Here we offer a few words that have been translated into English in a way that might convey part of the Aramaic meaning inherent in the original word, and we are choosing to also give you other at least equally valid interpretations that may serve you well (as they have done for us). Most of the information here comes from Dr. George M. Lamsa and Dr. Rocco Errico, experts in Aramaic. (see links to learn about their lives and access their work via books, tapes, etc). The words within quotation marks are the ones most frequently used in western Bibles; then we offer meanings in Aramaic. We hope to add to this list monthly, so please feel free to contact us if you wish us to research some specific words that perhaps do not quite ring true for you in the conventional translations.

"blind:" one who makes mistakes, such as taking scripture literally or being blinded to the truth in front of them because of tradition.

"blessed:" the word in Aramaic toowayhoun is translated as "blessed." The original word means content, fortunate, happy, delighted.

"coming:" presence.

"death:" not here but elsewhere.

"faith:" trust in God's power, belief in the worthiness of ones purpose, and the knowledge that you are determined to succeed; belief in the relationship between ourselves and the Life Presence that is.

"gospel:" the preaching (or "take") of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. .

"heaven:" an inner state of harmony, peace, understanding, and abundance; and the outer manifestation of same when we live within a community of love and awareness of our shared oneness with Source (rah); can be idiom for "everywhere."

"hell:" regret, remorse, agony, destruction, torment, deep regret, mental suffering.

"jealous:" is from the same word in Aramaic as zealous, meaning with ardent desire. The context would determine which meaning was meant.

"kingdom:" a universal state, a reign of peace and harmony, God's sovereign presence and counsel.

"messiah:" anointed (with oil); appointed, designated for an important position.

"peace:" surrender.

"perfect:" complete, whole, mature, thorough, finished, inclusive, rounded out.

"prayer:"- focus, adjust, incline towards, attune to, turn towards. Errico says "Prayer in its initial sense implies 'setting your mind like a trap so that you may catch the thoughts of God;" in other words, "to trap the inner guidance and impulses that come from your inner spiritual source.'" (Errico, Rocco. Setting A Trap For God. p. 6-7.

"prophet:" from the word bubbling spring.

"rise;" gain in power and influence.

"satan:" negative thoughts, absence of good, adversary.

"will:" also means pleasure.