Theology

Divine Revelation

Communication of divine knowledge to humanity.

Narrative

A story or account of events.

Genealogy

A lineage or family history.

The Law

A set of rules or principles governing conduct.

Poetry literature

Literary expression using rhythmic and metaphorical language.

Wisdom literature

Texts offering practical insights and moral guidance.

Prophetic literature

Writings containing predictions or messages from prophets.

Myth

A traditional story explaining cultural beliefs or practices.

Sin

Violation of divine or moral principles.

Yahwist source

A hypothetical source in the composition of the Pentateuch emphasizing God as "Yahweh."

Elohist source

Another hypothetical source in the Pentateuch with an emphasis on "Elohim" as the divine name.

Deuteronomic source

A hypothetical source focusing on the book of Deuteronomy in the Pentateuch.

Priestly source

A hypothetical source emphasizing priestly concerns in the Pentateuch.

Cycle of sin

A recurring pattern of wrongdoing followed by divine punishment and repentance.

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Bible:Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Centralized leadership

Concentration of power in a single authority.

Decentralized leadership

Distribution of power among multiple authorities.

Adam and Eve

The first human beings in Judeo-Christian tradition.

Cain and Abel

Sons of Adam and Eve; Cain's jealousy led to Abel's murder.

Noah

Built the ark to survive the Great Flood.

Babel

The tower associated with the confusion of languages.

Abraham (Abram)

Considered the patriarch of three major monotheistic religions.

Sarah (Sarai)

Abraham's wife and mother of Isaac.

Hagar

Sarah's servant and mother of Ishmael.

Isaac

Son of Abraham and Sarah.

Ishmael

Son of Abraham and Hagar.

Jacob (Israel)

Son of Isaac; father of the Twelve Tribes.

Esau

Jacob's twin brother.

Joseph

Son of Jacob, sold into slavery in Egypt.

Pharaoh

Title for the ancient Egyptian ruler.

Canaan

The promised land in biblical narratives.

Covenant

A solemn agreement between God and humanity.

Contract

A formal agreement between parties.

Circumcision

Ritual in Judaism; a sign of the covenant with God.

Egypt

Ancient civilization; setting for the Exodus.

Tribe

A social group within a larger community.

Nation

A politically organized group of people with a shared identity.

Nomad

A person or group with no fixed residence.

Hammurabi

Babylonian king known for his legal code.

Marginalized

Pushed to the outskirts or excluded from the mainstream.

Famine

Severe scarcity of food.

Charity

Voluntary giving to those in need.

Justice

Fair and equitable treatment.

Patriarch

Male head of a family or tribe.

Redemption

Deliverance or rescue from sin or captivity.

The numbers 7, 12, and 40

Symbolic numbers in biblical numerology.

Moses

Leader of the Israelites during the Exodus.

I AM

Divine self-identification; God's name revealed to Moses.

Yahweh (YHWH)

The tetragrammaton representing the divine name.

Aaron

Brother of Moses; the first high priest.

Plague(s)

Afflictions brought upon Egypt in the Exodus story.

Passover

Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus.

Decalogue

The Ten Commandments.

Sabbath

The seventh day, a day of rest and worship.

Case laws

Specific legal regulations.

Apodictic laws

General moral or ethical principles.

Idolatry

Worship of idols or false gods.

Atonement

Reconciliation with God; expiation of sins.

Joshua

Leader who succeeded Moses, led Israelites into Canaan.

Rahab

A woman in Jericho who aided the Israelite spies.

The Ban

Devotion to destruction; a sacred prohibition.

The Ark of the Covenant

Sacred container holding the Ten Commandments.

Jericho

City conquered by the Israelites in a miraculous manner.

Judges

Leaders and military commanders in ancient Israel.

Ehud

Judge known for assassinating the Moabite king.

Deborah

Judge and prophetess who led Israel to victory.

Ruth

Faithful