Glossary of Biblical Terms
Helpful definitions of "Biblespeak"
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- ABOMINATIONAbomination in biblical terms is that which is forbidden or unclean according to ritual code. Offering incense to idols and following the ways of the wicked are biblical examples of abomination to the Lord. More
- ACROSTICAn acrostic is a play on words or a word game in which the first letter of each line in a document spells out another message. One biblical example of an acrostic is Psalm 119 in which the consecutive subsections of the psalm feature the... More
- ALMSGiving alms is generally regarded as freely giving money or food to those in need. While not discouraging people from giving alms, Jesus cautions against the practice if it is done in a hypocritical manner. More
- ANOINTTo anoint is to pour oil, water, or other substances on a person's head in a ritual fashion. In the Old Testament the prophet Samuel anointed David; and in Luke's gospel Jesus declared that he was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to... More
- APOCALYPSEAt its root, being derived from a Greek word meaning "unveiling," apocalypse refers to a revelation of a divine or previously unseen reality. Some ancient Jewish and Christian literature used the term to describe destruction or cataclysm. Paul describes his encounter with Jesus Christ as... More
- APOCRYPHAApocrypha refers to a collection of writings that, in the judgment of a particular group, are not to be considered as part of the established, authoritative books of the Bible. Several books that Protestants consider apocryphal, such as Judith and Bel and the Dragon, appear... More
- APOSTLEDerived from a Greek word meaning "one who is sent," an apostle is a person who embraces and advocates another person's idea or beliefs. At the beginning of his ministry Jesus called twelve apostles to follow and serve him. Paul became an apostle of Jesus... More
- ARK OF THE COVENANTThe ark of the covenant was a box or chest that God commanded the Israelites to make from wood richly adorned with gold. The ark was built to contain the tablets of the covenant (the Ten Commandments). The ark served as a mobile shrine to... More
- ARM OF THE LORDThe arm of the Lord is a metaphorical reference to the power of God. The prophets of the Old Testament (like Isaiah and Jeremiah) used the image of the arm of the Lord to denote the power and the anger of God. More
- ASCETICAn ascetic is one who willingly lives a life of self-denial and refrains from worldly pursuits. John the Baptist lived a life of asceticism. Such a lifestyle, which was believed to promote spirituality, was not uncommon in the early and medieval church. More
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- BAPTISMJesus was baptized (literally, "dipped") in the Jordan River by John the Baptizer, at which time he was acclaimed from heaven as God's Son, the Beloved. Much later baptism became one of the sacraments of the Church, the action by which a person is incorporated... More
- BEHEMOTHA behemoth is a large swamp monster. Such a beast, often identified as a hippopotamus, is part of the narrative in the book of Job where the Lord claims to have created both behemoth and Job himself. More
- BELBel is one of the names of Marduke, the leading god of Babylonia. In Isaiah and Jeremiah Bel is seen as a god in opposition to the God of Israel. One of the books of the Apocrypha is Bel and the Dragon. More
- BEN SIRACHAlso known as "Sirach" or "Ecclesiasticus," this book is included in the Apocrypha. It is considered canonical by the Roman Catholic church and most Orthodox churches, but not by Protestants and Jews. It was written in the early second century BCE by a Jewish scribe... More
- BEULAHBeulah (a Hebrew term which means "married") is a symbolic name applied to Israel to describe a happy and prosperous future. Prophets often used names symbolically; in Isaiah the prophet uses the term Married (that is Beulah) to anticipate the restoration of Zion. More
- BLASPHEMYBlasphemy is disrespecting or dishonoring of something held sacred. To use the name of God in swearing or to commit a profane act is to commit blasphemy. More
- BLESSINGBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God's favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More
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- CANONA canon is a general law or principle by which something is judged. The body of literature in the Old and New Testaments is accepted by most Christians as being canonical (that is, authentic and authoritative) for them. More
- CENTURIONA centurion was a Roman officer who commanded a military unit made up of one hundred men. Jesus healed a centurion's servant, and a centurion, at Jesus' crucifixion, acclaimed him to be God's Son. More
- CHERUBIMThe cherubim are winged creatures who support the throne of God. These creatures were reputed to be a part of the ark of the covenant. In the book of Isaiah God is said to be enthroned above the cherubim. More
