precise grammar
  • Verb tenses indicate aspect
  • Multiple words for single English concepts
  • Rich philosophical vocabulary

Key Greek Words

WordTransliterationMeaning
ἀγάπηagapeUnconditional love
φιλέωphileoFriendship love
πίστιςpistisFaith, faithfulness
χάριςcharisGrace
δικαιοσύνηdikaiosyneRighteousness
λόγοςlogosWord, reason

Greek Verb Tenses

TenseFocusExample Impact
PresentOngoing action"Keep asking" vs "ask once"
AoristSimple occurrencePoint-in-time action
PerfectCompleted with results"It is finished" - done with lasting effect
ImperfectContinuous pastOngoing past action

Using FaithGPT for Word Studies

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Select a word in Scripture Insights

    • Click on a word in your passage
    • Choose "Word Study" or "Original Language"
  2. Review the analysis

    • See Hebrew/Greek original
    • Read definition and semantic range
    • View other uses in Scripture
  3. Explore cross-references

    • See how the word is used elsewhere
    • Compare different contexts
    • Note how translation varies
  4. Save your findings

    • Add notes to your notebook
    • Create word study collections
    • Reference in future studies

Example Word Study

Verse: Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything"

Greek word: μεριμνάω (merimnaō)

Analysis:

  • Root meaning: to be drawn in different directions
  • Same word Jesus uses in Matthew 6:25-34
  • Implies divided mind, distraction
  • Contrasts with peace in following verses

Application: Anxiety isn't just worry but being pulled apart mentally. The solution Paul gives is unified focus on God through prayer.

Tips for Effective Word Studies

TipReason
Study in contextWords mean different things in different passages
Compare translationsSee how translators handled the word
Look at related wordsWords from same root are connected
Be humbleYou're learning, not becoming an expert
Verify with scholarsCheck your findings against commentaries

Word studies use Scripture Insights (1 credit). Free users can explore basic definitions.

Last updated: January 22, 2026

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