During the holiday season, one of the focuses is upon giving. A part of this drive to give involves contributing to charitable organizations. The end of the year is a time full of major pushes and drives to collect foodstuffs and money for the less fortunate.
The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “truth” in English is the Greek word aletheia. Although the common usage of this word is similar to English, signifying that a particular idea or fact was not false, the New Testament in particular added extra force to this word’s usage.
The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “hope” in English is the Greek word elpis. In that original language the word carried with it more an idea of expectation rather than desire (for which there is a different word). Understanding this difference is key to understanding the original intention of the New Testament writers. In modern usage, “hope” has become a somewhat flippant term used for wish lists or for dreams which seldom are connected with expected reality.
The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “joy” in English is the Greek word chara. In that original language (as in Hebrew of the Old Testament) this word described more than an emotional state, but instead and entire disposition of thought. This can be quite different from our modern concept of “joy” which is linked with one’s personal feelings.
The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “believe” in English is the Greek word pisteuo. In that original language, this word is merely the verbal form (action) of the noun pistis which is most commonly translated as “faith.” The connection between these two words is of paramount importance to the proper understanding of both.