Some Key Concepts and Terms Which Are Often Misunderstood in the Arab World

Rick Brown and many others, 30 December 2000

Index of Key Terms:

Adon, ha Elôhîm Jesus Saints

Adonai Eternal Life John the Baptist Salvation
Advocate False prophet Justify, to (God’s act) Sanctuary
Altar Father, our King of the Jews Satan
Altar of incense Father, The Kingdom of God Save, to
Angel Fellowship Kurios Sin (as an act)
Angel of the Lord Fire Levite Sin (as sinfulness)
Angels of Satan Flesh Lord (for God) Son of David
Anoint an object, to Forgiveness Lord (for Jesus), our/the Son of God, The
Anoint s.o., to Gates of Hades Love s.o., to (of God) Son of Man, The
Anoint s.o., to Gehenna Mediator Son, The
(metaphorical) Gentiles Mercy sons of God
Apostle God Messiah Soul
Baptism of John God of … New Testament Soulish
Baptize s.o. in the Holy god of Pharisee Spirit, The
Spirit, to Gospel, The Pray, to Spirit of God
Baptize s.o. into Christ, to Gospel of Luke Priest (see also ‘chief spirit, unclean/evil
Believe, to Grace priests’; ‘high priest’) Spiritual
Believer Hades (see also ‘gates’) Prophet (NT) (see also ‘false Synagogue
Blessing Hebrew prophet’) Tabernacle
Carnal Hell (see also ‘gates’) Propitiation Temple
Chief priests High priest Psalms Turn to God, to
Christ holy (of people) Reconcilation (to God) Unbeliever
Church Holy of holies, The Redemption Word, The
Coming One, The Holy place, The Repent, to YHWH
Congregation Holy One of God, The Repentance
Covenant Holy Spirit, The righteous (of people)
Demon Image of God, The Righteous One, The
Devil, the image of God, in the Sabbath
Disciple Israel (and children of,) Sacrifice
Disciples (the twelve) Israelites Sadducee
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS HOW THE MAJORITY HEARS IT MAJORITY EXPRESSIONS (OR ONES LIKE THEM)
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS
ETERNAL STATES / PLACES
Kingdom of 1) sovereignty of God (in OT)
God (malakûtu 2) messianic kingdom
llâh) 3) messianic community
4) blessed age to come
5) heaven / paradise
6) a promised share in 2-5
eternal life (al- 1) life in the blessed age to come
hayâtu 2) a promised share in it
l-’abadiyya) 3) a foretaste of the life to come
hades (hâwiya) 1) the place of the non-Christian dead hâwiya means the abyss, not the inter-
before judgment;
2) in OT it can mean the grave (she’ol) concept but thinks of suffering or joy in
gates of 1) the way to the grave, meaning death a common translation, ’abwâbu l-ja hîm,
hades/hell
hell/gehenna/ place of fire after the judgement
the fire
DIVINE ACTS
salvation, to 1) to rescure or preserve s.o.
save s.o. 2) to grant s.o. a share in the
(=justify) kingdom/eternal life/paradise
(yukhallis)
3) to sanctify s.o. or o.s.
God justifies 1) to accept for the kingdom
2) to declare s.o. accepted
3) to approve of someone
reconciliation 1) to repair an estranged relationship
to God (= justification)
forgiveness 1) God ceases to hold our sinfulness
against us (= justification)
2) God cancels planned discipline for
individual sins due to repentance
3) A person ceases to be angry with
another who has offended him or her.
PROBLEMS
malakût is understood to refer to the
sovereignty of God, which is thought to
already be complete; it cannot expand or
be entered. malakût is used by Sufis to
refer to the unseen realm of angels and
jinn; being “in the malakût” means being
spaced out or in a trance or invisible.
The term 'eternal life' is not used for
anything special; even those in hell are
said to have eternal life in mortal bodies
mediate state. The audience has no such
the grave while awaiting the resurrection.
is a well-known expression for the seven
gates to the fire of hell in the age to come.
