Glossary of Messianic terms

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The following is a glossary of terms used by Messianic Jews. Since Messianic Jews regard their religion as both a Jewish and a New Testament belief, some Christian terms are used in Jewish ways, and some Jewish terms are used in Christian ways.

Accordingly, Jewish and Christian terms are listed in parallel columns for comparison.

The definitions are not to be understood as statements of ultimate truth, but examples of perceived meanings in each group.

The glossary is in alphabetical order, and the groups are listed in alphabetical order.

A-D

Term	Christian perception	Jewish perception	Messianic perception
Amen	Ending to a prayer, "one of a small number of Hebrew words which have been imported unchanged into the liturgy of the Church"	A word indicating agreement, generally said when hearing another person recite a bracha, or benediction.	Let the truth become true, from the Hebrew root, emuneh.
Apostasy	The complete and voluntary abandonment of Christian faith whether by embracing another religion or embracing a secular philosophy incompatible with Christian faith. Theoretically impossible for a "saved" person according to the Calvinistic doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, but possible in an Arminian doctrinal system.	(1) rebellion against God and Torah and/or desertion of the faith of Israel; does not necessarily mean the adoption of a competing religion. The term acquired strongly negative connotations in the Middle Ages when a number of prominent baptized Jews publicly maligned Judaism and facilitated persecution of Jews. (2) Jews converting to another religion and persons of Jewish parentage raised within another religion Apostasy to Christianity or "Messianic Judaism" is considered idolatry. See Jews in apostasy.	Leaving one faith for another. Normally used in reference to own religion. Jews becoming Messianics are seen as "fulfilled" or "completed." Christians becoming Jews are seen as "Apostates". Primary scriptural passages regarding apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6) are seen to be injunctions against returning to the Temple Sacrificial system and "not to deal abstractly with the 'eternal security of the believer.'"
Apostle	The Twelve Apostles of Jesus, or Paul of Tarsus, or Christ himself, or the Seventy Disciples in the Orthodox church.	"Apostoloi was the official name given to the men sent by the rulers of Jerusalem to collect the half-shekel tax for the Temple, the tax itself being called apostolé."	"Apostle" is a Greek term. David Stern uses the word "Emissary" as a translation in his Jewish New Testament (compare also Murdock's use of "Legate" in his translation of the Peshitta).
Antichrist	As a description, "antichrists" are anyone who denies that Jesus is the Messiah or Christ. As a title, "The Antichrist" is associated with the "False Prophet," a king or leader who makes the world worship "The Beast" and take its mark of 666, beheading others who refuse. He is then defeated by Jesus at the Second Coming. Among Christians there has been much speculation about his true identity.	Unused term (see Failed Messiah). The closest equivalent to an antagonistic future world power can be found in speculative writings about a future persecutor described by Saadia Gaon as “Armilus.”	See Christian perception, but use term "Anti-Messiah."
Atonement hilasterion selichah mechilah kapparah	(1) the work of Christ; the benefits of Christ received by believers on account of his death and resurrection. (2) the action by which God and the world are reconciled or made one. This is accomplished through Christ's satisfaction for all offense or injury to God. The specific method by which Christ accomplishes this has been a subject of long term debate among Christians.	Reconciliation or unification of two estranged parties. The concept has roots in the offering of sacrifices and the provision of ransom. However, the Biblical prophetic tradition and all later Jewish tradition has understood atonement as the process by which a person estranged from God is reconciled with God. Through this process a person experiences full regeneration and renewal of his or her original unbroken relationship with God. Jewish tradition recognizes a number of different actions and attitudes that have the power to effect this reconciliation and regeneration of spirit: teshuva (repentance), avodah (heartfelt prayer), tzedakah(charity), fasting, the experience of suffering, and the study of Torah. These actions can effect atonement because God is merciful in nature and desires reconciliation more than vengeance or punishment.	Understood in the Christian sense, requiring both repentance and blood sacrifice—specifically the sacrifice of Yeshua on the stake
