Subject: Hebraic Roots Glossary - Part 1
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998 22:55:53 +0000
To: "Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup"heb_roots_chr@geocities.com
From: JOHANVR <johanvr@srvnac3.nac.ac.za>
Subject: Comprehensive Glossary of Hebraic Terms - Part 1
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Reply-to: JOHANVR@NAC.AC.ZA
Expository Glossary
of Terms Used in
Messianic Teaching (Part 1)
Copyright February 1998
Expository Glossary of Terms used in Messianic Teaching
Order this Glossary from:
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Preface
This Expository Glossary of Terms used in Messianic Teaching was
developed for a Messianic study group that has been meeting in the
Helderberg area of South Africa since mid-1995. We plan to publish
three studies on the Messiah, entitled:
King Messiah
The Coming of King Messiah
The Festivals of King Messiah.
The Expository Glossary of Terms used in Messianic Teaching explains
unfamiliar terms that talmidim (students) will encounter in their
studies.
Students are requested to notify us (in writing) of all difficult
terms used in the three monographs listed above, which have been left
out, ore are not adequately explained, in the Glossary.
Key
Entries followed by the symbol [G] are Greek terms.
Entries followed by the symbol [L] are Latin terms.
Entries followed by the symbol [A] are Aramaic terms.
Almost all other foreign-language entries are Hebrew.
(Part 1)
Abomination of Desolation
Hebrew: shikutz shomem. An idolatrous image set up in the HaKodesh of
the Temple in Yerushalayim and proclaimed to be "master of heaven."
Historically, the desolating sacrilege was a statue of the pagan Greek
idol, Zeus, bearing the image of Antiochus IV "Epiphanes" that was set
up on the golden altar of incense by the insane Greek-Seleucid king,
who attempted to outlaw the worship of the Almighty and replace it by
the worship of himself as "god manifest." Scripture is clear that
there will be an eschatological shikutz shomem. Allusions and
intimations lead the student of Scripture to expect the shikutz shomem
of the acharit-yamim to be a Roman Catholic crucifix bearing the image
of the False messiah, who will demand worship as "god." The
eschatological shikutz shomem is described in Yesha'yahu 40-46. The
False Prophet will erect it in the HaKodesh (Set-Apart Place) of the
Mikdash (Temple). In its eschatological intent, the book of Yirmeyahu
intimates that an image of a Madonna ("Holy Virgin") will also be set
up in the Temple compound.
Acharit-yamim
The latter days; the last days. A Hebrew term for eschatology. The
days are pictured as an army marching past. The raysheet is the part
that has already passed, while the acharit is the part that is still
approaching. Events said to happen ba'ha-acharit ha-yamim (in the
latter days) often had one or even more partial fulfillments in
history, which serves as a tavniyt or pattern that foreshadows events
that will happen in Yom UYUW. The other Hebrew term for eschatology
is Ikvot HaMashiach (Footsteps of the Messiah). Scriptural history is
an intricate tavniyt that teaches-to those who have ears to hear-the
Footsteps of the Messiah.
Adon
Master, ruler. Expresses a relationship of rulership, headship,
royalty and authority, and not necessarily one of ownership. The
antonym of Adon is eved-servant. Rabbi Yahushua from Natzeret was
addressed by this title.
Adoni
"My Adon," i.e. "my master." A term for the Messiah in Tehillim
110:1.
Adonai
An intensive of Adon; "Great Master." A title used to address kings
and royalty. The name Adonai is most often used of the Almighty in
the writings of the prophets, because they were the messengers of the
King, so that they use the terminology of a messenger of a king.
In Jewish worship, this name is often used as an evasive synonym for
YHWH, the set-apart name of HaKadosh, baruch Hu. The term Adonai is a
plural of majesty. It is not the unique name of the Almighty; in
Scripture it is also used of mighty men, e.g. Yosef as
"vice-president" of Mitzrayim under Pharaoh, and of King David.
Afikoman (Afikomen) [G]
This word, from the Greek meaning "after-dish," refers to the last
morsel eaten at the Seder-half of the central matzah is broken off and
hidden away at the beginning of the meal.Greek word meaning that which
comes after. It is represented in a broken piece of matzah wrapped in
linen and buried (hidden).A Greek word meaning "dessert." This piece
of the ceremonial matzah is the final thing eaten at the Passover
Seder meal.