Similar concept but jahannam is
sometimes understood as a beast in hell.
yukhallis usually means 'to rid someone of1) to save or rescure s.o. or to deliver s.o. (yunajji)
something' and in N.A. it means ‘to pay
(the bill). It also means to clear something
through customs.
yubarrir is unclear and misunderstood
This concept is not used in some
languages with respect to God.
Different words are required. The word for 1&2) forgiveness (maghfara, ghufrân, yaghfar)
‘sin’ is not usually needed in the
expression.
SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 2
1) sovereignty (mulk, malakût) of God
2) Kingdom belonging to / established by God (mamlaka)
3) subjects/citizens/people of God's Kingdom,God’s people (umma)
4) God's Kingdom in the next world (dâru l-khulûd fî l-âkhira)
5) God's Kingdom in heaven (mamlakatu llâh fî s-samâ’)
6) a (promised) share (nasîb) /place in paradise/the Kingdom
('Divine/Heavenly Kingdom' could also be used.)
1) eternal life in paradise; live forever with God in paradise;
2) promised eternal life with God, a share in the eternal realm (nas
îbun fî dâri l-khulûd)
3) hayâtu l-khulûd (needs more testing)
1) world of the dead (‘âlamu l-mawta)
2) the grave
1) death, the powers of death (quwâtu l-mawt) [as in the Good
News Arabic version]
the fire (al-nâr) [with the article];
the eternal fire
2) to save/preserve s.o. from hell; to give a share in
paradise/kingdom of God; to deliver someone from the power of sin
and its punishment; to grant eternal life with God (the Aramaic for
'to save' is lit. 'to make alive'); (yunqiđuhu mina n-nâr, yunajjîhu
min đunûbihi wa ‘iqâbihâ; an-najât; najâtun mina n-nâr )
3) to rid s.o. of sin (yukhallisuhum min khatâyâ) [1Ti 4:16]
1) God counts / enrolls /enters s.o. among His righteous servants
(’adkhalahu fî ‘ibâdihi s-sâlihîn)
2) God considers s.o. righteous (i‘tabarahu sâlihan)
3) God approves of someone (radiya ‘anhu)
1) God reconciled us to himself (sâlahanâ linafsihi), God accepted
us as his righteous servants
3) to indulge or forgive s.o. (yusâmiH lahu).
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS
redemption 1) to free someone from bondage or a
punishment due to them by making a
payment or substitution.
grace (ni‘ma) 1) God’s kindness in justifying s.o.
2) God’s kindness in blessing s.o.
3) God’s kind empowering s.o.
blessing 1) a benefit from God to man
(baraka; 2) a request for such a benefit
yubârik) 3) thanksgiving to God
DIVINE NAMES & TITLES
YHWH, kurios 1) a name of God (usually but not
(al-rabb) always the 1st person of the trinity)
2) God as covenant redeemer/protector
Lord adonai; A Hebrew title, usually possessed in
ha-adon form, used mostly in addressing God
but sometimes in reference or
predication.
God of ... 1a) Divine master of ...
(ilâhu ...) 1b) Covenantal protector/provider/lord
1c) Divine giver/possessor of attributes relating to people and never to attributes.
(peace, mercy, etc)
god of ... 2) non-human master of ...
(ilâhu ...) 3) object of worship of ...
Elôhîm, God often used as a name for God
(al-’ilâh)
the Father God (first person in trinity)
our Father God (first person in trinity), sometimes (as above)
as a care giver to his people; used by
the people of God
the Word God’s creating, mediating, self-
(Jn, 1 Jn, Rev) revealing, wisdom-imparting “person” be understood to mean that he was created
(2nd person of trinity). This usage is
based in part on the targums.
PROBLEMS
The concept exists, but it is not easily
identified with justification. The substitute
usually needs to be mentioned.
The common translation (ni‘ma) is usually
understood to mean prosperity, blessing,
and especially food.
baraka is commonly used for an almost
magical kind of power or protection or
prosperity. The verb yubârik is not
generally used for 2 and 3.