Avodah zarah	Unknown Term. (cf Idolatry)	Strange Worship / Idolatry. Forbidden for both Jews (as a violation of Torah) and Gentiles (as a violation of the seven Noahide Laws). There is a matter of dispute between Jewish authorities over whether Christianity is idolatry for non-Jews however, Orthodox Jewish authorities hold that regardless of its permissibility for Gentiles, it does constitute idolatry for Jews, even if they profess themselves to be Christian or "Messianic".	Strange Worship / Idolatry. Forbidden for both Jews (as a violation of Torah) and Gentiles (as a violation of the seven Noahide Laws).
Baptism	Frequently called the first sacrament of the Church, see also Baptism of Jesus	A Christian term, but related to Mikvah practice, Conversion to Judaism, Nazirite practice.
Brit Chadasha	Unknown term.	New Covenant between God and Israel. Understood as applied in Jeremiah 31 to the end of time when the covenant at Sinai is reconfirmed.	The New Covenant with all people, Jews and Gentiles. Understood as originating in Jeremiah 31, when the covenant at Sinai is internalized (i.e. "the New Covenant has been given as Torah" and not as a replacement for Torah). Also used as a substitute for the term “New Testament.”
Chesed	Unknown term.	(1) An act of kindness (2) One of the seven midot or attributes of God (3) In Jewish Kabbalah, one of the 10 sephirot. Sometimes referred to as Gdulah. Translated as love, loving-kindness, compassion, greatness, or grace	Grace in the Christian sense, i.e. unmerited favor
Chosen	1) Covenantal view: those with a saving faith in Jesus Christ who are individually elected to believe. 2) Dispensationalistic view: Israel (although this does not translate into a belief that Jews are “saved”). 3) Dual covenant view: Israel (and this does translate into a belief that Jews are “saved.”)	Phrase indicating that Jews have been chosen to fulfill a mission of proclaiming God's truth among the nations. Implies a greater level of responsibility. Does not imply any form of superiority.	Israel, chosen by God at Sinai (although this does not translate into a belief that non-Christian Jews are “saved.”)
Christ	The Messiah Jesus.	Septuagint translation of the Hebrew word Messiach (anointed one). Used solely by Christians to describe Jesus of Nazareth.	Unused term with Gentile connotations. They use the Jewish term Messiah with the Christian meaning of the Divine Son.
Christians	People of any ethnic group including Jews who believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Some profess the Nicene Creed, some propose the Apostles' Creed, some propose sola scriptura.	Persons who follow Jesus as Messiah and are the continuation of the community described in Acts 11:26.	Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.
Christian Bible	1) Protestants: the Old and New Testaments. 2) Roman Catholics include the Deuterocanonical books. 3) Orthodox include the Anagignoskomena of the Septuagint.	Books added by Christians to Tanakh to create their Bible	Messianics regard the "Bible" to be a single entity including the Tanakh and the New Testament as "Two Testaments, One Bible".
Covenant (biblical) b'rit	Any of the biblically defined relationships between God and his people, unilateral or bilateral. Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism are highly regarded, but idiosyncratic, versions of this thinking. Covenant theology sees all Dispensations as expressions of a single relationship. Dispensationalist theology sees all Covenants as expressions of multiple, successive, relationships. Dual Covenant theology sees Jewish and Christian Covenants as parallel relationships with God. "B'rit" is a familiar term to adherents of British Israelism.	The biblical covenants, especially Sinai.	The biblical covenants, especially Sinai, upheld by the Messiah. The covenants are seen as a unity, imperfectly reflected by de-Judaizing the Church or by rejection of Yeshua by Jews. The covenants are described as an "Olive Tree" by which Gentiles can be grafted into the destiny of Israel
Cross	The wooden structure used for the crucifixion of Jesus. The symbol of Christianity.	A wooden structure used by the Romans to inflict slow, painful, public death, for example after the Third Servile War, 6,000 rebel slaves were crucified along the road between Rome and Capua. The Christian use of the cross as a symbol resulted in the symbol being associated with hundreds of years of persecution.	The wooden structure used for the crucifixion of Jesus. Because of the negative historic connotations “execution stake” is substituted since Greek stauros only means stake not necessarily a cross beam. Stern's Jewish New Testament uses the term "stake". See also Cross or stake as gibbet on which Jesus died.
Deicide	God-killing, historically used against the Jews, see also Responsibility for the death of Jesus. Considered Anti-Semitic by some Christians when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.	Considered Anti-Semitic when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Jesus portrayed in the NT.	Considered Anti-Semitic when applied to beliefs about Jewish actions against Yeshua portrayed in the NT.

