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Simplified
Bible
Dictionary

4,414 Theocratic Definitions

Quick Read-Brief Definitions
New Simplified Bible © 2003

Suggest a new entry for the Simplified Bible Dictionary. If you

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author at simplifiedbible@mail.com. You may also submit factual
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Jim
 SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY
A

AARAT: The name Aarat, also spelled Ararat, means high or holy
ground. It is a mountainous district of Asia that is known as the
resting-place of the ark after the deluge. (Genesis 8:4) It was the
asylum of the sons of Sennacherib. (2Kings 19:37; Isaiah 37:38) The
present day Ararat is the great boundary between Russia, Turkey
and Persia. (See: ARARAT, MOUNTAIN, NATION)

AARON: Jehovah assigned Aaron to act as Moses’ spokesman to

Pharaoh. (Exodus 4:14-16, 27-30) During the 40 years in the
wilderness Moses did more speaking and Aaron remained
subordinate. Aaron did not accompany Moses to the top of Mount
Sinai to receive the Law covenant. God designated Aaron for the
position of high priest. (Exodus 28:1-3) As a descendent of Levi,
Aaron continued the lineage for the priesthood just as Jehovah
started it. He was anointed in the manner described at Psalm 133:2.

AB: Ab was the fifth lunar month of the Jewish sacred calendar. Ab
was a month of summer heat, when the grapes harvest began in
Israel.

ABADDON: Hebrew: “Abaddon” and Greek: “Apollyon” means

destruction, destructive process. (Revelation 9:11)

ABAGTHA: Abagtha was one of the seven court officials who

ministered to the Persian king Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:10) The
Scriptures say they were eunuchs even though they were not
involved as guardians of women.

ABANAH RIVER: This is one of the two rivers of Damascus. Its

headwaters are in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to the Northwest of
Damascus. After traversing the mountains it emerges from a gorge
just west of Damascus. After flowing through the city it dissipates in
the body of marshes east of the city. The other river flowing through
Damascus was the Pharpar River. (2 Kings 5:12)

ABARIM: Abarim is the borderland region east of the Jordan River

and east of the Dead Sea. (Jeremiah 22:20) The Israelites camped in
the mountains of Abarim near the end or the 40-year trek in the
wilderness. (Numbers 33:47, 48)
ABBA: This is the Aramaic word for father. It is an intimate title of
honor used by children to express both respect and affection. One
might think of the intimacy of the English word “papa” when
reading this word in the Holy Scriptures, however the word literally
means “the father” or “O Father”. Abba appears three times in the
Scriptures. (Mark 14:36) (Romans 8:15) (Galatians 4:6)

ABDA: Abda was the father of Adoniram and most likely was a
contemporary of King David. (1 Kings 4:6; 12:18) (2 Samuel 20:24)
(2 Chronicles 10:18)

ABDEEL: Abdeel was father of Shelemiah, one of three men sent

by King Jehoiakim to seize the prophet Jeremiah and his secretary
Baruch. (Jeremiah 36:26)

ABDI, FATHER OF KISHI: Abdi was a Levite of the house of

Merari. He was the father of Kishi and contemporary of Saul. (1
Chronicles 6:31, 33, 39, 44)

ABDI, FATHER OF KISH: This Levite of the house of Merari

was the father of Kish. The names of the sons of both Abdis are
spelled almost the same, however the second Kish lived in the time
of King Hezekiah, 250 years later. (2 Chronicles 29:12)

ABDI, FAMILY OF ELAM: Abdi was of the family of Elam who

lived after the exile. (Ezra 10:26) He had take foreign wives and sent
them away when Ezra commanded it. (Ezra 7:8; 10:1-4, 10-12, 26,
44)

ABDIEL: Abdiel was the son of Guni and the father of Ahi, of the
tribe of Gad. He lived in the region of Gilead and Bashan. (1
Chronicles 5:15, 16)

ABEDNEGO: Azariah was given the name Abednego. He was one

of the young people of Jewish royalty taken captive by
Nebuchadnezzar in 617 B.C.E. This is recorded at Daniel 1:3,4, 7.

ABEL: Abel was born to Adam and Eve as their second son; Cain
was firstborn. (Genesis 4:2-4) He became a herder of sheep while
his brother Cain worked the soil. Paul lists Abel as the first man of
faith at Hebrews 11:4. Paul also includes Abel among the “cloud of
witnesses of pre-Christian times. (Hebrews 12:1) Jesus speaks of
Abel as living at the “founding of the world” at Luke 11:48-51.
ABEL-BETH-MAACAH: Abel-beth-maacah was a fortified city in
the territory of Naphtali in northern Palestine, about 4 miles
northwest of Dan. It was on the road to Hazor. The fertile land
surrounding this place caused it to be called Abell of Beth-Maacah,
meaning “Watercourse of the House of Maacah.” (2 Samuel 20:14-
22) (2 Chronicles 16:4)

ABEL-KERAMIM: Abel-Keramim was a place that was the most

distant point to which Jephthah pursued the Ammonites in their
defeat. (Judges 11:33)

ABEL-MEHOLAH: Abel-meholah was the place where Elijah

found Elisha plowing and anointed him to be his successor as a
prophet. (1 Kings 19:16-19) Abel-meholah was Elisha’s home. It is
listed in Solomon’s fifth administrative district with other places
west of the Jordan River. (1 Kings 4:12)

ABEL, STONE OF: The Ark of Jehovah’s Covenant rested on the

“Stone of Abel.” It was the large rock in the field of Joshua at
Bethshemesh. (1 Samuel 6:18)

ABEZ: Abez was a town occupied by the tribe of Issachar. It is

found only once in the Bible at Joshua 19:20.

ABHOR, ABHORRENT THING: The Hebrew word “niddah”

occurs 30 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It means exclude, put out
of mind. (Isaiah 66:5) (Amos 6:3) God expresses his anger against
Israel for making religious images with silver and gold as an
abhorrent thing. (Ezekiel 7:19-20) (Lamentations 1:17) At Romans
12:9 Christians are admonished: “Abhor evil and cling to good.”
The Greek verb “apostyge’o” means to hate intensely, to find
repugnant. If we do not abhor what is wicked, Jehovah may in deed
abhor us.

ABI-ALBON: Abi-Albon was a Benjamite who served King David

as one of the 37 most valiant fighters. (2 Samuel 23:31) His fighting
was considered in Jacob’s deathbed prophecy about the tribe of
Benjamin. (Genesis 49:27)

ABIASAPH: He was a descendant of Kohath, one of the three sons

of Korah the Levite. His brother’s names were Elkanah and Assir.
(Exodus 6:16-24) The term “sons of Korah” found in the
superscriptions of some of the Psalms refers to the “descendants of
Korah” or the “house of Korah.” (Psalms 42; 44-49; 84; 85, 87, 88)
ABIATHAR: Abiathar was the son of the High Priest Ahimelech.
He was part of the tribe of Levi of the line of Eli. (1 Samuel 14:3;
22:11; 23:6) He had the amazing privilege of living during the reigns
of Saul, David, and Solomon. It was during David’s reign that he
became high priest. He had two sons, Jonathan and Ahimelech. (2
Samuel 15:27, 36; 8:17)

ABIB: Abib was the name of the first lunar month of the Jewish
sacred calendar and of the seventh month of the secular calendar.
(Exodus 13:4; 23:15; 34:18) (Deuteronomy 16:1)

ABIDA: Abida was son of Midian and a grandson of Abraham by

his wife Keturah. He had four brothers, named Ephah, Epher,
Hanoch, and Eldaah. (Genesis 25:1, 2, 4) (1 Chronicles 1:33)

ABIDAN: Abidan was chieftain of the tribe of Benjamin at the time

of the census of Israel in the second year following the Exodus from
Egypt. (Numbers 1:11, 16) He was in charge of 35,400 men of
Benjamin. (Numbers 2:18, 22, 23)

ABI-EZER, SON OF JOSEPH: Abi-ezer was a family head and

an ancestor of Judge Gideon. He was one of the sons of Gilead and
the grandson of Manasseh. Abiezer was Joseph’s firstborn son.
(Judges 6:11, 24; 8:2)

ABI-EZER, SON OF HAMMOLECHETH: Abi-ezer was the son

of Hammolecheth. His mother was sister of Manasseh’s grandson
Gilead. (1 Chronicles 7:18)

ABI-EZER, THE BENJAMITE: This Abi-ezer was a Benjamite

from Anathoth. He was one of King David’s 37 most valiant military
fighters. He was the leader of a force of 24,000 tribesmen serving
the king. (1 Chronicles 11:28; 27:1, 12)

ABIGAIL: Abigail was married to Nabal from Maon on the edge of

the Wilderness of Judah, west of the Dead Sea. After Nabal died she
became one of David’s wives. (1 Samuel 22:1-4; 25:1-43)

ABIHAIL, FATHER OF ZURIEL: Abihail was from the tribe of

Levi. He came from the family of Merari. Abihail fathered Zuriel
who became head of the paternal house of Merari at the time of the
Exodus. (Numbers 3:35)
ABIHAIL, WIFE OF ABISHUR: This Abihail was of the tribe of
Judah. She was Abishur’s wife. They had two sons, Ahban and
Molid. (1 Chronicles 2:29)

ABIHAIL, SON OF HURI: Abihail was from the tribe of Gad. He

settled in Bashan and Gilead. He was the son of Huri and a family
head. (1 Chronicles 5:14-17)

ABIHAIL, DAUGHTER OF ELIAB: This Abihail was David’s

niece by his oldest brother, Eliab. (2 Chronicles 11:18)

ABIHAIL, FATHER OF QUEEN ESTHER: Abihail was the

father of Queen Esther and a descendant of Benjamin. He was the
uncle of Esther’s cousin, Mordecai. He and his wife died before her
marriage to King Ahasuerus. (Esther 2:5, 7, 15; 9:29)

ABIHU: He was one of Aaron’s four sons by his wife Elisheba. He

was the brother of Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar. (Exodus 6:23) (1
Chronicles 6:3, 24:1) Abihu was born in Egypt the second son of
Aaron and had grown to maturity by the time of the Exodus.
(Numbers 33:39)

ABIHUD: Abihud was a descendant of Benjamin through his fist

born, Bela. (1 Chronicles 8:1-3)

ABIJAH, GRANDSON OF BENJAMIN: This Abijah was

Benjamin’s grandson. He was seventh of Becher’s nine sons. (1
Chronicles 7:8)

ABILENE: The Roman district known as Abilene was located in

the Anti-Lebanon Mountains north of Mount Hermon. (Luke 3:1) It
was named after its capital, Abila situated in a beautiful gorge by the
bank of the Abanah River.

ABIMAEL: Abimael was a descendant of Shem through

Arpachshad. His father was Joktan. (Genesis 10:28) (1 Chronicles
1:17-27) It is possible that he and his twelve brothers were the
progenitors of 13 different Arabian tribes that settled in the Arabian
Peninsula.

ABIMELECH, KING OF GERAR: Abimelech was king of the city

of Gerar. When Abraham and his wife Sarah lived at Gerar the king
thought she was his sister. So Abimelech took her to become his
wife. Jehovah God warned the king in a dream not to touch Sarah.
So the king returned Sarah to Abraham. Shortly after that the king
concluded a covenant of peace with Abraham at Beersheba.
(Genesis 20:1-18; 21:22-34)

ABINADAB OF KIRIATH-JEARIM: This man lived in the city

of Kiriath-jearim, a city in the territory of Judah, 8.5 miles from
Jerusalem. His home was used to store the Ark of the Covenant. The
Ark remained in his home 70 years, until David had it transferred to
Jerusalem. Abinadab’s son, Uzzah, touched the Ark in disregard of
the command at Numbers 4:15. Because of this Jehovah struck
Uzzah dead. (1 Samuel 6:20-7:1) (2 Samuel 6:1-7) (1 Chronicles
13:6-10)

ABINOAM: Abinoam was the father of Judge Barak. He was a

descendant of Naphtali and was a resident of the refuge city of
Kedesh in the territory of Naphtali. (Judges 4:6, 12; 5:1, 12)

ABIRAM, THE REUBENITE: Abiram was the son of Eliab and

brother of Dathan and Nemuel. He was a family head in Israel at the
time of the Exodus from Egypt. (Numbers 26:5-9) Abiram and his
brother supported Korah the Levite when he rebelled against the
authority of Moses and Aaron. They gathered in a group of 250
leaders who were well known among the people. They accused
Moses and Aaron of wrongfully assuming authority over the people.
(Numbers 16:1-3) They claimed that Moses was trying to lord it over
the people and had not led them to the Promised Land. (Numbers
16:4-11) God condemned their disrespectful actions. The ground
opened up and swallowed Dathan and Abiram. Korah died along
with the 250 rebels. Many were destroyed by fire before the
tabernacle. (Numbers 16:16-35; 26:10, 11) (Deuternomy 11:6)
(Psalms 106:17)

ABIRAM, SON OF HIEL: This Abiram was the son of Hiel the
Bethelite. The account at Joshua 6:26 relates Joshua’s oath about
the destroyed city of Jericho. He predicted that who ever should
rebuild it would do so at the loss of his firstborn son. Hiel ignored
this prediction. Five centuries after Joshua’s time he laid the
foundations to rebuild Jericho. Abiram and his son died in
fulfillment of the prophecy. (1 Kings 16:34)

ABISHAG: This beautiful young virgin was from the town of

Shunem, north of Jezreel in the territory of Issachar. (Joshua 19:17-
23) When David was about 70 years of age his servants selected
Abishag to become the king’s nurse and companion during his final
days. (1 Kings 1:1-4) Abishag waited on him during the day and at
night she would lie close to him to keep him warm. Solomon
regarded her as a wife or concubine for David even though they did
not have intercourse. After David’s death, Abdonijah, David’s oldest
living son, persuaded Bathsheba to ask Solomon to give him
Abishag as his wife. King Solomon refused him and Abishag
continued as one of Solomon’s wives or concubines.

ABISHAI: Abishai was David’s nephew. His mother was David’s

sister or half sister Zeruiah. He had two brothers, Joab and Asahel.
(2 Samuel 2:18) (1 Chronicles 2:15, 16) Abishai supported his uncle
David in all his military campaigns. He was noted for his mighty
prowess who served over 30 warriors. He once struck down 300 of
the enemy single-handed. (2 Samuel 23:18, 19) Abishai is reported
to have struck down 18,000 Edomites. (1 Chronicles 18:12; 19:11-15)
(2 Samuel 20:1, 6; 21:15-17)

ABISHUA, SON OF BELA: Abishua was the son of Bela He was a

Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:1-4)

ABISHUA, SON OF PHINEHAS: This Abishua was the son of

Phinehas and a great grandson of Aaron. He was the father of
Bukki. (1 Chronicles 6:4, 5, 50, 51)

ABISHUR: Abishur was a descendant of Judah through the family

line of Hezron, of the house of Jerahmeel. As the second son of
Shammai he became the father of two sons by his wife Abihail. (1
Chronicles 2:28, 29)

ABITAL: Abital was one of David’s six wives through whom he

fathered sons during the seven and a half years he reigned in
Hebron. Her son was named Shephatiah. (2 Samuel 3:4) (1
Chronicles 3:3)

ABIUD: He was the descendant of Zerubbabel and an ancestor of

Jesus Christ found at Matthew 1:13.

ABITUB: The son of Shaharaim by his wife Hushim, Abitub was a

Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:8, 11)

ABNER: Abner was the son of Ner, of the tribe of Benjamin. He

served as chief of the army for King Saul, commanding an army of
nearly 200,000 men. (1 Samuel 15:4) Abner was a powerful and
valiant man, deserving many honors. He sometimes sat next to the
king at the banquet table. (1 Samuel 20:25) David chided Abner
when he was a fugitive in the Wilderness of Ziph because Abner was
unable to protect Saul properly. (1 Samuel 26:14-16) When King
Saul died Abner set up Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, as the king. Abner
continued to command the army for a while. (2 Samuel 2:8-31)

ABORTION: The termination of a pregnancy, the expulsion of an

embryo or fetus before it can live on its own. An abortion is a
deliberate termination of a pregnancy. A miscarriage is an
accidental and unavoidable interruption of pregnancy. The Hebrew
shakhal’ means suffer an abortion or miscarry. (Exodus 23:26)
(Leviticus 26:22) (Hosea 9:14) The fruitage of the womb is a
blessing of Jehovah. (Psalm 127:3) Psalm 139 is a worthy study for
those who would take life from the womb. It expresses the
preciousness of life even in the womb.

ABRAHAM: The name Abraham means the father of a crowd or

multitude. Jehovah God gave this name to Abram when he was 99
years old when he and his wife Sarah gave birth to a son. (Genesis
18:1-15) The first born, Isaac, was born to 100-year-old Abraham
and 90-year-old Sarah. (Genesis 18:16-21:7) Jesus and his disciples
referred to Abraham more than 70 times. He was prominently listed
in the genealogy found at Matthew 1:1-2. Bible writer James wrote
that Abraham was a “friend of God.” (James 2:21-23)

ABRONAH: The Israelites camped at Abronah, an oasis, on their

wilderness trek from Egypt. (Numbers 33:34-35)

ABSALOM: Absalom was the third of six sons born to David at

Hebron. His mother was Maacah the daughter of King Talmai of
Geshur. (2 Samuel 3:3-5) Absalom fathered three sons and one
daughter. (2 Samuel 14:27) He was also called Abishalom. (1 Kings
15:2) (2 Chronicles 11:20, 21) Absalom’s older half-brother Amnon
became infatuated with their sister Tamar. Tamar was very
beautiful. Amnon forcibly violated her, a deed that was later
revenged. (2 Samuel 13:1-20) Absalom went to Hebron, the old
capital of Judah, where he proclaimed himself king. The revolt was
so successul that David found it necessary to quit Jerusalem and
flee to Mahanaim. Mahanaim was beyond the Jordan River.
Absalom's army marched against David's army. Twenty thousand of
Absalom’s army were killed in that battle. As David sat impatiently
waiting at the gate of Mahanaim, he was told that Absalom had been
killed. It was then that David lamented: “My son, my son Absalom! I
wish I had died in your place! Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel
18:33) You may read this exciting account in the book of 2 Samuel.

ABUSIVE SPEECH: SEE BLASPHEMY

ABYSS: Greek: a’byssos means very deep, unfathomable,
boundless. Abyssos occurs nine times in the Christian Greek
Scriptures. It is the spiritual prison where Satan and his angels are
kept until their final punishment. (Revelation 20:1-3) The demons
urged Jesus not to cast them into the abyss at Luke 8:31. See
Bottomless Pit.

ACACIA TREE: A type of mimosa tree. It is a hard and durable

wood. Acacia wood was use for the tabernacle. (Exodus 26:15)

ACCAD: Accad was one of the four cities founded by Nimrod that
formed the beginning of his kingdom. (Genesis 10:10)

ACCEPTABLE TIME: The apostle Paul urged the Corinthians to

accept the salvation offered from God at the acceptable time. He
went on to say: now is the acceptable time, now is the day of
salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) He quoted from Isaiah 49:8.

ACCIDENT: Hebrew: migreh’ means befall. (Genesis 44:29)

(Deuteronomy 25:18) Solomon appreciated the possibility that
anyone may become a victim of unexpected occurrence or
circumstance. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) This should not be confused with
the worldly term for luck.

ACCO: This seaport city was also known as Accho, Acre, and
Ptolemais. It was located at the bay formed by the cape of Mount
Carmel on the Mediterranean Sea. (Acts 21:7)

ACCUSATION: Hebrew: sitnah’ means resist. It comes from the

root verb Satan. (Ezra 4:6) (Zecariah 3:1) Greek: “kategoreo” means
speaking against someone usually in a legal sense. (Mark 3:2) (Luke
6:7) The Greek word “diabolos” is rendered accuse at Luke 16:1.

ACHAIA: Before the Romans conquered the area in 146 B.C.E.

Achaia referred to a small region in the Peloponnesus along the
southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth. Caesar Augustus reorganized
the provinces of Greece, Macedonia and Achaia and called all the
Peloponnesus by the name Achaia. (2 Corinthians 1:1) Paul speaks
about the generosity of the Christians in Achaia at Romans 15:26.

ACHAICUS: Achaicus, Stephanas and Fortunatus visited the

apostle Paul while he was at Ephesus. They stayed with him and
encouraged him. (1 Corinthians 16:17, 18)
ACHAN: Achan was the son of Carmi. He was from the household of
Zabdi of the family of Zerah in the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:7)
Achan disobeyed Jehovah’s command to destroy all valuable things
captured in the city of Jericho. All of Israel was tried because of his
sin. He finally admitted his sin. (Joshua 7:4-26)

ACHBOR, KING OF EDOM: Achbor was the father of Baal-hanan.

He was the seventh king of Edon. (Genesis 36:38, 39) (1 Chronicles
1:49)

ACHBOR, SON OF MICAIAH: This Achbor was the son of Micaiah.

(2 Kings 22:8-14) He was a trusted official of King Josiah’s court.
Achbor was the father of Elnathan, a prince of the court of King
Jehoiakim. (Jeremiah 26:22; 36:12) (2 Kings 24:8)

ACHIM: Achim was a descendant of David in the royal line

through Solomon and a relative of Joseph the adoptive father of
Jesus. (Matthew 1:14)

ACHISH: Achish was a Philistine king of Gath who reigned during

the time of David and Solomon. Twice when David was running
from Saul King Achish gave David refuge. (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
Achish lived into Solomon’s reign. (1 Kings 2:39-41)

ACHOR: The valley forming part of the North East boundary of the
tribal territory of Judah. (Joshua 15:7) The name achor means
ostracism or trouble. Jehovah recalls, at Hosea 2:15, Israel’s youth
at the time of the Exodus would be restored from future captivity
and the valley of Achor would become a door of hope.

ACHSAH: The Judean spy Caleb offered his daughter Achsah in

marriage as a prize to the person who captured the stronghold of
Debir in Judah’s territory. Caleb’s nephew Othniel captured it and
was rewarded, he married his cousin Achsah. (Joshua 15:15-19)
(Judges 1:12-15; 3:9, 10)

ACHSHAPH: This is the Place for Practicing Sorcery. It was the

royal city of Canaan. (Joshua 11:1)

ACHZIB, CITY IN JUDAH: Achzib was a city in southern Judah.

(Joshua 15:44) It is believed to be the same as Chezib, the birthplace
of Judah’s son Shelah. (Genesis 38:5) Joshua 15:33 shows it to be in
the hilly country of the Shephelah.
ACHZIB, COASTAL CITY: This Achzib was a Phoenician coastal city
belonging to the tribe of Asher. (Joshua 19:29) Some experts believe
it is the same as ez-Zib (Tel Akhziv) which is 9 miles north of Acco
at the mouth of the Wadi Qarn.

ACRE: According to the Scriptures, an acre is the measure of land

that a span of bulls can plow in a day. The Hebrew word tse’medh
means span. (1 Samuel 14:14) (1 Kings 19:19)

ACTS OF APOSTLES: Luke wrote the book of Acts. Luke was the
writer of the Gospel of Luke. Luke addressed Theophius in his
Gospel as well as in the Acts of Apostles. Even though he did not
sign his name, Luke did write Acts 1:1, 3. The book covers a period
of nearly 28 years, beginning with Jesus’ ascension in 33 C.E. to the
end of the second year of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome about 61
C.E. It reports primarily about the activities of the apostles Peter
and Paul. God’s Kingdom under Christ is the overriding theme of
the entire Bible and it dominates the book. (Acts 1:3, 8:12; 14:22;
19:8; 20:25; 28:31) The reader soon becomes aware of how the
apostles gave a complete witness concerning Christ and the
Kingdom. (Acts 2:40; 5:42; 8:25; 10:42; 20:21, 24; 23:11; 26:22;
28:23) The writer, Luke, was an eyewitness to the events he wrote
about and he contacted fellow Christian who witnessed the events.
The Areopagus in Athens, or Mars’ Hill, where Paul preached offer
silent testimony to the truthfulness of Acts. (Acts 17:19) Acts of the
Apostles was accepted without question as inspired and part of the
canonical books of Holy Scriptures. Read the Book of Acts and grow
spiritually!

ADADAH: Adadah was one of the cities in the southern part of

Judah’s territory. It was on the border of Edom. (Joshua 15:22)

ADALIA: Adalia was one of Haman’s ten sons. (Esther 9:7-10)

ADAM: The name of the first man was Adam. (Genesis 4:1) The
word occurs 560 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It means man or
mankind.

ADAMAH: This fortified city was in the territory assigned to the

tribe of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32, 36)

ADAMI-NEKEB: Adami-nekeb was a place in southern Naphtali. It

was on an old caravan route between Gilead and the Plain of Acco.
(Joshua 19:33)
ADAR: Adar was the name of the 12th Jewish lunar month of the
sacred calendar. (Esther 3:7) This month led to the close of the
winter season and the beginning of spring. The carob trees begin to
blossom in parts of Palestine during the month of Adar.

ADBEEL: Adbeel was a grandson of Abraham. He was the third son

among 12 sons of Ishmael. His mother was an Egyptian. He was the
chieftain of a clan bearing his name. (Genesis 21:21; 25:13-16) (1
Chronicles 1:29)

ADDAR, THE BENJAMITE: Addar was the son of Bela, a

Benjaminite. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 3)

ADDAR, THE TOWN: Addar was a town on the southern border of

Judah located near Kadesh-barnea. (Joshua 15:3) The names
Hezron and Addar were combined at Numbers 34:4 to form Hazar-
addar. It was about 5 miles northwest of Kadesh-barnea.

ADDI: Addi was the son of Cosam and father of Melchi. He was a
descendant of David through Nathan. Thus he was an ancestor of
Jesus Christ. (Luke 3:28, 31)

ADDON: Some of the people returning from Babylon to Jerusalem

in 537 B.C.E. were unable to prove their genealogy from the public
records. Addon was the place where they met to do this. As a result
of this lack of evidence these individuals were disqualified from
serving in the priesthood. Some scholars believe Addon was also the
name of a person who was unable to prove his ancestry. (Ezra 2:59-
62) (Nehemiah 7:61-64)

ADIEL, FATHER OF AZMAVETH: This Adiel was the father of

Azmaveth. King David appointed him to be responsible for his royal
treasure house. 1 Chronicles 27:25, 31)

ADIEL, OF THE TRIBE OF SIMEON: Adiel was one of the leaders

of the tribe of Simeon in the days of King Hezekiah of Judah in the
eighth century B.C.E. He took part in the dispossession of the
Hamites from the region near Gedor. (1 Chronicles 4:36, 38-41)

ADIEL, AARONIC PRIEST: He was an Aaronic priest of the

paternal house of Immer. His father was Jahzerah. His son Maasai
was at Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:12)
ADIN: This man was one of the paternal heads of Israel. Several
hundred of his descendants returned from the exile in Babylon with
Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:15) (Nehemiah 7:20)

ADJUTANT: This word comes from the Hebrew word “shalish”

meaning third man. It was used to describe the third warrior in a
war chariot. It has also been translated, “captain”, chariot-leader”,
“lord”, and “warrior.” The English word adjutant means a helper or
assistant. (Exodus 14:7) (1 Kings 9:22) (2 Kings 7:2, 16-20; 15:25)

ADINA: Adina was the son of Shiza. He served as an officer over 30

other Reubenites in David’s army. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 42)

ADITHAIM: The exact site of Adithaim is uncertain. It was one of

the cities of Judah located in the Shephelah, or lowland. (Joshua
15:33, 36)

ADLAI: Adlai was the father of Shaphat, who served as the overseer
of David’s herds in the plains. (1 Chronicles 27:29)

ADMAH: Admah was one of the five cities in the region of the Valley
of Siddim. It was inhabited by Canaanites. (Genesis 10:19; 14:1-3) It
was probably near the south end of the Salt Sea.

ADMATHA: Admatha was one of the seven princes in the kingdom

of Persia and Media who had access to King Ahasuerus. These
princes served the Persian king as counselors. (Esther 1:14) (Ezra
7:14)

ADMINISTRATION: The method, including policy and

procedures, of achieving a goal makes up the administration of that
goal. Jehovah God has placed all things in Christ to form an
administration at the appointed time. This administration is
gathering all the things in heaven and the things on earth.
(Ephesians 1:10; 3:2) (Colossians 1:25)

ADNAH, OFFICER OF MANASSEH: Adnah was a military officer

who deserted from Saul’s army and joined David’s army at Ziklag.
He fought at David’s side when David pursued the marauding band
of Amalekites. Adnah became a leader in David’s army. (1
Chronicles 12:20, 21) 1 Samuel 30:1, 2, 17-19)

ADNAH, THE GENERAL: Adnah was Judean general of the armies

during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. He was the commander over
780,000 troops. His sub-commanders were generals Jehohanan
and Amasiah. (2 Chronicles 17:13-16, 19)

ADNA, FROM PAHATH-MOAB: This Adna was an Israelite and

descendant of the house of Pahath-moab. He agreed to send his
non-Israelite wife away when Ezra the priest told him to do so.
(Ezra 10:30, 44)

ADNA, THE PRIEST: Adna was part of the paternal house of Harim
at the time of High Priest Joiakim and of Nehemiah and of Ezra the
priest. (Nehemiah 12:12-15, 26)

ADONI-BEZEK: This powerful and ruthless ruler humbled 70

pagan kings by cutting off their thumbs and big toes. This took place
just before the Israelites attacked Bezek. Ancent Athenians
employed used this practice. They declared that prisoners of war
should lose their thumbs. (Judges 1:4-7)

ADONIJAH, LEVITE IN JUDAH: Adonijah was a Levite who

Jehoshaphat sent to teach in the cities of Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:7-
9)

ADONIJAH, DAVID’S SON: Adonijah was David’s fourth son. He

was born of Haggith in Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:4, 5) In spite of the
declaration by Jehovah that the kingdom would go to Solomon,
Adonijah boasted that he would be the next king of Israel. He called
a meeting and had himself declared king. (1 Kings 1:9, 10, 25) David
immediately had Solomon anointed as king. Adonijah’s supporters
then withdrew their support. (1 Kiings 1:11-53)

ADONIKAM: Adonikam was a founder of a paternal house in Israel.

More than 600 members of his family returned to Jerusalem after
the exile at Babylon. (Ezra 2:13) (Nehemiah 7:18)

ADONI-ZEDEK: This man was the king of Jerusalem at the time the
Israelites conquered the Promised Land. King Adoni-zedek joined
forces with other kingdoms west of the Jordan to fight against
Joshua’s conquering forces. (Joshua 9:1-3; 10:1-27)

ADOPTION: Adoption is the act of accepting someone as a son or

daughter who is not such by natural relationship. The Greek word
for adoption found at Romans 8:15 is “hui-o-the-si’a.” It means, “a
placing as son.” Adoption is not presented as a point of legal
procedure in the Holy Scriptures. It was more a matter of social
practice. (Genesis 15:2-4; 30:3-8, 12, 13, 24) One of the most widely
known adoptions in the Bible is the adoption of Moses by Pharaoh’s
daughter found at Exodus 2:5-10. The apostle Paul mentioned
adoption several times when describing the status of those called
and chosen by God. Through purchase by means of Jesus Christ
they receive the adoption as sons and also become heirs with Jesus
Christ, the only begotten Son on of God. (Galatians 4:1-7) (Romans
8:14-17) They do not receive this son ship naturally but by an act of
God’s Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:5) The actual word “adoption” is
found five times in the Bible: Romans 8:15, Romans 8:23, Romans
9:4, Galatians 4:5 and Ephesians 4:5.

ADORAIM: King Rehoboam of Judah rebuilt and fortified Adoraim

in the 10th century B.C.E. Experts in Bible today identify the modern
village of Dura, 5 miles west of Hebron, as the town of Adoraim. (2
Chronicles 11:9)

ADORNMENT: An adornment is something that is used to

decorate, beautify, and embellish. It may be for a good or for a
deceptive purpose. The Hebrew word for adornment is hadha-rah’
which means honor. (1 Chronicles 16:29) (Lamentations 5:12) The
Greek word ko’smos is translated world at 1 Peter 3:3. The related
verb ko-sme’o is translated adorn at Titus 2:10. The Bible does not
condemn physical adornment if properly done. Spiritual
adornment is in fact recommended. Jehovah describes himself as
clothed in light and surrounded by beauty. (Psalms 104:1, 2)
(Ezekiel 1:1, 4-28) (Revelation 4:2, 3) The apostle Paul told
Christian women to adorn themselves in well-arranged clothing
with modesty and soundness of mind. The apostle Peter
encouraged Christians to adorn the secret person of the heart and to
wear incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit. (1 Peter 3:3-
5)

ADRAMMELECH, SON OF SENNACHERIB: This man was the son

of King Sennacherib of Assyria. Adrammelech and his brother
Sharezer murdered their father while he was bowing down in
worship. This took place at the house of the god Nisroch at Nineveh.
They escaped to the mountains of Ararat, near the Caspian Sea. (2
Kings 19:35-37) (Isaiah 37:36-38)

ADRAMMELECH, GOD OF SEPHARVITES: Adrammelech was a

god worshiped by the Sepharvites. The Sepharvites were people who
were subjugated to the king of Assyria. They were brought into the
territory of Samaria at the time the ten tribe kingdom of the
Israelites were in exile. The Sepharvites sacrificed their sons in the
fire to the false gods, Adrammelech and Anammelech. (2 Kings
17:22-24, 31, 33)

ADRAMYTTIUM: This seaport on the Aegean Sea was located in

Mysia. It was part of the province of Asia under Roman rule. It is
only mentioned once in the Bible at Acts 27:2-6. Paul boarded a
ship at Adramyttium that was sailing to points along the coast of
Asia Minor.

ADRIA: The sea of Adria is mentioned at Acts 27:27 in the account

of Paul’s fourteen turbulent days before the shipwreck on the island
of Malta. The present city of Adria is near the coast and the name
Adria came to apply to the waters in that vicinity and included the
Adriatic Sea. In Paul’s day the sea of Adria surrounded the island of
Malta.

ADRIEL: Adriel was the son of Barzillai. He was from the city of
Abell-meholah. Adriel was given Saul’s oldest daughter Merab as his
wife. She had previouly been promised to David. (1 Samuel 18:17-
19) After Saul attempted to destroy the Gibeonites, all of Adriel’s
five sons were surrendered for execution to atone for the failed
attempt. (2 Samuel 21:8, 9)

ADULLAM: The first Biblical mention of Adullam was in connection

with Hirah the Adullamite who became a companion of Judah.
(Genesis 38:1, 2, 12, 20) Adullam was a city of Judah in the fertile
lowland halfway between Bethlehem and Lachish. (Joshua 15:35)
The cave of Adullam was where David hid when he fled from King
Saul. There are numerous limestone caves in this area. (2 Samuel
23:13)

ADULTERY: The Hebrew word “na’aph” and the Greek word

“moicheuo” mean to commit adultery, extramarital sex. Adultery is
the breaking of a marriage promise by having sexual relations with
someone other than the marriage partner. Jehovah states in the Ten
Commandments: Do not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14) Jesus
Christ the Son of God also teaches: Do not commit adultery.
(Matthew 5:27-32) (Luke 16:18)

ADUMMIM PASS: Adummim Pass is a steep pass 7.5 miles east

and northeast of Jerusalem. (Joshua 15:7; 18:17) It is halfway
between Jerusalem and Jericho. Jericho is in the Jordan Valley near
the Jordan River. This has always been a dangerous route to travel,
with plenty of robbers and highwaymen. The Arabic name for the
pass is “Tal’at ed-Damm.” It appropriately means Ascent of Blood.
It is thought to be the site of the attack on the traveler in Jesus’
illustration of the Good Samaritan at Luke 10:30-37.

ADVERSARY: The English word adversary comes from the Greek

word an-ti’di-kos. It can also be translated enemy, antagonist or
opponent. The Hebrew word for adversary is tsar. The New
Simplified Bible uses the words enemy and opponent more
frequently than the word adversary. (Numbers 25:18) (Psalm 89:42)
(Luke 12:58) (1 Peter 5:8,9)

AFFECTION: Affection is strong, warm, personal feelings that

exist between close friends, Christian brothers and sisters and
family members. The Hebrew word cha-shag’ means show
affection. (Genesis 34:8) The Greek word phile’o means to like, be
fond of and even kiss. (Matthew 10:37; 23:6) (John 12:25) (Mark
14:44) Jesus felt such a deep affection for his friend Lazarus. He
cried when Lazarus died. (John 11:35, 36) Agapao is love directed by
principle and it can also be expressed with deep affection, such as
God’s love for his people and his people’s love for him. (John 3:16)

AENEAS: The apostle Peter healed Aeneas from paralysis. This

man from Lydda met Peter alongside the Plains of Sharon. (Acts
9:32-35)

AENON: Ae’non was near Salim. Ai’non in Greek means place of

springs. There were in fact many springs in the area. It had a great
quantity of water so John the Baptist performed immersions there
after the Passover of 30 C.E. (John 3:23)

AGABUS: Agabus was a Christian prophet during Paul’s yearlong

visit to Antioch of Syria. Agabus foretold that a great famine was
about to come upon the entire inhabited earth during the reign of
Claudius Caesar. (Acts 11:27, 28) Jewish history written by
Josephus refers to this great famine during Emperor Claudius’
reign. (41-54 C.E.) Agabus prophesied that Paul would be arrested
by the people of the nations, the Romans at Acts 21:8-11.

AGATE: This semiprecious stone comes in various colors. The vast

majority of the time it is white and brown. (Exodus 39:12)

AGE, WORLD: Age is the time an individual has lived counted in

years, months and days. (Genesis 50:26) The Greek word “aion”
refers to age as a time period in man’s history. Age can refer to a
time period that never ends such as the age reference found at
Matthew 21:19 or Luke 1:33 speaking of forever. At Matthew 24:3
Jesus’ followers wanted to know when the age would come to an
end. Here the word aion refers to a period of time, course of
activities, and the world, as they knew it. They literally wanted to
know when the old religious, social, political, and economic system
or arrangement would end and when a new and better one would
start. The use of the word “world” is also a proper translation of the
Greek word “aion.” Four hundred years ago the translators of the
King James Version used the word “world” when translating the
Greek word “aion.” Back then the word “world” was understood to
mean both a period of time, humanity in general, and the physical
earth. The Webster’s New World Dictionary gives nine definitions.
Five of these definitions include: 1. The earth, 2. The universe, 3.
The earth and its inhabitants, 4. The human race; mankind, and 5.
A period of history and its society. The term “age” defines the
meaning of the Greek word “aion” more closely than the word
“world.” The term “system of things” is also a good way to express
“aion” and covering more than just a reference to a time period. The
New Simplified Bible uses the word age because it is familiar to
most Bible readers. In some Scripture verses a few words of
clarification are added in (parentheses). (Hebrews 1:2)

AGEE: Agee was a Hararite. He was the father of Shammah, who

was one of David’s mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:8, 11)

AGRICULTURE: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the land

or raising livestock. It is also known as farming and had its
beginning in Eden. Adam was placed in the garden to cultivate it
and take care of it. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were
expelled from the garden and the ground came under God’s curse.
They were to struggle to earn a living from the soil. (Genesis 2:5, 15;
3:17-19) The sons of Adam and Eve were farmers. Abel kept flocks
and Cain worked the soil. (Genesis 4:2-4) After the Israelites
entered the Promised Land live rural lives cultivating crops and
herding sheep.

AGUR: Agur was the writer of the 30th chapter of the Book of
Proverbs. (Proverbs 30:1) He probably lived during Solomon’s reign
as king. By reason of the fact that very little is known about him
some rabbinic scholars have considered the name Agur to
allegorical. They applied it as another name for Solomon. There is
no proof to substantiate this belief.

AHARAH: Aharah was the third son of Benjamin. He could have

been the same as Ehi in Genesis 46:21 and Ahiram in Numbers
26:38. (1 Chronicles 8:1)
AHARHEL: Aharhel was the son of Harum. He was a descendant of
Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:8)

AHASBAI: Ahasbai was a Maacathite. His son was a noted member

of Davids fighting force. (2 Samuel 23:34) Ahasbai came from
Abelbethmaacah in territory of Naphtali. This was also known as the
Syrian kingdom of Maacah. (2 Samuel 20:14; 10:6, 8)

AHASUERUS, FATHER OF DARIUS: Ahasuerus was the father of

Darius the Mede found at Daniel 9:1.

AHASUERUS, SON OF CYRUS: This man was the king mentioned

in Ezra 4:6. He was probably the Cambyses of profane history, the
son and successor of Cyrus.

AHASUERUS, KING OF PERSIA: The Ahasuerus of the book of

Esther was thought to be Xerxes I, the son of the Persian king
Darius the Great (Darius Hystaspis). He ruled over the kingdoms of
Persia, Media, and Babylonia. His domain extended from Indian to
Ethiopia. (Esther 1:1, 2) Esther was chosen as his queen. (Esther
2:1-4, 16, 17)

AHAVA RIVER: The Ahava River was northwest of Babylon. This

was where Ezra gathered many Jews and held a fast before starting
the trip to Jerusalem. (Ezra 8:15, 21, 31) It was about a nine-day
walk from Babylon along the river. (Ezra 7:9; 8:15, 31)

AHBAN: Ahban was the son of Abishur and Abihail of the tribe of
Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:29)

AHER: This person was a descendant of Benjamin who was

probably the same as Ahiram. (1 Chronicles 7:12) (Numbers 26:38)

AHIAM: Ahiam was one of David’s mighty men of war. He was the
son of Sharar the Hararite. (2 Samuel 23:33) (1 Chronicles 11:35)

AHIAN: Ahian was from the tribe of Manasseh. He was the son of
Shemida. (1 Chronicles 7:14, 19)

AHIHUD, SON OF SHELOMI: Ahihud was the son of Shelomi. He

was a leader in the tribe of Asher and was chose to assist in the
division of the Promised Land among the people. (Numbers 34:18,
27, 29)
AHIHUD, BROTHER OF UZZA: This Ahihud was Uzza’s brother.
He was from the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:7)

AHIJAH, SON OF JERAHMEEL: This Ahijah was the fifth son of

Jerahmeel. He was from the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25)

AHIJAH, OF THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN: This man was a family

head from the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:4, 6, 7) He may
have been the same as Ahoah in verse 4.

AHIJAH, SON OF AHITUB: Ahijah was the son of Ahitub. He was

the grandson of Eli. Ahijah served as the high priest in Shiloh at the
time Saul was king. (1 Samuel 14:3, 18)

AHIJAH, MIGHTY MAN FOR DAVID: This Ahijah was one of

David’s mighty military men. He was a Pelonite. (1 Chronicles 11:36)

AHIJAH, THE LEVITE: Ahijah was a Levite. He was in charge of

the treasures of Jehovah’s house. He served during David’s reign. (1
Chronicles 26:20)

AHIJAH, SON OF SHISHA: Ahijah was the son of Shisha. He and

his brother Elihoreph served Solomon as princely secretaries. (1
Kings 4:2, 3)

AHIJAH, PROPHET OF JEHOVAH: Ahijah was a prophet of

Jehovah who lived in Shiloh. He prophesied that a split would
occure in Solomon’s kingdom. As a symbolic demonstration of
prophecy Ahijah ripped a new garment into 12 parts. He gave 10
pieces to Jeroboam and promised that if Jeroboam proved faithful,
Jehovah would build “a lasting house” for him. (1 Kings 11:29-39;
12:15; 14:2-8) (2 Chronicles 9:29; 10:15)

AHIJAH, FATHER OF BAASHA: This Ahijah was the father of

Baasha. Baasha plotted against Nadab and made himself king of
Israel. He was from the trib of Issachar. (1 Kings 15:27, 33) (2 Kings
9:9)

AHIKAM: This man was the son of Shaphan the royal secretary
during Josiah’s reign. He is noted for his efforts to save the life of
Jeremiah. Ahikam supported Jeremiah so he was not turned over to
be put to death. (Jeremiah 26:24) Ahikam’s son Gedaliah was
governor of Judah after Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E. (2
Kings 22:12-14) (2 Chronicles 34:20-22) ( 2 Kings 25:22) (Jeremiah
40:5)
AHILUD: Ahilud was the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat was
David’s royal recorder. (2 Samuel 8:16) (1 Chronicles 18:15) It is
possible that Ahilud was the father of Baana, a deputy of food
supplies for Solomon. (1 Kings 4:7, 12)

AHIMELECH, SON OF AHITUB: Ahimelech was the son of Ahitub.

He was a priest. He was the great grandson of Eli, the high priest at
tabernacle at Nob. He gave aid to David when David was a fugitive
from Saul. Because of this the Edomite Doeg massacred him and
others around him. (1 Samuel chapters 21, 22)

AHIMELECH, SON OF ABIATHAR: This Ahimelech was the son of

Abiathar and the grandson of Ahimelech, whom Doeg killed. (1
Chronicles 18:16; 24:3, 6, 31)

AHIMELECH, THE HITTITE: This Ahimilech was invited by David

to approach Saul’s camp at night. He did not accept the invitation.
(1 Samuel 26:6, 7)

AHIMOTH: This Levite son of Elkanah was of the family of Kohath.

His name means “Brother of Death.” (1 Chronicles 6:25)

AHINADAB: Ahinadab was one of the 12 deputies who provided

food for Solomon’s royal household. They each took a turn once a
year. He lived in Mahanaim and was assigned the territory located
in southern Giilead. (1 Kings 4:7, 14)

AHINOAM, KING SAUL’S WIFE: Ahinoam was King Saul’s wife.

She was the daughter of Ahimaaz and the mother of Jonathan. (1
Samuel 14:49, 50)

AHINOAM, DAVID’S WIFE: This Ahinoam was the wife of David.

She was a Jezreelite. (1 Samuel 25:43) (2 Samuel 2:2) She traveled
with David in his exile to Philistia and was captured by Amalekite
raiders at Ziklag, but was rescued unharmed. (1 Samuel 27:3; 30:5,
18) When she was in Hebron, she became the mother of David’s first
born, Amnon. (2 Samuel 3:2) (1 Chronicles 3:1)

AHIO, SON OF BERIAH: This Ahio was the son of Beriah and the
grandson of Elpaal. He was from the tribe of Benjamin. (1
Chronicles 8:12-16)

AHIO, SON OF JEIEL: Ahio was the son of Jeiel by his wife
Maacah. He was a Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:29, 31; 9:35-37)
AHIO, SON OF ABINADAB: Ahio was the son of Abinadab of
Kiriath-jearim. Ahio was walking ahead of the Ark of the Covenant.
It was being moved to Jerusalem on a new wagon. His brother
Uzzah was struck down for touching the Ark. (2 Samuel 6:3, 4) (1
Chronicles 13:7-10)

AHIRA: Ahira was the son of Enan. He was the head of the tribe of
Naphtali when they were in the wilderness. (Numbers 1:15; 2:29;
7:1-3, 78; 10:27)

AHIRAM: Ahiram was a son of Benjamin and founder of a family.

(Numbers 26:38) He is considered the same as Ehi at Genesis 46:21
and Aharah at 1 Chronicles 8:1.

AHIRAMITES: This family descended from Ahiram, a son of

Benjamin. (Numbers 26:38)

AHISHAR: Ahishar was the steward responsible for Solomon’s

palace household. (1 Kings 4:2, 6)

AHITHOPHEL: Ahithophel was a native of Giloh in the hills of

Judah. He was the father of one of David’s mighty men named
Eliam and he might have been the grandfather of Bathsheba. (2
Samuel 11:3; 15:12; 16:23; 23:34) Ahithophel served as David’s
personal advisor and he was highly esteemed by David. Later in his
life Ahithophel turned traitor against King David and lead a coup
against the king. (2 Samuel 15:31; 16:15, 21; 17:1-4) However,
Jehovah thwarted the attempts to overthrow David. Ahithophel
committed suicide and was buried with is forefathers. (2 Samuel
17:23)

AHLAB: Ahlab was a Canaanite town located in Asher’s territory.

The tribe was not able to drive out the Canaanites, so they
continueed to inhabit the town. (Judges 1:31)

AHUZZATH: Ahuzzath was the friend who accompanied Abimelech

the Philistine king of Gerar on a visit to Isaac at Beersheba. (Genesis
26:23, 26) The Hebrew word for friend is “merea.” It means friend,
companion and adviser.

AHZAI: This man was son of Meshillemoth and a relative of some

priest in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:13)
AI: Ai was the royal city of the Canaanites located east of Bethel on a
valley plain. It was just north of Michmash. (Joshua 7:2; 8:11, 12)
(Isaiah 10:28) After Abraham arrived in Canaan he pitched his tent
with Bethel on the west with Ai on the east. It was there that he
build an altar. (Genesis 12:8; 13:3) In Isaiah’s time it was
prophesied that the king of Assyria would take Ai when he marched
to Jerusalem. (Isaiah 10:28) (Ezra 2:28) (Nehemiah 7:32; 11:31)

AIJALON, CITY IN HILLS: Aijalon was a city in the hill of Palestine

known as the Shephelah. It was located on a hill at the south end of
the Aijalon Valley. Joshua was near this city when he called for the
sun and the moon to stand motionless over Gibeon and over the
Aijalon Valley. (Joshua 10:12-14) Aijalon was later assigned to the
tribe of Dan and after that to the sons of Kohath as a Levite city.
(Joshua 19:40-42; 21:24) Aijalon was lost to the Philistines two and
a half centuries later. (2 Chronicles 28:18)

AIJALON, IN THE TERRITORY OF ZEBULUN: Judge Elon of the

tribe of Zebulun was buried at Aijalon. (Judges 12:12)

AIN, NEAR RIBLAH: This place was located near Riblah, north of
the Sea of Galilee. (Numbers 34:11)

AIN, CITY OF JUDAH: Ain was a city of Judah in the southernmost

territory of Judah. It was later assigned to the tribe of Simeon. Ain
was near Rimmon. (Joshua 15:32; 19:1, 7, 9) (1 Chronicles 4:24, 32)

AKAN: Akan was the third son of Sheik Ezer of the Seirites.
(Genesis 36:20, 21, 27)

AKELDAMA: This means Field of Blood. It is the name the Jews

gave to the plot land purchased with the unrighteous funds paid to
Judas Iscariot for his betrayal of Jesus Christ-Acts 1:18, 19. It was
on the south side of the Valley of Hinnom located south of
Jerusalem. Matthew 27:3-10 indicates that the priests used the 30
pieces of silver thrown into the temple by Judas to purchase the
potter’s field.

ALABASTER: This soft stone is usually a light creamy color. Vases

and jars were made out of alabaster. (Matthew 26:7)

ALAMOTH: Alamoth is a musical term. It refers to the soprano

voices of young women or the falsetto of boys. Stringed instruments
are described as “tuned according to Alamoth.” (1 Chronicles 15:20)
The superscription to Psalm 46 is “alamohth.” It is translated
“Maidens.”

ALEXANDER THE GREAT: Alexander the Great was the son of

Philip II of Macedonia, Greece. His mother Olympias gave birth to
him in 356 B.C.E. Alexander the Great is not named in the Holy
Scriptures, but his great military feats are identified in prophecy. He
became king after his father was assassinated and he immediately
set out to conquer the world. (Ezekiel 26:4, 12) (Jeremiah 50:35-40;
51:26) (Daniel 8:5-8, 20-22; 11:4) King Alexander founded the city
of Alexandria. It became a great seat of learning where the Greek
Septuagint was later written. Daniel foretold the demise of
Alexander predicting that he was to be cut down and broken in
death and this happened at age 32, in the prime of life, he suddenly
died of malarial fever. Four kingdoms were established out of the
one kingdom that Alexander ruled over and four of Alexander’s
generals became their rulers. (Daniel 8:22)

‘ALEPH: ‘Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The name
for this letter is the same as the Hebrew word for “cow” or “ox.”
(Psalm 8:7) (Deuteronomy 7:13) The first eight verses, in Hebrew,
in Psalm 119 begin with ‘aleph.

ALEXANDRIA: Alexandria is a seaport and city of Egypt. It was an

important city during the time of Jesus and his apostles. Alexander
the Great ordered it to be built in 332 B.C.E. It grew to become the
major city and capital of Egypt. Approximately 500,000 persons
lived there at it’s peak and Jews formed a sizable portion of the
population. It was here that the Greek Septuagint, the Greek
translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, was written. The Romans
took control of Alexandria in 30 B.C.E. (Acts 6:9; 8:24; 27:6; 28:11)

ALGUM TREE: Solomon requested the algum tree when he asked

for timbers for the construction of the temple. There is no certainty
today as to what kind of tree this was. (2 Chronicles 2:8, 9:10) The
wood from the algum tree was rare and precious even when Hiram
delivered it. (1 Kings 10:12)

ALIENS, FOREIGNERS, AND STRANGERS: An alien is someone

who resides outside his native land. This person usually has his civil
rights restricted and often has no religious connections in the
country in which he resides as a stranger. The Hebrew word “ger”
can be translated alien, stranger, foreigner, sojourner and guest.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their descendants were considered
aliens, foreigners, and strangers until they were given legal title to
the Promised Land. (Genesis 15:13, 17:8) (Deuteronomy 23:7) A
non-Israelite living with the Israelite community was designated a
foreigner, alien or guest. The Law covenant gave special
consideration and protection to these strangers who were not
natural born Israelites. (Exodus 22:21, 23:9) (Deuteronomy 10:18)
The foreigner (alien) proselyte was to be treated as a brother.
(Leviticus 19:33, 34) The prophet Ezekiel predicted a time when
foreigners would receive an inheritance in the land like a native son
of Israel. (Ezekiel 47:21-23) Paul wrote the Colossians that there is
no distinction between Greek and Jew. He further stated that Christ
is all in all. (Colossians 3:11) (Galatians 3:28)

ALLAMMELECH: Allammelech was a town in the territory allotted

to the tribe of Asher. It was north of the Kishon Valley. (Joshua
19:26)

ALLIANCE: An alliance is a uniting together of different parties. It

can be families, individuals, or states. It can be a uniting to be allies.
(Psalm 94:20) (2 Chronicles 20:35) Nations can ally themselves
together for mutual security. Perhaps the marriage alliance is one of
the better-known uniting functions. (1 Samuel 18:22) (Exodus 3:1;
4:25) (Genesis 19:14) (Deuteronomy 27:23) Covenants were also
formed to unite man to man, nation to nation and God to man. The
apostle Paul presented a very important principle to apply when
forming alliances. He said: “Do not be unequally yoked with
unbelievers: for what fellowship does righteousness have with
lawlessness? Or what communion does light have with darkness?
And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what does a believer
have in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15)

ALLON-BACUTH: This phrase means “Weeping Tree.” It was a

massive tree found at the foot of Bethel, at the base of the hill where
the city was located. It was named “Weeping Tree” because Jacob
buried Deborah, the nursing woman of Rebekah, there. (Genesis
35:8)

ALLON: Allon was a Simeonite and a descendant of Shemaiah. (1

Chronicles 4:37)

ALMIGHTY: Greek: “pantokrator” means almighty absolute

universal sovereign God. (Revelation 4:8) The expression “Almighty
God” or God Almighty comes from the Hebrew words “el shadday.”
It can be found more then 80 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.
ALMODAD: Almodad was the first of Joktan’s 13 sons. He was the
fourth generation after Shem and the nephew of Peleg. The
Messianic lineage can be traced to Peleg. (Genesis 10:26, 32) (1
Chronicles 1:20)

ALMON: Almon was a Levite city in the territory of Benjamin. It

was assigned to the sons of Aaron in the days of Joshua and of
Eleazar the priest. (Joshua 21:1, 18) It is called Alemeth at 1
Chronicles 6:60.

ALMOND: The almond is a native tree of Palestine, Lebanon, and

Mesopotamia. It is a member of the peach family and comes from
both cultivated and wild trees. The Hebrew word shao-qedh’ means
the awakening one. This is fitting since the almond blooms very
early in the spring. The tree displays beautiful pink and white
flowers. It grows to heights of near sixteen feet. The almond fruit
{or nut} is oblong with a point on one end. It is considered a
delicacy and was used as part of a gift Jacob sent to Egypt at Genesis
43:11. (Genesis 30:37) (Exodus 25:33, 34; 37:19, 20) (Numbers
17:8)

ALOES: This sweet smelling substance was obtained from a plant.

It was used to make perfume, medicine and to prepare bodies for
burial. (Psalm 45:8) (Proverbs 7:17)

ALPHA AND OMEGA: The first and last letters of the Greek
alphabet, like the English A and Z. Used to describe Jehovah God.
(Revelation 1:8, 21:6) (Isaiah 44:6; 48:12) Some experts believe that
Jesus is considered the beginning and the end found at Revelation
22:13. If this were true it would be proof that Jesus Christ the Only
Begotten Son of God has the same eternal qualities as his Father.
But it is also possible that Revelation 22:13 describes Jehovah God.

ALPHAEUS THE FATHER OF JAMES THE LESS: He was

the father of James the apostle. (Matthew 10:3) (Mark 3:18) (Luke
6:15) (Acts 1:13) Scholars support the belief that Alphaeus was the
same person as Clopas in John 19:25. That would make his the
husband of the “other Mary” (Matthew 27:56, 28:1) (Mark 15:10,
16:1) (Luke 24:10) It was common for individuals to go by two
different names in those days.

ALTAR: An altar is a place on which sacrifices are offered or

incense is burned in worship of the true God or another deity.
Hebrew “mizbeach” means altar and “zavach” means slaughter or
sacrifice. The Greek word “thy-si-a-ste’ri-on” means slaughter and
sacrifice. (Genesis 8:20) (Deuteronomy 12:21, 16:2) (Matthew 22:4)
(Mark 14:12) The term altar was use in a symbolic or figurative way
in the Christian Greek Scriptures. For example, the altar of burnt
offerings represented God’s will and his willingness to accept the
perfect human sacrifice of his only-begotten Son. (Hebrews 10:5-10)
(John 3:16-18) The altar at Hebrews 13:10-16 is obviously symbolic
and not literal. Hebrews 13:15 states: “Let us offer a sacrifice of
praise to God continually through him, that is, the fruit of lips that
make confession (give thanks and offer praise) to his name.” This is
an activity the Christian can do without a physical altar!

ALUSH: Alush was a place on the Sinai Peninsula where the

Israelites camped. (Numbers 33:13, 14) Though the site is not
known for sure it was between Dophkah and Rephidim.

ALVAH: This was the name of a place and a tribe. It was also the
name of a sheik of Edom and descendant of Esau. (Genesis 36:40,
43) (1 Chronicles 1:51)

ALVAN: Alvan was the first son of Sheik Shobal, a Seirite. (Genesis
36:20, 23, 29) (1 Chronicles 1:40)

AMAD: This city was on the fertile coastal plain north of the Carmel
Range. It was assigned to the tribe of Asher. (Joshus 19:26)

AMAL: Amal was the last of the four sons of Helem listed among the
sons of Asher. They were heads of their household, valiant and
mighty men. (1 Chronicles 7:35, 40)

AMALEK, AMALEKITES: Amalek was the son of Esau’s firstborn

Eliphaz, by his concubine Timna. (Genesis 36:12, 15, 16) Amalek
was one of the sheiks of Edom. The Amalekites were the first nation
to launch an unprovoked attack on the Israelites after the Exodus.
This attack took place at Rephidim near Mount Sinai. Jehovah then
decreed the ultimate extinction of the Amalekites. (Numbers 24:20)
(Exofud 17:8-16) (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) A year after that the
Israelites attempted to enter the Promised Land and were repulsed
by the Amalekites. (Numbers 14:41-45) Some time later Gideon and
his 300 men dealt them a smashing defeat. (Judges 6:1-3, 33; 7:12;
10:12) During the reign of Hezekiah, the remnant of the Amalekites
was annihilated. (1 Chronicles 4:42, 43) There is no further mention
of the Amalekites in Biblical or secular history.
AMAM: The village of Amam was in the Negeb, in the southern part
of the territory of Judah. (Joshua 15:26)

AMANA (AMANAH): The Anit-Lebanon Mountain Range contain a

mountain named Amana. It appears at Song of Solomon 4:8 in
connection with two other mountains.

AMASAI, SON OF ELKANAH: Amasai was the son of Elkanah. He

was a Levite of the family of Kohath and an ancestor of the prophet
Samuel. He was related to the temple singer Heman of David’s time.
(1 Chronicles 6:25, 35, 36)

AMASHSAI: Amashsai was the son of Azarel and one of the priests
in Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 11:13)

AMASIAH: Amasiah was the son of Zichri. He was commander of

one of the Judean army divisions numbering 200,000 men. He
served during Jehoshaphat’s reign. (2 Chronicles 17:16)

AMAZIAH, KING OF JUDAH: Amaziah became king of Judah in

858 B.C.E. at age 25. He ruled for 29 years after the assassination of
his father Jehoash. His reign was noted for his enthusiasm for true
worship, however he did not worship with a complete heart. The
record of his rule includes two military campaigns. (2 Chronicles
25:1, 2) (2 Kings 15:1, 2; 15:2)

AMBASSADOR: An ambassador is an official representative of a

ruler or a kingdom. (Ephesians 6:20) Older mature men serve in
this capacity. The Greek words “presbeu’o” and “pre-sbei’a” are
translated ambassador or body of ambassadors. (Luke 14:32) (2
Corinthians 5:20) (Philipians 3:20) The Greek word “pre-sby’te-ros”
means older man or elder. (Acts 11:30) (Revelation 4:4) Jesus Christ
came as God’s apostle or sent one. After Christ was resurrected into
heaven his faithful followers were appointed to represent him as
ambassadors of God. (John 14:30, 15:18,19) (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
(James 4:4)

AMBUSH: An ambush is the act of lying in wait in a concealed place

to attack by surprise. The Hebrew word e’rev means to lie in wait
and ambush. (Jeremiah 9:8) (Psalm 10:8) It is also used in
describing hunting tactics. (Job 37:8, 38:40) The Hebrew verb a-
rav’ is a figurative description for a prostitute as she waylays men.
(Proverbs 7:12; 23:28)
AMEN: Hebrew: amen means, so be it, truth, faithful. (Psalm
106:48) (1 Corinthians 14:16) It was used as a solemn legal pledge.
(Numbers 5:22) (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) (Nehemiah 5:13) It was
also an expression of praise and purpose. (Nehemiah 8:6) (1 Kings
1:36) (Jeremiah 11:5) Jehovah is the faithful God, the amen.
(Deuteronomy 7:9) (Psalm 19:7; 89:28, 37) (Isaiah 49:7) The term
amen also applies to Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:19, 20)
(Revelation 3:14) The word amen is found more than fifty times in
the Holy Scriptures. Search for this word in a comprehensive
concordance of the Holy Scriptures.

AMETHYST: Included in the list of precious and semiprecious

stones used to build the foundation of the city wall described at
Revelation 21:18-20 is amethyst. Amethyst comes from the Greek
word “amethystos” meaning not to intoxicate. Usually amethyst is
purple or violet in color.

AM-HA’A’RETS: This is the Hebrew word that occurs in the Hebrew

Scriptures sixty-seven times. It was used as a term of contempt for
the common people. SEE PEOPLE OF THE LAND (EARTH)

AMITTAI: Amittai was the father of the prophet Jonah. He was

from Gathhepher in Zebulun. (2 Kings 14:25)

AMMAH: This is the name of a hill located in front of Giah on the

way to the wilderness of Gibeon. Saul’s son and heir, Ishbosheth,
was assisted by Abner, Saul’s former chief of the army. They made a
final stand against the pursuing forces of Joab and Abishai at this
hill. (2 Samuel 2:12-32)

AMMIEL, SON OF GEMALLI: Ammel was the son of Gemalli of the

tribe of Dan. He was included in the 12 sent out by Moses to spy on
the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:12) Ammiel was one of the 10
spies who gave a bad report and died by Jehovah/s scourge.
(Numbers 14:36, 37)

AMMIEL, FATHER OF BATHSHEBA: Ammiel was the father of

Bathsheba. His daughter was the wife of Uriah who was later taken
by David. It is likely that Ammiel was the son of Ahithophel, the
Gilonite, who was counselor to David. ( 1 Chronicles 3:5) (2 Samuel
23:34; 15:31)

AMMIEL, SON OF OBED-EDOM: This Ammiel was the son of

Obed-edom. He was a Levite and was the gatekeeper who was
responsible for the storehouses of the house of Jehovah in David’s
time. (1 Chronicles 26:4, 5, 12-15)

AMMINADAB, SON OF RAM: Amminadab was the son of Ram of

the family of Hezron. He was from the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles
2:10) Amminadab’s son, Nahshon, was the leader of Judah during
the wilderness travels. (Numbers 1:7; 7:11, 12) His daughter was the
wife of Aaron. (Exodus 6:23) Amminadab was an ancestor of King
David and also of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 19-22) (Matthew 1:4-16) (Luke
3:23-33)

AMMINADAB, SON OF UZZIEL: This Amminadab was a Levite of

the sons of Uzziel. He was a famil head living when David reigned as
king. He helped transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. (1
Chronicles 15:10-12)

AMMISHADDAI: Ammishaddai was the father of Ahiezer. His son

was a leader of the tribe of Dan who was with Moses when the
census was taken of the Israilites two years after the exile from
Egypt. (Numbers 1:12; 2:25)

AMMIZABAD: Ammizabad was the son of Benaiah. His father was

in charge of King David’s mighty military men. Ammizabad acted
for his father in overseeing the third royal service group for the
third month of the year. (1 Chronicles 27:5, 6)

AMMON, AMMONITES: Ammon was Lot’s son by his younger

daughter. His descendants were called Ammonites. (Genesis 19:38)
Lot and his daughters resided in a cave in a mountainous region.
The two daughters could not find anyone of their own people to
marry. So each of the daughters had sexual intercourse with him
after they gave him much wine to drink. (Genesis 19:30-36) The
name Ammon is found at Psalm 83:7 where it refers to the nation of
his descendants. His descendants are also called “sons of Ammon”
and Ammonites. (Deuteronomy 2:19) As distant relatives to the
Israelites the Ammonite’s language was a dialect of Hebrew. The
Ammonites were vicious enemies of the Israelite nation. (Judges
3:12-14; 10:6-10 and Jg 10:16-11:33)

AMNESTY, RELEASE: The terms amnesty and release are used

interchangeably in the Holy Scriptures. The Hebrew word
“hanachah’” is used only once. It is found at Esther 2:18 when queen
Esther granted an amnesty for the people. It can be translated
”holiday,” “release,” and “amnesty.” The Hebrew word “shemittah’”
is used to describe the releasing from debt or suspension of labor.
(Deuteronomy 15:1, 2, 9; 31:10) (Matthew 27:15)

AMNON, SON OF DAVID: Amnon was David’s son by Ahinoam the

Jezreelitess. He was born at Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:2) (1 Chronicles
3:1) Amnon lusted after Tamar, Absalom’s sister and his half-sister.
He violated his half-sister forcibly, despite her strong protests. Two
years later Tamar’s full brother Absalom had his servants murder
Amnon. (2 Samuel 13:1-19)

AMNON, SON OF SHIMON: This Amnon was the first of four sons
of Shimon. He was from the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 20)

AMOK: Amok was a priest who returned from exile in Babylon with
Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 12:1, 7) His son Eber represented his family
in the time of Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:12, 20)

AMON, CHIEF OF SAMARIA: Amon was the ruler of the city of

Samaria at the time when King Ahab of Israel ruled. He cared for
the prophet Micaiah while King Ahab went to war with Ramoth-
gilead. (1 Kings 22:10, 26) (2 Chronicles 18:25)

AMON, KING OF JUDAH: Amon was the king of Judah, 661-660

B.C.E. He ascended the throne at age 22 and two years later he was
murdered. (2 Kings 21:19-26) (2 Chronicles 33:20-25)

AMON, FAMILY HEAD: This man was the family head of an exiled
family. They were considered the sons of the servants of Solomon.
(Nehemiah 7:57-59) He is called “Ami” in Ezra 2:57.

AMON, GOD OF THEBES: Sometimes refered to as No-Amon, this

god became the “king of god” under the name “Amon-Ra.” A large
part of Egypt’s spoils of war was placed into the treasury of Amon.
The Amon priesthood became very powerful and wealthy.
(Jeremiah 46:25, 26)

AMORITE: The term “Amorite” is used collectively in the Hebrew

Scriptures to describe the Canaanite tribe descended from the
original Amorite. (Ge 10:6, 15, 16; 1 Ch 1:13, 14) The Amorites were
the dominant tribe in Canaan at the time of the Israelite Exodus
from Egypt. In fact they occupied most of the land the people of
Israel eventually controlled. (De 1:6-8, 19-21, 27; Jos 24:15, 18; Jg
6:10) They were one of the seven nations more powerful than Israel.
Jehovah devoted them to destruction. Israel was to make no
covenant with them. The Israilites were told not to form marriage
alliances with them. And most important of all they were not to
share in false worship with them.—De 7:1-4. After many battles the
Israelites, aided by Jehovah God, defeated the Amorites. The
Amorite people finally passed completely out of existence. (Amos
2:9, 10)

AMOS THE PROPHET: Amos was a prophet to the idolatrous

ten-tribe kingdom in the north with its capital Samaria. He was also
the writer of the Bible Book of Amos. He lived in the ninth century
B.C.E. He was not the son of a prophet. (1 Ki 20:35; 2 Ki 2:3; 4:1;
Amos 7:14) He lived in the town of Tekoa, ten miles south of
Jerusalem and spent most of his time there out in the wilderness of
Judah. He found employment there as a humble sheep raiser.
(Amos 1:1) Amos also worked at the seasonal job of a nipper of
sycamore figs, a variety considered food for the poor. The fig nipper
would pinch and puncture the figs to hasten the ripening and
increase the size and sweetness of the fruit. Jehovah God called
Amos from following the flock and made him a prophet. (Amos
7:15)

AMOS, THE BOOK: The book of Amos was written by the

Prophet Amos about 804 B.C.E. while Jeroboam II was king of
Israel. It is believed that Amos was in Judah at the time. Amos was
inspired by God’s Spirit to use simple and direct language to deliver
the message of Jehovah’s judgement on Israel and the nations
surrounding Israel. (Amos 1, 2) Israel is the main recipient of the
judgement message. (Amos 3-6) Visions and prophecies show that
Israel’s end is near. (Amos 7, 8) A comforting message of
restoration is also offered to the faithful to read in the book of
Amos.

AMOZ: Amoz was the father of Isaiah the prophet.--2 Ki 19:2; Isa
1:1.

AMPHIPOLIS: This Macedonian city is about three miles from the

Aegean Sea and the seaport of Eion. The apostle Paul passed
through Amphipolis on his second missionary journey-Ac 17:1. It
was built on a hill surrounded on three sides by the curving
Strymon River.

AMPLIATUS: This beloved Christian Brother was in the Roman

congregation. The apostle Paul sent him greetings at Romans 16:8.
The name “Amplia’tus” comes from Latin meaning “enlarged”.
AMRAM, GRANDSON OF LEVI: Amram was the grandson of Levi
through Kohath. (Ex 6:16, 18, 20; Nu 3:19; 26:58; 1 Ch 6:18) He
married his father’s sister, however, some translations show her to
be his cousin. His children were Aaron, Miriam, and Moses. (Ex
6:20; Nu 26:59; 1 Ch 6:2, 3; 23:12, 13)

AMRAM, SON OF BANI: This Amram was one of the sons of Bani.
He returned with the exiles and put away his foreign wives. (Ezr
10:34, 44)

AMRAM, SON OF DISHON: Amram (Hamran) was the son of

Dishon. He and his father are listed in the chronology in chapter
one of 1 Chronicles in the King James Version. (1 Chronicles 1:41)

AMRAMITES: The Amramites were the descendants of Amram, the

grandson of Levi by Hohath. They were a subdivision of the family
of Kohathites. The camped south of the Tabernacle during the
wilderness travels. The Kohathites were responsible for the Ark, the
table, the lampstand, altars, utensils and the screen between the
Holy and the Most Holy (Holy of Holies). (Numbers 3:27-31) (1
Chronicles 26:23)

AMRAPHEL: Amraphel was the king of Shinar in southern

Mesopotamia. He was an ally of King Chedorlaomer of Elam and
assisted in the invasion and victory over five kings at the Siddim
Valley. (Genesis 14:1-16)

AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: The writer of Ecclesiastes

made it clear that there is a time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
So there truly is a time for amusement and entertainment. The
Philistine kings praised their gods and demanded that Samson
entertain them. (Judges 14:24-30) So Samson entertained them and
killed them at the same time. The expressions “celebrate,” “play,”
“offer amusement,” and “have a good time” are often used to convey
amusement and entertainment. (2 Samuel 6:21) (Job 41:5) (Exodus
32:6) (Genesis 26:8) The principle form of recreation were the
playing of musical instruments, singing, dancing, conversation and
some games. The people often asked each other riddles. (Judges
14:2)

AMULETS: Amulets were ornaments, gems, scrolls and charms.

They were worn to provide protection against the power of
enchantments such as witchcraft and magical spells. The "earrings"
in Genesis 35:4 were obviously connected with idolatrous worship
and were probably amulets or charms taken from the bodies of the
slain Shechemites. (Judges 8:24) (Isaiah 3:40) (Hosea 2:13)

ANAB: Anab was a town in south part of the Judean hill country
from which the giant Anakim were expelled by Joshua. (Joshua
11:21, 15:48, 50) It was located halfway between Hebron and Beer-
sheba. The original name for the town was Kiriath-anab.

ANAHARATH: The city of Anaharath was occupied by the tribe of

Issachar. It is believed to have been located in the eastern part of
the Jezreel Plain. (Joshua 19:18, 19)

ANAIAH, STOOD AT EZRA’S RIGHT HAND: Anaiah was one of the

men who stood at Ezra’s right hand and read the Law to the people.
This was done on the first day of the seventh month. He was
probably a priest. (Nehemiah 8:2, 4)

ANAK: The Anak tribe was a tribe of tall men. (Numbers 13:22, 28)
(Joshua 15:13-15)

ANAKIM: The Anakim was a race of people that were large in size.
They lived in the mountains of Canaan and along the coastal areas.
Three men of the Anakim lived at Hebron: Ahiman, Sheshai, and
Talmai-Nu 13:22. There was an old saying with reference to the
great strength of the Anakim: “Who can make a firm stand before
the sons of Anak?” (Deuteronomy 2:10, 11, 20, 2; 9:1-3)

ANAMIM: Mizraim fathered Anamim. Mizraim was synonymous

with Egypt, so it is likely that Anamim settled in Egypt. (Genesis
10:13) (1 Chronicles 1:11)

ANAMMELECH: Anammelech was a deity of the Sepharvites. The

worship of Anammelech involved the sacrifice of children. (2 Kings
17:31; 18:34)

ANAN: Anan was one of the leaders of the people of Israel who were
faithful and resolved to serve Jehovah. (Nehemiah 10:1, 26)

ANANI: Anani was the son of Elioenai, a descendant of King David.

(1 Chronicles 3:24)

ANANIAH, FATHER OF MAASEIAH: Ananiah was the fatehr of

Maaseiah and grandfather of Azariah. He assisted Nehemiah with
the wall rebuilding project at Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:23)
ANANIAH, CITY OF BENJAMIN: This city belonged to the tribe of
Benjamin after the return from exile. (Nehemiah 11:32)

ANANIAS, ATTEMPTED DECEPTION : He was a member of the

Christian congregation of Jerusalem in the first century. A common
fund was established in Jerusalem at that time to take care of fellow
Christians. Members sold their property and voluntarily donated to
the fund. (Acts 4:24-37) After selling a field without his wifes
knowledge, Ananias gave part of the money obtained. He let
everyone think he gave the entire sum. This give was given to
receive commendation and esteem within the congregation. The
apostle Peter exposed Ananias for his false representation to Holy
Spirit and to God. Ananias and his wife died as a result of fale
pretense. (Acts 5:1-10)

ANANIAS, A RIGHTEOUS MAN: This Christian disciple from

Damascus was directed by Holy Spirit to meet with the newly
converted Saul. He went to Saul, later named Paul, and cause him to
recover his eye sight. Then he informed him of his commission to be
a witness for God and for his son Jesus Christ. (Acts 9:10-18; 22:12-
16)

ANANIAS,THE EVIL HIGH PRIEST: Ananias was the son of

Nedbaeus. He was the Jewish high priest from 48 to 58 C.E. and
was appointed to office by Herod, king of Chalcis, the brother of
Herod Agrippa I. Ananias and several older men traveled to
Caesarea to press charges against the apostle Paul before Governor
Felix. (Acts 24:1) In 56 C.E. he presided at Paul’s trial before the
Sanhedrin. (Acts 23:2-5) He was finally murdered by his on people,
the Jews, because of his collaboration with the Roman authorities.

ANATH, FATHER OF SHAMGAR: This Anath was the father of

Shamgar. Shamgar was one of Israel’s judges. (Judges 3:31; 5:6)

ANATH, CANAANITE GODDESS: Anath was one of the three

principal Canaanite goddesses. She was the sister and the spouse of
the false god, Baal. She was a symbol of lustful sex and war. (Judges
6:25-27)

ANATHOTH, LEVITE CITY: This Levite city was in the territory of

Benjamin. (Joshua 21:17, 18) (1 Chronicles 6:60) Anathoth was the
home of two of David’s mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:27) (1 Chronicles
12:3) Solomon banished Abiathar to Anathoth and brought an end
to the line of high priests from the house Eli. (1 Kings 2:26)
Anathoth was one of the afflicted cities when the Assyrian armies
attacked. (Isaiah 10:30) Jeremiah was from Anathoth. (Jeremiah
1:1; 11:21-23; 29:27)

ANATHOTHITE: A person who lived in the city of Anathoth was

known as an Anathothite. The city of Anathoth was a priesly city in
the territory of Benjamin. (2 Samuel 23:27) (1 Chronicles 11:28;
12:3; 27:12)

ANCIENT OF DAYS: This Aramaic expression “at-tiq’yoh-min”

refers to someone who is very old. The title “Ancient of Days” is
given to God in chapter seven of Daniel. (Daniel 7:9, 13, 22) The title
“Most High” is also offered to the true God at Daniel 7:18, 22, 25,
27. This comes from the Hebrew word il-lah’ee and can also be
translated “Supreme God”. Daniel chapter seven presents a
symbolic courtroom where the Ancient of Days sits to judge the
world powers. Huge beasts symbolize these world powers. Their
rulership is taken away, and given to the one “like the son of man”.
All peoples are commanded to obey him. (Daniel 7:10-14)

ANCESTORS: An ancestor is someone from whom a person is

descended, usually more remote than a grandparent. (Matthew 1:1)

ANDREW: Andrew was one of the apostles or our lord Jesus. We

learn at Matthew 4:18 and 16:17 that Andrew was the brother of
Simon Peter and son of Jonah (John). Andrew was a native of
Bethsaida, but was living in Capernaum when Jesus called both he
and Simon to become “fishers of men.” (Mark 1:16, 17, 21, 29) (John
1:44) The two brothers were partners with James and John in the
fishing business. (Matthew 4:18) (Mark 1:16) (Luke 5:10) Andrew
was a disciple of John the Baptist before he followed Jesus. (John
1:35, 40) He was at Bethany by the Jordan River when he heard
John the Baptist introduce Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God.”
(John 1:29) He then became a follower of Jesus.

ANDRONICUS: Andronicus was a faithful Jewish Christian in the

Roman congregation. Paul called him along with Junias his
relatives. After suffering imprisonment Andronicus was a man of
note among the apostles. He became a Christian before Paul did.
(Romans 16:7)

ANEM: Anem was a city on the south border of Issachar. It was

given as a Levite city to the Gershonites. (1 Chronicles 6:71, 73)
(Joshua 21:29)
ANGELS: The Hebrew mal’akh’ and the Greek ag’ge-los mean
messenger. The words are found nearly 400 times in the Holy
Scriptures. It is a term that can be applied to both human beings
and to spirit beings. When referring to spirit beings the term angel
is used. However the word messenger is also appropriate. They
have invisible spiritual bodies and live in heaven. (Mark 12:25) (1
Corinthians 15:44, 50) Angels do not marry and reproduce their
own kind. (Mark 12:25) They were individually created by God
through his firstborn Son. (Matthew 22:30) (John 1:1-3) (Colossians
1:15-17) (Revelation 3:14) The Bible says there are ten thousand
times ten thousand angelic hosts in heaven. (Daniel 7:10) (Hebrews
12:22) (Jude 14)

There is order and rank among the angels. The one with the
greatest authority and power is Michael, the archangel. (Daniel
10:13, 21; 12:1) (Jude 9) (Revelation 12:7) Gabriel is also mentioned
as a prominent angel. The seraphs rank high among the angels in
privileges. (Isaiah 6:2, 6) The cherubs are mentioned ninety times
in the Scriptures. They hold a special position among the angels.
(Genesis 3:24) (Ezekiel 10:1-22) There is also a great body of angelic
messengers who serve as messengers between God and man. A
perform protection and deliverance of God’s people, as well as
destruction of the wicked. (Genesis 19:1-26)

Serving as Jehovah’s ministers, the angels ministered in behalf of

Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, Jesus Christ and
the apostles. (Genesis 22:11, 31:11) (Joshua 5:14, 15) (Isaiah 6:6, 7)
(Daniel 6:22) (Matthew 4:11; 26:53; 28:5-7) (Luke 1:30, 31; 2:10, 11;
22:34) (Acts 1:10, 11)

ANGEL OF THE PIT: The angel of the pit is presented at

Revelation 20:1-3. Only Jesus Christ would have the power to
capture Satan the Devil and throw him into prison for the thousand
years. Therefore it is possible that Jesus Christ is the angel of the
pit.

ANGER, WRATH, RAGE: Anger is a strong emotion, a feeling

that is motivated out of a deep sense of hatred, grievance,
belligerence or righteous indignation and genuine concern. Anger
is the outward expression of an inward feeling that could be
generated by sin or by proper motives. Jehovah God is not easily
angered and He shows great love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6)
(Numbers 14:18) In fact He is not an angry God but a happy God. (1
Timothy 1:1) (Psalm 16:11) God’s anger is always justified. It is
based on principle and his right to exclusive devotion. It is governed
by His love for righteousness. (Deuteronomy 10:17, 18) (1 Samuel
16:7) (Acts 10:34, 35) (Hebrews 4:13) Man’s expression of anger
may be proper when it is based on principle. We are commanded to
abhor what is wicked or bad. (Romans 12:9) Therefore righteous
indignation is sometimes appropriate. (Exodus 11:8; 32:19)
(Numbers 16:12-15) (1 Samuel 20:34) (Nehemiah 5:6) A person
often experiences mental depression after a fit of rage. Therefore it
is wise to control anger. (Proverbs 14:29, 30) (Romans 14:19)
(James 3:17) (1 Peter 3:11)

ANIAM: Aniam was a son of Shemida of the tribe of Manasseh. (1

Chronicles 7:14, 19)

ANIM: Anim was a city in the mountains of southern Judah. It is

mentioned in the distribution of land in Joshua’s day. (Joshua
15:48, 50)

ANIMALS: God created each family of animals according to its own

kind. (Genesis 1:25, 26) The Hebrew word “behemah” refers to an
animal. (Genesis 9:10; 34:23) (Psalms 107:38) The Greek term for
animal is “zoon.” (Revelation 4:7) (2 Peter 2:12) Adam was given the
reponsibility of naming the animals and God also appointed man as
steward over the animals. (Genesis 1:26; 2:19, 20) (Luke 12:48)
Naturalists report that animals normally retreat from man’s
presence. Most of them do not attack unless they are provoked,
wounded or surprised. Animals were created with a fear or dread of
man. (Genesis 9:2, 3) Animals are used in an illustrative way to
symbolize a variety of qualities and powers. They portray divine as
well as human qualities. They are also used symbolically to convey
oppressive, beastlike ruling powers. (Ezekiel 1:10, 11) (Daniel 7:2-7;
8:5-8, 20, 21) (Revelation 4:6, 7; 13:1-17) Before the Great Flood
animals were used to provide clothing and for sacrificial purposes.
(Genesis 3:21; 4:4) Man was allowed to eat meat with its blood
drained after the Deluge. (Genesis 9:3, 4)

ANKLE BRACELET: Ankle bracelets or ornamental rings worn

on the legs near the ankles were in common use in the ancient
Middle East. They were made of glass, ivory, brass, gold, silver, and
iron. Persons of both sexes wore them. Sometimes people wore
matching arm and ankle bracelets. The Hebrew words, “ets’a-
dhah,” “tse’a-dhah,” and “tsa’adh” are translated ankle chainlets,
step chains, and ankle bracelet. (Nu 31:50, 51; Isa 3:16, 18, 20)

ANNA: Anna was a prophetess. She was the daughter of Phanuel of

the tribe of Asher. Her name is the Greek form of Hannah. After
seven years of married life Anna became a widow. She was 84 years
old when Jesus was presented at the temple. She was regular in her
attendance at the temple. She was privileged to see the young child
and give witness about him. (Lu 2:36-38)

ANNAS: Annas was the high priest from 6 C.E. to 15 C.E. The
Roman Governor Quirinius appointed him. (Lu 2:2) He was high
priest when Jesus amazed the rabbinic teachers at the temple. (Lu
2:42-49) He is designated in the Scriptures as the high priest. (Mt
26:3; Lu 3:2) When Jesus was arrested he was take to Annas for
questioning and then sent to Caiaphas for trial. (Joh 18:13; Acts 4:6)

ANOINT: It was a practice of anointing with oil to show respect.

(Mt 6:17) The Israelite kings were anointed as a sign of their taking
office. In a figurative sense the king could be called “the anointed
one.” In a figurative sense, “The Anointed One” is the “Messiah”
Jesus Christ. He is the One Jehovah appointed as Savior and King.

ANT: Everywhere you look you see ants. Ants are extremely
numerous and widespread insects. Ants are social insects that live
in colonies. Ant colonies range in size from a few dozen ants to
populations running into the hundreds of thousands. There are
three basic casts in each colony: the queen or queens, the males, and
the workers. Proverbs 6:7 states, the ant:”has no guide or overseer.”
The queen is not an overseer. She is the mother ant, for her
function is to lay eggs. Ants are highly industrious and are known
for their instinctive wisdom. (Pr 6:6-8; 30:24, 25) There are an
estimated 10,000 varieties of ants located in all parts of the earth
except the Polar Regions. The most common variety of ants found in
Palestine is the harvester or agricultural ant. It stores up a large
supply of grain in the spring and summer to prepare for the seasons
when it is difficult to find food.

ANTELOPE: The antelope is a cud-chewing animal with a split hoof

listed at Deuteronomy 14:5. These animals are permitted in the list
of animals that Israelites could eat for food. The antelope is a small
animal measuring about three feet high at the shoulder. It’s color is
sandy colored to brownish depending upon the season. It becomes
darker in the winter.

ANTHOTHIJAH: This man was the son of Shashak of the tribe of

Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:24, 25)

ANTICHRIST: The word antichrist means “against” or “instead

of” Christ. Antichrist is found four times in the Bible at 1 John 2:18;
2:22; 4:3; and 2 John 1:17. The apostle John showed us that the
antichrist was not restricted to a future appearance. He showed that
the antichrist was then present and would continue in the future. At
1 John 4:3 he said that the antichrist was “already in the world.”
Many have tried to identify specific individuals as the antichrist.
Some have named hateful political leaders such as Adolph Hitler.
Others point to religious leaders such as popes as the antichrist. But
the answer is more general in scope. It embraces all who deny that
Jesus is the Christ and who deny that Jesus is the Son of God who
came in the flesh. (1 John 2:22; 4:2, 3) To deny Jesus as the Christ
and as the Son of God is to deny all of his teachings, all Scriptural
teachings. Jesus said: “He that is not on my side is against me.”
(Luke 11:23) All kingdoms, nations and organizations, religious and
secular, are part of the antichrist if they refuse to recognize Jesus
Christ and all Scriptural teachings.

ANTI-LEBANON: There are two mountain ranges in Lebanon. The

Antio-Lebanon Range runs parallel to the Lebanon Range for
approximately 60 miles. It extends from the Bashan Plateau, east of
Dan, to the great Plain of Emesa near the site of Riblah. The
Orontes and Litani rivers flow into the Beqa and flow through the
valley between these mountain ranges. (Joshua 11:17) The Anti-
Lebanon Ranges is not snow capped and therefore there are few
rivers and streams. It supports very little vegetation.

ANTIOCH: Seleucus I (Nicator) founded the city of Antioch in

Syria. It was located at a bend on the south side of the navigable
Orontes River about twenty miles from the Mediterranean Sea. It
served as a seaport, a military, commercial and manufacturing
center. Nicolaus from Antioch became a Christian after first
becoming a proselyte to the Jewish religion. (Acts 6:5) Christian
activity at Antioch increased dramatically after the disciples were
scattered there following Stephen’s death. (Acts 11:19, 20) Barnabas
was dispatched to Antioch and he in turn brought Paul in from
Tarsus to help. (Acts 11:21-26) They resided there for a year
teaching the people. The apostle Paul used Antioch as a home base
for his missionary trips. The disciples were first called “Christians”
in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) The governing body at Jerusalem in about
49 C.E settled the question about circumcision for Gentiles. Paul
and Barnabas delivered that decree from the headquarters
congregation in Jerusalem to the congregation at Antioch. This is
recorded at Acts 15:13-35.
ANTIPAS: Antipas was a martyr in the first century C.E. He was a
member of the Christian congregation at Pergamum. (Revelation
2:12, 13)

ANTIPATRIS: This city was once known as Ras el-Ain, Tel Afeq,
and Aphek. After it was destroyed, Herod the Great rebuilt the city
of Antipatris in 9 B.C.E. He named it after his father Antipater II.
The city was located in a well-watered and fertile region of the Plain
of Sharon. A Roman Army escort took the apostle Paul down the
mountains from Jerusalem some 30 miles to Antipatris. (Acts
23:31) Seventy cavalrymen escorted Paul from Antipatris the
remaining trip across the plain to Caesarea.

ANTONIA TOWER: This well built structure was found in

Jerusalem. The Tower of Antonia was in the north west corner of
the temple court on a site where Nehemiah constructed the Castle
mentioned at Nehemiah 2:8. Herod the Great did extensive repairs
on it and named it Antonia in honor of Mark Anthony. It had
apartments including baths, barracks and courtyards. Some
historians believe that Jesus appeared before Pilate in this
courtyard. (John 19:13) (Acts 21:30-40; 22:24; 23:10, 16)

ANUB: Anub was a descendant of Judah and son of Koz. (1

Chronicles 4:1, 8)

ANXIETY: The words anxiety and worry are used interchangeably

in the Scriptures. They mean the same. Anxiety can be damaging to
a person’s well being. It robs one of strength and initiative to act.
The inspired proverb says: “Anxiety in the heart of man makes it
heavy.” (Proverbs 12:25) Jesus Christ claimed that appreciation for
God’s Word can be choked out by worry over problems. (Matthew
13:22) (Mark 4:18, 19) (Luke 8:7, 11, 14; 21:34-36) Christians are
encouraged to “throw all your anxiety upon God for he cares for
you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

APE: King Solomon imported apes or possibly long tailed monkeys

that were native to Ethiopia. (1 Kings 10:22) (2 Chronicles 9:21)
Solomon’s fleet most likely brought the apes from India or Ceylon.

APELLES: Apelles was a Christian in the congregation at Rome.

Paul sent greeting to him as the one “approved in Christ.” (Romans
16:10) (2 Corinthians 10:18) (2 Timothy 2:15)
APHEK, NEAR SIDON: Aphek was a town that was just north of
Sidon. Jehovah told Joshua that Aphek was among the places yet to
be conquered. (Joshua 13:4)

APHEK, IN ASHER TERRITORY: Aphek was a town in the territory

of Asher. However, the tribe did not successfully possess it. (Joshua
19:24, 30) Judges 1:31 calls it Aphik. It was about 5 miles southeast
of Acco.

APHEKAH: Aphekah was a city in the mountains of southern

Judah. It is said to be in the neighborhood of Hebron. Scholars have
found the archaeological remains of that Israelite period along with
the two water sources that were near Aphekah. (Joshua 15:48, 53)

APHIAH: This man was a Benjamite and one of King Saul’s

ancestors. (1 Samuel 9:1, 2)

APHRAH: This Hebrew word means “dust.” There was a place

called the house of Aphrah, probably located in the Shephelah or
the Philistine Plains. Micah used a fun saying: “At the house of
Aphrah roll in the dust.” (Micah 1:10)

APOCRYPHA: The English word Apocrypha comes from the

Greek word “apo’kry-phos.” It means carefully conceal or hide.
Three Bible texts refer to the things hidden. They are Mark 4:22,
Luke 8:17 and Colossians 2:3. It is not speaking about the hidden
things that are not in harmony with the basic truths taught in the
basic sixty-six books of the Bible. Since the Roman Catholic Church
at the Council of Trent in 1546 C.E. included additional books in the
Catholic sanctioned Bible it has acquired a different meaning. It
means deuterocanonical or “of the second canon” to the nearly one
billion Roman Catholics around the world.

However, the original meaning of the word is “spurious or

uncanonical.” The Roman Catholic Church adopted the original
canon of the Bible. It did not include the Apocrypha. Jerome, the
writer of the Latin Vulgate in 405 C.E. was totally against the
Apocryphal books. The Apocryphal books include: Tobit, Judith,
Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, 1st and 2nd Maccabees, supplements
to Esther, and three additions to Daniel: The Song of the Three Holy
Children, Susanna and the Elder, and the Destruction of Bel and the
Dragon. Their content is not in harmony with the sixty-six books of
the canon of the Holy Scriptures.
APOLLONIA: Apollonia was a city of Macedonia. It was named
after the Greek sun god Apollo. Apollonia was in the district of
Mygdonia about twenty-seven miles from Amphipolis and thirty-
five miles from Thessalonica. Paul and Silas passed through it on
Paul’s second missionary tour in the spring of 50 C.E. (Acts 17:1)

APOLLOS: Apollos was from Alexandria, Egypt. He was a Jew

with a great knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. Perhaps he met
John the Baptist for he was acquainted with the baptism of John.
(Acts 18:24, 25) He arrived in Ephesus about 52 C.E. and began a
vigorous witness work in the local synagogue. It was there that he
met Aquila and Priscilla. They helped him learn more Christian
teachings. Apollos soon met the apostle Paul and they worked
together to accomplish the preaching work. (Acts 18:25-28; 19:1) (1
Corinthians 3:6-9, 21-23; 16:12)

APOLLYON: This is the Greek name used by the apostle John at

Revelation 9:11 to translate the Hebrew “Abaddon.” Apollyon
means destroyer. It does not necessarily relate to an evil person but
relates to Jesus Christ, who warned unrepentant people of the
danger of being destroyed. (Luke 8:31; 13:3-5; 20:16) (Revelation
19:11-16)

APOSTASY: Apostasy is the act of falling away or turning from the

truth found in the Holy Scriptures. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) (2
Timothy 2:18) (2 Timothy 4:3) Apostates frequently try to make
others their followers. They willfully abandon the Christian
congregation and become part of the antichrist. (Acts 20:30)
(Hebrews 6:4-8) (2 Peter 2:1, 3) (1 John 2:18, 19)

APOSTLES: Greek: apo’stolos means send forth. There were 12

apostles personally selected by Jesus. Their names are found at
Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19 and Luke 6:13-16.

APPAIM: This man was the son of Nadab and a descendant of

Jerahmeel of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25, 30, 31)

APPARITION: The Greek word “phan’ta-sma” means phantom,

false vision, apparition, illusion, or spirit. It could be considered an
erroneous mental representation. The disciples in the boat who saw
Jesus walk on the waters of the Sea of Galilee thought they saw an
apparition or erroneous mental representation. This Greek word is
found only twice in the Holy Scriptures at Matthew 14:26 and Mark
6:49.
APPHIA: Apphia was a Christian woman mentioned in Paul’s
letter directed to the congregation in Philemon’s house. (Philemon
2) She may have been the wife of Philemon.

APPIUS MARKETPLACE OR FORUM: Sometmes refered to as

the Appius Forum the Appius Marketplace was a station of the
Roman highway Via Appia. (Acts 28:15) This place is still known as
the Appian Way. This highway ran from Rome to Brundusium by
way of Capua in the fourth century B.C.E. Both the highway and the
marketplace were named after the founder Akppius Claudius
Caecus.

APPOINTED TIMES OF THE NATIONS: See GENTILE

TIMES.

APPROACH TO GOD: Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth,

and the life! No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John
14:6) Jesus Christ is the one and only “way” of reconciliantion with
God and approach to God in prayer. The New Covenant was
mediated through the shed blood or our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is the High Priest and Intercessor, always alive to plead for us.
“He is able to save completely those who approach God through
him, because he is always alive to intercede for them.” (Hebrews
7:25) It is through Jesus that we have “access to the Father by one
Spirit through him (Jesus).” (Ephesians 2:18) God is available to
every person who obeys and has faith in him and His Son, Jesus
Christ. (John 3:16, 36) (Hebrews 11:6) (1 Peter 3:18) “In every
nation he (God) accepts every person who respects him and does
what is right.” (Acts 10:35)

It is true that salvation cannot be earned. However a true Christian

will want to approach God with living sacrifices and spiritual
offerings. “Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God
through him [Jesus], that is, the fruit of lips that make confession
(give thanks and offer praise) to his [God’s] name.” (Hebrew 13:15)
“to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) “I request (urge) (implore) you brothers by the
mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

APRON: An apron is a garment of cloth or leather that is tied about

the waist and worn to protect clothing. The Greek word
“simikinthion” defines a thing girded around half the body. (Acts
19:12) (Luke 17:8) (Ephesians 6:14) It was tied around the waist to
cover part of the body. Tradesmen such as fishermen, potters,
bakers, and carpenters wore them. Priest wore ephods that were like
aprons that hung from the shoulders. The had front and back
sections. (Exodus 28:6-8)

AQUILA: Aquila was a natural Jew and a native of Pontus in

northern Asia Minor. He was married to Priscilla and she is always
mentioned in association with him. Aquila was banished from
Rome by Emperor Claudius in the year 50 C.E. so they moved to
Corinth. (Acts 18:1, 2) The apostle Paul was always welcome in their
home. They worked closely with him in the building up of the
congregation there. (Acts 18:3) The two of them worked closely with
Paul in their common trade of tent making also. Aquila and
Priscilla traveled with Paul as far as Ephesus on his second
missionary journey. (Acts 18:18, 19)

AR: Ar was a city in Moab. It could have served as its capital. It was
located on the south side of the Arnon Valley. (Numbers 21:15) The
name Ar is used as synonymous with Moab. (Deuteronomy 2:18, 9,
20) The Israilites did not attack Moab because Jehovah forbid it.
Jehovah had given Moab and Ar to the sons of Lot as a holding.
(Deuteronomy 2:9, 18, 19)

ARA: Ara was the son of Jether of the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles
7:30, 38)

ARAB, THE TOWN: This is the name of a town in the mountains of

Judah, lying between Dumah and Carmel. (Joshua 15:48, 52) (2
Samuel 23:35)

ARAB: SEE ARABIAN

ARABAH: The Hebrew word for the Jordan Valley was

Arabah.

ARABAH, SEA OF: SEE DEAD SEA

ARABIA: The Arabian Peninsula is in the southwest corner of the

continent of Asia. The Persian Gulf is on the east border and the
Red Sea on the west. Mesopotamia, Syria and Israel are on its north
border. Its land surface is about one third the land surface of the
continental United States. The vast majority of the land is arid
desert. However, sufficient rainfall occurs in the western mountain
range and central plateau to produce crops of millet, wheat, barley,
and corn. Date palms also grow there. (Exodus 15:27) Arabian
horses are beautiful and strong. (Job 39:19-25) Much of the life
there is the same as it was in Bible times. (Ezekiel 27:21) (2
Chronicles 17:11) (Judges 6:5) (Job 39:5-8, 26, 27) (Isaiah 60:7;
34:13)

ARABIAN: The names Arab and Arabian in the Scriptures apply to

an inhabitant of Arabia, the large country east and south of
Palestine. The context and use often imply a specific tribe or ethnic
group. (1 Kings 10:15) (2 Chronicles 9:14; 21:1:16) Some of the
Arabian tribes were Hamitic, descending through Ham’s son Cush.
Others were Semitic, descending from Shem through Joktan. Some
of Abraham’s descendants by Hagar and Keturah also moved to
Arabia, as the sons of Ishmael who resided from Havilah near Shur,
which is near Egypt. (Genesis 25:1-6, 12-18) Esau’s offspring lived in
the mountains of Seir. They also are Arabian. (Genesis 36:1-43) The
vast majority of the Arabians were a wandering people. They led
pastoral lives dwelling in tents. (Isaiah 13:20) (Jeremiah 3:2)

ARAD, TRIBE OF BENJAMIN: Arad was one of the leaders of

the tribe of Benjamin. He lived in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:15, 28)

ARAD, CITY ON THE BORDER: Arad was a city on the

southern border of Canaan. The king of Arad atacked Israel as they
approached Canaan. (Numbers 21: 1-3; 33:40)

ARAMAIC: The language of the people in the nation of Aram was

Aramaic. The common language of the Jews was Hebrew but they
also spoke some Aramaic. (2 Kings 18:26) (Daniel 2:4) (John 19:13,
17, 20) (Acts 21:40)

ARAN: Aran was the son of Sheik Dishan. He was a descendant of

Seir the Horite. (Genesis 36:20, 28) (1 Chronicles 1:42)

ARARAT, MOUNTAIN, NATION: Ararat was a region and a

mountain range in a location that is now eastern Turkey. Noah’s
ark settled on the mountains of Ararat after the flood-Ge 8:4.
Mount Ararat is in the mountain range of the same name. It is the
highest peak rising 16,950 feet above sea level and the top three
thousand feet is covered with perpetual snow. Today the Turks call
this mountain Mount of the Ark. Jeremiah foretold that Ararat
would join other kingdoms to come up against Babylon to destroy
her in the sixth century B.C.E. (Jeremiah 51:27-29)

ARAUNAH: Araunah was the Jebusite who owned the threshing

floor King David purchased for building an altar to Jehovah. At first
Araunah offered to give the place, along with cattle and wood
implements for the sacrifice, without charge. However David
insisted on paying for them. (2 Samuel 24:16-25) (1 Chronicles
21:15-28)

ARBA: Arba was called “the father” or “great man” of the Anakim.
He was believed to be the founder of Kiriatharba (Hebron). (Joshua
14:15; 15:13; 21:11) Some experts claim Arba as the progenitor of the
race of giants known as the Anakim.

ARBATHITE: An Arbathite was a citizen of the wilderness city of

Betharabah. (Joshua 15:61. This city was located in the Jordan
Valley near Jericho. (Joshua 18:21, 22) Abiel, also known as
Abialbon, was an Arbathite. (2 Samuel 23:8, 31) (1 Chronicles 11:10,
32)

ARBEL: This town, 18 miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee, was

destroyed by the army of King Shalman. It is known as Betharbel, or
the house of Arbel. (Hosea 10:13)

ARBITE: The city of Arab was located near Hebron in the

Mountains of Judah. Citizens of Arab were called Arbites. (2 Samuel
23:8, 35)

ARCHAEOLOGY: Biblical archaeology is the branch of

anthropology that studies the people of the Bible, the events they
participated in, and their cultures. The archaeologist digs up and
analyzes rock, ruined walls and buildings, pottery, clay tablets and
many other things. Biblical archaeologists have uncovered artifacts
in Palestine, Egypt, Persia, Assyria, Babylonia, Asia Minor, Greece,
and Rome. Hundreds of datable sites have been excavated in
Palestine and Syria alone. This branch of science began in the early
eighteen hundreds and since then a wealth of valuable information
has been unearthed that totally harmonizes with the Scriptural
account.

ARCHANGEL: The prefix “arch” means principal. The principal

means the most important element or chief being. It implies that
there is only one. The term archangel is never found in plural in the
Holy Scriptures. The apostle Paul speaks of the preeminence of the
archangel and the authority of his office in reference to the
resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. This is found at first Thessalonians
4:16. The only name that is directly associated with the word
archangel is Michael found at Jude 9. It speaks about Michael the
archangel contending and disputing with the Devil. Only Jehovah
God and His Son Jesus Christ have adequate power to confront
Satan the Devil face to face. This is solid proof that Jesus Christ is
one and the same as Michael the archangel.

ARCHELAUS: Archelaus was the son of Herod the Great by his

fourth wife. He became king in Judea while Jeus was in Egypt with
his parents Joseph and Mary. Joseph wanted to avoid his tyrannical
rule so he settled outside Archelaus’ jurisdiction, in Nazareth of
Galilee. (Matthew 2:22, 23) He was not a popular ruler. In fact he
was cruel to the Jews. He once had 3,000 people slain in the temple
grounds.

ARCHER: A person who uses a bow and arrow is an archer. After

the flood man needed to kill animals for food, clothing, and shelter.
The bow and arrow made it possible to hunt animals that were too
fast to be taken otherwise. Abraham’s firstborn son Ishmael became
an archer.—Ge 21:20. The Bible speaks about the archers of the
Philistines, Syrians, and Egyptians. (1 Samuel 31:1-3) (1 Kings
22:34, 35) (2 Chronicles 35:20, 23)

ARCHIPPUS: The apostle Paul urges Archippus to remain faithful

in his ministry at Colossians 4:17. On another occasion, in his letter
to Philemon he refers to Archippus as a fellow soldier-Phm 2. Both
letters were written near the end of Paul’s first imprisonment in
Rome (c. 60-61 C.E.) Archippus was living in or near Colossae in
Asia Minor.

ARCHITECTURE: Architecture is the discipline dealing with the

principles of design and construction and ornamentation of fine
buildings. The Bible shows many different dwelling places prior to
the Flood of Noah’s Day. Cain engaged in building a city. (Genesis
4:16, 17) Others became tool builders. (Genesis 4:20, 22) The ark
was a major construction project done by Noah and his sons.
(Genesis 6:13-16) Architecture under Solomon reached its high
point. (2 Chronicles 1:15) (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6) However, most
building projects in Bible time were modest in size.

ARD: Ard was the grandson of Benjamin, the son of Bela. He was
one of the 70 persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt.
(Genesis 46:21) (Numbers 26:40)

ARDITES: The Ardites were the Benjamite family descended from

Ard. (Numbers 26:40)
ARDON: Ardon was one of the sons of Caleb the son of Hezron. He
was of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:18)

AREOPAGUS: The city council of Athens, Greece met on this hill.

This is the reason the city council was in fact called Areopagus. It
was on the Areopagus that the apostle Paul presented a logical,
persuasive and convincing argument to persuade unbelievers to
accept the good news of God’s kingdom. (Acts 17:19-34)

ARIMATHEA: This Judean city was Joseph’s hometown. Joseph

was the secret disciple who obtained Jesus’ corpse for burial. (Luke
23:50-53) (Matthew 27:57-60) (Mark 15:43-46) (John 19:38-42)

ARIOCH, KING OF ELLASAR: In league with Chedorlaomer and

two other kings, Arioch helped them to crush the rebellion of
Sodom, Gomorrah, and their allies. Abraham defeated Arioch and
his confederates and rescured Lot and his family. (Genesis 14:1-16)

ARIOCH, CHIEF BODYGUARD: Arioch was in charge of

Nebuchadnezzar’s bodyguards. They had orders to kill all the wise
men of Babylon because they failed to reveal and interpret the king’s
dream. Daniel revealed the dream and gave the interpretation and
thus saved the wise men. (Daniel 2:12-25)

ARETAS: Aretas was the last of several Arabian kings who

controlled Damascus when its governor entered into a plot with the
Jews to kill Paul. (Acts 9:23-25) (2 Corinthians 10:32, 33) Aretas
had given his daughter in marriage to Herod Antipas. Herod later
divorced her to marry Herodias. (Matthew 14:3, 4)

ARIEL, A NAME FOR JERUSALEM: The name Ariel is revealed as

a secret name for Jerusalem. It is found in Isaiah 29:1, 2, 7.
Jerusalem was the location of God’s Temple and the center of
Jehovah’s pure worship. Isaiah delivers an ominous message at
Isaiah 29:1-4 that predicts the destruction that was to come to that
city in 607 B.C.E. The cause of the calamity is stated in verses 9 to
16. (Isaiah 29:9-16)

ARISTARCHUS: Aristarchus was a close associate to the apostle

Paul. He traveled with him and served as a prisoner with him. He
came from Thessalonica in Macedonia. Aristarchus accompanied
Paul on the voyage to Rome. (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2) (Colossians
4:10) (Philemon 23,24)
ARISTOBULUS: The apostle Paul sent greetings to the family of
Aristobulus at Romans 16:10.

ARK, NOAH’S ARK: Jehovah gave Noah detailed instructions to

build an ark. The instructions included size, shape, design, and
specific materials to use. (Genesis 6:14-16) The ark was to be
rectangular with square corners. There was no need for rounded
bottom since it required no steering. Its only function was to be
watertight and to stay afloat. Its proportion of length to width was 6
to 1, the same as modern navel vessels. The three decks provided a
total of about 96,000 square feet of space. God told Noah to make
an ark out of wood of a resinous tree. (Genesis 6:14) Some believe it
was the cypress or a similar tree. Included on the list of passengers
were Noah, his wife, his three sons, their wives and living creatures
of every sort of flesh, two of each. (Genesis 6:18-21; 7:2, 3)

ARK OF THE COVENANT: The sacred chest placed in the Most

Holy of Jehovah’s Tabernacle. It is also called the Ark of the
Testimony. God promised he would be present from above the Ark.
(Exodus 25:22) (Leviticus 16:2)

ARKITE: Arkite was descended from Ham through Canaan and one
of the 70 post-Flood families. (Genesis 10:17) (1 Chronicles 1:15)
They settled west of the Lebanon Mountains along the
Mediterranean Coast.

ARM OF FLESH: The term arm of flesh means strength and power
of man such as an army. The arm of flesh as described in the Bible is
unreliable and failing the one trusting it. 2 Chronicles 32:8 “With
him (king of Assyria) there is an arm of flesh, but with us there is
Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our battles.

ARM OF GOD: God’s power is the arm of God. (Isaiah 40:10; 53:1)

ARMAGEDDON, HARMAGEDON: This is God’s war. Jesus leads

an army of angels to destroy all the wicked people on the earth. (2
Thessalonians 1:6-9) (Revelation 19:11-16) The Nations are gathered
to fight. (Revelation 16:14, 16)

ARMOR-BEARER: The armor-bearer was a military attendant who

carried the armor and weapons for a king of other leader. (1 Samuel
14:6, 7, 13; 31:5) These attendants were valiant soldiers and were
very devoted to their commanders.
ARMOR: The Christian suit of armor is identified at Ephesians 6:13-
17. Included with the symbolic suit is the sword of the Spirit, God’s
word.

ARMY: An army is an organization of military land forces. It can

also be defined as a large number of persons united for a specific
purpose. The common Hebrew term for army is “tsava.” It is used
with reference to human armed forces. (Numbers 1:3) It is also used
when speaking about spirit creatures. (1 Kings 22:19) Physical
heavenly bodies such as stars and planets are sometimes called
armies. (Deuteronomy 4:19) It is interesting to note that first
century Christians refused to serve in the army.

ARMY OFFICER: An army office is a person designated to lead a

group of soldiers. An army officer was in charge of four soldiers who
put Jesus to death. (John 19:23) Cornelius was a centurion
(someone in charge of 100 men) of the Italian band, stationed in
Caesarea. He was the first uncircumcised Gentile to become a
Christian. (Acts 10:1-48) Army officers stationed in the Tower of
Antonia rushed down to the nearby temple grounds and rescued the
apostle Paul from a mob in 56 C.E. (Acts 21:32)

ARNAN: The name Arnan is listed among King David’s

descendants. He lived after the Israilites returned from Babylon. (1
Chronicles 3:1, 21)

ARNI: Arni was an ancestor of Jesus Christ. In the Greek Septuagint

the Hebrew name Ram is rendered Aram. Arni is a variant of the
Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Ram. (Luke 3:33) (1
Chronicles 2:10)

ARNON VALLEY: The Arnon Valley, or canyon, is located on the

eastern side of the Dead Sea. It is a deep gorge that cuts through the
high plateau. This deep gorge is known as the Wadi Mujib, or the
Arnon Valley. It measures 2 miles wide and 1,700 feet deep in
places. While it is very dry most of the year, it is fed by numerous
tributaries that empty into the Dead Sea. The Arnon River flows
through this valley. (Numbers 21:13, 14)

AROERITE: The city of Aroer was named after Aroerite. The father
of two of David’s mighty men, Shama and Jeiel, was an Aroerite. (1
Chronicles 11:44)

ARPACHSHAD: Arpachshad was born two years after the Flood. He

was a son of Shem. He lived 438 years and was an ancestor of the
Hebrews through his grandson Eber. (Genesis 10:22, 24; 11:10-13)
(1 Chronicles 1:17-27)

ARPAD: Arpad was a royal city of north Syria. It was associated

with the city of Hamath. It was on the road leading south to Hamath
and Damascus and was frequently under attack from the Assyrians.
Tiglath-paleser III and later Sargon II captured it. (2 Kings 18:34;
19:12, 13) (Isaiah 10:9; 36:19; 37:12, 13) (Jeremiah 49:23)

ARROW SNAKE: The Hebrew word “qippohz” refers to the snake

called in Greek “akontias.” It is called the arrow snake because of its
darting and springing on its prey like the rattlesnake. Most snakes
lay eggs and some coil around their eggs to protect them. This
practice is mentioned in the prophecy found at Isaiah 34:15.

ART: There is no evidence of artwork among Christians of the first

century C.E. Art such as painting, sculpture, and design receive little
attention in the Bible. Credit for the Hebrews artistic ability is given
to God. (Exodus 35:30-35; 36:1, 2) No doubt the kings of Israel
commissioned artwork for the palaces and temple. (1 Kings 10:18-
20; 22:39) (Amos 3:12, 15; 6:4)

ARTAXERXES: Artaxerxes is a name or title given to two Persian

kings. This Artaxerxes was the Persian ruler who stopped the
building of Jehovah’s Temple in Jerusalem. (Exodus 4:6-24) He
ruled after Cyrus the Great (537 B.C.E.). Darius the Great followed
his reign. In 520 B.C.E. Darius the Great removed the ban imposed
on the Temple construction.

ARTAXERXES LONGIMANUS: Artaxerxes Langimanus was the

son of Xerxes I. He was the king referred to at Ezra 7:1-28 and
Nehemiah 2:1-18. He assended the throne around 475 B.C.E. The
exact date is not known.

ARTEMAS: The apostle Paul considered sending this faithful

companion to Titus in Crete. (Titus 3:12) Paul’s chose between
Artemas and Tychicus. His remark at Ephesians 6:21,22 indicate
that Tychicus was the final choice.

ARTEMIS: Artemis was the Greek name of an ancient goddess of

fertility worship in Asia Minor. (Acts 19:27)

ARUBBOTH: Arubboth was the town and administrative center of

one of the 12 deputies assigned by King Solomon to provide food for
the royal household. The son of Hesed was there. He had oversight
over Socoh and the land of Hepher. (1 Kings 4:7, 10) Arubboth is the
same as modern Arraba, located near Dothan, about 9 miles north
of Samaria, in the territory of Manasseh.

ARUMAH: This is the town in the territory of Ephraim in which

Abimelech, the son of Jerubbaal, resided. He launched his attack on
the Shechemites from there. (Judges 9:41) It was located about 5
miles southeast of Shechem. It is possible that it is the same as the
Rumah mentioned at 2 Kings 23:36. (See: RUMAH)

ARVAD: Arvad is the place referenced in Ezekiel’s prophetic dirge

about Tyre. He said the men from Arvad served as skilled rowers in
Tyre’s navy and as warriors in her army. Arvad is the small rocky
island 116 miles northeast of Tyre. It’s inhabitants were descendants
of Canaan. (Genesis 10:15, 18) (Ezekiel 27:8, 11) This island is
known today as Arwad.

ARVADITE: The inhabitants of the small island of Arvad were

known as Arvadites. This island was off the northern coast of Syria.
(Genesis 10:6, 15, 18) (1 Chronicles 1:16) (Ezekiel 27:8, 11)

ARZA: Arza was the steward of the household of Elah, king of Israel,
952 B.C.E. The king was in a drunken state at Arza’s house, where
was assassinated by Zimri. (1 Kings 16:9, 10)

ASA, KING OF JUDAH: Asa was the third king of Judah. He

became king after the nation was divided into two kingdoms. He
was the son of Abijam (Abijah) and the grandson of Rehoboam.
Judah and Benjamin were filled with apostasy at that time. Filled
with zeal for pure worship, Asa worked hard to clean the male
temple prostitutes and the idols out of the land. He even went so far
as to remove his grandmother, Aaacah, from her position as an
highly honored first lady of the land. Maacah made an idol to the
sacred pole and to the goddess Asherah. (1 Kings 15:11-14) (2
Chronicles 14:2-5) Asa’s zeal for righteous worship brought
blessings of peace from Jehovah during the first ten years of his
reign. (2 Chronicles 14:1, 6) Later the country was threatened by a
force of a million warriors from Zerah the Ethiopian. Asa’s prayer
for help is recorded at 2 Chronicles 14:8-15. It was then that the
prophet Azariah told Asa, “Jehovah is with you when you are with
him. If you dedicate your lives to serve him, he will accept you.” (2
Chronicles 15:1-7) Asa’s good qualities and freedom from apostasy
outweighed his mistake and he was viewed as one of the faithful
kings of the line of Judah. He reigned for 41 years from 977 to 937
B.C.E.
ASA, SON OF ELKANAH: Asa was the son of Elkanah. His father
was a Levite. Asa was the father of Berechiah. Berechiah lived in the
settlements of the Netophathites after returning from the
Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:16)

ASAHEL, SON OF ZERUIAH: Asahel was the son of David’s sister

or half sister Zeruiah. His brothers were Abishai and Joab. He was
David’s nephew. (1 Chronicles 2:15, 16) Asahel was an honored
member of the 30 outstanding warriors who served under David. (2
Samuel 2:12-28; 3:22-27) The Bible says, “Asahel was as fast on his
feet as a wild gazelle.” (2 Samuel 2:18; 23:24)

ASAHEL, THE LEVITE: This Asahel was one of the Levites assigned
to teach the Law in Judah. He lived during Jehoshaphat’s reign. (2
Chronicles 17:7, 8) (Deuteronomy 33:8-10)

ASAHEL, SERVED IN THE TEMPLE: Asahel served in the Temple

during Hezekiah’s reign. He was involved with the contributions
and tithes. (2 Chronicles 31:13)

ASAHEL, FATHER OF JONATHAN: This Asahel was the father of

Jonathan, a contemporary of Ezra. (Ezra 10:15)

ASAPH, SON OF LEVI: Asaph is considered the writer of Psalms

50, and 73 to 83. While there is no absolute proof of his authorship
the superscriptions indicate that it is so. Asaph was a son of Levi
through Gershom. (1 Chronicles 6:39, 43) He was appointed by the
Levites as a lead singer and player of cymbals. He accompanyed the
Ark when it wast transported from Obed-edom’s home to the City of
David. (1 Chronicles 15:17, 19, 25-29) Asaph, Heman, and Ethan,
served together in the Tabernacle directing the music and singing.
(1 Chronicles 6:31-44)

ASAPH, DESCENDANT OF KOHATH: Asaph was a descendant of

Levi’s son Kohath. His descendants were gatekeepers in Tabernacle
service in King David’s day. (1 Chroniclse 26:1) (Numbers 16:1)

ASAPH, FATHER OF JOAH: This Asaph was the father of one of

the officials who served King Hezekiah. Asaph is listed as the
recorder. (2 Chronicles 18:18, 37) (Isaiah 36:3, 22)

ASAPH, KEEPER OF THE PARK: Asaph took care of King

Artaxerxes’ park at the time when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem
in 455 B.C.E. The park was a wooded plot of land under Persian
control. (Nehemiah 1:11; 2:8)

ASAREL: Asarel was one of the four sons of Jehallelel of the tribe of
Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:16)

ASCENSION: Forty days after his ressurection Jesus returned to

heaven. This event was known as the ascension. He ascended from
the Mount of Olives, near the town of Bethany. A very small group
of his faithful apostles witnessed the ascension. (Acts 1:2-13) Jesus
testified that prior to that date no man had ascended into heaven
but the Son of man. (John 3:13) Jesus ascended into heaven to
present the ransom value of his lifeblood to Jehovah God. (Hebrews
9:24)

ASCENTS: The superscription for a group of 15 Psalms in Hebrew is

“Shirhammaaloth.” Theses are Psalms 120 through 134. They are
referred to as the Song of Ascents. Some translations call them “A
gradual canticle (Dy),” A Song of degrees (KJV),” and “A Song of the
Stairsteps (NWT).” David wrote four of these psalms and Soloman
wrote one of these psalms. It was at one time Jewish tradition that
the Levites were to sing these 15 psalms. It is possible that these
psalms were named “Ascents” because the Israelite worshipers
traveled or ascended to the lofty city Jerusalem in the mountains of
Judah to praise their God. (Psalm 122:1-4)

ASENATH: She was Joseph’s wife who became the mother of

Manasseh and Ephraim. Asenath was the daughter of the Egyptian
priest Potiphera of On. (Genesis 41:45, 50-52; 46:20)

ASHAN: Ashan was a city in the Shephelah in the territory of Judah.

It was first assigned to Judah and later given to Simeon, becauses
Judah’s territory was very large. (Joshua 15:42; 19:7, 9) (1
Chronicles 4:32)

ASHARELAH: Asharelah the son of Asaph served in the groups of

musicians and singers at Jehovah’s Temple in the time of David. (1
Chronicles 25:1, 2)

ASHBEA: Ashbea was of the house of Ashbea. They were

descendants of Judah’s son Shelah and they were noted for fine
fabric. (1 Chronicles 4:21)

ASH CONSTELLATION: The Hebrew words “Ash” and Ayish” refer

to celestial constellations. It is not clear which constellations they
are talking about in the book of Job. Jehovah conveys to Job the
wisdom and power of the Creator and Job acquiesces. (Job 9:7-9;
38:32, 33)

ASHDOD: Ashdod was one of the five main cities in Philistia. These
cities were under the control of the axis lords. The other cities were
Gath, Gaza, Ekron and Askelon. (Joshua 13:3) Ashdod was the
religious center of Philistia with its worship of the false god Dagon.
(Joshua 11:22; 15:46, 47) (Judges 1:19)

ASHDODITE: The people who lived in the Philistine city of Ashdod

were Ashdodites. (Joshua 13:3)

ASHER, THE MAN, THE TRIBE: Asher was the eighth son of Jacob
through Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. (Genesis 35:26) The tribe of
Asher were the descendants of Asher. It was the fifth most populous
tribe. (Numbers 26:47) The territory of Asher included some of the
most fertile land in all Israel. Olive trees and other fruit trees grew
in abundance there.

ASHERAH: Goddess of fertility worshiped by the Canaanites. Her

male counterpart was Baal. The Hebrews began worshiping these
two gods after they invaded Canaan.

ASHERITE: An Asherite was a member of the tribe of Asher-Jg

1:31,32. An Asherite was a descendant of Asher, Jacob’s second son
by Leah’s maidservant: Zilpah. (Genesis 30:12, 13)

ASHES: Ashes are that which is left over after something is burned.
Most of the Bible application of the term “ashes” is symbolic. Ashes
are symbolic of something that is valueless. For example: Abraham
confessed to Jehovah, “I am only dust and ashes.” Job told his false
comforters, “Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes.” (Genesis 18:27)
(Job 13:12; 30:19) (Isaiah 44:20) It was a practice to scatter ashes
upon oneself or sit in ashes in the days of Jonah. He covered himself
with sackcloth and sat down in ashes as an example of humiliation
and repentance. (Jonah 3:5, 6) Jesus even spoke about repenting in
sackcloth and ashes at Matthew 11:21. It was the accepted practice
to burn captured cities to the ground. This indicated complete
destruction. Tyre, Sodom, and Gomorrah are classic examples.
(Ezekiel 28:18) (2 Peter 2:6)

ASHHUR: Ashhur was the son of Hezron, the great grandson of

Judah. He fathered seven sons by his two wives. (1 Chronicles 2:4,
5, 24; 4:5-7)
ASHIMA: This deity was worshiped by the people from Hamath
when they settled in Samaria. (2 Kings 17:24, 30) According to the
Babylonian Talmud, Ashima was represented as a hairless he goat.
This is why some have identified Ashima with Pan, a pastoral god of
fertility. Others suggest that the name Ashima may be a deliberate
alteration of the name Asherah, the Canaanite fertility goddess.
(Genesis 26:10) But we have no absolute proof that this could be.

ASHKELON: The city of Ashkelon was a seaport on the

Mediteranean Sea located in a naturally formed rocky
amphitheater. The concave part of the theater was facing toward the
Mediterranean. The fertile countryside produced apples, figs, and
onions. The city was assigned to the tribe of Judah, but it did not
remain subject to them for long. (Judges 1:18, 19) It became a
Philistine city in time of Samson and Samuel. (Judges 14:19) (1
Samuel 6:17) The prophet Zechariah predicted doom for Ashkelon
at the time Tyre was destroyed in 332 B.C.E. (Zechariah 9:3-5)

ASHKELONITE: People who lived in the Philistine city of Ashkelon

were known as Ashelonites. (Joshua 13:3)

ASHKENAZ, THE KINGDOM: Three kingdoms were instructed to

ally themselve together to do battle with Babylon at the time of her
downfall in 539 B.C.E. They were Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz..
(Jeremiah 51:27) Ashkenaz was located north of the area between
the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

ASHNAH: There were two towns in Judah named Ashnah. One

town was in the Shephelah. (Joshua 15:33) The other town was
south of the first Ashnah about 5 miles southeast of Mareshah.
(Joshua 15:43)

ASHPENAZ: Ashpenaz was the chief court official in Babylon

during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. He was in charge of the corps of
eunuchs, but he was not a eunuch. He trained the young people to
serve as pages of the monarch. (Daniel 1:3)

ASHTAROTH: Ashtaroth was a city in the area known as Bashan

about 20 miles east of the Sea of Galilee. It’s name suggests that it
was a center of worship of the goddess Ashtoreth. (Deuteronomy
1:4) (Joshua 9:10; 12:4; 13:12) Ashtoroth was at one time the
possession of the Gershonites as a Levite city. (Joshua 13:29-31) (1
Chronicles 6:71)
ASHTERATHITE: An inhabitant of Ashtaroth was called an
Ashterathite. One of David’s mighty men, Uzzia, was an
Ashterathite. (1 Chronicles 11:44)

ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM: King Chedorlaomer of Elam defeated the

Raphaim at Ashteroth-karnaim. Some scholars believe the added
word “karnaim” refers to the two horns of the crescent moon. This
symbolizes the goddess Astarte. It could also symbolize the twin
mountain peaks adjacent to the town. (Genesis 14:5)

ASHORETH: Ashtoreth was a goddess of the Canaanites,

considered to be the wife of Baal. She was pictured as a nude female
with exaggerated sex organs. She was worshiped by a large number
of people. Worship of her probably existed in Canaan as early as
Abraham’s time. One of the cities there was “Ashteroth-karnaim”
(Genesis 14:5) The Greek name for her was Astarte. (Deuteronomy
1:4) (Joshua 9:10; 12:4)

ASIA, THE ROMAN PROVINCE: The term Asia is referring to the

Roman province of Asia in the Bible, not the the entire continent of
Asia. The area included the older countries of Mysia, Lydia, and
Caria. The capital was Pergamum in Mysia at the beginning and was
later moved to Ephesus. It was divided into 9 legal districts and 44
city sub-districts. Luke lists Asia along with the provinces of
Cappadocia, Pontus, and Pamphylia as the regions from which the
Jews came to Jerusalem at Pentecost 33 C.E. (Acts 2:9, 10; 16:9;
18:19-21) The apostle Paul speaks about the district of Asia in his
letters as well. (2 Timothy 1:15-18; 4:19) The letters to the seven
congregations in the Book of Revelation are written to
congregations in prominent cities of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
(Revelation 1:4, 11; 2:2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 19; 3:10)

ASIEL: Asiel belonged to the tribe of Simeon. He was the forefather

of Jehu. Jehu was a chieftain in the days of King Hezekiah. (1
Chronicles 4:35, 38, 41)

ASNAH: Asnah was the head of a family of Nethinim. This family

returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in
537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 50)

ASP: The Greek word “aspis” is found one time in the Christian
Greek Scriptures, at Romans 3:13. It can be translated “snake” or
“asps.” The Apostle Paul is quoting from Psalm 140:3 where the
venom of poisonous snakes is mentioned.
ASPATHA: This man was one of Haman’s ten sons. (Esther 9:7, 10)

ASRIEL: Asriel was a male descendant of Manasseh. He became the

family head of the Asrielites. He was the great-grandson of
Manasseh through Machir and his son Gilead. (Numbers 26:29-31)
(Joshua 17:1-4)

ARIELITES: The Arielites were the Manassite family descended

from Asriel. (Numbers 26:29, 31)

ASS, DONKEY: The ass is a hardy sure footed animal. It is smaller

than a horse, but it is from the horse family. It has long pointed
ears, shorter main and shorter tail hair. It is considered more
intelligent than the horse. It is patient and capable of enduring
much suffering. (Genesis 12:16; 22:3) (Joshua 15:18) (2 Chronicles
28:15) (Isaiah 30:24) Jesus rode his triumphal entry into Jerusalem
on a young ass. (Mark 11:7) (Luke 19:35) (John 12:14, 15) The New
Simplified Bible uses the term donkey instead of the term ass
because there are too many negative synonyms connected with the
word ass.

ASSEMBLY: Jehovah God has in the past commanded his faithful

servants to assemble for various purposes. Such gatherings offered
many spiritual benefits and were occasions for great joy. The
Hebrew word “edhah” is translated into the English terms assemble
or congregate. (2 Samuel 20:5) The Hebrew word “migra” means
convention or assembly. (Exodus 12:16) (Leviticus 23:2, 3) The
Greek word “ekklesia” is usually rendered congregation, assembly,
or bringing together. (Acts 7:38; 13:43) (Hebrews 12:23) (James
2:2) Large crowds assembled before Jesus Christ. One of those
occasions happened on the Mount of Olives at the Sermon on the
Mount. This is recorded at Matthew 5:1 through 7:29. Holy Spirit
was poured out on those assembled on Pentecost 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-
4) It was the custom for early Christians to meet together. (Acts
11:26) (Hebrews 10:23-25) (James 2:1-9)

ASTARTE: The Greek name for Ashoreth the Goddess of fertility

and war worshiped in the Mid-East.

ASTROLOGERS: A student of the planets and the universe is an

astrologer. An astrologer predicts the future by the positions of the
planets and the sun and moon. (Matthew 2:1) Jehovah God warned
against such false religious practices. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
ASSHUR, SON OF SHEM: Asshur was the son of Shem. He was the
progenitor of the Assyrians. The same Hebrew word is rendered
both Asshur and Assyria. (Genesis 10:22) (1 Chronicles 1:17)
(Ezekiel 27:23)

ASSHUR, FALSE GOD: Asshur was the most worshiped false god of
the Assyrians. The Assyrians were a warlike people who prayed to
the god of military prowess for aid. Asshur was represented in their
art by the winged sun disk. Assyrians troops carried his sacred
symbol to battle.

ASSHURIM: The Asshurim were the descendants of Dedan.

Asshurim was the son of Jokshan. Jokshan was the son of Abraham
by Keturah. (Genesis 25:1-3)

ASSIR: Assir was the son of Korah. He was a Levite born in Egypt.
(Exodus 6:24) (1 Chronicles 6:22)

ASSOCIATION, COMPANY: Association is the act of consorting

with or joining with others. It is a social gathering of guest and
companions. People who desire God’s approval choose companions
who are devoted to righteousness and truth. (2 Timothy 2:22) (1
Corinthians 15:33) In direct rebellion against Jehovah’s commands
the Israelites associated with Canaanites. They even formed
marriage alliances with them. (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4) (Judges 3:5-8)
Solomon turned from true worship of Jehovah when he took
worshipers of false gods as wives. (Nehemiah 13:26) To remain a
part of the Christian brotherhood true believers avoid all association
with promoters of false teachings. (Romans 16:17, 18)

ASSOS: This town was a seaport in Mysia on the north shore of the
Gulf of Adramyttium. It was in the Roman province of Asia. The
apostle Paul traveled through Assos on his way back to Jerusalem
on his third missionary tour. (Acts 20:6, 13, 14)

ASSYRIA: Assyria was the country in the north end of the

Mesopotamian plain what is today the modern country of Iraq.
Throughout their history Assyria and Babylon were closely related.
They jointly occupied a region with no natural division between
them. The Assyrian people were more energetic and aggressive than
the Babylonians. Assyria was a military power and they were cruel
and rapacious people. The city of Asshur, located west of the Tigris
was the original capital of the region. Assyria’s religion was
inherited from Babylon even though it had its own national god
Asshur. The Assyrians believed every object and natural
phenomenon to be animated by a spirit. Numerous references to
Assyria are found in the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,
Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Zecariah. (Isaiah 11:11-16; 14:25)
(Jeremiah 50:17, 18) (Ezekiel 32:22) (Zechariah 10:10, 11)

ASTROLOGERS: An astrologer is someone who predicts the future

by the positions of the planets and sun and moon. This is a false
science in which a different god is believed to rule over each section
of the heavens. In the eighth century Before Common Era, the
prophet Isaiah foretold the destrution of Babylon. He challenged the
stargazing astrological counselors of that doomed city to save her:
“Let your astrologers come forward and save you! Let these people
who study the stars, who map out the zones of the heavens tell you
from month to month what is goig to happen to you.” (Isaiah 47:13)
Daniel and his three companions were captive in the land of the
astrologers. The king of Babylon “found them ten times better than
all the magicians and enchanters in his entire realm.” (Daniel 1:20)
On another occasion Daniel told the king, “There is a God in heaven
that reveals secrets.” With God’s help Daniel went on to reveal the
kings dream and visions when the king’s astrologers could not.
(Daniel 2:28, 30) The practice of looking into the liver was a special
aspect of astrology. (Ezekiel 21:21) Astrology and other forms of
magic are all forbidden by God. (Exodus 20:3, 4) (Deuteronomy
18:10-12)

ASYNCRITUS: This man was a Christian in Rome to whom the

apostle Paul sent a greeting in his letter to the Romans about 56
C.E. (Romans 16:14)

ATAD: Joseph went to the threshing place at Atad to bury his

father, Jacob. This threshing place was located near the Jordan
River. (Genesis 50:7-13)

ATARAH: Atarah was one of Jerahmeel’s wives. She was from the
tribe of Judah and was mother of Onam. (1 Chronicles 2:3-5, 25, 26)

ATAROTH, EAST OF JORDAN: Ataroth was a town east of the

Jordan River. It was requested by the tribes of Gad and Reuben for
their possession. The area nearby was suitable for the raising
livestock. (Numbers 32:1-5, 34) The Moabite Stone of King Mesha
mentions this place in lines 10 and 11 of the inscription.

ATHACH: Athach was a town of Judah included among the places

to which David sent portions of the spoil resulting from his victory
over the rading Amalekites. (1 Samiel 30:26, 30)
ATHALIAH, QUEEN OF JUDAH: Athaliah was the queen of Judah.
She was the daughter of King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel. (2
Kings 8:18, 26) Athaliah was given in marriage to Jehoram, the
eldest son of Jehoshaphat of Judah. (2 Kings 8:25-27) (2 Chronicles
18:1) She was the mother of Ahaziah, who later became king of
Judah. Athaliah shed the blood of the innocent just like her mother.
When her son Ahaziah died she killed off all who were in line to
become king except the infant Jehoash. Then she had herself
installed as queen for six years. (2 Chronicles 22:11, 12)

ATHENS: Today’s modern capital of Greece was also its most

prominent city in ancient times. Athens is located 5 miles from the
Aegean Sea and is served by the nearby seaport of Piraeus. The city
is surrounded by mountains providing a natural defense and
detracting from the possibility of surprise attacks. It was far enough
from the sea to prevent invading fleets. Athens was the center of
Greek learning, literature, and art. It was a university city filled with
many professors and philosophers. It was the home of Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle. The Platonic, Peripatetic, Epicurean, and Stoic
schools of philosophy were all located there. (Acts 17:18) Athens was
also a religious city. Paul commented that Athenians “are very
religious.” (Acts 17:22) The Athenians were so zealous about their
religion that they built altars “To the Unknown God.” (Acts 17:23)

ATHAIAH: Athaiah was a descendant of Perez. He was from the

tribe of Judah. Athaiah became a resident of Jerusalem after he was
released from Babylonian exile in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah
11:4-6)

ATONEMENT, DAY OF: This was the most important of Israel’s

holy days. The High Priest would offer sacrifice for the sins of the
people of Israel. (Leviticus Chapter 16) The Jewish name for this
modern day observance is Yom Kippur.

ATONEMENT: Hebrew: Ka-phar’ means to cover or wipe off. Man

needs a sin covering, or atonement. This is because of inherited sin.
(Romans 3:23) It is also because man continues to sin by not
obeying Jehovah God’s commandments. (1 John 3:4; 5:3) Adequate
atonement requires an exchange of equal value payments. In this
case it required the blood of a perfect man, Jesus Christ, to pay the
ransom price for the blood of the perfect life lost, Adam. (1 John 1:7)
(1 Peter 3:18) (1 Timothy 2:5-6) (Ephesians 1:7)
ATROTH-SHOPHAN: Atroth-shophan was a city that the tribe of
Gad captured from Kings Sihon and Og. They then rebuilt it.
(Numbers 32:33, 35)

ATTAI, GRANDSON OF SHESHAN: This man was the grandson of

Sheshan. He was a descendant of Judah through Hezron. His
mother was one of the daughters of Sheshan. Attai was the father of
Nathan. (1 Chronicles 2:25, 34-36)

ATTAI, THE GADITE: Attai was one of eleven brave Gadites who
crossed the Jordan River at flood stage to join David’s army. (1
Chronicles 12:8, 11-15)

ATTAI, SON OF REHOBOAM: This Attai was the son of Rehoboam

and the grandson of Solomon. His brother was King Abijah. (2
Chronicles 11:20, 21)

ATTALIA: Attalia was a seaport town on the coast of Pamphylia in

Asia Minor. At the close of his missionary tour, the apostle Paul
embarked from Attalia and headed for Antioch in Syria, about 300
miles away. (Acts 14:24-26) This seaport was located at the mouth
of the Cataractes River and was the chief port of the the province of
Pamphylia.

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, STANDING: There was no set form of

posture for prayer among the Hebrew people. However standing
was a common posture. Often times Jesus would stand and pray.
(Mark 11:25) (Luke 3:21, 22)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, KNEELING: Kneeling was a common

attitude for prayer. Solomon knelt at the inauguration of the
Temple. (1 King 8:54) (Acts 9:40; 20:36; 21:5) (Ephesians 3:14)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, BOWING: Ezekiel saw 25 men with their

backs toward the Temple of Jehovah. They were bowing toward the
east. (Ezekiel 8:16) The Jews would worship by turning their faces
and bowing toward the city of Jerusalem. (1 Kings 8:42, 44) (Daniel
6:10)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, EXTENDING ARMS: When standing or

kneeling the arms were extended and the palms of the hands spread
out to the heavens. (1 Kings 8:22) (2 Chronicles 6:13) (Nehemiah
8:6) The face and eyes could be lifted up toward heaven. (Job
22:26) (Matthew 14:19) (Mark 7:34) (John 17:1)
ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, PROSTRATING AND SITTING: A
fervent believer might fall down or fall on his face in a prostrating
position to humble himself before God. When Jesus was on earth,
people would prostrate themselves before him to show him deep
respect. (Genesis 24:26, 48) (Nehemiah 8:6) (Numbers 16:22, 45)
(Matthew 26:39) (Luke 5:12) (John 9:38)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, COVERING THE HEAD: The custom of

women covering their heads was a sign of respect. This custom was
followed by the first century Christian congregation. (1 Corinthians
11:3-10)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, REMOVING SANDALS: Removing

sandals was a gesture of respect or reverence. Joshua was in the
presence of an angel when he removed his sandals. Moses received
the command to remove his sandals at the burning bush. (Jos 5:15;
Ex 3:5) It is still a practice in the Middle East to remove sandals
when a person enters a house. (Matthew 3:11) (John 1:27)

ATTITUDES OF PRAYER, POURING WATER: This was a service

performed after a meal. The people in the Middle East used their
hands for eating. So it was a custom of pouring water over the hands
for washing. (2 Kings 3:11) Washing the feet of your guest was also a
practice of hospitality and respect. (John 13:5) (Genesis 24:32);
43:24) (1 Timothy 5:10)

ATTITUDE OF SWEARING, RAISING HAND: Raising the hand

and placing the hand under the thigh was when taking an oath. God
speaks of himself in a symbolic way doing this. (Isaiah 62:8) Daniel
saw a vision in which an angel raised both his right hand and his left
to utter an oath. (Daniel 12:7) It was the custom for a servent to
place one hand under his masters thigh to pledge an oath. (Genesis
47:29-31)

ATTITUDE OF GRIEF AND DISGUST, THROWING DUST: Grief

was expressed by wearing sackcloth, ripping garments, and
throwing dust on the head. (Genesis 50:1-3) (John 11:35) (Joshua
7:6) (1 Samuel 4:12) (Job 2:12) Dust throwing was also a gesture of
contempt. Shimei cursed David and threw stones at him. (2 Samuel
16:13)

ATTITUDE OF FRIENDSHIP, KISSING: Kissing, washing feet, and

anointing head are expressions of friendship. The Scriptures speak
of falling upon the neck in an embrace. (Genesis 33:4; 45:14, 15;
46:29) (Luke 7:44-46; 15:20) (Acts 20:37)
AUGUSTUS: The title Augustus was given to Gaius Octavius.
Roman emperors also assumed the title. (Acts 25:21, 25) Octavius
became the undisputed ruler of the Roman Empire in September, 31
B.C.E. In the year 2 B.C.E. a decree was issured by Caesar Augustus
for all the inhabited earth to be registered; and all people traveled to
be registered at assigned towns. This decree resulted in Jesus’ being
born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecy. (Luke 2:1, 3)

AUGUSTUS, BAND OF: The apostle Paul, as a citizen of Rome,

appealed to Caesar to settle the accusations against him. He was
placed under the charge of an army officer, “a centurion of the Band
of Augustus at Caesarea. (Acts 25:13; 26:30-27:1) The Band of
Augustus is believed to be a special imperial corps of officers who
served as a liaison of couriers between the emperor and the military
in the provinces. It is extimated that there were 300 to 600 men in
the Band of Augustus.

AVEN, ABBREVIATION FOR BETHAVEN: Aven appears in the

Hebrew text at Hosea 10:8 as an abbreviation for Bethaven. The
New Simplified Bible uses the word Bethaven.

AVEN VALLEY: Amos 1:5 speaks about the inhabitants of the valley
of Aven. In Hebrew it is rendered “Bikath-aven.”

AUNT: An aunt would be the sister of one’s mother or father or the

wife of one’s uncle. This relationship is only mentioned in the
Hebrew Scriptures. Sexual intercourse with a near relative such as
an aunt is forbidden under the Mosaic Law as well as the moral
principles taught by Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul. (Leviticus
18:12-14; 20:19, 20) (Matthew 5:27, 28) (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)

AVENGER OF BLOOD: The Hebrew words for blood avenger are

go’el had-dam’. They mean reclaim, buy back, repurchase, redeem
and ransom. (Exodus 15:13) (Leviticus 25:25) (Isaiah 43:1)
(Jeremiah 31:11) The Hebrew Law required the nearest male
relative avenge the blood of one who had been killed. (Numbers
35:19) The sanctity of blood and human life required that anyone
shedding blood must loose his life by the shedding his own blood.
(Genesis 9:5, 6) (Numbers 35:19-21, 31) God will see to it that
innocent blood of all his faithful servants is avenged in due time.
(Deuteronomy 32:43) (Revelation 6:9-11)

AVITH: Avith was the royal city and home of King Hadad, the
fourth king of the Edomites. He defeated the Midianites in battle
about 62 miles southeast of the Dead Sea near Jebel el-Jiththeh
Mountain. (Genesis 36:35) (1 Chronicles 1:46)

AVVA: Avva was a town in northern Syria. It was under the control
of Assyria in the eighth centuy B.C.E. Some scholars think it is the
same as Ivvah. (2 Kings 17:24; 18:34) (Isaiah 37:13)

AVVIM, THE PEOPLE: The Avvim were people who settled in the
land of Canaan near Gaza. Part of the Avvim had been evictied by
the Caphtorim about forty years after the Exodus. (Deuteronomy
2:23) A remnant of the Avvim still remained shortly before Joshua’s
death. (Joshua 13:1, 3)

AVVIM, CITY OF BENJAMIN: This city may have been occupied by

members of the tribe of Avvim. It was about 2.5 miles southeast of
Bethel. (Joshua 18:21-23)

AVVITES, INHABITANTS OF AVVA: The Avvites were inhabitants

of Avva. They were among the people the Assyrians used to replace
exiled Israelites after capturing Samaria in 740 B.C.E. (2 Kings
17:24) The Avvites knew about Jehovah and yet they made and
worshipped the gods Nibhaz and Tartak. (2 Kings 17:29-33)

AWE: The Hebrew verbs “yare” and “arats” mean a sense of awe or
reverential respect. (Leviticus 19:30) (Psalm 89:7) (Isaiah 29:23;
47:12) It can also mean trembling. (Isaiah 8:12) (Ps 10:18)
Jehovah’s presence filled beholders with awe. When the mountain
shook and smoke ascended from it the Israelites were filled with
deep respect and some of them trembled. (Exodus 19:9, 16-19;
20:18, 20) (Hebrews 12:21) Jehovah God alone should receive such
deep respect and awe to move people to worship him. (Psalm 89:7)
(Isaiah 29:23) (1 Peter 1:17) (Revelation 14:7)

AX: The ax is a tool with a blade on the head that is used for cutting
wood or stone. It can also be used as a weapon. (Deuteronomy 19:5)
(2 Kings 6:5, 6) (Psalm 35:3) (Isaiah 10:15) (Revelation 20:4)

AXIS LORDS: This is a title applied to the five Lords who ruled the
Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Gath and Gaza. The
axis lords ruled over the individual city-states and as a council of
coequals with regard to matters of mutual interests. (1 Samuel 5:9—
6:4; 18:30; 21:10; 27:2; 29:2-4) They were not kings in the usual
sense, but the title prince was applied to them.
‘AYIN: ‘Ayin is the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a
consonant. It appears as the first letter of the verses of Psalm
119:121-128 written in the Hebrew text.

AZANIAH: Azaniah was the father of the Levite Jeshua. He and his
descendants probably lived during Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah
10:9)

AZEKAH: This city was located in the Shephelah region near the
upper reaches of the Elah Valley, 16 miles northwest of Hebron. It is
first mentioned in the Bible at Joshua 10:5-11 in connection with the
attack of five Canaanite kings against Gibeon. Azekah was assigned
to the tribe of Judiah. (Joshua 15:20, 35) At the time of King Saul
the Philistines assembled their forces between Socoh and Azekah
and championed Goliath as their greatest warrior. David’s surprise
victory over Goliath put the Philistines to flight. (1 Samuel 17:1-53)
Azekah and Lachish were the last Judean cities to fall before the
Babylonian troops, under Nebuchadnezzar, captured Jerusalem.
(Jeremiah 34:6, 7) Azekah was resettled by returning Jewish exiles
following the 70 year captivity. (Nehemiah 11:25, 30)

AZAZ: Azaz was a descendant of Jacob’s firstborn son Reuben. (1

Chronicles 5:1, 8)

AZAZEL: The word Azazel is found four times in the Holy

Scriptures. It is used in reference to Atonement Day. (Leviticus 16:5,
7-11, 26) The meaning of the word is “Goat that Disappears” and
“scapegoat.”Paul explained that the Jesus sacrifice for the sins of
mankind was worth far more that the “blood of bulls and of goats.”
(Hebrews 10:4, 11, 12) Thus Jesus served as the “scapegoat” being
the “carrier of our sicknesses” and being “pierced for our
transgression.” (Isaiah 53:4, 5) (Matthew 8:17) (1 Peter 2:24)

AZIZA: Aziza was one of the persons who dismissed their foreign
wives and sons when Ezra required it. (Ezra 10:27, 44)

AZMAVETH, TOWN IN BENJAMIN: Azmaveth was a town located

within the territory of Benjamin. It was also called Beth-azmaveth.
Exiles from there were among those returning from Babylon. (Ezra
2:1, 24) (Nehemiah 7:28) Citizens of Azmaveth provided singers for
the inaguration of the newly restored Jerusalem wall. (Nehemiah
12:29) It is the same town as the modern Hizmeh, about 5 miles
northeast Jerusalem.
AZMAVETH, FATHER OF JEZIEL AND PELET: This Azmaveth
was the son of Jeziel and Pelet of the tribe of Benjamin. He was
among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles
12:1-3)

AZMAVETH, SON OF ADIEL: Azmaveth was the son of Adiel. He

was in charge of the king’s treasures. (1 Chronicles 27:25)

AZOR: Azor was an ancestor of Jesus’ adoptive father Joseph. He

lived at the time of the return from exile in Babalon. (Matthew 1:13,
14, 16)

AZZAN: Azzan was the father of Paltiel. Jehovah chose him to

represent the tribe of Issachar at the division of the Promised Land.
(Numbers 34:26, 29)

AZZUR, FATHER OF HANANIAH: Azzur was the father of the false

prophet from Gibeon, Hananiah. (Jeremiah 28:1)

AZZUR, FATHER OF JAAZANIAH: This Azzur was the father of

one of the princes of the people, Jaazaniah. These men were
scheming bad counsel against Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 11:1, 2)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

B

BAAL: A Canaanite god. Baal was the word for master and lord.
Baal was worshiped by some Israelites. (Judges 2:10-11) (Jeremiah
11:13) King Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. (2 Kings 10:18-
28)

BAALAH: Baalah was a city on the North border of Judah that is

also called Kiriath-baal and Kiriath-jearim. The word Baalah means
Place of the Mistress. (1 Chronicles 13:6)
BAALATH: This border town of the territory of Dan is possibly the
same place Solomon included in his rebuilding program. (Joshua
19:44, 45) (2 Chronicles 8:5, 6)

BAALATH-BEER: This city of Simeon was within the territorial

limits of Judah. (Joshua 19:1, 8) It was also called Ramah of the
south or Baal. (2 Chronicles 8:5, 6) (1 Kings 9:17, 18)

BAAL-BERITH: This means Owner or god of the covenants. He was

believed to be the one who watched over keepers of covenants. This
Baal was the Baal of Shechem, whom the Israelites worshiped after
the death of Judge Gideon. (Judges 8:33; 9:27-29; 46-49)

BAAL-GAD: This was a town on the West side of the base of Mount
Hermon in the Valley of Lebanon. It was at the most northerly point
of Joshua’s conquest of the land of Canaan. (Joshua 11:17; 12:7;
13:5)

BAAL-HAMON: Baal-Hamon is mentioned at Song of Solomon

8:11. It was the location of a productive vineyard of King Solomon.
Some view it as a literal location and others as merely poetic
writing. (1 Kings 4:20, 21)

BAAL-HANAN, KING: Baal-hanan was the seventh of eight kings of

Edom. He ruled before any king ruled over Israel. He was the son of
Achbor. (Genesis 36:31, 38, 39) (1 Chronicles 1:49, 50)

BAAL-HANAN, GEDERITE: Baal-hanan was a Gederite. David

appointed him head over the olive groves and the sycamore trees in
the Shephelah. (1 Chronicles 27:28)

BAAL-HAZOR: This is the place at or near Ephraim where

Absolom’s sheep shearing festival took place, where he caused the
death of his brother Amnon. (2 Chronicles 13:19) (John 11:54) (2
Samuel 13:23, 28) The 3,386 ft Mount Jebel Asur (meaning Baal-
Hazor) is near that site.