- CHIEF PRIESTChief priests were high-ranking priests in the Jewish temple. They performed sacrifices and other rites required by Jewish religious law. With the elders and scribes the chief priests constituted the council of highest ranking Jews in Jerusalem during Jesus' time. More
- CHILD SACRIFICEChild sacrifice is the ritualistic killing of children to please the gods. Such a practive hovers in the background of Abraham's (mercifully thwarted) sacrifice of Isaac. In the larger picture of Israel's history, child sacrifice was forbidden. More
- CIRCUMCISIONCircumcision is an act of cutting off part of a male (or female) sex organ for religious or health reasons. In the Bible circumcision was performed on males to indicate inclusion into the Jewish religious community. Some church calendars commemorate January 1 as the Circumcision... More
- COVENANTA covenant is a promise or agreement. In the Bible the promises made between God and God's people are known as covenants; they state or imply a relationship of commitment and obedience. More
- CREATIONCreation, in biblical terms, is the universe as we know or perceive it. Genesis says that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the book of Revelation (which speaks of end times) the author declares that God created all things and... More
- CULT PROPHETCult prophets were those who spoke oracles with specific religious sects. Some (like Habakkuk) were associated with the cultic practices of Israel. Others, however, were attacked (by prophets like Hosea) as false prophets, unworthy of their calling. More
- CUNEIFORMCuneiform is a script, one of the earliest known forms of writing. About 3000 B.C.E. Sumerians developed this form of writing on clay tablets with a pointed stick. Cuneiform emerged first as pictographs and later became simplified forms representing sounds. More
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- DAY OF ATONEMENTA Day of Atonement is a ritual occasion of prayer and confession during which a community recalls its disobedience and wrongdoing. Among Christians such an occasion is known as a Day of Penitence. Among Jews Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement; its origins in... More
- DAY OF THE LORDThe Day of the Lord, in prophetic writing, is the day of judgment when God will intervene directly in world affairs. As described in Zephaniah, for instance, God will sweep everything away. In Matthew's gospel God is described as gathering the elect on the day... More
- DEACON"Deacon" originally meant "one who serves" or "ministers." In the early church deacons served in leadership roles; later they became a specific rank of clergy. Today some churches ordain deacons while others commission them to serve in specific ways such as worship, pastoral care, and... More
- DEAD SEA SCROLLSThe Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient scrolls discovered in the mid-20th century in caves near an archaeological site called Qumran More
- DEMONA demon is an evil spirit often depicted in human or animal form. Sometimes frightening, sometimes alluring, the unclean spirit represents destructive power. More
- DEUTERO-PAULINE BOOKDeutero-Pauline books are New Testament epistles ascribed to the Apostle Paul but were not written by him. Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus claim Pauline authorship and show Paul's influence, but a majority of scholars judge them to have been written... More
- DEUTERONOMISTIC HISTORYDeuteronomistic history refers to the narrative contained in the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings. This narrative, probably written in the age of Israel's exile (mid-6th century B.C.E.), recounts Israel's history prior to the exile. More
- DEVOTED THINGSDevoted things are objects dedicated to God for worship. In the book of Joshua Israel committed a transgression against God by stealing and misusing some of the devoted things. In Judges devoted things (cherem) included women and children and were granted protection. More
- DIASPORADiaspora is separation or dispersion of people from their homeland. Historically, the Jews who have been scattered from their native Palestine are said to be in Dispersion or Diaspora. More
- DIATRIBEA diatribe can be a rant or a bitter critique, often pointing out how bad things are and placing blame through an extended and one-sided complaint, something many prophets in the Old Testament delivered on God's behalf. A diatribe was also a Greek rhetorical style... More
- DISCIPLEA disciple is a person who accepts and follows the pronouncements of a teacher. Jesus chose twelve disciples (also called "apostles" in some of the Gospels) to follow him and bear witness to his message Anyone who (like them) follows Jesus is engaged in Christian... More
