Easy English Starter List of Bible Words and Their Meanings

 What words are basic to your understanding of the Bible and how do you define them?

This is my little list of Bible words from an easy English perspective. The teacher in me always wants to begin with simple definitions before becoming more complex. We go from known to unknown.

The definitions in this blog, obviously, are partial and incomplete. This is intentional and is why I am calling it a “starter list.” Resource materials will be suggested for more traditional, comprehensive, advanced, and theologically accurate definitions at the end of this material.

Marlene (my wife and best friend) and I have led many Bible study classes and small groups. We do this, realizing that there are many words that we assume participants know and understand but we often do not take time to define these terms. Also, there was a time when we were responsible for an English literacy program. We learned that new English speakers often lack a basic knowledge of everyday words and are especially clueless about Bible-related terms. Following is my starter list of Bible words. I may add new words later and welcome your comments and suggestions. The definitions are my own but probably, at some time in my life, have been read in commentaries, Bible dictionaries, or other reference works. Here they are.

A
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: Three important people from the Old Testament who are like the founding fathers of the Jewish people.
Adam and Eve: The very first humans created by God.
Angles: Messengers of God.

B
Baptize: When you get baptized, it is like celebrating that you have been cleaned and are starting fresh in your faith because of Jesus Christ. Baptism can be done by putting you in water, sprinkling water on you, or pouring it on you.
Believe (in Jesus): It means that you have faith and trust in Jesus for your salvation from sin and life everlasting.
Bible: A book made up of 66 documents, also called "books." It is all about God and how people should live with God and each other.
Born again (saved, converted): Becoming a new person through faith in Jesus Christ.

C
Christ: The word means "anointed one.".
Christian: Someone who follows Jesus.
Church: A group of people who meet together for worship, follow the teachings of the Bible, and have faith in Jesus.
Covenant: An agreement or promise that God makes with people.

D
Disciple: A person who is learning from someone else, especially from Jesus.
David: The most well-known king of Israel. He wrote many of the Psalms (a book of the Bible).

E
Eternal life: Living forever. It is a special gift from God, for both now and in the future, for those who have faith in Jesus.
Emmanuel: Another name for Jesus, meaning "God with us."

F
Faith (saving faith): Trusting in Jesus alone to save you.
Forgive: To wipe clean.
God: God is all-powerful and knows everything. Christians learn about God through the Bible, and they believe in God as the Creator and the one who saves. God is the ruler of everything in heaven and on earth.

G
Gospel: The good news about Jesus Christ.
Grace: A special gift from God that you did not earn or deserve.

H
Heaven (paradise): The perfect place where God, angels, and people who are saved live.
Hell: A really bad place where people who rebel against God are punished forever.
Holy: To be set apart, pure, spiritually whole, or complete.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God. The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, which includes the Father, Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

I
Israel: The name given to Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes, the name of God’s chosen people. Other similar names are Jewish and Hebrew.

J
Jerusalem: A very holy city.
Jesus: The one who saves people from their sins and gives eternal life.

K
Kingdom (of God): The rule of Jesus over everything.

L

Lamb: A symbol for Jesus because He sacrificed Himself for us, like a baby sheep being sacrificed as an offering.

M
Messiah: The Savior. A special leader sent by God.
Mercy: Being kind and forgiving.
Miracle: Something amazing that happens that we cannot explain with our regular rules. It shows the incredible power of God.
Moses: An important person in the first part of the Bible. He led the Israelites out of Egypt.

N
Nazareth: The town where Jesus grew up.
New Testament: The second part of the Bible with stories and letters about Jesus and the early church.

O
Obedience: Doing what God wants and following the teachings of Jesus.

Old Testament: The first part of the Bible with stories from creation until about 400 years before the coming of Christ.

P
Passover: A special Jewish holiday that celebrates when the Israelites left Egypt.
Pharisee: A leader in the Jewish religion.
Prayer: Talking to God.

Q
Quail: A kind of bird that God sent to give food to the Israelites after they left Egypt.

R
Redeemer: Someone who saves, and it is also a name for Jesus.
Repent (Repentance): To change direction and turn away from doing bad things.
Resurrection: When Jesus came back to life after He died. Christians celebrate it on Easter Sunday.
Righteousness (Righteous): Being right with God.

S
Satan (the devil): An angel who turned bad and tries to make people do wrong things.
Salvation: Being saved from the punishment for your sins.
Sin: When you miss the mark by doing something wrong or not doing what you should.
Son: Another name for Jesus. He is also called the Son of God and the Son of man.

T
Temple: A special place where people went to worship God in the Old Testament.
Trinity: One God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
Truth: That which is real and right. Jesus is also called the Truth.

U
Unconditional love: God loves us completely and perfectly.

V
Vineyard: A place where grapes are grown. Jesus talked about vineyards in His stories.