BAAL-HERMON: This is a reference to Mount Hermon and it may

also refer to the Anti-Lebanon Range in general or the some portion
of it. (1 Chronicles 5:23)

BAALIS: Baalis was the king of Ammon. It has been said that he
sent Ishmael to murder Governor Gedaliah of Judah in 607 B.C.E.
The Greek Septuagint spells his name “Belisa.” (Jeremiah 40:14)
BAAL-MEON: Baal-Meon was a prominent town on the tableland of
North Moab. It was assigned to the tribe of Reuben along with
Mebo, Kirathaim and other towns. (Numbers 32:37, 38) (1
Chronicles 5:8)

BAAL OF PEOR: Baal was worshiped by both Moabites and

Midianites at Mount Peor. (Numbers 25:1, 3, 6) God sent a death
dealing scourge on Israel in connection with Baal of Peor. (Numbers
25:9) Twenty-three thousand were kill as a result of the scourge.

BAAL-PERAZIM: David and his fighting men fought to a complete

victory over the combined forces of the Philistines. This occurred
after David’s conquest of the Zion stronghold. (2 Samuel 5:9, 17-21)

BAAL-SHALISHAH: Baal-shalishah was somewhere near Gilgal

and the land of Shalishah. Saul passed through there in search of his
father’s she-asses. (1 Samuel 9:4) A man bought much needed food
supplies at Baal-shalishah during a famine. The humble supply
proved sufficient for the hundred sons of the prophets with
leftovers. (2 Kings 4:38-44)

BAAL-ZEBUB: SEE BEELZEBUB

BAAL-ZEPHON: This is the name of the campsite where the

Israelites camped prior to the their crossing the Red Sea. It was at a
place called Pihahiroth. (Exodus 13:20; 14:2) (Numbers 33:1-7) It
was here that the Pharaoh’s charioteers, cavalry and military forces
began to overtake them. (Exodus 14:2, 9)

BAANA, FOOD DEPUTIES: There were two Baanas who were

appointed to secure food for King Solomon’s household. One was
from the fertile valleys of Megiddo and Jezrel. (1 Kings 4:3, 7, 12)
The other was the son of Hushai from northern Palistine. (1 Kings
4:7, 16) (2 Samuel 15:32-37)

BAANA, WORKMAN: This Baana was a workman who assisted

Nehemiah to repair Jerusalem’s wall in 455 B.C.E. He was the
father of Zadok. (Nehemiah 3:3, 4)

BAARA: She was one of the wives of Shaharaim the Benjamite. (1

Chronicles 8:1, 8)

BAASEIAH: This man was a descendant of Levi through Gershom.

He was an ancestor of temple musician Asaph. (1 Chronicles 6:39,
40, 43)
BAASHA: Baasha was the third king of the ten-tribe kingdom of
Israel. He was son of Ahijah of the tribe of Issachar. Baasha usurped
the throne by killing his predecessor Nadab. (1 Kings 15:27-30;
14:10)

BAAL-TAMAR: Baal-Tamar means Owner of the Palm Tree. It is a

place near Gibeah where Israelite fighting men fought the tribe of
Benjamin because of a disgusting sex crime. (Judges 19:25-28;
20:33) The location is not known.

BABEL: Hebrew: “Bab” meaning Gate and “ilu” meaning God

combined as the Gate of God. From the beginning it was obvious
this city did not represent the true God, Jehovah. The people of the
city built a tower in defiance of the true God.

BABEL, THE TOWER OF BABEL: A tower was built to defy the true
God Jehovah. (Genesis 11:1-9)

BABYLON: City on the Euphrates River, the capital of Babylonia.

The former name of this city was Babel. The people of Judah were
taken captive to Babylon. (2 Kings 20:12-18) (Jeremiah 39:1-10)

BABYLON THE GREAT: Reference to Babylon the Great, the world

empire of false religion is found at Revelation 14:8 and Revelation
Chapters 17 and 18.

BACA: Hebrew: “bakha” from a root word that means to weep. It is

a plant, shrub or tree that exudes tears of gum or milky sap. It is
sometimes referred to as balsam. Noted for the rustling sound of
wind blowing through the leaves and branches. (2 Samuel 5:23-24)
(1 Chronicles 14:14-15)

BACKBITING: Greek: “katalalia” means speak against in a

malicious manner. (1 Peter 2:12) (James 3:16) According to Jehovah
backbiters or persons who speak maliciously against others are
deserving of death. (Romans 1:18, 28-30, 32)

BAG: A bag is a flexible container with a single opening, usually at

the top. In ancient times they were made of skins, cloth and woven
materials. They were used to hold grains and food, stone weights
and valuables. (Joshua 9:4) (Matthew 9:17) The Hebrew word “saq”
is used in the Bible for sack and sackcloth. These were containers
for goods and grains. (Leviticus 11:32) (Genesis 42:25, 27, 35) When
David encountered Goliath he placed five stones in his shepherds’
bag (Hebrew: keli’). (1 Samuel 17:40, 49) The Greek Scriptures
refer to a food pouch or bag at Matthew 10:10 and Luke 9:3. This is
from the Greek word “pe’ra.”

BAGPIPE OR DULCIMER: The Aramaic word “sum-pon-yah” has

been translated dulcimer, symphony and bagpipe. Modern Bible
translations render the expression as bagpipe. (Daniel 3:5, 10, 15)

BAHARUMITE, BARHUMITE: A native of the village of Bahurim

was called a Baharumite or Barhumite. Azmaveth, one of David’s
mighty military men, came from this place. (1 Chronicles 11:33) (2
Samuel 19:16; 23:31) (1 Kings 2:8)

BAHURIM: This village was near the Mount of Olives. It was on the
north side of the road leading to Jericho and the Jordan River. It
was 1 mile northeast of the Temple Mount. Paltiel walked after
Saul’s daughter Michal as far as Bahurim when she was returned to
King David. (2 Samuel 3:16; 15:23, 30; 16:1, 5)

BAKBAKKAR: Bakbakkar was a Levite who lived in Jerusalem after

the Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:3, 14, 15, 34)

BAKBUK: He was the forefather of Nethinim who returned to

Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:43, 51) (Nehemiah
7:53)

BAKE, BAKER: The word bake means to cook by drying out and
hardening. Aphah’ is the most common Hebrew word for bake.
(Genesis 19:3; 40:2) The words “ugh” at Ezekiel 4:12 and “u-ghah’”
at Genesis 18:6 speak of round cake, another form of bread. The
chief duty of women in the Hebrew home was to bake bread.

BALAAM: Balaam was the son of Beor. He lived during the 15th
century B.C.E. in the Armaean town of Pethor in the upper
Euphrates Valley, near the Sajur River. Abraham, Lot and Jacob
formerly lived in nearby Haron. (Genesis 12:4, 5; 24:10, 28:5; 31:18,
38) Balaam was not Israelite but he did have knowledge of the true
God. He even referred to Him as “Jehovah my God.” (Numbers
22:5, 18) A delegation from the Moabite King Balak approached
Balaam and offered to pay him to perform divination and to curse
the Israelites. Balaam refused saying: “Jehovah has refused to let
me go with you.” God sends an angel with a long sword to stand in
the road and stop Balaam. Balaam cannot see the angel, but his
donkey does. And his donkey refused to move. Then God causes
Balaam to hear his donkey speak to him. (Numbers 21:21-35; 22:1-
40; 23:1-30; 24:1-25) Balaam was head strong like Cain. He was
determined to gain his own selfish objectives. Jude writes: “Woe to
them. They went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of
Balaam for hire”-Jude 11. The apostle Peter related this about
Balaam: “They followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who
loved the wages of wrongdoing. He was rebuked for his own
transgression.” (2 Peter 2:15, 16) When God commanded that all
men and women of Midian be executed Balaam was killed with the
sword. (Numbers 25:16-18; 31:1-18)

BALADAN: Baladan was the father of Merodach-baladan. (2 Kings

20:12) (Isaiah 39:1) Baladan’s son Merodach-baladan was king of
Babylon during part of the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, 745-717
B.C.E.

BALAK: Balak was a Baal-worshiping king of Moab in the 15th

century B.C.E. He was the son of Zippor. Balak not only worshiped
Baal, he taught others to follow Baal and encouraged the Israelites
to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.
(Revelation 2:14) (Numbers 25:1-18)

BALDNESS: The absence of hair on the head is called baldness. The

Bible mentions baldness at Leviticus 13:41-44 and 21:5. Some
people believe baldness interferes with personal attractiveness. It
was considered a shameful and distressful condition. (Isaiah 3:24;
15:2) (Jeremiah 47:5) (Ezekiel 27:31) (Micah 1:16)

BALSAM, BALSOM OF GILEAD, THE BALM OF GILEAD: The

term balsam comes from the Hebrew words: bo’sem, be’sem, or ba-
sam’. It is found at Exodus 25:6 identifying an ingredient in the
holy anointing oil of the tabernacle. (Exodus 35:8,28) This word is
sometimes translated perfume, spice or sweet in modern
translations. (Exodus 30:23) (Song of Solomon 4:10, 14, 16; 5:13)
The balsam used for the tabernacle service in the wilderness was
obtained from Egypt and other places outside Palestine. The
Balsam of Gilead was considered very high quality and full of special
medicinal properties. (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11) Jeremiah spoke about
the “balm in Gilead” referring to balsam for its healing qualities. He
spoke in a figurative sense about the medicinal value of the Balsam
of Gilead. (Jeremiah 8:14, 15, 22) Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
both valued balsam as equal to gold and precious stone. (1 Kings
10:2, 10, 25) (2 Chronicles 9:1, 9, 24) James likened the prayers of
the elders to the healing oil of balsam. (James 5:14, 15) It was also a
literal practice to anoint believers with holy oil. (Psalm 133)
BAMOTH: Bamoth was one of the encampments of the nation of
Israel. It was near Nahaliel and the valley in the field of Moab, at the
head of Pisgah. (Numbers 21:19, 20)

BAMOTH-BAAL: Bamoth-baal was a town in Moab. King Balak of

Moab conducted the prophet Balaam there to see the camp of Israel
and call down a curse on it. (Numbers 22:41) The town appears to
have been a center for Baal worship. (Numbers 23:1-9) Some
experts believe Bamoth-baal was located on a plateau about 9 miles
east of the Dead Sea near Mount Nebo.

BANK, BANKER: Jesus referred to bankers and banks as paying

interest on money deposited with them in the illustrations recorded
at Matthew 25:27 and Luke 19:23. This word bank comes from the
Greek word “tra’peza.” It means “money table” speaking of the
counters of money and the moneychangers. (Matthew 15:27; 21:12)
(Mark 11:15) (John 2:15) Evidence of banking activity goes as far
back as the time of Abraham. Charging interest on money barrowed
was only allowed on loans to non-Israelites. (Deuteronomy 23:20)
In Jesus day many people resorted to burying valuables in the
ground for safekeeping. (Matthew 13:44; 25:25) Archaeologists and
farmers have unearthed large quantities of valuables and coins in
Bible land. This is further proof of this primitive banking practice.

BAPTIST, JOHN THE: John a relative of Jesus and a preacher of

repentance of sins was called the Baptist because he baptized many
people. Jehovah called him to precede the coming of the Messiah,
Jesus. (Matthew 3) (John 1:6-36)

BAPTISIM: Greek: “baptisma” means to immerse. John the

Baptist baptized Jesus. When he came up out of the water a voice
from heaven said: “This is my Son, whom I love and who I have
approved.” (Matthew 3:16, 17)

BALSAM: A tree that produced a sweet smelling resin. The resin

was used for perfume and medicine.

BARABBAS: Pilate set this criminal free instead of Jesus. Barabbas

was guilty of robbery, sedition, and murder. Pilate was observing a
unique custom of releasing a prisoner on the eve of the Passover
every year, even though Hebrew Scriptures do not support such a
practice. (John 18:39, 40) (Matthew 27:15-26) (Mark 15:6-15) (Luke
23:16-25)
BARACHEL: Barachel was the father of Job’s friend Elihu. He was a
Buzite and descendant of Abraham’s nephew Buz. (Job 32:2, 6)
(Genesis 22:20, 21)

BARACHCHIAH: Barachiah was the father of the Zechariah who

was murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. (Matthew
23:25) (Luke 11:50, 51) According to 2 Chronicles 24:21 Zechariah
was murdered in the courtyard of Jehovah’s house. As Zechariah
was dying he said: Let Jehovah see to it and ask it back. Soon the
reckoning for shedding the blood of Abel and Zechariah took place.
(2 Chronicles 24:23-25)

BARAK: Barak was the son of Abinoam of Kedesh from the territory
of Naphtali. The Israelites turned away from true worship during
the time of the judges. So God permitted them to be oppressed by
Jabin, the king of Canaan. When they cried out to Jehovah for relief
Barak became their God appointed leader. (Judges 4:1-3) Jehovah
gave Israel victory over their foes as recorded at Judges chapters 4
and 5. Barak was cited as a faithful example at Hebrews 11:32-34.

BARBARIAN: The Greek word bar’baros is translated to the

English word “barbarian.” This means unintelligible speech,
foreigner. It was applied by Paul to mean foreigners or natives who
spoke different languages and did not live according to the Greek
culture. (Roman 1:14) (Acts 28:1, 2, 4) The Greeks felt that their
language and culture was superior to all others. Therefore the term
bar’baros, barbarian gradually assumed a negative connotation.

BAR-HUMITE: Bar-Humite was a resident of the village of

Bahurim. (2 Samuel 23:31) (1 Chronicles 11:33)

BARIAH: This man was a distant relative of David through

Solomon. (1 Chronicles 3:1, 10, 22)

BAR-JESUS: Bar-Jesus was a Jew who lived on the island of Cyprus

in the first century C.E. He was a false prophet and a sorcerer. (Acts
13:6) His professional name or title was Elymas meaning sorcerer.
As court magician and adviser to Sergius Paulus, the Roman
proconsul at Paphos, Bar-Jesus (Elymas) spoke out against
Christianity to turn the proconsul away from the faith. (Acts 13:7, 8)

BARKOS: This man was the forefather of some Nethinim who

returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. (Ezekiel 2:43, 53)
(Nehemiah 7:46, 55)
BARLEY: Barley is a cultivated grain similar to wheat. It is grown
as a food crop. (Exodus 9:31)

BARNABAS: Barnabas was a Levite and a native of the Island of

Cyprus. He was in Jerusalem when he became a believer. (Acts
4:34-36) Barnabas was a very devout man who was among those
who sold their fields and houses and gave the price to the apostles
for advancement of the Christian work. The apostles surnamed him
Barnabas, meaning Son of Comfort. He was a very warmhearted
and generous person and therefore he did not hesitate to part with
his material possessions to advance the Kingdom interest. He gladly
came to the aid of his brothers. (Acts 9:27) Barnabas traveled with
the apostle Paul many times.

BARREN: A person who is not fertile or productive, unable to bring

forth children, is barren. The Hebrew word “a-qar” means barren. It
is found at Genesis 11:30. The Hebrew word “gal-mudh” means
sterile and is found at Isaiah 49:21. A sterile person would not be
able to bare children. Therefore the meaning is almost the same.
(Proverbs 30:16) The Greek word for barren is “ster’ros.” (Romans
4:19) Jehovah God is capable of making a barren woman fruitful.
Jacob testifies that this is the case at Genesis 30:2, 22, 23.

BARTHOLOMEW: Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

He was also thought to be Nathanael.

BARTIMAEUS: Jesus restored the sight to this blind beggar.

Bartimaeus shouted out to Jesus:” Son of David, Jesus, have mercy
on me!” He begged for recovery of his sight. Jesus was moved by his
faith and cured him. (Matthew 20:29-34) (Mark 10:46-52) (Luke
18:35-43)

BARUCH: Baruch was Jeremiah’s scribal secretary. He was the son

of Neriah and brother of Seraiah, Zedekiah’s quartermaster who
read Jeremiah’s scroll alongside the Euphrates River. (Jeremiah
32:12; 51:59-64) Baruch wrote the prophetic message about
Jerusalem’s doom as Jeremiah dictated it. It was the fourth year of
King Jehoiakim’s rule in the year 625 B.C.E. Baruch read the scroll
aloud to the people at the entrance of Jehovah’s house. When King
Jehoiakim heard the denunciation he burned the scroll and
commanded that Baruch and Jeremiah be brought before him.
Jehovah God concealed them and Jeremiah then dictated while
Baruch wrote another scroll like the first but with even more words
from the mouth of Jehovah. (Jeremiah 32:1, 9-16)
BASEMATH, DAUGHTER OF ELON: Basemath was the wife of
Esau. She was a daughter of Elon the Hitite. She was a source of
bitterness to Isaac and Rebekah. (Genesis 26:34, 35; 27:46; 28:8;
36:2)

BASEMATH, DAUGHTER OF ISHMAEL: This Basemath was the

daughter of Abrahm’s son Ishmael. She was the sister of Nebaioth
and Esau’s first cousin. She was married to Esau and gave birth to
his son Reuel. (Genesis 28:8, 9; 36:3, 4, 10)

BASEMATH, DAUGHTER OF SOLOMON: This woman was the

daughter of Solomon. She was wife of Ahimaaz, one of Solomonl’s
food deputies. (1 Kings 4:7, 15)

BASHAN: Bashan was a large high plateau east of the Sea of Galilee.
Mount Hermon was on the north boundary Mount Hauran was on
the east. The Sea of Galilee was on the west and Gilead was on the
south. The area was an excellent agricultural area. (Deuteronomy
32:14) (Ezekiel 39:18) (Psalm 22:12) The principal cities of Bashan
were: Ashtaroth, Edrei, Golan and Salecah. (Deuteronomy 4:41-43)
(Joshua 9:10; 12:4, 5; 20:8, 9) (1 Chronicles 6:64)

BASIN, BOWL: Basins and bowls were made of earthenware, clay,

wood or metal. They were used for domestic purposes such as
holding water. (2 Samuel 17:27-29) They also held the blood of the
Passover victim. (Exodus 12:22) They were used for religious
activities in the sanctuary connected with Jehovah’s worship.
(Exodus 30:17-21; 31:9; 40:30, 31) Jesus Christ used a washbasin
when he washed the feet of his disciples at John 13:5.

BASKET: A basket is a container made by weaving materials such

as palm-leaf fibers, reeds, rushes, rope, twigs and willows. The
Scriptures do not give lengthy descriptions of the different kinds of
baskets used in Bible lands and several different Hebrew and Greek
words are used for baskets. The most commonly employed Hebrew
word for basket is “sal”. (Genesis 40:16-19, 22) (Exodus 29:3, 23,
32) (Leviticus 8:2, 26, 31) (Numbers 6:13, 15, 17, 19) (Judges 6:19)
The Greek words ko’phi-nos and sphy-ris’ were translated basket.
After Jesus fed the 5,000 people there were 12 baskets full of
surplus food. (Matthew 14:20) (Mark 6:43) (Luke 917) (John 6:13)
Paul was lowered to the ground in a basket through the opening in
the wall at Acts 9:25.

BAT: The bat is a mammal, a flying mammal. It looks like a mouse

with wings. The Scriptures say that the bat is an unclean flying
creature and should not be eaten by the Israelites. (Leviticus 11:19)
(Deuteronomy 14:18) About twenty different varieties of bats are
found in Israel today. Bats roost head downward in dark caves
during the daylight and they fly at night. They are worshiped by
demonize people. (Isaiah 2:20)

BATH: The bath was a liquid measure equal to one tenth of a homer
(cor) and equal to the ephah dry measure. It is estimated that the
bath measure is equal to 5.81 gallons or 22 liters.

BATH-RIBBIM GATE: The Shulamite maiden’s eyes, in the Song of

Solomon, are compared to the pools in Heshbon that are by the
Bath-ribbim Gate. (Song of Solomon 7:4) Heshbon was a city in the
territory of Gad. It was assigned to the Levites. (Joshua 21:38, 39)
Some believe the Bath-ribbim Gate is used to mean the literal Gate
that faces toward the northeast and toward the city of Rabbah.
Others think it is used figuratively to mean the the entire city of
Heshbon.

BATHING: The Hebrew word ra-chats’ means wash or bathe. The

Greek word for bath is lou-tron’. Those who worship God in
holiness and purity are required to be clean. The priests involved in
temple service were ordered to clean themselves. (Exodus 29:4-9;
40:12-15) (Leviticus 8:6, 7) The act of washing the feet of one’s
guests was a loving expression of hospitality and kindness. (Genesis
18:1-4; 19:1, 2; 24:29-32) (1 Samuel 25:41) (Luke 7:38, 44) (1
Timothy 5:10) Jesus set a humble example for his followers by
washing the feet of his disciples. (John 13:5-17) Figuratively,
washing is used to denote a clean standing before God. (Psalms
26:6; 73:13) (Isaiah 1:16) (Ezekiel 16:9) Bathing with God’s Word of
truth is symbolized by water. It has the power to cleanse.
(Ephesians 5:26)

BATHSHEBA: She was the daughter of Eliam. (1 Chronicles 3:5)

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s mighty
men. She was bathing herself one spring day when King David
caught sight of her. He lusted after her and had her brought to the
palace where they had sexual relations. She became pregnant and
David plotted to have Uriah sleep with her to cover up for the
adultery. When the scheme failed the king had Uriah killed in battle.
Later Bathsheba became David’s wife and bore the child. (2 Samuel
11:1-27) The child later died and remains nameless.

BATTERING RAM: This instrument of war was used to break

down the gates and walls of a city or fortress. It had a heavy beam of
timber with an iron tip that was use to ram the obsticle. (Ezekiel 4:1,
2; 21:22) The defending soldiers would drop firebrands on the
battering rams or catch them with chains and grapnels to put them
out of action.

BAVVAI: Bavvai was a wall builder working on Nehemiah’s wall.

He was a Levite from the district of Keilah. (Nehemiah 3:18, 24)

BAZLUTH: Bazluth was a family head whose descendants returned

to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 52)
(Nehemiah 7:54)

B.C.E. (BEFORE COMMON ERA): Two eras are considered

when naming dates in the Simplified Bible Dictionary: Before
Common Era and Common Era. The year “0” seperates the two
eras. Before Common Era counts down to the year zero. Common
Era counts up from the year zero. Jesus Christ was born after the
year zero. Some scholars think he was born in the year 2 B.C.E.

BDELLIUM GUM: This is a fragrant resinous gum resembling

myrrh. It comes from a Commiphora Africana tree found in India,
northwest Africa and Arabia. When the bark is cut, a fragrant,
resinous juice, or gum oozes out. It is described with a list of
valuable things at Genesis 2:11, 12. The manna at Numbers 11:7 is
said to look like bdellium gum.

BEADS: A bead is a small ball with a hole through it. Beads are
ornaments made of glass, gems, gold, and silver. They are usually
worn as necklaces as mentioned at the Song of Solomon 1:10.

BEALIAH: Bealiah was a Benjamite warrior who joined up with

David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 2, 5)

BEALOTH, JUDEAN CITY: Bealoth was a city in the south of

Judah. It is only referred to at Joshua 15:24.

BEALOTH, NEAR ASHER: This Bealoth was a region near Asher.

King Solomon appointed Baana to supervise the region. It is called
Aloth in the King James Version. (1 Kings 4:16)

BEAR: The Syrian brown bear is found in Palestine, Syria, Iran,

and Turkey. It is light brown in color and averages about 310
pounds in weight. While they appear awkward they generally are
not. Some can run as fast as 30 mile an hour for short distances.
They are good swimmers and most of them can climb. Scriptures
speak of the bears dangerousness in comparison to the lion. (Amos
5:19) (Lamentations 3:10) A female bear with young can be very
ferocious. (2 Samuel 17:8) (Proverbs 17:12) (Hosea 13:8) The bear
represented the Medo-Persian World Power in Daniel’s vision of
terrible beasts. (Daniel 7:5, 17) The wild beast in John’s vision had
feet like a bears feet. (Revelation 13:2) Isaiah was given a vision of a
bear feeding with a cow. This symbalized how peaceful conditions
will be when God’s people gather under Messiah’s rule. (Isaiah 11:7)

BEANS: The Hebrew term “pohl” means bean. It could be the

annual plant cultivated in Syria and Palestine known as the broad
bean. They were aksi cultivated in Egypt and Arabia. The plant
reaches a height of 3 feet. The ripe pods are large and thick and the
beans are brown or black in color. The pods may be boiled as a
vegetable and the ripe beans are often cooked with oil and meat. (2
Samuel 17:24-29) Beans were an ingredient in the bread Ezekiel was
commanded to bake. (Ezekiel 4:9)

BEARD: The hair growing on a man’s chin, cheeks and lips is

called a beard. Za-qan’ is the Hebrew word for beard. The Hebrew
word sa-pham’ is translated mustache, upper lip and sometimes
beard. (Leviticus 13:29, 30; 14:9) A beard was cherished by the
Israelites as evidence of manly dignity. God’s law prohibited cutting
off the edge of the hair between the ear and the eye, and the
extremity of the beard. (Leviticus 19:27; 21:5) When David allowed
saliva to run down upon his beard it helped convince King Achish
that David was insane. (1 Samuel 21:13) It was customary to wear
beards before the law covenant was made. Jesus Christ had a beard
while he was on earth. Before he began his ministry he was a Jew,
under the law covenant. Therefore he would have dressed like the
Jews and wore his hair like the Jews. (Galatians 4:4) (Matthew 5:17)

BEASTS: Major world powers are frequently likened to beasts in

prophecy. (Revelation 17:3, 9-11) The bear was symbolic of the
Medo-Persian world power at Daniel 7:5. The Leopard represented
the Grecian world power at Daniel 7:6 and the Lion symbolized the
Babylonian world power at Daniel 7:4.

BEATING: The Mosaic Law stipulated punishment by beating. The

judges decided the number of strokes that were to be given
according to the misdeed committed. The law stated:”The number
of stripes is according to his guilt.” However, the Law given through
Moses did not allow cruel or unusual punishment. The punishment
was corrective in nature and not vindictive or vicious. The number
of strokes was limited by the Law. The limit was 40 strokes or
lashes. (2 Corinthians 11:24) (Deuteronomy 25:2, 3) The Scriptures
emphasize the value of strokes as a disciplinary measure, and in
contrast they emphasize that a wise person can be corrected by
words and will avoid the need for strokes. (Proverbs 10:13; 19:29;
20:30) The rod for beating is also mentioned as a means of disipline
of children. It is not necessarly a literal rod, but representative of
discipline. (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13, 14) The worst instrument for
scourging was the “flagellum” (Greek: phragellion) (whip)
(scourge). It had a handle with several cords of leather thongs. The
thongs had pieces of bone or metal attached on the ends. These
made the blows more painful and effective. (John 2:15) (Matthew
27:26) (Mark 15:15) The apostle Paul was flogged with rods in the
city of Philippi. (Acts 16:22-40) Prophecy told of the Messiah who
would bear the sicknesses and pains of those who believed in him.
(Isaiah 53:3-5) And Peter associated the beating of Jesus Christ as a
healing for all who believed, “You were healed because of his
wounds (stripes). (1 Peter 2:24)

BECHERITES: This was an Ephraimite family descended from

Becher. (Numbers 26:35)

BECORATH: Becorath was an ancestor of King Saul. He was of the

tribe of Benjamin. (1 Samuel 9:1)

BED: The bed is a piece of furniture used for sleeping. Facilities for
sleeping vary in type, style, and structure. Wealth and life style have
a lot to do with it. Many people slept on the bare ground in tents or
under the open sky during Bible times. The Hebrew word mish-kav’
means a place to lie down. (Genesis 49:4) (Leviticus 26:6) The
Greek term for bed is “koi’te.” (Luke 11:7) (Hebrew 13:4) The Greek
word kli’ne means to incline. (Matthew 9:2) (Luke 9:58) Bed is used
in a figurative sense in the following Scriptures: Job 17:13; Psalm
149:5; Ezekiel 32:25; Hosea 7:14; Micah 2:1.

BEDAD: Bedad was the father of the Edomite King Hadad. Hadad
ruled in Avith before Israel had kings. (Genesis 36:31, 35) (1
Chronicles 1:43, 46)

BEDEIAH: Bedeiah was one of the twelve sons of Bani. He sent

away his foreign wives and sons at Ezra’s urging. (Ezra 10:10, 11, 34,
35, 44)

BEE: The Bible reference to bees relates mainly to the wild

honeybees. Canaan is called a land flowing with milk and honey.
This suggests that bees were numerous in that land-Ex 3:8. The
warm climate and abundance of flowers made this land suitable for
a large bee population. (Deuteronomy 32:13) (Judges 14:5-9) (1
Samuel 14:25-27) (Psalm 81:16) (Matthew 3:4)

BEELIADA: David called his son Beeliada, who was born after
coming to Jerusalem, “Eliada” meaning God Has Known.” (2
Samuel 5:16) (1 Chronicles 3:8; 14:3-7)

BEELZEBUB: The name comes from the words: Baal-Zebub. This

is a designation applied to Satan the prince and ruler of the demons.
The religious leaders accused Jesus of expelling demons by means
of Beelzebub (meaning Owner of the Lofty Abode) (Matthew
12:24)(Luke 11:15).

BEER, A WELL: The Hebrew word “beer” usually refers to a well. It

usually occures in compound place names such as Beer-elim and
Beer-sheba. The Hebrew word “ayin” means a natural spring. After
passing the Arnon on their way to the Promised Land, the Israelites
came to Beer where they dug a well. The well became known as
Beer-elim, Well of the Big Trees. (Numbers 21:13-16) (Isaiah 15:8)

BEER, THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE: Beer is brewed using slow

fermentation of wheat or other grain. It is usually low in alcohol
content. (Isaiah 1:22) (Hosea 4:18) (Nahum 1:10) The Hebrew word
so’ve means wheat beer. It can also be translated liquor. The art of
brewing beer from grain was practiced in ancient Mesopotamia and
Egypt. Beer became a common drink in Egypt where Ramses III
considered it so valuable that he offered up over 30,000 gallons per
year to his gods. Beer mugs have been found in many nations and a
wide variety of beer was produced. There has been thick beer and
watered down beer, sparkling beer and spiced beer, perfumed beer
and dark beer to mention a few.

BEERA: Beera was a family head and descendant of Asher. (1

Chronicles 7:30, 37, 40)

BEERAH: Beerah was a Reubenite chieftain taken into exile by

Assyrian King Tiglathpileser III during the reign of Pekah between
778 and 759 B.C.E. (1 Chronicles 5:6)

BEER-ELIM: Jehovah inspired Isaiah to proclaim, “Everywhere at

Moab’s borders the sound of crying is heard. It is heard at the towns
of Eglaim and Beerelim.” (Isaiah 15:8)
BEEROTH: Beeroth was one of four Hivite cities that signed a
covenant or agreement with Joshua to become part of the
inheritance of the tribe of Beenjamin. (Joshua 9:3-17; 18:21, 25)
Following the exile in Babylon the men of Beeroth are listed as some
of those who returned to Judah. (Ezra 2:1, 25) (Nehemiah 7:29)

BEEROTH BENE-JAAKAN: This was an Israelite campsite in the

wilderness. The last time they camped there was shortly before
Aaron died on Mount Hor. (Deuteronomy 10:6) Beeroth Bene-
jaakan is likely the same ast Bene-jaakan at Numbers 33:31.

BEEROTHITE: A resident of Beeroth was a Beerothite. (Joshua

9:17, 27; 18:21, 25)

BEERSHEBA: At first there was a well called “Beersheba.” Then a

city went by that same name. The name means: “Well of the Oath”
or “Well of Seven.” The well and the city were located halfway
between the south end of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean
Coast. When describing the Promised Land the proverbial phrase
was “from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.” (Judges
20:1) (2 Chronicles 30:5) Hagar wandered with her son Ishmael in
the desert to Beersheba after Abraham dismissed them. (Genesis
21:14) Abraham left Beersheba to Moriah to offer Isaac as a sacrifice
and returned there to live. (Genesis 22:19) For several hundred
years after Christ Beersheba was a large village with a Roman
garrison.

BEESHTERAH: This city was located east of the Jordan River. It

was given to the Gershonites of the tribe of Levi and could possibly
be the same as Ashtaroth at 1 Chronicles 6:71. (Joshua 21:27)

BEG, BEGGAR, BEGGING: Begging is a solicitation for money

or food, often done in a public place. The practice of begging is a
very old practice and yet there is no indication in the “Old
Testament” that begging existed to any degree during the time of
the nation of Israel. The Mosaic Law contained powerful legislation
that benefitted the poor. (Leviticus 19:9, 10) (Deuteronomy 15:7-10;
24:19-21) The act of giving alms, or gifts of charity, was associated
with the idea of earning salvation. The Apocryphal book of
Ecclesiasticus 3:30 stated, “almsgiving atones for sins.” The blind,
the lame, and the diseased were considered among the beggars of
Jesus’ time. Much like beggars today, they positioned themselves
along public thoroughfares near crowds of people. (Mark 10:46-49)
(Luke 16:20, 22; 18:35-43) (John 9:1-8) (Acts 3:2-10) The apostles
were at times hungry, homeless, and lacking clothing, but they
toiled night and day, so as not to be a burden on others. (1
Corinthians 4:11, 12) (1 Thessalonians 2:9) While there is no harm
in accepting social assistance the standard among Christians is:
“Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” (2 Thessalonians
3:10-12)

BEGOTTEN GOD: The term “begotten God” is found only once in

the Holy Scriptures at John 1:18. The phrase comes from the Greek
monogenes theos, meaning only born God or god. It can also mean
“born from God.” Scripture context proves that God was not
begotten or born, his son was. However, because the oldest
manuscripts state “monogenes theos” the proper translation must
be “begotten god,” “begotten God,” or “begotten God-like one.” In
keeping with the context of the entire Bible the New Simplified
Bible will not call the Almighty God begotten! The context of John
1:18 shows that it is talking about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Therefore the term “God-like one” has been used.

BEGOTTEN SON: The apostle John repeatedly describes Jesus

Christ as the only-begotten Son of God-Joh 1:14; 3:16-18. He is
described as the only begotten Son whom his Father sent into the
world at 1 John 4:9. Thus he was the only begotten Son before his
life as a human being. Therefore Jesus Christ, the Word is Jehovah
God’s only begotten Spirit Son from the very beginning! This
certainly suggests a spiritual birth process entirely unique from the
creation of all other spirit beings. The Greek phrase “monogenes’
theos’” also means ‘God only begotten’ or ‘only begotten from God.’

BEHEADING: This mode of capital punishment existed in most of

the nations. The Mosaic Law did not prescribe this type of
punishment. It was practiced in Egypt where Pharaoh had the head
removed from the chief baker. (Genesis 40:19) The Philistines cut
Saul’s head from his body after his death. (1 Samuel 31:9, 12) David
cut off Goliath’s head with his sword after he killed him with his
sling. (1 Samuel 17:51, 52) Herod Antipas had John the Baptist
beheaded in prison to comply with the request of the daughter of
Herodias. (Matthew 14:8-11)

BEHEMOTH: The word behemoth appears at Job 40:15. It could

possibly be a large water ox or a hippopotamus, or a huge beast of
unknown variety. The context of the Scripture, verses 17 thru 24
indicates that the hippopotamus would be a good guess.

BEHTH: Behth is the second letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The

name assigned to the letter means “house.” The opening word in the
Hebrew text of the eight verses of Psalm 119:9-16 begins with this
letter. This is known as the acrostic style.

BEL: Bel was a Babylonian deity. The title Bel was first applied to
the Enlil. The original Sumerian triad of deities included Bel, Anlu
and Enki. Jehovah’s prophets foretold the fall of Bel to coincide with
Babylon’s fall. (Isaiah 46:1) (Jeremiah 50:2; 51:44) The prophets
reported that Bel and Nebo would not escape. Jehovah would force
Bel to give up what he had captured through his worshipers.
(Jeremiah 51:44)

BELA, SON OF BENJAMIN: Bela was the first son of Benjamin. He

was one of Jacob’s household who came to Jacob into Egypt. He
became the familyh head of the Belaites. (Genesis 46:8, 21)
(Numbers 26:38) (1 Chronicles 7:6; 8:1-5)

BELA, SON OF BEOR: This Bela was the first king of Edom. Bela
ruled as king in the capital city of Dinhabah, long before Israel had a
king. (Genesis 36:31, 32) (1 Chronicles 1:43)

BELA, SON OF AZAZ: Bela was the son of Azaz. He was of the tribe
of Reuben. (1 Chronicles 5:3, 8)

BELA, THE CITY OF ZOAR: Bela was an earlier name for the city of
Zoar. (Genesis 14:2, 8)

BELL: A bell is made of metal, usually pear-shaped or cuplike. It

gives a musical note when struck or rung. Golden bells were
attached to the solid-blue coat that the high priest wore. (Exodus
28:33-35; 39:25, 26) Hebrew metsil-lah’ is translated “bell.” It’s
root word means “tingle.” (Zechariah 14:20) (1 Samuel 3:11)

BELLOWS: This device is used for giving furnaces a forced draft. A

bellows can be expanded and contracted drawing in air first and
then forcing it out thru a tube. A bag is mounted on a frame or base
and attached to a tube leading to the furnace. Bellows are
mentioned only once in the Scriptures at Jeremiah 6:29. Isaiah
54:16 and Ezekiel 22:20, 21 allude to bellows but do not call them by
name.

BELLY: The belly is the digestive organ located in the front part of
the human trunk just below the ribs. It is refered to when speaking
about a woman having a child in the belly since the womb is located
near the belly. (Genesis 25:23, 24) (Job 1:21) (Psalm 127:3)
(Ecclesiastes 11:5) (Isaiah 44:2) (Hosea 9:11) Belly is used
figuratively to define fleshly appetite, or desire. (Romans 16:18)
(Philippians 3:19) Jonah declared that he cried for help “out of the
belly of the grave” and God heard him.—Jonah 2:2.

BELAITES: This was a family descended from Bela, Benjamin’s first

born. (Numbers 26:38)

BELIAL: Hebrew word meaning Good for Nothing. Applied in the

first century as another name for Satan-2 Corinthians 6:15.

BELIEVE: Christians are to believe in Jehovah God, the Father of

Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:34) (Romans 4:24) They are to call on the
name of the true God. (Romans 10:13) (Joel 2:32) Christians must
also believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God. (John
3:16) (1 John 5:10-11) They should believe in the Good New of God’s
Kingdom. (Mark 1:15; 11:24) (Acts 15:7) The rewards of believing
and obeying include everlasting life. (Matthew 21:22) (John 3:36;
20:31)

BELSHAZZAR: Belshazzar was the son of Nabonidus. He served as

coregent of Nabonidus at the time when the Babylonian Empire
came to an end. The book of Daniel reports Belshazzar as the king of
Babylon. (Daniel 5:1, 9; 7:1; 8:1) He was the grandson of
Nebuchadnezzar II. (This can be confusing because the Bible
sometimes uses the word son to mean grandson.) In the year 539
B.C.E. Babylon was under seige by the forces of Cyrus the Persian
and Darius the Mede. However, the Babylonians were so confident
that the city’s walls were impregnable that they held a great feast for
a thousand of the kings grandees. Belshazzar used the vessels from
the temple of Jerusalem as an act of defiance against the true God.
This deliberate act of contempt by this pagan king brought
immediate reproach from Jehovah. The entire faith building
account can be read in the fifth Chapter of the book of Daniel. Be
sure to read it.

BELTESHAZZAR: The Babylonian name “Belteshazzar” was given

to Daniel after he was taken into exile in 717 B.C.E. It is a shortened
form of an invocation to Nebuchadnezzar’s god Bel. That is why
Nebuchadnezzar said, “according to the name of my god” when he
gave Daniel that name. (Daniel 4:8; 5:12) The new name was
intended to naturalize Daniel as a newly recognized “Babylonian.”
But the Babylonians continued to call him by his Hebrew name.
BEN, THE LEVITE: Ben was a Levite musician of David’s day. He
accompanied the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles
15:15, 18)

BEN, HEBREW PREFIX: The Hebrew prefix “ben” is found in

names such as Benjamin (Son of the right hand) and Ben-ami (Son
of My People). The prefix ben means son. In Aramaic the word “bar”
means son, such as Barnabas (Son of Comfort). (Acts 4:36) It is also
used to show relationships between people such as (beneh’) Sons of
Israel. (2 Chronicles 35:17) (Psalm 127:4) (Hosea 10:9)

BENAIAH, SON OF JEHOIADA: Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada

the Levitical chief priest. Benaiah fathered two sons, Ammizabad
and Jehoiada. (1 Chronicles 27:5, 6, 34) Benaiah served as one of
David’s mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:20-23)

BEN-AMMI: Ben-ammi was born of incest. He was the son of Lot by

his younger daughter. (Genesis 19:31-38) He was also called
Ammon and was the forefather of the Ammonites.

BENE-BERAK: Bene-berak was a city belonging to the tribe of Dan.

It was located about 5 miles southeast of Tel Aviv-Yafo (Joppa).
(Joshua 19:40, 45)

BENE-JAAKAN: This station was located in the desert wilderness.

It belonged to the Israelites. Ben-berak was probably the Akan of
Genesis 36:27 and 1 Chronicles 1:42.

BEN-HADAD: There were three kings of Syria in Bible history with

the name “Ben-hadad.” The name means “Son of Hadad.” Hadad
was the storm god highly revered in Syria.

BEN-HADAD, SON OF TABRIMMON: The first king of Syria

named Ben-hadad was the son of Tabrimmon and grandson of
Hezion. (1 Kings 15:16-21) (2 Chronicles 16:1-6)

BEN-HADAD, OF AHAB’S TIME: This Ben-hadad ruled Syria

during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. (94—920 B.C.E.) (1 Kings
20:1-21) His counselors offered the theory that Jehovah was a “God
of mountains. Therefore, they reasoned the Israelites could be
defeated on level land. We learn from the Scriptures that his
religious theories proved worthless and he and his army were
defeated by the Israelite forces. (1 Kings 20:22-34)
BEN-HADAD, SON OF HAZAEL: This Ben-hadad was son of
Hazael. He was the king of Syria in the days of Jehoahaz. (876-860
B.C.E.) (2 Kings 13:3-25)

BEN-HAIL: Ben-hail was one of the five princes sent by

Jehoshaphat in the third year of his reign. They were sent to teach
the Law to the inhabitants of Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:7, 9)

BEN-HANAN: He was a descendant of Judah, one of the four sons

of Shimon. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 20)

BENINU: Beninu was a Levite or the forefather of one. (Nehemiah

9:38; 10:1, 13)

BENJAMIN, JACOB’S 12TH SON: Benjamin was the only son born to
Jacob in the land of Canaan. The other sons were born in Paddan-
aram. (Genesis 29:31-30:25; 31:18) Benjamin was Rachel’s second
son. The childbirth was so difficult that she lost her life in the
process. As she was dying she called her son Benoni, meaning “Son
of My Mourning.” Benjamin was in his 40’s at the time of his
father’s death. (Genesis 49:27, 28)

BENJAMIN, THE TRIBE: At the time of the Exodus from Egypt the
tribe of Benjamin was the smallest of all the tribes. (Numbers 1:36,
37) The territory assigned to the tribe of Benjamin was between that
of the tribes of Ephraim, Judah, and Dan. (Joshua 18:11-20) Some
of the cities within the Benjamin territory were Jericho, Bethel,
Gibeon, Gibeah, and Jerusalem. (Judges 1:22) (1 Kings 12:28, 29)
The tribes of Benjamin and Judah were the most prominent among
the Israelites in Palestine. (Ezra 4:1; 10:9) The tribe of Benjamin is
pictued in Ezekiel’s vision. (Ezekiel 48:8, 21-23) The apostle Paul
was a Benjamite before he was converted to Christianity.
(Revelation 5:5) (Romans 11:1) (Philippians 3:5)

BENO: Beno was a Levite descendant of Merari. He lived during

David’s time. (1 Chronicles 24:20, 26, 27)

BEN-ONI: Ben-oni was the second son of Rachel. She died in

childbirth and gave her son the name Benoni meaning “Son of My
Mourning.” Jacob later changed his name to Benjamin meaning
“Son of the Right Hand.” (Genesis 35:18)

BEROEA: Beroea was a city in the province of Macedonia. The

apostle Paul visited there during his second missionary journey.
(Acts 17:10-14) Its modern name is Veroia. It is located at the base
of Mount Bermios about 40 miles from Thessalonica. The Beroeans
were diligent about searching the Scriptures to verify that what they
heard preached was really the truth. (Acts 17:11) Paul probably
passed through Beroea on this third missionary journey. (Acts 20:1-
4)

BERA: Bera was the king of Sodom. Chedorlaomer and his allies
defeated him in the Siddim Valley. (Genesis 14:1-24) Abraham
pursued the victors, retreved the spoils, and rescured his nephew
Lot.

BERACAH, FROM THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN: Beracah was from

the tribe of Benjamin. He was one of David’s mighty men. He was
skilled in the use of the bow. (1 Chronicles 12:1-3)

BERACAH VALLEY: Beracah Valley was in Judah between

Bethlehem and Hebron. This valley runs east to west from the hill
country of Judah to the wilderness area west of the Salt Sea. The
name Beracah means “thanks” or “blessing.” (2 Chronicles 20:26)
Following the victory over the military forces of Ammon, Moab, and
Edom, Jehoshaphat gathered the people at this valley to thank
Jehovah.

BERAIAH: Beraiah was the son of Shimei. He was the head of the
paternal house of Benjamites in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 21,
28)

BERECHIAH, DESCENDANT OF DAVID: This Berechiah was the

descendant of David through Solomon. (1 Chronicles 3:1, 10, 20)

BERECHIAH, SON OF MESHEZABEL: This Berechiah was the son

of Meshezabel. His son Meshullam served as a worker on the rebuilt
wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 3:4, 30; 6:18)

BERECHIAH, SON OF SHIMEA: Berechiah was the son of Shimea.

He was a descendant of Levi through Gershom. Berechiah’s son
Asaph was the leader of the singers King David appointed. Many
generations of temple singers resulted from that relationship. (1
Chronicles 6:39; 15:17; 25:1-9) (Ezra 2:41) (Nehemiah 7:44)

BERECHIAH, SON OF MESHILLEMOTH: Berechiah and three

leaders of Ephraim counseled Jehovah’s prophet Oded. They
warned him of the impending disaster because King Ahaz of Judah
had captured 200,000 people of the southern kingdom. They
prevented the victors from enslaving many of them and proved food
and clothing for many of them. (2 Chronicles 28:6-15)

BERECHIAH, THE LEVITE: This Berechiah was a Levite who lived

after the Babylonian exile. He was the son of Asa. (1 Chronicles
9:16)

BERECHIAH, SON OF IDDO: Berechiah was the son of the prophet

Iddo. He was the father of the prophet Zechariah. (Zecariah 1:1, 7)

BERI: Beri was the son of Zophah. He was the head of a family in
the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:36, 40)

BERED, GRANDSON OF EPHRAIM: Bered was the grandson of

Ephraim through Shuthelah. (1 Chronicles 7:20)

BERED, WHERE HAGAR VISITED: When Hagar ran away from

Sarai she stopped at the well of Beerlahairoi. This was between
Bered and Kadesh, on the way to Shur. (Genesis 16:7, 14)

BERIAH, SON OF ASHER: Beriah and his two sons Heber and
Malciel probably came to Egypt with Jacob’s household. (Genesis
46:8, 17) He was the fourth son of Asher. (Numbers 26:44, 45) (1
Chronicles 7:30, 31)

BERIAH, SON OF EPHRAIM: Beriah was the son of Ephraim. He

was born after his older brother had been killed by the men of Gath.
Beriah means with calamity which was fitting considering the
circumstances. (1 Chronicles 7:20-23)

BERIAH, SON OF ELPAAL: Beriah was one of the five sons of

Elpaal. This was one of the Benjamite falily heads who chased away
the inhabitants of Gath. (1 Chronicles 8:12, 13)

BERIAH, SON OF SHIMEI: This Beriah was the last son of Shimei.
He was a Levite descendant of Gershon. Beriah and his brother
Jeush did not have many sons. So their inheritance was limited to a
“paternal house for one official class.” (1 Chronicles 23:6-11)

BERNICE: Bernice was the daughter of Herod Agrippa I by his

wife Cypros. She was born about 28 C.E. She and her brother
Agrippa were invited to sit in the audience chamber when the
apostle Paul made his powerful and eloquent defense before the
dignitaries. (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:1-30) Bernice was a shameless,
immoral woman. She was married first to Marcus, son of Alexander
Lysimachus. After the death of Marcus she married her uncle
Herod, king of Chalcis. After he died she lived an incestuous life
with her brother until public scandal pressured her into marrying
Polemo the king of Cilicia. She deserted him and again became her
brother’s consort. She later became the mistress of Vespasian’s son
Titus.

BEROTHAH, BEROTHAI: Berothah could have been a city

belonging to Hadadezer king of Zobah. David carried coppper away
from this city. (2 Samuel 8:8) (1 Chronicles 18:8) Ezekiel saw
Berothah as the territorial inheritance of Israel in his vision. It was
located on the northern boundary between Hamath and Damascus.
(Ezekiel 47:16)

BERYL: This semiprecious stone is usually green or bluish green in

color. It is one of the stones used to describe the symbolic wall that
surrounds the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:20)

BESODEIAH: Besodeiah was the father of the Meshullam who

assisted in the repair work of the Gate of the Old City under
Nehemiah’s direction. (Nehemiah 3:6)

BESOR VALLEY, BESOR GORGE: The Besor Valley is mentioned

just once in connection with David’s pursuit of the Amalekites. After
burning the city of Ziklag, the Amalekites headed south toward their
home territory in the Negeb. They traveled through the Besor Valley
and the Besor Gorge. (1 Samuel 30:1, 10, 21-25)

BESTIALITY: Bestiality is sexual intercourse between human

beings and animals. The Mosaic Law condemned this perverted
practice. The guilty person and the beast were sentenced to death.
(Leviticus 20:15,16; 18:23) (Exodus 22:19) (Deuteronomy 27:21) In
Egypt bestiality was part of idolatrous animal worship. Historians
give accounts of women cohabiting with goats. The Canaanites also
practiced such behavior. (Leviticus 18:23-30) The Greek word “por-
nei’a” means fornication and unclean practices. Any member of the
Christian congregation indulgeing in such a practice would be
subject to removal from the congregation. (Ephesians 5:3) (1
Corinthians 5:1-6) (Colossians 3:5, 6)

BETAH: Betah was a town near Berothai. It was near there that
David defeated Hadadezer, king of Zobah. King David took a large
quantity of copper from these towns. (2 Samuel 8:8)
BETEN: This town is only found at Joshua 19:25. It was one of the
boundary towns of Asher. It was located in the southern end of the
Acco Plain about 8 miles southeast of Haifa and 11 miles south of
Acco.

BETH: The word beth is used as an appellation for a house or

dewlling place.

BETH-ANATH: Beth-anath was one of the fortified cities assigned

to the tribe of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:38, 39) Some of the Canaanite
inhabitants were allowed to remain in this city as forced labor.
(Judges 1:33)

BETH-ANOTH: Beth-anoth was assigned to the tribe of Judah. It

was in the mountains of the territory of Judah about 3.5 miles
northeast of Hebron. (Joshua 15:59)

BETHANY: Bethany was a village on the east slope of the Mount of

Olives. It was about two miles from Jerusalem on an ancient
approach from Jericho and the Jordan. (Mark 10:46; 11:1) (Luke
19:29) Bethany was refered to as Jesus’ home in Judea just as
Capernaum was his home in Galilee. (Mark 2:1) Bethany was the
town where Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived. (Luke 10:38) (John
11:1, 38-44) Jesus spent the evening hours in Bethany during the
last four days of his earthly life.

BETH-ARABAH: Beth-arabah was one of six cities within Judah’s

territory that were in the wilderness. They were located in the desert
region at the north end of the Dead Sea. (Joshua 15:61) Beth-arabah
means House of the Desert. It describes the mutual boundaries of
the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. (Joshua 15:6)

BETH-AVEN, IN BENJAMIN: This town was I the territory of the

tribe of Benjamin. It was near the city of Ai. (Joshua 7:2; 18:11, 12)
It was in the desert east of Bethel. Beth-aven was involved in a
battle when Saul and Jonathan pursued the Philistines. (1 Samuel
13:5; 14:23)

BETH-AVEN, WITH GIBEAH AND RAMAH: The prophet Hosea

speaks about this Beth-aven in a derogatory sense. (Hosea 4:15; 5:8;
10:5, 8) (1 Kings 12:28-30).

BETH-BARAH: Gideon and his military forces went to Ephraim to

capture the streams of water at Beth-barah and the Jordan River,
and to keep the Midianites from crossing them. (Judges 7:24) The
battle took place in the Jezreel Valley at a site west of the Jordan
River. (Judges 3:27, 28)

BETH-BIRI: Beth-biri was a town in the Negeb region of Judah. It

was assigned to the sons of Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 31)

BETH-CAR: The Israelites pursued the retreeting Philistines as far

south as Beth-car. (1 Samuel 7:11) Many scholars consider Beth-car
as the same as Beth-haccherem. (Jeremiah 6:1) (Nehemiah 3:14)

BETH-DAGON, IN JUDAH: This town was assigned to the tribe of

Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 41)

BETH-DAGON, IN ASHER: There was a Beth-dagon in the eastern

part of the territory of Asher near the border with Zebulun. (Joshua
19:24, 27)

BETH-DIBLATHAIM: This city was in Moab. A city called Beth-

diblathen is mentioned in the inscription of the Moabite Stone. It
was build by Moab’s King Mesha. (Jeremiah 48:22)

BETH-EDEN: Beth-eden was a city or region mentioned at Amos

1:5 in the prophecy against Damascus. The prdiction in Amos was
that the people of Syria would have to go as exiles to Kir. It was
fulfilled at the time of the Assyrian monarch Tiglath-pileser III,
during the reign of King Ahaz. (2 Kings 16:9)

BETH-EMEK: Beth-emek was a town in the territory of the tribe of

Asher. (Joshua 19:24, 27)

BETH-EZEL: Beth-ezel was a Judean town mentioned only in the

book of Micah. (Micah 1:10-12) His prophecy fortold the disaster to
come upon unfaithful Samaria and Jerusalem.

BETH-GADER: Some scholars believe Beth-gader is the same as

Geder, a town whose king was conquered by Joshua in the area west
of the Jordan River. (1 Chronicles 2:50, 51) (Joshua 12:13)

BETH-GAMUL: This city was mentioned in association with

Jehovah’s prophetic pronouncements against Moab. He states:
“Judgment has come on the cities of the plateau.” (Jeremiah 48:21,
23)

BETH-HACCHEREM: Beth-haccherem was a place near the city of

Jerusalem at Jeremiah 6:1: “Flee for safety you people of Benjamin.
Run from the midst of Jerusalem! Now blow a ram’s horn in Tekoa
and aise a signal over Beth-haccerem. The people were warned to
light a signal fire on a high place near Jerusalem. There are a
number of places near Jerusalem where large stone mounds are
found on the summit of hills that could have been used for signal
fires like the fires mentioned by Jeremiah.

BETHEL: House of God. City in Israel, more frequently mentioned

in the Bible than any other except Jerusalem. It was about eleven
miles north of Jerusalem. (Genesis 28:10-19)

BETH-HARAN, BETH-HARAM: Beth-haran was a town on the east

side of the Jordan River. The tribe of Dan requested it be included
in its territory because of its good pastureland. Even though it was
in a valley it was one of their fortified cities. (Numbers 32:1, 34, 36)
(Joshua 13:27)

BETH-HOGLAH: Beth-hoglah was a border town on the southeast

corner of the territory of Benjamin, about 5 miles southeast of
Jericho. It was across from the territory of Judah. (Josua 15:1, 6;
18:11, 19, 21)

BETH-HORON: There were two towns using this name, Upper and
Lower Beth-horon. They were on the ancient route leading from
Joppa through the Aijalon Valley to Bethel and Jerusalem. Upper
Beth-horon is about 10 miles northwest of Jersalem and Lower
Beth-horn is 1.5 miles northwest of Upper Beth-horon. The
boundary of the tribe of Benjamin is said to be the mountain on the
south of Lower Beth-horon. (Joshua 18:13, 14) Beth-horon is one of
the towns withing the inheritance of Ephraim. (Joshua 21:20, 22) (1
Chronicles 6:68)

BETHLEHEM: Bethlehem was a town in the Judean highlands,

about 2,550 feet above sea level. The highway through Bethlehem
leads to Beer-sheba and Jerusalem. Though the countryside nearby
is rocky it produces olives and grapes. (Ruth 1:22) The former name
of the town was Ephrathah, which explains why it is called
Bethlehem-Ephrathah at Micah 5:2. David the son of Jesse was
born in Bethlehem of Judah. He tended his father’s sheep in that
area and was later anointed there by Samuel to be Israel’s future
king. (1 Samuel 16:1, 4, 13, 18; 17:12, 15, 58; 20:6) Mary gave birth to
Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea. This fulfilled divine prophecy. (Luke
1:26-38; 2:4-8)
BETHLEHEMITE: A Bethlehemite was an inhabitant of Bethlehem.
Jesse, David’s father was a Bethlehemite. (1 Samuel 16:1, 18; 17:58)
(2 Samuel 21:19)

BETH-MARCABOTH: This city was an enclave city given to Simeon

within the territory of the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 19:1, 5) (1
Chronicles 4:31) Beth-marcaboth may have been a fortress city of
the Canaanites. Their war chariots ventured out onto the flatlands
in the area of Beersheba. (Judges 1:19)

BETH-MEON: This city was only mentioned at Jeremiah 48:23. It

could be the same as Baal-meon.

BETH-MERHAK: King David left Jerusalem because of the

rebellion of his son Absalom. He stopped at Beth-merhak before
crossing the Kidron Valley. This could have been the last house in
Jerusalem going toward the Mount of Olives. (2 Samuel 15:17-26)

BETH-NIMRAH: Beth-nimrah was a town belonging to the tribe of

Gad. It was east of the Jordan River. It was also called Nimrah for
short. (Numbers 32:3, 34, 36) It was at one time part of King
Sihonl’s territory. (Joshua 13:27) It was located 12 miles northeast
of Jericho.

BETH-PAZZEZ: This was a boundary town of Issachar. (Joshua

19:17, 21)

BETH-PELET: Beth-pelet was a town in the southern part of Judah.

It was reoccupied after the Babylonian exile. (Joshua 15:21, 27)
(Nehemiah 11:26)

BETH-PEOR: The nation of Israel camped in the valley near Beth-

peor. (Deuteronomy 3:29) Beth-peor may have been a town located
on the slopes of Mount Peor. (Deuteronomy 4:46) Some consider
Peor to be a mountain peak and others consider it to be a town.
Both Peor and Beth. Peor appear to be connected with the pagan
worship of the Baal of Peor. (Numbers 25:1-3; 18, 31:16) (Joshua
22:17) The Israelites became ensnared with the immoral practices
of this false worship. The summit of Peor is thought to have been
one of the peaks bordering the Wadi Husban.

BETHPHAGE: Jesus was at or near Bethphage when he sent out his

disciples to procure the donkey upon which he rode during his
triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:1, 2) (Mark 11:1, 2)
(Luke 19:29, 30) Some sources believe Bethphage was located on
the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem and also near Bethany. That
would mean it was between Bethany and Jerusalem at et-Tur, on
the SE slope of the Mount of Olives. Jesus would have had the city
of Jerusalem in full view as he descended from there. (Luke 19:37,
41)

BETH-REHOB: Beth-rehob was believed to be the principal city in a

small Aramaean kingdom. Laish is described as being in the Beth-
rehob Valley. (Judge 18:7, 28) The Amonites hired Syrian
mercenaries from Beth-rehob to defend themselves against the
Israelite forces. (2 Samuel 10:6)

BETHSAIDA: The apostles, Philip, Andrew and Peter came from

Bethsaida. (John 1:44) However, at the time of Jesus Christ’s
ministry, Simon Peter and Andrew had taken residence in
Capernaum. (Matthew 8:5, 14) (Mark 1:21, 29) When John the
Baptist died Jesus and his disciples withdrew to Bethsaida and a
crowd of five thousand followed him. (Matthew 14:13-21) (Luke
9:10-17) (John 6:10) It was outside Bethsaida that Jesus restored
sight to a blind man. (Mark 8:22) Bethsaida and Chorazin were each
subjects of Jesus’ scathing reproach because of their unrepentant
attitude. (Luke 10:13)

BETH-SHEMESH, CITY OF JUDAH: Beth-shemesh was on the

northern boundary of Judah between Chesalon and Timnah.
(Joshua 15:10) The Philistines sent the Ark of Jehovah back to Israel
on a wagon pulled by cows to the the Levite city of Beth-shemesh. (1
Samuel 6:9-20) Beth-shemesh was one of the cities responsible to
provide food for King Solomon’s royal table. (1 Kings 4:7, 9) King
Amaziah suffered defeat and capture at Beth-shemesh. (2 Kings
14:9-13) (2 Chronicles 25:18-23)

BETH-SHEMESH, CITY OF NAPHTALI: This fortified city was in

the territory of Naphtali. The Canaanites living in this city became
Naphtalites. (Joshua 19:35-39) (Judges 1:33)

BETH-SHEMESH, CITY OF ISSACHAR: This city of Issachar was

near the Jordan River about 2 miles south of the Sea of Galilee.
(Joshua 19:22, 23)

BETH-SHEMESH, CITY IN EGYPT: Jeremiah prophecied about

coming devastation upon Egypt and Beth-shemesh. It is considered
to be the Heliopolis on the northeast edge of Cairo. It is known as
“the City of the Sun.” (Jeremiah 43:13)
BETH-SHEMITE: A citizen of Beth-shemesh of Judah was called a
Beth-shemite. Joshua, the owner of the field where the Ark of the
Covenant was placed on a large stone after taken from a Philistine
wagon, was called a Beth-shemite. (1 Samuel 6:14, 18)

BETH-SHITTAH: The Midianites ran from the Jezreel Valley after

Judge Gideon chased them away. The retreated through the town of
Beth-shittah on their way to the Jordan. (Judges 7:1, 22)

BETH-TAPPUAH: Beth-tappuah was a city in the hills near Hebron.

It belonged to the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 53) Some
scholars believe it received it’s name from a man named Tappuah.
(1 Chronicles 2:42, 43) Yet others think Beth-tappuah was named
after the apple trees that were abundant in the area.

BETHUEL, SON OF NAHOR: Bethuel was Abraham’s nephew. His

father was Nahor and his mothe was Milcha. Rebekah and Laban
were his children. (Genesis 22:20-23; 24:15, 24, 29, 50) Bethuel was
called a Syrian or an Aramaean, dwelling in the flatland of Aram.

BETHUEL, THE TOWN: The town of Bethuel was in the southern

part of the territory of Judah about 12 miles south of Hebron. It was
assigned to the tribe of Simeon and served as an enclave city. It is
called Bethel at 1 Samuel 30:27. (Joshua 15:30; 19:4) (1 Chronicles
4:30)

BETHESDA POOL: The Bethesda Pool was located by the Sheep

market in Jerusalem. Some translations read Bethzatha. A large
number of sick, blind, and lame persons gathered there expecting to
receive healing in the water. Jesus healed a man at the pool. The
man had been ill for 38 years. (John 5:1-9)

BETH-ZUR: Beth-sur was a town in the mountains of Judah.

(Joshua 15:58) Beth-zur was one of 15 cities rebuild and fortified by
King Rehoboam following the division of the kingdom. (2
Chronicles 11:5-12)

BETONIM: This city was east of the Jordan River. Moses gave it as a
gift to the tribe of Gad. (Joshua 13:24-27)

BEULAH: The Hebrew word “Beu’lah” is properly translated

“owned as a wife.” Some translations use Beulah as a woman’s
proper name. However the context of Isaiah chapter sixty-two
speaks about a spiritual woman known as Zion. Zion was to be in a
desolate state following the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah by
the Babylonians. Zion, or Jerusalem was to be restored to her
former splendor. (Isaiah 62) (Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6; 66:8) (Jeremiah
23:5-8; 30:17) (Galatians 4:26-31)

BEZALEL, HEAD BUILDER OF TABERNACLE: Jehovah appointed

Bezalel and said to Moses: “I have called Bezalel, son of Uri and
grandson of Hur, from the tribe of Judah. I filled him with the Spirit
of God (my power). I gave him understanding, skill, and ability for
every kind of artistic work.” (Exodus 31:1-3, 3o-33; 35:4-9, 30-33;
36:3-7) Bezalel was the chief artisan and builder of the Tabernacle.

BEZALEL, SON OF PAHATH-MOAB: This Bezalel was the son of

Pahath-moab. He dismissed his foreign wife and sons when Ezra
demanded it. (Ezra 10:30, 44)

BEZEK, JUDAH AND SIMEON FOUGHT THE CANAANITES:

Judah and Simeon defeated 10,000 Canaanite and Perizite troops
under Adoni-bezek. (Judges 1:3-7) This Bezek was located in the
Shephelah region about 3 miles northeast of Gezer.

BEZEK, SAUL LED ISRAEL AND JUDAH AGAINST THE

AMMONITES: The Ammonites were camped against Jabesh in
Gilead. Saul gathered his forces at Bezek to fight against the
Ammonites. Bezek was a mountain west of Khirbez Ibziq that rises
2,339 feet above sea level that provided high ground for Israel and
Judah. (1 Samuel 11:8-11)

BEZER, SON OF ZOPHAH: Bezer was one of the sons of Zophah.

He was from the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 36, 37)

BEZER, LEVITE CITY: Bezer was a Levite city of refuge on the east
side of the Jordan River. It was designated for the tribe of Reuben.
(Deuteronomy 4:41o-43) (Joshua 20:8; 21:36)

BIBLE: The Greek word “bi-bli’a”means little books. The Bible is a

collection of little books. Jerome, the translator of the Latin
Vulgate, called this collection “Bibliotheca Divina”, the Divine
Library. Jesus Christ and the writers of the Christian Greek
Scriptures called the collection of sacred books “the Scriptures”,
“the Holy Scriptures”, “the holy writings”. (Matthew 21:42) (Mark
14:49) (Luke 24:32) (John 5:39) (Acts 18:24) (Romans 1:2; 15:4)
The name Bible was adopted by Wickliffe, and came gradually into
use in our English Language. The Bible consists of 66 individual
books, each one complete by itself. These books and letters were
written over a period of nearly 1,600 years and yet it’s contents are
in complete harmony. God inspired 40 human secretaries and
scribes to record the message that his Holy Spirit directed them to
write. (2 Timothy 3:16) (2 Peter 3:15, 16) The expression “inspired
of God” comes from the Greek phrase “the-o’pneu-stos.” It means,
“God-breathed.” The Bible is further divided into two parts, the
Hebrew Scriptures and The Greek Scriptures. The apostle Paul
referred to the Bible as the Holy Scriptures and holy writings.
(Romans 1:2; 15:4) (2 Timothy 3:15)

BIBLE STUDY TOOLS: See STUDY TOOLS

BICHRI, BICHRITES: Bichri was from the tribe of Benjamin. His

son Sheba was a good-for-nothing person who led his people, the
Bichrites, in rebellion against David. The Bichrites were the
descendants and family members of the Benjamite Bichri. They
joined Sheba in the rebellion against David. 2 Samuel 20:1-22)

BIDKAR: Bidkar was Jehu’s military assistant. He threw the body of

King Jehoram of Israel into the field of Naboth. (2 Kings 9:25, 26)

BIGTHA: Bigtha was one of the seven court officials sent by King
Ahasuerus to bring his queen, Vashti, to him. (Esther 1:10, 11)

BIGTHAN, BIGTHANA: Bigthan was one of the two doorkeepers in

the Persian palace who conspired against the life of King Ahasuerus.
When Mordecai learned of the plot he told Queen Esther. She
inturn reported it to the king. Bigthan was hanged. (Esther 2:21-23;
6:2)

BIG TREES: Most of the time the big trees referred to in the Bible
are mentioned by specific names such as the cedars of Lebanon and
the oaks of Bashan. (Amos 2:9) (Isaiah 2:13) (Ezekiel 27:6)
(Zecheriah 11:1, 2) The great tree reported at Genesis 12:6 and 14:13
could have been the terebinth or turpentine tree. It could also have
been one the mighty oaks of Mamre.

BILDAD: Bildad the Shuhite was one of Jobs three so-called

comforters and companions. He was the son of Abraham by
Keturah and a descendant of Shuah. (Job 2:11) (Genesis 25:2) (1
Chronicles 1:32) Each comforter took turns talking to Job. Bildad
took second place. He was the first to accuse Job’s children of
wrongdoing and therefore deserving of the trouble that befell them.
He repeated Eliphaz in his false accusation that Job’s afflictions
came because he was wicked. (Job 18) Bildad reasoned that man is a
maggot and a worm and therefore unclean before God. (Job 25)
BILEAM, IEBLAAM: Bileam was a town assigned to the Levites of
the family of Kohath. It came from the territory of the half tribe of
Manasseh who were located west of the Jordan River. (1 Chronicles
6:70) (Joshua 21:11-39)

BILGAI: Bilgai was a priest or a forefather of a priest. He agreed to

the covenant Nehemiah arranged. (Nehemiah 10:1, 8)

BINDING HOUSE, SHEARING HOUSE: The binding house or

shearing house of the shepherds was a place on the road from
Jezreel to Samaria. It was located by several cisterns so the sheep
could be watered. The sheep were then bound to facilitate the work
of shearing. Jehu killed the brother of King Ahaziah of Judah by the
cistern. (2 Kings 10:12-14) Some Bible translations call this the
“meeting house.”

BINEA: Binea was a descendant of Saul’s son Jonathan. He was of

the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:33-37, 40; 9:39-43)

BIRD CATCHER, FOWLER: The bird catcher or fowler is

someone engaged in the capture of birds. The Hebrews captured
birds with traps, snares and nets. (Proverbs 6:5) (Psalm 124:7)
Birds were used as food. (Genesis 9:2-4) (Leviticus 17:13, 14)
(Deuteronomy 14:11-20) Some were captured and used as sacrifices.
(Leviticus 1:14) Young pigeons and turtledoves were among this
group of birds. Some of the doves were sold at the temple in
Jerusalem. (John 2:14, 16) Some birds were sold as pets because of
their beautiful song and lovely plumage. (Job 41:5) (1 Kings 10:22)

BIRDS: There are 300 references to birds in the Bible. Thirty

different varieties have been specifically named.

BIRSHA: King Chedorlaomer of Elam along with three other kings

defeated King Birsha of Gomorrah in the Siddim Valley at the Dead
Sea. (Genesis 14:1-11)

BIRTH: Several Hebrew words translate to the meaning ‘to give

birth.’ The primary term for birth is “yal-ladh’”. It means ‘to give
birth and to become father to,’ (Genesis 4:1, 2; 16:15; 30:39) (1
Chronicles 1:10) The Greek word “gen-na’o” means, ‘become father
to, become mother to, bring forth, and be born’. God’s love for
mankind is so great that he gave his “only begotten Son” for the
salvation of all who are willing to obey and believe. (John 3:16, 36)
The term, ‘only begotten’ comes from the Greek word, “mon-og-en-
ace.” It means the only born Son. No other spirit being came into
existence in this special way. Many Scriptures relate birth in a
figurative sense. (Psalm 90:2) (Proverbs 27:1) (Isaiah 66:8, 9)
(James 1:15) The intensity and suffering that comes from labor pain
is related in a symbolic or figurative way. (Psalm 48:6) (Jeremiah
13:21) (Micah 4:9, 10) (Galatians 4:19) (1 Thessalonians 5:3) Jesus
told Nicodemus that one must be born from water and spirit in
order to enter the Kingdom. This was a description of spiritual
birth. (John 3:1-7)

BIRTHDAY: The birthday is the day or anniversary of a person’s

birth. The Hebrews kept records of birth years, as the genealogical
data reveals. (Numbers 1:2, 3) (Joshua 14:10) (2 Chronicles 31:16,
17) Only two birthdays are mentioned in the Bible, those of Pharaoh
of Egypt and Herod Antipas. In each instance executions by hanging
and beheading took place. (Genesis 40:18-22; 41:13) (Matthew 14:6-
11) (Mark 6:21-28) The practice of celebrating a person’s birthday
was not a part of early Jewish life, nor a part of early Christian life.

BIRTHRIGHT: The birthright is an inheritance coming by the right

of birth often applied to the right of the firstborn son. The Hebrew
term “bekho-rah’” and Greek term “pro-to-to’ki-a” each have the
meaning pertaining to ‘firstborn.’ The patriarchal system appointed
the firstborn son as head of the family upon the death of the father.
The firstborn usually received the father’s special blessing. (Genesis
27:4, 36; 48:9, 17, 18) The firstborn was also entitled to twice as
much inheritance as each of his brothers. The father could transfer
the birthright to another son for cause. Reuben lost his right as
firstborn because of fornication with his fathers concubine. (1
Chronicles 5:1, 2) It could also be sold as in the case of Esau.
(Genesis 25:30-34; 27:36) (Hebrews 12:16) Jesus Christ is the “first
born of all creation.” As the faithful Son of his Father Jehovah God
he has the birthright and inheritance that includes “all things.”
(Colossians 1:15) (Hebrews 1:2)

BISHLAM: Bishlam opposed the rebuilding of the Temple after the

exile ended. He joined others in writing a letter of false accusation
against the Jews to Persian King Artaxerxes. (Ezra 4:6, 7)

BITHIAH: Bithiah was the daughter of a Pharaoh and wife of Mered

of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 18)

BITHYNIA: This Roman province in the northern part of Asia

Minor was located in what is now northwest Turkey. It bordered on
the southern shore of the Black Sea. On the second missionary
journey, Paul, Silas and Timothy tried to travel into Bithynia but the
Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. (Acts 16:7) There is no record of
apostolic preaching in Bithynia. However, Peter addressed his first
letter to the people in Bithynia. (1 Peter 1:1) This would indicate that
there were Christians living there about 64 C.E.

BITTER GREENS, HERBS: The Hebrew word “mero-rim’” means

‘bitter greens, bitter herbs or bitterroot.’ The Israelites were to eat
bitter greens or herbs along with roasted lamb and unleavened
bread on the Passover night. (Exodus 12:8) (Numbers 9:11) The
same Hebrew term is found at Lamentations 3:15 where it is
rendered bitterroot, bitter greens, bitter herbs or bitterness. The
vast majority of translators use the term bitterness.

BITUMEN: Three different Hebrew words refer to the same black or

brown mineral asphalt known as bitumen. “Ze’pheth” in Hebrew is
‘pitch, the liquid form.’ “Chrl-mar’” is bitumen in its solid state.
“Ko’pher” refers to tar. Bitumen is used in waterproofing. (Genesis
6:14) It was used on the papyrus ark that floated baby Moses in the
Nile reeds. (Exodus 2:3) The builders of Babylon used it for its
waterproof and adhesive qualities. (Genesis 11:3) Isaiah described
the flammable characteristics of bitumen when he prophesied that
Edom would become “blazing tar” at Isaiah 34:9.

BIZIOTHIAH: Biziothiah was one of the towns in Judah’s tribal

inheritance in the Negeb region. (Joshua 15:21, 28)

BLACK MULBERRY TREE: The black mulberry tree is mentioned

only once in the Scriptures at Luke 17:5, 6. Jesus told his disciples if
they had enough faith they could tell the mulberry tree to uproot
and move to the sea and it would. He gave this illustration to
emphasize how effective a strong faith could be. This tree was
commonly found in Israel. It had large heart-shaped leaves and
dark red or black fruit. It grew to about 20 feet.

BLASPHEMY: Greek: “blasphemi’a” means ‘evil speaking,

vilification, railing, and blasphemy.’ This is the act of speaking
things against God or not showing respect for God. The Son of God
warned against blasphemy at Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-29.
The scribes accused Jesus of blasphemy at Matthew 9:3. Out of
anger the high priest ripped off his garment and declared Jesus a
blasphemer. (Matthew 26:65) A crowd of Jews picked up rocks to
stone Jesus. They said he was a blasphemer because he said: I am
the Son of God. (John 10:36)
BLASTUS: This man was in charge of the bedchamber of King
Herod Agrippa I. He had a great amount of influence with the king.
The people of Tyre and Sidon won over Blastus before approaching
the king to sue for peace. (Acts 12:20)

BLEMISH: A blemish is a physical or moral defect. It is from the

Hebrew word “mum” and the Greek word “mo’mos.” They translate
to the English words: ‘unsoundness, anything bad, blemish, or find
fault with.’ Under the Mosaic Law sacrificial animals were to be
without blemish. (Exodus 12:5) (Leviticus 4:3, 28) (Deuteronomy
15:21) The apostle Paul was concerned that the Christian
congregation was kept free from blemishes in a spiritual sense.
(Ephesians 1:4; 5:27) (Colossians 1:22) (Jude 24) (Leviticus 21:17)
(Deuteronomy 17:1) (Job 31:7) (2 Peter 2:13) (Ephesians 1:4) (2
Corinthians 6:3, 8:20)

BLESSED, HAPPY: Hebrew: “‘esher” (Psalm 1:1) Greek:

“makar’ios” (Matthew 5:3)

BLESS, BLESSING: Hebrew: “barak’”, means ‘praise, salute,

bless.’ Greek: “kateulogeo” means ‘blessing.’ God offered to bless
Abraham. (Genesis 12:1-3) Isaac blessed Jacob. (Genesis 27:1-41)
Jesus blessed everyone who approached him. (Mark 10:16) (Luke
24:50) (John 1:16)

BLINDNESS: The Hebrew and Greek words for blind are “iw-
wer’” and “ty-phlos’”. The Holy Scriptures speak of blindness in a
literal and a figurative sense. (Deuteronomy 27:18) (Isaiah 56:10)
(Matthew 15:30) The groping about of the blind offers an
illustration of helplessness. (Deuteronomy 28:29) (Isaiah 59:10)
(Zepaniah 1:17) (Luke 6:29) The Bible speaks of the importance of
spiritual sight. The Pharisees loved spiritual darkness. (John 9:39-
41; 3:19, 20) Paul said the Ephesian congregation had the eyes of
their heart enlightened. (Ephesians 1:16, 18) (1 John 2:11) (2 Peter
1:5-9) (Revelation 3:17)

BLOOD: Blood is the red fluid in vertibrates that circulates in the

vascular system. It is pumped by the heart. Blood supplies
nourishment and oxygen to all parts of the boby. It also carries away
waste products and helps to safeguard the body against infection.
The word blood is found more than 340 times in the Holy
Scriptures. God’s Word treats both life and blood as sacred and that
is why Leviticus 17:14 states: “This is because the life of any creature
is in its blood. So I have said to the people of Israel: ‘Never eat any
blood, because the life of any creature is in its blood. Whoever eats
blood must be excluded from the people.’” (Psalm 36:9) The
governing body of the first-century Christian congregation, under
the direction of the Holy Spirit, offered the following mandate
concerning the ingestion of blood at Acts 15:28, 29: “For it seemed
good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered
to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from
fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well.
Farwell.” The only use of blood that is approved by God is for
sacrifice. (Leviticus 17:10, 11) (Hebrews 10:5, 10)

BLOODGUILT: On several occasions the Hebrew word for blood

refers to guilt incurred by shedding innocent blood. It is rendered
bloodguilt. (Exodus 22:2) (1 Kings 2:37) Blood is sacred and when
Noah and his family came out of the ark they were warned not to
shed innocent blood. (Genesis 9:6; 37:21, 22; 42:22) God’s people
were warned not to take blood into their bodies. (Leviticus 17:14;
7:26, 27) (Acts 15:20) The false religious leaders of Jesus’ day were
every bit as blood guilty as the religious leaders of Jeremiah’s time.
Their skirts were crimson red with the blood of God’s faithful ones.
(Jeremiah 2:34) (Matthew 23:35, 36; 27:24, 25) (Luke 11:50,51)
Christians were encouraged to preach the good news of the
Kingdom. Withholding this lifesaving information would constitute
bloodguilt. (Acts 18:6; 20:26, 27) (Ezekiel 33:6-8) They were also
admonished to remove their membership from blood guilty
religious and secular organizations at Revelation 17:6 and 18:2.

BOANERGES: Jesus Christ called the sons of Zebedee, James and

John, the Sons of Thunder. The translation is found at Mark 3:17.
These two brothers were filled with enthusiasm. Thus the name
“boanerges” was very fitting. (Luke 9:54)

BOAR: Hebrew: chazir’ is translated wild boar. Wild boars from the
forest are spoken of at Psalm 80:13. Large, 350 pound, wild boars
ran through the forest rooting for food. The animal was very
dangerous and destructive.

BOAZ, SON OF SALMA (SALMON): Boaz was a wealthy land owner

who lived at Bethlehem in Jueah in the 14th century B.C.E. (Ru 2:1)
He was the son of Salma (Salmon) and Rahab, the seventh in line of
descent from Judah. He was the father of Boaz and thus a link in the
family line of Jesus the Messiah. (Matthew 1:5) (1 Chronicles 2:3-11)
(Luke 3:32, 33) Boaz was an outstanding man of action. He had
good self-control, faith, and integrity. This generous and kind man
obeyed Jehovah’s commandments.
BOAZ, THE COPPER COLUMN: Huram cast two copper columns,
27 feet tall and 18 feet in circumference. They were placed at the
entrance of the Temple. They were topped with copper crowns 7.5
feet tall. Each was decorated with a design of interwoven chains.
The column on the south side was named Jochin and the one on the
north was named Boaz, meaning "Strength." (1 Kings 7:15-21)

BOCHIM: Bochim means “weepers.” It is the name of a site where

Jehovah’s angel addressed the Israelites. The angel reproved them
because they egnored Jehovah’s warning aginst entering into
relations with the pagan inhabitants of the land. The people wept
profusely after that and thus the name Bochim. (Judges 2:1-5)

BODY, SPIRITUAL: The body is the physical structure of a

human or an animal. The Bible speaks in detail about the human
body. It also counsels humans to present their bodies as a living
sacrifice in sacred service to God-Ro 12:1. There are physical bodies
and there are spiritual bodies. Spirit persons such as God, Christ
and the angels are invisible to humans eyes and not detectable by
human senses. (Exodus 33:20) (1 Corinthians 15:44) (1 John 4:12)
Expressions used to help mortal man understand and appreciate
Jehovah God’s qualities are often related to physical beings. God
does not literally possess the following organs, but they are used to
help us relate to him: (Eyes-Psalm 34:15, Hebrews 4:13) (arms-Job
40:9, John 12:38) (feet-Psalm 18:9, Zec 14:4) (heart-Genesis 8:21,
Proverbs 27:11) (hands-Exodus 3:20, Romans 10:21) (fingers-
Exodus 31:18, Luke 11:20) (nose-Ezekiel 8:17, Exodus 15:8) (ears-1
Samuel 8:21, Psalm 10:17)

BODY OF CHRIST: The term, the body of Christ, sometimes

means Jesus’ human-physical body. (John 2:19-21; 19:38) (Acts
2:31) (1 Timothy 3:16) (1 Peter 3:18) The Christian congregation is
the spiritual body of Christ. (Romans 12:5) (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
(Ephesians 1:23; 4:4; 5:23)

BODY, PHYSICAL: The physical body is made of dust. (Genesis

2:7; 3:19) Proverbs 3:7-8 and 4:20-22 emphasize the importance
faith and respect for God play in living a happy and healthy life.
Jesus pointed out that we should put kingdom interests first at
Matthew Chapter 6. The apostle Paul warned against misuse of the
physical body. (Romans 8:13) (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) (1
Thessalonians 4:5)
BOIL: SEE ULCER, BOIL

BONDS, CHAINS: The expressions “bond” and “chains” are

frequently used in the Bible for imprisionment or confinement. Zion
is prophetically is identified as being in bonds in the Babylonian
exile. (Isaiah 52:2) (Jeremiah 29:4, 5) Disobedient angels are kept
in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great
day” at Jude 6. Satan the Devil is to be thrown into a spiritual prison
as identified at Revelation 20:1, 2 where it says, “I saw an angel
come down from heaven. He had the key to the bottomless pit and a
great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, the old serpent that is
the Devil, and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” The
sinful condition of mankind could be described as metaphoric or
symbolic “bonds of iniquity.” (Acts 8:23) The apostle Paul says love
is “the bond of perfection and unity” at Colossians 3:14.

BONES: Bones are rigid connective tissue that makes up the

skeleton of vertebrates such as animals and human beings. Man is
woven or “knitted together” with a skeleton of more than two
hundred bones and connecting sinews. (Job 10:11) (Ecclesiastes
11:5) Comparable to reinforced concrete, bone is stronger than steel.
The Hebrew word for bone is “e’tsem.” (Genesis 2:23) The Greek
term is “ol-ste’on.” (John 19:36) The first woman was formed from
a rib taken from Adam. (Genesis 2:22, 23) When Jesus was
resurrected and appeared to some of his disciples he told them that
spirit does not have flesh and bone. (Luke 24:39)

BOOK, PARCHMENTS, SCROLL: Jehovah’s people were

instructed from the Book of the Law. (Deuteronomy 30:10) (Joshua
1:8) The Book of Life is featured at Philippians 4:3 and Revelation
3:5; 13:8; 20:12; 21:27.

BOOK OF LIFE: This symbolic book is referenced in the Bible as

God’s record listing the names of those who deserve everlasting life.
The term ‘book’ is used figuratively in the expressions: God’s book
at Ex 32:32, the book of remembrance at Malachi 3:16 and the book
of life at Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; 20:15.

BOOTH: A booth was a small shelter constructed of tree branches

and leaves. Sometimes it had a wooden floor elevated off the
ground. The Hebrew term “suk-kah’” and the Greek term “ske-ne’”
each mean ‘booth.’ The Israelites built booths on rooftops during
the annual Festival of Booths. This was to remind Israel that
Jehovah God made them dwell in booths when he brought them out
of Egypt. (Leviticus 23:34, 40-43) (Nehemiah 8:15)
BORASHAN: Borashan was a Simeonite enclave city in the south
part of Judah’s territory. (1 Samuel 30:30, 31) David and his men
frequented this city when he was a fugitive.

BORN AGAIN: A man of the Pharisees and ruler of the Jews named
Nicodemus approached Jesus by night. Jesus told him, “unless a
person is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus
asked him how this could be since he could not enter his mother’s
womb again to be born a second time. Jesus explained, “That which
is born from the flesh is flesh and that which is born from the Spirit
is spirit” plainly stating that this new birth must be a spiritual birth.
This account is found a John 3:1-12.

Born again is a spiritual condition caused by God and not by man.

Accurate knowledge of the Holy Scriptures is required to even begin
to understand this blessing from God. Many churches believe that
the “born-again” experience is an emotional transformation that
takes place within the believer. Others think it is a mental renewal
that the believer undergoes.

While there may be a difference of opinion between religious

experts as to what born again means, it is obvious from the
teachings of Jesus Christ that a true believer must have an active
faith and be obedient to God and His Son. Someone born again
would indeed have an active faith and be obedient. “For God loved
the world so much, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever
has an active faith in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.” “He who puts active faith in the Son has everlasting life. He
who disobeys the Son will not see life for the the wrath of God
remains upon him.” (John 3:16, 36) (See: FAITH) (Romans 8:14-17)
(Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:19-25; 12:18-24)

BOSOM, IN THE: The term “in the bosom” means to be closest to

that person. John 1:18 states: “the only begotten Son of God is
closest to the father.” Some translations use the term “in the bosom
of the Father.” Jesus’ disciples often lay on the ground in front of
another person or leaning on his breast at a meal. This could be
defined as “in the bosom” or close to that person. (John 13:23, 25;
21:20)

BOTTLE: Bottles are used to hold water, oil, milk, butter and cheese
and other liquids. Bottles in Bible times were made of bronze, glass,
gold, ivory, porcelain, stone and leather and skin. Skin bottles made
from animals hide were common. (Genesis 21:14, 15, 19) (Job
32:19) (Psalm 119:83) (Matthew 9:17) David referred to the skin
bottle figuratively at Psalm 56:8, where he said: “Put my tears in
your skin bottle.”

BOTTLE-GOURD PLANT: The Hebrew term “qi-qa-yohn’” is

translated in various ways such as ‘caster-oil plant,’ ‘bottle-gourd
plant’ or ‘gourd plant.’ A gourd plant that normally grows rapidly
was caused to grow up in one night by God’s power. It was to shade
Jonah from the hot sun. (Jonah 4:5-11)

BOTTOMLESS PIT: Greek: “abussos” refers to ‘deep bottomless

pit,’ sometimes referred to as [the abyss.] It is a spiritual prison
where Satan and his angels are locked up for a thousand years.
(Revelation 20:1-2)

BOUNDARY: The Hebrew word “gevul” means ‘bondary, territory,

or land within a border.’ (Joshua 13:23) God promised Abraham
and his seed a land with definite boundaries. (Genesis 15:18-21)
(Exodus 23:31) The Greek word “horothesias” means to ‘set the
bounds.’ The apostle Paul told the people at Athens that God
“determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their
habitation." (Acts 17:26) Asaph said of God, “You have set all the
boundaries of the earth.” (Psalm 74:17)

BOUNDARY MARK: A plot of land was given to each Israelite

family in the land of Canaan. These plots were marked off by
landmarks, or boundary marks. (Genesis 10:19; 47:21) The Hebrew
word for border or boundary is “gevul’”. Jehovah prohibited the
moving of borders or boundary marks. (Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17)
(Proverbs 22:28; 23:10)

BRACELET: A bracelet is a decorative band worn on the wrist or

lower arm. Both men and women wore bracelets in ancient times.
They were made of bronze, iron, silver and gold and were often
studded with jewels. (Genesis 24:22, 30, 47) (Numbers 31:50)
(Ezekiel 16:11, 17, 38, 39) (Isaiah 3:16, 19) Monarchs as their
insignia of authority wore the armlet or upper arm bracelet. King
Saul wore such insignia on his arm. (2 Samuel 1:10)

BRAMBLE: The Hebrew word for bramble is “a-tadh’”. The

Palestinian buckthorn is such a bush. It grows three to six feet high
and its twigs are lined with strong, sharp points. It is found in
warm regions of the country as well as the mountains near
Jerusalem. This shrub has blossoms with small violet flowers and
small round, edible red berries. The bramble appears in a unique
account that contrasts the various trees, shrubs, and vines with the
lowly bramble. This account is found at Judges 9:8-15.

BRANCH, SPROUT: A branch is a small division of a main part

such as a tree. The term branch is used interchangeable with the
words, sprout, sprig, shoot, offshoot, bough, and twig. Branches of
trees were literally used in the worship of God by the Israelites.
(Leviticus 23:40) (Nehemiah 8:15) Palm branches were waved as a
way of respectfully greeting Jesus Christ, the Son of God at John
12:12, 13. Branches were utilized to show reverence to God at
Revelation 7:9, 10. The small town of Nazareth was called “Sprout-
Town” in fulfillment of prophecy. (Isaiah 11:1) (Matthew 2:23)
(Zechariah 3:8; 6:12, 13) (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15)

BRAND MARK: Pagans burned or inscribed brand marks into the

flesh of slaves as a sign of ownership. Jehovah God foretold that the
proud women of Judah would have their beauty scared with brand
marks. (Isaiah 3:24) Deliberate disfigurement of the flesh was
prohibited under the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 19:28) The apostle
Paul wrote that he carried the marks of Jesus on his body.
(Galatians 6:17) His reference was symbolic of the life he lived as a
Christian, displaying the fruitage of the Spirit. Paul was literally
beaten because of his stand for Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

BRASS: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It was not known until
the thirteenth century. Copper was used up until that time.
(Deuteronomy 8:9) See: COPPER

BREAD: Bread is a baked food made with flour or meal. Sometimes

bread was leavened with yeast and sometimes it was make with out
yeast. Mixing water and flour without using any yeast made
unleavened bread. The Hebrews used wheat flour or barley flour.
The Bible also makes reference to barley bread. (Judges 7:13) (2
Kings 4:42) (John 6:9, 13) It was customary to grind the grain and
bake fresh bread daily. The psalmist identified God as the one
providing bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man. (Psalms
104:15) Bread is used figuratively in the Bible. (Isaiah 30:20)
(Proverbs 4:14-17) (Isaiah 55:2) Jesus took a loaf of bread at
Matthew 26:26 and said: “This (is) represents my body.” The bread
was symbolic of his body. (Lukr 22:19) (1 Corinthians 11:23,24)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread.”
(Micah 5:2)

BREAST: The breast is the front part of the trunk from the neck to
the abdomen. It is also known as the mammary gland. The human
breast is used in the Bible to denote closeness, intimacy, and favor.
(Song of Solomon 1:13) (John 13:25; 21:20) It is also used with
reference to sexual intimacy. (Hosea 2:2) (Ezekiel 23:3, 21) (Song of
Solomon 4:5; 7:3, 7, 8) It is also used to express appreciation and
respect. (Luke 11:27, 28; 23:29.

BREASTBAND: The breastband was a sash or girdle worn by a bride

on her wedding day. Her status as a married woman was
represented by her breastband. Speaking as a husband to Israel,
Jehovah said, “A young woman cannot forget her jewelry or a bride
her breastband (sash) (girdle). Yet, my people have forgotten me for
countless days.” (Jeremiah 2:32) Israel had forsaken Jehovah for
other gods.

BREASTPIECE: This sacred pouch was worn by Israel’s high priest

over his heart when he entered the Holy. It served as a memorial
and a reminder of Jehovah’s judgement. It contained the Urim and
Thummim by which Jehovah’s judgments were revealed. For that
reason it was referred to as “the breastpiece of decision-making (or
judgment).” (Exodus 28:15-30; 39:8-21)

BREASTPLATE: The breastplate is part of a soldier’s armor, made

of leather or metal. It covered the chest and sometimes the back as
a protection against arrows and the blows of a sword. At Ephesians
6:14 Paul speaks about the breastplate of righteousness. This is part
of the spiritual armor needed to fight the devil.

BRIBE: A bribe is a payment made to a person in a position of trust

to corrupt his judgment, or in exchange for favors or influence. The
Hebrew word for bribe is “shochadh.” It may also be rendered “gift”
or “present.” (Exodus 23:8) (1 Ki 15:19) (Proverbs 17:8) Accepting
bribes leds to pervesion of justice and bloodshed. (Deuteronomy
16:19; 27:25) (Ezekiel 22:12) Bribery was specifically forbidden by
God’s law to Israel. (Exodus 23:8) (2 Chronicles 19:7) A classic
example of how a bribe can cause great harm is the case of Judas
Iscariot. He accepted money to betray Jesus Christ. (Matthew
26:14-16, 47-50) Proverbs 17:23 says, “A wicked man takes a bribe
to pervert the ways of judgment.” (Proverbs 21:14)

BRICK: A brick is a rectangular building block of clay or mud baked

by the sun or in a kiln. Bricks were widely used in Bible lands. There
was no stone in the vicinity of ancient Babel so they used bricks.
Bitumen served as mortar for them. (Genesis 11:3) When the
Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians they were forced to gather
straw and add it to the clay to make bricks. (Exodus 5:7-19)
BRIDE OF CHRIST: Jesus Christ is engaged to a bride. It is the
Christian congregation, which is his body. (Ephesians 1:22, 23) The
apostle Paul spoke of those who had become Christians as promised
in marriage. He exhorted them to maintain cleanness as a chaste
virgin to the Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2, 3) Those who are engaged
to Christ are invited to the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage at
Revelation 19:9. (Revelation 21:2)

BRIDE-PRICE: The groom or the father of the groom paid a

contracted price to the girl’s father. It was called the bride-price or
the marriage price. (Genesis 34:11, 12) (Exodus 22:16) (1 Samuel
18:23, 25) This was considered a compensation for the loss of the
services of the daughter. Sometimes the bride-price was paid in
services to the father. (Genesis 29:18, 20, 27; 31:15) (Exodus 22:16)

BRIDLE: Bridles were placed on horse’s heads to restrain and direct

the horse. The bridle has a headstall, a bit and reins. (2 Kings 19:28)
(Job 30:11) (James 3:3) The term bridle was used figuratively in the
Scriptures. The point to be proven was that men should not be
unreasoning beasts, unable to guide themselves. (Psalm 32:9)
(Proverbs 26:3) (James 3:2, 3)

BRIER: The brier is a plant, or plants, with woody stem and thorny
branches. The Hebrew word “bar-qanim’” stands for common
thistle, like plants with thorny heads. At Judges 8:7 Gideon said:
“When Jehovah delivers Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I
will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with
briers.” Micah observed that the nation of Israel was in moral decay
and that “their best was as a brier.” (Micah 7:4)

BROOCH: A brooch is a decorative clasp made of metal with a pin

or hook on it for fastening it to a persons clothing. Archaeological
finds prove that they were made with bronze, iron, gold or silver.
Both men and women wore brooches among the ancient Greeks and
Romans. Sometimes they were used to pin together two parts of a
scarf or cloak. On occasion the Israelites contributed their valuable
metal items such as brooches to finance something important such
as the tabernacle. (Exodus 35:21, 22)

BROOM PLANT: The broom plant is a desert shrub of the pea

family. The Arabic name for the plant is ratam. It is rendered broom
plant. However the King James Version incorrectly identifies it as
the juniper tree. The broom plant or bush is one of the most
abundant plants of the Judean wilderness. It is found in the Sinai
Peninsula, and through out Arabia. It grows among the rocks and
sand with ease and achieves three to ten feet in height. (1 Kings
19:4, 5) (Job 30:4)

BROTHER: A term of affection used in relation to fellow believers.

Members of the Christian congregation enjoy a common spiritual
relationship similar to a family in which they refer to each other as
brothers and sisters. (Matthew 12:48-50) (1 Corinthians 7:14-15)
The entire nation of Israel were considered brothers, since they
were offspring of one common father Jacob, and they were united in
worship of the same God. (Exodus 2:11) (Deuteronomy 15:12)
(Matthew 5:47) (Acts 3:17, 22) (Romans 9:3) The term brother is
also used in reference to a male having the same parent or parents.
For example: Moses and Aaron were brothers of Miriam and
Lazarus was brother to Martha and Mary. (Numbers 26:59) (John
11:1, 19)

BROTHER-IN-LAW MARRIAGE: Under the Law a man would

marry his deceased brother’s sonless widow in order to produce
offspring to carry on the brother’s line. (Genesis 38:8)
(Deuteronomy 25:5-7) The woman was not to become a strange
mans’ wife from outside the family. When the brother in law took
her, the first born would bear the name of the deceased man. A well
known example of brother-in-law marriage in the Bible is the
marriage of Ruth to Boaz as recorded in the book of Ruth. Jehovah
blessed this arrangement, for they gave birth to Obed who was the
father of David in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4)

BUILD, BUILDER, BUILDING: The verb “build” means to

construct or make something by assembling materials. The Hebrew
word for build is “banah.” “Oikodomeo”is the Greek verb for build.
Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve. He is the first man
mentioned in the Scriptures as the builder of a city. (Genesis 6:13,
14) Nimrod, the opposer of Jehovah, built several cities. (Genesis
10:9-12) David took the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and
did considerable building there. (2 Samuel 5:9-11) Solomon built
many building projects, including a house for himself. He was
responsible for the Temple and other governmental buildings. (1
Kings 6:1; 7:1, 2, 6, 7; 9:10) On earth Jesus Christ was a carpenter
and thus a part of the building trade. (Mark 6:3) The Bible also uses
the term “build” in a figurative way. The Christian congregation is a
house or temple built upon the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, with Jesus Christ as the foundation cornerstone. It is a
place for God to inhabit by Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) (Ephesians
2:20-22) (Psalm 118:22) (Matthew 21:42) (Luke 20:17) (Acts 4:11) (1
Peter 2:7) (Revelation 21:2, 9-21)

BUKKIAH: Bukkiah was the son of Herman of the tribe of Levi. He

was chosen by lot to be incharge of the sixth of 24 musician groups.
These groups were organized by David for service at Jehovah’s
sancturary. He, his sons and brothers assised in this endevor. (1
Chronicles 25:1, 4, 9, 13, 31)

BUL: The eighth lunar month of the sacred calendar of the Israelites
was the month of Bul. It included part of October and November of
the secular calendar. (1 Kings 6:37, 38) (Genesis 7:7:11) The month
of Bul came in the autumn during the rainy season. (Deuteronomy
11:14) (Joel 2:23) (James 5:7)

BULBUL: Bulbul was the name of several types of medium sized

thrushlike birds found in Aftica and southern Asia. They were found
in Palestine. These birds were similar to the American swallow.
(Isaiah 38:14)

BULL: Words used to describe the male of cattle include: calf, ox,
bullock, and bull. The male of beef cattle has been used by many
religions to represent great strength. It has been honored and even
worshiped by many pagan people. The Babylonians used the bull
symbol to represent their principal god, Murduk. Living bulls were
considered incarnations of a god in Egypt. The bull Taurus, a
primary sign of the zodiac, occupied a prominent place in pagan
religions. Bulls were offered in sacrifice by the Israelites. (Exodus
29) (Leviticus 22:27) (Numbers 7) (1 Chronicles 29:21) The bull is
symbolic of power and strength in the Bible. For example,
representations of 12 bulls in groups of three are described in
Solomon’s temple. (2 Chronicles 4:2, 4) The four living creatures in
Ezekiel’s vision and the four living creatures in the apostle John’s
vision each feature the face of a bull. (Ezekiel 1:10) (Revelation 4:6,
7) The bull represents one of Jehovah God’s basic attributes, power.
(Psalm 62:11) (Isaiah 40:26)

BUNAH: Bunah was the son of Jerahmell in the tribe of Juda. He

was the brother of Ram in the Messianic lineage. (1 Chronicles 2:3,
25)

BURDEN: A burden is an imposed task, a load, literal or figurative.

Believers are encouraged by David to: “Throw your burden upon
Jehovah and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous
to be shaken!” (Psalms 55:22) David also said: “Thanks be to
Jehovah, who daily carries our burdens for us. God is our salvation.”
(Psalm 68:19) Paul promised the Christians that he would not
become a burden to them. (2 Corinthians 12:14-18) Jesus
condemned the scribes and Pharisees when he told them: “Obey
everything they teach you, but do not follow their example. They say
one thing and do something else. They chain heavy burdens on your
shoulders. Yet they are unwilling to lift even a finger to carry these
same burdens.” (Matthew 23:2, 4) Jesus invited his followers to
take his yoke. He said: “Come unto me, all you who labor and are
heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn from me. I am meek (mild) and humble in heart. You will
have a restful life, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28-30)

BURIAL, BURIAL PLACES: The interment of the body of a

deceased person was of utmost importance to people in Bible times.
Burying another’s body was viewed as an expression of loving-
kindnesss. The men of Jabesh-gilead risked their lives to bury Saul
and his sons. (1 Samuel 31:11-13) (2 Samuel 2:4-6) To be deprived of
burial was considered disastous and a repudiation from God
himself. (Jeremiah 8:1, 2; 14:16) (Isaiah 14:19, 20) (Revelation 11:7-
9) Family burial places were the prefered burial places and thus the
reference to the “burial place of his father.” (2 Samuel 2”32; 19:34-
37) (Judges 8:32; 16:31) Most burial places were more than just
earthen graves. In Palestine they were vaults or chambers cut in the
rock on hillsides. Elevated places were preferred. (Joshua 24:33) (2
Kings 23:16) (2 Chronicles 32:33) (Isaiah 22:16) The main entrance
was closed off with a large stone that was rolled in front of it.
(Matthew 27:60) (Mark 16:3, 4) Cremation was practiced by the
Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and a few Jews. The corpses of Saul
and his sons were burned. However, the bones were buried. (1
Samuel 31:8-13) (Amos 6:9, 10)

BURNT OFFERING: A sacrifice in which animals were burned on

the altar.

BUSH: This is a woody, low growing, pereniel plant usually having

several branches. The Hebrew word for bush is found only four
times in the Scriptures. (Genesis 2:5; 21:15) (Job 30:4, 7) Juniper
trees are sometimes called bushes. (Genesis 21:15) Moses observed
the burning bush by which Jehovah’s angel spoke with him. It was
some type of thornbush. The writers of the Christian Greek
Scriptures spoke about brambles or thorn bushes. (Exodus 3:2-5)
(Deuteronomy 33:16) (Mark 12:26) (Luke 20:37) (Acts 7:30, 35)
BUTTER: Butter is mainly fat produced by churning milk or
cream. It was considered a delicacy enjoyed since the time of
Abraham. Abraham included butter with the meal he served to
angelic visitors recorded at Genesis 18:8. David’s friends brought
him butter and other gifts. (2 Samuel 17:29) Instead of being solid,
like it is today, butter was in a semifluid state in ancient times. (Job
20:17) It was sometimes refered to as curdled milk. (Judges 5:25)
(Proverbs 30:33) (Psalms 55:21) The ancients put milk in a skin
bottle and kneaded it, rocking it upon the knees and swinging it
back and forth.

BUZ, SON OF NAHOR: Buz was the son of Abraham’s brother

Nahor by his wife Milcah. He was Rebekah’s uncle. (Genesis 22:20-
23)

BUZ, A PLACE DESTINED FOR DOOM: Jeremiah foretold the

impending doom on this place in Arabia. (Jeremiah 25:17, 23)

BUZI: Buzi was the Levitical and priestly father of the prophet
Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 1:3)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

C

CAB: According to rabbinic sources a cab was one eighteenth of an

ephah as well as one eighteenth of a bath measure. (2 Kings 6:25)
(Ezekiel 45:11) The cab measure was equal to 1.22 liters or 2.2 dry
pints.

CABBON: Cabbon was one of the cities of Judah located in the

Shephelah. (Joshua 15:40)

CABUL: Its modern counterpart is the modern town of Kabul. This

town was assigned to the tribe of Asher as part of its inheritance.
(Joshua 19:24, 27)

CAESAR: The title of the Roman Emperors taken from a famous

Roman family name. Caesars mentioned in the Holy Scriptures
include: Augustus at Luke 2:1; Claudius at Acts 11:28, 17:7, 18:2;
Nero at Acts 25:8, 27:24 and Tiberius found at Luke 3:1, 20:22,
John 19:12.
CAESAREA: This city was located on the Mediterranean Sea. (Acts
10:1; 21:8; 23:33)

CAESAREA PHILIPPI: This city was located at the base of Mount

Hermon. Caesarea of Philippi was siturated at the foot of Lebanon
near the sources of the Jordan and Gaulantis Rivers. Two places in
Palestine were given this name. (Matthew 16:13) (Mark 8:27)

CAGE: Birds and other animals are often confined to cages.

(Jeremiah 5:27) The word comes from the Hebrew word, “keluv’”
and some times is rendered basket.

CAIAPHAS: Joseph Caiaphas was the high priest during Jesus days
on earth. (Luke 3:2) He and Pilate were said to be good friends.
Caiaphas was a Sadducee. (Acts 5:17) Caiaphas was involved in the
conspiracy to do away with Jesus. He also engaged in persecution of
other Christians. (John 11:49-53; 18:12-14) (Acts 4:5-7)

CAIN: Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve. He killed his brother
Abel and thus continued the lineage of sin and rebellion against
Jehovah God. (Genesis 4:1-24) (1 John 3:12)

CAINAN, SON OF ENOS: Cainan was the son of Enos (Enosh). He

was an ancestor of Jesus Christ’s earthly mother Mary. (Luke 3:37)
He was called Kenan at Genesis 5:9 and 1 Chronicles 1:2.

CAINAN, SON OF ARPACHSHAD: This Cainan was listed in Luke’s

genealogy of Jesus Christ. (Luke 3:36)

CAKE: The ancient Hebrews and Oriental peoples baked bread in

the shape of flat disks. They often called them cake. Israel’s
priesthood used ring-shaped cakes. (Exodus 29:2, 23) Tamar
prepared heart shaped cakes. (2 Samuel 13:8) Abraham asked Sarah
to make round cakes to feed the materialized angels that visited
him. (Genesis 18:6)

CALAH: Calah was a suburb of the city of Nineveh. (Genesis 10: 9-

12) Nimrod founded it. In the ninth century B.C.E. it had a
population in excess of 69,000 people.

CALAMUS, CANE: The Hebrew word “qaneh’” translates to the

English word cane, stalk or reed. (Genesis 41:5) (Exodus 25:31-32)
Calamus is a sweet smelling reed-like plant. (Exodus 30:23)
CALEB, SON OF HEZRON: Caleb son of Hezron was the brother of
Jerahmeel and great-grandson of Judah and Tamar. (1 Chronicles
2:3-5, 18) He was also called Chelubai at 1 Chronicles 2:9. Bezalel,
the skilled craftsman who supervised the building of the tabernacle,
was one of his descendants. (1 Chronicles 2:19, 20) (Exodus 35:30)

CALEB, SON OF JEPHUNNEH: Caleb was the son of Jephunneh

the Kenizzite of the tribe of Judah. He was the uncle of Othniel.
(Numbers 32:12) (Joshua 15:17) (1 Chronicles 4:13, 15) At age 40
Caleb was one of the 12 spies who were sent out by Moses to spy on
the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:6, 30; 14:6-9) Caleb, Joshua and a
few Levites were the only ones of that adult generation to enter the
Promised Land in 1473 B.C.E. (Joshua 14:6-11)

CALEB-EPHRATHAH: Caleb-Ephrathah is the name at 1

Chronicles 2:24 in the Masoretic text as the place of the death of
Hezron of the tribe of Judah. It is not found anywhere else.

CALCOL: Calcol is described as someone with great wisdom,

however his wisdom was exceeded by the renowned wisdom of King
Solomon. (1 Kings 4:31) (1 Chronicles 2:4, 6)

CALEBITE: Foolish Nabal is identified as a descendant of Caleb at 1

Samuel 25:3. He was considered a Calebite.

CALCEDONY: Spoken of at Revelation 21:19. Chalcedony is a milky

or gray semiprecious stone used to describe the symbolic wall
around the New Jerusalem.

CALENDAR: A calendar is a system of dividing time into years,

months, weeks and days. God provided the basis for measuring
time. (Genesis 1:14-15) The solar day, solar year, and the lunar
month are natural divisions of time. At the time of the flood there
were 30-day months beginning on the new moon. (Genesis 7:11, 24;
8:3-4) (Isaiah 66:23) A year of 12 lunar months comes in about 11
days short of a solar year of 365 ¼ days. Therefore a number of
days were added each year or during certain years to compensate
for the short months. Seven-day weeks are mentioned at this time
too. (Genesis 7:4,10; 8:10-12) The Hebrew Calendar is as follows:
Nisan, Iyyar, Sivan, Tammuz, Ab, Elul, Tishri, Heshvan, Chislev,
Tebeth, Shebat, and Adar.

CALF: A calf is a young bull. Calves were offered in sacrifice.

(Leviticus 9:2, 3) The fattened calf was also slaughtered and
prepared as food for the table. (Genesis 18:7, 8) (1 Samuel 28:24)
(Luke 15:23) Calf worship was the first form of idolatry mentioned
in the Holy Scriptures. (Psalm 106:19, 20) (Exodus 32:1-8, 18, 19)
(Nehemiah 9:18)

CALNEH, CITY IN MESOPOTAMIA: Calneh was a city founded by

Nimrod in the land of Shinar. It was somewhere in southern
Mesopotamia. (Genesis 10:10)

CALNEH, IN AMOS’ PROPHECY: This Calneh was mentioned by

the prophet Amos, along with the cities of Hamath and Gath. This
part of a warning to the people of Isrial and Judah found at Amos
6:2.

CALNO: The Assyrians boasted that they would conquer the city of
Calno. (Isaiah 10:5, 9-11)

CAMEL: Hebrew: “gamal bekher” means young male camel, (Isaiah

60:6); “bikhrah’” means young she-camel (Jeremiah 2:23); and
“ka’melos” means camel. (Isaiah 66:20) The camel has long served
man in desert regions. This is because it is capable of going longer
with less water. The Bactrian camel has two humps on its back and
is stronger than the Arabian camel. The Arabian camel has only one
hump and is most likely the one most often referred to in the Bible.
The camel was an unclean animal and was not used by the Israelites
for food. (Leviticus 11:4) (Deuteronomy 14:7)

CAMP: Hebrew: “machaneh’” comes from the root verb “cha-nah’”.

It means camp, encamp and pitch camp. (Exodus 14:2) These words
are used in reference to nomadic people. (Genesis 32:21, 33:18) The
Israelites used temporary and mobile tenting arrangements on the
trek through the wilderness. (Numbers 2:17)

CANA: Hebrew: “ga-neh’” means place of reeds. When Jesus was in

the city of Cana he attended a marriage feast. There he performed
his first miraculous sign by changing water into wine. (John 2:1-12)
Cana was the hometown of Nathanael. (John 21:2) It has been
called Cana of Galilee to distinguish it from Kanah in Asher.
(Joshua 19:28)

CANAAN: Canaan was the fourth son of Ham and grandson of

Noah. (Genesis 9:18; 10:6) (1 Chronicles 1:8) He was the progenitor
of eleven tribes. They settled along the eastern Mediterranean
between Egypt and Syria. This land was called the land of Canaan.
(Genesis 10:15-19) (1 Chronicles 16:18) The name Canaan also
applies to the race descended from Ham’s son and to the land of
their residence. They lived in Palestine west of the Jordan River.
(Numbers 33:51; 35:10) Baal was the most prominent of the false
gods worshiped by the Canaanites. (Judges 2:12, 13) (1 Kings 16:30-
32)

CANANAEAN: Aramaic: “Cananaean” means ‘zealot’ and

‘enthusiast.’ Greek: “ze-lot-es.”’ The apostle Simon was considered
a Cananaean or zealot. (Matthew 10:4) (Mark 3:18) (Luke 6:15)
(Acts 1:13)

CANDACE: Candace was a queen of Ethiopia whose treasurer,

Philip, became a Christian. (Acts 8:27) The name Candace is
considered to be a title like Pharaoh and Caesar.

CANNEH: Canneh was mentioned as a place being among the

traders of ancient Tyre. (Ezekiel 27:23) It was associated with
Haran and Eden, located along the Euphrates River in northern
Mesopotamia.

CANON OF THE BIBLE: Hebrew: “qaneh’” which is a reed used for

measuring. The Apostle Paul applied it to the measure or rule of
conduct. (Galatians 6:16) A canon is a catalog of books worthy of
being used as a measuring stick of faith, doctrine, and conduct. The
Roman Catholic Church claims that they decided which books
would be included in the Bible canon. A catalog of books was
formulated at the Council of Carthage in 397 C.E. However, the list
of books included in the Christian Greek Scriptures had already
been settled by then. By the end of the second century, there was
ecumenical acceptance of the four Gospels, Acts and 12 of the
apostle Paul’s letters.

CAPER BERRY: The caper berry is fruit that comes from the caper
plant. Many modern translations consider the reference to the
caper berry at Ecclesiastes 12:5 as a metaphor describing the
conditions of old age in which the berry, representing the human
body, finally breaks down. Some translations use the term “desire
fails” in place of naming the caper berry. The New Simplified Bible
uses both to make sure there is a clear understanding.

CAPERNAUM: Hebrew: “Capernaum” means ‘Village of Nahum’ or

‘Village of Comforting.’ Capernaum was a city of major importance
in Jesus’ earthly ministry. It is located on the northwest shores of
the Sea of Galilee. Jesus called Matthew to be a disciple at the tax
office in Capernaum. (Matthew 9:9) A military post and a centurion
resided there. (Matthew 8:5) A man who was wealthy enough to
have slaves lived there. (John 4:46-53) Jesus preached in the
synagogue of Capernaum. Capernaum was the home of the
fishermen Peter and Andrew. (Mark 1:29-34) (Luke 4:38-41) Most
of the powerful works Jesus performed were performed at
Capernaum. (Matthew 11:20-24) (Luke 10:13-15)

CAPPADOCIA: During the first century Cappadocia was a large

inland region in the eastern part of Asia Minor. It was on a plateau
of 3,000 feet elevation. Jews from Cappadocia were present at
Jerusalem on Pentecost of 33 C.E. (Acts 2:9)

CAPTAIN OF THE TEMPLE: The officer known as Captain of the

Temple was second in dignity to the high priest. (Acts 4:1) He were
responsible for the officiating priesthood as well as the Levites, who
were organized under lesser captains to guard the temple in
Jerusalem and maintain order. (Luke 22:4, 52) There were 24
divisions of the Levites. Each division likely had a captain over it
and several captains of smaller groups. The captains conspired with
the chief priests in hiring Judas to betray Jesus and were involved
in the arrest of Jesus. (Luke 22:3, 4, 52)

CAPTIVE, CAPTIVITY: A captive is someone in bondage, exile, or

confinement. (Numbers 21:1) When enemy nations attacked the
Israelites, Jehovah sometimes allowed his people to be carried off,
captive because they had been unfaithful to him. (2 Chronicles
21:16, 17; 28:5, 17; 29:9) Biblical History is filled with records of
captivity. (Numbers 21:29) (Isaiah 46:2) (Ezekiel 30:17, 18) (Daniel
11:33) (Nahum 3:10) (Revelation 13:10) In general the term “the
captivity” refers to the exile of the Jews from the Promised Land in
the eighth and seventh centuries B.C.E. Jeremiah and Ezekiel
warned the Jews of this exile. (Jeremiah 15:2; 20:6) (Ezekiel 12:10,
11) The root cause leading to the captivity and exile was the
abandonment of true worship of Jehovah in favor of the worship of
false gods. (Deuteronomy 28:15, 62-68) (2 Kings 17:7-18; 21:10-15)
Both the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and the southern two-
tribe kingdom of Judah fell to this sin. (Jer 3:6-10) Jeremiah and
Daniel gave the correct desolation of Jerusalem and Judah as 70
years. (Jeremiah 25:11, 12; 29:10-14; 30:3, 18) (Daniel 9:1, 2)

CARCHEMISH: Carchemish was a major trade center on the west

bank of the upper Euphrates River. Because of its strategic location
for both commercial and military activities, aggressor kingdoms
from early times sought control of Carchemish. (Isaiah 10:9-11)
CARIAN, CHERETHITE ROYAL BODYGUARD: The Carian or
Cherethite Bodyguards were a body of troops that aided Jehoiada in
the overthrow of Athaliah and the installation of Jehoash as king of
Judah. (2 Kings 11:4, 13-16, 19) The Cherethites functioned as
special royal bodyguard for the king.

CARKAS: Carkas was one of King Ahasuerus’ seven court officials

by whom he sent the unheeded demand for Vashti’s presence.
(Esther 1:10-12)

CARMEL: Carmel is the name of a mountain range and of a city.

The Hebrew word “kar-mel’” means ‘orchard.’ (Isaiah 16:10; 32:15)
(Jeremiah 2:7) The Carmel Mountain range is a wedge shaped range
of mountains located in central Israel. It is thirty miles long,
stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Plain of Dothan near
the hills of Samaria. It is 1,790 feet at its highest point. Historically,
Mount Carmel is reported primary in the activities of the prophets
Elijah and Elisha. (1 Kings 18:19-39) The city of Carmel is
mentioned at Joshua 15:1, 48, 55.

CARMI, SON OF REUBEN: Carmi was the son of Reuben. He was

the brother of Hanoch, Pallu, and Hezron and the forefather of the
Carmites. As part of Jacob’s family, Carmi and his household
traveled to Egypt with Jacob. (Genesis 46:9) (Exodus 6:14)
(Numbers 26:6) (1 Chronicles 5:3)

CARMI, FATHER OF ACHAN: Carmi was a descendant of Judah

and Tamar through Zerah and Zabdi. He was the father of Achan. (1
Chronicles 2:4-7; 4:1) (Joshua 7:1, 18)

CARMITES: The Carmites were a family descended from Carmi, a

son of Reuben. (Numbers 26:5, 6)

CAROB BEAN PODS: Greek: “keration” means small horn. It is a

descriptive word for the bean pods the Prodigal Son was willing to
eat. They have a curved horn shape to them. They were normally fed
to the pigs but he was very hungry. (Luke 15:16)

CARPENTER: Hebrew: “charrash’” and Greek: “tekton” mean

‘craftsman and builder.’ (2 Kings 12:11) (2 Chronicles 24:12)
(Exodus 28:11) (1 Chronicles 14:1) A carpenter is an artisan,
craftsman, and a worker in wood. Jesus was called the carpenter’s
son. (Matthew 13:55) He was also call the carpenter. (Mark 6:3)
Jesus learned carpentry from his adoptive father Joseph.
CARPUS: Paul left his cloak at the house of Carpus in Troas. (2
Timothy 4:13)

CARSHENA: Carshena was the first of seven princes of Media and

Persia consulted by Ahasuerus on the matter of Vashti’s
disobedience. (Esther 1:14)

CARVING: Carving is the art of sculpturing wood, stone, metal, and

clay. The Hebrew word “pe’sel” occurs with reference to carved or
engraved images. Israel was prohibited from making carved images
for the purpose of worshiping them. This was first stated in the Ten
Commandments at Exodus 20:4. Carving work done for the
tabernacle and the great temple of Solomon was not to be
worshiped. It was intended for decorative purpose and to convey
symbolic meaning. Most church organizations that use carved
images in worship claim they are for decorative and symbolic
meaning only. And yet there is a fine line between decorative use
and condemned idols and images for worship! Perhaps carving
images is better left undone.

CASIPHIA: Casiphia was a place in Babylonia near the gathering

point of the exiles who were returning with Ezra to Jerusalem in
468 B.C.E. (Ezra 8:17-20)

CASLUHIM: Casluhim was the son of Ham. He was descended from

Mizraim. The Bible shows that some of the Philistines were
descendants from Casluhim. (Genesis 10:6, 13, 14) (1 Chronicles 1:8,
11, 12)

CASSIA (BARK) TREE: Cassia bark comes from the cassia bark tree
(Cinnamomum cassia) that grows in eastern Asia. It is of the same
family as the cinnamon tree. It grows to a height of 40 feet and has
very stiff leaves. The cassia bark is coarse and more pungent than
the cinnamon bark. It peals off when it is cut and then it dries into
rolled up tubes. The buds are used as cloves for preparation in food
dishes. The flowers become aromatic incense when dried. Cassia is
one of the ingredients in fine perfumes. (Exodus 30:23-25) (Ezekiel
27:19) (Psalm 45:8)

CASTLE, PALACE, FORTIFIED PLACE: The Hebrew word “bi-rah’”

means ‘castle, palace or fortified place.’ (1 Chronicles 29:1) (2
Chronicles 17:12) (Esther 1:2) The apostle Paul was interrogated by
the Roman military commander at the Tower or Fortress of
Antonia. (Acts 21:31, 32, 37; 22:24) Nehemiah built a castle to the
northwest of the rebuilt temple. (Nehemiah 1:1) Included in one of
Daniel’s visions was the Castle of Shushan. (Daniel 8:2)

CAUDA: The apostle Paul and Luke were on a voyage to Rome in

about 58 C.E. When the ship rounded Cape Matala they were caught
and driven by a violent wind. They came to the island called Cauda.
The island broke the force of the wind allowing the crew to lower
the sail and secure the ship. (Acts 27:13-17)

CAVE: A cave is an underground enclosure with access from the

surface of the ground or from a lake or sea. The word cave is
translated from the Hebrew word “me’arah’” (Genesis 19:23) It also
comes from the Greek word “spelaion.” (John 11:38) This could be a
root of the English word ‘spelunk,’ which means to explore natural
caves. The Hebrew “chor” or “chohr” speaks of a hole, sometimes
big enough for humans to penetrate. (1 Samuel 14:11) (Job 30:6) (2
Kings 12:9) The Hebrew word “mechillah’”is another word for hole.
(Isaiah 2:19) Caves are plentiful in the limestone of Palestine,
Mount Carmel and the Jerusalem areas. Lot and his two daughters
lived in a cave after they left Zoar because of fear. (Genesis 19:30)
When the Israelites fled from the Philistines they hid in caves. (1
Samuel 13:6, 14:11) The dead were often buried in caves. (Genesis
23:7-20; 25:9, 10; 49:29-32; 50:13) Jesus’ friend Lazarus was buried
in a memorial tomb made with a cave. (John 11:38) The figurative
use of the word cave is evident in Isaiah and Revelation where it
tells that some will try to escape God’s judgment by hiding in caves.
(Isaiah 2:19-21) (Ezekiel 33:27) (Revelation 6:15-17)

CEDAR: The cedar tree of Lebanon is a majestic tree of massive

proportions, with deep, strong roots. It can grow to a height of 120
feet tall with a circumference of 40 feet. Solomon used many cedar
trees in the construction of the Temple. (1 Kings 6:9, 20) The
mountains of Lebanon once were covered with these splendid trees.
Today only a few groves remain because of indiscriminate use, the
ravages of war and a lack of conservation and replenishment. (Isa
14:5-8; SS 5:15) These stately trees were used figuratively to
represent stateliness, loftiness and strength. (Ezekiel 31:2-14)
(Amos 2:9) (Zechariah 11:1, 2)

CENCHREAE: Cenchreae was on the Saronic Gulf side of a narrow,

seven mile wide, isthmus east of Corinth. Paul had his hair clipped
at Cenchreae when he made a vow and sailed from Cenchreae to
Ephesus in 52 C.E. (Acts 18:18)
CENSUS: The count of the number of people who live in an area is a
census. The Israelites took a census. (Numbers 1:2; 26:2) David
ordered a census. (1 Chronicles 21:1-2) At the time of Jesus birth
Augustus Caesar ordered a census. (Luke 2:1-3)

CENTURION: A Roman army officer who commanded a hundred

soldiers was called a centurion. Jesus healed a centurion’s servant
as recorded at Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7: 1-10. A centurion was
stationed at the tomb where Jesus was buried. (Matthew 27:54)

CEPHAS: SEE PETER

CHAFF: Chaff is the thin protective covering or husk on the kernels

of cereal grains such as barley and wheat. Most Biblical references
to chaff are figurative. The chaff is useless after harvesting and must
be disposed of by winnowing. The light chaffy part is carried away
like dust in the wind. God winnows away the apostates from among
his people. He disposes of wicked persons and opposing nations.
(Job 21:18) (Psalm 1:4, 35:5) (Isaiah 17:13; 29:5; 41:15) (Hosea 13:3)
God’s Kingdom will crush its enemies into small particles and they
will be blown away like the chaff. (Daniel 2:35) Jesus Christ, the
Thresher, will gather in the wheat and burn up with fire the chaff.
(Matthew 3:7-12) (Luke 3:17)

CHALCEDONY: Chalcedony was a stone commonly used for

engraved gems in ancient times. It was named after a Greek city
called Chalcedon. That city was once a source of the mineral. The
Bible reference to Chalcedony is at Revelation 21:2, 19 where it
speaks about the third foundation of the New Jerusalem’s wall.

CHALDEA, CHALDEAN: The land consisting of the southern

Babylonian plain was Chaldea. The people occupying this rich delta
area of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were Chaldeans. In early
times Ur was the most important city in the region. Ur was the
hometown of Abraham. (Genesis 11:28, 31; 15:7) (Nehemiah 9:7)
(Acts 7:2-4) The Chaldeans were noted for their knowledge of
mathematics and astronomy. (Daniel 2:2, 5, 10; 4:7; 5:7, 11) This
territory of Babylonia was known as the land of the Chaldeans.
(Isaiah 13:19; 23:13; 47:1, 5; 48:14, 20)

CHALK: The only occurrence of the Hebrew word “seredh” in the

Bible is at Isaiah 44:13. It refers to the red chalk used by wood
craftsmen for marking purposes.
CHALKSTONE: Very soft stone that is easily powdered and with
high calcium carbonate content is found throughout Palestine. It is
called chalkstone or plaster. (Isaiah 27:9) (Daniel 5:5)

CHAMELEON: Hebrew: “tinshemeth” is a reptile listed among the

swarming creatures that were unclean under the Mosaic Law.
(Leviticus 11:29, 30) The chameleon is a slow-moving, tree dwelling
lizard. Temperature, light intensity, and emotional state cause it to
change colors and it often blends into the nearby background.

CHAMOIS, ANTELOPE: The Hebrew word “zemer” probably

means antelope or gazelle. Some translations render it mountain
goat or mountain sheep. There is uncertainty as to the animal
meant by this word. (Deuteronomy 14:5)

CHARIOT, CART: The chariots or carts had two wheels. They were
open vehicles that were drawn by one or two animals. Some were
large and heavy and were drawn by multiple spans of horses. The
larger chariots carried several men including the driver. They
provided fast transport in combat and gave soldiers a mobile firing
platform. (1 Kings 4:26; 7:33) (Exodus 14:7) (Acts 8:28)

CHARIOT CITIES: Cities where chariots of war were stationed were

called chariot cities. (2 Chroniclse 1:14; 9:25) Even though Solomon
was not warlike he had chariot cities. (1 Kings 9:17-19; 10:26) (2
Chronicles 8:5, 6)

CHARM: SEE: AMULET

CHARM SNAKES: Such spiritistic practices as casting spells on

people were among the detestable things that God forbad his people
to indulge in. (Deuteronomy 18:9-11) The ancient Babylonians,
Egyptians, and others put their trust in charms and the casting of
spells. (Isaiah 19:3; 47:9, 12) Snake charming was a form of
spiritism of the ancient cult of serpent worshipers. By playing music
with a flute or pipe the charmer appears to enchante the snake.
Psalm 58:4, 5 implies that snakes are able to hear the voice of
charmers as well as music. Spiritistic forces appear to be involved in
snake charming. (Ecclesiastes 10:11)

CHEBAR RIVER: The Chebar River was located in the land of the
Chaldeans where the Jews were exiled. (Ezekiel 1:1-3; 3:15) The
Hebrew word “nahar’’ means river. The corresponding Babylonian
word describes both river and canal. The actual location of the
Chebar River is unknown. Perhaps it was actually the Grand Canal
known then as Naru Kabaru. The River Chebar is mentioned at
Ezekiel 1:1-3:21. A later vision recalls the Chebar River. (Ezekiel
10:15, 20, 22, 43:3)

CHEDORLAOMER: Chedorlaomer was a king of Elam before

Abraham entered into the Promised Land. He had extended his
power westward to the borders of Egypt. In the 14th year of
Chedorlaomer’s control of the area the people rebelled.
Chedorlaomer and his allies put down the insurrection. Among
Chedorlaomer’s captives was Abraham’s nephew Lot, who lived
nearby. Abraham led a small armed force of 318 men to Dan where
they surprised the neemy’s far superior forces and chased them to
Hobah, north of Damascus. Lot was rescued at that time. (Genesis
14:1-17)

CHEEK: The cheek is located on either side of the face below the
eyes. The Bible speaks of striking the cheek as a matter of reproach
or insult. (1 Kings 22:24) (2 Chronicles 18:23) (Job 16:10) Jesus told
his disciples that those who slap you on your right cheek, turn to
him the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38, 39) He was teaching that a
person does not need to retaliate or take vengeance. The principle
was to avoid fighting and show love. The apostles Paul and Peter
spoke in harmony with this teaching at Romans 12:17-21 and 1 Peter
3:9.

CHEESE: Cheese is a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of

milk. When figuratively describing his formation in the womb, Job
asked God if he had poured him out like milk and curdled him like
cheese. (Job 10:10) David’s provisions of food recorded at 2 Samuel
17:29 included curds of cheese.

CHEHTH: Chehth is the eighth letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It is

found in the eighth ectionof Psalm 119. Every verse of verses 57-64
begins with this letter.

CHELAL: Chelal was an exile of the sons of Pahath-moab. Ezra

instructed him to put away his foreign wife. (Ezra 10:16, 17, 30, 44)

CHELUB, FATHER OF MEHIR: Chelub was a descendant of Judah.

He was the brother of Shuhah and father of Mehir. (1 Chronicles 4:1,
11) He is called Calub in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate.

CHELUB, FATHER OF EZRI: This Chelub served under King David

as overseer of the fieldworkers. (1 Chronicles 27:26)
CHELUHI: He was a descendant of Bani who dismised his foreign
wife because of Ezra’s instruction. (Ezra 10:34, 35, 44)

CHEMOSH: Chemosh was the primary deity of the Moabites. The

Moabites were spoken of as the people of Chemosh at Numbers
21:29 and Jeremiah 48:46. Some scholars think this deity is the
same as the Baal of Peor because of the association with the
Moabites. (Numbers 25:1-3) The false worship of Chemosh was
introduced into Israel during Solomon’s reign. His Moabite wives
built a high place to Chemosh on the mountain near Jerusalem. (1
Kings 11:1, 7, 8, 33)

CHENAANAH, FATHER OF ZEDEKIAH: Chenaanah was the father

of the false prophet Zedekiah. He was contemporaneous with Kings
Ahab and Jehoshaphat. (1 Kings 22:11, 24) (2 Chronicles 18:10, 23)

CHENAANAH, DESCENDANT OF BENJAMIN: This Chenaanah

was a descendant of Benjamin through Jediael and Bilhan. (1
Chronicles 7:6, 10)

CHENANI: Chenani was one of the people who took his place on the
steps of the Levites and cried in a loud voice to Jehovah their God
just before making an agreement in good faith. The Levites, the
rulers and the priests put their names on the agreement. (Nehemiah
9:3, 4, 38)

CHENANIAH, THE LEVITE IN CHARGE OF CARRYING THE

ARK: Chenaniah was the leader of the Levites who carried the Ark
during King David’s reign. He was an expert in the proper handeling
of the sacred Ark. (1 Chronicles 15:22, 25-27)

CHENANIAH, THE KOHATHITE: This man was a Kohathite of the

family of Izhar. They were involved in the service as judges and
officers when David numbered the Levites. (1 Chronicles 26:29;
23:1-4, 12) They carried the utensils of the sanctuary in Moses’ day.
(Numbers 4:4, 5, 15)

CHERUBIM, CHERUBS: The Cherubim and Cherubs are heavenly

angelic creatures with wings and faces of men and angels. They are
mentioned in the Bible 91 times. The Cherubs guarded the garden of
Eden. (Genesis 3:24) They are featured on the Ark of the Covenant.
(Exodus 25:18-22) (1 Kings 6:23-28) Ezekiel relates a number of
visions in which a large number of cherubs are seen. (Ezekiel 10:1-
20)
CHEPHAR-AMMONI: Chephar-ammoni was a city belonging to the
tribe of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:21, 24) It is believed to be a ruined
site about 3 miles northeast of Bethel.

CHEPHIRAH: Chephirah was a Hivite city located in a strategic

position. (Joshua 9:3-27) It served as a guard against the approach
of enemy forces to Gibeon from the west. Chephirah was in
Benjamin’s inheritance. (Joshua 18:26) It was resettled after the
exile. (Ezra 2:1, 25) (Nehemiah 7:29)

CHERAN: Cheran was a son of the Horite Sheik Dishon. (Genesis

36:26) (1 Chronicles 1:41)

CHERETHITES: The Cherethites were people who connected with

the Philistines. (Ezekiel 25:16) (Zephaniah 2:5) Most scholars
conclude that the Cherethites and Philistines were the same people.
Some believe that they were a pricipal Philistien tribe. (2 Samuel
8:18; 20:23) (1 Chronicles 18:17) (1 Samuel 30:14, 16)

CHERITH VALLEY: The Cherith Valley is east of the Jordan River

where Elijah concealed himself and was fed by ravens after
announcing a coming drought to Israel’s King Ahab. (1 Kings 17:1-7)

CHERUB: A cherub is an angel of high rank. Cherubs are

mentioned 91 times in the Holy Scriptures. Cherubs were posted at
the east entrance to the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree
of life. This occurred after Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden.
(Genesis 3:24) Figures representing cherubs were included in the
furnishings of the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:10-21; 26:1; 36:8, 35;
37:7-9) Ezekiel related visions in which symbolic cherubs were seen
in close relationship with Jehovah God. (Ezekiel 1:5-28; 9:3; 10:1-
22; 11:22; 28:11-19)

CHESALON: Chesalon was a city mentioned with Mount Jearim. It

served to mark part of the north boundary of Judah. (Joshua 15:10)

CHESED: Chesed was the brother of Abraham. He was one of eight

sons Milcah bore to Nahor. (Genesis 22:20-22)

CHESIL: Chesil was a town listed as a place within the boundary of

Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 30)

CHESULLOTH: Chesulloth was a boundary city of Issachar on the

Plain of Jezreel to the west of Mount Tabor. (Joshua 19:12, 18)
CHIDON: The Chidon threshing floor was where Uzzah was struck
down by Jehovah when he attempted to move the Ark of the
Testimony in an improper way from Kiriath-jearim to the City of
David. (1 Chronicles 13:6-14)

CHIEFTAIN: See RULERS

CHILDREN: The trusting and humble nature of young children is a

most desired trait for Christians of all ages. In fact Christians are
referred to as “Children of God”. (John 1:12) (Romans 8:14) (1 Peter
1:14) (1 John 3:1-10) Jesus proclaimed: “Let the little children come
to me.” He said this at Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; and Luke 18:16.
Why did he say this? He said this because: “of such is the kingdom
of heaven (God).” He also said we must “become like children.” This
is found at Matthew 18:3-4. The Bible has much to say about the
training of children such as instruction found in Paul’s inspired
letter to the Ephesians Chapter 6.

CHILDBIRTH: Our Creator has given the privilege of childbirth to

women. He gave a mandate to the first couple, Adam and Eve, to
“be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” (Genesis 1:28; 9:7) As a
result of sin and disobedience, Jehovah told Eve, “I will greatly
increase your pains in childbirth; with pain you will give birth to
children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over
you.” (Genesis 3:16) The apostle Paul stated that women in the
Christian congregation, “will be saved through childbearing, if they
continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.” (1 Timothy
2:15)

CHILEAB: Chileab was David’s second son born in Hebron. His

mother was Abigail, the former wife of Nabal. (2 Samuel 3:2, 3)
Chileab is called Daniel at 1 Chronicles 3:1.

CHILION: Chilion was the son of Naomi and Elimelech. He was the
brother of Mahlon and the husband of Ruth. The family moved from
Bethlehem, in Judah, to Moab to escape a famine. Both he and his
brother died childless in Moab. (Ruth 1:1-5; 4:9, 10)

CHILMAD: This place was listed as a trading partner with Tyre.

Some of the items traded included: fine clothing, carpets, dyed
materials, and ropes. (Ezekiel 27:2, 23, 24)

CHIMHAM: It is believed that Chimham was a son of Barzillai.

When the aged Barzillai declined the invitation to become part of
King David’s court he recommended that Chimham go in his place.
(2 Samuel 19:33, 37-40) Chimham must have remained in the royal
court for a long time since David’s final instructions to Soloman
refer to the place of Chimham near Bethlehem. (1 Kings 2:7)
(Jeremiah 41:17)

CHINNERETH, CITY OF NAPHTALI: Chinnereth was a fortified

city on a hill two miles southwest of Capernaum. It overlooked the
Sea of Galilee. (Joshua19:32, 35)

CHINNERETH, EARLY NAME FOR THE SEA OF GALILEE: The

use of the Chinnereth for the Sea of Galilee was a Hebrew practice.
The lake formed part of the west boundary of the Amorite kingdom
of Og. Following the Israelite conquest it was named as the west
boundary of the tribe of Gad. (Numbers 34:11) (Deuteronomy 3:16,
17) (Joshua 11:2; 13:24-27)

CHINNERETH: DISTRICT OF ISRAEL: This district or region of

Israel was attacked by Syrian King Ben-hadad I at the request of
King Asa of Judah. (1 Kings 15:20) (2 Chronicles 16:4)

CHIOS: Chios is one of the larger islands in the Aegean Sea. It is

separated from the west coast of Asia Minor by a strait that is about
5 miles wide. The island is 30 miles long and 18 miles wide at it’s
widest. Chios is recorded in the account of Paul’s return trip to
Jerusalem, at the end of his third missionary journey, in Acts
chapter 20. Chios was a free city-state of the Roman province of
Asia. Today the Greeks call it Khios.

CHISLON: Chislon was a Benjamite of Mose’ day. His son Elidad

helped with the division of the Promised Land. (Numbers 34:17, 21)

CHISLOTH-TABOR: This city marked Zebulun’s bounday. It was

also called Chesulloth and was located 2 miles southeast of Nazarth,
at the foot of Mount Tabor. (Joshua 19:12, 18)

CHITLISH: This city located in the Shephelah belonged to the tribe

of Judah. Its location was 4.5 miles southwest of Lachish.

CHLOE: Chloe was a Christian residing at Corinth or at Ephesus

where the apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians. Paul
received reports through her household about dissensions in the
Corinthian congretgation. (1 Corinthians 1:11)
CHISLEV: Chislev was the name of the ninth Jewish lunar month. It
occurred during November and December. It was a winter month
with cold and rain. (Nehemiah 1:1) (Jeremiah 36:9) (Zechariah 7:1)

CHORAZIN: Jesus Christ pronounced coming trouble for the

Jewish inhabitants of Chorazin. He said the powerful works that
were performed at the city of Chorazin would have been enough to
cause the pagans of Tyre and Sidon to repent; yet they did not act on
his message. (Matthew 11:21-23) (Luke 10:10-16)

CHRIST: The Greek word: “Christos’” means ‘Messiah, the anointed

one, Jesus’.

CHRISTIAN: The term Christian is found only three times in the

Greek Scriptures, at Acts 11:26; 26:28; and 1 Peter 4:16. It
designates one as a follower of Christ.

CHRISTIAN CLEANNESS: It is the blood of the Lord Jesus

Christ that cleanses Christians from all sin and unrighteousness. (1
John 1:7, 9.) “Christ loved the congregation and gave himself up for
it. This is so he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing
of water with the word.” (Ephesians 5:25-26) Christians should
maintain a high standard of physical, moral, and spiritual
cleanness. (2 Corinthians 7:1) They work diligently at maintaining a
clean heart and a clean conscience before their God. (Mark 7:15) (1
Timothy 1:5, 3:9) (2 Timothy 1:3) They eagerly follow the counsel at
Isaiah 52:11 and Revelation 18:1-4 to “touch nothing unclean.” (2
Corinthians 6:14-18) (Psalm 24:4) (Matthew 5:8)

CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES: The 27 canonical books,

Matthew thru Revelation, are commonly referred to as the New
Testament. They are also called the Christian Greek Scriptures to
distinguish them form Hebrew Scriptures. This term also identifies
the original language in which they were written. Matthew was
written originally in Hebrew and later in Greek. The other 26 books
were written in Koine Greek, the international language of the day.

CHRONOLOGY: The Greek word “khronologi’a” comes from two

shorter words, “khronos” meaning time, and “lego” meaning to tell.
Thus the meaning to tell time. Chronology is a record of events in
the order of their occurance. God is especially competant at keeping
track of time since He is the “Ancient of Day” and the God of
Eternity. (Daniel 7:9) (Psalm 90:2; 93:2) He accomplishes his will
and purpose at the exact time that He determines. The Simplified
Bible Dictionary uses the terms Before Common Era (B.C.E.) and
Common Era (C.E.) to determine the year of an event because of the
basic fact that the year one had to occur two years in a row in order
to end the B.C.E. period of time and to begin the new period of time.
Chronology experts estimate that Jesus Christ was born in October
2 B.C.E. Therefore measuring time from the date Christ was born
would be inaccurate by at least 2 years.

CHURCH, CONGREGATION: Greek: “ekklesia” means a ‘calling

out,’ ‘congregation,’ ‘assembly of believers,’and a ‘church.’ The
Congregation was established by Jesus Christ. (Matthew 16:18)
Jesus is the head over the Congregation. (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23)
(Colossians 1:18) The apostle Paul gave detailed instructions about
the activities of the Christian congregation at Acts 12:5 and 1
Corinthians 14:26-40.

CHRYSOLITE: This is a transparent or translucent semiprecious

stone. It is usually yellow or green and composed of silicates of
magnesium and iron. It can be found in volcanic rocks. Fine quality
chrysolite crystals are found in Egypt. Jehovah instructed the
Israelites to place chrysolite in the fourth row on Aaron’s breast
piece-of-judgment to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
(Exodus 28:2, 15, 20, 21; 39:13) Chrysolite was also included in the
covering for the king of Tyre. (Ezekiel 28:12, 13) Chrysolite
represented one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb at Revelation
21:2, 10, 14, 20.

CHRYSOPRASE: This semiprecious stone is a translucent

gemstone. The green color is caused by a trace of nickel oxide in the
mineral. Chrysoprase is the symbolic tenth foundation of the holy
city, New Jerusalem found at Revelation 21:2, 20.

CHUB: Chub was the name of a people who were allied with Egypt.
Chub is listed with Ethiopia, Put, and Lud. Some believe that Chub
is the same as Libya. (Ezekiel 30:4, 5)

CHUZA: Herod Antipas appointed Chuza to be in charge of the

domestic affairs. Chuza’s wife Joanna ministered to Jesus at Luke
8:3.

CILICIA: Cilicia is a small and narrow region of southeast Asia

Minor. The Mediterranean Sea is on its south border and the Taurus
mountain range is to the north. One of its prominent cities was
Tarsus, the birthplace of Saul, later named Paul when he was
appointed an appostle. (Acts 21:39; 22:3; 23:34) Some of the
products produced in Celicia include wheat, flax, fruits, and goats’
hair. The goats’ hair was used in the manufacture of tents. This may
have contributed to Paul’s experience as a tentmaker. Paul traveled
through Cilicia on his third missionary journey. (Acts 15:23)

CINNAMON: Hebrew: “qin-na-mohn’” and Greek: “kin-na’mo-

mon” are translated cinnamon. Cinnamon is an aromatic tree bark
used as a spice. It is processed into rolled strips or ground into
powder. Commercial Cinnamon is obtained from the darker inner
bark of the cinnamon tree that grows abundantly in Sri Lanka and
Java. Aromatic oil is also extracted from the bark. Cinnamon was
used to prepare the holy anointing oil described at Exodus 30:23. It
is one of the important products the traveling merchants sell to
Babylon the Great before her destruction at Revelation 18:11-13.

CIRCUMCISE: To cut off the foreskin of the male penis. It was a

sign of God’s covenant with his people. Israelite boys were
circumcised eight days after they were born as reported at Genesis
17:9-14. Circumcision of the heart means getting rid of any thinking
and motives that is displeasing and unclean to God. The apostle
Paul wrote about circumcision of the heart at Romans 2:29.

CISTERN: A cistern is an artificial reservoir for storing liquids. It

can be an underground cavity or tank for storing rainwater. The
Hebrew “bohr” is rendered water pit or cistern. (Genesis 37:20-29)
(2 Samuel 23:20) It can also mean pit when used in relationship
with death and the grave. (Psalm 30:3) (Proverbs 1:12) (Ezekiel
31:14, 16) Cisterns are very important in the Mid East where springs
and rivers dry up by the end of the summer. In a land where water is
so scarce it was appropriate to say, “each should drink of the water
of his own cistern.” (2 Kings 18:31) (Isaiah 36:16) Cistern is used
figuratively at Jeremiah 2:13, 18 and Proverbs 5:15.

CITIES OF REFUGE: Jehovah’s Law is specific about taking human

life. The murderer must atone by giving his or her life in exchange.
The blood of the victim was avenged and the law of “life for life” was
satisfied when the murderer was put to death by the avenger of
blood. (Genesis 9:5, 6) (Exodus 21:23) (Numbers 35:21, 33, 34) The
unintentional manslayer that killed by accident was allowed a loving
provision from God. He was given asylum from the avenger of
blood. He was allowed to live in one of the cities of refuge.
(Deuteronomy 19:4, 5) (Numbers 35:6-32) (Joshua 20:2-9)

CITIZEN: A citizen is a native-born or naturalized inhabitant of a

country. As a citizen a person is entitled to the rights and privileges
that are denied foreigners. The terms “citizen” and “citizenship” are
not found in the Hebrew Scriptures, but they are found in the Greek
Scriptures. Terms such as native and foreigner are used. (Exodus
12:43-49) (Leviticus 24:22) (Numbers 9:14) The apostle Paul was a
Roman citizen. (Acts 16:37-40; 21:27-39; 22:25-29) Paul speaks
about spiritual citizenship in his inspired letters. (Ephesians 2:12,
13, 19) (Philippians 1:27; 3:20)

CITY: The Hebrew word “‘ir” is translated ‘city’. In Greek “polis”

means a walled city and “kome” represents an ‘unwalled city’. A city
is a settled area that is greater in size than a town or village. This
loose description of a city allows one to call even a small community
a city. Cain was the first city builder as recorded at Genesis 4:17.
After the flood, the cities of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh in the
land of Shinar formed the main portion of Nimrod’s kingdom.
Nimrod built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah and Resen north in the
Mesopotamian Valley. (Genesis 10:10-12) The interesting contrast
to this is that the people who faithfully obeyed Jehovah God did not
begin by building large cities. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob built no
cities at all! In fact, they lived as strangers in tents. Even when they
visited towns and villages in Canaan and Egypt they lived in tents.
(Hebrews 11:9) Later those who spied on Canaan reported there
were many fortified cities in the land. (Numbers 13:28)
(Deuteronomy 9:1) Many Scriptures about cities were used
figuratively. Good examples of this are found at Proverbs 21:22 and
Jeremiah 1:18. Jesus Christ depicted cities in his illustrations at
Matthew 12:25 and Luke 19:17-19. The apostle Paul also spoke of
cities at Hebrews 11:10, 16; 12:22 and 13:14. Cities were used to
illustrate a number of things in the book of Revelation. (Revelation
11:2, 18:10-21, 17:18) The climax to Revelation depicts the symbolic,
spirit city New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God
and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. We read about
this at Revelation 3:12; 21:2-27; 22:14, 19.

CITY RECORDER: Under the Roman Empire the city recorder was
the most important public officer. He was probably elected to office
by the people and was the leading member of the municipal
government. Other titles used in several Bible translations at Acts
19:35 for the Greek word “grammateus” are “city clerk” and town
clerk.” The city recorder was able to access the proconsul of the
province. Therefore he served as the liaison between the city
government and Rome’s provincial administration. The city
recorder in Ephesus exercised his influence by quieting the mob
that gathered against Paul and his companions. (Acts 19:35-41)
CITY RULERS: The Greek “politarkhai” refers to city rulers or civic
magistrates. Jason and other Christians were dragged before the
city rulers by an angry mob at Acts 17:5-8.

CLAN: A clan is a community of persons, a nation or tribe of people

having a common inheritance. The Hebrew word ‘ummah’ occurs
three times at Genesis 25:16; Numbers 25:15; and Psalm 117:1. In
Psalms it refers to nations.

CLAUDIA: The apostle Paul greeted Claudia, a Christian woman at

Rome, in his second letter to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:21)

CLAUDIUS: Claudius was the fourth emperor of Rome. He was the

son of Drusus the brother of Tiberius, and uncle of Caligula. He
followed Caligula to the throne in 41 C.E. Claudius was interested in
history, writing and other academic pursuits. He expelled all the
Jews from Rome in 49 or 50 C.E. Two Christian Jews, Aquila and
Priscilla, left Roe for Corinth. It was there that they met Paul. (Acts
11:27-30; 18:1-3)

CLAUDIUS LYSIAS: This man was the military commander of the

Roman garrison at Jerusalem when the apostle Paul visited there in
56 C.E. He commanded 1,000 men. His name indicates he may have
been Greek at birth. He probably paid a large sum of money for
Roman citizenship in the reign of Claudius and thus adopted the
name of the ruling emperor. (Acts 22:28; 23:26) Claudius Lysias
commanded that the apostle Paul be brought to the soldiers’
quarters, located in the Tower of Antonia, in order to protect him
from a rioting mob. (Acts 21:30-34) After recognizing Paul’s
innocence, and acknowledging Paul’s Roman citizenship, Claudius
Lysias sent Paul to Governor Felix. (Acts 23:6-30)

CLAY: Clay is soil that is pliable and a fine-grained material. It is

extra pliable when it is wet and becomes hard when dried by fire.
The Hebrew word cho’mer means clay. (Genesis 11:3) (Isaiah 10:6;
41:25) (Job 38:14) The Greek word “pelos” denotes clay. (John 9:6,
11, 14, 15) The Greek word “Keramikos” means vessels made of
potter’s clay. (Revelation 2:27) Man is figuratively likened to clay in
the hands of God at Isaiah 45:9 and Job 10:9.