- DIVINE COUNCILThe divine council refers to God and the heavenly host in celestial session. This council (mentioned in such books as Job, Psalms, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) confronts false gods, decides human destiny, and issues divine decrees that affect Israel and the nations. More
- DIVINE WARRIORGod was the divine warrior who successfully led Israel into battle (as reported in Miriam's Song in the book of Exodus). This term is later applied to Jesus, especially in the book of Revelation where he rides forth as a divine warrior leading the armies... More
- DIVINERSDiviners, like soothsayers, were regarded as persons who could tell the future. In Israel these fortune tellers were seen as pagans. They were not to be consulted nor was their message to be believed. More
- DREAMSDreams often have potency and predictive power in the Bible, for they were seen as messages from God. In the Old Testament Joseph dreamed about the seven fat and lean years. In the New Testament Joseph dreamed about escaping to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. More
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- ELDERSElders are leaders who exercise wisdom or leadership by virtue of their age and experience. In the New Testament elders, along with the chief priests and scribes, constituted the primary opposition to Jesus when he taught in Jerusalem. More
- EPIPHANYEpiphany literally means "manifest." God's manifestation in glory is noted in the Psalms and in the messages of the prophets. God's epiphany was also made known when the magi arrived to see how God was made manifest in the infant Jesus. The church celebrates this... More
- EPISTLEAn epistle, simply, is a letter or message. As many as twenty-one of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are epistles, letters written to churches or persons for instruction, pastoral care, or discipline. More
- ESCHATOLOGYEschatology is the study of things that are expected to happen at the end of time. In the New Testament, this period is viewed in terms of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, which eventually will culminate in the second coming of Jesus and... More
- EUNUCHAn eunuch is a castrated male, often in the service of a person in power. While the Bible mentions eunuchs many times, the most memorable eunuch is the one who was baptized by Philip in Acts 8. More
- EXORCISMExorcism is the act or rite of driving out unclean spirits. The New Testament records incidents in which Jesus and Paul, in the name of God, expelled, or exorcised, evil spirits. More
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- FALLThe Fall refers specifically to the disobedience of Adam and Eve when they listened to Satan rather than adhering to God's command not to eat the fruit from the tree. When people act contrary to God's will, they are said to fall from from grace... More
- FALSE PROPHETA false prophet is one who illegitimately claims authority for proclaiming and interpreting God's will. In the Old Testament false prophecy meant using signs and wonders to draw people away from the worship of the true God. False prophets appear in Deuteronomy; Jesus, in Matthew's... More
- FLOODThe flood refers to the catastrophic deluge in Genesis. In the biblical account Noah, his family, and selected beasts survive the flood in an ark; thereafter they received a rainbow in the sky as a sign of God's promise. Many other cultures also have flood... More
- FORM CRITICISMForm criticism is a method of biblical interpretation that groups units of scripture by literary types. Laments, hymns of praise, oracles, miracle stories, and parables are some examples of literary forms examined by form critics. More
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- GATEGates are openings in walls or fences for entrance and departure. In the Bible (as in Ruth and the prophets) the city gate was a commercial center where business and social transactions took place. In Amos the gate is the location of the law court... More
- GENEALOGYGenealogy involves the study and tracing of families through the generations - in short, family history. One genealogy in Genesis traces the nations descended from Noah. In the New Testament Matthew traces the ancestry of Jesus back to Abraham, while Jesus' genealogy in Luke goes... More
- GENREA genre is a type or category of something, often literature. Form criticism (see) begins with sorting biblical literature into various genres. More
- GENTILEA gentile is anyone who is not Jewish. The term, which is derived from words that the Bible uses to denote the "nations" of the world, reflects beliefs that God had designated Israel as a nation that would be distinct from others, and a blessing... More
- GLEANINGGleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been harvested. In some ancient cultures, like Israel, gleaning was a form of welfare. The book of Ruth contains an account of gleaning in which Ruth met her future husband, Boaz. More