Ages of salvation-history
The sages understood that salvation-history would unfold as a week
with "days" of 1000 years each. Chronology starts with the
impartation of the neshamah (breath of life) to Adam. The preceding 6
days of creation are seen as being separate from chronology, and to
contain all the secrets and ages of the universe. Adam and Chavah
were in the Malkut Shamayim, and in the fulness of the image of
Elohim. They transgressed and were diminished to the shell of the
image of Elohim. The fall of man precipitated the Age of Tohu
(desolation), which endured for 2000 years. This was followed by the
Age of Torah (instruction) and the Yemot HaMashiach (Days of the
Messiah), each lasting 2000 years. Together, these three periods
constitute the Olam ha-zeh-the present age or "this world." These 6
days will be followed by Yom YHWH, the sabbatical millennium, the 1000
year reign of King Messiah. Just as king David first ruled over
Yahudah from Chevron for 7 years, and then over all Israel from
Yerushalayim, we expect Yahushua to rule from heaven for 7 years, and
then on earth from Yerushalayim for the balance of the Millennium.
The Messianic Kingdom is also called the Athid Lavo-the age to come.
It is followed by the Great White Throne Judgement, and the Olam
ha-bah-the World to Come.
Age of Tohu
The age of desolation. The first 2000 years of the Olam Ha-zeh
(present age), i.e. from the fall of Adam until the calling of
Avraham.
Age of Torah
The age of instruction. The first middle 2000 years of the Olam
Ha-zeh (present age), i.e. from the calling of Avraham until the first
coming of the Messiah. Followed in turn by the Yemot HaMashiach (Days
of the Messiah).
Aggadah
A story that serves as an object-lesson. A parable. The ethical
sayings and scriptural expositions of the sages; in contrast to their
halakhic statements. The nonlegal part of rabbinic literature, in
contrast to halakhah.
Aiyin Ra'ah
Literally: bad eye. A stingy person.
Aiyin Tovah
Literally: good eye. A generous person.
Akeida
Binding an animal for sacrifice; specifically, Abraham's binding of
Isaac for sacrifice to The Almighty-not consummated.The binding of the
sacrifice. A sacrifice had to be bound in order to be kasher.
Akkum
Non-Jews who do not observe the Noachide commandments.
Al Chet
Literally: "for the sin;" an important Yom Kippur prayer, listing sins
for which we beg forgiveness.
Aleinu Leshabe'ach
An ancient prayer of thanksgiving for being separated from heathendom.
This prayer quotes a passage from Yesha'yahu 45, which contains a
prophetic description of the eschatological shikutz shomem
(abomination of desolation), i.e. the idolatrous image of the False
messiah that will be set up in the HaKodesh of the rebuilt Temple in
Yerushalayim by the False prophet. During the time of the Spanish
Inquisition, this beautiful prayer was censored by the Roman Catholic
Church because it was identified as an attack on the crucifix.
Indirectly, this confirms the intimations of Scripture that the
eschatological shikutz shomem will be a Roman Catholic crucifix
bearing the face of the Antichrist, i.e. the face of Antiochus IV
"Epiphanes," i.e. the popularly accepted face of "Jesus."
Al HaNissim
Thanksgiving for the miracles added to prayer and grace after the meal
on the festivals of Chanukah and Purim.
Aliyah
Plural: Aliyot
Literally: "going up." To "have an aliyah" refers to the honour of
being called up to the bimah to recite or chant the blessings over the
Torah. To "make aliyah" or "go on aliyah" means to immigrate to
Israel.
Almighty
The personal name of the Almighty is UYUW (YHWH). Hebraic names by
which He is addressed, include HaKadosh Baruch Hu (the Set-apart One,
blessed be He), Ribono shel Olam, HaRachamam, Adoshem, Adon Olam
(Master of All) and Avinu Sheba-shamayim (our Father in Heaven).
Al Mikrah Megillah
The blessing before the reading of the Megillah.
Al Netilat Yadayim
The blessing over the washing of hands before the meal.
Am ha'aretz
Peasantry. Used in the Talmud and thereafter as a derogatory
reference to ignorant people of the land. A country bumpkin.
(Afrikaans: "plaasjapie"; "bekvelder.")
Amidah
Standing prayer, quietly murmured, that is part of each daily service,
alternatively called the Tefillah or the Shemoneh Esreh. A prayer,
recited silently, thrice daily, while standing up, the prayer of the
Eighteen Benedictions.
Am Kadosh
Set-apart covenant people. A term for Israel, specifically the
faithful remnant of Israel in the eschaton. They are commissioned to
be kadosh-"gans anders."
Amora
Plural: Amora'im
Speaker, interpreter; expounder of Talmudic (Mishnaic) law from
compilation of Mishnah to redaction of entire Talmud, in Babylon
(where the Amora'im were known as Mar or Rav) and in Israel (where
they were designated Rabbi). Their discussions and teachings, 220-550,
form the Gemara, lengthier sections of the Talmud that follow each
Mishnah.