E-J

Term	Christian perception	Jewish perception	Messianic perception
Easter	Christian holiday, linked to Passover, see also Easter controversy.	Christian holiday.	Pagan holiday, commonly believed to have "replaced" the L-rd's Pesach. Cannot be found in original Hebrew or Greek text and is not Biblically sound.
Elect	People with a saving faith in Jesus Christ, either 1) individually elected to believe (classical Calvinism, Arminianism, Roman Catholicism) or 2) corporately elected by being in the body of believers (Pelagianism, Dispensationalism).	Unusual word for “Chosen.”	The descendants of Avraham through Yitz'chak to whom the everlasting theocratic covenents were made, including Avrahamic, Mosaic, Israeli, Davidic, and New (Jer 31:31)
False Messiah	Associated with False Christs, the Antichrist, and those claiming to be Jesus.	One who claims to be the Messiah (or others claim to be the Messiah) and fails to rebuild the temple, gather all Jews to Israel, set up worldwide peace, and bring knowledge of God to entire world. Commonly held examples are Jesus, Bar Kochba, Shabbatai Z’vi, and Menachem Schneerson, see also Jewish Messiah claimants. Jesus is associated with the opposite of Messianic expectations (his biography is close in time to the destruction of the temple, the scattering of Jews from Israel, catastrophic war, and the founding of a religion that has sometimes been hostile to Jews).	One who claims to be the Messiah (or others claim to be the Messiah) and fails to rebuild the temple, gather all Jews to Israel, set up worldwide peace, and bring knowledge of God to entire world. Commonly held examples are Bar Kochba, Shabbatai Z’vi, and Menachem Schneerson. Jesus is understood to fulfill these expectations at a second coming.
Faith	A prerequisite for entering the Christian covenant (i.e. state of salvation). Cannot be produced without the Holy Spirit.	Not a prerequisite for entering the Mosaic or Noachide covenant, but a response to God. A reliance that God will do as He promised, which enables and encourages His faithful to do the same in return.	A prerequisite for entering the Christian covenant (i.e. state of salvation). Cannot be produced without the Holy Spirit.
Figs	The tree is a common symbol (or type) of Israel, Jesus cursed The Fig Tree (Mark 11:13-14, 11:20-23, cf. Jer 8:13) as well as Cleansed the Temple (Mark 11:15-19), widely interpreted as God's rejection of Judaism.	Obscure and generally unused, although it is possible to find reference to figs as a metaphor for the Jewish people, and/or of personal growth through Torah. A more common reference would be in relation to understanding the Christian use of it. "Thus "the parable of the fig-tree" (Mark xiii. 28; see Wellhausen, who is at a loss to explain it) is actually a "symbol" of the Messianic advent, according to the Midrash (Cant. R. ii. 13), but was no longer understood by the evangelists, either as an allegory or as a sign of Messianic success or failure, in the story of the blasted fig-tree (Mark xi. 13-14, 20-23)."	See Christian meaning.
God	Triune God: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit in single essence. This is not a compound unity; each personal dimension is fully God. This is not modalism; God is always Father, Son, and Spirit. This is not tritheism; there is only One God and not two or three. God relates to His faithful as a distant Judge (Father), an ever-present Love and Help (Son), and an invisible inspiration (Spirit) – but it is the same God being experienced .	One God: single Infinite Person who is a distant Judge, an ever-present Love and Help, and an invisible inspiration – with the multiplicity of experiences being a reflection of mortal limitations, and not of God's infinite nature. However, Jews do sometimes speak of this single God in different ways: Elohim (when thinking of judgment), the Divine Name (when thinking of mercy). Also, God is seen both in masculine ways (judgment) and feminine ways (shekinah, mercy).	Messianics range from an orthodox Christian conception of the Trinity, to a belief in a Compound God in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit.
The Golden Rule	Central teaching of Jesus.	The rule is recognized as a teaching of Hillel the Elder.	Derivative of Leviticus 19:18; Hillel and Jesus are seen as negative (do not do...) and positive (do...) complimentary applications.
Gospel	1) the Good News (Greek: Eu-angellion, good-message). Evangelism is bringing someone the Good News of Jesus. Acceptance or belief in the good news essential to becoming a Christian. 2) one of the four books in the New Testament about the life of Jesus. 3) Colloquially, something absolutely certain and trustworthy ("it's the gospel truth!").	1) one of the four books in the Christian Scriptures (i.e. New Testament) about Jesus. 2) Something a Christian is preaching.	1) the Good News (Greek: Eu-angellion, good-message). Evangelism is bringing someone the Good News of Yeshua. Acceptance or belief in the good news essential to becoming a Messianic. 2) one of the four books in the B'rit Chadassah about the life of Yeshua.
