Old Testament Books Hebrew Meanings

The Old Testament books have Hebrew names that reflect their content and themes. Learning the Hebrew meanings of the Old Testament books can help you to better understand their content and significance. It can also give you a deeper appreciation for the rich symbolism and wordplay that is often found in the Hebrew Bible.

Here is a list of the Old Testament books in Hebrew order, along with their English translations and Hebrew meanings:

Historical Books

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshua) | Joshua | God is Salvation
שׁוֹפְטִם (Shoftim) | Judges | Judges
רוּת (Ruth) | Ruth | Companion
שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmuel) | Samuel | Heard by God
מְלָכִים (Melakhim) | Kings | Kings
דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים (Divrei Hayyamim) | Chronicles | Words of the Days
נְחֶמְיָה (Nehemiah) | Nehemiah | God has Comforted

Wisdom Books

אִיּוֹב (Iyov) | Job | Where?
מִשְׁלֵי (Mishlei) | Proverbs | Proverbs
קֹהֶלֶת (Qoheleth) | Ecclesiastes | Preacher
שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים (Shir Hashirim) | Song of Songs | Song of Songs

Prophetic Books

יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu) | Isaiah | God is Salvation
יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmiyahu) | Jeremiah | God will Exalt
יְחֶזְקֵאל (Yehezqel) | Ezekiel | God will Strengthen
הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea) | Hosea | Salvation
יוֹאֵל (Yoel) | Joel | God is Will
עָמוֹס (Amos) | Amos | Burden Bearer
עֹבַדְיָה (Obadiah) | Obadiah | Servant of God
יוֹנָה (Jonah) | Jonah | Dove
מִיכָה (Micah) | Micah | Who is Like God?
נַחוּם (Nahum) | Nahum | Consoler
חֲבַקּוּק (Habakkuk) | Habakkuk | Embrace
צְפַנְיָה (Zephaniah) | Zephaniah | Hidden of God
חַגַּי (Haggai) | Haggai | Festive
זְכַרְיָה (Zechariah) | Zechariah | God has Remembered
מַלְאָכִי (Malachi) | Malachi | My Messenger

The Hebrew meanings of the Old Testament books can provide valuable insights into their content and themes. For example, the book of Genesis is named after the first Hebrew word in the book, which means "in the beginning." This suggests that the book is concerned with the origins of the world and of humanity. The book of Exodus is named after the Greek word for "departure." This suggests that the book is concerned with the Israelites' departure from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.

The Hebrew meanings of the Old Testament books can also help us to better understand the symbolism and wordplay that is often found in the Hebrew Bible. For example, the book of Proverbs is named after the Hebrew word for "parables." This suggests that the book is a collection of wise sayings and advice that is intended to teach us how to live a good life. The book of Song of Songs is named after the Hebrew phrase for "song of songs." This suggests that the book is a love poem that is intended to celebrate the beauty of marriage and intimacy.

Learning the Hebrew meanings of the Old Testament books can be a rewarding experience. It can help us to better understand the content and significance of these important texts. It can also give us a deeper appreciation for the rich symbolism and wordplay that is often found in the Hebrew Bible.

* In Biblical Hebrew the letter ב 'B' represents both B and V.

Old Testament Books
Old Testament Books in English Order
Old Testament Books in Hebrew Order
Old Testament Books - Hebrew Meanings

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