Jehovah's Witnesses glossary

{{TOC right}}

'''Jehovah's Witnesses''' have an extremely idiosyncratic vocabulary. Not only do they avoid many standard Christian terms such as "church" and "cross", they also use some everyday words such as "publisher" and "hall" in radically different ways.

As with other [[cult]]s, religious, political or otherwise, the use of distinctive vocabulary helps establish an in- and an out-group. Constant changes in the vocabulary also allow people to [[Shibboleth|recognize when someone has not been keeping up to date]].

Within the USA, the higher than average [[African American]] JW membership compared to the mostly white leadership<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/26/a-closer-look-at-jehovahs-witnesses-living-in-the-u-s/ A closer look at Jehovah’s Witnesses living in the U.S.] by Michael Lipka (April 26, 2016) ''Pew Research Center''.</ref><ref>''Jehovah's Witnesses: The African American Enigma: A Contemporary Study'' by Firpo W. Carr (2002) Scholar Technological. ISBN 0963129368.</ref> might raise eyebrows among non-JWs when examining some of the terminology ("{{sl|circuit overseer}}", "{{sl|district overseer}}", "{{sl|evil slave class}}" and "{{sl|faithful and discreet slave}}").

==Organizational overview==
[[File:JW organisation structure 2.png|thumb|center|400px|{{sl|Jehovah God}}, [[Jesus Christ]] ({{sl|Michael}}, {{sl|Faithful and discreet slave|Faithful and discreet slave class}}, {{sl|Governing Body}}, {{sl|Elder}}s, Ministerial servants]]

==Terms==
===360 years===
See ''{{sl|1914}}''.

===607===
See ''{{sl|1914}}''.

===666===
{{main|666}}
'''666''' is the symbol of [[Satan]]'s visible organisation, which Jehovah's Witnesses believe to be all human governments.<ref>[https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1956569 Deranged ramblings by Jehovah's Witnesses]</ref>

===1914===
Because of an alleged prophecy in '''Daniel 4''', the original JW believed that Jesus began to rule in '''607 BCE''', that there will be '''Seven Times''' after ''607 BCE'' until a certain generation is born, that ''{{sl|Armageddon}}'' will begin before that generation passes away, that these ''Seven Times'' are '''Symbolic Times''' and actually mean '''360 years''' each (for a total of 2520 years), and that therefore the generation which observed the "events of '''1914'''" (the start of [[WW1]]) will also see the ''Armageddon''. Given that this is no longer possible,<ref name=possible>[https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/4com6e/millions_now_living/ Millions now living...]</ref> JW teachings have shifted to the ''{{sl|overlapping generation}}'' idea.<ref name=overlapping>[http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/david-splane-explains-the-overlapping-generation-teaching-without-actually-explaining-it/comment-page-1 David Splane explains the overlapping generation teaching (without actually explaining it)]</ref>

[[File:607 1914 Jehovah's Witnesses Seven Symbolic Times.jpg|thumb|center|This is ''literally'' the foundation of all of JW belief<ref>[https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/607-1914.php 607 : 1914 : Seven Times]</ref>]]

Other JW [[list of predictions of the end of the world#1910s|predictions of the end of the world]] were for 1915, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941 1975, 1994, 1997.

===144,000===
See ''{{sl|Anointed Class}}''.

==A==
===Abomination of Desolation===
The '''Abomination of Desolation''' is an obsolete term for the [[United Nations]]. Since all governments are [[satan]]ically controlled, any attempt to set up a [[One world government|one world system]] is even more frowned upon. Nowadays it is referred to as the "disgusting thing that is causing desolation".

===Accounts servant===
An '''accounts servant''' is a local treasurer, bookkeeper or clerk.

===Accurate knowledge===
'''Accurate knowledge''' is the understanding of things as they are given by the organization.

===Active force===
'''Active force''' is the [[Holy Spirit]].