Grace	charis: Unmerited favor, and the basis of God's mercy (i.e. if "mercy" were earned, it would be unnecessary).	(1) Birchat HaMazon - a prayer of thanks after eating (2) Chen/Chanun - gracefulness, charm (3) Chesed - mercy (4) Rachamim/Rachum - loving kindness kindness.	Christian meaning
HaShem	Unknown term. The Christian equivalent to the Jewish concept is the use of “GOD” or “LORD” when translating the Divine Name. Although sometimes accused of being a “Jewish superstition” (see articles on the American Standard Version and the New World Translation), the Christian practice is based on New Testament translation of the Divine Name in quotations of the Hebrew Bible as kyrios (Lord) or theos (God). The justification is that there are no other gods to distinguish God from, and use of the name is redundant.	Literally “The Name” as a substitute for the Divine Name when not in prayer. When in prayer, “Adonai” (my lord) is substituted. The practice is based on the commandment to “not take the name of the LORD in vain”. If the Divine Name is not used in general practice, it will not be taken in vain. Historically the use was reserved for the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Tetragrammaton.	Sometimes used as with Jewish practice.
Hebrew Bible	Old Testament	Tanakh, specifically the Masoretic Text	Tanakh
Hebrew Christians	Generally an unused term, instead: Jewish Christians or Messianic Jews.	Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.	Christians who were born Jewish and do not worship in Judaic ways.
Hell	Place of eternal punishment, Lake of Fire or "outer darkness." Roman Catholics also believe in Purgatory which is temporary punishment for those already destined for Heaven.	Gehenna is a place of purification for sinners that usually lasts up to a year, though some extremely wicked people may simply cease to exist after that time as Judaism does not typically promote the idea of eternal torment. Similar to Catholic purgatory, prayer from loved ones may speed and ease the process. Sometimes Gehinnom is seen below the earth, sometimes above, sometimes wholly distant.	See Christian perspective.
Holy Spirit	1) 3rd person of the Triune God, 2) the influence (spirit / wind) of God.	Term generally not used. (1) English translation for Ruach HaKodesh in the Tanakh. (2) Circumlocution for biblical terms Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God) and Ruach YHWH (Spirit of the LORD) in Talmud and Midrash. Conceived as something distinct from God, associated with noise and light, and speaks in both a feminine and masculine voice. Dwells in generation in proportion to its worthiness. The books of the bible are the visible result of its activity. The gift of prophesy is a sign of its presence.	Ruach HaKodesh. 1) 3rd person of the Compound-Unity God (see Trinity), 2) the influence (spirit / wind) of God.
Hosanna	Term shouted by the crowds to Jesus in Matthew 21:9 as they waved palm branches just before Passover in the spring	"part of the Hallel ... familiar to everyone in Israel." A petition for deliverance spoken as branches are waved during Sukkot in the fall
Idolatry	Generally used against Paganism or non-Abrahamic religions.	It is a matter of dispute among Jewish authorities whether Christianity is seen as being idolatrous for non-Jews, however, the Orthodox Jewish view is that it is considered avodah zarah (idolatry) for Jews, even if they self-identify as Christians or "Messianics".
Isaiah 7:14	"...The virgin will be with child..." (NIV) or "...Look, the young woman is with child..." (NRSV)	"...Look, the young woman is with child..." (NJPS) Translation dispute attributed to the Septuagint.
Jesus	Latinized and Anglicized transliteration of Koine Greek Ίησους (elsewhere translated: Joshua). The Christian Messiah.	The Greco-Anglicized form of the name Yehoshua, or its shortened form Yeshua, claimed by Christians to be a deity. The Christian Messiah.	Yeshua. The Jewish Messiah.
Jews	1) The Biblical Israelites. 2) People who practice Judaism with or without belief in Jesus.	People who were born Jewish or had a valid conversion to Judaism. Note: valid converts are treated as if they are naturally born Jewish—even if they later convert to another religion.	People who were born Jewish or had a valid conversion to Judaism. Note: valid converts are treated as if they are naturally born Jewish—even if they later convert to another religion.
Judaizers	Early Christians opposed by Paul, and modern Christians who try to pressure Gentile Christians to more fully observe Torah.	Christians who adopt some Jewish customs for missionary purposes or a slur against Jewish practice in general.