CLEMENT: Clement faithfully fought side by side with the apostle

Paul, at Philippi, for the sake of the good news. (Philippians 4:3)
Origen identified him with Clement of Rome; however, since
Clement was a common name this assumption may not be valid.
CLEOPAS: Cleopas was one of the two disciples who traveled to
Emmaus on Jesus’ resurrection day. Neither of these disciples were
apostles. When Jesus joined them and ask them what they were
talking about, Cleopas replied: “Do you travel alone in Jerusalem
and not know the things that have happened there these days?”
(Luke 24:13-35) Jesus identified himself to them and explained
many Scriptures to them. Cleopas and his companion hurried back
to Jerusalem to report these things to others. The Greek name
“Cleopas” is not the same as the Aramaic name “Clopas” found at
John 19:25.

CLOTH: The Israelites were well acquainted with the fabric weaving
craft. The Aaronic high priest was to wear a robe of fine white linen
woven in checker work. (Exodus 28:39) There were women with
excellent ability to spin thread from flax and from wool. (Exodus
35:25, 26) The Christian Greek Scriptures speak of fabrics made of
camel hair and of silk. (Matthew 3:4) (Revelation 18:12) White lien
was so clean and pure that it is used in Scriptures to symbolize
righteousness. (Exodus 28:39-42) (Job 29:14) (Revelation 19:8, 14)

CLOUD: A cloud is a visible mass of water or ice particles

suspended high in the air. The Hebrew word for cloud is a-nan’. It is
used when referring to the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites
through the wilderness. (Exodus 13:21) The Hebrew word sha’chag
speaks of cloudy skies. (Isaiah 40:15)(Psalm 36:5; 89:37) (Jeremiah
51:9) Jehovah is a spirit and no man can see him. He symbolizes his
presence by a cloud. (Exodus 19:16-19; 24:15) (Hebrews 12:18, 19)
The Son of man is shown coming with the clouds of heaven before
the Ancient of Days, Jehovah God, at Daniel 7:13, 14.

CNIDUS: Cnidus was a city on the Resadiye Peninsula. The

Resadiye Peninsula extends from Asia Minor into the Aegean Sea.
The apostle Paul probably traveled near Cnidus on his second
missionary journey in 52 C.E. (Acts 18:21, 22) He also traveled near
there on his third trip in 56 C.E. (Acts 21:1)

COBRA: Sometimes referred to as asps or serpents, cobras are

extremely poisonous snakes found in Asia and Africa. The cobra is
mentioned six times in the Bible. These references are to the
Egyptian cobra or asp commonly used in snake charming. It inflates
it neck to look more threatening when it is angered. (Deuteronomy
32:33) (Job 20:14, 16) (Psalm 58:4, 5; 91:13) (Isaiah 11:8, 11,12)

COCK: The cock is the rooster or male chicken. It has bright colored
plumage and long tail feathers. Roosters have red flesh-colored
combs on top of their heads. The crowing of the cock is mentioned
in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Jesus told Peter that he would
deny him three times before the cock crows. (Matthew 26:34, 74,
75) (Mark 14:30, 72) (Luke 22:34, 60, 61) (John 13:38; 18:27)

COCKCROWS: The third watch period of the night was from

midnight to three o’clock in the morning. This was refered to as the
cockcrowing time. Mark’s Gospel account uses this colorful
description of the time. (Mark 13:35)

COCKROACH: The Hebrew word “chasil” comes from the root word
meaning to devour. (Deuteronomy 28:38) It has been rendered:
caterpillar, cricket, stripper, shearer, locust, grasshopper and
cockroach. (Isaiah 33:4) (Joel 1:4) The New Simplified Bible uses
the words locust and cockroach interchangeably. The cockroach has
long, strong legs, making it one of the fastest insects. It has a flat
short head and is equipped with long, threadlike antennae or
feelers. The prophet Joel prophesied about a horde of insects that
would desolate the land. He mentioned the “chasil” last and
described it as one that consumes everything that has been left
behind by the others. (Joel 1:4) Both the locust and the cockroach fit
this description. (Isaiah 33:1-4)

CODEX, LEAF-BOOK: A codex is an unbound manuscript of the

Holy Scriptures. Instead of writing or copying the Scriptures on a
hard-to-handle roll of papyrus it was written on separate pieces of
material similar to paper. This was easier to handle then a scroll or
roll since the scroll for a book the size of the Gospel of Luke was 31
feet long. Jesus read from a scroll. (Luke 4:15-20) The apostle John
saw a scroll in the vision recorded at Revelation 5:1-7.

COLHOZEH, FATHER OF SHALLUN: Colhozeh was the Israelite

father of Shallun. His son assisted in the repair of Jerusalem’s wall
in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 3:15)

COLHOZEH, SON OF HAZAIAH: This Colhozeh was from the tribe

of Judah. He was the son of Hazaiah. (Nehemiah 11:4, 5)

COLLECTION: Love is the identifying mark of a Christian. Such

loving concern for the needs of fellow Christians was obvious by the
way they gave gifts to help the needy. (John 13:35) While in
Ephesus Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Now concerning the
collection for the holy ones, you should do the same as I told the
congregations of Galatia. On the first day of the week let every one
of you set something aside, as God has prospered you, that there be
no contributions collected when I come.”(1 Corinthians 16:1, 2)
(Romans 15:26) (2 Corinthians 9:5, 12)

COLONNADE OF SOLOMON, SOLOMON’S PORCH: Josephus

wrote that Solomon constructed the Colonnade of Solomon on an
embankment on the east side of the temple. It is also known as
Solomon’s porch. The Jews confronted Jesus Christ in the
Colonnade of Solomon. They demanded that he identify himself as
the Messiah. (John 10:22-24) His disciples preached to the Jews at
the Colonnade of Solomon years later. (Acts 3:11; 5:12)

COLOSSAE: Paul wrote a letter to the faithful brothers and sisters

in Colossae, a city located in southwest Asia Minor. (Colossians 1:1-
2) Colossae was part of a region known as Phrygia. Paul’s letter to
the Colossians indicated that he had not visited Colossae. Epaphras
organized the congregation there. (Colossians 1:7, 8; 2:1; 4:12)

COLOSSIANS, THE LETTER: The apostle Paul identifies himself as

the writer of the inspired letter to the congregation in Colossae.
(Colossians 1:1, 2; 4:18) He wrote the letter between 60 and 61 C.E.
from prison in Rome. The letter is similar to his letter to the
ephesians. This was because of similar circumstances in each city.
Colossians is noted for Paul’s skillful description of the spiritual
nature of the Christ: “He is the image (likeness) (representation) of
the invisible God. He is the firstborn (Greek:prototokos: childbirth,
offspring) of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15) He went on to explain
that Jesus was actively working along side his Father during the
Creation: “All things in the heavens and upon the earth where
created through him.” (Colossians 1: 16) The apostle Paul
admonishes Christians to put on the new personality by submitting
to Christ’s authority. (Colossians 3:1-17) He closes the letter by
directing everyone to continue steadfastly in prayer. (Colossians
4:2)

COMING: SEE PRESENCE

COMMANDER’S STAFF: SEE SCEPTER

COMMANDMENTS: Hebrew: “mitzvah” means law, ordinance,

precept, statute, decree, and commandment. (Deuteronomy 6:1)
The 10 Commandments are the divine rules God gave Moses on
Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20:1-20; 31:18; 34:1-28) (Deuteronomy 5:1-
22) The Finger of God wrote these Laws. (Luke 11:20) (Exodus 8:19)
C.E. (COMMON ERA): Two eras are considered when naming dates
in the Simplified Bible Dictionary, Before Common Era and
Common Era. The year “0” separates the two eras. Before Common
Era counts down to the year zero. Common Era counts up from the
year zero. Our current time period is Common Era.

COMMUNICATION: Communication is the connection that allows

access between persons. Information and ideas were transmitted
from person to person in ancient times just as they are today. The
major difference was the methods used. Today we use telephones,
newspapers, television and radio. In Bible times the word-of-mouth
communications was conveyed person to person, face to face. (2
Samuel 3:17, 19) (Job 37:20) Travelers often related news from
distant places when they stopped for provisions at cities along the
caravan routes. Both national and foreign news was often conveyed
in the city marketplace. Announcements were made verbally or with
visual signals. (Jos 8:18, 19) (1 Samuel 20:20-22) Oral or written
messages were carried by runners. (2 Samuel 18:19-32) Jehovah
God communicates through his written word the Bible. (Exodus
31:18) (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

COMPASS: The compass is an instrument used by a carpenter or

another craftsman to mark a circle or arc on wood. The only
reference to compass is found at Isaiah 44:13. The Hebrew word for
compass is “mechughah.”

COMPASSION: Compassion is the quality of understanding the

suffering of others and wanting to do something about it. The
Hebrew word “cha-mal’” means compassion. (Exodus 2:6) (Malachi
3:17) (Jeremiah 50:14) The Greek verb “oi-ktei’ro” means ‘show
compassion’. God is the most outstanding example of compassion.
His dealings with Israel overwhelmingly show this. He finally
rescued them out of the hands of their Egypt oppressors and
lovingly cared for them in the wilderness. (Isaiah 63:7-9) Again and
again God delivered the Israelites out of the hands of their enemies.
(Judges 2:11-19)

CONANIAH, THE LEVITE: Conaniah was a Levite in charge of the

contributions for temple service during Hezekiah’s reign. (2
Chronicles 31:4, 12, 13)

CONANIAH, LEVITE CHIEF: This Conaniah was a Levite chief

among those who contributed sheep, goats, and cattle for the great
Passover celebration held in the 18th year of Josiah’s reign. (2
Chronicles 35:9, 19)
CONCUBINE: A concubine was a servant woman, not necessarily a
wife, who had sexual relations with her master. She had legal rights
and her master was considered her husband. (Genesis 22:24; 36:12)
(Judges 8:31)

CONGREGATION: Hebrew “qa-hal’” and Greek “eklklesi” a refer to

a group of persons called out or called together. It is used most
often with reference to the Hebrew or Israelite congregation and the
Christian congregation of believers. (Acts 8:1; 13:1) (Romans 16:5)
(1 Corinthians 12:28) (2 Corinthians 1:1) Some English translations
use the word church in Bible texts pertaining to the congregation.
This is perfectly acceptable as long as the reader understands that it
means a group of faithful worshipers and not just a building. The
New Simplified Bible uses the word congregation through out the
translation when referring to a group of people assembled for
worship.

CONJURER: The Hebrew word “ashshaph” can be properly

rendered conjurer, astrologer, enchanter, spiritualists. A conjurer is
a diviner of the dead who attempts to foretell and control the future.
Conjurers were common among the Babylonians during Daniels
time. Daniel and his three companions, who had been taken captive
to Babylon, proved to be ten times better in wisdom and
understanding than all the magic practicing priests and the
conjurers in the country. (Daniel 1:3-20) Time and time again
Daniel and his friends proved superior to the conjurers and the rest
of the spiritistic diviners thanks to Daniel’s God Jehovah. (Daniel
chapters 2 through 6)

CONSCIENCE: The Greek word “syneidesis” means co-knowledge

or knowledge of self. It is the ability to look at and judge oneself.
God placed the conscience in man. It is that inner mechanism of the
mind and heart that senses right and wrong. The apostle Paul
described the conscience this way: “My conscience bears witness
with me in Holy Spirit.” (Romans 9:1) Conscience must be trained.
If it is not, it can mislead. Jesus gave the ultimate example of this
when he pointed out at John 16:2 that men would kill God’s
servants, thinking they were doing Him a service. (Acts 9:1)
(Romans 10:2, 3) (Galatians 1:13-16) The conscience must be
properly trained by God’s Word. (2 Timothy 3:16) (Hebrews 4:12) A
Christian should have the goal of having a good conscience before
God. (Acts 23:1)
CONSTABLE: A constable was an official assigned to escort a
Roman magistrate in public and to execute his instructions. See:
MAGISTRATE.

CONTRIBUTION: A contribution is a voluntary gift such as money,

service or ideas. The Hebrew term “terumah’” means a contribution,
a sacred portion, or a heave offering. (Exodus 25:2; 29:27) A
contribution may or may not involve material giving. The apostle
Paul thanked God because the Philippian Christians made a
contribution to the good news. They also assisted Paul materially.
(Philippians 1:3-5; 4:16-18) Jesus Christ and his apostles accepted
material aid that was contributed to them. (Luke 8:1-3) The Greek
word “koi-no-ni’a” means contribution and sharing. (Romans 15:26)
(2 Corinthians 9:13) There was no compulsion to make
contributions in the early Christian congregation because, “God
loves a cheerful giver” who gives from the heart. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Jesus spoke about a poor widow who gave out of her want and
dropped in all the means of living she had. She truly gave freely
without compulsion. But the greatest giver of all is God. “Every good
gift and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from the
Father of lights, with whom there is no variation.” (James 1:17)

CONVENTION, ASSEMBLY: A convention is a large assembly of

people who gather for a specific purpose. The term convention in
Hebrew is “miq-ra.” It means a calling together, convocation or
convening. The thought of convening the assembly of Israel is found
at Numbers 10:2. (Isaiah 1:13) Weekly Sabbaths were considered
holy assemblies or conventions. (Leviticus 23:3) The Festival of
Unfermented Cakes, the Festival of Harvest or Pentecost, the Day of
Atonement and the Festival of Booths each provided occasion for
holy conventions. (Numbers 28:18, 25) (Leviticus 23:6-8; 23:15-36)
(Numbers 29:1, 7) During holy conventions the priest offered
sacrifices to Jehovah God. (Leviticus 23:37, 38) The people were
spiritually enlightened by the public reading and explanation of
God’s Word. (Acts 15:21) They devoted themselves to prayer and
meditation.

COOKING, COOKING IMPLEMENTS: Most cooking was done for

the evening meal, the major meal of the day. (Luke 14:12)
(Revelation 3:20) The Law forbad lighting a fire or cooking on
Sabbath day. (Exodus 35:3) Vessels designed for cooking were made
of earthenware. Some were made of copper. (Leviticus 6:28) A
handmill was used to prepare spices or small quantities of grain.
Bread dough was mixed in a kneading trough and baked on a hearth
or in an oven. (Exodus 8:3; 12:34) (1 Chronicles 9:31) The Hebrews
probably did most of their cooking outdoors at the time when they
lived in tents. Some cooking was done indoors when they lived in
stone houses. (Judges 6:19) (2 Samuel 13:7-11)

COPPER, BRASS, BRONZE: Hebrew “nechosheth” and Greek

“khalkos” refer to copper. Copper is a soft metal that occures
abundantly in large masses. It is used today as an electrical and
thermal conducter as well as in the penny coin. There is no evidence
that the ancients knew how to harden pure copper by tempering,
but they probably hardened the cutting edge of tools by cold
hammering. Copper mines have been located in the Wadi Arabah in
the Rift Valley; an area that extends from the Dead Sea south to the
Gulf of Aqaba at the Red Sea. (Job 28:2-4) The mountains of the
Promised Land also contain copper. (Deuteronomy 8:9) Solomon
made castings of copper near Succoth. (1 Kings 7:14-46) Copper and
its alloys were used to forge tools (Genesis 4:22); sanctuary utensils
such as pots, pans, shovels, and forks (Exodus 38:3) (Leviticus
6:28); armor shields and weapons (1 Samuel 17:5, 6) (2 Kings 25:7)
(2 Chronicles 12:10). Copper is also spoken of in a figurative or
symbolic sense in the Holy Scriptures. (Leviticus 26:19) (Job 6:12)
(Isaiah 48:4; 60:17) (Ezekiel 1:7) (Daniel 2:32) (Revelation 1:15;
2:18)

COPPER SERPENT: Moses made a copper figure or representation

of a serpent during Israel’s trip in the wilderness. The people
showed a rebellious spirit, complaining about the manna and the
water supply provided by Jehovah God. Consequently Jehovah
punished them by sending poisonous serpents among them. Many
persons died from serpent bites. Moses interceded for them when
the people repented. Jehovah told him to make a figure in the form
of a serpent and place it upon a pole. If a person gazed at the copper
serpent, he would be kept alive. (Numbers 21:4-9) (1 Corinthians
10:9) Jesus Christ revealed the prophetic meaning of the copper
serpent by telling Nicodemus: ““No one has ever ascended into
heaven but the Son of man who descended from heaven. As Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of man must also
be lifted up. Everyone who believes in him may have everlasting
life.” (John 3:13-15) In like manor the Son of God was impaled and
fastened on a stake. (Deuteronomy 21:22, 23) (Galatians 3:13) (1
Peter 2:24)

COPYIST: A copyist was a transcriber, a person who made copies of

written Holy Scriptures. The Hebrew word for copyist is “sopher’”.
It deals with counting and recording. These are also duties of a good
secretary or scribe. (Jeremiah 36:32; Ezekiel 9:2,3) Shaphan and
the priest Ezra were identified as scribes and copyists in the Bible.
(Ezra 7:6, 7, 11) The psalmist, concerning God’s Messianic King,
said: “Like the pen of a skillful writer (copyist) my tongue is ready
with a poem.” (Psalm 45:1-5) The psalmist observed that his tongue
would function efficiently, like the pen in the hand of a trained and
skilful writer and copyist.

COR: Cor is a dry measure and also a measure used for oil. The cor
was similar to the homer and contained ten bath measures. (1 Kings
4:22; 5:11) (2 Chronicles 2:10) (Ezekiel 45:14) The bath measure
was 5.81 gallons U.S. The cor measure equals 58.1 gallons U.S.

CORAL: A capable wife is worth more that valuable corals.

(Proverbs 31:10) Coral is a brightly colored stony substance found in
the sea. It was used as very expensive jewelry.

CORBAN: The Greek word for corban is “korban” and the Hebrew
word is “qorban.” They mean a gift dedicated to God and an
offering. Jesus Christ condemned the practice that had developed in
connection with gifts dedicated to God. The Pharisees were
hypocrites because they put their own tradition ahead of God’s Law.
They taught that once a person declared his possessions to be
“corban” or a gift dedicated to God he could not use these funds to
help his needy parents. The account about Jesus’ confrontation with
the hypocritical Pharisees is found at Matthew 15:5-9 and Mark 7:9-
13.

CORD, ROPE: The words cord and rope are found several places
in the Scriptures. They are used both literally and figuratively. (2
Samuel 17:13) (Ecclesiastes 12:6) (Hosea 11:4) The Greek word for
rope is “skhoinion.” It is applied to a cord or rope made from reeds
or rushes. Jesus Christ drove the sheep and cattle out of the temple
using a whip of ropes at John 2:13-17. A favorite of the Scriptures is
Ecclesiates 4:12, “One can be overpowered by another, two can
withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Other
Scriptures where the terms cord and rope are used figuratively
include: Ecclestiastes 12:1, 6; Psalms 2:1-9; 18:4, 5; Isaiah 5:18;
33:20; 1 Kings 20:31-34; Jeremiah 10:20.

CORIANDER SEED: God provided the Israelites with manna to

eat in the wilderness. The manna was said to resemble the coriander
seed in that it was white like the coriander seed. (Exodus 16:31) It
resembled it not only in color but also in general appearance.
(Numbers 11:7) Coriander is an annual plant of the carrot or parsley
family. It grows about 20 inches in height. The leaves are like
parsley and it has pink or white flower clusters. The seeds contain
aromatic oil that is used as a spice. It was also used medicinally for
minor stomach ailments.

CORINTH: The city of Corinth was a prominent city in ancient

Greece. Corinth was a large city with a population of about 400,000
people. Only Rome, Alexandria, and Syrian Antioch were larger. It
was a seat of governmental authority and a leading commercial city.
Ships from all over the known world at that time sailed to Corinth.
It was known for licentiousness and wanton luxury. The expression
“to Corinthianize” was often used to express the term, “Practice
immorality.” The apostle Paul gave the Corinthian Christians stern
warning regarding moral conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:9-7:11) (2
Corinthians 12:21) Corinth had temples dedicated to many other
gods and goddesses and so Paul needed to counsel them against the
practice of idolatry. Paul not only planted spiritual seed in Corinth,
but he also watered those seeds. (Acts 18:24-28; 19:1) (1 Corinthians
3:6) He sent Titus to represent him there on two occasions and he
wrote two letters to the Corintian congregation. (2 Corinthians 7:6,
7, 13; 8:6, 16, 17; 12:17, 18)

CORINTHIANS, FIRST LETTER: The apostle Paul wrote this

letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus in the year 55 C.E. Corinth
was a morally decadent metropolis of the Roman Empire. He had
established the Christian congregation there just five years before
during his 18 month stay in that ciyt. (Acts 18:1-11) Because of his
deep love for them he refered to himself as their spiritual father. (1
Corinthians 4:15)

CORINTHIANS, FIRST LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

1 Corinthians 1-2 Paul writes brief treates on God’s wisdom.
1 Corinthians 2:16 We have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:9 Do not mix in company with fornicators.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Paul lists sins that will keep from Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 7 Married versus Single
1 Corinthians 7:39 “Marry only in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 11:1-3 Headship principle revealed.
1 Corinthains 12 Gifts of the Spirit presented.
1 Corinthians 13 The Love chapter..Love will last!
1 Corinthians 15 Paul writes discourse on resurrection.

CORINTHIANS, SECOND LETTER: Paul wrote the second

letter to the Corinthians in the autumn of 55 C.E. from Macedonia.
(1 Co 16:8) Titus met him there with news about how the
Corinthians reacted to his first letter. (2 Co 2:12, 13; 7:5-7) Shortly
after Paul sent his second letter he made his second visit to the
Corinthians.

CORINTHIANS, SECOND LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

2 Corinthians 2:15-17 “We are not corrupting the Word of God.”
2 Corinthians 3:3 “Letter of Christ with the Spirit of the living God.”
2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan revealed as god of this world!
2 Corinthians 5:20 Ambassadors for Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 10-13 False prophets warning..Satan into angel of
light.

CORMORANT: The cormorant is a large web footed water bird

that catches fish by diving. It is related to birds of the pelican
family. It is dark in color. The cormorant is swift and agile in the
water and it is very capable of swimming under water thanks to its
long body and webbed feet. Its sharp hooked beak is ideal for
catching fish. The cormorant is on the list of unclean birds under
the Mosaic Law at Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:17.

CORNELIUS, THE ARMY OFFICER: Cornelius was a

centurion in charge of 100 soldiers of the Italian band. He was
stationed at Caesarea. He was a devout man and offered many gifts
of mercy to the people as well as offering continual supplication to
God. An angel appeared in a vision to Cornelius saying: “God hears
your prayers and sees your gifts of mercy.” The angel told Cornelius
to send to Joppa for Peter. Cornelius was among the first
uncircumcised Gentiles, or non-Jews, to receive the free gift of the
Holy Spirit. (Acts 10:1-45)

CORNERSTONE: A cornerstone is a stone placed in the corner of

a building where two walls meet. The principal cornerstone is called
the foundation cornerstone. It is extra strong and is used as a guide
as other stones are put in place. The Hebrew word “pinnah’” and
Greek word “go-ni’as” are each rendered cornerstone. Figuratively
speaking God asked Job: “Who laid the earths cornerstone?” at Job
38:4-7. Jesus Christ is named in the Bible as the foundation
cornerstone and chief cornerstone. (Isaiah 28:16) (Matthew 21:42)
(Mark 12:10) (Luke 20:17) (Acts 4:8-12) (Ephesians 2:19-22) (1
Peter 2:4-6)

CORRUPT: See: INCORRUPTION

COS: Cos was the capital city of the island of Cos. The city Cos was
located at the northeast end of the island. The island was off the
southwest coast of Asia Minor. Cos was a commercial and navel
center. The apostle Paul sailed past this city on his way from
Ephesus to Caesarea at the end of his second missionary journey.
(Acts 18:21, 22) The island of Cos was a Jewish center in the Aegean
and it was also a free Roman state in the province of Asia.

COSAM: Cosam was a descendant of David’s son Nathan. He was

son of Elmadam, father of Addi and ancestor of Jesus’ mother Mary.
(Luke 3:28)

COSMETICS: While the word cosmetics is not used in the Bible

the preparations that are known today as cosmetics are mentioned.
A cosmetic is a substance or treatment that is applied to the human
body to alter appearance and promote attractiveness. The English
word cosmetic comes from the Greek word “kosmetikos,” which
means “skilled in decorating.” Scented and unscented ointments
were widely used by the people of Bible times. (Exdus 30:25) (1
Samuel 8:13) (Nehemiah 3:8) A woman once anointed Jesus
Christ’s feet with perfumed oil. (Luke 7:37, 38) Mary, the sister of
Lazarus used an alabaster case of perfumed oil, very expensive,
genuine nard. (Mark 14:3) (John 12:3) (Matthew 26:6, 7) Jezebel
used cosmetics, “Jehu went to Jezreel. Jezebel had news of what
happened. Painting her eyes and dressing her hair with ornaments,
she put her head out of the window.” (2 Kings 9:30) Some believe
that the use of make-up is sinful, however, the Scriptures do not
condemn the modest and tasteful use of cosmetics and articles of
adornment. (Proverbs 31:30) Both Paul and Peter admonished
Christian women to adorn themselves in a modest fashion. Paul
wrote Timothy, “Likewise I want women to adorn themselves in
modest clothing, with modesty and soundness of mind; not with
braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly clothes; but that which
becomes a woman professing godliness through good works.” (1
Timothy 2:9, 10) (1 Peter 3:3, 4)

COTTON: Cotton is silky fibers produced by cotton plants. It is

used to manufacture the fabric known as cotton. The Hebrew “kar-
pas’” and Greek “kar’pa-sos” refer to fine cotton or fine cotton linen.
Cotton and linen are among the materials used for decorating the
palace courtyard during King Ahasuerus’ seven day banquit at
Shushan. (Esther 1:6) (Isaiah 19:9) The use of cotton extends far
back into ancient times in Persia and India. Egypt and Palestine also
used cotton and linen from the very beginning of history.
COUNCIL: The Council was the supreme religious court of the
Jews. It was composed of seventy leaders of the Jewish people and
presided over by the High Priest. (Mark 14:55)

COURAGE: Courage is a quality of spirit that enables a person to

face danger without showing fear. It is the quality of being strong,
bold, daring and valiant. Courage is the opposite of fear and
cowardice. The Hebrew verb “chazag” expresses the idea of being
courageous and strong. (Joshua 10:25) (2 Samuel 13:28) (2
Chronicles 19:11) (Psalm 31:24) God’s servants have always needed
courage to stay faithful. Moses told the Israelites “be determined
and with good courage.” This is found at Deuteronomy 31:6, 7.
Associating with fellow worshipers can greatly help a believer show
courage. (Psalm 27:14; 31:24) (Acts 28:15) Christians need courage
to help them stay away from the world and it’s evil influences. (John
16:33; 17:16)

COURIER, RUNNER, MESSENGER: A courier or runner was

someone who was selected to deliver royal decrees and other urgent
correspondence from a king to distant areas. The Hebrew word ra-
tsim’ means runner. (2 Chronicles 30:6, 10) (Jeremiah 51:31) Fast
horses were used to carry messages in the Persian Empire. (Esther
3:13-15; 8:10, 14)

COURT AND JUDGEMENT: Jehovah God is supreme sovereign

and therefore He is Judge, Statute-Giver, and King. (Isaiah 33:22)
God is the Supreme Judge in a legal case against Israel. (Micah 6:2;
Isaiah 34:8) Jehovah calls on his witness to testify in a case
involving a challenge of his Godship by the worshipers of false gods.
(Isaiah 43:9-12) Jesus Christ commanded his disciples that if
someone sinned against another, the matter should be settled
personally between the parties involved. If these efforts failed and it
was a serious matter, it should be taken to the congregation for
settlement. This is done by going to those appointed to responsible
positions as overseers. The apostle Paul later cautioned Christians
not to be taking one another before worldly courts. (Matthew 18:15-
17) (1 Corinthians 1-8)

COUSIN: The child of a person’s aunt or uncle is a cousin. There is

no word for cousin in the Hebrew Scriptures. Older English
translations have used the term “sons of the uncle” or “sons of their
father’s brothers.” The New Simplified Bible uses the modern
English term “cousin” where ever possible. The Greek word
“anepsios” is properly translated cousin. Paul calls Mark “the cousin
of Barnabas” at Colossians 4:10. While the Bible reports the
marriages of cousins it is not always considered legal. Some civil
laws allow it and others forbid it. Marriage to cousins is not
included in the Mosaic prohibitions against incest. (Leviticus 18:8-
16)

COVENANT: A covenant is an agreement between two or more

persons to do or refrain from doing something. In modern legal
language a covenant is a contract. Any promise made by Jehovah is
a covenant and it is certain to be carried out. A covenant is in force
as long as the terms of it are operative and the obligation to perform
remains with both parties. The Law Covenant was in effect until it
was replaced by the new covenant. The Law Covenant terms
provided that the Israelites were to be a people for the name of
Jehovah and there would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
(Exodus 19:5, 6) (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) (Galatians 3: 19, 24)
(Hebrews 10:1) (Colossians 2:17) The Law covenant was canceled on
the basis of Christ’s death on the stake. (Colossians 2:14) The new
covenant replaced it. (Hebrews 7:12; 9:15) (Acts 2:1-4) The parties
of the new covenant are Jehovah God and the “Israel of God,” the
spiit begotten Christians in union with Christ. (Hebrews 8:10;
12:22-24) (Galatians 6:15, 16; 3:26-28) (Romans 2:28, 29) The
purpose of the covenant is to take out a people for Jehovah’s name
as part of Abraham’s seed. (Acts 15:14) They become the “bride” of
Christ, and are the group of persons whom Christ takes into a
covenant for the Kingdom, to rule with him. (John 3:29) (2
Corinthians 11:2) (Luke 22:29) (Revelation 1:4-6; 5:9, 10; 20:6;
21:9)

COVENANT BOX: It was traditionally called the Ark of the

Covenant-Deuteronomy 31:9. This wooden chest was covered with
gold. It held the two stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments
were written.

COVETOUSNESS: SEE GREED

COW: The cow was valued for its production of milk. (Numbers
19:2) (Isaiah 7:21, 22) Cowhides were used for a variety of leather
goods. Young cows or heifers were sometimes sacrifieced in
worship. (Genesis 15:9) (1 Samuel 6:14, 16:2) The cow is presented
in prophecy about the peaceful conditions that the Messiah Jesus
Christ will bring at Isaiah 11:7.

COZBI: Twenty-four thousand Israelites died for immorality in

connection with Baal of Peor. Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a
Midianite, was among those who died. As a result of her immorality
she had her genital parts pierced through by Phinehas. Shortly after
that Cozbi’s father was also killed. (Numbers 25:1, 6-9; 31:7)

COZEBA: Cozeba was a place in Judah where the descendants of

Shelah the son of Judah resided. (1 Chronicles 4:21-23) Most
scholars agree that Cozeba was the same as Cohzib and Chezib
found at Genesis 38:5 and Joshua 15:44. The men of Cozeba were
included in the expression “they were the potters.”

CRAFTSMAN: A skilled worker who practices some trade,

handycraft or art is a craftsman. Crafts such as toolmaking,
carpentry, brickmaking, spinning, weaving, pottery and jewelry,
were considered simple household duties in early times. But as soon
as people settled in cities they specialized in single skills and
became professionals and tradesmen. (Genesis 4: 21, 22)
(Deuteronomy 27:15) (1 Samuel 13:19) (2 Samuel 5:11) (Isaiah
45:16) The Law of Moses prohibited making idols and image
worship. (Exodus 20:4) (Deuteronomy 4:15-18; 27:15)

CREATION: “You (Jehovah) have created all things, and because of

your will they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) God’s act of
bringing the universe and all that is in it into existence is called
creation. Creation is also that which has been created. The Hebrew
word “bara” and the Greek word “ktizo” both mean create. They are
used with reference to divine creation. Jehovah God is called “the
Creator.”—Isa 40:28. “The heavens were made by the word of
Jehovah, and by the breath of his mouth their entire host.” (Psalm
33:6) Jehovah is a God of order, “not of disorder, but of peace.” (1
Corinthians 14:33) His creative word would not reflect chaos or
chance as evolution depicts. SEE: PLANTS AND TREES OF THE
BIBLE.

CRESCENS: Crescens were mentioned in Paul’s second letter to

Timothy. He reported that Crescens went to Galatia at 2 Timothy
4:10.

CRETE: This Island is 135 miles long by 35 miles wide. Crete is the
fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located sixty-two
miles south east of Greece. Snow-covered mountains run the full
length of the island in the winter. Mount Ida rises more than eight
thousand feet above sea level. The apostle Paul actively preached on
the island of Crete. (Acts 2:5,11; 27:6-16, 37, 38) (Titus 1:5, 10-12)

CRICKET: The cricket is a leaping, jumping insect. It is related to

the grasshopper, but decidedly different. It has prominent feelers at
the top of its abdomen. The house cricket and the field cricket are
both found in Bible lands. It is mentioned only once at Leviticus
11:22. It is there listed as a clean food. Translators disagree how to
translate this Hebrew word “chargol”’. It is know to be a leaping
insect and since it is listed along with the locust the cricket is a
logical choice when translating Leviticus 11:22.

CRIME: Crime is an act punishable by law, usually considered an

evil act. Therefore crime is disobedience of law or lawlessness. God
is a God of justice. (Psalm 37:28) (Isaiah 58:2) (Malachi 2:17) He
will not allow injustice and lawlessness to continue forever. The
Hebrew expression “zimmah zammah” found at Job 31:11 can be
translated “wicked mischief” or “heinous crime.” The Greek word
“rhadiourgema” means lewdness and crime. It is found at Acts
18:14. God’s coming execution will be against those who had
commited ungodly deeds of lawlessness. (Genesis 5:21-24) (Jude 14,
15) If everyone in the world would honestly try to obey the Ten
Commandments we would have a very pleasant place in which to
live. As it is governments are busy building jails and prisions.
(Exodus 20:1-17) (Deuteronomy 5:6-22)

CRISPUS: Crispus was the presiding officer of the synagogue at

Corinth. The apostle Paul personally baptized him. His entire
household became Christians. (Acts 18:8) (1 Corinthians 1:14)

CROSS: SEE STAKE

CROWN: The crown is the uppermost section and crowning

decoration of a building’s column. (2 Chronicles 3:15-17) An older
word used for crown is capital.

CRYSTAL: A crystal is a clear, transparent mineral. It is most likely

a variety of quartz called rock crystal. Rock crystal is much harder
than other minerals and is sometimes cut for gemstones. Rock
crystal was valued along with coral and pearls in Job’s day.
However he considered it less valuable than wisdom. (Job 28:18)
Revelation speaks of a glassy sea like crystal when describing the
holy city, the New Jerusalem at Revelation 4:6; 21:11 and 22:1.

CUBIT: A cubit is a linear measure that is approximately the

distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
(Deuteronomy 3:11) (Judges 3:16) (Ezekiel 40:5)

CUCKOO, FOWL: The name cuckoo appears only once in the Bible,
at 1 Kings 4:23. This was a list of daily provisions of food for
Solomon’s court. The Hebrew word “bar-bu-rim’” can be translated
cuckoo or fowl.

CUCUMBER: “Remember all the free fish we ate in Egypt and the
cucumbers, watermelons, leeks, onions, and garlic we had?”--Nu
11:5. The Hebrew word “qishshuah” translates to the English word
cucumber. Cucumbers were valued by the Israelites to the extent
that they even placed lookout huts and watchmen in the gardens to
protect the field of cucumbers. (Isaiah 1:8) Jeremiah likened the
scarecrow in a cucumber field to the images made by idolatrous
nations. (Jeremiah 10:5)

CUD: Food that is brought up from the digestive system of an

animal to be chewed again is cud. Animals that chewed cud and had
split or cleft hooves were considered clean for eating according to
the Mosaic Law. Some animal experts believe that cud-chewing
animals are usually cleaner in their eating habits and that their
twice-chewed food is digested more thoroughly. Clean, cud-chewing
animals included: the stag, roebuck, gazelle, antelope, chamois,
domestic and wild cattle, sheep and goats. (Leviticus 11:1-8, 26)
(Deuteronomy 14:4-8)

CUMIN: The cumin plant is of the carrot or parsley family. It grows

one to two feet tall and has long, slender leaves. The seeds from this
small plant are ground up and used for seasoning foods such as
bread, cakes, stews and liquors. (Deuteronomy 14:22) (Leviticus
27:30) (Isaiah 28:22-29) (Matthew 23:23) (Luke 11:42)

CUN: This city was under the control of King Hadadezer of Zobah.
David took large amounts of copper from Cun that was later used in
the temple construction. (1 Chronicles 18:8)

CUPBEARER, WINE-SERVANT: An official of the royal court

responsible to serve the wine or other drinks to the king was called
the cupbearer or the wine-servant. His duties included tasting wine
before giving it to the king. This proved that there was no poison in
the beverage. (Genesis 40:1, 2, 11) (Nehemiah 1:11; 2:1) This was an
important position that impressed the royalty. (Genesis 41:9-11) (2
Chronicles 9:4) The queen of Sheba was so impressed by the
cupbearer that she commented about it to Solomon. Ancient
illustrations of the royalty also included the cupbearer, indicating
their important position.
CURSE: A curse is an appeal to a supernatural power to inflict evil
on someone or something. A number of Hebrew and Greek words in
the Holy Scriptures are translated by the word “curse” or similar
expressions. The first curse was directed by God against the serpent,
Satan the Devil. It is found at Genesis 3:14, 15. The ground was
cursed at that time too and from that day forward it produced
thorns, thistles, and weeds. (Genesis 3:17, 18; 5:29) Cain was
condemned by Jehovah God to live the life of a fugitive. (Genesis
4:11, 12) The Greek Scriptures use the Greek word “anathema” to
apply to that which is accursed and set apart as evil. The Pharisees
saw the common people who paid attention to Jesus as “accursed
people” who did not know the Law. (John 7:49) The apostle Paul
pointed out that all people needed to be redeemed from the curse of
the Law covenant by Christ. (Galatians 3:10, 13) The promise is
made that the throne of God will be in the New Jerusalem and
“there will be no curse.” (Revelation 22:3)

CUSH: Cush is the name of a son of Ham and his territory. (Genesis
10:6-8) (1 Chronicles 1:8-10) Cush is also known as Ethiopia a
country south of Egypt in northeastern Africa.

CUSHAN-RISHATHAIM: Cushan-rishathaim was a king of

Mesopotamia who rule over the Israelites. The Israelites were in
slavery under this king for eight years. He is also called the king of
Syria. (Judges 3:7-11)

CUSHI, FATHER OF ZEPHANIAH: This Cushi was the father of the

prophet Zephaniah. (Zephaniah 1:9)

CUSHI, FOREFATHER OF BARUCH: Cushi was the forefather of

Jeremiah’s secretary, Baruch Jehudi. (Jeremiah 36:14)

CUSHITE: The term Cushite refers to the people in the land of Cush
in Africa. This land is also known as Ethiopia. It could also apply to
people on the Arabian Peninsula. Cushites mentioned in the Bible
include Tirhakah the king of Ethiopia. (2 Chronicles 14:9) (2 Kings
19:9), Ebed-melech (Jeremiah 38:7-12; 39:16-18); the Ethiopian
eunuch who converted to Christianity. (Acts 8:26, 27)

CUTTING OFF, REMOVAL, and DEATH: The punishment for

Israelites who violated the Law was cutting off. It meant a cutting
off in removal from the congregation and death. Rabbinic scholars
differ in their understanding of this rule. Some believe that
expulsion from the congregation would serve that purpose. In
ancient Israel the nation was the congregation. Since death would
require governmental action it could legally be performed. Very
serious crimes such as idolatry, child sacrifice, incest, bestiality and
sodomy merited death. (Exodus 30:31-33, 38; 31:14) (Leviticus
7:27; 20:3-6) (Numbers 15:30, 31) (Hebrews 10:28) Jesus Christ
used the term: “everlasting cutting off” at Matthew 25:46 in
reference to the final death of a sinner. The person who is cut off or
removed from the Christian congregation would suffer spiritual
death if he or she did not repent and return to the fold.

CUTTING THE BODY, TATTOOS: It was a common practice to cut

or scratch the flesh of the arms, hands and face in times of
mourning. (Jeremiah 47:5, 48:37) Inflicting lacerations upon the
flesh was not limited to mourning rites. In a attempt to encourage
their god to answer their appeals, the Baal prophets cut themselves
with daggers and with lances until the blood flowed. (1 Ki 18:28) On
occasion Israelites disregarded God’s Law against cutting their
flesh. (Jeremiah 41:5) God’s Law absolutely forbade cutting upon
the flesh. Tattoos are specifically forbidden. (Leviticus 19:28, 21:5)
(Deuteronomy 14:1)

CYMBALS: A pair of thin pieces of metal are held in the hands and
struck together to the rhythm of the music, these are called symbals.
(Psalm 150:5)

CYPRESS TREE: The English word cypress comes from the Hebrew
word “teashshur.” The cypress tree is an evergreen of the cone-
bearing family. It has dark green foliage and branches that extend
upward. It grows to an average height of 40 or 50 feet. A few grow
as high as 80 feet tall. It is commonly found throughout Palestine,
Gilead, Edom and Lebanon. (Isaiah 44:14) The Phoenicians,
Cretans and Greeks used it in shipbuilding. (Ezekiel 27:6)

CYRENE: Cyrene was located on the north coast of Africa. It was ten
miles inland on a plateau, 1800 feet above the Mediterranean Sea.
The Greeks settled this ancient capital of the district of Cyrenaica in
the seventh century B.C.E. It became one of their greatest colonies.
Cyrene was under the control of Rome by 96 B.C.E. Simon of
Cyrene was forced to help carry the stake for Jesus. (Matthew
27:32) (Mark 15:21) (Luke 23:26) Men from Cyrene assisted in the
initial introduction of the good news of Jesus at Syrian Antioch.
(Acts 11:20)

CYPRUS: Cyprus is an island in the northeast corner of the

Mediterranean Sea. It is the third largest island in the
Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia. It is about 145 miles long
and about 60 miles wide. Cyprus is believed to be the “Kittim” of the
Hebrew Scriptures. (Isaiah 23:1, 12)(Daniel 11:30) The island is
known for it’s copper and timber industry. (Ezekiel 27:2, 6) Paul,
Barnabas and John Mark went to Cyprus on their first missionary
tour. (Acts 11:19, 20)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

D

DABBESHETH: This town in Zebulun was located somewhere east

of Jokneam on the Plain of Jezreel. (Joshua 19:11)

DABERATH: Daberath was mentioned in the boundary list of

Zebulun at Joshua 19:10, 12. However, it was regarded as belonging
to the neighboring tribe of Issachar in a latter apportionment.
(Joshua 21:27, 28) (1 Chronicles 6:71, 72)

DAGGER AND SWORD: A dagger is a short stabbing weapon with a

pointed blade. The Hebrew word “cherev” is rendered sword. It may
also be rendered dagger or knife. (Genesis 3:24) (1 Kings 18:28)
(Exodus 20:25) (Joshua 5:2) The sword was similar to the dagger
only the sword was longer. (1 Samuel 17:51) (1 Kings 3:24, 25)

DAGGER MEN: Greek: “sika’rioi” means men of the dagger. They

were called that because they concealed knives under their
garments. Dagger men were members of a fanatical political Jewish
faction in the first century C.E. They rioted against Paul in
Jerusalem. (Acts 21:30-38)

DAGON: Dagon was a god of the Philistines. It is believed that the

Philistines adopted Dagon worship from the Canaanites. (Joshua
15:41; 19:27) The Philistines probably carried idols of their god
Dagon into battle. (2 Samuel 5:21)

DALETH: Daleth was the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

DALMANUTHA: Jesus and his disciples took a boat to Dalmanutha.

It is possible that Dalmanutha was another name for Magadan or it
was a nearby place with that name. (Mark 8:1-10) (Matthew 15:29-
39)

DALMATIA: The name Dalmatia is often used instead of Illyricum

the name of the province. Dalmatia was an area in the mountainous
region near the Adriatic Sea where Yugoslavia is today. Titus
traveled to Dalmatia just before the apostle Paul was executed. (2
Timothy 4:6-10)

DALPHON: Dalphon was one of Haman’s ten sons. (Esther 9:7, 10)

DAMARIS: Damaris heard the apostle Paul preach at the Athenian

Areopagus and became a believer. (Acts 17:33, 34)

DAMASCENES: The residents of Damascus are called Damascenes.

(2 Corinthians 11:32) (Acts 9:23-25)

DAMASCUS: This ancient city of Syria still exists at the foot of the
Anti-Lebanon Mountain Range near Mount Hermon. It is situated
on a plateau at about 2,300 feet above sea level. It enjoys a pleasant
climate with average temperatures in the winter of 45 degrees
faranheidt and 84 degrees in the summer. The land produces an
abundance of olives, figs, apricots and grain. It was noted for it’s
commercial activities. (1 Kings 20:34)

DAN, THE TRIBE: Dan was the fifth of Jacob’s 12 sons. He was
born in Paddanaram. (Genesis 35:25, 26) The tribe of Israel that he
established was named after him. They were the second most
populous tribe as to men of battle age. Dan’s tribe camped alongside
the tribes of Asher and Naphtali. When the people of Israel
marched, the Danites assumed the very important position as rear
guard. This was a compliment to their courage and dependability.
(Numbers 2:25-31; 10:25)

DAN, THE CITY: Dan was a city in the north of Palestine. It was
first called Leshem or Laish by the pagan inhabitants and the name
was changed to Dan after the tribe of Dan captured it. (Joshua
19:47) (Judges 18:7, 27-29) The name Dan became synonymous
with the extreme northern part of Israel as shown by the expression
“from Dan to Beersheba.” (Deuteronomy 34:1) (Judges 20:1) (1
Samuel 3:20) (2 Samuel 3:10) (1 Kings 4:25) (2 Chronicles 30:5)

DANCE, DANCING: Dancing is a series of rhythmical steps and

movements offered in time to music. Most ancient races of people
employed dance as a way to express their emotions. It was a
religious expression. Hebrew: the verb chul means whirl, turn,
dance. (Judges 21:21) (Jeremiah 30:23) (Lamentations 4:6) The
noun “machohl” and “mecholah” refer to dance and circle dance.
(Jeremiah 31:4) (Psalm 150:4) (Judges 21:21) Jesus likened his
generation to young children playing and dancing in the
marketplace at Matthew 11:16-19 and Luke 7:31-35.

DANIEL: The writer of the book of Daniel was an outstanding

prophet of Jehovah God. He was from the tribe of Judah. Daniel
was taken captive to Babylon in 617 B.C.E. as a teenage prince along
with other royal offspring and nobles. (Daniel 1:3-6) When he
received the vision recorded in chapters 10 through 12 Daniel was
nearly 100 years old. The angel told Daniel: “Go toward the end, for
you will enter into rest. Then you will rise for your determined
condition in life at the end of the days.” He was evidently talking
about his impending death and later his resurrection. (Daniel 12:13)

DANIEL, THE BOOK: The book of Daniel is a prophetic book found

immediately after Ezekiel. The book was written in Babylon, with
one of its visions in Shushan by the Ulai River. It was completed
about 536 B.C.E. Daniel gives details about the rise and fall of world
powers from the time of ancient Babylon until the time when the
Kingdom of God crushes all the kingdoms of this world out of
existance forever. (Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14, 27)

DANIEL HIGHLIGHTS:
Daniel 2 Daniel reveals meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
Daniel 3 Hebrews refuse to worship image thrown into fiery
furnace.
Daniel 4 King dreams of tree.
Daniel 5 Handwriting on wall at Belshazzar’s feast
Daniel 6 Daniel thrown into lion’s pit.
Daniel 7 Vision of four beasts revealed.
Daniel 9 Seventy prophetic weeks prophecy of Messiah.

DANITES: Danites were the members of the tribe of Dan. See: DAN,
THE TRIBE.

DAN-JAAN: Dan-jaan is mentioned once in the Scriptures. It was a

place on the route followed by Joab when he took the census
ordered by David. (2 Samuel 24:1-6) The term Dan-jaan may refer
to the city of Dan. (1 Chronicles 21:2) (Judges 18:28, 29)

DANNAH: Dannah was a city located in the mountains of Judah.

(Joshua 15:49)

DARA, DARDA: Though his wisdom rivaled that of Solomon it was

not equal. Dara or Darda was a descendant of Judah through Zerah.
(1 Chronicles 2:4, 6) (1 Kings 4:31)
DARIC: The daric was a gold Persian coin weighing .27 oz, worth
perhaps $100 in today’s U.S. currency. It was coined for two
centuries from the late sixth century B.C.E. It pictured a kneeling
king with a spear in his right hand and a bow in his left. (1
Chronicles 29:7) (Ezra 8:27)

DARIUS: The name Darius is applied to three kings in the Bible. It

might have been used as a title or throne name instead of a personal
name. The major character named Darius was Darius the Med, the
successor to the Chaldean King Belshazzar following the conquest of
Babylon by the army of Cyrus the Persian. (Daniel 5:30,31) He was
the son of Ahasuerus of the seed of the Medes. (Daniel 9:1) The
second Darius was Darius Hystaspis the Persian. He was also
known as Darius the Great. He was involved in rebuilding the
temple when he ordered Governor Tattenai not to interfere with the
work and to provide building funds from the royal treasury. This
account is found at Ezra Chapters 4 thru 7. The third Darius was
Darius Ochus who ruled from 423 to 405 B.C.E.

DARKON: Darkon’s descendants were among the sons of the

servants of Solomon who returned with Zerubbabel from
Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 55, 56) (Nehemiah 7:6, 7, 57, 58)

DATE: The date palm produces fruit called dates. The tree is
common to Palestine. The fruit is oval shaped, fleshy and sweet
tasting. The Shulammite maiden describes the dark locks of her
lover’s hair as dark date clusters. (Song of Solomon 5:11) Solomon
used a unique description of the Shulammite maiden, he said: “Your
stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts to clusters of dates.”
(Song of Solomon 7:7, 8)

DATHAN: Dathan was the son of Eliab of the tribe of Reuben. He

was brother of Abrams and Nemuel. They supported the Levite
Korah in his rebellion against the authority of Moses and Aaron.
(Numbers 16:1-35; 26:7-11) (Deuteronomy 11:6) (Psalm 106:17)

DAUGHTER: Hebrew bath and Greek thy-ga’ter translate to

daughter. (Genesis 5:4) (Matthew 14:6) (Acts 21:9) Girl’s positions
were less honored than that of boys, and their names have not been
recorded as often in history. (1 Chronicles 2:34, 35) Yet most
parents loved their daughters very much and protected their
interests. Aside from direct relatives, the term daughter was applied
to women in general. (Genesis 6:2, 4; 30:13) (Proverbs 31:29)
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: The wife of one’s son is the daughter-in-law.
This term comes from the Hebrew word “kallah” and Greek word
“nymphe.” They are also translated bride. (Song of Solomon 4:8-12)
(Isaiah 61:10) (Jeremiah 7:34) (John 3:29) (Revelation 18:23;
21:2,9; 22:17) Ruth is a good example of a loyal and devoted
companion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s determined
expression of love is exemplified in her statement to Naomi at Ruth
1:16: “Do not ask me to leave you! Let me go with you. Wherever
you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be
my people, and your God will be my God.” She went on to say: “May
Jehovah’s worst punishment come upon me if I let anything but
death separate me from you!” (Ruth 1:6-17, 22; 4:14, 15) Read the
book of Ruth, a story of love, faith and hope.

DAVID THE KING: The name David occurs more than 1,070 times
in the Hebrew Scriptures. He wrote 73 psalms including psalm 51,
expressing his deep regret and repentance for committing adultery
with Bath-Sheba. He ruled as king over Judah and all Israel for
nearly 40 years. Jesus was the offspring of David according to the
flesh. (Luke 1:32) (Romans 1:3) (Revelation 22:16) This fulfilled the
prophecy and the will of Jehovah God. David’s son, Solomon,
succeeded him as king.

DAVID’S CITY: In the Hebrew Scriptures the reference is to that

part of the city of Jerusalem captured from the Jebusites by King
David. (1 Samuel 20:6) The reference in the Greek Scriptures is to
the town of Bethlehem, David’s boyhood home, where Jesus was
born. (Luke 2:4)

DAY: A day could be a literal twelve or twenty-four hours. (John

11:9) A day could be a longer period of time such as the days of
Noah. (Luke 17:26-30) (Matthew 24:37) Jesus said that no one
knows the day (hemera) or the hour (hora) at Matthew 24:36. The
Greek words “hemera” and “hora” stand for a period of time. It
could be long or short depending on the context of the verse. A good
example, the Bible does not specify the length of each creative day.
Each creative day could be more than one thousand years in length.
(Psalm 90:4)

DAY FOR A YEAR: (Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34) A prophetic

formula applied at Daniel 4:16, 23 and Daniel 9:24-26.

DAY OF JEHOVAH: This is the special period of time when

Jehovah God actively makes himself known against his enemies, in
behalf of his people. It is not a 24-hour period! Jehovah executes
divine judgment against the wicked and is victorious over his
enemies. It is a time of salvation and deliverance for the righteous.
Isaiah was told: “The day of Jehovah is coming with fury and with
burning anger!” (Isaiah 13:9) Who can hold up under it? Joel says:
“Jehovah will be a refuge for his people.” (Joel 2:11; 3:16)
Zephaniah 1:14 declares: “The great day of Jehovah is near!” The
overwelming strength and weight of the judgment message found in
God’s Word should be enough to convince any right hearted person
to repent, obey Jehovah, and follow the advise found at Zephaniah
2:2, 3: “Before the decree takes effect. Before the day passes like the
chaff. Before the fierce anger of Jehovah comes upon you. Yes,
before the day of Jehovah's anger comes upon you.
Seek Jehovah all you meek ones of the earth, you who have obeyed
his Law! Seek righteousness! Seek meekness that you may be
hidden in the day of Jehovah's anger.” (The Hebrew word “ulay-
ulay” means “may be” or”allowed to be.” The Septuagint says it this
way: “you may be hid.” The Hebrew word “sathar” means
“concealed, hidden, protected.”

DEAD SEA: This is a large lake at the south end of the Jordan River.
Several small streams flow into it, however it has no outlet. It has
so much salt that nothing lives in it. It is also referred to as the Salt
Sea. (Genesis 14:3) (Numbers 34:3) (Joshua 3:16)

DEAFNESS: Deafness is partial or complete inability to hear. The

Bible deals with both physical deafness as well as spiritual deafness.
The psalmist compared the wicked, who refuse to listen to direction,
to a cobra that makes itself deaf to the voice of charmers. (Psalm
58:3-5) Isaiah pointed out that Israelites, although having ears,
were as though deaf for they were slow to listen and respond to
Jehovah’s Word. (Isaiah 42:18-20; 43:8) He said when they heard
the word of Jehovah they would no longer be spiritually deaf.
(Isaiah 29:18; 35:5)

*****************************************************
DEATH: Death is the opposite of life. The words for death in the
original Hebrew language are the same when applied to humans,
animals, and plants. The dead know nothing and are unconscious.
(Ecclesiastes 3:19; 9:5) (John 12:24) (Revelation 16:3) Humans and
animals are the same in that the life (soul) of flesh is in the blood.
(Leviticus 17:11-14) (Genesis 4:8-11; 9:3, 4)

Moses spoke about the “sleep of death” in his prayer at Psalm 90:5.
Some translations say: “They are as asleep.” Moses was indeed a
man who knew God and understood the truth about death as
revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus demonstrated the condition of the dead by delaying his trip to

see Lazarus until he had died. Word came that Lazarus was dead.
(John 11:11-15) Jesus said: I go to wake Lazarus from sleep. Then
Jesus said: Lazarus has died! There would be no need for the
resurrection if the dead were infact alive as a happy spirit being in
heaven or suffering much pain in hateful hellfire. But the dead do
not live until God brings them back to life again.
******************************************************

DEBIR, KING OF EGLON: Debir was the Canaanite King of Eglon.

Eglon was one of four small kingdoms allied with Jerusalem to
attack the city of Gibeon. They did so because Gibeon surrendered
to, and made peace with Joshua. Therefore all the kings west of
Jordan gathered themselves together to fight with Joshua and with
Israel. (Joshua 9:1, 2) When Debir and the other kings laid siege
against Gibeon, Joshua’s army came to the rescue. (Joshua 10:1-27)

DEBIR, THE CANAANITE CITY: Debir was a Canaanite city in the

mountains of Judah, about 8 miles southwest of Hebron. It was the
center of Canaanite religious and legal education and activities. It
was also named Kiriath-sepher and Kiriath-sannah. (Joshua 10:38,
39; 15:15, 49) (Judges 1:11; 21:9, 15) (1 Chronicles 6:54, 58) It was in
the inheritance of Judah but became a Levitical city of the
Kohathites.

DEBIR, AT ACHOR PLAIN: This Debir was a place along Judah’s

boundary. (Joshua 15:7) It is believed to be “Thogheret ed-Debir,”
southwest of Jericho.

DEBIR, ON BOUNDARY OF GAD: This was the home of Machir, 10

miles south of the Sea of Galilee. It was on the boundary of Gad in
Gilead. (Joshua 13:26) (2 Samuel 9:4-6; 17:27-29)

DEBORAH THE PROPHETESS AND JUDGE: Deborah was a

prophetess in Israel. She was the wife of Lappidoth. (Judges 4:4)
And she was a judge, for the Scriptures say that she held court
under a palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of
Ephraim. The children of Israel came to her for judgement. (Judges
4:5) Under Jehovah’s direction Deborah summoned Barak from
Kedesh-naphtali and informed him of God’s purpose to take 10,000
men and defeat the huge army of the Canaanite King Jabin and his
army chief Sisera. (Judges 4:6-10; 17-22) Deborah and Barak sang a
song on the day of victory. Some of the song was written in the first
person of Deborah, indicating that she was the composer. It was the
custom for women to celebrate victories with song and dance.
(Exodus 15:20,21) (Judges 11:34) (1 Samuel 18:6, 7) (Psalms 68:11)
Judges Chapter 5 features the song that Deborah and Barak sang.

DEBT, DEBTOR, SERVANT, SLAVE: A debt is an obligation

owed to someone. Debts were incurred because of financial
reverses. When an Israelite became a debtor the borrower became
the lenders servant or slave. (Proverbs 22:7) The first-century
Christian view of debts is expressed at Romans 13:8: “Owe no man
anything but to love one another.” Today’s modern materialistic
societies tend to force families and individuals into debt for
housing, transportation and even luxuries.

DECALOGUE: Deca means ten and Logue means words, thus ten-
words. Logue also represents the body of law. SEE: TEN
COMMANDMENTS.

DECAPOLIS: Greek: Deka’polis means ten-city region. It is in Syria

southeast of Lake Galilee. (Matthew 4:25) (Mark 5:20)

DEDAN, THE CUSHITE: Dedan was a Cushite in the lineage of

Raamah. His offspring settled part of Arabia. (Genesis 10:7) (1
Chronicles 1:9)

DEDAN, DESCENDANT OF ABRAHAM: Dedan was a descendant

of Abraham through Jokshan. The Dedanites settled south and
southeast of the Promised Land in the same area that Abraham sent
all his offspring through Keturah. (Genesis 25:3, 6) (1 Chronicles
1:32) Dedan’s unwillingness to adopt Jehovah’s ways made it
inevitable that it, like Edom, would ultimately be destined to taste of
the cup of the wine of Jehovah’s rage. (Jeremiah 25:15, 21, 23)
Dedan is named at Ezekiel 27:15, 20 as a commercial trader with
Tyre. It also is associated with the plundering of God’s people by
Gog of Magog. (Ezekiel 38:13)

DEDICATE: When a person dedicates his or her life to God he

separates or sets apart his life for a sacred purpose. The Hebrew
verb “nazar” means keep separate and withdraw. The Greek word
“enkaini’zo” means to dedicate and inaugurate. SEE:
INAUGURATE
DEED: A deed is a written agreement containing legal terms to
accomplish the intended purpose of transferring real estate.
(Jeremiah 32:6-15)

DEFECT: SEE BLEMISH

DEKER: Deker was the father of one of Solomon’s 12 deputies.

Deker’s son provided food for Solomon and his household one
month out of the year. (1 Kings 4:7, 9)

DELAIAH, THE PRIEST: Delaiah was an Aaronic priest during

David’s reign. He was chosen by lot to head the 23rd priestly
division. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 5, 18)

DELAIAH, SON OF SHEMAIAH: He was the son of Shemaiah.

Delaiah was one of the princes in the court of King Jehoiakim who
heard Baruch read the book of Jeremiah and reported it to the king.
He and two other princes pleaded with the king not to burn
Jeremiah’s book, but King Jehoiakim burned it. (Jeremiah 36:11-
26)

DELAIAH, DESCENDANTS COULD NOT PROVE ISRAELITE

CITIZENSHIP: This man’s offspring came to Jerusalem with
Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. but could not prove he was an Israelite.
(Ezra 2:1, 59, 60) (Nehemiah 7:61, 62)

DELAIAH, SON OF MEHETABEL: This Delaiah was the son of

Mehetabel. He was the father of the Shemaiah who was hired by
Sanballat and Tobiah to intimidate Nehemiah the governor.
(Nehemiah 6:10-13)

DELAIAH, SON OF ELIOENAI: This Delaiah was one of Elioenai’s

seven sons. He was the descendant of David through Solomon and
Zerubbabel. (1 Chronicles 3:10, 24)

DELILAH: Delilah lived in the Sorek Valley. She became Samson’s

love interest in the final part of his 20-year judgeship. (Judges
16:31) The axis lords of the Philistines offered Delilah a financial
reward if she would find out where Samson’s great power
originated. He finally told her of his Naziriteship and that no razor
had ever touched his head. While he slept she cut off the seven
braids of his hair. When he awakened his power was gone. (Judges
16:4-21)
DEMAS: Demas was a fellow worker of the apostle Paul. He was in
Rome with the apostle during his first imprisonment. (Colossians
4:14) (Philemon 24) Paul wrote that Demas forsook him because of
his love for the present world. He does not say Demas became
apostate or an opposer. He leaves that to our imagination. (2
Timothy 4:10)

DEMETRIUS THE SILVERSMITH: Demetrius was a silversmith at

the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor. He caused a riot against the
apostle Paul and his companions during their stay between 53 and
55 C.E. Demetrius had a successful business making silver shrines
of the goddess Artemis. He was losing business because of the
number of newly converted Christians who no longer purchased his
products. (Acts 19:18, 19, 23-41; 20:1)

DEMETRIUS THE CHRISTIAN WHO DELIVERED JOHN’S

LETTER: Demetrius was mentioned in the apostle John’s letter to
Gaius about 98 C.E. John recommended Demetrius and encouraged
Gaius to offer him hospitality. It was a custom of the congregations
to assist in providing food and lodging for the faithful brothers who
traveled in behalf of the good news. (3 John 1, 12)

DEMON: A demon is an evil spirit with the power to harm people.

Demons were regarded as messengers and servants of the Devil.
(Matthew 12:24) (Luke 8:27-33)

DEMON POSSESSION: Demonized persons were controlled and

influenced by these invisible wicked spirit beings. They were
afflicted in many ways including, blindness, insanity and possession
of superhuman strength. Sometimes many demons took control of a
single human at the same time. (Matthew 9:32; 12:22; 17:15) (Mark
5:2-5) (Luke 8:2, 29, 30; 9:42; 11:14) (Acts 19:16) Jesus exercised
authority over the demons and he gave this authority to his 12
apostles as well. (Matthew 10:8) (Mark 3:15; 6:13) (Luke 9:1; 10:17)
Mental health experts in our modern society sometimes claim that
demon possession was in fact insanity or other mental health
problems. Bible believers often explain mental health problems by
saying it is caused by the influence of demons. It is reasonable to
believe that both the mental health experts and the Bible believers
are correct. Demon Possession would certainly cause extreme
mental anguish.

DENARIUS: This silver Roman coin weighed 0.124 ounce and

would have a modern day value of about one dollar U.S. It was
inscribed with the head of Caesar and was the head-tax coin
collected by the Romans from the Jews. (Matthew 22:19-21)
Common laborers were paid a denarius for a 12-hour workday.
(Matthew 20:2) Thus, Revelation 6:6 describes an extreme
condition of famine by stating: “a quart of wheat for a denarius, a
full day’s wage.”

DEPENDENT TOWNS, SURROUNDING TOWNS: Small towns in

the neighborhood of a larger town or city were known as dependent
towns. This is similar to the suburbs today near the big cities. (1
Chronicles 18:1) Sometimes the bigger towns were called “mother”
cities. (Jeremiah 4:5; 8:14)

DERBE: Derbe was a city of Lycaonia in Asia Minor. The apostle

Paul personally visited Derbe two or three times. (Acts 14:6, 19-21;
20:4)

DESERT: SEE WILDERNESS.

DESCENDANTS, OFFSPRING: Family members who are born to a

person or his children or his children’s children are considered
descendants. (Genesis 13:14-16; 15:12-18)

DESTRUCTION: Destruction is termination by an act that destroys,

ruins, eliminates, annihilates or demolishes. It is a final state that
puts an end to an object or living creature. Destruction often refers
to the physical end to something or some being. (2 Kings 21:3)
(Jeremiah 18:7) (Daniel 2:12, 14, 18) It also refers to spiritual ruin
such as at 1 Corinthians 3:17. When something or someone is
destroyed it no longer exists. Conscientious individuals are
rightfully concerned about the possibility of eternal destruction.
Jesus referred to this in his parable of the sheep and the goats at
Matthew Chapter 25. “Then he will tell those on his left: Depart
from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for
the devil and his [fallen] angels.” (Matthew 25:41,46) Ever-burning
fire is a symbol of eternal destruction. Jesus used fire to illustrate
the complete destruction of the wicked. (Matthew 13:40-42, 49, 50)
Remember, a truly loving God would not torture his creation
through out eternity. SEE: GEHENNA, HADES and SEE HELL.

DETESTABLE, ABHORRANT, DISGUSTING: The Hebrew word

“taav” means ‘detestable, abhorrent, abominable, deeply despised
and loathsome.’ Its related phrase “tohevah” meaning ‘detestable
thing’ is also used many times. The two Hebrew terms occur about
140 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. (Genesis 43:32; 46:34) (Exodus
8:25-27) Proverbs 29:27 states: “An unjust man is an abomination
to the righteous. He who is upright in the way is abomination to the
wicked.” Psalm 14:1 says: “The fool says in his heart: ‘There is no
God.’ They are corrupt. They do disgusting things. No one does
good.” (Job 30:9, 10; 19:19) (Psalms 88:8) (Proverbs 13:19) (Isaiah
49:7) (Matthew 5:10-12) (1 Peter 3:16; 4:1-5)

DEUEL: Deuel was the father of Eliasaph. Eliasaph was the leader
in command of the tribe of Gad during Israel’s travels in the
wilderness. (Numbers 1:14; 2:14; 7:42, 47; 10:20)

DEUTERONOMY, THE BOOK: The name Deuteronomy comes

from the Septuagint Greek title: “Deu-te-ro-no’mi-on.” It means
“Second Law” or “Repetition of the Law.” This Greek word is a
translation of the Hebrew phrase in Deuteronomy 17:18: mish-neh’
hat-toh-rah’. This is rendered “Copy of the Law.” Deuteronomy
contains discourses explaining portions of the Law and exhorting
Israel to love and obey God. It was written by Moses just before
Israel entered the Promised Land. Throughout the book he
emphasizes that Jehovah is the Most High God. He states clearly
that God exacts exclusive devotion and that we should love him with
all our hearts, minds and strength. (Deuteronomy 5:9, 10; 6:4-6;
10:12-22) The fact that God is one God is emphatically stated.
(Deuteronomy 6:4) Deuteronomy is one of the four books in the
Hebrew Scriptures most often quoted in the Christian Greek
Scriptures, the others are Genesis, Psalms, and Isaiah.

DEVIL, SATAN: Formerly an angel who served God, Satan the Devil
rebelled and became an enemy of God and his people. He is the god
of this world and the Bible specifically states that at 2 Corinthians
4:4. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness he offered
Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him.
(Matthew 4:1-11) (Luke 4:1-13) James wisely tells us to “resist the
devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

DEVOTION TO GOD: The true God of the Bible, Jehovah God

requires total exclusive devotion. He does not tolerate any rivalry.
He will not permit worship of any other god. The Hebrew word
“qanna” applies toward God and no one else. It means require
exclusive devotion and is found at Exodus 20:5. God will not
transfer to another being the honor that is due to himself! (Isaiah
42:8; 44:6; 48:11) Devotion means strong attachment and ardent
love. This is required by divine Law as stated at Deuteronomy 5:6-9.
SEE: JEALOUS MEANS ZEALOUS

DEW: Dew is a small drop of water produced by the condensation of

moisture in the air. The Hebrew word for dew is “tal.” It also means
light rain. (Proverbs 3:20) Dew is associated with blessing, fertility
and abundance in the Scriptures. (Genesis 27:28) (Deuteronomy
33:13, 28) (Zechariah 8:12) The lack of dew is associated with a
disfavored condition. (Genesis 27:39) (Haggai 1:10) Love and unity
that prevailed among God’s people is conveyed as refreshing “like
the dew of Hermon.” Delightful vapors of dew condensed upon
Zion’s mountains. (Psalm 133:1-3)

DIADEM: This is a crown, headgear worn by persons of distinction,

such as kings, queens and other rulers. The diadem was a simple
band worn around the forehead. (2 Chronicles 23:11) (Leviticus
21:10-12) (2 Samuel 1:10) Used figuratively at Proverbs 12:4 we
learn that a capable wife is a crown to her husband. Gray-
headedness is like a glorious crown of beauty at Proverbs 16:31. Paul
referred to a crown of exultation at 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20. At
Revelation 19:12 Jesus Christ had upon his head many diadems,
meaning much authority and power.

DIAMOND: The diamond is a precious stone. It is the hardest

natural mineral yet discovered and among the most valuable of
gems. Diamonds are usually colorless, however a few have tints of
color. Jehovah referred to the hard materials in diamonds when he
said: “Judah’s sin is written with an iron pen. It is engraved with a
diamond point on the tablet of their hearts.” (Jeremiah 17:1, 2)

DIBLAH: Diblah is a copyist’s error. Most scholars agree this should

read Riblah. SEE RIBLAH.

DIBLAIM: Diblaim was the parent of Hosea’s wife Gomer. (Hosea

1:2, 3.

DIBON, THE CITY: Dibon was a city east of the Dead Sea. It was
captured from the Moabites by Sihon the Amorite. Later it was
taken from him by Israel when the Israelites entered the land under
the direction of Moses. (Numbers 21:25-30) The tribe of Gad lived
there and rebuilt Dibon. It was then given the name Dibon-gad.
(Numbers 32:34; 33:45, 46) Later in history Dibon became a
Moabite city again. (Isaiah 15:2) Jeremiah prophesied that Dibon
would “sit on the ground in the dust.” (Jeremiah 48:18. After the fall
of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. Nebuchadnezzar thoroughly devistated
Moab. He may have at that time left Dibon sitting on the ground in
the dust. (Jeremiah 25:9, 17-21) Some Bible experts consider Dibon
to be the same as Dimon in Isaiah 15:9.

DIBON, PLACE IN JUDAH: This place is thought by some to be

the same is Dimonah. (Joshua 15:22)

DIBRI: Dibri was an Israelite of the tribe of Dan. His daughter

Shelomith married an Egyptian. After the Exodus from Egypt the
son of this union was stoned to death. (Leviticus 24:10-16, 23)

DIDRACHMA: The Jews paid a yearly temple tax of two drachmas,

or a didrachma. (Matthew 17:24) This is a Greek silver coin having a
value of two drachmas. It is about $1.50 in American money.

DIKLAH: Diklah was a descendant of Shem through Joktan.

(Genesis 10:21, 26, 27) (1 Chronicles 1:17, 20)

DILEAN: Dilean was a Judean city in the Shephelah southwest of

Lachish. (Joshua 15:20, 33, 38)

DILL: Dill is also known as Cumin. It is a small garden plant whose

stems, leaves, and seeds are used for seasoning food. (Matthew
23:23)

DIMON: Dimon was a place spoken about in Isaiah’s

pronouncement of doom upon Moab. The slaughter of the Moabites
caused the water of Dimon to become full of blood. (Isaiah 15:9)

DIMONAH: Dimonah was a southern city of Judah near the border

of Edom. (Joshua 15:21-22) It could be the same as the city of Dibon
found at Nehemiah 11:25.

DINAH: Dinah was the daughter of Jacob by Leah. She could have
been six years old when Jacob returned to Canaan and settled at
Succoth. (Genesis 30:21, 22, 25; 31:41) Years later Dinah came to
Egypt with the rest of Jacob’s household at the invitation of Joseph.
(Genesis 46:7, 15)

DINHABAH: Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom. His city was
Dinhabah. (Genesis 36:32)
DIONYSIUS: This man was an Areopagite. He was a judge of the
Athenian Areopagus, who heard Paul’s defense and became a
Christian. (Acts 17:34)

DIOTREPHES: This man was mentioned by the apostle John in his

letter to Gaiusl. (3 John 9, 10) Diotrephes was ambitious and
disrespectful of apostolic authority. He was rebellious and tried to
hinder those trying to show hospitality to the brothers.

DIPHATH: Diphath was a descendant of Noah through Japheth

and Gomer. He was called Riphath in the Latin Vulgate. (1
Chronicles 1:4-6) (Genesis 10:3)

DIRGE: A dirge is a lamentation, a mournful composition, lyrical

or musical expression of deep sorrow. It was often expressed over
the death of a close friend or loved one. The Hebrew word “qi-nah”
is translated mournful lamentation or a dirge. (2 Chronicles 35:25)
(Ezekiel 2:10) (Amos 8:10) The book of Lamentations is a dirge
written by Jeremiah. It expresses grief over the desolation and
destruction of Jerusalem at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E.
Prophetic dirges were raised up against Tyre and its king as well as
against Pharaoh and Egypt. (Ezekiel 26:17; 27:1, 2; 28:11-19; 32:2-
16) The New Simplified Bible uses the words dirge and lamentation
interchangeably.

DISCHARGE: This expression was applied to the normal monthly

menstrual flow of women. (Leviticus 15:19-24) It can also apply to
an abnormal flow of blood due to disease. (Leviticus 15:25-30) Jesus
healed a woman who had chronic flow of blood for 12 years.
(Matthew 9:20-22) It also applies to conditions of the genital organs
of men and women. (Leviticus 15:2, 19, 25) (Numbers 5:2, 3) (2
Samuel 3:29) According to the Law, a person with a discharge was
unclean along with everything that person touched. (Leviticus 15)

DISCIPLE: A person who follows and learns from someone else.

Greek: “mathetes” means a student. (Matthew 10:24) Every
Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ. We learn from Jesus by
studying the Word of God.

DISCIPLINE: The Hebrew word “musar” means chastisement,

reproof, instruction and correction. Jehovah provides discipline as
an expression of his love for his people. (Proverbs 3:11-12) (Hebrew
12:4-11) When God’s Word is read and obeyed by his people it
provides discipline, admonition, correction and reproof. (2 Timothy
3:16) This is because the Holy Spirit works through the reading and
application of the Holy Scriptures. (Hebrews 4:12)

The head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ, provides

needed discipline. (Revelation 3:14-19) A severe form of discipline is
expulsion from the congregation. The Apostle Paul resorted to this
when he handed Alexander and Hymenaeus “over to Satan.” (1
Timothy 1:20) Once the sinner repents he or she is restored to
fellowship with God’s people. (1 Corinthians 5:5, 11-13)

DISGUSTING ABOMINATION: The Hebrew noun “shegets”

means loathsome and the Hebrew noun “shiqguts” means
disgusting. (Leviticus 11:11,13, 43; 20:25) These terms refer to that
which is repugnant to Jehovah and his true worship. Common
renderings of these words include disgusting, repugnant, and
abominable. Daniel used the term: “abomination that makes
desolate” at Daniel 9:27. Jesus Christ used a similar term:
“disgusting abomination of desolation” at Matthew 24:15. The
Greek word “bde’lyg-ma” means, “that which caused disgust.” It is
found at Mark 13:14. Different translators use different
combinations of words to express the same meaning.

DISTAFF: Loosely wound fibers of flax or wool were drawn by the

stick called the distaff and then attached to the spindle to make
thread. (Proverbs 31:19)

DISTRICT, DIVISION: The Bible speaks about geographical and

political regions or areas around a city or state. These are
sometimes called districts or divisions. (Nehemiah 3:9, 12, 14-18)
(Acts 13:50) (Matthew 19:1; 2:16; 15:22; 16:12)

DISTRICT OF THE JORDAN RIVER: The district of the Jordan

River is the oval shaped basin into which the Jordan River flows. (1
King 7:46) (2 Chronicles 4:17) (2 Samuel 18:23) It also extends
down to the southern end of the Dead sea. (Genesis 13:10-12; 19:17-
25) (Deuteronomy 34:3)

DIZAHAB: A site east of the Jordan River where Israel camped at

the time Moses delivered his farewell address. (Deuteronomy 1:1)

DIVINE: That which emanates from a deity. Things divine belong to

God, such as his nature and personality traits. The Hebrew text at
Joshua 22:22 and Psalm 50:1 read: “El Elohim’ Yehwah.’” It may
be translated God of Gods, The Almighty One, God; The Mighty
One, God; or the Divine One, God. The New Simplified Bible uses
all three phrases as follows: “the Mighty, Divine One is God of Gods,
Jehovah!” The Greek term “theos” means God. Related words such
as theios, theio’tes, and theo’tes are found at Acts 17:29; Romans
1:20; Colossians 2:9; and 2 Peter 1:3, 4. Many translators use terms
such as Godhead, the Deity, or the divinity. According to the New
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia the expression “to
thei’on” is derived from the adjective “theios”; meaning pertaining
to God and divine. The term “divine nature” appropriately fits in
these instances.

DIVINE NAME: Hebrew: YHWH. Possibly, Yahowah, Yahuwah,

Yahweh or Jehovah. Since this is an English Translation the name
Jehovah has been used.

Most Bible translators remove the divine name about 7,000 times
as if it did not exist in the original text. And yet they retain the
names of many false gods mentioned in the original text. Included
in this list are Baal, Bel, Merodach, and even Satan!

Bible writer Agur asked: “Who gathered the wind in the hollow of
both hands? Who wrapped up the waters in a mantle? Who made
the ends of the earth to rise? What is his name and what is his son’s
name? (Proverbs 30:4) God revealed his name to us at Isaiah 42:8:
“I am Jehovah; that is my name!” The apostle Paul quoted Joel 2:32
at Romans 10:13 where he said: “Everyone who calls on the name of
Jehovah will be saved.” Hallelujah means, “praise Jah”, which is a
shortened form of Jehovah.

The divine name is used out of respect for our God who has a name!
It belongs in the Hebrew Scriptures 6,828 times. The English
rendering of God’s personal name is “Jehovah.” Yah0wah may be
considered by some to be the closest to the divine name in the
Hebrew Language, but Jehovah is still closest to the divine name in
the English Language. William Tyndale first restored it to the
English Bible in the year 1530. It is the closest rendering in English.
We do not know the exact spelling or pronunciation, however
“Jehovah” has been used for centuries, and it’s equivalent is widely
accepted and used in many languages today.

No one knows for sure how to spell or pronounce the divine name
just as no one knows how to write or spell Jesus, the Son of God’s
name. The important thing is that we use it with respect and out of
love.
It is a fact, everywhere you read in the Holy Scriptures you find His
name! And that requires an honest attempt to use it. There is no
good reason to hide God’s name with the use of titles such as
“LORD” or “GOD” in all capital letters.

Is Jesus God? God leaves no doubt in his Word about the identity of
Jesus! “There was a voice from heaven that said: ‘This is my Son,
the beloved, whom I have approved.’” (Matthew 3:16,17) Jesus is the
SON OF GOD and is identified that way many times in the Greek
Scriptures.

DIVINE NAME-TRANSLATIONS THAT HONOR THE

DIVINE NAME: The following is a list of Bible translations that
include the English divine name Jehovah: New World Translation
1984, New Simplified Bible 2003, Darby 1889, American Standard
Version 1901, Literal Translation of the Holy Bible 2000, and
Young’s Literal Translation 1898. The New Jerusalem 1985 uses the
rendering Yahweh.

DIVAN: SEE BED

DIVINATION: Divination is an occult practice, a false religious

practice. (Deuteronomy 18:10) It is the attempt to discover a
message from God or the gods by examining marked stones or the
liver of a sacrificed animal.

DIVORCE: God hates divorce! (Malachi 2:14-16) Only fornication

(Greek: “porneia”) is grounds for Scriptural divorce. (Matthew 5:31-
32; 19:9) Christians should not even separate from their mates
according to the apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 7:10, 11.

DODANIM: The name Dodanim appears at Genesis 10:4 and 1

Chronicles 1:7. He was the fourth son of Javan. This name is also
spelled “Rodanim.” (See: RODANIM)

DODAVAHU: Dodavahu was a man from Maresha whose son

Eliezer prophesied disaster for the ships of Jehoshaphat. These
ships were built in partnership with wicked King Ahaziah of Israel.
(2 Chronicles 20:36, 37)

DODO, ANCESTOR OF TOLA: Dodo was the ancestor of Judge Tola

of the tribe of Issachar. He may have been Tola’s grandfather.
(Judges 10:1)
DODO, OF BENJAMIN: Dodo was a descendant of Benjamin
through Ahohi. This Dodo’s son was one of David’s mighty men. (2
Samuel 23:9) (1 Chronicles 11:2)

DODO, RESIDENT OF BETHLEHEM: This Dodo was a resident of

Bethlehem. His son Elhanan was one of David’s mighty warriors. (2
Samuel 23:24) (1 Chronicles 11:26)

DOEG: Doeg was the head shepherd for King Saul. (1 Samuel 21:7;
22:9) King Saul commanded him to kill 85 priests, and he did so.
He devoted Nob to destruction and slaughtered all of its
inhabitants. (1 Samuel 22:6-20) Doeg was a very wicked man.
(Psalms 52:2-4)

DOG: The Hebrew word “kelev” and the Greek word “kyon” mean
little dog. (Matthew 15:26) In addition to the definition of a
“domesticated animal” Webster’s Dictionary defines dog as a “low
contemptable fellow.” A “dog’s life” is considered a “wretched
existence.” According to the Israelites, dogs were ceremonially
unclean. (Leviticus 11:27) (Isaiah 66:3) Dog’s filthy habits are
recalled in illustrative ways in the Scriptures. (2 Peter 2:20-22)
(Proverbs 26:11) Being unclean animals, dogs were used to denote
what was unholy or profane. The apostle Paul calls them dogs
because they returned to Judaism and because of the uncleanness in
which many of them lived. Morally unclean persons are called dogs.

The enemies of Jehovah’s servants were likened to dogs, and so

were the Gentiles. (Psalm 22:16, 20; 59:6, 14) (Revelation 22:15)
The Gentiles of the Christian era were designated “dogs” by the
Jews. (Matthew 15:26, 27) Jesus Christ spoke about persons having
no appreciation for spiritual things when he said: “Do not give what
is holy to dogs.” (Matthew 7:6) He was figuratively talking about
“impure persons” and “false prophets.”

Dogs was a term of reproach among both Greeks and Jews. Homer
uses it of both women and men, implying shamelessness in the one,
and recklessness in the other. Thus Helen: “Brother-in-law of me, a
mischief devising dog” (“Iliad,” vi., 344). Teucer of Hector: “I cannot
hit this raging dog” (“Iliad,” viii., 298). The Israelites are forbidden
to bring the price of a dog into the house of God for any vow at
Deuteronomy 23:18. The Gentiles of the Christian era were
designated “dogs” by the Jews. (Matthew 15:26)

DOORKEEPER: SEE GATEKEEPER

DOOR, DOORWAY: Hebrew “petach” means entrance of a room
or of a house. (Genesis 19:11) The door was usually made of wood
and pivoted open on sockets in the lintel and the threshold.
(Proverbs 26:14) The lintel and doorposts of the entrances of
Israelite house in Egypt were splashed with the blood of the
Passover victim as a sign for God’s angel to pass over that home and
not destroy the firstborn. (Exodus 12:7, 22, 23) Jesus Christ used
door and doorway in figurative ways. He said he was standing at the
door and knocking. (Matthew 7:7) (Revelation 3:20) For salvation
he said to go in through the narrow door. (Luke 13:23, 24) He called
himself the door that leads to life. (John 10:7-11)

DOPHKAH: Dophkah was the first place where the Israelites

stopped after leaving the Wilderness of Sin on their way to the
Promised Land. (Numbers 33:12, 13)

DOR: Dor was a Palestinian city that allied with the Canaanite King
Jabin of Hazor to fight against Joshua. (Joshua 11:1, 2, 12; 12:23)
Dor and it’s dependent towns lay in Asher’s territory, yet they were
given to the tribe of Manasseh. (Joshua 17:11-13) (1 Chronicles 7:29)

DORCAS: Dorcas was a Christian woman in the Joppa

congregation. She was noted for good deeds and gifts of mercy. She
made inner and outer garments for needy widows. (Acts 9:36, 39) It
was the custom for Jews to have both Hebrew and Greek or Latin
names and thus Dorcas was known also by the name Tabitha. Upon
learning of her death the disciples prepared her body for burial and
informed Peter that she had died. Peter dismissed everyone from
the upper chamber. After praying he said: “Tabitha, rise!” In that
instant Dorcas was resurrected from the dead. Many became
believers throughout Joppa because of this great act of faith. (Acts
9:32-42)

DOTHAN: Dothan was a city in the northeast part of Samaria.

Young Joseph found his brothers and their flocks near Dothan.
(Genesis 37:17-36) Centuries later the king of Syria dispatched a
large military force to Dothan. (2 Kings 6:11-17)

DOVE: The Hebrew word “yoh-nah’” and Greek word “pe-ri-ste-ra’”

mean dove. The first bird sent out by Noah after the Flood was a
dove. (Genesis 8:8-12) Hebrew “a-nah’” means mourn and
combined with “yoh-nah’” we have mourning-dove. The dove
makes a mournful cooing sound. (Isaiah 38:14; 59:11, 12) (Ezekiel
7:16) Bible translators frequently use Dove and Pigeon
interchangeably. Sometimes they use the word turtledove. The dove
has a soft, gentle appearance and disposition. Their devotion to
their mates and their affection are amiable characteristics. In
courtship they bring their heads together and each bird takes the
other’s beak in it own much like a lover’s kiss. The dove is capable of
flying long distances in search of food. (Psalm 55:6-8) When Jesus
was baptized and anointed by God’s Holy Spirit, the Spirit,
appropriately, appeared in the shape of a dove as it descended upon
him. (Luke 3:22) (Matthew 3:16) (Mark 1:10) (John 1:32-34)

DOVE’S DUNG: During the siege of Samaria by Syrian King

Benhadad a great famine occurred. “The siege caused a great food
shortage in the city. It was so severe that a donkey's head cost eighty
pieces of silver, and half a pound of dove's dung cost five pieces of
silver.” (2 Kings 6:24, 25) It is hard to believe that people would
resort to eating dove’s dung, but that appears to be what they did.
Some people believe it was a plant that was at that time called
dove’s dung. Plant or the real thing, this certainly shows the terrible
extremes to which humans are driven by the pangs of hunger.
Sennacherib’s officer, Rabshakeh, made the threat that the people of
Jerusalem would have to “eat their excrement and drink their own
urine.” (2 Kings 18:27) An even more detestable act is the account
recorded at 2 Kings 6:26-29 where a Samarian women boiled and
ate her own child because of the pangs of hunger.

DRACHMA, SILVER COIN: The drachma was a Greek silver coin in

use in the first century C.E. (Luke 15:8, 9) The drachma featured the
head of the goddess Athena on one side and an owl on the other
side. It would presently be evaluated at about 65 cents U.S. The
Jews paid an annual temple tax of two drachmas. (Matthew 17:24)

DRACHMA, GOLD COIN: There was also a gold drachma in the

Hebrew Scriptures currently valued at nearly 100 dollars U.S. (Ezra
2:69) (Nehemiah 7:70-72) (Antique value not considered)

DRAGNET: The dragnet was dragged along the bottom of a body of

water to catch fish. (Ezekiel 26:5, 14; 47:10) The dragnet was let
down from boats so that it surrounded a school of fish. Then the
ropes tied to each end of the net were pulled in by men on shore.
(Matthew 13:47, 48) (Luke 5:6, 7) (John 21:8, 11) The dragnet was
also used in the Scriptures to represent the gathering of prospective
members of the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 13:47, 48)

DRAGON: The Greek “dra’kon” appears 13 times in the Bible. All of

these occurrences are in the book of Revelation. This term is
symbolic of Satan the devil. (Revelation 12:9)
DREAM: Everyone dreams but very few dreams come from God.
Dreams are thoughts or mental images that occure while sleeping.
Some dreams come from God. (Numbers 12:6) Dreams delivered
from God are recorded in the Bible. There is no need to look
elsewhere for them! Most dreams are natural dreams that simply
take place in the average person and go away. (Job 20:8) The third
kind of dream is a false dream, the one to be concerned about for it
comes from divination and demons. (Zechariah 10:2) The safest way
to deal with dreams is to ignore all of them! The Holy Scriptures
certainly offer the full revelation from our God. No other source is
necessary! (Hebrews 1:1, 2)

DREGS: Dregs are particles that settle to the bottom when wine is
allowed to remain undisturbed. The term is found five times in the
scriptures. (Psalms 75:8) (Isaiah 25:6) (Jeremiah 48:11) (Ezekiel
23:32-34) (Zephariah 1:12)

DRUNKENNESS: Drunkenness is the condition of being

intoxicated. A drunkard habitually overindulges in strong alcoholic
beverages. The use of strong drink to the point of drunkenness is
strongly condemned by God’s Holy Scriptures. (Proverbs 23:29-33)
(Hosea 4:11) (Matthew 15:18, 19) A person who makes it a practice
of excessive drinking will not inherit God’s kingdom. (1 Corinthians
6:9-11)

DRUSILLA: Drusilla was the third daughter of Herod Agrippa I. She

was also the youngest daughter, born about 38 C.E to Cypros and
Herod Agrippa I. She was sister of Agrippa II, Bernice, and
Mariamne III. By the time she was six years old a marriage to prince
Epiphanes of Commagene was arranged, but it did not take place
because he would not become a Jew. She may have been present
when the apostle Paul talked about the judgement to come before
Governor Felix. (Acts 24:24-27)

DUKE: A duke is a nobleman of high rank who is appointed just like

a prince. (Numbers 31:8) (Joshua 13:21) (Psalms 83:11) (Ezekiel
32:30)

DUMAH, SON OF ISHMAEL: Dumah was the sixth of Ishmael’s 12

sons. He was the brother-in-law to his half cousin Esau. Dumah was
the head of a nation as a fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise to
Abraham. (Genesis 17:20; 25:14-16; 28:9)
DUMAH, THE CITY: This Dumah was the city in the mountains 9
miles southwest of Hebron assigned to the tribe of Judah after
Joshua captured the land. (Joshua 15:52)

DUNG: Dung is excrement from humans and animals. Dung was

considered offensive refuse needing disposal. (1 Kings 14:10) It was
used as manure to fertilize the soil. (Isaiah 25:10) (Luke 13:8) The
greatest way to insult a person was to offer to turn his house into a
public privy. (Ezra 6:11) (Daniel 2:5; 3:29) On account of Christ,
Paul said he had lost all things. He added he considered them a lot
of refuse or dung compared to the Christ. (Philippians 3:8, 9)

DUNGEON: A dungeon is a small dark room used as a prison.

Frequently it is underground. The Hebrew word for dungeon is
“mas-ger’” and it means shut or close. (Genesis 19:6) (Judges 3:23)
When David was hiding in a cave from King Saul he felt as if he was
in a dungeon. He prayed to Jehovah for liberation. (Psalms 142:7)

DURA: The plain of Dura is where Nebuchadnezar erected a gold

image. (Daniel 3:1) It was located in the district of Babylon near the
city of Babylon.

DUST: Dust is fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen. It

can easily be blown about by air currents. The most often used
Biblical word for dust is the Hebrew word “a-phar.’” This also
means dry earth and clay mortar. (Genesis 26:15) (Leviticus 14:41,
42) Believe it or not, dust is a blessing from our Creator.
Atmospheric dust has light scattering properties that adjust the
unbearable glare of the sun’s direct rays. Dust is also needed to
influence condensation of moisture in the form of rain, fog or mist
that is vital to plant growth. God formed man from the dust of the
ground. (Genesis 2:7) (1 Corinthians 15:47, 48) After Adam
disobeyed God’s Law he was sentenced to death when Jehovah God
said: “To dust you will return.” God used the term dust to depict
large numbers when he told Abraham: “I will make your seed like
the dust particles of the earth.” (Genesis 13:14,16) Dust is also used
symbolically to represent lowliness such as when God called upon
Babylon to come down off her throne and sit down in the dust at
Isaiah 47:1.

DYES, DYEING: Dyeing is the practice of changing the color of

something. It was employed by most of the ancient societies. The
Israelites used dye to make blue thread, coccus scarlet material, and
wool dyed reddish purple for the tabernacle and for priestly
garments. (Exodus chapters 25-28, 35, 38, 39) The early Egyptians
produced brilliantly dyed good. Tyre and other Phoenician cities
became important dye centers as well. (Ezekiel 27:2, 7, 24)

S IMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

E

EAGLE: The eagle is the symbol of divine wisdom. Isaiah spoke

about soaring like eagles at Isaiah 40:31. The eagle’s ability to fly at
fast speeds is noted in the Scriptures. (2 Samuel 1:23) (Jeremiah
4:13) (Lamentations 4:19) (Habakkuk 1:8) Ezekiel saw a vision of
four living creatures each with a different face. One had the face of
an eagle. (Ezekiel 1:10; 10:14) Eagles are pictured in the book of
Revelation as creatures attending God’s throne and announcing the
judgment messages of God for those on earth. (Revelation 4:7; 8:13)
Moses was to tell the Israilites that God carried them “on the wings
of eagles, and brought you to my mountain.” (Exodus 19:4)
Symbolic wings of the great eagle were given to a symbolic woman
at Revelation 12:14, representing deliverance and protection from
the serpent described earlier in that chapter as the devil (false
accuser)(Satan).

EAR: The ear is the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium. This
miraculous feature was designed and created by Jehovah God.
(Psalm 94:9) (Proverbs 20:12) The creator of the ear can also hear.
The Bible speaks of him as possessing symbolic ears at Numbers
11:18 and Psalms 116:1, 2. When it says: he turns his ear toward me,
it means he listens to me. Jehovah pictures himself as having ears
that listen to prayers. (Psalms 10:17, 18:6; 34:15; 130:2) (Isaiah
59:1) (1 Peter 3:12) The Bible very effectively uses the word ear in a
figurative sense. To have the ears opened means the person receives
understanding. (Isaiah 50:5) The expression “give ear” or “incline
your ear” means to pay attention. (Psalm 78:1, 86:6) (Isaiah 51:4)

EARRING: People wear rings or other shaped ornaments on their

ears as a means of adornment. The Hebrew word ne’zem means
ornament and can be applied as a nose or earring. (Proverbs 11:22)
(Exodus 32:2) The Hebrew word “aghil” designates an earring or a
circular ornament. (Numbers 31:50) (Ezekiel 16:12)
EARTH: The planet earth is the fifth-largest planet of the solar
system and the third in order of position from the sun. The earth’s
rotation makes day and night possible. (Genesis 1:4, 5) Jehovah
God’s statement at Genisis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the
heavens and the earth” is basic to all faith in him. The Hebrew word
“erets” is used express the term earth. This can apply to the physical
earth as well as the people of the earth. (Genesis 18:25) When the
Bible speaks in a figurative and symbolic way about the earth speaks
frequently about a society of people. (2 Peter 3:5, 13) (Revelation
20:11; 21:1)

EARTHQUAKES: A literal and physical earthquake, sudden tremor,

or shaking of the earth’s surface is part of the composite sign of
Christ’s presences noted at Matthew 24:7 and Luke 21:11.
Earthquakes have been known to crack open burial vaults and eject
dead bodies from within. Something like this probably happened at
the time that Jesus Christ died.

Matthew 27:51–53 reports: “The veil (curtain) of the temple was

ripped in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the
rocks split. 52 The tombs were split open and many [dead] bodies
were tossed upright [on the ground]. 53 [They came out of the tombs
after his resurrection.] (Manuscript text unclear.) Many people saw
them.” “On the day of Jesus’ death, about three o’clock in the
afternoon, an earthquake split the rocko-masses and caused the
tombs to be opened, and many dead bodies were thrown out of
them.” A severe earthquake occurred on the day of Jesus’
resurrection when the angel descended from heaven and rolled
away the stone from in front of his tomb. (Matthew 28:1, 2)

The Greek word “egeiro” is sometimes translated “raise.” It means

to “awaken from sleep” or “raise” or “physically lift up” or “take up.”
The Greek manuscripts that contain Matthew 27:52 are not clearly
stated and so there is confusion about how to translate this verse.
Some translators take the Greek word “egersis” in verse 53, which
means “resurrect,” and apply its meaning to the Greek word egeiro.
The action that took place was probably a physical tossing-up of the
bodies out of the tombs and onto the ground. The context of verse
51 supports this idea, because it says: “The earth quaked and the
rocks split.” Secular records reveal that earthquakes have been
known to do such things. The New Simplified Bible takes the
position that this was not a resurrection back to life, but only the
ejection of dead bodies from the tombs. These dead bodies were
seen by many people.
EARTHQUAKES, SOCIAL UPHEAVAL: The Holy Scriptures liken
earthquakes to social upheaval. An example of this may be found at
Revelation 6:12 where a simbolic earthquake is prophesied. This
could apply to social upheaval as well as literal earthquake activity.
Earthquakes are often used figuratively in the Scriptures to describe
the shaking and overthrow of nations and kingdoms. (Isaiah 13:13)
(Daniel 5:30, 31) Jehovah God speaks of shaking the nations,
heaven and earth, land and sea at Haggai 2:6, 7. Since the heavens
and the sea are not easily shaken this must be symbolic of social and
governmental upheaval.

EAST: Hebrew: “mizrach’” means sunrising (Deuteronomy 3:27) (1

Chronicles 4:39) and “qe’dhem” means ‘before’ and ‘in front of.’
(Ezekiel 48:2) The Hebrews faced the rising sun when determining
direction. That meant east was in front of them. Some people who
lived in lands to the east were referred to as sons of the East or
Orientals. (Job 1:3) The astrologers that came to see Jesus a year or
two after his birth were from “eastern parts.” (Matthew 2:1)

EBAL: A descendant from Seir, Ebal was the third son of the Horite
sheik Shobal. (Genesis 36:20-23) (1 Chronicles 1:40) The Horites
lived in Seir before being dispossessed and annihilated by the sons
of Esau. (Deuteronomy 2:12)

EBAL, MOUNT: Mount Ebal is a mountain situated in the district of

Samaria. It is opposite Mount Gerizim. They are separated by the
beautiful Valley of Shechem just west of the Jordan River.
(Deuteronomy 11:29-30) Abraham once camped in the valley near
the big trees of Moreh. (Genesis 12:6) After Israel’s victory at Ai,
Joshua built an altar to Jehovah in Mount Ebal. At Moses behest, he
wrote a copy of the law of Moses upon the stones. (Deuteronomy
27:1-8; 12-14) (Joshua 8:30-35)

EBED, FATHER OF GAAL: Ebed was the father of Gaal. He led the
landowners of Shechem in an unsuccessful attempt to rebel against
Abimelech. (Judges 9:26, 29, 39-41)

EBED, SON OF JONATHAN: Ebed returned with Ezra along with

50 males of the house of Adin to Jerusalem from Babylon. (Ezra
8:6)

EBED-MELECH: Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian eunuch from the

house of King Zedekiah. The princes of Judah falsely charge
Jeremiah with sedition. Zedekiah surrendered the prophet into
their hands. These evil princes threw Jeremiah into the miry cistern
of Malchijah in the Courtyard of the Guard. They intended that he
should die there without food. (Jeremiah 38:4-6) Ebed-Melech
publicly approached the king and courageously appealed in behalf
of Jeremiah. Zedekiah responded favorably so Ebed-Melech took 30
men to the cistern and let down ropes and pieces of cloth for
Jeremiah to place under his armpits in order to bring him out of the
cistern. (Jeremiah 38:7-13)

EBENEZER, BATTLE GROUND: Ebednezer was the place where

Israel was defeated twice by the Philistines. Thirty-four thousand
Israelites died, including Hophni and Phinehas. The enemy
captured the Ark of the Covenant. (1 Samuel 4:1-11, 17, 18; 5:1)

EBENEZER STONE: This stone was erected by Samuel 20 years

after Israel’s victory over the Philistines with God’s help. (1 Samuel
7:2, 12) The stone was somewhere between Mizpah and Jeshanah.

EBONY: Ebony is the wood that comes from the Diospyros ebenum
tree. The tree grows tall and it has soft white outer wood. The inner
heartwood is very hard, close grained, black or dark brown in color.
It shines or polishes to a high gloss and is very desirable for
ornamental articles. Ebony is mentioned only once in the Holy
Scriptures at Ezekiel 27:15.

EBRON: Ebron was a boundary city apportioned to Asher. (Joshua

19:24, 28)

EBEZ: This town was located in Issachar’s territory. (Joshua 19:17,

20)

ECBATANA: Ecbatana was the capital city of ancient Media about

700 B.C.E. (Ezra 6:1, 2)

ECCLESIASTES: The Hebrew word “Qohe’leth” and the Greek

word “ekklesiastes’” means congregator. (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 12) King
Solomon was the congregator and writer of the book by that name,
Ecclesiastes. This book is a book containing great wisdom.
(Ecclesiastes 1:13) Solomon was inspired by Holy Spirit to reveal the
truth about the future of the earth: “One generation goes and
another generation comes; but the earth remains forever
(perpetually).”(Ecclesiastes 1:4) The conclusion of Solomon’s search
is summed up in words found at Ecclesiastes 12:13, “Respect God,
and obey his commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”
See: FOREVER
EDEN, GARDEN OF: Jehovah God created the Garden of Eden as
a home for Adam and Eve. (Genesis 2:8-3:24) (Joel 2:3) Genesis
2:15 says: “Jehovah God took the man and put him in the Garden of
Eden to work it and take care of it.” Ezekiel 28:13 states: “You were
in Eden, God’s garden.” Isaiah 51:3 reads in part: “Jehovah will
surely comfort Zion…He will make her deserts like Eden and her
wastelands like the Garden of Jehovah.”

EDOM: Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, was given the name Edom. It
was given to him because he sold his birthright for the red stew.
(Genesis 25:30-34) The people of Edom lived in the land of Seir.
Esau’s sons disposed the Horites and took over the region. (Genesis
14:6; 36:20-30; De 2:12) Much of the Land of the Edomites lies east
of the Arabah in the high mountains. The highest peaks range near
5,600 feet in altitude.

EDREI, ROYAL CITY: This Edrei was the royal city of King Og of
Bashan. (Joshua 12:4; 13:12) A battle was fought at Endrei between
the Israelites and King Og’s militry force. The Israelites defeated Og
and his people, taking possession of his territory. (Numbers 21:33-
35) (Deuteronomy 3:1-10) The city was given to Manasseh as part of
its inheritance. (Joshua 13:31)

EDREI, CITY OF NAPHTALI: Edrei was a fortified city of Naphtali.

(Joshua 19:32, 35, 37)

EDUCATION: Jehovah God is the great Educator and Instructor.

No one can equal his ability. (Job 36:22) (Psalm 71:17) (Isaiah
30:20) Under the Law parents were the primary educators,
responsible for their children. (Exodus 12:26, 27) (Deuteronomy
4:9; 6:7, 20, 21; 11:19-21) Young men were educated in a trade.
(Exodus 35:34) Young women were educated in household duties.
(Genesis 18:12) (1 Peter 3:5, 6) Jesus was considered the Great
Teacher (rabbi). (Mark 9:5) (John 7:46) (Luke 20:39, 40) (Mark
12:32, 34)

EGLAH: Eglah was the mother of King David’s sixth son Ithream,
born in Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:5) (1 Chronicles 3:3)

EGLAIM: Eglaim was a town identified by Isaiah in the prophecy

about Moab. (Isaiah 15:1,8) “Everywhere at Moab's borders the
sound of crying is heard. It is heard at the towns of Eglaim and
Beerelim.” (Isaiah 15:8)
EGLATH-SHELISHIYAH: This term is used at Isaiah 15:5 and
Jeremiah 48:34 in the pronouncement of doom against Moab. It
might be referring to a place in Moab. However, some scholars
believe that this Hebrew term is not a proper noun. They call it a
symbolic expression that should be translated “a three year old
heifer.” The King James Version uses this term in Jeremiah and
thus compares Moab to a sturdy young cow. Since there is no
absolute proof the New Simplified Bible uses the proper noun
Eglath Shelishiyah.

EGLON, KING OF MOAB: Eglon was king of Moab in the days of

the Judges of Israel. He led a confederacy of Moab, Ammon, and
Amalek in their assault upon Israel. (Judges 3:12-25)

EGLON, A ROYAL CANAANITE CITY: The king of Eglon, a

Canaanite city, joined a confederacy against Gibeon after the city
made peace with Joshua and israel. Joshua killed the five kings
involved and later conquered Eglon. He then killed many of its
inhabitants. (Joshua 10:1-5; 22-27, 34, 35; 12:12) Eglon was then
included in the territory of the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:39)

EGYPT: Egypt is designated by the Hebrew name Mizraim in the

Hebrew Scriptures. (Genesis 50:11) The terms Egypt and Egyptian
are found 700 times in the Bible. It is called the land of Ham in
certain Psalms. (Psalm 105:23, 27; 106:21-22) Egypt lives along the
Nile River, and would not survive without the water from the river.
Memphis, one of the capitals, is near the Delta of the Nile River.
(Genesis 46:20) (Jeremiah 46:19) (Hosea 9:6) Polytheism (belief in
multiple gods) was prevalent in Egypt. Every city and town had its
own local deity. A list containing the names of 740 gods was found
in the tomb of Thutmose III. (Exodus 12:12) Dealing with all those
gods must have enboldened Pharaoh to disdainfully question Moses
and Aaron: “Who is Jehovah, that I should obey his voice to let
Israil go?” (Exodus 5:2) The Egyptians practiced the most degrading
idolatry of all when they worshiped animals. Jehovah instructed the
Israelites to throw away “the disgusting idols they loved and not to
make themselves unclean with the false gods of Egypt.” But “they
did not throw away their disgusting idols. (Ezekiel 20:7, 8)

EGYPT VALLEY: This long ravine marks the boundary of the

Promised Land, the land of Canaan. (Numbers 34:2, 5) (1 Kings
8:65) (Isaiah 27:12) The land was not actually in Egypt but Egypt’s
domain extended up to that point. (2 Kings 24:7) This Valley of
Egypt was also called the Wadi ei’Arish. It is situated 125 miles
inland on the Sinai Peninsula, near Jebel et-Tih. It is a dry riverbed
in the summer and a swollen river in the rainy season. (Ezekiel
47:19; 48:28)

EHUD, OF JEDIAEL: Ehud was a descendant of Jediael of the tribe

of Benjamin. He was born through the lineage of Bilhan. He was a
valiant and mighty man. (1 Chronicles 6:6, 10, 11)

EHUD, SON OF GERA: Ehud son of Gera was of the tribe of

Benjamin. (Judges 3:15) He was chosen by God to deliver the nation
from the 18 year control of King Eglon of Moab. God permitted this
bondage because they did what was bad in Jehovah’s eyes. (Judges
3:12-14) When the Israelites finally asked Jehovah for help, God
raised up a savior in the person of Ehud. Ehud crafted a two-eged
sword for himself. The Bible says Ehud was less capable with his
right hand, in other words he was left handed. (Judges 3:15, 16,
20:16) (1 Chronicles 12:2) The Moabites were defeated by the
Israelites, who killed more thant 10,000 Moabites. (Judges 3:15-30)

EKER: Eker was the son of Ram, Jerahmeel’s firstborn, of the tribe
of Judah. (1 Ch 2:4, 5, 9, 25, 27)

EKRON: Ekron was a leading Philistine city somewhere near

Khirbet el-Muqanna’, 11 miles east of Ashdod. (Jos 13:3)

EL: The Hebrew word “El” is translated God in English. It is used

with reference to Jehovah, to false gods, and to men. It also means
“Mighty One” and “Strong One.” (Genesis 14:18; 46:3) (2 Samuel
22:31) The Hebrew word “Elohim” is also translated God in English.
(Genesis 31:30, 32; 35:2) SEE:ELOHIM.

ELA: Ela was father of Shimei, one of Solomon’s 12 deputies who

provided food for the king and his household. (1 Kings 4:7, 18)

ELAH, THE EDOMITE: Elah was an Edomite sheik. It is likely that

he live in the village of Elath. (Genesis 36:40, 41, 43) (1 Chronicles
1:52)

ELAH, SON OF CALEB: This Elah was the son of Caleb the spy.
Elah was the father of Kenaz of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles
4:15)

ELAH, KING OF ISRAEL: Elah was the fourth king of the northern
ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. When his father Baasha died, Elah
became king in about 952 B.C.E. (1 Kings 16:8) Zimri, the
commander of half of the chariots, put him to death and tookover
the reign in fulfillment of God’s prophecy. (1 Kings 16:1-14)

ELAH, FATHER OF THE LAST MONARCH: Elah was the father of

King Hoshea, the last monarch of the northern kingdom. (2 Kings
15:30; 17:1; 18:1, 9)

ELAH, DESCENDANT OF BENJAMIN: This Elah was from the

tribe of Benjamin. He lived in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:3, 7, 8)

ELAH PLAIN: The Elah Plain was the fertile Wadi-es-Sant. It is one
of the principal wadis running from the Philistine plains through
the Shephelah and into the mountains of Judah. This plain was only
about one quarter of a mile wide and well watered. (1 Samuel 17:1,
16, 40) The nearby Philistine Plain was where David defeated the
Philistines. The defeated army fled down the valley to the Philistine
Plain and the cities of Gath and Ekron. (1 Samuel 17:52)

ELAM, SON OF SHEM: Elam was one of five sons of Shem. The
sons of Shem are listed “by their clans and languages, in their
territories and nations.” (Genesis 10:22, 31) (1 Chronicles 1:17) In
history the name Elam applies to an area in southwest Iran called
Khuzestan. This area is a fertile plain on the east side of the lower
Tigris Valley. The people and leaders of the area controlled various
countries nearby and were controlled by these countries. Both
Assyria and Babylon took their turns at dominating Elam. On the
day of Pentecost, 33 C.E., Elamites were among the crowds of
people who heard the message spoke in their own languages. (Acts
2:8, 9) Jeremiah foretold that the Elamites would cease being a
nation at Jeremiah 49:34-39 and that has come to pass.

ELAM, THE GATEKEEPER: This Elam was a Levite gatekeeper

during David’s reign. He was the son of Meshelemiah of the family
of Korahites. (1 Chronicles 25:1; 26:1-3)

ELAM, SON OF SHASHAK: Elam the son of Shashak was a leader

of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:24, 25, 28)

ELAM, THE LEVITE: This Elam was a Levite who was present at
the inauguration of the wall of Jerusalem by Nehemiah. (Nehemiah
12:27, 42)

ELAMITES: Elamites were people who lived at Elam or were

formerly from Elam.
ELASAH: Zedekiah sent Elasah to Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. The
prophet Jeremiah sent his letter to the exiles in Babylon. It was
written by the hand of Elasah and Gemariah. (Jeremiah 29:1-3)
Elasah was the son of Shaphan.

ELATH, ELOTH: A site mentioned in Moses; recapitulation of the

Israelites’ 40-year trek through the wilderness. (Deuteronomy 2:8)

EL-BETHEL: Jacob erected an altar in obedience to God’s

command and he named it El-Bethel. (Genesis 35:1, 7)

ELDAAH: Eldaah was a son of Midian, the fourth son of Abraham

by Keturah. (Genesis 25:1, 2, 4) (1 Chronicles 1:33)

ELDAD: Eldad was one of the 70 older men selected by Moses to

assist him in carrying the load of the people. Moses gathered the 70
older men to a meeting. God’s Spirit came over Eldad and Medad
and “they began to shout like prophets.” Joshua asked Moses to
restrain them. Moses replied: “I wish all Jehovah’s people were
prophets and that Jehovah would put his Spirit on them.” (Numbers
11:13-29)

ELEAD: Elead was probably the son of Ephraim. Ephraim was

killed along with his brother Ezer by the men of Gath. (1 Chronicles
7:20, 21)

ELDER: Older men who led God’s people. They were appointed
leaders in the congregation. (Numbers 11:16-25) (Acts 11:30; 14:23;
15:2) The qualifications for elders are conveyed in God’s Word at
Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3.

ELEAD: Elead was probably the son of Ephraim. Ephraim was

killed along with his brother Ezer by the men of Gath. (1 Chronicles
7:20, 21)

ELEADAH: This was one of Ephraim’s descendants. (1 Chronicles

7:20)

ELEALEH: Elealeh was a city mentioned along with Heshbon. It

was located in the country east of Jordan about 2 miles northeast of
Heshbon. The tribe of Reuben rebuilt the city after it was
conquered. (Numbers 32:3-5, 37) It fell under Moab’s control
centuries later. Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied that Elealeh would
soon cry out because of the nations’s collapse. (Isaiah 15:4; 16:9)
(Jeremiah 48:34)
ELEASAH, SON OF HELEZ: Eleasah son of Helez was the father of
Sismai. He was a descendant of Judah through Jerahmeel. (1
Chronicles 2:33, 34, 39, 40)

ELEASAH, DESCENDANT OF JONATHAN: Eleasah was related to

Johnathan the son of King Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:33-37; 9:39-43)

ELEASAH, THE PRIEST: This Eleasah was a priest of the sons of

Pashhur. He and his peers headed Ezra’s incitement to dismiss their
foreign wives. (Ezra 2:36, 38; 10:22, 44)

ELEAZAR, SON OF HIGH PRIEST AARON: Eleazar was the third

son of Aaron by his wife Elisheba. He was of the family of Kohath
the son of Levi. (Exodus 6:16, 18, 20, 23) (Numbers 3:2) The entire
priesthood of Israel at the time of its installation by Moses included
Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. When his
father, Aaron died, Eleazar became the high priest. He was 70 years
old when he became high priest. A few months later he became the
first high priest to officiate in the Promised Land. (Numbers 20:25-
39; 33:37-39) (Deuternomy 10:6) (Joshua 4:19)

ELECTRUM: The shining alloy of gold and silver is electrum. It

glows a brilliant yellow when heated in a furnace. (Ezekiel 1:4, 27;
8:2)

ELHANAN, SON OF JAIR: Elhanan was the son of Jair. In the war
with the Philistines he struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the
Gittitie. (1 Chronicles 20:5)

ELHANAN, SON OF DODO: Elhanan was the son of Dodo of

Bethlehem. He was one of David’s mighty warriors. (2 Samuel
23:24) (1 Chronicles 11:26)

ELI, THE HIGH PRIEST: Eli was a high priest of Israel. He was a
descendant of Aaron’s fourth son Ithamar. (2 Samuel 8:17) (1 Kings
2:27) (1 Chronicles 24:3) (Exodus 6:23) Eli judged Israel for 40
years. Samuel began to be a prophet during this time. (1 Samuel
4:18; 3:10-13, 19-21) There was a spiritual famine in Israel at that
time. (1 Samuel 3:1) His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, served as
officiating priests but they were good for nothing men. Eli refused to
remove them from office and only rebuked them mildly. So the
judgement of Jehovah was delivered to Eli’s house. (1 Samuel 3: 11-
14)
ELI, ELI, LAMA, SABACHTANI: These are the Hebrew words
Jesus called out as he was dying on the stake, about the ninth hour,
or about 3:00 p.m. “Eli, Eli, Lama, Sabachtani?” They mean “My
God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, 47)
(Mark 15:34, 35) This utterance to his heavenly Father fulfilled the
prophetic words David wrote at Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why
have you forsaken me? Why are you so far away from my
deliverance, so far away from the words of my moaning?”

ELIAB, SON OF HELON: Eliab was the son of Helon of the tribe of
Zebulun. He was one of the 12 chieftains appointed by Jehovah to
aid Moses and Aaron in counting the sons of Israel for the military.
(Numbers 1:1-4, 9, 16) Eliab was commander of the army of his
tribe. His tribe was a part of the three tribe division of Judah.
(Numbers 2:3, 7; 10:14-16)

ELIAB, SON OF PALLU: Eliab was the son of Pallu of the tribe of
Reuben. He was father of Memuel. His other sons, Dathan and
Abiram, supported Korah in his rebellion against Moses. (Nehemiah
16:1, 12; 26:8-10) (Deuteronomy 11:6)

ELIAB, ANCESTOR OF SAMUEL: Eliab was a Levite of the family

of Kohathites. He was ancestor of Samuel the prophet. (1 Chronicles
6:22, 27, 28, 33, 34)

ELIAB, FIRSTBORN OF JESSE: This Eliab was the firstborn of

King David’s father Jesse. (1 Samuel 17:13) (1 Chronicles 2:13)
Jehovah rejected Eliab and selected David to be king. (1 Samuel
16:6-12)

ELIAB THE GADITE: This Eliab was one of the Gadites who
attached themselves to David while he was still under restriction
because of King Saul. The Gadites were valiant, mighty warriors. (1
Chronicles 12:1, 8, 9, 14)

ELIAB, THE LEVITE MUSICIAN: Eliiab was a Levite Musician of

the second division. He assised with the music when King David
had the Ark of the Jehovah moved to Jerusalem from the house of
Obed-edom. (1 Chronicles 15:18, 20, 25; 16:5)

ELIADA, SON OF DAVID: Eliada was the son of David. He was

born at Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 5:13-16) (1 Chronicles 3:5-8) Eliada
was called Beeliada at 1 Chronicles 14:7.
ELIADA, FATHER OF REZON: Eliada was the father of Rezon.
Rezon was a resistor of Solomon. (1 Kings 11:23)

ELIADA, ARMY OFFICER FROM BENJAMIN: This Eliada was the

commander of 200,000 bowmen during Jehoshaphat’s reign. (2
Chronicles 17:12, 17)

ELIAHBA: Eliahba was a Shaalbonite. He was one of Davids mighty

warriors. (2 Samuel 23:32) (1 Chronicles 11:33)

ELIAKIM, OF THE HOUSE OF HEZEKIAH: Eliakim was the son of

Hilkiah and the chief administrator of the house of Hezekiah the
king of Judah at the time the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded
Judah in 732 B.C.E. (Isaiah 22:15-24) One of his official duties was
to accompany Shebna the secretary and Joah the recorder to meet
with Rabshakeh, the military leader from Assyria. The large and
powerful military force came to demand the surrender of the city of
Jerusalem. The three of them reported Sennacherib’s words to King
Hezekiah. (Isaiah 36:11, 22; 37:1, 2) (2 Ki 18:17, 18, 26, 36, 37; 19:1,
2)

ELIAKIM, KING OF JUDAH: Eliakim was king of Judah from 628

to 618 B.C.E. Pharaoh Nechoh placed him on the throne and
changed his name to Jehoiakim. Eliakim was King Josiah’s son. (2
Kings 23:34)

ELIAKIM, LEVITE PRIEST: This Eliakim was one of the Levite

priests who played trumpets and marched in procession for
Nehemiah at the inauguration of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem.
(Nehemiah 12:31, 41)

ELIAKIM, ANCESTOR OF JOSEPH: Eliakim was an ancestor of

Jesus’ adoptive father Joseph. (Matthew 1:13)

ELIAKIM, ANCESTOR OF MARY: Eliakim was an ancestor of

Jesus’ earthly mother Mary. (Luke 3:30)

ELIAM, FATHER OF BATHSHEBA: Eliam was the father of

Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:3) He was also called Ammiel at 1
Chronicles 3:5.

ELIAM, OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN: This Eliam was one of David’s

mihgty men. He was the son of Ahithophel. (2 Samuel 23:34)
ELIASAPH, SON OF DEUEL: Eliasaph was the son of Deuel (or
Reuel) of the tribe of Gad. He was one of the 12 chieftains Jehovah
selected to assist Moses and Aaron. Their task was to count the
males for the army. Eliasaph was in charge of the army of his tribe.
They served with the tree-tribe division of the camp of Reuben.
(Numbers 2:10-15; 7:1, 2, 10, 42-47; 10:18-20)

ELIASAPH, SON OF LAEL: This Eliasaph was the son of Lael. He

was the chieftain of the paternal house of the Gershonites. Eliasaph
supervised the transporting of the tent coverings and screen of the
tabernacle entrance. (Numbers 3:21-26)

ELIASHIB, SON OF AARON: Eliashib was a Levite from the sons of

Aaron. The lot of the eleventh priestly division fell to Eliashib at the
time David reigned. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 5, 6, 12)

ELIASHIB, LEVITE TEMPLE SINGER: This Eliashib was a Levite

Temple singer. He dismisssed his foreign wife at the time Ezra
warned them to do so. (Ezra 10:16, 17, 27, 44)

ELIASHIB, DESCENDANT OF ZATTU: This descendant of Zattu

was among the men sending their foreign wives away. (Ezra 10:16,
17, 27, 44)

ELIASHIB, DESCENDANT OF BANI: This Eliashib was a

descendant of Bani. He was among those putting their foreign wives
away. (Ezra 10:16, 17, 34, 36, 44)

ELIASHIB, GRANDSON OF JESHUA: Eliashib was the grandson of

Jeshua. He was among those who returned from Babylonian exile
with Zerubbabel. Eliashib was high priest in the days of Nehemiah
and worked with the other priests to rebuild the Sheep Gate of the
wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:1, 10; 13:4, 5, 7-9, 28)

ELIATHAH: Eliathah was a son of Heman. During the rule of King

David, Eliathah was chosen by casting lot to be a musician in the
twentieth service group at the house of Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 25:1,
4-6, 9, 27)

ELIDAD: He was a Benjamite chieftain, the son of Chislon. Jehovah

appointed him to have a direct part in dividing the Promised Land
between the Israelites. (Numbers 34:17, 18, 21, 29)

ELIEHO-ENAI, THE GATEKEEPER: Elieho-enai was a Korahite

gatekeeper. He was appointed by David. Elieho-enai was the
seventh son of Meshelemiah of the tribe of Levi. (1 Chronicles 26:1-
3)

ELIEHO-ENAI, SON OF ZERAHIAH: This man traveled with 200

men of the paternal house of Pahath-moab at the time of the return
from Babylon to Jerusalem with Ezra. (Ezra 8:1, 4)

ELIENAI: Elienai was a descendant of Shimei of the tribe of

Benjamin who dwelt in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:1)

ELIEZER, A MAN FROM DAMASCUS: This man was from

Damascus. He was an heir of Abraham. Abrahams referred to him
as “a son of my household.” (Genesis 15:2, 3) Eliezer was spoken of
as the oldest servant and manager of Abraham’s household.
(Genesis 24:2, 4, 12-14, 56)

ELIEZER, SON OF MOSES: Eliezer was the younger of Moses’ two

sons. He was named Eliezer because God helped Moses by
delivering him from Pharaoh’s sword. (Ex 18:4) Eliezer had only
one son, Rehabiah. Many descendants came through Rehabiah. (1
Ch 23:17; 26:25, 26, 28)

ELIEZER, SON OF BECHER: This man was the son of Becher. He

was a descendant of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 7:6, 8)

ELIEZER, PLAYED A TRUMPET: David hat the Ark of Jehovah

moved to Jerusalem from the house of Obedl-edom. Eliezer and six
other priests loudly played trumpets before the Ark of Jehovah. (1
Chronicles 15:24)

ELIEZER, SON OF DODAVAHU: Eliezer was the son of Dodavahu

of Maresha. He was a prophet who prophesied that Jehovah would
put a stop to King Jehoshaphat’s shipbuilding partnership with the
wicked King Ahaziah. (2 Chronicles 20:35-37) (1 Kings 22:48)

ELIEZER, ANCESTOR OF MARY: This Eliezer was an ancestor of

Mary the earthly mother of Jesus. (Luke 3:29)

ELIHOREPH: This man was a son of Shisha who, along with his
brother Ahijah, served as a secretary for King Solomon. (1 Kings 4:1-
3)

ELIHU, SON OF BARACHEL: Elihu was the son of Barachel, the

Buzite, of the family of Ram, a distant relative of Abraham. (Job
32:1,2) (Genesis 22:20, 21) Elihu listened intently to the debate
between Job, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Out of respect for their
age he remained silent until they finish speaking. Believing that
wisdom came with advanced years he leaned heavily on God’s Spirit
to lead him when he talked. (Job 32:2-9, 18) Elihu did not offer
flattering words to anyone. He admitted that he, like Job, was made
of clay and that God was his Creator. He spoke to Job as a true
friend by addressing him by name. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar did
not do this. (Job 32:21, 22; 33:6)

ELIHU, BROTHER TO KING DAVID: This Elihu was believed to be

King David’s older brother. He was also called Eliab. He became the
prince of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 27:18, 22) (1 Samuel 16:6)

ELIJAH: Elijah was one of the most prominent prophets of Israel.

He started as a prophet during the reign of King Ahab about 940
B.C.E. and served through the eight-year reign of King Jehoram of
Judah around 907 B.C.E. Elijah made his home in Tishbeh, a village
in the land of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. He was first sent by
Jehovah to announce punishment upon Israel for their sins. Elijah
declares that Jehovah the living God of Israel has decreed no rain or
dew will fall for years. (1 Kings 17:1) (James 5:17)

Jehovah directs him to the Cherith Valley east of the Jordan in the
territory of the tribe of Gad. It is at this place that ravens bring food
to him. (1 Kings 17:6) Elijah meets a widow preparing a final meal
for herself and her son with the last of their food. He helps them
with their needs. While he was there her son dies. Elijah prays to
God and He brings the son back to life.

This was the first recorded resurrection in the Scriptures. It was the
third of Elijah’s eight miracles. (1 Kings 17) Elijah declares that
Jehovah is the true God and he has all 450 prophets of Baal
slaughtered at the Kishon Valley. (1 Kings 18:39-46) A stirring
account of Elijah’s encounter with Queen Jezebel and the ensuing
trek through the wilderness is found at 1 Kings 19:1-18. It was at
Horeb that God spoke to Elijah after presenting an awe-inspiring
display of power in a wind, earthquake, and a fire.

Soon the time comes when Elijah must transfer the mantle of his
prophetic office to Elisha. This transfer takes place during the rule
of Ahaziah’s successor, his brother Jehoram of Israel. When Elijah
is taken by windstorm to the heavens he does not die at that time or
go into the invisible spirit realm. The Hebrew words here are:
“shamayim shameh.’” They mean into the sky, or into the physical
heavens where the clouds are. He is transferred to another
prophetic assignment. (John 3:13) That is why Elisha does not
hold a period of mourning. Several years later Elijah writes a letter
to the wicked King Jehoram of Judah expressing Jehovah’s
condemnation. (2 Chronicles 21:12-15)

ELIJAH, SON OF JEROHAM: Elijah was the son of the Benjamite

Jeroham. He lived at Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 27, 28)

ELIJAH, SON OF HARIM: This Elijah was a Levite priest. He was a

son of Harim. (1 Chronicles 24:8) (Ezra 1, 2, 39) He dismissed his
foreign wives when Ezra told him to do so. (Ezra 10:21, 44)

ELIJAH, DESCENDANT OF ELAM: Elijah was a descendant of

Elam who dismissed his foreign wife. (Ezekiel 10:26, 44)

ELISHA: Elisha accompanies Elijah to Jericho and down to the

Jordan River. Elisha then sees a fiery war chariot and fiery horses.
He also sees Elijah ascending in a windstorm to the heavens. Elisha
then takes up Elijah’s official garment that had fallen off of him and
assumes his duties as a prophet of Jehovah God. (1 Kings 19:10, 14)
(2 Kngs 2:1-13) (Deuteronomy 21:17) Jesus called Elisha a prophet
at Luke 4:27. Both Elijah and Elisha were used by God to perform
resurrections. (Hebrews 11:35) Elisha carried on Elijah’s work of
opposing Baal worship. Each promoted worship of the true God
Jehovah. Both Elijah and Elisha were considered part of the “great
cloud of witnesses” mentioned at Hebrews 12:1.

ELIKA: Elika was one of King David’s mighty men as reported at 1

Samuel 23:25.

ELIM: The second place where the Israelites camped after crossing
the Red Sea had plenty of water, vegetation and palms. It was called
Elim. (Exodus 15:27; 16:1) (Numbers 33:9, 10)

ELIMELECH: Elimelech and his wife Naomi and their two sons
Mahlon and Chilion, left Judah because of a famine. This was in the
days of the Judges. They took up alien residence in Moab, where he
died. (Ruth 1:1-3)

ELIOENAI, SON OF NEARIAH: Elioenai was the son of Neariah.

He was a descendant of King Solomon. Elioenai was the father of
Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani.
(1 Chronicles 3:10, 23, 24)
ELIOENAI, OF THE TRIBE OF SIMEON: This Elioenai was a
leader of the tribe of Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 36-38)

ELIOENAI, SON OF BECHER: Elioenai was the son of Becher. He

was a descendant of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 7:6, 8)

ELIOENAI, SON OF PASHHUR: This Elioenai was one of the sons

of Pashhur. He was a priest. He obeyed Ezra’s command to send
foreign wives away. (Ezra 2:36, 38; 10:18, 19, 22)

ELIOENAI, DESCENDANT OF ZATTU: This Elioenai was a

descendant of Zattu. He was among the men who dismissed their
foreign wives in Ezra’s day. (Ezra 10:27, 44)

ELIOENAI, PLAYED THE TRUMPET: Elioenai was a priest.

Nehemiah arranged for a procession to inaugurate the wall of
Jerusalem and Elioenai played the trumpet along with other priests
in the procession. (Nehemiah 12:27, 31, 40, 41)

ELIPHAL: This man was listed among the mighty men of David’s
military forces. ( 2 Samuel 23:34) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 35)

ELIPHAZ, ONE OF JOB’S COMPANIONS: Eliphaz was one of Job’s

three companions. (Job 2:11) He was a Temanite and a descendant
of Abraham and distantly related to Job. He was proud of his
wisdom and boasted about it. (Jeremiah 49:7) Eliphaz appears to
be the most important and influential of the three comforters. This
may be because he was the oldest of the three. He speaks first in the
three rounds of the debate, and his speeches are longest. Eliphaz
speaks in Job chapters 4, 5 and 15. Each chapter identifies who is
speaking. Much wisdom is to be gleaned from a complete study of
the book of Job.

ELIPHAZ, SON OF ESAU: Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau by

his Canaanite wife Adah. (Genesis 36:4, 10-12, 15, 16) (1 Chronicles
1:35, 36)

ELIPHELEHU: This Levite musician acted as one of the directors

who played the harp at the time the sacred Ark was moved from the
house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:17-21)

ELISHAMA, SON OF AMMIHUD: Elishama was the son of

Ammihud. He was from the tribe of Ephraim and he was the
grandfather of Joshua. (Numbers 1:10; 2:18) (1 Chronicles 7:26, 27)
Elishama was one of the twelve chieftains appointed by Jehovah to
assist Moses and Aaron with the registration of the sons of Israel for
the military. He was also in charge of the army of his tribe.
(Numbers 1:1-4, 17; 2:18; 10:22)

ELISHAMA, SON OF KING DAVID: There were two sons born to

David in Jerusalem who were called Elishama. (2 Samuel 5:15, 16; 1
Ch 3:8; 14:5, 7)

ELISHAMA, TEACHER AND PRIEST: This man was a priest in the

days of King Jehoshaphat. He and his fellow priests traveled around
through the cities of Judah teahing among the people. (2 Chronicles
17:1, 7-9)

ELISHAMA, SECRETARY: This Elishama was a secretary in the

court of King Jehoiakim. (Jeremiah 36:12, 20, 21)

ELISHAMA, GRANDFATHER OF ISHMAEL: Elishama was the

grandfather of Ishmael. Elishama’s grandson was the assassin of the
Jewish governor Gedaliah. (2 Kings 25:25) (Jeremiah 41:1-3)

ELISHAMA, SON OF JEKAMIAH: This Elishama was the son of

Jekamiah of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 41)

ELISHAPHAT: Elishaphat was one of the chiefs of hundreds whom

Jehoiada the priest took into a covenant. Elishaphat gave his
support to Jehoiada to secure the kingship for Jehoash the rightful
heir to the throne. (2 Chronicles 23:1, 2)

ELISHEBA: Elisheba was the daughter of Amminadab and wife of

Mose’ brother Aaron. (Exodus 6:23) (Numbers 2:3)

ELISHUA: This was one of the sons born to King David in

Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 5:15) (1 Chronicles 14:5) He is also called
Elishama at 1 Chronicles 3:6.

ELIUD: Eliud was an ancestor of Jesus’ adoptive father Joseph.

(Matthew 1:15, 16)

ELIZABETH: Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah the priest. They

were the parents of John the Baptist. She visited Mary the mother of
Jesus. (Luke 1:39-45)

ELIZAPHAN, SON OF UZZIEL: Elizaphan (Elzaphan) was the son

of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel. It was Uzziel who, assisted by his brother
Mishael and at Moses’ direction carried the bodies of Nadab and
Abihu outside the camp. (Ezekiel 6:22) (Leviticus 10:4) (Numbers
3:30) Elizaphan was the head of a Levitical family that served
during the reigns of David and Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 15:8) (2
Chronicles 29:13)

ELIZAPHAN, SON OF PARNACH: He was the son of Parnach and

the leader of the sons of Zebulun. They were appointed by Jehovah
to divide the Promised Land into tribal inheritances. (Numbers
34:25)

ELIZUR: Elizur was the son of Shedeur of the tribe of Reuben. He

was one of the twelve chieftains who assisted Moses and Aaron in
numbering the sons of Israel. (Numbers 1:1-3, 5, 17; 2:10; 10:18)

ELKANAH, SON OF KORAH: Elkanah was the son of Korah. He

and his brothers, Assir and Abiasaph, did not the fate of their
rebellious father. (Exodus 6:24) (Numbers 26:11)

ELKANAH, SON OF JEROHAM: This Elkanah was the son of

Jeroham. He was the father of Samuel the prophet. Elkanah lived at
Ramah in the mountains of Ephraim. (1 Samuel 1:1) (1 Chronicles
6:27, 33, 34) Elkanah made a yearly pilgramage to Shiloh to
worship and sacrifice to Jehovah. His two wives were Hannah and
Peninnah. (1 Samuel 1:2, 3, 5, 8, 19; 2:21)

ELMADAM: Elmadam was a relative of Jesus’ earthly mother Mary.

(Luke 3:28)

ELNAAM: This man was the father of two of David’s mighty men in
the military, Jeribai and Joshaviah. (1 Chronicles 11:46)

ELOHIM: The Hebrew word Elo-him’ is the plural of eloh’ah. They

mean God. The plural form is used to denote a number of gods.
(Genesis 31:30, 32; 35:2) More often it is a plural for majesty,
dignity, or excellence. Elohim is used in the Scriptures with
reference to Jehovah, angels, idol gods, and to men. Elohim appears
35 times in the creation account and every time the verb describing
what he said and did is in the singular number. (Genesis 1:1-2:4)

ELON-BETH-HANAN: This city is mentioned at 1 Kings 4:9 as

forming part of one of Solomon’s commissariat districts.

ELONITES: The Elonites were a family descended from Zebulun’s

son Elon. (Numbers 26:26)
ELPAAL: He was a descendant of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8, 11,
12)

ELTEKEH: Eltekeh was a city of Dan given to the Kohathite Levites.

(Joshua 19:44; 21:20, 23) Some scholars believe it was located 11
miles northeast of Ashdod.

ELTEKON: Eltekon was a city in the mountains of Judah. Some

Bible experts identify it with Khirbet ed-Deir, 6 miles west of
Bethlehem. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 59)

ELTOLAD: Eltolad was a city in the southern part of the territory of

the tribe of Judah. It was located near the border of Edom. (Joshua
15:21, 30) The city was also called Tolad in 1 Chronicles 4:29.

ELUZAI: Eluzai was one of the Benjamite mighty men who joined
David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:1-5)

ELYMAS: This is the professional name or title taken by Bar-Jesus.

He was a sorcerer and false prophet, a Jew who lived on the island
of Cyprus in the first century C.E. (Acts 13:6-8) Jews of that era who
indulged in magical arts and sorcery often assumed a Greek name.
(Acts 8:9-11; 19:17-19)

ELZABAD, OF THE TRIBE OF GAD: Elzabad was one of David’s

mighty military men. The Gadites were considered equal to a
hundred or a thousand. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 8, 12, 14)

ELZABAD, SON OF SHEMAIAH: Elzabad was a Levite of the family

of Korahites. He was the son of Shemaiah. Obed-edom was his
grandfather. Elzabad served as a gatekeeper in King David’s time. (1
Chronicles 26:1, 4, 7, 12, 15, 19)

EMBALMING: Embalming is the process of preserving a dead

body. Oils were injected into the body to preserve it from decay. The
ancient Egyptians practiced this art by mummifying the body. They
would use chemicals and also wrap the body in cloth. In addition to
the Egyptians, the Assyrians, Persians and Scythians embalmed
humans. Joseph commanded his servants to embalm his father.
(Genesis 50:2, 3) Joseph was 110 years old when he died and was
embalmed. (Genesis 50:26) Faithful Hebrews and true Christians
realized the fact that the body returns to dust after death.
(Ecclesiastes 3:18-20) (Ezekiel 18:4) The Scriptures seldom mention
embalming. Therefore it is logical to conclude that it was not a
general practice among Hebrews and early Christians. Nicodemus
applied myrrh and aloes to Jesus Christ’s’ dead body and bound it
with bandages. This was not embalming but it was the custom of the
Jews when preparing for burial. (John 19:39, 40) Martha told Jesus
that Lazarus’ body would smell after four days. This would not have
been the case if it had been embalmed. (John 11:39, 44)

EMBROIDERY: Embroidery is the ancient art of using a needle to

stitch threads of various colors into fabric or leather to produce
raised ornamentation. This artwork was first mentioned in
connection with Israel’s tabernacle. (Exodus 35:30-35; 38:21-23)
Cherubs were embroidered on the tabernacle tent cloths. (Exodus
26:1; 36:8) Mention is also made about embroidered garments.
(Jeremiah 5:1, 28, 30) (Ezekiel 16:1, 2, 10, 13, 18; 26:2, 7, 15, 16)

EMEK-KEZIZ: Emek-keziz (Keziz Valley) was a Benjamite city

located near Jericho in the Jordan Valley. (Joshua 18:21)

EMERALD: Emerald is a brilliant variety of beryl. It is a

transparent gemstone composed of aluminum and glucinium
silicate and a small amount of chromium. It is green in color and
came from Egypt. (Exodus 12:35, 36) The high priest wore emerald
on his breastplate. (Exodus 28:2, 15, 17, 21; 39:10) John used the
emerald to describe the rainbow that was around about the throne
at Revelation 4:1-3.

EMIM: The Emim were a tribe that lived in the territory east of the
Dead Sea. They were described as numerous and tall like the
Anakim. (Deuteronomy 2:10)

EMMAUS: This was the village that Cleopas and a fellow disciple
traveled to when the materialized Jesus Christ joined them on the
day of his resurrection. (Luke 24:13-33) Luke said the village was 7
miles from Jerusalem.

ENAIM, ENAM: Enaim was located near Adullam and Timnah.

(Genesis 38:12) It is considered by some geographers to be the same
as Enam in the Shephelah. (Joshua 15:34) This is the city where
Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and cohabited with Judah.
This meeting resulted in the birth of Perez and Zerah. (Genesis
38:14-16, 21,29, 30)

ENAN: Enan was the father of Ahira the chieftain of the tribe of
Naphtali at the time of Moses. (Numbers 1:15; 2:29; 7:78, 83;
10:27)
EN-DOR: This city was located on the plain in the territory of
Issachar, but it was assigned to Manasseh. (Joshua 17:11-13) It was
in the region of Taanach and Megiddo and the Kishon Valley.
(Joshua 17:11) (Judges 5:19) En-Dor is associated with Jehovah’s
victory over Sisera mentioned at Psalm 83:9, 10. En-Dor is the
place where King Saul consulted a spirit medium just before Israel’s
defeat at the hands of the Philistines. (1 Samuel 28:7; 31:1-13)

ENDURANCE: To endure is to stand one’s ground, persevere and

remain steadfast. Jesus Christ emphatically stated at Matthew 24:13
that he who endures to the end is the one who will be saved.
Christians often face indifference, intense hostility, hatred,
imprisonment and even death. (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-22; 24:9,
10, 39) (Mark 13:9, 12, 13) (Revelation 13:10) All of this requires
endurance. Without this essential quality, a person simply could not
come into possession of eternal life. ( Romans 2:7) (Hebrews 10:36)
(Revelation 14:12)

EN-EGLAIM: A symbolic vision was given to Ezekiel about the salt-

laden waters of the Dead Sea. In it the waters were to be “healed”
and fishers were to stand on its shores from Engedi to Eneglaim.
(Ezekiel 47:8-10)

ENEMIES OF GOD: The Hebrew term ‘oh-yev’ and the Greek word
ekh-thros’ mean one who is hostile or one who hates. Satan the
Devil hatefully approached Eve and challenged God’s truthfulness.
(Genesis 3:4, 5) (Revelation 12:9) Jesus Christ identified the spirit
creature Satan-the-Devil as a manslayer, a liar and father of the lie
at John 8:44. Satan is the chief enemy of God. (Matthew 13:25, 39)
Satan the Devil controls the entire world of mankind including
governments, religious organizations including churches, and
society at large. (1 John 5:19) This makes the world God’s enemy.
(James 4:4) Satan and his demons gather the nations in opposition
to God. (Revelation 16:13-16) God will destroy his enemies.
(Deuteronomy 32:41) (Isaiah 59:18) (Revelation 20:10) The faithful
believers who obey Him and endure to the end will be saved. (John
3:16, 36) (James 2:26) (Matthew 24:13, 14)

ENEMIES OF CHRIST: The enemies of God are also the enemies of

Christ. After his resurrection Jesus “sat down at the right hand of
God and waited until his enemies were placed as a stool for his feet.”
(Psalm 2:1-9; 110:2) (Luke 20:41-43) (Hebrews 10:12, 13)
(Revelation 19:11-21)
ENEMIES OF CHRISTIANS: Enemies of God are at the same time
enemies of mankind because they fight against man’s reconciliation
with God. The apostle Paul wrote this about Christians: “Our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.”
(Ephesians 6:12) (2 Corinthians 10:4) Jesus warned his disciples
that the world would hate them and even try to kill them. (Matthew
10:22, 36; 24:9) (John 16:2) Jesus said to continue to love your
enemies and do good to those who hate you. (Luke 6:27, 28) The
Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ proclaims:
“Vengeance is mine and retribution.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)
(Romans 12:19) (Hebrews 10:30) The world, the flesh, and the Devil
are all enemies of Christians and with the help of Jesus Christ and
Jehovah God they will be victorious. (Romans 8:7) (Galatians 5:17;
James 4:1) (1 Peter 2:11)

ENGAGEMENT: An engagement is a mutual promise to marry. The

parents of the couple usually arranged for the marriage in ancient
Israel. (Genesis 24:1-4; 38:6; 21:21) The selection of the bride and
the proposal was arranged by the parents or father of the groom. In
some instances Jehovah selected the bride. This was the case with
Isaac. (Genesis 24:50, 51) The bride price was paid to the parents of
the bride. (Genesis 34:12) (Exodus 22:16, 17) (1 Samuel 18:25) The
ancient Hebrews viewed the engagement as binding as if they were
already married. (Genesis 19:8, 14) (Judges 14:15, 16, 20)

EN-GANNIM, JUDEAN CITY: En-gannim was a Judean city in the

Shephelah 1.5 miles south of Bethshemesh. (Joshua 15:33-35)

EN-GANNIM, CITY OF ISSACHAR: This city was part of Issacharl’s

inheritance. It was alloted to the sons of Gershon as a Levite city. It
is also called Anem. (Joshua 19:17, 21; 21:27-29)

EN-GEDI: The En-gedi was the wilderness territory of Judah where

David hide from the pursuing King Saul. (1 Samuel 23:29) It is filled
with rocky passes, rough mountains, and ridges. The rocks of En-
gedi are honeycombed with roomy caves. David and his men hid in
one of these caves. (1 Samuel 24:3) There was and is also a city
named En-gedi found about 23 miles south east of Jerusalem on the
shore of the Dead Sea.

EN-HADDAH: This city of Issachar was located near En-gannim

east of Mount Tabor. (Joshua 19:17, 21)
EN-HAKKORE SPRING: When Samson was thirsty after he struck
down a thousand men he called for water from Jehovah. The En-
hakkore Spring appeared miraculously. (Judges 15:14-19)

EN-HAZOR: En-hazor was a fortified city of the tribe of Naphtali.

(Joshua 19:32, 35, 37)

EN-MISHPAT: This is another name for Kadesh. (Genesis 14:7)

ENOCH: Enoch was the son of Jared, the seventh man in line from
Adam. Enoch was one of the “great cloud of witnesses” that lived
outstanding examples of faith. Enoch walked with God. (Genesis
5:18, 21-24) (Hebrews 11:5, 12:1) As a prophet he foretold of the
time when God would come with His holy myriads to execute
judgment against the ungodly. (Jude 14, 15) Violent persecution was
brought against Enoch because of his prophesying. His opposers
were planning to kill him, but God did not permit it. Jehovah God
“took him” away from there. The Bible says that Enoch was
transferred so as “not to see death.” (Genesis 5:24) (Hebrews 11:5,
13) Enoch was not the writer of the apocryphal book: “the Book of
Enoch.” That book was uninspired, written many centuries later and
not included in the canon of the Holy Scriptures.

ENOSH: Enosh (Enos) was the son of Seth. His father was 105 years
old when he fathered Enosh. Enosh was 90 years old when he
fathered Kenan, and he lived to the ripe old age of 905 years.
(Genesis 5:6-11) (1 Chronicles 1:1) (Luke 3:38)

EN-RIMMON: En-rimmon was a city of Judah. (Nehemiah 11:25,

29) Its name is a combination of Ain and Rimmon, as found at
Joshua 15:32 and 19:7 and 1 Chronicles 4:32.

EN-ROGEL: En-rogel was a spring or well near Jerusalem. It was

on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin. (Joshua 15:7; 18:16)
David’s spies Jonathan and Ahimaaz met at En-rogel where they
received information about Absalom’s rebellion. (1 Kings 1:9)

EN-SHEMESH: En-shemesh was the last spring found along side of

the Jerusalem to Jericho road before reaching the Jordan Valley. It
was considered the boundary between the territories of Benjamin
and Judah. (Joshua 15:1, 7; 18:11, 17)

EN-TAPPUAH: En-tappuah was a spring located by the city of

Tappuah. It was considered the boundary definition between
Manasseh and Ephraim. (Joshua 17:7, 8) The city of Tappuah may
have received it’s name from this spring.

ENVY: Envy is one of the bad inclinations of sinful man. (James

4:5) It is hatred expressed through feelings of resentment and
displeasure toward others. People often envy others material
possessions, prosperity, advantages, position, or reputation. The
Hebrew word qin’ah can have a positive application such as
exclusive devotion and zeal, or it can reflect negative, hateful
jealousy and envy. (Psalm 79:5) The Greek phtho’nos connotes the
negative expression of envy. (Romans 1:29) The Jewish elders were
filled with envy when the people followed Jesus. (Matthew 27:1, 2,
18) (Mark 15:10) Envy and jealousy go hand in hand and are
despicable in Jehovah’s eyes. The apostle Paul declared them to be
works of the flesh at Galatians 5:19-21. He said that anyone
practicing these works would not inherit God’s Kingdom. All who
seek the help of God’s Spirit and work to resist the tendency to envy
will succeed. (Galatians 5:16-18, 25, 26) (Titus 3:3-5) (1 Peter 2:1)

EPAENETUS: Epaenetus was a Christian in the congregation at

Rome. Paul acknowledges him by name and sends personal
greetings at Romans 16:5. Paul called him one of the first fruits of
Asia the same as Stephanus is referred to as the first fruits of
Achaia. (1 Corinthians 1:16; 16:15)

EPAPHRAS: This faithful minister of Christ preached the good

news to the Colossians and by the grace of God established the
congregation at Colossae. Epaphras traveled to Rome to give the
apostle Paul a report about the love, loyalty, and steadfast faith, of
the Colossian congregation. (Colossians 1:4-8; 4:12, 13)

EPAPHRODITUS: He was a faithful member of the congregation at

Philippi, Macedonia. The congregation sent him with a gift for Paul,
who was a prisoner at Rome between 59 and 61 C.E. (Philippians
2:25; 4:18) While he was in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick
and almost died. But God had mercy on him and kept him alive.
When he recovered Paul sent him back quickly and entrusted him
with his letter to the Philippians congregation. (Philippians 2:25-
30)

EPHER, SON OF MIDIAN: Epher was the second son of midian. He

was grandson of Abraham by Abraham’s wife Keturah. (Genesis
25:2, 4) (1 Chronicles 1:33)
EPHER, SON OF EZRAH: This Epher was the son of Ezrah. He was
of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 17)

EPHER, ONE OF THE SEVEN HEADS OF MANASSEH: Epher was

one of the seven heads of the tribe of Manasseh. They were valiant,
mighty men. Their descendants wer unfaithful to God. (1 Chronicles
5:23-26)

EPHES-DAMMIM: Ephes-dammim was a camp site of the

Philistines. It was between Socoh and Azekah. Goliath walked out to
mock the battle lines from this camp site. ( 1 Samuel 17:1, 4-10)

EPHESUS: The congregation of believers in Ephesus. (Ephesians

1:1” Ephesus was the capital city in the Roman state of Asia.
Ephaesus was a wealthy and important commercial and religious
center. The most outstanding edifice of the city was the temple of
Artemis, a Greek virgin fertility goddess. It was so filled with
splendor that it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the
World at that time. Paul worked in Ephesus. (Acts 18:18-20) (1
Corinthians 6:8-9)

EPHESIANS, THE LETTER: The apostle Paul was inspired to

write the letter to the Ephesians in the years 60-61 Common Era.
He was in prison in Rome when he wrote the letter. (Ephesians 1:1;
3:1; 4:1; 6:20) His helper Tychicus carried it to the congregation at
Ephesus. (Ephesians 6:21, 22) Ephesus was known for it’s material
wealth. So Paul’s letter would help Christians to have a proper view
of riches. He spoke of the “riches of God’s grace” and the “riches of
his glorious inheritance in the holy ones.” He also spoke of the “ages
to come he (God), with Christ Jesus, might show the exceeding
riches of his grace with kindness toward us.” (Ephesians 1:7, 18; 2:7;
3:8, 16)

EPHESIANS HIGHLIGHTS: The unity of the entire body of

believers is emphesized. (Ephesians 4:1-6) Christians around the
world have memorized Ephesians 2:8, 9: “By grace you have been
saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is
not the result of works. So no man should boast.” The context found
in verse 10 is equally important: “For we are his workmanship
created in Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these works in
advance that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) Ephesians
2:8-10 establish a theocratic fact: It is because we are saved by
God’s grace, through our faith, that we will do good works! James
emphasized this when he wrote: “Faith without works is dead.”
(James 2:17, 27) Jesus warned: “By their fruits you will know them.”
He said: “He who does the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
(Matthew 7:16, 21) We are told to put on the new personality.
(Ephesians 4) The complete suit of spiritual armor provides full
protection to a Christian. (Ephesians 6:10-24)

EPHOD: The ephod is a priestly garment that was worn over the
shoulder by the High Priest. It was warn along with the Urim and
Thummim. It reached a little below the waist. (Exodus 28:6-14, 22-
28)

EPHLAL: Ephlal was the son of Zabad of the family of Jerahmeel.

