Old Testament
Core Names and Titles
Old Testament
The first major section of the Christian Bible, also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, recounting God’s creation, covenant, law, history, wisdom, and prophetic revelation prior to Christ.
Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)
The Jewish Scriptures, traditionally divided into the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
YHWH (Yahweh)
The personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses, often translated as “LORD” in English Bibles.
Elohim
A Hebrew name for God emphasizing His power as Creator and ruler.
Adonai
Meaning “Lord” or “Master,” often used out of reverence instead of speaking God’s covenant name.
Covenant and Law
Covenant
A sacred, binding agreement initiated by God with His people (e.g., with Noah, Abraham, Israel, David).
Mosaic Covenant
The covenant given through Moses at Mount Sinai, including the Law and commandments.
Torah (Law)
The first five books of Scripture, traditionally attributed to Moses, forming the foundation of Israel’s faith and law.
Ten Commandments (Decalogue)
The core moral and covenantal laws given by God to Israel.
Blessings and Curses
The promised outcomes of obedience or disobedience to God’s covenant.
Worship and Religious Life
Sacrifice
Offerings presented to God, often involving animals, grain, or incense, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, or dedication.
Burnt Offering
A sacrifice completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to God.
Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sin and restore fellowship with God.
Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt among Israel during the wilderness journey.
Temple
The permanent place of worship in Jerusalem, replacing the tabernacle.
Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest containing the covenant tablets, symbolizing God’s throne and presence.
Key People and Roles
Patriarchs
The founding fathers of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Prophet
A spokesperson chosen by God to speak His word, call people to repentance, and reveal His will.
Priest
A mediator between God and the people, responsible for sacrifices and worship.
Levites
The tribe set apart for priestly and temple service.
Judge
A divinely appointed leader who delivered Israel during periods of moral and spiritual decline.
King
The political and spiritual leader of Israel, expected to rule under God’s authority.
Sin, Redemption, and Faith
Sin
Rebellion, disobedience, or falling short of God’s holy standard.
Atonement
The act by which sin is covered or forgiven, often through sacrifice.
Repentance
Turning away from sin and returning to God in humility and obedience.
Righteousness
Living in right relationship with God through faith and obedience.
Faithfulness (Hesed)
God’s steadfast, loyal love and covenant commitment.
Historical and Narrative Terms
Exodus
Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt under Moses’ leadership.
Promised Land
The land of Canaan, given by God to Abraham’s descendants.
Exile
The forced removal of Israel and Judah from their land due to covenant unfaithfulness.
Remnant
The faithful group preserved by God despite judgment.
Genealogy
A record of family lineage, highlighting covenant continuity and God’s purposes across generations.
Wisdom and Poetry
Wisdom Literature
Biblical writings focused on living wisely before God, addressing life, suffering, and righteousness.
Psalm
A sacred song or prayer expressing praise, lament, thanksgiving, or trust in God.
Proverb
A short, memorable saying conveying practical and moral wisdom.
Fear of the LORD
Reverent awe and obedience toward God, described as the beginning of wisdom.
Prophetic Themes
Oracle
A message spoken by a prophet on God’s behalf.
Judgment
God’s righteous response to sin, injustice, and covenant violation.
Restoration
God’s promise to renew His people after judgment.
Messianic Hope
Expectation of a future anointed ruler who would bring salvation, justice, and peace.
Key Sections of the Old Testament
Law (Pentateuch)
The foundational books establishing covenant, worship, and identity.
Historical Books
Narratives describing Israel’s life in the land, monarchy, and exile.
Poetic and Wisdom Books
Reflections on worship, suffering, and faithful living.
Prophets
God’s messengers calling Israel back to covenant faithfulness and future hope.
New Testament
Core Names and Titles
New Testament
The second major section of the Christian Bible, focusing on the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ, and the formation of the early Church.
Gospels
The four accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ
Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah (Christ), Son of God, and Saviour of the world.
Messiah (Christ)
“Anointed One”; the promised deliverer who fulfils Old Testament hopes.
Son of Man
Jesus’ preferred self-title, emphasizing both His humanity and divine authority.
Son of God
A title affirming Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father and His divine nature.
Lord (Kyrios)
A confession of Jesus’ authority and divinity, often echoing Old Testament usage of YHWH.
Kingdom and Salvation
Kingdom of God (Kingdom of Heaven)
God’s reign breaking into history through Jesus, present now and fully realised in the future.
Gospel
The “good news” that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, salvation is available to all.
Salvation
Deliverance from sin, death, and separation from God, made possible through Christ.
Grace
God’s unearned favour and saving action toward humanity.
Faith
Trust and reliance upon God, especially in response to the gospel.
Sin, Redemption, and New Life
Sin
Human rebellion against God, resulting in broken relationship and spiritual death.
Atonement
Christ’s sacrificial death that reconciles humanity to God.
Justification
God’s declaration that a sinner is righteous through faith in Christ.
Sanctification
The ongoing process of being made holy by the Holy Spirit.
Redemption
Liberation from sin through the costly sacrifice of Christ.
Reconciliation
Restoration of relationship between God and humanity through Christ.
The Person and Work of Christ
Incarnation
God the Son taking on human flesh in Jesus Christ.
Crucifixion
Jesus’ death on a Roman cross for the sins of the world.
Resurrection
Jesus’ bodily rising from the dead, defeating sin and death.
Ascension
Jesus’ exaltation to heaven, reigning at the right hand of the Father.
Second Coming (Parousia)
Christ’s future return in glory to judge and renew all things.
The Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, present and active in believers and the Church.
Pentecost
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, empowering the Church for mission.
Indwelling
The Spirit’s abiding presence within believers.
Spiritual Gifts (Charismata)
Abilities given by the Spirit for the building up of the Church.
Fruit of the Spirit
Christlike qualities produced by the Spirit in a believer’s life.
The Church and Community
Church (Ekklesia)
The community of believers called together in Christ.
Body of Christ
A metaphor describing the Church’s unity and diversity under Christ.
Apostle
One sent by Christ as an authoritative witness to His resurrection.
Disciple
A learner and follower of Jesus.
Fellowship (Koinonia)
Shared life, faith, and mutual participation in Christ.
Baptism
The sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith.
Lord’s Supper (Eucharist)
The meal commemorating Christ’s sacrifice and celebrating communion with Him.
Scripture and Teaching
Epistle
A letter written to churches or individuals for instruction and encouragement.
Canon
The recognised collection of authoritative New Testament writings.
Parable
A story used by Jesus to reveal spiritual truths.
Sermon on the Mount
Jesus’ foundational teaching on life in the Kingdom of God.
Ethics and Christian Living
Love (Agape)
Self-giving, sacrificial love that reflects God’s nature.
Discipleship
The lifelong journey of following Jesus in obedience and faith.
Obedience
Faith expressed through faithful living.
Holiness
A life set apart for God.
Perseverance
Faithful endurance in trials.
Eschatology
Eschatology
The study of last things: judgment, resurrection, and new creation.
Judgment
God’s righteous evaluation of humanity through Christ.
Resurrection of the Dead
The future bodily raising of all people.
New Creation
The renewal of heaven and earth under Christ’s reign.
Eternal Life
Life with God that begins now and continues forever.
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