In Arabic allâh is the name of God. YHWH
is unknown; al-rabb is not a name and is
rare.
This corresponds to Arabic rabb, which is
usually possesed in form and is commonly
used when addressing God.
Allah is not generally possessed. “God of”
is restricted to certain fixed phrases,
Attributes are expressed with nouns
(beautiful names) rather than possessed.
This construction is often unclear and
unnatural.
allâh is used as the name of God. al-’ilâh
is rare and is not a name. allâh sometimes
has associations of sternness and danger.
'Father' (’ab) is biological: progenitor. It is
not used metaphorically of personal
relationships or adoption, which makes its
use for God misleading and offensive.
’ubûwa is just paternity, begetting,
whereas fatherly care is tarbiya.
Jesus is called “word of God”, but this can
in a virgin by the command of God.
SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 3
1) God redeemed you (fadâkum) from a sinful life by the blood of
Christ (1 Pe 1:18-19)
1) acceptance (ridâ) or God approves s.o. (radiya ‘anhu) or use the
verb yun‘im or its nominal form in‘âm ‘ala
2) mercy (rahma), kindness (fadl, lutf) OR material blessings
(ni‘ma) or use the verb yun‘im or its nominal form in‘âm ‘ala
2) help (‘awn) or success-granting (tawfîq)
(use a verbal phrase:) 1) God blesses man (yubârikuhu /fîhi)
2) man asks God to bless s.o. (yad‘û lahu)
3) man praises / thanks God (yashkuru) OR says tabarraka llâh
1) God (allâh)
2) our Lord (rabbunâ)
O Lord (rabbunâ, yâ rabb, rabb al ...)
Master, Lord (almawlâ)
1a) Caretaker/master of (rabbu ...);
1b) God of (’ilâhu ... ) [In certain phrases]; Keeper (hâfiđ)
1c) God the Peace (allâhu l-salâm) [instead of “the God of Peace”]
God the Merciful (allâhu l-rahmân) [not “the God of Mercy”]
2) controller/ruler of ... (musaytir ...)
3) object of worship of ... (ma‘bûd)
God / Allah / our Lord/ our Caretaker (rabbunâ)
God / Allah / our Lord / our Caretaker (rabbunâ)
The word rabb refers to the one who provides the upbringing
(tarbiya) and care. rabbu l-‘â’ila is the head father or patriarch of
the family, who raises/fathers (yurabbib/ yurabbi) the family.
(râbb is a foster father, one who cares rather than begets.)
our Lord/Caretaker (rabbunâ)
our loving Caretaker (rabbunâ l-wudûd)
foster father, one providing fatherly care (râbb)
God’s Word (kalimatu llâh) [this is well known];
God's eternal word
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS PROBLEMS SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 4

The Image of (similar to above) Jesus fully manifests ‘Image’ is understood in physical terms, In Christ we see what God is like. OR God revealed Himself /His
God etc. (Col the character and will of God, all of which sounds blasphemous, because God qualities (sifât) / His nature (tabî‘a) in Christ. Christ is the exact
1:15; Heb 1:3) His ethical attributes; knowing Him is is not physical like humans, and there is representation of the nature (tabî‘a) of God. (at-ta‘bîru s-sâdiqu
(sûratu llâh) knowing God. none beside Him. ‘alâ tabî‘ati llâhi)
Spirit of God God’s intervening, guiding, and God’s spirit is understood as a life-force Spirit of God (rûhu llâh)
(rûhu llâh) empowering “person”, active in His given when creating new human life:
people (3rd person of the trinity) Adam and Jesus..
Holy Spirit (ar- (as above) rûhu l-qudus is equated with the angel The Holy Spirit of God (rûhu llâhi l-qudûs)
rûhu l-qudus) Gabriel, as is ar-rûhu l-qudus. the Holy Spirit (ar-rûhu l-qudûs)
The Spirit (as above) ar-rûh is understood to be a special angel [ as above]
SUPERNATURAL BEINGS
angel, angel of a supernatural messenger sent from The word malâk applies only to angels are angel (malâk); angel sent from God
the Lord God from God, so there is no need to specify.