===Don Adams===
'''Don Adams''' {{lived|1925|2019}} was elected sixth ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' president in 2000.

===Alcohol===
{{main|Alcohol}}
Witnesses regard '''alcohol''' as a gift from {{sl|Jehovah}} that must be used in moderation. Contrary to popular belief, JWs are not [[Teetotalism|teetotalers]] (unlike [[Mormons]] etc.)

===Anniversary===
'''Anniversary''' is an annual commemoration acceptable to JWs, such as a wedding anniversary. Celebrating [[Christmas]] or birthdays is strictly verboten.
===Anointed Class===
After ''{{sl|Armageddon}}'', the '''144,000''' people in the '''Anointed Class''' will live in a spiritual [[Heaven]] with King Jesus. All other faithful JW (the '''Great Crowd''' or '''Other Sheep''') and a selected group of resurrected people will live on a paradise-like Earth for one '''millennium''' (1,000 years). The number 144,000 appears in three places in the [[Book of Revelation]]: {{bible|Revelation|7|3|8}} (as the sum of 12 tribes of Israel of 12,000 each), {{bible|Revelation|14|1}} and {{bible|Revelation|14|3|5}}.

===Antichrist===
This term is not just used for the evil leader supposed to appear at the end of history, but anything that opposes JW teachings. Non-JW Christians are considered to be "antichrist" for example, as are the churches they belong to.

===Apostate===
A JW who turns to worldly or antichrist ways, or falls foul of the leadership. Any material produced by such people.

===Armageddon===
{{main|Armageddon}}
The '''Armageddon''' is a world-encompassing battle that will occur in the near future. During ''Armageddon'', all people and all institutions not affiliated with the JW will be destroyed. King Jesus and His heavenly host will battle with [[Satan]] and his armies. Satan will be defeated. Afterwards, the ''{{sl|Anointed Class}}'' will live with King Jesus in a spiritual [[Heaven]].

===Assembly===
An '''assembly''' is a type of regional conference where various local congregations meet together. It happens several times a year. An '''assembly hall''' is a larger ''{{sl|Kingdom Hall}}'' used for such purposes.

===''Awake!''===
'''''Awake!''''' is a semimonthly magazine published by ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' focused on family and religion. It takes a bit of a backseat to {{sl|Watchtower}}, but is still treated very seriously. Recent editions take precedence over older issues.

==B==
===Back calls===
'''Back calls''' are return visits to someone who appears/ed to express an interest in joining. These are heavily encouraged even when the person is politely disinterested.{{efn|This would seem to have the unintended effect of encouraging people to be rude to JW proselytizers.}} These are all noted and recorded in '''back call book'''. See return calls.

===Bad association===
'''Bad association''' is mixing socially with someone who is {{sl|Disfellowship|disfellowshipped}}, hostile to the church etc. This is severely frowned upon, even when it is with family members. The opposite of ''{{sl|shunning}}''. 

===Bad attitude===
'''Bad attitude''' is someone who works at ''{{sl|Bethel}}'' who is perceived to be out of line.

===Baptism===
{{main|Baptism}}
A candidate approved by the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' is '''baptized''' (immersed in water) during a public meeting. Mass baptisms of new recruits often occur at a ''{{sl|circuit assembly}}''. JWs do not baptize babies.
[[File:Jehovah's Witnesses convention in Hamburg (2006)-3.JPG|thumb|center|200px|JW mass Baptism in Germany, 2006]]

===B.C.E.===
{{main|Common Era}}
JWs use '''BCE''' (Before Current Era) rather than BC (Before Christ).

===Bethel===
'''Bethel''' is the official headquarters of the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' located at 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY. It is used as a metonym for said headquarters. Someone who works there is known as a '''Bethelite'''.

===Bible Students===
[[File:Convention Bible Students in 1893, Chicago.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Bible Students in 1893]]
'''Bible Students''' is a name for early JWs, now obsolete. Some of the various splinter groups still use it.

