Definition and Biblical Context of the Word "Meaning"

The concept of "meaning" in biblical studies encompasses a range of interpretations, from the literal sense of words and phrases to deeper theological implications and symbolic representations. Understanding meaning often involves examining the original Hebrew and Greek terms, their various applications, and how they have been interpreted across different traditions.

At its most basic level, meaning refers to the direct definition or signification of a word. For instance, the Hebrew word for "firmament" (רָקִיעַ, raqia') denotes an expanse or wide extent, not necessarily solidity, reflecting the "stretching, extension" of the sky ^[1]. Similarly, the Hebrew term yam (יָם) for "sea" can refer to the ocean, specific rivers like the Nile or Euphrates, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, or even inland bodies of water like the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea ^[2]. The word "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh in Hebrew; ἄγγελος, angelos in Greek) literally means "messenger" and is used for human messengers, prophets, priests, and even impersonal agents like pestilence or wind, in addition to heavenly intelligences ^[5]. "Mercy" is defined as compassion for the miserable, with its object being misery itself ^[3]. Even terms like "measure" have multiple Hebrew and Greek equivalents, each with specific nuances, such as middah (מִדָּה) or metron (μέτρον) ^[4].

Beyond simple definitions, biblical meaning often involves understanding the intended purpose or plan behind a word or concept. The Hebrew root H3335, for example, can mean "to form, fashion, frame," and in its Qal form, it refers to human or divine activity in creation. In a figurative sense, it can mean "to frame, pre-ordain, plan" a divine purpose for a situation ^[6]. This highlights how a word can carry both a concrete and an abstract, intentional meaning.

The interpretation of meaning can also be complex, as seen in patristic thought. Origen, for instance, discusses the multifaceted meanings of "beginning" (ἀρχή, archē) in John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word." one tradition notes that the word has various senses in both Greek philosophy and sacred scripture, ranging from a point of transition or a road's length to a more profound origin or principle ^{[7, 11]}. Augustine emphasizes that interpreting Scripture requires both discovering the proper meaning and then making that meaning known, acknowledging it as a "great and arduous undertaking" ^[12].

Theological concepts often carry layers of meaning. Charles Hodge explains that the biblical word "mystery" signifies something hidden or unknown that can only be revealed divinely. This applies to the Gospel, the future conversion of the Jews, the incarnation, and even the "secret meaning" of enigmatical symbols like the seven candlesticks in Revelation ^[9]. Hodge also notes that the "heart" in Scripture can mean the entire soul, the feelings or affections, or the seat of emotions, indicating its varied symbolic and literal uses ^[10].

Different traditions approach the "plain meaning" of a text with varying degrees of flexibility. Rabbinic tradition, as seen in the Babylonian Talmud, sometimes interprets verses in ways that go beyond or even seem to reverse the simple meaning. For example, the lament "Jerusalem among them was a like a menstruating woman" (Lamentations 1:17) is interpreted by Rav Yehuda as a potential blessing, suggesting that just as a menstruating woman becomes pure again, Jerusalem will also be restored ^[13]. This demonstrates a hermeneutical approach that seeks deeper, often redemptive, meanings beyond the surface.

In Reformed theology, the meaning of sacraments is often understood symbolically and spiritually. The Heidelberg Catechism explains that "to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood" means to accept Christ's suffering and death by faith for forgiveness and eternal life. Furthermore, it signifies a spiritual union with Christ through the Holy Spirit, making believers "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone," despite his physical presence in heaven ^[8]. This illustrates how a physical act can convey profound spiritual meaning.

Even seemingly straightforward terms can have rich, layered meanings. The phrase "perfect peace" in Isaiah 26:3, for example, is interpreted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown as referring to the inner tranquility Christ provides amidst external trials, likening it to a city guarded by a strong garrison. The Hebrew word for "mind" in this context might also be understood as "workmanship," suggesting God's formed and supported creation ^[14]. This highlights how careful attention to linguistic nuances and theological context enriches the understanding of biblical meaning.