He was the father of Obed. Ephlai was a descendant of Perez, a son
of Judah by Tamar. (1 Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9, 25, 34-37)

EPHPHATHA: When Jesus Christ healed a deaf man with a speech

impediment he spoke the Semitic expression: “ephphatha.” It
means, “be opened.” (Mark 7:32-34)

EPHRAIM, SON OF JOSEPH: Ephraim was the son of Joseph by

his wife Asenath. He was the younger brother of Manasseh and was
born in Egypt before the 7 year famine began. His name means
“fruitful.” He received the name from Joseph, who said of his name:
“God made him fruitful in the land where he had suffered.” (Genesis
41:50-52) Their grandfather Jacob adopted his grandsons Ephraim
and Manasseh by giving them equal parts of the equals of his direct
sons-Ge 48:5. Their father Joseph received the right as firstborn
among Jacob’s sons. He received two parts of his father’s
inheritance by means of the tribal inheritance of Ephraim and
Manesseh. (1 Chronicles 5:1) (Genesis 48:21, 22) (Deuteronomy
21:17) (Joshua 14:4) Jacob blessed Ephraim with preference
indicating prophetically that he would become the greater. (Genesis
48:13-20) A genealogical listing of Ephraim’s sons, and later
descendants, concluding with Joshua, is found at 1 Chronicles 7:20-
27. The name Ephraim was applied to the tribe that descended from
him. Moses blessed the Israelites and spoke prophetically of “the
ten thousands of Ephraim” and “the thousands of Manasseh.”
(Deuteronomy 33:17) The territory of Ephraim was mostly
mountains and hills covered with forests and with rich and fertile
soil. (Joshua 17:15, 17, 18)

EPHRAIN: Ephrain was a city captured by King Abijah of Judah in

his battle against Jeroboam of Israel. (2 Chronicles 13:19)

EPHRATHAH, WIFE OF CALEB: Ephrathah was the wife of Caleb

son of Hezron of the tribe of Judah. She married Caleb while they
were in bondage in Egypt. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 19, 50; 4:4) (Exodus
35:30-35)

EPHRATHAH, BETHLEHEM: The name Ephrathath was applied to

the area aroung Bethlehem. The two names were uses jointly in
several texts. The account of Rachel’s death says, “Rachel died and
was buried on the way to Bethlehem (Ephrath).”(Genesis 35:16, 19;
48:7) Members of Elimelech’s family are refered to as “Ephrathites
from Bethlehem.” (Ruth 1:2, 19) The prophecy about the Messiah’s
birth combines the two names as “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” (Micah
5:2) (Psalms 132:6)

EPHRON, SON OF ZOHAR: Ephron was a Hittite, the son of Zohar.

He owned a field in Machpelah in front of Mamre in Hebron.
Abraham purchased this field from Ephron along with the cave
located on the field to use as a burial place for his wife Sarah.
(Genesis 23:3-20)

EPHRON, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Ephron was a mountain ridge

located between Nephtoah and Kiriatho-jearim. It was on the
northern boundary of the tribe of Judah. The word ephron means a
“place of dust.” (Joshua 15:9)

EPICUREANS: The people who followed the teaching of Epicurus, a

Greek philosopher who taught that happiness is the highest good in
life, were called Epicureans. (Acts 17:17, 18) The Epicurean
philosophy flourished for seven centuries. It’s primary idea was that
the pleasure of the individual was the sole good in life. Emphasis
was placed on pleasures of the mind rather than on physical
pleasures. The Epicureans denied the resurrection hope and instead
offered the idea: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (1
Corinthians 15:32)

EPILEPTIC: An epileptic suffers from a nervous disease causing

convulsions and fainting. Jesus Christ healed an epileptic that his
disciples had been unable to cure at the account in Matthew 17:14-
20.

ER, SON OF JUDAH: Er was Judah’s firstborn son by his Canaanite

wife. Judah took Tamar as a wife for his son Er. Er proved to be
wicked in God’s eyes and so God put him to death before he could
father offspring. (Genesis 38:1-7; 46:12)

ER, THIRD SON OF JUDAH: This Er was the third son of Judah by
his Canaanite wife. (Genesis 38:2-5) (1 Chronicles 4:21)
ER, SONE OF JOSE: This Er was the son of Jose (Jesus) and the
father of Elmadam. (Luke 3:28)

ERASTUS, MINISTERED TO PAUL: This Christian ministered to

the apostle Paul on his third missionary tour. Paul sent his from
Asia to Macedonia along with Timothy. (Acts 19:22) He was in
Corinth when Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy. (2 Timothy
4:20)

ERASTUS, CITY STEWARD OF CORINTH: The apostle Paul sent

greetings to Erastus in his letter to the Romans. (Romans 16:23) He
was the procurator, or steward of the city of Corinth.

ERECH: Erech was one of the four cities in Nimrod’s kingdom in

the land of Shinar. (Genesis 10:10) It was located about 110 miles
southeast of Babylon on the west bank of the old bed of the
Euphrates River. This is about 3 miles east of the present course of
the river. Erech was once a burial ground of the Assyrian kings. At
one point in history Assyrian Emeror Asenappar transported the
people of Erech to Samaria. (Ezra 4:9, 10)

ERITES: Erite was the fifth son of Gad and forefather of the Erites.
(Genesis 46:16) (Numbers 26:16)

ESAU: Esau was the firstborn of Isaac and Rebekah. He was the
twin brother of Jacob and the forefather of the Edomites. He was
given the name Esau because of his very hairy appearance at birth.
Later Esau was called Edom, meaning red, from the red lentil stew
for which he sold his birthright. (Genesis 25: 22-26, 30) Esau was
fleshly minded and materialistic. (Genesis 25:27. Esau is presented
as a warning example to Christians so that they will not be
materialistic and lack appreciation for spiritual things. (Hebrews
12:16)

ESEK: Isaac’s servants dug a well for fresh water in the Gerar
Valley. The Philistine shepherds in the area claimed the well as their
own. There was much quarreling over the ownership of the site.
This prompted the name Esek, meaning “contention.” (Genesis
26:12-20)

ESHAN: Eshan was a city in the mountains of Judah. (Joshua

15:20, 48, 52)
ESHTAOL: Eshtaol was a city in the Shephelah that belonged to the
tribe of Judah. I was later identified as a town on Dan’s border.
(Joshua 15:20, 33; 19:40, 41) Judge Samson was buried at Eshtaol.
(Judges 13:25; 16:31)

ESTHER: Esther was a Jewish orphan girl of the tribe of Benjamin.

Her Hebrew name was Hadassah. She was the daughter of Abihail,
the uncle of Mordecai. Her older cousin Mordecai was her guardian
and one of the king’s servants at the palace at Shushan during the
reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus. While the book of Esther does
not mention the name of God, it is apparent from the actions of
Mordecai and Esther that they were both faithful servants of God.
The account is found in the Book of Esther.

ETAM, SETTLEMENT OF SIMEONITES: This settlement of the

Simeonites was located about 27 miles west of Engedi and about the
same distance southwest of Jerusalem. It was part of the tribe of
Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 32)

ETAM CAVE: This sometimes called a crag. A crag is a steep rugged

rock or cliff. The Etam Cave was where Samson lived after burning
the Philistine’ field. Three thousand men of Judah captured him
and took back to the Philistines. (Judges 15:8-13)

ETAM, TOWN OF JUDAH: This town of Judah was about 1.5 miles
southwest of Bethlehem. It is believed that Etam and Bethlehem
were settled by cose relatives. (1 Chronicles 4:3, 4)

ETHAM: Etham was the name of the second campsite where the
Israelites stayed during their exit out of Egypt. (Exodus 13:20)
(Numbers 33:3-7) They were on the edge of the desert wilderness at
Etham whan they reversed their direction and turned back toward
Pihahiroth, where they crossed the sea. (Numbers 33:7, 8) The act
of turning back might have caused Pharaoh to reason that the
Israelites were wandering in confusion in the wilderness. (Exodus
14:1-4)

ETHAN, ONE WISE MAN: Ethan was one of four men who were
considered very wise. However, Solomon’s wisdom was greater then
these men. (1 Kings 4:31) It is possible that this Ethan wrote Psalm
89. (1 Chronicles 2:6, 8)

ETHAN, SON OF ZIMMAH: Ethan was the father of Adaiah and the
son of Zimmah. He was a Levite of the family of Gershom. (1
Chronicles 6:41-43)
ETHAN, SON OF KISHI: Ethan was the son of Kishi (Kushaiah). He
was a Levite of the family of Merari. Ethan was a singer and a
cymbalist. (1 Chronicles 15:17, 19)

ETHANIM: Ethanim was the seventh lunar month of the sacred

calendar of the Israelites. It correspond to the first month of the
secular calendar. (1 Kings 8:2) It was called Tishri after the
Babylonian exile.

ETHER: Ether was a city in the Shephelah about 1 mile northwest of

Beit Jibrin. It was part of the territory belonging to the tribe of
Judah. However, it was allotted to Simeon. (Joshua 15:33, 42; 19:1-
9)

ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia is the region of Africa south of Egypt. The

name comes from the Greek word “Aithiopia.” The ancient Hebrews
called the land Cush. (Genesis 10:6-8) (1 Chronicles 1:8-10) (Isaiah
11:11) (Ezekiel 30:5) This country contains semiarid plains in the
north, savannas and plateau land in the central region, and tropical
rain forest in the south. Several Ethiopian queens used the title
Candace. This included the one mentioned at Acts 8:27. The
account of the Ethiopian eunuch and the evangelist Philip is a
wonderful example of teaching, conversion, and subsequent
baptism. It is found in chapter eight of Acts.

ETH-KAZIN: Eth-kazin was a site marking the boundary of

Zebulun. (Joshua 19:10, 13)

ETHNAN: Ethnan was a son of Ashhur by his wife Helah. He was of

the tribe of Judah of the family of Hezron. (1 Chronicles 2:3-5, 9, 24;
4:5, 7)

ETHNI: Ethni was a descendant of Levi through his son Gershom.

He was the son of Zerah and the forefather of the musician Asaph.
(1 Chronicles 6:39-43)

EUBULUS: This was one of the Christian brothers in Rome at the

time of the apostle Paul’s last imprisonment. He is mentioned as
sending greetings to Timothy at 2 Timothy 4:21.

EUNICE: Eunice was a Jewess who became a Christian. She was the
daughter of Lois, the wife of an unbelieving Greek and the mother of
Timothy. (Acts 16:1, 3) Paul probably met Eunice on this first
missionary tour when she and her mother Lois became Christians.
(Acts 14:4-18) She set the perfect example for parents, teaching her
son Timothy from infancy. (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15)

EUODIA: This Christian woman was a member of the congregation

at Philippi. It is said that she fought side by side with the apostle
Paul and others in the good news. Paul gave Euodia and Syntyche
counsel at Philippians 4:2, 3.

EUNUCH: Government official, minister of state, valet, one who

served as an attendant. This is not necessarily one who has had
sexual organs removed to prevent reproduction. (Jer 38:7; Ac 8:27)
One who voluntarily abstains from marriage could be called a
eunuch. (Isaiah 56:3-4) (Matthew 19:12)

EUPHRATES RIVER: The Euphrates River is the longest and most

important river in southwest Asia. It is first mentioned, at Genesis
2:14, as one of the four rivers having their source in Eden. The
source of the Euphrates can be found in northeast Turkey about 60
miles from the Black Sea. The headwaters of the Kara Su River and
the Murtat Nehri River flow from Turkey in parallel until they unite
near the city of Keban. There they form the Euphrates River and
flow about 1,700 miles to the Persian Gulf. SEE HIDDEKEL RIVER,
TIGRIS

EUROAQUILO, NORTHEASTER: The Euroaquilo was a very

strong, even violent, northeasterly wind. The apostle Paul was sailng
en route from Fair Havens to Phoenix, on the southern coast of
Crete. A violent windstorm blew up and nearly capsized the ship.
The King James Version calls the wind “Euroclydon” meaning
“euros” (east wind) and “klydon” (surge of the sea). Other
translations use “Euroaquilo” meaning wind from the east-
northeast. The New Simplified Bible uses the English term
“Northeaster wind blew down from the island.”

EUTYCHUS: Eutychus was a young man in Troas. He was the last

person reported in the Scriptures to have been miraculously
restored to life. While attending the apostle Paul’s talks Eutychus
fell asleep and tumbled down from a third-story window, to his
death. Paul said: “Do not be troubled for he lives.” (Acts 20:7-12)

EVANGELIST, EVANGELISM: The great commission is to preach

the good news of the kingdom of God under Christ. (Matthew
28:16-20) Jesus sent out seventy evangelists in groups of two. (Luke
10:1-16) Paul preached to the Greeks. (Acts 17:16-34) Evangelism is
a gift from God through Christ as reported at Ephesians 4:11. Radio,
television, the world wide web (the Internet) using computers, and
even newspapers are capable of reaching large audiences in a short
period of time, but the most effective method for teaching the truth
to people is the one-on-one, person-to-person method. The mass
media methods are also very expensive. Jesus used the person-to-
person method and sent his disciples out two-by-two, village-to-
village and door-to-door to make personal contacts, one at a time.
(Matthew 10:1-27)

EVE: The Creator knew that it was not good for man to live alone.
So he placed Adam into a deep sleep and removed a rib from his
side. After closing up the flesh he built the rib he had taken into a
woman. He told the couple to become many and fill the earth. The
account of Adam and Eve is found in chapters 2 and 3 of Genesis.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, testified that the account of Adam and
Eve is factual and not fictional. (Matthew 19:3-6) Is it possible for
the Almighty Jehovah God to create a woman from a rib? Yes! So
why bother to question it?

EVERLASTING: Jehovah God is eternal. He will not die. (Genesis

21:33) (Nehemiah 9:5) (Isaiah 40:28) Jehovah’s kingdom is an
everlasting kingdom. (Daniel 4:3) The good news of the kingdom is
everlasting. (Revelation 14:6)

EVIL: Evil behavior is morally objectionable behavior. It is that

which causes harm or destruction. It is the quality of being morally
wrong in either principle or practice. The Hebrew word “ra” is
translated as bad, gloomy, ugly, evil, calamitous, malignant and
envious depending upon the context. (Genesis 2:9; 40:7; 41:3)
(Exodus 33:4) (Deuteronomy 6:22; 28:35) (Proverbs 23:6; 28:22)
The Greek work “ka-kos’” is defined as morally evil, destructive,
bad, hurtful and wrong. (Romans 7:9; 12:17) (Colossians 3:5) (Titus
1:12) (Hebrews 5:14) The first occasion of evil occured when Adam
transgressed against God’s law. It is recorded at Genesis 2:16,17;
3:17-19. God is not evil and does not try anyone with evil according
to James 1:13, 14. The apostle Paul was inspired to write: “Return
evil for evil to no man” at Romans 12:17, 19, 21.

EVI: Five Midianite kings were put to death at the time Israel’s
army fought under Moses to execute Jehovah’s vengeance upon
Midian. Midian had seduce Israel to attach itself to the Baal of
Peorl. Evi was one of these kings. These Midianite kings were
vassals of Sihon king of the Amorites. The territory was given to the
tribe of Reuben. (Numbers 25:17, 18; 31:8) (Joshua 13:15, 21)
EVIL-MERODACH: Evil-merodach was the Babylonian king who
succeded Nebuchadnezzar to the throne. Evil-merodach
immediately released King Jehoiachin of Judah from detention.
Jehoiachin had been in exile in Babylon for 37 years. Evil-merodach
gave Jehoiachin a position of favor above all the other captive kings.
(2 Kings 25:27-30) (Jeremiah 52:31-34)

EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION: SEE DEVOTION

EXECRATION, CURSE: Execration is a severe or even violent

denunciation of something that is detestable and worthy of cursing.
The Hebrew verb “qa-vav’” means to execrate or curse. King Balak
tried to get the prophet Balaam to execrate the nation of Israel.
(Numbers 22:11, 17; 23:11, 13, 25, 27; 24:10)

EXECUTION, EXECUTIONER: Law must have a law enforcer.

Jehovah God is the Law giver and the Law Enforcer. “Jehovah is our
Judge. There is only One that is lawgiver and judge.” (Isaiah 33:22)
(James 4:12) Therefore Jehovah God is an executioner of judgment
and vengeance upon violators of His Law. (Exodus 12:12)
(Deuteronomy 10:17, 18) (Ezekiel 25:11-17) (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)
(Jude 14, 15) The execution of the death penalty in Israel was either
by stoning or by the sword. Jesus Christ, Jehovah’s Messianic King,
will soon serve as ruler and judge over all the earth. (Judges 8:20,
21) (2 Samuel 1:15) (Genesis 18:25) (Psalms 149:6-9) (Revelation
12:7-9; 19:11-16; 20:1-3)

EXILE: A person who is exiled is expelled from his native land or

home. Cain killed his brother Abel and was banished from the
ground to become a wanderer and a fugitive in the earth. (Genesis
4:2, 3, 11-14) Jehovah warned Israel that they would go off into exile
if they became unfaithful. (Deuteronomy 28:36, 37, 64; 29:28)
Israel was exiled by the hand of the Assyrians. (2 Kings 15:29; 18:9-
12) Judah was exiled to Babylon. (2 Kings 25:8-11, 21) Then there
was the Jewish exile at the hands of the Romans. (Luke 21:20-24)

EXODUS, THE BOOK: The second book of the Hebrew Scriptures

is called “Exodus.” It tells of the departure of the Israelites out of
slavery in Egypt led by Moses. It contains faith stirring accounts of
momentous signs and miracles performed by Jehovah in order to
deliver his people out of Egypt. God gave them the Ten
Commandments and the rest of the Mosaic law on Mount Sinai
during the Exodus. It is extimated that more than two million
people were involved in the Exodus. (Numbers 1:2, 3) Moses is the
writer of the book of Exodus and his efforts were completed around
the year 1512 B.C.E.

EXODUS HIGHLIGHTS:
Exodus 3 Moses directed to lead the people out of Egypt
Exodus 3:11-15 Jehovah reveals his name
Exodus 7-12 Jehovah delivers plagues on Egypt
Exodus 14 Red Sea parted by God
Exodus 15 Moses’ song of victory
Exodus 20 Ten Commandments

EXPANSE, FIRMAMENT: “Then God said: “Let there be an

expanse in the middle of the waters. Let it separate the waters from
the waters. God made the expanse. He separated the waters that
were below the expanse from the waters that were above the
expanse. It was so. God called the expanse heaven. There was
evening and there was morning, a second day.” (Genesis 1:6-8) The
Hebrew word used for expanse is “raqia.” The Greek Septuagint
used the word “stereoma” meaning a firm and solid structure. The
Latin Vulgate used the Latin term “firmamentum.” The ancient
Hebrew concept of the universe was that of solid vault over the
earth. This was prevalent thinking during the Dark Ages in Europe
also. The Bible writer Isaiah speaks of a film of dust or clouds.
(Isaiah 40:15) (Psalms 18:11) Thus the concept of an expanse of
gasious substance is expressed. The Psalmist grasps the expanse as
part of God’s works and praise. (Psalms 19:1) And Exekiel gives an
account that is filled with figurative expressions of an expanse that
is like a sprinkle of awsome ice over the heads of the four living
creatures. (Ezekiel 1:22-26; 10:1)

EXPELL, EXCOMMUNICATE, DISFELLOWSHIP: Delinquents are

removed from membership in an organization or community. The
Christian congregation must remain clean and maintain God’s
favor. Otherwise God would expel or cut off the entire congregation.
(Revelation 2:5) (1 Corinthians 5:5, 6) God has used this expelling
practice numerous times. He sentenced Adam to death and drove
him and his wife Eve out of the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:19, 23,
24) Cain was banished as a fugitive in the earth. (Genesis 4:11, 14,
16) Angels that sinned were thrown into Tartarus, a prison for spirit
beingsl. (2 Peter 2:4) Twenty three thousand fornicators were
removed from Israel in one day. (1 Corinthians 10:8) Many other
examples of expelling are found in the Bible. (Joshua 7:15, 20, 21,
25) (Numbers 16:27, 32, 33, 35; 12:10, 13-15) Some of the offenses
that could merit expelling from the Christian congregation include
unrepentant: fornication, adultery, homosexuality, greed, extortion,
thievery, and many more. (Romans 1:24-32) (1 Corinthians 5:9-13;
6:9, 10) (Titus 3:10, 11) (Revelation 21:8)

EXTORTION: Extortion is the act of obtaining money or material

wealth from someone by using threats to force them to pay. The
Greek word rendered extortioner is “harpax.” It also means
“snatcher.” (1 Corinthians 5:10) Tax collectors often practiced
extortion to obtain dishonest gain. (Luke 3:13; 18:11; 19:2, 8)
Extortion is listed in the New Testament along with fornication,
adultery, idolatry, and greediness as sins that will prevent the
practicer from entering the Kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11;
6:9-11)

EYE: The organ used for sight, it is a highly efficient, self-adjusting

camera that transmits impulses to the brain. The eye is featured
many times in the Bible. The apostle Peter says: The eyes of
Jehovah are upon the righteous ones. David pleads with Jehovah to:
keep me as if I were the pupil in your eye. This depicted them as the
precious, sensitive organ that they truly are. Spiritual sight is
emphasized in the Bible also. Speaking symbolically Jesus said: The
lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is clear your whole body will
be full of light. (Matthew 6:22-23) He was speaking about spiritual
light or truth.

EYE SALVE: Eye salve was a substance applied to the eye to aid in
healing the eye. The term is used figuratively in the Bible
concerning the Laodicean congregation at Revelation 3:17, 18. The
recommendation to buy eye salve would have been meaningful to
the Laodiceans since they had a famous medical school located
there.

EZBAI: Ezbai was the father of Naarai. He was one of the mighty
men of King David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 37)

EZBON: Ezbon was the son of Gad and the grandson of Jacob.
(Genesis 46:16)

EZEKIEL, THE BOOK: Ezekiel was the writer of the Book of

Ezekiel. He was a prophet during the time the Jews were in exile by
the Babylonians in the year 591 B.C.E. (Ezekiel 1:1-3) His famous
vision of the dry bones is found at Ezekiel 37:1-14. Ezekiel Chapters
7, 8, and 9 vividly depict the detestable practices of the people in
Judah. The reader is reminded of the detestable practices going on
in our society and our modern religions today! Over 90 times in his
book, Ezekiel is referred to as the “son of man.” The Divine Name
“Jehovah” is highlighted throughout the book. There are more than
60 occurrences of the expression: “Then you (or they) will know
that I am Jehovah” (Ezekiel 6:7) An interesting point of information
about the name Ezekiel is that it is only found twice in the Holy
Scriptures at Ezekiel 1:3 and 24:24. That’s right, and yet the
prophecies found in this large book are earthshaking in stature!

EZEM: Ezem was a Judean site given to the tribe of Simeon as an

enclave city. (Joshua 15:21, 29; 19:1, 3) (1 Chronicles 4:24, 28, 29) It
was about 16 miles southeast of Beersheba.

EZER, SON OF EPHRAIM: This Ezer was probably the son of

Ephraim. He was killed along with his brother Elead by the men of
Gath when they attempted to take their livestock. (1 Chronicles
7:20, 21)

EZER, SON OF HUR: Ezer was the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah.
He was the father of Hushah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 4)

EZER, SON OF JESHUA: This Ezer was the son of Jeshua. He was a
prince of Mizpah. He was involved in the repair of a section of the
wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:19)

EZION-GEBER: Ezion-geber was a campsite where the Israelites

camped at the end of the 40 years in the wilderness. They moved
from there to Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. (Numbers 20:14-22;
33:35, 36) It was situated on the banks of the Red Sea, at the head
of the Gulf of Aqaba. (1 Kings 9:26) (2 Chronicles 8:17)

EZRA, WRITER OF BOOKS OF CHRONICLES AND EZRA:

Ezra was an Aaronic priest who descended from Eleazar and
Phinehas. He was a scholar and an outstanding researcher, citing
nearly twenty sources of information in the two books of Chronicles.
Ezra wrote the book of Ezra and the two books of Chronicles. Under
inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit Ezra preserved a great portion of
Israel’s history. This served to verify the fulfillment of prophecy and
to encourage Jehovah God’s people. As an expert copyist and
teacher of the Law he was skilled in both the Hebrew and Aramaic
languages. Many copies of the Hebrew Scriptures were needed for
the Jews who were scattered to other countries and Ezra no doubt
was kept busy as a copyist. Ezra’s genuine zeal for pure worship
caused him to prepare his heart to consult the law of Jehovah, to
obey it, and to teach it in Israel. (Ezra 7:1-6, 10)
EZRAH: This was one of Judah’s descendants. Jether, Mered,
Epher, and Jalon are identified as the sons of Ezrah. (1 Chronicles
4:1, 7)

EZRI: Ezri was the son of Chelub. He served as the overseeer of the
cultivators of the king’s fields during David’s reign. (1 Chronicles
27:26)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

F

FABLE: The Greek word “mythos” means myth, false story, and
fiction. (1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7) (Titus 1:14) Mythos is the opposite of
ale’theia meaning truth. The “truth of the good news” spoken of at
Gatatians 2:5 offers the contrast between the true teaching of the
gospel and perversions of it. The apostle Paul instructed Christians
not to pay attention to false stories. (1 Timothy 4:6, 7) He also
prdicted a future time when people would turn aside to false stories
instead of the truth at 2 Timothy 4: 3, 4. The apostle Peter also
reminded believers to stay close to the truth at 2 Peter 1:16.

FACE: Hebrew: “paneh” and Greek: “pro’so-pon” mean the literal

face, the front part of the head. (Matthew 6:16-17) (James 1:23) It
can also mean the figurative face. (Luke 12:56) Searching for the
“face of God” means to seek audience with him and implore
favorable attention from him. (Psalm 24:6) In verses where it
enhances the meaning, the New Simplified Bible spells out what the
reference to face represents. A good example of this is found at
Luke 9:51 where older translations state that Jesus “firmly set his
face to go to Jerusalem.” The New Simplified Bible states: “he was
determined to go to Jerusalem.”

FAIR HAVENS: (Greek: Kaloi Limniones) Fair Havens is a harbor

near the city of Lasea, with the bay on the south coast of Crete. (Acts
27:5-8)

FAITH: The Greek term: “pisteuo” means “have faith.” (1

Thessalonians 3:7) (Titus 2:10) Hebrews Chapter 11 is the Faith
Chapter. Hebrews 11: 1, 2 states: “Faith is the process of being sure
of what we hope for. It is evidence of what we do not see. God
approved of the men of old because of their faith.” We read in the
letter of James, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26) This
makes it abundantly clear that if one does not back up his faith with
works he will not receive everlasting life! Therefore it is vital that all
Christians live and act in accordance with their faith. Action terms
describing this kind of faith include: exercise faith, life-sustaining
faith, active faith, living faith, actively believe. This active faith is
required in order to receive everlasting life. It is with this
understanding in mind that the New Simplified Bible uses phrases
such as “have an active faith,” (John 3:15-18; 36) “express active
faith,” (John 7:5) “exert active faith,” (John 2:23; 12:36; 14:12) “put
active faith,” (John 3:36; 6:35, 40; 11:25, 26) and “practice active
faith” (John 16:9).

James Strong’s Dictionary describes faith as “conviction of religious

truth and reliance upon Christ for salvation.” The entire body of
truths taught by Jesus Christ and his inspired disciples constitutes
the true Christian faith. It is a faith based on the complete Word of
God. This includes the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus and the writers of
the Christian Greek Scriptures referred to the Hebrew Scriptures
many times in support of their statements. The four books in the
Hebrew Scripures quoted from the most are Genesis, Deuteronomy,
Psalms, and Isaiah.

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT: When answering the apostle’s

question concerning his coming and the end of the age, at Matthew
24:3, he gave his answer in verses 4 through 51. He concluded his
answer with an illustration about the faithful and wise (discreet,
discerning, modest, perceptive) servant: “Who then is the faithful,
thoughtful and wise, servant, whom his lord put in charge of his
household, to give their food at the proper time? That servant is
blessed when his lord comes and finds him doing his will. I tell you
he will put him in charge of everything he owns.” (Matthew 24:45-
51) The parallel illustration is found at Luke 12:42-48.

Earlier Jesus had shown that he (Jesus) occupied the position of the
“master” or “lord” in the illustration. (Matthew 10:24, 25; 18:21;
24:42) (John 13:6, 13) Some Bible commentators view the
illustration about the faithful and wise servant as a general
exhortation to all Christians who have responsibilities in the
Christian congregation. The requirement of faithfulness applies to
all who take responsibility as Christians. We read this at Matthew
25:14-30 and Titus 1:7-9. Yet it would not be possible for each and
every individual Christian to be placed over “all” his masters’
belongings at the same time, the time of the master’s arrival.
Further support of this is found at Ephesians 2:19 and 1 Timothy
3:15 where the apostle Paul says the members of the congregation
are “members of the household of God.” Therefore the faithful and
wise servant would be responsible for seeing that the members of
the congregation, the household of God, would be fed spiritual food
at the proper time.

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT IS IMPERFECT: Unlike the

Roman Catholic belief that the Pope in Rome is perfect in matters of
church doctrine and teachings, the Holy Scriptures make it clear
that no man is perfect and that all have sinned and fallen short of
the glory of God. (Romans 3:23; 5:12) It is wise not to view any of
the writings of religious organizations of men to be totally without
error. While God’s Holy Spirit directs God’s faithful servants the
Bible places most of its emphasis on the individual obeying the
teachings that come direct from God’s Word. (James 1:22; 2:18-26)
(Acts 5:29) Jesus told his deciples: “If you love me, you will keep
(obey) my commandments!” (John 14:15)

God’s commandments are plainly stated in the Holy Scriptures and

do not need very much interpretation or explanation. It is important
to understand that human beings make mistakes, even religious
organizations consisting of human beings make mistakes! It is
important to constantly be aware of this possibility. We should
respect the authority of the Scriptures more so than the authority of
religious organizations of men. The apostle Peter was inspired to
write: “Know this first that no prophecy of Scripture is for private
interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man! Men
spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20, 21)

So private interpretation of the Holy Scriptures is ruled out. That

leaves only group interpretion or Bible self-interpretation. If the
best advantages of each method of interpretation could be
combined the believer would truly benefit.

ADVANTAGES OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION:

(1) Group thinking may at times serve as a check and balance

system that could keep the group from going to theocratic
extremes.
(2) Every organization requires an organizer. Someone needs to
be incharge. (1 Corinthians 11:3)
(3) When the organization decides what the members should
believe there is unity. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
 (4) All members believe basicly the same beliefs. The Holy
Scriptures should be the basis for teachings of the Christian
congregation. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

DISADVANTAGES OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION:

(1) A group could make mistakes because of too much self-

confidence that only they had the right answer. Unyielding
self-righteous religious groups have imposed major doctrinal
mistakes on millions of deceived believers.
(2) Most religious organizations are stubbornly unyielding. They
are not willing to humble themselves and admit when they
are wrong.
(3) ONLY GOD SHOULD TELL YOU WHAT TO BELIEVE…
AND HE SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD THE BIBLE….
Not through committees of men! Church organizations form
a hierarchy. A hierarchy is an organization of people at
different ranks in an administrative body. The Roman
Catholic Church Hierarchy strongly believe that the Pope in
Rome is perfect (infallable) in matters of church doctrine
and teachings. The Holy Scriptures make it clear that no
man is perfect and that all have sinned and fallen short of
the glory of God. (Romans 3:23; 5:12) It is wise not to view
any of the writings of religious organizations of men to be
totally without error.
(4) Let the Bible interpret the Bible. Bible self-interpretation
appears to be the best answer. Search the Scriptures daily to
make sure of the meaning. “The Bereans were nobler than
those of Thessalonica because they received the word with
all readiness of mind and examined the Scriptures daily to
see if what Paul told them was true.” (Acts 17:11) Most
church organizations claim to teach the Bible. However,
church doctrines frequently turn away from the strict Bible
teachings.
(5) The responsibility to search the Scriptures daily is assigned
to each and every individual Christian. It is not just the
province of the leaders of the group alone! Church
organizations tend to take the responsibility to search the
Scriptures away from the individual. Every single Christian
should search the Scriptures daily to make sure that what is
believed is according to God’s Word! Reliable Bible
Dictionaries should also be used for additional research.
FALCON: Hebrew: nets mean falcons, hawks and kestrel. It was one
of the birds declared unclean. (Leviticus 11:16) (Job 39:26)
(Deuteronomy 14:15) The Egyptians worshiped many animal gods.
Included in a very prominent place was the falcon-headed symbol of
Horus. Combined with Isis and Osiris, the falcon-headed god was
part of a trinity. Herodotus proclaimed that anyone killing a falcon
in Egypt was to be put to death.

FALSE DOCTRINE: A false doctrine is a belief that is based on the

ideas and private interpretations of men and not based on the Holy
Scriptures. SEE TRADITIONS OF MEN.

FALSE GODS: Satan the Devil: The god of this world (age) is the
most influencial of the false gods. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Many false
gods are found in the Bible including: Baal, Merodach, Marduk,
Asshur and Asherah. The most influential false gods today are
‘things’ such as automobiles, expensive homes and material wealth.
(1 John 2:15-17) People pay attention to them instead of the worship
of the true God.

FALSE PROPHET: If a prophet does not promote each of the

following three things he or she is a false prophet: (1) Speak in
Jehovah’s name. (2) Prophesy things that actually do come true.
(Deuteronomy 18:20-22) (3) Promote true worship in harmony with
God’s word and commandments. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4) It’s that
simple, prophets who engage in disobedience to God’s Word and
Law are false prophets! (Jeremiah 6:13, 4; 14:11-16)

FAMILY: Hebrew: “mish-pa-chah’” means household and by

extension a tribe of people, even a nation. The Greek word: “pa-tri-
a’” refers to a family. Jehovah God is the originator of all families.
(Ephesians 3:14, 15) It all began with Adam and Eve. (Genesis 5:3)
Monogamy was the original standard Jehovah set for the family.
Polygamy was later practiced against God’s original teaching. (1
Timothy 3:2) (Romans 7:2, 3) The man is directly appointed by God
as head of the family. (1 Corinthians 11:3) (1 Timothy 2:11-15; 5:14)

FAMINE: A literal famine is an extreme food shortage where

people go without eating. A figurative famine happens when there is
a scarcity of hearing the words of Jehovah. (Amos 8:11) Famine is
one of the plagues to come upon symbolic Babylon the Great.
(Revelation 18:8) When a person has hunger and thirst for
righteousness and truth he or she will be filled. (Matthew 5:6) (John
6:35) (Revelation 7:9, 13-17) God’s kingdom will put an end to
hunger and satisfy the physical hunger of all persons. (Psalm 72:16;
Isaiah 25:6)

FARMING IMPLEMENTS: The following are some of the tools

used by farmers as recorded in the Bible: Forks were used for
winnowing. (Isaiah 30:24) (Jeremiah 15:7) Hoes were used for
clearing land of weeds and breaking up clods of earth. (Isaiah 5:5, 6;
7:23-25) Mattocks were used for grabbing and loosening the soil. (1
Samuel 13:20, 21) Pruning shears were for pruning the vine. (Isaiah
18:5) (Joel 3:10) Sickles were mainly for reaping standing grain and
harvesting the vine. (Joel 3:13) (Revelation 14:18) The threshing
sledge was designed to separate the kernels from the ears of grain.
(1 Chronicles 21:23) (Job 41:30) (Isaiah 41:15) The wooden
winnowing shovel was used for tossing threshed grain into the air so
the wind would blow the straw and chaff away. (Matthew 3:12)

FAST: To go without food for a while as a religious duty. (Luke

5:33) Proper fasts were practiced to show godly sorrow and
repentance because of past sins. (1 Samuel 7:6) (Joel 2:12-15)
(Jonah 3:5) Jesus Christ condemned the insincere fasting of the
Pharisees at Matthew 6:16-18 and in an illustration at Luke 18:9-14.
It was the custom of the Pharisees to fast twice a week. (Luke 18:12)
The Bible offers no explicit command for Christians to fast. The text
about fasting at Matthew 17:21 in the King James Version is not
found in early Greek Manuscripts. However, early Christians did
fast on special occasions. When Paul and Barnabas were sent on a
missionary assignment to Asia Minor, there was fasting and
praying. And when elders were appointed in a new congregation
there was fasting. (Acts 13:2, 3; 14:23) (Romans 14:5, 6)

FAT: Fat is a body tissue that contains stored fatty flesh, such as the
Hebrew term “chelev” found at Leviticus 3:3 and Judges 3:22. It
serves as a source of energy and also cushions and insulates vital
organs. Fat can also be representative of great fruitfulness or the
best or finest of something. (Genesis 45:18) (Numbers 18:12)
(Psalms 81:16; 147:14)

FATHER: Hebrew: “av” and Greek: “pater” mean father. God is

called Father at Isaiah 64:8 and Romans 8:15. He is both God and
Father to Jesus Christ, a fact that is overlooked by some religious
groups. (John 17:1) (2 Corinthians 1:3) (Colossians 1:3) (Revelation
3:12) Satan the Devil is called the father of the lie at John 8:44.
Jesus warned us not to call any man father as a religious title at
Matthew 23:9. Family heads and fathers are responsible to teach
God’s principles to their households. (Genesis 18:19) (Deuteronomy
6:6-7) (Ephesians 6:4)

FATHER-IN-LAW: The word for “husband’s father” in Hebrew is

“chem.” The New Simplified Bible translates it “father-in-law.”
(Genesis 38:13, 25) (1 Samuel 4:19, 21) The feminine form is
“chamohth.” It is translated “mother-in-law.” (Ruth 1:14) (Micah
7:6) In the Greek Scriptures the word “pentheros” is translated
“father-in-law.” (Matthew 8:14; 10:35) (Mark 1:30) (Luke 4:38;
12:53)

FATHERLESS BOY: A fatherless boy is an orphan. A fatherless

boy has no man in the house to support it. Under the Law,
fatherless boys, orphans, and widows were provided with
sustenance. (Exodus 22:22-24) (Deuteronomy 24:17, 19-21) James
says the acceptable form of religion provides for orphans and
widows. This is found at James 1:27.

FATHER’S HOUSE: The Hebrew expression “behth av” could be

rendered: dwelling place (Deuteronomy 22:21); fathers house or
place of dwelling (Genesis 31:30; 38:11); the people in a household
(Genesis 46:31) (Judges 9:18); or the paternal house of a family or
families (Numbers 3:19, 30) (Numbers 26:20-22) (Joshua 7:17).
Jesus Christ promised his followers that he was going to prepare a
place in his Father’s house for them at John 14:2.

FATHOM: A fathom is a linier unit of measurement equal to 6 feet

of water depth. Depts are determined with a sounding line. When a
more exact tool for measuring was not available they would simply
measure the distance between the finger tips of a man’s two hands
when his arms were stretched in opposite directions. The Greek
word for fathom is “orguia.” It means to “stretch out” or “reach.”
(Acts 27:28)

FAULT, FAULTFINDING: A fault is usually easy to find. It is a

failing or error. It is also a defect or imperfection. The Bible often
describes a fault as an occasion of blame or a cause for disapproval.
The term “find fault” is found in both the Hebrew and Greek
Scriptures. Sometimes it is rendered: quarrel or contend. (Genesis
26:20) (Deuteronomy 33:7) (1 Samuel 24:15); (Psalm 103:9) The
Holy Scriptures counsel us to love one another and forgive each
other and not to find fault with one another. (Colossians 3:13)

FEAR: Fear is a negative emotion. Fear means an expectation of

harm or pain. It is an anxious, uneasy, apprehensive feeling. We
learn at Proverbs 16:6: “Respect for Jehovah keeps one away from
sin.” This respect is a deeply expressed reverence out of love, not a
cringing, cowering fear. The Holy Scriptures make it abundantly
clear that a person must be deeply concerned about the
consequences of his actions if he does not believe and obey Jehovah
God and his Son Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 9:10) (John 3:36)

Christians are instructed to please God at Hebrews 12:28: “Let us be

grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with
reverence and awe.” Does this require fear-inspired groveling and
cringing before our true God of love? Or does true faith require a
positive and loving approach? Is God love? Or is God fear? God is
love! We learn this at 1 John 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:13. SEE:
FOUR BASIC QUALITIES OF GOD. Fear is not listed as one of the
four basic qualities of God.

FEAR OF GOD: In reality “fear of God” is actually awe and a

profound reverence for the Creator and a wholesome dread of
displeasing him. The words reverence and respect are used instead
of fear when used in relationship to God in the New Simplified
Bible. They express a more loving and positive attitude then the
word fear. (Proverbs 1:7) Veneration and awe are also two words
that can be used instead of the word fear.

FELIX: Felix was the procurator of the Roman province of Judea

who held Paul prisoner for two years after Paul’s last visit to
Jerusalem about 56 C.E. We read about him at Acts chapters 23 and
24.

FELLOWSHIP OFFERINGS: This sacrifice was offered to insure a

right relationship with God. Part of the animal was burned on the
altar. The worshipers or the priests ate the rest of the animal.

FESTIVAL, HOLY DAY, FEAST: Festivals were a large part of the

true worship of God. Jehovah prescribes each of the following
festivals and special days: Annual Festivals: (1) Passover, Abib
(Nisan) 14. (2) Unfermented Cakes, Abib (Nisan) 15-21. (3) Weeks,
or Pentecost, Sivan 6. (4) Trumpet Blat, Ethanim (Tishri) 1. (5) Day
of Atonement, Ethanim (Tishri) 10. (6) Booths, Ethanim (Tishri) 15-
21, with a solemn assembly on the 2nd. After the Exile: (1) Festival of
Dedication, Chislev 25 and (2) Festival of Purim, Adar 14,15. The
Periodic Festivals included: the weekly Sabbath, New Moon,
Sabbath year every seventh year, and Jubilee year every 50th year.
FESTUS: The Governor of the Roman province of Judea after the
recall of Felix to Rome was Festus. (Acts 24:27)

FETTERS: Fetters are bonds that confine or restrain from liberty,

such as a chain or shackle. They were used to restrain prisioners. (2
Samuel 3:34) (2 Kings 25:7)

FEVER: A fever is a rise in the temperature of the body. It is

frequently a symptom of infection and disease. Often a fever is part
of the body’s fight against infection. Malaria is one of the common
fever-producing diseases in the Middle East. Dysentery is also a
fever producing disease that is mentioned in the Bible at Acts 28:8.
The Hebrew word “qad-da’chath” is translated fever at Leviticus
26:16. The Greek verb “pyresso” means “be sick with fever.”
Jehovah God warned Israel that if they disobeyed his
commandments they would suffer from many fever-producing
diseases. (Leviticus 26:14-16) (Deuteronomy 28:22, 27) (Ezekiel
4:16,17; 33:10) Jesus Christ healed many people sick with fevers. He
healed Simon Peter’s mother in law. (Matthew 8:14, 15) (Mark 1:29-
31)

FIELD, COUNTRY: The Hebrew word “sadheh” is rendered

“field” or “country.” It means a tract of land for hunting, farming, or
just bare land. (Genesis 27:5; 37:5-7) (Judges 9:32, 36)
(Deuteronomy 28:3) The Greek word “agros” refers to a cultivated
field. (Matthew 13:34) (Mark 16:12)

FIG: The Hebrew word “te’enah and Greek word “syke” mean the
fig tree. It is one of the most prominent plants of the Bible. It is
mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible. (Judges 9:8-13)
(Habakkuk 3:17) It is appreciated for both the fruit and the shade it
provides. (John 1:48-50)

FIG-MULBERRY TREE: Zacchaeus was short in physical stature.

Therefore he climbed a fig-mulberry tree in order to see Jesus
Christ. (Luke 19:4) The fig-mulberry tree of Luke 19:4 appears to be
the sycamore tree of the Hebrew Scriptures. (1 Kings 10:27)

FINGER OF GOD: The “Finger of God” is used figuratively to

describe his Holy Spirit. (Exodus 31:18) (Deuteronomy 9:10) (Psalm
8:3) Jesus was said to expell demons by “God’s Holy Spirit” and
Luke reports that it was by “God’s finger.” (Matthew 12:28) (Luke
11:20)
FIRE: The Bible speaks about the various uses of fire in forging and
casting metals and preparing food and heating homes. And these
are important functions of fire but the figurative and symbolic
references to fire offer true spiritual direction and meaning.
Sometimes they refer to love, passion, anger and judgment. (Song of
Solomon 8:6) (Romans 1:27) (1 Corinthians 7:9) (Zephaniah 2:2)
(Malachi 4:1) Jeremiah tried to refrain from speaking the Word of
God and it was like a burning fire shut up in his heart and bones.
(Jeremiah 20:9) “Jehovah your God is a consuming fire, a totally
demanding zealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24; 9:3) Here the idea
that God requires exclusive devotion is conveyed with the term
“consuming fire.” God makes his angelic ministers a devouring fire.
(Psalm 104:1, 4) (Zephaniah 3:8) (Daniel 7:9, 10) We read at 1
Corinthians 3:10-15 that fire is for testing, refining, and purging as
well. (Mal 3:1-3) The apostle Peter points out that trials and
suffering as like fire that improves our Christian faith. (1 Peter 1:6,
7) Fire is used in an illustrative way to denote complete destruction
of the wicked. (Deuteronomy 13:16) (Joshua 6:24) (Isaiah 66:24)
(Matthew 13:40-42) ( Matthew 25:41) Several examples of the use
of fire to represent eternal destruction are found in the books of
Ezekiel and Revelation. (Ezekiel 38:19, 22; 39:6, 9, 10) (Revelation
17:16, 17; Re 20:7-10, 15; 21:8)

FIRE HOLDER, FIRE TRAY: Fire holders or Fire trays were used in
the service at the sanctuary. There were gold fire holders that held
pieces of burnt lampwick removed from the lamps on the golden
lampstand. (Exodus 25:38; 37:23) (Numbers 4:9) The copper fire
holders of the altar of burnt offering served as ashpans for removing
coals from the fire. (Exodus 27:3; 38:3) Solomon made fire holders
of gold and silver for the temple. These were probably more ornate
than those used in the tabernacle in the wilderness. (1 Kings 7:48-
50) (1 Chronicles 28:11-19) The beginning of the father’s generative
power. (Deuteronomy 21:17) The first male animal is designated
firstling. (Genesis 4:4) Jesus Christ was the firstborn of all creation
and also the firstborn from the dead. (Colossians 1:15 ,18)
(Revelation 1:5; 3:14)

FIRSTFRUITS: The earliest fruits of a season are considered the

first fruits. They are the beginning and the best. (Deuteronomy 1:12)
(Genesis 1:1; 10:10) (Exodus 23:19) Jehovah God required the
nation of Israel offer the first fruits to him, whether it be of man,
animal, or the fruitage of the ground. (Exodus 22:29, 30; 23:19)
(Proverbs 3:9)
FISH: Jehovah God brought fish into existence on the fifth creative
day. (Genesis 1:20-23) God caused a big fish to swallow Jonah. The
truthfulness of this Bible account is testified to by Jesus Christ at
Matthew 12:40, and Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus
used fish in a figurative way when he called his followers fishers of
men. (Matthew 13:47-50) (Mark 1:17)

FLATTERY: The practice of pleasing by artful commendation,

adulation, false, insincere or excessive praise. It is done to build up
the self-love and vanity of the one being flattered. Flattery employs
smooth talk in order to slyly influence its victim. (Psalms 5:9; 12:2,
3) (Proverbs 7:21) (Daniel 11:32) It is displeasing to God. (2
Corinthians 1:12) (Galatians 1:10) (Ephesians 4:25) (Colossians 3:9)
(Revelation 21:8)

FLAX: Flax is a small-cultivated plant. The fibers of its stem are

spun into thread used in making linen cloth. (Hosea 2:9) (Exodus
9:23, 31) (Joshua 2:6) (Isaian 42:3; 43:17) (Matthew 12:20)

FLEA: The flea is a very small wingless parasitic insect. Fleas are
usually reddish brown and have short front and middle legs with
long hind legs. David asked King Saul if he was chasing after a flea.
(1 Samuel 24:14; 26:20)

FLESH: Hebrew “basar” and Greek “sarz” refer to flesh. This is the
soft part of the body of man and beast. The apostle Paul said there
are various kinds of living flesh at 1 Corinthians 15:39. God created
all flesh and this is good, however, flesh is often used in the
Scriptures to represent man in his imperfect state, conceived in sin
as an offspring of rebellious Adam. (Psalm 51:5) (Romans 5:12)
(Ephesians 2:3) One of the temptations that influenced Eve to sin
was the desire of the flesh. Satan failed in his effort to use it against
Jesus Christ. (1 John 2:16) (Genesis 3:6) (Luke 4:1-4) Christians
invite God’s Holy Spirit to operate freely in their lives and with his
help they defeat the sinful flesh. (Galatians 5:16; 22-26) (Romans
8:1-4)

FLINT: This stone is harder than steel. It is so hard that when two
pieces are struck together a fire can be started from the spark. The
Bible uses flint in a figurative way at Isaiah 5:28, Isaiah 50:7 and
Ezekiel 3:9. From early times knives, axheads, chisels, spearheads,
arrowheads, and other tools have been fashioned out of flint.
(Exodus 4:25) (Joshua 4:19; 5:2, 3, 8, 9)
FLUTE: The Hebrew word: chalil’ and Greek word: aulos’ mean
flute. (1 Samuel 10:5) (1 Corinthians 14:7) (Isaiah 51:9; 53:5)
(Matthew 9:23-24; 11:16-17) The flute is a musical instrument of the
woodwind class. It is a tube with holes in it and a mouthpiece.

FOOD POUCH: The food pouch was usually made of leather. It

was a bag carried over the shoulder by travelers and used to carry
their food. Jesus told his disciples not to carry food pouches when
they went to preach in Israel. (Matthew 10:5, 9, 10) (Luke 9:3; 10:1,
4)

FOOD, SPIRITUAL FOOD: Jesus said: My food is to do the will

of him that sent me. (John 4:34) He wisely counseled: Do not work
for food that perishes. (John 6:27) The faithful, wise, servant gives
spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45) The Apostle Paul
wrote to the Hebrews that solid spiritual food belongs to mature
people. (Heb 5:14) Jehovah warned that the shepherds took care of
themselves but did not take care of the sheep. (Ezekiel 34:8)

FOOL: A person who lacks good judgment, is gullible and easy to

take advantage of is the usual description of a fool. The Bible refers
to people who are not morally sensible and do not follow God’s
righteous standards as fools. (Proverbs 1:22; 12:15; 13:1) (Luke
12:20) (Galatians 3:1) (Matthew 23:17; 25:2) Jesus called the scribes
and Pharisees “fools and blind men.” This is because they were
lacking wisdom and were morally worthless. They distorted the
truth with man made traditions. (Matthew 23:15-22)

FOOT, FEET: Hebrew “reghel” and Greek “pous” refer to the

lowest part of the leg. The terms are used literally and figuratively.
The feet have been the main method of transportation since the
beginning of time. It was the custom to show hospitality by washing
the feet of a guest. The householder or a servant performed this
task. (Genesis 18:4; 24:32) (1 Samuel 25:41) (Luke 7:37, 38, 44)
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as a lesson in humility and
service to one another at John 13:5-14. (1 Timothy 5:9, 10) The
words “foot” and “feet” are used in a figurative sense in many places
in the Bible. Two memorable accessions are when Jehovah declared
thru Isaiah: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those
who bring good news,” and also in Isaiah, where Jehovah God
proclaims the earth to be his footstool. (Isaiah 52:7; 66:1) (Romans
10:15) (Ephesians 6:15) (Matthew 10:14)

FOOTSTOOL: A stool designed for rest or support of the feet is

called a footstool. (2 Chronicles 9:18) The earth is figuratively
referred to as God’s footstool at Isaiah 66:1. Greek Scripture
references to footstool are as follows: Matthew 5:35; Luke 20:43;
Acts 2:35; 7:49; Hebrews 1:13; 10:13. This clearly illustrates how
immense our God is.

FORCED LABOR: Conquered peoples were frequently used as

slaves. (Deuteronomy 20:11) (Joshua 16:10; 17:13) (Isaiah 31:8) The
Egyptians tyrannized the Israelites during the many years of
captivity in Egypt. (Exodus 1:11-14) Sometimes Israelites caused
themselves to be individually sold into forced labor to pay off debt.
(Proverbs 12:24)

FOREHEAD, MARK ON THE FOREHEAD: The forehead is the part

of the face above the eyes. (Deuteronomy 14:1) It is one of the most
prominent features of people. A figurative, symbolic mark was
placed on the foreheads of those sighing and groaning over all the
detestable things being done in Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 9:3-6) The mark
was to show God’s executioners who to save. All others were to be
destroyed. Christians today receive a figurative mark in the
forehead showing their loving Christian personalities and life-
saving faith in Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. Followers of Satan
the Devil’s political and religious world receive the mark of the
symbolic beast portrayed at Revelation 13:16, 17. This identifies
them as being against the true God of the Bible, Jehovah.

FOREIGNER: A foreigner is someone who is not from the country.

In Hebrew “nokhri” or “bennekar” mean son of a foreign country.
(Deuteronomy 14:21) (Exodus 12:43) Foreigner’s rights were limited
by the Law covenant. They were however to be treated with justice
and fairness. They were welcomed as long as they did not disobey
the laws of the land. In Greek the word for foreigner is “bar’ba-ros”
referring to the person not speaking Greek. Paul emphasized that
those having the new Christian personality were not foreign. He
said: “There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all
things and in all.” (Galatians 2:11-14) (Colossians 3:10,11)

FOREKNOWLEDGE: Foreknowledge is knowledge of something

before it happens. It is also called prescience. Jehovah God, the
Creator, has foreknowledge. He has the ability to know-in-advance,
how things will turnout. (Acts 2:23; 26:4, 5) (1Peter 1:2) (2 Peter
3:17)

FOREORDINATION, PREDESTINATION: The word foreordain

comes from the Greek “pro’gno-sis.” Pro means “before” and
gno’sis means “knowledge.” Paul pointed out that God had “decreed
the appointed times and the set limits of the dwelling of men.”
(Luke 22:22) (Acts 17:26) God allows all mankind to exercise free
moral agency. The Scriptures show that man is granted the
responsibility of free choice and he is accountable for his actions.
(Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) (Joshua 24:15) (Genesis 2:16, 17; 3:11-19)
(Romans 14:10-12) (Hebrews 4:13) The view that God foreordains
the course and destiny of all individuals is know as
predestinarianism. Scripture texts found at Ephesians 1:4, 5 are
cited as evidence that God foreordained the future of all his creation
before the start of creation. This belief would completely negate the
free moral agency belief.

FORERUNNER: A forerunner is someone who goes in advance to

prepare for the coming of another. It could include scouting, spying,
proclaiming, and giving notice of another’s coming. It was an
Oriental custom to send out runners before the royal chariot to
prepare and announce the king’s coming. (1 Samuel 8:11) John the
Baptist was the forerunner of Christ in fulfillment of prophecy at
Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1; 4:5, 6. Jesus Christ is called a
forerunner on our behalf at Hebrews 6: 19, 20.

FOREST: The Hebrew word “yaar” means woods and forests.

(Deuteronomy 19:5) (1 Samuel 14:25) (Joshua 17:15) Palestine was
once abundant with forests and trees of many types. Scriptural
references to forests and woodlands give evidence of this. (2
Chronicles 27:4) (Judges 9:48, 49) The forests of Lebanon, now
reduced to a few small groves, were outstanding for their splendid
tree growth. (1 Kings 5:2-10, 13-18) (2 Kings 19:23) The forests of
Ephraim in which Absolom met disaster, may have been located
east of the Jordan River near Mahanaim. (2 Samuel 18:6, 8, 17)
Gilead was famous for its woodlands and balsam trees. Bashan was
noted for its massive trees, including tall oak trees. (Isaiah 2:13)
(Zechariah 11:2, 3) And the Jordan Valley had a thick growth of
tamarisks and willows, where lions lurked. (Jeremiah 12:5) The
devastation of war, the extensive use of timber with no
accompanying effort to replenish the forests, and uncontrolled
grazing in which young shoots of new trees were eaten by goats and
other animals, caused massive deforestation. There is also the
possibility of gradual climate changes that affected the tree
population.

FORETELLER OF EVENTS: The Bible names foretellers of events

along with magic practicing priests, spiritistic diviners, and
astrologers, as demon possessed individuals that should be avoided.
(Deuteronomy 18:10-12) (Luke 11:14-20) (Acts 16:12, 16-24)

FOREVER: The Hebrew term “adh” denotes unlimited future time

such as everlasting or eternity. (1 Chronicles 28:9) (Psalms 19:9)
(Isaiah 9:6; 45:17) The Hebrew word “netsach” also means
everlasting, forever, perpetually and always. (Job 4:20; 14:20)
(Isaiah 57:16) (Psalm 9:18) The Hebrew word “ohlam” has several
meanings. When used with reference to God it means existing
eternally without-end. This is because Jehovah God had no
beginning and He has no end. When it is used to describe a period
of time relating to man it means he will last a long, long time. Time
related to man can be adjusted by Jehovah God to last perpetually.
James Strong’s Dictionary #5769 is translated: “forever; eternally;
perpetually; a long, long time; always; time beyond human
understanding and comprehension.” A good example of this is
found at Ecclesiasties 1:4 where it states: “One generation goes and
another generation comes, but the earth remains forever
(perpetually).” We find the Greek word “aion” in the Christian
Greek Scriptures. It means a period of time of uncertain length. We
can be sure that God is certain of the length of time referred to when
the Greek word “aion” is used. (Luke 1:55, 70) (John 6:50, 51; 12:34)
(Acts 3:21) (1 John 2:17) The Greek adjective, “aidios” specifically
means eternal or everlasting. (Romans 16:25) (2 Timothy 1:9) (Titus
1:2) Since God has the power to adjust the longevity of human
beings the New Simplified Bible uses the term “forever” when
expressing a period of time that is “a long period of time, possibly
without end, depending entirely on God.

FORGIVENESS: Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender or

forgiving a mistake. God’s Law required a person who had sinned to
rectify the wrong. In many cases this required a blood offering to
Jehovah. (Leviticus 5:-6:7) (Hebrews 9:22) The blood of animal
sacrifices could not really take away sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4; 9:9, 13,
14) The new covenant made possible true forgiveness, based on
Jesus Christ’s ransom sacrifice. (Jeremiah 31:33, 34) (Matthew
26:28) (1 Corinthians 11:25) (Ephesians 1:7) A person seeking
forgiveness must confess his sin, have a deep heartfelt sorrow for
doing wrong, and be determined to turn away from sin. (Psalms
32:5; 51:4) (1 John 1:8, 9) (2 Corinthians 7:8-11) A person should
not expect to receive foregiveness if he is not willing to forgive
others who sin against him. (Matthew 6:14, 15)

FORNICATION: Fornication is sexual relations outside of

Scriptural marriage. It comes from the Greek word “porneia” and it
means sexual activities between unmarried persons. (Matthew 5:32;
19:9) (Galatians 5:19-21) (Colossians 3:5) Jesus Christ restored
God’s original standard of monogamy. According to the Scriptures
the continuous and unrepentant act of fornication is an act
deserving of death. (Exodus 20:14) (Deuteronomy 5:18; 22:22) (1
Corinthians 6:9-11) He showed seriousness of the sin of fornication
by classifiying it with murder, theft, and lying. (Matthew 15:19, 20)
(Mark 7:21-23) (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25)

FORTUNATUS: Stephanas, Achaicus and Fortunatus were

members of the Corinthian congregation. They visited Paul at
Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 16:8, 17, 18) They no doubt told him about
the problems that prompted Paul’s first letter to the congregation.

FOUNDATION: The foundation is the basis on which a building is

erected. It distributes the weight of the structure equally over the
ground. The Hebrew words rendered foundation come from the
root “ya-sadh” meaning solidly fix or lay foundation. (Isaiah 23:13;
51:13) (Psalm 24:2) The Greek word “the-me’lios” means a literal
foundation. (Acts 16:26) Jesus is the foundation cornerstone and his
anointed followers are living stones. (1 Peter 2:4-6) (Ephesians
2:19-22) The Heavenly Jerusalem is presented at Hebrews 12:22. It
is the city with real foundations whose builder and maker is God.
(Hebrews 11:10) There were twelve symbolic precious foundation
stones of the New Jerusalem, bearing the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb. (Revelation 21:14, 19, 20) Paul stressed the
importance of building with noncombustible materials on Jesus
Christ as the foundation at 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

FOUNTAIN OF THE SNAKE: The Fountain of the Snake or

Serpent’s Well was a source of water located along the route
Nehemiah took on his first inspection of Jerusalem’s broken down
walls. (Nehemiah 2:12, 13) This water source was mentioned only
once in the Scriptures.

FOUNTAIN, SPRING: A spring is generally a natural source of

water. (Exodus 15:27) Wells and cisterns are usually dug where the
springs flow naturally thru the earth and between rocks. Moses
described the Promised Land to the Israelites as a land of springs
and watery deeps, issuing forth in the valleys and in the mountains.
(Deuteronomy 8:7) In it’s figurative use God identified himself as
the “Fountain” or “Source of life,” the “Source of living water.”
(Psalm 36:9) (Jeremiah 2:13) (Psalm 68:26) Christ gives spiritual
water that becomes a fountain of water bubbling up to impart
everlasting life. (John 4:14)
FOUR BASIC QUALITIES OF GOD: (Revelation 4:7) (Ezekiel
1:10)(lion: justice)(bull: power)(man: love)(eagle: wisdom)

FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE: The four horsemen of

the Apocalypse are found at Revelation Chapter 6. The horsemen
are as follows: Revelation 6:2: white horse--Jesus Christ; Revelation
6:4: red horse--war; Revelation 6:5 black horse: famine ; and
Revelation 6:8: pale horse--death. The sword, food shortage, deadly
plague, wild beasts, and the grave closely followed.--Revelation 6:8.
The prophecy at Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 offers many
cross references to Revelation Chapter 6, for many of the activities
are the same, or are related.

FOWL: A fowl is a large edible bird. The Hebrew word “ohph”

comes from the verb fly applied to all winged or flying creatures.
(Genesis 1:20-22)

FOX: The Hebrew word “shu’al” and the Greek word “alo’pex” mean
fox. A fox is a dog-like animal with a pointed face, triangular ears,
and a bushy tail. Jesus Christ called King Herod “that fox” at Luke
13:32. This was referring to the cunning and swiftness qualities
found in the fox. Jesus also alluded to the fox when he said, “the Son
of man had no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20) (Luke 9:58)

FRANKINCENSE: Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin from

Arabian trees. It was used for worship, embalming, and fumigation.
This valuable incense was made from the sap of a certain tree.
(Exodus 30:34-38) (Matthew 2:11) (Revelation 18:8-13)

FRAUD: Fraud is the intentional use of deception, trickery, or

perversion of truth. It is used to abscond with valuable belongings
or to take away a legal or moral right. The Hebrew term “ashaq”’
means the misuse of strength, power, or authority over others.
(Ecclesiastes 4:1) (Isaiah 52:4) The Greek word “apostereo” means
deprive, defraud, despoil. (Exodus 20:16) (1 Corinthians 7:5) (Mark
10:19) (1 Timothy 6:5)

FREEDMAN: A person who became emancipated from slavery was

called “apeleutheros” a freedman. Often this was done by paying a
large sum of money. Freed slaves who later became Jews were
referred to as “Libertinos” in Greek. They became members of the
Synagogue of the Freedmen. The apostle Paul pointed out that there
is no difference between save and freeman, that Christian freedom
does not entitle him to freedom to do badness. (1 Corinthians 7:22,
23) (Galatians 3:28) (Hebrews 2:14, 15) (1 Peter 1:18, 19; 2:16)

FREEMAN: The Greek word “eleutheros” means free from birth,

possessing full citizenship rights. The apostle Paul was a freeman
with full Roman citizenship. (Acts 22:28)

FREEDOM: Only Jehovah God, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe,

has absolute freedom. (Genesis 17:1) (Jeremiah 10:7, 10) (Daniel
4:34, 35) (Revelation 4:11) All creation must act and move within
the limitations assigned to them. (Isaiah 45:9) (Romans 6:16)
(Romans 9:20, 21) True freedom is allowed within the boundaries
of God’s Law. (Psalm 144:15) (Luke 11:28) (James 1:25)

FREE WOMAN: The apostle Paul compared the enslaved Jerusalem

of his day with the servant girl Hagar, Abraham’s concubine. He
also compared Jerusalem’s children, or citizens, with Hagar’s son
Ishmael. He pointed out that God’s wife, the Jerusalem above, has
always been a free woman just as Sarah was a free woman. It is
necessary to be set free by the Son of God from the bondage of sin.
(Galatians 4:22-5:1) (John 8:34-36)

FRIEND: The Holy Scriptures depict a friend as a person who sticks

closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24; 17:17; 27:6, 9) Jesus called
his disciples friends at John 15:12-14. Early Christians referred to
fellow believers as friends at 3 John 14. Abraham had the privilege
and honor of being called God’s friend at Isaiah 41:8, and this was
verified at James 2:21-23. James went on to warn that friendship
with the world would make a person an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

FROG: The Hebrew term for frog is “tsephardea” and the Greek
word is “batrakhos.” A frog is an amphibian that has no tail. It has
smooth skin and long muscular hind legs that are for leaping. Frogs
were part of the plagues Jehovah placed on Egypt. (Exodus 8:1-14)
(Psalms 78:45; 105:30) Unclean inspired expressions are compared
to frogs at Revelation 16:13. This was certainly appropriate since
frogs were unclean for food according to the Mosaic Law found at
Leviticus 11:12.

FRONTLET BAND: This was a band worn on the forehead. The

Israelites wore this as a sign and reminder of their dedication to
God. (Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 11:18) It was a reminder of Jehovah
God’s commandments. (Numbers 15:38-40)
FRONTLETS: Small leather boxes that the people of Israel tied to
their foreheads and left arms. They held copies of the the Law.
(Deuteronomy 6:6-8) Jesus criticized the misuse of this practice.
(Matthew 23:5)

FROST: SEE HOARFROST

FRUITAGE OF THE SPIRIT: The frutage of the Spirit are Love, joy,
peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-
control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

FUEL: Some of the fuels that are mentioned in the Bible include:
Charcoal (Isaiah 47:14) (Jeremiah 36:22) (John 18:18; 21:9, 10),
sticks (Jeremiah 7:18), rushes (Job 41:20, and wood (Joshua 9:27;
Isaiah 44:14-16). Olive oil was used in lanps. (Exodus 27:20;
Matthew 25:3, 4) Ezekiel illustrated the severity of Jerusalem’s siege
by using human excrement for fuel. This was an extreamly
objectionable practice to the Israelites. And when he objected to this
detestable act, Jehovah permitted him to use cattle dung instead.
(Ezekiel 4:8, 12-15) Wood was more plentiful in the Mid-East in
Ezekiell’s day than it is today.

FUGITIVENESS, LAND OF NOD: The land east of Eden where the

condemned murderer, Cain, took up residence was the land of
fugitiveness. (Genesis 4:16) The Hebrew word “nohdh” comes from
the root word nudh and is rendered “fugitive.” That explains why
some translations call it the “land of Nod.”

FURNACE: Furnaces were specifically designed to smelt ores, to

melt the smelted metals for casting and forging, and to fire pottery
and other ceramic items. Furnaces in Bible times were constructed
of brick or stone. The term oven was also used. (Hosea 7:4)
(Leviticus 2:4) Nebuchadnezzar threw Daniel and his three Hebrew
companions into the fiery furnace at Daniel Chapter 3.

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

GAAL: Gaal was the son of Ebed. The Shechemites placed their
confidence in him when they became discontented with Abimelech.
Gaal lead a revolution and led the men of Shechem against
Abimelech. However he was defeated and fled to his own home.
(Judges 9:1-46)

GAASH: This is the name of a hill or mountain south of Timnath-

serah in the mountainous region of Ephraim. (Joshua 24:30)
(Judges 2:9)

GABBAI: Gabbai was the district head of a Benjamite jurisdictional

district. His name appears in a listing of residence of Jerusalem in
Nehemiah’s day. (Nehemiah 11:3, 7, 8)

GABRIEL: According to the Bible, Gabriel is a high ranking angelic

creature in close association with the heavenly court. (Luke 1:26-38)
Michael and Gabriel are the only angels mentioned in the Bible by
name. Gabriel was the only materialized angel to give his name.
Gabriel appeared to Daniel twice, each time near the Ulai River.
(Daniel 8:1,15-26; 9:1, 20-27) He also appeared to Zechariah the
priest to tell him, he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son, John
the Baptist. (Luke 1:11-20) Gabriel declared to Mary: “Greetings
highly favored one, Jehovah is with you.” Then he told her she
would give birth to a son, Jesus the Son of God.

GAD, THE TRIBE: The tribe of Gad came form the seven sons of
Gad. It was in the three tribe division with Reuben and Simeon. The
men of the tribe of Gad were livestock raisers just as their ancesters
were. (Genesis 46:32) Moses appropriately assigned the cattle
country east of the Jordan River to them. When David was under
restrictions because of Saul, several army heads from the sons of
Gad joined him at Ziklag in Judah. (Numbers 32:1-5, 34, 35) (1
Chronicles 12:1, 8-15) As brave fighters the tribe of Gad was
described as “one equal to a hundred.” (1 Chronicles 5:18-22)

GADARENES: The inhabitants of an area called the country of the

Gadarenes, or the country of the Gerasenes. Jesus expelled demons
out of two men from that area. (Matthew 8:28) (Mark 5:1) (Luke
8:26)

GADDI: He was the son of Susi, of the tribe of Manasseh. Gaddi

was one of the 12 chieftains Moses sent out from the wilderness of
Paran to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:2, 3, 11)

GADDIEL: Gaddiel was the son of Sodi of the tribe of Zebulun. He

was one of the 12 chieftains Moses sent out from the wilderness of
Paran to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:2 , 3, 11.)

GADI: Gadi was the father of Israel’s King Menahem. (2 Kings

15:14, 17)

GAHAM: He was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor by his

concubine Reumah. (Genesis 22:23-24)

GAHAR: Gahar was a Nethinim family head. Some of his

descendants returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile in 537
B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 47) (Nehemiah 7:49)

GAIUS, A CHRISTIAN FROM DERBE: A Macedonian by the name

of Gaius along with six others accompanied the apostle Paul on his
last missionary tour. They separated from Paul and then went to
Troas, on the west coast of Asia Minor. It was there that they waited
for him. (Acts 20:4, 5) It is possible that he is the same Gaius who,
along with Aristarchus, was forcibly taken into the theater at
Ephesus during the riot started by the silversmith Denmetrius.
(Acts 19:29)
GAIUS IN CORINTH: Gaius was evidently Paul’s host and he also
hosted the meeting for the Corinthian congregation in his home.
Paul baptized him. (1 Corinthians 1:14) (Romans 16:23)

GAIUS IN JOHN’S LETTER: He was a Christian to whom the

apostle John wrote his third inspired letter. He commended Gaius
for walking in the truth and for his faithful work and love. (3 John
1:3-6)

GALATIA: Galatia was the plateau region located in the central

portion of what is now Asia Minor. It was a Roman province
bounded by other Roman provinces. Paul and Peter addressed their
letters to the Christian congregations in the province of Galatia.
(Galatians 1:1-2) (1 Peter 1:1) The disciples Timothy and Gaius came
from the area. (Acts 16:1; 20:4)

GALATIANS, THE LETTER: Galatians was written in Greek by the

apostle Paul, to the congregations of Galatia. Paul is identified in the
opening sentence as well as in the text. (Galatians 1:1; 5:2) Paul’s
other letters were written by a secretary, but this one was written
with his own hand. (Galatians 6:11) The letter to the Galatian
congregations was written between 50 and 52 C.E. A very important
doctrine of the Christian faith emphasized in chapter two is that a
person is declared righteous only through faith in Christ and not
works of law. If a person could become righteous by works, Christ’s
death would have not been necessary. (Galatians 2:15-21) Paul
explains that the Law is a tutor. (Galatians 3:10-29) The fruitage of
God’s Holy Spirit are identified in chapter five. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

GALBANUM: This yellowish or brownish gum resin came from

Asian plants of the carrot or parsley family. When the milky fluid is
mixed with other aromatic substances it gives off sweet smelling
fragrance. (Exodus 30:34-38)
GALEED: Located in the region of Gilead east of the Jordan River
was the place called Galeed. The patriarchs Jacob and Laban
concluded a covenant at this mountainous place. (Genesis 31:43-48)

GALILEE, SEA OF GALILEE: The country between the Jordan

River and the Mediterranean Sea was known as Galilee. This district
in the mountainous region of Naphtali is where the city of refuge,
Kedesh was located. (Joshua 20:7) Perhaps many non-Israelites
lived in Galilee. This would account for the expression: “Galilee of
the nations,” found at Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:12-25. Jesus
preached along the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of
Gennesaret and the Sea of Tiberias. (Matthew 4:12; 8:23-28) (John
6:1-2, 16-21) The lake was thirteen miles long and eight miles wide.
After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to some of his
disciples by the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-19)

GALLEY: A galley was a long, narrow, large single decked medieval

ship propelled by sails and oars. It usually carried more than 1,000
men and was used for naval warfare. Rivers and canals protected
cities like Babylon and Noamon from galley invasions. (Nahum 3:8)
Jerusalem had no such protection. However, Jehovah assured
Jerusalem in a figurative way that he would provide security and
salvation for them. (Isaiah 33:21-22)

GALL: Gall is a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the

gallbladder. It is an extremely bitter yellow or green fluid used by
the body to aid in digestion. Job figuratively spoke about his
gallbladder as being poured out to the earth. (Job 16:1, 13) (Acts
8:23) The Hebrew word translated “gall” is related to the word for
bitter. (Deuteronomy 32:32) (Job 13:26) The Greek word for gall is
“khole.” It refers to poison.

GALLIO: Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia when the Jews accused
Paul of leading men into another way of worshiping God. Gallio
dismissed the case because it did not involve a violation of Roman
law. As a result of this the crowd beat up the presiding officer of the
synagogue. Gallio did not concern himself with this incident either.
(Acts 18:12-17)

GALLIM: Gallim was the home of Palti. Saul arranged for Michal to
marry Palti the son of Laish, who came from the town of Gallim. (1
Samuel 25:44) This could be the same Gallim mentioned at Isaiah
10:24, 30. It was located about 3 miles northeast of the Temple
Mount.

GAMALIEL, THE PHARISEE AND LAW TEACHER: Gameliel was

a member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee and Law Teacher. The
apostle Paul studied under the skillful teaching of Gamaliel. (Acts
5:34; 22:3) Gamaliel was the Elder and was greatly esteemed. He
was the first one to receive the title of “Rabban,” a designation even
higher than that of “Rabbi.” Gamaliel expressed great wisdom by
not interfering with the work of the apostles. He said: “Leave these
men alone. If this message and this work are from men it will come
to nothing. But if it is from God, you cannot overthrow it; otherwise
you may find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:34-39)

GAMES IN ISRAEL: The Holy Scriptures do not mention games

amont the Hebrews. However, there are indications of recreation
practices. Reference is made to music, singing, dancing and
conversation. Zechariah 8:5 speaks of children playing in the public
squares. Job 21:11 tells about boys dancing. When Jesus walked on
the earth he spoke about children at play. (Matthew 11:16, 17) Job
41:5 suggests that they kept birds as pets. Riddles and guessing
games were popular in Israel. Samson propounded a riddle to the
Philistines. (Judges 14:12-14) Christians were encouraged to spend
more time in spiritual activities instead of physical and secular
things. Paul wrote Timothy: “Train yourself with godliness in
mind.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Christians are always wise to put God’s
Kingdom first in all that they say and do. (Matthew 6:33)

GAMUL: Gamul was an Aaronic priest in David’s time. He was

chosen by lot to act as chief of the 22nd priestly division. (1
Chronicles 24:1-3, 5, 17)
GANGRENE: Gangrene is the death and decay of tissue caused by
the loss of blood supply or by infection. Bacteria are usually
associated with gangrene. Infection then promotes rapid spread of
cell death. The apostle Paul used the word figuratively when
speaking about teaching false doctrine. He said that false doctrine
and worldly, empty discussion will advance ungodliness and it will
spread like gangrene. (2 Timothy 2:16-18) Paul likens the
congregation to the human body at 1 Corinthians chapter twelve.

GARDEN: The Hebrew word “gan” and the Greek word “ke’pos”
mean an irrigated, cultivated area. A hedge of thorns or stonewalls
usually surrounded the gardens mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.
They were designed in the nature of a park with trees, including
fruit and nut trees. (Ecclesiastes 2:5) (Amos 9:14) (1 Kings 21:2)
These park-like gardens were usually outside the city. Only the
wealthy and important people had gardens inside the city. (2 Kings
25:4) (Nehemiah 3:15) (Esther 1:1-5) The Garden of Gethsemane on
the Mount of Olives was just outside of Jerusalem. It was a favorite
spot with Jesus Christ. It was a place of solitude where he met with
his disciples after eating his last Passover. (Matthew 26:36; 46-49)
(Luke 22:39-48) (John 18:1, 2) Some gardens were used as burial
places. (2 Kings 21:18, 25) (Isaiah 65:2-5; 66:16, 17) (John 19:41,42)
The Garden of Eden is the best known of the gardens in the Bible. It
was well watered by a river that flowed through it and by a natural
underground misting system and contained many trees and plants
good for food. (Genesis Chapters 1-3)

GARLAND, CROWN OF FLOWERS: A garland was a circular band

of flowers worn on the head. It was a decoration of beauty worn at
times of celebration. The Hebrew word tsephi-rah’ means garland
or diadem. (Isaiah 28:1-5) The Greek word-meaning garland is
“stem’ma.” It is found at Acts 14:13. The people thought Paul and
Barnabas were gods and were no doubt trying to put garlands on
their heads. (Acts 14:8-18)

GAREB: Gareb was a hill named in a restoration prophecy found in

Jeremiah 31:39. This hill was designated at the western limits of the
rebuilt city of Jerusalem.
GARLIC: Garlic is a strong-scented, pungent-tasting bulb composed
of about 20 smaller bulbs or cloves. The Israelites longed for the
garlic they used to eat in Egypt. (Numbers 11:4, 5) Garlic is used
medicinally as a digestive stimulant, an antibiotic and an
antispasmodic.

GARMITE: Garmite was related to Keilah, a name on a list of

Judah’s descendants. (1 Chronicles 4:19)

GARNET: This semiprecious stone usually comes in red.

GARRISON: Hebrew: “netsiv” and “matstsav” mean a contingent of

soldiers stationed at a military installation. (1 Samuel 10:5; 13:3, 4,
23) (2 Samuel 23:14) (1 Chronicles 11:16)

GATAM: Gatam was the fourth son of Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz.

(Genesis 36:10, 11, 15, 16) (1 Chronicles 1:36)

GATE: A gate is a door-like moveable barrier in a fence or wall. It is

the entrance to a place. The Bible speaks of different kinds of gates.
There were city gates, temple gates, courtyard gates, castle gates
and gates to a camp. (Exodus 32:26, 27; 38:18) (Jeremiah 37:13)
(Nehemiah 2:8) (Acts 3:10; 12:13, 14) Gates to a camp were the way
of entrance to the camp. (Exodus 32:26, 27) Cities had as few gates
as possible in order to enhance the security of the city. Some gates
were furnished with guardrooms. (Ezekiel 40:6, 7, 10, 20, 21, 28,
29, 32-36) The word gate is often used figuratively in the Holy
Scriptures. The “gates of righteousness” and the gate of Jehovah”
are spoken of at Psalm 118:19, 20. When a person dies he or she
goes through the “gates of death.” (Psalms 9:13; 107:18) The “gates
of the grave” or “entrance to the grave” are also highlighted in the
Scriptures at Isaiah 38:10 and Matthew 16:18. Jesus Christ has the
keys of death and the grave. (Re 1:18) Ezekiel’s vision of a city
having twelve gates, each named after the twelve tribes of Israel is
recorded at Ezekiel 48:30-35. The New Jerusalem is pictured with
twelve gates of pearl. An angel is stationed as a guard at each gate.
(Revelation 2:7; 20:4, 6; 21:2, 12, 21-27; 22:14, 15) The people of the
nations walk in the city’s light and are blessed.

GATEKEEPER: Gatekeepers and doorkeepers served at city gates,

temple gates and at some gateways and doors of homes. They were
appointed to see that the gates were closed at night. They also acted
as watchmen at the gate. (2 Samuel 18:24, 26) (2 Kings 7:10-11)
(Esther 2:21-23; 6:2) Jesus likened the Christian to the doorkeeper
who was to keep watch for his master to return. (Mark 13:33-37)

GATH: Gath was a city of the Philistine axis lords. (1 Samuel 6:17,
18) It was located east of the Philistia Plain and figured prominently
in the struggle between Israel and the Philistines. When David was
forced to flee from Saul, he took refuge in Gath.

GATH-HEPHER: This border city of Zebulun was the home city of

Zebulun. (Joshua 19:10, 13) It was also home of the prophet Jonah.
(2 Kings 14:25) It was located 2.5 miles northeast of Nazareth.

GAZA: Gaza was an ancient city along the Canaanite boundary.

(Genesis 10:19) It was a Philistine city during the period of the
Judges as well as the time of the rule of Israel’s kings. (1 Samuel
6:17) King Solomon held dominion as far as Gaza. (1 Kings 4:21, 24)

GAZELLE: The gazelle is a beautiful, graceful antelope from Africa

and Asia. It has lustrous eyes that shine from the sun and moon. It
stands about 2 feet tall at the shoulder and 3.5 feet long. Gazelle
horns measure nearly one foot in length. It is one of the fastest
mammals in the world and it’s speed is alluded to in Scripture. (2
Samuel 2:18) (1 Chronicles 12:8) (Proverbs 6:5) (Isaiah 13:14)
Solomon spoke about the beauty of the gazelle in the Song of
Solomon. (Song of Solomon 2:9; 4:5; 7:3)
GAZEZ: Caleb’s concubine Ephah gave birth to Haran, Moza, and
Gazez. However there may have been two people named Gazez
because 1 Chronicles 2:46 also says Haran became father to Gazez.
Thus a son of Caleb and a grandson of Caleb.

GAZITES: The inhabitants of Gaza are referred to as Gazites.

(Joshua 13:2, 3) (Judges 16:1, 2)

GAZZAM: He was the forefather of some Nethinim who returned

from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43)

GEBAL, GEBALITES: Gebal was a Phoenician city siturated along

the Mediteranean seacoast. It is identified with modern Jebeil,
about 17 miles northeast of Beirut. Historians believe Gebal to be
the Greek town of Byblos. It is one of the oldest cities in the Middle
East. The Gebalites helped Solomon in the 11th century Before
Common Era to prepare the materials for the temple construction.
(Joshua 13:1-7; 23:12, 13) (1 Kings 5:18) (Ezekiel 27:9)

GEBA: Geba was a city of Benjamin given to the Kohathites. It was

one of the 13 priestly cities. (Joshua 18:21, 24; 21:17, 19) (1
Chronicles 6:54, 60)

GEBER: Geber was one of Solomon’s twelve deputies who had the
responsibility of providing food for the king and his household one-
month out of the year. He was the son of Uri. (1 Kings 4:7, 13, 19)

GEBIM: The inhabitants of this city, sought shelter from the

advancing Assyrian army when it moved against Zion. (Isaiah 10:24,
31)
GECKO: This small thick-bodied lizard is found in warm climates.
The gecko fan foot is listed as unclean for the Israelites. (Leviticus
11:29, 30)

GEDALIAH, THE LEVITE: Gedaliah was a Levite singer during

David’s reign. He was chosen by lot to be in charge of the second of
the 24 service groups of 12 musicians each. (1 Chronicles 25:3, 9, 31)

GEDALIAH, GRANDFATHER OF ZEPHANIAH: Gedaliah was the

grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah. He may also have been a
descendant of King Hezekiah. (Zephaniah 1:1)

GEDALIAH, SON OF PASHUR: This Gedaliah was the son of

Pashur. He was one of the princes in Jerusalem who accused
Jeremiah before King Zedekiah of weakening the fighting men. He
urged that Jeremiah be put to death. The king allowed him to throw
Jeremiah into a miry cistern (or well). (Jeremiah 38:1-6)

GEDALIAH, SON OF AHIKAM: Gedaliah was the son of Ahikam.

Ahikam was the son of Shaphan. After Jerusalem was destroyed in
607 B.C.E., King Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor
over the Jews who were left in the land of Judah. While eating one
evening Gedaliah was killed by Ishmael. (2 Kings 25:22-25)
(Jeremiah 39:14; 40:5-41:3)

GEDER: Geder was a town in Canaan on the west side of the

Jordan. Its king was one of 31 conquered by Joshua. (Joshua 12:13)

GEDERAH, IN THE SHEPHELAH: Gederah (Gedera) was a city in

the Shephelah. Some of the people living there were known for their
pottery making. (1 Chronicles 4:23) (Joshua 15:20, 33, 36)
GEDERAH, IN BENJAMIN: This Gederah was a place in
Benjamin’s territory about 1 mile northeast of Gibeon. It was the
home of Jozabad the Gederathite. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 2, 4)

GEDERATHITE: This designation was given to a person from

Gederah of Benjamin. Jozabad, an ambidextrous Benjamite warrior
for David was a Gederathite. (1 Chronicles 12:1-4)

GEDERITE: A Gederite was a native of Geder and Gederah. (1

Chronicles 27:28) (Joshua 12:13; 15:36)

GEDEROTH: The city of Gederoth was assigned to Judah. It was

taken by the Philistines during the reign of King Ahaz (761-743
B.C.E.). (Joshua 15:27, 28) (2 Chronicles 28:18, 19)

GEDEROTHAIM: Gederothaim was a town on the Shephelah of

Judah. It was listed along with Gederah. (Joshua 15:33-36)

GEDOR, SON OF JEIEL: Gedor was the son of Jeiel from the town
of Gibeon. He was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a
great uncle of King Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:29-31; 9:35-39)

GEDOR, SON OF PENUEL: Gedor was the son of Penuel of the

tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:4)

GEDOR, SON OF JERED: Gedor was the son of Jered. He was from
the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:18)

GEDOR, MOUNTAIN TOWN: This Gedor was a town in the

mountains of Judah. (Joshua 15:48, 58)
GEDOR, SIMEONITE TOWN: This Gedor was a town where the
Simeonites were active. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 39)

GEDOR, TOWN IN BENJAMIN: Gedor was a town in Benjamin

about 10 miles northwest of Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 2, 7)

GE-HARASHIM: The name Ge-harashim means “Valley of

Craftsmen.” A community of craftsmen lived there. Joab founded
the community and it was settled by Benjamites after the
Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 4:14) (Nehemiah 11:31, 35)

GEHAZI: Gehazi was Elisha’s trusted servant. (2 Kings 4:12-37;

5:20-27; 8:4, 5) He was sent as a prophet’s messenger on two
occasions to the the good Shunammite. (2 Kings 4:1) He obtained
money and garments fraudulently from Naaman. Because of this act
of greed he was dissmissed by the prophet and was smitten with
incurable leprosy. (2 Kings 5:1)

GEHENNA: Ever burning trash fires in the valley of Hinnom. Used

symbolically by Jesus to represent total destruction. We read at
Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body. They are not
able to take away your (everlasting) life. Instead fear him who is
able to destroy both life and body in the ever-burning fires. (Greek:
Gehenna, trash fires in the valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem. Dead
bodies were thrown into this trash fire to be destroyed.)” Luke 12:5
reads: “I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who, after he
has killed you, has power to destroy you (throw into the ever-
burning trash fires of the valley of Hinnom). This is one you should
fear.”

GELILOTH: Geliloth was a site on the Benjamin boundary. It is

described as in front of the ascent of Adummim. (Joshua 15:7;
18:17)
GEMARIAH, SON OF SHAPHAN: Gemariah was the son of
Shaphan the copyist. He was one of the princes during the reighn of
Jehoiakim. (628-618 B.C.E.). When the scroll of Jeremiah was read
before King Jehoiakim, Gemariah was one of the princes who
pleaded with the king not to burn the roll. (Jeremiah 36:10-25)

GEMARIAH, SON OF HILKIAH: This Gemariah was the son of

Hilkiah. Jeremiah sent a letter by the hand of Gemariah and of
Elasah to the exiled Jews in Babylon. (Jeremiah 29:1-3)

GEMALLI: Gemalli was a Danite. His son Ammiel was sent out by
his tribe as one of the spies sent into Canaan. (Numbers 13:12, 16)

GENEALOGY: Genealogy is the list of successive generations of a

human family. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) It is sometimes called a family
tree. Hebrew: “yachas” means genealogical enrollment. (Nehemiah
7:5) Greek: “ge-nea-logi’a” means personal pedigrees or
genealogies. (1 Timothy 1:4) (Titus 3:9) Matthew chapter 1 and Luke
chapter 3 gives the history of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of
Abraham, etc. The Greek word “ge’nesis” means line of descent. It
was important to have the Genealogical proof of the Messiah, the
Seed, the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. (John 7:42)

GENERATION: A generation of humans consists of all the people

living at the same time or of approximately the same age. It is a line
of descent of a group of genetically related beings. (Matthew 1:17)
The length of a generation is determined by the life span of the
people of that time. As the average life span increases the length of
each generation increases. (Matthew 24:34)
GENEROSITY, GENEROUS: “Be generous to poor people.”
(Deuteronomy 15:8) Jesus Christ gave the ultimate rule for
happiness when he said: “There is more happieness in giving than
there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) We are reminded by the apostle
Paul that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7) We
should imatate our God, for he is the personification of generosity.
He fully supplies all the needs of his obedient followers “according
to his will.” (1 John 5:14) (Philippians 4:19)

GENESIS, THE BOOK: The Hebrew word “Bere’shith” means in the

beginning, taken from the first words of the Bible. The Greek
“Genesis” means origin and birth. The Book of Genesis is the first
book in the Holy Scriptures. Moses is purported to have written it.
It contains an accurate account of the earliest history of man and his
relationship with God. The first two chapters offer a stiring drama
depicting the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. This book
relates to the events that took place prior to Moses’ birth. It was
information related to him by oral tradition from men and by divine
inspiration from God. (Genesis 1:1-27; 2:7, 8) The writing of Genesis
was completed around the year 1513 Before Common Era.

GENESIS HIGHLIGHTS:

Genesis 1 God created heaven and earth

Genesis 2:18-25 Woman created, Marrage established

Genesis 3:1-6 Serpent deceived Eve

Genesis 4:8 Cain killed Abel

Genesis 6 Noah’s Ark, The Flood

Genesis 19:24, 25 Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed

Genesis 28 Jacob’s ladder

Genesis 37-41 Joseph sold, prime minister of Egypt

GENNESARET: This small triangular plain bordered the northwest
shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was about three miles long by one and
a half miles wide. Jesus Christ performed miraculous healing in this
region. (Matthew 14:34-36) (Mark 6:53-56) The Lake of
Gennesaret was another name for the Sea of Galilee. (Luke 5:1)

GENTILE: Persons from the nations who are not Jews are also
refered to as the people of the nations. Each national group usually
occupies a defined geographic territory that is controlled by a
central form of government and each national group has developed
it own culture, art, customs, religions and language.

GENTILE TIMES: Jesus Christ said, “The people of the nations will
tread down Jerusalem until the time of the Nations is fulfilled
(come to an end).” (Luke 21:24) The King James Version and the
Revised Standard Version call this time period the “Gentile Times.”
The expression “appointed times” comes from the Greek word
‘kairos.’ This means a fixed or definite period. It is used in other
Scriptures to refer to a season, such as the “harvest season.”
(Matthew 13:20; 21:34) (Mark 11:13) In Luke’s reference it is
speaking about a future time. Jesus predicted that the “Gentile
Times” was to come to an end shortly before he returned to set up
God’s Kingdom. (Daniel 2:44) (Daniel Chapter 4) (Revelation
Chapter 19)

GENTLE, GENTLENESS: Someone who is gentle is mild, humble,

meek and kind. Gentleness is required of all of God’s servants.
Moses was the meekest of all men and thus he was gentle in his
dealings with others. (Numbers 12:3) The apostle Paul told Timothy
to be kind or gentle to all. (2 Timothy 2:24) He told the
Thessalonians that he and his companions were gentle when they
were with them. (1 Thessalonians 2:7)

GENUBATH: Genubath was the son of the Edomite prince Hadad.

When the army commander Joab occupied Moab during David’s
rule, Hadad fled to Egypt. There the Pharaoh’s sister in law was
given to him as a wife. Hadad fathered Genubath by her and
Genubath was raised with the sons of Pharaoh. (1 Kings 11:14-20)

GERA, SON OF BELA: Gera was the son of Benjamin’s firstborn,

bela. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 3)

GERA, DESCENDANT OF BELA: This Gera was another

descendant of Bela the Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:5)

GERA, FATHER OF EHUD: Gera was the father of the Benjamite

Judge Ehud. (Judges 3:15)

GERA, FATHER OF SHIMEI: Gera was the Benjamite father of

Shimei who called down evil on David. (2 Samuel 16:5; 19:16, 18) (1
Kings 2:8)

GERAH, WEIGHT MEASURE: The gerah was the coin or weight

measure equal to 1/20th of a shekel. (Exodus 30:13) (Leviticus
27:25) (Numbers 3:47; 18:16)

GERAR: Gerar was a town near Gaza along the boundaries of

Canaanite territory. (Genesis 10:19) Abraham and Isaac resided as
aliens at Gerar and dealt with King Abimelech. (Genesis 20:1-18;
21:22-34; 26:1-31) The Judeans struck and plundered all the cities
around Gerar after Jehovah brought about the defeat of the army of
Zerah the Ethiopian King Asa. (2 Chronicles 14:8-15)

GERAR VALLEY: The Gerar Valley could be the same as the Wadi
esho-Shariah (Nahal Gerar), about .3 of a mile south of Tell Abu
Hureirah (Tel Haror). Water was easy to find in the area by digging
pits in the torrent bed. (Genesis 26:17-19) Abraham lived in the area
for a brief time. (Genesis 20:1, 2) Later Isaac returned to the area
and raised flocks and herds. His servants dug two wells there.
(Genesis 26:1-22)

GERASENES: Jesus Christ healed two demon-possessed men in the

country of the Gerasenes. (Matthew 8:28:34) (Mark 5:1-20) (Luke
8:26-39) Part of the region was east of The Sea of Galilee.

GERIZIM, MOUNT: Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, an adjacent

mountain, are located in the heart of the district of Samaria. These
mountains are the most prominent of the region. The Mount
Gerizim summit rises over 2,800 feet above the Mediteranean Sea.
Mount Ebal towers 200 feet above it and between the two
mountains is a fertile valley, the Valley of Shechem. Jesus alluded to
these mountains at John 4:5, 19, 20 when he spoke about the
forefathers worshipping on the mountain.

GERSHOM, GERSHON, SON OF LEVI: Gershom was the son of

Levi. Gershom was the father of Libni and Shimei. (1 Chronicles
6:16, 17, 20, 43, 62, 71) He is also called Gershon. (Genesis 46:11)
(Exodus 6:16, 17) (Numbers 3:17, 18) (1 Chronicles 6:1; 23:6)

GERSHOM, SON OF MOSES: He was the first son of Moses by

Zipporah. He was born in Midian. (Exodus 2:21, 22) (1 Chronicles
23:14-16) Jethro, Moses’ father in law, was Gershom’s grandfather.
Eliezer was Gershom’s brother. (Exodus 18:2-4)

GERSHONITES: The Gershonites were one of the three great

divisions of the Levites. They were descendants of Gershon, or
Gershom. The Gershonites were responsible for caring for the tent
of meeting. (Numbers 3:23-26; 4:21-28) (Exodus 26:1, 7, 14, 36)
They were alotted 13 cities with pasture gounds. (Joshua 21:27-33)
GESHAN: Geshan was the third son of Jahdai of the tribe of Judah.
He is listed among the descendants of Caleb. (1 Chronicles 2:47)

GESHEM: Geshem was an Arabian. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem

opposed Nehemiah in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. They
derided, conspired and plotted against Nehemiah, but could not
stop him. Geshem accused Nehemiah and the Jews of rebellion and
of attempts to make Nehemiah king. (Nehemiah 6:1-7)

GESHUR, THE ARAMAEAN KINGDOM: Geshur was the Armaean

kingdom east of the Jordan River. It bordered on the Argob region
of Bashan. The Israelites conquered everything up to Geshur.
(Deuteronomy 3:14) (Joshua 12:1, 3, 5; 13:13) Absalom’s maternal
grandfather, Talmai, live there. Absalom fled there after he
murdered his half brother Amnon. Joab brought him back to
Jerusalem after three years in Geshur. (2 Samuel 3:2, 3; 13:28-38;
14:23; 15:8) Many years later Geshur and Syria annexed many of the
Israelite cities east of the Jordan. (1 Chronicles 2:23)

GESHUR, A PLACE IN PALESTINE: Geshur was a place in

southern Palestine near the Philistine territory. (Joshua 13:2) (1
Samuel 27:7-11)

GESHURITES, INHABITANTS OF GESHUR: Geshurites were the

people living in Geshur, a territory east of the Jordan.
(Deuteronomy 3:14) (Joshua 12:4, 5; 13:11, 13)

GESHURITES, PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN PALESTINE: The

Geshurites were a people who resided in southern Palestine near the
Philistine territory. (Joshua 13:2) When David was outlawed by
King Saul, he conducted raids on the Geshurites and other people
dwelling th that area. (1 Samuel 27:7-11)
GETHER: He was a descendant of Aram, the son of Shem. (Genesis
10:22, 23) (1 Chronicles 1:17)

GETHSEMANE, GARDEN OF: This garden was filled with olive

trees and was equipped with a press for squeezing oil from olives. It
was located east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley on or near
the Mount of Olives. (John 18:1) (Luke 22:39) Jesus frequently met
with his disciples at this garden. (John 18:2) He was captured by a
mob at the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-56) (Mark
14:32-52) (Luke 22:39-53) (John 18:1-12)

GEUEL: This man was the son of Machi of the tribe of Gad. He was
one of the twelve chieftains sent by Moses from the wilderness of
Paran to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:2, 3, 15, 16)

GEZER: Gezer was the royal city of Palestine. Its king

unsuccessfully tried to save Lacish from the Israelite army. (Joshua
10:33, 12:7, 8, 12) The city was Philistine in David’s time when he
broke their power from Beba to as far as Gezer. (2 Samuel 5:25)

GIAH: When Joab and Abishai chased after Abner they arrived at
the hill of Ammah at sundown. This hill is near Giah on the road to
the desert wilderness of Gibeon. (2 Samuel 2:24) Giah was probably
east of Gibeon in Benjamin’s territory.

GIANT: The Bible gives reports of men who were of extraordinary

size. Og was 13.1 feet tall and 5.8 feet wide. (Deuteronomy 3:11) The
giant David killed, Goliath of Gath, was 9.5 feet tall. His copper coat
weighed 126 pounds. His spear blade weighed 15 pounds. (1 Samuel
17:4-7) These large men could have been descendants of the
Nephilim. The Nephilim were offspring of angels and human
women. (Genesis 6:4)
GIBBAR: Gibbar was likely a family head. The family had 95 sons
who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile in 537 B.C.E.
(Ezra 2:1, 2, 20)

GIBBETHON: Givvethon was a city belonging to the tribe of Dan.

(Joshua 19:40, 41, 44) It was later given to the Kohathites as a
Levite city. (Joshua 21:20, 23) Centuries later Gibbethon under the
control of the Philistines. (1 Kings 16:15-18)

GIBEA: Gibea was a descendant of Caleb of the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 2:42, 49)

GIBEAH, GIBEAH OF BENJAMIN: Gibeah was a city in the

territory of Benjamin. It was also called Gibeah of Benjamin and
Gibeah of Saul. (Joshua 18:28) (1 Samuel 23:29) (2 Samuel 21:6) It
was located near the main road between Jerusalem (Jebus) and
Ramah. (Judges 19:11-15) Located in the heights of Palestine’s
mountain region and well in the center of most activities Gibeah
served as a lookout point in time of war. (1 Samuel 14:16)

Gibeah was the home of Israel’s first king, King Saul. (1 Samuel
10:26; 15:34)

GIBEATH-HAARALOTH: This is the place where all Israelite males

born in the desert wilderness were circumcised. The circumcision
took place after they crossed the Jordan River. Gibeath-haaraloth
was near the city of Jericho. It was later called Gilgal. (Joshua 5:3-
10)

GIBEATHITE: This was an inhabitant of Gibeah of Benjamin. (1

Chronicles 12:1-3)

GIBEON: The city of Gibeon is six miles north northwest of the

Temple Mount in Jerusalem. There was a pool of Gibeon located
near here. (2 Samuel 2:13) The men of Gibeon were among the
returning captives from Babylonian exile in 537 B.C.E. Many of
them shared in reparing Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 3:7; 7:6, 7,
25)

GIDDALTI: Giddalti was the son of Heman, a Levite singer. (1

Chronicles 25:1, 4, 29)

GIDDEL, ANCESTOR OF NETHINIM SLAVES: This Giddel was an

ancestor of a family of Nethinim temple slaves. They were among
those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1,
2, 43, 47) (Nehemiah 7:49)

GIDDEL, FAMILY HEAD OF SONS OF SERVANTS OF SOLOMON:

Giddel was the head of one of the families of the sons of the
servants of Solomon. They returned from Babylonian exile in 537
B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 55, 56) (Nehemiah 7:58)

GIDEON: Gideon was an outstanding judge in Israel. He was the

son of Joash of the family of Abi-ezer of the tribe of Manasseh. He
lived at the town of Ophrah just west of the Jordan River. (Judges
6:11, 15) The people of Israel were unfaithful to Jehovah. Pagan
nations such as the Midianites invaded at harvest time to pillage the
crops. After seven years of this plunder the Israelites made
underground storage places in order to conceal their food supplies
from the invaders. (Judges 6:1-6) One day an angel appeared to
Gideon. The angel said: “Jehovah is with you, mighty man of valor!”
The angel went on to tell him that he would be the one to deliver
Israel out of the Midianite oppression. (Judges 6:11-22) That very
night Jehovah tested Gideon. He commanded him to tear down his
father’s altar to the god Baal, to cut down the sacred pole alongside
it and to build an altar to Jehovah. Gideon obeyed God’s command.
(Judges 6:25-32) Right away, at God’s direction Gideon organized a
select band of 300 faithful warriors to attack the Midianite army of
135,000 men. The exciting account of this battle is found at Judges
chapter 7. Gideon’s strong faith, in the face of great odds, qualified
him to be listed as “one of the great cloud of witness.” (Hebrews
11:32; 12:1)

GIDEONI: Gideoni was the father of Abindan the chieftan of the

tribe of Benjamin when Moses was leading the Israelites. (Numbers
1:11, 16)

GIDOM: The Benjamites committed a gross sex crime, so the other

Israelite tribes pursued the Benjamites as for as Gidom to make
them pay for their wrong doing. (Judges 20:45)

GIFTS FROM GOD: Greek: “kha’risma” means gracious gift. It

occurs 17 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures and it implies a
gift given out of undeserved kindness. This would be a gift from
God. (1 Corinthians 12:4) (2 Timothy 1:6) (1 Peter 4:10) God’s
greatest gift was his Son. God loved the world so much he gave his
only begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish
but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) James says every good gift and
every perfect present is from above. (James 1:17)

GIFT OF HOLY SPIRIT: God gives his Holy Spirit as a gift to his
people. (Acts 2:38) (Romans 8:2-10) (Galatians 5:16-25) The
apostle Paul lists nine different operations of the Holy Spirit: speech
of wisdom, speech of knowledge, faith, healing, powerful works,
prophesy, discernment of inspired utterances, speaking in tongues,
and interpretation of tongues. This list is found at 1 Corinthians
chapter 12. The fruits of the SPIRIT are offered to all who believe
and obey God. They include: love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. (Galatians
5:22, 23)

GIFTS, ALMS, ACTS OF CHARITY: Jehovah’s people are instructed

to give gifts of charity. A gift of charity is a gift given out of love,
from the heart. Jesus preached against giving as a showy display of
self righteousness. (Matthew 6:2-4) He told Christians to give gifts
of mercy or charity. (Luke 12:32, 33) (Mark 19:16-22) (Luke 18:18-
23) (John 13:29) Early Christians made gifts in behalf of their needy
brothers. (Romans 15:26) (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) Paul made it clear
that all gifts were voluntary and from the heart at 2 Corinthians 9:7.
(Phillipians 4:15-17) While material assistance is needed and
important, the greatest gift a person can offer to another is an
understanding of God’s Word, for this can lead to the receiver to
everlasting life. (John 6:26, 27; 17:3) (Acts 20:35) (2 Corinthians
12:15) (Revelations 22:17)

GIHON RIVER: The Gehon River was one of the four rivers that
came out of the river that flowed out of Eden. It is said to encircle
the entire land of Cush. (Genesis 2:10, 13) The topographical
changes in the earth’s surface as a result of the global Deluge have
eliminated the possibility to identify this river today.

GIHON SPRING: The name Spring of Gihon is named because it

“gushes forth” four or five times per day after the rainy winter
season. The name Gihon means just that, “gushes forth.” It’s
fountainhead is in a natural cave in the Kidron Valley just east of the
part of Jerusalem called “the City of David.” (2 Chronicles 32:30)
The Spring of Gihon is a principal source of water for ancient
Jerusalem.

GILBOA: This Mountain is located east of the Jezreel Plain between

the valley of Kishon and the Jordan Valley. Two major battles were
fought there. (Judges 7:1) (1 Samuel 28:4; 31:1-4, 8) (2 Samuel 1:4-
10, 21)

GILEAD: The mountainous region east of the Jordan River was

known as Gilead. This included Bashan and the tableland north of
the Arnon. (Joshua 22:9) (Judges 20:1, 2) (2 Samuel 2:9) (2 Kings
10:32, 33) It comprised the possessions of the tribes of Gad,
Reuben, and the south part of Manasseh. (Deuteronomy 3:13)
(Numbers 32:40)
GILGAL, IN JERICHO: Gilgal was a city on the eastern border of
Jericho. (Joshua 4:19) The Moabite King Eglon resided near the
Gilgal quarries at the time of Ehud. (Judges 3:12-26) Gilgal was the
place where Israel camped after crossing the Jordan River in Abib.
It was there that Joshua set up the 12 stones taken from the middle
of the riverbed to commemorate Jehovah’s drying up the river. All
the Israelite males born in the wilderness were circumcised at
Gilgal. (Joshua 5:8, 9) Micah spoke about Gilgal in his prophecy at
Micah 6:5.

GILALAI: Gilalai was the Levite musician who marched in the

procession arranged by Nehemiah at the inauguration of the rebuilt
wall of Jerusalem in 455 B.C.E. (Nehemiah 12:27, 31, 36)

GILOH: This city was located in the mountains of Judah. (Joshua

15:48, 51) It was the home of the traitor Ahithophel the Gilonite. (2
Samuel 15:12; 23:34)

GILONITE: A Gilonite was an inhabitant of Giloh. Ahithophel,

David’s counselor was a Gilonite. (Joshua 15:51) (2 Samuel 15:12;
23:34)

GIMEL: Gimel is the third letter in the Hebrew alphabet. This is the
first letter in the opening word in each of the eight verses of Psalm
119:17-24.

GIMZO: Gimzo was a city of Judah that was captured by the

Philistines during the reign of Ahaz. (2 Chronicles 28:18, 19)

GINATH: He was the father of Tibni the unsuccessful rival of Omri

for the kingship over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. (1 Kings 16:21,
22)
GINNETHOI, HEAD PRIEST: Ginnethoi was a head priest over the
priest who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E.
(Nehemiah 12:1, 4, 7, 12, 16, 26)

GIRGASHITES: The Girgashites were a people descended from

Ham through Canaan. (Genesis 10:6, 15, 16) (1 Chronicles 1:8, 13,
14) The Girgashites were from west of the Jordan River. They were a
powerful people and yet they and six other Canaanite nations
suffered defeat. This is because Jehovah delivered them into the
hands of his people. (Deuteronomy 7:1, 2) (Joshua 3:10; 24:11) This
fulfilled the promise Jehovah made to Abraham centuries earlier.
(Genesis 15:13-21) (Nehemiah 9:7, 8)

GIRZITES: The Girzites were probably a nomadic people. They

lived in the territory south of Judah at the time when David and his
six hundred men raided the territory. The Girzites were all distroyed
and David took much livestock as spoil. (1 Samuel 27:2,7-9)

GISPA: Gispa was an overseer of the Nethinim temple slaves in

Nehemiah’s day. (Nehemiah 11:21)

GITTAIM: First the Beerothites settled at Gittaim. (2 Samuel 4:1-3)

Then the Benjamites settled in Gittaim after the exile. (Nehemiah
11:31, 33) It was possibly located near modern Ramleh.

GITTITE: An inhabitant or native of the Philistine city of Gath was

called a Gittite. The Giant Goliath was a Gittite. Ittai was a Gittites
who served David faithfully during his light at the time of Absalom’s
rebellion. (2 Samuel 15:13, 18-22; 18:2; 21:19) (1 Chronicles 20:5)
(Joshua 13:2, 3)
GIZONITE: Gizonite had sons who were among the mighty warriors
of David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 34)

GLASS: Glass is manufactured by mixing special sand known as

silica with traces of other elements such as boron, phosphorus, and
lead. These ingredients are melted together at a temperature above
3000 degrees F. Job compared glass to gold at Job 28:17. The
apostle John described the clearness of glass at Revelation 4:6 and
21:18, 21.

GLEANING: Gleaning means harvesting and reaping. The

harvesters intentionally left some crops behind in the fields or on
the trees so that the poor people could glean or harvest them.
(Leviticus 19:9, 10) (Deuteronomy 24:19-21) (Ruth 2:5-7, 14-17)
(Psalm 37:25) Gleaning is also spoken of in an illustrative or
figurative way when it speaks about the people leftover after God’s
judgment, “so it will be among the nations, as when an olive tree is
beaten.” (Isaiah 24:13) (Micah 7:1-8, 18) (Jeremiah 6:9)

GLORY: The Hebrew word “ka.vohdh’” means ‘heavy’ and the Greek
word “do’xa” is translated ‘glory’ and ‘honor.’ The major application
of the term glory in the Scriptures is found in connection with
Jehovah God. Psalm 19:1 tells us “the heavens declare the glory of
God.” The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “do everything to the
glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) The word glory is found more
than 350 times in the Holy Scriptures. It is found 17 times in the
book of Revelations. (Revelation 1:6; 4:9, 11; 7:12; 14:7; 19:11;
21:24, 26) A comprehensive study of the word glory from a large
concordance would render many blessings. So march forward with
concordance and Bible in hand!

GLUTTON: A glutton is a selfish, greedy person who indulges in

excessive eating of food. Gluttony is completely apposed to the
precepts and principles taught in the Bible. Under the Mosaic Law a
glutton was to be stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)
(Proverbs 28:7; 23:20, 21) Slanderous remarks about Jesus Christ
included the accusation that he was “a gluttonous man and a
drunkard.” Jesus countered: “wisdom is justified by it’s works.”
(Matthew 11:19) (Luke 7:34, 35) Gluttons are sinful greedy persons.
The apostle Paul made it very clear that they would not inherit
God’s kingdom. (Galatians 5:19-21)

GNAT: Gnats are small two-winged insects that bit and suck blood.
The Hebrew word “kin-nam’” is rendered, ‘gnats,’ mosquitoes,’ or
‘flies.’ (Exodus 8:16-18) (Leviticus 11:21-24) (Psalm 105:31) Jesus
denounced the scribes and Pharisees and said, “You strain out the
gnat and swallow the camel.” He was pointing out that they made a
big deal out of little or nothing and disregarded the weightier
matters of the Law. (Matthew 23:23, 24) (Leviticus 11:4)

GOAD: The cattle or ox goad was a rod about eight feet in length
that was used for driving and guiding bulls when plowing. One end
of the rod had a sharp metal point used to prod the animal. (Judges
3:31) Words spoken by wise persons are compared to prodding
goads at Ecclesiastes 12:11. A stubborn bull that resists the prodding
of the sharp goads is figuratively described in the expression
“kicking against the goads” at Acts 26:14.

GOAH: When talking about the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Jeremiah

named Goah along with the hill of Gareb when describing a
measuring line that: “will stretch from there straight to the Hill of
Gareb, and then it will turn to Goah.” (Jeremiah 31:38, 39)

GOAT: Any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but

having a beard and straight horns. The goat is a cud-chewing
mammal with hollow horns and long, straight hair. It served as a
sacrificial animal, being presented as a burnt offering. (Leviticus
1:10; 3:6; 12; 5:6; 22:18, 19, 27) The term goatlike leaders was used
figuratively to refer to rulers. (Isaiah 14:9) (Zechariah 10:3) Goats
were used to represent people who were in opposition to Jehovah.
(Isaiah 34:6, 7) (Jeremiah 51:40) (Ezekiel 34:17) (Zechariah 10:3)
(Matthew 25:31-46)

GOAT DEMONS (Idols): The Hebrew word “sair” refers to a goat.

There are three texts (Leviticus 17:7) (2 Chronicles 11:15) (Isaiah
13:21) in which the word is considered by translators as having a
sense beyond the simple word “goat.” It has to do with demon
possession and idolatry.

GOB: Gob was a place where David and his men struck down giant
warriors of the Philistines. (2 Samuel 21:18, 19)

GOD: Anything and anyone worshiped is a god. The Bible speaks

about many gods. (Psalm 86:8) (1 Corinthians 8:5-6) The Hebrew
word “Aloha” and the Greek word “Theos” means god or God.
These words can be used to represent the true God, Jehovah or a
false god, Satan. At John 10:33 Jesus was accused of making himself
God or a god. The word used here is “theos.” It means: devine, god-
like, a god, God. Jesus clearly stated in reply: “Do you say you
blaspheme, because I said, I am God’s Son?” He identified himself
as the Son of God, not God! (See: JESUS CHRIST)

GODLINESS, GODLY DEVOTION: Godliness is piety by virtue of

being a godly person. A godly person practices reverence, worship,
and service to God. A synonym for godliness is “godly devotion.”
Godly devotion refers to devotion with love and loyalty to God. The
Greek word “eusebes” can be translated pious, devout, and godly.
(Acts 10:2, 7) (2 Peter 1:6; 2:9) The expression of godliness or godly
devotion requires intense loyalty to God and a deep and abiding
dedication to our Divine Father. The apostle Paul told Timothy to
“pursue righteousness and godliness.” (1 Timothy 6:11) Godliness is
truly a way of life for all who love God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

GOD OF FORTUNE: There were a large number of apostate Jews

who worshiped the “god of fortune” or “god of good luck.” The
worshipers of these deities set a table of food and drink before them.
Jehovah told them that he would destine them to slaughter by the
sword. (Isaiah 65:11, 12) The god of fortune was a Babylonian deity.

GODS AND GODDESSES: The deities of the nations are false gods
that are human crations. These deities mirror the characteristics
and weaknesses of their imperfect worshipers. (Leviticus 19:4)
(Isaiah 2:20) (Romans 1:21-23) The Bible refers to Satan the Devil
as the “god of this world.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) The god Murduk
(Merodach) was regarded as the founder of Babylon. A number of
triad gods, or deities, have been invented by man over the centuries.
Anu the god of the sky; Enlil the god of the earth, air, and storm;
and Ea the god presiding over the water were considered part of a
trinity of gods in Babylon. Another triad was that of the moon-god
Sin, the sun-god Shamash, and the fertility god-dess Ishtar. Ishtar
was the lover of Tammuz. The Babylonians even had triads of devils,
including the triad of Labartu, Labasu, and Akhkhazu. The ancents
even worshiped heavenly bodies such as Venus, Saturn, and
Mercury. (Isaiah 47:13) An indepth study of the history of each of
the nations of the world would reveal wide spread worship of false
gods.

GOD OF ISRAEL: Jacob set up an altar on a tract of land he aquired

from the sons of Hamor. He called the altar: “God (is) the God of
Israel.” (Genesis 32: 24-30; 33:1-4, 17-20) God has just given his the
name “Israel.” He built the altar and gave it this name to show
Jehovah his appreciation for the name.

GOG: The name Gog is found in chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel and

also at Revelation 20:8. Apparantly both the Gog of Ezekiel and the
Gog of Revelation apply to the nations “in the four corners of the
earth” who allow themselves to be misled by Satan the Devil. The
account in Revelation chapter 20 predicts that Satan will be allowed
out of the abyss (bottomless pit) at the end of the Millennium and
that he would lead the nations of the earth in rebellion against the
Millennial Rule of Jesus Christ. The texts at Daniel 2:44 and 7:13, 14
show that Christ will bring an end to national rule and divisions. So
it appears that these nations are part of the rebellion against
Jehovah’s Kingdom at the end of the Millennium and not a
continual rebellion taking place throughout the thousand years. The
battle ends with absolute destruction of the wicked when Gog and
his forces are annihilated. With the help of His loyal Son, Jesus
Christ, Jehovah completely magnifies and sanctifies his name
before all observers. (Ezekiel 38:12-23; 39:5-13, 21, 22) (Joel 3:9-17)
(Revelation 20:8-10, 14)
GOIIM, REAL OF KING TIDAL: Goiim was the name of the realm
that King Tidal ruled over. It was the proper name for the tribes and
peoples he ruled. (Genesis 14:1-9) (Judges 4:2) (Isaiah 9:1)

GOIIM, DOMAIN WEST OF THE JORDAN: This place was where

Joshua defeated a Canaanite king. He was called the king of Goiim
in Gilgal.” (Joshua 12:7, 23)

GOLAN: The city of Golan was designated as a city of refuge. It was

located in the territory of Manasseh. (Deuteronomy 4:41-43)
(Joshua 20:2, 8) The Gershonite Levites lived in the city. (Joshua
21:27) (1 Chronicles 6:71) Many scholars identify it with a district
that goes by the same name today located 17 miles east of the Sea of
Galilee.

GOLD: Gold is a rare, soft yellow, malleable metallic element. It is

highly valued for its weight, rarity, durable and shimmering beauty.
Gold is the metal most frequently mentioned in the Bible, first
mentioned at Genesis 2:11. The Greek terms for gold, “khry-sos” and
“khry-si’on” are used with reference to coins, ornaments and the
metal in general. No amount of gold can buy wisdom from God or
give life. (Psalm 49:6-8) (Job 28:12, 15-17) (Zephaniah 1:18)
(Matthew 16:26) Gold is used in a symbolic way to describe the holy
city, New Jerusalem at Revelation 21:18, 21. Job spoke of gold as a
symbol of materialism at Job 31:24,25.

GOLGOTHA: Also known as the Skull Place and Calvary, Golgotha

was outside the city of Jerusalem. (Luke 23:33) This was where
Jesus Christ was impaled. (Matthew 27:33) (John 19:17-22)
(Hebrews 13:12) There was a road and a garden tomb near
Golgotha. (Matthew 27:39) (John 19:41) The Bible does not
specifically state that Golgotha was on a hill but it does say that
some observed the impalement form a distance. (Mark 15:40) (Luke
23:49)
GOLIATH: Goliath was a giant, over nine feet tall. He was from the
city of Gath and a champion of the Philistine army. Goliath was one
of the Rephaim and may have been a mercenary soldier with the
Philistine army. (1 Chronicles 20:5, 8) The gigantic warrior Goliath
loudly challenged Israel to supply a man to fight him in single
combat. The outcome was to determine which army should become
the servant of the other. Day and night for forty days he taunted the
army of Israel. No Israelite soldier had the courage to accept the
challenge. (1 Samuel 17:1-54) No wonder for the iron blade on his
spear alone weighed 15 pounds! Finally the young shepherd David,
with God’s Spirit upon him met Goliath’s challenge. David defeated
Goliath. You may read the full account at 1 Samuel chapter 17.

GOMER, GRANDSON OF NOAH: Gomer was the grandson of

Noah. He was the first son of Japheth. He was born after the Flood.
(Genesis 10:1, 2) (1 Chronicles 1:4, 5) Gomer and his sons,
Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah, were among the families from
whom the nations descended after the Great Flood. (Ge 10:3, 32)
Ezekiel’s prophecy lists the regathered people of God including
“Gomer with all its troops.” (Ezekiel 38:2-8)

GOMER, DAUGHTER OF DIBLAIM: Gomer was the daughter of

Diblaim. Jehovah gave Hosea instructions to take a wife and he took
Gomer as his wife. God told Hosea to “go and marry a prostitute and
have children with a prostitute, “for the land commits much
prostitution.” (Hosea 1:2, 3) Gomer gave birth to three children.
They were given names that had prophetic meaning. The account of
the children was used to foretell the disastrous results of Israel’s
spiritual adultery in the form of idolatry. (Hosea 1:3-9; 3:1-3)

GOMORRAH: Sodom and Gomorrah were probably located near

the south end of the Dead Sea. (Genesis 13:12) Scholars believe their
ruins are submerged under the waters of the Dead Sea. The
wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah was so great that Jehovah sent
angels to inspect the situation and then to destroy the cities by a
rain of fire and sulfur. (Genesis 18:20, 21; 19:24, 28) The account of
the destruction of these cities has been used in Scriptures as a
symbol of complete and everlasting annihilation. (Deuteronomy
29:22, 23) (Isaiah 1:1, 9, 10; 13:19) (Jeremiah 23:14; 49:18) The
apostle Peter said that by turning Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes,
God condemned them, “setting a pattern for ungodly persons of
things to come.” (2 Peter 2:6) Jesus pointed out the contrast of
wickedness between Sodom and Gomorrah and the wickedness of
his day. He indicated that even as wicked as Sodom and Gomorrah
was the people of his day were worse. (Matthew 10:7, 14, 15)

GOOD NEWS: The good news of the Kingdom of God is featured

throughout the Holy Scriptures. It is in fact the theme of the Bible.
The good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is presented in
the Christian Greek Scriptures. The four Gospels: Matthew, Mark,
Luke, and John are known as the Good New. (Matthew 4:23) (Mark
1:1) (Romans 15:16) (Acts 20:24) (Revelation 14:6)

GOODNESS: Goodness is a quality of mind and heart that involves

mercy, loving-kindness, and truth. It involves moral excellence and
virtue. Goodness is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. It is listed at
Galatians 5:22 along with eight other fruitages. Paul wrote the
Ephesians that the fruit of the light is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth. (Ephesians 5:9) Christians should cultivate
goodness. No man has goodness on his own merit. (Romans 7:18)
The psalmist asks God to teach him goodness at Psalm 119:66, 68.
We should do the same.

GOODWILL: The angels proclaimed peace to men of goodwill.

(Luke 2:14) God does not express goodwill toward all men. He says:
There is no peace for the wicked. (Isaiah 57:21)

GOSHEN: Goshen was a region in Egypt where the Israelites lived

for 215 years from 1728 to 1513 B.C.E. (Genesis 45:10; 47:27)

The exact location of Goshen is uncertain but it appears to have

been in the eastern part of the Nile Delta. (Genesis 46:28, 29) The
Land of Goshen referred to at Joshua 10:41 and 11:16 was possibly
in the mountainous region between Hebron and Negeb in the
Judean mountains. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 51) A city by the name of
Goshen was found in that area also.
GOSSIP, SLANDER: Gossip is idle personal talk. Not all gossip is
bad or damaging, however it can be groundless rumor and slander.
Slander is malicious defamation. The Bible counsels against idle
speech that can do much harm. (James 3:6) (Proverbs 13:3; 15:2;
18:7) Jesus Christ warned that wicked reasonings and false
testimonies proceed from the mouth and out of the heart. (Matthew
15:11, 19) Gossip is talk that reveals something about another
person. It may be unfounded rumor, even a lie. The gossiper may
not even know the truth. The apostle Peter considered a meddler in
other people’s business to be as bad as being a murder, a thief and
an evildoer. (1 Peter 4:15)

GOSPEL: The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ and God’s
kingdom.

GOURD: The term gourd appears in the Scriptures at 2 Kings 4:38-

41. Someone gathered some unfamiliar wild gourds and sliced them
in with a stew. Some thought the stew had been poisoned but Elisha
saved it from being wasted.

GOVERNMENT: Government is the system or organization by

which a community, society and a state are governed. It is the
organization for governing and exercising authority. The Hebrew
words “mem-sha-lah” and “mis-rah” translate dominion, rule and
power. (Isaiah 9:6; 22:21) The Greek “ar-khe” is translated
beginning, principalities, governments, rulers and sovereignties.
“Kyrio’tes” and “Kyber’nesis” are rendered government in some
translations. They more correctly mean lordship. Jesus Christ was
the agent of God who set up all righteous governments and
authorities, invisible and visible. (Colossians 1:15, 16) His Father
Jehovah has placed him as head of all government. (Colossians 2:8-
10, 1 Co 15:24) The apostle Paul said there would soon be a
government under the authority of Christ. (Ephesians 1:19-21)
GOVERNOR: Most of the major powers of Bible times had rulers
similar to governors. They were either local native rulers or
governors who controlled occupied territories. Nations that had
governors included: Syria, 1 Kings 20:24; Assyria, Ezekiel 23:5,6,
12, 23; Persia, Ezra 8:36, Nehemiah 2:7, 9; Babylon, Jeremiah
51:57; and Rome, Luke 3:1. Judea was an imperial province under
Roman rule. The governors there were responsible to the emperor
for their actions. Pilate was the fifth of the line of governors of
Judea. (Matthew 27:2) (Luke 3:1) The Roman governors were
authorized to order capital punishment. This was the case with
Pilate, who judged Jesus Christ. (Matthew 27:11-14) (John 19:10)
Christians are to show relative subjection to the rulers of the land.
(Romans 13:1-7) (Titus 3:1) (1 Peter 2:13, 14) (Acts 4:19, 20)

GOVERNOR’S PALACE: SEE PRAETORIUM

GRACE: God’s loving kindness expressed to mankind. It is

“undeserved kindness” sinces mankind does not merit this special
treatment from God. It is truly divine influence upon the heart.
(John 1:14) (2 Corinthians 12:9) (Ephesians 2: 8; James 4:6)

GRAFTING: Grafting is the process of joining parts from different

plants so that they grow together. After grafted-in branches are
established, they produce the same kind of fruit as the tree from
which they were taken. The apostle Paul compared non-Jewish
Christians to the branches of a wild olive that were grafted into the
garden olive to replace natural branches that had broken off.
(Romans 11) (Galatians 3:28; 6:16)

GOZAN RIVER: The river Gozan is mentioned at 2 Kings 17:6 and

18:11. There the Scriptures speak of “Habor on the River Gozan.”
Some believe that the Gozan River is the same as the Qezel Owzan
in northwest Iran. Others think the Gozan is a river of
Mesopotamia. Gozan appears to represent an area of land at 2 Kings
19:12 and Isaiah 37:12.
GRANDPARENTS: The terms “grandparents” or “grandfather” or
“grandmother” are seldom found in Bible translations. The terms
“parents” or “father” or “mother” are used instead. Sometimes the
expressions “the father of your mother” and “mother’s father” are
used to speak about grandparents. The New Simplified Bible
identifies Abraham as Jacob’s grandfather at Genesis 28:13. Some
translations refer to him as Jacob’s father. This could be confusing if
the actual relationship of grandfather-to-grandson is not spelled out
in the text. (2 Samuel 9:7)

GRASS: Included in grass are the cereal grains, the plants of

meadow and pasture, and the sugarcane and bamboo plants. Grass
was brought into existence during the third creative day. (Genesis
1:11-13) It serves as a source of food for man and animals.
Transitoriness of man’s life is likened to that of grass. (Psalm 37:2)
(1 Peter 1:24) It is contrasted with the everlasting nature of Jehovah
and his word. (Psalms 104:14; 147:8) (Zechariah 10:1) (2 Samuel
23:3, 4) (Job 38:25-27) (Matthew 5:45) Evildoers are compared to
grass that quickly withers at Psalm 37:1, 2.

GRASSHOPPER: The grasshopper is a plant-eating insect with legs

adapted for jumping. The Hebrew terms “ar-beh” and “cha-ghav”
are applied to the winged stage of locust mentioned at Leviticus
11:22. It is considered as clean for food. The grasshopper is
destructive to vegetation. (2 Chronicles 7:13) It is used in an
illustrative setting in the Holy Scriptures. Men are compared to
little grasshoppers from God’s viewpoint at Isiaiah 40:22. They are
likened to aged persons bent and stiff and burdened at Ecclesiastes
12:5.

GRAVE: The grave is a place for the burial of the dead body of a
human being. It is usually dug in the earth or cut out of rock such as
a tomb or natural cave. The Hebrew word “qu’ver” designates a
burial place such as a grave. The Greek word for grave is ta’phos.
(Matthew 28:1) The word “mne’ma” found at Luke 23:53 refers to a
tomb. Hebrew “she’ohl’” and Greek “hai’des” speak of the common
grave of mankind. These words are frequently translated “the grave”
in the New Simplified Bible. SEE: HADES, HELL.

GRAVEL: Rock fragments and pebbles are considered gravel.

Gravel is used in an illustrative sense in the Bible. Proverbs 20:17
compares gaining bread by falsehood with having a mouth full of
gravel. The severe treatment Jehovah meted out to unfaithful
Jerusalem by means of the Babylonians is likened to breaking teeth
with gravel at Lamentations 3:16.

GRAY HAIR: As a person grows older the pigment in the hair

changes in body chemistry. Graying hair usually accompanies older
age. The Hebrew verb siv means to grow gray. The Hebrew noun
“she-vah’” means gray hairs, gray-headedness, old age. (Job 15:10)
(Psalm 71:18) The Bible honors both the beauty of youth and the
splendor of old age. (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29) Those who are planted
in the house of Jehovah will keep on thriving in old age. (Psalm
92:13, 14) They will not be abandoned by their God. (Isaiah 46:4)

GREAT CROWD: A great crowd is a large group of persons. The

term is used to refer to the large group of persons who heard Jesus
Christ’s public teaching. (Mathew 14:14; 19:2; 20:29) The apostle
John heard a great crowd at Revelation 7:9. The older English of the
King James Version referred to it as a great multitude. Chapter
seven of Revelation first refers to the sealing of 144,000 slaves of
God and then it speaks of a separate group, a great crowd out of
every nation, tribe, people and tongue. The wording at chapter
seven make it obvious that the 144,000 sealed slaves of God, plus
the great crowd represent all who stand approved by God at the
time of the great tribulation. (Revelation 7:9-17)

GREAT SEA, MEDITERRANEAN SEA: The Hebrews called it

the Great Sea. We call it by its Latin based name, Mediterranean
Sea. Mediterranean means in the Middle of the Land. The
Mediterranean Sea is nearly landlocked. Ocean shipping enters and
exits the Great Sea through narrow gateways. The Strait of Gibraltar
is on the west. The Dardanelles and Bosporus are to the northeast
and the Suez Canal joins it to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea
truly is the Great Sea. (Numbers 34:6, 7) It is 2,200 miles long and
600 miles wide at it greatest width. Its deepest point is 16,709 feet.
Ezekiel points out that there are many fish in the Great Sea. (Ezekiel
47:10) In addition to more than 400 varieties of fish there is an
abundance of fine coral and sponge. Jesus Christ visited the seaport
regions of Tyre and Sidon. (Mark 7:24, 31) Peter was in Joppa and
Caesarea. (Acts 10:5, 6, 24) Paul was at Paphos, Troas, Neapolis,
Cenchreae, Ephesus, Assos, Mitylene, and Miletus. (Acts 13:13,
16:11, 18:18, 19; 20:14, 15) The Great Sea is also known for fierce
storms with much lost of life. (Acts 27:14, 15, 39-44)

GREECE: Greece is a republic in southeastern Europe on the

southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It is known for grapes, olives
and olive oil. The original name for the area was Ionian. It applied
to the people of Greece and the surrounding chain of islands. The
term Ionian still applies to the geographic area including the sea
between southern Italy and southern Greece. The prophet Isaiah
spoke of the time when the exiles of Judah would be sent to distant
nations, including Tubal and Javan, the islands near Greece. (Isaiah
66:19) The name Greece comes from the Latin word Graikoi.” The
Italians first applied the name to the Greeks and their land. The
land of Greece is mostly rocky, with rough limestone mountains
covering three fourths of the terrain. The mountain slopes were
heavily wooded. The principal Greek gods were said to reside on the
heights of Mount Olympus near Beroea. Among the Olympic gods
were Zeus; Apollo, a sun god and a god of sudden death; Artemis,
the Roman Diana, the goddess of the hunt; and Hermes, the god of
travelers and commerce. (Acts 19:23-28, 34, 35; 28:11) Paul
ministered to the Beroeans on his second missionary tour. (Acts
17:10)

GREED: The Hebrew word “chamadh’” and Greek word “epi-

thyme’o” both mean desire. (Psalm 68:16) (Matthew 13:17) The
Greek word “pie-o-ne-xi’a” conveys the bad desire of greed and
covetousness. (Ephesians 4:19; 5:3) (Colossians 3:5) Greed
expresses itself in many ways. Love of money, desire for power or
gain, strong desire for food, drink, sex or other material things are
all expressions of greed and covetousness. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11) A
greedy person may not inherit the Kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians
6:9, 10) The Bible writer James tells us that wrong desire, when it
becomes fertile, gives birth to sin. (James 1:14, 15) (Colossians 3:3-
5)

GREEK: Koine Greek was the common language from 300 B.C.E. to
500 C.E. Most of the 27 Bible books from Matthew thru Revelation
were written in Koine Greek.

GREYHOUND: The greyhound is a tall slender dog of an ancient

breed. It is noted for swiftness and keen eyesight. The greyhound is
a very fast animal, “against whom there is no rising up.” It has been
clocked at a speed of 40 miles per hour. (Proverbs 30:31)

GUARD: The Hebrew word “shamar” means to guard, keep watch,

observe. Guards and watchmen are mention in numberous places in
the Holy Scriptures. (Genesis 3:24; 17:9; 37:11) (Nehemiah 4:2, 23)
(2 Samuel 15:1) (1 Kings 1:5) (2 Kings 11:4-21) The Roman
Praetorian Guard was organized by Caesar Augustus in 13 B.C.E. to
serve as imperial bodyguards. (Philippians 1:12, 13) The chief
priests bribed Roman guards to circulate the rumer that Jesus’
followers had stolen his body. (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:11-15)

GUDGODAH: Gudgodah was a campsite where the Israelites

stayed. It was probably the same as Hor-haggidgad. (Deuteronomy
10:6, 7) (Numbers 33:33) It may have been located on Wadi
Khadakhid, about 40 miles northwest of the Gulf of Aqaba.

GULL: The Hebrew word sha’chaph is translated sea gull. Gulls are
powerful fliers and they swim well too. It is a carrion eating bird
prohibited as food according to God’s law given to the Israelites.
(Leviticus 11:13, 16) (Deuteronomy 14:12, 15) Some sea gulls become
very large with wingspans five feet across. They move rapidly and
yet they have very graceful flight. This beautiful flight pattern makes
them very enjoyable to watch.

GULLOTH-MAIM: The word Gulloth-maim means “Springs of

Water.” When Caleb’s daughter married Othniel she requested the
land known as Gulloth-maim. It was a field that included springs of
water. There was an upper Gulloth and a Lower Gulloth. (Joshua
15:17-19) (Judges 1:13-15)

GUNI, SON OF NAPHTALI: Guni was the son of Naphtali. They

were included in Jacob’s household in Egypt. (Genesis 46:24, 26) (1
Chronicles 7:13) He was the founder of the family of Gunites in the
tribe of Naphtali. (Numbers 26:48)

GUNITES: The Gunites were a family descended from Guni. They

were from the tribe of Naphtali. (Numbers 26:48) (Genesis 46:24)

GUR: Ahaziah, king of Judah, was struck down while riding on the
way to Gur. Gur was a place near Ibleam. (2 Kings 9:27)

GURBAAL: Gurbaal was a place where Arabs live in King Uzziah’s

time. (2 Chronicles 26:3, 7)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

H

HAAHASHTARI: Haahashtari the Ahashtarite was son of Ashur a

descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 5, 6)

HABAIAH: He was a priest whose descendants returned from exile

in Babylon. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 61-63) (Nehemiah 7:63-65)
HABAKKUK: The name Habkkuk means “Ardent Embrace.”This
Hebrew prophet of Judah was the writer of the Bible book of
Habakkuk. (Habakkuk 1:1; 3:1) Habakkuk prophesied early in the
reign of Jehoiakim. (2 Samuel 1:17,18)

HABAKKUK, THE BOOK: The book of Habakkuk was written about

628 B.C.E. “Will God execute the wicked?” This was the question
Habakkuk asked God in the first chapter of his book: “Why do you
look at treacherous persons and not act?” (Habakkuk 1:13)
Jehovah’s reply comes in chapter two: “The vision is yet for the
appointed time. It moves quickly to the end. It will not lie! If it
delays, wait for it for it will surely come. It will not be late!" ” (Hab
2:2-20) Pronouncements of woe are made upon the Chaldeans for
plundering other nations and murdering many people. (Habakkuk
3:1-19) The book of Habakkuk emphasizes God’s supremacy over all
nations. (Habakkuk 2:20; 3:6, 12)

HABAZZINIAH: Habazziniah was a descendant of Jonadab the son

of Rechab. (Jeremiah 35:1-6)

HABOR: The Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser lll exiled many Israelites

of the ten-tribe kingdom to the city or district of Habor.
(1Chronicles 5:26)

HACALIAH: Hacaliah was Governor Nehemiah’s father. (Nehemiah

1:1; 10:1)

HACHILAH: David and his men concealed themselves from King

Saul on the Hachilah hill in the Wilderness of Ziph. (Nehemiah 1:1;
10:10)

HACHMONI, FATHER OF JEHIEL: Jehiel was with King David’s

sons as a private instructor. (1 Chronicles 27:32)

HADAD, SON OF ISHMAEL: Hadad was one of the 12 sons of

Ishmael the son of Abraham and his concubine Hagar. (Genesis
25:12-15) (1 Chroniles 1:28-30)

HADAD, SUCCEDED HUSHAM: This Hadad was successor to the

king of Edom after Husham died. Hadad was the son of Bedad. He
defeated the Midianites in the field of Moab. (Genesis 36:31, 35, 36)
(1 Chronicles 1:46, 47)
HADAD, THE EDOMITE KING: This Hadad was the King of Edom.
His wife was Methetabel. He is called Hadar at Genesis 36:39,
possibly due to a scribal error. (1 Chronicles 1:43, 50, 51)

HADAD, THE EDOMITE TROUBLEMAKER: Hadad was an

Edomite of royal offspring. He caused much trouble for Israel when
Solomon reigned. After David died Hadad returned to Edom and
cause a great amount of mischief as a resistor of King Solomon. (1
Kings 11:14-22, 25)

HADADEZER: Hadadezer was the son of Rehob and king of Zobah.

Zobah was a Syrian kingdom that is thought to have been north of
Damascus. (2 Samuel 8:3, 5) (1 Kings: 23) (1 Chronicles 18:3, 5)

HADAR: After Daal-hanan died Hadar succeeded him as King of

Edom. He is also called Hadad. (Genesis 36:31, 39) (1 Chronicles
1:43, 50, 51)

HADADRIMMON: This could possibly be a location in the Valley of

Megiddo. (Zechariah 12:11) It has been identified with Rummana, a
site about 4.5 miles south-southeast of Megiddo. This village was at
the foot of the Megiddo hills. Some experts say Hadadrimmon is a
composition of two Syrian idols: Hadad and Rimmon.

HADASHAH: Hadashah was a Judean city in the Shephelah.

(Joshua 15: 33, 37)

HADASSAH: Hadassah is better known by her Persian name

Esther. She was the cousin of Mordecai who replaced the Persian
Queen Vashti. (Esther 2:7)

HADES: Greek: “haides” means the unseen place, the grave. That’s
right it means the grave, not a fiery place of eternal torment from a
vengeful (not a loving) God. The word “hades” occurs only ten times
in the earliest manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures.
(Matthew 11:23; 16:18) (Luke 10:15; 16:23) (Acts 2:27, 31)
(Revelation 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14) SEE HELL.

HADID: Hadid was an ancestral city of some Benjamites who

returned from Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 33) (Nehemiah 7:6, 7,
37; 11:31, 34)

HADLAI: He was the father of Amasa who was one of the heads of
the sons of Ephraim in the days of King Pekah of Israel and King
Ahaz of Judah. (2 Chronicles 28:6, 12, 16)
HADORAM, SON OF JOKTAN: Hadoram was the son of Joktan
and descendant of Shem. He was one of the founders of the first
families after the Great Flood. He and his family settled in Arabia,
in or near Yemen. (Genesis 10:21, 25-27, 32)

HADORAM, SON OF KING TOU: Hadoram was the son of King

Tou of Hamath. His father sent him to King David to deliver
congratulations and gift to commemorate Israel’s victory over the
king of Zobah. (1 Chronicles 18:9-11)

HADORAM, IN CHARGE OF FORCED LABOR: This Hadoram was

in charge of the forced laborers under Kings David, Solomon, and
Rehoboam. Hadoram was stoned to death when he was sen to the
rebellious northern tribes by Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles 10:18)

HADRACH: Jehovah made a pronouncement against the land of

Hadrach. This declaration of Jehovah’s displeasure was expressed
through the prophet Zechariah in the year 518 B.C.E. (Zechariah
9:1-8)

HA-ELEPH: Ha-eleph was a city of Benjamin. (Joshua 18:21, 28)

HAGAB: The sons of Hagab were among those who returned with
Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. from exile in Babylon. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 46)
However the name Hagab does not appear in the parallel list at
Nehemiah 7:48.

HAGABAH: The sons of Hagabah returned in 537 B.C.E. from exile

in Babylon. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 45) (Nehemiah 7:48) They were
ancestors of a family of Nethinim temple slaves.

HAGAR: Hagar was Sarah’s Egyptian maidservant. She was also

Abraham’s concubine and the mother of Ishmael. (Genesis 12:10,
16) Sarah was barren, so she requested that Abraham have
relations with Hagar. Thus she gave her maidservant to her
husband. (Genesis 16:1-16) Abraham was 86 years old when
Ishmael was born.

HAGGAI, THE PROPHET, THE BOOK: He was a Hebrew prophet

in Judah and Jerusalem when Zerubbabel was governor under the
reign of Persian King Darius Hystaspis. (Haggai 1:1; 2:1, 10, 20;
Ezra 5:1, 2) God gave Haggai four messages. He recorded them in
the Bible book of Haggai. They effectively motivated the Jews to
resume the temple-building work. (Haggai 1:1; 2:1, 10, 20)
HAGGI: Haggi was the second son of Gad. He was grandson of
Jacob and ancestral head of the Haggites. (Genesis 46:8, 16)
(Numbers 26:4, 15)

HAGGIAH: This son of Shimea was a Levite of the family of Merari.

(1 Chronicles 6:16, 29, 30)

HAGGITH: She was the wife of David and the mother of Adonijah.
Her son schemed to get the kingship over Israel. (2 Samuel 3:2, 4) (1
Kings 1:5, 11) (1 Chronicles 3:1, 2)

HAGRI: Hagri was the father of Mibhar, one of David’s mighty men.
(1 Chronicles 11:26, 38)

HAGRITE: The Hagrites were agricultural people residing in tents

east of Gilead. Under King Saul, the Israelites living east of the
Jordan defeated the Hagrites. They took 100,000 people captive. (1
Chronicles 5:10, 18-22) The Psalmist listed the Hagrites as enemies
of Israel. (Psalms 83:2-7)

HAIL: Hail is the precipitation of ice pellets that occur when there
are strong rising air currents. The Holy Scriptures describes the
destructive nature of hail. This is confirmed by the phenomenal
storm activities in recent years. Severe thunderstorms can generate
hail the size of eggs or even grapefruit. Hail is damaging to crops.
Single hailstorms sometimes cause losses amounting to millions of
dollars. Jehovah uses hail to demonstrate his great power. (Psalms
148:1, 8) (Isaiah 30:30)

Hail is used symbolically too. The first of the seven angels blew his
trumpet to announce the opening of the heavenly temple sanctuary
of God. (Revelation 8:2, 7; 11:19) Then the seventh bowel of God’s
anger was poured out in the form of symbolic hailstones, each
weighing about a talent or 45 pounds. (Revelation 16:1, 17, 21) They
descended upon wicked men. God told Job he had reserved the
storehouses of hail for the times of trouble, for days of war and
battle. (Job 38:1, 22, 23)

HAIL STONES: Hail is frozen precipitation consisting of pellets of

ice or frozen rain. Hail is often damaging to criops. Some
hailstorms cause financal loses amounting to millions of dollars.
Hail can also injure and even kill humans and animals. A large
hailstone from a hail storm in Kansas, U.S.A. on September 3, 1970
measured 6 inches across. Large hailstones fall at speeds in excess
of 100 mph. Hail is one of the prophetic forces used by Jehovah God
to accomplish his word. (Psalms 78:47, 48; 105:32, 33; 148:1, 8)
(Isaiah 30:30) (Exodus 9:18-26) In Revelation hailstones are
symbolic of hard Bible truths pummeling wicked mankind.
(Revelation 8:7)

HAKKATAN: He was the father of Johanan of the family of Azgad.

One hundred and ten males accompanied Hakkatan when he
returned from Babylon with Ezra. (Ezra 8:1, 12)

HAKKOZ: This Aaronic priest was the head of the paternal house of
the 7th and 24th priestly divisions during King David’s time. (1
Chronicles 24:3-7, 10)

HAKUPHA: He was the head of a family of Nethinim temple slaves.

The sons of Hakupha are listed among those who returned from
Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1; 43:51) (Nehemiah 7:6, 46, 53)

HALAH: The Assyrian monarchs transported Israelite captives to

Halah. (2 Kings 17:6; 18:11) (1 Chronicles 5:26)

HALAK, MOUNT: This mountain was the southern geographic

boundary limit of Israel under the leadership of Joshua. (Joshua
11:16, 17; 12:7)

HAIR: The word hair is found nearly 90 times in the Holy

Scriptures. Men and women regarded their hair as ornamental and
a feature of their attractiveness. It was in many instances
considered a sign of their strength and youth. The Hebrew men
allowed beards to grow and they kept them well groomed. They also
trimmed their hair to a moderate length. Men were not to wear their
hair loose when they served in the temple. (Ezekiel 44:15, 20)
Hebrew women considered their hair as a mark of beauty. They let
it grow long and only cut off their hair as a sign of mourning or
distress. (John 11:2) (Isaiah 3:24) The apostles Peter and Paul
counseled Christian women avoid the hairstyling and
ornamentation that was the custom of the day. They were to adorn
themselves with the “incorruptible apparel of a quiet and mild
spirit.” (1 Peter 3:3) (1 Timothy 2:9, 10) Hair was used in a
figurative way many times in the Scriptures. Job cut the hair off his
head as a symbol of the desolate condition he was in. (Job 1:20) The
average human head contains more than 100,000 hairs. This is
referenced to depict great numbers. (Psalm 40:12; 69:4) The
statement “not a hair on your head will perish” was a guarantee of
protection. (Luke 21:18) (1 Samuel 14:45) (2 Samuel 14:11) (1 Kings
1:52) (Acts 27:34) Gray-headedness was a term used to show
respect for old age and wisdom. (Proverbs 16:31; 20:29) (Job 15:9,
10)

HALHUL: Halhul was a city in the mountains of Judah north of

Hebron. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 58)

HALI: Hali was a town on the boundary of Asher. (Joshua 19:24,

25)

HALLEL: The Hallel is a song of praise to Jehovah. Psalms 113 to

118 are known in Jewish writings as the “Egyptian Hallel.”
According to the Mishnah, this Hallel was sung at the temple and in
the synagogues at Passover time. Psalm 136 was considered the
“Great Hallel.”

HALLELUJAH: This is a transliteration of the Hebrew expression

“ha-lelu-Yah.”’ It is found 24 times in the Hebrew Scriptures.
(Psalms 104:35; 106:48; 112:1; 115:18; 146:1,10; 147:1, 20; 148:1, 14;
149:1, 9; 150:1, 6) It is also found four times at Revelation 19:1-6.
The New Simplified Bible spells out the entire divine name to be
sure the reader appreciates who is to be praised. SEE JAH.

HALLOHESH, FATHER OF SHALLUM: Hallohesh was the father

of Shallum. Shallum was a prince of half the district of Jerusalem
who did repair work on the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:12)

HAM, THE SON OF NOAH: Ham was one of Noah’s three sons
born after 2470 B.C.E. (Genesis 5:32; 7:6; 11:10) He married before
the Flood. He and his wife, his father and mother, and his two
brothers and their wives survived the Flood. Ham was the father of
four sons, Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. (Genesis 10:6) (1
Chronicles 1:8) Noah had become intoxicated with wine and
undressed in his tent. Ham saw his father’s naked body, but did not
show proper respect by looking away. When Noah woke up from his
drunken sleep he cursed Ham’s son, Canaan, who was later to
become a slave to Shem and Japheth. (Genesis 9:20-27)

HAM, THE CITY OF THE ZUZIM: This Ham was a city of the
Zuzim east of the Jordan River. (Genesis 14:5, 6) The city was a
place filled with rebellion and defeat. (Genesis 14:1-12)

HAM, THE LAND: Ham is associated with Egypt in the Psalms. It is

called the land of Ham. (Psalms 78:51; 105:23, 27; 106:21, 22)
HAMAN: Haman was a servant of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of
Persia. This king ruled in the erly fifth century B.C.E. When Haman
was appointed as prime minister over the Persian Empire he plotted
the destruction of Mordecai and all the Jews in the empire. (Exodus
17:14-18) Haman was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite. (Esther
3:1) He was puffed up with pride and worshiped false gods. (Esther
3:7; 5:19-21)

HAMATH, HAMATHITE: The city of Hamath was the capital of the

Canaanite kingdom in Syria during the early history of Israel. Today
the area around it is called Hama. The area is a rich agricultural
region. A Hamathite was someone who lived at Hamath.

HAMATH-ZOBAH: The name Solomon comes from a Hebrew root

word that means “peace.” He ruled over a peaceful kingdom.
However, Hamath-Zobah was evidently conquered by Solomon and
it was his only military engagement. (2 Chronicles 8:3)

HAMMATH, FATHER OF RECHAB: Hammath was the father of

the house of Rechab. (1 Chronicles 2:55)

HAMMATH, CITY OF NAPHTALI: Hammath was was a fortified

Levite city of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32, 35) It received its name
because of the sulfur spring located there. The name Hammath
means “Place of a Hot Spring.”

