A Step-by-Step Guide to Studying Original Greek and Hebrew Words

The Bible is rich with meaning, but sometimes, the depth of a passage is lost in translation. Because the Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), English translations can only capture part of the full meaning of certain words. This is where doing a word study can be incredibly valuable! By studying the original Greek and Hebrew words, we gain deeper insight into Scripture, uncovering nuances that help us understand God's Word more fully.

If you've ever wanted to go deeper in your Bible study, learning how to do a word study is a powerful tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started. If you really like this way of studying, you'll love our Bible studies! Better yet, this digital study is comprised entirely of word studies you'll love!

Step 1: Choose a Word to Study

The first step in a word study is selecting a word from the Bible to explore. Choose a word that stands out in your reading—perhaps one that seems significant, is repeated often, or is difficult to understand. Some good starting words include:

Faith (pistis – Greek)
Love (agape, phileo – Greek)
Peace (shalom – Hebrew)
Glory (doxa – Greek, kavod – Hebrew)
Repentance (metanoia – Greek)

Look for words that seem key to understanding the passage. Once you've chosen a word, it's time to dig deeper.

Step 2: Find the Original Greek or Hebrew Word

To truly understand a biblical word, you need to find its original Greek or Hebrew form. Here’s how:

Use a Study Bible or Bible Concordance – Many study Bibles provide word definitions in footnotes.
Use a Bible App or Website – Websites like Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org), Bible Hub (www.biblehub.com), and Logos Bible Software allow you to search for words in their original languages.
Look Up the Strong’s Concordance Number – Strong’s Concordance assigns numbers to every Hebrew and Greek word in the Bible, making it easy to find definitions and explanations.

For example, if you were studying the word “love” in John 21:15-17, you would find that two different Greek words are used—agape (selfless, sacrificial love) and phileo (brotherly, affectionate love). This distinction adds depth to Jesus’ conversation with Peter!

Step 3: Study the Word’s Meaning and Usage

Once you find the original word, research its meaning by:

Reading the Definition – Look up the word in a Bible dictionary, lexicon, or Strong’s Concordance.
Examining Different Translations – Compare how different Bible translations render the word.
Looking at Other Uses in Scripture – Many words appear multiple times in the Bible. How is the word used in different contexts? For example, the Greek word sozo (often translated as “saved”) can mean physical healing, deliverance, or spiritual salvation depending on the context.
Understanding Cultural and Historical Context – Some words carried specific cultural meanings in biblical times. For instance, the Hebrew word shalom means more than just “peace”—it also conveys completeness, wholeness, and well-being.

Step 4: Examine the Word in Its Biblical Context

A common mistake in word studies is focusing only on the definition while ignoring the surrounding passage. Always consider:

The verse in which the word appears.
The chapter and book’s overall message.
The historical and literary context (Who wrote it? To whom? Why?).

For example, studying the Greek word doulos, which is often translated as “servant,” reveals that it actually means “bondservant”—someone who willingly serves another out of love. This changes how we understand Paul’s introduction of himself as a “servant of Christ” in his letters.

Step 5: Apply What You’ve Learned

Bible study isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transformation. After studying a word, ask yourself:

How does this deepen my understanding of God?
What new insights does this give me about this passage?
How should this change the way I live?

For example, if you study the Greek word metanoia, meaning “repentance,” you’ll discover that it refers to a complete change of mind and heart—not just feeling sorry for sin, but actively turning away from it. This insight can challenge us to live a life of ongoing transformation.

Step 6: Share Your Findings

One of the best ways to solidify what you’ve learned is to share it with others. Consider:

Writing about your insights in a journal.
Discussing your study with a small group or Bible study.
Teaching it to someone else.
Posting about it on social media or a blog.

Teaching others helps reinforce your own learning and allows the truth of Scripture to impact more lives.

Helpful Tools for Word Studies

To go deeper in your word studies, consider using these tools:

Strong’s Concordance – A great resource for looking up original Hebrew and Greek words.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary – Explains word meanings and how they are used in different Bible passages.
Logos Bible Software – A powerful tool for deeper biblical research.
Blue Letter Bible – Free online resources for word studies.
Bible Hub – Offers lexicons, interlinear Bibles, and cross-references. My personal favorite!
Nerd Words Cards – A beautifully designed set of 11 cards featuring meaningful Greek and Hebrew words, with definitions and Scripture references to enrich your study.

Doing a word study in the Bible is a rewarding way to uncover the richness of Scripture. By choosing a word, finding its original meaning, studying its usage, and applying it to your life, you can gain a deeper, richer understanding of God’s Word. The Bible is full of treasure waiting to be uncovered—so start exploring today!

Which word will you study next? Let us know what insights you discover!