===Bible study===
'''Bible study''' is an intermediate step in becoming a JW. Faithful JW stress a [[Biblical literalism|literal belief in the Bible]] and try to engage interested people in home ''Bible studies''. After progressing from ''{{sl|return calls}}'' and ''{{sl|Good Will Person}}hood'', ''Bible study'' encourages people to people gain personal and religious connections with local JW members.

===Blood===
{{main|Blood Transfusions: How Safe}}
JW teachings hold that the [[soul]] is in the '''blood''', citing {{bible|Leviticus|17|11}} and {{bible|Leviticus|17|14}}. As a result, JWs believe that '''blood transfusions''' are comparable to [[cannibalism]] and refuse to have them. [[Blood Transfusions: How Safe|This results in several hundred deaths per year]].

===Bloodguilt===
'''Bloodguilt''' occurs when somebody 1) causes bloodshed (i.e., contributes to someone's death), which includes supporting a blood-guilty organization or 2) fails to preach the good news or 3) eats, drinks, or receives ''{{sl|blood}}'' in any way.

===Book Room===
A '''Book Room''' is a library or stockpile of books, pamphlets and magazines which are kept in each ''{{sl|Kingdom Hall}}'' for publishers to distribute. As internet usage has increased, its importance has waned.

===Branch Committee===
A '''Branch Committee''' is appointed by the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' to have oversight of JW congregations for an entire country or group of countries.

==C==
===''Caleb and Sophia''===
'''''Caleb and Sophia''''' (also known as '''''Become Jehovah's Friend''''') is an animated series of short videos aimed at children produced by the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' that spreads [[Propaganda|propagandistic]] messages in service to the organization, such as teaching kids to knock on doors and hate gay people.

===Car captain===
A '''car captain''' is someone who arranges motor transport for publishers to do ''{{sl|field service}}''.

===C.E.===
{{main|Common Era}}
JWs do use '''CE''' (Current Era) rather than AD (''Anno Domini''). Presumably this is something else they use to sound different to other Christians.

===Christendom===
'''Christendom''' is a derogatory term for [[Protestant]], [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] and [[Catholic]] groups, which JW teachings claim to have been established around 300-399 CE by the ''{{sl|Baptism|unbaptized}}'' [[Roman]] emperor {{wpl|Constantine the Great||.}}

===Church===
JWs do not use the term "'''church'''", which they believe to be [[pagan]]. Their meeting houses are called "{{sl|Kingdom Hall}}s" instead. Other uses of "church", i.e. for congregations or the organisation itself are similarly avoided.

===Circuit===
A '''circuit''' is a group of about 20 JW congregations.

===Circuit overseer===
A '''circuit overseer''' is the supervisor of the ''{{sl|circuit}}'' who visits each congregation two or three times a year.

===Circuit assembly===
[[File:Centrum Kongresowe Sosnowiec.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Circuit assembly in [[Poland]], 2011]]
A '''circuit assembly''' occurs when member congregations of a ''{{sl|circuit}}'' gather at specified times, often to hold mass ''{{sl|baptism}}s'' of new converts.

===Come into the truth===
'''Coming into the truth''' is when someone is converted to being a Jehovah's Witness.

===Conclusion of the System of Things===
The end of the world, when Jesus comes and sets things right (by JW standards).

===Convention===
[[File:Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses (1989, Chorzów).jpg|thumb|right|165px|JW convention in Poland, 1989]]
'''Convention''' is used much as its [[secular]] meaning to describe large gatherings, often tens of thousands.

===Cross===
See ''{{sl|Impalement}}''.

===Crucifixion===
See ''{{sl|Impalement}}''.

==D==
===Demon===
A devil or Satan-serving spirit. Often used in reference to things which have been demonized (see below). However, demons are not considered as scary as Jehovah himself or even the leadership.

