Illuminating The Word
I Came That They May Have Life
Contrasting outward religion with the abundant life Jesus offers, inviting reflection on true faith
The Bible presents a profound contrast between two key concepts: “religion” and “life.” While religion appears only five times in the New Testament, it generally refers to outward expressions of faith, such as ceremonial worship or moral obligations. In contrast, the word life appears around 450 times throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing vitality, the gift of existence, and the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ.
The Greek word thrēskeía highlights this focus on external religious acts, while the Latin religio broadens it to include both reverence and duty to God, eventually evolving into a term for organized systems of belief. These concepts emphasize the formal and ritualistic aspects of religion.
On the other hand, life, expressed by the Hebrew chayyim and Greek zōḗ, represents spiritual abundance and vitality. This idea of life, both now and in eternity, contrasts with the external practices of religion, pointing instead to the deeper, life-giving relationship with Christ.
By understanding this distinction, we gain insight into how God’s Word encourages both the practice of faith and the deeper pursuit of spiritual life in Him.
Religion (Thrēskeía in Greek & Religio in Latin Translations)
In both Greek and Latin, the concept of “religion” is expressed through different words. In Greek, thrēskeía refers to outward practices, ceremonial worship, or expressions of faith, emphasizing observable actions associated with one’s religion. Similarly, in Latin, religio encompasses both ceremonial practices and moral obligations, broadening the concept of thrēskeía to include not only worship but also the duty and reverence owed to God.
Religious Practices or Ceremonial Worship
Here, thrēskeía in the ESV refers to religious practices or ceremonial worship in these verses:
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. (James 1:26, ESV)
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27, ESV)
They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. (Acts 26:5, ESV)
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind… (Colossians 2:18, ESV)
Religious Zeal
Here, thrēskeía in the ESV refers to Paul’s former religious zeal, though the word “religion” is not directly used:
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. (Galatians 1:13–14, ESV)
Religion (דָּת — Dat in Hebrew/Aramaic Translation)
In Hebrew and Aramaic, the closest word to “religion” is דָּת is pronounced as “dat” (with a short “a” sound, like in “father”). Dat which more accurately refers to law, custom, or decree rather than the modern concept of “religion” as an organized belief system. Below are some specific examples from the Hebrew/Aramaic texts found in the Bible.
Legal System & Customs
Here, dat refers to the legal system or customs that Daniel followed according to the law of his God. It represents a religious obligation but is focused more on law than formal religion.
Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.’ (Daniel 6:5, ESV)
Religious Laws & Decrees
In this passage, dat again refers to the religious laws or decrees that Ezra was responsible for teaching. This highlights the focus on law or instruction rather than an organized religious system.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven. Peace. And now… (Ezra 7:12, ESV)
Laws & Customs Jewish
The word dat here is used to describe the Jewish laws or customs that differentiated them from other peoples, again emphasizing legal or moral systems rather than the modern concept of religion.
Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them.’ (Esther 3:8 ESV)
Life (Zōḗ in Greek & Vita in Latin Translations)
In both Greek and Latin, the word for “life” is associated with vitality, existence, and spiritual abundance. In Greek, the word zōḗ refers to life in the fullest sense, encompassing both physical life and eternal spiritual life. In Latin, the word vita similarly describes life as a gift and a vital force.
Promise of Eternal Life
Zōḗ in the New Testament, especially in relation to Jesus’ promise of eternal life.
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10, ESV)
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’ (John 11:25, ESV)
These verses highlight how the concept of life goes beyond the physical, representing eternal and abundant life in Jesus.
Life (חַיִּים — Chayyim in Hebrew/Aramaic Translation)
In Hebrew, the word for “life” is חַיִּים (chayyim), which refers to the vitality and gift of existence granted by God. This word appears throughout the Old Testament to describe both the blessing of physical life and the spiritual connection to God.
Sacred & Purposeful Life
Chayyim often conveys a sense of fullness and divine blessing, making life sacred and purposeful.
See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. (Deuteronomy 30:15, ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11, ESV)
As we reflect on the differences between “religion” and “life” in Scripture, it becomes clear that while religious practices and obligations can help guide our outward actions, the true essence of our faith is found in the life Jesus offers — life that is abundant, eternal, and deeply connected to our relationship with God.
Focusing on this gift of life may bring us closer to the heart of our faith, allowing us to live with purpose and joy. In the end, it is this life in Christ that sustains us, not the mere observance of rituals.
Join the Conversation
As Christians, we might ask, should we focus more on “life” than on “religion?” Jesus places a greater emphasis on the gift of life that He offers rather than religious rituals. While religion can help provide structure, it is through life in Christ that we find our purpose and connection to Him. What are your thoughts? Please join in the conversation using the comments below.
The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer.
I’m a dad who blogs about the intersections of life, faith, family, and technology. These are the threads that weave through my personal and spiritual walk.
© Dave Hallmon October 6, 2024.
