In the final book of the New Testament, we find heaven described as a place where the righteous “eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7). What exactly is meant by paradise? It is not a region of fluffy clouds; but rather, a lush garden full of well-watered trees. How can we know that?
The word “paradise” derives from the Biblical Hebrew word for a walled-in garden: pardes (פרדס). We can see the true meaning of paradise in the Song of Solomon 4:13: “Your channel is an orchard (pardes =פרדס) of pomegranates with all choicest fruits.” The Hebrew word pardes is the crucial link connecting the former Garden of Eden with the future heavenly garden. Next time when you say paradise, remember the Hebrew beautiful and fruitful garden!
This is just one example of how Hebrew, the original language of Scripture, has influenced the languages that we speak and the beliefs we hold. Over the last two thousand years, the Hebrew roots of our faith have become buried in the sands of time. The time has come to uncover this true Scriptural heritage. Enroll in our course of Biblical Hebrew and rediscover the Bible.