K-P

Term	Christian perception	Jewish perception	Messianic perception
Kepha	Unfamiliar term, except in the Syrian Orthodox church and among advocates of Aramaic primacy.	Unknown term.	Apostle. Aramaic translation of name given to Simon by Jesus, meaning “Rock.” Used instead of “Peter” because of historic “Christian” (meaning Gentile Christian) connotations.
Lord's Prayer	Commonly used in congregational prayer. When a disciple ask "Lord teach us to pray" - Jesus replied, "In this manner, therefore, pray:". Also considered the Disciple's prayer, as Jesus was instructing how to pray	Understood as a Christian term, but similar to Jewish prayers.
Messiah	Christ, Divine, God the Son, eternal king who saves sinners from sin and will judge the living and the dead at the end of time.	Future king who will rebuild the temple, gather all Jews to Israel, set up worldwide peace, and bring knowledge of God to entire world.	Divine, God the Son, eternal king who saves sinners from sin and will judge the living and the dead at the end of time.
Messianic…	Jewish Christians who believe in Jesus, whether or not they worship in Judaic ways.	Having to do with the Messiah.	Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus and worship in Judaic ways (this normally excludes Hebrew Christians such as Jews for Jesus).
Messianic Gentiles	Generally an unused term: Christians	Generally an unused term: Christians	Messianics who are not ethnically Jewish or had never converted to Judaism before believing in Jesus.
Messianic Jews	Messianics / Christians	Members of a Christian group who may or may not be Jewish, but who use claims of Jewish identity as a means to convince Jews to convert to Christianity.	Messianics who are ethnically Jewish or who had converted to Judaism before believing in Jesus.
New Testament	The Christian 27-books of Matthew through Revelation, the Greek Orthodox use the term Καινή Διαθήκη.	Term for the Christian books of Matthew through Revelation that implies the Tanakh has been replaced or relegated to a lesser status. Jews use the term "Christian Scriptures" (see entry for Christian Bible)	The Messianic books of Matthew through Revelation. Messianics use the term "B'rit Chadassah" (see entry for B'rit Chadassah).
Olam HaBa	Not a Christian term. Closest equivalent could be "heaven."	The world to come. Speculations are that (with very few exceptions) "all Israel has a share in the world to come." Also, "the righteous of all nations have a share in the world to come."	Heaven.
Old Testament	Protestant: The books of the Hebrew Bible; Roman Catholic include the Deuterocanonicals; Greek Orthodox: Septuagint, see also Template:Books of the Old Testament.	Dismissive term for the Tanakh, implying that it has been replaced.	Christian (meaning Gentile Christian) term for the Tanakh; usually avoided.
Paraclete	The Holy Spirit	Rabbinical term, an advocate before court. Generally pronounced "prahk-LEET". Contrast with Satan (the Accuser).
Paul the Apostle	"The Apostle". Pharisee who converted to Christianity. Understood as an expert scholar in Pharisaic Judaism, "Apostle to the Gentiles".	Hellenistic theological founder of Christianity. Understood as being generally ignorant of Judaism.	Theological powerhouse. Rabbinic scholar. Most prolific writer of the New Testament. Name is avoided because of historic “Christian” (meaning Gentile Christian) connotations. Sha’ul is substituted.
Pentecost	The day the Holy Spirit descended on the Church.	Greek term for Shavuot.
Pharisees	A first century Jewish sect depicted in the N.T. as self-righteous, see also Woes of the Pharisees. The term is generally negative in common English usage.	Predecessors of Rabbinic Judaism, such as Hillel the Elder.
Psalm 22:16	"...they have pierced my hands and my feet." NIV "...My hands and feet have shrivelled;" NRSV	"...like lions [they maul] my hands and feet." NJPS Translation dispute attributed to the Septuagint.