Satan, the devil 1) the principle opponent of the The usual word for ‘satan’ is also used for 1) iblîs, ash-shaytân, head of the demons (ra’îsu sh-shayâtîn)
kingdom of God demon.
angels of Satan demonic agents of Satan A common word for angel (malâk) refers Agents/forces/companions of Satan (’awliyâ’u sh-shaytân; junûdu
only to angels of God; it does not mean sh-shaytân)
messenger generically and cannot be used
of demons.
unclean spirit, demon ‘unclean spirit’ is not used and sounds demon (shaytân)
evil spirit, odd. ‘evil spirit’ is not common. Tomost
demon people jinnî is not the same as a demon.
Some lgs have several words for kinds of
spirit.
MESSIANIC TITLES
Christ / The king of Israel chosen by God, title with unknown meaning (explain as appropriate ) the Messiah, the awaited king; the
Messiah especially the eternal, righteous ruler awaited Messiah; the Messiah King; the eternal, righteous king,
and savior of God’s people during the the eternal savior; God’s Chosen One; the Savior sent from God.
messianic age.
The Son of God 1) In OT, the king of Israel chosen by ‘Son of God’ is not known to be a 1) the king chosen by God to guide his people
God, based on 1 Sam 7:14 and the messianic title; widely and deeply 2) the one entitled ‘Son of God’ (al-mulaqqabu bi bni llâh);
enthronement Psalms; in NT times it misunderstood to imply sex between God (explain as appropriate: ) God’s Messiah; the King chosen by God
was a title of the Roman emperor. and Mary; uttering such a claim is to save his people; the One whom God loves with the love of the
2) The Messiah considered to be very offensive to God, to father for his son; the one closer to God than a son; God’s Beloved,
3) The Word of God (2nd of the Trinity) the point of ensuring one’s rejection God’s right arm or right-hand man (yamînu llâh). [needs testing]
3) The Word of God (kalimatu llâh); the eternal Word of God
King of the (as above) Understood only in a mundane sense, not the King of God’s people / King of the Jews
Jews as messianic.
Son of David (as above, although not necessarily not known to be a messianic title son/heir of King David, Messiah son of David
enthroned)
the Coming (as above before enthronement) not understood the awaited Messiah / the awaited Savior (Jn 11:27; Mt 3:11; 11:3)
One
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS
Son of Man Similar to above, but comes from
heaven to rule all the peoples of the
earth, based on Dan 7 and apocalyptic
books
the Son This is usually a short form of ‘Son of
Man’ and can be translated similarly.
our lord In NT times it usually meant the
the lord emperor, but to Jews it was the
Messiah in his role of king over the
earth (based on Ps 110:1)
the Righteous The Messiah was expected to be
One uniquely perfect in obedience to God
and to establish a righteous kingdom
free of evil.
the Holy One of The meaning is like that above, but
God ‘holy’ adds the sense of the Messiah’s
total commitment to the Father.
HUMAN ACTS & ATTRIBUTES
soul 1) the innermost nature of a person
2) the physical life of a person
3) a person
soulish 1) in accord with human nature
sin=sinfulness sinful human nature
flesh corruption in the soul
carnal in accord with corruption
sin=act 1) willful OR
2) inadvertant transgression OR
3) shortcoming from God’s ideal
spiritual in accord with God, led by his Spirit
PROBLEMS
A common translation, ibnu l-’insân,
applies to bastards and is not understood
to be a messianic title. It is commonly
misunderstood to affirm the mere
humanity of Jesus against claims of
divinity. A similar expression, son of
Adam, is sometimes deprecatory.
not understood
A common translation (rabb) is
understood as applying only to God as a
Father-like figure.
The traditional translation, al-bârr, means
dutiful as a son or generous. This misses
both the desired quality of a ruler and the
model of godly righteousness.