HAMMEDATHA: Hammedatha was an Agagite. He was the father

of Haman the man who plotted the extermination of the Jews in the
days of Mordecai and Esther. (Esther 3:1, 6)

HAMMER: A hammer is a tool used for pounding and driving. It is

sometimes called a mallet. Hammers were used for driving in nails
and tent pegs. (Jeremiah 10:4) (Judges 4:21) They were also used
for splitting stones and for shaping and facing building stones. (1
Kings 6:7) Hammers were applied to metal to make idols. (Isaiah
41:7; 44:12) Hammerheads were made out of stone, metal and
wood. (Judges 4:21; 5:26) God’s word was referred to in a figurative
sense as a forge hammer that smashes the crag. (Jeremiah 23:29)

HAMMOLECHETH: Hammolecheth was the sister of Manasseh’s

grandson Gilead. She was the mother of Ishhod, Abi-ezer, and
Mahlah. (1 Chronicles 7:14, 17, 18)
HAMMON, CITY OF ASHER: This city was on the border of the
territory of Asher. It was about 10 miles southwest of Tyre. (Joshua
19:24-28)

HAMMON, PLACE IN NAPHTALI: This place was in the Naphtali

territory: This site was given to the Levites. It could be the same as
Hammath. (1 Chronicles 6:71, 76) (Joshua 19:35)

HAMMOTH-DOR: Hammoth-Dor was a city of Naphtali given to

the Gershinite Levites. (Joshua 21:27,32) It is probably the same as
Hammoth of Joshua 19:35.

HAMMUEL: Hammuel was the son of Mishma. He was of the tribe

of Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:24-26)

HAMONAH: Hamonah is a symbolic city in the valley where Gog

and his followers are to be buried. They are to be buried there after
their attack on God’s people ends in defeat and mass slaughter. The
name Hamonah means crowd or multitude and it represents the
event and memorial of Jehovah’s victory over all who appose him.
(Ezekiel 39:11-16)

HAMON-GOG VALLEY: Hamon-God Valley was a symbolic valley

referred to as the valley of those passing through on the east of the
Dead Sea. God and all his forces are buried in this valley after their
destruction by Jehovah. (Ezekiel 39:11, 15)

HAMOR: This man was a Hivite chieftain and father of Shechem.

Jacob purchased a tract of land from the sons of Hamor. Then he
pitched his tent there. Later he set up an altar. After Shechem
violated Jacob’s daughter Dinah, bother Shechem and his father
Hamor were killed by Simeon and Levi. This act was done to avenge
their sister. (Genesis 33:18-20; 34:1, 2, 25, 26)

HAMSTRING: The simplest and quickest method of disabling

horses so they could not be used for battle was to hamstring them.
Hamstringing is the act of cutting the tendons above the hock of the
hind legs of animals. It cripples the animal and renders it unfit for
work or warfare. Joshua was specifically directed to hamstring
horses. (Joshua 11:6, 9) (2 Samuel 8:3, 4) (1 Chronicles 18:3, 4) The
Israelites were not to rely on horses for the power to win at warfare,
but on Jehovah God for protection. (Deuteronomy 17:16) (Isaiah
31:1, 3)
HAMUL: Hamuel was the younger son of Perez. He was the
grandson of Judah. The people who descended from him were
called Hamulites. (Genesis46:12) (Numbers 26:21) (1 Chronicles
2:5)

HAMUTAL: This lady was the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah.

She was the wife of King Josiah and both of her sons, Jehoahaz and
Mattaniah (Zedekiah) reigned as kings over Judah. (2 Kings 23:30,
31; 24:17, 18) (Jeremiah 52:1)

HANAMEL: Hanamel was the son of Shallum and the uncle of the
prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah bought the field that was in Anathoth
from Hanamel. This transaction took place when the Babylonians
laid siege to Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 32:1-12)

HANAN, SON OF MAACAH: Hanan was son of Maacah. He was

one of the mighty military men of David’s army. (1 Chronicles 11:26,
43)

HANAN, SON OF AZEL: This man was one of the six sons of Azel.
He was a descendant of King Saul. (1 Chronicles 8:33-38; 9:44)

HANAN, SON OF IGDALIAH: Hanan was the son of Igdaliah.

Hanan’s sons were with the prophet Jeremiah when he tested the
Rechabites’ obedience to the command of their forefather
Jehonadab not to drink wine. (Jeremiah 35:3-6)

HANAN, FAMILY HEAD OF TEMPLE SLAVES: This Hanan was

the head of a family of temple slaves. They returned from Babylon
with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Eza 2:1, 2, 43, 46) (Nehemiah 7:46,
49)

HANAN, EXPLAINED THE LAW: Hanan was one of the Levites

who assisted Ezra. They explained the Law to the congregation of
Israel that assembled in the public square before the Qater Gate of
Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 8:1, 7)

HANANI, THE PROPHET: The prophet, seer and visionary, Hanani

went to King Asa. He said: “Because you relied on the king of Syria
instead of relying on Jehovah your God, the army of the king of
Israel has escape from you.” He concluded: “You have acted
foolishly. Therefore from now on you will always be at war.” Asa was
so angry with the prophet that he had him put in chains. (2
Chronicles 16:1-3, 7-10) Hanani was the father of Jehu, the prophet
who censured and reprimanded (officially rebuked) both Baasha the
king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah. (1 Kings 16:1-4) (2
Chronicles 19:2, 3, 20:34)

HANANI, NEHEMIAH’S BROTHER: This Hanani went to Shushan

with other men of Judah. They told Nehemiah about the condition
of Jerusalem’s wall. After the wall was was rebuilt, Nehemiah put
his brother Hanani in command of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:2, 3;
7:1, 2)

HANANI, THE MUSICIAN: Hanani was a priest and musician. He

participated in the procession organized by Nehemiah to celebrate
the inauguration of Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 12:31-36)

HANANIAH, SON OF SHASHAK: Hananiah was the son of

Shashak. He was the head of a Benjamite house. (1 Chronicles 8:1,
24, 25, 28)

HANANIAH, ARMY OFFICER: Hananiah was a high-ranking army

officer in King Uzziah’s army. (2 Chronicles 26:11)

HANANIAH, SON OF HEMAN: This Hananiah was one of the 14

sons of Heman. He was the head of the 16th of the 24 service groups
of Levitical musicians appointed by King David to serve at the
Sanctuary. (1 Chronicles 25:1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 23)

HANANIAH, FATHER OF ZEDEKIAH: Hananiah was the father of

Zedekiah. He was a prince during the reign of King Jehoiakim of
Judah. (Jeremiah 36:12)

HANANIAH, SON OF AZZUR: Hananiah was the son of Azzur. He

was a false prophet who lived at the Benjamite city of Gibeon. He
openly opposed Jehovah’s prophet Jeremiah. Hananiah prophesied
that Babylon’s power would be broken in two years and that the
Jewish exiles would be released. Jehovah commanded Jeremiah to
tell Hananiah that Babylon’s power would strengthen and that
Hananiah the false prophet would die. He died that same year.
(Jeremiah 27:12-14) (Jeremiah 28)

HANANIAH, NAMED SHADRACH: This Hananiah was one of the

three young Jewish companions taken captive to Babylon along
with Daniel. The Babylonians gave him the name Shadrach. (Daniel
1:6, 7)
HANANIAH, SON OF ZERUBBABEL: This Hananiah was the son
of Zerubbabel. He was the father of Pelatiah and Jeshaiah. (1
Chronicles 3:19, 21)

HANANIAH, THE OINTMENT MIXER: Hananiah was a member

of the ointment mixers who worked on the repair of the wall of
Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day. (Nehemiah 3:8)

HANANIAH, SON OF SHELEMIAH: This man worked at repairing

the Jerusalem wall. (Nehemiah 3:30)

HANANIAH, PRIESTLY TRUMPETER: This Hananiah was a

priestly trumpeter. He participated in the ceremonies at the
inauguration of Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 12:31)

HANANIAH, PRINCE OF THE CASTLE: Hananiah was a

trustworthy man who respected God more than many others.
Nehemiah gave him command over Jerusalem along with Hanani.
(Nehemiah 7:2)

HAND: The Hebrew term for hand is “yadh.” The term “kaph”
means palm but is also rendered hand. (Job 22:30) The Greek term
for hand is “kheir.” The word wrist is also included in the
description of hand. (Genesis 24:22, 30, 47) (Ezekiel 16:11) There
are many figurative and symbolic usages for hand in the Scriptures.
God is symbolically spoken of as using his hand, that is, his applied
power. (Psalms 8:6; 102:25) (Isaiah 25:10, 11) (Exodus 7:4, 5) (Ezra
8:22) (Psalm 104:28) Symbolically the right hand is very important.
For example, to be on the right hand of a ruler was to have a very
important position. (Psalm 110:1) (Acts 7:55, 56) (Romans 8:34) (1
Peter 3:22) To indicate how closely Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
work together, the Scriptures show that after returning to heaven
Jesus Christ is at God’s right hand. (Acts 7:55) (Colossians 3:1)
(Hebrews 10:12)

HANDBREADTH: The handbreadth is the measurement using the

width of the hand at the base of the fingers. It is about 2.9 inches.
Four fingerbreadths equal a handbreadth and six handbreadths
equal a cubit. (Exodus 25:25; 37:12) (1 Kings 7:26) (2 Chronicles
4:5) (Ezekiel 40:5, 43) (Psalm 39:5) Jesus Christ used the word
cubit when speaking about lengthening the life span at Matthew
6:27.

HANDSHAKE: Handshaking and striking the palms of the hands

are gestures that express agreement. They also show ratification or
confirmation of a contract or bargain. (Ezra 10:19) The Bible warns
against shaking hands in guarantee of or security of a loan for
another person. (Proverbs 6:1-3; 17:18; 22:26) (2 Kings 10:15)
(Galatians 2:9)

HANES: Hanes was a site mentioned at Isaiah 30:1-5 in God’s

denunciations of those looking to Egypt for help.

HANGING: The law given by God to Israel required that certain

criminals be hung upon a stake after being put to death. They were
to be placed on public display as a warning example. (Deuteronomy
21:22, 23) (Joshua 8:29; 10:26, 27) Jesus Christ was hanged alive,
nailed to a stake, by order of the Roman government in Palestine.
(John 20:25, 27)

HANNAH: Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She

lived in Ramathaim-zophim in the mountains of Ephraim. Her
husband Elkanah had another wife named Peninnah who bore him
several children, but Hannah was barren. She vowed to Jehovah
that if she could have a son she would give her son to Jehovah in
service to him. Jehovah made it possible for her to have children.
The account of Hannah is found at 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2.

HANNATHON: Hannathon was a city on the boundary of Zebulun,

about 6 miles northwest of Nazareth. It is found listed in the records
of Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser III and also in the Amarna Tablets.
(Joshua 19:10, 14)

HANNIEL, SON OF EPHOD: Jehovah selected Hanniel as a

chieftain to represent the tribe of Manasseh in the process of
dividing the land west of the Jordan River. It was divided among the
nine and a half Israelite tribes. Hanniel was a son of Ephod and thus
a descendant of Joseph. (Numbers 34:13, 17, 23)

HANNIEL, SON OF ULLA: He was the son of Ulla and head of an

Aherite house. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 39, 40)

HANOCH, SON OF MIDIAN: This Hanoch was the son of Midian.

Midian was the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah. (Genesis 25:1, 2,
4) (1 Chronicles 1:33)

HANOCH, SON OF REUBEN: Hanoch was the son of Jacobl’s

firstborn Reuben. He was the forefather of the Hanochites. (Genesis
46:8, 9) (Exodus 6:14) (Numbers 26:4, 5)
HANOCHITES: The Hanochites were members of a family
descended from Hanoch. Hanoch was a son of Reuben. (Numbers
26:4, 5) (Genesis 46:9)

HAPHARAIM: Hapharaim was city on the boundary of the tribe of

Issachar. Some scholars believe it was about 7.5 miles northwest of
Beth-shean. Egypt’s King Shishak listed Hapharaim as one of the
Palestinian cities he conquered. (Joshua 19:17-19)

HAPPINESS: Happiness is a state of well being characterized by

emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. The Hebrew
word for happy is “e’sher” as found at Psalm 40:4. The Greek word
for happy is “maka’rios.” The terms happy and blessed are often
used interchangeably even though the Hebrew word “barakh’” and
Greek word “euloge’o” more specifically mean blessed. The New
Simplified Bible frequently uses the word blessed because of the
beauty of the old English found in the King James Version and the
American Standard Version. Since both words, happy and blessed
mean about the same thing the translator prefers the more familiar
word blessed. (Matthew 5:1-12)

HAPPIZZEZ: Happizzez was an Aaronic priest chosen by lot who

served as the head of the 18th priestly division during David’s reign.
(1 Chronicles 24:1-7, 15)

HARA: Hara was a place where Assyrian King Tilgath-pilneser

(Tiglath-pileser III) sent the Israelite captives. (1 Chronicles 5:26)
Some references state that the captives were sent to the cities of the
Medes. (2 Kings 17:6; 18:11) Most scholars agree with the
Septuagint that the the word “Hara” comes from the Aramaic form
of Hebrew meaning “mountain.” It may have applied to the
“mountains of the Medes.”

HARADAH: The Israelites camped at Haradah while on their way to

the land of Canaan. (Numbers 33:24, 25)

HARAN, BROTHER OF ABRAM: Haran was the son of Terah and

brother of Abram (Abraham) and Nahor. Haran was the father of
Lot. He also had two daughters, Iscah and Milcah. His daughter
Milcah married her uncle Nahor. (Genesis 11:26-31)

HARAN, CITY IN MESOPOTAMIA: Abram (Abraham) resided for a

short time at Haran, a city in Mesopotamia. His father Terah died
there. (Genesis 11:31, 32; 12:4, 5) (Acts 7:2-4) The surrounding area
was also called Haran. It was listd among the nations conquered by
the kings of Assyria. (2 Kings 19:11, 12) Jacob, Abraham’s grandson,
traveled to Haran to flee from his brother Esau. He also found a
wife among the daughters of his uncle Laban. (Genesis 27:42-46;
28:1, 2, 10) It was at a well near Haran that Jacob met Rachel.
(Genesis 29:4-12)

HARAN, SON OF CALEB: This Naran was the son of Caleb by his
concubine Ephah. Haran was father of Gazez. They were of the tribe
of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 42, 46)

HARAN, DESCENDANT OF GERSHON: Haran was a descendant

of Gershon through Shimei. They were from the tribe of Levi.

HARARITE: This designation was made of some mighty men of

David, probably because they were from the hill country of Judah.
(2 Samuel 23:8, 11, 33) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 34, 35)

HARBONA: Harbona was one of Ahasuerus’ seven court officials

sent to Queen Vashti. They were to tell here that the king wanted
her to appear before him. (Esther 1:10-12; 7:9, 10)

HARE: The hare is closely related to the rabbit only it is larger. The
hare has a divided lip, long ears, cocked tail and long hind limbs and
feet. They are about two feet long and gray or brown in color. They
are fast. Some have beep clocked at speeds as high as 40 mile per
hour. The hare was prohibited as food under the Mosaic Law.
(Leviticus 11:4, 6) (Deuteronomy 14:7) They are referred to as a
chewer of the cud.

HAREPH: Hareph was a descendant of Judah. He was the son of

Hur and the father of Bethgader. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 50, 51)

HARHAIAH: Harhaiah was the son of Uzziel. His son was a

goldsmith and did repair work on the wall of Jerusalem under the
direction of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:8)

HARHAS: This man was the grandfather of Shallum. Shallum was

the husband of the prophetess Huldah. His name was offered as
Hasrah at 2 Chronicles 34:22 in the Masoretic text. (2 Kings 22:14)

HARHUR: Harhur was the head of a family of Nethinim temple

slaves. The sons of Harhur were among those who returned with
Zerubbabel from Babylon to Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2,
43, 51; Ne 7:46, 53)
HARIPH: Hariph was the head of a family of 112 males who
returned from Babylonian exile in 537 B.C.E. He was also called
Jorah. (Nehemiah 7:6, 7, 24) (Ezra 2:18)

HARIPHITE: Shephatiah the Benjamite was called a Hariphite. He

joined David at Ziklag when David was under restrictions because of
Saul. Shephatiah was called a Hariphite because he was either a
native of Hariph, or Haruph and a descendant of Hariph or Haruph.
(1 Chronicles 12:1, 2, 5)

HARLOT: A harlot is a prostitute. This is usually a female who

engages in sex relations outside the marriage bond for hire.
Hebrew: “zoh-nah’” means prostitute; to have immoral intercourse,
fornicate. God condemns harlotry! (Genesis 2:24) (Matthew 19:4-9)
(1 Corinthians 6:16) The term harlot is also applied figuratively to
persons who give affection and worship to other gods. (Ezekiel
16:33, 34) (Revelation 17:1-5)

HAR-MAGEDON: The war of the great day of God the Almighty is

known as Armageddon. The name Har-Magedon comes from
Hebrew. It means Mountain of Megiddo. (Revelation 16:14, 16)
There was no literal place called Mountain of Megiddo inside or
outside the Promised Land. The term applies to the condition, or
situation in which the kings of the entire inhabited earth are
involved. They gather in opposition to Jehovah and his King Jesus
Christ. (Psalm 2) Revelation 16:16 portrays the combined forces of
the kings of the earth gathered to the place that is called in Hebrew
Har-Magedon. It is a place in the figurative sense. That’s right, it is a
symbolic place. Any reasoning person would realize that you could
NOT POSITION ALL THE ARMIES OF THE WORLD into one
small physical area known as Megiddo in the hills of Palestine.
Revelation chapter 19 reveal only the armies of heaven lead by the
spirit being Jesus Christ. They fight the war against the evil spirit
forces of Satan the Devil and his demons. The physical armies of the
world might attempt to fight Jesus Christ and his army of angels,
but they would fail completely against these overwhelmingly
superior forces.

HARNEPHER: Harnepher was the son of Zophah of the tribe of

Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 36)

HAROD: Harod was a well or fountain where Gideon and the

Israelite army camped. (Judges 7:1-7) The Hebrew words for “well,”
“spring” and “fountain” are sometimes used interchangeably.
(Genesis 16:7, 14; 24:11, 13) The well of Harod was identified with
Ain Jalud, a spring on the northwest spur of Mount Gilboa.

HARODITE: Shammah and Elika, two of David’s mighty men were

Harodites. They were residents of Harod or they lived nearby. (2
Samuel 23:8, 25)

HAROEH: Haroeh is listed as a son of Shobal of Judah. (1

Chronicles 2:3, 52)

HARORITE: Shammoth, one of David’s mighty men, came from a

place called Harorite. It may also have been called “Harodite.” (1
Chronicles 11:26, 27) (2 Samuel 23:25)

HAROSHETH OF THE NATIONS: Harosheth was the military

headquarters for Sisera, the army chief of the Canaanite king Jabin,
who ruled in Hazor. (Judges 4:2, 13) Judge Barak pursued the
enemy forces to Horosheth. (Judges 4:16) The name Horosheth
means woodland. It was located near the western edge of the Plain
of Jezreel about 10 miles north northwest of Megiddo.

HARP: The first musical instrument mentioned in the Scriptures is

the harp. (Genesis 4:21) The Hebrew word ”kin-nohr’” is also
translated lyre. The Greek word “ki-tha’ra” is translated harp in the
Christian Greek Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 14:7) (Revelation 5:8)
The harp in Scriptures was portable and light in weight so it could
be played in a procession while walking through a city. The strings
were made from the small intestines of sheep or spun vegetable
fibers. David was skilled in playing the harp. (1 Samuel 16:16, 23)
The orchestra that played at Solomon’s temple used harps. (1
Chronicles 25:1) (2 Chronicles 29:25) The Aramaic word “sab-
bekha’” found at Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15 referred to the triangular harp.

HARPS OF GOD: The term Harps of God refers to the Written

Word of God. (Revelation 14:2)

HARPOON: A harpoon is a spear with sharp barbs on it used in

striking large fish. The only place in the Bible where a harpoon is
mentioned is Job 41:7. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 52) (Nehemiah 7:54)

HARSHA: Harsha was the family head of a family of Nethinim

temple slaves. Many of these slaves returned from Babylon with
Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E.
HARUMAPH: Harumph was the father of Jedaiah who helped
Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 3:10)

HARUZ: Haruz was the father of Meshullemeth the wife of King

Manasseh. He was from Jotbah. Haruz was the grandfather of King
Amon of Judah. (2 Kings 21:19; 20)

HARVEST: The harvest is the gathering of ripened crops. Harvest

time is a cause for rejoicing even though hard work is required to
gather the crops. (Genesis 8:22) (Psalm 126:5, 6) (Isaiah 9:3; 16:9,
10) Israel celebrated three festivals associated with the harvest: The
Festival of Unfermented Cakes, beginning Nisan 15, concerning the
barley harvest. (Leviticus 23:6-11) The Festival of Weeks, or
Pentcost, followed 50 days later at the time of the wheat harvest.
(Leviticus 23:15-17) And the Festival of Booths, or of Ingathering
begain the 15th day of the month of Tishri at the conclusion of the
agricultural year. (Leiticus 23:33-36, 39-43) Jesus Christ called the
conclusion of the age the harvest. He described the angels as
reapers gathering out the weed like ones and pitching them into the
fiery furnace and the wheat like ones would be in the kingdom.
(Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) Jesus Christ is depicted with a sharp
sickle in his hand ready to harvest at Revelation 14:14-16.

HASADIAH: Hasadiah was one of Zerubbabel’s sons. (1 Chronicles

3:1, 19, 20)

HARROW: Farmers use a harrow to break up the ground and level

it after plowing. (Job 39:10; Isa 28:24)

HARVEST FESTIVAL: The Israelite festival celebrating the wheat

harvest. It was held in the latter part of May, fifty days after
Passover.

HASH-BADDANAH: Seven men stood to the left if Ezra when he

read from the book of the Law to the congregation of Israel. Hash-
baddanah was believed to be one of the seven Levites who stood in
the public square near the Water Gate of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 8:1-
4)

HASHEM: The sons of Hashem the Gizonite were considered some

of David’s mighty men. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 34)

HASHMONAH: Hashmonah was an Israelite camp site. It was in

the desert between Mithkah and Moseroth. (Numbers 33:29, 30)
HASUPHA: Hasupha was the forefather of a Nethinim family. Some
of his family returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E.
(Ezra 2:1, 2, 43) (Nehemiah 7:46)

HATE: The word hate has several shades of meaning. It can mean
intense hostility or a strong dislike for someone. According to some
it can mean loving to a lesser degree. Strong’s Greek Dictionary
states the Greek word “mise’o” means hate, detest, persecute, and
love less. The word hate is a negative emotion or expression and the
word love is positive. Love and hate are apposing concepts. Love to
a lesser degree is not hate and hate to a lesser degree is not love. For
this reason the New Simplified Bible does not use the word hate to
describe a lesser degree of love. An example of this is found at Luke
14:26 where Jesus says: “you may not be my disciples unless you
love me more then you love your father and mother.” Some
translations use the negative term: “hate his father and mother” at
Luke 14:26. Hating someone even to a lesser degree is still hate and
Jesus Christ counseled not to hate, but to love. In fact, Jesus said to
love your enemies. (Matthew 5:43,44) (Mark 12:29-31) (Ephesians
5:28, 29, 31) (Exodus 23:4, 5) (Job 31:29) (Proverbs 24:17, 18;
25:21) On the other hand, we are instructed to hate the evil that
people do. (2 Chronicles 19:2) (Psalm 139:21, 22) (Romans 12:9, 17,
19) (Jude 4, 23)

HATHACH: Hathach was a eunuch serving King Ahasuerus. He was

appointed to attend Queen Esther. She communicated to Mordecai
through Hathach. (Esther 4:5, 6, 9, 10)

HATHATH: Hathath was the son of Othniel. Othniel was the son of
Kenaz, possibly by Caleb’s daughter Achsah. (1 Chronicles 4:13)
(Joshua 15:17)

HATITA: Hatita was and ancestor of a family of temple gatekeepers.

Many members returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel when the
exile ended. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 42) (Nehemiah 7:45)

HAUGHTINESS: SEE PRIDE

HAURAN: Hauran was a place mentioned in Ezekiel’s vision of

Israel’s inheritance. It was located along the boundary in the same
area covered by the term “Bashan.” The name Hauran is today
applied to the rolling prairie between Damascus and the Yarmuk.
(Ezekiel 47:13, 15, 16, 18)
HAVILAH: (Region or Land) The land of Havilah was encircled by
the Pishon River. The Pishon River was one of four rivers branching
off from the river that that flowed out of Eden. Havilah was
identified as land of good gold, bdellium gum, and onyx stone.
(Genesis 2:10-12) The location of the land of Havilah remains
uncertain to this day. According to Genesis 25:18 Ishmael’s
“descendants lived as nomads from the region of Havilah to Shur.”
This would indicate that the Havilah region extended to or near the
Sinai Peninsula. (1 Samuel 15:7)

HAVVOTH-JAIR: The tent villages of Jair were found in

Manasseh’s territory east of the Jordan. (Joshua 13:29, 30; 22:9)
(Numbers 32:40, 41) (Deuteronomy 3:14) Jair, a contemporary of
Moses, captured these tent villages and named them after himself.
Later in history Havvoth-jair were captured by Geshur and Syria. (1
Chronicles 2:23)

HAZAIAH: Hazaiah was a descendant of Judah’s son Shelah.

(Nehemiah 11:4, 5) (Numbers 26:20)

HAZAR-ADDAR: This city was on the southern border of Judah. It

could have been the same as the Addar near Kadesh Barnea.
(Numbers 34:4) (Joshua 15:3)

HAZAR-ENAN, HAZAR-ENON: Ezekiel spoke of Hazar-enon along

with Damascus and Hamath in his vision of the territory of Israel.
(Ezekiel 47:13, 17; 48:1) It was located on the northern boundary of
Canaan. (Numbers 34:2, 7-10) Bible scholars believe it was about 75
miles northeast of Damascus on the road to Palmyra.

HEZAZON-TAMAR: Hazazon-tamar was a city of the Amorites

located in the Siddim Valley. King Chedorlaomer and his allies
defeated the Amorites living in Hazazonl-tamar. (Genesis 14:5-8)
Many years later the peoples of Moab, Ammon, and Seir fought
Judah in that valley. (2 Chronicles 20:2, 10, 11)

HAZOR, CITY IN CANAAN: Hazor was a major city in northern

Canaan, about 7 miles southeast of Kedesh. It was thriving at the
time of Israel’s conquest under Joshua. (Joshua 11:1-13) King Jabin
of Hazor led the united forces of northern Canaan against Joshua,
but they were defeated and Hazor was burned. Hazor was the seat of
King Jabin, another powerful Canaanite king. (Judges 4:2, 17) (1
Samuel 12:9) Even later then that Hazor was built as a fortified city
by King Solomon. (1 Kings 9:15)
HE’: The fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet is “He.’” It is found at
the beginning of each verse of Psalm 119:33-40.

HEAD: The top of the human body is the head. It contains the brain
and the face. Hebrew “ro’sh” and Greek “ke-pha-le’” is the head,
literal and figurative. Sometimes head is used to refer to the chief
member of a tribe, nation or family. (Judges 11:8) (1 Samuel 15:17)
(1 Kings 8:1) (1 Chronicles 5:24) A patriarch is the head of a family.
(Acts 2:29; 7:8, 9) (Hebrews 7:4)

HEAD COVERING: Women in the Christian congregation wore

covers on their heads as a spiritual practice in connection with
headship and subjection. The principle of headship was revealed by
the apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 11:3 where he states, “I would have
you know that the head of (authority over) every man is Christ; and
the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
The headcovering is a sign of authority. The woman should wear it
to acknowledge the headship of God over Christ, Christ over man,
and the man over the woman. She wears the head covering when
she is praying or prophesying in the congregation. (1 Corinthians
11:3-6, 10) While long hair is a natural head covering it is not a
substitute for proper head covering. The ancient Hebrews also wore
head covering as an article of apparel and to show modesty.
(Genesis 24:65) (2 Samuel 15:30) (Jeremiah 14:3) Rebekah put on a
headcloth when she met Isaac. This was to show Rebekah’s
subjection to her betrothed Isaac. (Genesis 24:65; 38:14, 19)

HEADDRESS: Among the Hebrews headgear such as hats or robe

hoods were not always required. The high priest wore a turban that
was wrapped around the head. (Exodus 28:4, 36, 39, 40) (Leviticus
16:4) Daniel’s three young companions wore caps. This may have
denoted their title or rank. (Daniel 3:21) Ornamental headdress was
worn by men of official positions on festive or special occasions.

HEADSHIP: Paul offers the chain of command known as the

headship principle. (1 Corinthians 11:1-3) From the top down:
Jehovah God, Jesus Christ the Son of God, man and then woman.

HEALING: Healing is described in the average dictionary as the

natural process by which the body repairs itself. The Hebrew verb
“rapha” and Greek verb “iaomai” are the words in the Holy
Scriptures rendered healing in both a literal and a figurative sense.
The Greek word “therapeuo: is translated “cure.” (Matthew 4:23,
24) Spiritual healing is emphasized in the Bible, yet physical healing
occures many times. Jesus Christ healed many people to give
evidence of his Messiahship and to demonstrate what will take place
during his future reign over the earth. (Revelation 21:1-4)

HEART: The word heart is mentioned about a thousand times in

the Scriptures. Most of the time it refers to the figurative heart. This
means mans desires, affections, emotions, wisdom, beliefs and
reasoning. God examines the heart. (Proverbs 17:3) (Psalm 17:3)
(Proverbs 4:23) We must love Jehovah with all our heart. (Greek:
kardia) (Matthew 22:37)

HEAVEN, EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE: The context of a Scripture

verse usually tells which area of the physical heaven is meant. One
important area of the physical heaven is the earth’s atmosphere
where dew and frost form. (Genesis 27:28) (Deuteronomy 4:17)
(Job 38:29) (Psalm 78:26) (Proverbs 30:19) (Matthew 6:26) (Luke
17:24) The clouds float and drop moisture from the heavens.
(Joshua 10:11) (1 Kings 18:45) (Isaiah 55:10) (Acts 14:17) The
heaven known as the sky presents a visual dome or vault forming
around the earth. (Matthew 16:1-3) (Acts 1:10, 11) Earth’s
atmosphere is described at Genesis 1:6-8; 2:4, (Exodus 20:11; 31:17)

HEAVEN, OUTER SPACE: The physical heavens extend beyond

earth into outer space. Jehovah God refers to the army of the
heavens, the sun, moon, stars, and constellations. (Deuteronomy
4:19) (Isaiah 13:10) (1 Corinthians 15:40, 41) (Hebrews 11:12) The
very first verse of the Bible speaks of the creation of the starry
heavens. Long before earth was created the heavens of the universe
were created. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the
earth.” (Genesis 1:1. It is hard to believe that an astronomer, a
student of the universe, would not believe the true God of the Bible,
for the heavens show forth God’s glory and the work of His fingers.
(Psalms 8:3; 19:1-6) And the stars are all numbered and named by
Him. (Job 38:33) (Psalm 147:4) (Isaiah 40:26) (Jeremiah 31:37;
33:22, 25)

HEAVEN, MIDHEAVEN: Midheaven is the earth’s atmosphere

where the birds fly. It is also called the “heart of the heavens” and
“the four extremities of the heavens.” (Deuteronomy 4:11) (1
Chronicles 21:16) (2 Samuel 18:9) (Job 28:24) (Psalm 19:4-6)
(Isaiah 13:5) (Jeremiah 49:36) (Matthew 24:31) (Mark 13:27) The
four extremities of the heavens refer to the four points of the
compass.

HEAVEN, SPIRITUAL HEAVEN WHERE GOD RESIDES: Being a

Spirit, God resides in a spiritual place. From His supreme position
He looks down on the physical heavens and the earth. (Psalms 14:2;
102:19; 113:6) His throne is in the spirit realm over which He rules.
(Psalm 103:19-21) (2 Chronicles 20:6) (Matthew 23:22) (Acts 7:49)
The angels also live in the spirit realm. They are his congregation of
the holy ones. (Genesis 28:12) (Psalms 89:5-7; 103:20, 21) (Daniel
7:10) (Matthew 18:10; 24:36) (Luke 2:13) (Revelation 12:12)

HEAVEN, GOD RULES FROM HEAVEN: “The Most High rules in

the kingdom of men.” (Daniel 4:25, 26) (1 Chronicles 29:11)
(Jeremiah 10:10) (Daniel 2:44) (Zechariah 14:9) This is
accomplished when Jehovah God the Almighty has crowned His
Son Jesus Christ as king over the earth for a thousand years.
(Revelation 5:10; 20:6) Jesus Christ hands over the kingdom to God
the Father at the end of the thousand-year reign. (1 Corinthians
15:24, 25.

HEAVENS: The Greek word translated heaven at Matthew 3:2 is

ouranos. (Matthew 4:17; 5:3, 19; 7:21; 10:7; 13:52; 20:1) This word
means: the sky; the universe and starry heavens; the world and its
physical heavens, including air and clouds; and the spiritual place
where God and other spirit beings dwell. Since God created all
things, His kingdom could also be considered a rulership over all of
the heavens defined by the Greek word “ouranos.” That includes the
physical as well as the spiritual. Since the invention of the printing
press, about five-percent of all English translations have used the
term: “kingdom of the heavens.” While this phrase describes all of
the heavens, both physical and spiritual, it complicates the thinking
of the reader. In order to keep the reading simple, the New
Simplified Bible translates “ouranos” in the singular, “kingdom of
heaven.” It does so for three basic reasons: (1) it is a familiar phrase
(2) it is easy to read and (3) it is easy to understand. (Luke 18:22)
(Ephesians 1:10) (1 Peter 1:4) There does not appear to be any
difference in the meaning whether it is rendered “heavens” or
“heaven.”

HEBER, SON OF BERIAH: Heber was the son of Beriah and

grandson of Asher. He was the head of the Heberites. (Genesis
46:17) (Numbers 26:45) (1 Chronicles 7:30-32)

HEBER, THE KENITE: This Heber was the Kenite husband of Jael
and a descendant of Hobab, the father-in-law to Moses. His wife
Jael was the woman who put Jabin’s army chief Sisera to death.
(Judges 4:11, 17, 21; 5:24)
HEBERITES: The Heberites were a family founded by Heber the
grandson of Asher. (Numbers 26:44, 45)

HEBREW: The name Hebrew was applied to the Israelites in the

Scriptures. It was first used by foreigners. (Genesis 39:14, 17; 41:12)
Later it was used by the Israelites when they refered to themselves
when speaking to foreigners. (Genesis 40:15) (Exodus 1:19) A
contrast between Hebrews and foreigners is also reported in the
New Testament. (Acts 6:1) (Philippians 3:5) Some scholars believe
the name came from Eber, the ancestor of Abraham. The Hebrews
are sons of Eber. Strongs Hebrew Dictionary defines the word
“Ibriy” (meaning Hebrew in English) as a descendant of
Eber.(Genesis 10:21, 24) Others thinks the meaning of the word is
“the man who passed over” the Euphrates. Some think it means “the
country beyond” since Abraham came among the Canaanites as a
man from beyond the Euphrates. (Genesis 14:13)

HEBREW LANGUAGE: The Hebrew language was used for writing

a large portion of the Holy Scriptures. Thirty-nine of the sixty-six
books of the Bible are written in Hebrew, with a few exceptions that
were written in Aramaic. Little is known about the origin of the
Hebrew language since many of the ancient tongues were fully
developed in the earliest written records found. It would only be
conjecture or speculation to claim that Hebrew came from Aramaic
or from a Canaanite dialect. There are wide differences of opinion
among scholars, especially experts in the field of etymology. The
Bible does tell us that Hebrew was spoken by “Abram the Hebrew”
at Genesis 14:13. And further Bible evidence would indicate that the
Hebrew language was the one original tongue of manking. (Genesis
11:5-26; 11:1)

HEBREWS, THE LETTER: Evidence indicates that the apostle

Paul wrote the letter to the Hebrew Christians known as the book of
Hebrews. Paul was in Rome in 61 C.E. when he wrote this inspired
letter. The congregation in Jerusalem was comprised mostly of
former Jews. These new Christians were persecuted and opposed by
the Jewish religious leaders. They needed the encouragement that
was provided by this letter. Hebrews provides an in depth discourse
about the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the new covenant.
(Hebrews 4:14-10:31) It also offers an excellent discussion of faith.
(Hebrews 10:32-12:29.

HEBREWS HIGHLIGHTS:
Hebrews 1 God speaks to us through His son in the last days.
Hebrews 4:12 “The Word of God is alive and active and sharper than
an two-edged sword. It separates the physical person from the
spiritual person, of both joints and marrow. And it can discern
(judge) the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 7 Christ’s priesthood is superior to the old priesthood.
Hebrews 9 Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.
Hebrews 10:23-25 Encourage one another at meetings.
Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately practice sin there is no sacrifice for
sins.
Hebrews 11 The Faith Chapter…faith pleases God.
Hebrews 13:15 “Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God
through him [Jesus], that is, the fruit of lips that make confession
(give thanks and offer praise) to his name.”

HEBREW SCRIPTURES: The 39 divinely inspired books from

Genesis to Malachi was originally written in the Hebrew language.
They are called the Hebrew Scriptures because they were first
written for the Hebrew Speaking people.

HEBRON, SON OF KOHATH: Hebron was the son of Kohath,

grandson of Levi and forefather of the sons of Hebron, the
Hebronites. (Exodus 6:16, 18) (Numbers 3:19, 27; 26:58) (1
Chronicles 6:2, 18; 15:4, 9)

HEBRON, SON OF MARESHAH: This Hebron was the father of

Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. He was a descendant of Caleb
of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:42, 43)

HEBRON, THE CITY: Hebron is an ancient city in the mountains of

Judah. It was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. (Numbers
13:22) It is located 19 miles southwest of Jerusalem at an altitude of
3,000 feet above sea level. Hebron is one of the oldest inhabited
cities in the Middle East. The ancient name for Hebron was Kiriath-
arba. (Genesis 23:2) (Joshua 14:15. The area is blessed with
numerous springs and wells and thanks to the abundant supply of
water is famous for its vineyards, pomegranates, figs, olives,
apricots, apples and nuts. In their foreign travels the patriarchs
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob spent must time there. (Genesis 13:18;
35:27; 37:13, 14) Sarah died at Hebron and was buried in a cave at
nearby Machpelah. The cave was purchased by Abraham and
became the family burial place. Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah,
and Jacob were also buried there. (Genesis 23:2-20; 49:29-33;
50:13) The men of Judah anointed David as king and he ruled from
Hebron for seven and a half years. Then David was anointed as king
over all Israel. So he transferred his capital from Hebron to
Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 5:1-9) After the desolation of Judah by the
Babylonians and the return of the Jewish exiles, some of the
repatriated Jews settled at Hebron. (Kiriath-arba) (Nehemiah 11:25)

HEBRONITES: The Levite family descended from Kohath’s son

Hebron were known as the Hebronites. (Exodus 6:16, 18) (Numbers
3:27; 26:58) (1 Chronicles 26:23, 24) King David appointed 1,700
Hebronites to serve in administrative duties over the region west of
the Jordan River. He also assigned 2,700 over the land east of
Jordan. (1 Chronicles 26:30-32)

HEDGE: Hedges surrounded farm fields. These were thick rows of

thorny plants used to safeguard the area from thieves and predatory
animals. (Isaiah 5:5) The Bible uses the expression “put up a hedge”
in a figurative sense to denote giving protection. (Job 1:10)

HEEL: The heel is the part of the foot below the ankle. It is used
figuratively in several Scriptures. Jesus applied Psalm 41:9 at John
13:18 where he said: “He that eats my bread lifted up his heel
against me.” This was an expression of treacherous action. The
Scripture at Genesis 3:15 is the first recorded prophecy. It predicted
that the serpent would bruise the seed of the woman in the heel. A
bruise in the heel does not permanently disable. Jesus Christ was
put to death by the agents of the great Serpent, Satan the Devil.
(Revelation 12:9) He recovered from this heel bruise when God
resurrected him. (Acts 2:22-24; 10:40)

HEGAI: Hegai was a eunuch of King Ahasuerus’ court. As guardian

of the women who prepared Esther, he saw to it that she had special
beauty treatments before she was presented to the king. (Esther 2:3,
8, 9, 15)

HEIFER: A heifer is a young cow that has not produced a calf.

Abraham cut a heifer into two parts when God concluded a
covenant with him. (Genesis 15:9-18) To make sure bloodguilt did
not come upon a city, the older men and priests of that city would
use a heifer to appeal to God. (Deuteronomy 21:1-9) (Numbers
35:30-33) The prophet Jeremiah referred to Egypt in a figurative
manor. He said she was well fed in her land as a very pretty heifer
but foretold that she would be defeated. (Jeremiah 46:20) Jeremiah
also likened Babylon to a heifer pawing in the tender grass. This was
because of their jubilation over their capture of Israel. (Jeremiah
50:11) Hosea used the term “well-trained young cow” to describe
Ephraim, the ten-tribe kingdom. (Hosea 10:11)
HELAH: She was one of Ashur’s two wives. Three of her sons are
listed in the genealogies of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 5, 7)

HELAM: Helam was the place where David’s army defeated the
military forces of Syrian King Hadadezer. (2 Samuel 10:15-19) It is
believed by some scholars to be the same as the modern city of
Alma, about 34 miles east of the Sea of Galilee.

HELBAH: Helbah was a city in the territory of the tribe of Asher,

about 3.5 miles northeast of Tyre. The tribe of Asher did not drive
out the Canaanites from this city. (Judges 1:31, 32)

HELBON: Helbon was a place popular for its fine wine, highly
valued by the city of Tyre. (Ezekiel 27:18) In ancient times Assyria,
Babylonia, Persia and Tyre obtained the wine of Helbon.

HELEB: Heleb was one of David’s mighty men. He was the son of
Baanah the Netophathite. (2 Samuel 23:8, 29) Heleb was also called
Heled in the book of Chronicles. (1 Chronicles 11:30; 27:15)

HELED: This man was a mighty man in David’s army. He was a son
of Baanah the Netophathite. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 30)

HELI: Heli was Joseph’s father-in law. Luke traces the natural
descent of Jesus’ mother Mary from David at Luke 3:31. Mary’s
father was Heli and thus Heli was the maternal grandfather of Jesus
Christ. (Luke 3:23)

HELKAI: Helkai was the head of the priestly paternal house of

Meraioth in the days of Joiakim the high priest. (Nehemiah 12:12,
15)

HELL: The Hebrew word SHEOL, and the Greek word HADES
both mean THE GRAVE, the place of the dead, the pit. In the 17th
century, when the King James Version of the Bible was written,
people stored their potatoes in hell. Hell was a cellar, a pit where
root vegetables were stored. The word hell is not found in the New
Simplified Bible. This is because the vast majority of the religious
population today thinks hell is a place of everlasting torment.
Proper translation of the Hebrew and Greek words lead us to
understand that it is simply the grave. (See: GRAVE)
HELON: Helon was a man from the tribe of Zebulun. His son Eliab
was the man in charge of his dribe during Israel’s travels through
the wilderness. (Numbers 1:4, 9, 16; 2:7; 7:24; 10:16)

HEMAM: Hemam was the son of Lotan. He was the descendant of

Seir the Horite. (Genesis 36:20, 22)

HEMAN: Heman was one of four very wise men. According to the
Scriptures the wisdom of King Solomon was greater. Heman was
called the son of Mahol, however he is also identified as a
descendant of Judah through Zerah. (1 Kings 4:31) (1 Chronicles
2:3-6)

HEMAN, SON OF JOEL: Heman was the son of Joel and grandson
of the prophet Samuel. He was from a family of Kohathites. He was
a Levite singer during the reigns of David and Solomon. (1
Chronicles 6:33; 15:17-19) (2 Chronicles 5:11, 12) Heman was the
father of 14 sons and 3 daughters. The entire family sang at the
house of Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 25:1, 4-6)

HEMDAN: Hemdan was the son of Dishon. Dishon was a son of

Seir the Horite. (Genesis 36:20, 21, 26) The Horites lived in
mountains of Seir until they were evicted by the descendants of
Esau. (Deuteronomy 2:12, 21, 22)

HEN AND CHICKS: Jesus Christ referred to the hen gathering her
chicks under her protective wings. He used this simile to express his
desire to gather unresponsive Jerusalem. (Matthew 23:37) (Luke
13:34) He used the Greek word “ornis” which refers to any bird but
applies best to the hen in this situation. Jesus mentioned a son
asking his father for an egg at Luke 11:11, 12. This suggests that the
domestic hen was common in Palestine at that time.
HENA: Hena was a city and a region listed with Sepharvaim and
Ivvah. It was conquered by the Assyrians. (2 Kings 18:34; 19:13)
(Isaiah 37:13)

HENADAD: The descendants of this Levite served as overseers

when the Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel. (Ezra 3:8, 9) Two of
his descendants shared in the repair of Jerusalem’s wall. Another
witnessed the contract made during Nehemiah’s term as governor.
(Nehemiah 3:17, 18, 24; 9:38; 10:1, 9)

HENNA: The henna is a shrub bearing clusters of small cream-

colored flowers. The flowers have four petals on them and are
found at the tips of the branches. They have a strong, beautiful
fragrance. Women wear them in their hair and bosom. (Song of
Solomon 1:14; 4:13; 7:11)

HEPHER, SON OF GILEAD: Hepher was the son of Gilead and

great-grandson of Manasseh. (Numbers 26:29, 30, 32; 27:1)
Hepher’s son Zelophehad had five daughters and no sons. This
situation set a legal precedent for hereditary possessions when there
is no male offspring. (Numbers 26:33; 27:1-11) (Joshua 17:2, 3)

HEPHER, SON OF ASHHUR: This Hepher was a descendant of

Judah. He was the son of Ashhur by his wife Naarah. (1 Chronicles
4:1, 5, 6)

HEPHER, THE MECHERATHITE: Hepher was a Mecherathite. He

was one of David’s outstanding military men. (1 Chronicles 11:26,
36)

HEPHER, THE CITY: This Hepher was both a city and a district
west of the Jordan River. The king of the Canaanite city of Hepher
was defeated by Joshua. (Joshua 12:7, 8, 17) There was a district or
area of Hepher mentioned in Solomon’s time. (1 Kings 4:7, 10)

HEPHZIBAH, WIFE OF HEZEKIAH: This Hephzibah was the wife

of Hezekiah and mother of King Manasseh. (2 Kings 20:21; 21:1)

HEPHZIBAH, NEW NAME FOR JERUSALEM: Jehovah told His

people of Jerusalem “You will no longer be called Deserted, and
your land will no longer be called Destroyed. You will be named My
Delight (Hephzibah)” The Hebrew word “Hephzibah” means My
Delight” in English. It was revealed that the city of Jerusalem would
became a “beautiful crown” and a “royal crown” in God’s hand.
(Isaiah 62:1-4)

HERALD: A herald is a person who announces important news. A

herald is mentioned at Daniel 3:4 where a herald declared
Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to the people. The Greek word “ke-rys’so”
is translated preach or herald. Used at Matthew 24:14 and Mark
13:10 it speaks of proclaimers of the good news of God’s Kingdom.

HERES, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Heres was where the Amorites

lived despite Israel’s conquest of Canaan. It was in the territory of
the tribe of Dan. Some scholars believe it is the same as Beth-
shemesh mentioned at Joshua 19:41. (Judges 1:34, 35)

HERES, THE PASS: Gideon returned from his fight against the
Midianites by Heres Pass. This mountain pass is mentioned at
Judges 8:13.

HERETH, FOREST OF: The forest of Hereth was one of David’s

hiding places when Saul pursued him. (1 Samuel 22:5) There was a
town named Hereth in the same vicinity.
HERMAS: Hermas was a member of the Christian congregation at
Rome. The apostle Paul sent personal greetings to Hermas.
(Romans 16:14)

HERMOGENES: Hermogenes was one of two Christians in the

district of Asia mentioned by name by the apostle Paul. According
to Paul they turned away because of violent persecution launched by
Nero against the Christians after the burning of Rome in 64 C.E. (2
Timothy 1:15)

HERMON, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Hermon is the highest

mountain in the Palestine area. The Arabs call it the Mountain of
Snow. This may be because it is snowcapped nearly year around.
The psalmist declared Tabor and Hermon shout for joy in Jehovah’s
name. (Psalm 89:12) Copious amounts of dew and night vapors are
produced by Mount Hermon’s snowy covering. (Psalm 133:3)

HEROD: Herod was the family name for a family of political rulers.
They ruled over the Jews. They were Idumean and Edomite Jews,
according to Jewish Historian Josephus. They receive only brief
mention in the Bible. The most notorious was Herod Antipas
because of his adulterous relationship with Herodias. John the
Baptist reproved him and later was locked in prision and beheaded.
(Matthew 14:1-12) (Mark 6:14-29) Herod and Pilate were both
involved in Jesus death and they became friends after Jesus was
impaled. (Lu 23:8-12) Later the apostle Paul had dealings with
Herod Agrippa II, Great-grandson of Herod the Great. (Ac 24-26)

HERODIANS: These Jewish partisans were of the Herodian

dynasty. They received authority from Rome to follow the travels of
Jesus and try to trap him in talk. (Matthew 22:15-22) (Mark 3:1-6;
12:13) The Herodians were opposed to the Pharisees and Jewish
zealots and in favor of complete absorption of Judea by the Roman
Empire. (Matthew 12:9-14) (Luke 20:20-26)
HERODIAS: Herodias was the wife of Herod Anitpas. She
influenced her daughter Salome to request the head of John the
Baptist in 32 C.E. The account is found at Mark 6:22-28. Herodias
married her half uncle, her father’s half brother. Her uncle-husband
Herod Philip fathered Salome, her only child. John the Baptist
condemned this marriage as illegal and immoral under Jewish law.
This obviously displeased Herod Antipas. Therefore John was
thrown into prison and later beheaded. (Matthew 14:1-11) (Mark
6:16-28) (Luke 3:19, 20; 9:9)

HERODION: The apostle Paul calls Herodion his relative in his

personal greetings at the end of his letter to the Romans. It is
possible that Herodion was an actual relative in view of the fact that
Paul did not refer to all people who were Jews as his relative. (Acts
18:2) (Romans 16:3) He did use the designation “relatives” or
“brothers” at Romans 9:3.

HERON: “Every creature in the water without fins or scales is

offensive to you.” (Leviticus 11:13, 19) The heron was listed with the
birds the Israelites should not eat. (Deuteronomy 14:12, 18) Birds of
the heron family are waders. They frequent marshes and swamps,
inland streams and lakes. They have long slender necks and very
long, thin legs and toes. The heron grows to about sixty inches in
length. The heron eats frogs, crabs, fish and small reptiles. There
are several varieties of herons in Palestine. Some are purple and
white, but the most common is gray. Many are found around the
Sea of Galilee and the banks of the Jordan River. Egrets are very
common in Palestine. They are among the most graceful and
beautiful birds of the heron family.

HESED: Hesed was an Israelite whose son was one of the 12

deputies serving Solomon. Each deputy was responsible to provide
the king and his household with food for one month in the year. (1
Kings 4:7, 10)

HESHBON: Heshbon was a city located 20 miles east of the Jordan

River, halfway between the Arnon Valley and the Jabbok Valley,
about 12 miles southwest of Rabbah (Amman). (Joshua 12:2) It was
a city captured from the Moabites and ruled over by Sihon, king of
the Amorites. He turned it into his royal residence. (Joshua 3:10;
13:17) Moses led the Israelites to victory over the Amorites when
they refused to allow the Israelites to pass through the land.
(Numbers 21:23-26) It was later turned into a Levitical city in the
tribe of Reuben. (Joshua 21:39) The Moabites took possession of it
after the Exile. (Isaiah 15:4) (Jeremiah 48:2, 34, 45) There are
reservoirs in this district that could possibly be the fish pools
referred to at Song of Solomon 7:4.

HESHMON: Heshmon was a city in the southern part of Judah.

(Joshua 15:21)

HETHLON: Hethlon was a place seen in Ezekiel’s vision. It was on

the northern border of the land of Israel, about 22 miles northeast
of modern day Tripoli, Lebanon. (Ezekiel 47:13, 15)

HEZEKIAH, KING OF JUDAH: Hezekiah became king of Judah

when his father Ahaz died. He reigned 29 years. (2 Kings 18:1-7) (2
Chronicles 29:1) Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah were prophets
contemporary with Hezekiah’s reign. (Isaiah 1:1) (Hosea 1:1) (Micah
1:1) Hezekiah was outstanding for his faithfulness to God. He was
zealous for the promotion of true worship, not only in Judah but in
all the territory of Israel. Because of this Jehovah proved to be with
him. (2 Kings 18:3-7) Hezekiah was involved in the writing of
Proverbs chapters 25 to 29. The introduction of these Proverbs
reads, “These are also proberbs of Solomon, which the men of
Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.” (Proverbs 25:1) He wrote the
song of thanksgiving found at Isaiah 38:10-20 and some scholars
believe that Hezekiah wrote Psalm 119 before he became king. The
Bible contains many exciting accounts of Hezekiah’s faithful life. (2
Kings chapters 18-21) (Isaiah chapters 37, 38) (2 Chronicles
chapters 29-32)
HEZION: Hezion was the grandfather of the first King Ben-hadad of
Syria. (1 Kings 15:18) Some students of the Bible believe he was the
same person as the Rezon found at 1 Kings 11:23.

HEZRO: This man was one of the mighty men of David’s military
forces. (2 Samuel 23:8, 35) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 37)

HEZRON, CITY OF JUDAH: Hezron was located between Kadesh-

barnea and Addar on the southern border of Judah. (Joshua 15:1-3)

HEZRON, SON OF REUBEN: Hezron was the son of Reuben and

the ancestral head of the Hezronites. (Genesis 46:9) (Exodus 6:14)
(Numbers 26:4-6) (1 Chronicles 5:3)

HEZRON, SON OF PEREZ: This Hezron was family head of the

Judean “Hezronites.” (1 Chronicles 2:9, 18, 25) He was ancestor of
King David and of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 46:12) (Numbers 26:20,
21) (Ruth 4:18-22) (Matthew 1:3) (Luke 3:33)

HEZRONITES: There were two groups who were called Hezronites.

There was the family descended from Reuben’s son Hezron.
(Genesis 46:9, 12) (Numbers 26:4-6, 21) And there was the family
from Judah’s grandson Hezron.

HIDDAI: Hiddai was one of the mighty men in David’s army. He

was from the Gaash Valley in the mountains of Ephraim. (2 Samuel
23:8, 30) (Joshua 24:30)

HIDDEKEL RIVER, TIGRIS RIVER: The Hiddekel River was

known in Old Persian as the Tigra. Tigra is the Greek name for the
Tigris River. The Tigris River was one of the four rivers branching
off from the river issuing out of Eden. (Genesis 2:10-14) The Tigris
River headwaters are in the mountains of Turkey, a few miles from
the source of the Euphrates River. The Tigris is 1,150 miles long and
as wide as 400 yards in places. It is navigable above Baghdad only
by boats of shallow draft. The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flow
together the last 100 miles before emptying into the Persian Gulf.
Daniel received the vision concerning the king of the north and the
king of the south while he was on the banks of the Tigris (Hiddekel)
River. (Daniel 10:4, 5; 11:5, 6)

HIEL: Hiel was a Bethelite who rebuilt the town of Jericho during
Ahab’s reign in the tenth century B.C.E. Joshua declared that
Jericho would be destroyed nearly 500 years earlier, and he
proclaimed, “He will layu the foundation at the cost of his firstborn.
He will set up the gates at the cost of his youngest son.” (Joshua
6:26) Everything happened according to the word of Jehovah
spoken through Joshua. (1 Kings 16:33, 34)

HIERAPOLIS: Hierapolis means Holy City. It was a city in the

province of Asia located on the northern edge of the Lycus Valley of
Asia Minor, six miles north of Laodicea. Christians appear to have
reached Hierapolis through the efforts of Epaphras. (Colossians
4:12, 13)

HIGGAION: The Hebrew expression “higgaion” is a technical term

that means meditation, thoughts, or soft utterance. It preceeds the
word “Selah” which means a pause. The New Simplified Bible does
not include it since it does not add to or subtract from the meaning
of the Scriptures. (Psalms 9:16; 19:14; 92:3) (Lamentations 3:62)

HIGH PLACES: Hebrew: “ba-mohth’” means a place of worship and

also can mean hills and mountains. (2 Samuel 1:19, 25) (Amos 4:13)
(Micah 1:3) Job 9:8 refers to the high places of the sea. Isaiah 14:14
speak about that which is above the clouds.
HIGH PRIEST: The person who represented the people before
God. He also supervised all the other priests. Jesus Christ entered
heaven as a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek
forever. (Hebrews 6:20; 7:17, 21)

HIGHWAY, ROAD: The Hebrew word “mesil-lah’” means highway

and de’rekh means road. In Greek the term “ho-dos’” is translated
roadway. Since the beginning of history highways and roads linked
cities, kingdoms and important trade routes in Palestine. (Numbers
20:17-19; 21:21, 22) (Judges 21:19) (1 Samuel 6:9, 12)

HILL: The Hebrew word “givah” and the Greek word “bou-no’”
indicates a natural elevation of the earth that is lower than
mountains, hills. Judea and other parts of Palestine are filled with
hills. Homes and towns were frequently built on them. (1 Samuel
7:1, 2) Rulers sometimes sent men out to prepare the way for them
to take a trip. They would remove stones, fill up depressions and
smooth out rough places, they even leveled hills. The word hill is
sometimes used figuratively to represent high places, governments
and authorities. The preparatory work that was done by John the
Baptist before the Messiah appeared was prophesied at Isaiah 40:3,
4. (Luke 3:1-6) Both Isaiah and Micah prophesied: “the mountain of
the house of Jehovah will be established above the top of the
mountains. It will be exalted above the hills.” (Isaiah 2:2) (Micah
4:1)

HILLEL: Hillel was the father Abdon. His son judged Israel for
eight years. (Judges 12:13-15) Hillel was from the town of Pirathon
in Ephraim.

HIND: SEE DEER

HINNOM, VALLEY OF: SEE GEHENNA

HIPS: Hips are attached to the small of the back. A belt is often
worn at the hips. The Bible speaks many times about the sheath of
the sword worn at the hips. (2 Samuel 20:8) (Nehemiah 4:18)
(Ezekiel 9:2) Sackcloth was worn around the hips. (Genesis 37:34)
Hips are mentioned in a figurative sense throughout the Scriptures.
To ungird the hips of kings means to take away their strength.
(Isaiah 45:1) Jesus Christ was prophetically envisioned as reigning
with righteousness on the belt of his hips and faithfulness as the belt
of his loins at Isaiah 11:1, 5.

HIRAM, KING OF TYRE: The name Hiram is spelled Huram in

some manuscripts. Hiram was the king of Tyre and a friend of King
David. Later he was a friend of King Solomon. (1 Kings 5:1) When
David conquered Zion he built a palace there. Hiram arranged a
trade treaty with David and supplied cedar timber from the western
slopes of Lebanon. He also sent craftsmen to assist with wood and
stone. (2 Samuel 5:11) (1 Chronicles 14:1) After David’s death
Solomon obtained materials for building the Great Temple from
Hiram. (1 Kings 5:2-6) (2 Chronicles 2:3-10) The two countries
under Solomon and Hiram built a fleet of ships in the Gulf of Aqaba
at Ezion-geber. (1 Kings 9:26-28; 10:11, 12, 22) (2 Chronicles 8:18;
9:10, 21)

HIRAM, SKILLED ARTISON: Hiram, the king of Tyre sent this

Hiram to supervise the construction for Solomon because of his
ability and experience. He was an expert in working with gold,
silver, copper, iron, stone, and wood. (1 Kings 7:13-45) (2 Chronicles
2:13, 14; 4:11-16)

HIRAM-ABI: The name Hiram-abi means “Hiram My Father.” The

king of Tyre sent Hiram to build the furnishings for Solomon’s
temple. Hiram was apparantly considered father in a figurative
sense as a master workman. (2 Chronicles 2:13)

HIRAM-ABIV: This name for Hiram will given to designate him as a

father in a figurative sense as a master workman. (2 Chronicles
4:16)

HIRE, WAGES: Wages and hire are the compensation paid to

laborers for services rendered. (Leviticus 19:13) The word hire
means to employ someone. (Matthews 20:1) Sometimes wages were
referred to as rent. (Exodus 22:14, 15) (Acts 28:30) Judas Iscariot
was paid 30 pieces of silver as wages for betraying Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 26:14-16; 27:3-10) (Acts 1:18) “The wages of sin is death,”
found at Romans 6:23 refers to recompense. Recompense is a type
of wages such as payment or reward for something earned. Judah
and Israel were both guilty of prostituting themselves to other
nations. (Ezekiel 16:26-34, 41; 23:1-16) (Hosea 9:1) (Micah 1:6, 7)
They sold themselves for hire to other nations.

HITTITES: The Hittites were a people who descended from Heth,

the second son of Canaan. (Genesis 10:15) Jehovah God promised to
give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan. This land was
inhabited by several nations including the Hittite nation. (Genesis
15:18-21) Abraham had dealings with the Hittites who resided in the
land and he treated them with much respect. When his wife Sarah
died, he purchased a cave in which to bury her from Ephron the son
of Zoar the Hittite. (Genesis 23:1-20) In Joshua’s day the Hittites
lived in the mountainous regions of Lebanon and Syria. (Numbers
13:29) (Joshua 11:3) God called the land that the Hittites occupied a
“land flowing with milk and honey.” However, the nations that
occupied it were so corrupt that their presence defiled the land.
Therefore Jehovah sent them out the land. (Exodus 3:8) (Leviticus
18:1-30)

HIVITES: These people were descendants of Canaan the son of

Ham. (Genesis 10:6, 15, 17) (1 Chronicles 1:13, 15) They live at the
city of Shechem at the time of Jacob. Jacob’s sons, led by Simeon
and Levi, killed every male and plundered the city out of revenge
because Shechem the son of Hamor the chieftain had defiled their
sister Dinah. (Genesis 34:1-29) The Hivites were one of the seven
Canaanite nations that God promised to drive out before the people
of Israel. Even though they were said to be more populous and
mighty than Israel they were driven out of the land. (Exodus 3:8, 17;
13:5; 23:23, 28; 33:2; 34:11) (Deuteronomy 7:1) Joshua totally
destraoyed the cities of the Canaanites including the Hivites.
(Joshua chapters 10, 11) Solomon used Hivites as forced labor to
work on the nationwide building program. (1 Kings 9:20-23) (2
Chronicles 8:7-10)
HOARFROST: Hoarfrost is ice crystal that forms a white deposit of
ice needles on objects, grass, shrubs and trees. The term “hoarfrost”
is from the old English language. It is found in older translations
such as the 1599 Geneva Bible, 1769 King James Version and the
1901 American Standard Version. Simply stated this is frost. The
New Simplified Bible just calls it frost. It is produced from the
atmosphere by condensation. (Exodus 16:14) (Job 38:29) (Psalms
147:16)

HOBAB: Hobab was brother-in-law to Moses. He was the son of

Reuel (Jethro) and a Midianite, of the tribe of Kenites. (Numbers
10:29) (Exodus 3:1) (Judges 1:16) Hobab served the Moses and the
Israelites as a scout because he was familiar with the area from
Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. His descendants, the Kenites,
lived in the Desert of Judah south of Arad. (Numbers 10:29-32)
(Judges 1:16) (1 Samuel 15:6; 27:10; 30:26, 29)

HOD: Hod was the son of Zophah from the tribe of Asher. Hod was
in charge of a large division of the army. (1 Chronicles 7:36, 37, 40)

HODESH: Hodesh was one of the wives of Shaharaim the

Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8, 9)

HODEVAH: Hodevah was the forefather of Levites who were among

the survivors who returned from Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 7:6,
7, 43)

HOGLAH: Hoglah was one of Zelophehad’s five daughters. Her

father had no sons so the inheritance was divided among the five
daughters. There was an important stipulation, that they marry
inside their own tribe of Manasseh. (Numbers 36:1-12; 26:33; 27:1-
11) (Joshua 17:3, 4)
HOHAM: This man was the king of Hebron. He and four other
kings went to war against Gibeon because of their peace agreement
with Joshua and the Israelites. The five kings were defeated and put
to death upon stakes. (Joshua 10:1-27)

HOLY: kadosh/hagios/sanctus. The four living creatures

proclaim Jehovah God as holy three times for emphasis for He
is the magnificent Almighty One. Holy means set-apart for
divine service. Hebrew: “qadosh,” and Greek: “hagios,” mean
sacred, pure, blameless, consecrated, and holy. (Revelation 4:8)
(Isaiah 6:3)

HOLINESS: Holiness is the quality of being holy. It involves

religious cleanness or purity and sacredness. The Hebrew word
“qo’dhesh” conveys the thought of separateness, exclusiveness, or
sanctification to God. The Greek “hagios” is rendered holy.
Hagiasmos’ means sanctified and hagiotes means separate to God.
The quality of holiness belongs to God. (Exodus 39:30) (Zechariah
14:20) His Son Jesus Christ addressed him as Holy Father at John
17:11. Heavenly beings declared: “Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of
Hosts” at Isaiah 6:3. (Revelation 4:8) (Hebrews 12:14) (Proverbs
30:3) God is the most Holy One of all. The Son of God, Jesus Christ
reflects the holiness of his Father and is called God’s Holy One.
(Acts 3:14) (Mark 1:24) (Luke 4:34) Jesus is the closest one to his
Father in heaven. (John 1:1; 8:29) (Matthew 11:27) God’s Holy
Spirit is called Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Holiness. (Psalm 51:11)
(Luke 11:13) (Romans 1:4) (Ephesians 1:13) Faithful men and
women have been counted holy throughout all the ages. (Romans
12:1) (Colossians 3:9, 10) (Hebrews 6:19, 20; 10:19, 20) (1 Peter 3:5)
(Revelation 7:2-4, 9, 10, 14)

HOLON, CITY OF JUDAH: This city was in the mountains of

Judah. It was assigned to the priestly Kohathites. (Joshua 15:21, 48,
51; 21:9-19) Holon of Judah was about 11 miles northwest of
Hebron.

HOLON, CITY OF MOAB: Holon was east of the Jordan River on

the level country. (Jeremiah 48:21)
HOLY ONES, SAINTS: A holy one is someone who is spiritually and
morally clean, a righteous being. Holy ones can be found in heaven
and on earth. Jehovah is the most clean and righteous of all living
beings. He is called “the Holy One” and “the Holy One of Israel” (2
Kings 19:22) (Psalm 71:22; 89:18) (Hosea 11:12) The innermost
compartment of the tabernacle was called the “Most Holy” or “Holy
of Holies.” Only the high priest was allowed there to approach
Jehovah, “the Most Holy One.” (Leviticus 16:2) The apostle John
wrote to fellow members of the Christian congregation: “You have
an anointing from the Holy One” at 1 John 2:20. Jesus Christ is also
referred to as the “holy and righteous one at Acts 3:14. And the
angels in heaven are holy ones. (Luke 9:26) (Acts 10:22) Humans on
earth who have been set apart for the service of God have also been
called “holy ones” or “saints.” (Psalms 34:9; 106:16) The term “holy
ones” applies to all who have been brought into union with Christ.
Christians must be holy because God is holy. (Hebrews 10:29;
13:20) (1 Peter 1:15, 16) (Leviticus 11:44)

HOLY PLACE: The term holy place is applied to four things in

Scriptures: The camp of Israel, the tent of meeting, and the Most
Holy innermost compartment at the Tabernacle. The term the camp
of Israel was later applied to the land of Israel and the city of
Jerusalem. (Deuteronomy 23:14) (Ezekiel 21:2) (Matthew 24:15;
27:53) (Luke 21:2) The tent of meeting and later the Temple were
considered holy places. (Exodus 38:24) (2 Chronicles 29:5) (Acts
21:28) The Most Holy was the innermost compartment of the
Tabernacle. (Exodus 26) (Hebrews 9:24) And the Holy was the first,
larger compartment. (Exodus 26:33) (1 Kings 6:16, 17) (2 Chronicles
3:3, 8) We read in the letter to the Hebrews that Christ entered into
what was pictured by the innermost compartment of the
Tabernacle, namely, the Most Holy. (Hebrews 9:24, 25)

HOLY CONTRIBUTION, PLACE: A holy place or holy contribution

was identifyed in Ezekiel’s vision of the division of the Promised
Land. Each of the 12 tribes were to give a portion of their land for
this purpose. (Ezekiel 48:1-35)
HOMAM: Homam was the son of Horite Sheik Lotan. He is the
same as Hemam. (Genesis 36:20-22) (1 Chronicles 1:39)

HOLY SPIRIT: The Spirit that belongs to God is God’s Holy Spirit.
It is his power that was used to create the universe. (Genesis
Chapter 1 and 2) Holy Spirit is the Helper for true believers. (John
14:25-26; 16:7-15) (Romans 8:1-27) (Galatians 5:22-25) Holy Spirit
dwells in Christians. (John 14:15-17) (1 Corinthians 6:19) A believer
can be filled with Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4; 7:55; 11:23-24) It is possible
to sin against the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 12:31) (Acts 5:3) (1
Thessalonians 5:19) (Hebrews 10:29) The Greek “pneuma” comes
from “pne’o.” It is translated spirit. The Hebrew word “ruach”
means breath, wind, vital force, and spirit. All of these meanings
refer to something that is invisible to the human eye.

HONEY: Honey is a sweet yellow fluid produced by bees. The

Hebrew words “no’pheth” and “devash’” mean flowing honey or
comb honey and the Greek word “meli” means honey. Most Bible
references to honey refer to wild honey. John the Baptist ate wild
honey when he lived in the wilderness. (Matthew 3:1, 4) The
sweetness and enjoyment of eating honey is applied in an
illustrative way throughout the Scriptures. (Proverbs 16:24; 24:13,
14) (Psalms 19:9, 10; 119:103) (Ezekiel 3:2, 3) (Revelation 10:9)

HONOR: God is deserving of honor, reverence, and respect. He is

the Creator and the Sovereign of the universe. (1 Timothy 1:17)
(Hebrews 3:3, 4) (Revelation 4:9-11) The Israelites honored
Jehovah by presenting their best to him. (Proverbs 3:9) (Malachi
1:6-8) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, set the perfect example by
honoring his Father. (Matthew 26:39) (John 10:17, 18) Christians
should try to maintain an honorable standing before God and His
Son. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) (2 Timothy 2:20-22) (Hebrews 13:4)
Children are to honor their parents by being obedient.
(Deuteronomy 5:16) (Ephesians 6:1, 2) A husband and wife should
show honor to each other. (1 Peter 3:1-7) (1 Timothy 5:17, 18) All
people should be deserving of honor. (1 Peter 2:17) Christians
should maintain themselves as morally and spiritually pure. (1
Thessalonians 4:3-8) (2 Timothy 2:20-22) (Hebrews 13:4)
HOOK: A hook is a curved or sharply angled piece of metal used to
fasten or catch something. Fishermen used fishhooks from the very
beginning of time. (Habakkuk 1:14, 15) (Matthew 17:27) Hooks from
thorns were used to lead animals. (Ezekiel 19:3, 4, 6, 9) Meat hooks
are mentioned at Amos 4:2. Hooks or copper fasteners were used in
the tabernacle to fasten together large sections of embroidered
linen. (Exodus 26:11) Jehovah spoke to Pharaoh in a figurative
manor when He said: “I will put hooks in your jaws. I will bring you
up out of the midst of your rivers.” (Ezekiel 29:1-7) Jehovah also
told Gog of the Land of Magog, “I will turn you about and put hooks
in your jaws.” (Ezekiel 1-4)

HOOPOE: The hoopoe is a slender bird about the size of a small

pigeon. It is cinnamon-colored with broad bars of white and black
along its tail, wings and back. It eats insects from the ground,
dunghills and other filth. The hoopoe was considered as unclean for
food in the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 11:13, 19) (Deuteronomy 14:12,
18) It migrates to Palestine from southern Asia, Africa and parts of
Europe in the spring and flies to Egypt and northern Africa in the
autumn. Some believe the Hebrew word for hoopoe, “dul-khi-
phath’”, represents its dovelike cry.

HOPE: Hope is the general feeling that a specific desire will be

fulfilled. It is desire accompanied by expectation. The Hebrew root
verb for hope is “qa-wah.” It means wait for with eager expectation.
(Genesis 49:18) The Greek term for hope is “elpis” and it means
expectation of good. The Bible shows that people of the world have
no real, solidly based hope. Solomon expressed the futility of man
without God’s help at Ecclesiastes 12:8; 9:2, 3. Jehovah God is the
Source of true hope. (2 Thessalonians 2:16) Hope is required in
order to have faith. (Hebrews 11:1; 3:1) Jehovah God provided his
Word the Bible so that all men may have hope. (Romans 15:4) (1
Corinthians 10:11) (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) The possessor of hope saves
himself and those who listen to him. (1 Peter 3:15) (1 Timothy 4:16)

HOPHNI: High Priest Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They
were good for nothing men who were sacrilegious and immoral. (1
Samuel 1:3; 2:12-17, 22-25) Jehovah declaired the death penilty for
Hophni. He died when the Philistines captured the Ark. (1 Samuel
2:34; 4:4, 11, 17)

HOPHRA: Hophra was Pharaoh of Egypt. He reigned about 19 to 25

years. He was so arrogant that he claimed that not even a god could
depose him from his throne. Never the less he was taken prisoner
and finally killed. Jehovah said through Jeremiah, “I will hand over
King Hophra of Egypt to his enemies who want to kill him.”
(Jeremiah 44:1-30)

HOR, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Hor was near Moserah on the

Edom border where Aaron died before Israel entered the Promised
Land. Aaron, Moses, and Aaron’s son Eleazar ascended Munt Hor.
Moses removed Aaron’s priestly garments and clothed Eleazar with
them. Aaron then died and Moses and Eleazar buried him.
(Numbers 20:22-29) (Deuteronomy 32:50) Some scholars believe
Mount Hor was 25 miles southwest of the Dead Sea. Others think it
was one of the high mountains near the Edomite city of Petra.
(Numbers 33:27-39, 41) (Deuteronomy 2:5-8)

HORAM: Horam was the king of Gezer. He was one of 31 kings

defeated by the Israelites under Joshua’s command. This happened
during the conquest of the Promised Land. Horam and his entire
army were killed when they attempted to help the city of Lachish.
(Joshua 10:33; 12:7, 8, 12, 24)

HOREB: Mount Horeb was considered the mountain of God, the

same as Mount Sinai. (1 Kings 19:8) The name Horeb desginates a
region of mountains around Mount Sinai, sometimes called the
Wilderness of Sinai. (Deuteronomy 1:6, 19; 4:10, 15; 5:2; 9:8) (1
Kings 8:9) (2 Chronicles 5:10) (Psalm 106:19) (Acts 7:30) Jehovah’s
angel appeared to Moses in the burning bush and commanded him
to lead Israel out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:1-15) Moses struck a rock in
Horeb and water miraculously issued from the rock. (Exodus 17:1-6)
HOREM: This fortified city was in the territory of Naphtali. (Joshua
19:35, 38-39)

HORESH: Horesh was the site in the Wilderness of Ziph where

David hid from Saul. Jonathan acknowledged David as the next king
of Israel at this place. (1 Samuel 23:15-19)

HOR-HAGGIDGAD, GUDGODAH: The Israelites stayed at this

wilderness camp site twice. Most scholars believe this site was on
the Wadi Khadakhid about 40 miles northwest of the Gulf of Aqaba.
(Numbers 33:31-33) (Deuteronomy 10:6, 7)

HORI, DESCENDANT OF SEIR: Hori was a descendant of Seir. Seir

was a Horite through Lotan. (Genesis 36:20-22) (1 Chronicles 1:39)

HORI, SON OF SHAPHAT: This man was a Simeonite. He was the

son of Shaphat and one of the 12 spies Moses sent out from the
Wilderness of Paran. (Numbers 13:2, 3, 5)

HORITE: The Horites were a people who lived in the mountains of

Seir. They were called the sons of Seir the Horite. The Edomites
evicted them and killed many of them. (Genesis 36:20, 21, 29, 30)
(Deuteronomy 2:12, 22)

HORMAH: This city was in the southern part of the territory of

Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:30) The Amalekites and Canaanites defeated
the Israelites and scattered them as far as Hormah. (Deuteronomy
1:44) (Numbers 14:45; 20:14, 16) (Joshua 11:17) The king of
Hormah is listed along with the king of Arad and 31 kings defeated
by Joshua. (Joshua 12:14) Hormah was included in a list of towns
near the boundry of Edom. (Joshua 15:21, 30) Hormah was still a
Simeonite city in David’s time. It was one of the places he visited
during his exile. He later sent gifts to the city. (1 Samuel 30:26-31)
(1 Chronicles 4:24, 28-31)

HORN: The people of Israel used animals horns as vessels for oil,
drinking flasks, inkhorns and containers for many different things.
They were also used as musical instruments and signaling devices.
(1 Samuel 16:1, 13) (1 Kings 1:39) (Ezekiel 9:2) There were hornlike
projections extending from the four corners of the altars for both
the incense altar and the altar of sacrifice at the tabernacle. They
were covered with the same material as the altar, of copper or gold.
(Exodus 27:2; 37:25, 26) The word horn was also used as a symbolic
emblem of power. (Deuteronomy 33:17) (Zechariah 1:18-21)
(Revelation 17:7-12) (1 Samuel 2:1)

HORSE: The horse is symbolic of warfare in many prophesies.

(Revelation 6:2; 9:15-19) Jehovah’s invisible war equipment is
symbolized by fiery horses and chariots. (2 Kings 2:11-12)

HOSEA: The prophets of the ninth century B.C.E. were Hosea,

Amos, Isaiah and Micah. (Hosea 1:1) (Amos 1:1) (Isaiah 1:1) (Micah
1:1) Hosea the prophet was the writer of the Book of Hosea. He
served as prophet to the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel during
the reigns of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah as
well as Jeroboam II of Israel.

HOSEA, THE BOOK: The Book of Hosea is particularly known for

the prophetic judgments against unfaithful Israel and Judah. The
people were urged to petition their God Jehovah for pardon and
offer the bulls of their lips. The people of the northern ten tribe
kingdom of Israel are featured in the prophecy, written about 745
B.C.E. The people rejected knowledge of God. (Hosea 4:6) They
became involve in acts of bloodshed, stealing, fornication, adultery,
and worship of false gods such as Baal and calf idols. (Hosea 2:8, 13;
4:2, 13, 15; 10:5) After King Jeroboam died frightful conditions and
unrest existed throughout the land. The people are erged to come
back to Jehovah. (Hosea 14:1-9)

HOSHAMA: Hoshama was one of the seven sons born to King

Jehoiachin while in Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 3:17-18)

HOSHEA, JOSHUA: Hoshea was one of the 12 persons sent by

Moses to spy on the Land of Promise. He was the son of Nun of the
tribe of Ephraim. Moses called him Jehoshua at Numbers 13:8, 16.
He was Moses’ successor. His name was shorted in Hebrew to
Joshua. (Joshua 1:1)
HOSHEA, HOSEA: Hoshea is the Hebrew spelling of the word
“Hosea.” Hosea was Jehovh’s prophet. He lived from the ninth into
the eighth century B.C.E. during the reigns of Judah’s kings Uzziah,
Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. (Hosea 1:1)

HOSHEA, LAST KING OF ISRAEL: Hoshea was the last king of the
northern kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Elah. He was bad in
Jehovah’s sight. (2 Kings 17:1, 2)

HOSPITALITY: Hospitality is the cordial reception and

entertainment of guests or strangers. It is translated from the Greek
word phi-lo-xe-ni’a meaning love of strangers. Genuine hospitality
is a mark of true Christianity. In fact hospitality is a requirement for
Christians. Paul commanded: “Show hospitality to strangers.”
(Hebrews 13:2) Peter said: “Be hospitable to one another without
complaining.” (1 Peter 4:9) Overseers in the congregation were
required to hospitable. (1 Timothy 3:2) (Titus 1:7, 8)

HOSTS: The expression “Jehovah of Hosts” occurs 283 times in the

Hebrew Scriptures. It comes from the military terms such as
‘armies’ and ‘legions.’ A few translations employ the title “Jehovah
of Armies” instead of “Jehovah of Hosts.” Both translations are
correct, however the term “Hosts” sounds less militant and more
peace oriented. That is the reason the New Simplified Bible uses it.
A mighty host of angelic spirit creatures serve under the command
of Jehovah God. (Genesis 2:1) (Nehemiah 9:6) Jehovah’s invisable
forces are completely invincible. (1 Samuel 1:3) (2 Kings 2:11, 12)
(Psalm 68:17) One angel killed 185,000 Assyrians in a single night.
(2 Kings 19:35) The angels truly are powerful beings! These
formidable heavenly hosts also protect Jehovah’s servants on earth.
(2 Kings 6:17) (Psalms 34:7; 91:11) (Danuel 6:22) (Matthew 18:10)
(Acts 12:7-10) (Hebrews 1:13, 14) (See: JEHOVAH OF HOSTS)

HOTHIR: Hothir was one of the 14 sons of Heman. They served as

musicians at the sanctuary under the direction of their father.
Hothir and his sons and brothers were the 21st of the 24 service
groups of musicians at the time David was king. (1 Chronicles 25:1,
4-6, 28)

HOUR: The word “hora” is used in the Christian Greek Scriptures

for the English word “hour.” It means a fixed and definite period of
time for a division of the day. There is no Hebrew term for hour in
the Scriptures. The Israelites could have divided the daytime into
four parts: morning, noon, midday and evening. (Genesis 24:11;
43:16) (Deuteronomy 28:29) (1 Kings 18:26) They used other
designations for this purpose also, such as: “early in the morning”
(Judges 9:33), “in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3”8), “in the heat of
the day” (Genesis 18:1) (1 Samuel 11:11), and “at sunset” (Joshua
10:27). Ancient Egypt divided the day into twenty-four hours,
twelve for daylight and twelve for night. The Romans counted the
day from midnight to midnight and did not account for the variation
in the seasonal variation in the length of daylight hours. The first
century Jews used a twelve-hour time system counting twelve hours
of daylight starting with sunrise. Jesus referred to the “twelve hours
of daylight” at John 11:9. The term “hour” has been used in a
figurative sense in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus said: “This is your
hour for this power of darkness” at Luke 22:53. Babylon the Great
was told: “in one hour your judgment has come” meaning a short
period of time. (Revelation 18:10) The term “the last hour” denotes
a very short period of time at the end of a period of time. (1 John
2:18) (Revelation 8:1-4)

HOUSE: The word house is used in the Holy Scriptures to convey

several things including: a household or offspring of one man
(Genesis 12:1; 17:13, 23) (Micah 1:5), a dwelling place (Genesis 19:2-
4), priestly line (1 Samuel 2:35), dwelling place of God (Joh 14:2),
and the spiritual body (2 Corinthians 5:1). The home serves as a
center for giving instruction in pure worship. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7;
11:19) God’s law was to be written on the doorposts of the people of
Israel’s houses, literally and figuratively. (Deuteronomy 6:9; 11:20)
Christians were to preach and teach from house to house. (Acts
20:20) Christian congregations were to meet together in houses to
consider God’s Word and worship Him. (Romans 16:5) (1
Corinthians 16:19) (Colossians 4:15) (Philemon 2)

HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON: The House (Hall) of the

Forest of Lebanon was one of the government building built by King
Solomon during his 13 year building program after he finished the
Temple at Jerusalem. This structure was erected just south of the
Temple and was used for storage and display of arms and utensils.
(1 Kings 7:1-9) It is called the “house of the forest” at Isaiah 22:8.

HUKKOK: Hukkok was a border city of Nathtali. Some believe it

was located near the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. (Joshua
19:32, 34)

HUKOK: This border city was in the territory of Asher. It was

assigned to the Gershonites of the tribe of Levi. (Joshua 19:25;
21:31) (1 Chronicles 6:74, 75) Hukok could be the same as Helkath.
HUMILITY, HUMBLE: Jesus Christ said: “He who humbles
himself to become like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4; 23:12) Humility is freedom from pride
and arrogance. It is the state of lowliness of mind that is pleasing to
God. The apostle Peter reminded Christians: “God resists the
proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.” James eloquently
stated: “God resists the proud, but gives grace (loving-kindness) to
the humble.” (James 4:6) Jesus Christ set the best example of a
humble servant of God when he washed the feet of each of his
twelve apostles, a service performed by the lowliest slaves. (John
13:2-5, 12-17)

HUMTAH: Humtah was a city in the mountains of Judah. The name

means, “Sand Lizard Place.” (Joshua 15:20, 48, 54)

HUPHAM: Hupham was a descendant of Benjamin. He was the

ancestral head of the Huphamites. (Genesis 46:8, 21) (Numbers
26:39)

HUPPIM: Huppim was the son of Benjamin. He came from Egypt

with Jacob’s household. (Ge 46:8, 21) Huppim founded the family
called Huphamites. (Numbers 26:1-4, 38, 39) (1 Chronicles 7:14, 15)

HURAI: Hurai was one of David’s mighty men. He was from the
Gaash Valley. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 32) He was called Hiddai at 2
Samuel 23:30.

HURAM: The name Huram is also known as Hiram in some

manuscripts. See HIRAM

HUSBAND: A husband is a married man, a woman’s partner in

marriage. Several Hebrew terms are used in reference to a husband.
They include: ‘ish, man; ‘adhohn,’ owner or master; re’a, companion
and friend. (Genesis 18:12; 20:3) (Jeremiah 3:20) The headship
principle found at 1 Corinthians 11:3 places a weighty responsiblility
squarely on the shoulders of the man. Husbands are to carry out
this responsibility with the same loving care that Christ does for the
congregation. (Ephesians 5:25, 28-30, 33) The nation of Israel was
symbolicly viewed as a wife to God when it was bound by the Law
covenant. Jesus Christ is viewed as the Husband of the Christian
congregation today. (Jeremiah 3:14) (Galatians 4:6,7, 26)
(Ephesians 5:22, 23) (Revelation 19:7; 21:2)
HYACINTH: This is a deep blue precious stone. The Greek “hy-
a’kin-thos” also refers to the flower by that name. The eleventh of
the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem is hyacinth. (Revelation
21:20)
Hyacinth blue is one of the colors of the breastplates of the armies
of cavalry at Revelation 9:16, 17.

HYMENAEUS: Hymenaeus was an apostate from Christianity who

lived during the first century. The apostle Paul said he was a
blasphemer, full of empty speeches. Hymenaeus and his coworker
Philetus taught false doctrine trying to subvert the faith of some.
They taught that the resurrection had already occurred in their day
and that there would be no further resurrection in the future. (1
Timothy 1:18-20) (2 Timothy 2:16-18) (1 Corinthians 15:12-23)

HYPOCRITE: A person who professes beliefs and opinions but does

not live by them is a hypocrite. (Matthew 6:1-5) The entire 23rd
chapter of Matthew depicts exactly what a hypocrite is like.

HYSSOP: This small bushy plant is used in religious ceremonies to

sprinkle liquids. (Exodus 12:22) (Psalm 51:7) (John 19:29) Hysop
was used by the Israilites in Egypt to splash the blood of the
Passover victin on the doorposts of houses. (Exodus 12:21, 23)
Moses sprinkled the book of the Law and the people using the
hyssop plant. (Hebrews 9:19) David prayed to be purified from sin
with hyssop. (Psalm 51:7)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

I

IBHAR: Ibhar was one of King David’s sons born in Jerusalem after
he transferred his residence there from Hebron. (2 Samuel 5:13-15)
(1 Chronicles 14:4-5)

IBLEAM: This city was in the territory of Issachar but assigned to

Manasseh. The Manassites failed to dispossess the Canaanites from
Ibleam. (Joshua 17:11-13) (Judges 1:27)

IBNEIAH: This son of Jeroham was a Benjamite head of a paternal

house returning from Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:1-3)

IBNIJAH: Ibnijah was a Benjamite the forefather of Meshullam. (1

Chronicles 9:7, 8)
IBRI: Ibri was son of Jaaziah, a Levite of King David’s time. (1
Chronicles 24:27, 30, 31)

IBSAM: He was one of the sons of Tola, a paternal head of the tribe
of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 7:1, 2)

IBZAN: Ibzan succeeded Jephthah as judge of Israel. Ibzan was the

father of 30 sons and 30 daughters. He was probably a polygamist
and reasonably wealthy.--Jg 12:7-10; Jos 19:10, 14, 15.

ICE: Hebrew: qe’rach means frost or ice. Ice is water in its solid
state. Freezing water produces ice. (Job 37:10; 38:1, 29, 30) As
water in lakes and rivers cools it becomes heavier. Ice in the form of
hailstones is featured at Psalm 147:17.

ICHABOD: Ichabod was the son of Phinehas. He was born after the
death of Phinehas. His mother died while giving birth to him. (1
Samuel 4:17-22; 14:3)

ICONIUM: Iconium was an ancient city of Asia Minor. It was one of

the principal cities in the Roman province of Galatia. The city had
an influential Jewish population. (Acts 13:50, 51; 14:1-7, 19-23)

IDALAH: This boundary city of Zebulun was located in Palestine.

(Joshua 19:14-16) Some suggest it was located at Bethlehem in
Zebulun.

IDBASH: A man of Judah named Idbash was possibly a son of the

founder of Etam. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 3)

IDDO, SON OF JOAH: Iddo was the son of Joah. He was a Levite of
the family of Gershom. (1 Chronicles 6:19-21)

IDDO, FATHER OF AHINADAB: Iddo was the father of Ahinadab.

He was one of Solomon’s food deputies in Mahanaim. (1 Kings 4:7,
14)

IDDO, THE VISIONARY: Iddo wrote commentaries concerning the

affairs of King Solomon, King Rehoboam, and King Abijah. (2
Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22)

IDDO, THE PROPHET: This Iddo was a prophet. He was father of

Berechiah and grandfather of the prophet Zechariah. (Ezra 5:1;
6:14) (Nehemiah 12:1, 4, 12, 16) (Zechariah 1:1, 7)
IDDO, SON OF ZECHARIAH: This Iddo was the son of Zechariah.
He was the prince of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead during
Davidl’s reign. (1 Chronicles 27:21, 22)

IDDO, HEAD OF NETHINIM TEMPLE SLAVES: Iddo was in

charge of the Nethinim temple slaves residing at Casiphia. There
were 220 who accompanied Ezra to Jerusalem in 468 B.C.E. (Ezra
8:17, 20)

IDOL, IDOLATRY: An image, representation or symbol that is an

object of passionate devotion. Serving gods other than Jehovah, the
Almighty God of the Bible is idolatry. Placing material wealth ahead
of service to God is idolatry. It is one of the works of the flesh found
at Galatians 5:19-21. See IMAGE.

IDUMEA: Greek: Idume’a means Land of the Edomites. The

inhabitants of Idumea personally approached Jesus when they
heard about the many things he was doing. (Mark 3:8)

IGDALIAH: Igdaliah was the Father of Hanan. (Jeremiah 35:3, 4)

IEZER, IEZERITES: Iezer is a shortened form of the name Abi-ezer.

The prefix “Ab” means father. He and his descendants were of the
sons of Gilead. (Numbers 26:30)

IGAL, CHIEFTAIN OF THE TRIBE OF ISSACHAR: Igal was a

member of the tribe of Issachar. Moses sent him to spy out the land
of Canaan. (Numbers 13:1-3, 7)

IGAL, MIGHTY WARRIOR: Igal was one of David’s mighty

warriors. He was the son of Nathan of Zobah. (2 Samuel 23:8, 36)

IGAL, OF TRIBE OF JUDAH: This man was of the tribe of Judah of

the royal line of David. (1 Chronicles 3:1, 22)

IIM: This was a city in southern Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 20) Its
location is uncertain.

I WILL BE: When Moses received instructions from God, he was

given a sign that God had sent him to the people. God told him to
tell the people, “I will be has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14) Then
God went on to tell Moses His name, “JEHOVAH the God of your
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob, has sent me to you. (JEHOVAH) THIS IS MY NAME
FOREVER! This is my memorial name to all generations.” (Exodus
3:15) God said to Moses: “[I exist and] I will be who I will be.”
(Exodus 3:14) The Hebrew word translated “I am” by many
translators is “hayah.” It means “I exist,” “I have been,” and “I will
become.” He was in effect saying: I was, I am, and I will be. It was
not as proof of some mysterious trinity but as proof that He exists!
The sign was the stated fact that Jehovah: was, is, and will be. It is
evidence that He exists and will continue to exist! It proved His
eternal nature and revealed His name to the people of Israel.

IJON: The military forces of Syria’s King Den-hadad I captured

Ijon. This occurred during the reign of Baasha. (1 Kings 15:20, 21)

IKKESH: Ikkesh was the Tekoite whose son Ira was one of King
David’s mighty fighting men. (2 Samuel 23:8, 26) (1 Chronicles
11:26, 28; 27:9)

ILAI: Ilai was an Ahohite. He was also called Zalmon in 2 Samuel

23:28. Ilai was a mighty man of David’s military forces. (1
Chronicles 11:26, 29)

ILLEGITIMATE: That which is not according to the law is

illegitimate. The Hebrew word for illegitimate child is “mamzer.”
Fornication, adultery, and incest are detestable to Jehovah. Under
the Law the adulterer and the incestuous one were to be put to
death. (Leviticus 18:6; 19:29; 20:10) (Deuteronomy 23:17) The
Greek word for illegitimate child is “nothos.” It is used once, at
Hebrews 12:8.

ILLUSTRATIONS: Greek: “parabole.” It means proverb, parable

and illustration. It is a narrative from which a moral or spiritual
truth is elicited. An illustration is a story that teaches spiritual truth.
Jesus often used illustrations. (Matthew 13:10-15, 34)

ILLYRICUM: The apostle Paul preached in a circuit as far as

Illyricum. It is not know if Paul preached in or just up to Illyricum.
(Romans 15:19)

IMAGE: A representation or likeness of a person or thing is an

image. (Matthew 22:30) Most references to images in the Holy
Scriptures refer to idolatry. However, some do not relate to idolatry.
God said: Let us create man in our image (likeness). (Genesis 1:26-
27) Man was not created to receive worship. The likeness would not
be physical since God is a spirit. (John 4:24) No carved images
should be made of anything in heaven or on earth. (Exodus 20:4-5)
(Isaiah 42:8) See: IDOL, IDOLATRY

IMLAH: Imlah was the father of Micaiah, a prophet of Jehovah at

the time of Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat. (1 Kings 22:8, 9) (2
Chronicles 18:7, 8)

IMNA: He was a mighty man and head of a paternal house of the

tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:35, 40)

IMNAH: Two Imnahs are mentioned in the Holy Scriptures: The

first son of Asher and forefather of the Imnites is found at Genesis
46:17, Numbers 26:44 and 1 Chronicles 7:30. In Hezekiah’s time
there was Imnah, whose son was the east gatekeeper in the temple
service. (2 Chronicles 31:14)

IMNITES: This family was from the tribe of Asher and descended
from Imnah. (Numbers 26:44)

IMPALE, IMPALEMENT: Impalement was the form of capital

punishment at the time Jesus Christ was on earth. The victim was
fastened to a stake or pole. Jesus Christ was murdered by his
accusers by this same impalement method. (Luke 24:20) (John
19:14-16) (Acts 2:23, 36) Greeks and Romans used impalement. It
was customary for the Romans to nail the hands and sometimes the
feet to the stake. (John 20:25, 27) (Luke 24:39) (Colossians 2:14)
(Psalm 22:16)

Scriptural evidence indicates that Christ was impaled on an upright

pole that did not have a cross member. The Greek noun “stauros”
was used 27 times and the verb “stauro’o” 46 times. They both mean
an upright stake, pole or beam. For that reason the New Simplified
Bible uses the word stake. The word cross is not used. The
Scriptures also speak of impalement in a figurative, metaphoric
sense. (Galatians 2:20) We are to impale the flesh with its passions
and lusts. This is symbolic of self-denial and atonement. (Galatians
5:24; 6:14)

IMPARTIALITY: Impartiality means to weight all views and

opinions equally. Impartiality makes sure all are treated in harmony
and fairly. (Proverbs 3:27) Hebrew: “nasa” means lift up the face or
give kind reception. (Leviticus 19:15) Greek: “lam-ba’no pro’sopon”
means show partiality or favoritism. (James 2:1,9) (Acts 10:34) God
is not partial. (Deuteronomy 10:17) (2 Chronicles 19:7) (Acts 10:34-
35) (Romans 2:10, 11) Christians are required to be impartial.
(James 2:9.

IMRAH: Imrah the son of Zophah was a paternal head and also a
head chieftain of the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:36, 37)

IMRI: There are two Imris mentioned in the Holy Scriptures: The
son of Bani of the tribe of Judah through Perez, and the father of
Zaccur who shared in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah
3:2) (1 Chronicles 9:4)

IMMANUEL: This word means: God Is With Us. This name-title

was applied to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. (Mathew 1:23)

IMMER, THE PRIEST: Immer was a descendant of Aaron who was

the head of the sixteenth priestly division in David’s time. (1
Chronicles 24:1, 6, 14) It is estimated that nearly 1,052 of his
descendants returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon in 537 B.C.E.
(Ezra 2:37) (Nehemiah 7:40) Two of the sons of Immer were
mentioned as among those who put away ther foreign wives in
Ezra’s time. (Ezra 10:20, 44)

IMMER, FATHER OF PASHHUR : This Immer was the father of

the priest Pashhur. His son Pashhur opposed Jeremiah the prophet
and had him put in stocks. (Jeremiah 20:1, 2, 6)

IMMER, FATHER OF ZADOK: Immer was father of Zadok. Zadok

was a workman who helped repair Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah
3:29)

IMMER, IN BABYLONIA: A group of priest returned to a place

called Immer in Babylonia. (Ezra 2:59) (Nehemiah 7:61)

IMMERSION: Immersion was the way to be baptized in Jesus’ day.

It is the act of submerging, completely covering a person’s body
with water. Many baptisms were performed in the Jordan River.
SEE BAPTISM.

IMMORTALITY: Greek: athanasi’a means everlasting life, without

death. It applies to God and to Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 1:17)
(Romans 6:9) (Hebrews 7:16)

INAUGURATE, DEDICATE: Hebrew “cha-nakh”’ and Greek “en-

kai-ni’zo” mean to make new or renew. Both are verbs. They
represent definite action! Paul described the necessary inauguration
or dedication of the Mosaic Law covenant at Hebrews 9: 18-20. He
stated that the new covenant was also inaugurated by Jesus’ death,
resurrection and ascension to heaven. It was there that Jesus
presented the value of his blood sacrifice. Deuteronomy 20:5 speak
of inaugurating one’s person and dwelling to God. The New
Simplified Bible uses the more modern term “dedication” to
describe personal dedication to God. This is because “inauguration”
is almost always used in 21st century English to describe the formal
recognition of a government head such as a king or president.
Christians should constantly renew their dedication to their God,
Jehovah and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Dedication is the setting
apart for a sacred purpose. The Hebrew verb na-zar’ means to keep
separate, to withdraw. (Leviticus 15:31; 22:2) (Ezekiel 14:7) (Hosea
9:10)

INDIA: Scholars are uncertain exactly where the area named as

India at Esther 8:9 is located. Most believe it was the area drained
by the Indus River and its tributaries.

INDUSTRIOUSNESS, DILIGENCE: Industriousness is

persevering determination to perform a task. Christians are urged
to be zealous and diligent in their efforts to serve God. (Hebrews
6:11, 12) This calls for the constant application of industrious
perseverance. (2 Timothy 2:15) (Hebrews 4:11) Strength to be
diligent and industrious comes from God’s Holy Spirit.

**********************************************************
IN, ON, AT, BY, WITH: Translators frequently adhere to the
Greek preposition “en” as the English word “in.” The New
Simplified Bible uses the more exact forms such as “to,” “unto,”
“by,” “upon,” “at,” “with,” “among,” “for,” and “through.” More than
40 different English words are used when translating from the
Greek word “en.” Matthew 3:11 and Mark 5:3 use the word “with”
instead of the word “in.”

A classic example is found at John 14:10. Most Bible Translations

use the preposition “in.” This makes it sound as if the Father is
inside of the Son. Perhaps they want it to sound that way. Since the
Father and the Son are two distinctly different spirit persons this is
unlikely. The use of the word “with” expresses the unity between
God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The preposition “with”
denotes nearness. Obviously the Son of God is closely united with
his Father. John 1:1 tells us the Word, Jesus Christ, was with God.
That means two separate beings who are together.
Jesus said at John 15:4, Remain with me and I with you. He did not
wish for his followers to be inside of him but with him. This is a
reflection of the closeness and unity of the brotherhood. Six verses
away at John 15:10 the preposition “in” is appropriate because of
the context to “remain in my love.” John 15:24 should read “works
done among them” not “in them.”

John 17:27 reads: “I have made your name known, and will make it
known. That way your love for me may be with them and I may be
with them.” Trinitarians want you to believe what they call the
“indwelling of Christ in the believer.” It is for that reason that they
translate John 17:27 as follows: “I have made you known to them,
and will continue to make you known in order that the love you
have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
(NIV)

While there is a beautiful spiritual unity between Jesus Christ and

his followers, there is no Scriptural evidence that there is a literal
“indwelling of Christ in the believers.” This spiritual unity is
sustained by God’s Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is always with the
believer and offers protection in times of danger and comfort in
times of need. It is God’s Holy Spirit, the Comforter, that dwells
within the anointed believer. (Romans 8:9-16)
********************************************************

INHERITANCE: An inheritance is anything received from

progenitors or predecessors. It is property passed at the owner’s
death to the heir or those entitled to receive it. The Hebrew verb
“nachal”’ or noun “nachalah”’ involve getting or giving an
inheritance usually as a result of succession. (Numbers 26:55)
(Ezekiel 46:18) The Greek word “kle’ros” means inheritance.
(Matthewt 27:35) (Acts 1:17; 26:18) Jesus Christ, son of David,
inherits the throne of David. (Isaiah 9:7) (Luke 1:32) Anointed
Christians have a heavenly inheritance. (Ephesians 1:14) (Colossians
1:12) (1 Peter 1:4, 5) Jesus Christ pointed out that persons who give
up valuable things for the sake of his name and for the sake of the
good news will inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29) (Mark
10:29, 30)

INK: Hebrew: “deyoh” means ink. It is found only at Jeremiah

36:18. The Greek: “me’lan” means ink. It is only found at 2
Corinthians 3:3; 2 John 12 and 3 John 13. Ink was made of a
coloring material dispersed in a medium of gum, glue or varnish.
This holds the coloring material on the surface on which it was
applied. The best inks required much time to grind and disperse the
coloring material into the holding agents.

INKHORN: The inkhorn was a container that held the secretary’s

supply of ink. He often wore it around his waist. (Ezekiel 9:2) Today
a secretary would carry a writing case containing pens and pencils
or perhaps a computer.

INN: Greek: “pando-khei’on” translates to the word ‘inn,’ ‘a rented

room,’ and ‘hotel.’ Jesus related the account of the Good Samaritan
who helped someone in need and put him up at an inn overnight.
(Luke 10:33-35)

INCENSE: The Israelites used incense in their worship. (Exodus

30:7) They burned incense to produce a pleasant smell. (Revelation
8:3-4)

INCEST: Incest is the act of sexual intercourse between persons

who are too closely related to be married. An example is intercourse
between a parent and a child. It is also called unlawful carnal
knowledge and criminal congress. It is known as forbidden sexual
intercourse between individuals. Incest is absolutely forbidden by
God! (Leviticus 18:6-17, 29; 20:11, 12, 14)

INCORRUPTION, CORRUPT: This is the quality of a body that is

not subject to decay, ruin, or destruction. Incoruptness is
characterized by integrity and probity. The word “incorruption” is
an old word that does not appear in the New Simplified Bible very
often. The thoughts and meanings of this word are conveyed
instead. The Greek word “phtheiro” can be translated “corrupt.” (2
Corinthians 7:2) Or “spoil” (1 Corinthians 15:33) People may
become mentally corrupted and turn away from the truth.
(Ephesians 4:22) (1 Timothy 6:5) (2 Timothy 3:8)

INSPIRATION: All Scripture is inspired of God. The Greek word

“theo’pneustos” means God breathed. It means that the Bible
writers wrote what God wanted them to write. (2 Timothy 3:16) (2
Peter 1: 20-21) Jesus said: “the scripture may not be annulled.” He
also said: “Heaven and earth would pass away before one small
letter (detail) will pass away from the Law.” (Mathew 5:18) The
entire body of the Scriptures comprise the unified and harmonious
written Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

INSPIRATION OF TRANSLATIONS: Each writer of the Holy

Scriptures was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to write the words he
wrote! The original writings are not available today. Copies of the
original writings and all subsequent copies are not inspired by God.
Translations should not claim absolute accuracy.

TRANSLATIONS ARE NOT INSPIRED BY GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT!

Peters statement: “Jehovah’s Word abides forever” is assurance that
God has preserved the internal integrity of the Scriptures through
the centuries. (1 Peter 1:25) This theocratic fact alone offers good
reason for Bible students to study from more than one translation!
Never trust your faith to committees of men no matter how learned
they appear to be. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that there are
spirits and doctrines of demons. He refers to both good and bad
spirits at 1 Timothy 4:1. The Apostle John urged Christians to test
the spirit expressions to see whether they originate with God. (1
John 4:1-3) It stands to reason that God would protect his Word the
Bible. All the same, study and compare different translations!

INSECTS: More than 800,000 varieties of insects can be found on

earth. They come in all shades of color and brightness. They range
in size from so small they can not be seen without a magnifying
glass to large walking-sticks nearly one foot in length. Eighty-five
percent of flowering plants are dependent on insects for pollination.
The Bible describes them in many ways. (Leviticus 11:20-23) Job
observed that man could learn about God’s wisdom from the
creation, including insects. (Job 12:7-9) An interesting study is that
of the very industrious ant. (Pr 6:6-8) Insects are soil builders and
scavengers. People in the Middle East have eaten insects, such as
locusts, for centuries. Without insects we would not have honey and
silk. Regardless of how they bother many humans they contribute in
good ways to life on earth.

INSIGHT: Insight is the ability to see into a situation. It requires

that a person act with prudence and discretion. The Hebrew verb
“sakhal’” means: ‘to look at,’ ‘to be prudent’, ‘circumspect’, ‘to act
prudently’ and ‘be intelligent.’ The noun “sekhel’” is translated
‘insight’ and ‘discretion.’ (Psalm 111:10) (1 Samuel 25:3) Greek
“syni’emi” is rendered to ‘understand,’ ‘perceive’ or ‘get the sense.’
(Matthew 13:13-15; 16:2) (Ephesians 5:17) God gives insight to his
servants by providing them with counsel that they can use to direct
their steps. (Psalm 32:8) One who has insight accepts correction.
(Psalm 2:10)

INSTRUCTION: Hebrew: verb “yarah”’ means instruct, teach. The

Hebrew term “le’qach” also means instruction. (Deuteronomy 32:2)
(Jeremiah 9:20) The Greek “katekhe’o” means teach and instruct.
Jehovah God is the Grand Instructor of his people. (Isaiah 30:20)
Jesus’ disciples address his as Instructor. They acknowledge his
authority and their responsibility to follow his directions. (Luke 5:5;
9:33) Moses wrote that Jehovah’s instruction was refreshing: “My
instruction shall drop as the rain; my words shall descend like dew,
as the small rain on the tender plant, and as the showers on the
grass.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)

INTEGRITY: The righteous man walks in his integrity. (Proverbs

20:7) The Hebrew word “tamim’” means perfect. It refers both to
physical and mental perfection. It represents moral soundness,
completeness of mind, being blameless and faultless. (Job 2:3; 2:9;
4:6; 27:5) (Psalms 26:1; 26:11) (Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; 20:70) Integrity
is embraced in the commandment Jesus announced at Matthew
22:36-38 as the greatest of all: ”You shall love Jehovah your God
with all your heart, and with all your being, and with your entire
mind. (Greek: kardia: feelings, emotions) (Greek: psuche, life)
(Hebrew: nephesh, breath, living being, person) (Deuteronomy 6:5)
(Greek: dianoia: understanding)

INTEREST: SEE USERY

INTERPRETATION: An interpretation is a mental representation of

the meaning or significance of something that is not always
immediately obvious. Bible translations require a degree of
interpretation. A translation must convey the meaning of words
from one language to another. This requires additional descriptive
words and explanations of their meaning in the new language. The
classical Greek word “herme-neu’o” means explain and interpret.
However, Peter wrote that no prophesy of Scripture springs from
any private interpretation. He further stated that men spoke from
God as they were borne along by Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20, 21)
While explaining the meaning of words requires some
interpretation, explaining the meaning of Bible prophecy should
not! Faithful Bible students should always let the Bible interpret the
Bible! That may require looking up a large number of Scripture
references.

INTESTINES: Hebrew: “qe’rev” refers to the intestines of men and

animals. (Exodus 12:9; 29:13) (Psalm 5:9) It means that which is in
the midst or within. (Genesis 25:22) (Deuteronomy 17:20) The
Greek word “splag’khna” means intestines. (Acts 1:18)

INTOXICATION: The excessive consumption of alcohol causes

intoxication. The Holy Scriptures warn that if a person practices
being a drunkard he will not inherit everlasting life. (1 Corinthians
6:9, 10) (Galatians 5:19-21)

IOB: Iob was the thirst son of Issachar. (Genesis 46:13)

IPHDEIAH: Iphdeiah was the son of Shashak. He was a headman

of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 25, 28)

IPHTAH: Iphtah was a city of Judah in the Shephelah about 6

miles northwest of Hebron. (Joshua 15:20, 33, 43)

IPHTAH-EL: Iphtah-el was a valley found on the boundary

between the tribes of Zebulun and Asher. (Joshua 19:10, 14, 24, 27)

IR: Ir was the father of Shuppim and Huppim. (1 Chronicles 7:12) It

is possible he was the same as the Benjamite Iri found at 1
Chronicles 7:7.

IRA, THE JAIRITE: Ira was a Jairite who was a chief priest
serving during David’s reign. (2 Samuel 8:18; 20:26)

IRA, SON OF IKKESH: Ira was the son of Ikkesh the Tekonite.
He was one of the mighty warriors of King David’s military forces.
(2 Samuel 23:24, 26) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 28)

IRA, THE ITHRITE: This Ira was another mighty warrior of King
David’s military forces. (2 Samuel 23:38) (1 Chronicles 11:40)

IRAM: Iram was a sheik or chieftain of Esau. (Genesis 36:43) (1

Chronicles 1:54)
IRI: Iri was the son of Bela. He was a paternal head and mighty
man of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 7:7) He may be listed as Ir at 1
Chronicles 7:12.

IRIJAH: Irijah was the son of Shelemiah the son of Hananiah. He

was the officer in charge of the Gate of Benjamin in Jerusalem who
arrested Jeremiah on the false charge that Jeremiah was planning
to desert to the Babylonians. (Jeremiah 37:13, 14)

IR-NAHASH: Ir-nahash was a place founded by the Judean

Tehinnah located somewhere about 12 miles northwest of Hebron.
(1 Chronicles 4:1, 12)

IRON: Iron is one of the oldest metals known to man. It is a

relatively inexpensive and very abundant metal. In fact it is the
fourth most plentiful element in the crust of the earth. The earth’s
core could be nearly 90 percent iron. Four thousand years before
Christ walked on the earth Tubal-Cain was the first person known to
forge and work with iron. (Genesis 4:22) The Bible refers to Iron in
a figurative sense in many places. The iron furnace is a symbol of
hard and hot oppression. (Deuteronomy 4:20) (1 Kings 8:51)
(Jeremiah 11:4) Iron yokes represent unbreakable bondage.
(Deuteronomy 28:48) (Jeremiah 28:13, 14) Iron symbolizes
hardness. (Leviticus 26:19) (Deuteronomy 28:23)

IRPEEL: Irpeel was a city of Benjamin identified at Joshua 18:21,

27.

IR-SHEMESH: Ir-Shemesh was a town on the boundary of Dan.

(Joshua 19:41, 42)

IRU: Iru was the first son of Caleb the spy. He was of Judah’s tribe.
(1 Chronicles 4:15)

ISCAH: Iscah was the daughter of Abraham’s brother Haran. She

was sister of Lot, born before he uncle Abraham left Ur of the
Chaldees. (Genesis 11:27-31)

ISCARIOT: The traitor apostle Judas was known as Judas Iscariot.

(Matthew 10:4) (Luke 6:16) (John 6:71) Iscariot means, “Man from
Kerioth” referring to the Judean town of Kerioth-Hezron. (Joshua
15:25)
ISHBAH: Ishbah was father of Eshtemoa, a descendant of Judah.
(1 Chronicles 4:1, 17)

ISHBAK: Ishbak was the fifth of six sons that Keturah bore to
Abraham. (Genesis 25:1, 2, 5, 6) (1 Chronicles 1:32)

ISHBI-BENOB: He was one of four Rephaim. They were the giant

race of Canaanites. The giant Ishbi-Benob carried a copper spear
weighing 7.5 pounds and was about to kill David with it when
Abishai put the giant to death. (2 Samuel 21:15-17, 22)

ISHHOD: Ishhod was a descendant of Manasseh whose mother

was Hammole. (1 Chronicles 7:14, 18)

ISHI, SON OF APPAIM: Ishi was the son of Appaim. He was a

descendant of Judah and the father of Sheshan. (1 Chronicles 2:3,
31)

ISHI, OF TRIBE OF MANASSEH: Ishi was the head of the half

tribe of Manasseh. He lived east of the Jordan River. (1 Chronicles
5:23, 24)

ISHI, THE SIMEONITE: Ishi was of the tribe of Simeon. His four
sons led 500 fighters to victory against the Amalekites in Mount
Seir. (1 Chronicles 4:42, 43)

ISHMA: Ishma is a shortened for of Ishmael an early descendant

of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 3)

ISHMAELITE: Ishmaelites were descendants of Ishmael, the first-

born son of Abraham by Hagar, the Egyptian handmaid of Sarah.
(Genesis 16:1-4, 11) Ishmael married an Egyptian by whom he had
twelve sons. (Genesis 21:21; 25:13-16) The Ishmaelites grew to
become a great nation just as God promised. They could not be
numbered for multitude. (Genesis 17:20; 16:10) They were a
nomadic tribe that settled in very few cities. Ishmael had intense
animosity toward Isaac. This hatred was handed down through the
generations. (Psalm 83:1, 2, 5, 6) Muhammad, who lived in the
seventh century C.E. claimed to be an Ishmaelite descendant of
Abraham.
ISAAC: The son of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham was to offer Isaac
as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:1-9) Isaac married Rebekah as recorded
at Genesis chapter 24. He had exemplary faith. (Hebrews 11:20)

ISAIAH, THE PROPHET, THE BOOK: The prophet and writer

of the book of Isaiah. He lived about seven hundred years before
Christ. The book of Isaiah was written by Isaiah some time after 732
B.C.E. in the city of Jerusalem. Matthew records some of the
fulfillment of Jehovah’s prophecies written in Isaiah. (Matthew 3:3;
4:14-16; 13:14-15) God is referred to as the “the Holy One of Israel”
25 times. The Messiah, or Anointed One, Jesus Christ is mentioned
many times also. The book of Isaiah is quoted by many of the other
inspired writers of the Holy Scriptures.

ISHMAEL: Son of Abraham and Hagar. (Genesis 16:2-16; 21:8-21)

ISHMAIAH, THE GIBEONITE: Ishmaiah was a Gibeonite

warrior who joined David’s army at Ziklage shortly before Saul died.
(1 Chronicles 12:1, 4) (2 Samuel 23:8, 18, 19) (1 Chronicles 11:10, 11,
20, 21)

ISHMAIAH, SON OF OBADIAH: Ishmaiah was the prince over

the tribe of Zebulun at the time of David. He was the son of
Obadiah. (1 Chronicles 27:19, 22)

ISHMERAI: He was a leader of the Benjamites who lived in

Jerusalem. He was son or descendant of Elpaal. (1 Chronicles 8:1,
18, 28)

ISHPAH: Ishpah was a head of the people living with the

Benjamites in Jerusalem. He was son of Beriah. (1 Chronicles 8:1,
16, 28)

ISHPAN: Ishpan was a Benjamite, one of the heads of the people

in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 22, 25, 28)

ISHTOB: Ishtob was one of the small kingdoms that offered

fighting men to help the sons of Ammon fight against David. The
forces of Ishtob and their allies were defeated. (2 Samuel 10) Some
Bible translators use the term “men of Tob.”

ISHVAH: Ishvah was the second of Asher’s four sons. (Genesis

46:17)
ISHVI, SON OF ASHER: Ishvi was the third son of Asher. He was
the founder of the Ishvite family in the tribe of Asher. (Genesis
46:17) (Numbers 26:44) (1 Chronicles 7:30)

ISHVI, SON OF SAUL: Ishvi was the son of Saul. (1 Samuel

14:49)

ISHVITES: The Ishvites were a family descended from Ishvi, a son

of Asher. (Genesis 46:17) (Numbers 26:44)

ISLAND, ISLE: This Hebrew term “iyim’” refers to a body of land

smaller than a continent and completely surrounded by water.
(Isaiah 11:11; 24:15) It also means dry land. (Isaiah 42:15); or
coastlands. (Isaiah 20:6; 23:2, 6) (Jeremiah 2:10) According to
Jehovah all the islands are as mere fine dust. (Isaiah 40:15)

ISMACHIAH: This was one of the Levites selected as a

commissioner in connection with the contributions for temple
service during Hezekiah’s reign. (2 Chronicles 31:13)

ISRAEL THE KINGDOM: The ten tribes that made up the northern
kingdom. (1 Kings 11:27) (2 Kings 17:1-18)

ISRAEL SON OF ISAAC: Jacob’s name was changed to Israel when

he struggled with an angel at Bethel. His name in Hebrew means
“he who wrestles with God.” (Genesis 32:22-28; 35:9-10)

ISRAELITE: An Israelite is a descendant of Jacob. Jacob’s name

was changed to Israel. (2 Samuel 17:25) (John 1:47) (Romans 11:1)
Members of the twelve tribes before the split in the kingdom were
considered Israelites. (1 Samuel 2:14; 13:20; 29:1) Members of the
ten tribe northern kingdom were Israelites. (1 Kings 12:19) (2 Kings
3:24) Jews of the first century C.E. were considered Israelites. (Acts
13:16) (Romans 9:3, 4) (2 Corinthians 11:22) The apostle Paul
introduced the anointed Christians as the ”Israel of God.” (Galatians
6:15, 16) These individuals will rule with Christ as kings and priest
in the kingdom. (Revelation 5:10; 7:4; 14:1, 4; 20:6)

ISSACHAR: This was one of the 12 tribes of Israel consisting of

descendants of Jacob through his son Issachar. Issachar was the
fourth tribe chosen by lot to receive its inheritance. The inheritance
was found in the fertile Valley of Jezreel. Jacob’s son Issachar was
compared to a “strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.”
(Genesis 49:14, 15) This quality of strength was reflected in the tribe
that was named after him. The land they inherited was a fertile part
of Palestine, good for agriculture. Issachar could be commended for
fully accepting the hard labor required to take care of the
inheritance. The books of Ezekiel and Revelation each list Issachar
along with the other tribes in prophetic visions. It becomes evident
in these prophecies that Issachar is represented in a symbolic way.
(Ezekiel 48:25, 26, 33) (Revelation 7:7)

ISSHIAH, TRIBE OF ISSACHAR: Isshiah was one of the

leaders of the tribe of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 7:1, 3, 4)

ISSHIAH, THE WARRIOR: Isshaiah was a warrior who joined

David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 6)

ISSHIAH, DESCENDANT OF KOHATH: This Isshiah was a

descendant of Kohath. His sons were Levites organized under
David’s reign. (1 Chronicles 23:12, 20; 24:24, 25)

ISSHIAH, THE LEVITE: This Isshiah was a Levite during

David’s time. He was a descendant of Moses. (1 Chronicles 23:14-17;
24:21)

ISSHIJAH: He was one of the Levites who responded to Ezra’s

urging to send away their foreign wives and sons. (Ezra 10:31, 44)

IS: According to Strongs Greek Dictionary the Greek word: “esti”

means “is” “are” and “means.” The expression “this is my body”
found at Mark 14:22 refers to something symbolic or figurative.
Obviously bread is not the Lords body. A few religious organizations
believe that the bread and wine at communnion turn into the literal
body and blood of Christ. The New Simplified Bible uses the words,
“this means my body” and “this means my blood” to show that they
represent Christ’s sacrifice.

IT: The Greek words “ekeinos” and “autos” may be translated into
58 different English words. (Ekeinos, Strongs # G1565; Autos,
Strongs # G846) These words include: he, she, it; himself, herself,
themselves, itself; and, that one. The references to the Holy Spirit
have been translated into the masculine words “he” or “him” by
Trinitarian biased translators. The New Simplified Bible honors the
true context of the Holy Scriptures. Holy Spirit is God’s power. It is
an invisable force that the Almighty God uses to accomplish His
will. It is masculine because it belongs to a masculine God, Jehovah
God. (John 14:17; 16:13)

ITALIAN BAND: Cornelius was reported to be an army officer of the

Italian band at Acts 10:1, 2, 22, 24. This cohort was so named to
distinguish it from the regular Roman legions. A cohort was a
company of about 600 solders in the Roman army. It was about one
tenth the size of a legion. The Italian Band was made up of
volunteers mustered in Italy. They were Roman citizens as freemen
or as freedmen. Cornelius made his home in Caesarea.

ITALY: Italy is the boot-shaped peninsula extended southeasterly

out of Europe into the Mediterranean Sea. Italy is 700 miles long
from the Alps Mountains in the north to the Strait of Messina on the
southern tip. It is 100 to 150 miles wide with the Adriatic Sea on the
east and Tyrrhenian Sea on the west. The Apennine Mountains run
down the middle of the peninsula. The apostle Paul addressed the
Roman congregation in his letter. (Romans 1:1-7) During his first
Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote the book of Hebrews while still in
Italy. (Hebrews 13:24)

ITHAI: Ithai was one of David’s mighty men. He was the son of
Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin’s territory. (2 Samuel 23:29) (1
Chronicles 11:26, 31)

ITHAMAR: Ithamar was Aaron’s fourth son. (Exodus 6:23)

(Numbers 26:60) (1 Chronicles 6:3) He supervised the inventory of
tabernacle supplies until he was installed as a priest. (Exodus 28:1;
38:21; 29:1-46; 40:12-15) Later Jehovah assigned a greater portion
of priestly duties to Ithamar and Eleazar. (Leviticus 10:1-20)
Ithamar’s descendants were priests during the rulership of Saul,
David, and Solomon. Eight of the twenty-four priestly divisions
were of the house of Ithamar when David organized the temple
service. (1 Chronicles 24:1-6) (1 Samuel 14:3; 22:9)

ITHIEL, DISCIPLE OF AGUR: Ithel was one who listened to

Agur when he spoke. (Proverbs 30:1)

ITHIEL, THE BENJAMITE: This Ithel was a Benjamite whose

descendant lived in Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 11:4,
7)
ITHLAH: Ithlah was one of the border cities of Dan. (Joshua 19:40,
42)

ITHMAH: Ithmah was one of David’s mighty fighting men. (1

Chronicles 11:26, 46)

ITHNAN: Ithnan was a city in southern Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 23)

ITHRA: Ithra was the father of Amasa by David’s sister or half sister
Abigail. (2 Samuel 17:25)

ITHRAN, SON OF DISHON: Ithran was the son of the Edomite

sheik Dishon. He was a descendant of Seir the Horite. (Genesis
36:20, 21, 26) (1 Chronicles 1:38, 41)

ITHRAN, DESCENDANT OF ASHER: Ithran was a descendant of

Asher through Zophah. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 37)

ITHREAM: Ithream was David’s sixth son. He was born in Hebron

by his wife Eglah. (2 Samuel 3:5) (1 Chronicles 1:38, 41)

ITHRITE: This was a family name in the tribe of Judah connected

with Kiriath-jearim. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 52, 53) Two of David’s
mighty men, Ira and Gareb, came from this family. (2 Samuel
23:38) (1 Chronicles 11:40)

ITTAI, GITTITE WARRIOR: Ittai was a Gittite warrior from the

Philistine city of Gath. He was very loyal to David. He fleed
Jerusalem with David because of Absalom’s rebellion. Ittai told
David, “I swear to you in the name of Jehovah that I will always go
with you wherever you go, even if it means death.” (2 Samuel 15:18-
22) Ittai was given command of one third of David’s army. (2
Samuel 18:2, 5, 12)

ITTAI, SON OF RIBAI: Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah was a

Benjamite and one of David’s mighty men. He is called Ithai at 1
Chronicles 11:31. (2 Samuel 23:29)

ITURAEA: Ituraea was a territory northeast of the Sea of Galilee.

The name Ituraea was derived from Ishmael’s son Jetur. His
descendants resided east of the Jordan River and were defeated by
the Israelites. (Genesis 25:15, 16) (1 Chronicles 1:31; 5:18-23)
IVORY: The Hebrew word shen means tooth and shen-hab-bim’
means elephants’ tooth. The Greek “elephan’tinos” means made of
ivory. (1 Kings 10:18-22) (2 Chronicles 9: 17-21) (Ezekiel 27:6, 15)
(Revelation 18:11, 12)

IVVAH: Ivvah was one of the cities conquered by the Assyrians. (2

Kings 18:34; 19:13) (Isaiah 37:13)

IYE-ABARIM: Iye-abarim was the name of a place where the

Israelites camped somewhere on the southern border of Moab, near
the Zered Valley. (Numbers 21:11, 12; 33:44)

IYIM: The abbreviated form of Iye-abarim, a site on the border of

Moab where the Israelites encamped. (Numbers 33:44, 45)

IZHARITES: The Izharites were a Levite family of the Kohathites

that descended from Izhar. (Numbers 3:19, 27) (1 Chronicles 24:22;
26:23, 29)

IZLIAH: Izliah was a noted Benjamite who lived in Jerusalem. He

was son or descendant of Elpaal. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 18, 28)

IZRAHIAH, DESCENDANT OF ISSACHAR: Izrahiah was a

descendant of Issachar through Tola. (1 Chronicles 7:1-5)

IZRAHIAH, HEAD SINGER: Izrahiah was overseer of the singers

who sang at the celebration at the completion of Nehemiah’s
rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 12:42)

IZRAHITE: This designation was given to the man Shamhuth, the

chief of David’s fifth service division. (1 Chronicles 27:8)

IZRI: Izri was the leader of the fourth course of 12 musicians. They
served at Jehovah’s sanctuary when David reorganized them. (1
Chronicles 25:7, 8, 11)

IZZIAH: He was one of the sons of Parosh. After hearing Ezra’s

counsel he sent away his foreign wives and sons. (Ezra 10:25, 44)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

J
JAAKOBAH: This man was one of the chieftains of Simeon. In the
days of Hezekiah they expanded their territory into the fertile valley
of Gedor by killing the inhabitants. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 36-41)

JAALAH: He was a founder of a family of Solomon’s servants.

Some of them returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
(Ezra 2:2, 55-58) (Nehemiah 7:7, 57-60)

JAARE-OREGIM, JAIR: This name appears at 2 Samuel 21:19

and no other place in the Holy Scriptures. It is believed to be caused
by a scribal error. The New Simplified Bible uses the name, “Jair” in
this verse.

JAARESHIAH: Jaareshiah was a family head in the tribe of

Benjamin. He was a descendant of Jeroham and lived in Jerusalem.
(1 Chronicles 8:1, 27, 28)

JAASIEL, THE MEZOBAITE: This Jaasiel was one of David’s

mighty men. He was a Mezobaite. (Chronicles 11:26, 47)

JAASIEL, SON OF ABNER: Jaasiel was the son of Abner and a

cousin of King Saul. He was a prince of the tribe of Benjamin during
the time David ruled as king. (1 Chronicles 27:21, 22)

JAASU: This son of Bani was one of the Jews who responded to
Ezra’s admonition by putting away their foreign wives and sons.
(Ezra 10:34, 37, 44)

JAAZIAH: He was a Merarite Levite who had four sons who served
during David’s reign. (1 Chronicles 24:26, 27, 31)

JAAZANIAH, A RECHABITE LEADER: This man was the

leader of the Rechabites when the prophet Jeremiah tested their
integrity by offering them wine. They refused the wine. Jaazaniah
was the son of another Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 35:3, 5, 6)

JAAZANIAH, SON OF SHAPHAN: Jaazaniah was named in

Ezekiel’s vision of the 70 men offering incense before carved
idolatrous symbols in Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. He was the
son of Shaphan. (Ezekiel 8:1, 10, 11)

JAAZANIAH, SON OF AZZUR: Jaazaniah the son of Azzur was

one of 25 men seen in Ezekiel’s vision. (Ezekiel 11:1-4) In this vision
they were standing at the eastern gate of Jehovha’s temple.
Jaazaniah and his companions were scheming against the city and
offering them bad counsel and Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy
against them.

JAAZANIAH, MILITARY LEADER: Jaazaniah was a military

leader of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. He
supported the appointment of Governor Gedaliah. (2 Kings 25:23)
(Jeremiah 40:7, 8)

JAAZIEL: This Levite musician was in the second division that

accompanied the Ark of the Covenant when it was transferred from
Obed-edom’s house to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:18) He was
called Aziel in verse 20. Jaaziel was also called Jeiel at 1 Chronicles
16:5. He was assigned as a musician before the Ark.

JABAL: Jabal was a descendant of Cain. He was son of Lamech and

first wife Adah. (Genesis 4:17, 19-20) Jabal is called the founder of
those who dwell in tents and have livestock. He might have
invented tents. He was involved with nomadic livestock herding as
a way of live.

JABBOK VALLEY: The Jabbok Valley is a major valley east of the

Jordan River. It is first mentioned with reference to Jacob’s
crossing or the Ford of Jabbok. (Genesis 32:22-30) The Jabbok
Stream (or River, depending on the runoff) flows 39 miles into the
Jordan River. (Deuteronomy 3:16)

JABESH, THE TOWN: Jabesh was a town in north of Gilead. It

was also known as Jabesh-gilead. (Judges 21:8) (1 Samuel 11:1) (1
Chronicles 10:11, 12)

JABESH, FATHER OF SHALLUM: This Jabesh was the father

of Israel’s King Shallum. (2 Kings 15:10, 13, 14)

JABESH-GILEAD: Jabesh-gilead means Dried-Up Place of

Gilead. It was a town in the tribal territory of Gad, East of the
Jordan and south of the Sea of Galilee. David, the newly anointed
king of Judah, sent blessings to the people of Jabesh-gilead for
extending their kindness toward the fallen anointed one of Israel. (2
Samuel 2:4-7)

JABIN, KING OF HAZOR: Jabin was the king of Hazor when

Joshua invaded the Promised Land. Jabin formed a confederation
of northern Canaanite kings to fight against Israel. Their combined
military forces are described in the Bible, “as numerous as the
grains of sand.” They had many horses and chariots too. Joshua led
a supprise attack at the waters of Merom and defeated them. Hazar
was captured and burned. (Joshua 11:1-14; 12:7, 19)

JABIN, CANAANITE KING: This Canaanite king ruled from the

restored Hazor. He may have been a descendant of the first King
Jabin. Jabin’s army included 900 chariots and iron scythes. It was
was under the command of Sisera. (Judges 4:2, 3; 5:19, 20)

JABNEH: Jabneh was a walled Philistine city. It suffered defeat at

the hands of Judah’s King Uzziah. (2 Chronicles 26:6)

JACAN: Jacan was the fifth of Abihail’s seven sons. He was a

Gadite. (1 Chronicles 5:13, 14)

JACHIN, SON OF SIMEON: Jachin was the son of Simeon. He is

called Jarib at 1 Chronicles 4:24. His descendants were the
Jachinites of the Simeonite families in Israel. (Exodus 6:15)
(Numbers 26:12)

JACHIN, THE PRIEST: This Jachin was a priest whos house was
selected by lot to be responsible for the 21st of the 24 priestly
divisions organized by David. (1 Chronicles 24:7, 17)

JACHIN, THE COLUMN: “Huram placed two copper columns in

front of the entrance of the Temple in Jerusalem. The column on
the south side was named Jachin and one on the north was named
Boaz.” (1 Kings 7:15-22)

JACHINITES: The Jachinites were descendants of Simeon’s son

Jachin. (Genesus 46:10) (Numbers 26:12)

JACKAL: The Jackal is like a wild dog. It has a long, pointed muzzle
and a bushy tail. In many ways it resembles a fox. They can still be
found in Palestine. Jackals are dwellers of wild and lonely desert-
like areas. Many prophecies use this animal figuratively as well as
literally to represent a state of utter desolation. Jackals were used
to picture desolation for Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, Hazor,
Babylon, and Edom. (Jeremiah 9:11; 10:22; 49:33; 51:37) (Isaiah
34:5, 13) (Malachi 1:3)

JACOB: Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. He was the
younger of twin brother Esau. His father Isaac was 60 years old at
the time of his birth in 1858 B.C.E. (Genesis 25:20, 21, 26) (Romans
9:7-10) Jacob was the second born and he came out holding the
heel of Esau at their birth. That explains the name Jacob, meaning:
“one seizing the heel.” (Genesis 25:22-26) Isaac favored Esau and
Rebekah favored Jacob. Esau was a wild, wandering huntsman and
Jacob led a quiet pastoral life and was very dependable. (Genesis
25:27, 28) Esau care nothing about his birthright as the first-born
son, so he sold it to Jacob for a lowly bowel of stew. (Genesis 25:29-
34) (Hebrews 12:16)

JACOB’S LADDER: At age 77 Jacob had a dream in which he saw a

ladder reaching into heaven. The angels were ascending and
descending the ladder. Jehovah was at the top. Jehovah confirmed
with Jacob the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. (Genesis
28:11-13) (1 Chronicles 16:16, 17) Jehovah God confirmed that:
“Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth. Every family on
earth will be blessed through you and through your descendants.”
(Genesis 28:13-15)

JACOB’S NAME CHANGED TO ISRAEL: God changed Jacob’s

name to Israel as a token of God’s blessing. The change in name was
confirmed at Bethel. From then on to the end of his life Jacob was
frequently called Israel. (Genesis 23:10, 15; 50:2) (1 Chronicles 1:34)
The name “Israel” is found in the Bible more than 2,570 times.
Many of these times are in reference to Jacob’s descendants as a
nation. (Exodus 5:1, 2) Since the days when Jesus Christ preached
God’s Kingdom and walked upon the earth his faithful followers
have proclaimed him “King of Israel.” (John 1:49; 12:12, 13) He has
in fact been proclaimed “King of Kings.” (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
All of this reflects directly on Jacob, who was a descendant of Jesus
Christ.

JACOB’S FOUNTAIN: Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well or

fountain. (John 4:5-30) It was Jacob’s Well. Jacob’s fountain is a
deep well in which the water level never rises to the top. It is about
seventy-five feet deep. Most likely Jacob dug this well on his
property. (Genesis 33:18-20) (Joshua 24:32) (John 4:5, 12)

JADA or JEDAIAH: This descendant of Judah through

Jerahmeel is listed as a son of Onam and father of Jether and
Jonathan. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 25, 26, 28, 32)

JADDAI: Jaddai was a son of Nebo. He took a non-Israelite wife

but sent her away at the urging of Ezra. Some translations read Iddo
instead of Jaddai. (Ezra 10:43, 44)
JADE: Hebrew: “yashepheh” is Jade. Jade is a hard ornamental
stone used for jewelry and carvings. It is usually green in color.
(Ezra 28:12, 13)

JADON: Jadon was a Meronothite who helped Nehemiah rebuild

Jerusalem’s wall in 455 B.C.E. (Nehemiah 3:7)

JAGUR: Jagur was a city in the south of Judah. (Joshua 15:21) The
Aramaic word Jagur means stone or heap.

JAH: This poetically shortened form for the Divine Name “Jehovah”
occurs 50 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It can be found an
additional 24 times in the phrase “praise Jah.” (Psalms 104:35;
111:1; 112:1; 135:3; 146 thru 150) Some translations use the word
“Hallelujah.” The phrase “Praise Jehovah” is found at Revelation
19:1, 3, 4, 6. The New Simplified Bible follows the American
Standard Version (1901) custom of spelling out the complete name,
“Jehovah.” This practice was elected in order to present the full and
proper name of God through out the context of the Holy Scriptures.
New commers to the name Jehovah are usually more comfortable
reading the complete name, “Jehovah.”

JAHAZ: Jahaz was a city east of the Jordan River and north of
Arnon. The Israelites defeated the forces of Sihon at Jahaz and it
became a possession of the tribe of Reuben. (Numbers 21:23-26)
(Deuteronomy 2:32, 33) (Joshua 13:15, 18, 23) (Judges 11:20, 21)
Later Jahaz was designated as a Levite city for the Merarites.
(Joshua 21:34, 36) Later the city came under Moabite control. The
prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah mention Jahaz in pronouncements
against Moab. (Isaiah 15:1, 4) (Jeremiah 48:1, 34)

JAHAZIEL, SON OF HEBRON: Jahaziel was the son of Hebron. He

was a Kohathite of the tribe of Levi. (1 Chronicles 23:6, 12, 19;
24:23)

JAHAZIEL, ONE OF THE MIGHTY MEN: This Jehaziel was one of

David’s mighty military men at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:1, 4)

JAHAZIEL, THE PRIEST: Jahaziel was one of the priests who held
trumpets and stationed themselvess before the Ark of the Covenant
when David had it brought to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 16:1, 6)

JAHAZIEL, SON OF ZECHARIAH: Jahaziel was the son of

Zechariah and a descendant of Asaph. Jahaziel was directed by the
Spirit of God to encourage King Jehoshaphat and the congregation
when they were threatened by a superior enemy force. (2 Chronicles
20:14-17)

JAHAZIEL, FATHER OF SHECANIAH: This Jahaziel was the father

of Shecaniah. He was one of the people who returned to Jerusalem
with Ezra in 468 B.C.E. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 42, 47)

JAHDAI: Jahdai was a father of six sons. They were descendants of

Judah’s great-grandson Caleb. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 42, 47)

JAHDIEL: Jahdiel was one of the household heads of the half tribe
of Manasseh. He resided east of the Jordan River. (1 Chronicles
5:23-26)

JAHDO: Son of Buz and father of Jehishai of Gad’s tribe. (1

Chronicles 5:11, 14)

JAHLEEL: This was the third son of Zebulun. He was the founder of
the family of Jahleelites in his father’s tribe. (Genesis 46:14)
(Numbers 26:26)

JAHMAI: Jahmai was head of a forefather’s house in the tribe of

Issachar. (1 Chronicles 7:1, 2)

JAHZEEL: He was the first son of Naphtali and founder of the

Jahzeelite family. (Genesis 46:24) (Numbers 26:48)

JAHZEELITES: The Jahzeelites were descendants of Jahzeel. They

were of the tribe of Naphtali. (Numbers 26:48)

JAHZERAH: Jahzerah was a priest whose descendant lived in

Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:12)

JAHZIEL: This is an alternate spelling of Jahzeel. (1 Chronicles

7:13)

JAKEH: Jakeh was the father of Agur the writer of Proverbs chapter
30. (Proverbs 30:1)

JAIL, JAILER: A jail is a place where prisoners are locked up. A

jailer is the person who has custody of persons who are locked in
prison or jail. Jesus Christ spoke about persons being locked up in
prison. (Matthew 5:25; 18:34, 35) Jailers were held liable if
prisoners escaped. (Acts 12:19; 16:22-36) In Philippi, Paul and Silas
were thrown into prison.
JAIRUS: Jairus was a presiding office of the synagogue in
Capernaum. Jesus Christ resurrected his only daughter. (Matthew
9:18) (Mark 5:22) (Luke 8:41, 42) The crowd scoffed and ridiculed
Jesus when he said the little girl was only sleeping. So Jairus and his
wife accompanied Jesus to the little girl. When they saw that the girl
was alive they were filled with great ecstasy.

JALON: He was a descendant of Judah, one of the sons of Ezrah. (1

Chronicles 4:17)

JALAM: Jalam was a son of Esau by his wife Oholibamah. Jalam

was born in Canaan. He was taken to Edom where he became a
sheik. (Genesis 36:5, 6, 8, 14, 18) (1 Chronicles 1:35)

JAMBRES: Jambres was a resister of Moses. It is thought that he

was one of the Egyptian magicians in the court of Pharaoh. (2
Timothy 3:8) (Exodus 7:11)

JAMES THE SON OF ZEBEDEE: James the son of Zebedee was

brother of John. He was appointed to be one of the twelve apostles
of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:2) His mother was believed to be
Salone. (Matthew 27:55, 56) (Mark 15:40, 41) James and his brother
John were working with their father in the fishing business in 30
C.E. when Jesus called them to be his disciples and “fishers of men.”
When Jesus appointed the twelve apostles, James was one of the
group selected. (Mark 3:13-19) (Luke 6:12-16)

JAMES THE BROTHER OF JESUS: James the half brother of Jesus

Christ was prominent among the disciples. Evidence suggests he is
the writer of the Letter of James. (James 1:1) This letter is addressed
to ‘the twelve tribes that are scattered.’ He was the overseer of the
Christian congregation at Jerusalem. (Acts 12:17) He is probably the
oldest and the first named of Mary and Joseph’s natural born sons:
James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. (Matthew 13:55)

JAMES, THE LETTER: The letter written under inspiration by

James was not addressed to any specific congregation or individual.
It is addressed to the “twelve tribes.” It is believed that the writer
was James the half brother of Jesus Christ. He was prominent
among the disciples and is said to have seen a special vision of the
resurrected Jesus Christ. (Acts 21:15-25) (1 Corinthians 15:7)
(Galatians 2:9) James was in Jerusalem a little before 62 C.E. when
he wrote the letter of James. James wrote his letter to accomplish
two very important things: (1) Encourage his fellow believers to
have faith and endurance to face their problems. (2) Warn them
against the deadly results of sin. They were not to show favortism.
(James 2:1-9) They were to be doers of the word as well as hearers,
because faith without works is dead. (James 1:22-27) James
cautioned the believers against cravings for sensual pleasure.
(James 4:1-6) And he admonished them to seek help from the elders
in the congregation. (James 5:14-16)

JAMIN, SON OF SIMEON: Jamin was the second son of Simeon.

He founded the family of Jaminites. (Genesis 46:10) (Exodus 6:15)
(Numbers 26:12) (1 Chronicles 4:24)

JAMIN, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Jamin was a descendant

of Judah through Hezron’s grandson Ram. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 25, 27)

JAMIN, THE LEVITE: Jamin was a Levite who lived after the exile.
He helped explain the Law to the people in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah
8:7)

JAMINITES: Descendants of Jamin of Simeon’s tribe. (Numbers

26:12)

JAMLECH: Jamlech was one of the chieftains of the tribe of

Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 34, 38-41)

JANAI: He was a Gadite residing in the territory of Bashan. (1

Chronicles 5:11, 12)

JANIM: Janim was a city in the mountains of Judah about three

miles east southeast of Hebron. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 53)

JANNAI: She was an ancestor from the fifth generation prior to

Mary the mother of Jesus. (Luke 3:24)

JANNES: Jannes was a resister of Moses. The apostle Paul

compares apostates who resist the truth the Jannes and Jambres at
2 Timothy 3:8, 9. Jannes and Jambres were two of the leading men
in Pharaoh’s court who resisted Moses and Aaron. (Exodus 7:11, 12,
22; 8:17-19; 9:11)

JAPHETH: Japheth was the son of Noah. He appears to be the

oldest of three brothers, his brothers being Shem and Ham.
(Genesis 10:21) Japheth and his wife were among the eight
occupants of the ark. (Genesis 7:13) (1 Peter 3:20) After the flood
they produced seven sons: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal,
Meshech, and Tiras. (Genesis 10:1,2) (1 Chronicles 1:5) Many of
their grandsons settled along the coastlands. (Genesis 10:3-5) (1
Chronicles 1:6, 7) His descendants include the Aryan or Indo-
European, Germanic, branch of the human family. Japheth
received his father’s blessing in which Noah requested God to grant
ample space to Japheth. (Genesis 9:20-27)

JAPHIA, KING OF LACHISH: Japhia was the king of Lachish who

joined forces with four other Amorite kings to punish Gibeon for
making peace with Israel. Joshua took his forces on a rescue
mission to help Gibeon. The Israelites trapped Japhia and the other
kings in a cave near Makkedah where they were executed. (Joshua
10:3-27)

JARAH: Jarah was a descendant of Saul through Jonathan. (1

Chronicles 9:39-42)

JARED: Jared was the father of Enoch and a pre-flood ancestor of

Jesus Christ. Jared, the son of Mahalalel was the fifth generation
after Adam. (1 Chronicles 1:2) (Luke 3:37) He lived 962 years.
Methuselah was the only one to live longer than Jared. Jared had a
number of sons and became father to Enoch at the age of 162.
(Genesis 5:15-20)

JARHA: Jarha was an Egyptian slave of Judah’s descendant

Sheshan. Sheshan had no sons so he gave his daughter in marriage
to Jarha. Jarha fathered Attai and in this way preserved Sheshan’s
family line through him. (1 Chronicles 2:34, 35)

JAROAH: Jaroah was a descendant of Gad who resided in the

territory of bashan. (1 Chronicles 5:11, 14)

JASON: Jason was a Christian in Thessalonica who offered

hospitality to Paul and Silas on their first trip to Macedonia. A mob
of angry Jews attempted to take Paul and Silas from Jason’s house.
Instead they took Jason and charged him with sedition against
Caesar. He was later released. (Acts 17:5-10) (Romans 16:21) (1
Thessalonians 2:18)

JASPER: The jasper mentioned in the Bible was probably green or

clear. It is a semiprecious stone of various colors. (Revelation 21:19)

JATTIR: Jattir was a priestly city in the mountains of Judah.

(Joshua 15:20, 48; 21:9, 10, 14) (1 Chronicles 6:54, 57) When David
was a fugitive running from King Saul the priests at Jattir helped
him. David sent a portion of the spoils of victory taken from
Amalekite raiders to show his appreciation. (1 Samuel 30:17-20, 26,
27, 31)

JATHNIEL: He was one of the Levite gatekeepers for the house of

Jehovah. Jathniel was the fourth son of Meshelemiah, a Korahite. (1
Chronicles 26:1, 2)

JAVELIN: A short, light spear used by soldiers in ancient times was

called a javelin. (Joshua 8:18)

JAZER: Jazer was an Amorite city east of the Jordan River. The
Israelites captured Jazer in the time of Moses. (Numbers 21:25, 32)
It was assigned to the tribe of Gad and later to the Levites.
(Numbers 32:1, 3-5, 34, 35) (Joshua 13:24, 25; 21:34, 38, 39) (1
Chronicles 6:77, 81) In the eighth century B.C.E., Jazer fell into
Moabite hands. It was famous for the wine it produced.

JAZIZ: Jaziz was a Hagrite. He was the head caretaker of King

David’s flocks. (1 Chronicles 27:31)

JEALOUS, JEALOUSY: The Greek word “zelos” means jealousy,

malice, envy, indignation and zeal. Jealousy is the act of being
suspicious and fearful of being displaced by a rival. It is expressed
with resentfulness and envy. A person who is jealous suspects
others without adequate cause and resents the accomplishments of
others. Paul warned the Corinthians that they were filled with
jealousy and strife at 1 Corinthians 3:3 and 2 Corinthians 12:20. He
explained that godly love is not jealous, but rather, is trusting and
hopeful, always acting in the interests of others. (1 Corinthians 13:4,
5, 7)

Jealousy is a form of idolatry. It is demonic in origin and it breeds

envy and strife. The Bible repeatedly warns against it. Jealousy
affects the heart in a very bad way. (Proverbs 14:30) Jesus’ half
brother James wrote: “If you have bitter jealousy (envy) and greedy
ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and lie against the truth.
This wisdom is not a wisdom that comes down from above, but is
earthly, sensual, and devilish. For where jealousy and selfishness
are, there is confusion and every vile (evil) deed.” (James 3:14-16)

JEALOUS REALLY MEANS “ZEALOUS” (GODLY ZEAL): God is

love! (1 John 4:8) The apostle Paul made it very clear that perfect
love is not jealous. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, 7) Since God is perfect
love he would not be jealous! The Hebrew noun “qin-ah” means he
insists on exclusive devotion and will tolerate no rivalry. God is
filled with zeal and ardor for his holy name. (Ezekiel 39:25) (Isaiah
42:8; 44:6; 48:11) Ardor is intense feeling of warmth and love. The
New Simplified Bible uses the more positive terms zeal and ardor
instead of using the terms jealous or jealousy when referring to
God’s demand for exclusive devotion. (Exodus 34:14)
(Deuteronomy 32:16) (Psalm 78:58) (Zechariah 1:14)

JEARIM: Mount Jearim was part of Judah’s northern boundary.

The town of Chesalon was located on Mount Jearim. (Joshua 15:10)

JEATHERAI: Jeatherai was a Levite descendant of Gershon. (1

Chronicles 6:1, 20, 21)

JEBERECHIAH: He was the father of the Zechariah who witnessed

Isaiah’s writing of the prophetic name Maher-shalal-hash-baz, the
name of the prophets son. (Isaiah 8:1, 2)

JEBUS, JEBUSITE: The ancient city of Jerusalem was also called

Salem, which means “Peace.” (Hebrews 7:2) It was referred to as
Jebus or Jebusite in two passages of the Bible, Judges 19:10, 11 and
1 Chronicles 11:4, 5. This name came from the Jebusites who
occupied the city for a short time. Jehovah promised Abraham that
he would give the land of the Jebusites to him and to his seed.
(Genesis 15:18-21) (Nehemiah 9:8)

JECOLIAH: Jecoliah was the mother of Judah’s King Uzziah

(Azariah). She was the wife of Amaziah from Jerusalem. (2 Kings
15:1, 2) (2 Chronicles 26:1, 3)

JECONIAH: After serving as King of Judah only a little over three

months Jeconiah was taken captive Nebuchadnezzar. He was taken
to Babylon in 717 B.C.E. Jeconiah was the son of Jehoiakim and
grandson of King Josiah. (1 Chronicles 3:15-17) (Esther 2:6)
(Jeremiah 24:1)

JEDAIAH, THE SIMEONITE: Jedaiah was a Simeonite. His

descendant Ziza was a chieftain when Hezekiah ruled. (1 Chronicles
4:24, 37, 38, 41)

JEDAIAH, SON OF HARUMAPH: This Jedaiah lived at Jerusalem

after the return from exile. He repaired the section of the city wall in
front of his house. (Nehemiah 3:10)
JEDAIAH, HOUSE OF PRIESTS: Jedaiah was a paternal house of
priests. When David divided the priesthood, they were selected by
lot for the 2nd of the 24 priestly groups. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 6, 7)

JEDIDAH: She was the wife of Amon and the mother of King
Josiah. Jedidah was the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. (2 Kings
21:24-26; 22:1)

JEDIDIAH: Nathan the prophet gave this name to the second child
of David and Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 12:13-25) This child was born of
an adulterous relationship, but the couple later married.

