Bantu Names & Words in Scripture

In this one, we will again venture into language and look at more Bantu names and words in our Scriptures. We have over time been collecting more words and Biblical names through a diligent sister (Nguni) and another diligent brother (Tswana). Hebrew (or Iburu) is riddled with Tswana words and phrases, or vice versa, The Tswana is full of Hebrew words, idioms, figures of speech and so so much culture. You will find at times that they are almost the same in written form as they are in the phonetical spelling. Preserved for His People.

So then, now is the time we post these old and MANY new Bantu (mostly Nguni) names and words (mostly Tswana). These are words that we know through their modern Hebrew form as something, but when you look closer it has a similar spelling but sometimes different meaning in the respective Bantu languages. Though sometimes, the Hebrew words are spelled and pronounced almost the same as the Bantu languages. We are talking about the Nguni and Tswana, or those that are the remnants of what is called in our Bibles as Aramaic and or ancient Hebrew. So lets just go through this word for word, and name for name. We will make a two column table, what people say it means in the context of contemporary history (which disregards ancient African vocabularies, cultures and etymologies completely) and modern Hebrew versus what it actually means in ancient Biblical history and African Hebrew (if we may), or what we can simply call vernacular Bantu. Take note of the richness of the Bantu version compared to the modern interpretation.

A sidenote before reading, remember the Babylonians had their own language (black African people from the areas of Ethiopia and Sudan with a massive culture). This culture had a big influence on the Hebrew alphabet (Babylonian Talmud and so-forth), so when we read the names of the Prophets, like Ezekiel, which means SoNiNi is my Strengthening, the Babylonians used EL or Elia for their description of God. El was used much like we use Lord in English today. That does not mean that we should call upon any of these. El is Babylonian. So on that note, here we have included only have words we know about from languages like the Nguni languages (Xhosa, Zulu & Swati), and from the Sotho languages SeTswana and SeSotho (remember here Northern and Southern, just as from the northern and southern Kingdom of ancient Israel). That being said, here will be examples from many other countries and the respective tribes, such as for example Abagusii (that escaped the promised lands at some point), Abayudaya of Uganda - the people of Judah, a big topic of Swahili and their Phoenician connection, further research point to many Malawian tribes (Ma-Levi), the BaVenda of South Africa and XiTsonga may have even more words at their disposal that connect them to the Bible and ancient Hebrew. A long with many other Bantu tribes in Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and others. The etymological and linguistic traces are there. So, gather the old ones around the campfire, find an old Bible of your Bantu language and start looking for words. We need to write them down, your heritage may even be found weaved into an old piece of clothing, a blanket or a collection of beads and their specific colour orientation. This is how we will remember again. The Bible will be read again, in the old language. The Holy Tongue. SoNiNi naNiNi, The Oldest One, siyabonga. Lets dive into this!

Bantu Words & Names in Scripture

A downloadable PDF is at the bottom, forgive typos, remember to share and edit. They come in no particular order, alphabetical would be better, but they come like this. So let the real translation of our Scriptures begin !