Amora'im
Rabbis who contributed to the Gemarah-the lengthier sections of the
Talmud that expounds the Mishnah.
Ana Adonai hoshi'ah na, Ana Adonai hatzlichah na
"Pray, O Adonai, save us! Pray, O Adonai, make us succeed!" A prayer
from the Psalms recited on Hoshana Rabbah, the last great day of Chag
Sukkot.
Ancient of Days
A title for YHWH in Dani'el 7:9. Called the Before-Time in the book
of Chanoch (Enoch).
Ani Ma'amin
Literally: "I believe;" a song that is often sung at the Pesach Seder
and at Yom Hashoah observances in memory of Holocaust victims who sang
this song of faith on their way to their deaths.
Anshei K'neset Hagdolah
Sages of the Great Synod during the first part of the Second Temple
Period.
Anti-nomianism
The belief that faith frees a believer from all obligations to observe
the Law of the Almighty. Also an attitude of hostility towards the
Torah of YHWH.
Apocalyptic
Ideas and teachings pertaining to the revelation (apocalypse) of the
last days and the end of the world.
Apocrypha [G]
A Greek adjective in the neuter plural (from apokruphos, "hidden,
concealed") denotes strictly "things concealed." Old Testament
Apocrypha, specifically the fourteen books written after the canon of
the Hebrew Scriptures was closed and which, being the least remote
from the canonical books, laid strongest claim to canonicity.The body
of Jewish literature written between the second century BM and the
second century AD, not included in the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Aram
Syria.
Aravah
Plural: Aravot.
A willow branch taken as one of the four species on Sukkot.
Armilus
In rabbinic literature, the name of the Antichrist or False messiah of
the latter days. The name is apparently derived from the name
Romulus, the legendary founder of the city of Rome. The sages saw
that Scripture intimates that the False messiah will initially rule
the revived Roman Empire, i.e. united Europe, from Rome.
Aron Kodesh
The Ark of the Covenant. Also used as a term for the large wooden
cabinet in which the Torah scrolls are kept in the synagogue. Today
called Hechal in Sephardic synagogues.
Arva'ah minim
The four species: a palm branch (Hebrew: lulav), myrtle, willow and
citron (Hebrew: etrog), used during Chag Sukkot.
Ascetic
A wholly unscriptural, pagan tradition of renouncing social life and
comfort for solitude and self-mortification.
Aseret Yemei Teshuvah
The ten days of penitence. The "High Holy Days." The Days of Awe.
Tishrei 1-Tishrei 10, i.e. Yom Teruah to Yom Kippur.
Asham
A guilt offering made by one who has sinned against his fellow man.
Korban asham.
Ashkenazi
Plural: Ashkenazim.
Referring to Jews of Central and Eastern European origin.
Ashrey
Psalm 145 recited thrice daily.
Atah Chonantanu
A passage added to the evening prayer after the Shabbat to note the
difference between the kadosh and the mundane.
Atzeret
Conclusion; used for concluding observance of an appointed time or
festival; the word atzeret is derived from "gathering." Shemini
Atzeret is the concluding day of Sukkot; Atzeret is a Talmudic term
for Chag Shavuot, because that festival concludes the spring festival
as well as the counting of the Omer. A festive gathering for the
conclusion of a festive season, a concluding feast.
Asherah
An upright idolatrous image.
Ashrei
Psalm 145.
Ashshur
Historical Assyria, which is a foreshadowing picture of eschatological
Russia.
Athid Lavo
The age to come, i.e. the Millennium or Messianic Kingdom. The Day of
UYUW. Literally: "the future to come."
Atzeret
A festive gathering for the conclusion of a festival or a festival
season.
Av
Father; eleventh month of the Jewish year.
Av Beit Din
"Father of the house of judgement." The Chief Justice of Israel.
Av HaRachamim
A prayer for the persecuted communities.
Avelut
Third period of mourning; the first year after death.
Avinu Malkenu
"Our Father, our King;" a prayer of supplication. Specifically prayed
during the Ten Days of Awe (Days of Penitence; Days of Return
(t'shuvah)) and fast days.
Avinu Shebashamayim
Our Father in the Heavens.
Avodah
The Temple service, specifically that performed by the High Priest.
Since the destruction of the Temple, modified versions of the services
have been moved to the synagogues and homes; these consist of
Scripture readings, teachings, songs, liturgical poems, etc. Often a
specific reference to the Yom Kippur service. Chasidic concept of life
dedicated to The Almighty.
Azarah
Plural: Azarot.
Generic term for a courtyard or hall in the Temple compound.