W
Wisdom: Having knowledge and using it in the right ways.
Worship: Showing love and praise to God.

X
Xerxes: A king in a story in the Old Testament.

Y
Yoke: A wooden bar that goes on animals like oxen when they work together to pull heavy things.

Z
Zion: Another word for the city of Jerusalem. A special place for God's people

As mentioned in the introduction, this is a starter list. It is intentionally brief and basic and intended as a beginning frame of reference. I hope that it will generate creative expressions of English speech for educators who are blessed with the privilege of connecting biblical words to the thought processes of those for whom these words are new. The following are selected resource materials that are related to Bible words and their meanings.

Resources
Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology:
Free online:https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/
Purchase from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46MlvKG

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary:
Free online: http://www.bridgeway.org.au/books/BibleDictionary.pdf
Purchase from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Fefef2

Easy English Bible: https://www.easyenglish.bible/bible/easy/

This blog is also available as a narrated video at https://youtu.be/CJTJ3XaL9Lw

Note
“Easy English" documents are often aimed at a grade level between 4th and 6th grade in the United States, which would typically correspond to ages 9 to 12. This level of writing aims to simplify vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall readability to make the content more accessible to a wider audience.

Experiential Learning – John Dewey and Christian Education

John Dewey (1859-1952) is sometimes referred to as the father of American education. I think of him as the Einstein of teaching and learning processes.

At a time when education was characterized by rote memorization, a fixed curriculum, and teacher-centeredness, Dewey advocated experiential learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-life learning experiences.


Quotes that are associated with him include these: "Education is not preparation for life but life itself," "We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience," and "A problem well put is half solved."

This blog will survey key principles of John Dewey, share insights regarding Dewey’s contributions to Christian education, and summarize one of his books (How We Think).

Dewey’s Key Principles and How They Relate to Christian Education

Dewey’s contributions are many. Following are five of his key concepts (collaboration, experience, problem-solving, reflection, and student-centeredness), a brief explanation of each, and their application to Christian education.

Collaboration
Dewey viewed learning as a social process. He believed that students learn best by interacting with others through methods such as discussion, group projects, and peer teaching. Social learning allows students to share ideas and learn from one another.

Christians are created to be in community with one another. The church is described in the Bible as a “body” with members functioning in harmony with one another according to their unique gifts and abilities. Thinking about collaboration reminds me of 1 Corinthians 12:27: “You are the body of Christ. Each of you is a part of it.”

Experience
Learning is through continuous real-life, hands-on experiences and is enhanced by reflecting on, interpreting, and applying these experiences. Guided learning experiences allow students to make connections between new knowledge and what they already know. Field trips, service projects, internships, simulations, and other hands-on activities are examples of experiential learning.

From a Christian education perspective, learning should involve more than memorizing Bible verses or theological concepts. Christian education ought to involve participation in spiritual practices and activities that relate to the faith-life experiences of students. James 1:22 refers to being experientially involved with Scripture: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”

Problem-solving
Learning is most effective when students are mentally active. This level of activity is likely to occur when participants are given problems to solve. Problem-solving typically requires critical and creative thinking, as well as reaching constructive conclusions. Teaching methods include case studies, learning games, collaborative projects, flipped classrooms, and role-playing.

Christian educators can create real-life scenarios that involve making value judgments, resolving moral dilemmas, and responding to ethical situations. When I think about problem-solving, Micah 6:8 comes to mind: “Act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

Reflection
Participants learn not just by the accumulation of information, but by interpreting facts and experiences in relation to their lives. Reflection allows learners to grow through experiences by identifying and analyzing facts and considering the implications of these for their lives. Educational methods that encourage reflection include open-ended questions, dialogue, journaling, group discussion, and case study debriefing activities.

Christian educators can encourage reflective thinking by encouraging students to evaluate themselves and the world through the light of Scripture. This could include practicing spiritual disciplines, having times for biblical meditation, and examining themselves in relation to the world. In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul writes, “Think about these things.”

Student-centeredness
Dewey advocated a student-centered approach to education. By this, he meant that the curriculum and teaching methods should consider the interests, needs, and abilities of students. Education should be relevant to students' lives, and teachers should facilitate learning experiences rather than just imparting knowledge. Students should be active participants in their own learning. This may be demonstrated through shared planning, flexible seating, respecting learner feedback, providing students with choices, and creating a cooperative learning environment.

Christian teachers look for ways to love, respect, and serve their students. The life and teachings of Jesus provide many examples of focusing outside of ourselves. These include the Parable of the Good Samaritan, washing the feet of the disciples, and the Sermon on the Mount. A specific passage about serving others is in Matthew 20:26-28: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”

An Example of Dewey’s Writing: Book Summary: How We Think

Thought processes are basic to all
aspects of education. To provide an example of Dewey’s understanding of the learning process, we will look at a summary of the process of inquiry. There are five steps according to Dewey: perception of a problem, analysis of the problem, hypothesis formation, testing of hypotheses, and drawing conclusions.