- GNOSTICISMGnosis means "knowledge," although it often refers to secret or mystical knowledge revealed to a specialized few. "Gnosticism" is a generalized term of reference to movements during the second and subsequent centuries that taught, contrary to other Christian teachings, that matter was evil and salvation... More
- GRACEGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it. More
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- HALLELTo sing hallelujah is to express praise to God. "Hallel" means praise, while "jah" is a shortened form for Jahweh. Anyone who has read the Psalms or heard the great chorus from Handel's Messiah will be familiar with hallelujah. More
- HELLENISTSHellenists were people of the ancient world who spoke Greek and embraced Greek cultural ideals. Some of these ideals were contrary to Christian belief; but some were consistent with and even contributed to Christian thought. More
- HEPHZIBAHIn the book of 2 Kings, Manasseh, who ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem, was an evil king who committed many abominations. Even evil kings have mothers, however; and Manasseh's mother was Hephzibah. More
- HERESYHeresy is a belief or set of beliefs and actions contrary to those accepted by the Christian church. Gnostic thought is one example of an heretical belief. More
- HERODIANSThe Herodians were a public political party favorable to Herod the Great, who ruled in Palestine when Jesus was born. Later, in opposition to Jesus, they were allied with Herod Antipas, who ruled at the time of Jesus' death. More
- HIGH PRIESTThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus. More
- HOLYHoly is a term that originally meant set apart for the worship or service of God. While the term may refer to people, objects, time, or places, holiness in Judaism and Christianity primarily denotes the realm of the divine More
- HOLY OF HOLIESThe holy of holies was, in the Old Testament, the tabernacle's inner sanctuary that housed the ark of the covenant and its mercy seat. The space was separated from the rest of the holy place by a veil and was visited only once a year... More
- HOLY ONE OF ISRAELThe Holy One of Israel is one of several names for God in Hebrew. The term, which most frequently occurs in Isaiah, means one who is set apart because that one is unique and worthy of worship (see also: holy). More
- HOUSE CHURCHIn the early days of Christianity, the social and political climate was not always favorable to followers of Jesus and they could not meet publicly. Rather some would gather in homes of fellow Christians to break bread, give thanks to God, and sing psalms and... More
- HOUSEHOLDA household is a living unit comprised of all the persons who live in one house. A household would embrace all the members of a family, including servants and slaves. In the book of Acts, stories are told of various persons and their households, like... More
- HOUSEHOLD CODEHousehold codes are rules for Christian households; they tell how Christian families should treat one another. Such guidelines for wives, husbands, children, and slaves are given in Colossians 3. Discussion of relations within a household also occurs in Ephesians 5, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 2. More
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- IDOLIdolatry is the worship of something other than the true God. An idol may be a cult image, an idea, or an object made of wood or stone. Ome of the Ten Commandments specifically prohibits the worship of graven images or idols; this concern is... More
- IMAGE OF GOD (IMAGO DEI)According to the book of Genesis, humans were created in the likeness, or the image, of God (Latin: imago dei). The phrase is generally taken to refer to the uprightness and dignity of human nature. Because of disobedience the image of God has been corrupted... More
- IMMANUELImmanuel means "God with us." Immanuel is foretold in Isaiah as one who embodies God's promise and protection. The angel, addressing Mary in Matthew's gospel, specifically identifies Immanuel with Jesus. More
- INCARNATIONIncarnation literally means "embodied in flesh." It is a Christian doctrine, based on the witness in John's Gospel, that God's Word was made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds confess the central importance of the incarnation of Jesus. More
- INCLUSIOInclusio is a literary device in which a writer places similar material at the beginning and ending of a work or section of a work. For example, Mark's gospel contains an inclusio in which Jesus is recognized (at his baptism and crucifixion) as God's Son. More
- INTERPOLATIONInterpolation means to add to or alter a text by introducing new material closely related to the material already present in the text. When Martin Luther said that we are justified by faith alone, he interpolated the text in Romans 3:28 by adding the word... More
- INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIODThe time period from the book of Malachi in the Old Testament to the opening of the book of Matthew in the New (about 400 years) is regarded as the intertestamental period. During this period some of the books of the Apocrypha like Tobit and... More