JEGAR-SAHADUTHA: In Aramaic this phrase means “Witness

Pile.” This is an Aramaic (Syrian) expression that Laban used when
he spoke about the heap of stones on which he and Jacob ate a
covenant meal. This “stone heap” was to serve as “a witness” that
neither of them would go by it to harm the other. Jacob refered to it
by the Hebrew equivalent “Galeed.” (Genesis 31:25, 46-53)

JEHALLELEL, FATHER OF FOUR SONS: The Jehallelel was the

father of four sons listed in the genealogies of Judah. (1 Chronicles
4:1, 16)

JEHALLELEL, THE LEVITE: Jehallelel was a Merarite Levite. His

son helped cleanse the temple during King Hezekiah’s reign. (2
Chronicles 29:1, 12, 15, 16)

JEHIAH: Jehiah was a Levite. He was a gatekeeper for the Ark of

the Covenant at the time it was transferred to Jerusalem. (1
Chronicles 15:24, 25)

HEHIELI: Jehieli was a Gershonite Levite. He served as an ovrseer

of the sancturary treasury. (1 Chronicles 26:20-22) His name has
also been spelled “Jehiel.” (1 Chronicles 23:6-8; 29:8)

JEHOAHAZ, SON OF KING JEHU: Jehoahaz succeeded his father

King Jehu as king of israel. He reigned for 17 years. (2 Kings 10:35;
13:1) Jehoahaz did bad things in Jehovah’s eyes until he repented
and asked God to help him defeat Syria. (2 Kings 13:2-7, 22, 23)

JEHOZHAZ, SON OF KING JOSIAH: Jehozhaz succeeded his

father King Josiah as king of Judah. His mother was Hamutal. (2
Kings 23:31) Ezra and Jeremiah call him Shallum. Jehozhaz may
have been his royal name. (1 Chronicles 3:15) (Jeremiah 22:11) He
was 23 years of age when he became king and he ruled badly for
three months. Then he was imprisoned at Riblah by Pharaoh. He
died in captivity. (2 Kings 23:31-34) (Jeremiah 22:10-12)

JEHOASH, KING OF JUDAH: Jehoash was the king of Judah for

40 years. He was the oldest son of Judah’s King Ahaziah. His
mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. (2 Kings 12:1) (1 Chronicles
3:11) His name is sometimes abbreviated to Joash in the Masoretic
text. When Jehoash was seven he became king of Judah. (2 Kings
11:1-20) (2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 23:1-11) The evil princes of the
realm turned King Jehoash and the people away from Jehovah to
the worship of pagan idols. God raised up prophets to warn them,
but they refused to listen. (2 Chronicles 24:15-19)

JEHOASH, KING OF ISRAEL: This King Jehoash was the son of

Jehoahaz and grand son of Jehu. He was bad in Jehovah’s eyes and
allowed calf worship to continue throughout the land. (2 Kings
13:11, 14, 15-19)

JEHOHANAN, SON OF MESHELEMIAH: Jehohanan was a

Korahite gatekeeper. He served during the reign of King David. (1
Chronicles 26:1-3)

JEHOHANAN, ARMY COMMANDER: Jehohanan was the Army

commander under King Jehoshaphat. He commanded 280,000
men of Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:12, 14-16) He was father of
Jehoiada. (2 Chronicles 23:1-3)

JEHOHANAN, FATHER OF AZARIAH: This Jehohanan was the

father of Azariah. He was an Ephraimite. His son was a leader in the
Ephraimites around 760 B.C.E., when Kings Ahaz of Judah and
Pekah of Israel were ruling. (2 Chronicles 28:1, 6, 12)

JEHOHANAN, HEAD OF PATERNAL HOUSE: Jehohanan was the

head of the priestly paternal house of Amariah in the days of
Joiakim the successor of High Priest Jeshua. (Nehemiah 12:10-13)

JEHOHANAN, SON OF ELIASHIB: This Jehohanan was the son of

Eliashib. Ezra went to Jehohanan’s temple dining hall to mourn
over his people’s lack of faith. (Ezra 10:6)

JEHOHANAN, SON OF BEBAI: This son of Bebai dismissed his

foreign wife and sons as a response to the directive from Ezra. (Ezra
10:28, 44)
JEHOHANAN, PRIEST: This priest was in the Temple during the
inauguration of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. (Nehemiah 12:40-42)

JEHOIACHIN: Jehoiachin was the son of Judean King Jehoiakim.

His mother was Nehushta. (2 Kings 24:6, 8) (2 Chronicles 36:8) He
was also called Jeconiah and Coniah. (Esther 2:6) (Jeremiah 28:4;
37:1) Jehoiachin became king at the age of 18. He continued the bad
practices of his father. (2 Kings 24:8, 9) (2 Chronicles 36:9)

JEHOIADA, FATHER OF BENAIAH: Jehoiada was the father of

Benaiah. Benaiah was one of David’s mighty military men and also
Solomon’s army commander. (2 Samuel 23:8, 20-23) (1 Kings 2:35)
Jehoiada was the head priest and the leader of the sons of Aaron. (1
Chronicles 27:5; 12:27, 38)

JEHOIADA, HIGH PRIEST: This Jehoiada was the High priest in

time of Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Jehoash. Jehoiada married
King Jehoram’s daughter Jehosheba. Jehoiada overthrew Athaliah
and promoted true worship in Judah. (2 Kings 11:1-16) (2
Chronicles 22:10-23:15)

JEHOIADA, PRIEST IN ZEPHANIAH’S TIME: Jehoiada was a

priest in Jeremiah’s time. He was replaced by Zephaniah the son of
Maaseiah. (Jeremiah 29:24-27)

JEHOIARIB: Jehoiarib was a priest whos priestly house was

selected by lot to be the first of the 24 priestly divisions organized
during King David’s rule. (1 Chronicles 24:1-3, 5-7)

JEHONADAB, DAVID’S NEPHEW: Jehonadab was the son of

David’s brother Shimeah. He was a very wise man who was also
crafty and shrewd. He encouraged David’s son Amnon to scheme a
way to violate Amnon’s half sister Tamar. (2 Samuel 13:3-5, 14, 22,
28-33)

JEHONADAB, THE SON OF RECHAB: Jehonadab was companion

of King Jehu. He traveled to Samaria with King Jehu. All the
worshipers of Baal were assembled there. Jehonadab remained by
the king’s side during the slaughter of the worshipers of the false
god. (2 Kings 10:15-28) Jehonadab’s descendants, the Rechabites,
were used as an example of faithfulness. Jeremiah wrote about the
disobedient people of Judah and Jerusalem. Jehonadab instructed
the Rechabites to live in tents, sow no seed, plant no vineyards, and
drink no wine and three hundred years later they were still faithful
to that pledge. (Jeremiah 35:1-19)
JEHONATHAN, LEVITE SENT BY JEHOSHAPHAT: Jehonathan
was a priest. He was sent by Jehoshaphat in the third year of his
reign to teach Jehovah’s law to the people of Judah. (2 Chronicles
17:5, 7-9)

JEHONATHAN, THE SECRETARY: This Jehonathan had a house

that was suitable to use as a prison or detention center. It was used
as a prison to detain Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 37:15, 20; 38:26)

JEHONATHAN, HEAD OF A HOUSE OF PRIESTS: This

Jehonathan was the head of a paternal house of priests in the days
of Jeshua’s successor Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:10, 12, 18)

JEHOSHABEATH: Jehoshabeath was the daughter of King

Jehoram. She was the wife of High Priest Jehoiada. She was also
called Jehosheba. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12) (2 Kings 11:1-3)

JEHOSHAPHAT, THE RECORDER: This Jehoshaphat was the son

of Ahilud. He served as recorder during the reigns of David and
Solomon. (2 Samuel 8:16; 20:24) (1 Kings 4:3) (1 Chronicles 18:15)

JEHOSHAPHAT, KING SOLOMON’S DEPUTY: Jehoshaphat was

one of King Solomon’s 12 deputies. He was the son of Paruah. He
supplied the food for the king and his household from the territory
of Issachar for one month each year. (1 Kings 4:7, 17)

JEHOSHAPHAT, KING OF JUDAH: Jehoshaphat was the son of

Judean King Asa by Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. Jehoshaphat
was 35 when he succeeded his father to the throne. He ruled for 25
years, from 936 B.C.E. (1 Kings 22:42) (2 Chronicles 20:31) Three
kings ruled Israel during his reign. They were Kings Ahab, Ahaziah,
and Jehoram. (1 Kings 22:41, 51) (2 Kings 3:1, 2) (2 Chronicles 17:3,
4) Jehoshaphat was very concerned that true worship thrive in the
kingdom. He appointed many leaders, Levites, and priests to teach
the Law of Jehovah in the cities of Judah and he sanctified holy
offerings. (2 Kings 12:18) (2 Chronicles 17:7-9) While Jehoshaphat
was still alive he gave the kingship to his firstborn son, Jehoram and
many precious gifts to his other sons. (2 Kings 8:16) (2 Chronicles
21:3)

JEHOSHAPHAT, VALLEY OF: Hebrew: “yehoshaphat” means

Jehovah judged. This is the name of six Israelites including one king
who was faithful to God. (2 Chronicles 17:1-9, chapter 20) This is
also a valley near Jerusalem, the Valley of Jehovah’s Judgment
mentioned at Joel 3:12.

JEHOSHEBA: Jehosheba was the wife of High Priest Jehoiada. She

was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah. Jehosheba and
Jehoiada were responsible for preserving the royal lineage
connecting David to the Messiah. (2 Kings 11:1-3) (2 Chronicles
22:10-12)

JEHOSHUA, JOSHUA: Jehoshua was the son of Nun. He was an

Ephraimite who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites ito the
Promised Land. His first name was Hoshea, but Moses called him
Jehoshua or Joshua, which means “Jehovah Is Salvation.”
(Numbers 13:8, 16) (Deuteronomy 34:9) (Joshua 1:1, 2)

JEHOVAH: The English spelling of the divine name for Almighty

God found in the Holy Scriptures nearly 7,000 times. See DIVINE
NAME

JEHOVAH IS THERE: Hebrew: “Yehwah’ Sham’mah.” This

expression applies to the city seen in vision by the prophet Ezekiel
in chapters 40 through 48. It means that Jehovah God is present at
that place in a representational presence. (Psalms 46:5; 132:13-14)
(Isaiah 24:23) (Joel 3:21) (Zechariah 2:10-11)

JEHOVAH IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS: This expression is

translated from two words “Yehwah’ Tsidh-qe’nu” found at
Jeremiah 23:6 and 33:16. This is another declaration that the true
God of the Bible, Jehovah, is the source of all righteousness.

JEHOVAH OF HOSTS: Taken from the Hebrew expression:

“Yehowah’ tsevaohth.” It is presented this way nearly 280 times in
the Hebrew Scriptures. It means Jehovah of Armies and conveys the
power held by the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. (Isaiah 1:9) He
has command over vast forces of spirit creatures. The term “hosts”
is more representative of the Almighty God’s Sovereignty over more
than just military armies. See: HOSTS

JEHOVAH-JIRED: Abraham named this place. It was on the

mountains in the land of Moriah. Jehovah provided the ram to be
offered instead of Isaac. (Genesis 22:2, 13, 14) The name means
Jehovah Will Provide.
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The memorial altar erected by Moses after Israel
was successful in battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim.
(Exodus 17:8, 13-16)

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: Jehovah is peace. This name was given to the

altar that Gideon built at Ophrah west of the Jordan River.
Jehovah’s angel assured Gideon that he would not die and added:
“Peace be yours.” (Judges 6:22-24) Gideon built the altar as a
memorial and out of gratitude to Jehovah.

JEHOZADAK: The Hebrew name Jehozadak means “Jehovah

Pronounces Righteousness.” It is spelled: “Jozadak” in Nehemiah
and the longer form everywhere else. He was the father of the High
Priest Joshua. (Ezra 3:2) (Haggai 1:12) (Zechariah 6:11) It was
through Jehozadak that the high-priestly line was preserved. (1
Chronicles 6:14, 15) (2 Kings 25:18-21) (Nehemiah 12:26)

JEHU, THE BENJAMITE: Jehu was a Benjamite from the city of

Anathoth. He volunteered to serve with David when David was at
Ziklag as a refugee from King Saul. Jehu was on of the mighty men.
(1 Chronicles 12:1-3)

JEHU, SON OF HANANI: Jehu was a prophet. He was the son of

Hanani. He foretold the destruction of the house of Baasha, king of
israel. (1 Kings 16:1-4, 7, 12)

JEHU, SON OF JEHOSHAPHAT: This Jehu was the grandson of

Nimshi. He ruled as king of Israel, 904 to 877 B.C.E. (1 Kings 19:15,
17) (2 Kings 9:14) Jehu call for all of Israel’s Baal worshipers to
assemble at the house of Baal. Then he commanded his men to put
all the Baal worshipers to death. (2 Kings 10:18-28) Jehovah
rewarded Jehu for eradicating Baalism with the promise that four
generations of his sons would sit upon the throne of Israel. This was
fulfilled in Jehu’s descendants: Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II,
and Zechariah. (2 Kings 10:30; 13:1, 10; 14:23; 15:8-12)

JEHU, SON OF OBED: Jehu was the son of Obed of the family of
Jerahmeel. He was a descendant of Hezron, son of Perez. Jehu’s line
of descent came through Jaha, an Egyptian slave. (1 Chronicles 2:3-
5, 25, 34-38)

JEHUBBAH: Jehubbah was a leading member of the tribe of Asher.

(1 Chronicles 7:34, 40)
JEHUCAL, JUCAL: Jehucal was a son of Shelemiah. He and three
other influential princes had Jeremiah thrown into the miry cistern
because of his preaching. They claimed his preaching weakened the
hands of the men of war and the people. (Jeremiah 38:1-6)

JEHUDI: He was an officer of King Jehoiakim. The princes of

Judah sent him to bring Baruch and Jeremiah’s scroll to them.
When Jehudi read the scroll to Jehoiakim, the king cut it up and
burned it. (Jeremiah 36:14, 21-23, 27, 32)

JEKABZEEL: Jekabzeel was a city in southern Judah. It was about 6

miles northeast of Beersheba. (Nehemiah 11:25)

JEKAMEAM: Jekameam was the fourth son of Hebron, a Kohathite

Levite. He was the founder of a Levitical paternal house that lasted
until King David’s reign. (1 Chronicles 23:12, 19; 24:23. 30, 31)

JEMIMAH: The first of Jobs three daughters born after his great
test was Jemimah. They were the most beautiful women in all the
land. They received an inheritance along with their seven brothers.
(Job 42:13-15)

JEMUEL: Jemuel was the first son of Simeon, one of the seventy in
Jacob’s household who came into Egypt. (Genesis 46:10, 27)
(Exodus 6:15) He was also called Nemuel at Numbers 26:12 and 1
Chronicles 4:24.

JEPHTHAH: Jephthah was from the tribe of Manasseh. He was a

judge of Israel over the territory of Gilead for six years during the
early life of Samuel. (Numbers 26:29) (Judges 11:1; 12:7, 26) His
judgeship took place around 1173 B.C.E. The Ammonites threatened
war against the Israelites. Israel gathered its forces at Mizpah. They
needed a God-appointed man to lead them into battle and so they
approached Jephthah. Jephthah agreed to lead them in the fight
against Ammon on one condition: if Jehovah gave him victory, he
would continue as head of Israel after returning from the fight. If he
defeated Ammon it would prove that God was with him. Jephthah
vowed that if Jehovah helped him with victory he would offer the
first person to greet him from his household as a sacrifice to God. It
is important to note that it was against God’s Law to make human
sacrifices in the fire. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12) However, parents
could offer children to God’s exclusive service at the tabernacle. His
daughter was offered for service to Jehovah. The record shows that
his daughter lived a full life as a servant in the sanctuary. Her
companions visited her from year to year. (Judges 11:40) And she
maintained her virginity. (Judges 11:39) This account of Jephthah
may be read at Judges chapter 11.

JEPHUNNEH, FATHER OF CALEB: Jephunneh was the father of

the Judean spy Caleb. He was a Kenizzite from the tribe of Judah.
(Numbers 13:2, 3, 6) (1 Chronicles 4:15) (Judges 1:13) (Joshua 14:6,
14)

JEPHUNNEH, FROM ASHER: This Jephunneh was a member of

the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:38, 40)

JERAH: Jerah was a son of Joktan. His descendants may have

settled in south Arabia. (Genesis 10:26-29) (1 Chronicles 1:20)

JERBOA: The jerboa is a jumping rodent that resembles a

miniature kangaroo. It is found in the Middle East. The desert
jerboa is four to six inches in length. It has large ears with a long
bushy tail. It was considered a type of mouse and listed as unclean.
(Leviticus 11:29) The jerboa was very destructive to grain and other
crops. (1 Samuel 6:4, 5, 11, 18)

JEREMAI: Jeremai was one of the seven sons or descendants of

Hashum. Hashum took foreign wives but later sent them away.
(Ezra 10:25, 33, 44)

JERED: Jered was a descendant of Judah and father of those who

settled Gedor. (1 Chronicle 4:1, 18)

JEREMIAH, THE PROPHET, THE BOOK: Jeremiah was

called to be a prophet when he was a young man. Jehovah told him:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were
born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a
prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) Jeremiah was a researcher
and a historian as well as a prophet. Jehovah made the complaint
against Judah and Jeremiah’s inspired writing expressed it along
with prophecy of things to come. The people are admonished: “Be
circumcised by Jehovah, and get rid of the foreskins of your hearts.”
(Jeremiah 4:4; 7:3-7; 9:25-26)

JEREMIAH HIGHLIGHTS:
Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah is called to prophesy as a young boy.
Jeremiah 2 Jeremiah exposes wickedness in Judah.
Jeremiah 21-27 Jehovah’s judgements are announced.
Jeremiah 31 Prophecy of a New Covenant.
Jeremiah 20 Jeremiah placed in stocks.
JEREMIAH, ONE OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN: Jeremiah was a
Benjamite. He joined David at Ziklag as one of David’s mighty
military men. (1 Chronicles 12:1-4)

JERIBAI: Jeribai was one of David’s mighty men. (1 Chronicles

11:26, 46) He was the son of Elnaam.

JERICHO: Jericho was the first Canaanite city to be conquered by

the Israelites. (Numbers 22:1) (Joshua 6:1, 24, 25) Jericho is about
14 miles northeast of Jerusalem on the west side of the Jordan
River. The Jordan Valley is 820 feet below sea level and has a
subtropical climate. Oranges, bananas and figs are grown in the
area and palm trees line the streets. At the end of the forty years in
the wilderness Moses stood at the top of Mount Nebo and viewed
the Promised Land. Jericho, the city of the palm trees was there in
plane view. (Numbers 36:13) (Deuteronomy 32:49, 34:1-3)
Following the death of Moses Joshua sent two spies to Jericho. They
avoided detection with the help of Rahab and returned to the
Israelite camp to report their findings. (Joshua 2:1-23. This exciting
Bible account details the blowing of the horns and the final march
around Jericho, the people shouting in triumph as the city walls fall
down. (Joshua 5:13-6:20)

JERIEL: The heard of a paternal house in the tribe of Issachar,

Jeriel was the son of Tola. (1 Chronicles 7:1, 2)

JEROBOAM THE FIRST KING: Jeroboam was the first king of the
ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Nebat of the tribe of
Ephraim. Jeroboam served as one of King Solomon’s officers in the
village of Zeredah. As a young boy he was left fatherless to be raised
by his widowed mother Zeruah. (1 Kings 11:26) When Solomon died
in about 998 B.C.E. Jeroboam joined the crowds of people who
demanded that Solomon’s son Rehoboam lighten their burdens.
Rehoboam disregarded this good advice and increased the workload
of the people. As a result of that crualty the ten northern tribes
rejected Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king. (1 Kings 12:1-20) (2
Chronicles 10:1-19) Rehoboam, however, remained king over the
tribe of Judah. Jeroboam did not trust the people and he thought
they would someday turn against him and would return to
Rehoboam. So he established a false religious center at Bethel in the
south and at Dan in the north. He invented holy days and created
new gods for the people. (1 Kings 12:26-33) (2 Kings 23:15) (2
Chronicles 11:13-17; 13:9) Jehovah God dealt Jeroboam a blow that
caused his death in about 977 B.C.E. This brought an end to his 22
year reign. (2 Chronicles 13:20) (1 Kings 14:20)

JERUBBAAL: The name Jerubbaal was given to Gideon son of

Joash the Abi-ezrite after Gideon had torn down his father’s altar to
Baal. (Judges 6:11, 25-17)

JERUBBESHETH: This is a form of Jerubbaal, the name Gideon’s

father Joash gave to him when Gideon pulled down the altar of Baal.
(Judges 6:30-32) It appears to have been changed later to
Jerubbesheth because the name of the false god, Baal was not
acceptable. (2 Samuel 11:21)

JERUEL: Jeruel was a wilderness between the cities of Tekoa and

En-gedi. (2 Chronicles 20:2, 16, 20)

JERUSALEM: First known as Salem the City of Peace. The Hebrew

meaning of Jerusalem is “Foundation of Twofold Peace.” It was also
known as the City of Jehovah (Isaiah 60:14); Zion (Isaiah 33:20)
and the Holy City (Matthew 4:5).

JERUSHA: This woman was the Mother of King Jotham, wife of

Uzziah and daughter of Zadok. (2 Kings 15:32-33) (2 Chronicles
27:1, 2)

JESHARELAH: Jesharelah was a son of Asaph. He was listed

among the musicians and singers in David’s time. (1 Chronicles
25:1, 9, 14) It is possible that he was the same as Asharelah. (1
Chronicles 25:2)

JESHEBEAB: Jeshebeab was the priest whose paternal house was

chosen by lot for the 14th course when David arranged for the
priestly services to be divided up. (1 Chronicles 24:6, 13)

JESHER: Jesher was a son of Caleb the son of Hezron. He was from
the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:3-5:18)

JESHIMON WILDERNESS: Jeshimon was a wilderness area near

Pisgah and Peor at the northeast end of the Dead Sea. (Numbers
21:20; 23:28) (Joshua 12:1-3)

JESHIMON WILDERNESS NEAR ZIPH: This Jeshimon

Wilderness was located north of the Maon Wilderness. It was a
desert area a few miles northeast of Hebron where David and his
men hid from King Saul. (1 Samuel 23:19, 24; 26:1, 3)
JESHISHAI: Jeshishai was the descendant of Gad. (1 Chronicles
511, 14)

JESHOHAIAH: This Simeonite chieftain helped expand the

territory of Simeon at the expense of the Hamites during the days of
King Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 34-41)

JESHUA, AARONIC PRIEST IN DAVID’S TIME: Jeshua was an

Aaronic priest in David’s time. The House of Jeshua was assigned as
the 9th of the 24 divisions of the Aaronic priesthood arranged by
David. This house returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile
in 537 B.C.E. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 11, 31) (Ezra 2:1, 36) (Nehemiah
7:39)

JESHUA, LEVITE WHO DISTRIBUTED TITHES: Jehsua was one

of the Levites who was assigned to distribute the tithes and
contributions to the priest’s cities and to those serving in the
sancturary. (2 Chronicles 31:15, 16)

JESHUA, OF PAHATH-MOAB FAMILY: This Jeshua was of the

Israelite family of Pahath-moab who returnedd from Babylonian
exile with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 6) (Nehemiah 7:11)

JESHURUN: Jeshurun was an honorary title and a term of affection

for Israel. It served as a reminder to Israel of its calling as Jehovah’s
covenant people and its obligation to remain upright.
(Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, 26) (Isaiah 44:2) Israel forsook it maker
in spite of the name, Jeshurun.

JESIMIEL: Jesimiel was one of the Simeonite chieftains in King

Hezekiah’s day. He extended the territory of Simeon to east of the
Gedor Valley. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 34-41)

JESSE: This is the father of King David and part of the lineage that
leads to Jesus Christ. (1 Chronicles 2:13-15) (Luke 3:32) (Romans
15:12)

JESUS CHRIST: Hebrew: Jehoshua, meaning Jehovah Is Salvation.

Jesus Christ is the name and title of the Son of God. He is the only
begotten Son. Jesus paid the ransom sacrifice for mankind.
(Matthew 20:28) (1 Timothy 2:6) (1 John 2:1, 2) He is referred to as
the Word of God. He is now at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55)
(Hebrews 10:12) Jesus Christ and his anointed will rule as kings
over the earth. (Revelation 5:8-14) Jesus is the expression of God’s
love for mankind. (John 3:16, 36)

John 1:1 is translated using the same words in nearly every

translation. This translation is different! If you believe Jesus is God
the wording here should not disturb your beliefs, for he was and is
like his Father. If you accept God’s own statement that Jesus is the
Son of God the rendering in The New Simplified Bible will fit your
theology. The following is the way you will find it in this translation
along with related notes: (John 1:1) “In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and Word was like God.”

(Strong’s Bible Dictionary: Theos: God, a god, magistrate, deity,

godly or God-like) (Family relationship, son with father) (Logos en
pros Theos; Jesus Christ the Word was with (pros) God.
Transliteration: In the beginning was Jesus Christ the Son of God,
and Jesus Christ the Son of God was with God, and Jesus Christ the
Son of God was like his Father, God. Another way to state this: “The
Word was in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was like God. This is a family relationship, son with father.
“Logos en pros Theos.” Jesus Christ the Word (Logos) was with
(pros) God. And Jesus Christ was like, his Father, God (Theo's). (1
Corinthians 11:3; 15:27, 28) (John 1:18) (Phlippians 2:6) (Acts 7:55)
(Hebrews 10:12) GREEK: “kai theos en ho logos.” ENGLISH: and
God-like was the Word.

If God was a Trinity, Jesus would also be “like God.” Since God is
not a Trinity, it is even more important to convey the fact that he is
still like his Father and his God. (John 20:17) (Revelation 3:12)
After all, being second only to God in the universe is very close to
being a deity. At this very moment Jesus is at the right hand of the
Almighty God, Jehovah. (Act 7:55) (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12)

*******************************************************

JETHER, MOSES’ FATHER-IN-LAW: Jether was the name of the

father-in-law of Moses in the Masoretic text at Exodus 4:18.

JETHER, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Jether was a

descendant of Judah through Perez. Jether did not have sons. (1
Chronicles 2:4, 5, 25-32)

JETHER, SON OF EZRAH: Jether was the son of Ezrah. He was a

descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:17)
JETHER, SON OF GIDEON: This Jether was the firstborn son of
Gideon. He evidently traveled with his father in the attempt to
capture the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. When Jether was
ordered to kill them, the young man was afraid to draw his sword.
(Judges 8:20) Abimelech the half brother to Jether killed Jether
shortly after Gideon died.

JETHER, DESCENDANT OF ASHER: Jether a descendant of

Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 38)

JETHER, FATHER OF AMASA: This Jether was the father of

David’s army commander Amasa. (1 Kings 2:5, 32) The Masoretic
text calls him Ithra and he is refered to as an Ishmaelite. He live
among the Ishmaelites at one time.

JETHRO: Jethro was Moses’ father in law. He was a Kenite.

(Exodus 3:1) (Judges 1:16) (Numbers 10:29) Jethro is also called
Reuel. Reuel could have been his personal name with Jethro used as
a title. He was the priest of Midian and the head of a large family.
He had at least seven daughters and one son. (Exodus 2:15, 16;
10:29) When Moses first met Jethro he lived in his home for a time
before he married his daughter Zipporah. (Ezekiel 2:15-22; 3:1;
4:18) (Acts 7:29, 30) Jethro served Jehovah the God of Moses.
(Exodus 18:1-12) Jethro wisely counseled Moses to share the
responsibilities of leading the people of Israel. (Exodus 18:13-27)

JETUR: Jetur was Ishmael’s son. (Genesis 25:13-15) It is possible

that Jetur’s descendants were the Ituraeans mentioned at Luke 3:1.
He was the forefather of a people who fought a war against the
Israelites. (1 Chronicles 5:18, 19)

JEUEL, A LEVITE: Jeuel was a Levite who helped in the cleansing

of the Temple during Hezekiah’s reign. He was a descendant of
Elizaphan. (2 Chronicles 29:13-16)

JEUEL, HEAD OF HOUSE OF ZERAH: This Jeuel was a resident of

Jerusalem after the exile. He was the head of the Judean paternal
house of Zerah. (1 Chronicles 9:3-6, 9) (Genesis 46:12)

JEUZ: He was a family head in the tribe of Benjamin. Jeuz was the
son of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8-10)

JEW, JEWESS: A woman belonging to the tribe of Judah was called

a Jewess (female). A man belonging to the tribe of Judah was called
a Jew (male). After the fall of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel the
southern kingdom was called Judah. The people were called sons of
Judah or the tribe of the sons of Judah. (2 Kings 16:6; 25:25) The
terms Jew or Jewess were then used. The name was applied to those
Israelites who returned from the exile. (Ezra 4:12; 6:7) (Nehemiah
1:2; 5:17) The astrologers inquired: “Where is the one born king of
the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1, 2) Pilot placed a sign above the stake:
“Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews.” (John 19:19) The apostle
Paul emphasized the importance of being a spiritual “Jew”, that the
true seed of Abraham are those with the faith of Abraham, that one
should be a Jew on the inside and circumcised on the inside with
circumcision of the heart by spirit.

JEWELS AND PRECIOUS STONES: A jewel is a precious stone or a

gem. It is polished and used a decorative ornament such as a setting
in a ring. Both men and women wore jewels in the early Biblical
days. (Genesis 2:11, 12) (Ezekiel 28:12, 13) (1 Kings 10:2, 10, 11)(2
Chronicles 9:10; 32:27) The symbolic Babylon the Great of the Book
of Revelation is richly adorned with precious stones. (Revelation
17:3-5; 18:11-17)

JEZANIAH: Jezaniah was the commander of the Judean military

under the administration of Gedaliah in 607 B.C.E. Jezaniah is also
know as Azariah and Jaazaniah. (Jeremiah 40:8, 9; 42:1; 43:2) (2 Ki
25:23)

JEZEBEL THE WICKED QUEEN: King Ahab and his wife Queen
Jezebel lived during the last half of the tenth century B.C.E. Jezebel
was the daughter of the king of Sidon. She worshiped the false god
Baal and she hated the true God of the Bible, Jehovah. She tried to
kill many of Jehovah’s prophets. She persuaded her husband King
Ahab that the throne should officially approve Baal worship. Elijah
fled for his life and escaped across the Jordan River, and Obadiah,
the palace steward, hid a hundred other prophets in caves. Queen
Jezebel cared for 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the
sacred pole by feeding them from her own royal table at the State’s
expense. (1 Kings 18:19) Jehovah declared that Ahab and his line of
descent would be removed in a clean sweep of destruction. It was
said of Jehovah’s judgment against Jezebel that: “The dogs will eat
her body in the city of Jezreel.” (1 Kings 21:17-26) Only her skull,
her feet and the palms of her hands” were left as evidence that all
that Jehovah says comes true. (1 Kings 16:29-33; 18:1-4; 21:1-16) (2
Kings 9:30-37)
JEZER: Jezer was the third son of Naphtali. He founded the family
known as the Jezerites. (Genesis 46:24) (Numbers 26:48, 49) (1
Chronicles 7:13)

JEZERITES: This family of tribe Naphtali came from Jezer.

(Numbers 26:48, 49)

JEZIEL: This Benjamite son of Azmaveth supported David when

Saul declared David an outlaw. (1 Chronicles 12:1-3)

JEZREEL, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Jezreel was a

descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 3)

JEZREEL, SON OF HOSEA: Jezreel was the son of the prophet

Hosea by his wife Gomer. (Hosea 1:3, 4)

JEZREEL, IN JUDAH: This city was in the mountains of Judah. It

was the home of David’s wife Ahinoam. (1 Samuel 25:43; 27:3)

JEZREEL, ON THE ISSACHAR BORDER: Jezreel was a city on the

border of Issachar’s territory. (Joshua 19:17, 18)

JIDLAPH: Jidlaph was the seventh of eight sons borne to Nahor by

his wife Milcah. He was a nephew of Abraham and an uncle to
Isaac’s wife Rebekah. (Genesis 22:20-23; 24:67)

JOAB, SON OF SERAIAH: Joab was the son of Seraiah. He was a

descendant of Kenaz of the tribe of Judah. Joab was the father of
Geharashim, a craftsman. Joab founded a community of craftsmen.
(1 Chronicles 4:1, 13)

JOAB, DAVID’S NEPHEW: This Joab was son of Nahash by

David’s half sister Zeruiah. (1 Chronicles 2:13-16) (2 Samuel 8:16)
Joab served as a general in David’s army at the time Ishbosheth the
son of Saul ruled over Israel. (2 Samuel 2:10)

JOAH, THE GATEKEEPER: Joah was the thried son of Obed-edom.

He was one of the Levitical gatekeepers responsible for guarding the
storehouses. (1 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 12-15)

JOAH, SON OF ZIMMAH: This Joah was a Levite descended from

Gershom. He was the son of Zimmah. (1 Ch 6:19-21) He and his son
helped dispose of the unclean objects that Hezekiah had removed
from the Temple. (2 Chronicles 29:1, 3, 12, 16)
JOAH, THE RECORDER: This Joah was the recorder by whom
King Josiah sent money to the workers to repair the Temple. He was
the son of Joahaz. (2 Chronicles 34:8-11)

JOANAN: This man is listed as the grandson of Zerubbabel. (Luke

3:23, 27) Joanan is an ancestor of Jesus’ mother Mary. His name
means “Jehovah Has Shown Favor.”

JOANNA: Jesus Christ cured Joanna of health problems. As a result

of this she became one of his followers and ministered to him and
his apostles. (Luke 8:1-3) Joanna was one of the women present at
Jesus’ impalement. They prepared spices and oil to take to his tomb,
but he had been resurrected. Joanna’s husband Chuza was steward
of Herod Antipas.

JOASH, FATHER OF JUDGE GIDEON: Joash was the father of

Judge Gideon. He was an Abi-ezrite of the tribe of Manasseh.
(Judges 6:11, 15; 7:14; 8:13, 32) Joash was a wealthy man who had
an altar dedicted to Baal and a sacred pole. His son Gideon secretly
tore down the altar and sacred pole and replaced them with an altar
to Jehovah. (Judges 6:25-32; 8:29)

JOASH, ONE OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN: This Joash joined

David’s military forces at Ziklag when David was outlawed by Saul.
(1 Chronicles 12:1-3) He was the son of Shemaah and from the tribe
of Benjamin.

JOB, THE BOOK: Job lived in the land of Uz. This is now known as
Arabia. (Job 1:1) Satan tried to make Job abandon his integrity and
loyalty to God, but Job remained faithful till the end of his life. (Job
42:1-10) The book of Job is believed to have been written by Moses.
It is one of the oldest books in the Holy Scriptures. The book
considers two important questions: Why do the innocent suffer?
Why does God permit wickedness and suffering in the earth? The
book of Job consists of a debate between Job, the true servant of
God and three others who claimed to serve God. The three
companions commit errors in doctrine when they try to correct Job.
God steps in to set matters straight and in the end Job is vindicated.
Both his and God’s integrity are proven faultless.

JOCHEBED: Jochebed married Amram and became the mother of

Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. (Exodus 6:20) (Numbers 26:59) She
was a daughter of Levi. Jochebed was a woman of great faith. She
trusted implicitly in her God Jehovah. She defied Pharaoh’s decree
when she refused to kill her baby, later named Moses. After he was
three months old and could no longer be concealed in the house, she
placed in an ark (floating basket) made of papyrus and put it among
the reeds near the bank of the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found
him and claimed him. It worked out that Moses’ own mother,
Jochebed was asked to nurse him. (Exodus 2:1-10)

JODA: Joda was an ancestor of Jesus’ mother Mary. He is third on

the list in descent from Zerubbabel. (Luke 3:26, 27)

JOEL, SON OF PROPHET SAMUEL: This Joel was the son of the
prophet Samuel. He was the father of Heman the Levitical singer. (1
Chronicles 6:28, 33, 36; 15:17) Joel and his brother Abijah were
appointed by their father to be judges. They proved to be very
dishonest, so the people requested a human king. (1 Samuel 8:1-5)

JOEL, THE REUBENITE: Joel was a Reubenite. His descendant

Beerah was captured by Assyrian King Tiglath-pilneser. (1
Chronicles 5:3-10)

JOEL, DAVID’S MIGHTY MAN: This Joel was one of David’s

mighty men. He was the brother of Nathan. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 38)

JOEL, SON OF NEBO: Joel was the son of Nebo. He dismissed his
foreign wives and son at Ezra’s request. (Ezra 10:43, 44)

JOEL, THE PROPHET, THE BOOK : Joel the son of Pethuel

was the writer of the inspired book of the Hebrew Scriptures
bearing his name. He prophesied in Judah and perhaps resided in
Jerusalem. (Joel 1:9, 14; 2:17, 32; 3:1, 2, 16-20) He wrote the book
about 820 B.C.E. It is believed that he wrote it after Jehovah’s great
victory on behalf of King Jehoshaphat since the Valley of
Jehoshaphat is mentioned in the book. (Joel 3:2, 12) Little else is
known about this prophet. The book of Joel begins with the call to
repent and prepare for the Great Day of Jehovah. “Gird yourselves
with sackcloth, and lament, you priests! Wail, you ministers of the
altar….Alas for the day! For the day of Jehovah is near! Destruction
will come from the Almighty!” (Joel 1:13, 15) “Blow the trumpet in
Zion! Sound an alarm in my holy mountain. Let all the inhabitants
of the land tremble for the day of Jehovah comes. It is near!” (Joel
2:1) All the nations will be judged in the figurative valley of
Jehoshaphat, the valley of decision, the valley of judgement. (Joel
3:12-16)
JOHN, FATHER OF SIMON PETER: This man was called John.
Some manuscripts and versions call him Jona. He was the father of
the apostle Simon Peter. (John 1:42; 21:15-17)

JOHN, THE APOSTLE: The Apostle John was one of the original
12 apostles. He wrote the Gospel According to John, the three
letters of John and the Book of Revelation. (Revelation 1:1-9) He
was one of the sons of Zebedee. The account when Jesus called him
to preach the Good News of the Kingdom is found at Mark 1:19-20.
A record of John’s activities in the early congregation is found at
Acts chapters 3 and 4. John referred to himself as, “the disciple
whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23)

JOHN, THE BOOK: The Gospel according to John was written by

the apostle John in the year 98 C.E. He was a very old man living
near Ephesus by the time he wrote this inspired account. More than
30 years had passed since the other three Gospels, Matthew, Mark,
and Luke had been written. Could anyone tell us more about the
Master, Jesus Christ? Yes, the apostle John had memories of
personal details about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. (John
1:35-39) (Mark 1:16-20) John was known as the disciple “Jesus
loved.” (John 13:23) (Matthew 17:1) (Mark 5:37; 14:33) John was
present at the time Jesus was executed. (John 19:26, 27; 20:2-4)
The Good News According to John is a valuable supplement to the
Gospels with 92 percent new material, not covered by the other
three Gospels. And yet John admitted that there were many other
things that could have been written about Jesus. (John 21:25)

JOHN HIGHLIGHTS: The Gospel of John gives John’s account

of the life of Jesus. It highlights the theme that Jesus is the Christ
(Messiah) the Son of God. It emphasizes that it is by means of faith
and obedience to Jesus Christ that eternal life is possible. Of the
four Gospels, John is often quoted as the favorite. There are many
more highlights to be found in the Gospel of John. Here are a few of
them:
John 1:1-18 Jesus Christ is Introduced as the Word, the Son of God.
John 1:19-51 Behold! The Lamb of God.
John 2-6 Jesus performs miracles.
John 7-12 Jesus preaches. He is the Way the Truth, and the Life.
John 13-17 The final Passover.
John 17 The Son of God prays for his followers.
John 18-21 John offers evidence of resurrection.
John 21 Jesus gives deciples final instructions.
JOHN, THE LETTERS: The apostle John’s name does not appear
anywhere in the three letters. However, scholars agree that the
writer of the Gospel of John is the same writer of the three letters of
John. There are many similarities between them. John probably
wrote the letters from Ephesus about 98 C.E. The apostle John was
the last living apostle.

JOHN’S FIRST LETTER, HIGHLIGHTS: First John was

written at Ephesus in the year 98 C.E. The main purpose was to
strengthen the faith of the early Christians. He contrasted the truths
they had received with false teaching. John wrote because of his
great love for the truth. There were three primary themes in the first
letter: the antichrist, sin, and love. On the subject of the antichrist
John wrote that there would be those who would try to mislead
them. (1 John 2:18)
1 John 2:1-3 We all sin, he wrote, and we must strive against sin.
1 John 2:1 God provided a helper.
1 John 2:2 Jesus Christ is a propitiatory sacrifice for sins.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world.
1 John 4:16 God is love.
1 John 5:18 Every person born of God does not practice sin.

JOHN’S SECOND LETTER, HIGHLIGHTS: John refers to

himself as the elder in the opening words of Second John. It is
estimated that he was around 95 year of age when he wrote this
letter. This letter was written about 98 C.E. in the city of Ephesus.
2 John 1-6 Go on walking in the truth.
2 John 7-13 Watch out for false teachers and deceivers.

JOHN’S THIRD LETTER, HIGHLIGHTS: John’s third letter

was written to a faithful Christian by the name of Gaius. John was in
Ephesus in 98 C.E. when he wrote this letter.
3 John 1-14 Counsel to do good works and be hospitable.

JOHN THE BAPTIST: The son of Elizabeth and Zechariah the

priest, was born to fulfill prophecy. (Luke 1:5-80) John preached at
the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:1-12) He baptized Jesus. (Matthew
3:13-17)

JOHN MARK: John Mark was one of Jesus’ disciples. He wrote the
Good News According to Mark. He is also called Mark the
Evangelist. He traveled with Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first
missionary tour. (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5) Barnabas took Mark along on
his next tour. (Acts 15:36-41) The apostle Paul praise John Mark’s
usefulness in his letter to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:11)
JOHN, A JEWISH RULER: This Jewish ruler worked along with
Annas and Caiaphas to have the apostles Peter and John arrested
and brought before them. They tried to stop Peter and John from
preaching but did not have ground on which to take action. (Acts
3:1-8; 4:5-22)

JOIADA, SON OF PASEAH: Joiada helped with the repair of the

Gate of the Old City at the time Nehemiah had Jerusalem’s wall
rebuilt. He was the son of Paseah. (Nehemiah 3:6)

JOIADA, GREAT-GRANDSON OF JESHUA: This Joiada was the

father of Johanan during the time after the Babylonian exile.
(Nehemiah 12:10, 11, 12) He was the great grandson of Jeshua. One
of Joiada’s sons married a daughter of Sanballat the Horonite.
Because of this defilement Nehemiah chased him away. (Nehemiah
13:28, 29)

JOIAKIM: He was the son and successor of postexilic High Priest

Jeshua. (Nehemiah 12:10, 12, 26) Joiakim’s son Eliashib then
became priest. (Nehemiah 3:1)

JOKDEAM: Jokdeam was a city in the mountains of Judah. (Joshua

15:20, 48, 56)

JOKMEAM, EPHRAIMITE CITY: This Ephramite city was given to

the Kohathites. It is also called Kibzaim. (1 Chronicles 6:66, 68)
(Joshua 21:22)

JOKNEAM: Jokneam was a city in Carmel on a mound at the foot of

Mount Carmel about 7 miles northwest of Megiddo. Joshua
conquered it and it was originally assigned to the tribe of Zebulun.
(Joshua 12:7, 22; 19:10, 11) Jokneam was then given to the Merarite
Levites. (Joshua 21:34)

JOKTAN: Joktan was the brother of Peleg. He was a descendant of

Eber. Joktan fathered 13 sons who settled in south Arabia. It is
believed that Joktan was the progenitor of the peoples of Arabia.
The Bible says his descendants were despersed from “Mesha as far
as Sephar.” (Genesis 10:25-30) (1 Chronicles 1:19-23)

JOKTHEEL, CITY OF JUDAH: This city of Judah was located in the

Shephelah. (Joshua 15:20, 33, 38)
JOKTHEEL, EDOMITE CITY: This city was conquered by Judean
King Amaziah. It was an Edomite city originally named Sela. It was
renamed Joktheel by the Judeans. (2 Kings 14:1)

JONAH, PROPHET, THE BOOK: Jonah the son of Amittai was the
prophet of Jehovah from Gath-hepher, a border city in the territory
of Zebulun. (2 Kings 14:25) (Joshua 19:10, 13) He was a prophet to
the ten-tribe kingdom during the reign of Jeroboam II. Jonah
wrote the book of Jonah. (Jonah 1:1, 2) This book is short, only four
chapters, easy to read, and has a happy ending. God instructed
Jonah to travel to the city of Nineveh, a city of 120,000 men. He was
to go and preach repentance to the Ninevites. Along the way Jonah
encountered difficulties, including being swallowed by a large fish,
but he finally arrived at Nineveh. Jonah was amazed to see the
entire city repent and turn to God. (Jonah 3, 4)

JONAM: Jonam was an ancestor of Jesus’ mother Mary. Jonam was

also a descendant of David through Nathan. (Luke 3:23, 30, 31)

JONATHAN, LEVITE PRIEST: Johathan was a Levite priest who

served in connection with false worship at the house of Micah in
Ephraim and also with the Danites. The account is found in Judges
chapters 17 and 18. He is called Jonathan the son of Gershom.
(Judges 18:30)

JONATHAN, SON OF KING SAUL: Jonathan was the eldest and

favorite son of Benjamite King Saul. (1 Samuel 14:49, 40) Jonathan
was the commander of a thousand warriors. (1 Samuel 13:2) He and
David were very close friends for many years. (1 Samuel 20:24-40;
31:2) (2 Samuel 5:4) (Numbers 1:3)

JONATHAN, NEPHEW OF KING DAVID: This Jonathan was the

son of King David’s brother Shimea (Shimei). He struck down a
giant who taunted Israel at Gath. (2 Samuel 21:20, 21) (1 Chronicles
20:6, 7)

JONATHAN, ONE OF DAVID’S MIGHTY MEN: Jonathan son of

Shagee the Hararite was one of David’s mighty military forces. (2
Samuel 23:8, 32) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 34)

JONATHAN, SON OF UZZIAH: This Jonathan was the son of

Uzziah. He was placed in charge of King David’s treasures in the
field. (1 Chronicles 27:25)
JONATHAN, KING DAVIDS SECRETARY: Jonathan was an
intelligent man who served King David as his secretary and
counselor. (1 Chronicles 27:32)

JONATHAN, SON OF JADA: Jonathan was one of the two sons of

Jada. He was a descendant of Judah through Hezron and
Jerahmeel. Jonathan had two sons, Peleth and Zaza. (1 Chronicles
2:3, 25-28, 32, 33)

JONATHAN, PRIEST: This Jonathan was a priest and the head of

the paternal house of Malluchi when Joiakim was High Priest.
(Nehemiah 12:12, 14)

JONATHAN, SON OF SHEMAIAH: Jonathan was the son of

Shemaiah of the family of Asaph. He was the father of Zechariah.
His son Zechariah was a priest and trumpeter who marched at the
procession at the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:31, 35,
36)

JOPPA: Joppa was a seaport 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It is

called Tel Aviv-Yafo today. Joppa was the border of Dan’s territory.
(Joshua 19:40-46) Many became believers in Joppa during the first
century. (Acts 9:36-43; 10:9-45; 11:5-14)

JORDAN RIVER: The Jordan River is the main river in the

Promised Land. It snakes it way from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead
Sea about 200 miles and is an average of 100 feet wide and 3 to 10
feet deep. It forms a natural border between East and West
Palestine. (Joshua 22:25)

JORIM: He was a descendant of King David through Nathan and

lived while Uzziah was king of Judah. He was also an ancestor of
Mary the mother of Jesus. (Luke 3:23, 29-31)

JORKEAM: Jorkeam was a Judean site founded by Raham. (1

Chronicles 2:44)

JOSECH: Josech was related to Mary the mother of Jesus. He was a

distant descendant of David through Nathan, the fourth generation
after Zerubbabel. (Luke 3:23, 26, 27, 31)

JOSEPH, THE SON OF JACOB: Joseph was the first of Jacob’s sons
by Rachel. (Genesis 35:24) Jacob loved Joseph more than all his
other sons. Perhaps he favored him because he was the son of his
old age. Today we would call him the baby of the family. Joseph
defended all that was good and righteous and this contributed to the
special affection his father felt for him. Therefore Jacob made
Joseph a special multicolored robe with long sleeves. It was similar
to the robes worn by persons of rank. Joseph’s brothers saw that
their father loved him more than any of them. They hated Joseph
and could not speak to him in a friendly way. One time Joseph had a
dream. He told his brothers about it and they hated him even more.
Finally the brothers deciced to get ride of him. They wanted to kill
him but the firsborn, Reuben, urged that they not kill Joseph but
throw him into a dry waterpit. Judah persuaded the others to sell
Josph to the passing merchants. You can read the entire exiting
account of Joseph’s life at Genesis chapters 37 through 50. It is a
faith building experience.

JOSEPH, ADOPTIVE FATHER OF JESUS CHRIST: Joseph the

husband of Mary and adoptive father of Jesus Christ was the son of
Heli. (Matthew 1:16; 13:55, 56) (Luke 3:23; 4:22) (John 1:45; 6:42)
This righteous man adhered closely to the Mosaic Law and
submitted to the decrees of Caesar. Joseph was a carpenter by trade
and a resident of Nazareth. He had limited financial resources.
(Matthew 13:55) (Luke 2:4, 24) When Mary, his fiance’ became
pregnant by Holy Spirit, Joseph wanted to divorce her secretly.
After a visit by God’s angel, Joseph took Mary to his home as his
legal wife. (Matthew 1:18o-21, 24,25) As Jesus progressed in
wisdom Joseph taught him carpentry. (Luke 2:41-50) Jesus was
known as the carpenter’s son and as the carpenter. (Matthew 13:55)
(Mark 6:3) (Luke 2:51, 52)

JOSEPH, HALF BROTHER OF JESUS CHRIST: Jesus’ brothers did

not have an active faith in Jesus at first. Joseph was no exception.
However, all of the half brothers, including Joseph, became
believers. (Matthew 13:55) (Mark 6:3) (John 7:5) His brothers are
mentioned as being with the apostles and others after Jesus’
ascension to heaven. (Acts 1:9-2:4)

JOSES: Joses is a shortened form of Josiphiah. The name means

“may Jah increase.” Joses was the brother of James the Less and
son of Mary. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40, 47) Some of the ancient
manuscripts read “Joseph” instead of Joses.

JOSHAH: Joshah was a leader of the tribe of Simeon. In the days of

King Hezekiah, he conquered some territory from the Hamites and
Meunim in order to aquire more pasture ground. (1 Chronicles 4:24,
34, 38-41)
JOSHAVIAH: Joshaviah was an outstanding warrior in David’s
army. He was the son of Elnaam. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 46)

JOSHUA, LEADER, PROPHET, WRITER: Joshua was the son of

Nun an Ephraimite. He was the writer of the Book of Joshua. He
assisted Moses during the trek through the wilderness and faithfully
served Jehovah. (Exodus 33:11) (Deuteronomy 34:9) (Joshua 1:1, 2)
When Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten
Commandments Joshua accompanied him to the mountain. Both he
and Moses remained on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights.
(Exodus 24:9-18) Joshua was known as a bold, confident and
fearless leader. He was appointed as Moses successor to lead the
People of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve men to
spy out the Promised Land as reported at Numbers chapter
thirteen. Joshua was one of these men. The stirring account of
Joshua leading his fighting men around the walls of Jericho and of
the final collapse of the city and its walls is found at Joshua 6:1-25.
Open your comprehensive concordance to the name “Joshua.” The
name Joshua is found more than 220 times in the Holy Scriptures.
This topical study will strengthen your faith in God. So do it soon!

JOSIAH, SON OF KING AMON: Josiah was the son of Judean King
Amon. His mother was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah. (2 Kings
22:1) Josiah’s father, King Amon, was assassinated. Then at eight
years of age, Josiah became king of Judah. (2 Kings 21:23, 24, 26) (2
Chronicles 33:25) In the eighth year of his reign, Josiah eagerly
tried to learn and do Jehovah’s will. (2 Chronicles 34:3) Josiah
launched a campaign to rid the country of idolatry. Altars used for
false worship were torn down and images destroyed. (2 Chronicles
34:3-8) (Jeremiah 1:1, 2; 3:6-10) (Zephaniah 1:1-6)

JOTHAM, SON OF JAHDAI: This Jotham was the son of Jahdai a

descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:47)

JOTHAM, SON OF GIDEON: Jotham was the son of Judge Gideon

(Jerubbaal). He lived at Ophrah. (Judges 8:35; 9:5) Jotham was the
only son of Judge Gideon when Abimelech murdered all of Gideon’s
other sons. Jotham fled and took up residence at Beer. (Judges 9:6-
21, 57)

JOTHAM, SON OF JUDEAN KING UZZIAH: Jotham was the son of

King Uzziah by Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. (2 Kings 15:32, 33)
(1 Chronicles 3:12) (2 Chronicles 27:1) (Matthew 1:9) Jotham took
over the duties of the king when his father was struck with leprosy.
(2 Kings 15:5, 7, 32) (2 Chronicles 26:18-21, 23; 27:8)
JOURNEY, TRAVELED: The words journey or traveled are used
often in the Bible to designate distance covered. (Exodus 3:18)
(Numbers 10:33; 33:8) The average day’s journey on land was about
twenty miles or more. A Sabbath day’s journey was less. (Matthew
24:20) (Acts 1:12) Rabbinic sources indicate a Sabbath day’s journey
to be about 2,920 feet.

JOY: Greek: chara. Joy is one of the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit
listed in chapter five of Pauls letter to the Galatians. (Galatians
5:22-23) It is an emotion similar to happiness and exultation. Joy is
a quality of the heart and can affect the entire body for good.
(Proverbs 15:13; 17:22) The word joy can be found more than 60
times in the Christian Greek Scriptures.

JUBAL: Jubal was the son of Lamech and Adah, a descendant of

Cain. He founded a profession that promoted the progress of music
and he may have invented both stringed and wind instruments.
(Genesis 4:17-21)

JUBILEE YEAR: The Jubilee year was the fiftieth year. The Hebrew
word “yoh-vel’” means ram’s horn. This refers to the sounding of a
ram’s horn during the 50th year to proclaim liberty in the land.
(Leviticus 25:9, 10) Seven-seven year periods equaled 49 years and
the following year was to be the Jubilee year. The Jubilee year was
similar to the sabbatical year. The sabbatical year was every seventh
year. The land had complete rest. The same regulations applied to
the produce of the land. (Leviticus 25:2-22) (Exodus 23:10) The
Jubilee was an entire year of festival. It demonstrated Israel’s faith
in their God and was a time for thanksgiving. None of the land in
Israel could be sold in perpetuity. If a man sold his hereditary
possession the sale price was gauged according to the number of
years remaining until the Jubilee. In reality the use of the land was
the only thing sold as well as its produce for the number of years
until the Jubilee. (Leviticus 25:15-34) There would be no crushing
debt in the nation either. (Leviticus 25:39-54) (Deuteronomy 15:6-
9) Debts owed by fellow Israelites were canceled at the end of each
seven-year period. The return of land and cancellation of debt
brought about a stable standard of land values and eliminated false
prosperity that brings inflation, deflation, and business depression.
This also served as an excellent way to eliminate poverty.

JUCAL: Jucal was the son of Shelemiah. He was one of the princes
of Judah who asked that the prophet Jeremiah be executed. They
claimed that Jeremiah weakend the efforts and power of the
warriors. (Jeremiah 38:1-4)

JUDAH, THE TRIBE: The tribe of Judah sprang from Jacob’s

fourth son by his wife Leah. Judah traveled to Egypt with Jacob’s
household. After leaving Egypt the tribe of Judah had 74,600 able-
bodied men from 20 years old and upward. This was greater than
the size of any other of the 12 tribes. (Numbers 1:26, 27) All of the
Israelites wondered in the wilderness for 40 years. Judah’s males
increased by 1,900 at that time. (Numbers 26:22) The territory
assigned to the tribe of Judah was bound on the north by Benjamin.
(Jos 18:11) The Salt Sea was on the east. (Joshua 15:1-5,12) The
Mediterranean Sea was on the west border. Jehovah made an
everlasting covenant for a Kingdom with David. Because of this the
tribe of Judah possessed the scepter and the commander’s staff for
470 years. (Genesis 49:10) (2 Samuel 7:16) All of the tribes of Israel
prostrated themselves before Judah during the reigns of David and
Solomon. Jesus Christ was from the tribe of Judah. (Matthew 1:1-
17)

JUDEAN WILDERNESS: The Judean wilderness is mostly

uninhabited. It is an arid region with little or no vegetation. It is a
fifteen mile strip of land on the eastern slope of the Judean
mountains beginning east of the Mount of Olives and stretching fifty
miles along the west coast of the Dead Sea. (Judges 1:16) David hid
from Saul in the Wilderness of Judah. It is there that David wrote
Psalm 63. The stream mentioned in Ezekiel’s visionary temple
flowed through this wilderness and supported trees in abundance
along the banks. (Ezekiel 47:1-10) John the Baptist lived in this
barren desert north of the Dead Sea. (Matthew 3:1-6) Jesus was
approached by the Devil and tempted in this wilderness. (Matthew
4:1-11) Sometimes the term wilderness is used interchangeable with
the term desert.

JUDAISM: Judaism is the Jewish religious system. (Galatians 1:13,

14) At the time of Christ Judaism was not based exclusively on the
Hebrew Scriptures. The Sadducees rejected the Scriptural teaching
of the resurrection and denied the existence of angels. (Mark 12:18-
27) (Acts 23:8) The Pharisees accepted the resurrection but they
taught unscriptural traditions of men. (Matthew 15:1-11) These two
groups made up the vast majority of Judaism in the first century
C.E. and these teachings are prevalent in today’s Judaism as well.

JUDAS ISCARIOT: He was the son of Simon and an apostle of Jesus

Christ. He is described as the Judas who later betrayed Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 10:4) (Luke 6:16) Little is known about his family or
background, only that he and his father were called Iscariot. (Luke
6:16) (John 6:71) It is said that they were both from the Judean
town of Kerioth-hezron. That would have made him the only
Judean among the twelve apostles for the others were from Galilee.
Judas must have been dependable and reasonably trustworthy at
the time Jesus appointed him an apostle and entrusted him with
caring for the common finances for Jesus and the twelve. (Matthew
10:3; Mr 3:19) John writes: “Jesus knew from the beginning whom
they were who did not believe and who would betray him.” (John
6:64) “Satan entered into Judas” and he went to the chief priests
and temple captains to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
(Matthew 26:14-16) (Mark 14:10, 11) (Luke 22:3-6) (John 13:2) The
account of the final act of betrayal is reported in the books of
Matthew and John. (Matthew 26:47-56) (John 18:2-12) Judas
attempted to hang himself, but the branch broke and he was pitched
head first onto a rock below. (Matthew 27:5) (Acts 1:18)

JUDE, THE LETTER: Jude introduces himself in the letter of Jude

as “A servant of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James.” He speaks of
himself as a servant and not as an apostle. He also refers to the
apostles in the third person as “they.” (Jude 1:17, 18) He then
distinguished himself by mentioning the name of his brother and
thus identifying Jesus as his half brother. (Matthew 13:55) (Mark
6:3) Even though Jude’s letter is short, only 25 verses, it contains
information not found elsewhere in the Bible. It mentions the
archangel Michael’s dispute with the Devil. (Jude 9, 14, 15) Jude
was probably somewhere in Palestine in the year 65 C.E. when he
wrote the letter of Jude.

JUDEA: Judea encompassed an area of approximately fifty miles

from east to west and thirty miles from north to south. Samaria
bordered on the north and Idumea to the south. The Dead Sea and
the Jordan River Valley formed the eastern boundary. Jesus Christ,
the Messiah was born at Bethlehem in Judea. (Matthew 2:3-6)
(Luke 2:10, 11) Under the Roman Empire Judea was considered a
province. It included the territories of the tribes of Judah,
Benjamin, Dan, Simeon, and part of Ephraim.

JUDGE: A judge is a public official authorized to decide questions

brought before a court of justice. Moses acted as mediator of the
Law covenant and as God’s appointed leader he judged Israel for 40
years. Then Joshua assumed the leadership roll and following his
death the period of the Judges extended about 300 years. (Judge
2:16) (Acts 13:20) The judges were selected and appointed by
Jehovah from the various tribes of Israel. Twelve judges were
appointed during that period of time. Included among the judges
were Barak, Gideon, Samson and Manasseh.

JUDGMENT DAY: Judgment Day is a day or period of time when

mankind is called to account by God. Jesus Christ and his apostles
taught that there would be a future time when both the living and
the dead would be brought-to-judgment. (Matthew 10:15; 11:21-24;
12:41, 42) (2 Timothy 4:1, 2) The book of Revelation speaks of
Babylon the great who will be completely burned with fire.
(Revelation 17:1-6; 18:8, 20; 19:1, 2) The apostle Peter spoke about a
“Day of Judgment and the destruction of ungodly men.” (2 Peter
3:7) And in the book of Revelation the “Word of God” (Jesus Christ)
is identified as the one who will strike the nations with a long sword.
(Revelation 19:11-16) The judging on Judgment Day will be fair,
righteous and true because Jehovah God’s judgments are always
righteous and He will use His Son Jesus Christ to carrie out
judgment. (Revelation 19:1, 2) (John 5:30; 8:16) Revelation 20:12
tells us that the resurrected dead “were judged according to the
things written in the books, according to their works.” This indicates
that faith as well as works are required of the true believer. (James
2: 17-26) (John 3:16, 36)

JUDGMENT SEAT, SIT IN JUDGMENT: The judgment seat was a

raised platform from which officials could sit and address crowds of
people to announce their decisions. (Matthew 27:19) (John 19:13)
(Acts 25:6, 10, 17) God has appointed his Son to do all judging.
(John 5:22, 27) We must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
(2 Corinthians 5:10) This is also called the judgment seat of God
who judges by means of his Son. (Romans 14:10)

JUDITH: Judith was a wife of Esau. She was daughter of Beeri the
Hittite and a constant source of bitterness to Isaac and Rebekah.
(Genesis 26:34, 35)

JULIA: The apostle Paul sent greetings to Julia. (Romans 16:15) She
was a member of the congregation at Rome. Julia might have been
the wife or sister of Philologus.

JULIUS: Julius was a Roman army officer or centurion of the band

of Augustus. Paul traveled in his custody to Rome. (Acts 27:1-44)

JUNIAS: The apostle Paul sent Junias a special greeting at Romans

16:7. Paul says they were well known among the apostles for they
had a fine reputation with the apostles.
JUNIPER TREE: The Juniper tree, the Juniperus excelsa, is a native
of Lebanon and is regularly associted with Lebanon. It was
imported from Lebanon by King Solomon. (1 Kings 5:8-10; 9:11) (2
Chronicles 2:8) Juniper wood was used in the temple built by
Solomon. (2 Chronicles 3:5) (1 Kings 6:34) It is mentioned in the
restoration prophecies when describing the beauty of the land of
God’s people. (Isaiah 41:19; 55:13; 60:13)

JUSHAB-HESED: Jushab-hesed was one of Zerubbabel’s sons. (1

Chronicles 3:19, 20)

JUSTICE: Justice is the quality of being just or fair. It is the

administration of law. Other than its connection to the law justice is
no different than righteousness. (Genesis 18:19) (Job 8:3) (Amos
5:24) It is based on plans, customs and rules. (Exodus 26:30)
(Genesis 40:13) (2 Chronicles 4:20) (Leviticus 5:10) Jehovah God is
the supreme Judge and Law Giver. (Job 37:23) (Psalms 33:5; 37:28)
(Isaiah 33:22) We read at Micah 6:8 what Jehovah God requires of
man: “You should display justice, love kindness, and walk humbly
with your God.” This justice that Man should display is also known
as righteousness.

JUSTIFICATION: Greek “dikaiosis” is the act of God declaring

men free from guilt and acceptable to him. Sinners may be
acquitted of guilt from sin by putting faith in Jesus Christ. We
are declaired righteous because of our faith. (Hebrews
10:36)(Genesis 15:6) We are also declaired righteous by
works. (James 2:21-26) But only Jesus Christ, the Son of God
can offer the justification necessary for the forgiveness of our
sins. (John 3:16, 36)

JUSTUS, JOSEPH BARSABBAS: Joseph Barsabbas was given the

surname “Justus.” He and Matthias were recommended as possible
replacements to Judas Iscariot as an apostle. The apostles cast lots
and the appointment fell to Matthias. Justus was obviously a
mature disciple of Jesus Christ or he would not have been
recommended. (Acts 1:23-26)

JUSTUS OF CORINTH: This man was a believer who lived in a

house next to the synagogue in Corinth. Jewish opposition caused
Paul to reside with Aquila and Priscilla and continue preaching
there. (Acts 18:1-7)
JUSTUS, PAUL’S FELLOW WORKER: This Jewish man, also
named Jesus, worked with the apostle Paul during his first imprison
ment in Rome. (Colossians 4:10, 11)

JUTTAH: This is a site in the mountains of Judah that was given to

the sons of Aaron as a priestly city. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 55; 21:13,16)
Juttah is recognized as the modern city of Yatta, six miles south of
Hebron.

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

K

KABZEEL: Kabzeel was a city in the southern part of Judah.

(Joshua 15:21)

KADESH, KADESH-BARNEA: Kadesh-Barnea was an Israelite

wilderness camp in the Edomite territory near the way to Shur.
(Genesis 16:7,14) (Numbers 20:14-16)

KADMIEL: Kadmiel was a Levite who returned to Jerusalem with

Zerubbabel. Members of his family accompanied him on the trip.
Kadmiel and his sons helped supervise the temple reconstruction.
(Ezra 2:1-2, 40) (Nehemiah 7:6-7, 43; 12:1, 8, 24) (Ezra 3:9)

KADMONITES: Jehovah promised the Kadmonite lands to Abram’s

seed at Geneses 15:18-21.

KAIN: This name was used in a proverbial utterance at Balaam to

refer to the tribe of the Kenites. It is also refered to as Kenites at
Judges 4:11, Nu 24:22. There was a city in the mountainous region
of Judah named Kain. (Joshua 15:1, 48, 57)

KAIWAN: Kaiwan appears to have been the star god, or star of your
god, mentioned at Amos 5:26 and Acts 7:43. This occurs in
Akkadian inscriptions as the name of Saturn, a star god.

KALLAI: He was the head of the paternal house of Sallai.

(Nehemiah 12:12, 20, 26) Kallai was a priest in the days of the high
priest Joiakim.

KAMON: Kamon was the burial place of Judge Jair as referenced at

Judges 10:5.

KANAH: The boundary between Ephraim and Manasseh was the

Kanah Valley. (Joshua 16:8; 17:9)
KAPH: The eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet is Kaph.

KAREAH: This man came from Judah. His sons Johanan and
Jonathan were chiefs of military forces in Judah. (2 Kings 25:21-23)
(Jeremiah 40:7, 8)

KARKA: Karka was a site on the boundary of Judah between the

second Addar and Azmon. (Joshua 15:1-3)

KARKOR: Judge Gideon launched a surprise military maneuver

against the remaining forces of Midianite Kings Zebah and
Zalmunna at Karkor. This was a campsite east of the Jordan River.
(Judges 8:10-11)

KARTAN: Kartan was a city given to the Merarite Levites out of the
inheritance of Zebulun. (Joshua 21:34)

KARTAN: A city of Naphtali given to the Gershonite Levites is

Kartan. (Joshua 21:27, 32)

KATTATH: Kattath was a city of Zebulun. It was sometimes

considered to be the same as Kitron. (Joshua 19:10, 15) (Judges
1:30)

KEDAR: 1. He was one of the 12 sons of Ishmael. (Genesis 25:13-15)

(1 Chronicles 1:29-31) The land of Kedar. The Arab tribe descended
from Ishmael’s son Kedar inhabited it. They were also known as the
sons of the East. (Jeremiah 2:10; 49:28-29)

KEDEMAH: Kedemah was a son of Ishmael. In fulfillment of

Jehovah’s promise to Abraham Kedemah was one of the 12
chieftains produce by Ishmael. (Genesis 25:15; 17:20) (1 Chronicle
1:31)

KEDEMOTH: The Wilderness of Kedemoth and the city of

Kedemoth were East of the Jordan River. Moses sent messengers to
Amorite King Sihon requesting permission to pass through this
land. (Deuteronomy 2:26-27) Later the land was given to the
Rubenites and later to the Merarite Levites. (Joshua 13:15-18,
21:34-37) (1 Chronicles 6:77-79)

KEDESH, CITY OF NAPHTALI: This city belonged to the tribe of

Naphtali. It was given to the Gershonites and set aside as a city of
refuge. (Joshua 20:7; 21:32, 33) (1 Chronicles 6:71, 76) It was also
called Kedesh-naphtali and Kedesh in Galilee. (Judges 4:6; 20:7)
Judge Barak resided at Kedesh. The city was conquered by Assyrian
King Tiglath-pileser III during the rule of Israel’s King Pekah during
the years 778-759 B.C.E. (2 Kings 15:29)

KEDESH-BARNEA: This city was in southern Judah believed to be

Kadesh-barnea. (Joshua 15:21, 23)

KEDESH, CITY IN ISSACHAR: This site in Issachar was assigned to

the sons of Gershom. (1 Chronicles 6:71, 72)

KEHELATHAH: The word means congregation. It is one of the

places where the Israelites camped when they wondered in the
wilderness. (Numbers 33:22, 23)

KEILAH: This fortified Judean city was in the Shephelah. (Joshua

15:20, 33, 44) (1 Samuel 23:7) It was founded or governed early on
by Calebites. (1 Chronicles 4:15, 19) David once saved Keilah from
Philistine attackers. Latter he and his men escaped from the city to
avoid capture by Saul’s army. (1 Samuel 23:5, 8-13)

KELAIAH: This is another name for the Levite Kelita, a co-worker

of Ezra the priest. (Ezra 10:23)

KELITA, ALSO CALLED KELAIAH: This man was one of the

Levites of Ezra’s time who insisted on sending foreign wives away.
(Ezra 10:23, 44)

KEMUEL, SON OF NAHOR: Kemuel was a son of Abraham’s

brother Nahor and his wife Milcah. His son was Aram. (Genesis
22:20, 21.

KEMUEL, SON OF SHIPHTAN: This Kemuel was head of the tribe

of Ephraim. He was one of 12 men appointed by God through Moses
to divide the land of Canaan among the Israelites. (Numbers 34:16-
29)

KEMUEL, FATHER OF HASHABIAH: This Levite was the leader of

the tribe of Levi in David’s time. (1 Chronicles 27:16, 17)

KELITA, EXPLAINED THE LAW: Kelita was a Levite who assisted

Ezra in explaining the law to the people. (Nehemiah 8:7, 8; 10:10)

KENAN: Kenan was the son of Enosh. That made him the grandson
of Seth and great grandson of Adam. He lived 910 years. (Genesis
5:3-14) (1 Chronicles 1: 1, 2) Luke listed him as Cainan, son of Enosh
in the genealogy at Luke 3:37, 37.

KENATH: This site was capture by Nobath; a Manassite who called

it by is own name. (Numbers 32:42)

KENAZ, SON OF ELIPHAZ: Kenaz was the son of Eliphaz. He was

asheik in the land of Edom. (Genesis 36:11, 15, 42, 43) (1 Chronicles
1:36, 53)

KENAZ, SON OF JEPHUNNEH: Kenaz was the son of Jephunneh.

His brother was Caleb. He fathered Othniel and Seraiah. (Joshua
15:17) (Judges 1:13; 3:9, 11) (1 Chronicles 4:13)

KENAZ, SON OF CALEB: This Kenaz was son of Caleb. His father
was Jephunneh. (1 Chronicles 4:15)

KENITE: People who resided in Canaan in the days of Abram

(Abraham) were called Kenites. (Genesis 15:18-21)

KENIZZITE: A Kenizzite was a member of a non-Israelite people.

They lived in or near Canaan. Jehovah promised their territory to
Abram’s seed. (Genesis 15:18, 19) Prior to the Israelite conquest of
the Promised Land, they moved into the Negeb and spread over
Edom and southern Judah. Caleb was called “the son of Jephunneh
the Kenizzite.” (Numbers 32:12) (Joshua 14:6, 14)

KEREN-HAPPUCH: She was the third and youngest of the

daughters born to Job after his great test and suffering ended.
Jehovah blessed him very much. (Job 42:12-14) Her name indicates
she had beautiful eyes. The Bible recounts that no women were
found to be as beautiful as Job’s daughters in all the land. (Job
42:15)

KERIOTH: Kerioth was a place mentioned in two prophecies

against Moab. (Jeremiah 48:24) (Amos 2:2) It appears to be a city
made up of several smaller towns. The Moabite Stone does not tell
its location, but it does indicate that the god Chemosh had a
sanctuary there.

KERIOTH-HEZRON: This was another name for Hazor. It was a

town of Judah about twelve miles south of Hebron. (Joshua 15:25)
KEROS: Keros was the founder of a family of Nethinim. Some of
them returned from the Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 44)
(Nehemiah 7:6, 7, 46, 47)

KESIL CONSTELLATION: The Hebrew word kesil’ means stupid.

(Psalm 49:10) The term generally applies to designate a stellar body
or group such as Orion. (Job 9:9) (Amos 5:8)

KETURAH: Keturah was a wife of Abraham and the mother of six of

his sons, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah,
ancestors of Arabian peoples. (Genesis 25:1-4)

KEY: Hebrew: maphteah, Greek: kleis, means instrument used for

opening and shutting. (Judges 3:25) (Matthew 16:19) (Luke 11:52)
(Revelation 1:18) The word key is used often in the Holy Scriptures.
Key is used figuratively of power or authority or office. (Isaiah
22:22) (Revelation 1:8; 3:7)

KEZIAH: She was the second of the three daughters of Job born
after his severe trial and later restoration and blessing by Jehovah.
(Job 42:14)

KIBROTH-HATTAAVAH: This is the site where the Israelites

camped and the crowd expressed selfish longing for the food of
Egypt. (Numbers 11:4; 33:16, 17) (Deuteronomy 9:22) It was located
halfway between Jebel Musa, the traditional site of Mount Siani,
and Hazeroth. Jehovah God provided them with a month’s supply of
quail. (Numbers 11:19, 20, 31) The people were greedy and collected
more then they were instructed to collect. (Numbers 11:32-35)

KIBZAIM: Kibzaim was an Ephraimite city given to the Kohathite

Levites. (Joshua 21:20-22)

KIDNAPPING: Kidnapping is the unlawful act of capturing or

carrying away a person against his will. The penalty for kidnapping
under the Mosaic Law was capital punishment. The kidnapper was
put to death. (Exodus 21:16) (Deuteronomy 24:7) Jacob’s son
Joseph was a victim of kidnapping when his brothers captured him
and sold him into slavery. (Genesis 37:27, 28; 40:15) The apostle
Paul said that the law is for the lawless persons, including
kidnappers at 1st Timothy 1:8-11.

KIDNEYS, MIND AND HEART: The kidneys are located in the

lower back. Their function is to filter impurities from the blood.
When used figuratively the term refers to the deepest thoughts and
emotions of one’s personality. (Psalm 7:9; 26:2; 66:10) Jesus
quoted Isaiah 29:13 at Matthew 15:7-8 when speaking of innermost
thoughts of the heart.

KIDRON VALLEY: This valley separates Jerusalem from the Mount

of Olives. It starts north of Jerusalem and runs south
southeastward along the city. It is a dry area except for an
occasional heavy rain. Jeremiah offered prophesy that pointed to a
time when the terraces as far as the Kidron Valley would be holy to
Jehovah at Jeremiah 31:40.

KILN: Kilns of ancient times were used for baking bricks, firing
pottery and processing lime. The Hebrew word kivshan’ means a
heating chamber or furnace. (Genesis 4:22; 11:3) (Exodus 9:8-10)

KIMAH CONSTELLATION: Reference is made at Job 9:9, 38:31

and Amos 5:8 to a celestial constellation. It could be talking about
Pleiades, a star group formed of seven large stars and other smaller
ones situated 300 light years from the sun. Jehovah God asks Job if
he can tie fast the bonds of the Kimah constellation. Some relate
this to the compactness of the Pleiades star cluster. The New
Simplified Bible refers to the Pleiades.

KIN, KINSMAN: Kin is a relative by common ancestry or by

marriage. Sometimes referred to as related by blood. A Kinsman is a
male relative

KINAH: Kinah was a city located in southern Judah. (Joshua 15:21-

22) Wadi el-Qeini was nearby.

KIND, GOD CREATED ACCORDING TO KIND: Genesis chapter

one reveals that God created all living things “after their king.”
(Genesis 1:11, 12, 21, 22, 24, 25) (1 Corinthians 14:33) There is no
Bible record of a living thing evolving gradually from one kind of
animal to another. From the earliest human record until now dogs
are still dogs, and elephants are still elephants, and horses are still
horses and they always will be. The missing links of the evolution
theory are still missing more than 100 years after Charles Darwin
dreamt up the evolution nightmare.

KINDNESS: Kindness is a fruitage or fruit of God’s Spirit.

(Galatians 5:22) It is the quality of being warm-hearted,
considerate, tender, sympathetic, forgiving and loving. The
principal word for kindness in the Greek Scriptures is “khre-sto’tes.”
Jehovah God is the kindest of all beings and therefore sets an
example for his believers. (Luke 6:35) (Romans 2:4; 11:22) (Titus
3:4, 5) Christians are under the kindly yoke of Christ. (Matthew
11:30) They are urged to clothe themselves with kindness at
Colossians 3:12 and Ephesians 4:32.

KING: A king is a male sovereign ruler of a kingdom. Jehovah is

the supreme King. He possesses unlimited power and authority. The
kings of Judah were subordinate kings who represented God’s
sovereignty on earth. Jesus is also a subordinate King. He serves
under the far greater authority of his heavenly Father, Jehovah God.
His power is far greater than the power of earthly kings. This is
because Jehovah placed him in the position of ruling the universe.
(Philippians 2:9-11) (Revelation 19:16) This was done to the glory of
God the Father. (Philemon 2:11)

KINGDOM: A kingdom requires four basic things: (1) King. (2)

Capital City. (3) Sovereign territory. (4) Subjects. Earthly kingdoms
ranged in size and influence from the mighty world powers such as
Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (See
WORLD POWERS), to the small city-kingdoms such as those in
Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest. (Joshua 12:7-24)
Governmental structure varied between kingdoms.

KINGDOM OF GOD: Jehovah God was Sovereign Ruler long before

human kingdoms developed. In the spirit realm he was respected
and obeyed by angel creatures numbering into the millions. (Psalm
103:19-22) (Daniel 6:10) The Kingdom of God is the expression and
exercise of God’s universal sovereignty. This will be accomplished
through a royal government headed by Jehovah God’s appointed
king Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God requires four basic things: 1.
King: Jesus Christ the Son of God. 2. Capital City: Heaven. 3.
Sovereign territory: Heaven and Earth. 4. Subjects: Righteous
people living in the territory. Recommended reading on this subject
includes: Psalm 2; Psalm 110; Matthew 6:10; Luke 22:28-30; 1 Co
15:23-28; Revelation 5:9-10; 20:6; 21:1-4.

KING’S ROAD: The King’s Road was the road traveled on when
passing through Edomite territory and the Amorite realm of King
Sihon. They promised not to depart from it. (Numbers 20:17; 21:21-
22) (Deuteronomy 2:26-27) This road extended from the Gulf of
Aqaba as far as the Jabbok, the north boundary of Sihon’s territory.

KIR: Kir was the place from which the Aramaeans came to Syria.
(Amos 9:7) Jehovah revealed through his prophet Amos that the
Aramaeans would return to Kir as exiles. (Amos 1:5) (1 Kings 16:7-
9)

KIR-HARESETH: This was possibly another name for Kir of Moab,

a city identified with modern Karak. (2 Kings 3:25) (Isaiah 16:7)

KIR-HERES: This could be an alternate name for Kir-Hareseth or

Kir of Moab. (Jeremiah 48:31, 36)

KIRIATH: Kiriath was a city of Benjamin thought to be the same as

Kiriath-jearim. (Joshua 18:28)

KIRIATHAIM: This city was east of Jordan. It was built by the

Reubenites and was a one time under Moabite control. (Numbers
32:37) (Joshua 13:15, 19) It is mentioned in the prophecies of
Jeremiah and Ezekiel as a city of Moab that was to experience
calamity. (Jeremiah 48:1) (Ezekiel 25:9)

KIRIATH-ARBA: This is the ancient name for the city of Hebron.

The name was used after the Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:25)
The city was founded by Arba the great man among the Anakim.
(Joshua 14:15)

KIRIATH-BAAL: Known as the Town of Baal, Kiriath-Baal was an

alternate name for the Judean city of Kiriath-jearim. (Joshua 15:60;
18:14)

KIRIATH-HUZOTH: This town was located in Moab somewhere

between the Arnon River and Bamothbaal. (Numbers 22:36, 39, 41)

KIRIATH-JEARIM: Referred to as the Town of the Forests, Kiriath-

Jearim was associated with the Gibeonites. (Joshua 9:17) It was also
known as Baalah, and Kiriath-baal. (Joshua 15:9, 60) Later Kiriath-
jearim belonged to Judah and bordered on Benjamite territory.
(Joshua 15:1, 9; 18:11, 14) (Judges 18:12)

KIRIATH-SANNAH: Kiriath-sannah was a town in Judea assigned

to the Asronic priests. It was located about 8 miles southwest of
Hebron. Debir is another name for this town. (Joshua 15:49; 21:13,
15)

KIRIATH-SEPHER: This is the ancient name for Debir, a priestly

city in the territory of Judah about 8 miles southwest of Hebron.
(Joshua 15:15, 16; 21:13, 15) (Judges 1:11, 12)
KIR OF MOAB: This city in Moab was probably it’s capital at one
time. Several names are listed for this city in the Aramaic Targum:
Kir of Moab, Kir-hareseth and Kir-heres. The modern name is
Karak. (Isaiah 15:1) Isaiah prophesied that the Moabites would
mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth. (Isaiah 16:6-7) Isaiah’s
innermost being was moved by the message of woe for Kir-hareseth.
(Isaiah 16:11) (Jeremiah 48:31, 36)

KISH, SON OF MAHLI: Kish was a Merarite Levite who was the son
of Mahli and brother of Eleazar. One of the sons of Kish was
Jerahmeel. (1 Chronicles 23:21, 22; 24:29)

KISH, SON OF JEIEL: This Kish was a Benjamite whose wife was
Maacah. (1 Chronicles 8:29, 30) His brother Ner was the
grandfather of Saul, Israel’s first king. (1 Chronicles 9:35-39)

KISH, FATHER OF SAUL: Kish was a Benjamite living at Gibeah,

who was father of King Saul. (1 Samuel 10:26; 14:51) (Acts 13:21) He
was a wealthy member of the family of the Matrites. (1 Samuel 9:1;
10:21) He was the son of Ner and grandson of Jeiel. (1 Chronicles
8:29-33; 9:35-39)

KISH, SON OF ABDI: Kish was a Levite of King Hezekiah’s reign.

He was one of the Levites who helped clean the temple. (2
Chronicles 29:1-5, 12-17)

KISH, ANCESTOR OF MORDECAI: This Kish was a Benjamite

ancestor of Estherl’s cousin Mordecai. (Esther 2:5-7)

KISHI: This is the shortened form of Kushaiah. He was the father of

the musician Ethan. (1 Chronicles 6:16, 44; 15:17)

KISHION: Kishion was a boundary city of Issachar. It was assigned

to the Gershonites. (Joshua 19:17, 18; 21:27, 28)

KISHON RIVER: The Kishon River winds in a northwesterly

direction from the hills near Tanach through the Plain of Jezreel. It
flows through a narrow gorge between Mount Carmel to the Plain of
Acco and then empties into the Mediterranean. It expands from an
average of twenty feet wide to over 66 feet wide during the spring
runoff. (Judges 4:6, 13) (1 Kings 18:40) (Psalm 83:9, 10)

KISS: Kissing is the act of kissing or touching one’s lips to those of

another. (Proverbs 24:26) Also kissing another person’s cheek, or
even his feet. (Luke 7:37, 38, 44, 45) It served as a token of affection
or respect. Kissing in Biblical times was common not only between
male and female relatives but also between male relatives. (Genesis
27:26, 27; 29:11; 31:28; 45:15) (Exodus 18:7) It was also a gesture of
affection between close friends. (1 Samuel 20:41, 42) (2 Samuel
19:39) Early Christians were told to greet one another with a Holy
Kiss. (Romans 16:16) (1 Corinthians 16:20) (2 Corinthians 13:12) (1
Thessalonians 5:26)

KITE: The kite is a bird of prey and a scavenger. The black kite and
the red kite are both found in Palestine. They are included among
the unclean birds according to the Law. (Leviticus 11:13, 14)
(Deuteronomy 14:12, 13)

KITRON: Kitron was a city from which the Zebulunites failed to

expel the Canaanite inhabitants. (Judges 1:30)

KITTIM: Kittim is listed as one of the four sons of Javan. (Genesis

11:4) (1 Chronicles 1:7)

KNEADING TROUGH: This shallow portable bowl was usually

made of wood, earthenware or bronze. Flour and water were mixed
in it. They were worked into dough. The mass of dough was allowed
to rise in the kneading trough before baking. (Ge 18:6) (1 Samuel
28:24) The kneading was done with hands, though the Egyptians
also used their feet at times. (Hosea 7:4) Most kneading bowls or
troughs were ten inches wide and three inches deep.

KNEE, KNEEL: The knee is the joint in the leg used for support and
flexibility. Wobbling or enfeebled knees portray weakness and
knocking knees convey fear. (Job 4:4) (Psalm 109:24) (Isaiah 35:3)
(Daniel 5:6) (Hebrews 12:12) Kneeling for the purpose of prayer is a
common practice. Jesus Christ gave the example of kneeling in
prayer to God in the garden of Gethsemane as recorded at Luke
22:41.

KNIFE: Hebrew: ma’akhe’leth means knife, an instrument for

cutting. Abraham used a slaughtering knife when he was about to
sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22:6, 10) Levite priests used a similar knife.
(Judges 19:29) We read about a people whose teeth are like swords
and knives at Proverbs 30:14. We learn about a secretary’s knife at
Jeremiah 36:23.

KNOB: The knob was an ornamental part of the golden lamp stand
used in the tabernacle. The Hebrew words “kaph-tohr” or “kaph-
tor” means a round protrusion. (Exodus 25:31-36; 37:17-22)
KNOWLEDGE: Facts acquired by personal experience, observation
and study make up knowledge. Jehovah is the Source of knowledge
and life. (Psalm 36:9) (Acts 17:25, 28) Respect and reverence for
God is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7) Christians are
required to have accurate knowledge of both Jehovah God and
Jesus Christ his only begotten Son. (John 17:3) (Philippians 1:9) (2
Peter 3:18) Two words translated knowledge from the Greek are
“gno’sis” and “epi’gnosis.” Both are related to the verb “gino’sko,”
which means: know, understand, perceive, have intimate
knowledge. Wisdom is the application of knowledge and
experience. (Proverbs 4:7) (Proverbs 15:2) We should seek God’s
wisdom, not human wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2)

KOA: Koa was a territory in Mesopotamia, a region of Babylon east

of the Tigras River, on the border of Elam and Media. Ezekiel
prophesied that the people of Koa would supply some of the enemy
forces that would assault unfaithful Jerusalem and Judah. (Ezekiel
23:23)

KOHATH: Kohath was the second of the three sons of Levi.

(Genesis 46:11) (Exodus 6:16) (1 Chronicles 6:1) He was the father
of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. (Exodus 6:18) (Numbers
3:19) (1 Chronicles 6:2) He was the ancestor of the Kohathites, one
of the three large divisions of the Levites. (Numbers 3:17, 27)
Kohath lived 133 years. (Exodus 6:18)

KOHATHITE: The Kohathites or sons of Kohath were descendants

of the family head, Kohath, who was one of the three sons of Levi.
(Genesis 46:11) (Numbers 26:57)

KOLAIAH, FATHER OF AHAB: Kolaiah was father of the false

prophet Ahab. He was among the Jews in Babylonian exile before
Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E. (Jeremiah 29:21)

KOLAIAH, ANCESTOR OF SALLU: Kolaiah was a Benjamite and

an ancestor of Salu. He lived in Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day after
the Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:4, 7)

KORAH THE KORATHITE LEVITE: Korah was a Kohathite Levite

of the family of Izhar. (Exodus 6:16, 18, 21) (1 Chronicles 6:1, 2, 22)
The Israelites were following Moses through the wilderness. Korah
joined up with the Reubenites, Dathan, Abiram and On along with
250 chieftains of the assembly to rebel against the authority of
Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16:3-11) Korah and the 250 men with
him stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting. Jehovah’s glory
appeared to the entire assembly. God spoke to Moses. He told them
to move away from the tabernacles of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
Suddenly the earth opened up and swallowed them and their
households and all that belonged to Korah. The earth swallowed
them up and covered them over. (Numbers 16:18-34) A total of
14,700 persons died as a result of this scourge from Jehovah God.
(Numbers 16:41-50) The sons of Korah did not follow their father
and their descendants and they later became prominent in the
Levitical service. (Numbers 26:9-11)

KORAHITE: The Korahites were a paternal house of the Kohahite

Levites. They were descendants of Korah and they rebelled in
Moses’ day. (Exodus 6:18, 21, 24) (Numbers 16:1-3) The sons of
Korah are mentioned at Psalms 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88. Though
their forefathers rebelled, Jehovah did not hold the sons of Korah
accountable for their error. They were faithful and therefore were
blessed and honored with temple service.

KORE, SONS OF ASAPH: Kore was a Kohathite Levite of the sons of

Asaph. He was a descendant of Korah. (Exodus 6:16, 18, 21) (1
Chronicles 9:19; 26:1)

KORE, SON OF IMNAH: This Kore was a Levite, the sonof Imnah
and the gate-keeper to the east of the temple in King Hezekiah’s
reign. He was in charge of the voluntary offerings with men under
his control. (2 Chronicles 31:14-16)

KOZ: Koz was a descendant of Judah. He became father to Anub

and Zobebah and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. (1
Chronicles 4:1, 8)

KUSHAIAH: Kushaiah was a Levite of the family of Merari and the

father or ancestor of Ethan. He was one of the group of Levite
singers and musicians of David’s day. (1 Chronicles 15:16-17) It
appears Kushaiah was called Kishi at 1 Chronicles 6:44.

KYRIOS: This is the Greek word for “lord.” (See: LORD)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

L

LAADAH: Laadah was the second of two sons of Shelah. He was a

descendant of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:21)
LABAN: Laban was the grandson of Abraham’s brother Nahor. He
was the son of Bethuel and the brother of Rebekah. (Genesis 24:15,
29; 28:5) He was the father of Leah and Rachel. (Genesis 29:16)
Laban lived at the city of Haran in Paddan-aram in Mesopotamia.
(Genesis 24:10; 27:43; 28:6; 29:4, 5)

LABDANUM: Hebrew: nekho’th means spices, gum, and resin. It is

soft, black or dark-brown and has a bitter taste but a fragrant odor.
It is used in perfumes, incense and medicine. (Genesis 37:25; 43:11)

LABOR PAINS: The physically distressing experience that occurs

when giving birth is called labor pains. God told Eve: “I will greatly
increase your pains of childbirth.” The apostle Paul symbolically
used childbirth when he wrote the Thessalonians: “For you know
perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
When they say, ‘Peace and security;’ then sudden destruction will
come upon them, as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They
will not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3)

LACHISH: Lachish was a Judean city in the Shephelah. (Joshua

15:21, 33, 39) It was located along a strategic position on the road
linking Jerusalem with Egypt. Assyrian King Sennacherib in 732
B.C.E besieged Lachish. It appears a double wall with many towers
encompassed the city of about 7,000 residents.

LADDER: Jacob’s ladder comes from the Hebrew term “sul-lam”

and it refers to the ladder Jacob saw in a dream recorded at Genesis
28:13. He saw a ladder standing on the earth with it top reaching to
heaven. God’s angels ascended and descended on the ladder. A
representation of Jehovah God was above it. (Genesis 28:13) Jesus
may have had that vision in mind when he told his disciples: You
will see angels of God ascending and descending to the Son of man.
(John 1:51)

LAEL: He was a Levite and the father of Eliasaph of the Gershonites

during Israel’s trek in the wilderness. (Numbers 3:24)

LAHAD: A descendant of Judah, Lahad was the second son of

Jahath. (1 Chronicles 4:1-2)
LAHMI: This could be the brother of the Goliath that David killed or
it could be the second of two Goliaths. No one knows for sure. (1
Chronicles 20:5) (2 Samuel 21:19)

LAHMAM: This was a Judean city in the Shephelah. (Joshua 15:20,

33, 40) It was about 3 miles east of Lachish.

LAISHAH: This town in the territory of Benjamin is mentioned at

Isaiah 10:30.

LAKE OF FIRE: Fire is symbolic of total destruction. The Lake of

Fire is only found in chapters 20 and 21 of the book of Revelation. It
is clearly symbolic since fire is a physical thing. However the Lake of
Fire is called the second death, a spiritual activity. Death and the
grave were hurled into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:10, 14; 21:8)
The Devil is thrown into the lake. The Devil is a spirit and could not
be destroyed by a physical fire. Everyone thrown into the Lake of
Fire undergo the second death. (Revelation 20:14) There is no
consciousness and no feeling of pain or suffering in death.
(Ecclesiates 9:5) SEE DEATH.

LAKKUM: Lakkum was a boundary sit of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32,

33)

LAME: Lameness is a handicap, usually physical, that prevents a

person from walking. (Acts 3:2; 14:8) A lame person was not
allowed to serve in the Aaronic priesthood. (Leviticus 21:16-23)
Jehovah would not permit the sacrifice of any lame or defective
animal. This is because these sacrifices foreshadowed the perfect
sacrifice of Christ. (Deuteronomy 15:21) (Leviticus 22:19, 20)
(Malachi 1:8, 13) Christians are commanded to present their bodies
as living sacrifices. (Romans 12:1)

LAMECH, SON OF METHUSHAEL: Lamech was a descendant of

Cain. His lifetime and Adam’s overlapped. He was the first
poygamist of Bible record with two wives, Adah and Zillah. He had
two sons by Adah, Jabal and Jubal. (Genesis 4:19-22) Lamech
fathered Tubal-cain by Zillah. All of Lamech’s offspring parished in
the Great Flood of Noah’s Day.

LAMECH, SON OF METHUSELAH: This son of Methuselah was a

descendant of Seth. He had faith in God and fathered Noah. Lamech
said of Noah that he would comfort us from our work and from the
pain of our hands because of the curse Jehovah brought. (Genesis
5:29) These words came true during Noah’s lifetime. (Genesis 8:21)
His name is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ at Luke 3:36.

LAMEDH: This is the twelveth letter in the Hebrew alphabet.

(Psalm 119:80-96)

LAMENTATIONS: A lamentation is a cry of sorrow and grief. The

Book of Lamentations is just that, a cry of sorrow. Septuagint
translators called the book “Threnoi” meaning dirges. Jerome’s
Latin Vulgate calls it Lamentationes, which is the root for the
English name Lamentations

LAMB: The Israelites offered an animal as a gift sacrifice to God.

(Genesis 4:4) (Exodus 12:3-10) Jesus was the Lamb of God who
takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29-36) (1 Corinthians 5:7)
(1 Peter 1:19)

LAMP: A lamp is a vessel used to produce light. The wick was

dipped in oil and then burned to make artificial light. The five
discreet virgins of Jesus illustration each had oil burning lamps.
(Matthew 25:1-4) The mob that came to arrest Jesus lighted their
way with lamps and torches. (John 18:3) Lamps were made of
earthenware or bronze depending on the need for portability. David
praise Jehovah and called him his lamp at 2 Samuel 22:29. Your
Word is a lamp to my food and a light to my roadway. (Psalm
119:105) The prophetic word is like a light shining in a dark place. (2
Peter 1:19) When a person’s lamp is extinguished there is no future
for him. (Proverbs 24:20) Jesus compared the eye to a lamp at
Matthew 6:22-23.

LAMP STANDS: Also call candlesticks; it is symbolic for

congregations or churches. (Revelation 1:20)

LANDOWNER: A landowner is a holder or a proprietor of land.

There have been “bealim”, landowners of land since the beginning.
When a transaction took place it was legalized before the
townspeople. (Genesis 23:1-20) Joseph bought land for Pharaoh
from Egyptian landowners in exchange for food during a famine in
Egypt. (Genesis 47:20-26) Jehovah is ultimately the supreme
landowner. (Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12) Jehovah God demanded there be
no poor in the land. (Deuteronomy 15:4, 5) Every fifty years, the
Jubilee year, every man returned to his inheritance. Any land he
sold was to be returned to him. Jehovah told the people that they
were not actually the owners of the Promised Land but it was only
held in trust.

LANGUAGE: The world spoke only one language. (Genesis 11:1-9)

Latin was spoken in the Roman Empire. Hebrew, Greek and
Aramaic were also commonly spoken. (John 19:20) (Acts 21:37)

LAODICEA: Laodicea was a city in the western part of Asia Minor

about 90 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city of great wealth known
for manufacturing and banking. It had no permanent water supply;
so all water had to be piped to Laodicea and was warm when it
reached the city. The Laodicean congregation in the first century
met at the home of Nympha, a Christian sister there. Epaphras was
active in the establishment of the new congregation. (Colossians
4:12, 13, 15)

LAPPIDOTH: Lappidoth was the husband of the Israelite

prophetess Deborah. (Judge 4:4)

LASEA: This Cretan city was near the Fair Havens harbor. (Acts
27:8)

LASHA: Lasha was part of the Canaanite boundary description

found at Genesis 10:19.

LASSHARON: Lassharon was a royal Canaanite city whose king was

defeated by the Israelites under Joshual. (Joshua 12:7, 8, 18)

LAST DAYS, END OF THE AGE: The term last days or comparable
expressions such as final part of the days were used in the Bible to
designate a time when events of history culminate. (Ezekiel 38:8,
16) (Daniel 10:14) The Bible speaks of a last day during which the
resurrection of the dead is to take place. (John 6:39, 40, 44; 11:24)
(Daniel 12:13) We read about a time of judgment as the last days at
John 12:48. Jesus gave his disciples complete details in the sign of
the end of the age, or the last days of this system at Matthew 24,
Mark 13, and Luke 21.

LAST SUPPER: See LORD’S EVENING MEAL

LATIN: Many people throughout the Roman Empire spoke Latin.

Latin was the parent of the Romance languages: Italian, Spanish,
French, Portuguese, and Romanian. The last half of the second
century C.E. saw a move by the religious powers of Rome to have
Latin replace Greek as the language of the Roman Church. Jerome
wrote the Latin Vulgate translation of the Holy Scriptures in the
year 405 C.E. It was second only to the Greek Septuagint as a well-
circulated Bible translation. The word Latin occurs only once in the
Bible at John 19:20.

LATTICE: A Lattice is a framework with strips of wood crossing it.

It is usually used to cover a window or a privacy screen. (Judges 5:1,
28) (Proverbs 7:6-13)

LAUGHTER: Jehovah God is the happy God and he wants his

servants to be happy. (1 Timothy 1:11) The Scriptures tell us, “There
is a time to weep and a time to laugh.” (Ecclesiates 3:1,4) There is no
cause for rejoicing if one’s activity shows disregard for the righteous
ways of God. (Ecclesiates 9:7)

LAUNDRY, LAUNDRYMAN: The laundryman washed used

clothing and processed new cloth by bleaching and shrinking it and
removing the oils in preparation for dyeing. (Malachi 3:2) The
Hebrew word for laundryman meant trample. He would wash by
stamping with the feet to loosen the dirt. The Greek term for
cleaning clothes was “gnapheus.” Clothes cleaners were able to
whiten clothing by cleaning and bleaching. (Mark 9:3)

LAUNDRYMAN’S FIELD, FULLER’S FIELD: This was an area close

to the city of Jerusalem where laundrymen worked. Isaiah and his
son Shear-jashub met King Ahaz by the highway of the
laundryman’s field. (2 King 18:17) (Isaiah 7:3; 36:2) The word fuller
is from the Hebrew word kabas. It means the fulling process to wash
by stamping with the feet.

LAUREL: A Laurel is an evergreen. It frequently grows as a shrub

but it is capable of growing to 50 feet in height. The tree contains oil
long employed in medicine. The Laurus nobilis is found from the
coast to the middle mountain regions of Palestine. It also grows in
other Mediterranean countries.

LAW GIVER: JEHOVAH IS THE LAWGIVER. Jehovah God is the

one true Lawgiver in the universe. This also includes physical laws.
(Job 38:4-38) (Psalm 104:5-19) Man is a moral being and therefore
subject to God’s moral laws. (Exodus 20:1-17) (Romans 12:1) (1
Corinthians 2:14-16) Jesus taught the greatest commandments are
to love God and neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40)

LAW OF GOD: Jehovah God is the Supreme Lawgiver. (Isaiah

33:22) His throne is established on righteousness and judgment.
(Psalm 97:1-2) The word law in the Hebrew Scriptures is translated
from the word “toh-rah.” It means direct instruction. (See also
COMMANDMENTS)

LAW OF THE CHRIST: The Law of the Christ is the perfect law that
belongs to freedom. It is written in the hearts of Christians. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, is so close to his Heavenly Father God. For
this reason he obeys the Law of God. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) (Hebrews
8:6-13) (John 14:10, 28)

LAZARUS, BROTHER OF MARTHA AND MARY: Lazarus was a

good friend to Jesus. Jesus therefore had a deep love for this family
living at Bethany, about two miles from Jerusalem on the road to
Jericho. Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead. This miracle
illustrated the power of the Son of God and helped build faith in
him as savior and king. The entire account may be found at John
chapter 11.

LAZARUS, BEGGAR IN JESUS’ ILLUSTRATION: Jesus used this

illustration (parable) to prove a point. And that point is God
rewards His faithful servants. It is found at Luke 16:19-31. A beggar
named Lazarus was at the gate of a rich man. He was hungry and
wanted to be fed with the things that fell from the rich mans table.
After Lazarus died, he was carried off by angels to Abraham’s
bosom. (The bosom position is a place or condition of being very
close to someone. For example at John 1:18 Jesus is said to be in the
bosom of the Father, meaning very close to the Father.) The rich
man died and was in great torment in the grave. Lazarus was with
Abraham and there was a “deep pit lying between” the rich man and
Lazarus and Abraham.

The context of the entire Canon of Holy Scriptures reveal that the
dead are not conscience of anything until after the resurrection.
(Ecclesiates 3:19; 9:5) (John 12:24) (Revelation 16:3) (SEE:
DEATH) Therefore the rich man and Lazarus could not converse.

Symbolically the characters in this parabolic drama could each

represent individuals or groups of people. The meaning of this
account is ambiguous at best, and subject to interpretation.
However, it is safe to conclude that God will reward His faithful
servants, poor and rich alike. And that greedy, selfish, and sinful
people will suffer and die. There truly is justice with God.

LAZINESS: Laziness is idleness, indolence, slothfulness, and

unwillingness to work. The Hebrew word “a-tsal” and the Greek
word “o-kne-ros” mean sluggish and slothful. (Judges 18:9)
(Proverbs 6:6) (Matthew 25:26) (Romans 12:11) Jehovah and his
Son Jesus Christ are great workers. They do not like laziness.
Laziness is condemned throughout God’s Word. Jesus said: “My
Father works and I work.” (John 5:17) Regarding spiritual laziness
the apostle Paul counsels the Roman: “Do not lag behind in
diligence. Be fervent in spirit serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
Concerning material assistance in the congregation, the Scriptural
rule is: “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” (2
Thessalonians 3:10) A person who is very spiritually active in the
congregation but is physically or emotionally unable to work could
be considered for assistance. (1 Timothy 6:6-8) (Proverbs 13:4)
(Proverbs 20:4)

LEAD: Lead is one of the heaviest metallic elements. Moses sang

that the Egyptians sank like lead at Exodus 15:10.

LEADER: A leader is a person who rules, guides, or inspires others.

Jesus Christ is called “Messiah the leader” and “a leader and
commander to the nations.” (Daniel 9:25) (Isaiah 55:4) In the
headship principle defined at 1 Corinthians 11:3 Jesus Christ is the
head over man. He is the head over the congregation of believers.
(Colossians 1:18) Jesus is our king and leader and yet he is
subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28) No imperfect
human is the leader of true Christians. While there are those who
take the lead in the congregation they should not be titled leader or
addressed as “Elder” or “Leader.” (Hebrews 13:7) (Matthew 23:8-
10) Jesus Christ the true leader makes it very clear at Matthew
chapter 23 that we should not be calling people, “reverend”, “right
reverend”, “most holy”, or “father.” For that mater even the title
“paster” is suspect and should be avoided.

LEAH: Leah was the older daughter of Laban. Laban was the
brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s mother, so Leah was Jacob’s cousin.
(Genesis 22:20-23; 24:24, 29; 29:16,17) Leah was not a beautiful as
her younger sister Rachel. He eyes lacked luster. Bright or lustrous
eyes were evidence of beauty. (Son of Solomon 1:15; 4:9; 7:4) Yet
Leah became Jacob’s first wife thanks to a deception by Laban,
Leah’s father. (Genesis 29:18-28) Leah became the mother of seven
of Jacob’s children, his six sons Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,
Issachar, and Zebulun and a daughter Dinah. (Genesis 29:32-35;
30:16-21)

LEAVEN: Also called yeast. This substance is added to dough made

from the flour of wheat or barley to make it rise before being baked
into bread. Jesus warned his followers: beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees and the Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6-12) The apostle Paul
used leaven to illustrate his point. (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) (Galatians
5:9)

LEBANAH: Lebanah was the founder of a family whose sons or

descendants were the Nethinim returning with Zerubabel from
Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 45) (Nehemiah 7:46, 48)

LEBANON: Lebanon is an Asian country near the east end of the

Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon has a narrow costal plain that leads
into the foothills of the Lebanon Mountain range. Many of the
Scriptural references to Lebanon relate to its fruitfulness. (Psalm
72:16) (Isaiah 35:2) It was known for it’s luxuriant forests with tall
cedar trees. (Psalm 29:5) Zechariah prophesied that Jehovah would
bring his people back to the land of Gilead and Lebanon. (Zechriah
10:10)

LEBAOTH: Lebaoth was a city in the southern part o the territory of

Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 32) It was sometimes called Beth-lebaoth.
(Joshua 19:1, 2, 6)

LEBONAH: Lebonah was a place mentioned in connection with

Shiloh. (Judges 21:19)

LECAH: Lecah was a descendant of Judah through Er. The context

at 1 Chronicles 4:21 suggests that it could also be the name of a
village.

LEECH: The Hebrew word “alu-qah”’ means leach. It is a

bloodsucking worm with a flat body that tapers at both ends. It can
be four inches in length and when it latches on to something it is not
easily removed. It latches on to its host and sucks much blood.
Leeches can be found in great numbers in many streams and rivers
of the Middle East. The leach is mentioned only once in Scriptures
at Proverbs 30:15 with reference to its insatiable greed.
LEEK: Hebrew: “cha-tsir’” means green grass and leeks. (Isaiah
40:7, 8) (Numbers 11:4, 5) Onions and garlic are similar to leeks.
The bulbs and leaves of the leek are cooked as a vegetable and used
as a seasoning. They are also eaten raw.

LEG: The leg is the limb of a man or animal used to support the
body for walking. There was a Roman custom to break the legs of
criminals condemned to die on the stake in order to cause them to
die sooner. The soldiers broke the legs of the men impaled on stakes
alongside Jesus Christ. Finding that Jesus was already dead they did
not break his legs. Thus the prophesy at Psalm 34:20 was fulfilled.
(John 19:31-36)

LEGAL CASE: A matter that should be settled in a court of law or a

legal hearing is a legal case. The Hebrew verb “riv” means to
quarrel, argue, contend, or conduct a legal case. (Genesis 26:20)
(Exodus 23:2) (Deuteronomy 17:8; 33:8) (Psalm 35:23) (Proverbs
25:8) (Isaiah 34:8) The Hebrew word “din” is also rendered legal
case.

LEGION: One of the demon-possessed men Jesus encountered in

the region east of the Sea of Galilee identified himself as “Legion.”
It was not likely his real name, but a symbolic application indicating
that he was possessed by many demons. A legion of men in the
Roman army was over 6,000 in number, so that would have
represented thousands of demons. (Matthew 8:28-34) (Mark 5:1-
20) (Luke 8:26-39)

LEHABIM, LEHABITES: The Lehabim (Lehabites) was a tribe that

inhabited ancient Libya. The name appears at Genesis 10:13 and 1
Chronicles 1:11. They could also be the Luvim mentioned at 2
Chronicles 12:3.

LEHI: The Hebrew word Le’hi means jawbone. Samson struck

down a thousand Philistines with the moist jawbone of a donkey. In
memory of the victory Jehovah had given him, he called the place
“Ramath-lehi” meaning “lofty place of the jawbone.” This place was
two miles east of Beth-shemesh. (Judges 15:9-19)

LEMUEL: Lemuel was a king of ancient times who wrote Proverbs

chapter 31. Out of respect for his mother, Lemuel offered this
valuable advise he received from his mother.
LENTIL: A lentil is an annual plant of the legume family. It has long
been grown in Egypt and Israel. (2 Samuel 17:27) Rich in protein
and carbohydrates, the seeds are used for soups. (Genesis 25:34)
The plant also serves as a fodder for livestock.

LEOPARD: The leopard is a large cat that has a light-tan coat with
black spots arranged in broken circles. (Jeremiah 13:23) The
average leopard is four feet long not counting the tail. These
animals are swift in their movement. (Habakkuk 1:8) The leopard
and the kid are depicted as lying down together in peace during
Messiah’s rule. (Isaiah 11:6) The Hebrew word “la’yish” is translated
lion at Job 4:11 and Proverbs 30:30. It is also rendered leopard at
Isaiah 30:6. The wild beast seen in vision by the apostle John was
basically like a leopard. (Revelation 13:1, 2) Daniel 7:6 features a
four-winged, four headed leopard representing the Grecian World
Power that conquered Medo-Persia with the swiftness of a leopard.

LEPROSY: Hebrew “tsa-ra’ath” and Greek “le’pra” designate the

disease of leprosy. In its advanced stage leprosy offers swelling and
pus discharges, falling hair, loose nails, decay and decay. The
victim’s fingers, limbs, nose or eyes may be slowly eaten away.
(Numbers 12:12) (2 Kings 15:5) (2 Chronicles 26:16-23) Jesus
healed a leper. (Luke 5:12-16) (Matthew 8:2-4) (Mark 1:40-45)

LESHEM: A name for the city of Laish. It was later called Dan.
(Joshua 19:47) (Judges 18:7, 27, 29)

LETTERS: A letter is a written communication addressed to a

person or an organization. Letters have widely been used as a means
of communication in ancient times. (2 Samiel 11:14) (2 Kings 5:5-7;
10:1, 2) (2 Chronicles 30:1) (Ezra 4:7) (Isaiah 37:14) (Jeremiah 29:1)
(Acts 9:1, 2; 28:21) (2 Thessalonians 2:2) (Hebrews 13:22) The
Greek word “e-pi-sto-le’” is translated a written message. (1
Corinthians 5:9) The apostle Paul said that Christians did not need
letters proving they were ministers. He declared: “You are our
letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. It is known
that you are a letter of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink,
but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on tablets of
stone, but on tablets of flesh that are of the heart.” (2 Corinthians
3:2, 3) Letters from Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude were
written under inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit and are now a
cherished part of the canon of the Bible.
LETUSHIM: This man was a descendant of Abraham through
Dedan. He was one of his sons by Keturah. The tribe was probably
located in the Arabian Peninsula. (Genesis 25:3)

LEUMMIM: The name Leummim is found at Genesis 25:1-3 along

with Asshurim and Letushim. They are all descendants of Abraham
and Keturah through their son Dedan.

LEVELING DEVICE: This instrument was used in making surfaces

level or at right angles to a plumb line. Hebrew “mishqelleth “means
leveling instrument. (Isaiah 28:14-19)

LEVI: Levi was born at Paddan-aram the third son of Jacob by his
wife Leah. He became father to Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Each
of his sons founded one of the three divisions of the Levites.
(Genesis 35:23, 26; Ge 46:11) (1 Chronicles 6:1,16) The Levites were
scattered throughout forty-eight cities in the land of Canaan and the
territories of Israel. Levi traveled to Egypt with Jacob and died there
at 137 years of age. (Exodus 1:1; 6:16)

LEVIATHAN: The Hebrew word “liw-ya-than’” occurs six times in

the Scriptures. It is used in connection with water at five of the
references. Therefore Leviathan appears to signify some form of
aquatic creature of great size and strength. Psalm 104:25, 26
describes it as playing in the sea where ships travel like some whale
type animal. The description of Leviathan at Job 41:1-34 readily fits
the crocodile. The term sea monster is used at Psalm 74:13,14.
Isaiah 27:1 depicts Leviathan as the dragon; a symbol of an empire,
an organization that is international in scope and that is dominated
by a serpent and dragon. (Revelation 12:9) Leviathan, therefore,
refers to an international organization or empire that is in
opposition to Jehovah and his worshipers.

LEVIRATE MARRIAGE: SEE BROTHER-IN-LAW MARRIAGE

LEVITICUS: Leviticus is the third book of the Bible. The book

consists of the regulations of the Levitical priesthood and the laws
that the priests taught the people. (Malachi 2:7) Moses wrote
Leviticus while he was in the wilderness and completed it in the
year 1512 B.C.E. (Leviticus 26:46)

LEVITICUS HIGHLIGHTS:
Leviticus 1-7 Regulations given for offerings and sacrifices
Leviticus 8-10 Priesthood established
Leviticus 11-15 Laws on cleanness
Leviticus 16:1-34 Day of Atonement
Leviticus 17-20 Statutes on blood
Leviticus 21-25 Festivals
Leviticus 26 Blessings for obedience, Chastisement for disobedience

LEVITE CITIES: The Levites were given no territory. (Numbers

18:20) (Deuteronomy 18:1, 2) God required that the other tribes of
Israel give them 48 cities and the surrounding pasture lands.
(Numbers 35:1-8) These were to be where the Levites and their
families were to live. Eight cities were designated cities of refuge for
unintentional manslayers. (Joshua 20:7-9)

LEVITES: Descendants of Jacob’s son Levi. They served as priests.

(Numbers 1:47-53; 8:5-26)

LEVITICAL PRIEST: A Hebrew priest descended from the tribe of

Levi. All priests were supposed to be members of the tribe of Levi.

LIBNAH CAMPGROUND: This was a wilderness campground

where the Israelites stayed overnight. (Numbers 33:20, 21)

LIBNAH: Libnah was a royal Canaanite city captured by Joshua

before the conquest of Lachish. (Joshua 10:29-32, 39; 12:15) Libnah
was one of the cities in Judah given to the sons of Aaron. (Joshua
15:21, 42; 21:13) (1 Chronicles 6:57) The Assyrian King
Sennacherib’s army traveled from Lachish to Libnah. While they
were encamped near Libnah, Jehovah’s angel killed 185,000 of the
Assyrian army. (2 Kings 19:8-35) (Isaiah 37:8-36)

LIBNI, SON OF GERSHON: Libni was a grandson of Levi. He was

the son of Gershon. (Exodus 6:17) (1 Chronicles 6:17) Also called
Ladan, we founded a Levitical family. (Numbers 3:18, 21) (1
Chronicles 6:19, 20; 23:6, 7; 26:21)

LIBNITES: The Libnites were a family of Levites who descended

from Gershon through his son Libni. (Numbers 3:21; 26:58)

LIBYA, LIBYANS: Libya was the country in northern Africa just

west of Egypt. (2 Chronicles 12:3) Some of the Libyans descended
from Ham through Mizraim. (Genesis 10:13) The Jewish writings of
Josephus make the Libyans descendants of Ham through Put.
(Genesis 10:6)
LIE: A lie is a statement that deviates from the truth, perverts the
truth, or completely denies the truth. Jesus said God’s Word is truth
at John 17:17. God cannot lie. (Numbers 23:19) (Hebrews 6:13-18)
He hates a false tongue. (Proverbs 6:16-19) God’s Law requires his
believers to find the truth in his Word and live by it. (Exodus 20:16)
(Romans 1:25) (2 Thessalonians 2:11)

LIFE: The condition of living or state of being alive. This is the

definition of life as found in the average dictionary. The Hebrew
word “nephesh” and the Greek word “psykhe” refer to life, a person,
or a living being. The Holy Scriptures plainly state at Genesis 2:7,
“Jehovah God formed the man from the dust of the ground and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. The man became a living
being.” Living beings require the “breath of life” from their creator
in order to become living beings. Jehovah God is the source of life.
He is the living God and the Fountain of life. (Jeremiah 10:10)
(Danuel 6:20, 26) (John 6:57) (2 Corinthians 3:3; 6:16) (1
Thessalonians 1:9) (Psalm 36:9) Life on earth came to be as the
result of the direct command from Jehovah God and the
corresponding action of his Son in carrying out that command. The
account in Genesis tells us that life-begets-life, “according to its
kind.” (Genesis 1:12, 21, 25; 5:3) The missing links of the theory of
evolution are still missing and will remain missing!

LIFE SPAN: Before the flood the life span was nearly a thousand
years. Adam lived 930 years. Methuselah lived 969 years. (Genesis
5:5, 27) Abraham lived 175 years. (Genesis 25:7) God shortened
mans life span. Psalm 90:10 speaks about living seventy to eighty
years. Modern health treatments have made it possible for people to
live into their 90s, but the average life span is in the 70s. Isaiah 25:8
promises that God will swallow up death forever. Then the days of
man will be like the days of a tree. (Isaiah 65:22)

LIGAMENTS: A ligament is a band of tough fibrous tissue

connecting bones or cartilages with muscles. It is any connection or
unifying bond. The Greek word “syndesmos” is translated
ligaments, sinews, uniting bands, that which bonds together, bond
of union, and fastening. Colossians 2:18, 19 speaks of “holding fast
to the head” meaning Jesus Christ the head of the congregation.
Paul uses ligaments metaphorically to describe the strong
association between the spiritual body of Christ and Jesus Christ the
head of the body. In the same letter Paul depicts love as the “bond of
perfection and unity.” (Colossians 3:14) Sin also acts as a strong
bond. (Acts 8:23) Paul further spoke of the unity of the spirit and
the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

LIGHT: In physics light is electromagnetic radiation that can

produce a visual sensation. Hebrew “ohr” and Greek “phos” mean
light from a lamp or the sun. (Jeremiah 25:10) Sunlight is a
combination of colors offering many hues that delight the eye of
man. Light is the opposite of darkness. It can be literal (physical) or
figurative (spiritual). (Isaiah 5:20) (John 11:10, 11) God is the source
of light. (Genesis 1:3) (Isaiah 45:7) (Psalms 104:1, 2; 136:7-9) (1
John 1:5) (James 1:17) Jesus Christ the Son of God is the light of the
world. (John 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35, 36, 46)

LIGHTNING: Lightning is the flash of light due to the electric

discharge in the atmosphere. This can be from cloud to cloud or
from cloud to earth. This phenomenon is present in Israel during
rainy periods of spring and fall. God is the creator of the elements
necessary for producing lightning. (Job 37:3, 11) Lightning flashes
accompanied God’s presence at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:16; 20:18)
Lightning is related to God’s throne. (Revelation 4:5)

LIKHI: Likhi was a man of the tribe of Manasseh who was listed as
one of Shemida’s sons. (1 Chronicles 7:19)

LILY: The Hebrew word “shu-shan” and Greek word “kri’non” each
translate to the English word lily. The lilies of the Bible were found
on the plains, among thorny weeds, and in pastures. (Song of
Solomon 2:1, 2, 16; 4:5) Hosea spoke of a time when Jehovah’s
people would blossom as a lily. (Hosea 11:5) Speaking against
materialism, Jesus Christ pointed out that Solomon in all his glory
was not as beautiful as the lilies of the field. (Matthew 6:28-30)
(Luke 12:27, 28)

LIME: Lime is a substance that is prepared by burning limestone,

shells or bones. (Amos 2:1) The material is abundant in the
mountains of Palestine. Limestone was converted into lime by
burning fragments of limestone in cylindrical limekilns. It was the
principle ingredient in mortar and plaster. (Deuteronomy 27:4)
(Ezekiel 13:10) (Matthew 23:27) (Acts 23:3) The Holy Scriptures use
the symbolic burning of lime to represent destruction. (Isaiah
33:12)
LINEN: Linen is the cloth made with the thread or cloth made from
flax. (Exodus 25:4) (Judges 15:14) Most Hebrew garments were
woolen or linen. (Leviticus 13:47) (Proverbs 31:13, 22) (Hosea 2:5,
9) The Law prohibited a mixture of the two materials for non-
priestly Israelite garments. (Deuteronomy 22:11) Even though the
Israelites manufactured their own linen, they also imported some
linen from Egypt. (Proverbs 7:16) In a figurative use, Babylon the
Great is depicted as being arrayed in fine linen and purple and
scarlet, representing luxury. (Revelation 18:16) The fine linen worn
by the bride of Christ represented the righteous acts of the holy
ones. (Revelation 19:8, 11, 14)

LINUS: Linus was a Christian in Rome. Paul named him as one

sending his greetings to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:21)

LION: The lion is a large mammal of the cat family having a long
bushy tail. The mature male lion has a distinctive shaggy mane.
Lions were plentiful in Palestine, especially in the mountains and
the thickets along the Jordan River. (Jeremiah 49:19; 50:44)
(Zechariah 11:3) They were also in the wilderness south of Judah.
(Isaiah 30:6) (Deuteronomy 8:15) The Scriptures frequently allude
to the characteristics and habits of the lion. (Proverbs 19:12; 20:2)
Daniel and his companions were saved from a horrible fate at the
mouth of hungry lions in the lions pit. (Daniel 6:16, 17, 22, 24) Most
Scriptural references to lions are figurative. The entire nation of
Israel and the individual tribes of Judah and Gad were prophetically
compared to lions. (Numbers 23:24; 24:9) (Genesis 49:9)
(Deuteronomy 33:20) A comprehensive concordance of the Bible
will reveal more than forty references to lions.

LION’S PIT: Daniel was thrown into the lion’s pit. It was a place for
execution where lions were placed to kill those sent there. (Daniel
6:7, 12, 13, 16-24) It was a literal pit in an underground place, with a
stone cover. (Daniel 6:17; 6:23) God sent angels to protect Daniel.

LIP: The lips are part of the mouth and are used in forming words.
Hebrew” sa-phah’” and Greek “kheil’los” translate to the English
word lips. The words lip, tongue and mouth are used figuratively for
speech or language. (Psalms 34:13; 66:14) (Proverbs 12:19; 14:3;
18:7) (1 Corinthians14:21) Sometimes the lips utter hypocritical
speech. (Matthew 15:8) The true condition of the heart is eventually
revealed by the utterance of the lips. (Proverbs 26:23) (Matthew
12:34) (Hebrews 4:13) Sometimes the Bible language is presented
figuratively. Smooth lips refer to flattering and deceptive speech.
(Psalm 12:2, 3) A person who speaks thoughtlessly or unwisely is
said to open wide his lips. (Proverbs 13:3)

LITTER: A litter is a portable couch or bed covered by a canopy and

curtained on the sides. It was used to carry a person of importance
such as a king. Often they were made of very costly material. A good
example of this is King Solomon’s litter described at Song of
Solomon 3:7-10.

LIVER: The liver is a large organ found in vertebrate animals. In

man it aids in digestion and blood chemistry and is the largest of the
glands. The Hebrew word for liver is “ka-vedh.” It means be heavy.
The livers of animals that are prepared for sacrifice are mentioned
in the Scriptures. (Exodus 29:13, 22) (Leviticus 3:4, 10, 15) Medical
doctors have found that bacterial organisms overwhelm the liver
during the advanced stages of syphilis and many other diseases.
This may explain the statement at Proverbs 7:21-23, “a dart strikes
through his liver.” King Solomon was evidently describing the fatal
effects of disease as the result of illicit sex. King Nebuchadnezzar of
Babylon looked into the liver of an animal as a form of divination.
(Ezekiel 22:21)

LIVING CREATURES: Sometimes referred to as winged creatures

or cherubim. These are symbols of God’s majesty and are associated
with his presence. (Exodus 25:18-20) (Ezekiel 1:5-28) (Revelation 4:
6-9)

LIZARD: A lizard is a four-legged reptile. Most lizards are small

with long tails and scaly skin. More than forty kinds or lizards are
found in Palestine. They can be found in trees, crevices of rocks, on
walls and ceilings of homes. The lizard is listed as an unclean
swarming creature. (Leviticus 11:29, 30)

LOAF: Hebrew “le’chem” and Greek “ar’tos” are rendered loaf in

English. Loaves of bread, made from barley or wheat flour, were
circular in shape. (1 Samuel 10:4) (2 Kings 4:42) (Judges 7:13)
(Jeremiah 37:21) (Matthew 14:17) (John 6:9) The thick loaves, like
that of the Western world, were not common in the ancient Middle
East. The loaves of bread were broken rather than cut because of
their thin, brittle nature. (Matthew 14:19; 26:26) (Mark 6:41) (Luke
9:16) (Acts 2:42, 46)
LO-AMMI: Lo-Ammi was the second son borne by Hosea’s wife
Gomer. God insisted that he be given a meaningful name as proof
that he, God, had disowned faithless Israel. (Hosea 1:8, 9)

LOAN: The placement of something, especially money, for

temporary use. Very often interest is charged for the use of the
money. People who were unable to payback the loan were treated
harshly. (Matthew 18:28-30) Loans of money or food were made to
poor Israelites who were victims of financial loses and the Law
prohibited charging them interest. (Exodus 22:25) (Leviticus 25:35-
37) (Deuteronomy 15:7, 8; 23:19) They were allowed to charge
interest on business loans and loans made to foreigners but not to
cases of actual need. (Deuteronomy 23:20) The Hebrew Scriptures
severely censure the borrower who refuses to repay a loan. (Psalm
37:21) The Scriptures also encourage lending to those in need.
(Deuteronomy 15:7-11) (Psalms 37:26; 112:5)

LOCK: A lock was a device used for fastening a door or gate to

restrict entrance. (Judges 3:23, 24) (Nehemiah 3:3, 6, 13-15) The
older locks contained a bolt of wood that could slide sideways
through a groove in a wooden upright attached to the door. The bolt
was pushed into a socket in the doorpost and was secured by
wooden or iron pins.

LOCUST: Looks like a grasshopper. God sent a plague of locust on

the Egyptians. (Exodus 10:3-19) Joel describes a large plague of
locust at Joel 1:1-4. John the Baptist ate locust. (Matthew 3:4)
(Mark 1:6)

LOD: Lod was a city with dependent towns built by the Benjamite
Elpaal or his son Shemed. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 12) Lod was the one of
the settlements the Jews returned to when they returned from
Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:33) (Nehemiah 7:37; 11:35)

LO-DEBAR: Lo-debar was the place where Machir lived. Machir

was involved with King David. (2 Samuel 9:4, 5; 17:27)

LOINS: The loins consist of the abdominal region and the hips. This
area contains the reproductive organs. So offspring are said to
“come out of the loins.” John the Baptist was clothed about the loins
with a leather girdle. (Matthew 3:4) (Genesis 35:11) (1 Kings 8:19)
(Acts 2:30) The apostle Paul told the Ephesian Christians to “gird
your loins with truth.” (Ephesians 6:14) This meant to be
strengthened with the truth of God’s Word. The expression, “gird
your loins and light your lamps” found at Luke 12:35 meant to
gather up the ends of the robes under the sash to allow for more
strenuous physical activity. It was used to denote preparation for
vigorous mental and spiritual activity.

LOIS, TIMOTHY’S GRANDMOTHER: Lois was Timothy’s

grandmother and the mother of his mother Eunice. Paul
commended Lois for efforts as a Christian having faith without
hypocrisy. (2 Timothy 1:5) We learn at 2 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy
3:15 that Lois and Eunice both taught Timothy from the Scriptures.

LONGSUFFERING: Greek: makrothumia. Long-suffering is one

of the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed by the apostle Paul at Galatians
5:22, 23. It can be described as patience, forbearance and slowness
to anger. It is patient endurance and a refusal to give up hope when
under persecution and suffering. Jesus Christ endured much pain
and displayed long-suffering. (Isaiah 53:7) Paul shows that a
Christian should endure long-suffering with joy. (Colossians 1:9-12)

LOOSE CONDUCT: Loose conduct is one of the works of the flesh

listed by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians. (Galatians
5:19-21) He said: “those who practice such thing would not inherit
the kingdom of God.” The Hebrew term “zim-mah” is translated
loose conduct and loose morals. (Leviticus 18:17; 19:29) The Greek
word “aselgeia” means licentiousness, wantonness, shameless
conduct, lewdness of conduct. (2 Peter 2:7) Gang rape is classified
loose conduct. (Judges 19:25; 20:6) Prostitution is also lewdness of
conduct. (Jeremiah 13:27) (Ezekiel 23:44) Blood shed is also
shameless conduct. (Psalm 26:9, 10) (Ezekiel 22:9) (Hosea 6:9)
Jesus Christ, the Son of God identified the true source of loose
conduct as coming from inside the heart of men. (Mark 7:20-23)

LORD: This is a title of respect but it is not a name. The word comes
from the Greek word “kyrios.” It means God, lord, master, sir. It has
been used with reference to God as well as to his Son Jesus Christ.
For example, Jesus called himself “Lord of the Sabbath” at Matthew
12:8. Many translations use the title LORD in all capital letters in
place of the divine name when referring to God. (See DIVINE
NAME)

LORD’S DAY: The Lord’s Day is a period of time when the Lord
Jesus Christ completes the will and purpose of his heavenly father,
Jehovah, on earth and in heaven. John’s vision in Revelation was in
the Lord’s Day. This is the Revelation God gave to Jesus Christ and
Jesus in turn gave it to John. (Revelation 1:1, 2, 10-18) The day of
the Lord at 1 Corinthians 1:8; 5:55 and 2 Corinthians 1:14 is that of
Jesus Christ. The term day may denote a period of time longer than
twenty-four hours. (Genesis 2:4) (John 8:56) (2 Peter 3:8)

LORD’S EVENING MEAL: It is sometimes called the Lord’s Supper,

the Last Supper, Communion, and the Lord’s Table. The Lord Jesus
Christ observed this special event with his closest followers in a
large upper room. It was reported by the Gospel Writers, namely
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These sources tell us it took place
on the evening of his death. Jesus took a loaf and after saying a
blessing, he broke it and gave it to the disciples. They were
instructed to eat it, for it represented his body. Then he took a cup
of wine and offered it to them with the instruction to drink it, for it
represented his blood. After singing praises they went out to the
Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:17-30) (Mark 14:17-26) (Luke 22:7-
39) (John 13:1-38) (1 Corinthians 10:16-22; 11:20-34) Jesus
observed his last Passover meal and then established the practice of
observing the Memorial of his death when he said, “Do this in
remembrance of me.”

LO-RUHAMAH: Hosea’s wife Gomer gave birth to a daughter.

Jehovah said to him: “Name her Loruhamah for I wil no longer have
mercy upon the house of Israel and I will not pardon them.” (Hosea
1:6) It has been suggested that this girl was the product of Gomer’s
adultery and was not the prophet’s own offspring. Her symbolic
name, “Loruhamah” means ‘not shown mercy.” This name was
given to symbolize the fact that the house of Israel would not be
shown mercy. (Hosea 1:1-8; 2:1, 23)

LOTS, CASTING: It was the custom in ancient times to decide a

question or issue by drawing or casting lots. Pebbles or small tablets
of wood or of stone were gathered in the folds of a garment.
Sometimes they were placed in a vase. The fold of the garment or
the vase was shaken. The one whose lot fell out or was drawn out
was the one chosen. The Hebrew word “gohral” is used literally and
figuratively with the idea to share or portion something. (Joshua
15:1) (Psalms 16:5; 125:3) (Isaiah 57:6) (Jeremiah 13:25) Proverbs
16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap. But every decision is from
Jehovah.” Casting lots was done in ancient Israel to decide
important things. This practice was not used for gambling. Jehovah
commanded that the division of the Promised Land among the 12
tribes be performed by casting lots. (Numbers 26:55, 56) On the
other hand the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ garments. (Psalm
22:18) (Matthew 27:35) When Matthias was chosen to serve as an
apostle to replace Judas Iscariot lots were used. (Acts 1:21-26)
There is no written evidence that casting lots was used after
Pentecost 33 C.E.

LOT: Lot was the son of Abraham’s (Abram’s) brother Haran. That
made him Abraham’s nephew. (Genesis 11:27) After Lot’s father
Haran died in Ur of the Chaldees, Lot journeyed to Canaan with
Abram and Sarai and later to and from Egypt. (Genesis 12:4, 5; 13:1)
When he lived in the sinful town of Sodom Lot was visited by two
angels. The two angels rescured both Lot and his wife from the
impending fiery destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah. However,
Lot’s wife disobediently looked back and longed for the things left
behind. As a result of her disobedience Lot’s wife was turned into a
pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:15-38)

LOTAN: Lotan was a son of Seir the Horite. He was one of the
sheiks of Edom. (Genesis 36:20, 29) His sons were Hori and
Hemam and he had a sister named Timna. (Genesis 36:22) (1
Chronicles 1:38, 39)

LOTUS TREE OR BUSH: This is a thickly branched shrub or low

growing tree. It would grow to a height of five feet. The leaves are
small, oval, and leathery. Thorns appear at the base of each leaf.
The only place it is found in the Bible is at Job 40:21, 22 where it
speaks of the hippopotamus lying in the shade of the tree.

LOVE: The Greek word “aga’pe” means love guided by principle. It

may or may not include affection and fondness. Love is an emotion
meaning feelings such as fondness, affection, personal attachment
and strong liking. God is the only one who can adequately describe
the kind of love required of a Christian. This description is found at
1 Corinthians chapter 13. Jesus said: “The father loves the Son.”
(John 3:35) This love (a-ga’pe) is both principle-love and affection
(phi-le’o). John 5:20 verifies this, where Jesus said: The Father has
affection for the Son.” Jesus said: “My Father will love the person
who loves me. I will love him and disclose myself to him.” (John
14:21) Again, this is both principle-love and affection. Jesus
commanded: “Love your enemies” at Matthew 5:44. This requires
principle-love and might not be accompanied by warmth and
affection. We learn at 1 John 4:8 that “God is love.” Love is his
dominant quality and that is why we are attracted to him. (John
3:16)

LOVE FEASTS: The Holy Scriptures do not identify the love feasts
mentioned at Jude 12. Some say they were banquets given in honor
of the poor brothers. These feasts must have been held with good
intentions since the Greek word “agape” is used in the verse. This is
the highest form of love based on principle, the kind of love that
God is, for “God is love. (1 John 4:8) Jude’s words suggest that some
associated on these occasions with bad motives. (Jude 12, 13)

LUCIUS OF CYRENE: This Christian was associated with the

Antioch, Syria, congregation when Paul departed from there on his
first missionary trip. (Acts 13:1-3)

LUCIUS, PAUL’S RELATIVE: Lucius was a Christian relative of

Paul who was with him in Corinth during his third missionary tour.
It was at this time that the apostle Paul wrote the letter to the
Romans. Lucius joined him in sending greetings to Christians in
Rome as mentioned at Romans 16:21.

LUD, LUDIM, SON OF SHEM: Lud was the son of Shem. (Genesis
10:22) (1 Chronicles 1:17) His descendants were identified by
Josephus with the Lydians of southwest Asia Minor.

LUD, LUDIM, DESCENDANT OF HAM: This Lud was a descendant

of Ham through Mizraim. (Genesis 10:6, 13) (1 Chronicles 1:8, 11)

LUGGAGE, BAGS: The Hebrew word keli’ means luggage or bags.

When traveling people usually pack their personal things such as
clothing in luggage. (1 Samuel 10:21, 22) (Jeremiah 46:13, 19)
(Ezekiel 12:1-4, 7-11)

LUHITH: When Jehovah pronounces doom against Moab he speaks

about the road to Luhith. (Isaiah 15:1, 5) (Jeremiah 48:5) Some
scholars think that Luhith was a Moabite city located on a hill.
Others believe that Luhith was not a city but only the name of the
hill used by the fleeing Moabite refugees. (Numbers 34:4)

LUKE THE WRITER OF LUKE AND ACTS: The writer of the

Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles was Luke. Luke was a
physician and faithful companion of the apostle Paul. It is obvious
from his writings that he was well educated and his background, as
a doctor is evident in his use of medical terms. (Luke 4:38) (Acts
28:8) Luke did not say he was an eyewitness of the life of Christ
recorded in his Gospel account. (Luke 1:2) He must have become a
Christian after Pentecost of 33 C.E. Luke addressed his Gospel to
the most excellent Theophilos. There is no record of such a person
and some believe it is a composition of the two Greek words “Theo”
and “philos” meaning friend of God.

LUKE, THE BOOK: The Gospel of Luke was written by the

physician Luke. (Colossians 4:14) The fact that Luke was an
educated man is evident by the vocabulary found in the book. Luke
uses more than 300 medical terms or words that give medical
meaning. (Luke 5:12; 16:20; 4:38) The Gospel of Luke was written
in the years 56 through 58 C.E. He was at Caesarea at the time.
Luke was not eyewitness to all the event he wrote about, but he was
closely associated with the apostle Paul. (2 Timothy 4:11) (Philemon
24) Lukes inspired writing was well arranged and accurate.

LUKE HIGHLIGHTS:
Luke 1 Gabriel speaks to Mary.
Luke 3 Jesus baptized.
Luke 6 Jesus declares: Love your enemies.
Luke 11 Master teaches the Model Prayer.
Luke 15 Great Teacher tells parable of Prodigal Son.
Luke 21 Jesus Christ lists events to occur at end of the age.

LUMINARY-LIGHTS: A luminary is a source of light such as a lamp

or a heavenly body. On the fourth creative day God caused
luminaries to come to be in the expanse of the heavens. (Genesis
1:14-19) Two excellent translations use the term “luminary.” The
1898 Young’s Literal Translation wrote: “Let luminaries be in the
expanse of the heavens.” The 2000 Literal Translation of the Holy
Bible by Jay P Green expressed it this way: “Let the luminaries be in
the expanse of the heavens.” A luminary is a light. (Psalms 74:16;
148:3) Most translations use the word light in this instance.

LUTE: Hebrew “shalish” means three. The lute was a musical

instrument of three strings. It was light weight and could be played
by Israelite women as they sang and danced in celebration of the
victories of King Saul and of David. (1 Samuel 18:6, 7)
LUZ, TOWN OF BETHEL: The Canaanite inhabitants once gave the
name Luz to what is now called Bethel. (Genesis 28:16-19; 35:6)
(Judges 1:22) (Joshua 16:2)

LYCAONIA: Lycaonia was located in Asia Minor. (Acts 14:6-11) It

was in the southern part of the Roman province of Galatia, bounded
by Pisidia and Phrygia on the west, Cappadocia on the east and
Cilicia on the south. It was a large pasture area for raising sheep.
The apostle Paul visited Derbe and Lystra, two cities of Lycaonia
during his first and second missionary journeys. (Acts 14:6, 20, 21;
16:1; 18:23)

LYCIA: Lycia was a mountainous region on the southwest coast of

Asia Minor. The mountains were an extension of the Taurus Range
rising almost directly from the sea. Patara and Myra are two cities
mentioned in reference to Paul’s travels to the region. (Acts 21:1;
27:5)

LYDDA: Lydda is el-Ludd, the modern day Lod, in the Plain of

Sharon. It is 11 miles southeast of Joppa. Peter healed the paralyzed
Aeneas at Lydda. Many in the area accepted Christianity because of
this miracle. (Acts 9:32-35, 38) (1 Chronicles 8:12)

LYDIA: Lydia was one of the first persons in Europe to accept

Christianity as a result of the apostle Paul’s activity at Philippi in
about 50 C.E. She lived at Thyatira in Asia Minor a city know for its
dyeing industry. Then she moved to Philippi in Macedonia where
she sold purple, either the dye or garments and fabrics colored with
it. She was probably widowed or single. (Acts 16:14, 15) Lydia and
other devout women assembled by a river outside the city. After
being baptized Lydia invited the apostle Paul and his companions to
stay with her. As Luke wrote: “She absolutely insisted that we
come.” (Acts 16:11-15)

LYSANIAS: Lysanias was the district ruler of Abilene when John the
Baptist began his ministry in the year 29 C.E. He served as tetrarch
during the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s rule. (Luke 3:1)

LYSTRA: The city of Lystra was located in Lycaonia, a region in the

south-central part of Asia Minor. The apostle Paul and Barnabas
traveled to Lystra after being forced to leave Iconium. (Acts 14:1, 5-
20) They encouraged the disciples in the newly established
congregations in the area. (Acts 14:21-23; 16:3; 18:23) (2 Timothy
3:10, 11)
LYRE: This is a type of harp.

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

M

MAACAH, SON OF NAHOR: This son of Nahor by his concubine

Reumah, was Abraham’s brother. (Genesis 22:23, 24) (2 Samuel
10:6-9)

MAACAH, WIFE OF MACHIR: This Maacah was a female. She was

the wife of Machir the Manassite. (1 Chronicles 7:14-16)

MAACAH, CALEB’S CONCUBINE: Maacah was one of Caleb’s

concubines. Caleb was the son of Hezron. Maacah bore several of
his children. (1 Chronicles 2:18, 48, 49)

MAACAH, DAVID’S WIFE: This Maacah was one of David’s wives.

She was the daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur. She was
Absalom’s mother. (2 Samuel 3:2, 3) (1 Chronicles 3:1, 2)

MAACAH, WIFE OF KING REHOBOAM: Maacah was Absalom’s

granddaughter. She was King Rehoboaml’s wife and the mother of
King Abijah (Abijam). (2 Chronicles 11:20-22) (1 Kings 15: 1, 2, 9,
10) Being the queen mother, she was known as the “lady” in the
kingdom. He grandson, King Asa, restored true worship to the land.
In the process he removed her as queen mother at the time that he
removed a detestable idol to the sacred pole belonging to her. (1
Kings 15:9-13) (2 Chronicles 15:16)

MAACAH, FATHER OF ACHISH: This Maacah was the father of

Achish the king of Gath. Shimei’s slaves ran away to Maacah early in
Solomon’s reign. (1 Kings 2:39) (1 Samuel 27:2)

MAACAH, THE KINGDOM: This small kingdom existed in North

Palestine when the Israelites invaded the area. It is also called
Maacath. The territory of the tribe of Manasseh embraced this land.
(Deuteronomy 3:14) (Joshua 12:5; 13:13) Maacah was an Aramaean
kingdom (Syrian). Its people descended from Nahor’s son. (Genesis
22:24) (1 Chronicles 19:6) Later this kingdom came under the
kingdom of Damascus.

MAACATHITE: A Maacathite was a resident of the Aramaean

kingdom of Maacah. (Deuteronomy 3:14) (Joshua 12:5; 13:13)
MAADAI, MAADAIAH: This man was an Israelite among the sons
of Bani. He accepted foreign wives but sent them away in Ezra’s day
after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. (Ezra 10:25, 34, 44)

MAADIAH: Maadiah was a priest and head of a paternal house. He

accompanied the Jews who returned from Babylon with
Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 12:1, 5) The Moadiah mentioned at
Nehemiah 12:17 may have been the same person.

MAAI: Maai was a priest and musician who descended from Asaph.
He played a musical instrument at the inauguration of Jerusalem’s
wall in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 12:36)

MAARATH: This town was assigned to the tribe of Judah. It was

near the village of Beit Ummar in the hill country of Judah. (Joshua
15:21)

MAASAI: Maasai was a priest and descendant of Immer. He

returned from the Babylonian exile. (1 Chronicles 9:10, 12)

MAASEIAH, LEVITE MUSICIAN: Maaseiah was a Levite musician.

He was a member of the second division who played a stringed
instrument when the Ark of Jehovah was brought from the house of
Obed-edom to Jerusalem at the command of David. (1 Chronicles
15:17-20, 25)

MAASEIAH, PRINCE OF KING UZZIAH: Maaseiah was an officer

under the command of Hananiah. He served Judah’s King Uzziah as
a royal prince. (2 Chronicles 26:11)

MAASEIAH, FATHER OF ZEDEKIAH: Maaseiah was a false

prophet at the time Jeremiah was a prophet of Jehovah. (Jeremiah
29:21)

MAATH: Luke lists Maath as one of Jesus’ ancestors. (Luke 3:23,

26)

MAAZ: Maaz was one of Judah’s descendants through Jerahmeel

and Ram. (1 Chronicles 2:2, 25, 27)

MAAZIAH, DESCENDANT OF AARON: Maaziah was a descendant

of Aaron. He was the head of the 24th course of priests at the time
David reigned. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 8)
MAAZIAH, THE PRIEST: Maaziah was one of the priests who
attested by the arrangement established in Nehemiah’s time.
(Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1, 8)

MACEDONIA: Macedonia is a region of southeast Europe located in

the central part of what is now the Balkan Peninsula. This is mainly
a mountainous area but there are numerous fertile plains between
the mountains. In 44 C.E. Macedonia was a senatorial province
under the jurisdiction of a Roman governor. The apostle Paul
visited Macedonia on his second missionary journey. While he was
at Troas in Asia Minor, Paul had a vision that a Macedonian man
asked him to step over into Macedonia. Paul, along with Luke,
Timothy and Silas immediately traveled to Macedonia. (Acts 16:8,
9) Paul went to Philippi where he declared the good news. (Acts
16:11-14) He witnessed to the citizens of Thessalonica and Beroea.
(Acts 17:1-12) After his very successful second missionary tour the
apostle Paul made plans for a return to Macedonia. (1 Corinthians
16:5-8) (2 Corinthians 1:15, 16)

MACHBANNAI: Machbannai was a Gadite mighty man who joined

David’s band at the place difficult to approach in the wilderness. He
became one of the heads of his army. (1 Chronicles 12:8-14)

MACHBENAH: This is the name of a person listed as Caleb’s

descendant through his concubine Maacah. (1 Chronicles 2:48, 49)

MACHI: Machi was a Gadite and the father of Geuel, one of the
twelve Israelites sent to spy out Canaan. (Numbers 13:1, 2, 15, 16)

MACHIRITES: The Machirites were a family of the tribe of

Manasseh. It was founded by his son Machir. (Numbers 26:29)

MACHNADEBAI: Machnadebai was an Israelite who sent away his

foreign wife in Ezra’s day. (Ezra 10:25, 40, 44)

MACHPELAH: This was the name of a cave and a field near

Hebron. Abraham purchased it from Ephron the Hittite for 400
silver shekels ($880 USA). The cave was used as a burial place for
Abraham’s wife Sarah and for at least five others: Abraham, Isaac,
Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. (Genesis 23:14-19; 25:9; 49:30, 31;
50:13)

MADMANNAH, THE CITY: Madmannah was a city in the south of

the territory of Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 31)
MADNESS: This mental condition can be a type of insanity or a
condition of extreme rage or folly. Madness came upon the arrogant
Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. This was a fulfillment of a
prophetic dream explained by Daniel. We learn at Daniel chapter 4
that the king was insane for seven years. Not all persons inflicted
with madness and insanity become possed by demons. But it is
obvious that all persons possessed by demons end up with an
unbalanced mental state. Christians are protected from demon
invasion that produces madness by putting on the complete suit of
armor from God described at Ephesians 6:10-17. Christians put
their faith in their heavenly father, Jehovah God. Psalm 55:22 says,
“Throw your burden upon Jehovah and he will sustain you. He will
never allow the righteous to be shaken!”

MADMENAH: Madmenah was a site in the path of the Assyrian

advance toward Jerusalem. (Isaiah 10:24) The interesting thing
about this name is that it means “manure.”

MADON: Madon was a royal Canaanite city that leagued itself with
Hazor against the Israelites and was defeated. (Joshua 11:1-12;
12:19)

MAGADAN: Jesus withdrew to Magadan an area near the Sea of

Galilee after he feed the 4,000 men. (Matthew 15:39) (Mark 8:10)
Some Greek manuscripts claim Dalmanutha was the same place.

MAGDIEL: Magdiel was a descendant of Esau and one of the sheiks

of Edom. (Genesis 36:40-43) (1 Chronicles 1:51, 54) This could have
been the name of a place and a tribe.

MAGGOT, WORMS: Hebrew: “rim-mah’” and Greek: “skolex” mean

maggot. Maggots and worms are used interchangeably because they
are similar. The maggot is the larva or wormlike stage of an insect.
Maggots subsist on dead organic matter. (Job 7:5; 17:14; 21:26;
24:20) (Mark 9:48) (Isaiah 14:11)

MAGIC: Magic was and is an inherent part of false religion. The

practice of all magical arts are distinctly prohibited in God’s Law.
(Leviticus 19:31) The people of Israel were commanded not to
participate in magic. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) Magic, divination,
foretelling the future, and consulting the dead through a spirit
medium are also prohibited for Christians. (Acts 8:9-24; 13:6-12;
19:18-19)
MAGISTRATE: A magistrate is a public official who is authorized to
ask questions before a court of justice. Magistrates were gathered to
bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold. (Daniel 3:2, 3) The
civil magistrates in the Roman colony of Philippi had Paul and Silas
put into stocks without a trial. (Acts 16:12) Then the magistrates
released then out of fear of trouble from Rome. (Acts 16:19-39)

MAGOG: The name Magog is found in Ezekiel’s prophecy about the

attack by Gog of the land of Magog against Jehovah’s people. The
term is used to depict a land or region in the north. Gog’s forces are
a great congregation, described as a numerous military force riding
on horses. (Ezekiel 38:2-16; 39:1-6) The exact location of this land
of Magog is totally uncertain. The time is uncertain, thus the words
the final part of the years occur. (Ezekiel 38:8) For these reasons
and others many commentators see it to be a forecast of the final
attack of the world powers upon the Kingdom of God and they think
the land of Magog represents the world that is hostile to God’s
people and kingdom. Therefore the land of Magog is symbolic. The
war with the remaining ones of the woman’s seed is described in
Revelation chapter twelve. (Revelation 12:7-17) Gog and Magog
represent Satan the Devil and his followers who rebel against God’s
rule during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ Jesus. (Revelation
20:3, 7-10)

MAGPIASH: He was one of the heads of the people whose

descendant swore to the trustworthy arrangement of Nehemiah’s
day. (Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1, 14, 20)

MAHALALEL, SETH’S GREAT GRANDSON: Referred to by the

name Mahalaleel in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, this man is a
descendant of Seth through Enosh and Kenan. He lived 895 years.
(Genesis 5:6-17) (1 Chronicles 1:1, 2) (Luke 3:37, 38)

MAHALALEL, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Mahalalel was an

ancestor of Athaiah. He was a descendant of Judah through Perez.
Mahalalel was a resident of Jerusalem after the return from
Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:4)

MAHALATH, ISHMAEL’S DAUGHTER: Mahalath was Ishmael’s

daughter. She was the sister of Esau’s wife. (Genesis 28:9)

MAHALATH, DAVID’S GRANDDAUGHTER: This Mahalath was a

granddaughter of David through his son Jerimoth. She was one of
the wives of Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles 11:18)
MAHALATH, MUSICAL TERM: This term was probably a musical
term. It may have been a technical term found in superscriptions of
Psalms 53 and 88. Some experts believe this term was related to the
Hebrew verbmeaning “grow week” or “fall sick.” That would suggest
that the music would be gloomy or melancholy.

MAHANAIM: This was a campsite east of the Jordan River where

Jacob met a company of angels. Jacob called the place “Mahanaim.”
It means “the camp of God.” Later in the 15 th century B.C.E. a city
was built on the site. At first it belonged to the Gadites and then to
the Levite Merarites. (Joshua 13:24, 26; 21:34, 38)

MAHANEH-DAN: This campsite was located between Zorah and

Eshtaol and west of Kiriathjearim. (Judges 13:25; 18:11, 12) The
name Mahaneh Dan means “Camp of Dan.”