1. Perception of a problem: The first step is to recognize that there is a problem to be solved. This may be triggered by a conflict, a discrepancy, or a difficulty.
2. Analysis of the problem: The next step is to gather information and data about the problem. This may involve observation, research, or interviews.
3. Hypothesis formation: Once the problem has been analyzed, the next step is to generate possible solutions. These solutions are called hypotheses.
4. Testing of hypotheses: The next step is to test the hypotheses to see if they are valid. This may involve experimentation, observation, or further research.
5. Drawing conclusions: The final step is to draw conclusions about the problem. This may involve accepting or rejecting the hypotheses, or modifying them.

Dewey believed that thinking is a skill that can be learned and that it is essential for success in learning and in life. In the book, he provides a number of exercises and activities that can be used to help students develop their thinking skills.

This blog has summarized many of John Dewey's significant contributions to education, particularly five key principles: collaboration, experience, problem-solving, reflection, and student-centeredness. Many of these principles align with Christian education values, emphasizing the importance of community, hands-on learning, problem-solving, reflective thinking, and adapting education to students' interests and needs. The presentation also provided a summary of Dewey's book How We Think, outlining the five steps of the inquiry process that he believed were fundamental to effective learning and problem-solving. Overall, Dewey's ideas continue to have a profound impact on education, encouraging a student-centered approach that promotes active, engaged, and meaningful learning experiences.

Resources

Some of John Dewey’s most notable books include the following.
The School and Society (1899) https://amzn.to/3r5RUN6
How We Think (1910) https://amzn.to/3EGwOaZ
Democracy and Education (1916) https://amzn.to/3PEGwA3
Art as Experience (1934) https://amzn.to/44VQNgL
Experience and Education (1938) https://amzn.to/3Pn0fno

End Notes

Criticisms of Dewey’s Approach
John Dewey's philosophy has received criticism from various perspectives, including from Christian educators and theologians. Some common criticisms are: 1) Dewey wrote from a secular and relativistic point of view, 2) he did not acknowledge the spiritual or moral areas of life, 3) he did not respect approaches that are grounded in absolute truth or unchangeable doctrines, and 4) his writing lacked a moral framework. With sensitivity to the value of these criticisms, the greater amount of literature from Christian educators suggests that many of Dewey’s ideas should be integrated into Christian education, especially in areas such as experiential learning and reflective thinking.

Supplementary online resources that may have been consulted include ChatGPT, Google Search, Google Bard, Bing, and Wikipedia

YouTube version of this blog: https://youtu.be/RyVQaO3bJ88

Church and School Education (CASE) Resources is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com.

Psalm 23 for Teachers Beginning a New School Year

As a new school year begins, I have written the following prayer specifically for teachers but also for all learners and staff members. The prayer is a paraphrase and amplification of Psalm 23.

We ask you, O Good Shepherd, to empower our teachers so that they may shepherd their learners in Christ-like ways.

May they have everything necessary to meet their own needs, as well as those of students, parents, and colleagues.

May they, during the intensity of a new school year, find times for “green-pasturing” and “still-watering” to renew both body and soul, so that they may be refreshed and go forward in the right direction.

May they teach with confidence
and courage, knowing that you are with them, even through the dark valleys of physical danger, threats from without or within, discipline concerns, curricular challenges, and physical exhaustion.

May they have the wisdom and humility to recognize the ways in which you are guiding and even correcting them as if by a shepherd's rod and staff.

May they receive inner strength, support, and healing through the anointing power of the Holy Spirit

May it be evident that they, because of your shepherding guidance and grace, are overflowing with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

And, finally, may they have the sure confidence that You are with them, day in and day out, ensuring that the impact of their teaching is making a difference in the lives of their students forever. Amen.

The accompanying image is from a YouTube video entitled, Prayer for Teachers at the Beginning of a New School Year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-788MU30Eg

Joy Through the Meditation and Memorization of Scripture

Bible meditation and memorization go hand in hand. It is difficult for me to do one without the other. Of course, there are times when memorizing Bible topics is separate from meditation. These include areas such as memorizing the names of the books of the Bible, proof texts for theological teachings, and Bible verses for sharing the Gospel. But, generally, meditation lacks substance without biblical content, and Bible memorization lacks personal meaning apart from meditation.

From a personal perspective, meditation motivates my memorization and makes it a joy. As I meditate on a Bible passage over time, it becomes fixed in my memory. The more time that I spend meditating on a text, the more I am motivated to commit it to memory and the easier it is to memorize. I wish you the same sense of peace and joy that this process brings into my own life.