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- LAST SUPPERLast Supper is another term for the Lord's Supper. The term refers specifically to the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Christians believe that the sacrament of the Lord's Supper (also "communion" or "the Eucharist") was established by Jesus at the... More
- LEPERA leper is one who suffers from a chronic disease that eats away the flesh; it is now known as Hansen's Disease. At one time lepers were shunned as outcasts and lived in restricted or quarantined communities. Lepers appear in healing stories in both the... More
- LEVIATHANLeviathan is a biblical sea monster. Often mistakenly identified as a whale, this creature is perceived as larger and meaner than a whale. Leviathan is mentioned in Job, Psalms, and Isaiah as an example of enormity, who is eclipsed only by the enormity and power... More
- LEVIRATE MARRIAGELevirate marriage is a marriage in which a childless widow marries her husband's brother in order to continue the line of her dead husband. Ruth is married to Boaz in a Levirate-like marriage (actually a kinsman marriage). This Mosaic law is at the heart of... More
- LEVITEA Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi. This tribe had priestly and political responsibilities for the Israelites. Levites appear prominently in Old Testament accounts, and they accompany priests to question John the Baptizer's identity early in John's Gospel. More
- LOCUSTSLocusts are a type of grasshopper (which, along with wild honey, comprised John the Baptist's diet). A swarm of locusts is the eighth plague before the Jews left Egypt in Exodus. The book of Joel takes place in the aftermath of a plague of locusts,... More
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- MANUSCRIPTA manuscript is a document written by hand as opposed to one that is printed or otherwise reproduced. Biblical scholars examine and compare ancient manuscripts to determine authentic versions of various texts. More
- MARS HILLMars Hill is the location in Athens where Paul, in Acts 17, is alleged to have addressed the Athenians. Also known in Greek as the Aeropagus, Mars Hill was a place dedicated to the worship of Greek gods. More
- MARTYRTo be a martyr originally meant to be a witness in the legal sense - that is, to bear witness in legal proceedings. In the context of Christianity martyrdom indicates a person, like Stephen in the book of Acts, who was killed for maintaining his... More
- MERCYMercy is a term used to describe leniency or compassion. God's mercy is frequently referred to or invoked in both the Old and New Testaments. More
- MESSIAHThe Messiah was the one who, it was believed, would come to free the people of Israel from bondage and exile. In Jewish thought the Messiah is the anticipated one who will come, as prophesied by Isaiah. In Christian thought Jesus of Nazareth is identified... More
- MIDRASHMidrash in Judaism refers to methods of interpretation or exegesis. Midrashic exegesis is intended to derive a deeper meaning from a text. More
- MIKTAMA miktam is a valued object made of gold, or something containing a special teaching. Six Psalms in the psalter are introduced as a Miktam of David. More
- MILNAMina is an ancient unit of weight and value. In older versions of the Bible (particularly the King James Version) mina is translated as "pound." More
- MOSAIC LAWThe Mosaic law is another term for the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These five books are traditionally accepted as the word of God as told to Moses. More
- MYSTERYA mystery is something secret, hidden and not perceived by ordinary means. In the book of Daniel a significant mystery is revealed through divine revelation (Daniel 2); Paul speaks of a mystery of God in Romans 11 and again in Ephesians 3. In speaking of... More
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- NARDNard is a precious ointment, perfume, or medicine. In Mark 14 a woman pours this very costly substance on Jesus' head while he was at supper in the house of Simon the leper. In John 12 Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus' feet with nard. More
- NEBONebo is a mountain in Jordan. It is known as the promontory from which Moses, at the end of the book of Deuteronomy, observed but did not enter the Promised Land. According to tradition Moses is buried on Mount Nebo, though the biblical record states... More
- NEW COVENANTBecause Israel had broken the old covenant, the prophet Jeremiah declared that God would establish a new covenant, one that would be written on the heart. The New Testament is often referred to as the New Covenant because Jesus came to fulfill the law and... More
- NEXT OF KINThe next of kin is a person's closest living relative, and is usually defined as the closest living blood relative. In the book of Ruth, which deals with family relationships, Naomi (after the death of her husband and sons) returns home to live with Boaz,... More
