The Biblical Words for “Heaven” (Hebrew & Greek)

The English word heaven flattens several ancient concepts. In Scripture, “heaven” can mean:

• the sky
• outer space
• the spiritual realm
• God’s dwelling
• the future new creation

Let’s break down the original words.

HEBREW TERMS (Old Testament)

A. שָׁמַיִם — shamayim

Meaning: heavens, sky, the heights, the spiritual realm.

This is the primary Hebrew word for “heaven.”

It can refer to:

• the sky (where birds fly)
• the cosmos (sun, moon, stars)
• the spiritual realm (God’s dwelling)

Key uses:

• Genesis 1:1 — “God created the heavens and the earth.”
• Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
• Deuteronomy 10:14 — “The highest heavens belong to the LORD.”

Shamayim is plural — “the heavens” — reflecting layers or expanses.

B. רָקִיעַ — raqia‘

Meaning: expanse, firmament, sky dome.

Used in Genesis 1 to describe the sky stretched out.

This is the visible heaven.

C. מָרוֹם — marom

Meaning: height, high place, lofty realm.

Often used poetically for:

• God’s throne
• the high heavens
• the exalted realm

Example: Isaiah 33:5 — God dwells “on high.”

D. שְׁאֻלָה / עֶלְיוֹן — she’ulah / elyon

Not direct words for heaven, but used to describe:

• the upper realms
• the Most High (God’s heavenly status)

GREEK TERMS (New Testament)

A. οὐρανός — ouranos

Meaning: heaven, sky, the spiritual realm, God’s dwelling.

This is the main NT word for heaven.

It can mean:

• the sky
• the cosmos
• the realm of angels
• the presence of God
• the future new creation

Key uses:

• Matthew 6:9 — “Our Father in heaven…”
• Matthew 3:17 — the heavens open at Jesus’ baptism
• Revelation 21:1 — “a new heaven and a new earth”

Ouranos is as flexible as shamayim.

B. ἐπουράνιος — epouranios

Meaning: heavenly, belonging to heaven.

Used for:

• heavenly places
• heavenly calling
• heavenly beings

Example: Ephesians 1:3 — “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

C. παράδεισος — paradeisos

Meaning: paradise, garden, blissful garden of God.

Used in:

• Luke 23:43 — “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:4 — Paul caught up to paradise
• Revelation 2:7 — the paradise of God

This word connects Eden with the future restored creation.

Timeline of Heaven from Genesis to Revelation

Stage 1: Heaven as God’s Creation (Genesis 1–2)

Heaven is:

• the sky
• the cosmos
• the spiritual realm

Heaven is part of creation, not eternal by itself.

Stage 2: Heaven as God’s Dwelling (Patriarchs–Kings)

Heaven becomes:

• God’s throne
• the place from which He speaks
• the realm of angels

Heaven = God’s royal court.

Stage 3: Heaven as the Realm of Revelation (Prophets)

Prophets see visions of:

• God’s throne
• heavenly beings
• heavenly worship

Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1 are key.

Heaven = the unseen reality behind earthly events.

Stage 4: Heaven Opens in Jesus (Gospels)

Heaven breaks into earth:

• angels announce Jesus’ birth
• heaven opens at His baptism
• Jesus teaches about the kingdom of heaven
• Jesus ascends to heaven

Heaven = God’s kingdom arriving on earth.

Stage 5: Heaven as the Believer’s Present & Future (Epistles)

Heaven is:

• where Christ reigns
• where believers are seated spiritually
• the believer’s true homeland

Heaven = the believer’s identity and destiny.

Stage 6: Heaven Comes Down (Revelation)

Revelation ends not with us going to heaven, but with:

• heaven descending
• God dwelling with humanity
• a new heaven and new earth

Heaven = God’s presence filling creation.

Comparison of Heaven in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Judaism

Heaven is:

• God’s dwelling
• the realm of angels
• the place of reward for the righteous
• not the final destination (resurrection is)

Judaism emphasizes resurrection and the world to come more than “going to heaven.”

Christianity

Heaven is:

• God’s presence
• the home of the redeemed
• the place where Christ reigns
• the intermediate state after death
• the future new creation

Christianity emphasizes union with God and new creation.

Islam

Heaven (Jannah) is:

• a garden paradise
• a place of reward
• full of peace, joy, and nearness to God
• with multiple levels

Islam emphasizes paradise as reward and God’s mercy.