‘The Holy One’ (al-qudûs) is a name for
God, but ‘the Holy One of God’ is a new
and unique title. SVB has ‘God’s
Messiah’.
no such concept
no such doctrine
no single word equivalent
There are several words, differing in
severity. A common translation mistake is
to imply that forgiveness is only for light
sins (đunûb) or that only those with major
sins (’âthâm) need forgiveness.
no single word equivalent; a common
translation, rû hânî, is used of an imam or
other person who is in communication
with spirits; rû hî means the same or
alcoholic.
SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 5
the Lord of mankind (sayyidu l-bashar, which is close to the sense
in which Jesus used the term);
the One who became human (allâđi sâra basharan) [used in Sharif
translation]
(similar to above) [This needs more testing.]
the Lord (as-sayyid) [‘Son of Man’ is replaced by ‘the Lord’ and
‘our Lord’ in Acts and Epistles except in John’s Epistles it is
‘Son’.]
our master/sovereign (sayyiduna/mawlânâ)
lord of all (sayyidu l-kawn)
the righteous (a s-sâlih); the righteous savior, the righteous king;
the perfectly righteous one [Acts 7:52; 22:14; Isaiah 53:11] [Note:
It is not appropriate to call the Father sâlih because it means
obedient and pleasing to God.]
The Holy One of God (qudûsu llâh); God’s Holy Messiah.
[Together with God’s Holy Spirit, this is suggestive of the Trinity.]
1) nafs, tabî‘a
2) rûh, hayât
3) shakhs
1) tabî‘î
sinful human nature (at-tabî‘atu l-basharîyatu l-khâti’a);
rebelliousness (ma‘sîya)
sinful human nature (at-tabî‘atu l-basharîyatu l-khâti’a)
worldly nature (at-tabî‘atu l-dunyawîya)
led by worldly/human desires (munqâdun lishahawâti d-dunya)
[ Choose words appropriate to the context.]
walking with God, led by his Spirit (munqâdun lirûhi llâh)
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS PROBLEMS SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 6

image of God Some of the attributes shared between ‘Image’ is understood in physical terms, God created man in accord with some of His attributes (sifât).
(1Co 11:7; God and man but not between God and which is blasphemous, because God is not God created man to show forth His nature/essence/attributes
Gen 1:27) other creatures, such as personality, physical and limited like humans, and (liyu‘abbira ‘alâ tabî‘ati/đâti/sifâti llah)
speech, creativity, awareness of self, there is none beside Him.
awareness of God, moral
consciousness.
God also created man to be righteous.
sons of God citizens of the Kingdom/God’s people, Words for ‘son’ are understood God’s accepted servants (‘ibâdu llâhi s-sâlihûn),
based on Deut 14:1-2, Ps 82, Jer 3:19; biologically, which is very offensive; this true worshippers of God (‘âbidû llah),
the usage is usually qualititive rather can be avoided in part by saying ‘become companions (’awliyâ’) of God, citizens of the Kingdom of God,
than referential children of God or like children to God’. become children of God (’asbahû ’abnâ’a llâh)
holy, saints those who have been accepted by God A word for ‘holy’ (qudûs) applies only to the righteous servants of God (‘ibâdu llâhi s-sâlihûn)
(through Christ) and set apart for Him God. A common translation (qadîs) is companions (’awliyâ’) of God [especially in heaven]
understood to apply to ancient heroes citizens of the Kingdom of God (’ahlu mamlakati llâh)
worshipped by traditional Christians. pious ones (’atqiyâ’)
righteous those who walk with God, do what He A commonly used word is bârr, which righteous (sâlih)
wants and find favor with Him means generous or obedient to parents. the righteous servants of God (‘ibâdu llâhi l-sâlihûn)
repentance, to 1) to renounce sin and seek forgiveness This concept should imply surrender to 1) to repent (yatûb) and return (yarga‘) to God
repent, to turn and acceptance from God God.
to God
believer, to 1) one who repents and puts faith in A word for believer, used alone, does not 1) believer or believer in Jesus or believer in the savior Jesus Christ
believe Jesus as Christ his Lord and Savior always convey faith in Jesus or trust in our lord.