Sources

Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Firmament — In Scripture the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; for such is the signification of the Hebrew word. The original, therefore, does not convey the sense of solidity, but of stretching, extension; the great arch of expanse over our heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really seen.--Webster.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sea, The — (Heb. yam), signifies (1) "the gathering together of the waters," the ocean (Gen. 1:10); (2) a river, as the Nile (Isa. 19:5), the Euphrates (Isa. 21:1; Jer. 51:36); (3) the Red Sea (Ex. 14:16, 27; 15:4, etc.); (4) the Mediterranean (Ex. 23:31; Num. 34:6, 7; Josh. 15:47; Ps. 80:11, etc.); (5) the "sea of Galilee," an inland fresh-water lake, and (6) the Dead Sea or "salt sea" (Gen. 14:3; Num. 34:3, 12, etc.). The word "sea" is used symbolically in Isa. 60:5, where it probably means the nations around the Mediterranean. In Dan. 7:3, Rev. 13:1 it may mean th”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mercy — Compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Gen. 19:19; Ex. 20:6; 34:6, 7; Ps. 85:10; 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Matt. 5:7; 18:33-35).”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Measure — Several words are so rendered in the Authorized Version. (1.) Those which are indefinite. (a) Hok, Isa. 5:14, elsewhere "statute." (b) Mad, Job 11:9; Jer. 13:25, elsewhere "garment." (c) Middah, the word most frequently thus translated, Ex. 26:2, 8, etc. (d) Mesurah, Lev. 19:35; 1 Chr. 23:29. (e) Mishpat, Jer. 30:11, elsewhere "judgment." (f) Mithkoneth and token, Ezek. 45:11. (g) In New Testament metron, the usual Greek word thus rendered (Matt. 7:2; 23:32; Mark 4:24). (2.) Those which are definite. (a) Eyphah, Deut. 25:14, 15, usually "ephah." (b) Ammah, ”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Angel — A word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1:14: 1 Sam. 11:3; Luke 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isa. 42:19; Hag. 1:13), of priests (Mal. 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Rev. 1:20). It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2 Sam. 24:16, 17; 2 Kings 19:35), the wind (Ps. 104:4). But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government”
STEPBible TBESG “[H3335] H3335I = a Meaning of (H3335G) — : plan 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — 16. MEANING OF "BEGINNING." (1) IN SPACE. (part 1): "In the beginning was the Word."(2) It is not only the Greeks who consider the word "beginning" to have many meanings. Let any one collect the Scripture passages in which the word occurs, and with a view to an accurate interpretation of it note what it stands for in each passage, and he will find that the word has many meanings in sacred discourse also. We speak of a beginning in reference to a transition. Here it has to do with a road and with length. This appears in the saying”
Heidelberg Catechism (Reformed) “Heidelberg Catechism (Reformed, 1563), Q. What does it mean: Q. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood? A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and thereby to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.1 But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ’s blessed body.2 And so, although he is in heaven3 and we are on earth, we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone.4 And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit, as th”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 49: The word “mystery,” as used in the Bible, means something hidden or unknown; something which can be known only by divine revelation. Thus the Gospel itself is repeatedly said to be a mystery ( Eph. iii. 3-9 ); the future conversion of the Jews is said to be a mystery ( Rom. xi. 25 ); the incarnation is 399 said to be the great mystery of godliness ( 1 Tim. iii. 16 ); and anything obscure or enigmatical is called a mystery ( Rev. xvii. 6 ); thus the mystery of the seven candlesticks is their secret meaning. If, therefore, Paul says that ma”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 140: do them.” Jeremiah xxiv. 7 , “I will give them an heart to know me. The Psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” ( Ps. li. 10 .) It is admitted that the word heart, like all other familiar terms, is used in different senses in the Scriptures. It often means the whole soul; as when mention is made of the eyes, the thoughts, and the intentions of the heart. It very frequently means the feelings or affections, or is used collectively for them all, or for the seat of the feelings. A cold, hard”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 9: Gospel of Peter, Diatessaron, Origen's Commentaries — 22.THE WORD WAS IN THE BEGINNING, I.E., IN WISDOM, WHICH CONTAINED ALL THINGS IN IDEA, BEFORE THEY EXISTED. CHRIST'S CHARACTER AS WISDOM IS PRIOR TO HIS OTHER CHARACTERS. (part 1): So many meanings occur to us at once of the word arche. We have now to ask which of them we should adopt for our text, "In the beginning was the Word." It is plain that we may at once dismiss the meaning which connects it with transition or with a road and its length. Nor, it is pretty plain, will the meaning connected with an origin serve our purpose.”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 1.--THE INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE DEPENDS ON THE DISCOVERY AND ENUNCIATION OF THE MEANING, AND IS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN DEPENDENCE ON GOD'S AID.: 1. THERE are two things on which all interpretation of Scripture depends: the mode of ascertaining the proper meaning, and the mode of making known the meaning when it is ascertained. We shall treat first of the mode of ascertaining, next of the mode of making known, the meaning;--a great and arduous undertaking, and one that, if difficult to carry out, it is, I fear, presumptuous to en”
Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 62a.39:10: This statement reverses the plain meaning of a verse. The Gemara provides other interpretations that Rav Yehuda attributed to Rav, which also run contrary to the simple meaning of a verse. “Jerusalem among them was a like a menstruating woman” (Lamentations 1:17). Rav Yehuda said that Rav said: Although the simple meaning of this verse is a curse, it can also be understood as a blessing. Jerusalem was like a menstruating woman: Just as a menstruating woman will become permitted to her husband after the conclusion of her days of ritual impurity, so too, Jeru”
Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 26:3: mind . . . stayed-- (Psa 112:7-8). Jesus can create "perfect peace" within thy mind, though storms of trial rage without (Isa 57:19; Mar 4:39); as a city kept securely by a strong garrison within, though besieged without (so Phi 4:7). "Keep," literally, "guard as with a garrison." HORSLEY translates, (God's) workmanship (the Hebrew does not probably mean "mind," but "a thing formed," Eph 2:10), so constantly "supported"; or else "formed and supported (by Thee) Thou shalt preserve (it, namely, the righteous nation) in perpetual peace."”

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