===Demonized===
{{main|Demonic possession}}
To be '''demonized''' is to be possessed by demons. The term is not only applied to people, but also to certain objects. JWs are sometimes suspicious that secondhand items have been demonized and may cause sickness or bad [[luck]] in their homes.

===Demonstration===
A '''demonstration''' is a role-playing practice for ''{{sl|field service}}''. It is a form of training for speaking to non-members. Because many JWs are out of touch with most modern worldly realities, they are often comically different to what {{sl|publisher}}s will actually experience, which can often lead them to being bewildered.

===Disassociation letter===
A '''disassociation letter''' is a letter of resignation. It is often requested from someone who has joined the military or another religion. This saves local ''{{sl|elder}}s'' paperwork. Many [[Apostasy|apostates]] walk away without doing this.

===Disfellowship===
'''Disfellowship''', also referred to as '''expulsion''' or '''[[excommunication]]''', occurs when the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' judges a JW member as unfaithful. Common crimes include [[adultery]], [[homosexuality]], [[Deceit|dishonesty]], "[[idolatry]]", "[[apostasy]]", or "[[Schism|divisiveness]]". For lesser crimes, a JW member is usually suspended for one year and then given an opportunity for reinstatement. For greater crimes, the offending member may only be accepted back if he or she displays sincere repentance. The official JW position is that disfellowshipping is a "loving provision", but those who are disfellowshipped are [[Shunning|shunned]] by other JW members, including family and friends,<ref>[https://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/disfellowship-shunning.php Disfellowshipping and Shunning] ''JWfacts.com''.</ref> which is often a substantial hardship for the person who is disfellowshipped.<ref>[https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/03/18/jehovahs-witnesses-murder-suicide-keego-harbor/409695002/ Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses break silence on shunning: 'My mother treats me like I'm dead'] by Tresa Baldas (Published 6:01 a.m. ET March 18, 2018 | Updated 1:02 p.m. ET March 18, 2018) ''Detroit Free Press''.</ref>

===District overseer===
A '''district overseer''' supervises several ''{{sl|circuits}}'' and is responsible for conducting ''{{sl|circuit assemblies}}''. The ''overseer'' spends one week in the ''circuit'' for each ''assembly''.

===Dub===
Pejorative nickname for the JWs, short for Jaydub. Often used by non-members and exmembers. Not to be confused with the Irish expression "Dub", which is short for "Dubliner", although this would make a JW from Dublin a Dub Dub.

==E==
===Elder===
The local leadership of a given area are known as '''elders''' rather than priests etc. — always male of course.

===Emblems===
'''Emblems''' are the bread and [[wine]] as used in the JW version of [[communion]]. Very few members ever take them due to arcane doctrines.

===Evil slave class===
The '''evil slave class''' are people who become [[Apostasy|apostates]] after many decades of membership.

===Expulsion or expelling===
See ''{{sl|disfellowship}}''.

==F==
===Factory===
Printing plants where publications such as '''Watchtower''' are produced. As [[internet]] use increases, these are becoming less important.

===Faithful and discreet slave===
The '''faithful and discreet slave''' is the group of males who govern the organisation as a whole.

===Field service===
Missionary work, which is conducted by all members. When one of them knocks on your door, it is '''field service'''.

===Frederick Franz===
[[File:FrederickWilliamFranz-atBrooklynBethel.png|thumb|right|165px|Franz]]
'''Frederick Franz''' {{lived|1893|1992}} was elected fourth ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' president in 1977.

==G==
===Gentile times===
The '''Gentile times''' when [[Jews]] were in disfavor with {{sl|Jehovah}} were from ''{{sl|607}}'' BCE to ''{{sl|1914}}''.

===Goat===
{{main|Goat}}
A '''goat''' is a 
sane
 person who is not interested in a JW evangelist's ''{{sl|return calls}}'' or ''{{sl|Bible study}}''.

===Good Will Person===
A '''Good Will Person''' is a person who is interested in ''{{sl|Bible study}}'' and who is a prospective member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Those who are not interested are called a ''{{sl|goat}}''.

