As it has been mentioned, Hebrew words are commonly defined from a western perspective. How is the original meaning of words from an Hebraic perspective determined? A Hebrew word that is often translated in an abstract manner will many times be used in a concrete manner somewhere in the text (most often in the book of Job, the oldest book of the Bible and therefore using the most ancient meanings of words). An example of this is the word (hhay). This word is usually translated as life but in one place, Job 38:39, this word is best translated as "stomach"; "Can you hunt the prey of the lion or fill the stomach of the young lion?". From this we see that life to the Ancient Hebrew is related to a full stomach.

By comparing the word in question with other words derived from the same or related roots the original meaning can be determined. The word (kohen) meaning "priest" is related to other words meaning base, foundation and level. From this we discover that the priests of the community are the foundation or the firm base of that community.

The pictographs also help to determine the original meaning of a word such as the Hebrew word for "mother", (eym). The is a picture of an ox representing strength and the is a picture of water. Combined these mean "strong water" or glue. The mother is understood by the ancient Hebrews as one who binds the family together.

Other devices used is to compare the use of this word with synonyms and antonyms in poetical passages, the context in which the word is used and the use of the word in other Semitic languages.