Translation Glossary

2.1.6 Translation Glossary

Key Words Restored to Their True Ancient Meaning

This project is not simply a new translation — it is a restoration of meaning. Many biblical words have been mistranslated, misunderstood, or distorted by centuries of tradition, empire, or fear-based theology.

Below is a glossary of key terms that have been faithfully restored based on original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek usage.

Trust (πιστεύω / pisteuō)

Commonly translated: Believe

Restored as: Trust

Why: Faith is not intellectual assent. It is relational trust — a heart-centered surrender to God.

Example: “Whoever trusts in Him will not perish…”

Immerse (βαπτίζω / baptízō)

Commonly translated: Baptize

Restored as: Immerse

Why: The original word means to fully dip, submerge, or wash — not a vague religious ritual.

Example: “He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Of the Age to Come (αἰώνιος / aiōnios)

Commonly translated: Eternal or Forever

Restored as: Of the age to come (or everlasting if context allows)

Why: Aiōnios refers to the quality or nature of the age to come — not necessarily endless duration.

Example: “They will inherit life of the age to come.”

Gehenna (γέεννα)

Commonly translated: Hell

Restored as: Gehenna (kept untranslated with contextual clarity)

Why: Gehenna was a physical valley outside Jerusalem, used metaphorically by Jesus to describe judgment or destruction — not eternal torture.

Example: “It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Gehenna.”

Sheol / Hades (שְׁאוֹל / ᾅδης)

Commonly translated: Hell

Restored as: The realm of the dead or the grave

Why: These words refer to the unseen realm or place of the dead — neutral, not fiery torment.

Example: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol.”

Fire (πῦρ / אֵשׁ)

Commonly interpreted: Destruction, torment

Restored as: Purification, refining

Why: Fire in Scripture is used to cleanse, reveal, and transform — not to torture souls endlessly.

Example: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

Judgment (κρίσις / mishpat)

Commonly interpreted: Condemnation

Restored as: Setting right, restoring justice

Why: True judgment restores what was broken — it is redemptive, not merely punitive.

Example: “He will bring justice to the nations.”

Messenger (ἄγγελος / malak)

Commonly translated: Angel

Restored as: Messenger

Why: Angelos means one who is sent — not always a supernatural being. The word includes both human and divine messengers.

Example: “He will send His messengers ahead of you.”

Spirit (רוּחַ / πνεῦμα)

Restored with clarity as: Breath, wind, life-force, or Spirit depending on context

Why: This word is rich and layered — sometimes pointing to the Holy Spirit, other times to the animating breath of life.

Each use is honored for its original nuance.

This glossary is not exhaustive — but it is essential. It ensures consistency and clarity throughout The Bible Restored.