MAHARAI: Maharai was a mighty man of David’s army. He was a

Netophathite and a descendant of Zerah. He was entrusted with the
command of the division of 24,000 ministering to the king during
the tenth month. (2 Samuel 23:8, 28) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 30; 27:1,
13)

MAHATH, ANCESTOR OF SAMUEL: Mahath was an ancestor of

Samuel and Heman the singer at the house of Jehovah. He was a
Kohathite Levite. (1 Chronicles 6:31-35)

MAHATH, A KOHATHITE LEVITE: This Kohathite Levite worked

at the cleansing of the temple in Kezekiah’s day. (2 Chronicles
29:12, 15, 16)

MAHAVITE: Eliel was considered to be a Mahavite. He was one of

the mighty men of David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 46,
47)

MAHAZIOTH: Mahazioth was the head of the 23rd service group of

temple musicians that were organized by David. He was a Kohathite
Levite and the last of the 14 sons of Heman. (1 Chronicles 25:4-9,
30)

MAHER-SHALAL-HASH-BAZ: Jehovah commanded Isaiah to

write these prophetic words on a large tablet. Then he instructed
Isaiah to give this name to his newborn son. It means he who comes
quickly to the plunder. (Isaiah 8:1-4)
MAHLITES: Levites descendants of Merari’s son Mahli were called
Mahlites. (Numbers 3:17, 20, 33; 26:58)

MAHLON: Mahlon was the son of Elimelech and Naomi. He moved

with his parents from Bethlehem in Judah to Moab. Mahlon
married the Moabitess Ruth. Then he died childless. (Ruth 1:1-5;
4:10) Ruth then married Boaz and their family line produced David
and led to Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4:9, 10, 22) (Deuteronomy 25:5, 6)
(Matthew 1:5, 6, 16)

MAHOL, MACHOL: The word “mahol”or “machol” in Hebrew

means “dance.” Mahol had sons who were considered to be almost
as wise as King Solomon. (1 Kings 4:31) It is believed by some
researchers that the term, “sons of Mahol” means an association of
musicians or dancers. The Hebrew word “mahol” is translated
“circle dance” at Psalm 150:4.

MAIDEN: A maiden is an unmarried girl. She is a young woman,

especially a virgin. SEE:VIRGIN

MAKHELOTH: Makheloth is the name of one of Israel’s wilderness

camps. (Numbers 33:25, 26)

MAKKEDAH: Makkedah was a royal Canaanite city in the

Shephelah. The cave of Makkedah was nearby. This is where five
kings who were allied against the Gibeonites hid. (Joshua 10:5-29;
12:7, 8, 16; 15:20, 33, 41)

MAKTESH: The part of the city of Jerusalem that is near the Fish
Gate and the second quarter is called Maktesh. Durring Judah’s
calamity, the citizens of Maktesh were told to howl because of the
loss of business and commercial activities. (Zepaniah 1:1, 2, 10, 11)
The Targum identifies Maktesh with the Kidron Valley, the deep
ravine near Jerusalem’s wall. However, this ravine or valley is not
near the Fish Gate.

MALACHI: He was a man with great zeal for the name and worship
of Jehovah God. Malachi was a prophet and Bible writer of the book
of Malachi. (Malachi 1:1)

MALACHI, THE BOOK: The book of Malachi is the final book of the
Hebrew Scriptures in modern English Bibles. (Malachi 1:1) The
priests of Malachi’s time were accepting lame, blind, and sick
animals for sacrifice on Jehovah' altar, a truly deplorable act.
(Malachi 1:8) (Leviticus 22:19) (Deuteronomy 15:21) They did not
give proper dirction to the people and many people stumbled and
sinned. (Malachi 2:7, 8) The priests showed partiality when judging
matters. (Malachi 2:9) Consequently the Israelites failed to support
the Temple with their tithes. When asked by the people, “How have
we robbed and defrauded?” Jehovah responds through Malachi,
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. Test me…and see if I will
open the windows of heaven and pour out showers of blessing upon
you until there is no more want.” (Malachi 3:9, 10) Malachi 3:1-6
directs Israel’s attention to the coming Messiah. John the Baptist is
the messenger. Jehovah is the true Lord who suddenly comes to his
temple, and the messenger of the covenant is Jesus Christ, the Son
of God. (Matthew 11:10-14; 17:10-13) (Mark 9:11-13) (Luke 1:16, 17,
76)

MALCAM, SON OF SHAHARAIM: This Malcam was the son of

Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh. He was a Benjamite. (1 Chronicles
8:1, 8, 9)

MALCAM, FALSE GOD: Malcam was the number one idol god of
the Ammonites. (2 Samuel 12:30) (1 Chronicles 20: 1, 2) (Jeremiah
49:1, 3) This god could be the same as Milcom, Molech, and Moloch.
(1 Kings 11:5, 7) (Acts 7:43) Joshua gave the Jews the command not
to worship false gods of the nations. However, they began making
sworn oaths by Malcam in spite of this. (Zephaniah 1:5)

MALCHIEL: Malchiel was the Grandson of Asher and the son of

Beriah. He is called the father of Birzaith. (Genesis 46:17) (Numbers
26:45) (1 Chronicles 7:31) Malchiel was also a family head in Israel.

MALCHIELITES: This family of Asherites descended from

Malchiel. (Numbers 26:44, 45)

MALCHIJAH, ANCESTOR OF ASAPH: Malchijah was a Levite. He

descended from Gershom. Malchijah was an ancestor of the Levite
musician Asaph. (1 Chronicles 6:39-43)

MALCHIJAH, FATHER OF PASHHUR: This Malchijah was the

father of Pashhur. He was a priest. (1 Chronicles 9:12) (Nehemiah
11:12) (Jeremiah 21:1; 38:1)

MALCHIJAH, DESCENDANT OF AARON: Malchijah was a

descendant of Aaron. He the appointed head of the 5th of the 24
divisions of priests organized by King David. (1 Chronicles 24:1, 9)
MALCHIJAH, THE GOLDSMITH: Malchijah was a member of the
goldsmith guild that repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in
Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 3:31)

MALCHIJAH, SON OF RECHAB: Malchijah was the son of Rechab.

He was a prince in charge of the district of Beth-haccherem. He
repaired the Gate of the Ash-heaps when Nehemiah was governor.
(Nehemiah 3:14)

MALCHIJAH, STOOD AT EZRA’S LEFT HAND: This priest stood

at Ezra’s left hand when the copyist read the Law to the Israelites in
Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 8:4)

MALCHIRAM: Malchiram was one of the sons of King Jeconiah and

a prisoner in Babylon. (1 Chronicles 3:17, 18)

MALCHI-SHUA: Malchi-shua was one of King Saul’s sons. (1

Samuel 14:49) (1 Chronicles 8:33; 9:39) The Philistines killed him
in battle Mount Gilboa and his corpse was fastened to the wall of
Bethshan by the Philisities. (1 Samuel 31:2-13) (1 Chronicles 10:2)

MALCHUS: This slave of the high priest accompanied Judas

Iscariot and a crowd of people to Gethsemane. When Jesus was
arrested, Peter struck off Malchus’ right ear with a sword. Jesus
healed it instantly. (John 18:10) (Matthew 26:51) (Mark 14:47)

MALEDICTION: The opposite of a blessing is a malediction. It is

derived from the Hebrew root verb “qalal” meaning to call down evil
or treat with contempt. (Exodus 18:22) (Leviticus 20:9) (2 Samuel
19:43) Jehovah God used it after the Flood when he would never
again call down evil upon the ground on man’s account. (Genesis
8:21)

MALLOTHI: Mallothi was a Kohathite Levite and one of the 14 sons

of the the singer Heman. (1 Chronicles 25:4, 5) The family served as
musicians. David organized the divisions of the Levites to serve in
the house of Jehovah. Mallothi assumed the head of the 19 th division
of 12 musicians and in turn served at the house of Jehovah. (1
Chronicles 25:6, 26)

MALLOWS: The mallow is a creeping plant. It has round saw-edged

leaves with long leafstalks. Its flowers are about a half-inch across
and are pale blue and white. It’s fruit is edible according to 2 Kings
4:39. The word mallow comes from the Hebrew word “o-roth”
meaning light.
MALLUCHI: At the time of High Priest Joiakim, and in the days of
Ezra and Governor Nehemiah, the Malluchi family served as priests.
(Nehemiah 12:12, 14, 26)

MALTA: Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea lying

approximately 60 miles south of Sicily. This island contains 95
square miles of landmass. The apostle Paul was ship wreaked near
Malta. He remained there for three months. It was at this time that
he healed Publius’ father and others who were sick. (Acts 28:1, 7-9,
11) The Greek word “Me-li’te” was later changed to the present
name, Malta.

MAMMON: SEE RICHES

MAMRE: Mamre was a place where Abraham and Isaac took

residence for a while. It is located near er-Ramat el-Khalil, about 2
miles north of Hebron. (Genesis 23:17) The nearby cave of
Machpelah is the family burial plot where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
and their wives were buried. (Genesis 35:27; 49:29-33; 50:13) The
area had plenty of water with numerous springs. Abraham built an
altar to Jehovah there under the grove of big trees. (Genesis 13:18)
Abraham also entertained the angels there in the grove prior to the
destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:1-8)

MAN: Hebrew “Adham” means man, human, earthling man,

mankind and Hebrew “enohsh” translates to mortal man. The Greek
“anthrol-pos” means man and mankind. Hebrew “ish-shah” is
woman, it means from man this one was taken. (Genesis 2:21-23)
Mankind is the highest form of earthly life produced by our Creator,
Jehovah God. God formed the man out of dust from the ground,
blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living
being. (Genesis 2:7) (1 Corinthians 15:45)

MANAEN: He was educated with the district ruler Herod Antipas.

Manaen was among the prophets and teachers in the Antioch
congregation. (Acts 13:1)

MANAHATHITES: These Judeans descended from Caleb and

Salma. They lived in Manahath. (1 Chronicles 2:50, 51, 54; 8:6)

MANASSEH, THE TRIBE: The tribe of Manasseh was one of the

twelve tribes of Israel. They descended from Joseph’s son Manasseh
and consisted of seven tribal families. One year after the Israelites
left Egypt, Manasseh’s tribe of able-bodied men, 20 years old and
older, numbered 32, 200. (Numbers 1:34, 35) After forty years in
the wilderness, four decades later the tribe contained 52, 700 males.
(Numbers 26:28-34, 37) Jehovah used the Manassite Judge Gideon
to deliver the Israelites from Midianite oppression. (Judges 6:11-16,
33-35; 7:23; 8:22) Ezekiel’s vision showed Manasseh’s land
assignment to be between Naphtali and Ephraim. (Ezekiel 48:4, 5)
Manasseh is named as one of the tribes of spiritual Israel at
Revelation 7:6.

MANDRAKE PLANT: The Hebrew word “dudaim” means love

plant. It occurs only at Genesis 30:14-16. Some of the
interpretations of “dudaim” include: violets, lilies, jasmines, truffles
or mushrooms, or just flowers. It possesses stimulating and narcotic
properties believed to make a woman more amorous. It still grows
near Jerusalem and in Palestine. The Arabs call it “Satan’s apple.”

MANGER: The infant Jesus was laid in a manger where Mary gave
birth to him. (Luke 2:7, 12, 16) “Phat’ne” is the Greek word for the
English word manger. It means feeding place for animals.

MANIFESTATION, MANIFEST, MAKE KNOWN: To make

manifest is to provide evidence of something or someone. It is a
disclosure of information. The Greek word “e-pi-pha’nei-a” is
translated “manifestation” or “make known.” It can also be
translated “revealed.” (1 Timothy 3:16) (2 Timothy 1:9-13) The truth
and God’s Holy Spirit have been manifested, made known, to
Christ’s disciples. (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) (2 Corinthians 4:2)

MANNA: This is sweet tasting, white colored food Jehovah God

gave the people of Israel in the wilderness. It appeared on the
ground at night and they gathered it in the morning. (Exodus 16:11-
36) (Joshua 5:10-12)

MANOAH: Manoah was a devout worshiper of Jehovah. He was a

Danite man of the Shephelah town of Zorah. (Joshua 15:33)
Manoah was the father of Judge Samson. Jehovah’s angel appeared
to Manoah’s barren wife to tell her she would give birth to a son
who would be a Nazirite of God. Manoah and his wife then received
instruction from the angel on how to raise the child. (Judges 13:2-
23) Manoah and his wife gave birth to Samson. Manoah preceded
his son in death and Samson was later buried in the burial place of
Manoah between Zorah and Eshtaol. (Judges 16:31)

MAN OF LAWLESSNESS: False religious leaders, preachers and

teachers are identified as the man of lawlessness. (2 Thessalonians
2:3-10) Satan the Devil influences all lawlessness (sin). His
followers disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. (2
Corinthians 11:13-15)

MAN: Hebrew: “Adam,” Latin: “homo,” and Greek: “anthorpos” all

mean “of the earth, man.” Man was created in the likeness of God.
(Genesis 1:26) God is a spirit and therefore not visible to man.
(John 1:18; 4:24) Since no man can see God it stands to reason that
being created in God’s image would have to do with our having
similar spiritual qualities, such as Love, Wisdom, Power, and
Justice. (1 John 4:8)

MANUSCRIPTS OF THE BIBLE: God’s Holy Spirit inspired the

original copies of the Holy Scriptures. Humans wrote them down on
leather, papyrus, and vellum manuscripts, to preserve them. Bible
manuscripts were produced primarily in the form of rolls and
codices. Scribes prepared copies of the Scriptures needed for
synagogues where the Jews gathered to hear the reading of God’s
Word. (Acts 15:21) Conscientious copyists labored to reproduce the
inspired writings for the benefit of the Christian congregations.
(Colossians 4:16)

According to the best knowledge available today, no hand written

original, or autograph, manuscripts of the Bible are in existence.
However, the Holy Scriptures have been preserved in accurate,
reliable form. Biblical copyists accepted the Scriptures as divinely
inspired and therefore attempted perfection in their arduous labor
of producing manuscript copies of God’s Word.

The Christian Scriptures were written in Koine Greek. No original

autograph manuscripts are known to exist today. There are nearly
5,000 manuscript copies available in whole or in part, of these
Scriptures in Greek. SEE TRANSLATION.

MAOCH: This man was the father of Achish. Maoch was the King of
the Philistine city of Gath. David and his 600 men took refuge from
Saul at Gath. (1 Samuel 27:1-3)

MAON, THE CITY: Maon was a city in the mountains of Judah.

(Joshua 15:20, 48, 55) King Saul of Israel pursued David and his
men into the wilderness near Maon. Saul did not succeed becaues
news of a Philistine raid forced him to abandon the chase. (1 Samuel
23:24-28)
MAON: Maon was a decendant of Caleb through Shammai. (1
Chronicles 2:42, 45)

MARA: Naomi left Bethlehem with a husband and two sons, but
returned from Moab as grief striken, childless widow. When her old
friends, the women of Bethlehem, greeted her they asked: “Is this
Naomi?” Naomi replied to them: “Do not call me Naomi (meaning
pleasant). Call me Mara (meaning bitter), because the Almighty has
made my life bitter. I went away full, and Jehovah sent me back
empty. Why do you give me the name Naomi, seeing that Jehovah
has given witness against me, and the Almighty has brought sorrow
to me?” (Ruth 1:19-21)

MARAH: One of the early campsites for the people of Israel in the
Sinai Peninsula was Marah. It was called “Marah” meaning “Bitter”
because of the unpalatable water found there. (2 Kings 2:19-22;
4:38-41) (Exodus 15:23-25) (Numbers 33:8) The Israelites gave way
to faithless murmuring when they were unable to drink the water at
Marah. In response Jehovah directed Moses to throw a tree into the
water and water became sweet.

MARK, THE WRITER: His Hebrew name was John, but he was
called John Mark in the book of Acts. (Acts 13:5, 13) Mark was an
early believer in Jesus Christ and was inspired to write the Good
New according to Mark. He was the son of Mary of Jerusalem and
his cousin was Barnabas the traveling companion of early Christian
missionaries. (Acts 12:12, 25) (Colossians 4:10) Mark is the only one
to mention the scantily clad young man who fled on the night of
Jesus’ betrayal. (Mark 14:51, 52) It is possible that Mark was that
man. It is also possible that Mark was present when the Holy Spirit
was poured out on the 120 disciples of Christ on Pentecost 33 C.E.
(Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4)

MARK, THE BOOK: The Good New According to Mark was

written by John Mark. It is the shortest of the four Gospels and
offers a stiring and descriptive record of the ministry of Jesus
Christ. It depicts Jesus as the miracle-working Son of God. The
account is evenly devided between conversation and action. While it
covers material similar to that of Matthew and Luke, Mark provides
additional details. The Gospel of Mark was written between 60 and
65 C.E. Mark was in Rome when he wrote it.

MARK HIGHLIGHTS:
Mark 1 Jesus casts out demons and heals the sick.
Mark 3 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath.
Mark 6 Messiah walks on water.
Mark 9 Resurrection Prophesied.
Mark 13 Jesus Christ reveals sign of the end times.
Mark 14 Jesus tried and Peter denies him.
Mark 15, 16 Christ dead, burried and resurrected.

MARK, A BRAND: Animals and slaves of the non-Israelites were

branded with a mark as evidence of ownership. These property
marks were placed on a conspicuous part of the body, such as the
forehead. Worshipers of false gods identified themselves by having
the mark of their deity on their forehead. Any mark on a true
believer had to be a figurative mark since God’s law prohibited such
disfiguring tattoo marks. (Leviticus 19:28) Ezekiel saw a vision in
which a man with a secretary’s inkhorn was commissioned to go
through Jerusalem and put a mark on “everyone who is distressed
and troubled because of all the disgusting things being done in the
city.” (Ezekiel 9:4) (2 Peter 2:6-8) This figurative mark was to
protect the right hearted ones from being destroyed. Another mark,
this time a mark identifying the opposers of God is announced in
John’s vision when he reveals the mark of the beast. (Revelation
13:1, 2, 16-18; 14:9, 10; 16:1, 2; 20:4)

MARBLE: Marble is a rock consisting of crystalline limestone of

close grain with various colors. When it is buffed it takes on a high
polish. Marble is listed as one of the precious commodities of the
merchants of the earth in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 18:11,
12)

MARESHAH: Mareshah was one of nine cities in the Shephelah

region of Judah. (Joshua 15:44) King Rehoboam made Mareshah
into a fortress city to strengthen Judah’s defense. (2 Chronicles 11:5,
8) Mareshah was the hometown of the prophet Eliezer. (2
Chronicles 20:35-37)

MARINER: A mariner is the person who navigates or assists in the

operation of a ship. A sailor or seaman is a mariner. (1 Kings 9:26,
27) (Ezekiel 27:8, 9) (Revelation 18:17-19) Life as an ancient
mariner was filled with danger. They were practically helpless in a
storm tossed sea. Acts 27:15-19 offers a vivid account of the
measures taken by mariners during a storm.

MARKETPLACE: A marketplace was an open area that served as a

place for buying and selling. It also offered a place of public
assembly in cities of the Middle East and the Roman world. Statues,
public buildings and religious edifices surrounded the open area in
Greek and Roman cities. (Acts 16:19-21) Children played games in
the marketplaces. (Matthew 11:16) (Luke 7:32) Unemployed men
gathered in the area looking for work. (Matthew 20:3, 4) Scribes
and Pharisees paraded through the marketplaces seeking
recognition. (Matthew 23:2, 6, 7) (Mark 12:38) (Luke 11:43; 20:46)
Jesus healed persons in the marketplaces. (Mark 6:56)

MAROTH: Maroth was a town mentioned by the prophet Micah in

his prophecy about Jehovah’s punishment of Jerusalem and Judah.
(Micah 1:12)

MARRIAGE: The arrangement for the union of man and woman as

husband and wife was established by God. (Matthew 19:4-8) (Mark
10:2-9) Jehovah God created male and female and ordained
marriage as the proper arrangement for the multiplication of the
human race. (Genesis 1:27, 28) The first wedding was performed by
God and is described at Genesis 2:22-24.

MARROW: Bone marrow is a soft and fatty vascular tissue that fills
the interior cavities of most bones. Job spoke about the bone
marrow of a healthy person being kept moist. (Job 21:24) The
Israelites ate animal bone marrow for food. (Micah 3:2, 3) God’s
banquet for the peoples symbolically included well-oiled dishes
filled with marrow. (Isaiah 25:6) Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s
word can (figuratively) penetrate clear to the marrow, the
innermost part of the bone (person).

MARSENA: Marsena was one of the seven princes that Ahasuerus

consulted when Vashti refuesed to obey. (Esther 1:14)

MARSHMALLOW: The Hebrew word “chal-la-muth’” speaks of a

perennial plant closely related to the hollyhock. It is a tall plant. The
woody stems of the marshmallow measure up to six feet. The stem
and the large wide leaves are covered with soft downy hair. In times
of famine the tasteless, white, carrot like root has been eaten for
food. The only reference to the marshmallow plant in the Bible is
found at Job 6:6. Most Bible translations ignore the term
marshmallow and use the words “white of an egg.” The New
Simplified Bible includes both phrases.

MARTHA, THE SISTER OF MARY AND LAZARUS: Martha was a

Jewess, the sister of Lazarus and Mary of Bethany. (John 11:1, 2)
Jesus and these three share a bond of strong affection for it is said:
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (John 11:5) It may
be said of the account recorded at Luke 10:38-42 that Martha was
overly concerned with material things and that she lacked interest
in spiritual matters. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Martha showed strong faith in Christ when she said that Lazarus
would not have died if Jesus had been present. She also said: “I have
believed that you are the Christ the Son of God.” (John 11:19-27)

MARY, THE SISTER OF MARTHA AND LAZARUS: Jesus visited

the home of these friends in Bethany for whom he had special
affection. (John 11:18) Martha was serving the evening meal while
Mary was again giving her attention to the Son of God. While Jesus
was reclining, Mary took a pound of perfumed oil and poured it on
his head and feet. This was very expensive oil, worth about a year’s
wages. This act was done out of love, in preparation for Jesus death
and burial. Others criticized this act of love and devotion but Jesus
greatly appreciated it. He said: Wherever this good news is
preached in the entire world, what this woman did shall also be told
as a remembrance of her. (Matthew 26:6-13) (Mark 14:3-9) (John
12:1-8)

MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS: Mary was a descendant of

David, of the tribe of Judah. For this reason it can be said that
Jesus: “came from the seed of David, according to the flesh.” (Ro
1:3) Jesus had the legal right to David’s throne through his adoptive
father Joseph. (Matthew 1:1-16) (Luke 1:32) (Acts 13:22, 23) (2
Timothy 2:8) (Revelation 5:5; 22:16) God sent the angel Gabriel to
the virgin girl Mary in the town of Nazareth. She was having no
intercourse with Joseph, for they were not yet married. Gabriel told
her that Holy Spirit would cause the pregnancy. Mary was blessed
by God. (Luke 1:28-45) Mary said: “My life magnifies Jehovah my
God.” (Luke 1:46) Mary was by the stake when Jesus was impaled.
Jesus was a beloved son to her and he was also the Messiah, her
Savior, and the Son of God! (John 19:25-27) We all owe deep
respect to Mary the mother of Jesus. However, was she someone to
whom one could worship, venerate and offer prayers? Not according
to the Scriptures! She gave all credit for life and salvation to her
God, Jehovah and the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

MASH: Mash was a descendant of Shem thru Aram. (Genesis 10:22,

23) (1 Chronicles 1:17)

MARSHAL: Marshal was a city of Asher assigned to the

Gershonites. An alternate name for Marshal is Mishal. (Joshua
21:27, 30) (1 Chronicles 6:71, 74)
MASKIL: Maskil is the superscription of 13 psalms that may mean
“contemplative poem.” (Psalms 32, 42, 44, 45, 52, 53, 54, 55, 74, 78,
88, 89, 142) The meaning of the word is uncertain, therefore it is
left untranslated in many translations.

MASON: A mason is a craftsman who works with stone or brick. (2

Kings 12:12; 22:6) The stonemason hewed and sawed stones and
then used them to construct walls and buildings. (2 Samuel 5:11) (1
Kings 7:9-12) (1 Chronicles 22:2) (2 Chronicles 24:12) Some of the
tools used by masons include hammers, axes, stone saws, the
leveling instrument and the measuring line and plummet. (1 Kings
6:7; 7:9) (Isaiah 28:17) (Zechariah 4:10) Ancient masons were able
to dress stones so well that it was not necessary to use mortar. It is
not possible to even insert a knife blade between the massive stones
of the structural remains of building in Palestine that were built in
the Herodian period.

MASREKAH: Masrekah was the home of Samlah, an Edomite king.

The name has also been applied to the mountain that the Arabs call
Jebelel-Mushraq. This mountain is about 30 miles southwest of
Maan. (Genesis 36:31, 36) (1 Chronicles 1:43, 47)

MASSA: Massa was a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael.

Massa’s descendants probably settled in northern Arabia. (Genesis
25:12-14) (1 Chronicles 1:29, 30)

MASSAH: Moses and some of the elders of Israel went to this rock
in Horeb in search of water. Jehovah instructed Moses to strike the
rock. Moses obeyed Jehovah and struck the rock. Water began to
issue from the as a river there in the wilderness. Moses named the
rock Massah meaning “testing.” The Israelites put Jehovah to the
test by their constant complaining and quarreling. Moses called it
Meribah, meaning, “quarreling.” (Exodus 17:1-7) (Psalm 105:41)
Later the psalmist admonished the Israelites not to harden their
hearts like the Israelites who wondered in the wilderness. (Psalm
95:8-11) (Numbers 20:1-13) (Hebrews 3:8, 9)

MATRED: The Septuagint and the Syriac Peshitta both present

Matred as the son of Mezahab. The Masoretic text claims Matred to
be Mezahab’s daughter. She was the wife of Edomite King Hadar
(Hadad). (Genesis 36:31, 39) (1 Chronicles 1:50)

MATRITES, MATRI: King Saul of Israel was a member of the

Benjamite family known as the Matrites (Matri). (1 Samuel 10:21)
MATTAN, THE PRIEST: Mattan was a priest of Baal. He was killed
in front of the altars of Baal. Jehoiada the priest of Jehovah led the
people to the house of Baal and destroyed the house, the altars, and
the false images. Athaliah was put to death and Jehoash was
installed as Judah’s king. (2 Kings 11:16-21) (2 Chronicles 23:17)

MATTAN: This Mattan was the father of Shephatiah. His father

persecuted Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 38:1, 4-6)

MATTANAH: The Mattanah camp was between the Arnon Valley

and the territory of Sihon the Amorite. It was a place where the
Israelites camped while they were in the desert wilderness.
(Numbers 21:13-21)

MATTATHA: Mattatha was an ancestor of Jesus. His name is found

in the maternal genealogy recorded by Luke. (Luke 3:23, 31) He was
from the tribe of Judah, son of Nathan and grandson of David.

MATTHAN: Matthan was a relative of Joseph, the adoptive father of

Jesus Christ. He may have been Joseph’s grandfather. (Matthew
1:15, 16)

MATTHAT: Matthat was an ancestor of Jesus Christ through Mary.

He was refered to as the son of Levi who lived between Zerubbabel
and David. (Luke 3:29)

MATTHAT, MARY’S GRANDFATHER: This Matthat was probably

Mary’s grandfather and father of Heli. (Luke 3:23, 24)

MATTHEW THE GOSPEL WRITER: This is likely a shortened

form of the Hebrew “Mattithiah.” It means Gift of Jehovah.
Matthew was a Jew, also known as Levi, who became an apostle of
Jesus Christ. He wrote the Good News according to Matthew. He
was a tax collector before becoming a Christian. (Matthew 10:3)
(Mark 2:14) In the year 30 or early 31 C.E. Jesus Christ called
Matthew from the tax office near Capernaum. (Matthew 9:1, 9)
(Mark 2:1, 13, 14) He immediately left everything behind and
followed Jesus. (Luke 5:27, 28) The Pharisees and the scribes were
disturbed because Jesus ate and drank with tax collectors and
sinners. (Luke 5:29, 30) (Matthew 9:10, 11) (Mark 2:15, 16) Jesus
selected the twelve apostles after the Passover of 31 C.E. Matthew
was one of them. (Mark 3:13-19) (Luke 6:12-16) Matthew is
mentioned as one of the apostles in the upper chamber. (Acts 1:4-
15; 2:1-4)
MATTHEW, THE BOOK: The inspired Good News According to
Matthew (also called the Gospel of Matthew) was written by the
onetime tax collector Matthew (Levi). He lived in Palestine at the
time of the writing. It was written in the year 41 C.E. It is the first
book in the Christian Greek Scriptures and the first Gospel written.
This book contains an account of the life of Jesus Christ. It presents
the Good News of God’s Kingdom in a very special way, with quotes
from the Son of God, himself, Jesus Christ. More than 40 percent of
the information contained in the book of Matthew is not found in
the other three Gospels. It is understood that Matthew first wrote
his account in Hebrew and then translated it into Koine Greek. It is
estimated that Matthew’s Gospel contains about a hundred
references to the Hebrew Scriptures. About 40 of these are actual
quotations Jesus made from the Scriptures and others were indirect
references.

MATTHEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Matthew 1 Geneology of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 2 Jesus Birth.
Matthew 3 John the Baptist Preached.
Matthew 4 Devil Tempts Jesus.
Matthew 5-7 Jesus Preaches the Sermon of the Mount.
Matthew 10 Jesus calls 12 Apostles and Instructs them.
Matthew 13 Illustrations Explained.
Matthew 19 Divorce, Fornication, Adultery Condemned.
Matthew 23 Scathing Inditement of Scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 24 Jesus Declares Sign of the End.
Matthew 26-27 Final Days of Jesus Life.
Matthew 28 Jesus Commissions Disciples.

MATTHIAS: When Judas Iscariot abandoned the faith and turned

Jesus Christ over to the authorities to be impaled it left a vacancy in
the ranks of the apostles. Matthias was the disciple selected by lot to
replace him. Peter noted that the psalmist David foretold Judas’
deflection and that someone would fill his office. (Ps 41:9; 109:8)
Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias were put up for selection. After
prayer, lots were cast and Matthias was chosen. Peter reported that
Matthias had been a follower of Christ throughout Jesus’ three and
a half year ministry. (Acts 1:21, 22) He was probably one of the
seventy disciples whom Jesus sent out to preach. (Luke 10:1)

MATTITHIAH, PLAYED THE HARP: Mattithiah was a Levite who

played a harp when the ark of the covenant was brought to
Jerusalem from Obededom’s house. (1 Chronicles 15:17-21, 25)
MATURITY: Maturity is a period of time in your life when you are
fully grown and developed. The Bible sets the standard for spiritual
maturity or completeness. A mature Christian is not a spiritual
babe, often changeable and easily led astray or influenced by others
in matters of doctrine. (Ephesians 4:11-14) A mature Christian is
able to determine right and wrong by using the Holy Scriptures as a
guide. (Hebrews 5:11-6:2) (1 Corinthians 2:6, 10-16) A mature
Christian has the fruitage of God’s Holy Spirit in his life and does
everything within his power to live by these divine qualities.
(Galatians 5:22, 23) He meditates on them frequently and looks for
ways to incorporate them into his daily activities.

MAZZAROTH CONSTELLATION: The Aramaic word “mazz-za-

loth’” found at 2 Kings 23:5 refers to the constellations of the zodiac.
However, when applied as a singular pronoun at Job 38:32 it
appears to refer to a particular constellation rather than to the
entire zodiacal circle. Whatever the identification of these
constellations may be, God asks Job whether he can control the
visible celestial bodies, guiding them in their prescribed heavenly
course.

MEAL: A meal was a time for prayer, fellowship and spiritual

sharing for the Hebrews and the Christians. (1 Samuel 9:13) (Acts
27:35) (1 Timothy 4:1,3) It was a time to eat and drink for
nurishment, but not to excess. (Proverbs 23:20, 21) (Ecclesiastes
10:17) (Romans 13:13) (1 Peter 4:3) Friendship and peace were
signified when people ate together. (1 Kings 2:7) (Isaiah 25:6) (Luke
22:28-30) (Revelation 19:9) Birds will feed on the bodies of the
slain ones after the Great War of God, the Almighty. (Revelation
19:15-18)

MEARAH: Mearah was a Sidonian city that was yet to be conquered

after Israel’s campaign ended. This campaign was led by Joshua.
(Joshua 13:2, 4)

MEASURING LINE: A string, rope, or cord was used for measuring.

It was called a measuring line. (Amos 7:17) (Zehariah 2:1, 2) Land
area was determined with a measuring line. (Job 38:4, 5) (Micah
2:4, 5) Builders and craftsmen used measuring lines. (Jeremiah
31:38, 39) (Isaiah 44:13) (Zechariah 1:16) Used in a figurative way
the measuring line represents a rule or standard. (Isaiah 28:10, 12,
17) The psalmist speaks as if the heavenly bodies have a measuring
line. (Psalm 19:1-4) (Romans 1:20)
MEBUNNAI: Mebunnai was a mighty man in David’s army. He was
a Hushathite. (2 Samuel 23:27) He could have been the same
person as the Sibbecai found at 2 Samuel 21:18 and 1 Chronicles
11:29; 20:4; 27:11.

MECONAH: Mechonah was a town in southern Judah mear Ziklag.

It had a number of dependent villiages. (Nehemiah 11:25, 28)

MEDAD: Medad was one of the 70 older men of Israel selected to

assist Moses while traveling through the wilderness. When Jehovah
took away some of the Spirit that was upon Moses, and put it upon
each of the 70 older men, Medad and Eldad received it and acted as
prophets in the camp. When Joshua told Moses to stop them, Moses
replied: “I wish all Jehovah’s people were prophets and that
Jehovah would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:16, 17, 24-29)

MEDAN: Medan was one of Abraham’s six sons by his concubine

Keturah. (Genesis 25:1, 2) (1 Chronicles 1:32)

MEDEBA: Also called Madaba, Medeba is located on hillside about

twelve miles east of the northern end of the Dead Sea. The old king’s
road linked it with other cities east of the Jordan River. (Numbers
20:17) It is situated on a plateau where sheep and goats pasture.
After the Israelite defeat of King Sihon, Medeba was in the territory
belonging to the tribe of Reuben. (Joshua 13:8, 9, 15, 16) Several
hundred years later King David’s army under Joab’s command
defeated Syrian mercenary forces. (1 Chronicles 19:6-16) The
Moabites later controlled Medeba. (Isaiah 15:1, 2)

MEDES, MEDIA: The Medes appear in history around the eighth

century B.C.E. They were an Aryan race closely related to the
Persians in race, language, and religion. They appear to be
descended from Japheth’s son Madai. (Genesis 10:2) Media was on
the Iranian Plateau southwest of the Caspian Sea. The land was a
mountainous plateau ranging in altitude from 3,000 to 5,000 feet
aboe sea level. The Assyrian Empire was split up between the Medes
and the Babylonians in the year 632 B.C.E. The Medes settled on
the northern part of the territory. The Persians joined forces with
the Medes to defete the Babylonians.

MEDIATOR: A mediator is someone who interposes between two

parties at variance to reconcile them. A mediator is a go between or
intercessor. The term mediator is applied to Moses and Jesus in the
Holy Scriptures. Moses was the mediator of the Law covenant
between Jehovah God and the nation of Israel. He served as
intermediary spokesman to Israel. (Exodus 19:3, 7, 9; 24:9-18)
Jesus Christ was the mediator of the new covenant. (Ga 3:19) The
apostle Paul stated, “there is one mediator between God and men, a
man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for
all.” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6) He mediates the new covenant between God
and those taken into the new covenant, the congregation of spiritual
Israel. (Hebrews 8:10-13; 12:24) (Ephesians 5:25-27)

MEDITATION: Meditation is deep concentration and serious

reflection on an important subject. A person needs to be free from
distractions and alone with his thoughts. The psalmist meditated on
the greatness of our creator during the solitude of night. (Psalm
63:6) Meditations of the heart should focus on beneficial things
such as Jehovah’s splendor and activities and how we can do His
will. (Psalms 19:14; 49:3; 77:12; 143:5) (Phillipians 4:8)

MEEKNESS, MEEK: Meekness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit listed

at Galatians 5:22, 23. Meekness is mildness of temper, without
haughtiness or vanity. It is similar to humility, lowliness of mind
and gentleness. Meekness and mildness is almost the same thing.
The Hebrew word “a-nah’” is translated meek and humble. The
Greek word “pra-ys” is translated meek, mild, mild-tempered and
gentle. Moses was one of the meekest of all men. (Numbers 12:3)
David declared that the meek would inherit the earth. (Psalms
37:11) Jesus Christ was Greater-than-Moses and yet he was a meek,
mild-tempered person. (Matthew 11:28, 29) Jesus taught that the
meek will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

MEGIDDO: Located 56 miles north of Jerusalem and 19 miles

southeast of the modern city of Haifa is the Valley of Megiddo. (2
Chronicles 35:22) (Zechariah 12:11) The city of Megiddo is located
on the high ground 70 feet above the valley. It was situated in a
strategic spot above the Jezreel Valley, also known as Esdraelon,
and Megiddo Valley. This valley stretches 14 miles long from north
to south and 9 miles wide at its widest place. Biblical History and
secular records relate how armies fought decisive battles around
Megiddo because of its commanding position. Judge Barak defeated
Jabin’s forces under Sisera. These included 900 chariots. (Judges
4:7, 13-16; 5:19) While this seems like a large military force it pales
to insignificence when compared with all of the armies of the earth
today. (Revelation 16:14,16) It would not be physically possible to
position all of the armies of the world in this small valley! SEE
HAR-MEGDON.
MEHETABEL, KING HADAR’S WIFE: Mehetabel’s mother was
Matred. Mehetabel was the wife of the Edomite King Hadar
(Hadad). (Genesis 36:31, 39) (1 Chronicles 1:50)

MEHETABEL, CONSPIRED TO CAUSE NEHEMIAH TO SIN: This

man may have been the grandfather of the Shemiaiah who was
hired by Tobiah and Sanballat to try to cause Nehemiah to sin out of
fear. (Nehemiah 6:10-14)

MEHIDA: Mehida was an ancestor of a family of Nethinim. His

sons returned to Judah from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel in
537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 52) (Nehemiah 7:54)

MEHIR: Mehir was from the tribe of Judah. He was the son of
Chelub (Caleb) and father of Eshton. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 11)

MEHUJAEL: Mehujael was the great grandson of Cain. He was the

father of Methushael and the grandfather of Lamech (not the
Lamech descended from Seth). (Genesis 4:17, 18)

MEHUMAN: Mehuman was one of the court officials of Persian

King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). King Ahasuerus ruled in the time of
Mordecai and Esther. Melhuman was first of the seven court
officials orderd by Ahasuerus to bring Queen Vashti to the king.
(Esther 1:10, 11)

MELATIAH: Melatiah was a Gibeonite. He was a workman who

helped with the repair of Jerusalem’s wall under Nehemiah'’
supervision in 455 B.C.E. (Nehemiah 3:7)

MELCHIZEDEK: He is the first priest mentioned in the

Scriptures. Melchizedek was the King of ancient Salem and priest of
the Most High God.” (Genesis 14:18, 22) He was king of Salem,
which means “Peace” and was identified by the Apostle Paul as
“King of Peace” and “King of Righteousness.” (Hebrews 7:1, 2) A
Messianic prophecy is tied to Melchizedek at Psalm 110:1-4. This
inspired prophecy from God predicted that the coming Messiah
would serve in the office of priest and king combined. (Hebrews 5:1,
4-6, 10; 6:20)

MELEA: Melea was a maternal ancestor of Jesus Christ who lived

after King David. (Luke 3:31)
MELECH: This man was one of Micah’s sons. He was a descendant
of King Saul of Israel, the great-grandson of Saul’s son Jonathan. (1
Chronicles 8:33-35; 9:39-41)

MEM: Mem is the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It appears in

Hebrew as the initial letter in each of the eight verses in Psalm
119:97-104.

MEMORIAL TOMB: SEE TOMB

MEMPHIS: Memphis was one of the capitals of ancient Egypt. It

was 14 miles south of Cairo on the west side of the Nile River. The
city was called Moph at Hosea 9:6 in the Hebrew text. Elsewhere it
is called the Hebrew Noph. (Isaiah 19:13) (Jeremiah 2:16; 44:1;
46:14, 19) (Ezekiel 30:13, 16) The city was a great commercial center
and a center of religion and of learning in Egypt.

MEMUCAN: Memucan was the head spokesman for seven Medo-

Persian princes. Memucan believed that Queen Vashti should be
removed as queen because she wronged the king, the princes, and
the people of the empire. Her removal was to show that all the wives
of the empire should learn to be obedient to their husbands. These
seven Medo-Persian princes were versed in law and legal cases.
They were the king’s closest advisors. (Esther 1:13-22) (Ezra 7:14)

MENAHEM: Menahem was the son of Gadi and king of Israel for
ten years beginning 790 B.C.E. Menahem did what was bad in
Jehovah’s eyes. He encouraged calf worship and he would not
depart from the sins of Jeroboam, the first king of the ten-tribe
kingdom. When King Pul of Assyria invaded Israel Menahem was
forced to pay a thousand talents of silver to him. (equivilent of 6.6
million U.S.A. dollars) Menahem died in 781 B.C.E. His son
Pekohiah secceeded him on Israel’s throne. (2 Kings 15:10-22)

MENE, MENE, TEKEL and PARSIN: These were the word of

the terse and puzzling message inscribed on the wall of King
Belshazzar’s banquet hall. It was the night of October 5, 539 B.C.E.
King Belshazzar threw a big banquet at his palace in Babylon.
Daniel was empowered by Jehovah to read the inscription and give
its interpretation. The events that followed the prophecy and the
interpretation were earth shaking and cataclysmic. You won’t want
miss this exciting account. Be sure to read Daniel chapter five for
complete details.
MENNA: This woman was a distant maternal ancestor of Jesus
Christ, not far removed from David. (Luke 3:31)

MENSTRATION: Menstration is the monthly discharge of blood,

fluid, and some tissue debris from a woman’s uterus. This is usually
a monthly experience. Girls begin menstruating at puberty. This
function continues until menopause. Each menstrual flow lasts
about three to five days. The Scriptures associate menstration with
impurity and uncleanness and therefore sexual intercourse was
forbidden at that time. (Leviticus 12:2; 15:1-33) (Ezekiel 22:10;
36:17)

MEONENIM, BIG TREE OF: A band of King Abimelech’s men

passed by this tree near Shechem before their fight with the
landowners of that city. (Judges 9:34-37) The word Meonenim
refers to magic. This is fitting since the Canaanites and apostate
Israelites engaged in magical practices. (Genesis 12:6; 35:4) (Judges
9:6)

MEONOTHAI: Meonothai was a descendant of Judah. He was the

father of Ophrah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 14)

MEPHAATH: This city was assigned to the Reubenites. It was later

given to the Merarite Levites. (Joshua 13:15, 18; 21:34, 36, 37) (1
Chronicles 6:77-79) Eight centures later Mephaath was under
Moabite control. (Jeremiah 48:21, 24)

MEPHIBOSHETH, SON OF SAUL: Mephibosheth was one of King

Saul’s two sons. (2 Samuel 21:1-14) There were seven descendant of
Saul turned over to the Gibeonites to atone for Saul’s attempt to
annihilate them. Mephibosheth was one of them. They ended up
being put to death. (Numbers 25:4)

MEPHIBOSHETH, GRANDSON OF SAUL: Mephibosheth was the

son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He was lame in one leg
and because of King David’s love for his father, David treated
Mephibosheth with loving kindness. (1 Samuel 4:4; 20:12-17, 42) (2
Samuel 9)

MERAB: Merab was King Saul’s older of two daughters. (1 Samuel

14:49) Saul promised to give one of them in marriage to the man
who defeated Goliath. Saul did not keep his promise, and Merab did
not become David’s wife. Saul’s younger daughter, Michal, was in
love with David and Merab was not. (1 Samuel 17:25; 18:15-20)
MERAIAH: Meraiah was a priest. He was the head of the paternal
house of Seraiah at the time of Joiakim after the Jews returned from
Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 12:12)

MERARI: Merari was the son of Levi and brother of Gershon and
Kohath. (Genesis 46:11) (1 Chronicles 6:1, 16) He was one of the
members of Jacob’s household who went to Egypt. (Genesis 46:8,
11, 26, 27) Merari had two sons, Mahli and Mushi. (Exodus 6:19) (1
Chronicles 6:19)

MERARITES: There were three families of Lebites who descended

from Levi’s son Merari through Mahli and Mushi. They were
considered Merarites. (Exodus 6:16, 19) (Numbers 3:20; 26:57, 58)

MERATHAIM: The term Merathaim applies to Babylon or a

territory in Babylonia. (Jeremiah 50: 21, 23, 24 0 It may also apply
to the area on the Persian Gulf where the Tigris and Euphrates
Rivers enter into it. It comes from the Hebrew word “ma-rah’” and
means be rebellious. The word Merathaim may call attention to the
intensity of Babylon’s rebellion. Its founder Nimrod put Babylon on
an openly rebellious course against God. (Genesis 10:8-10)

MERCHANT: A merchant is a person who buys, sells or barters for

profit. Both the Hebrew and the Greek terms for merchant refer to a
traveling merchant. (Genesis 34:10; 4:20-22; 23:16) (1 Kings 10:14,
15) (2 Chronicles 9:13, 14) (Ezekiel 27:2, 12-25) (Matthew 13:45)
(Revelation 17:1, 5; 18:3, 11-15, 23)

MERCY: Mercy is the feeling that motivates compassion, kindness

and pity. The Hebrew verb “ra-cham” means to glow, to feel warm
with tender emotion, to be compassionate. The Greek word “e’le-os”
means to feel pity, divine compassion and mercy. The Hebrew
nation frequently strayed from righteousness and became in need of
merciful help. If they showed a proper heart attitude and turned to
Jehovah, he would express compassion, favor and goodwill.
(Deuteronomy 13:17; 30:3) (Psalm 102:13) (Isaiah 54:7-10; 60:10)
All who wish to receive God’s mercy must turn to him with a right
heart condition by abandoning wrong ways and harmful thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:6, 7) (Psalms 103:13; 119:77, 156, 157) (Luke 1:50) Jesus
said: “Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they shall
receive mercy and compassion.” (Matthew 5:7)

MERED: He was listed in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah as the

son of Ezrah. Mered had an Egyptian wife. Her name was Bithiah
and she was the daughter of Pharaoh. He may also have had a
Jewish wife. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 17, 18)

MERES: Meres was one of the seven princes whom Ahasuerus

consulted when Vashti disobeyed him. (Esther 1:14)

MERODACH, MARDUK: Merodach is the Hebrew spelling for the

most important Babylonian god, Marduk. Marduk was shattered at
the time of Babylon’s downfall. (Jeremiah 50:2) The son of the king
of Babylon was named Merodach-Baladan after this god. (Isaiah
39:1) (2 Kings 25:27) The kings of Babylon venerated the image of
Merodach at his temple. They were not installed by coronation but
became kings by taking hold of the hand of Merodach. They
repeated the ceremony each year at the New Year’s festival. The
prophet Jeremiah foretold that Merodach (Marduk) would be
shattered and it happened as the Babylonian empire lost power and
dignity.

MERODACH-BALADAN: This name means Murduk Has Given a

Son. He was the son of Baladan and king of Babylon. Merodach-
baladan sent letters and a gift to King Hezekiah of Judah after his
recovery from illness. (Isaiah 39:1-7) Assyrian and Babylonian
cuneiform inscriptions state that he was the ruler of a Chaldean
district know as Bit-Yakin. This district was in the marshlands south
of Babylon, above the headwaters of the Persian Gulf. Merodach-
baladan sent a delegation to Hezekiah in an attempt to gain the
support of the kingdom of Judah. (2 Kings chapter 20)

MEROZ: This place was cursed by an angel because it did not come
to the assistance of Jehovah. (Judges 5:23) They did not assist
Jehovah’s appointed commander Barak in the fight against the
Canaanites and did not detain the Canaanite commander Sisera
when he escaped. (Judges 4:17; 5:5-16)

MESHA, SON OF CALEB: Mesha was the first son of Caleb. Caleb
was the son of Hezron of the tribe of Judah. Mesha’s son was Ziph.
(1 Chronicles 2:18, 42)

MESHA, KING OF MOAB: Mesha was the king of Moab at the time
of Kings Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahab, Ahaziah, and Jehoram of
Israel. (2 Kings 1:1; 3:4-23)

MESHA, SON OF SHAHARAIM: This Mesha was the son of

Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh. Mesha was a family head in the tribe
of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8-10)
MESHACH: Meshach was the Babylonian name given to Mishael,
Daniel’s companion. The name was given by Nebuchadnezzar’s
court chief official. Meshach and his companions were put through
a three year training course by the Babylonians. When they finished
this training they were superior to the king’s counselors. (2 Kings
24:1, 6, 8, 12-16) (Daniel 1:1-16, 17-20)

MESHECH, AGGRESSIVE AND BARBAROUS: Meshech was the

son of Japheth. Japheth was the son of Noah. (Genesis 10:2) (1
Chronicles 1:5) Ezekiel the prophet mentions Meshech and Tubal
from northern Palestine. They exported slaves and copper to Tyre
and were very warlike. They were considered allies or subjects of
“Gog of Magog” in this prophecy. (Ezekiel 27:13; 32:26; 39:2, 3;
39:1, 2) Meshech is also found at Psalm 120:5 representing
aggressive and barbarous people.

MESHELEMIAH: Meshelemiah was a Kohathite Levite. He was in

charge of a division of Korahites. Meshelemiah was head over
eighteen gatekeepers of the sanctuary during King David’s
reorganization of the priestly and Levitical services. (1 Chronicles
26:1-3, 9)

MESHILLEMITH: This man was a priest and descendant of Immer.

He could be the same person as the Meshillemoth of Nehemiah
11:13. (1 Chronicles 9:10, 12)

MESOPOTAMIA: The Greek term Mesopotamia means land

between rivers. In Hebrew it is rendered Aram-naharaim. It is
referring to the land located between the Tigris and Euphrates
rivers. It is bordered on the north by the mountains of Turkey and
Iran and stretching southward through a high plateau and rocky,
sandy desert land to the Persian Gulf. Stephen spoke of Abraham, as
a one-time resident of Mesopotamia in the book of Acts. (Acts 7:2)
There were inhabitants of Mesopotamia present at the Festival of
Pentecost in 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1, 2, 9)

MESSENGER: A messenger is a person, human or spirit being, who

delivers a message. The message can be written or oral. (Genesis
32:3-6) (Judges 6:34, 35) (2 Samuel 5:11) (1 Kings 19:2) (Luke 7:18-
24; 9:52) Runners often served as messengers. (2 Chronicles 30:6-
10) (Jeremiah 51:31) Messengers were also dispatched on horses. (2
Kings 9:17-19) (Esther 8:10-14) The Hebrew and the Greek words
for messenger refer to spirit messengers such as angels. (Psalm
104:4) (John 1:51) Jesus Christ is identified as the messenger of the
covenant. (Matthew 11:10, 11) (Mark 1:1-4) (Luke 7:27, 28) It is very
likely that Jesus Christ was the messenger of the Abrahamic
covenant. That would explain why he preached to the Jews first,
since they were beneficiaries of that covenant. (Matthew 10:5-7;
15:24; 21:31) (Luke 1:69-75) (Acts 3:12, 19-26)

MESSIAH: Hebrew: “mashiach” means anointed one. The Greek

equivalent is “Khristos” or Christ. Jesus was designated the
anointed one by the name and title Jesus Christ.

METALS: Some of the metals known by the ancients were copper,

gold, iron, lead, silver and tin. Copper, iron and gold were likely the
first to be used. Tin was used in making bronze but copper was used
long before bronze was invented. Metals are first mentioned at
Genesis 4:22.

METALWORKER: Metalworkers and their tools are referenced in a

number of verses of the Holy Scriptures. (Genesis 4:22) (Isaiah
41:7) (2 Chronicles 24:12) (Nehemiah 3:8, 31, 32) (Judges 17:4)
(Acts 19:24)

METHUSELAH: This man enjoyed a life span of 969 years. It is the

longest of Bible record. People often compare things and people as
being old as Methuselah. Some believe that a year was a shorter
period of time back then compared to the year today. The Holy
Scriptures reveal that a year was more than 360 days, nearly the
same as today’s year. An adjustment was made to make up for the
five days lost each year. Methuselah was the son of Enoch, father of
Lamech and grandfather of Noah. (Genesis 5:21-29) (1 Chronicles
1:1-4) (Jude 14, 15)

METHUSHAEL: Methushael was a descendant of Cain through

Enoch. He was the son of Mehujael and the father of Lamech. This
Lamech was a different person than Noah’s father Lamech. (Genesis
4:17, 18)

MEZUZAH: The Hebrew word me-zu’zah means doorjamb or

doorpost. It appears at Exodus 12:7, 22, 23 and 21:6 with reference
to the sprinkling of the Passover victim’s blood on doorposts and
the bracing of a slave against a door post to pierce his ear with an
awl. Doorposts of the temple constructed by Solomon were called
mezuzahs at 1 Ki 6:31, 33; 7:5. And the symbolic temple in Ezekiel’s
vision referred to mezuzahs at Ezekiel 41:21, 45:19 and 46:2. When
faithful Jews enter or leave a house they touch the mezuzah with the
hand and recite the prayer or blessing: “May Jehovah guard your
going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”
(Psalm 121:8) The use of the mezuzah is a literal interpretation of
the command at Deuteronomy 6:9 and 11:20.

MICAH THE PROPHET: Micah was from the village of

Moresheth southwest of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 26:18) He was the
writer of the inspired book of Micah. Micah used the rural life of the
area in his prophetic illustrations. (Micah 2:12; 4:12, 13; 7:1, 4, 14)
False worship and moral corruption flourished in Israel and Judah
and King Hezekiah established religious reforms during the time
that Micah prophesied. (2 Kings 15:32-20:21) (2 Chronicles 27-32)
The Word of God to Micah gave warning that God would make
Samaria a heap of ruins. It was prophesied that Zion would be
plowed up a mere field and Jerusalem would become a heap of ruin.
(Micah 1:1, 6; 3:12)

MICAH, THE BOOK: The book of Micah was writen in the year
717 B.C.E. by the prophet Micah. (Micah 3:2, 3, 8) Micah came from
the small village of Moresheth in the rural setting of the Shephelah,
southwest of Jerusalem. (Micah 2:12; 4:12, 13; 6:15; 7:1, 4, 14) For
this reason he used the rural life he was familiar with to drive home
the points of his prophetic declarations. Jehovah raised up Micah to
strongly warn His people of the judgement He was to bring upon
them. Vivid figures of speech abound in the book of Micah, “The
mountains melt under him. The valleys split like wax before the fire!
Like water poured down a steep place.” Moral corruption and
idolatry were rampant throughout the kingdoms of Israel and
Judah. Similar conditions exist today throughout the world.

MICAH HIGHLIGHTS:
Micah 1 Jehovah names the recipiants of His judgement.
Micah 2:1, 2 Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil.
Micah 3:1-3 They cry to Jehovah but he will not answer.
Micah 3:5 They cry “Peace” but receive nothing.
Micah 4:1-5 Prophecy that swords will be turned into plowshares.
Micah 5:1-4 Great ruler will come out of Bethlehem-Ephrathah.
Micah 7:7 Micah declares, “I will look to Jehovah!”

MICAIAH, WIFE OF KING REHOBOAM: Micaiah was the

daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. She was the wife of King Rehoboam
and mother of King Abijah of Judah. Micaiah was also called
“Maacah.” (2 Chronicles 11:18, 20; 13:1, 2)

MICAIAH, PROPHET: Micaiah was son of Imiah and God’s prophet

to the northern kingdom of Israel during King Ahab’s reign. (1 Kings
22:8) King Jehoshaphat summoned 400 prophets and asked them:
“Shall I go against Ramotho-gilead in war?” Micaiah told him, “I see
the Israelites scattered on the mountains, like sheep that have no
shepherd.” (1 Kings 22:1-37) (2 Chronicles 18:1-34)

MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL: Michael was the only other

angel named in the Holy Scriptures. He was the only one called
archangel. (Jude 9) He was identified in Daniel chapter 10 as one of
the foremost princes who came to the aid of a lesser angel who was
opposed by the prince of royal realm of Persia. Michael was the
prince of Daniel’s people. (Daniel 10:13, 20, 21; 12:1) Michael must
have been the angel who led the Israelites through the wilderness.
(Exodus 23:20, 21, 23; 32:34; 33:2) The name Michael means:
“Who is Like God?”

MICHAL: Michal was King Saul’s younger daughter who became

David’s wife. First Saul offered his older daughter to David but gave
her to another man instead. Michal was in love with David and Saul
offered her to him in exchange for the foreskins of a hundred
Philistines. Saul thought David would die in the attempt to comply.
David accepted the challenge and returned with two hundred
Philistine foreskins. So Michal was given to him as his wife after
much trickery on the part of King Saul. (1 Samuel 14:49; 18:17-29)
Saul first gave Michal in marriage to Palti and finally he took her
from Palti and gave her to David. (2 Samuel 3:12-16)

MICHRI: Michri was a Benjamite. He was also an anchestor of Elah,

the person who lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. (1
Chronicles 9:1-8)

MIDWIFE: The Hebrew term “yaladh” means give birth, bear,

midwife. A midwife helps the mother during childbirth labor. Once
the child is born she severs its navel cord and cleans the infant.
Sometimes she would rub it with salt and swaddle it with cloth
bands. (Ezekiel 16:4) Close friends and relatives and older women
sometimes served in this capacity. (Genesis 35:16-19; 38:27-30)
(Exodus 1:15-21)

MIGDOL: Migdol was an Egyptian site mentioned by the prophets

Jeremiah and Ezekiel nine hundred years after the Exodus. The
prophet Ezekiel told of a devastation that would come upon Egypt,
likely from Babylon. He said it would strike from Migdol to Syene
and to the boundary of Ethiopia. (Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6) When
Jerusalem fell in 607 B.C.E. Jewish refugees settled in Migdol.
(Jeremiah 44:1; 46:13, 14)
MIGRON: Migron was a place on the outskirts of Gibeah where
King Saul camped with Johathan. His armor bearer killed about
twenty men from the Philistine camp near Michmash. (1 Samuel
13:16, 23; 14:1, 2, 13-16) Migron is mentioned as one of the cities
that the Assyrians would pass through on their way to Jerusalem.
(Isaiah 10:28)

MIKNEIAH: This man was one of the Levites who played harps
while the Ark was transported from the house of Obed-edom to
Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:17, 18, 21)

MILCOM: This is one of the false gods of the ancient people of

Canaan. (1 Kings 11:5) (Zephaniah 1:5)

MILDEW: Jehovah struck the land with mildew as reported at

Amos 4:9. Mildew is a fungus that appears on various objects,
especially in damp weather.

MILDNESS: SEE MEEKNESS

MILE: The mile is a distance measurement. The mile mentioned at

Matthew 5:41, Greek: “milion”, was most likely the Roman mile
which is 5,854 feet in length. The term mile at Luke 24:13 and John
6:19, 11:18 is not the Greek term “mililon,” but the Roman term
“stadia” which is 606 feet in length. It has been converted to statute
miles in the New Simplified Bible.

MILETUS: Miletus was a city on the west coast of Asia Minor that
is now in ruins. It was located near the mouth of the Maeander
River. The town was widely known for its wool products. The
apostle Paul traveled to Miletus in about 56 C.E. He sent a
messenger to the Ephesians congregation from his lodging at
Miletus. (Acts 20:18-38; 29:14-17)

MILITARY COMMANDER: The term “military commander”

comes from the Greek word “khili’arkhos.” It sometimes refers to a
Roman military tribune. There were six tribunes in each Roman
legion. This military commander had great authority. He presided
at courts-martial and was the one who ordered capital punishment.
A military commander was in attendance at the celebration of
Herod’s birthday. (Mark 6:21-26) A commander was present with
the soldiers when they arrested Jesus. (John 18:12) Military
commanders are mentioned in the book of Revelation. (Revelation
6:15; 19:18)
MILK: Milk is the product of female mammals for nourishing their
young. It is used as food by most of mankind. (Genesis 18:8)
(Judges 4:19; 5:25) The Hebrew word of milk refers to fresh milk
and not cheese and butter. (Deuteronomy 32:14) (Judges 4:19; 5:25)
It refers to the milk of cows, sheep and goats without distinction.
(Ezekiel 25:4) (1 Corinthians 9:7) In a figurative way the Bible
speaks about milk as the resources of nations. (Isaiah 60:16) The
Promised Land is described as the “land of milk and honey.”
(Exodus 3:8) (Deuteronomy 6:3) (Joshua 5:6) (Jeremiah 11:5)
(Ezekiel 20:6) (Joel 3:18) The apostles Peter and Paul spoke about
new born infants needing milk belonging to the word.” (1
Corinthians 3:2) (Hebrews 5:12-14) (1 Peter 2:2)

MILL: A mill usually consisted of two circular stones. One was

placed atop the other Edible threshed grains were place between
the two stones and ground into flour. Each family possessed its own
hand mill to grind flour so bread could be baked everyday. (Genesis
18:6) (Numbers 11:7, 8) (Job 31:10) (Exodus 11:5) (Isaiah 47:1, 2)
(Matthew 24:41) (Luke 17:35)

MILLET: Ezekiel ate bread prepared with millet, a cultivated grain

crop. (Ezekiel 4:9)

MILLO: The house of Millo, refered to in Hebrew as “Bethmillo,

could have been a fortress such as the tower of Shechem. The men
of Shechem and Millo got together at the sacred oak tree at
Shechem and made Abimelech king. The prophetic words of
Gideon’s son Jotham told them of impending disaster for the house
of Millo at the hands of Abimelech. Later Abimelech set the vault of
the house of Elberith on fire and all those in it perished.

MINA: The mina was a unit of monetary value. It was also use as a
unit of weight. The Hebrew text at Ezekiel 45:12 indicates that the
mina is equal to 60 shekiels. The Greek Septuagint specifies the
value at 50 shekiels. Other places in the Bible where large numbers
of shekels are mentioned they are referred to in numbers divisible
by 50. This may explain the mina at 50 shekels. (Genesis 23:15)
(Exodus 30:24; 38:29) (Numbers 31:52) (1 Samuel 17:5)
Archaeological evidence reveals the mina at 50 shekels. Modern
values compare the silver mina as equal to $110 and the gold mina
to $6,500 U.S. The mina was in use during Jesus time on Earth.
(Luke 19:13-25)
MIND: The mind is that which is responsible for one's thoughts
and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason. It has to do with
intellectual capacity, mental perception, intelligence, reason,
emotion and attitude. The mind and the figurative heart are
sometimes expressed by using the word mind and other times by
using the word heart. (Deuteronomy 4:39) (Ezekiel 20:32) It is
important to understand that a true believer, believes and obeys
God out of his mind and heart. It is impossible to separate the mind
from the heart. They must work together in order to receive
salvation. (Romans 10:9-13) Humans are imperfect as the human
mind is sometimes inclined toward wrong thinking. The Bible calls
it the “fleshly mind” at Colossians 2:18. “You were in the past
alienated and enemies because your minds were on your evil
works.” (Colossians 1:21) The apostle Paul, under direction from
Holy Spirit, commanded Christians: “You are renewed in the spirit
(vital principles) of your mind (understanding). Put on the new
man, that in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness
and holiness of the truth.” (Ephesians 4:23, 24) A Christian truly
does “have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) It comes from
Bible study, from applying God’s Word in our lives, and from the
gift of Holy Spirit. Paul instructed Christians to “be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 15:5)

MINE, MINING: Mining is the act of extracting metals, minerals or

precious stones from the earth. Mining is one of the oldest
industries available to mankind. Tubal-Cain was a forger of every
sort of tool of copper and iron. (Genesis 4:22) In 1513 B.C.E. Moses
described the Pishon River, where there was gold. (Genesis 2:11, 12)
The gold from Ophir was probably mined from underground. (1
Kings 9:28; Job 28:16) The Egyptians took metals and precious
stones from the earth at the time of the Exodus. (Exodus 12:35, 36;
35:22; 39:6-14) Egyptian turquoise mines were just fifty miles from
Mount Sinai on the Sinai Peninsula. Moses spoke about mining
copper out of the mountains. (Deuteronomy 8:9)

MINISTER: Hebrew: “mesha-reth” and Greek: “dia’ko-nos” mean

servant, attendant and minister. Jesus Christ requires his followers
to humbly serve one another. (Matthew 20:28) (Mark 10:43)

MINISTRY: The work and service performed by a minister is the

ministry. Jesus Christ commissioned his followers to make disciples
of people of all the nations. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Christians
presented a message of reconciliation to God through Christ. (2
Corinthians 5:18-20) (2 Timothy 4:1, 2) (Titus 1:13, 14; 2:1; 3:8)
(Ephesians 4:7-16)
MINNI: This ancient kingdom was divinely summoned to fight
against Babylon. Minni was allied with the Ararat and Ashkenaz
kingdoms under control of Cyrus. (Jeremiah 51:27-29)

MINT: Mint is an herb mentioned only twice in the Holy Scriptures

at Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Mint is a sweet smelling herb
used in medicine and for flavoring food. The scribes and Pharisees
gave a tithe of mint and other herbs and yet they disregarded justice
and the love of God. This teaching is appropriate when applied to
many people today. Jesus pointed out that we should concentrate
on the more important spiritual priorities.

MIRACLES: A Miracle is any amazing or wonderful occurance. It is

a marvellous event manifesting a supernatural act of God. A miracle
is amazing to the eye of the beholder. It is usually beyond the ability
of the observer to perform. (Matthew 25:15) (Luke 6:19) (1
Corinthians 12:10) God’s many acts of creation are considered by
most believers as miracles. (Romans 1:20) While the miracles
recorded in the Bible established the fact that a man was receiving
power and support from God, they were primarily performed to
glorify God. Even the many healing miracles recorded in the
Christian Greek Scriptures were performed to give God glory. They
proved that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, have the power and
ability to cure all mankind in the new age to come. (Exodus 4:1-9)
(John 11:1-4, 15, 40) Perhaps the greatest miracle of all was the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:16-19) There is
powerful evidence that it took place. It is recorded that there were
more that 500 eyewitnesses to testify that it did take place. (1
Corinthians 15:3-8) (Acts 2:32) Today Christians are eagerly
anticipating the greatest miracle yet to be performed by God. It is
the destruction of the present wicked world and the inauguration of
the new age under Jehovah God’s king, Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:1-
10) (Revelation chapters 18, 19)

MIRIAM, SISTER OF MOSES: Miriam was the daughter of Amram

of the tribe of Levi. She was the sister of Moses and Aaron.
(Numbers 26:59) (1 Chronicles 6:1-3) She is refered to as “his sister”
when she watched to see what would become of the infant Moses in
an ark placed among the reeds of the Nile River. (Exodus 2:3-10)
Miriam arranged for the childs mother, Jochebed, to nurse the child
until he grew up.
MIRMAH: Mirmah was the son of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh.
He was the paternal head of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1,
8-10)

MIRROR: Hand mirrors were made of polished stone as well as

metal, such as bronze or copper, tin, silver and gold. Glass mirrors
appear on the scene until after the first century C.E. Most of the
ancient mirrors were made of molten metal. They were highly
polished to give a reasonably good reflecting surface. The apostle
Paul compared our spiritual sight to looking into a metal mirror at 1
Corinthians 13:12. Job likened the skies to a metal mirror at Job
37:18. The disciple James presented God’s Word as a figurative
mirror. (James 1:22-25) The apostle Paul indicated that Christians
reflect God’s glory like mirrors. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

MISHAL: This border city of Asher was given to the Gershonite

Levites. It was probably situated near Mount Carmel. (Joshua
19:24-26; 21:27,30) (1 Chronicles 6:74)

MISHAM: Misham was the son of the Benjamite Elpaal. Misham

and his brothers built Ono and Lod and its dependent towns. (1
Chronicles 8:1, 11, 12)

MISPERETH, MISPAR: Mispereth was one of the leaders of the

Jews who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile in 537
B.C.E. (Nehemiah 7:6, 7) He was also called Mispar. (Ezra 2:1, 2)

MISREPHOTH-MAIM: After defeating the armies of northern

Canaanite kings and their Jabin allies at the waters of Merom, the
Israelites chased them to Misrephoth-maim. (Joshua 11:1-5, 8; 13:2,
6) When the Promised Land was divided into inheritance portions,
the land that extended from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim had not
been conquered.

MIST: Mist is similar to very light rain. When warm humid air rises
from the earth and cools, it condenses and causes particles of water
to float in the air and then drop. When it takes place near the
ground it is fog and high in the sky it is clouds. (Psalm 135:7)
(Proverbs 25:14) (Jeremiah 10:13; 51:16) The Bible is in total
agreement with scientific finding about rain and mist. (Job 36:27,
28) It is possible that the rain referred to at Genius 2:5, 6 is actually
mist because it “watered the whole surface of the ground.” Mist is
used figuratively in several places in the Christian Greek Scriptures.
(Acts 13:4-11) (2 Peter 2:1, 17-19) James 4:14 compares life to a mist
that quickly disappears. Some people believe that demons dwell in
mist or fog, but that belief is not substantiated in the Holy
Scriptures.

MITHKAH: Mithkah was one of the campsites where the Israelites

camped while in the desert wilderness. (Numbers 33:28, 29)

MITHREDATH: This man was the treasurer under Cyrus.

Mithredath followed the royal command to turn over 5,400 temple
utensils of gold and silver to the Israelites for return to Jerusalem.
(Ezra 1:7, 8, 11)

MITYLENE: Mitylene was the principal city on the island of Lesbos.

It was famed as a seat of literary learning and for the architectural
beauty of its buildings. Lesbos was an island in the Aegean Sea off of
the west coast of Asia Minor. The apostle Paul sailed to Mitylene
from Assos, a seaport on the mainland of Asia Minor about 28 miles
away when the ship anchored at Mitylene and waited for favorable
winds. There is no mention that Paul went ashore. (Acts 20:14, 15)

MIZPAH, A REGION: Mizpah was a Hivite region on Mount

Hermon. It was known as the land of Mizpah and the Mizpeh
Valley. (Joshua 11:3, 8) It could have been the area south of Mount
Hermon.

MIZPAH, CITY IN SHEPHELAH: This city was somewhere about

5.5 miles south of Azekah. (Joshua 15:33, 38)

MIZPAH, CITY OF BENJAMIN: This city in the territory of

Benjamin was about 5 miles northwest of Jerusalem. All the fighting
men of Israel assembled at Mizpah to take action against the
perpetrators of the sex crime at Gibeah of Benjamin. (Judges 20:1-
48)

MIZPAH, CITY EAST OF THE JORDAN: This Mizpah was a city

east of the Jordan River in Gilead. (Judges 10:17; 11:11, 29)

MIZPAH, CITY OF MOAB: Mizpah was the city where David settled
his parent after he was outlawed by King Saul. (1 Samuel 22:3)

MIZRAIM: Mizraim was the second of Ham’s sons. He was the

progenitor of the Egyptian tribes. His name was synonymous with
Egypt. (Genesis 10:6, 13, 14; 50:11) The word “Egypt” in English
translations is translated from the Hebrew words “Mitsrayim” and
“Matsohr.” (2 Kings 19:24) (Isaiah 19:6; 37:25) (Micah 7:12)
MIZZAH: Mizzah was a sheik of Edom. He was a descendant of
Esau through Reuel. (Genesis 36:17) (1 Chronicles 1;34-37) Mizzah
was Esau’s grandson. (Genesis 36:2, 3, 10, 13)

MNASIN: This man was a native of Cyprus and an early disciple.

Paul and his traveling companions were entertained in Mnason’s
home at the completion of one of his missionary journneys about 56
C.E. (Acts 21:15-17)

MOAB: Moab was the eldest son of Lot. He was born of an

incestuous relationship with his daughter. (Genesis 19:30-38) The
people who lived in the territory where Moab lived were called
Moabites. (Genesis 36:35) (Numbers 21:20) (Ruth 1:2) (1 Chronicles
1:46) (Psalm 60:8) The country of Moab was on the east side of the
Jordan River and the Dead Sea and south of the Arnon River. Nu
21:13, 26) The plains of Moab were near Jericho. (Numbers 22:1;
26:63) (Joshua 13:32)

MOADIAH: Moadiah was a prietly paternal house in the time of

Joiakim. Piltai was in charge of this house. Moadiah was probably a
variation of the name Maadiah. Maadiah accompanied Zerubbabel
to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile ended. (Nehemiah 12:1, 5,
12, 17)

MODESTY: Modesty is freedom from vanity and conceit. It is an

awareness of limitations, chastity and personal purity. The Hebrew
root word for both modest and humble is “tsan-na.’” It is found at
Micah 6:8. The Greek word “ai-dos’” means modest and reverent. A
modest person has respect for the feelings and opinions of others. A
truly modest person has a proper estimate of self. God requires his
faithful followers to be modest in walking with him. (Micah 6:8)
Jesus Christ is an excellent example of modesty. He admitted that
he would not do anything on his own initiative, but only what he
saw the Father do. He also said the Father is greater than he is.
(John 5:19, 30; 14:28) Modesty in dress and physical appearance is
very important for Christians. (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)

MOLADAH: This city was in southern Judah. It belonged to the

trive of Simeon. After the exile, Judeans resettled the city. (Joshua
15:21, 26; 19:1, 2) (1 Chronicles 4:24, 28, 31)

MOLECH: Molech was an Ammonite deity. (1 Kings 11:5, 7, 33)

Molech was probably the same as Moloch and Milcom. (Acts 7:43)
(Amos 5:27) According to Jeremiah 32:35 there could be some
connection between Molech and Baal. So it is possible that the name
Molech may have been applied to more than one god. God’s Law to
Israel required the death penalty for anyone who gave his offspring
to Molech. (Leviticus 20:2-5) The term passing offspring through
the fire meant devoting or dedicating children to Molech. (2 Kings
17:17, 18) (Ezekiel 23:4, 36-39)

MOLE RAT: The mole rat was a 6 to 12 inch lump of soft thick fur.
This rodent was usually a yellowish gray-brown color. It had two
pairs of large protruding teeth. Under the Law, the mole rat was
unclean for food. (Leviticus 11:29) Mole rats live in underground
chambers. They eat vegetable matter, primarily roots and bulbs.

MOLID: Molid was from the tribe of Judah. He was a descendant of

Hezron through Jerahmeel, the son of Abishur by his wife Abihail.
(1 Chronicle 2:4, 5, 9, 25-29)

MOLTEN SEA: Also called the “great copper basin” and “copper
sea,” the molten sea was a very large basin built for use in the
tabernacle. It was built by Hiram, a Hebrew–Phoenician. It was
constructed of copper and measured nearly 15 feet wide from brim
to brim, and 7.5 feet deep. The molten sea was decorated with
gourd-shaped ornaments and 12 figures of bulls in groups of three,
facing all four directions. The copper in it weighed nearly 30 tons. It
held 11,620 gallons of water. It was Rabbinic tradition to wash
sacrifices with the water. (Exodus 30:17-21) (1 Kings 7:23, 40, 44)

MONEY: Money is the common medium of exchange established by

private individuals or by a government or national bank. In ancient
times livestock and other material possessions were used. The Latin
word for money is “pecunia.” It comes from the word “pecus”
meaning cattle. Cattle and food stuffs were convenient mediums of
exchange. (Genesis 47:17) (1 Kings 5:10, 11) Precious metals also
served as money in Abraham’s time. While they were not molded in
standard coins they were trade in the form of bars, rings, bracelets,
and other useful items. (Genesis 23:15, 16; 24:22) (Joshua 7:21)
(Jeremiah 32:10) The first coins were struck about 700 B.C.E. (1
Chronicles 29:7) (Ezra 8:27) (Nehemiah 7:70-72) Both Roman and
Greek coins are mentioned in the New Testament. (Mathew 5:26;
10:29; 17:24, 27; 20:10) (Mark 12:42) (Luke 12:6, 59; 15:8) The
apostle Paul warned against the love of money in his letter to
Timothy. (1 Timothy 6:10) Money should be properly used in the
effort to put the Kingdom of God first in our lives. (Luke 16:1-9)
(Matthew 6:33)
MONEY CHANGER: It was the responsibility of the moneychanger
to exchange one currency for another and coins of one value for
another. The moneychanger charged a fee for each exchange. The
Greek word “kollybistes” comes from the word “kollybos.” It was a
small coin paid as a commission for changing money. The Greek
word “ker-ma-ti-stes” means money broker or coin dealer. Often the
people needed to exchange money in order to purchase sacrificial
animals for use at the temple. Jesus Christ overturned the tables of
the money changers and condemned them for making the temple
into a house of merchandise and a cave of robbers. (John 2:13-16)
(Matthew 21:12, 13) (Mark 11:15-17)

MONUMENT: A monument is any structure that is used as a

reminder of some person or special event. It can be a pillar, a
plaque, building or marker. Jehovah appeared to Jacob in a vision
to confirm the Abrahamic covenant toward him. Jacob took the
stone he used for a pillow and set it up as a pillar. He anointed it
with oil to commemorate it as a monument. (Genesis 28:10-19)
Absalom’s Monument was built in order to keep his name in
remembrance. (2 Samuel 18:18) King Saul erected a monument in
honor of his victory over the Amelekites. (1 Samuel 15:12)
Gravestones were set up as memory aids and monuments. (1 Kings
13:1, 2) (2 Kings 23:16-18)

MOON: “God made two great lights. The sun was to govern the day.
The mood was to govern the night.” (Genesis 1:16) The moon was
provided by God to mark the appointed times. (Psalms 104:19)
(Jeremiah 31:35) (1 Corinthians 15:41) The Hebrew word for moon
was “ya-re’ach.” It was closely related to “ye’rach” meaning lunar
month. The lunar month always began with the new moon, Hebrew:
“cho’dhesh.” Therefore the new moon came to mean the same as
month. (Genesis 7:11) (Exodus 12:2) (Isaiah 66:23) The Greek word
“se-le’ne” is translated moon.

MOON WORSHIP: The moon-god Sin was the city god of Ur, the
capital of Sumer. The inhabitants of Ur were polytheistic, meaning
they worshiped more than one god. Yet the moon-god Sin was the
supreme god to whom their temple and altars were devoted.
Abraham’s father Terah practiced such idolatrous worship. (Genesis
11:31, 32) (Joshua 24:2, 14) Job also lived among moon worshipers.
He rejected their practice of kissing the hand of the moon. (Job
31:26-28) The nearby Midianites used moon-shaped ornaments for
worship. (Judges 8:21, 26) Solomon’s foreign wives brought moon
worship into Judah. (1 Kings 11:3-5, 33) (2 Kings 23:5, 13, 14)
MONOTHEISTIC: Belief that there is only one true God. The Holy
Scriptures present God as the one and only God. (John 4:23) (1
Corinthians 8:5-6) He requires exclusive devotion. (Nahum 1:2)
(Exodus 20:2-5) (John 14:28) (Matthew 22:36-38) The Bible
specifically states that the true God was and is the Father of Jesus
Christ. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6) The theory of “three gods in one” does
not respect Jehovah God’s requirement for exclusive devotion
stated at Deuteronomy 4:24, and it is not found in the Bible. There
is only one true God, not three! The word monotheistic is also not
found in the Holy Scriptures, but the concept is present through out
the context of the Bible.

MORDECAI, THE WRITER OF ESTHER: Mordecai is portrayed in

the Book of Esther as the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of
Kish a Benjaminite. (Esther 2:5) He was an older cousin and
guardian of Esther. (Esther 2:7) The book tells of his part in
activities of the Persian Empire in the fifth century B.C.E. He was
considered the writer of the Book of Esther.

MOREH, OF THE BIG TREES: The big trees of Moreh was a well
known landmark near Shechem at the time of Abraham and for
centuries. (Genesis 12:6; 35:4) (Deuteronomy 11:30) (Joshua 24:25,
26) (Judges 9:6)

MOREH HILL: Moreh Hill was located at the place where the
Midianites were defeated by Gideon. (Judges 7:1) Many think this
hill was the bare gray ridge of Jebel Dahi, 5 miles north of the well
of Harod.

MORESHETH: Moresheth was the city about 22 miles south west of

Jerusalem that was the home of Micah the prophet. (Jeremiah
26:18) (Micah 1:1) It was approximately 6 miles southeast of Gath.
The composit name Moresheth-gath found at Micah 1:14 implies
that the two cities were associated. (1 Samuel 6:18; 27:5)

MORIAH: Mount Moriah is the name of the rocky mountain on

which Solomon built a magnificent temple to Jehovah. His father
David purchased the site in order to erect an altar there. However
Jehovah made it clear to him that he was not to build the temple. (2
Samuel 24:16-25) (1 Chronicles 21:15-28) (2 Chronicles 3:1)
Abraham traveled to the land of Moriah from Beersheba. (Genesis
21:33, 34; 22:4, 19)

MORTAR, A PULVERIZING BOWL: The Bible speaks of a bowl that

was used to pulverize grain, olives, or other substances by pounding
with a pestle. The pestle being an oblong hammer-like rock or metal
object. Egyptian tomb paintings showed large capacity mortars,
some so large it took two men to handle the pestle. The Israelites
prepared manna in the wilderness by grinding it in hand mills or
pounding it in a mortar. (Numbers 11:7, 8) Olives were pulverized in
mortars with a pestle to produce oil and incense was beaten into
powder for use in the sanctuary. (Exodus 27:20, 21; 29:40, 42;
30:23-25, 35, 36) Grain was reduced to fine flour in a mortar.
(Proverbs 27:22)

MORTAR, BUILDING MATERIAL: Mortar is a building material

used as a bond in masonry or for covering a wall. It is applied
between bricks and stones to cement them together. (Leviticus
14:42, 45) (1 Chronicles 29:2) (Isaiah 54:11) (Jeremiah 43:9) This
weather resistant mixture was made of lime, sand, and water. It was
used in the construction of the finer homes in ancient Palestine.
Sometimes oil was added to the mixture or coated on the outside of
the wall to produce a nearly waterproof surface. (Genesis 11:3)
(Exodus 1:14) (Ezekiel 13:11-16)

MOSERAH, MOSEROTH: This is the place where the Israelites

camped when Aaron died. (Deuteronomy 10:6) (Numbers 33:30,
31) The plural form of Moserah is Moseroth.

MOSES: The name Moses means, “saved out of water.” He was

known as the Man of the true God, leader of the nation of Israel,
mediator of the Law covenant, prophet, judge, commander,
historian and writer. (Ezra 3:2) Moses was born in 1593 B.C.E. in
Egypt. He was the son of Amram, the grandson of Kohath and the
great-grandson of Levi. His mother, Jochebed, was sister of
Kohath’s sister. His older sister was Miriam. (Exodus 6:16, 18, 20;
2:7) Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew males were to be destroyed at
birth, but Jochebed hid Moses for three months. Then she placed
him in a papyrus ark among the reeds by the bank of the Nile River.
Pharaoh’s daughter found him and took him into her home to raise
him as her own child. (Exodus 2:1-10) (Acts 7:20-22) Even though
he was given favored position and opportunities in Egypt Moses’
heart was always with God’s people. (Hebrews 11:24, 25) (Acts 7:23-
29) (Exodus 2:11-15) Moses led his people through the exodus out of
Egypt into the wilderness. It was there that Jehovah God gave the
people of Israel the Law covenant. (Exodus 19:1-3; 20:1-17; 33:18-
23; 34:4-6) Research the name Moses in a comprehensive
concordance. Look up the 787 verses in the Bible that contain the
name Moses. You will be truly inspired by this topical study of the
righteous man, Moses.
MOST HOLY: The innermost room in the tabernacle (temple). It is
also called the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest entered the Most
Holy to carry out his duties. (Exodus 26:33) (1 Kings 6:16) A cloud
by day and a pillar of fire by night resided above the Most Holy of
the tabernacle in the wilderness. This was visible to the entire camp
of Israel. (Exodus 13:22; 40:38) (Numbers 9:15) (Psalm 80:1) The
Most Holy is referred to symbolically at Hebrews 9:7-12, 23, 24. The
High Priest Jesus Christ is to enter into what the Most Holy
represented, once and for all time with his sacrifice for sins, to
appear before the person of God for us.

MOTH: The moth is a four-winged insect that resembles a butterfly.

The moth has feathery shaped feelers not terminated by knobs.
Moths are nocturnal and their wings fold back over their bodies.
The moths referred to in the Bible are of the Tineola biselliella
variety known as the webbing clothes moth. (Job 13:28) (Psalm
39:11) (Isaiah 50:9; 51:8) (Hosea 5:12) (Matthew 6:19, 20) (Luke
12:33)

MOTHER: A woman who has given birth to a child is referred to as

a mother. Adam’s wife Eve was called the “mother of all the living”
because she was the first in history to give birth. (Genesis 3:20)
(Genesis 30:22-24; 35:16-19) (1 Kings 15:10) The word mother is
used in a figurative sense at Judges 5:7 to define a woman who
assists and cares for others. The apostle Paul likened the gentle care
he gave his spiritual children as that of a nurturing mother at 1
Thessalonians 2:7. Christian women are often referred to as
mothers and sisters. (Mark 3:35) (1 Timothy 5:1, 2) (1 Peter 3:6)
Sometimes the earth is considered “mother earth.” This is because
man came from the dust of the ground. (Genesis 2:7) (Job 1:21)
Jerusalem, both earthly and heavenly Jerusalem is considered
mother to the physical and spiritual people of Israel. (Galatian 4:25,
26) (Ezekiel 23:4, 25) Babylon the Great City of Revelation 17:5, 18
is called the mother of the harlots.

MOUND: Most dictionaries define a mound as a small natural hill.

It could also refer to a man made rampart or hill. This geographic or
structural feature is spoken of in ancient Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 5:9)
(1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27) (2 Kings 12:20) (1 Chronicles 11:8) (2
Chronicles 32:5) The height of the average mound mentioned in the
Bible is not stated. It would stand to reason that it was lower then
most mountains. The “House of the Mound” found at 2 Kings 12:20
is also translated “House of Millo. Millo comes from the Hebrew
word “mil-loh’” meaning mound, rampart, citadel.
MOUNTAINS OR HIGH PLACES: When used in symbolic terms
they mean Kingdoms or governments. (Revelation 6:16)

MOUNTAIN OF THE HOUSE OF JEHOVAH: The Mountain of

Jehovah is God’s temple in heaven. (Isaiah 2:3) The Israelites spoke
about going the Mountain of Jehovah on earth, namely the Temple
in Jerusalem.

MOUNTAIN OF MEETING: The king of Babylon is portrayed as

saying: “I will sit on the mountain of meeting far away in the north.”
(Isaiah 14:13) Some historians believe that this mountain of meeting
was the dwelling place of their gods. However the mountain of
meeting must be identified in the light of Holy Scripture. Clearly the
king of Babylon would not want his throne lifted above a god that he
worshiped. Isaiah reveals that the reference was not to the
Babylonian gods but to the Most High. (Isaiah 14:14) Therefore the
mountain of meeting must be associated to the Most High God!
There was only one mountain of any consequence to the Hebrews,
Mount Zion. (Isaiah 8:18; 18:7; 24:23) (Joel 3:17) Mount Zion was
in a northerly location. This harmonizes with the placement of the:
“mountain of meeting” in the remotest parts of the north. (Psalm
48:1, 2) It is important to remember that Jehovah God is in heaven
not in some physical mountain. Mount Zion is symbolic of heaven,
the home of our God.

MOUNT OF OLIVES: A series of limestone hills on the east side if

Jerusalem, the other side of the Kidron Valley. The Mount of Olives
is 2,664 feet in altitude. It is covered with palm, myrtle, oil and olive
trees. Jesus delivered the Olivet Prophecy on this mountain found
at Matthew Chapter 24, Mark Chapter 13 and Luke Chapter 21. This
detailed prophecy tells many of the things that will take place at the
end of the age. Mount Scopus is north of the Mount of Olives and
the Mount of Offense (Ruination) is to the south.

MOUNT OF RUINATION, MOUNT OF OFFENSE: The chain of

limestone hills on the east side of Jerusalem, near the Kidron
Valley, includes Mount Scopus, the Mount of Olives, and the Mount
of Ruination. The Mount of Ruination is also called the Mount of
Offence. It is 2,430 feet in altitude above sea level. King Solomon
built high places for idolatrous worship on high places to the south
of the Mount of Ruination. (1 Kings 11:7) (2 Kings 23:13)

MOURN, MOURNING: Mourning is the state of sorrow over the

death or departure of a loved one. The Holy Scriptures contain
many references about mourning. Mourning for the dead is
reported frequently. Abraham mourned for Sarah. (Genesis 23:2)
Jacob mourned for Joseph. (Genesis 37:34, 35) The Egyptians
mourned for Jacob. (Genesis 50:3-10) There was mourning
expressed for Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:8) A well known situation of
mourning was when Mary and Martha lamented the death of
Lazarus. (John 11) Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 says there is “a time to weep
and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
(Ecclesiastes 7:2, 4) (Proverbs 14:13) When Jesus was on earth
mourning was expressed with much emotion and noise. (Mark 5:38,
39) Even the land is said to mourn because of devastations caused
by war, famine and plague. (Jeremiah 4:27, 28) (Joel 1:10-12)
(Revelation 18:2, 7-11, 17-19)

MOUTH: The mouth is the opening through which food is taken in

and vocalizations (speech) emerge. The mouth is a gift from God
and should be used to praise Him. (Psalms 34:1; 51:15; 71:18;
145:21) We hear from the psalmist that everything that has breath
will praise Jehovah. Believing with the heart is not enough. Public
declaration of one’s faith is needed to bring salvation. (Psalm 150:6)
(Romans 10:10) (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) We read at Proverbs 10:11:
“The mouth of a righteous man is a fountain of life. Aggression
comes from the mouth of the wicked.” Jesus said: “Out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) “That
which comes out of the mouth makes a man unclean, not that which
goes into the mouth.” (Matthew 15:11) The word “mouth” is
sometimes used synonymously with the word speech. (Job 32:5)
(Psalms 10:7; 78:36) (Ezekiel 24:27) Mouth refers to an opening
also. The New Simplified Bible uses the word “opening” for many of
those occurrances. (Genesis 29:2; 43:12; 44:1, 2) (Joshua 10:22)
(Numbers 16:32) The grave opens it’s mouth very wide to receive
the dead. (Isaiah 5:14)

MOZA, FROM JUDAH: Moza was a descendant of Judah. He was

the son of Caleb by his concubine Ephah. (1 Chronicles 2:46)

MOZA, THE BENJAMITE: This Moza was a Benjamite. He was a

descendant of King Saul. And he was the son of Zimri. Moza was the
father of Binea. (1 Chronicles 8:33-37; 9:42, 43)

MOZAH: Mozah was a city in the territory of Benjamin. (Joshua

18:21, 26) It was about 4.5 miles northwest of the Temple Mount in
Jerusalem.
MULE: The mule is the hybrid offspring of a he-ass and a mare. The
mules body looks much like a horse. It has, however, a short thick
head, long ears, short mane, and small feet. The mule is less prone
to disease than the horse. It displays greater patience when loaded
down with heavey burdens. It also lives longer than most horses.
Mules were among the gifts brought to Solomon by kings. (1 Kings
10:24, 25) (2 Chronicles 9:23, 24) The stubborn characteristics
displayed by mules and horses must be avoided by humans. (Psalm
32:9)

MUPPIM: Muppim was one of Benjamin’s sons. (Genesis 46:21) He

was possibly the same person as Shephupham at Numbers 26:39
and Shephuphan at 1 Chronicles 8:5, also Shuppim at 1 Chronicles
7:12.

MURDER: The Hebrew word for murder is “ra-tsach.’” It clearly

means the unauthorized or unlawful taking of another person’s life.
There appears to be no difference in the meaning of the word
murder and the word kill. God’s Law is emphatic about not
committing murder, “Do not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) However the
Mosaic Law did allow the taking of human life as in the execution of
criminals. Murder has been common through out history. Cain
hated his righteous brother Abel and murdered him. (Genesis 4:1-8,
25; 5:3) After the Flood of Noah’s time God instructed humans to
administer capital punishment for murder. (Genesis 9:6) (Exodus
21:29, 30) (Deuteronomy 19:18-21) Hatred and envy cause a person
to murder, therefore anyone hating his brother would be a
manslayer, a murderer. (Matthew 15:19) (Mark 7:21) (Romans 1:28-
32) Jesus Christ proclaimed that hatred in the heart condemns a
person as a murderer. (Matthew 5:21) James concurred with this
teaching at James 5:5, 6 and 2:1-11.

MUSHI: Mushi was the grandson of Levi and son of Merari. (Ex
6:16, 19) Mushi became father to three sons and his family was
known as the Mushites. (1 Chronicles 23:23) (Numbers 26:58)

MUSHITES: The Mushites were a Levite family that descended

from Mushi the son of Merari. (Numbers 3:17, 20, 33; 26:58)

MUSIC: Singing is an outstanding way to worship Jehovah.

Instrumental music is also an excellent way to show adoration to
our God. It serves as an accompaniment for vocalists and also
magnifies Jehovah on its own. Both vocal and instrumental music
abound in the Holy Scriptures from the beginning to the end.
(Genesis 4:21; 31:27) (1 Chronicles 25:1) (Revelation 18:22) Music is
truly a gift from God. It is a way to render praise and thanksgiving
and it allows man to express his deepest emotions, his sorrows and
joys. David organized 4,000 Levites for musical service. (1
Chronicles 23:4, 5) Two hundred and eighty-eight of these Levites
were professionally trained as experts. (1 Chronicles 25:7) Music
was featured prominently in the Christian Greek Scriptures as well.
Jesus and his apostles sang praises after the Lord’s Evening Meal.
(Mark 14:26) Luke reports that Paul and Silas sang when they were
in prison. Paul also encouraged fellow believers to sing songs of
praise to Jehovah. (Acts 16:25) (Ephesians 5:18, 19) (Colossians
3:16) In fact it was a regular feature of Christian worship. (1
Corinthians 14:15)

MUSTARD: The mustard plant grows from a very small seed.

(Matthew 13:31; 17:20) The seeds were ground into powder and
used as spice on food.

MUTH-LABBEN: This is an expression found in the superscription

of Psalm 9. It was written by David. Its traditional meaning is “the
death of a man.” The superscription of Psalm 9 in the Targum reads,
“On the death of the man who came forth from between the camps.”
This is evidently a reference to Goliath, the Philistine whom David
defeated. (1 Samuel 17:45-51)

MUZZLE: The muzzle covered an animal’s mouth to prevent it from

biting or eating. Cattle were frequently used in Palestine to tread the
grain with their hooves. Jehovah commanded: Do not muzzle the
bull while he is threshing. (Deuteronomy 25:4) (Proverbs 12:10) The
bull was to be allowed to eat from the results of its own labor. The
same principle can be applied to humans. (1 Titus 5:17, 18) (1
Corinthians 9:8-14) David applied muzzle figuratively at Psalm 39:1
where he said he would guard his mouth with a muzzle.

MYRA: Myra was a city in the province of Lycia near the coast of
southwest Asia Minor. It was on a hill two miles inland on the
Andracus River. The apostle Paul was a prisoner bound for Rome.
He arrived at Myra from Caesarea by way of Sidon. He had to
transfer to a grain ship from Alexandria that was sailing to Italy.
(Acts 27:1-6, 38)

MYRRH: This sweet smelling resin was highly valued. It was used
as a medicine. (Mark 15:23) Myrrh was an ingredient used for holly
anointing oil. (Exodus 30:23-25) It was used to scent garments.
(Psalm 45:8) (Proverbs 7:17) The Jews also used it to prepare bodies
for burial. (John 19:39) It was presented to Jesus, the king of the
Jews. (Matthew 2:1, 2, 11)

MYRTLE TREE: The myrtle grows as a shrub or a tree. It is

common in Israel and Lebanon. SEE POMEGRANATE TREE

MYSIA: Mysia was a geographic region in the northwest part of Asia

Minor. It was bordered on the west and north by the Aegean Sea.
Bithynia was on the east and Lydia to the south. Paul, Silas and
Timothy attempted to travel to Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus did
not permit it. So they went down to Troas. (Acts 15:40; 16:1-3, 7, 8)
They passed by Mysia and thus omitted it as a field of missionary
activity. (Acts 20:13, 14; 27:2) (Revelation 1:11)

MYSTERY: SEE SECRET

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

N

NAAM: He was the Son of Caleb, Jephunneh’s son, of the tribe of

Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 15)

NAAMAH, SISTER OF TUBAL-CAIN: Naamah was a descendant of

Cain. She was the sister of Tubal-cain and the daughter of Lamech
by Zillah. (Genesis 4:17-19, 22)

NAAMAH, SOLOMON’S WIFE: This Naamah was the Ammonite

wife of Solomon. She was the mother of Rehoboam. (1 Kings 14:21)
(2 Chronicles 12:13)

NAAMAH, CITY IN SHEPHELAH: This Judean city was in the

Shephelah. (Joshua 15:20, 33, 41)

NAAMAN, SYRIAN ARMY OFFICER: Naaman was a Syrian army

officer of the tenth century B.C.E. He served during the reigns of
Jehoram of Israel and Ben-hadad II of Syria. Naaman was a leper.
Even though the Syrians did not isolate him he eagerly searched for
a cure. Elisha had his servant tell Naaman to bathe seven times in
the Jordan River. When he did this Naaman was cured and he
became a worshipper of Jehovah. (2 Kings 5:1-14) (Luke 4:27)

NAAMAN, GRANDSON OF BENJAMIN: This Naaman was the

grandson of Benjamin through his first born Bela. (1 Chronicles 8:1-
4, 7) He was the founder of the Naamites family. (Numbers 26:40)
NAAMATHITE: Job’s companion Zophar was a Naamathite. (Job
2:11; 11:1; 20:1; 42:9) Zophar and his family lived at Djebelel
Naameh in northwest Arabia.

NAAMITES: The Naamites were a family from Israel descended

from Benjamin’s grandson Naaman. (Numbers 26:38, 40)

NAARAI: Naarai was the son of Ezbai. He was a mighty man in

David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 37)

NAARAN: Naaran was an Ephraimite border city. (1 Chronicles

7:20)

NABAL: Nabal was a Calebite, a descendant of Caleb. He was a

sheep owner who pastured and sheared his flocks in Carmel of
Judah. (1 Samuel 25:2, 3, 17, 21, 25) David wanted to kill Nabal
because of the way he treated David. God struck Nabel in death.
(Deuteronomy 28:28) (Psalm 102:4) (1:Samuel 25:2-38) David later
took Abigail, Nabel’s wife, as his wife. (1 Samuel 25:39-42; 27:3;
30:5) (2 Samuel 2:2; 3:3)

NABONIDUS: It means Nebo is Exalted. Nebo was an Egyptian god.

Nabonidus was the last supreme monarch of the Babylonian
Empire, who ruled from 556 to 529 B.C.E. He was father of
Belshazzar. He spent much of his time indulging in literature, art
and religion.

NABOTH: Naboth was a Jezreelite vineyard owner. He was the

victim of an evil plot by Queen Jezebel. Naboth’s vineyard was
within sight of King Ahab’s palace. Naboth declined Ahab’s offer to
buy the vineyard or the exchange it for a better vineyard somewhere
else. This was because Jehovah prohibited the sale in perpetuity of a
family inheritance. Queen Jezebel schemed to have two witnesses
falsely accuse Naboth of blaspheming God and the king. The rest of
this story of murder and intrigue can be read at 1 Kings chapter 21.

NACON: This was the name of the threshing floor where Uzzah died
for grabbing hold of the Ark of the Covenant. (2 Samuel 6:6)

NADAB, SON OF AARON: Nadab was the firstborn son of Aaron

and Elisheba. (Exodus 6:23) (1 Chronicles 6:3) He was born in
Egypt and traveled with the Israelites during the great Exodus.
Nadab was included with his younger brother Abihu and 70 other
Israelites who were called with Aaron and Moses to Sinai. At Sinai
they saw a vision of Jehovah. (Exodus 24:1, 9-11) Nadab and his
three brothers were all priest along with their father. (Exodus 28:1;
40:12-16) They were later involved in wrongdoing and Jehovah
destroyed them by fire. (Leviticus 10:1-11) (Numbers 26:60, 61)

NAGGAI: Naggai was an ancestor of Jesus Christ listed by Luke in

his genealogy. (Luke 3:23, 25)

NAHALAL: This city of Zebulun was assigned to the Merarite

Levites. It was also called Nahalol. (Joshua 1:10, 14, 15; 21:34, 35)

NAHALIEL: The name Nahaliel means “Valley of God.” The

Israelites camped at Nahaliel before they fought the Amorite King
Sihon. (Numbers 21:19-24)

NAHALOL: Nahalon was the alternate name for Nahalal, the city in
Zebulun. (Judges 1:30)

NAHAM: Naham was a descendant of Judah, the brother-in-law of

Hodiah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 19)

NAHAMANI: He returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile.

(Nehemiah 7:6, 7)

NAHARAI: Naharai was a Berothite. He was one of Joab’s armor

bearers. He was also one of David’s mighty men of his military
forces. (2 Samuel 23:24, 37) (1 Chronicles 26, 39)

NAHASH, KING OF THE AMMONITES: Nahash was king of the

Ammonites when Saul begain his reign. He led his army against
Jabesh in Gilead. Israel rallied around King Saul and defeated
Nahash at Jabesh. Nearly all of Nahash's army were killed. (1
Samuel 11:1-22; 12:11, 12)

NAHATH, SHEIK OF EDOM: Nahath was the sheik of Edom. He

was the son of Reuel and grandson of Esau. His mother was
Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter. (Genesis 36:2-4, 13, 17)

NAHATH, DESCENDANT OF KOHATH: Nahath was a Levite. He

was a descendant of Kohath and an ancestor of Samuel. (1
Chronicles 6:16, 22-28) He was also called Tohu and Toah. (1
Samuel 1:1) (1 Chronicles 6:33-35)

NAHATH, APPOINTED BY HEZEKIAH: Nahath was a Levite who

was appointed a commissionar by King Hezekiah. His responsibility
was to assist Conaniah and Shimei with the oversight of the
contribution, the tenth, and the holy things that were brought to the
Temple. (2 Chronicles 31:12, 13)

NAHBI: Nahbi was the son of Vophsi of the tribe of Naphtali. Moses
sent 12 men to spy out the land of Canaan. He was among the men
who returned with a bad report. (Numbers 13:1-3, 14, 16, 31-33)

NAHUM: Nahum was an Israelite prophet of the seventh century

B.C.E. He may have been in Judah at the time he wrote the book
bearing his name for he spoke about Judah in the first chapter of his
book. (Nahum 1:15) Nahum was an Elkoshite, meaning he was a
resident of Elkosh, a village of Judah. (Nahum 1:1)

NAHUM, THE BOOK: The book of Nahum is a prophetic

pronouncement against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian
Empire. It was written sometime before Nineveh was destroyed in
632 B.C.E. The book was written by Nahum the Elkoshite. (Nahum
1:1) Jehovah executes vengeance upon his adversaries. The people
were worshipping false gods and Jehovah requires exclusive
devotion. “Jehovah is a zealous God requiring exclusive devotion
(tolorates no rivals).” (Nahum 1:2) “Jehovah is good, a stronghold in
the day of trouble!" The final pronouncement on Nineveh is given,
“There is no relief for your pain. Your wound is grievous! All who
hear the report about you applaud for your wickedness affected
everyone.”

NAIL: Some of the ancient nails had four-sided shanks and a longer
taper to the point than those in use today. They were made of
bronze and iron. (1 Chronicles 22:3) The nails used to attach Jesus
to the stake were about 4.5 inches long. Thomas did not believe that
Jesus Christ was resurrected until after he saw the print of the nails
in Jesus’ flesh. (John 20:24-29) Paul used the term nail figuratively
when he said that God took the Law out of the way by nailing it to
the stake. (Colossians 2:13-14)

NAIN: Hebrew: Nain, means green pastures. Jesus raised a widow’s

son to life near the village of Nain.

NAKED: This word sometimes means completely naked (without

clothes). (Genesis 2:25) (Job 1:20-21) (Ecclesiastes 5:15) (Micah
1:8) It can also mean being poorly clad. (Isaiah 58:7) (James 2:15)
Someone who has laid aside his lose outer garment is called naked
too, even though he still is covered with under clothing. (1 Samuel
19:24) (Isaiah 47:3) (Mark 14:52) (John 21:7) It can also be used
figuratively to mean being discovered or exposed such as Job 26:6
and Hebrews 4:13.

NAIOTH: There was a place where prophets lived during the time of
Samuel called Naioth. (1 Samuel 19:18-20:1) This was probably a
part of the town of Ramah, in the hills of Ephraim.

NAME: Greek: “onoma” means proper name, authority, character

and reputation. (Matthew 6:9) Every family on earth obtains its
name from God. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) The lines of descent lead from
Adam and Eve directly to each family. (Psalms 147:4)

NAOMI: Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth, who was the

ancestress of David and of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:5) (Ruth 1:1-17)

NAPHISH: Naphish was the 11th of Ishmael’s 12 sons. (Genesis 25:13

—16) (1 Chronicles 1:29-31) He was the head of an Ishmaelite tribe
that resided along the northeast border of the Promised Land. (1
Chronicles 5:10, 18-22)

NAPHTALI, THE TRIBE: The tribe of Naphtali was a tribe of Israel.

It consisted of four tribal families descended from Naphtali’s sons
Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. (Numbers 26:48, 49) After
crossing the Jordan River and conquering Jericho and Ai under
Joshua’s leadership, Naphtali was one of the tribes who stood
before Mount Ebal. (Joshua 6:24, 25; 8:28, 30-35) (Deuteronomy
27:13) Territory assigned to Naphtali was located in the northern
part of the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 34:1, 2) The Sea of
Galilee and the Jordan River were on the east boundry. Asher’s
territory was on the west border. There were 19 fortified cities in
Naphtali. (Joshua 19:35-39) Kedesh was one of these cities. It was
given to the Levites as a city of refuge. (Joshua 20:7, 9) Naphtali
was spoken of in prophecy several times. (Isaiah 9:1, 2) (Ezekiel
48:3, 4, 34, 35) (Revelation 7:4, 6) Jesus made Capernaum in
Naphtali’s territory his own city. (Matthew 4:13; 9:1)

NARCISSUS: Paul wrote his greetings in the letter to the Romans to

the household of Narcissus. He was the head of a household in
Rome. (Romans 16:11)

NARD: Mary took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard and
anointed Jesus feet. (John 12:3) (Mark 14:3) Nard is expensive
perfume made from a plant.
NATHAN, THE PROPHET: Nathan was Jehovah’s prophet during
David’s reign. Jehovah informed Nathan that David would not build
the house of Jehovah. He also informed Nathan that he was to tell
David that Jehovah would announce a covenant for a kingdom in
David’s lineage. (2 Samuel 7:4-17) (1 Chronicles 17:3-15) Jehovah
sent Nathan to David to make him aware of how monumental his
sin against Uriah the Hittite was respecting the woman with whom
David committed fornication, Bathsheba. Later Nathan expressed
Jehovah’s judgement upon David and his house. (2 Samuel 12:1-18)
David’s strong feelings of remorse and repentance are found in the
51st Psalm.

NATHAN, FROM DAVID TO JESUS CHRIST: David and Bathsheba

gave birth to a son they named Nathan. (2 Samuel 5:13, 14) (1
Chronicles 3:5) The natural lineage from David to the Messiah is
traced through Nathan and his descendants through Jesus’ mother
Mary. (Luke 3:23, 31)

NATHANAEL: In Hebrew this name means God Has Given. This is

considered the name of Bartholomew, one of Jesus 12 apostles. The
synoptic gospel writers call him Bartholomew, but the apostle John
uses his given name Nathanael. (Matthew 10:3) (Mark 3:18) (Luke
6:14) (John 1:45, 46) He was from Cana of Galilee. (John 21:2)
When he was first invited to meet the Messiah, Nathanael asked,
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

NATHAN-MELECH: This court official of Judah had a dining room

located in the porch entrance of the temple. False religion was
rampant in Judah. The false worshipers were brought the horses
given to the sun into the temple through the porch entrance. King
Josiah stopped this practice. (2 Kings 23:11)

NATIONS: People bound by a common heritage and organized

under one government are a nation. The people usually occupy a
specific geographic territory. Hebrew: “gohy” and Greek: “e’thnos”
mean Gentile nations. God promised Abraham he would become
the father of nations. (Genesis 12:1-4) Jesus announced the coming
of a new nation of spiritual Israel. (Matthew 21:33-43) Peter
identified that nation as the Spirit anointed Christians. (1 Peter 2:4-
10)

NATURE: The Greek words “physis” and “physikos” refer to what a

person is by birth, to hereditary qualities and general behavior.
Most translators use the English words “nature” and “natural.”
NATURE, HUMAN: The nature of man is different than that of
animals. Animals are tamed by humankind, “Greek: physei tei
anthropinei.” (James 3:7) (Genesis 1:20-28) (1 Corinthians 15:39)
Man differs from the animals because the human brain is capable of
the basic emotions of love and hate. Man has a conscience that
allows him to determine right and wrong and behave accordingly.
(Acts 23:1) (Galatians 4:8) (Romans 2:14, 15) (1 Corinthians 11:14,
15) SEE: CONSCIENCE

NATURE, DIVINE: There is a nature that belongs to those in

heaven, to spirit beings. The apostle Peter mentions the divine
nature. (2 Peter 1:4) He said Christians could become “partakers in
the divine nature.” He said it was reserved in heaven. (1 Peter 1:3, 4)
The apostle Paul made it clear at First Corinthians chapter 15 that
one must change completely from the physical to the spiritual, that
it would require death and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:36, 38,
44, 49, 51)

NAZARETH: Means sprout-town. This is the city in Galilee where

Jesus grew up along with his half brothers and half sisters.
(Matthew 2:21-23) (Luke 4:16-30) (John 1:45-46) Jesus was
referred to as a Nazarene. (Acts 24:5) Nazareth was 60 miles north
of Jerusalem.

NAZARENE: Hebrew: “ne’tser” meaning sprout. Jesus was called

the Nazarene. It was a natural thing to refer to him as the Nazarene
since he was raised from infancy as a local carpenter’s son in the city
of Nazareth. It was common to associate people with the places
from which they came. The name Nazarene was prophetically
foretold when the prophets referred to the twig or sprout from
Jesse. (Isaiah 11:1) (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15) (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12-13)

NAZIRITE: A person who took a special vow of self-dedication. That

person was not to drink beer or wine, cut his hair, or touch a dead
body. (Numbers 6:1-21) The vow could be taken for a specific period
of time. Some persons were dedicated to God as Nazirites from
birth.

NEAH: Neah was a city in Zebulun’s territory. (Joshua 19:10, 13, 14,
16)

NEAPOLIS: Neapolis was a city in Greece at the northern end of the

Aegean Sea that served as a seaport for Philippi. The apostle Paul
first entered Europe at Neapolis. Then he crossed the mountain
range between Neapolis and Philippi. (Acts 16:9-11) Six years later
he crossed through Neapolis again. (Acts 20:6)

NEARIAH, SON OF ISHI: Neariah was the son of Ishi. He was a

Simeonite. He and his three brothers lead a military force of 500
men that defeated the Amalekites at Mount Seir. Then they took up
residence there. (1 Chronicles 4:42, 43)

NEARIAH, SON OF SHEMAIAH: This Neariah was the son of

Shemaiah. His sons were Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam. He was a
descendant of David. (1 Chronicles 3:1, 22, 23)

NEBAI: Nebai was one of the leaders of the people who attested by
seal the trustworthy arrangement of Nehemiah’s day. (Nehemiah
9:38; 10:1, 14, 19)

NEBAIOTH: He was the firstborn of Ishmael’s 12 sons and the

founder of one of the prominent Arabian tribes. (Genesis 25:13-16)
(1 Chronicles 1:29-31)

NEBALLAT: Neballat was a place settled by the Benjamites after the

Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:31) It is located on a hill about three
miles northeast of Lydda at the end of the Plain of Sharon.

NEBAT: This man was an Ephraimite and father of King Jeroboam

I, the first ruler of the ten-tribe kingdom of Isreael. (1 Kings 11:26)
(2 Kings 14:23-24)

NEBO, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Nebo was one of the mountains of

Abarim. Moses viewed the Promised Land from on top of Mount
Nebo. (Deuteronomy 32:48-52) It may have been part of Mount
Pisgah as indicated by the wording of Deuteronomy 34:1-4. Moses
died on the top of the mountain after viewing the Promised Land.

NEBO, A FALSE GOD: Nebo was a deity worshiped in Babylonia

and Assyria. He was identified with the planet Mercury and was
regarded as the son of Murduk and Sarpanitu and consort of
Tashmitum. The prophet Isaiah said that Nebo would be humiliated
at the fall of Babylon at Isaiah 46:1, 2. The Babylonian king
Nabonidus called Nebo the administrator of all the upper and
nether world with power to lengthen the span of life.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR: This is the mighty Babylonian King who

conquered Jerusalem and took the people captive. Many of them
were taken to Babylon. The entire accound is recorded at 2 Kings
chapters 24 and 25, 2 Chronicles chapter 36 and Daniel chapters 2
and 4. Nebuchadnezzar ruled as king for 43 years from 624 to 582
B.C.E. This period includes the seven times when he ate vegetation
like a bull. (Daniel 4:31-33)

NEBUSHAZBAN: Nebushazban was the chief court official for

Nebuchadnezzar when Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E. He
was one of several princes that directed the release of Jeremiah.
(Jeremiah 39:13, 14)

NEBUZARADAN: Nebuzaradan was the chief of the bodyguard and

principal figure in Nebuchadnezzar’s forces at the destruction of
Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. Jerusalem was conquered and King
Zedekiah was blinded and brought to Babylon. (1 Kings 25:2-8)
(Jeremiah 39:2, 3; 52:6-11)

NECHO: Necho was a pharaoh and king of Egypt at the time of the
Judean King Josiah. Necho was the son of Psammetichus and he
succeeded his father as ruler of Egypt. King Necho initiated
construction work on a canal linking the Nile with the Red Sea, but
he did not complete this project. He also sent a fleet of ships on a
voyage around Africa successfully. The voyage was completed in
three years. King Necho imposed heavy fines on the kingdom of
Judah. (2 Chronicles 35:20-36:4) (2 Kings 23:29-35) The
Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar defeated Necho’s forces.
(Jeremiah 46:2)

NECK: The neck is part of the human or animal that connects the
head with the rest of the body. The term neck is frequently used in a
figurative way in the Bible. To have one’s hand on the back of the
neck was to conquer the enemy or have the enemy turn their backs
as a sign that they lost. (Genesis 49:8) (2 Samuel 22:41) (Psalm
18:40) Expressions of stiff-necked people refer to stubborn,
obstinate and rebellious people. (Proverbs 29:1) (Deuteronomy 9:6,
13, 31-27) (Psalm 75:5) Acts 20:37 says, “They all wept profusely,
and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him.” Here the word fell comes
from the Greek word “epipipto” which means to embrace. And the
word neck is derived from the Greek word “trachelos” which
literally means the neck or throat, but figuratively it means “life.”
Taken together “epipipto trachelos” means to embrace life. They
embraced Paul’s life or being. The same expression is found in the
Hebrew language at Genesis 45:14. The expression calls attention to
the need to show deep affection and respect for one another.
NECKLACE: A necklace is an ornamental chain or string of beads,
gold, silver, coral, and jewels worn around the neck. Necklaces were
worn by both women and men. (Genesis 41:41, 42) (Daniel 5:7, 16,
17, 29) Even camels wore necklaces. (Judges 8:21, 26) (Acts 20:37)

NEDABIAH: Nedabiah was the last son of King Jeconiah. He was

born during Jeconiah’s exile in Babylon. (1 Chronicles 3:17, 18) (2
Kings 24:15) (Jeremiah 29:1, 2, 4, 6)

NEEDLE: This slender tool with a sharp point at one end and a hole
at the other is used for sewing with thread. (Exodus 28:6; 35:34, 35)
(Ecclesiastes 3:7) (Luke 5:36)

NEEDLE’S EYE: Jesus Christ used the needles eye in an illustration.

He said: “It is easier for a camel to get through a needle’s eye than
for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)
(Mark 10:25) There are some who believe that very small gates in
the wall could be considered needle’s eyes, however the illustration
was meant as a hyperbole (exaggeration). It emphasized how
difficult it would be for rich men to begin serving God and actually
enter the Kingdom. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) (Luke 13:24)

NEGEB: The Hebrew word “neghev” comes from the root meaning
parched or dry land. It is referred to as a land of distress and
anguish at Isaiah 30:6. When Abram left Egypt to the Negeb at
Genesis 13:1 no direction is specified. The area known as the Negeb
went from Beer-sheba in the north to Kadesh-barnea in the south.
(Genesis 21:14) (Numbers 13:17, 22; 32:8) It was a high plateau and
a desert where only the tamarisk tree would grow.

NEGLECT: The Greek word “a-me-le’o” conveys the idea of not

caring or being unconcerned. It can mean willful or deliberate
neglect or an oversight through indifference or carelessness. The
apostle Paul warned Christians: How shall we escape if we neglect
this great salvation? (Hebrews 2:1-4) He cautioned Timothy: “Do
not neglect the spiritual gift in you.” (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

NEHELAM: Nehelam is a place mentioned by Jeremiah. It might

have been the home of the false prophet Shemaiah. (Jeremiah
29:24, 31, 32; 23:25) Bible experts do not know where this place was
located.

NEHUM: This is an alternate spelling for Rehum, one of the men

returning from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:2)
(Nehemiah 7:7)
NEHUSHTA: Nehushta was the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.
She was the wife of King Jehoiakim when the first captives were
taken to Babylon in 617 B.C.E. Her son Jehoiachin ruled in
Jerusalem only three months when Nehushta was taken captive. (2
Kings 24:6, 8, 12) (Jeremiah 29:2)

NEIEL: Neiel was a city of Asher identified with Khirbet Ya’nin.

(Joshua 19:24, 27)

NEIGHBOR: The Holy Scriptures offer excellent counsel on how to

live with your neighbors. (Exodus 20:16-17) (Leviticus 19:13-18)
(Proverbs 3:27-29) (Matthew 19:19) (Luke 10:25-37)

NEMUELITES: The Nemuelites were a family of Simeon. The were

relatives oof Nemuel. (Numbers 26:12)

NEPHILIM: Nephilim is the name given to the large, strong people

who were offspring of the rebellious angels who came to earth. They
mated humans and gave birth to giants. The accound is recorded at
Genesis Chapter 6.

NEPHTOAH: The Nephtoah Spring was located on the boundary

between Judah and Benjamin. (Joshua 15:1, 9; 18:11)

NEPHUSHESIM: This man was the family head of a family of

Nethinim. Some of the descendants returned from Babylonian exile
with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Nehemiah 7:6, 7, 46, 52) (Ezra 2:43,
50)

NER: Ner was a Benjamite. He was the son of Abiel (Jeiel). Ner was
the father of Abner and Kish, and grandfather of King Saul. (1
Samuel 14:50, 51) (1 Chronicles 8:33; 9:39)

NEREUS: Paul included Nereus and his sister in the greetings

offered to the Roman congregation at Romans 16:15.

NERGAL: Nergal was a Babylonian deity worshiped at Cuthah.

History verifies that Cuthah was a city dedicated to Nergal. (2 Kings
17:24, 30, 33) Some scholars believe that Nergal associated with
fire, the heat of the sun, war and hunting. Nergal-sharezer the
Rabmag, one of King Nebuchadnezzar’s princes, was probably
named after this god. (Jeremiah 39:3, 13)
NERIAH: Neriah was the son of Mahseiah. He was father to both
Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, and Seraiah, the person who read the
denunciation of Babylon. (Jeremiah 32:12; 36:4, 8, 14, 32; 42:3, 6;
45:1; 51:59-64)

NEST: A nest is a structure where birds or animals lay eggs or give

birth to their young. It is a snug, cozy and secluded retreat or home.
(Proverbs 27:8) (Isaiah 10:14; 16:2) Jesus said: “Foxes have holes,
and the birds of heaven have nests but the Son of man has nowhere
to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:19, 20) God used the eagle’s high
nesting place as a symbol of Edom’s haughtiness and
presumptuousness. (Jeremiah 49:15-18) (Obadiah 1-4) Jeremiah
compared the inhabitants of Jerusalem with those in Lebanon,
being nested in the cedars, that they were to brought down from this
lofty position. (Jeremiah 22:6, 23)

NET: A net is a trap made of fabric such as twine, thread, or rope

woven into meshes. Nets were used for catching fish. (Ecclesiastes
9:12) (Isaiah 19:8) (Matthew 4:18-21) It was also used to catch birds
and other animals. (Proverbs 1:17) (Isaiah 51:20) The term net was
used frequently in the Scriptures figuratively meaning to ensnare
others. (Job 18:8; 19:6) (Psalms 66:11) (Ezekiel 12:13; 17:20; 19:8)
(Micah 7:2)

NETAIM: Netaim was a Judean site inhabited by some potters who

served the king. (1 Chronicles 4:21-23)

NETHINIM: Nethinim were Israelite temple slaves or ministers

(servants). (1 Chronicles 9:2) (Ezra 8:17) Many of the Nethinim
were descendants of the Gibeonites. Joshua called them gatherers of
wood and drawers of water for the assembly and for Jehovah’s altar.
(Joshua 9:23, 27)

NETTLE: There are a variety of plants with saw-edged leaves. They

are usually covered with stinging hairs containing irritating liquid.
The hairs brake off and penetrate the skin. The Hebrew terms cha-
rul’, qim-mohsh’ and sir-padh’ refer to nettles and briers. (Proverbs
24:31) (Zepaniah 2:9) (Isaiah 34:13) (Job 30:7) Most people would
not like to get close to nettles, however in a waterless region they
might seek the shade of a tall nettle or even gather these plants for
food.

NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH: The New Heaven is the new
righteous government under Jesus Christ and his co ruling kings.
(Revelation 5:10; 20:4) (2 Peter 3:13) The New Earth is the new
righteous human society under the rule of the New Heaven.
(Revelation 21:1)

NEW JERUSALEM: The expression “New Jerusalem” is found two

times in the Holy Scriptures, Revelation 3:12 and 21:2. Revelation
21:2 points out that the New Jerusalem is prepared as a bride. A few
verses later at Revelation 21:9-11 we learn that bride is the Lamb’s
wife and she is the holy city Jerusalem. New Jerusalem is heavenly,
not earthly, for it comes down “out of heaven from God.”
(Revelation 21:10) Of course this is all presented in symbolic
language but it becomes clear that the New Jerusalem is the bride of
Christ, the resurrected anointed Christians. (Revelation 5:10; 7:4;
14:1-3; 20:6)

Earlier Paul likened the Christian congregation to a wife, with Christ

as her Husband and Head. This is found at Ephesians 5:23-25, 32.
The apostles Paul and Peter each said citizenship exists in the
heavens and is reserved for those who are to be the bride of Christ.
(Philippians 3:20) (1 Peter 1:4) Chapter 21 of the book of Revelation
describes this beautiful heavenly city.

NEW MOON FESTIVAL: The Israelites observed a religious

observance on the day of the new moon each month.

NEWT: Hebrew “leta-ah” means a small salamander or tailed

amphibian. The newt resembled a lizard but it was without scales
and covered with a soft, moist, thin skin. It is related to the frog and
is one of the unclean creatures of the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 11:29,
30) The newt is born in water and lives on land after shedding its
gills. After a couple years it returns to life in the water.

NEZIAH: Neziah was a forefather of a group of Nethinim who

returned with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile in 537 B.C.E.
(Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 54) (Nehemiah 7:46, 56)

NEZIB: This Judean site was in the Shephelah. It was also identified
with Khirbet Beit Nesib about seven miles northwest of Hebron.
(Joshua 15:20, 33, 43)

NIBHAZ: Nibhaz was a deity worshiped by the Avvites at the time

the king of Assyria settled in the territory of Samaria. This was after
the deportation of the Israelites after the fall of the ten-tribe
kingdom. (2 Kings 17:24-31)
NIBSHAN: Nibshan was a city in the Judean wilderness. (Joshua
15:20, 61, 62)

NICANOR: He is one of the seven men filled with spirit and wisdom
and approved by the apostles to look after the daily distribution in
the early Jerusalem congregation. (Acts 6:1-6)

NICODEMUS: An important Jewish ruler and teacher by the name

of Nicodemus approached Jesus by night and asked him what he
must do to receive salvation. (John 3:1-21; 7:45-53; 19:38-42)

NICOLAUS, THE FOOD DISTRIBUTOR: The congregation

recommended seven qualified men to the apostles for appointment
as food distributors. Their job was to ensure fair treatment among
the early Jerusalem congregation following Pentecost, 33 C.E. (Acts
6:1-6)

NICOLAUS, THE SECT: The sect of Nicolaus is condemned twice in

the book of Revelation, in two of the seven letters to the
congregations. It is found in chapters two and three of Revelation.
The angel of the Ephesus was commended for hating the deeds of
the sect of Nicolaus which Jesus Christ also hates. (Revelation 2:1,
6) Those of the congregation of Pergamum who “hold the doctrine
of the sect of Nicolaus” were warned to turn away and repent.
(Revelation 2:12, 15, 16) This false religious sect was probably
practicing an immoral and idolatrous course due to the teaching of
Balaam, but little else is known about them. (Revelation 2:14, 15)

NICOPOLIS: The apostle Paul decided to spend the winter at

Nicopolis during one of his trips. (Titus 3:12) Nicopolis of Epirus
located on a peninsula in northwest Greece fits the Biblical
reference in Titus.

NIGER: This is the Latin surname given to Symeon, one of the

prophets and teachers of the congregation of Antioch, Syria. (Acts
13:1)

NIGHT: Jehovah designated the period of darkness from sunset to

sunrise as night. (Genesis 1:5, 14) The night was divided into
watches. (Psalm 63:6) The first watch was from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The middle night watch ran from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. The third
watch was called the morning watch. It lasted from 2 a.m. until
sunrise. (Judges 7:19) (Exodus 14:24-28) (1 Samuel 11:11) When
Jesus told his disciples to keep on the watch at Mark 13:35 he was
referring to being awake the same as the watchman is awake.
Sometimes the Bible uses the term night in a figurative way
speaking of a period of spiritual darkness. (John 9:4) (Romans
13:11, 12) On occasion the truth is referred to as the light and false
teachings as night or darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) Revelation
21:2,25 and 22:5 assure believers that in the New Jerusalem night
will be no more. This is symbolic, telling us that a time of evil,
gloom and false teachings will be no more. There will be no more
spiritual darkness! The light of truth will prevail.

NIGHTJAR, SCREECH OWL: The Hebrew word “li-lith” means a

creature inhabiting Edom’s ruins, most likely a nocturnal bird.
(Isaiah 34:14) It has been translated night-monster, nightjar, and
screech owl. The screech owl is the most understood term in our
modern society.

NILE RIVER: This river flows through Egypt. Its headwaters are
many miles up river in Africa for it is twenty-five hundred miles
long. The baby Moses was place in a basket floating on the Nile.
(Exodus 2:1-10) God turned the waters of the Nile into blood.
(Exodus 7:14-25) He also produced a plague of frogs at the river.
(Exodus 8:1-15)

NILE CANALS: Irrigation canals branch off from the Nile River.
(Ex0dus 7:19; 8:5) (Psalm 78:44) The word for Nile canals in
Hebrew is “ye’o-rim.” Irrigation from the Nile was absolutely
indispensable to the economy of the Nation of Egypt. The food
supply depended on this arrangement. Drying up the canals or
turning the water into blood would have been a major disaster.
(Isaiah 19:6)

NIMRAH: This is a shortened form of Beth-nimrah. It was a town

east of the Jordan built by the Gadites. (Numbers 32:3-5, 34, 36)

NIMRIM: The Brook of Nimrim is believed by some to be the Wadi

Nimrim, whose waters flow into the Jordan north of the Dead Sea.
Others think the location is south of Moab, such as the Wadi en-
Numeirah, which flows into the southeast end of the Dead Sea.
Isaiah and Jeremiah refer to the “waters” or Brook of Nimrim in the
prophecies directed against Moab. (Isaiah 15:5-9) (Jeremiah
48:34,35)

NIMROD: Nimrod was the founder and king of the first empire to
come into existence after the Flood. He was a mighty hunter in
opposition to Jehovah. (Genesis 10:9) (Numbers 16:2) (1 Chronicles
14:8) (2 Chronicles 14:10) Cities under Nimrod’s kingdom included
the cities of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, all in the land of
Shinar. (Genesis 10:10) The great tower of Babel was most likely
built under his direction. (Genesis 11:1-8) The roots of all false
religion trace back to Nimrod and the Babylonians.

NIMSHI: Nimshi was the father of Jehoshaphat and grandfather of

Jehu. (1 Kings 19:16) (2 Kings 9:2, 14, 20) (2 Chronicles 22:7)

NINEVEH: This is one of the oldest and most important cities in the
world. It was the capital of Assyria. (Genesis 10:8-11) Jonah
preached there and the people repented of their sins-Jonah,
chapters one through four. It is a short book and well worth reading
in one sitting.

NISROCH: Nisroch was a deity worshiped by Sennacherib the king

of Assyria. Adrammelech and Sharezer murdered their father
Sennacherib in the temple of Nisroch. (2 Kings 19:36, 37) (Isaiah
37:38)

NISAN: The first month of the Hebrew calendar occurs during the
period from mid-March to about mid-April. The month is also
called Abib. Jesus observed the Passover and then established the
practice of observing a commemoration of his death. This is
sometimes referred to as the Lord’s Evening Meal. Jesus gathered
with his 12 apostles on the evening of Nisan 14, 33 C.E. (Matthew
26:17-30) (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)

NOAH: Noah and his family built an ark to Jehovah’s specifications

and saved Noah’s family and a representation of all the animals
from the great flood. The account is found in Genesis Chapters 6
through 8. Paul wrote the Hebrews that Noah, by his faith,
condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness.
(Hebrews 11:7) Noah was the son of Lamech and tenth in line from
Adam through Seth. He was born 126 years after Adam’s death. The
world in which Noah lived was totally degenerate. Angels left their
position in heaven and married women on earth. They produced
violent offspring. (Genesis 6:1-4) (Jude 6) The thoughts of man’s
hearts were bad all the time. (Genesis 6:5, 11, 12)

NO-AMON, AMON, THEBES: This prominent city in Egypt was at

onetime the capital of Egypt. It is located on both banks of the Nile
River about 330 miles south of Cairo. The Greeks called it Thebes
and that is the name used today. Old Egyptian textbooks called it
“the City of Amon.” It was the principle center of worship of the god
Amon. At one time the god Amon was the most important god of the
nation of Egypt. The temple of Amon at Karnak is considered to be
the largest columnar structure ever build. It’s massive columns
measure twelve feet in diameter. (Nahum 3:7-10) (Jeremiah 46:25,
26) (Ezekiel 30:10, 14, 15)

NOB: This city was located in the territory of Benjamin close to

Jerusalem. When David fled from Saul, he went to High Priest
Ahimelech at Nob. Nob was one of the places mentioned in
connection with the Assyrian’ move toward Jerusalem. (Isaiah
10:24, 32) The Benjamites resettled it after they returned from
Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:31-31)

NODAB: The tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh, with the help of
Jehovah, overwhelmingly defeated the tribe of Nodab. (1 Chronicles
5:18-22)

NOGAH: King David’s son Nogah was born in Jerusalem. (1

Chronicles 3:5-7; 14:3-6)

NOHAH: Nohah was the fourth son of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1,

2)

NOPH: Noph was a city in Egypt. It was the Hebrew Scripture name
for the Egyptian City of Memphis. (Isaiah 19:13) (Jeremiah 2:16;
44:1; 46:14, 19) (Ezekiel 30:13)

NOPHAH: Nophah was a place in Moab according to the Masoretic

text. (Numbers 21:29)

NORTH: People in Bible times determined directions by facing

toward the rising sun in the east. That would make north to the left.
(Ge 14:15) North was considered a section of the earth. (Psalm
107:3) (Isaiah 43:6) (Luke 13:29) The northern sky was mentioned
in the book of Job. (Job 26:7) The Babylonians were referred to as
coming out of the north. (Jeremiah 1:14, 15) Some lands and
kingdoms were considered the land of the north. (Isaiah 21:2, 9)
(Daniel 5:28) The king of the north is mentioned in Daniel chapter
11. History has proven that Alexander the Great of Greece was that
king named in Daniel.

NOSE: The nose or nostrils is the part of the face used for breathing.
God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life, and man came
to be a living being. (Genesis 2:7) The Hebrew word for nose or
nostril is “aph.” Sometimes it is used to refer to the entire face.
NOSE RING: This ornamental ring was worn in the nose usually by
women. (Genesis 24:22, 30, 47) (Isaiah 3:21) However some men
wore them. (Judges 8:24-26)

NUMEROLOGY: The Bible is not a book of numerology, study of

numbers, their meaning, and the occult mysticism attached to them.
Bible usage of numbers should not be confused with numerology.
Numerology came from ancient Babylon as a form of divination.
The Bible specificly condemns this practice at Deuteronomy 18:10-
12.

NUMBER-ONE: Used figuratively the number “one” conveys the

thought of singleness, uniqueness, unity, and agreement. Moses
said: “Jehovah our God is one God (Jehovah).” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
God does not share his glory with another and therefore would not
allow a pagan trinitarian arrangement. (Acts 4:24) (Revelation 6:10)
(Isaiah 42:8) God is united in purpose to his Son, Jesus Christ.
(John 10:30) He is also at one with, or in unity with all his
followers. (John 17:21) (Galatians 3:28)

NUMBER-TWO: Doing something a second time is repetition to

establish the matter. The number two is found in legal matters in
the Bible. Two witnesses, or even three, were required to establish a
matter before the judges. This principle is also followed in the
Christian congregation. (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15) (Matthew 18:16)
(2 Corinthians 13:1) (1 Timothy 5:19) (Hebrews 10:28)

NUMBER-THREE: The number three is used to represent intensity,

emphasis, and added strength. “A threefold cord is not quickly
broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Jehovah’s great holiness is emphasized
by the proclamation of heavenly creatures: “Holy, holy, holy,
Jehovah God the Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:3) (Revelation 4:8)

NUMBER-FOUR: The number four expresses something that is

universal and foursquare. Something that is foursquare is equal in
every dimension, cubical in shape. Figurative expressions of the
number four are found at Zechariah 1:18-21; 6:1-3; Revelation
9:14,15.

NUMBER-SIX: This is man’s number that represents imperfection.

It is stated three times for emphasis in the symbolic number of the
wild beast, 666, found at Revelation 13:18. It represents imperfect
fallen man.
NUMBER-SEVEN: Seven is used in the Scriptures to represent
completeness and perfection. There are seven congregations in the
Book of Revelation. (Revelation 1:20-3:22) Jehovah completed his
creation in six days and rested on the seventh day. (Exodus 20:10,
11) The Psalmist praised God seven times during the day. (Psalm
119:164) Search your concordance for the number seven. You will
find it more than 380 times in the Holy Scriptures.

NUMBER-TEN: The number ten expresses fullness and entirety.

There were Ten Plagues poured out upon Egypt to force Pharoh to
release God’s people and the “Ten Commandments” were presented
to the people of Israel. And these ten principles were representative
of all of the other laws that man could establish. (Exodus 20:3-17;
34:28)

NUMBER-TWELVE: The number twelve represents the complete,

balanced, divine arrangement. There were 12 apostles appointed to
serve Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. Multiples of 12 are also
important. David established 24 division of the priesthood. (1
Chronicles 24:1-18) Twenty-four elders were seated around God’s
throne at Revelation 4:4. The royal priesthood consists of 144,000,
a number divisable by 12. (1 Peter 2:9) (Revelation 7:4-8; 20:6)

NUMBERS, FOURTH BOOK OF THE PENTATEUCH: The

Pentateuch is the first five books of the Old Testament. Numbers is
the fourth book. The book of Numbers relates events that occurred
to the people of Israel that took place in the region of Mount Sinai
and in the wilderness near there. (Numbers 1:1) (Deuteronomy 1:3,
4) Moses wrote the book of Numbers. The wrong conduct of the
Israelites as well as transgressions of Moses, his brother Aaron, his
sister Miriam, and his nephews Nadab and Abihu are exposed.
(Numbers 3:3, 4; 11:1-5, 10, 32-35; 12:1-15; 14:2, 11, 45; 20:2-13)
The book of Numbers illustrates the importance of obeying
Jehovah. (Numbers 13:25-14:38; 22:7, 8, 22; 26:9, 10) (Hebrews
3:7-4:11)

NUN, FATHER OF JOSHUA: Nun was the son of Elishama of the

tribe of Ephraim. He was the father of Moses’ successor Joshua.
(Exodus 33:11) (Joshua 1:1) (1 Chronicles 7:20, 26, 27)

NUN, 14TH LETTER OF HEBREW ALPHABET: The 14th letter of the

Hebrew alphabet is Nun. It is the initial letter in each of the eight
verses in Psalm 119:105-112.
NURSE: The nursing woman. The Hebrew word “meh-ne’qeth”
means a substitute mother for breast feeding an infant. (Genesis
24:59; 35:8) (Exodus 2:7) (2 Kings 11:2) The caretaker nurse,
Hebrew “o-me’neth,” was a person who cared for children and the
sick. (Numbers 11:12) (Isaiah 49:23)

NUT TREES: It is possible that the nut trees referred to at the Song
of Solomon 6:11 were walnut trees. This tree is native to western
Asia. Jewish historian Josephus states that these trees grew in
abundance by the Sea of Galilee in the first century C.E.

NYMPHA: This Christian woman lived at Laodicea or Colossae. The

congregation held meetings at her home. (Colossians 4:15)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

O

OATH: An oath is a sworn statement of truth and what a person will

or will not do. It usually involves an appeal to God. The Hebrew
word “shevuah” means an oath or a sworn statement and “shava”
means to swear or take an oath. (Genesis 24:8) (Leviticus 5:4) The
Greek: “horkos” means oath. (James 5:12) The apostle Paul makes
an oath at 2 Corinthians 1:23 and Galatians 1:20. When Jehovah
makes a promise it is his oath and we are always assured that it will
come true. (Hebrews 6:13-18)

OBADIAH, SON OF IZRAHIAH: Obadiah was the family head of

the tribe of Issachar. He was the son of Izrahiah and descendant of
Tola. (1 Chronicles 7:1-3)

OBADIAH, FROM THE TRIBE OF ZEBULUN: This Obadiah was

from the tribe of Zebulun. His son was a prince of that tribe during
David’s rule. (1 Chronicles 27:19, 22)

OBADIAH, THE WARRIOR: Obadiah was a great warrior who

crossed the Jordan River at flood stage and helped David when he
was a fugitive from King Saul. (1 Chronicles 12:8, 9, 14, 15)

OBADIAH, SERVANT OF KING AHAB: King Ahab and Jezebel

were wicked people. Obadiah was a righteous servant of Jehovah, so
he hid 100 prophets of Jehovah in a cave when Jezebel ordered
them to be slaughtered. (1 Kings 18:1-16)
OBADIAH, THE PRINCE: This Obadiah was a prince sent by
Jehoshaphat to teach the law of God in the cities of Judah. (2
Chronicles 17:7, 9)

OBADIAH, PROPHET AND THE BOOK: This Obadiah was a

prophet of God and the writer of the book of Obadiah. His book is
the shortest of the Hebrew Scriptures. The book contains a
proclamation of God’s judgement against Edom. It presents the
reason for that judgement and reveals the future and the restoration
for the house of Jacob.

OBADIAH, LEVITE GATEKEEPER: Obadiah was a Levite

gatekeeper in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra. He returned from
Babylon and lived in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:2, 3, 14, 16)
(Nehemiah 12:25, 26)

OBADIAH, THE PRIEST: This Obadiah was one of the priests who
obeyed the covenant of faithfulness made by the exiles who
returned under Nehemiah’s rule. (Nehemiah 9:38; 10:1, 5, 8)

OBAL: Obal was the 8th listed of Joktan’s 13 sons. He was a

descendant of Shem. (Genesis 10:21, 25-30) (1 Chronicles 1:20-22)

OBED, FATHER OF JEHU: Obed was the father of Jehu and son of
Ephial of the family of Jerahmeel. Obed was a descendant of Judah.
(1 Chronicles 2:3, 25, 37-38) Obed was the son of Boaz by his wife
Ruth. He was father of Jesse, king David’s father. This made him an
ancestor of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4:13-17, 21-22) (1 Chronicles 2:12)
(Matthew 1:5) (Luke 3:32) Another Obed was of the mighty men of
David’s military forces. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 27)

OBED, FATHER OF JESSE: Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was
King David’s father. Obed was the son of Boaz by his wife Ruth and
was an ancestor of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 4:13-17, 21, 22) (1 Chronicles
2:12) (Matthew 1:5) (Luke 3:32)

OBED, MIGHTY WARRIOR: Obed was a member of David’s elite

military force. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 47)

OBED, LEVITE: This Obed was a Levite of the family of Korah. He

was the grandson of Obed-edom and the son of Shemaiah. He
served as a gatekeeper at the house of Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 26:1,
4, 7, 12)
OBED, FATHER OF AZARIAH: Obed was the father of Azariah. His
son Azariah helped the High Priest Jehoiada to overthrow Queen
Athaliah to allow Jehoash to become king. (2 Chronicles 23:1, 12-15,
20; 24:1)

OBED-EDOM, THE GITTITE: The Ark of the Covenant was kept at

the home of Obed-Edom for three months after its near upset and
the subsequent death of Uzzah. God blessed Obed-Edom and his
household for the duration of its stay there. David then took the Ark
to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6:10-12) (1 Chronicles 13:13, 14; 15:25)
Obed-Edom was a Gittite and a Levite from Gathrimmon, a Levite
city in Dan assigned to the Kohathites. (Joshua 21:20, 23, 24) The
name Obed-Edom was found among Levite musicians and
gatekeepers of the Davidic period. It is not possible to determine if
he is one and the same person. (1 Chronicles 15:18, 21, 24; 16:4, 5,
37, 38; 26:1, 4-8, 13, 15) (2 Chronicles 25:23, 24)

OBED-EDOM, THE MUSICIAN: Obed-edem was the musician and

gatekeeper who brought the Ark to Jerusalem. He may have been
the musician who served before the tent of the Ark in Jerusalem. (1
Chronicles 15:18, 21; 16:4, 5, 38)

OBEDIENCE: Submitting to authority, doing what is commanded,

complying with what is required is obedience. The Greek word
“hypakou’o” means to hear submissively, or to attend. (Acts 12:13)
While John 3:16 emphasizes faith, John 3:36 accentuates the need
to obey. This comes from the Greek word “apeith’eo.” It applies to
both lack of belief and disobedience. We must believe, pay attention
to, and obey the word of God. (Acts 5:36-37, 40; 17:4) Obedience is
more important than sacrifices. (1 Samuel 15:22)

OBEISANCE: Obeisance is the act of bowing, kneeling, and

prostrating the body. It is a worshipful act of submission in which
deep respect is expressed. The Greek “proskyneo” and Hebrew
“hishtachawah” convey the thought of both obeisance to creatures
and worship to God or a deity. The word is used in connection with
worship in many places in the Bible. (Genesis 24:23-26) (Exodus
24:1; 34:8) (Psalm 95:6) (Isaiah 27:13; 66:23) (Deuteronomy 4:19;
8:19; 11:16) (Job 1:20, 21) The expressions, “show respect” “bow
down in adoration” and “pay homage” are used in the New
Simplified Bible instead of the expression, “do obeisance.”
(Hebrews 1:6) (Philippians 2:9-11) (Matthew 4:8-10) (Luke 4:7, 8)
The terms “obeisance” and “worship” are closely related in meaning.
The Holy Scriptures give accounts of people worshiping angels or
others humans. They were immediately told not to do that, but to
worship God! (Acts 10:25, 26) (Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9) SEE:
WORSHIP.

OBIL: This individual was an Ishmaelite caretaker of David’s

camels. (1 Chronicles 27:30)

OBOTH: Oboth was an Israelite encampment between Punon and

Iye-abarim. (Numbers 21:10-11; 33:43-44)

OCHRAN: Ochran had a son named Pagiel who was appointed

chieftain of the tribe of Asher after the Exodus from Egypt. They
were Asherites. (Numbers 1:13, 16; 2:27; 7:72, 77; 10:26)

OFFERINGS: Hebrew: minchah/Greek: prosphora/Latin: oblatio.

From the beginning of history men have presented offerings to God.
Adam’s oldest son Cain presented the first fruits of the ground and
Adams’s younger son Abel offered the firstlings of his flock. The
attitudes and motives of the two brothers were different so God
approved Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. (Genesis 4:1-4) (Hebrews
11:4) Both the Israelites and the foreigners who worshiped God were
to offer sacrifices to God. (Numbers 15:26, 29) The sacrifices
required under the Law covenant all pointed forward to Jesus Christ
and his sacrifice. They also emphasize the benefits that flow from
that loving sacrifice. (Hebrews 8:3-5; 9:9; 10:5-10) The words
“offering” and “offerings” occur nearly 1,100 times in the Holy
Scripture. A comprehensive study of this subject can be initiated
through the use of a Bible Concordance.

OG: Og was the powerful Amorite king of Bashan whom the

Israelites defeated before crossing into the Promised Land. (1 Kings
4:19) He was one of the giant Raphaim. Og’s defeat at the hands of
Israel came toward the end of Israel’s 40-year time in the
wilderness. The victory was a great encouragement to Israel and
was remembered for many centuries. (Deuteronomy 31:4)
(Nehemiah 9:22) (Psalm 135:10-12; 136:17-22)

OHAD: This is the third-listed son of Simeon. (Genesis 46:10)

(Exodus 6:15)

OHEL: Ohel was the son of Governor Zerubbabel and descendant of

David. (1 Chronicles 3:19-20)

OHOLAH, OHOLIBAH: Ezekiel Chapter 23 expresses the

following: Samaria represents the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. The
prostitute, Oholah, the older sister of Oholibah, represents
Jerusalem, the kingdom of Judah. Her spiritual prostitution began
in Egypt and continued in the Promised Land. Later she sought
favors of the Assyrians and thus engaged in degrading idolatrous
practices, including child sacrifice. As punishment for her
unfaithfulness to him, Jehovah delivered Oholah into the hands of
the Assyrians.

OHOLIAB: Oholiab was the chief assistant to Bezalel in

constructing the tabernacle. He was from the tribe of Dan, son of
Ahisamach. Oholiab was a craftsman and embroiderer and weaver
in blue thread and wool dyed reddish purple and coccus scarlet
material and fine linen. (Exodus 31:6; 35:34; 36:1, 2; 38:23)

OHOLIBAMAH, WIFE OF ESAU: Oholibamah was the Canaanite

wife of Esau. She bore him three sons, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. All
of the sons wer Edomite sheikes. Oholibamah was a daughter of
Anah and granddaughter of Hivite Zibeon. (Genesis 36:2, 5-8, 14,
18, 25)

OHOLIBAMAH, EDOMITE SHEIK: Oholibamah was an Edomite

sheik. (Genesis 36:40, 41) (1 Chronicles 1:51, 52)

OIL: This product was very abundant in Galilee. Oil was the most
valuable product sold by the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 32:13)
(Ezekiel 16:13) The Hebrews used only olive oil. It was used for
many purposes, including: anointing the body or the hair, (Exodus
29:7), used in offerings, (Exodus 29:40), for burning in lamps,
(Exodus 25:6), medicinal purposes, (Isaiah 1:6), and anointing the
dead. (Luke 23:56) Symbolic application of the oil of God’s Word to
a spiritually sick person will soothe, correct, comfort and heal that
person. (James 5:13-15) (Psalm 141:5)

OIL TREE: Hebrew: est she’men means a tree rich in oil. There is
some debate over whether this is the same as the olive tree. Until
further proof is available, this translation referrers to it as the olive
tree. (Nehemiah 8:15) (1 Kings 6:23) (Isaiah 41:19)

OINTMENT AND PERFUMES: Hebrew terms dealing with

ointments apply to salve like preparations that liquefy when rubbed
on the skin as well as oil preparations. (Exodus 30:25) (Psalm
133:2) Offering cleansing and therapeutic ointments and perfumes
to guests was an act of hospitality. Jesus spoke of this when
someone greased his feet with perfumed oil. (Luke 7:37-46) When
perfumed ointments were used to prepare a corpse for burial, they
served primarily as disinfectants and deodorants. (2 Chronicles
16:14) (Luke 23:56)

OLDER MAN: Hebrew “za-gen” and Greek “presby’teros” both

mean older man or elder. They are used to refer to persons of
advanced age and as a description of a person holding a position of
authority and responsibility in the community. SEE ELDER

OLIVE, OLIVE TREE: Olive trees are some of the most valuable
plants in Bible times. They were equal in importance with the vine
and fig tree. (Judges 9:8-13) (2 Kings 5:26) (Habakkuk 3:17) (James
3:12) The olive tree thrives on mountain slops of Galilee and
Samaria. They live a long time. It is not uncommon for a tree to live
a thousand years. The trees fruit is harvested for eating and
producing oil. Olive trees are used figuratively as symbols of God’s
anointed one and witnesses. (Zechariah 4:3, 11-14) (Revelation 11:2-
4)

OLIVES, MOUNT OF: The Mount of Olives is a limestone hill

located East of Jerusalem just beyond the Kidron Valley. Standing
at 2,664 feet above sea level, this ridge was covered with palm, oil,
myrtle and olive trees. (Nehemiah 8:15) The Mount of Olives was
denuded of its trees during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.
King David ascended the Mount of Olives as he fled from his
rebellious son Absalom. (2 Samuel 15:14, 30, 32) King Solomon
built high places for idolatrous worship there and later King Josiah
tore them down. (1 Kings 11:7) In the first century C.E. Jesus Christ
met with his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, located on or
near the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30, 36) (John 18:1-2) The
famous Olivet Prophecy was given there. (Matthew 24) (Mark 13)
(Luke 31) Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives into heaven.
(Acts 1:9-12)

OLYMPAS: Olympas was a Christian at Rome to whom the apostle

Paul sent greetings. (Romans 16:15)

OMAR: Omar was the second listed son of Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz.
(Genesis 36:10-11, 15) (1 Chronicles 1:36)

OMEGA: SEE ALPHA AND OMEGA

OMEN: SEE DIVINATION: Anything used as an indicator of the

future. Looking for omens as a form of divination is prohibited by
God’s Law. (Kings 19:26) (Deuteronomy 18:10)
OMER: An omer was a dry measure equal to one tenth of an ephah.
The ephah in turn measured 20 dry U.S. quarts. So an omer
weighed about 2 quarts. (Exodus 16:16) The New Simplified Bible
has attempted to convert measurements like this into standard
United States measurements. This is because most English speaking
people do not use the term omer.

OMRI, SON OF BECHER: This Omri was listed fifth among nine
descendants of Becher. Becher was a son of Benjamin. (1 Chronicles
7:6, 8)

OMRI, THE PRINCE: Omri was a prince of the tribe of Issachar at

the time of David’s reign. (1 Chronicles 27:18, 22)

OMRI, SIXTH KING OF ISRAEL: Omri was the sixth king of the
northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. He established the third
dynasty of Israel, following the dynasties of Jeroboam and Baasha.
Omri was commander of Israel’s army under King Elah when he
overthrew Elah and took the kingship for himself. (1 Kings 16:8-20)
He was a powerful king. (1 Kings 16:27) He moved the capital from
Tirzah to a new city that he built in the mountains, Samaria. (1
Kings 16:23, 24, 28) Omri continued the vile practice of idolatry
that Jeroboam also practiced. (1 Kings 16:25, 26) Omri’s
granddaughter Athaliah ruled six yeas on the throne of Judah. (2
Kings 8:26; 11:1-3) (2 Chronicles 22:2)

OMRI, FROM TRIBE OF JUDAH: This Omri was from Judah. His
descendants lived in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. (1
Chronicles 9:3, 4)

ON: On was a city in Egypt located near Cairo. It was on the east
bank of the Nile River near the beginning of the Delta. The Greeks
called it Heliopolis. This means “City of the Sun. It was the center of
Egyptian sun worship. On is mentioned in the Bible at Genesis
41:45, 50 as a place where Potiphera the priest lived. His daughter
Asenath was given to Joseph as his wife. Greek philosophers and
scholars were drawn to On to learn theology for it was a center of
Egyptian wisdom.