Hebrew from Hebraic Bibles As taken from the "modern" Hebrew Scriptures	Ancient Hebrew & Aramaic This includes the Nguni languages and Sotho/Tswana
Mits`vah - A Hebrew word that comes from barmits`vah - with a modern translation son of the commandments, the mitsvah (מִצְוָה‎) a directive, a step taken when a child graduates or takes an important step towards accountability (into adulthood).	Mitsi - also a directive in Xhosa but also Zulu (Nguni), but more in the context of what uMitsi (what measures or steps) did you take to correct something.
Asah - word comes from the Hebrew (אסא), meaning asah which is the root word for to do or to make.	Asa - from Xhosa (Aramaic) meaning something that is not yet done or still in the process. The sourdough is not done, or the meat is not yet cooked.
Bara - the Hebrew word (בָּרָא) means to create or to form (to fashion).	Badira - from SeTswana it also mean to create or they create in this instance.
Qadosh - has the Hebrew (קָדוֹשׁ) meaning of being set-a-part or to be used for a special purpose, can also mean sacred, holy or Held up High.	Nqantosi - in isiXhosa means to be high up, and can also be used a play of words for Ntandoyenkosi (Nqantosi), The Most Highs Will Be Done
Kaphar - the Hebrew word (כָּפָר) means `to cover over` or `to cover up` (can also mean village).	Kama - a Xhosa word that mens to smooth over something or to cover.
Naphal or Palal - the Hebrew word (נָפַל) has a being of to fall, to tell an untruth, to be downcast or to fail.	Phalala - in isiXhosa this word also means to fall down. But, the word is also associated with blood & Life.
Palah - the Hebrew word (פָּלָא) means to do something wonderful something beyond ones power.	Pala - in SeTswana this word means exactly the same, and is associated with power. Something wonderful and beyond ones power
Aqab or iqqebah - the Hebrew word (עָקַב) means to replace (supplant), to overreact or to follow someone at the heel.	Igqeba - this Xhosa words means the one who follows another person at the heel or it can mean a congregation led by someone
Halal - the Hebrew word (הָלַל) means to praise or to boast, to shine, to celebrate to revel in something.	Halala - this is an African celebratory word, like Yahu and Juda. Like ululating.
Hosanna - the Hebrew word (הוֹשִׁיעָה־נָּא) means according to most modern Aramaic interpretations save, rescue or saviour.	Nkosanna - this is a Xhosa and Zulu word that means Little King or Prince. What was shouted when He entered the city on a donkeys /zebras back.
Rabboni - the Hebrew word was said to mean the same as teacher or priest. It is translated directly from the Greek (Ραββουνι), appears in Mark 10,51 as the man asks for his sight back.	Khaboni - Immanuels clan name, that Mary shouted out in great bewilderment. Like calling your child its first and second name at the same time. Why would these women call out teacher, they knew Him better than that.
Ephphata - the Aramaic word which in a Greek Bible appears like this, Ἐφφαθά and it has an attached meaning of, that which means be opened.	Ephaphata - a Xhosa word that means to feel around or to touch. So uMsindisi probably touched the mans eyes and healed them.
Menah Mene - the Hebrew (מְנָֽה־ מְנֵ֕א) which spells something like Menah-Mene, and they have an explanation for the first part which means He has numbered (so they say) the last part Mene has no real explanation, other then your days are numbered kinda.	Mene Mene - a little bit of a modern slang word used by Zulus, Xhosa and Sothos. Mene Mene is a snake, someone who goes back and forth. If you put these words in their right sequence they form a perfectly understandable sentence in African Hebrew. Follow below.
Teqel - the Hebrew (תְּכֵלֶת‎) is associated with weights or balance. But only mentioned in Daniel 2 times in the same setting.	Tekele - a little bit of a modern word but means the same, to go overboard (overkill), itekele it went to far or itetyile - something that is way off.
Uparsin - the Hebrew word (וּפַרְסִֽין׃) and is supposed to mean divided.	Uphanzile - this is a bit of a Xhosa proper word, it means having all your possession taken away from you (also uphalele, as were you lost all riches).  If you put these words together the African Hebrew written by His finger on the wall, it reads: Snake, that went to far, you will be stripped off everything.
Lo-Ruhamah - the Hebrew name (לֹא רֻחָמָה) of The Prophet Hosea and his daughter, which is popularly translated as unloved or no mercy.	Lo Ruama - this one is also kinda slang because in Xhosa it means ass-wipe. No filter and directly translated. A wipe of the butt. What a name for a child. No Hosea did not name it Precious or Treasure, rather Ass-Wipe. On Command from SoNiNi.
Talitha Kumi - the Aramaic phrase that was said by uMsindisi Himself, in the Greek it is kept in its original form Ταλιθὰ κούμ. This is a different language then the modern Aramaic, this is a Bantu dialect very similar to the Nguni languages. Which they say means Little Girl, rise up.	Tabatha kumi - this is a phrase that literally says, take it from me or even better (we like this one) take life from me. And what did the little girl need? She needed life right, as she was pronounced dead. uMsindisi has plenty of life to give and He gave and she woke up.
