We replace traditional (and sometimes misleading) terms with ones that are neutral and more literal. This frees readers from loaded terms and centuries of religious dogma.
You see, many terms have gained meanings over the centuries that were unknown to the original authors. Therefore, the traditional translation of certain verses have become mistranslations, even if the words are technically correct (e.g. people thinking that Christ is Jesus’ last name, when it actually means Anointed One).
Also, many traditional terms were mistranslations from the moment they first appeared in English, so we replace them with accurate translations (e.g. Ark of the Covenant should be Chest of Proofs).
Here are all the common terms and our equivalents, listed alphabetically.
Angel = Messenger
The Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic word for ‘angel’ and ‘messenger’ is the same. Popular imagery of angels depict them with wings and halos. While spirits are depicted with wings in certain visions, in other accounts angels look like ordinary men. Therefore, using ‘messenger’ does not implant a picture in the readers’ mind that may be inaccurate in some situations. Learn more.
Ark = Chest
The Bible does not describe what Noah built as a boat or ship, but as an ark. Indeed, it has no sails, no oars, and no rudder, appearing to be nothing more than a large box. Since nobody knows what ark means these days, we use chest. Learn more.
Ark of the Covenant = Chest of Proofs
Baptism/Baptized = Immersion, Immersed
Many people today think that baptism is being sprinkled with water when you’re a baby. However, baptism was originally full immersion in water. Early Christians even used the Mikveh pools inside synagogues for this purpose. To avoid people mistakenly thinking of ‘sprinkling’, our translation uses the terms immersion and immersed.
Breastplate (or Breastpiece) of Judgment = Word of Judgment
Christ = Anointed One
People think that Christ is Jesus’ last name. It isn’t. It is a Greek term that literally means ‘the anointed one’. So to fix this misunderstanding, we use the term ‘Anointed One’ instead of ‘Christ.’ Learn more.
Consecrated = Perfect
The ancient words literally mean perfected. It is much clearer what the author means when we say made perfect or perfected, because nobody ever says ‘consecrated’ in normal everyday English – but we all understand what it means when we say that something is ‘perfect.’ It’s easier to understand when this means regarded as perfect through Jesus’ sacrifice, whereas being called ‘consecrated’ makes it sound like one has been granted some special, mystical status.
Day of Unleavened Bread, The = Day of No Fermentation, The
In Greek, the word literally means ‘no leaven’, and does not specifically say ‘bread,’ even though that is clearly implied.
Devil = Slanderer, Opposer, or Evil One
People think of ‘the Devil’ as a red creature presiding over Hell Fire, with a horns and a pitchforked tail. None of this is from the Bible, so not only do we use different terms, but we also use more accurate terms that reflect the original languages. Learn more.
Epistle = Letter
Epistle is a very formal and old-fashioned word for a formal letter, or some kind of story written in the form of a letter. Very few people know what it means, so we say ‘letter.’
Exodus = Departure
While the word ‘Exodus’ is well-known to most Christians, a unique word was not used by the ancient peoples. The exodus, or any exodus, was just a departure from somewhere. Using unique words, that the ancient peoples clearly didn’t think was necessary, adds an unnecessary complication – especially for new Christians who have come from non-Christian backgrounds.
Feast (or Festival) of Dedication = Festival of Rededication
Festival of Tabernacles = Festival of Temporary Structures
Also called the Festival of Shelters (NLT), or the Feast of Booths (ESV). It’s not the Festival of Tents because, technically, they were probably not just tents as we understand them today.
Flood = Downpour, Great Downpour
Garden of Eden = Paradise of Delights
Gehenna = Garbage Dump
Hell = Place of the Dead
Holy Spirit = God’s Breath
Lucifer = Morning Star (not the Devil)
Lucifer was never a name for the Slanderer. It was a mistranslation. Learn more.
New Testament = Christian Era books
By saying ‘Old Testament’ and ‘New Testament,’ some get the mistaken impression that only the ‘New Testament’ is beneficial today. This is incorrect.
Old Testament = Jewish Era books
By saying ‘Old Testament’ and ‘New Testament,’ some get the mistaken impression that only the ‘New Testament’ is beneficial today. This is incorrect.
Satan = Slanderer
This is not a name, but a description. It’s a word that literally means Slanderer. Learn more.
Tabernacle / Tent of Meeting = Tent of Proofs
Umim and Thummim = Revelation and Truth
This is not because Umim and Thummim are mistranslations. It is because the Greek Septuagint calls them Revelation and Truth. Since we think that Jewish translators living 2,300 (or so) years closer to these events ought to know better than us today, we use their terminology.