===Governing Body===
The '''governing body''' is a select committee of about 15 ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' leaders that determines and establishes all doctrines and practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

===Great Crowd===
See ''{{sl|Anointed Class}}''.

===Greek Scriptures===
The [[New Testament]], also referred to as the '''Christian Greek Scriptures'''.

==H==
===Headship===
A '''headship''' refers either to 1) the family leadership role of the husband (who is the "'''wife-head'''") or 2) the leadership roles of people within the ''{{sl|WTBS}}''.

===Hebrew Scriptures===
'''Hebrew Scriptures''' refers to the [[Old Testament]] or Hebrew Bible.

===Hell===
{{main|Hell}}
The ''{{sl|WTBS}}'' does not believe that '''Hell''' is a place of torment or fire. They reject the doctrine of eternal punishment, saying all non-Jehovah's Witnesses will be annihilated at the [[Judgement Day|final judgment]].

===Milton Henschel===
[[File:MiltonGeorgeHenschel.png|thumb|right|165px|Henschel]]
'''Milton Henschel''' {{lived|1920|2003}} was elected fifth ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' president in 1992.

===Householder===
'''Householder''' is a non-member visited by JWs; not necessarily one who lets them in.

===Hymnal===
JWs never call their songbooks '''hymnals''' nowadays, but have done so in the past.

==I==
===IBSA===
The '''International Bible Students Association''' ('''IBSA''') group supervises JW ministries in [[Canada]] and the [[UK]]. The ''IBSA'' arises out of the {{wpl|Bible Student movement||.}}
[[File:Development of Bible Students en.svg|thumb|center|The one and only true religion]]

===Impalement===
{{main|Crucifixion}}
JW's believe that the '''crucifix''' (two-piece cross) is a phallic symbol adopted from [[pagans]] in the 3<sup>rd</sup> century CE. Instead, [[Jesus Christ]] was '''impaled''' and died upon an '''upright stake'''. WBTS translates the Greek ''stauros'' as "upright stake".

===Inactive publisher===
An '''inactive publisher''' is a member who has not been going out doing [[missionary]] work, which puts one in bad standing.

===Independent thinking===
'''Independent thinking''' is a pejorative phrase for someone who gets their own ideas, which is not seen as a good thing.

==J==
===Jaydub===
A facetious nickname for the group used by non-members based on initials. Not to be confused with JLo, an actress and singer.

===Jehovah===
{{main|YHWH}}
'''Jehovah''' is the term that JWs use to refer to [[God|God the Father]], and is used in place of "God", "Lord" etc. in the {{sl|NWT|New World Translation}} and JW parlance. It is an old-fashioned transliteration of YHWH. JWs do not consider Jehovah and [[Jesus]] to be the same person and do not accept the [[Trinity]].

===Jehovah's Witness(es)===
Also known as '''JWs'''. Non-members tend to refer indiscriminately to refer to both the membership and the organisation as "Jehovah's Witnesses", but this does not reflect their own usage.

The official usage refers to members who are in good standing. If someone is {{sl|disfellowship}}ped (expelled), it will sometimes be announced in a meeting that "X is no longer a Jehovah's Witness", indicating that other members are to shun them.

The phrase is not used officially for the organisation itself, which is known as the Watchtower Society. (Confusingly their website remains JW dot org.) The head offices are often referred to as "Bethel", another classification again.

===Judicial committee===
'''Judicial committee''' is a kind of [[kangaroo court]] in which a disobedient member will find themselves. Many will be {{sl|disfellowship}}ped, but some will be reintegrated. An appeal committee is the group that reviews these judgements and lets people back in.