- NORTHERN KINGDOMThe Northern Kingdom consisted of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel and lasted for 200 years until it was destroyed by Assyria in 721 B.C.E. In the northern kingdom the kings were evil. Prophets like Elijah and Amos railed against them and their evildoing. More
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- PARABLEA parable is a brief story with a setting, an action, and a result. A prominent aspect of Jesus' teaching was telling parables to illustrate something about the kingdom, or reign, of God. More
- PARAENESISParaenesis is advice, counsel, or exhortation. The latter parts of many of the New Testament letters are paraenetic in nature ("I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters…"-Romans 12:1; "I…beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called…"-Ephesians... More
- PAROUSIAThe parousia refers to the second coming of Christ in glory and triumph. This apocalyptic event fulfills various end-of-time prophecies such as the resurrection of the dead and the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. More
- PASSIONPassion is the theological term used to describe Jesus' suffering prior to and including his crucifixion. The Passion Narrative (the portions of the Gospels that tell of the Last Supper, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus) are often read in church during Holy Week. More
- PASSOVERPassover commemorates the deliverance of the Hebrew people from Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. It is celebrated with worship and a meal on the fourteenth day of the month called Nisan, which is the first month of the Jewish year. The time... More
- PASTORAL EPISTLESThe Pastoral Epistles are the New Testament letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. They are described as pastoral because they are addressed to individual persons rather than churches; they deal with matters of leadership and church governance. More
- PATRIARCHSOriginally patriarchs were men who exercised authority over an extended family or tribe. The book of Genesis introduces Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as the three patriarchs of the people of Israel. More
- PAULINE CORPUSThe Pauline corpus is the body of New Testament letters known to have been written by the apostle Paul. The seven epistles generally accepted as being by Paul are 1 Thessalonians, Philippians, Philemon, Galatians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Romans. The authorship of the remaining... More
- PENTATEUCHThe Pentateuch is a Christian term the first five books of the Old Testament. These books contain stories of Israel's early history, God's covenants, and many laws such as the Ten Commandments). More
- PENTECOSTPentecost was originally a Jewish harvest or pilgrimage festival that fell on the fiftieth day after Passover. It was during this festival that the Holy Spirit visited Jesus' followers in tongues of fire and caused them to speak in many languages, as reported in Acts... More
- PERSIAPersia was a southwestern Asian country. The Persian empire was a series of empires that occupied what is currently Afghanistan and Iran from 600 B.C.E. forward. Rulers of the Persian empire mentioned in the Bible are Cyrus and Darius. More
- PILGRIMA pilgrim is a person who undertakes a journey to a place of religious or historical significance - often for spiritual purposes. A pilgrimage to Mecca is a religious obligation for a good Muslim. In the early days of Hebrew history pilgrims traveled to Shiloh,... More
- PITA pit is a hole or a cavity in the ground. While a pit can be actual in the Bible, it is often a metaphor for separation or abandonment. The Psalms frequently speak about going down to the pit, a place from which - it... More
- PRIESTA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More
- PROPHECYProphecy is the gift, inspired by God, of speaking and interpreting the divine will. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, and Ezekiel spoke words of judgment and comfort to the people of Israel on behalf of God. More
- PROSELYTEA proselyte is a person who has been converted from one religion to another, specifically from paganism to Judaism in the Old Testament. In the book of Acts proselytes were among those who were present at the coming of the Holy Spirit. More
- PSALMA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More
- PSALTERThe psalter is a volume containing the book of Psalms (see Psalm). In the early Middle Ages psalters were popular and contained - in addition to the psalms - calendars, litanies of saints, and other devotional texts. More
- PSEUDONYMITYPseudonymity is the use of a false ("pseudo") name. Some of the books of the Bible are ascribed pseudonymously to a well-known figure (such as Paul) in order to give them greater credibility or to apply a person's ideas to new circumstances. More
