Musing – Might our Bible contain Hebrew Idioms?

 Hebraic Musing – Might our Bible contain Hebrew Idioms?

It helps to know Hebrew and some Hebrew idioms order to fully understand the Bible.  We have idioms in English like “Raining cats and dogs” (a heavy downpour); but the meaning is not clear from the words used.  Probably the two most well-known Hebrew Idioms are: Weak eye – meaning stingy; and Good eye – a generous person.  Example - “Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely…” Gen.29:17 NIV   Here are Words in Hebrew; the Literal Translation; the Meaning(s); and an NKJV Biblical example:

·      Pri ha-gefen; fruit of the vine; wine or grape juice symbolizing joy and blessing – “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” Matt.26:29

·      Keren; horn; a symbol of strength and glory – “He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed.” 1 Sam.2:10

·      Kevad lev; heavy of heart; stubborn – “Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” Prov.25:20

·      Lev or levar; heart; source of one's will and decision-making process – “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Gen.6:5

·      Mishpat; Justice; the system of justice that Yehovah's Kingdom operates under, executing justice based on what is right and fair – “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment.” Deut.16:18

·      Chesed; loyalty; faithfulness in covenant relationship – Jonathan's Loyalty to David in 1 Samuel 20.

·      Nasa panim; lift (another person's) face; grant a favor – “The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6:26

·      Higdil Alai akev; lift his heal; turn against – “Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau's heel; so his name was called Jacob (heel-grabber)” Gen 25:26 .

·      Pakach; open (eyes, ears, mouth); restore ability to see, hear or speak – ♫ Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You. ♫         AND…      Patach et libbo; open (a person's) heart; enable person to understand – “Israel will cry to Me, ‘My God, we know You!’” Hosea 8:2      

·      Shav et libbo; return to (one's) heart; to come to one's senses – “that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Tim. 2:25

·      Netilat yadayim; ritual hand washing; pouring water over hands ceremonially – “He (Pilate) took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person...’”. Matt.27:24

·      Halach; walk; lifestyle, we are called to a Biblical walk – ♫ When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word …Trust and Obey…♫

·      Ol; yoke; obligation, authority – “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matt.11:29

·      Teshuvah; repentance; literally turning of return, recommit self to Yehovah and Torah – Return, O LORD, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!  Psalm 6:4

·      Yad; hand; influence, control, power, care – Our lives are in the Hand of El Shaddai, God Almighty.

Points to ponder

I wonder how many idioms have been lost in the translations?

Would learning some Hebrew be worthwhile?

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu.
“Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe who makes us holy with mitzvot and commands”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      June 6, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired by, excerpted from Johanna Hocker’s Email,  “Understanding Hebrew idioms” 11/22/21.

And here are more Hebrew words/idioms she provided which you might enjoy pondering:

·         Nafal al tzavarav; fall on (one's) neck; to “embrace” with a kiss, a popular custom in the Middle East.

·         Hishmin levav; fatten one's heart; to be insensitive and unable to understand

·         Heaev; recline; sit down for a meal, kneel on a pillow to eat

·         Shalach et yado; reach (one's hands); attempt to harm someone

·         Navi; prophet; one who speaks on behalf of Yehovah

·         Sofer (plural soferim); scribe; scholar in the Torah

·         Amar belibbo; say in (one's) heart; to think to oneself.

·         Ruach; spirit; soul

·         Nefesh; person; life, self

·         Nichshal, stumble: make a mistake

·         Beit mikdash; Holy House; Temple

·         Mashiach; anointed; Messiah