==K==
===Kingdom Hall===
A '''Kingdom Hall''' is a JW place of worship comparable to a chapel; the term was created by ''{{sl|Joseph Franklin Rutherford}}''. The word "church" is not used.
[[File:Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, London Road, Holybourne (May 2021) (3).JPG|thumb|center|200px|A Kingdom Hall in [[England]]]]

===Kingdom Privilege===
'''Kingdom Privilege''' or '''K.P.''' are chores such as cleaning the Kingdom Halls. (Facetious)

===Nathan Knorr===
[[File:Nathan Knorr, Jehovas vitne - (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|165px|Knorr in 1955]]
'''Nathan Knorr''' {{lived|1905|1977}} was elected third ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' president in 1942.

==L==
===Last days===
The '''last days''' are the [[degenerate]] time that we live in now.

===Loose Conduct===
Sexual or romantic behaviour outside marriage. Under JW definitions this can be something a lot milder than its secular equivalent, e.g. hugging.

==M==
===Manuscript talk===
'''Manuscript talk''' is a talk which is read word for word from an official publication.

===Marking talk===
'''Marking talk''' is when a member of the congregation is marked out as having done something undesirable. The person is not [[excommunicate]]d as such, but also is not invited to social activities until this is lifted.

===Memorial===
'''Memorial''' is used in two ways: a '''memorial''' can be a member's funeral, or the commemoration of the [[Last Supper]] (equivalent to ''{{sl|communion}}'' elsewhere), which is only celebrated once a year, and which most members do not partake of.

===Michael===
'''Michael''' is the archangel who JWs think is one and the same as [[Jesus]].

===Millennium===
See ''{{sl|Anointed Class}}''.

===Move ahead===
'''Move ahead''' is producing new doctrine etc. Thus can sometimes contradict previous doctrine.

==N==
===Neutrality===
'''Neutrality''' refers to the JWs' refusal to join the military, aid [[war]] effort, participate in [[politics]] etc. This has frequently landed the movement in trouble with secular authorities (e.g., see [[Jehovah's Witnesses#United States Supreme Court cases]]).

===New light===
Whenever doctrine is changed, or a new doctrine brought in, this is called '''new light'''. This applies particularly to alterations of Biblical interpretation and [[prophecy]]. The organisation is considered never to be wrong.

===New System===
'''New System''' is the forthcoming system which will be controlled exclusively by Jehovah.

===Non-trinitarian churches===
This is a polite way for non-JWs to distinguish JWs, [[Mormons]], Christadelphians, [[Christian Science|Christian Scientists]] etc. from mainstream Christianity, because they do not believe in the Trinity.

===NWT===
[[File:New World Translation, American Standard Version, Emphetic Diaglott, Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures.jpg|thumb|right|165px|The New World Translation in various languages]]
{{main|Bible translation}}
The '''New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures''' ('''NWT''') is the official translation of the Bible by the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' in English. It contains many idiosyncratic renderings, in line with JW doctrine, such as the use of "{{sl|Jehovah}}" throughout the [[New Testament]].

Note also that non-English translations of the Bible produced by JWs are translated from the English, rather than direct from the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. In this, they mirror the former Catholic fixation on the Vulgate.

==O==
===On reproof===
'''On reproof''' is a member who is not {{sl|disfellowship}}ped, but is on notice and is disallowed from certain things, such as commenting on meetings. They are not restricted from {{sl|field service}} however.

===Other Sheep===
See ''{{sl|Anointed Class}}''.

===Overlapping generation===
{{main|Moving the goalposts}}
{{bible|Matthew|24|34}} states:

{{quotebox|Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things [that will lead up to the great tribulation before the Armageddon] be fulfilled.}}

JW originally believed that the generation that witnessed the events of ''{{sl|1914}}'' would live to see the great tribulation. However, because this can no longer occur,<ref name=possible /> the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' now argues that Jesus' use of the word "generation" really meant two groups: first, the generation that witnessed ''1914''; and second, those who were born before the last individuals in the first group died (basically, anybody born after about 2000 or so), i.e, the '''overlapping generation'''.<ref name=overlapping/> This is entirely [[exegesis|exegetical]] and (given that JW believe in a [[Biblical literalism|literal Bible]]) hardly a straightforward reading of the Bible. But hey — if your [[List of predictions of the end of the world|particular prediction of the end of the world doesn't work, why not just use another]]?