Q-S

Term	Christian perception	Jewish perception	Messianic perception
Rabbinic	Teachings of and related to rabbis.	The body of Rabbis in the 1st to 4th centuries C.E. who created the Talmud. Although there are "Rabbis" in modern Judaism, the self-identification is "Judaism" and not "Rabbinic Judaism".	Teachings of and related to rabbis.
Redemption ge'ulah	Christ's sacrifice and intercession for human salvation. Various theologies of redemption within Christian denominations.	A recurrent theme in the Hebrew Bible, especially in respect to land and liberty, underscoring the lasting dignity of individuals and families within the community of Israel. Hebrews could not be kept in debt slavery, nor could family land be sold (rather rented). Guaranteeing the inheritance of future generations. God will bring the ge'ulah through His messiah, which will redeem the Jewish People from exile and oppression. A go'el is the person who is the vehicle of ge'ulah.	Strong understanding of both metaphors.
Religious	A state of belief or practice.	A state of practice according to halakhic standards.	A state of belief or practice.
Sabbath	The day of rest. 1) Sunday or the Lord's Day (for most Christians). 2) Sabbath in seventh-day churches, Friday sundown to Saturday sundown (for Seventh-day Adventists and some other Sabbatarians).	The day of rest. The Jewish Shabbat, Friday sundown until nightfall on Saturday.	The day of rest. The Jewish Shabbat, Friday sundown until nightfall on Saturday.
Saint Peter	Apostle. Name given to Simon by Jesus, meaning “Rock.” The New Testament sometimes uses the Aramaic equivalent of Cephas (also meaning “Rock”). See also Primacy of Simon Peter.	Christian Apostle.	Apostle. Name given to Simon by Jesus, meaning “Rock.” The New Testament sometimes uses the Aramaic equivalent of Cephas (also meaning “Rock”). Name is avoided because of historic “Christian” (meaning Gentile Christian) connotations. Shimon or Kepha is substituted.
Salvation	1) Redemption from the penalty of sin (hell). 2) Redemption from the bondage to sin (transformed life)	Not a commonly used term. Since Judaism lacks a concept of Original Sin, there is no use of the term for redemption from the bondage to sin. However, the term is sometimes used in reference to inheritance of the world to come.	1) Redemption from the penalty of sin (hell). 2) Redemption from the bondage to sin (transformed life)
Satan	The serpent who tempted Adam and Eve and deceives the world into sin, and fallen angel Lucifer also called the Devil. Defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire before the Final Judgment of humanity. Note: Calvinists see Satan as a tool of God, and not as a rival power (compare Jewish view).	1) Any enemy or accuser (in Job, an angel; in the garden, the serpent; in human relations, any enemy), 2) The embodiment of Yetzer HaRa. Note: Unlike the Christian perception of a rebellious angel, Satan does God's work by revealing hidden character flaws in humans so they may be improved upon in order to strengthen desire to avoid evil and embrace goodness.	See Christian perception.
Sha’ul (Saul)	1.King Saul (first king of Israel preceding King David)... 2.Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul). Christians will normally associate "Saul" with the king and not with Paul. Christians will not understand who "Sha'ul" is referring to.	Common name for many Jews. Name of the first king of Israel. Jews will not associate this name with Paul.	Theological powerhouse. Rabbinic scholar. Most prolific writer of the New Testament.
