Top Ten Words: A Year in Review

Happy New Year, one and all! And a great big THANK YOU, to all you readers who have been so supportive and encouraging! It means a lot to me! 

It’s been another great year of diving into Biblical Hebrew words. Some of my favourite studies posted in 2024 were Y’hee (the first word God utters in the text), Galil (Galilee),  Mi-Gan (out of the garden) and Mi-dbar (into the Wilderness). 

Today’s list are the ten most visited postings in 2024. These could be postings written any year since this blog began in 2017. I’ve also added some pictures from my personal 2024 album. If you missed any of these postings, click on the Hebrew word to link you to the original posting. Let me know in the comments, what makes the top of your list of favourite Biblical Hebrew words?

Number 10: RAQIA (Sky)

This is the first time on the Top Ten list for raqia (sky, expanse, firmament). The sky’s the limit for this great word! 

Number 9: DA’AT/YADA (Revisiting Knowledge)

First time on the Top Ten list, knowledge is really one of my favourite words. The constant search for knowledge is what keeps me going. It’s why I love working at a University… all that data is at my fingertips! However, when it comes to the Bible you need more than just an accumulation of knowledge; you need to pair it with prayer for understanding.

Number 8: PANIM (Face)

Panim has been on the Top Ten list for the last three years (#9 in 2023 & #7 in 2022). It’s such an important word, because it highlights the goal of the whole story… being in the Presence of YHWH, at the end of our days, and seeing Him, face to face.

Number 7: EHYEH (I Am)

Ehyeh (I Am) is a word that every follower of YHWH should know, but most do not. If you’re not clear on its impact and how EHYEH is connected to YHWH, please have a read!

Number 6: NUAKH (Rest)

Rest is something we all need and perhaps that’s why this particular word has been in the Top Ten for the last three years (#4 in 2023 and #3 in 2022). I will give you rest is something that both YHWH and Yeshua say in the Bible… and it’s something we can all count on!

Number 5: TSELEM (Image)

This is our mission as human beings; we are to bear the Image of YHWH and reflect God’s heart onto this world. Last year tselem was on the list at #7. It’s moved on up to #5 and I’m happy about that because the concept of bearing the Image of YHWH needs to be understood by all who call themselves followers of YHWH.

Number 4: NAKHASH, SERAPH, TANNIN (Snakes, Seraphim, Sea Serpents)

My hope is that Hebrew Word Lessons is a helpful place to clarify some of the weird and confusing things about the Bible… and what’s weirder than talking snakes, abominable sea serpents, and fiery seraphim? Last year this word posting was at number #5, it’s moved up a spot, which tells me that many are still looking for answers to the “weird” questions of the Bible.

Number 3: SHEOL (The Grave)

We’re all headed to the grave and maybe that’s why this word jumped onto the Top Ten list for the first time. It didn’t just inch onto the list; it flew right up to number three. YHWH is the God of Life and a big part of the final story is that Yeshua conquers death and the grave that tries to hold us down. This is the victory that we will all share! In YHWH’s Kingdom the only thing that will die is death itself.

Number 2: QAVAH (Waiting)

Qavah has been #2 for the past three years in a row. Is it “waiting” patiently to be #1? Truth is, we’re all waiting for the final chapter of YHWH’s story. We’re waiting for the return of the King, and one day that will happen. Until then, we wait.

Number 1: EZER (Helper/Ally)

For the past three  year in a row, ezer takes the top spot. It’s a word that, for generations, has been misunderstood, but with renewed study it highlights a beautiful truth. YHWH loves and respects women; they are made in His image as much as any man. Women are not side-kicks; they are allies that come to the rescue when called. It’s an honour to be described as an ezer because the word is repeatedly used to describe YHWH. YHWH is an ezer and He is no side-kick! 

2024 has come and gone (and, boy, did it go by quickly!) Here’s to 2025 and all the blessings that will come with it!

Thank you, YHWH, for giving us another year to bear Your Image to this world. May we all do well in representing You! Amen!

Next week: Pomegranate