him as Lord and savior.
unbeliever 1) someone who does not repent and A common word for unbeliever, kâfir, is a 1) unbeliever (ghayru mu’min) or one who does not believe in Jesus
put his/her faith in Jesus as Lord. term of abuse far stronger than intended. as Christ the Lord.
love s.o. to seek what is in the best interest of this attribute is not commonly ascribed to care (word appropriate for a father’s care) OR love (depending on
s.o. God context)
mercy to relieve or protect s.o. from present or some will understand this as a display of (choose words carefully according to context: hanân, rahma,
threatened suffering/punishment power rather than an act of love ri‘âya, i‘tinâ’ .)
fellowship 1) sharing together of love, suffering, The usual word sharika means a business 1) brotherly sharing (sharikatun akhawîyatun), brotherly ties (râbit
worship, presence of the Holy Spirit company and needs qualification. atun akhawîyatun)
RELIGIOUS RITES
baptism of John a re-initiation of Jewish sinners into no great problem but not well understood (use long sentence to describe the action (yaghattas) and some of
the people of God as if they were its significance)
proselytes, their past life and sins being
“washed” away
baptize s.o. into a ritual formally inducting someone A common translation of this term to immerse (yughattis) or purify (yutahhir) people in water to
Christ into the people of the Kingdom of (ma‘madiyya) is often understood to refer signify that they belong to Christ or that they have become one
Christ to a rite for betraying one’s family by (liyattahida) with Christ or as a confession of their faith
transferring to a new church and in Jesus Christ.
community.
baptize s.o. in to purify and empower a new believer This concept is unknown; often a literal purify (yutahhir) s.o. with the Spirit of God
the Holy Spirit with the indwelling Holy Spirit translation produces a collocational clash
(e.g., ‘dip into the Spirit’)
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS
anoint s.o. to apply oil to someone’s head as a
visible sign that God has chosen him to
be a king, priest or prophet for His
people.
anoint object to apply sacrificial blood to an object to
as a sign that it is clean and acceptable
to God and devoted to his service
anoint s.o. 1) for God to choose someone to a role
(metaphorical) 2) for God to empower someone for a
task
pray 1) to offer formal worship to God.
2) to ask or petition God for s.th.
3) to intercede on behalf of others
4) to spend time communing with God
covenant 1) a sacred contract between God and
people committing each to the other
2) a marriage contract before God
RELIGIOUS BODIES
congregation 1) the congregation of God’s OT
/church people
2) the totality of God’s NT people
3) a local assembly of NT believers
Israel, children 1) physical descendants of Jacob
of Israel,
Israelites 2) God’s faithful people
Gentiles 1) people not descended from Jacob
2) people outside God’s people
Hebrew 1) descendant of Eber (in Genesis)
2) nomadic shepherd (in Genesis)
3) Israelite (elsewhere)
RELIGIOUS ROLES
priest 1) a professional man of religion
2) one who approaches the temple of
God on behalf of others with offerings
and prayers on their behalf
advocate 1) one who intercedes with God for s.o.
mediator 1) one who mediates with God or man
Levite 1) descendant from the tribe of Levi
2) a worker in the temple
chief priests 1) leading priests, members of council
high priest 1) unique priest who approached God The first role is not familiar to our
2) leader of priests and council
PROBLEMS
A common translation of this term
(yamsah) means to wipe.
A similar action is practiced in folk
religion but with a different meaning. The
verb yamsah is not used for this.
not understood
A common translation of this term (yus
alli) refers only to formal, ritual worship
The word is known, mostly as a divine
promise, but the concept of covenants with
God is not familiar or understood.
kanîsa comes from the Aramaic word for
synagogue and means ecclesiastical
building or institution, not congregation
For most hearers today, ‘israel’ is the
name of a political state, and for some it
evokes very negative connotations.
A common translation, umam ‘nations’,
does not convey the intended meaning.
The word ‘Hebrew’ means ‘Jew’ to most
people today.