Azazel
In the Yom Kippur service, lots were drawn over two goats. The one
lot read, l'YHWH ("to YHWH") and the other lot l'Azazel ("to Azazel").
The goat l'Azazel was led from the Mikdash (Temple) by a chosen
priest who is called an ish iti (a "timeless man," i.e. a man without
any sense of time or season, rain, snow or inconvenience) and taken to
Har Azal (Mount Azal) where it was pushed off backwards from a high,
steep, jagged cliff to be torn to shreds.
In the Me'am Lo'es Torah Anthology: Yom Kippur Service (Kaplan, 1982:
17), the teachings of the sages about the meaning of the word Azazel
is summarised:
The etymology of the word Azazel is as follows: it is derived from the
word az or azuz, which denotes strong. The word Azazel refers to a
powerful, strong rock or cliff. The word el means strong.
Some say the word Azazel refers to the cliff over which the goat was
pushed. The word Azazel could also be broken up into "az azel," which
means "the goat who goes."
Kaplan (1982: 17-18; 54) describes the manner in which goat l'Azazel
was killed:
The High Priest would then come to the goat upon which there was the
lot "to Azazel." He would place both his hands on it and make
confession for all Israel. He would say, "O YHWH, Your people have
erred, sinned and rebelled before you."
He would then call the priest who had been designated from the day
before Yom Kippur, and would give him the goat to bring to the desert.
On the day before Yom Kippur, people would go to huts that had been
put up previously to accompany the person leading the goat. Those in
the last hut would stand at the edge of the area where one can go.to
see from a distance what the person in charge of the goat does.
The priest to whom the goat is given over, brings it to the cliff that
we have mentioned and leads it to the top of the cliff. Half of the
hank of scarlet cloth he would tie to the rock, and half he would tie
between the goat's horns. Then with his hands he pushes the goat down
so that it tumbles down the cliff. It would not reach halfway down
before it was broken into pieces, totally dismembered. The cliff over
which the goat was thrown consisted of sharp, jagged rocks that would
tear the goat into shreds. He would then say, "This is the way the
sins of the House of Israel should be destroyed."
The sages taught that the command to slay the goat l'Azazel in this
particular manner is a chukah-a decree, which cannot be fully
comprehended with the intellect. The reasons are known to YHWH, and
Israel should obey it although they do not understand it fully.
The sages grappled with the meaning of the chukah concerning goat
l'Azazel. The Torah Anthology: Yom Kippur Service (Kaplan, 1982:
20-21) relates one explanation:
When Yom Kippur comes, HaShem sends Satan Sama'el his portion in the
form of the goat sent to Azazel. This is sent by the Israelites to
the desert, which is a place of demons (shedim). This is where Satan
Sama'el has power.When Sama'el sees the goat sent to the desert, he
also goes to the desert.and he no longer speaks evil against Israel.
Therefore a hank of scarlet wool was tied between the horns of the
scapegoat.When the goat was pushed off the cliff, that skein of
scarlet wool would become white. This teaches that this act atoned
for the sins of the Israelites and whitened them: "If your sins are
like scarlet they shall become white as snow" (Yesha'yahu 1:18).
Through this repentance and confession, all the unclean spirits and
denouncing forces that were created out of the sins are placed on the
goat's head. They are destroyed with him in the desert, since this is
the abode of these denouncing forces.
Scripture intimates that the glorious second coming of King Messiah
will climax on a Yom Kippur, when He will enter Yerushalayim and
destroy all the armed forces that has come up to fight against Him.
We know that the False messiah will be captured and slain on this very
day. It is therefore a distinct possibility that the chukah to slay
goat l'Azazel in this most unusual manner could, besides other
possible symbolical meanings, be a prophetic rehearsal for this joyous
future event. Scripture teaches that the False messiah will be cast
into the "lake of fire." This is a term for the Dead Sea-petroleum
gas and combustible oil trapped beneath this lake often leaks out and
catches fire, giving it, especially at night-time, the appearance of a
lake of fire. It is believed that the earthquake that will coincide
with Messiah's coming to the Mount of Olives (Z'kharyah 14) will
enlarge the Dead Sea ("Lake of Fire") to reach the bottom of Mount
Azazel. The earthquake will also cause huge amounts of petroleum gas
and kerosene to surface through fissures in the earth's crust, and to
ignite. On that day we will understand the full significance of the
chukah to cast goat l'Azazel off the steep cliff on Mount Azal on Yom
Kippur.
Azharot
A passage on the commandments in the Torah read on Chag Shavuot.
Order this Glossary from:
Johann van Rooyen
PO Box 5276
HELDERBERG
7135
SOUTH AFRICA
E-Mail: JOHANVR@NAC.AC.ZA
End of Part 1
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