Second Coming	The return of Jesus to earth from heaven, to fulfill the rest of Messianic prophecy such as the Resurrection of the dead, last judgment, and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth including the Messianic Age. Christians believe Jesus is the prophesied Suffering Servant who is wrongly rejected the first time, thus Christians view the failure to establish Jesus as Messiah as not being his own failure, but of those who refuse to follow him.	Judaism waits for the coming of the Jewish messiah. In the Jewish view there is only one "coming," and a messianic candidate is considered to be a Failed Messiah if he dies before accomplishing his mission. Judaism rejects that Jesus is the "Suffering Servant" and does not view that prophecy as justification for his failed first attempt of being Messiah.	Same as Christian, using the name "Yeshua" instead of "Jesus."
Seven Laws of Noah	Generally unknown, except to students of the Council of Jerusalem, see also Biblical law in Christianity	Teachings of God applicable to all humanity.
Shema Yisrael	Generally unknown, biblical term used by Jesus, translated "Hear O Israel ..." (Mark 12:28–34).	Considered the most important prayer in Judaism, and its twice-daily recitation is a mitzvah (religious commandment).
Shituf	See Arianism. The Jewish concept for this would fall under the category of idolatry and is therefore absolutely forbidden to Christians. "There is in the Divine Being but one indivisible essence." "The whole undivided essence of God belongs equally to each of the three persons."	Worship of deities other than God along with God. There are varying views amongst the rabbis as to whether this is considered idolatry for non-Jews. The dominant view is that it is not. However, the unanimous view is that constitutes idolatry for Jews, even if they self-identify as Christian or "Messianic".	Possible source for the “Compound Unity” terminology found in some Messianic descriptions of the Trinity.
Sin	Both an action and a state. Humankind commit sins because of being born sinful. The measure is against the sinless perfection of Christ. According to 1 John 3:4, "sin is lawlessness."	Acting in a way that has been forbidden by God, or refusing to act in a way commanded by God. Transgressing against God's commandments. An action, and not a state, and something which may be corrected through repentance.	Both an action and a state. Humankind commit sins because of being born sinful. The measure is against the sinless perfection of the Messiah.
Sin, Original	Catholic term, rarely used elsewhere. The state of sinfulness that humankind are born into, making the human condition imperfect, prone to sin, and unworthy to be in the presence of a sinless God.	Not a Jewish term. Known as a Christian idea that people are born inherently with sin.	Rarely used term in modern Christianity. The state of sinfulness that humankind are born into, making the human condition imperfect, prone to sin, and unworthy to be in the presence of a sinless God. Messianics equate this with the Yetzer HaRa..
Sin, Unforgivable	Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable (Mark 3:28-29).	Any sin (transgression of the torah) is forgivable by God.
Son of God	A biblical title of Jesus that expresses divinity.	A biblical phrase applied to angels or demigods (see Sons of God) or to the ideal King of Israel or to human beings in general. "Yet the term by no means carries the idea of physical descent from, and essential unity with, God the Father."
Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53)	The Passion	Israel
Supersessionism	The New Covenant between God and Christianity supersedes the Mosaic Covenant between God and Israel.	Cultural imperialism

