Scripture Midterm

Covenant

An agreement made between two parties.

Canon

Official list of books accepted as Holy Scripture.

TaNaK

An acronym for Torah (law), Nevi’im (prophets), Ketuvim (writings).

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church to interpret the word and tradition.

Literal Sense

What the words in scripture precisely mean, either literal or figurative.

Spiritual Sense

How scripture can be seen as something more profound.

Allegorical Sense

The hidden meaning behind a story.

Moral Sense

Teaches how to act in the right way.

Anagogical Sense

Relates the events of scripture to one’s final destiny; heaven or hell.

Primeval History

Stories or myths about the origins of earth, humans, cultures, languages, and creatures.

Baal

Canaanite god of fertility and rain.

Myth

A story about the creation of earth and of human beings.

Allegory

One story that represents another.

Typology

Study of prefigured patterns of activity.

Critical Reading

Careful examination and reflection about all information at hand.

Murmings

Complaints of the Israelites against Moses and God.

Salvation

To be rescued from danger.

Redemption

To purchase a slave's freedom.

Documentary Hypothesis

The theory that the Torah has four distinct sources.

Sabbatical

The 7th year when the Israelites gave the land a year of rest and freed indentured servants.

Jubilee Year

The 50th year when all land was returned to its original owner.

Scapegoat

A goat that had all of Israel’s sins placed on it and was cast out into the desert.

Day of Atonement

A festival in which all of Israel’s sins were forgiven.

Holy

To be set apart from.

Narrative

43% of the Bible; includes characters, conflict, resolution, parables, history, and biography.

Poetry

33% of the Bible; links images to help us view the world differently.

Prose/Discourse

24% of the Bible; includes speeches, letters, and essays that challenge us to think logically.

Abraham

The father of the Israelites; God made a covenant with him.

Cain and Abel

The story illustrates land as a reward for God’s people.

Tower of Babel

Explains why people are diverse and speak different languages.

Exodus 20

Contains the 10 Commandments given to the Israelites.

Sabbath

A day of rest honoring God's creation.

Samson

Divinely chosen judge whose infidelities lead to his downfall.

David

Anointed king after Saul; known for his adultery with Bathsheba.

Samuel

His birth was a fulfillment of his mother Hannah's promise to God.