==P==
===People's Pulpit Association===
See ''{{sl|WBTS}}''.

===Pioneer===
A '''pioneer''' is someone who spends at least seventy hours a month preaching to non-members. It was previously ninety.

===Public Talk===
A talk aimed at the general public but rarely heard by them.

===Publisher===
A '''publisher''' is a faithful JW who sells ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' literature door-to-door. ''Publishers'' are expected to pay for these materials via "voluntary" donations. A good publisher engages in ''{{sl|field ministry}}'' and produces ''{{sl|return calls}}'' and ''{{sl|Good Will Person}}''s.

===Publisher's Time Sheet===
A report card for each member documenting how much tracting etc each one did. Since it tends to be self-reported there can be discrepancies and more dishonest members sometimes lie on theirs.

==R==
===Ransom Sacrifice===
JWs reject the cross as a symbol, saying instead the atonement took place as a '''ransom sacrifice''' on a [[torture]] stake.

===Return calls===
A JW [[evangelist]] will make '''return calls''' if a person shows even a little interest or requests more information on the first visit. The ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' encourages persistent visitation. Successful ''return calls'' may turn somebody into a ''{{sl|Good Will Person}}''.

===Charles Taze Russell===
See ''{{sl|WBTS}}''.

===Joseph Franklin Rutherford===
[[File:Joseph Franklin Rutherford 2.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Rutherford in 1942]]
'''Joseph Franklin Rutherford''' {{lived|1869|1942}} became the second president of the ''PPP'' (later the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'') in 1917. He is ultimately responsible for the current organization of the ''WBTS''.

==S==
===Salvation===
{{main|Salvation}}
JW believe that '''salvation''' is not obtained through acceptance of [[Jesus Christ]] as Savior ("faith alone") but instead via dedication of one's life to {{sl|Jehovah}} and living the lifestyle prescribed by the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' ("works alone").

===Satan-inspired===
Anything which doesn't jive with JW beliefs or calls them out. See also antichrist.

===Seven Times===
See ''{{sl|1914}}''.

===Shepherding call===
'''Shepherding call''' is a visit by {{sl|elder}}s to local members. This is always done by a pair of them. This is usually routine, but is often to check up on them or chastise them.

===Shunning===
'''Shunning''' is a process whereby members disassociate themselves from [[Apostasy|apostates]] or the {{sl|disfellowship}}ped and will not even talk to them. This includes troublesome family members. The opposite of this is {{sl|bad association}}.

===The Society===
See ''{{sl|WBTS}}'', also "the Organization".

===Spiritual Food===
The recent publications of the leadership.

===Spiritually strong===
'''Spiritually strong''' is said of a member who is particularly devout or obedient. The opposite is "spiritually weak".

===Students Association Kingdom Hall===
A '''Students Association Kingdom Hall''' is usually relatively small and limited to a seating capacity of 200. Meetings are presided over by an ''{{sl|overseer}}'' and his five assistants.

===Symbolic Times===
See ''{{sl|1914}}''.

===System of things===
The '''system of things''' is an ungodly [[satan]]ically-inspired system that runs the world.

==T==
===Talk===
JWs do not use the term "sermon", but prefer "'''talk'''" instead.

===Theocratic===
{{main|Theocracy}}
Supposedly ruled by {{sl|Jehovah}}. This is used in an approving sense by JWs.

===Theocratic Ministry School===
'''Theocratic Ministry School''' is a mid-week meeting at the Kingdom Hall involving role playing and missionary practice.

===Theocratic Parental Discipline===
Often refers to corporal punishment.