T-Z

Term	Christian perception	Jewish perception	Messianic perception
Tanakh	In missionary work, used instead of the term "Old Testament."	An acronym for Torah—Neviim—Kethuvim, i.e. T—N—K, i.e. TaNaKh.	Tanakh
Testament	Latin term adopted for the two parts of the Christian Bible, attributed to Tertullian but some propose Marcion	Christian term	Brit/Covenant
Torah	The Laws of Moses or Pentateuch.	The teaching, both oral and written, received by Moses from God on the Biblical Mount Sinai.
Trinity	One God in three Hypostases. Not a partnership or compound unity. Each “person” (the common, but inaccurate, English term) is fully God.	The Christian belief that God is composed of three parts. See Shituf.	Compound unity; God-class of three persons; God-family of three persons.
Tzitzit	Generally unknown, but scholars think Jesus wore the Tzitzit, see also Christianity and fringed garments	One of the 613 Mitzvot: Tassels worn on the corner of a garment.
The Vine	Metaphor for Jesus in John 15:1-17.	Metaphor for Israel in the Jewish Bible.
The Word	1) Christ the Logos -- the eternal Word, Principle, of God. Foundation for all existence. Enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ. 2) The Bible.	Not a normally used term. The Torah—the eternal Word, Principle of God. Foundation for all existence.	1) The Logos—the eternal Word, Principle, of God. Foundation for all existence. Enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ. 2) The Bible. 3) The Torah
Works	Good and evil deeds, performance of Christian religious rituals, or observance of Jewish Torah. Major source of division between Catholics and Protestants regarding salvation: Catholics teach Faith and Works, see Epistle of James and The Sheep and the Goats, while Protestants teach Faith Alone. See also Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, Legalism (theology), Covenantal nomism.	Understood according to Christian usage. Performing mitzvot, or God's commandments, are encouraged to be an expression of an existing relationship and Covenant with God, and not an attempt to obtain one.	A response of faith, to please God. Not a pre-requisite to salvation (being in the covenant).
Yeshua	Unfamiliar term. Understood by some Christians as a Hebraic synonym for Jesus.	Word for “salvation” used in many prayers. Also a common name for Jews, and related to “Joshua.” Used without a Christian context, will not be associated with “Jesus”.	Hebrew form of Jesus.
Yetzer HaRa	Unknown term.	Literally “Evil Inclination.” A part of human nature, which is most commonly understood as a tendency to commit wrongful acts. It is not viewed as a state of being, but as one of two competing tendencies (good and bad). Understood as the animal nature, responsible for desires to eat, procreate, etc. There would be no earthly survival without it, and though Jews are encouraged to rise above it, they are not encouraged to eliminate it. Instead, when a child comes of age (13 for boys and 12 for girls) he is considered to have added the “Yetzer HaTov”; literally “Good Inclination.” As the Yetzer HaRa is responsible for personal survival, the Yetzer HaTov is responsible for helping others to survive. Without the Yetzer HaRa, there would be no sex and no children. Without the Yetzer HaTov there would be no feeding and nurturing of children. Both are essential (and when in harmony, good) aspects of humanity. It cannot be equated with the Christian concept of Original Sin (which has no good aspects). Further, although Original Sin condemns a person to hell without salvation, the Yetzer HaRa does not. The Jew does not need to be saved from his humanity, but instead needs to “grow up” in it.	Original Sin.

See also

• Christianity and Judaism

References

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