Rebekah - the Hebrew name and word Rivqah (רִבְקָה) means a snare, also joined or firmly tied.	Rivqah - this word means in isiXhosa (but also others) to snare or surround someone.
Eliezer - the Hebrew name (אֱלִיעֶזֶר,) of Moses son, and it means SoNiNi or (here the Babylonian) EL was a help or a remedy for Moses (Moshe)	Eliyeza - in several Bantu languages this word means the same EL was a remedy for Moses suffering.
Gereshom - the Hebrew name ((גֵּרְשֹׁם‎) of the first son of Moses and Zipporah, a stranger in the land meaninig.	Geresho - this word also spelled umgeresho means being a stranger in a foreign land (while you are travelling)
Ezekiel - the Hebrew name Ezekiel or Yechezqel (יְחֶזְקֵאל) means SoNiNi or El strengthens	Yetshangqele - this word means someone who is a bold or a strong person
Enoch - the Hebrew name Enoch or Chanokh (חֲנוֹךְ‎) means a dedication.	Kanotshe - this word and name that has the same meaning in isiXhosa.
Immanu`el - the Hebrew name Immanu`el or Amanwele עִמָּנוּאֵל, it means EL is with us.	Ammanwele - this name in isiXhosa means to feel Spirit.
Mount Sinai - the Hebrew name (הַר סִינַי‬‎,) also means glowing or burnt mountain (Horeb/Careb). A Mountain chosen by SoNiNi for people to gather at, to congregate at.	Sinaye - this word has a play on the other word Synaegogue, means means to congregate. To be together. Qareb means mountain in Xhosa and Khoi.
Eran - the Hebrew word (עֵרָן) means someone who is watchful and vigilant	Erhana - means to be suspicious (ukurhana) in several Bantu languages.
Isaac - the Hebrew name (יִצְחָק) that means laughter, named so after Sarahs reaction to the Angel.	Ihleka - means laughter (ahleka) in several Bantu languages. ukuhleka, it means to laugh.
Yatsa - the Hebrew word (יָצָא) means to come out, go out or bring out.	Yatswa - in SeTswana it means something exited or departed, either came out or went out of something.
Esh - the Hebrew word (אש) associated with fire, cooking or the refining of metals. Used as an ending of the word that is put under fire.	Esha - In Setswana esha means it burns or burning or something that is burning. This is another slang word that is used in every day vernacular and slang in South Africa. Ask people with it means they will tell you eish or esh... So next you say it, remember it means fire off something in Hebrew.
Banah - the Hebrew (בָּנָה) word used for have children or get children. Can also be used for to build up or repair	Bana - literally means children in many Bantu languages (abantwana).
Bow - the Hebrew word (בּוֹא) pronounced Bo, means to come.	Bowa - Tswana word that means to come back
Em - the Hebrew (אם) means mother.	Mme - means mother in SeTswana
Ab - the Hebrew (אב) means father.	Rraabo - means their father in SeTswana, and is a play on Abba or Abb (Father).
Baath - the Hebrew word (בָּעַת) that means to be afraid.	Baatsaba - in SeTswana means literally they are afraid (Ba, being plural) in Setswana.
Abad - the Hebrew (אבד) has multiple meanings but can mean group, or for worshippers that might be in a bad spot.	Baobamedi - is the word for worshippers in Sestwana. Abad is within the Setswana as you will find with many Hebrew words. This one is almost pronounced like the English aw-Bad or Too bad, then it means something else, to keep in bondage or something that is bound.
Yad - the Hebrew word (יַד) means hand.	Ya diatla - means of the hands (diatla/satla means hand or hands)
Amar - the Hebrew word amar (אָמַר) means answer, speak or command and is used in the instance where the Voice Speaks out of The Clouds.	A Maru - in SeTswana means something that is of the clouds or coming from the clouds. A very common Tswana name, Amaru, The Voice in the Cloud.
Se`yir - the Hebrew (שֵׂעִיר) which is the name for Mount Seir, and means hairy or overgrown.	Seriri - in SeTswana means something that is hairy or not groomed. This means that Mount Seir likely is in Tswana (or likely North in of the Northern parts of the Kingdom) and is an overgrown place and bushy Mountain.
Erets - the Hebrew (אֶרֶץ) word for earth.	Seretse - in SeTswana is a name that means mud
Moshe - the Hebrew name (מֹשֶׁה) that means taken from the river.	Mo Ntshe - is SeTswana phrase that means to remove a person from a place or their surroundings. Almost the same as uMgeresheo in Nguni languages.
Moedim - the Hebrew word (מועדים) set forth to describe the set-a-part times, the appointed times like the Sabbath, which is described to you in Genesis 1,14.	Modimo - this is a Setswana and SeSotho word that simply means God or The Most High.
Orah - the Hebrew word for light is Ora (אורה), can also mean knowledge and a play on Torah - The First 5 Books of Moses.	Ora - a Setswana word that has a deeper meaning, something like to gather at the burning light of fire

The Drakensberg/ukhahlamba - Barrier of Spears - as seen in The Eastern Cape and KwaZuluNatal.

Nguni & Sotho Words.pdf

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Just a short one from us with a collection of ancient Hebrew and Aram words for you. Until next time, which will not be that long we promise.

Ungesabi lutho,

SoNiNi unathi