===Torture stake===
JWs do not believe [[Jesus]] was executed on a cross, but on a '''torture stake''' instead. The torture stake in their view appears to have been more similar to a large pole. This is despite good evidence of the Romans using crosses to execute people including the famous rebel Spartacus.

===Trinity===
{{main|Trinity}}
JWs reject the Trinity. JWs believe that {{sl|Jehovah}} alone is [[God]], that the [[Holy Spirit]] is just the 'force of God', and that [[Jesus]] was a being created by Jehovah.

===The Truth===
A continuously changing set of paradigms that Jehovah's Witnesses have to believe in. What went last week won't necessarily apply this week. Often to be found in ''Watchtower''.

==U==
===Unbelieving mate===
An '''unbelieving mate''' is a non-member spouse of someone in the organization. Those married to them are said to be '''unevenly yoked'''.

===Undeserved kindness===
This delightful sounding phrase refers to Jehovah's mercy.

==W==
===Waiting on Jehovah===
When someone does not have the answer to an issue, they will wait on/for {{sl|Jehovah}}. This is essentially a way to dodge an answer.

===Watchtower===
[[File:Watch Tower 1931.10.01.jpg|thumb|right|165px|A 1931 edition of ''The Watchtower'']]
'''''Watchtower''''' is the official theological publication of the ''{{sl|WBTS}}'', first published in 1879 and now released semimonthly. Unsigned articles in ''Watchtower'' present ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' positions on biblical doctrines. Although JWs would not necessarily refer to ''Watchtower'' as scripture, they effectively treat it as such.

More recent editions are said to supersede earlier issues.

===WBTS===
[[File:Charles Taze Russell sharp.jpg|thumb|left|165px|Russell in 1911]]
'''Charles Taze Russell''' {{lived|1852|1916}} organized the '''People's Pulpit Association''' ('''PPA''') in 1909, of which he was the first president. The ''PPA'' was renamed to the '''Watchtower Bible and Tract Society''' ('''WBTS''') in 1939. The ''WBTS'' is the main coordinating organization behind JW. The ''WBTS'' is rigidly controlled from the center (rather than [[democratic]]ally); JW believe that the ''WBTS'' is under the direct rule of {{sl|Jehovah}}. The term "'''The Society'''" can be used to describe those ''{{sl|WBTS}}'' leaders who are directly controlled by [[God]].

===Wife's head===
See ''{{sl|Headship}}''.

===''When Someone You Love Dies''===
'''''When Someone You Love Dies''''' is a pamphlet used by JW [[evangelist]]s to encourage ''{{sl|Return Calls}}''.

===The World===
'''The World''' is a pejorative term for non-JW society. Someone who gets too interested in it is said to be "worldly."

===Worldlings===
A term used to refer to non-members.

==Y==
===''Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses''===
The '''''Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses''''' is published each year and reports the worldwide statistics of JW and service of faithful members.

==See also==
*[[Jehovah's Witnesses]]

==External links==
*Unofficial or non-JW sources:
**[http://www.answerjw.com/dictionary/index.html  Online Dictionary of J.W.ese], AnswerJW.com
**[http://www.jwfiles.com/wt_ex_jw_corner/jw_buzz_words.html Jehovah's Witnesses' Unique Buzz Words And Phrases], JW Files
**[https://www.reddit.com/r/exjw/comments/3wksm4/jehovahs_witness_lingo_translated_to_real_world/ Jehovah's Witness Lingo translated to real world terms], /r/exjw
**[https://medium.com/@SylvianeNuccio/55-loaded-language-terms-only-jehovahs-witnesses-use-and-understand-2e89e8a906dd 55 Loaded Language Terms ONLY Jehovah’s Witnesses Use and Understand]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:American religions]]
[[Category:Christian denominations]]
[[Category:Cults]]
[[Category:Glossaries]]
[[Category:Jargon]]
[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Neologisms]]

Categories: American religions, Christian denominations, Cults, Glossaries, Jargon, Lists, Neologisms