This presentation identifies Scriptures related to Bible meditation and memorization, defines biblical meditation and memorization, suggests approaches to meditation and memorization, and provides a starter list of Bible passages. The suggested passages are those on which I meditate daily and have memorized as foundational for my own journey of faith. They are given with the hope that you will build a list of your own.

Scriptures about why Bible meditation is worth doing

The person blessed by God, “…meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3).

“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely
o them, that your progress may be evident to all”
1 Timothy 4:15.

Scriptures about why Bible passages are worth memorizing

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Bible Meditation Defined

“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things that one knows about the works and ways and purposes and promises of God…” (J.I. Packer, Knowing God [Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity, 1973], 23).

How to meditate

• Set aside a specific time and place. (Evening in a recliner is best for me. Many prefer early mornings.)
• Be in a quiet place that is free from distractions.
• Have selected Bible passages available for reading and reflecting. (I have them on my iPhone screen. Other options could be an open Bible, a journal, or 3” x 5” cards.)
• Choose a Bible passage(s) that speaks to a need or area of concern in your life.
• Read the text, re-read it, and ponder it. Examine the text in relation to life. Reflect on the order and meaning of specific words and phrases. Identify how the text may be leading one to think or act differently. Ask what the text says about God and how to serve and worship God.
• Keep reflecting on the same text each day for as long as it continues to speak to your soul in a meaningful way. This may be for months. I have been meditating on some texts every day for years.
• Memorize the text. This becomes a natural, easy, and desirable process when the text is reviewed daily.
• End with prayer.

Bible Memorization Defined

Bible memorization is learning a passage by heart. It is committing to memory the words of Bible verses to the extent that they can readily and accurately be recalled for reflection or recitation.

Bible Memorization Described

• Choose a passage that is meaningful.
• Read the passage (and surrounding verses) several times in order to begin understanding its context and meaning. What is the passage about? What does it mean? Why is it important?
• Break the passage down into smaller pieces, such as individual words or phrases.
• Memorize the passage one phrase at a time. Once you have a phrase memorized, move on to the next one. Don't try to memorize the entire passage all at once.
• Use different techniques to memorize a passage. This could include writing out the passage, saying it out loud, making flashcards, using mnemonic devices, and linking and chaining.
• Two Specific Techniques for Memorization

1. Mnemonic devices help by making mental associations. These associations could be through acronyms, imagery, or other memory aids that help with recall.
2. Linking and chaining bring together new material with what was previously memorized. New text is added while continuing to recite an entire passage from the beginning.

• Review the passage (or group of phrases) regularly.
• Pray, meditate, and apply a passage. Pray about its significance in your life. Meditate on its deeper meaning. Ask how the passage impacts your thoughts, actions, and relationships.
• Make it a joy! Do it in a way that allows you to look forward to the pleasure of knowing the passage by heart.

Suggested Passages for Meditation and Memorization

The following is my current list of memorized passages for daily meditation. It is modified as I feel the spiritual need. The passages are listed with the hope that others will develop lists of their own.

Numbers 6:24-26
Psalm 23
Psalm 46 (selected verses)
Isaiah 40:31
Micah 6:8
Matthew 5:3-10
Matthew 6:9-13
John 3:16-17
Romans 8:35,37-39
2 Corinthians 4:14, 16-18, 5:1

2 Corinthians 13:14
Ephesians 3:16-21
Philippians 4:4-9
Colossians 1:15-20
Hebrews 13:20-21
1 Peter 2:9, 10
Prayer of St. Francis
Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A #1

Summary

This blog has described the connection between Bible meditation and memorization, highlighting how the two practices complement each other. I have shared from my personal experience how meditation motivates my memorization and brings joy. Suggestions were made for how to meditate and memorize effectively, including specific techniques such as mnemonic devices and linking or chaining. I concluded with a list of memorized passages for daily meditation, expressing the hope that readers will compile their own collections.

Click on the following link to view this presentation as a narrated YouTube video.

https://youtu.be/2gRciaNTBs8

References

Biblical Meditation. Tarrants, Thomas A. https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/biblical-meditation/ (includes descriptions of the meditation process of Lectio Divina and of George Müller.)

Successful Scripture Memory and Review. Spurgeon, Charles. https://www.spurgeongems.org/bmg.htm

Memorize the Mind of God. Mathis, David. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/memorize-the-mind-of-god

Topical Memory System, The Navigators. https://amzn.to/3OuTeR7

Life-Changing Bible Verses You Should Know. Lutzer, Erwin & Rebecca. https://amzn.to/47kGRQp

Supplementary online resources that may have been consulted include ChatGPT, Google Search, Google Bard, Bing, and Wikipedia.
Church And School Education (CASE) Resources is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, of affiliate advertising designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com