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- REDEEMERA redeemer is someone who literally buys back, wins back, or frees from distress. The Hebrew term for redeemer (go'el) means to deliver or rescue. It may be a person or God who performs the act of redemption. More
- REPENTRepentance is a central biblical teaching. All people are sinful and God desires that all people repent of their sins. The Hebrew word for repent means to "turn away" from sin. The Greek word for repentance means to "change on'e mind," more specifically, it means... More
- RIGHTEOUSA righteous person is one who is ethical and faithful to God's covenant. Righteousness in the Old Testament is an attitude of God; in the New Testament it is a gift of God through grace. In the New Testament righteousness is a relationship with God... More
- ROMAN EMPIREThe region we today call Palestine and Israel was under Roman rule during the time of Jesus and the early church. The Roman Empire was in its ascendancy during the first century, making it the most powerful political and military force on earth. More
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- SABBATHSabbath is a weekly day of rest, the seventh day, observed on Saturday in Judaism and on Sunday in Christianity. In the book of Genesis, God rested on the seventh day; in the Gospel accounts Jesus and his disciples are criticized by some for not... More
- SACRIFICESacrifice is commonly understood as the practice of offering or giving up something as a sign of worship, commitment, or obedience. In the Old Testament grain, wine, or animals are used as sacrifice. In some New Testament writings Jesus' death on the cross as the... More
- SADDUCEESadducees were a group of wealthy and powerful Jewish leaders during Jesus' lifetime. These aristocratic priests not only opposed Jesus, but they were also opposed to many teachings of the Pharisees. More
- SALVATIONSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More
- SAMARITANSamaritans were a people who mostly lived between Galilee and Judea and were avoided or shunned by mainstream Judaism. Jesus' message, however, was so inclusive that he often spoke favorably of Samaritans as he did with the woman at the well (John 4) and in... More
- SANCTIFICATIONSanctification means to be set aside for a special purpose. The coming of the Holy Spirit sanctified the disciples and the people of God and made it possible for believers to grow in grace through the covenant of their baptism. More
- SANCTUARYA sanctuary is the consecrated area around the altar of a church or temple. It also means a place of safety where one can flee for protection. In the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, God is referred to as a sanctuary, a refuge from... More
- SCRIBEA scribe is a person paid to write books or documents by hand. In Jesus' time, scribes were credentialed interpreters of Jewish law. Scribes in the New Testament, along with the elders and chief priests, are among Jesus' most committed opponents, although on one occasion... More
- SECOND ISAIAHSecond Isaiah refers chapters 40-55 of the book of Isaiah. This work was likely written during Israel's exile in Babylon (597-538 B.C.E.). Second Isaiah includes poetic passages of hope as well as descriptions of the Suffering Servant. More
- SELAHThe actual meaning of Selah is elusive. It is found most often in some of the psalms (and also in the book of Habakkuk) and is possibly a liturgical or musical direction. The term is rarely used today. More
- SEPTUAGINTThe Septuagint is a pre-Christian (third to first century BCE) Greek translation of the Jewish Scriptures. It is believed that the term Septuagint derives from the number of scholars-seventy (or seventy-two)-who reputedly did the work of translation. More
- SERAPHIMSeraphim are a class of celestial beings mentioned in the story of the call of Isaiah. In Christian theology these beings are the highest rank of angels. They sometimes appear in Christian hymnody where, in unceasing chorus, they praise God. More
- SERPENTA serpent is described as the snake who tricked Eve into disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. Elsewhere a serpent appears in narratives relating to Moses, in the Psalms, and in Isaiah. Jesus invoked the image of serpents and snakes in his preaching; and... More
- SERVANT OF THE LORDThe Servant of the Lord is a term applied by Isaiah to the appointed leader who will bring God's justice to all nations. Biblical figures who are also considered servants of the Lord are Moses, David, and sometimes even the nation of Israel itself. The... More
- SHEOLIn the Hebrew Bible Sheol was the place where people, both good and bad, went when they died. While it was a place that might cause sorrow and anguish, it was not necessarily a cause for despair, for, as the psalmist said, God was even... More
- SOOTHSAYERA soothsayer is a person who predicts the future or who practices divination (see also: diviners). Soothsayers, like diviners and sorcerers, were considered to be pagans, and they were not to be consulted in Israel. More