A common translation, kâhin, means
fortune-teller or psychic medium. The role
of priest does not officially exist in some
religions, but it might exist in folk
versions.
unknown
audience today.
SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 7
to anoint someone with oil as a sign of that God has chosen that
person for a particular role
(use a long phrase)
to choose (yaxtâr) or empower (yuqawwî) or send (yursil)
1) yusalli
2) yad‘û allah, yatlubu shay’an mina llâh
3) yad‘û allah li
4) to spend time praising and thanking God and seeking direction
1) covenant, divine promise (‘ahd)
2) marriage covenant, knot (‘uqda)
1) assembly (jamâ‘a) [Ac 7:38; Heb 2:12]
2) nation/people of Christ (ummatu l-masîh) Eph 1:22; Ac 9:31
3) assembly of believers (jamâ‘atu l-mu’minîn)
1) children of Jacob (banuu ya3qûb) or children of Israel
2) people of God (sha3abu llâh) or nation of God (’ummatu llâh)
1) non-Jews (ghairu yahûd)
2) non-believers (ghayru mu’minîn)
1) from the children of Eber (min banî ‘âbir)
2) nomad (rahhâl), shepherd (râ‘î)
3) Hebrew
1) man of religion (rajulu dîn); mediator (wasît);
2) man of religion who serves in the temple; temple official
intercessor/mediator (shafî‘) [especially in regard to the priestly
role of Christ] [these terms are still being tested]
1) shafî‘
1) wasît
1) from the sons of Levi (min banî lâwî)
2) a Levite priest, an assistant priest, a man of religion
1) important religious men (kibâru rijâli d-dîn)
1) the priest who was near to God (al-shafî‘u l-muqarrab)
2) head of the religious functionaries (ra’îsu rujâli d-dîn)
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS PROBLEMS SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 8

Sadducee 1) The exclusive priestly line after The term ‘Sadducee’ is unknown. 1) priest from the sons of Zadoq; priest from the Sadducee sect
David appointed Zadoq high priest. (min mađhabi l-saddûqiyyîn )
2) Those who support the doctrines and 2) man from the Sadducee way/school/sect
practices of this line
Pharisee 1) member of a Jewish fraternal order The tern ‘Pharisee’ is unknown. 1) man from the Pharisee sect (mađhabi l-farîsiyyîn)
that tithed and observed the oral law.
prophet (NT) ones who made pronouncements to the Prophets are understood to be sent to call one who prophesies/has a word from God
church by inspiration of the Holy Spirit
sinners to repent; it is said there are none
today.
false prophet someone who falsely claims to have a This is a collocational clash; all prophets one who (falsely) claims to be a prophet;
true message from God are from God or they are not prophets. ones who (falsely) claim to have prophecy (yadda‘ûna n-nabûwa)
apostle 1) one sent from a church on a mission A common translation, rasûl, means one 1) messanger (mursal) [2 Co 8:23; Ph 2:25]
2) one sent from God with a mission appointed by God to give people a portion 2) apostle (rasûl) [of Christ at Heb 3:1; of others at Luk 11:49]
3) one sent from Christ with a mission of God’s book. 3) apostle of Christ (rasûlu l-masîh)
disciple 1) follower of a religious teacher A common translation, talmîđ, can mean 1) disciple (talmîđ) of someone
2) believer and follower of Jesus schoolboy if used alone. 2) disciple (talmîđ) of Jesus
the twelve 1) inner circle of twelve disciples A word besides talmîdh exists for the close 1) the twelve disciples or the twelve hawârîyûn or sometimes just
companions of Jesus: hawârîyûn. al-hawârîyûn
NAMES
Jesus the given name of the son of Mary, In some languages, the general audience [‘isa is not inherently better or worse than yasû‘. Other
who is the Messiah. In Hebrew his may use ‘isa while some churches or considerations are more important in the choice of name. Cross-
name is yeshû‘, which means missionaries use yasû‘ . The former is linking has been helpful (i.e., yasû’, also known as ‘isa).
salvation. based on the Greek but adapted to Arabic
word structure, whereas the latter is based
on the Syriac form of the name. Neither
name means anything in Arabic.
