Should I Learn Biblical Hebrew?
What Does the Bible say in its Original Language ?
This is a question that is often discussed among Bible students, theologians, Bible readers, church leaders, pastors, bible study groups and people like me who just want to know GOD better. It’s an age-old question for me that started many years ago because I wanted to know what HIS original intent was when HE gave us the instruction manual for holy living, which we call the Bible.
Today there are an estimated 900 printed English translations of the Bible according to the American Bible Society, written by different groups with different cultures, denominations and political points of view. I’m sure they are all well intended; with a goal of providing a greater understanding of GOD’s Word. But are they authentic? I’d like to cut out the middleman (translator) and just read the original text! I don’t want other peoples’ interpretations; I can pray and ask GOD for wisdom, knowledge and understanding of HIS Word.
When I first began studying the Hebrew roots of my faith, I could not understand why all the original Hebrew names had been removed from my bible. For example, Jesus instead of Yeshua or Mary instead of Miriam or Paul instead of Shaul. I certainly could have learned these names as a child and early on expanded my Hebraic understanding of GOD’s Word. But someone decided that I did not need to know the Jewish names or Jewish roots of our faith.
To learn Biblical Hebrew, I need to know two very important things; how to read it and to understand the Jewish culture and context in which the bible was written. Afterall, the Bible is Jewish book, written by Jewish writers addressing people living in a Jewish culture, thus we have the Judeo-Christian faith.
Why is this important to me? My concern is that many of the language translations we have today are developed to relate to the culture and society of a particular people group that will use the bible. I believe the problem is these works are outside of the original Jewish culture and context so you lose part the original intent. Here is an example:
Psalm 46:10 New International Version
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 Complete Jewish Bible Version:
(10) “Desist, (Let go or Stop) and learn that I am God, supreme over the nations, supreme over the earth.”
The exact same verse but with two very different interpretations of the text, the Jewish Bible translation illustrates the commanding power of GOD’s Words. My bible of choice is the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern and my number two is the Tree of Life Bible created by the Tree of Life Bible Society, founded by Daniah Greenberg. I have a small library of bibles collected over years of study, in my continuous seeking to know HIM. I’m sure you have collected a few in your own journey.
So, for me the answer to the question: “Should I Learn Biblical Hebrew?” is a resounding YES! I see it as the next step in my growth in biblical knowledge. In June, I will enroll in my first online Biblical Hebrew class. I’ve chosen the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.com and their Biblical Hebrew program. They teach many topics related to bible study. Now this is not a free course, but I believe it is worth the investment. Knowledge is power and it is priceless.
The world we live in today looks and feels a lot like Bible times with great battles between Darkness and Light. People from every continent and every culture all over the world are seeking GOD wanting to know more about Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ). This includes a growing number of Jewish people! I believe having the ability to read the Hebrew scriptures will take my understanding of GOD’s Word and HIS original intent to a whole new level.
2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version: 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Complete Jewish Bible : 15 Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth. <
During my visit to Israel in 2013 I got to lay eyes on some of the original scrolls, a fascinating experience. I had a deep desire to be able to read them in their original language! After I have learned to read Biblical Hebrew, I will return to Israel and immerse myself in the FATHER’s written word. Perhaps we can launch an online bible study. Stay tuned!
Amelia Hamilton Morris, Copyright 2025