- SOUTHERN KINGDOMThe Southern Kingdom consisted of two tribes of Israel, Judah and Benjamin. Jerusalem was its capital, and the kingdom lasted from 931-586 B.C.E. As with the Northern Kingdom many of the kings were wicked, and prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel spoke their often judgmental... More
- STEADFAST LOVEThe steadfast love (hesed) of God is the assurance of God's loving kindness, faithfulness, and mercy. This assurance rings throughout the Old Testament, and is affirmed more than 120 times in the Psalms. In some hymns of praise the response of the people was likely... More
- SYNAGOGUEA synagogue is a Jewish house of worship. Jesus often taught in synagogues where he sometimes ran afoul of Jewish leaders. In the book of Acts, Paul and others attend synagogues and teach in them. More
- SYNOPTIC GOSPELSThe Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are called Synoptics because they view the gospel story from a similar point of view; they also share large blocks of narrative material in common. More
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- TABERNACLEThe tabernacle, a word meaning "tent," was a portable worship place for the Hebrew people after they left Egypt. It was said to contain the ark of the covenant. The plans for the tabernacle are dictated by God in Exodus 26. More
- TALMUDThe Talmud is one of the most important texts of Judaism. More
- TANNERA tanner is a person who transforms animal skins and hides into leather. Tanning was smelly, and so tanners often lived apart from other villagers. In Acts 10, Peter stays in the house of a tanner named Simon. More
- TAX COLLECTORTax collectors, sometimes called publicans, were unpopular because they were thought to be greedy and unscrupulous. Jesus, however, not only ate with tax collectors but also treated them sympathetically. The fact that he favored such tax collectors as Zacchaeus and Matthew annoyed many pious persons. ... More
- TEMPLEThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More
- THEOPHANYTheophany describes the undoubted appearance of God to human beings. Biblical examples of theophany are the appearance of God to Moses in the burning bush and God's appearance to the disciples on the mount of Transfiguration. More
- THIRD ISAIAHThird Isaiah, commonly understood to consist of chapters 56 - 66 in the book of Isaiah, was probably written after the Babylonian exile (that is, after 539 B.C.E.). These chapters, likely written by an anonymous prophet who used the name of Isaiah, spoke the word... More
- THRESHING FLOORA threshing floor is a location where farmers thresh grain. Threshing is the process of beating grain, such as wheat and oats, to separate out the chaff. Some of the action in the book of Ruth takes place on a threshing floor. More
- TORAHThe Torah is the law of Moses, also known as the first five books of the Bible. To many the Torah is a combination of history, theology, and a legal or ritual guide. More
- TRANSFIGURATIONThe Transfiguration was a mountaintop event in which Jesus was transformed and became dazzling white, in a manner that suggested his future glory. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' transfiguration; Moses and Elijah appeared on the mountain and talked with Jesus. The event, which is... More
- TREE OF LIFEIn the Garden of Eden, the tree of life is the tree that confers immortality. Adam and Eve, because of their disobedience, lost access to the fruits of the garden. In the book of Revelation the tree of life appears again; this time it is... More
- TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVILThe tree of the knowledge of good and evil is another tree God set in Eden. The tree was the one from which God specifically commanded Adam and Eve not to eat. When they did, however, they not only had disobeyed God's command, but their... More
- TRIBES OF ISRAELThe patriarch Jacob fathered twelve sons who became the ancestors the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Divisive political conditions led to a separation of these united tribes into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms after the death of Solomon in 931 B.C.E More
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- WIDOWA widow is a woman whose spouse has died, often plunging her into poverty and putting her in a vulnerable position in society. Jesus, in his concern for the poor, regards widows with compassion and concern. More
- WISDOMWisdom encompasses the qualities of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The Old Testament book of Proverbs, which sometimes invokes a Woman as the personification of Wisdom, is a collection of aphorisms and moral teachings. Along with other biblical passages, it teaches, "The fear of the... More
- WISDOM OF SOLOMONWisdom of Solomon is one of the two Wisdom books in the Apocrypha, along with Ben Sirach. More