John the the prophet John son of Zecharia (Luke Usually known as Yahya son of Zakaria yahya son of zakariyya
Baptist 3:2)
New Testament The collection of books, outside the In many lgs the book of the Christians is al-’injîl
Old Testament, accepted by all known as the Injil. The Injil is known to
Christians as Scripture. be one inspired book, not a message.
The Gospel the Good News brought by Jesus Christ injîl is understood to be the name of a bishâra
book sent down to Jesus
Gospel of Luke The good news proclaimed by Jesus as A common translation has been Injîl, but The good news (bishâra) brought by Jesus as written by Luke.
written by Luke. this is understood to be a single book
given to Jesus.
Psalms A collection of inspired prayers and Most of the audience will have heard of mazâmîr, Praises (the meaning of the Hebrew name)
praises, mostly by David. this collection as the Zabûr, but it is not zabûr (for the collection of Psalms, if this name is not also used as
often called that in translation. Zabûr a male body part).
suggests a male organ in some lgs.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTS
temple (haykal) a unique plaza where sacrifices, gifts, haykal means a skeleton of a building or house of God (baitu llâh); house of God in Jerusalem;
and prayers were offered to God person. ma‘bad means pagan temple. sacred precinct of God’s house (haramu bayti llâh)
TERM INTENDED MEANINGS
tabernacle a temple made of skins and fabric
sacrifice (đabîh 1) a slain animal burned in the name of
a) God for atonement or thanks or other
reasons
2) a sacrifice required for a feast
3) a human sacrifice
4) sacrificial act, self-sacrifice
propitiation 1) the act of giving something to calm
wrath or make amends
altar wood, bronze, or stone platform where
offerings are presented to God or
supernatural beings
altar of incense wood, bronze, or stone platform where
incense is presented to God
symbolizing prayers
sanctuary a small sacred building in the temple
plaza for priests only
the holy place the main room in the sanctuary,
entered by a priest infrequently
the holy of the sacred chamber in the sanctuary,
holies entered by the high priest once a year
synagogue building for Jewish prayers and
teaching
sabbath 1) the seventh day, Saturday
2) a holy day of rest
3) a feast day when work is forbidden
PROBLEMS
đabîha can be any slaughtered animal, so
the purpose of giving it to God is not
always understood. Folk religion includes
sacrifices at new occasions.
the usual translations, kafâra and yukaffir, 1) a sacrifice offered to God to make amends
can have undesirable meanings.
unknown concept (in many languages);
A common translation means
slaughterhouse.
unknown concept; Common translations
mean censor or slaughterhouse of incense. (makânun/mawqidun litaqdîmi bakhûrin hamdan lillâh)
unknown concept
unknown concept
unknown concept
conflicting words or no special word;
jam‘a controversial
Saturday is known but the sabbath is an
unknown concept.
SOME POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS 9
tent of worship (khaymatu l-‘ibâda)
1) sacrifice to God (for atonement / thanks/ etc)
(In some contexts a sentence is needed to translate ‘sacrifice’, such
as đabîhatun qaddamûha lillâhi shukran/ ‘ibâdatan lahu
2) ’udhîya.
3) dahîya
4) tadhiya (suitable for Christ)
đabîhatu l-takfîr qaddamûha lillâhi shukran/ ‘ibâdatan lahu
platform / place for offering sacrifices / incense /offerings to God
(makânun litaqdîmi qarâbîni/đabâ’ihi/bakhûr (shukran) lillâh)
platform/place for offering incense to God
sacred niche (mihrab) of house of God
sacred niche (mihrâb) in house of God
as above, but with holiest (al-’aqdas)
house of worship (baytu l ‘ibâda); house of prayer of the Jews
1) Saturday (yawmu s-sabt)
2) day of rest (yawmu listirâ h); the weekly day of rest (al-‘uTlatu
l-’usbû‘îya)
3) day of rest (yawmu listirâ h)