ONAM, SON OF SHOBAL: Onam was the Last of the five listed sons
of Horite sheik Shobal and grandson of the Horites’ forefather Seir.
(Genesis 36:20-23)
ONAM, SON OF JERAHMEEL: Another Onam in the Bible was a
son of Jerahmeel and a link in the Jerahmeelite genealogy in the
bribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:26-28)

ONAN, SON OF JUDAH: Onan was the son of Judah, second by the
Canaanite daughter of Shua. (Genesis 38:2-4) (1 Chronicles 2:3)
Jehovah put Onan’s childless older brother Er to death for
wrongdoing. Therefore Onan was told by Judah to perform
brother-in-law marriage with Er’s widow Tamar. If this union
produced a son he would not be the founder of Onan’s family. So
Onan spilled his semen on the ground (coitus interruptus) instead
of giving it to Tamar. Onan purposely prevented ejaculation of his
semen into Tamar’s genital tract. Onan was guiltily of disobedience,
not for self-abuse as some have mistakenly assumed. Onan was put
to death by Jehovah. (Genesis 38:6-10; 46:12) (Numbers 26:19)

ONESIMUS: Onesimus was a runaway slave whom Paul helped to

become a Christian. He became associated with Paul in Rome and
soon became a Christian. He became useful to Paul as a minister
and a faithful and beloved brother. (Colossians 4:9) (Philemon 10-
12)

ONESIPHORUS: Paul spoke about Onesiphorus in his second letter

to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:19) Onesiphorus was a loyal supporter of
the truth and a faithful helper for Paul. (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

ONION: In the wilderness the Israelites longed for the onions and
garlic of Egypt. (Numbers 11:5)

ONLY BEGOTTEN: SEE BEGOTTEN SON

OREN: Oren was a son of Jerahmeel in the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 2:25)

ONO: A city in the valley plain of Ono. (Nehemiahs 6:2) Ono was
inhabited by Benjamite. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 12) (Ezra 2: 1, 33)

ONYCHA: This ingredient of incense was designated for sanctuary

use only. (Exodus 30:34-37)

ONYX: This term also applies to a banded form of chalcedony. Onyx

is a semiprecious gemstone with white layers alternating with black,
brown, red, gray or green. The land of Havilah was a major source
of onyx in early times. (Genesis 2:11, 12) Job wisely observed that
one couldn’t buy priceless, godly wisdom with rare onyx stone. (Job
28:12, 16)

OPHEL: The word ophel means a bulge or swelling. It is applied to a

topographical sense to a prominent hill. It can also apply to bulging
of the body veins such as piles or hemorrhoids. (Deuteronomy
28:27) (1 Samuel 5:6, 9, 12; 6:4, 5) Scholars believe that the term
Ophel at 2 Kings 5:24 refers to a prominent hill near Samaria to
which Elisha’s attendant Gehazi took the riches he obtained from
Naaman. Comments of Josephus locate Ophel at the southeast
corner of Moriah. (2 Chronicles 27:3; 33:14) (Nehemiah 3:26, 27;
11:21)

OPHIR, THE GOLD: The “gold of Ophir” refers to a place renowned

as a source of the finest quality gold. (Psalm 45:9) Jehovah’s
pronouncement found at Isaiah 13:11, 12 uses the gold of Ophir to
symbolize the scarcity of tyrannical men after the fall of Babylon.
David gave gold from Ophir (valued at more than one billion dollars
U.S.) for the construction of the temple. David’s son Solomon
frequently brought back gold from Ophir. (1 Kings 9:26-28) (2
Chronicles 8:18) Job spoke about the gold from Ophir. (Job 22:24;
28:15, 16)

OPHNI: Ophni was a city of Benjamin linked with the Gophna

mentioned by Josephus. (Joshua 18:21, 24)

OPHRAH, OF JUDAH: This Ophrah was a descendant of Judah

through Meonothai. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 14)

OPHRAH, CITY OF BENJAMIN: Ophrah is identified at Joshua

18:21, 23 as a city belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. Bands of
Philistine pillagers traveled in three different directions. One of
these bands went on the road to Ophar. When considering the
westward and eastward directions of the other two roads, Ophar
must have been northward. This would place Ophar north of
Michmash. (1 Samuel 13:16-18)

OPHRAH, GIDEON’S HOME: God’s angels met with Gideon at his

home at Ophrah. They commissioned him to save Israel out of
Midian’s dominance. After his victory over the enemy forces,
Gideon contributed the spoils to Ophrah. (Judges 6:11-32; 8:24-27)
Later Gideon died and was buried at Ophrah. (Judges 8:30, 32; 9:5)

OREB, THE PRINCE: Oreb was a prince of Midian. Oreb and Zeeb
served in the Midianite army under the Kings Zebah and Zalmunna.
These two princes were captured and put to death by the men of
Ephraim. They delivered their heads to Gideon. (Judges 7:24, 25;
8:3-5) (Psalm 83:11)

OREB, THE ROCK: This rock where the Midianite prince Oreb was
executed was known from that time forward as Oreb Rock. (Judges
7:25) (Isaiah 10:26)

ORACLES OF GOD: Oracle means the Word of God. (Romans

3:2) (Hebrews 5:12) The Scriptures are called “living oracles”
because of their power. (Acts 7:38)

ORIENTALS: The people who lived beyond the boundary of Israel

to the east, northeast and southeast including Arabia were
considered by the Hebrew writers as Orientals. (Genesis 25:6)
(Jeremiah 49:28) Job is considered “the greatest (richest) of all the
Orientals.” (Job 1:3) The Orientals were noted for their wisdom.

ORNAMENTS: An ornament is an item used to beautify and

enhance the appearance of something. Judges 8:21 and 26 speak of
the necklaces worn by the camels. Horses were also highly
decorated with tassels and engravings. Both men and women wore
jewelry. (Genesis 24:22, 30, 47, 53) Pharaoh’s Prime Minister
Joseph received a gold necklace and the monarch’s signet ring.
(Genesis 41:41-43) Jewelry and other ornamentation are found in
prophecy throughout the Bible.

ORNAN: David bought a threshing floor from Ornan. It later

became the site for the temple. (1 Chronicles 21:18-28) (1 Chronicles
3:1) Ornan is also called Araunah.

ORPHAN: An orphan is a child that has lost both parents. The

Holy Scriptures also refers to them as fatherless children. James
instructs Christians to visit and take care of fatherless boys and
widows. (James 1:27)

ORPAH: Orpah was the Moabite wife of Chilion and a daughter-in-

law of Naomi. Out of concern that she would remain unmarried as a
widow she said goodbye to Naomi and Ruth and returned to her
people and her gods. (Ruth 1:3-15)

OSPREY: The osprey was a bird not permitted for use as food under
the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 11:13) (Deuteronomy 14:12) The Hebrew
name “pe’res” means the breaker, a bird tearing its prey apart or
breaking its prey. It was a large bird with a wingspan of nearly six
feet. The osprey is found today throughout the world. It lives near
large bodies of water, where it feeds on fish that swim near the
surface.

OSTRICH: The ostrich is the largest living bird known. It stands

over seven feet tall and weighs as much as three hundred pounds.
The body plumage is luxuriant. It feeds mainly on vegetation but is
also carnivorous. It is found among the list of unclean birds.
(Leviticus 11:13,16) (Deuteronomy 14:12,15)

OTHNI: Othni was the son of Shemaiah and grandson of Korahite

Obed-edom. He was appointed as a Levite gatekeeper before the
sanctuary. (1 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 6-8, 15)

OTHNIEL: The first judge of Israel after Joshua was Othniel. He

was the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz. (Judges 1:13; 3:9)
(Joshua 15:17)

OVEN: An oven was a container heated to bake or roast food. The

Hebrews and other societies through out history used ovens. The
oven is used in an illustrative way to depict scarcity. (Leviticus
26:26) It pointed to a time when there would be so little food
available that one oven would be sufficient to handle all the baking
that ten women could do. Hosea 7:4-7 compares adulterous
Israelites to a baker’s furnace. This is because of the wicked desires
burning within them.

OVERSEER: Hebrew: “paqidh” means turn attention to. (Genesis

21:1) The Greek word “epi’skopos” means inspection and oversight.
(Hebrews 12:15) (Luke 19:44) (1 Peter 2:12) The overseers in the
Christian congregation were older men who lived by the qualities
listed at 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

OWL: The Hebrew term “techmas’, kohs” means little owl. The term
“yanshup” refers to “long-eared owl” and the word “o’ach” translates
to “eagle owl.”

OZEM, SON OF JERAHMEEL: Ozem was the fourth listed son

of Jerahmeel in the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:25)

OZEM, SON OF JESSE: This was the sixth named son of Jesse
and older brother David was Ozem. He was from the tribe of Judah.
(1 Chronicles 2:13, 15)
OZNI: Ozni was a son of Gad and founder of the tribal family of
Oznites. (Numbers 26:15-16)

OZNITES: Ozni founded this family of the tribe of Gad. (Numbers

26:15-16)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

P

PAARAI: Paaarai was an Arbite and one of David’s mighty military

forces. (2 Samuel 23:8, 35)

PADDAN, PADDAN-ARAM: Paddan was a region around the city of

Haran in northern Mesopotamia. (Genesis 28:6, 7) (Hosea 12:12)
The patriarch Abraham resided briefly at Haran in Paddan.
(Genesis 12:4; 28:7, 10)

PADON: The Hebrew word “padon” means ransom or redeem.

Padon was the paternal head of a family of Nethinim. They were
referred to as the Sons of Padon. They returned with Zerubbabel
from Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 44) (Nehemiah 7:46, 47)

PAGIEL: Pagiel was a wilderness chieftain of the tribe of Asher the

son of Ochran. He assisted Moses when he took the census of Israel.
(Numbers 1:4, 5, 13, 16-19; 2:27-28; 7:11, 72-77 ; 10:26)

PAHATH-MOAB: This phrase means Governor of Moab. He was the

founder of a family in Israel. If he was an official over Moab, it was
during the time when Moab was under Judah’s domination. The
Scriptures are not certain on this matter. Pahath-moabs’
descendants were one of the second most numerous families to
return with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. Those who took foreign wives
responded quickly to dismiss them. (Ezra 8:1, 4; 10:30, 44)

PAIN: A fundamental feeling that people try to avoid is pain. It is a

sensation of physical discomfort, mental or emotional distress.
From the fall of Adam and Eve until the present age mankind has
suffered unnecessary pain and misery. (Genesis 3:17-19; 5:29) War,
pestilence and disease cause much pain. Indifference and
unresponsiveness by the majority of society to what the Holy
Scriptures call righteousness and goodness cause pain. (Psalm 55:3)
(Proverbs 15:1) (Romans 9:2) (Job 2:13; 16:6) Christians look
forward to the fulfillment of the prophecy at Revelation 21: 4, that
there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain!
PALACE: A palace is the residence of a sovereign. It is also the
spacious and stately dwelling of a prince or powerful wealthy man.
(Daniel 4:4) (Luke 11:21) The Hebrew word “hehkhal” is often
applied a dwelling place of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. (1 Samuel
1:9) (1 Kings 6:2, 3) (Ezra 5: 13, 14) (Daniel 5:3)

PALAL: Palal was the son of Uzai. (Nehemiah 3:25) He was a

workman who repaired a section of Jerusalem’s wall in the days of
Nehemiah.

PALATE: The palate is the roof of the mouth. It separates the mouth
from the nasal cavities. There is a soft part that forms the partition
between the mouth and pharynx. The palate and the mouth are
considered together in the Scriptures. (Proverbs 8:7) (Hosea 8:1)
SEE: MOUTH.

PALESTINE, THE HOLY LAND: Known as the land of Canaan or

the land of Israel, Palestine is an ancient country in southwestern
Asia on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is today a place
of pilgrimage for Christianity. Islam and Judaism. The root words
for Palestine come from Latin and Greek. The Hebrew Scriptures
translate Pele’sheth in reference to the limited coastal territory
occupied by the Philistines. (Exodus 15:14) (Psalms 60:8; 83:7;
87:4; 108:9) (Isaiah 14:29, 31) (Joel 3:4) Jehovah promised this
land to Abraham and his descendants. (Genesis 15:18)
(Deuteronomy 9:27, 28) It was appropriately called the Promised
Land. (Hebrews 11:9) The geographic area of what was Palestine is
about 9,850 square miles, less than the small nation of Belgium. It
was a little larger than the state of New Hampshire, USA.

PALLU: Pallu was the son of Reuben. (Genesis 46:9) (1 Chronicles

5:3) Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn. Pallu founded the family of
Palluites of the tribe of Reuben. (Exodus 6:14) (Numbers 26:5)

PALLUITES: The Palluites were from a Reubenite family descended

from Pallu. (Numbers 26:5)

PALM TREE: The date palm was once abundant through out
Palestine. It was also found in the Nile Valley of Egypt. Palms are
found in oases and are a welcome sight to desert travelers. There
were at one time 70 palm trees growing beside the 12 springs of
water at Elim. (Exodus 15:27)(Numbers 33:9) The tall stately palm
tree usually grows straight and it rises to 100 feet above the ground.
The crowd of people who hailed Jesus as the King of Israel waved
palm fronds. (John 12:12, 13) This served as a symbol of their
praise. Likewise the great crowd at Revelation 7:9, 10 are pictured
with palm branches in their hands.

PALI: Pali was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son
of Raphu. He was a chieftain (leader) who was selected to spy out
the land of Canaan in 1512 B.C.E. (Numbers 13:2, 3, 9, 27-33)

PALTIEL, SON OF AZZAN: Paltiel the son of Azzan was a

representative of Issachar when the tribes divided the Promised
Land into inheritance. (Numbers 34:17, 18, 26)

PALTIEL, SON OF LAISH: Paltiel was the son of Laish from Gallim.
After Saul outlawed David, Saul gave his daughter Michal, David’s
wife, in marriage to Paltiel (Palti). (1 Samuel 25:44) After David
became king he demanded that his wife be returned to him. (2
Samuel 3:13-16)

PALTITE: Paltite was the name given to on of Davids mighty

warrors. It was in reference to Helez who was believed to refer to a
native of Beth-pelet. (2 Samuel 23:8, 26) (1 Chronicles 11:27: 27:10)

PAMPHYLIA: Pamphylia was a small Roman province on the

south coast of Asia Minor visited by Paul on his first missionary
tour. Christians traveled through Pamphylia to Perga and preached
there. (Acts 13:13; 14:24-26; 16:6; 27:5)

PAPER: The Greek word “khar’tes” means a sheet of paper made of

papyrus. Sheets of paper were made from strips obtained from the
papyrus plant. The Egyptians first manufactured papyrus paper for
writing purposes. They used the papyrus plants growing along the
banks of the Nile River. Early Christians used papyrus paper for
their letters, scrolls, and codices. The apostle John wrote that he
would rather convey his message face to face than with paper and
ink. (2 John 12)

PAPHOS: The apostle Paul, traveling with Barnabas and John

Mark, encountered the sorcerer Bar. Jesus (Elymas) at Paphos.
Paphos was on the west coast of the island of Cyprus. This sorcerer
opposed their preaching to Sergius Paulus the proconsul. Thus the
apostle Paul worked a miracle in which he temporarily blinded him.
Upon seeing this Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. (Acts
13:6-13) The city of Paphos was the capital of the senatorial
province of Cyprus when Paul visited the island. This was during his
first missionary tour. Barnabas and Mark revisited the city around
49 C.E. (Acts 15:36-39)
PAPYRUS: Hebrew: go’me is a large aquatic plant. It grows in
height up to twenty feet. Papyrus thrives in shallow stagnant water
or marshes and along riverbanks. It flourished along the Nile River.
(Job 8:11) (Isaiah 35:7) Large vessels for traveling long distances
were made from papyrus. (Exodus 2:3) (Isaiah 18:2) Paper was
made from papyrus.

PARADISE: The Greek word “para’dei-sos” is found three times

in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Luke 23:43) (2 Corinthians 12:4)
(Revelation 2:7) It is translated into the English word paradise. A
paradise is a beautiful place such as a park or garden. It is a place of
complete bliss and delight and peace. Some may think this is a
description of heaven where God lives. It is also a description of the
new earth under Kingdom Rule by Jesus Christ. (Revelation 21:1-4)

PARABLE: SEE ILLUSTRATIONS.

PARAH: Parah was a city of Benjamin about 5.5 miles northeast of

Jerusalem. (Joshua 18:21, 23)

PARALYTIC: A paralytic is someone who suffers from a disease that

prevents him from moving part of all of his body.

PARAN, WILDERNESS OF: The Wilderness of Paran is the vast

wilderness region in which the nation of Israel wandered about for
nearly 38 years before entering the Promised Land. (Numbers 10:11,
12) (Deuteronomy 2:14) While the Paran had no fixed boundaries it
occupied the central and northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula.
Much of the wilderness area was a rough mountainous region of
limestone with large areas of plateau ranging in altitude from 660 to
2,500 feet. It was a dry area, only sprouting vegetation during the
short rainy seasons. (Deuteronomy 1:1, 19; 8:15)

PARCHMENT: Parchments were skins of sheep, goats or calves

prepared for use as writing material. Leather was used for a long
time as a writing material. Papyrus from Egypt became a widely
used writing material. (2 Timothy 4:13) The Latin word “mem-
bra’nas” was applied to parchment scrolls. Both scrolls of papyrus
and scrolls of parchment were used in the apostle Paul’s time.

PARDON: The Hebrew word “na-sa” means pardon or forgiveness.

The Greek word for pardon and forgive is “aphi’emi.” It also means
to let go of. This includes the forgiveness of sin and the cancellation
of debts. (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15; 18:32, 35) (Romans 4:7) Jehovah
grants pardon to those who seek forgiveness. However, he does not
withhold punishment from those who deliberately oppose him.
(Exodus 34:6, 7)

PARK: The Hebrew term “par-des’” means a garden-like park.

(Ecclesiastes 2:5) (Song of Solomon 1:1; 4:12, 13) (Nehemiah 2:7, 8)
The Hebrew word comes from the Persian word pairidaeza. In
Greek it is spelled “para‘dei-sos.”

PARMASHTA: Parmashta was one of Haman’s ten sons. (Esther

9:9)

PARMENAS: He was one of the seven recommended to the

apostles and appointed by them to ensure a just daily distribution of
food supplies in the Jerusalem congregation after Pentecost 33 C.E.
(Acts 6:1-6)

PARNACH: Parnach was a Zebulunite whose son Elizaphan was

tribal representative when they divided the land. (Numbers 34:17,
18, 25)

PAROSH: Parosh was the founder of a family in Israel. By the time

that Ezra arrived in 468 B.C.E. some of their family already in
Jerusalem had taken foreign wives. Later they sent them away.
(Ezra 2:1-3; 8:1, 3; 10:25, 44) (Nehemiah 7:8) A member of the
Parosh family named Pedaiah repaired a section of the Jerusalem
wall. (Nehemiah 3:25)

PARSIN: Words mysteriously appeared, written on the wall of

Belshazzar’s palace. Parsin was one of these words that Daniel read
and interpreted at Daniel 5:25. Daniel gave the ominous
interpretation to the rulers of the Babylonian Empire, Belshazzar
and Nabonidus at the end of Daniel chapter 5.

PARTHIANS: The Jews and proselytes from Parthia attended the

Festival of Pentecost in 33 C.E. in Jerusalem. God’s Holy Spirit was
poured out on the group of one hundred and twenty Christians.
They were enabled to proclaim the good news in the language of the
Parthians.

PARTRIDGE: The partridge is a chicken like bird. It has a stout

body and is smaller than a pheasant. It has a delicate flesh and was
hunted for food. (1 Samuel 26:20) (Jeremiah 17:11)
PARSHANDATHA: Parshandatha was on of Haman’s ten sons.
(Esther 9:7)

PARUAH: Paruah was the father of the Jehoshaphat who served as

Solomon’s food deputy in the territory of Issachar. (1 Kings 4:7, 17)

PASACH: This man was the son of Japhlet. He served as a family

head in the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 33, 40)

PAS-DAMMIM: Pas-dammim was a name given to Ephes-

dammim. It was a place between Socoh and Azekah. (1 Samuel 17:1)
(1 Chronicles 11:13)

PASEAH, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: Paseah was a

descendant of Judah. He was in the lineage of Chelub the brother of
Shuhah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 11, 12)

PASEAH, FOREFATHER OF A FAMILY OF NETHINIM: Some of

Paseah’s descendants returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem
with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 49) (Nehemiah 7:51)

PASEAH, FATHER OF JOIADA: He was the father of the Joiada.

Joiada worked on repairing the Gate of the Old City in the
Jerusalem Wall. (Nehemiah 3:6)

PASHHUR, FATHER OF GEDALIAH: Pashhur was the father of

Gedaliah. Jeremiah told Pashhur and the other princes what he was
telling the people of Judah. He warned them that “Jehovah says:
‘Whoever stays in the city will die in war or of starvation or disease.
But those who surrender to the Babylonians will not be killed.’”
Pashhur and the other officials went to the king and said: “This man
must be put to death.” The king told them to do what they wanted.
So they took Jeremiah and lowered him down by ropes into Prince
Malchiah’s well in the palace courtyard. (Jeremiah 38:1, 4, 6)

PASHHUR, SON OF MALCHIJAH: This Pashur was also a prince in

the group of princes King Zedekiah sent to Jeremiah to ask about
the future of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 21: 1, 2)

PASHHUR, THE PRIEST: This man was the son of Immer, a

leading commissioner in the house of Jehovah. Pasher hated
Jeremiah’s prophecies, struck him and put him in the stocks for a
day. As a result of this God inspired Jeremiah to foretell the exile
and death in Babylon of Pasher. His name was changed in Hebrew
to “Maghohr,” meaning “Fright all around.” (Jeremiah 6:25; 20:1-
10; 46:5; 49:29)

PASHHUR, THE SONS OF PASHHUR: The sons of Pashhur were a

paternal house of priest. More than 1,247 returned from exile with
priest Jeshua in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 36, 38) (Nehemiah 7:41)

PASSOVER: Yearly memorial celebration of the night when

Jehovah passed over the houses of the Israelites when he plagued
the Egyptians. He delivered the people of Israel whose doorposts
were marked with blood from a year old male sheep or goat.
(Exodus 12:26, 27)

PASTURE GROUNDS: Pasture grounds are land used for grazing

animals. Each of the 48 Levite cities scattered throughout Israel
were to have agricultural land around them. (Numbers 35:2-5)
(Leviticus 25:32-34) (Joshua 21:41, 42) This pasture land was to be
from the wall of the city out for 1,458 feet in all directions.
(Numbers 35:4, 5)

PATARA: Patara was the Lycian seaport where the apostle Paul and
his associated in about 56 C.E. transferred to a boat sailing for
Phoenicia. (Acts 21:1, 2)

PATHROS: This area of Egypt is called the “Land of the South.”

(Ezekiel 30:13, 14) Evidently this means the area of Upper Egypt.
Isaiah 11:11 foretell the return of Israelite exiles from Egypt, Pathros
and Cush. Again verifying that Pathros is somewhere in Upper
Egypt. Ezekiel declared that Pathros is “the land of the Egyptians
origin.” (Ezekiel 29:14)

PATHRUSIM: Pathrusim was the son of Mizraim. His grandfather

was Ham. (Genesis 10:6, 13, 14) (1 Chronicles 1:11, 12) The name is
the plural form of Pathros. (Ezekiel 29:14)

PATIENCE: Patience is tolerance of delay or incompetence. It is

sometimes described as forbearance. Patience and long-suffering
are very similar. Most modern Bible translations use the word
patience when listing the fruit of God’s Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Both
words are correct. They come from the Greek word “makrothumia.”
SEE:LONG-SUFFERING.

PATMOS: The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation while

imprisoned on the small, rocky island of Patmos. This island is in
the Aegean Sean near Greece and Turkey. (Revelation 1:9)
PATROBAS: The apostle Paul greeted Patrobas at Romans 16:14.
Patrobas was a member of the congregation in Rome.

PAU: Pau was a place in Edom where King Hadar had his royal
residence. (Genesis 36:31, 39) (1 Chronicles 1:43, 50)

PAUL THE APOSTLE: The Roman name for Saul. Saul was a
Jew, born in the city of Tarsus. God called him to be an apostle. The
account of his conversion is found at Acts 9:1-22. He was given the
name Paul. (Acts 13:9) Paul was imprisoned. (Acts 23:35-Act 28:11)
Paul eloquently writes about his own death at 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Paul
was a prolific writer and was inspired to write 13 of the 27 canonical
books of the Christian Greek Scriptures.

PAULUS: Paulus was the proconsul of Cyprus when Paul visited

there on his first missionary journey, about 47 C.E. (Acts 13:7, 12)
Sergius Paulus resided in Paphos, on the western coast of Cyprus.
He was earnestly seeking to hear the word of God when he
summoned Barnabas and Paul. They spoke to him and he became a
believer. (Acts 13:6-12)

PE: This is the 17 letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This letter is found
at the beginning of each of the eight verses in the Hebrew text of
Psalm 119:129-136.

PEACE: The Hebrew word for peace is “Sha-lohm.” It means to be

free from war or disturbance. (Judges 4:17) (1 Samuel 7:14) (1 Kings
4:24) (2 Chronicles 15:5) (Job 21:9) (Exodus 3:8) The Greek word
for peace is “eire’ne.” It expresses the absence of conflict and
presence of well being and concord. (Mark 5:34) (Luke 7:50; 8:48)
(James 2:16) Isaiah prophesied that Jesus Christ would be called
the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus declared a peaceful message
that appealed to persons desiring to reconciled to God. (Matthew
10:13) (Luke 10:5, 6) (Acts 10:36) All who become Christians,
figuratively and literally, beat their swords into plowshares and
their spears into pruning shears. “They will learn war no more.:
(Isaiah 2:4)

PEACOCK: The peacock is a large bird of the pheasant family. It is

about the size of a turkey. This bird is known for it’s magnificent
iridescent green and gold feathers marked with large spots of blue.
This large train of feathers can be spread at will to form an
impressive semicircular fan touching the ground on both sides. King
Solomon had the Tarshish ships import beautiful peacocks. (1 Kings
10:22) The Hebrew word for peacock is “tuk-ki-yim.”

PEARL: A pearl is a smooth, hard, round white gem. It was used

for adornment in ancient times. (1 Timothy 2:9) (Revelation 17:4;
18:11, 12, 15, 16; 21:2, 21) Pearls of gem quality are taken from the
sea pear oyster. They were available in the vicinity of Bahrain in the
Persian Gulf, and of the Red Sea. The Bible speaks of the
preciousness of pearls in an illustrative way. For example, Job said:
A bag full of wisdom is worth more than one full of pearls. (Job
28:18) Jesus said: “Never throw your pearls before swine.”
(Matthew 7:6) “The kingdom of heaven is more precious than
pearls.” (Matthew 13:45)

PEDAHEL: Pedahel was a chieftain of Naphtali. He was appointed

by Jehovah to help divide the Promised Land among the tribes of
Israel. He was the son of Ammihud. (Numbers 34:16, 17, 28)

PEDAHZUR: Pedahzur was of the tribe of Manasseh. His son

Gamaliel was appointed head of their tribe after the Exodus from
Egypt. (Numbers 1:10, 16; 2:20; 7:54, 59; 10:23)

PEDAIAH, FATHER OF JOEL: Pedaiah was the father of Joel. He

was the prince of the tribe of Manasseh during David’s reign. He
lived west of the Jordan River. (1 Chronicles 27:20, 22)

PEDAIAH, FATHER OF ZEBIDAH: This Pedaiah lived in Rumah.

His daughter Zebidah was the mother of Jehoiakim. (2 Kings 23:36)

PEDAIAH, SON OF KING JEHOIACHIN: Pedaiah was the third son

of King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah). Pedaiah was the father to Governor
Zerubbabel. This made him a link in the lineage of Jesus Christ. (1
Chronicles 3:17-19) (Ezra 5:2) (Matthew 1:12)

PEKAH: Pekah was King of Israel for 20 years beginning in 778

B.C.E. Pekah was son of Remaliah. He served as adjutant to Israelite
King Pekahiah. He worked with 50 men of Gilead to assassinate
Pekahiah and then he seized the kingship over Israel in Samaria. (2
Kings 15:25-28) Pekah’s reign was noted for continued idolatrous
calf worship. Pekah was involve in a number of military actions
against Judah and other nearby countries. (2 Kings 16:1-7) (Isaiah
7:1-7) Hoshea the son of Elah killed Pekah and became Israel’s next
king. (2 Kings 15:30)
PEKAHIAH, KING OF ISRAEL: Pekahiah was the king of Israel. He
lived in Samaria. He was the son and successor of Menahem. He
only reigned for two years and during that time he introduced
idolatrous calf worship like that of Jeroboam and Menahem.
Pekahiah’s military aid, Pekah, killed him and reigned in his place.
(2 Kings 15:22-26)

PEKOD: The geographic area known as Pekod was near Babylon.

The military forces used to execute Jehovah God’s judgment on
unfaithful Jerusalem included men from Pekod. (Ezekiel 23:4, 22-
26) According to Jeremiah 50:21 Pekod was to be devoted to
destruction. Pekod is identified with the Puqudu of Assyrian
inscriptions. Puqudu (Pekod) was under the control of Babylon.
Therefore, it makes sense to believe that when Babylon fell to the
Medes and Persians, Pekod must also have fallen.

PELAIAH: Pelaiah was a Levite who helped Ezra in reading and

explaing the Law to the Israelites. The Israelites would assemble in
Jerusalem’s public square. (Nehemiah 8:1, 5-8; 9:38; 10:1, 9, 10)

PELALIAH: Pelaliah was a priest whose descendant Adaiah served

at the sanctuary after the return from Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah
11:10, 12)

PELATIAH, SON OF BENAIAH: Pelatiah was the son of Benaiah.

Ezekiel saw this prince of Israel in vision in the vision that Jehovah
told Ezekiel. It pronounced that Pelatiah and Jaazaniah were the
“men who plan evil and give bad advice in this city (Jerusalem).”
Ezekiel was inspired to utter a prophecy against the people of Israel.
After uttering the prophecy Ezekiel reports that Pelatiah died.
(Ezekiel 11:1-13)

PELALIAH: Pelaliah was a priest whose descendant Adaiah was

among those serving at the sanctuary after the return from
Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:10, 12)

PELEG: Peleg was a son of Eber and father of Reu in the line from
Shem to Abraham. This made him an early ancestor of Jesus.
(Genesis 11:16-19) (1 Chronicles 1:24-27) (Luke 3:35) Peleg lived
239 years. He founded one of the seventy post-Flood families.

PELICAN: “What a funny old bird is the pelican, its bill can hold
more than it’s belly can.” Whether that limerick is true or not it calls
attention to a unique feature of the pelican. It has a long and hooked
yellowish beak with a large elastic pouch beneath it. The pelican is
one of the largest flying birds, attaining a length of more than five
feet. It has an amazing eight-foot wingspread and yet pelicans are
very graceful flyers. The pelican is listed among the birds designated
as unclean in the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 11:13, 18) (Deuteronomy
14:11, 12, 17)

PELONITE: Two of David’s warriors, Helez and Ahijah, were called

“Pelonite.” (1 Chronicles 11:26, 27, 36; 27:10) Helez is also referred
to as “the Paltite. (2 Samuel 23:26) Both translations are correct.

PEN, ENCLOSURE FOR ANIMALS: Micah’s prophecy referred to

the united Israel as a “sheep in a pen.” (Micah 2:12) Zephaniah 2:6
speaks of “pens for sheep.” The Bible sometimes uses the term
“flock” interchangeable with the term “pen.” The term pen primarily
means an enclosure for livestock.

PEN, WRITING INSTRUMENT: A pen is a writing tool. The

Israelites and other ancient societies wrote on clay, wax, and soft
metal. They used a stylus for this purpose. However when writing
was done on parchment or papyrus it was done with a pen and ink.
(3 John 13) (2 John 12) The Greek word meaning pen is “kalamos.”
Usually reed or cane were used and the term used was “writing
reed.” Greeks and Romans used a reed pen that was pointed and slit
at the point. The quill pen or something similar was used as recently
as the 1940s. Then the ballpoint pen was invented.

PENIEL: Jacob wrestled with an angel at Peniel. Peniel was near the
Jabbok Ford. Jacob called the place “Peniel” because he had seen
God face to face at that place. (Genesis 32:22-31)

PENINNAH: Peninnah was a wife of El-kanah. Hannah, his other

wife, could have no children. Peninnah produced many children and
ridiculed Hannah’s barrenness. (1 Samuel 1:1-8)

PENTATEUCH: Pentateuch is a Greek word meaning five rolls or

five books. It refers to the first five books of the Holy Scriptures:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The
Pentateuch is a very important part of God’s written Word. It
provides a solid foundation for the rest of God’s Word. Much of the
history from Eden down through Joseph and Moses is included and
Jehovah God’s presentation of his Law to mankind is covered. It is
believed that Moses wrote the entire Pentateuch. (Exodus 17:14;
24:4; 34:27) (Numbers 33:2) (Deuteronomy 31:9, 19, 22, 24-26)
Many of the passages tell us what follows are the words of Jehovah
spoken to Moses. In fact there are more than 50 instances like this
in the book of Numbers. Jesus quoted from these books and
acknowledged that Moses was the writer at Mark 10:3-5 and John
5:46,47. The Sadducees also recognized this at Mark 12:18,19.

PENTECOST: A day of celebration for the Israelites. Holy Spirit was

poured out by the resurrected Jesus Christ on a group of about 120
disciples at Jerusalem on Pentecost 33 C.E. ((Acts 1:13-15; 2:17)
Later another 3,000 followers were added. (Acts 2:41)

PENUEL, FATHER OF GEDOR: Penuel was the father of Gedor in

the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 4)

PENUEL, SON OF SHASHAK: This Penuel was the son of Shashak.

He was a family head who lived in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 25,
28)

PENUEL, CITY NEAR JABBOK: Jabbok was about 3.5 miles east of
Succoth and near the Jabbok Gorge. Judge Gideon asked the people
of Penuel for food to feed his armed forces. The Penuelites refused
to provide them with food. So Gideon destroyed their tower and
killed all their men. (Judges 8:4-9, 17)

PEOPLE OF THE LAND: The people of the earth were the “am-
ha’a’rets.” The expression appears 67 times in the Hebrew
Scriptures. At first it was an expression to distinguish the citizens
from governmental or priestly officials. (2 Kings 11:14, 18-20)
(Jeremiah 1:18; 34:19; 37:2; 44:21) (Ezekiel 7:27) (Daniel 9:6)
(Zechariah 7:5) As time went by, the religious leaders of Judah used
the term to distinguish persons who were unlearned in the law and
ignorant of rabbinic traditions. (Mt 15:1, 2) It was used as a term of
contempt. (Matthew 9:11, 13, 36) (Luke 15:2; 18:11) A similar thing
happened to the words pagan and heathen. They originally meant
simply a dweller in a rural community or one who lived on the field.
Later the meaning changed to something negative such as a lowly
person and a bad sinner.

PERAZIM, MOUNT: Mount Perazim was a mountain also known as

Baal-perazim. (Isaiah 28:21)

PERES: The handwriting on the wall at Daniel 5:25, 28 was: “Mene,

Mene, Tekel and Parsin.” He used these Aramaic words. Daniel’s
interpretation of Peres was: “Peres, your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians.”
PERESH: He was a son of Machir and Maacah in the tribe of
Manasseh. (1 Chronicles 7:14, 16)

PEREZ: Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah by his daughter-in-
law Tamar. His brother started to emerge first at the time of birth
but then he withdrew, and Perez came out first. According to the
account the name Perez means rupture or breaking out. (Genesis
38:24-30) Judah’s genealogies are traced through Perez. (1
Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9-55; 4:1-20) A direct genealogical line from Perez
went through Boaz to David and to Jesus the Messiah. (Ruth 4:18-
22) (1 Chronicles 2:4-15) (Matthew 1:3) (Luke 3:33)

PEREZ-UZZAH: When the Ark of the Covenant was moved from

Kiriath-jearim to the City of David, Uzzah went along to steady the
cart on which it rode. When they reached the threshing floor of
Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark, because the
Oxen stumbled. “Jehovah’s anger burned against Uzzah. He struck
him down because he put his hand on the Ark. So he died there
before God.” (1 Chronicles 13:6-11) To this day that place is called
Perez Uzzah, meaning: “Outbreak against Uzzah.” David was angry
because Jehovah’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah.
Consciences Bible students through out history have wondered
about God’s speedy retribution against Uzzah. But his action was
justified since it was against the Law of God for any man to touch
the Ark of the Covenant except the Levite priests. The account at 2
Samuel says that Uzzah died because of his irreverence. (2 Samuel
6:4-10)

PERFECTION: Hebrew “ka-lal” means perfect. (Exe 27:4) The

Hebrew verbs “sha-lam” and “ta-mam” mean come to completion.
(Isaiah 18:5; 60:20) (Psalm 102:27) The Greek verb “te-leil-o’o” also
means to bring to completeness or full measure. They are talking
about growing to maturity. (Luke 8:14) (1 Corinthians 14:20) (2
Corinthians 12:9) (Hebrews 5:14) (James 1:4) Only God is perfect in
the absolute sense. (Psalm 148:1-13) (Mark 10:18) The longer one
lives and the more experience a person has the more obvious it
becomes that man cannot attain to absolute perfection in this
lifetime. But at least we should try to imitate our Great Teacher
Jesus Christ whenever possible. (1 Peter 2:21)

PERGA: This prominent city in the Roman province of Pamphylia

was one of the destinations of Paul missionary journeys. (Acts 13:13;
14:24-26)
PERGAMUM: Pergamum was a Mysian city in the northwest part
of Asiatic Turkey known as Asia Minor. It was one of the seven
congregations the apostle John addressed in letters recorded in
Revelation 1:11 and 2:12-17. Pergamum was noted for pagan
religion. John was inspired to relate that the throne of Satan was in
Pergamum. (Revelation 2:13)

PERIDA: Perida was forefather of a family of Solomon’s servants.

Some of them returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah
7:6, 7, 57)

PERIZZITES: The land of the tribe of the Perizzites was promised to

Abraham’s seed. (Genesis 15:18-21) (Nehemiah 9:7, 8) The
Perizzites lived in the mountains of Canaan. (Joshua 11:3) They
were one of the seven heavily populated and mighty nations that
Jehovah God commanded Israel to exterminate. They were told not
to have marriage alliances with them. (Exodus 23:23, 24; 33:2;
34:11-13) (Deuteronomy 7:1-3) (Joshua 3:10) The Israelites did not
exterminate them and the Perizzites became a problem for Israel.
(Deuteronomy 7:4; 20:17, 18) (Judges 3:5, 6)

PERSECUTION: Persecution is abuse, ill treatment, harassment

or injury that is inflicted on persons because of social status, racial
origin, or religious faith. The purpose of religious persecution is to
stamp out beliefs and prevent their spread among new converts.
The Hebrew and Greek verbs for persecute are “ra-dhaph” and “di-
o’ko.” They also mean pursue and chase. (Exodus 15:9)
(Deuteronomy 1:44) (Romans 14:19) (Luke 17:23) Persecution can
be verbal abuse, ridicule, and insults. (2 Chronicles 36:16) (Acts
19:9) It can also be bodily injury, imprisonment and even death.
(Matthew 24:9; 27:29, 30) (Luke 21:12) (Acts 5:40; 12:2) According
to Jesus Christ, religious persecution began as far back in history as
Adam’s son Cain. Cain killed his brother Abel because he was filled
with hatred by Satan the Devil. (Genesis 4:3-8) (Matthew 23:34, 35)
(1 John 3:12) Satan incited wicked persecution of faithful Job. Job’s
wife and three friends were used by Satan to inflict this hateful
treatment. (Job 1:8-2:9; 19:22, 28) Government decree sometimes
directs persecution against faithful believers such as the three
Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnace and Daniel was
thrown into the lion’s den. (Daniel 3:13-20; 6:4-17) Jesus predicted
that members of one’s own household would become persecutors.
(Matthew 10:21, 35, 36) Promoters of false religion have been the
prime instigators of religious persecution. Jeremiah experienced
religious persecution. (Jeremiah 26:11) The apostle Paul was
persecuted. (Acts 13:6-8; 19:23-29) The chief priests and the
Pharisees gathered the Sanhedrin together and took counsel to kill
Jesus Christ. We read about this at John 11:47-53.

PERSIA, PERSIANS: The Persians and the Medes were related

people of the ancient Aryan (Indo-Iranian) tribes. The Persians
descended from Japheth, possibly through Madai, the common
ancestor of the Medes. (Genesis 10:2) Early history of the Persians
indicates that the territory they held was in the southwestern
portion of the large Iranian plateau. The southern boundary of this
land was the Persian Gulf. The Persians enjoyed luxury and great
opulence during the time of the empire. (Esther 1:3-7) Their
language was of the Indo-European extraction and they wrote in
Indian Sanskrit and the cuneiform style of writing. Official
documents were primarily in Aramaic, an international language.
(Ezra 4:7) Their religion centered around their chief god Ahura
Mazda and a deity called Mithra was god of war.

PERSIS: The apostle Paul commended Persis for her many

Christian works. (Romans 16:12) Persis came from Rome.

PERUDA: He was also called Perida. Peruda was the forefather of a

family of Solomon’s servants. (Ezra 2:55) (Nehemiah 7:57)

PESTILENCE: The Hebrew word “de’ver” came from a root word

meaning destroy. It is a rapidly spreading infectious disease capable
of attaining epidemic proportions and causing death. (Luke 21:11)
(Revelation 6:1-8)

PETER THE APOSTLE: Andrew and Peter were the first two
apostles Jesus chose. Peter was first called Simon, until Jesus
changed his name to Cephas. The Greek “Pet’ros” means piece of
rock. The Greek “Pet’ra” means mass of rock. Jesus called Peter a
‘piece of rock’ at Matthew 16:18-19. Then Jesus described himself,
not Peter, as the ‘rock-mass’ upon which he would build his
congregation. Jesus trusted Peter with the keys to the kingdom, but
he did not put him in charge of the entire congregation. Although
Peter was a loving and very effective leader in the early church, he
was not the head of the congregaton. This position was reserved
only for the Son of God, Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:18) (1
Corinthians 11:3)

PETER, FIRST LETTER: The apostle Peter was in the city of

Babylon when he wrote the first letter of Peter about 62 to 64 C.E.
Peter was entrusted with preaching duties that included the large
Jewish population there. (Galatians 2:8, 9) The letter is addressed
to those who live in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia.” (1 Peter 1:1) Some believe that the letter was written from
Rome and that Babylon is a simbolic term for Rome. The Bible does
not state anywhere that Babylon refers to Rome. In fact the Holy
Scriptures do not state that Peter was ever in Rome!

PETER, FIRST LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

1 Peter 1:8-12 “You receive your salvation as the outcome of your
faith.
1 Peter 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the spiritual milk that is
without deception to help you grow to salvation.”
1 Peter 3:1-6 Believing mate can win over unbelieving mate.
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things, have intense love for one another, for
love covers a multitude of sins."
” Peter 5:6, 7 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand
of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time. Throw all your
anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”

PETER, SECOND LETTER AND HIGHLIGHTS: Second Peter

was written in Babylon about 64 C.E. The purpose of Peter’s second
letter was to help the Christtians avoid being misled by false
teachers and ungodly men within the congregation. (2 Peter 1:10, 11;
3:14-18) Peter counseled to have faith, virtue, knowledge, patience,
godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. (2 Peter 1:5-11) Peter
warned that God did not spare angels that had sinned, and He did
not spare the sinful ancient world in Noah’s day. Peter also listed
the total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He listed other
examples of sinful behavior and judgement by God. (2 Peter 2:1-22)
Peter cautioned his readers saying, “in the last days, mockers will
come with mockery, wqalking after their own lusts.” (2 Peter 3:3)
“Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some count
slowness. He is longsuffering (patient) toward you. He does not
wish that nay should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Peter promised that “the day of Jehovah
will come.” (2 Peter 3:9-18)

PETHOR: Pethor was the home of Balaam, the prophet who

attempted to curse Israel. Pethor was probably located by the
Euphrates River in Aram Naharaim or Mesopotamia. (Numbers
22:5; 23:7) Perhaps it could be identified with Pitru on the Sajur
River, a tributary of the Euphrates to the south of Carchemish
according to the Assyrian inscriptions.

PETHUEL: Pethuel was the father of the prophet Joel. (Joel 1:1)
PEULLETHAI: Peullethai was the eight son of Obed-edom. He is
listed as a gatekeeper. (1 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 5, 15)

PHENUEL: (Face of God) Her daughter Anna was a prophetess at

the temple in Jerusalem when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus
there. (Luke 2:36) She was a descendant of Asher.

PHARAOH: The king of Egypt was given the title Pharaoh. It is

derived from an Egyptian word meaning Great House. It originally
described the royal palace and as time went on it came to apply to
the head of government, the king. (Genesis 12:14-20)

PHARISEES: The Pharisees were strict in obeying the Law of

Moses. They also taught other regulations that had been added over
the centuries. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their false
teachings and hypocritical practices. (Matthew chapter 23)

PHARPAR RIVER: Naaman proclaimed the Abanah River and the

Pharpar River better rivers than any rivers in Israel. (2 Kings 5:12)
The Pharpar was possibly a smaller stream then the Abanah. The
headwaters of the two rivers are found on the slopes of Mount
Hermon and merge about 19 miles south west of Damascus. The
rivers are a little over forty miles long.

PHICOL: Phicol was the Army chief of Philistine King Abimelech.

He accompanied Abimelech when they concluded covenants with
both Abraham and Isaac. (Genesis 21:22, 32; 26:26, 31)

PHILADELPHIA: The city of Philadelphia was in western Asia

Minor. One of the seven letters found in Revelation chapter three
was written to the congregation in Philadelphia. (Revelation 1:11;
3:7-13) Philadelphia was situated in the rolling hills south of the
Cogamis River. It was 50 miles northwest of Laodicea. It was at that
time a prosperous wine-producing center. Its chief deity was
Dionysus the god of wine. Jesus commended the Christians at
Philadelphia for their endurance and encouraged them to keep on
holding fast. (Revelation 3:9-11)

PHILEMON: Philemon was a member of the Christian congregation

at Colossae. His house served as a meeting place for the Colossae
congregation. Philemon was a source of encouragement and an
example in faith and love for fellow Christians. The apostle Paul
called him a beloved fellow worker at Philemon 1, 2, 5-7. Philemon
was a slave owner. His slave Onesimus ran away from him shortly
before He received Paul’s letter. This runaway slave may have stole
funds from his master to finance the voyage to Rome, where he later
met Paul and became a Christian. (Philemon 10, 11, 18, 19)

PHILEMON, THE LETTER: This letter was written by Paul own

hand between 60 and 61 C.E. (Philemon 1, 2, 19) He wrote to
encourage Philemon to accept his runaway slave Onesimus without
severely punishing him. Paul appealed on the basis of love since
Philemon was a man of faith and love. (Philemon 8, 9, 17)

PHILIP, THE APOSTLE: Philip was an early disciple of our Lord

Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the lists of the apostles in the
Gospel accounts. (Matthew 10:3) (Mark 3:18) (Luke 6:14) John’s
account gives some details about him. (John 1:40, 41, 43-49) John
relates that Philip was from Bethsaida, the same hometown as Peter
and Andrew. Philip was closely associated with Nathanael
(Bartholomew) and with the sons of Zebedee.

PHILIP, THE EVANGELIZER AND MISSIONARY: Philip was

among the seven men of good reputation who were full of spirit and
wisdom, who were chosen by the apostles to distribute food among
the Greek and Hebrew speaking Christian widows in Jerusalem.
(Acts 6:1-6) Philip was considered an evangelist and a missionary.
He traveled to Samaria where he declared the good news of the
Kingdom. (Acts 8:4-13) He was led by Holy Spirit to meet the
Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. After answering the eunuch’s
questions from the Holy Scriptures the eunuch asked to be baptized.
The account is found at Acts chapter eight.

PHILIP, THE HUSBAND OF HERODIAS: This Philip was the

husband of Herodias and father of Salome. His wife had an
adulterous relationship with his half brother Herod Antipas. He was
the son of Herod the Great by his third wife, Mariamne II. This
made him part Jew and part Idumean. (Matthew 14:3, 4) (Mark
6:17, 18) (Luke 3:19, 20)

PHILIP, THE RULER OF ITURAEA AND TRACHONITIS: When

John the Baptist began his ministry in the fifteenth year of the reign
of Tiberius Caesar, 29 C.E. Philip, the son of Herod the Great by
Cleopatra of Jerusalem was ruling the district of Ituraea and
Trachonitis. His name was Philip. (Luke 3:1-3)

PHILETUS: Philetus was an apostate whom the apostle Paul

mentions in his second letter to Timothy. (2 Timothy 2:17, 18) Paul
mentions Philetus and Hymenaeus as false teachers who have gone
astray from the truth.

PHILIPPI: Philippi was the principal city of the district of

Macedonia at the time of Paul’s second missionary tour. It was
located 9 miles from the seaport town, Neapolis. Visitors had to
travel through a mountain pass, 1600 feet above sea level, and down
into the Philippian Plain. (Acts 16:11, 12) Philippi was situated on a
hill rising out of the plain, near the Gangites River. The acropolis
was on a large rock formation in the northeast part of the city. Paul
established a fine congregation in Philippi. They were dear to his
heart and the provisions they provided for him showed their deep
love for him. (Philippians 4:16)

PHILIPPIANS, THE LETTER: The apostle Paul wrote the letter to

the Philippians between 60 and 61 C.E. from Rome. Philippi was the
principal city of the district of Macedonia and was a Roman colony.
Paul offers greetings to the congregation of the Philippians brom
the “household of Caesar.” (Philippians 1:13); 4:22) The letter
reflects the special love that existed between Paul and the Christians
in Philippi.

PHILIPPIANS LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Philippians 1:9 “I pray that your love may abound yet more and
more in knowledge and all discernment.
Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6, 7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.”

PHILISTINES: The Philistines were Israel’s enemy for many years.

They superstitiously consulted their priest and diviners to make
decisions. They worshiped false gods and carried idols of their gods
with them when they went into battle. (2 Samuel 5:21) The
Philistines were among Israel’s avowed enemies. (Isaiah 9:12; 11:14)
The word Philistines occurs more that 250 times in the Bible.

PHILOLOGUS: Philologus was a Christian whom Paul greets in his

letter to the Romans. (Romans 16:15)

PHILOSOPHY: The Greek word “phi-lo-so-phi’a” means love of

wisdom. The word occurs only twice in the Christian Greek
Scriptures at Colossians 2:8 and Acts 17:18. Paul warned believers
of the dangers of philosophy and empty deception according to the
tradition of men. Paul was not apposed to knowledge; in fact he
prayed that Christians be filled with it. His concern was that they
obtain true wisdom and accurate knowledge. (Colossians 1:9, 10;
2:2, 3) Paul frequently emphasized that falsely called knowledge of
the world is foolishness and should be avoided. (1 Corinthians 1:18-
31; 2:6-8, 13; 3:18-20) (1 Timothy 6:20)

PHINEHAS, “GOOD-FOR-NOTHING” SON: Phinehas was the

younger of the two good-for-nothing sons of priest Eli. (1 Samuel
1:3; 2:12) He and his brother Hophni served as priest. While serving
in that capacity they cohabited with women at the sanctuary and
thus treated Jehovah with disrespect. Their father made a feeble
attempt to repremand them, but they refused to listen. God
pronounced judgement against them for their wickedness. (1
Samuel 2:13-34)

PHINEHAS, SON OF ELEAZAR: This man was the grandson of

Aaron, the son of Eleazar. His son’s name was Abishua. (Exodus
6:25) (1 Chronicles 6:4) When 24,000 Israelites died on the Plains
of Moab because of fornication and Baal worship Phinehas put to
death Zimri and the woman he was about to fornicate with. Because
of his actions Jehovah counted him as righteous. God then made a
covenant for the priesthood to remain in his line. (Numbers 25:1-15)
(Psalm 106:30, 31)

PHLEGON: Phlegon was a Christian brother whom Paul greets in

his letter to Rome. (Romans 16:14)

PHOEBE: Phoebe was a Christian sister of the first-century

congregation of Cenchreae. Paul recommends this sister to the
Christians at Rome. (Romans 16:1, 2) He referred to her as a
minister of the congregation. He recognized her as a preacher of the
good news. (Acts 2:17, 18)

PHOENICIA: Phoenicia was situated along the eastern shore of the

Mediterranean Sea between Syria and Israel. Its eastern boarder
was the Lebanon Mountains. The coastal plains of this long, narrow
country were interrupted only by the foothill of the mountains that
reached down to the sea. This area was formerly known as Canaan.
(Genesis 10:15-18) (1 Chronicles 1:13-16)

PHOENIX: Phoenix was a city located west of Fair Havens on the

south side of Crete. Paul’s ship attempted to sale to Phoenix for
winter anchorage when a storm caused it to wreck on the island of
Malta. (Acts 27:12-28:1)

PHRYGIA: This country or region was in central Asia Minor in the

first century. Phrygia was an inland area in the Roman provinces of
Galatia and Asia. It covered the plateau country north of the Taurus
Mountain Range. The Halys River was on the east and the Hermus
and Maeander Rivers were on the west. The apostle Paul traveled
through portions of Phrygia on two of his trips. (Acts 15:41; 16:1-6;
18:23; 19:1)

PHYGELUS: Phygelus was from the district of Asia who turned

away from Paul. (2 Timothy 1:15)

PHYLACTERY: SEE SCRIPTURE CASE

PIBESETH: Pibeseth was the city mentioned at Ezekiel 30:17. It was

a prophecy directed against Egypt. It was the seat of false worship of
the goddess Bastet, a feline goddess represented with the head of a
cat. There was a large burial ground for cats near the city. There was
an annual festival to honor Bastet.Ezekiel’s prophecy is about the
Babylonian conquest of Egyupt when Pibeseth would be captured.
Later the Persians destroyed the city. (1 Kings 11:40; 14:25, 26)

PIGEON: The Hebrew word “yoh-nah’” is applied to both the dove

and the pigeon. The distinction between the two birds is not sharply
defined. The name pigeon is applied to the larger types. Like the
dove, the pigeon is a stout-bodied, short-legged bird with smooth
and compact plumage. The Pigeon is a strong, swift flier. It is able to
reach speeds of over fifty miles per hour. It has a homing instinct
that makes it useful for carrying message. (Leviticus 1:14; 5:5-7, 11)
(Luke 2:22-24)

PIHAHIROTH: Pihahiroth was the name of the last campsite where

the Israelities camped before crossing the Red Sea. (Numbers 33:7,
8) Moses received instructions from God to travel from Etham at
the edge of the wilderness to go camp at Pihahiroth. (Exodus 13:20)
The Red Sea was at a sufficient depth to allow for the waters to be
split apart to form a passage and the shore on both sides was a
gradual slope. (Exodus 14: 4-16, 21, 22)

PILATE: Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea during Jesus’

earthly ministry. (Lu 3:1) Archelaus the son of Herod the Great was
removed as king over Judea. The emperor then appointed
provincial governors. Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor to be
appointed. Tiberius appointed his in 26 C.E. and his rule lasted ten
year. The account of Jesus’ encounter with Governor Pilate is found
in Matthew chapter 27.

PILDASH: Pildash was the sixth of the eight sons of Abraham’s

brother Nahor by his wife Milcah. (Genesis 22:21-23; 11:29)

PILES, HEMORRHOIDS: Hemorrhoids are the swelling of veins at

the anus. It is frequently accompanied by bleeding. This condition
is painful. There are usually vascular tumors beneath the mucous
membrane of the rectum. Piles or hemorrhoids were among the
disorders that Jehovah God warned the Israelites they would suffer
if they were disobedient. (Deuteronomy 28:15, 27) (1 Samuel 5:6-12)
(1 Samuel 6:4, 5, 11, 17)

PILLAR: A pillar is a tall thin upright column used for structural

support. Ancient people in the Middle East built sacred pillars in
connection with their false religion. It is possible they involved
phallic symbolism. The Israelites were commanded to destroy such
sacred pillars when they entered the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy
7:5; 16:22) Sometimes they adopted heathen religion and used
sacred pillars. (1 Kings 14:23) (2 Kings 3:2) Archaeological
discoveries confirm Biblical references about pillars used in
construction. (Proverbs 9:1) (Judges 16:25, 29) (1 Kings 7:2) The
Christian congregation is figuratively called a pillar and support of
the truth at 1 Timothy 3:15. God appeared to the Israelites from a
pillar of fire and cloud. (Exodus 14:24)

PILLORY: The pillory was a device for confining the neck and arms.
It was used to punish offenders by exposing them to public ridicule.
The term pillory is used in association with the term stocks at
Jeremiah 29:26. Some translators use the terms iron collar,
shackles or chains.

PILTAI: Piltai was the head of the priestly paternal house of

Moadiah at the time Jeshua replaced Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:12, 17)

PIM: The pim was the amount that the Israelites paid the Philistines
to sharpen their metal implements. (1 Samuel 13:20, 21) Stone
weights found in Palestinian excavations bear the imprint, “pim” in
the old Hebrew characters. The pim was worth about two thirds of a
shekel.

PINON: Pinon was one of the sheiks of Esau (Edom). (Genesis

36:40-43) (1 Chronicles 1:51, 52)
PIPE: The pipe was a tubular wind instrument as mentioned at
Genius 4:21. It was also a long tube used to carry liquids. (Zechariah
4:2) Modern Bible translations render the Hebrew word “ughav” as
the English word pipe. The pipe is understood to be the first wind
instrument mentioned in the Scriptures. The Aramaic word “mash-
roh-qi” is translated pipe at Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15.

PIRAM: Piram was the Amorite king of Jarmuth at the time Israel
entered the Promised Land. He joined with four other Amorite
kings to conspire against the Gibeonites. They did this because the
Gibeonites made peace with Joshua. During the battle Piram and
the other kings took refuge in a cave at Makkedah. The Israelites
sealed up the cave until the fighting was over. They then opened the
cave and killed Piram and the other kings. (Joshua 10:1-27)

PISGAH: Pisgah is best known for its connection with Moses’

extensive view of the Promised Land shortly before his death.
(Deuteronomy 3:27; 34:1-3) When the name Pisgah occurs in the
Bible it usually refers to a high altitude such as “the top of” or “on
the slopes of.” As a result of this it is often called Mount Pisgah. The
reference to its elevated position would cause one to come to this
conclusion. Pisgah was part of Ruben’s tribal territory.
(Deuteronomy 3:16, 17) (Joshua 13:15, 20)

PISHON RIVER: The River watering the garden flowed from Eden.
From there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the
first river is the Pishon. It winds through the entire land of Havilah,
where there is gold.” (Genesis 2:10-12) The Pishon River is one of
the four rivers that branches out from Eden. Some people identify
this river with rivers in Armenia and others go as far as the Ganges
River in India. No one knows for sure the exact location where this
river flowed.

PISIDIA: Pisidia was an interior region of Asia Minor. It was about

one hundred and twenty miles from east to west and fifty mile north
to south. It was a mountainous region with beautiful valleys, forests
and pasturelands. The people of Pisidia were wild and warlike tribes
who resorted to robbery as a way of life. The apostle Paul passed
through Pisida on his first missionary trip. (Acts 13:13, 14; 14:21, 24)

PISPAH: Pispah was an Asherite leader. He was the son of Jether. (1

Chronicles 7:38, 40)
PISTACHIO NUT: The pistachio nut is the fruit of the Pistacia Vera
tree. This nut grows on a deciduous tree that grows to heights of
thirty feet. The nut has a hard light colored shell. The kernel inside
has a mild, sweet flavor. Some times they are eaten raw. (Genesis
43:11)

PIT: A pit is a deep hole, either natural or artificial. The two Hebrew
words for pit are “bohr” and “sha’chath.” The Hebrew word
“she’ohl” is translated pit in the King James Version at Numbers
16:30, 33 and Job 17:16. Sheol usually refers to the grave in general
and not a pit. (Job 17:13-16) (Psalms 30:3; 88:3-6) (Proverbs 1:12)
(Isaiah 14:9-15; 38:17, 18; 51:14) Pits were used to trap enemies and
catch animals. (Psalms 7:15; 40:2; 57:6) (Proverbs 26:27; 28:10)
(Jeremiah 18:20, 22) The Greek word “phre’ar” means pit. It is used
to describe the bottomless pit at Revelation 9:1, 2.

PITHOM: Pithom was a supply (storage) city built by the enslaved

Israelites in Egypt. The other supply city was Raamses. (Exodus
1:11)

PITHON: Pithon was a descendant of King Saul through Jonathan

and Meribbaal. (1 Chronicles 8:33-35; 9:39-41)

PLAGUE: Hebrew words for plague means to scourge and defeat.

God dealt blows as punishment for rebellious complaining and for
refusal to obey God’s will. (Numbers 16:41-50) (Zechariah 14:12, 15,
18) He punished those who violated his laws. (1 Samuel 5:1-6:4)
(Genesis 12:17) (Psalm 105:15) (Leviticus 26:21) (Deuteronomy
28:59-61) (1 Chronicles 21:17, 22) Jehovah inflicted a plague on the
Egyptians in the time of Moses to show his great power and make
known his name among the nations. (Exodus 9:14, 16) (Joshua 2:9-
11; 9:9) (1 Samuel 4:8; 6:6) Plagues are symbolically presented in
the book of Revelation as an expression of God’s anger. (Revelation
9:18, 20; 11:6; 15:1, 6, 8; 16:9, 21; 18:4; 21:9; 22:18) This comes from
the Greek word “ple-gai’” meaning blows or strikes.

PLAN: See PURPOSE

PLANE TREE: The plane tree is a stately tree growing as high as

seventy feet. It’s branches spread out to allow it’s dark green vine
like leaves to offer splendid shade. The name comes from the
Hebrew verb “a-rah” meaning lay bare or uncover. This is because
every year the tree peels off it’s outer bark in strips or sections,
exposing smooth white inner bark beneath. (Zephaniah 2:14)
(Isaiah 22:6) Ezekiel spoke about Pharaoh and his followers in a
illustration comparing the plane tree with the majestic cedar of
Lebanon at Ezekiel 31:8. Plane trees are found along riverbanks
throughout Syria, Palestine and Lebanon.

PLANTS AND TREES OF THE BIBLE: Psalm 104:24 says, “O

Jehovah, how many are your works! In wisdom you have made
them all. The earth is full of your possessions. Nearly one hundred
plants and trees are mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. You will find
a very diversified growth of trees, from the cedars of Lebanon to the
date palms of Jericho. And when you travel to the desert you find
the broom trees. In all there are 30 different types of trees
mentioned in the Bible. You may find many of these plants and
trees by searching in a comprehensive concordance.

PLASTER: Plaster is a wall covering that was commonly made

with clay mixed with straw. Sometimes the mixture included ashes,
pulverized pottery fragments, lime and pounded shells or limestone.
(Leviticus 14:42) (Ezekiel 13:10-16) (Daniel 5:5)

PLEIADES: The Hebrew word “kimah” means a cluster of seven

stars. This is the name given to the cluster of stars seen in the
shoulder of the constellation Taurus. (Job 9:9; 38:31) (Amos 5:8)

PLAY THE HARLOT: Some Bible translations use the term “play
the harlot.” To play the harlot is to have immoral intercourse with
false gods and mix in false religion. (Revelation 17:1, 2)

PLEDGE: A pledge is a deposit of personal property for a debt.

The Mosaic Law protected the interest of the poor and the
defenseless people. The two Hebrew verbs “cha-val”’ and “a-vat’”
mean pledge. When a person did not return a pledge it was the same
as robbing and shedding blood. The unrepentant sinner was
deserving of death. (Ezekiel 18:10-13) The Law forbade taking a
widow’s garment as a pledge at all for God was concerned with the
difficulties of the poor and widows. (Deuteronomy 24:17)

PLOW: Early plows were simple pointed pieces of wood. Some had
metal tips and were pulled by an animal or animals. These crude
instruments only cut the surface of the soil without turning it over.
The summer sun baked the soil hard. Often plowing was held up
until the autumn or winter rains softened the soil. (Exodus 34:21)
(Deuteronomy 22:10) (Job 1:14) (Proverbs 20:4) (Exodus 11:4)
Plowing was a common subject that was often used for an
illustration. Judah and Israel needed to change their way of life,
preparing, softening, and cleansing their hearts similar to plowing
and removing thorns. (Jeremiah 4:4) (Hosea 10:12, 13) Jesus Christ
emphasized wholehearted service by saying: No man, who puts his
hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke
9:61, 62)

PLUM LINE: A plum line is a metal, stone, or clay weight fastened

to a cord. The builder holds the end of the cord allowing the weight
to hang straight down in a perpendicular manor. It is sometimes
call a plumb bob or plummet. (Zechariah 4:9, 10) (Ezra 3:8-10; 6:14,
15) Amos saw a vision of Jehovah stationed on a wall. Jehovah was
holding a plumb line. The prophet learned that God was setting a
plumb line in the midst of His people. Israel did not meet the test of
spiritual straightness and Jehovah would therefore mete out justice.
(Amos 7:7-9)

POLYGAMY: Polygamy is the practice of having more than one wife

at a time. God’s original standard for mankind was for the husband
and wife to become one flesh. Polygamy was not acceptable and it is
prohibited in the Christian congregation.(Titus 1:5, 6) (Ephesians
5:21-33) The first mention of polygamy in the Bible is at Genesis
4:19. Lamech, a descendant of Cain, took two wives for himself.
Jacob was tricked into polygamy by is father-in-law. (Genesis
29:23-29; 46:7-25)

POCHERETH-HAZZEBAIM: This man was the head of a family

whose descendants were among the sons of the servants of
Solomon. They returned from the exile under the leadership of
Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 55, 57) (Nehemiah 7:59)

POISONOUS PLANT: The Hebrew word “rosh” generally means

poison or poisonous plant. It refers to “the bitterroot and the
poison.” (Lamentations 3:5, 19) It also identifies poison or venom.
(Deuteronomy 32:33) (Job 20:16) When it is used in conection with
water it means poisonous water. (Jeremiah 8:14; 9:15; 23:15) It is
used in reference to perversion of justice when used in an
illustrative sense. (Hosea 10:4) (Amos 6:12) Apostacy is pictured as
poisonous. (Deuteronomy 29:18) (Acts 8:23) (Hebrews 12:15) It was
prophesied that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be given a
poisonous plant to eat. (Psalm 69:21) (Matthew 27:34) (Mark 15:23)

POMEGRANATE: The pomegranate is a fruit that is maroon in

color, shaped like an apple. It has a crown around the bottom. It is
full of small pink or red seeds. The pomegranate tree is found
throughout the Middle East. In Hebrew it is called “rim-mohn.”
Jehovah promised the nation of Israel they would inherit a land of
wheat, barley, vines, gigs, pomegranates, olives, and honey.
(Deuteronomy 8:7-9) The spies returned from the land with a
supply of pomegranates. (Numbers 13:2, 23)

PONTUS: Pontus was a district of northern Asia Minor along the

Black Sea. The Jews had spread to every part of Pontus according to
Jewish writer Philo. Jews from Pontus were in Jerusalem on
Pentecost 33 C.E. Perhaps some of these Jews of Pontus heard
Peter’s speech and became Christians and returned to their home
territory. Aquila was a native of Pontus who traveled to Rome and
Corinth where he met the apostle Paul. (Acts 2:9; 18:1, 2) (1 Peter
1:1)

POOL: The Bible speaks of pools as open reservoirs used for

collecting and storing water. These pools were sometimes natural
but many were dug out of the soil or hewn out of rock. Some of
them were linked to springs by means of conduits. (2 Samuel 2:13;
4:12) (1 Kings 22:38) (Ecclesiastes 2:6) The term pool is also
referred to in the Scriptures as lakes, ponds, reed filled marshes and
reservoirs. (Exodus 7:19; 8:5) (Psalms 107:35; 114:8) (Isaiah 35:7;
41:18)

POOL OF SHELAH: The Pool of Shelah (Shiloah) was a pool or

reservoir of water south of the City of David where the Valley of
Hinnom and the Central Valley meet. (Nehemiah 3:15) This same
pool was called the lower pool at Isaiah 22:9. The term Shelah is
from the Masoretic text. This pool came from a gradual slope of a
canal that may be referred to in the words “the gently flowing waters
of the Shiloah.” (Isaiah 8:6)

POOR: Persons having little money and few material possessions

are considered to be poor. Anything inferior in quality is also
considered poor. Down through the centuries the needy have
outnumbered those having much. Jesus Christ stated: You always
have the poor with you. (Mark 14:7) While reorganizing the needs of
the poor the Bible stresses spiritual prosperity over material
prosperity. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) The Scriptures warn against steeling
in spite of extreme poverty. (Proverbs 6:30, 31; 30:8, 9) (Ephesians
4:28) The Law made it easier for the poor to manage. (Leviticus
19:9, 10; 23:22) (Deuteronomy 24:19-21) A poor person could
borrow money without paying interest. (Exodus 22:25) (Leviticus
25:35-37) (Deuteronomy 15:7-10) God’s law prescribed equal justice
for rich and poor alike. (Exodus 23:3, 6) (Leviticus 19:15) Jesus
Christ felt pity for the crowds because they were cheated and
pushed around like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)
Jesus and his apostles had a common fund from which they gave to
needy Israelites. (Matthew 26:9-11) (Mark 14:5-7) (John 12:5-8;
13:29) Laziness was discouraged by the apostle Paul when he wrote:
“Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” (2 Thessalonians
3:10)

POPLAR TREES: Hebrew “ara-vim” means popular trees. Poplar

and willow trees are common to the Middle East. The poplar tree is
plentiful along the banks of the Euphrates River. (Psalm 137:1, 2)
They are also found on the banks of rivers and streams in Syria and
Palestine. They often form dense thickets near watercourses like the
Jordan River valley. (Leviticus 23:40) (Job 40:22) (Isaiah 44:3, 4)

PORATHA: Poratha was one of the ten sons of Haman. (Esther 9:8,
10)

PORCH, HALL: The Hebrew word “ehlam” is translated “porch.” It

is also translated “hall.” Solomon constructed a Porch or Hall of
Pillars in the temple area. He also constructed the Hall of the
Throne where he placed his ornate ivory and gold throne. (1 Kings
7:1, 6, 7; 10:18-20) There were a number of porches and halls
mentioned in Ezekiel’s vision of a temple sanctuary. (Ezekiel 40:5-
17, 35-42, 48, 49; 41:25, 26)

PORCUPINE: The porcupine is a large rodent that is full of

protective spines or quills. The Hebrew word translated porcupine
is “qippodh.” Modern lexicons list “qippodh” as the porcupine or
hedgehog. (Isaiah 14:23; 34:11) (Zephaniah 2:14)

PORPHYRY: Porphyry is a type of stone that contains feldspar

crystals. It is usually dark red, green, or purple in color. It was used
as pavement in the palace at Shushan in Persia during the days of
King Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:6)

PORTENT: A portent is a sign, omen, forecast of things to come. A

prophet often offers a sign or portent to lend support to his
prophecy. (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) The apostle Paul spoke about
portents or signs when he referred to Joel 2:30. This account is
found at Acts 2:14-19. (Mathew 24:24) (John 4:48) Jesus disciples
were supported by God with signs and portents of powerful works.
(Hebrews 2:3, 4) (Acts 2:43; 5:12) The evidence of false prophets
was also accompanyed by powerful works and false signs. (2
Thessalonians 2:3-12)
POTIPHAR: Potiphar was an Egyptian court official and chief of
Pharaoh’s bodyguard. Potiphar purchased Joseph from a Midianite
merchant and put him in charge of his house and field. (Genesis
37:36; 39:1-6) Potiphar’s wife was not faithful to him. She
repeatedly tried to seduce Joseph and one day she grabbed hold of
him and demanded his attention. Joseph refused and ran away.
Potiphar’s wife made false accusations to her husband, accusing
Joseph of sexual promiscuity. In a fit of anger Potiphar had Joseph
thrown into prison. (Genesis 39:7-20)

POTIPHERA: He was Joseph’s father-in-law. His daughter Asenath

bore Manasseh and Ephraim. Potiphera was the priest of the son-
god Ra. He performed his duties at On, a center of Egyptian sun
worship. (Genesis 41:45, 50; 46:20)

POTSHERD: A potsherd is a broken piece of pottery or a fragment

of earthenware. The Hebrew word “che’res” means earthenware
that is broken or not broken. (Numbers 5:17) (Jeremiah 19:1) Satan
struck Job with a malignant boil from head to toe. Job took a
fragment of earthenware and scraped himself. (Job 2:7, 8) Enemies
surrounded David at the time that he was inspired to write the
prophetic psalm about the Messiah’s suffering. He said: “My power
is dried up like pieces of broken pottery.” (Psalm 22:11-15) Man’s
complaints about the way God does things inspired Isaiah to write:
“Does a clay pot dare argue with it’s maker, a pot that is like all the
others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot
complain that its maker has no skill? Do we dare say to our parents
why do you make me like this?” (Isaiah 45:9-12)

POTTER: A potter is a craftsman who makes pottery. Earthenware

pots, dishes and other vessels are considered pottery. (Leviticus
15:12) (2 Samuel 17:28) (Jeremiah 19:1) (Luke 22:10) Statues and
other decorative art objects could also be considered pottery. The
Hebrew word for potter is “yoh-tser.” It means former or someone
who forms. (Jeremiah 18:4) The Greek term “ke-ra-meus” refers to
the English word “mix.” This may be because the clay used by the
potter must be mixed with water. (Isaiah 41:25) The clay is then
thrown onto a wheel and is turned. (Jeremiah 18:3, 4) When it is
finished it is glazed in a furnace. (Proverbs 26:23) At one time a
group of royal potters existed. (1 Chronicles 4:21-23) Jehovah God
is illustratively likened to a Great Potter at Jeremiah 18:1-10. Man is
equated with the clay. (Isaiah 29:15, 16; 45:9; 64:8) It is prophesied
at Psalm 2:9 that God will give the authority to His Son to rule as
king over the earth. The king, Jesus Christ, will rule the nations with
an iron scepter. He will: “dash them to pieces like pottery.” (Daniel
2:44) (Romans 9:14-26) (Revelation 2:26, 27; 12:5)

POTTER’S FIELD: Judas threw the betrayal price of 30 pieces of

silver into the temple. The chief priests used the money to purchase
the potter’s field to bury strangers. (Matthew 27:3-10) Later the
field was known as Akeldama, or “Field of Blood.” (Acts 1:18, 19)
This field was on the south slope of the Hinnom Valley, just before it
joins the Kidron Valley. It was an area where potters practiced their
art, near the Gate of the Potsherds or the Gate of the Potters. This is
mentioned in Jeremiah 19:1, 2. Clay was available and the site was
close to a water supply.

POUND: A pound is a weight measurement mentioned only at John

12:3 and 19:39. The Greek and Roman pound was about 11.5
ounces. The pound is used in the Bible only as a weight
measurement and not as a monetary weight.

POWER: Power can be defined as capacity to accomplish things and

to do work. It is also thought of as authority. God has great power.
The evidence of his power can be seen in all physical creation of the
universe as well as in all earthly things. (Job 38:31-33) His works
are seen as his purposeful activity. His power sustains the universe.
(Psalm 136:25; 148:2-6) (Matthew 5:45) His expressions of power
are in harmony with his righteousness. (Psalm 98:1, 2; 111:2, 3, 7)
(Isaiah 5:16) He is Jehovah, the absolute, almighty, universal,
sovereign God. The expression Almighty God is found nearly 80
times in the Hebrew Scriptures.

PRAETORIUM: The Greek word “praitorion” and the Latin word

“pratorium” translate to the governors palace or residence. The
governors palace was located in Jerusalem. (Mark 15:16) (John
18:28, 33; 19:9)

PRAETORIAN GUARD: The Roman Praetorian Guard was an elite

group of Roman soldiers numbering nearly 10,000 all Italian
volunteers. Augustus first organized by them as an imperial
bodyguard for the emperor. They received double or triple the pay
that the average soldier in legions received. They were divided into
groups of 1,000 men known as cohorts. Some were sent to foreign
lands, but three were always stationed in Rome in barracks adjacent
to the emperor’s palace. Pilate interrogated Jesus in the praetorium,
or governor’s palace. (John 18:28, 33; 19:9) This is where
judgments were rendered and troops were barracked. (Matthew
27:27) (Mark 15:16) The apostle Paul was held under guard in the
praetorian palace of Herod. (Acts 23:35)

PRAISE: Praise is an expression of approval and commendation. It

is words of homage offered as an act of worship. The Hebrew verb
“ha-lal” and the Greek word “ai-ne’o” each mean praise. (Psalm
113:1) (Isaiah 38:18) (Romans 15:11) The Greek noun “hy’mnos”
translates to the English word hymn. It expresses the thought of
praise or a song of praise to God. (Mark 14:26) When we praise
God’s name we praise God Himself. (Psalm 69:30; 135:3; 150:2) (1
Chronicles 16:25, 26) God will never share His praise with lifeless
images. (Isaiah 42:8)

PRAYER: Prayer is communication with God. It is not always vocal

speech but can be thoughts directed to God. Prayer involves
devotion, trust, respect for God. (Genesis 3:8-13; 4:9-14; 44:18;
50:17) (Acts 25:11) Jehovah God is the One that prayer should be
directed. He is the Hearer of prayer and He has the power to act in
behalf of the petitioners. (Psalms 5:1, 2; 65:2; 66:19) (Matthew 6:9)
(Mark 11:24) (Ephesians 3:20) Jesus Christ is the only way to
approach God through prayer. (John 14:6; 15:16; 16:23, 24) (1
Corinthians 1:2) (Ephesians 2:18)

PRAYERS GOD HEARS AND DOES NOT HEAR: All people may
come to the Hearer of prayer, Jehovah God. (Psalm 65:2) (Acts
15:17) “God shows no partiality. In every nation He accepts every
person who respects him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34, 35)
“Whatever we ask we receive from Him because we obey His
commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1
John 3:22) (Psalm 10:17) (Proverbs 15:8) (1 Peter 3:12) God does
not listen to the prayers of those who are not doing His Will.
(Proverbs 15:29; 28:9) (Isaiah 1:15) (Micah 3:4) The model prayer
given to us by Jesus gives us a basic pattern of the subjects it is
proper to pray for. (Matthew 6:9-13)

PREACH, PREACHER, PREACHING: The Greek word “kerysso”

means preach or proclaim. It applies to public proclamations. A
preacher is a messenger who proclaims the message of the Good
News from God. At Revelation 5:2 the angel proclaimed the need for
someone worthy to open the scroll and loosen the seal. The Greek
word “euaggeli’zomai” means to declare good news. It means to
publish, talk about, and publicize. (Matthew 11:5) (Luke 9:60) (Acts
21:26) (Romans 9:17) (1 Corinthians 11:26) (Colossians 1:28) Noah
is the first person in the Scriptures assigned (appointed) as a
preacher. (2 Peter 2:5) Many of God’s faithful servants served as
prophets and preachers. (Psalm 105:9, 13-15) Some presented the
Good News in written form. (Jeremiah 29:1, 30, 31; 30:1, 2) (Daniel
chapters 7 – 12) Jesus Christ set the example for doing the
preaching work. He went teaching publicly and in private homes.
(Matthew 5:1; 9:10, 28, 35) (Acts 20:18-21) The first century
Christians did not charge a wage, but gave freely of their time and
talents. (Matthew 10: 8) (1 Thessalonians 2:9) All followers of Jesus
Christ are required to do the preaching work. (Matthew 28: 19, 20)

PREGNANCY: The state of being pregnant, after conception with

unborn baby within the mother’s body. Jehovah God instructed
Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.”
Therefore being pregnant is normal condition for women. (Genesis
1:28) The Bible sometimes refers to pregnancy as “to be with child.”
(1 Chronicles 4:17; 7:23) (Matthew 1:18, 23) Having children was
viewed as a blessing. (Psalm 127:3) (Genesis 29:32-35; 30:5, 6)
Barrenness was a shame and a reproach. (Leviticus 1:24, 25)
(Genesis 25:21; 30:1) Pregnancy and the birth of a child is used in a
figurative sense. Unfaithful Israel “conceived trouble and gave birth
to evil.” (Isaiah 59:2-8) Isaiah depits Israel as a woman crying out in
labor pains at Isaiah 26:17, 18.

PREPARATION: The day preceding the weekly Sabbath was called

the Preparation Day. (Mark 15:42) This day was set aside for the
people of Israial to get ready for the Sabbath. They collected and
baked or boiled extra manna on that day. (Exodus 16:5, 22-27) The
Preparation Day would end at sundown of what is today called
Friday. The next day, the Sabbath, began at that time. The Law
required that the body of a man executed and hung on a tree (stake)
“should not stay all night on the tree (stake).” (Deuteronomy 21:22,
23) (Joshua 8:29; 10:26, 27) (John 19:31, 42) (Mark 15:42, 42)
(Luke 23:54)

PRESENCE: Strongs Greek Dictionary defines the Greek word

parousia: “being near,” “return,” “coming,” and “presence.” Jesus
presence is spoken of at Matthew 24:3. This is from the Greek word
Parousia, meaning “being alongside” or “present.” Obviously Jesus
would have to come first in order to be present. A case in point is 2nd
Peter 3:12, also from the Greek word: parousia, where “The Day of
God” would have to come and then be present. One does not need to
debate the use of “presence” versus “coming,” but simply consider
them complementary of each other.

PRESS: A press is a machine used to exert preasure on solids in

order to extract liquids. In Bible times the machines were vats in
which teams of two to seven people crushed wine or olives with
their bare feet or by use of heavy stones. (Numbers 18:27) (2 Kings
6:27) Jehovah refers to Himself as a lone Treader at Isaiah 63:1-3.
We read of a figurative winepress at Joel 3:13, 14. The apostle John
sees a symbolic winepress in his vision. Here the “Word of God”
treads the “great winepress of the anger of God.” (Revelation 14:19,
20; 19:11-16)

PRIDE WITH A BAD CONNOTATION: Most dictionaries define

pride as unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem. It is haughty
behavior that includes egotism and arrogance. The Hebrew verb ga-
ah’ means grow tall and get high and it relates to self-exaltation in
the good and bad sense. (Job 8:11) (Ezekiel 47:5) (Isaiah 9:9)
(Proverbs 8:13) (Psalm 68:34) (Amos 8:7)

PRIDE WITH A GOOD CONNOTATION: The Greek term kau-

kha’o-mai means boast, take pride and exult. It can have good or
bad connotations. (1 Corinthians 1:29) (Romans 2:17; 5:2) The
problem is that the word pride is used in a bad sense more often
then in a good sense. The psalmist spoke of Israel as “the pride of
Jacob” at Psalm 47:4. The New Simplified Bible uses other
synonyms such as glory, excellency, and grandeur instead of the
word pride in many instances. We read at Isaiah 4:2: “the fruit of
the earth will be the delight (pride)(joy) and adornment for the
survivors.” The word glory has been used at Jeremiah 9:24 instead
of pride, a practice of the old American Standard Version-1901.

PRIEST: Before the Christian congregation was established priests

represented God to the people they served. They served as
instructors about God and the Law. The priest also offered sacrifices
for sin. After Jesus Christ gave himself as the one important
sacrifice for sin he became High Priest in heaven. The need for
priests on earth was then eliminated. The 27 books of the Christian
Greek Scriptures highlight that important fact. (Hebrews 2:1-4;
4:14-16)

PRIESTS’ CITIES: Cities were designated as places of residence for

the Aaronic priests and their families. A total of 48 cities were given
to the tribe of Levi by the other tribes of Israel. The Kohathite
priests of Aaron’s family were assigned to 13 cities. (Joshua 21:1-42)
(1 Chronicles 6:54-81)

PRINCE: SEE LEADER

PRISCA, PRISCILLA: The shorter form, Prisca, is found in Paul’s
writings. Luke called her Priscilla. She was the wife of Aquila and is
always mentioned with him. They were loving, hard working
Christians who were filled with hospitality, always ready to host the
congregation meetings in their home at both Rome and Ephesus.
The apostle Paul joined them in tentmaking at Corinth about 50
C.E. (Acts 18:2, 3) When they traveled with Paul to Ephesus they
taught Apollos the correct way of God. (Acts 18:18, 19, 24-28) (1
Corinthians 16:19) Fifteen years later they risked their lives for the
apostle Paul. (Romans 16:3, 4)

PRISON, JAIL: A prison or jail is a building or place where persons

are confined while on trial or for punishment. (Genesis 39:20;
42:29) (Ecclesiastes 4:14) (Matthew 11:2; 14:10) (Acts 5:18)
Imprisonment was a form of legal punishment among the
Egyptians, Philistines, Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians.
(Genesis 39:20) (Judges 16:25) (2 Kings 17:4) (Ezra 7:26) (Jeremiah
52:31-33) In the figurative since, prison refers to a land or state of
spiritual bondage. (Isaiah 42:6, 7; 49:5, 8, 9; 61:1) (Matthew 12:15-
21) (Luke 4:17-21) (2 Corinthians 6:1, 2) Spirit creatures are thrown
into confinement. (1 Peter 3:19) (Jude 6) (Revelation 20:1-3, 7)

PROCHORUS: Seven men were certified men full of spirit and

wisdom who were appointed to see that everyone received equal
treatment in the daily distribution of food. This first century
Christian was one of the seven men appointed from the
congregation at Jerusalem. (Acts 6:1-6)

PROCONSUL: Each province supervised by the Roman Senate

appointed a principal local administrator. This administrator was
called the proconsul. It was proconsul’s responsibility to direct the
civil affairs of the province. He judged the subjects and maintained
law and order. His jurisdiction was supreme in the province, even
though the Roman senate reviewed his actions. Proconsul Sergius
Paulus became a Christian. (Acts 13:7, 12) Another proconsul was
Gallio mentioned at Acts 18:12.

PROPHECY, PROPHET, PROPHETESS: The revelation of divine

will and purpose including moral teaching, divine command and
prediction of things to come. A prophet is one who writes the
inspired Word of God or one who teaches it. Both men and women
served in this capacity. The Source of all true prophecy is Jehovah
God. (Hebrews 1:1-4) (2 Timothy 3:16-17) (2 Peter 1:20-21)
PROPITIATORY, PROPITIATION: Something propitiatory has
power to atone for sin and wrongdoing. It is offered by way of
expiation (compensation) for sin. Just as the High Priest on the Day
of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies (most holy place) with
sacrificial blood, so Christ took the value of his sacrifice, not before
a literal propitiatory cover (throne of mercy), but before the
presence of Jehovah God in heaven. (Leviticus 16:15) (Hebrews
9:11-14, 24-28) “He is the propitiation (Greek: hilasmos:
atonement, compensation) for our sins. Not for ours only, but also
for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) “In this is love, not that we loved
God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation
(atonement) (sacrificial payment) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

PROSELYTE: A proselyte is a religious convert. It was applied to the

conversion of a gentile to Judaism. It also applied to conversion
from other religions. The Greek word “pro-se’ly-tos” is used in both
the Septuagint and the Christian Greek Scriptures. A proselyte who
was converted to Judaism was responsible to obey the Law and he
was treated by natural as a brother. (Leviticus 19:33, 34; 24:22)
(Galatians 5:3) The Hebrew word ger was rendered stranger.
(Genesis 15:13) (Exodus 2:22) (Jeremiah 14:8) The Italian Cornelius
was converted to Christianity. He was not a Jewish proselyte, for he
was an uncircumcised Gentile. (Acts 10:1, 2) (Luke 7:2-10)

PROSTITUTE: A prostitute is a person who engages in sexual

intercourse for money. A prostitute is sometimes called a harlot.
The Hebrew word for prostitute is “zoh-nah” and the Greek word
for prostitute is “por’ne.” Jehovah God’s Law forbids prostitution,
adultery and fornication. The penalty for such behavior was death
and by extension spiritual death could apply today. (Exodus 20:14;
22:16, 17) (Leviticus 19:29) (Deuteronomy 5:18; 22:13-24) In a
figurative sense a person, nation or congregation who makes
alliances with the world or false gods is called in the Bible a
prostitute. (Isaiah 54:5, 6) (Ezekiel 16:33, 34; 23:1-49) (Revelation
17:5)

PROVERBS: SEE ILLUSTRATIONS

PROVERBS, THE BOOK: The book of Proverbs contains a large

collection of proverbs or wise sayings from several collections. The
objective of the book is stated in chapter one: “To know wisdom and
instruction. To discern and understand words. To receive
instruction with wisdom, justice, judgment and integrity. To give
wisdom and refinement to the simple. To the young man knowledge
and discretion.” The book of Proverbs brilliently expresses the
conection between knowledge, discernment, wisdom,
understanding, and thinking ability. It brilliently sums it up by
saying, “Respect for Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Fools
despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) Proverbs is
inspired of God and is not simply the opinions of Solomon. The vast
majority of the book was written by Solomon. However, a few of the
wise saying are credited to Agur and Lemuel. (Proverbs 22:17; 30:1;
31:1)

PROVINCE: The territory or geographic location of the rule of a

Roman governor was called a province. The word provine comes
from the Greek word “eparkheia.” When the apostle Paul was
delivered to Felix at Caesarea, the governor asked him what
province he was from. Paul was from Cilicia. (Acts 23:34) Paul’s
birthplace, Tarsus, was in the Roman province of Cilicia. (Acts 22:3)
Felix was replaced as governor of the imperial province of Judea by
Festus. (Acts 25:1)

PSALMS, THE BOOK: Psalms is the large book in the middle of the
Bible containing sacred songs and poetry. The book of Psalms is the
largest book in the Bible. It is filled with praise and prophecy. The
writer is identified at the beginning of each Psalm. There are 150
psalms. David wrote 73 and 11 were written by Korah and 12 by
Asaph. The individual psalms were written over a period of about
1,000 years, spanning a time from Moses until after the return from
Babylonian exile. The books contains five collections of sacred
songs. (1) Psalms 1-41. (2) 42-72. (3) 73-89. (4) 90-106. (5) 107-150.

PTOLEMAIS: The apostle Paul stopped at Ptolemais, a seaport city

near Mount Carmel on his way to Jerusalem about 56 C.E. This city
used to be called Acco. (Acts 21:7)

PUAH THE MIDWIFE: Puah was a Hebrew midwife. She and

Shiphrah, another midwife, were commanded by Pharaoh to kill all
male babies born to the Hebrews. Because of her deep respect for
God, she preserved the baby boys alive. She was blessed by Jehovah
with a family of her own. (Exodus 1:15-21)

PUBLIC READING: “Mose took the book of the covenant, in which

Jehovah’s commandments were written, and read it aloud to the
people.” (Exodus 24:7) Public reading was an important method
used by Jehovah to instruct and educate his people right from the
beginning. Public reading is reading aloud for a group of persons to
hear. There was a public reading of a portion of the Law every
Sabbath at the synagogues. The Greek word “a-na-gi-no’sko” means
to know well. It is rendered read, read aloud, public reading and
private reading. (Luke 4:16) (Acts 13:27) The Greek noun “a-
na’gno-sis” is translated reading or public reading. (Acts 13:15) (1
Timothy 4:13) Reading aloud from the apostles letters and the Holy
Scriptures was an important part of Christian meetings. (Colossians
4:16) (1 Thessalonians 5:27) (1 Timothy 4:13) (Revelation 1:3) The
word public is not always found in the translation and has been
injected to enhance the meaning. This is especially true where the
translation speaks about reading aloud or reading to the
congregation.

PUBLIUS: Publius was a wealthy landowner who lived on the Island

of Malta. He entertained the apostle Paul and his companions for
three days after their shipwreck on the island. Paul healed Publius’
father of fever and dysentery while he was there. (Acts 28:7, 8)
Publius was a leading official on the island.

PUDENS: Pudens was the apostle Paul’s companion near the close
of his life. He sent greeting to Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:21)

PUL, KING OF ASSYRIA: Pul was the king of Assyriah when

Menahem, king of Israel reigned. (2 Kings 15:19) (1 Chronicles 5:26)
Pul entered Palestine and demanded tribute from Menahem. Most
scholars now believe that Pul and Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria were
the same.

PUL, A COUNTRY OR PEOPLE: Pul is listed in Isaiah 66:19 as one

of the places noted for skilled archers. The Greek Septuagint reads
“Phud” or “Put” in this same verse.

PUNITES: The Punite were the descendants of Issachar’s son

Puvah. (Numbers 26:23)

PUNON: Punon was a campsite between Zalmonah and Oboth.

Israel camped there sometime after leaving Mount Hor. It is
believed to be located about 19 miles southeast of Ain Husb.
(Numbers 33:41-43)

PUPIL OF THE EYE: The pupil of the eye is the opening in the
colored iris of the eye. It’s appearance is black because of the dark
interior of the eye. The iris adjusts in size to the amount of light.
When light enters the cornea it passes through the pupil into the
lens of the eye. The eye is extremely tender and sensitive. It is a
perfect object to use in an illustration of God’s protection and care.
David prayed that he would be protected by God “as if I were the
“pupil of your eye.” (Psalms 17:8) (Deuteronomy 32:10) (Proverbs
7:2) (Lamentations 2:18) (Zechariah 2:8)

PUPIL, STUDENT, DISCIPLE: The word pupil also stands for one
who is a student, who takes instruction, a desciple. It comes from
the Greek word “mathetes.” (Luke 6:40) SEE: DISCIPLE.

PUR: The word “pur” is linked with an Akkadian word “puru.” It

means “lot.” The name “pur” is the root word for the name of the
Jewish festival Purim. Purim is the plural form. (Esther 3:7; 9:24-
32)

PURAH: Purah was an attendant of Gideon who accompanyied

Gideon at night to spy on the Midianite camp. (Judges 7:9-15)

PURCHASE: To purchase is to aquire by means of exchange of

items of value, money, goods, services, or human life. Bible records
show that people were formally buying and selling goods,
properties, or services as early as Abraham’s day. (Genesis 17:12, 13;
23:2-20; 49:29-32) Jacob also purchased things including land
from the Shechemites. (Genesis 33:18, 19) A number of references
to purchasing are found in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Matthew
13:44-46; 25:8-10; 27:7) (Mark 6:37) (John 4:8; 13:29) (Acts 1:18;
4:34-37; 5:1-3) The greatest purchase of all time was made by
Jehovah when He purchased the entire “Congregation of God with
the blood of His own Son.” (Acts 20:28)

PURPOSE: The New Simplified Bible uses the word “purpose” when
translating the Greek word “prothesis.” According to Thayer
Definitions the Greek word “prothesis” found at Ephesians 3:11
means “a setting forth of a thing, a purpose.” Strong’s Greek
Dictionary also says it means “a setting forth” “putting something in
view” and also a “proposal,” an “intention,” and a “purpose.” The
New Simplified Bible uses the word “purpose” at Ephesians 3:11.
(Romans 8:28; 9:11) (2 Corinthians 5:5) (2 Timothy 1:9) (Hebrews
6:17) (Revelation 17:17) Some Bible scholars emphaticly state that,
“God does not plan, He purposes!” (For a more comprehensive
discussion of this word see: Translation Notes: PURPOSE)

PURSE: A purse was a bag or pouch used by men and women to

carry gold, silver, copper, coins or other items. Women sometimes
had ornamental purses. (Isaiah 3:16, 22; 46:6) (Matthew 10:9)
Early purses were made of leather, woven rushes or cotton. Some
people used girdle purses. (Matthew 10:9) (Mark 6:8) (Luke 12:33)
When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples to do the preaching work
he told them to provide themselves with purses. (Luke 10:1, 4, 7)

PUT: Put was the son of Ham. (Genesis 10:6) (1 Chronicles 1:8) His
offspring gave military support to Egypt. (Jeremiah 46:9) (Ezekiel
30:4-6) They were mercenaries in the armies of Tyre at the time of
it was a great city. (Ezekiel 27:3, 10; 38:5)

PUTEOLI: Puteoli was a major seaport southeast of Rome in the

first century C.E. The apostle Paul visited Puteoli on his way to
stand before Caesar in Rome about the year 59 C.E. The brothers
living at Puteoli entreated Paul and his traveling companions to
spend a week with them. (Acts 24:23; 27:3; 28:13) Puteoli was also
called Diaearchia by the Jews when there was a Jewish colony
located there. (Jewish Antiquities by Josephus)

PUTHITES: The Puthites were a family that lived in Kiriath-jearim.

They were descendants of Judah through Shobal. (1 Chronicles
2:53, 53)

PUTIEL: He was the father-in-law of Aaron’s son Eleazar and

grandfather of Phinehaus. (Exodus 6:25)

PUVAH: Puvah was a son of Issachar. His family descendants were

called Punites. (Genesis 46:13) (Numbers 26:23)

PYRRHUS: This man was a Beroean whose son Sopater traveled

with Paul through Macedonia for part of his third missionary
journey. (Acts 20:3, 4)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

Q

QOHPH: This is the 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

QUAILS: The Israelites were twice relieved of their privation and

hunger by a miraculous supply of quails. (Exodus 16:13) (Numbers
11:31) God rained flesh upon them as dust and feathered fowls like
the sand of the sea. (Psalm 78:27)

QUARANTANIA: Ouarantania is a mountain located 7 miles

northwest of Jericho. It is believed by some to be the high mountain
where Jesus was tempted by the Devil. (Matthew 4:8)
QUARREL, ARGUE: Holy Scriptures counsel against becoming
involved in quarrels or disputes without cause. (Proverbs 3:30) A
quarrel is a controversy or case at law. (Deuteronomy 17:8)
(Jeremiah 25:31)

QUARRY: An open-pit mine from which various types of stone are

excavated is a quarry. The tomb where Jesus was buried was one
quarried out of rock. (Mathew 27:59, 60) (Mark 15:46)

QUART: The Greek khoi’nikes was a little less than a U.S. dry quart.
In John’s time a denarius was a day’s wage, therefore a quart of
wheat for a denarius would indicate famine conditions. (Matthew
20:1-12) (Revelation 6:5-6)

QUARTERMASTER: Most likely the quartermaster was the officer

in charge of rations and supplies for the troops (Jeremiah 51:59-64)

QUARTUS: Paul greeted Quartus in his letter to the Romans.

(Romans 16:23) He had a Roman name and knew the brother in
Rome and therefore may have been from that congregation.

QUARTZ: Quartz is a semiprecious stone of various colors, but

usually clear.

QUEEN: A title given to a wife of a king or a female monarch was

queen. The queen of Sheba was one with such power. (1 Kings 10:1)
(Matthew 12:42)

QUEEN GODDESS: Ishtar was the false queen goddess of the

Babylonians. (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:15-29) Is there any possible
coincidence that Ishtar sounds much like Easter? There is no
Scriptural record of the first century Christians celebrating Easter!
The King James Version wrongfully inserted the name Easter in
place of Passover at Acts 12:4. It is from the Chaldee word “pascha.”

QUEEN OF HEAVEN: The Assyrians worshipped the moon as the

receptive power nature. Jeremiah made reference to this and to
Ashtoreth the Queen of Heaven. (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17, 25) (Judges
10:6) (1 Samuel 7:4) (1 Samuel 12:10)

QUICKSAND: Greek: syrtis means quicksand or sandbar. This is

found only in Acts 27:17 in reference to an area on the north coast of
Africa.
QUIRINIUS: Caesar Augustus ordered the census that resulted in
Jesus’ birth taking place in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:1-2) Quirinius was
Roman governor of Syria at the time.

QUIVER: The sheath used to hold arrows is called a quiver. The

Hebrew word “aspah” means suspended weapon, that which hangs.
(Job 39:23) (Psalm 127:5) (Isaiah 22:6; 49:2) (Jeremiah 6:16)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

R

RAAMAH: Raamah was a son of Ham’s first born, Cush, and

brother of Nimrod. (Genesis 10:6-8) (1 Chronicles 1:9) (Ezekiel
27:20-22) The city of Raamah was near Main in southwest Arabia.

RAAMIAH: This is an alternate form of Reelaiah. He returned to

Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:7) (Ezra 2:2)

RAAMSES, RAMESES: The Exodus from Egypt began at the city of

Raamses. (Genesis 47:11) (Exodus 12:37) (Numbers 33:3-5)

RABBAH: The city of Rabbah mentioned at Joshua 13:25 was

located at the extremity of the ancient kingdom of Ammon after its
loss of territory to the Amorites. It is assumed to be its capital.
Another Rabbah was one of the cities given to the tribe of Judah in
its territorial allotment. It is listed in Joshua 15:60.

RABBI: The Hebrew word “rhabbi” means teacher, master, and

great one. (John 1:38; 20:16) Jesus followers called him by this title
of honor in order to show him respect. However, Jesus insisted that
they should not call any man Rabbi, father or leader. (Matthew
23:1-12)

RABBITH: The Masoretic text indicates this was a site on the

Issachar boundary. (Joshua 19:17, 18, 20)

RABBONI: This Semitic word means my teacher. (Mark 10:51) It is

considered a more respectful title then Rabbi but is translated both
ways. (John 1:38; 20:16)

RABMAG: Rabmag was the title of a major official of the

Babylonian Empire when Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E. It
has been found on excavated inscriptions. Nergal-sharezer the
Rabmag was one of the men in the special tribunal of high
Babylonian princes who sat in judgment in Jerusalem’s Middle Gate
after the city fell to Nebuchadnezzar. He was involved with
Jeremiah’s release to go to Gedaliah. (Jeremiah 39:3, 13, 14)

RABSARIS: Rabsaris was the chief court official in the Assyrian and
Babylonian governments. He was one of the three who served on a
committee of Assyrian dignitaries sent by the king of Assyria to
demand the surrender of Jerusalem in King Hezekiah’s time. (2
Kings 18:17)

RABSHAKEH: He was a major Assyrian official. (2 Kings 18:17)

Sennacherib the king of Assyria laid siege to the Judean fortress of
Lachish. Before the final battle he sent Rabshakeh to speak to the
Hebrews. He spoke Hebrew and Syrian fluently. Rabshakeh called
out in Hebrew to King Hezekiah. He spoke loudly enough so the
people could hear. The words were designed to induce terror and
demoralize the people. (2 Kings 18:28-35) This complete account is
thrilling and also faith building. You can read it in its entirety at 2
Kings chapters 18 and 19. What happened to King Sennacherib and
ultimately to his evil servant Rabshakeh? Read about it at 2 Kings
19:35-37.

RACAL: Racal was one of the places where David sent spoils from
his war with the Amalekites. (1 Samuel 30:18, 26, 29) The Greek
Septuagint translate it Carmel instead of Racal.

RACHEL: Rachel was a daughter of Laban. She was the younger

sister of Leah and Jacobs first cousins and preferred wife. (Genesis
29:1-30) He agreed to work seven years for permission to marry
Rachel’s younger sister Leah. When the time came to wed he was
required to marry Rachel and work an additional seven years for
Leah. Rachel was mother of Benjamin and Joseph. (Genesis 35:16-
20)

RADDAI: Raddai was the brother of David in the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 2:13-15) He was Jesse’s fifth son.

RAHAB THE HARLOT: Rahab was a prostitute of Jericho who

became a worshiper of the true God Jehovah. Among the
Canaanites harlotry was not considered a business of ill repute. It
was in the spring of 1473 B.C.E. that two Israelite spies came into
Jericho and took up lodging a Rahab’s home. (Joshua 2:1) They
stayed there long enough to spy out the land so that the Israelites
could conquer it. The two spies were recognized as Israelites and the
matter was reported to the king. Rahab hid them among flax stalks
that were drying on the roof and they were not found. (Joshua 2:2-
7) She enabled the spies to escape through a window of the house
that was on the city wall and told them how they could avoid the
search party. (Joshua 2:8-22) Rahab showed exemplary devotion to
the God of Israel. (Hebrews 11:30, 31) (James 2:25)

RAHAM: Raham was a son of Shema from the Calebite branch of

Judah’s genealogy. (1 Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9, 42-44)

RAIN: Rain is water falling in drops from vapor condensed by

conditions produced in the atmosphere. (Job 36:27-28)
(Ecclesiastes 1:7) (Isaiah 55:10) Jehovah prepares rain for the earth.
(Psalm 147:8) (Isaiah 30:23) The term rain is also used figuratively
in the Holy Scriptures. (Deuteronomy 32:2) Jehovah’s instructions
drip as the rain where His promises show blessing. (Malachi 3:10)

RAINBOW: A rainbow is an arc of colored light in the sky caused by

a refraction of the suns rays through rain. God said he would never
again destroy all of mankind by a flood and he offered a rainbow as
part of his pledge. (Genesis 9:8-17)

RAKKATH: Rakkath was a fortified city of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32-

35) It is located on the Sea of Galilee North of Tiberias.

RAKKON: This city was listed when describing the border of Dan.
(Joshua 19:40, 41, 46)

RAM, ANCESTOR OF JESUS CHRIST: Ram was a descendant of

Judah through Perez and Hezron. He lived at the time Israel was in
Egypt. Ram’s genealogy leads to the Davidic line. Nahshon, Boaz,
and David were among his descentants. That makes him an
ancestor of Jesus Christ. (1 Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9-25) (Numbers 1:7)
(Ruth 4:18-22) (Matthew 1:3, 4) (Luke 3:33)

RAM, SON OF JERAHMEEL: This Ram was the first born of

Jerahmeel. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 25, 27)

RAM, HEAD OF FAMILY: He was the founder of Elihu’s family.

(Job 32:2)

RAMAH, OF BENJAMIN: Ramah was a city in the territory of

Benjamin. It was located south of Ephraim near Bethel. (Joshua
18:25) (Judges 4:5) The Jews taken captive to Babylon were
gathered at Ramah. (Jeremiah 40:1) This gave rise to the saying: “A
sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of crying in bitter grief. Rachel
is crying for her children. She refuses to be comforted, because they
are dead.” (Jeremiah 31:15,16) Rachel was the mother of Benjamin.
Jeremiah further explained that there was still hope, for the exiles
would return.

RAMAH, OF SIMEON: This enclave city was in the Negeb about 19

miles east of Beer-sheba. It belonged to the tribe of Simeon. (Joshua
19:1, 8) Ramah was the same city as Baalathbeer and was known as
Ramah of the south.

RAMAH, OF ASHER: This Ramah was a city in the territory of

Asher. It is only listed in Joshua 19:24, 29.

RAMAH, OF NAPHTALI: This city was a fortified city in Naphtali’s

territory. (Joshua 19:32, 36)

RAMAH, SAMUEL’S HOMETOWN: Samuel the prophet was born

at Ramathaim-zophim in the mountions of Ephraim. (1 Samuel 1:1,
19; 9:5) (1 Chronicles 6:27, 28, 34, 35) The shortened name is
Ramah. Each year Samuel traveled to Shiloh to sacrifice. (1 Samuel
1:3, 19; 2:11) He used Ramah as a base from which he traveled in a
circuit judging Israel. (1 Samuel 25:1; 28:3)

RAMATHAIM-ZOPHIM: This was the home of Elkanah in the

mountains of Ephraim. (1 Samuel 1:1)

RAMATHITE: Shimei was called a Ramathite because he was from

a town named Ramah. He was the vineyard keeper of King David. (1
Chronicles 27:27)

RAMATH-LEHI: Samson struck down a thousand Philistines with

the moist jawbone of an ass! Then he named the site in Judah
where this event took place, Ramath-Lehi. The term means Lofty
Place of the Jawbone. (Judges 15:16-18)

RAMATH-MIZPEH: This was one of the cities east of the Jordan

River given to the tribe of Gad. (Joshua 13:24, 26)

RAMIAH: Ramiah was an Israelite of the sons of Parosh. He sent

away his foreign wives and sons when Ezra requested it. (Ezra
10:10, 11, 25, 44)

RAMOTH, OF ISSACHAR: Ramoth was a Levite city in the territory

of Issachar. (1 Chronicles 6:71-73) It is considered the same as
Remeth and Jarmuth. (Joshua 19:17, 21; 21:27-29)
RAMOTH-GILEAD: Ramoth-gilead was a city in the territory of
Gad, east of the Jordan River. It was also called Ramah. (2 Kings
8:28, 29) (2 Chronicles 22:5, 6) It was a Levite city as well as a city
of refuge. (Deuteronomy 4:43) (Joshua 20:8; 21:38) (1 Chronicles
6:8) It was at Ramoth-gilead that Elisha’s attendant anointed Jehu,
the military chief, to be the next king. (2 Kings 9:1-14)

RAMPART: This is a mound of earth or stones or a wall used as

fortification around a place. Sometimes in the Bible it is called a
siege rampart or siege mound. (2 Samuel 20:15) (2 Kings 19:32)
(Ezekiel 4:1, 2) God gives the divine help of salvation as the rampart
for the faithful. (Isaiah 26:1)

RANSOM: The price paid to buy back or obtain release from an

obligation. The redemption price must be equal to the value of the
person being released. The shed blood of Jesus Christ was paid for
deliverance from sin and death of all of Adam’s offspring. We learn
at Psalm 49:6-9 that no human can pay the redemption price. Only
Jesus Christ’s perfect life has the necessary value. (Romans 5:15-17)
(1Corinthians 15)

RAPE: Rape is the crime of forcing a person, usually a woman, to

submit to sexual intercourse against her will. Physical force,
psychological duress and intimidation or acts of deception are often
used to perform rape. The victim often experiences psychological
and emotional problems that last for a long time. There was a case
of multiple rapes in the city of Gibeah of Benjamin reported in
Judges chapters 19 and 20. King David’s son Amnon violated his
half sister Tamar. Tamar’s brother Absalom saw to it that he was
killed because of that. (2 Samuel 13:1-18)

RAPHA: The fifth son of Benjamin as noted at 1 Chronicles 8:1, 2.

It is possible that Rapha died with no descendants.

RAPHAH: Raphah was a Benjamite whose son Palti was one of the
12 to spy out the land of Canaan in 1512 B.C.E. (1 Chronicles 8:33-
37; 9:43)

RAPHU: Raphu was a Benjamite whose son Palti was one of the 12
to spy out the land of Canaan in 1512 B.C.E. (Numbers 13:9, 16.

RAVEN: The raven is a large crow like bird. It measures two feet
long with a three-foot wingspan. The plumage is glossy with a jet-
black color. (Song of Solomon 5:11) It is the first bird specifically
named in the Bible. (Genesis 8:7) (Proverbs 30:17) It is a carrion
eating bird that will eat most anything including: nuts, berries,
grains, rodents, reptiles, fish and young birds. After Noah released
the raven from the ark it remained outside the ark, using it only as a
resting-place. (Genesis 8:5-7)

RAZOR: Two Hebrew words are used for razor. They mean a sharp
instrument used to remove hair or to lay bare. (Isaiah 3:17) (Genesis
41:14) A person who took a Nazirite vow did not use a razor on his
head until the period of the vow was completed. (Numbers 6:5, 18)
(Judges 13:5; 16:17) (Acts 21:23, 24) The tongue is compared to a
sharp razor at Psalm 52:2.

READING: Reading is the learning and reasoning process of

understanding a written linguistic language. Obviously reading
came into existence at the same time as writing. There is specific
reference to reading in the days of Moses. (Exodus 17:14) The
people of Israel were encouraged to read and write. (Deuteronomy
6:6-9) Jehovah told Joshua to read in an undertone or meditate on
the Law. (Joshua 1:8) (Psalm 1:2) To read in an undertone means to
meditate on what you read and to read it over and over again to
yourself. Jesus read from the Hebrew Scriptures publicly in the
synagogues. (Luke 4:16-21) When Jesus rebuked Satan he replied,
“it is written.” Then he quoted from the Scriptures. (Matthew 4:4, 7,
10) Reading God’s Word opens the heart to his Holy Spirit.
(Hebrews 4:12)

REAPER, REAPING: Reaping is gathering crops. Harvesting grain

in ancient times required cutting the grain with a sickle.
(Deuteronomy 16:9) (Mark 4:29) Sometimes they uprooted the
plant from the earth. This was useful because the grain did not grow
tall and the straw as needed. Reaping is frequently used in the
Scriptures to illustrate the end result of one’s works. The main
principle is that a man sows what he reaps. (Galatians 6:7-9)
(Proverbs 22:8) (Hosea 8:1,7) The apostle Paul told the Corinthians
to reap sparingly and you will reap sparingly, also reap bountifully
and you will reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:5-7) Christ is
pictured in Revelation chapter 14 as the reaper who “thrust in his
sickle on the earth, and earth was reaped.” (Revelation 14:14-20;
19:11-16)

REBA: Reba was one of the five kings of Midian slain in the
avenging of Midian’s immoral seduction of Israel. (Numbers 31:2,
8) They are also referred to as the dukes of Sihon. (Joshua 13:21)
REBEKAH: Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel the son of Nahor.
She was therefore the grandniece of Abraham. Her brother was
Laban. (Genesis 22:20-23) Abraham sent his household manager to
find him a wife. He found Rebekah, a modest, hospitable and
industrious young woman who was very attractive. (Genesis 24)

REBELLIOUSNESS, DISOBEDIENCE: Rebelliousness is

intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude. It involves
insubordinate actions that include defiance. This also includes
hostile challenges to superior authority. Rebelliousness and
disobedience are caused by pride, selfishness, outside pressures;
desire to get out from under subjection or oppression, either real or
imagined. Satan the Devil and his angelic followers were the first to
rebel against God. He then convinced Adam and Eve to do the same.
(Genesis 3:1-6) (1 Timothy 2:14) Rebelliousness and disobedience
has continued throughout the centuries. The Scriptures are full of
accounts of people who disobeyed God. Rebellion and disobedience
among Christians was and is prevalent even today. The apostle Paul
foretold an apostasy, or rebellion, among professed Christians. (2
Thessalonians 2:3) Apostates also existed in Paul’s time. (1 Timothy
1:19, 20) (2 Timothy 2:16-19)

REBUKE: A rebuke is an expression of criticism and censure. The

Hebrew verb ga’ar’ expresses disapproval. (Genesis 37:10) The
Greek word “epitima’o” means rebuke, strictly charge, reprimand.
(Matthew 12:16) (Luke 18:39) (2 Timothy 4:2)

RECAH: This name of a Judean site is mentioned along with

genealogical information for the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:12)

RECHAB, THE BENJAMITE: Rechab was the Benjamite son of

Rimmon the Beerothite. Rechab and his brother Baanah were both
captains of the marauding bands that murdered Ish-bosheth. Ish-
bosheth was the son of Saul who succeeded him to the throne. The
marauders presented his head to David expecting to win favor from
him. Instead, David had them both executed for their wicked deed.
(2 Samuel 4:2, 5-12)

RECHAB, THE KENITE: This Rechab was the father of Jehu’s

companion Jehonadab. He was a forefather of the Rechabites. (1
Chronicles 2:55) (2 Kings 10:15, 23) (Jeremiah 35:6, 8, 14, 16, 18,
19)
RECHAB, FATHER OF MALCHIJAH: This Rechab was the father
of Malchijah. He helped Nehemiah repair a gate of Jerusalem’s wall.
(Nehemiah 3:14)

RECHABITES: The Rechabites were descendants of Rechab the

Kenite through Jehonadab. (Jeremiah 35:6) (1 Chronicles 2:55) The
respectful obedience to their earthly father stood in contrast to the
disobedience of the Judeans to their Creator. So Jehovah gave the
Rechabites the following promise found at Jeremiah 35: 1-19: “A
descendant of Jonadab, Rechab’s son, will always serve me.”
(Jeremiah 35:19)

RECONCILIATION: The Greek verb “allasso” means to change or

alter. (Acts 6:14) (Galatians 4:20) The compound form of this word,
“ka-tal-las’so,” means exchange and reconcile. (Romans 5:10” Paul
uses the more intense “apo-ka-tal-las’so” in dealing with man’s
reconciliation to God by means of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:11-12) It is only by and through the ransom sacrifice of
Christ Jesus that full reconciliation to God is possible. John 14:6
tells us Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the
Father except through me.”

RECORDER: The Hebrew word “za-khar” means remembrancer. (2

Samuel 8:16) This is referring to a recorder or high official
chronicler. He furnished the king with reminders of important
matters. (2 Kings 18:18) (2 Chronicles 34:8)

RED SEA: Means Sea of Reeds in Hebrew. This is because there is a

series of lakes and marshes between the head of the Gulf of Suez
and the Mediterranean. Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt
when Jehovah parted the waters of the Red Sea. This account is
found at Exodus Chapters 13-15.

REED: The Hebrew word “qa-neh” and the Greek word “ka’la-mos”
mean reed. They refer to numerous reed-like plants commonly
growing in wet places. (Job 40:1) (Psalm 68:30) (Isaiah 19:6; 35:7)
Roman soldiers placed a reed in Jesus’ right hand. This was to
represent a royal scepter. Later they hit him with it. A sponge
soaked in sour wine was lifted to the impaled Jesus. (Matthew
27:29, 30, 48) (John 19:29) The book of Ezekiel speaks about a
measuring reed that was six cubits long. (Ezekiel 40:5) (Revelation
11:1; 21:15,16) Bible writers use the reed to represent instability and
frailty. (1 Kings 14:15) (2 Kings 18:21) (Isaiah 36:6; 42:3) (Ezekiel
29:6, 7) (Matthew 11:7; 12:10-14, 20) (Matthew 23:4) (Mark 6:34)
REDEMPTION: SEE RANSOM

REFINE, REFINER: This term is used to describe what is done to

metals. To refine is to separate and purify metals. It also refers to
the craftsman who does it. Slag and impurities are removed from
the desired metal by repeatedly melting in clay refining pots. (Psalm
12:6) (Proverbs 17:3; 27:31) The Holy Scriptures speak about
refining in a figurative sense. Jehovah is referred to as a refiner. His
Word is also refined. (2 Samuel 22:31) (Psalms 18:30; 119:140)
(Proverbs 30:5) God purifies his people by removing the sinful
dross of uncleanness. (Psalms 17:3; 26:2; 105:19) (Malachi 3:3)
Fiery trials serve to refine the faithful. (Isaiah 48:10) (Daniel 11:35)
(Zecariah 13:9)

REGEM: Regem was the first son of Jahdai in the Calebite branch of
Judah’s genealogy. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 42, 47)

REGEM-MELECH: Regem-Melech was one of two leading men sent

by the people of Bethel to plead to Jehovah and inquire about
continued fasting. This took place two years before the rebuilt
temple was completed. (Zechariah 7:1-3) (Ezra 6:15)

REGISTRATION, CENSUS : A registration or census is the process

of counting all the citizens in a territory. It is the act of enrolling
people for a specific purpose. Registrations in the Bible served
various purposes, such as taxation, assignments of military service,
and appointment to Levite duties at the sanctuary. There are a
number of registrations reported in the Hebrew Scriptures but the
registration mentioned in the Christian Greek Scriptures is best
known to Christians. A decree went out from Caesar Augustus for all
the inhabited earth to be registered. (Luke 2:1-3) Joseph and Mary
were compelled to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem even though
she was pregnant and about to give birth. Because of this, Jesus was
born in the city of David in fulfillment of prophecy. (Lu ke 2:4-7)
(Micah 5:2)

REHABIAH: Rehabiah was the grandson of Moses, the only son of

Eliezer, and the founder of a family of Levites that still existed when
David was king. (1 Chronicles 23:15, 17; 24:21; 26:25)

REHOBOAM: Rehoboam was the son of Solomon by his Ammonite

wife Naamah. He succeeded his father to the throne in 997 B.C.E.
He was 41 years old when he became king and he reigned for 17
years. (1 Kings 14:21) (1 Chronicles 3:10) (2 Chronicles 9:31)
Rehoboam was the last king of the united monarchy and then the
first ruler of the southern two-tribe kingdom of Judah and
Benjamin. Shortly after he was crowned king the ten tribes
withdrew their support and made Jeroboam their king. (1 Kings
11:29-31; 12:1) (2 Chronicles 10:1) Early in his reign Rehoboam
walked closely to the Laws of God. He built a number of cities and
stocked them with food supplies and was successful as a ruler.
When his kingship was firmly established he abandoned the
worship of the true God and led Judah in the path of detestable sex
worship. (1 Kings 14:22-24) (2 Chronicles 12:1) Jehovah God
influenced the king of Egypt, Shishak, to organize allies and over
run and capture a number of cities in Judah. This took place in the
fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign and caused Rehoboam and his
princes to humble themselves and repent of their wayward actions.
Jerusalem would then escape further punishment. Rehoboam
married 18 wives and fathered 28 sons and 60 daughters. He also
had 60 concubines in his family. Rehobaom’s life is best described
by the following Bible verse from 2 Chronicles 12:14: “He did evil
because he did not seriously dedicate his life to Jehovah.”

REHOBOTH WELL: Issac called the well he dug at Ruheibeh, 22

miles southwest of Beersheba, Rehoboth Well. After naming the
well Issac said that God had given ample room. (Genesis 26:22)
Now he and his neighbors would have plenty of room without
interfering with each other.

REHOBOTH, THE CITY: Shaul, the Edomite king came from

Rehoboth. (Genesis 36:31, 37) (1 Chronicles 1:43, 48) While the
exact location of this city is no known, it was call “Rehoboth by the
River.” This river probably means the Euphrates. (Psalm 72:8) (2
Chronicles 9:26) (Exodus 23:31) (Deuteronomy 11:24)

REHOBOTH-IR: While it’s location is not known, the city of

Rehoboth Ir was probably a suburb of Nineveh. It was built by
Nimrod. (Genesis 10:10, 11)

REHSH: Rehsh was the 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

REI: His name means companion and friend. He was one of David’s
mighty men who refused to join Adonijah’s conspiracy. (1 Kings 1:8)

REKEM, KING OF MIDIAN: Rekem was the king of Midian. He was

punished for having seduced Israel with immorality. Five others
were slain. They were called the “dukes of Sihon.” (Numbers 31:8)
(Joshua 13:21)
REKEM, DESCENDANT OF MANASSEH: This Rekem was a
relative of Manasseh. (1 Chronicles 7:14, 16)

REKEM, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Rekem was a descendant

of Judah through Hezron’s son Caleb. (1 Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9, 42-44)

REKEM, THE CITY: Rekem was the name of a city in Benjamin’s

territory. (Joshua 18:21, 27, 28)

RELEASE: SEE AMNESTY

RELIEF: Material aid and assistance offered in time of need is

relief. God’s faithful servants are willing to assist truly needy
persons. (Job 29:16; 31:19-22) (James 1:27) Christian congregations
have shared in relief measures in behalf of their brothers in other
places. (Acts 11:28, 29) (Romans 15:25-27) (1 Corinthians 16:1-3) (2
Corinthians 9:5, 7)

REMALIAH: Remaliah was the father of Israelite King Pekah. (2

Kings 15:25) (2 Chronicles 28:6) (Isaiah 7:4, 5)

REMETH: This was a boundary city of Issachar. (Joshua 19:17, 18,

21)

REMNANT: A remnant is group of survivors of a slaughter or

destruction. This includes families, nations and tribes. It is used in
the Bible to describe those faithful believers who remain. Noah and
his family were a remnant of mankind that existed before the Flood.
The Hebrew word sha’ar means remain. (Genesis 7:23) The most
frequent references are concerning those who were God’s people.
That remnant would return to Jerusalem and rebuild it. (Isaiah 1:9;
11:11, 16; 37:31, 32) (Jeremiah 23:3; 31:7-9)

REPENTANCE: Repentance is to turn away from sin and begin

living according to God’s righteous requirements. (1 John 5:17)
(James 4:17) (1 John 3:4) (John 3:16, 36)

REPHAEL: Rephael was a son of Obed-edom’s firstborn Shemaiah.

(1 Chronicles 26:4, 7, 8, 15)

REPHAH: Rephah was an Ephraimite ancestor of Joshua. (1

Chronicles 7:22-27)
REPHAIAH, SON OF TOLA: Rephaiah was the second son of Tola
and head of a paternal house in the tribe of Issachar. (1 Chronicles
7:1, 2)

REPHAIAH, THE BENJAMITE: This Benjamite descended from

King Saul and Jonathan. (1 Chronicles 9:39-43) He is also called
Raphah at 1 Chronicles 8:37.

REPHAIAH, SON OF ISHI: This Rephaiah was one of Ishi’s four

sons. Rephaiah led 500 Simeonites against the Amalekites. The
Amalekites escaped into Mount Seir and the Simeonites captured
the territory. (1 Chronicles 4:41-43)

REPHAIAH, DESCENDANT OF DAVID: This man lived after the

exile in Babylon. He was a descendant of David. (1 Chronicles 3:5, 9,
10, 21)

REPHAIAH, HELPED NEHEMIAH: He was the son of Hur. (Ne

3:9) This Rephaiah was an official in Jerusalem. He helped
Nehemiah’s repair project by working on Jerusalem’s wall.

REPHAIM: The Rephaim were a tribe of tall people who lived east
of the Dead Sea. (Deuteronomy 2:10, 11, 19, 20) The Israelites had
trouble with the Rephaim who lived in the forest of the
mountainous region of Ephraim. (Joshua 17:14-18) Goliath, whom
David killed, was evidently one of these people. (1 Samuel 17:4-7)

REPHAIM VALLEY: This broad plain or valley was near Jerusalem.

It got its name from the tall people named the Rephaim who once
lived there. (Joshua 15:1 ,8; 18:11, 16)

REMPHAN: Stephen defended himself before the Sanhedrin by

quoting from the Greek Septuagint the words of Amos 5:26, 27. He
pointed to the fact that the Israelites were exiled as a result of their
worship of foreign deities, such as Remphan (Kaiwan). Rephan was
ab astral deity. (Acts 7:43)

REPHIDIM: Rephidim was one of the campsites where the

Israelites stayed on their journey from the Red Sea to Mount Sinai.
The Amalekites attacked the Israelites there, however Joshua lead
the fighting and God’s people vanquished the attackers. (Exodus
17:1-16) (Numbers 33:12-14) Mose’s father in law brought Zipporah
and her two sons to Moses at that time. He also suggested to Moses
that he should select leaders to aid in judging the people. (Exodus
18:1-27)
REPRESENTS MY BODY AND MY BLOOD: To serve as a means of
expressing something and to symbolize or typify something is to
represent that object or person. Jesus Christ symbolized his body
and blood when he established the Lord’s Evening Meal. He said:
“This represents (is)(means) my body…” The Greek word “esti” can
be translated “is” or “means.” The context of the accounts in the
Scriptures indicates that Jesus was representing his body and blood
not actually offering it over and over again each time the faithful
partakes of the Lord’s Evening Meal. (Matthew 26:26-30) (Mark
14:22-25) (Luke 22:14-20) (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) First century
Christians would not have ingested blood because of the command
in the Scriptures not to eat blood! (Genesis 9:4) (Leviticus 17:14)
(Acts 15:28, 29; 21:25) The apostle Paul’s letter to the Hebrews
makes it clear that Christ would offer his life, body and blood, once
for all time at Hebrews 9:28. Thus the New Simplified Bible uses the
word “represents” when describing what Jesus did with his body
and blood when he offered the bread and the wine. Clearly this is a
symbolic representation.

REPROACH: Hebrew noun “cher-pah” and Greek noun “onei-di-

smos” mean reproach such as a mild rebuke or criticism, disgrace or
shame. Cause for reproach could be idolatry, adultery, thievery and
all immorality. (2 Samuel 13:13) (Proverbs 6:32, 33) (Romans 1:18-
32; 2:17-24)

REPTILES: A reptile is a cold-blooded, vertebrate, air-breathing

animal. Snakes, serpents, chameleons, geckos and other lizards are
among the reptiles mentioned in the Bible. (Deuteronomy 32:24)
(Jeremiah 8:17) (Micah 7:17) Satan the Devil is depicted as a
serpent in the third chapter of Genesis.

RESEN: Nimrod built this city in Assyria between Nineveh and

Calah. (Genesis 10:10-12)

RESHEPH: Resheph was an Ephraimite and one of Joshua’s

ancestors. (1 Chronicles 7:22-27)

RESINOUS TREE: Hebrew: “go’pher” means tar or pitch. The wood

Noah used to construct the ark was a resinous tree, possibly a
cypress tree. (Genesis 6:14) The Bible does not clearly identify what
kind of resinous tree it is.

RESPECT: SEE FEAR and FEAR OF GOD: Jehovah God is our

creator. He is worthy of our total respect and reverence. (Revelation
4:11) Out of love we should be completely obedient to him.
(Malachi 1:6) (1 John 5:3) We should offer him the very best of all
that we have. (Proverbs 3:9) (Luke 21:2)

RESTORATION YEAR: Every fifty years the ancient Israelites

returned to the original owner any property they were holding. They
freed their Israelite slaves and did not cultivate their fields. This is
sometimes called the Year of Jubilee. You can read about it at
Chapter 25 of Leviticus.

RESTORATION, TIMES OF: Restoration means to restore to a

former condition. The times of restoration mentioned at Acts
3:20,21 speaks about the time when Jesus Christ will return the
earth. The earth will hav the same paradisiacal conditions it had
before Adam and Eve sined and were put out of the garden of Eden.
The Greek word “a-po-ka-ta’sta-sis” means restoration.

RESURRECTION: Resurrection comes from the Greek word

“ana’sta-sis.” It means rise up, or stand up, to bring back from the
dead. It is used in the Christian Greek Scripture on the subject
resurrection of the dead. The apostle Paul quoted Hosea 13:14 at 1
Corinthians 15:54, 55 where he spoke of the abolition of death and
completely putting the grave out of business. Jesus Christ
performed resurrections when he was here on earth. (Luke 7:11-15;
8:49-56) (John 11:38-44) It is only through Jesus Christ that
resurrection and everlasting life is possible. (John 5:26)

RETIREMENT FROM THE MINISTRY: Contrary to what many in

Christendom may think the Holy Scriptures make no provisions for
retirement from the Christian ministry. All the examples in the
Bible show diligent activity until the death of each minister. The
apostle Paul was active in his ministry while in prison and
continued steady ministerial activity until he was put to death. (Acts
28:30, 31) (2 Timothy 4:6, 7) Peter was active to the end of his life.
(2 Peter 1:13-15) John wrote his Gospel and the three letters bearing
his name at an extremely old age. He served Jehovah faithfully for
70 years. The great crowd seen by John after the vision of the
144,000 sealed ones render God sacred service day and night.
(Revelation 7:4, 9, 15) There is no retirement from the Christian
ministry!

RETRIBUTION: Hebrew “sha-lam” and “ga-mal” mean reward,

retribution, retribution, and repay. The Greek words “apodidomi,”
“antimisthia,” and “misthapodosia” translate to the same meanings.
Much is spoken of God’s judgments and retribution in the Hebrew
Scripture but of more importance to Christians are the details in the
Greek Scriptures. It is there that we learn that the symbolic Babylon
the Great is to suffer retribution and be thrown down, never to be
found again. (Revelation 18:2, 6, 20, 21) Babylon the Great is the
world empire of false religion including false churches in
Christendom. After warning that even disobedient angels received
recompense for their sins, the apostle Paul asked the faithful: “How
shall we escape, if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:2,
3) An example of such retribution is spoken of at 2 Thessalonians
2:3, 9, 10. Paul speaks of the judgment of destruction upon the
apostate “man of lawlessness.” The final act of retribution and
judgment by our loving God take place when the wicked are thrown
into the Lake of Fire and completely destroyed. (Revelation 20:15)
It is important to note that this wonder and loving God always
extends mercy to the unwitting and repentant sinner, but once the
time of retribution comes the time for repentance is over.

REU: Reu was the Son of Peleg and father of Serug. He was a link in
the genealogy between Shem, Abraham and Jesus Christ. (1
Chronicles 1:24-27) (Genesis 11:18-21) (Luke 3:35)

REUBEN: Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob’s 12 sons. His mother

was Jacob’s less favored wife, Leah. (Genesis 29:30-32; 35:23; 46:8)
Reuben persuaded his nine brothers not to kill Joseph, but instead
to throw him into a pit. It was Reuben’s intent to return later and
rescue Joseph from the pit. (Genesis 37:18-20) Twenty years later
Reuben reminded the brothers that he did not share in their plot to
kill Joseph. (Genesis 42:9-14, 21, 22) The name Reuben also stands
for the tribe consisting of Reuben’s descendants and the land of
their inheritance. (Genesis 46:8, 9) (Exodus 6:14) (1 Chronicles 5:3)

REUEL, SON OF ESAU: Reuel was the second son of Esau by

Ishmael’s daughter Basemath. Reuel’s four sons became Edomite
sheiks. (Genesis 36:2-4, 10, 13, 17) (1 Chronicles 1:35, 37)

REUEL, MOSES’ FATHER IN LAW: This Reuel was a priest of

Midian. He was the father in law of Moses. He was also called
Jethro. (Exodus 2:16-21) (Numbers 10:29)

REUEL, FATHER OF ELIASAPH: This man was a Gadite. His son

Eliasaph was tribal leader during the trips through the wilderness.
(Numbers 2:14)
REUEL, ANCESTOR OF A BENJAMITE: Reuel was related to a
Benjamite who lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. (1
Chronicles 9:3, 7, 8)

REUMAH: Reumah was the concubine belonging to Abraham’s

brother Nahor. She gave birth to four sons. (Genesis 22:20, 24)

REVELATION: The last book of the Bible is “A Revelation to John.

Greek: apocalypses, means uncovering or a disclosure. This is the
Revelation God gave to Jesus Christ, so that he can tell his servants
the things that must soon take place. Jesus Christ then gave it to
John. It was presented in signs through John. Christ sends his angel
to communicate this symbolic message to the Apostle John.
(Revelation 1:1) The apostle John wrote this book under divine
inspiration in the year 96 C.E. The book of Revelation contains
some visions that seem terrifying. However, it was written to make
its readers happy: “Happy is he who reads, and those who hear the
words of the prophecy, and obey the things written in it; for the time
is near.” (Revelation 1:3) This is the last book in the Holy Scriptures.
The Apocalypse fittingly ends with the words: Amen. Come, Lord
Jesus!

REVILING: Someone who reviles insults and verbally abuses

another. It involves lying and spreading negative information.
When the Israelites reviled or called down evil upon their parents
they were subject to the death penalty. (Exodus 21:17) (Matthew
15:4) (Mark 7:10) Reviling has no place among Christians. In fact
the reviler will not receive everlasting live. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) (1
Peter 3:8, 9) A person who habitually and intentionally vilified
others was to be expelled from the congregation. (1 Corinthians
5:11-13)

REZEPH: Rezeph is a place mentioned in Sennecherib’s message to

King Hezekiah. Sennecherib was boasting that Assyrian kings
destroyed these nations. (2 Kings 19:8-12) (Isaiah 37:12)

REZIN, KING OF SYRIA: Rezin was the king of Syria. He reigned in

Damascus at the time that King Jotham and his son King Ahaz
reigned over Judah. (777-746 B.C.E.) Rezin joined with Pekah the
king of Israel to make war against Judah. (2 Kings 15:36-38) They
captured many Judeans and took them to Damascus. (2 Chronicles
28:5) Tiglath-pileser III made war on Damascus, captured Rezin
and killed him. Syria then came under Assyrian domination. (2
Kings 16:9)
REZIN, THE NETHINIM: This Rezin was the father of a family of
Nethinim. Some of his relatives returned to Jerusalem from
Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 43, 48) (Nehemiah 7:6, 46, 50)

REZON: Rezon was the son of Eliada. He opposed King Solomon

and was serving the king of Zobah when David took over Damascus.
He abandoned Hadadezer and took over the reign over Syria from
Damascus. Rezon hated Israel but inspite of his feelings he had
extensive dealing with Israel. (1 Kings 11:23-25) (1 Chronicles 18:3-
6)

RHEGIUM: The ship on which the apostle Paul was traveling as a

prisoner made a stop at Rhegium when he was on his way to appear
before Caesar in Rome in 59 C.E. Rhegium is situated on the Strait
of Messina, which separates Italy and Sicily. (Acts 28:13)

RHESA: This ancestor of Jesus Christ was the son of Zerubbabel.

(Luke 3:23, 27)

RHODA: Rhoda was a member of the Christian congregation in

Jerusalem in the first century. She was a servant girl of the
household of Mark’s mother Mary. (Acts 12:3, 5, 12-16)

RHODES: Rhodes is an island off the southwest corner of Turkey. It

is one of the largest in the Aegean Sea measuring 47 miles long by
22 miles wide. Its capital city is also called Rhodes. The ship Paul
was traveling on came from Cos to Rhodes at the end of his third
missionary journey about 56 C.E. (Acts 21:1)

RIB: The human body has 24 ribs. These long and slender curved
bones enclose the chest cavity. They are arranged in 12 pairs and
form a cage protecting the heart and lungs. Blood is produced in the
marrow of the rib bones. God took a rib from Adam’s side and built
the woman Eve. (Genesis 2:21, 22) An interesting side note is that a
rib that has been removed could grow again and replace itself. God
was certainly aware of this quality of the rib bones.

RIBAI: Ribai was a Benjamite who lived in Gibeah. His son Ittai was
one of David’s thirty famous warriors. (2 Samuel 23:24, 29) (1
Chronicles 11:31)

RIBLAH: This town was in northern Israel in the “land of Hamath.”

(Jeremiah 52:9) There are ruins near modern Ribleh along the east
bank of the Orontes River that could be the location of the old town
of Riblah. A number of Bible scholars conclude that the “Diblah” at
Ezekiel 6:14 should read “Riblah.” The Riblah on the eastern
boundary of Canaan is an unidentified location. (Numbers 34:2, 10,
11)

RICHES: Riches could be defined as material and spiritual

abundance. A person having a good standing with God and who
does the divine will of God is a person who is rich toward God.
(Luke 12:21) Jesus told his disciples to build up treasures in heaven.
(Matthew 6:20) (Luke 12:33) His followers were to be rich or
abound in faith, love, goodness, and other godlike qualities.
(Galatians 5:22, 23) (James 2:5) (1 Peter 2:11, 12) (2 Peter 1:5-8)
Paul warned Timothy that those who were determined to be
materially wealthy would fall into temptation at 1 Timothy 6:9,10.
Jesus gave the ultimate wisdom concerning riches when he said:
“You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

RIDDLE: A riddle is puzzling saying. It could be called an

ambiguous saying or perplexing question. (2 Chronicles 9:1) (Psalm
78:2-4) (Proverbs 1:5,6) Sometimes riddles are used to make the
message more interesting. For example Revelation 13:18 says the
number of the wild beast is six hundred and sixty-six. It says it is the
number of a man, but it does not tell the full meaning of the
number. One then needs to search elsewhere to find out that the
number six is the imperfect number of man stated three times for
emphases.

RIDICULE: Other words that can be used interchangeably with

ridicule are mock, deride, sneer, jeer and scoff. Ridiculers are
usually detestable to others. (Proverbs 24:9) Those who deride the
poor are despicable. (Proverbs 17:5; 30:17) Ridiculers refuse to
listen to rebuke. (Proverbs 13:1) Jesus Christ was sneered at,
laughed at, made fun of, and even spit upon, during his stay on
earth. (Mark 5:40) (Luke 16:14; 18:32) In the last days Christians
would be mocked. (Jude 17, 18) (2 Peter 3:3, 4) The apostle Paul
warns of the danger of mocking God at Galatians 6:3-8.

RIGHTEOUSNESS: Greek: dikaiosune theou, means righteousness

of God-Ro 3:21-24. True righteousness requires conformity to God’s
will and his commandments. (Luke 1:6) Many times the word
righteousness is used in connection with a judge, or with judgment.
Other times it is translated “justice.” (Psalm 35:24; 72:2; 96:13)
(Isaiah 11:4) (Revelation 19:11) The apostle Paul points out the
difference between goodness and righteousness at Romans 5:7, 8.
He explains that Christ died for all people. The Law given to Moses
was righteous. It served God’s purpose by making transgressions
known, and being a tutor leading to Christ. However, it does not
make people righteous. They all remain sinners needing God’s
forgiveness. (Deuteronomy 4:8) (Romans 7:12; 8:3, 4) (Galatians
3:19, 24) (Hebrews 7:18-28; 10:1) Righteousness comes through
faith in Jehovah, the True God of the Holy Scriptures and through
faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, 36)

RIMMON, FATHER OF BAANAH AND RECHAB: This Rimmon

was a Benjamite. He was the father of the murderers of Saul’s son
Ish-bosheth. (2 Samuel 4:2, 5-7, 9)

RIMMON, CITY OF THE TRIBE OF SIMEON: Rimmon was a city

belonging to the tribe of Simeon. (Joshua 19:1, 2, 7)

RIMMON, LEVITE CITY: This Levite enclave city of the Merari

family was on the east border of the land of Zebulun. (Joshua 19:10,
13)

RIMMON ROCK: This large rock formation was the place where
600 men of the tribe of Benjamin retreated from the battle near
Gibeah. They remained there until peace envoys approached.
Rimmon Rock is 3.5 miles east of Bethel and 11 miles northeast of
Jerusalem. (Judges 20:45-47; 21:13)

RIMMON, SYRIAN GOD: The Syrian army chief Naaman

acknowledged Jehovah as the true God after he was cured of his
leprosy. He was very concerned because he had to accompany the
king of Syria into the temple of Rimmon and bow down to the idol
of Rimmon. (2 Kings 5:15-18)

RAMMONO: Rammono was the name of the site that is also called
Dimnah at Joshua 21:35. It is called Rimmon at Joshua 19:13. (1
Chronicles 6:77)

RIMMON-PEREZ: This wilderness campsite was used by the

Israelites. It was located between Rithmah and Libnah. (Numbers
33:19, 20)

RING: A ring is a circular band worn by both men and women.

They wore them on their fingers, ears and noses. Rings were
common among nearly all peoples of antiquity. Rings were made of
gold, silver, brass, bronze iron and ivory. Jesus’ illustration of the
prodigal son spoke of the forgiving father ordering a ring to be put
on the hand of the returning prodigal. (Luke 15:22) This showed
favor and affection from the father. It also afforded dignity, honor
and status to the restored son. Christians were warned not to dress
in finery, fine jewelry and showing favoritism to the well-to-do.
(James 2:1-9) The apostle Peter emphasized that spiritual
adornment is far more important. (1 Peter 3:1-5) The signet ring of a
ruler or official was a symbol of his authority. (Genesis 41:41, 42)

RINNAH: Rinnah was one of the sons of Shimon. He is listed

among the descendants of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 20)

RIPHATH: Riphath was the son of Gomer and the grandson of

Japheth. (Genesis 10:2, 3) (1 Chronicles 1:6) Riphath was among the
people of the nations who were spread throughout the earth after
the Flood. (Genesis 10:32)

RIPPING GARMENTS: The Jews and many other people in the

mid-east ripped their clothes when they heard of the death of a near
relative. The usually did not tear the entire garment but only the
front open to the breast. Thus the ripping process did not make the
garment unfit for wearing. Job ripped his sleeveless coat apart when
told of the death of his children. (Job 1:20) Joshua ripped his
clothes after the defeat at Ai. (Joshua 7:6) The young man
announcing Kings Saul’s death ripped his garment. (2 Samuel 1:2),
and David tore his clothing when notified of the murder his sons. (2
Samuel 13:30, 31) High Priest Caiaphas expressed anger and
indignation by ripping his garments when Jesus admitted that he
was the Son of God. (Matthew 26:65) Paul and Barnabas vented
their anguish by ripping their outer garments apart when the people
of Lystra worshiped them as gods. (Acts 14:8-18) This outward
expression of grief and anger often demonstrated insincere
hypocrisy. Because of this Joel told the people of Judah: Rip apart
your hearts, and not your garments, and come back to Jehovah your
God.” (Joel 2:13)

RISSAH: This Israelite wilderness (desert) campsite was mentioned

at Numbers 33:21, 22. It was located between Libnah and
Kehelathah about 34 miles northwest of the north end of the Gulf of
Aqaba.

RITHMAH: Rithmah was one of Israel’s wilderness campsites.

(Numbers 33:18, 19)

RIVER: Hebrew “nahar” means river. A river is body of water that

flows in a natural channel. Most rivers offer a continual flow of
water, yet others are dry from time to time. The rivers found in the
Bible include: the Hiddekel (Tigrus), Euphrates, Jordan, Abanah,
and Pharpar. (Genesis 2:14) (2 Kings 5:10, 12) The Nile of Egypt is
also mentioned and referred to as “ye’or” meaning stream or canal.
(Isaiah 33:21) Figuratively speaking, a river was used as a barrier to
the progress of enemy forces, serving in defense of some cities.
Babylon very effectively used its river. Jerusalem had no river as a
natural defense. However, Jehovah God was described as the source
of a mighty river of protection to that city. (Isaiah 33:21, 22) The
massive destructive flooding of a river is used to represent the
invasion of enemy forces. (Isaiah 8:7)

RIVER OF EGYPT: Jehovah promised his people that Abraham’s

seed would be given the land form the river of Egypt to the great
river, the Euphrates River at Genesis 15:18. It is not clear what the
river of Egypt is. Some think it is the Wadi el’Arish of the Sinai
Peninsula, which empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Another
possiblility is the Shihor River in Egypt. (1 Chronicles 13:5) Or it
could be a different branch of the Nile, or the Nile itself.

RIZIA: Rizia was a warrior and family head in the tribe Asher. (1
Chronicles 7:39, 40)

RIZPAH: Rizpah was King Saul’s concubine. She was the daughter
of Aiah. (2 Samuel 3:7-21; 21:11) After Saul’s death, his son
Ishbosheth alienated General Abner by accusing him of having
relations with Rizpah. Abner intern defected to David. Rizpah gave
birth to two sons by Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth. These sons
were later slain by the Gibeonites.

ROCK: “Jehovah is my rock and my fortress.” (Psalm 18:2) The

Holy Scriptures uses the term rock and crag to figuratively describe
the qualities of Jehovah God. He is the Father of Israel
(Deuteronomy 32:18) and a stronghold (2 Samuel 22:32, 33) (Isaiah
17:10). Our God is a secure height and a refuge for his people.
(Psalms 62:7; 94:22) And Jehovah is the God of salvation.
(Deuteronomy 32:15) (Psalm 95:1) Jesus speaks of rocks in his
illustration of the sower at Matthew 13:3-5,20. The Greek word
“petros” is used as a proper name for Peter at John 1:42. SEE
PETER. The Bible conveys the names of rocks and crags in the
Hebrew Scriptures. A good example is the rock called Oreb found at
Judges 7:25 and Isaiah 10:26. This practice of naming rocks is not
uncommon even in our day. Everywhere you travel in the Rocky
Mountains, USA you find named rocks such as “Sleeping Indian”,
“Lover’s Leap”, and “Castle Rock.”
ROCK BADGER: The rock badger is a small animal that dwells in
rocky areas. It looks like a large rabbit, has short ears, short legs and
a very short tail. It finds holes and crevices to which it can hide from
danger. It is a quiet animal but can inflict much damage with savage
bites of its incisors teeth. The rock badger is a creature that chews
the cud and does not split the hoof. (Leviticus 11:5) (Deuteronomy
14:7) The instinctive wisdom of hiding in the rocks is credited to the
rock badger and expressed in the Scriptures. (Psalm 104:18)
(Proverbs 30:26)

ROCK-MASS: The Greek word pe’tra translates to mass of rock.

(Matthew 7:24, 25; 27:51, 60) (Luke 6:48; 8:6,13) (Revelation 6:15,
16) This is bigger than “pe’tros” meaning piece of rock. Jesus
pointed out at Matthew 16:18 that he, Jesus, was the entire rock
mass while Peter was only a piece of the rock. It is absolutely clear
that Christ Jesus is the foundation cornerstone! (Ephesians 2:19-
22) (Revelation 21:2, 9-14) Peter identified the rock mass to be
Jesus Christ at 1 Peter 2:4-8. When Jesus said on this rock I will
build my church, he was talking about himself!

ROD, STAFF: Speaking of Jehovah as his Shepherd, David wrote:

“your rod and your staff comfort me.” (Psalm 23) Micah prayed to
God to “Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your
inheritance.” (Micah 7:14) The shepherd used his staff or crook to
direct and defend and help his flock. The rod and staff was a
valuable tool owned by many. Chieftains carried a rod as a symbol
of authority and the Bible used the rod to symbolize authority.
Mose’ rod was a symbol of his authority and commission from God.
He used it when he appeared before the older men of Israel and
when he appeared before Pharaoh. (Exodus 4:29-31; 7:9-12)

RODANIM: Rodanim was one of Javan’s four sons at 1 Chronicles

1:7. Some Bible translations spell his name Dodanim but many
lexicographers consider Rodanim to be the preferred reading. They
consider the island of Rhodes as the place where his descendants
settled. SEE: DODANIM

ROEBUCK: The roebuck is the male of the roe deer, a small animal
resembling a gazelle. The average roebuck is two feet high and four
feet long. The males have antlers that they shed every year. It was a
chewer of the cud and a splitter of the hoof, and therefore was
acceptable for food. (Deuteronomy 14:5, 6) (1 Kings 4:22, 23)
ROGELIM: This town in Gilead was the home of David’s friend
Barzillai. (2 Samuel 17:27-29; 19:31, 32) Rogelim was about seven
miles southwest of Irbid.

ROHGAH: Rohgah was the second son of Shemer in the genealogy

of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 34)

ROLL: SEE SCROLL

ROMAMTI-EZER: Romanti-ezer was the son of Heman. He was

selected by casting lots to head the last of the 24 Levitical groups of
musicians who served at the sanctuary during David’s reign. (1
Chronicles 25:1, 4, 5, 9, 31)

ROMAN: A person who lived in the city of Rome, Italy was a

Roman. (Acts 2:10) (Romans 1:7) Anyone having Roman citizenship
was Roman regardless of his nationality or place of birth. (Acts
16:21) The apostle Paul was Roman. He was a Jew by nationality,
and born in the Cilician city of Tarsus, hundreds of miles from Italy,
but born a Roman citizen. (Acts 21:39; 22:3, 25-28; 23:26, 27)

Paul had not yet been to Rome. (Romans 1:9-15) Paul mentions in
ROMANS, THE LETTER: The apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans
was written about 56 C.E. from Corinth. Tertius served as Paul’s
secretary and wrote from his dictation. (Romans 16:22) His remarks
in the first chapter indicate that his letter efforts made by Jews who
professed Christianity but were “Judaizers.” These individuals
insisted that Gentile converts be circumcised and observe some of
the regulations of the Mosaic Law. The inspired letter to the
Romans makes it clear that righteousness comes through faith in
Jesus Christ and as a result of God’s grace (loving kindness).

ROMANS, THE LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Romans 1-11 Righteousness comes through faith and God’s loving
kindness.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift from God is
everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 7:24, 25 “Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me
from the body undegoing this death? Thanks to God, through our
Lord Jesus Christ! So then I can serve God’s law only with my mind,
while my human nature serves the law of sin.”
Romans 12-15 Christians must honor superior authorities

ROME: The capital city of the Roman Empire at the time of Christ
was Rome. (Acts 18:2) (Romans 1:7) Paul traveled to Rome. (Acts
23:1; 28:14-15) Rome is located on seven hills about sixteen miles
up the Tiber River from the coast. It is halfway down the west side
of the Italian peninsula. Latin was the official language of Rome in
the apostle Paul’s time. However, the international language was
common Koine Greek. Rome became the recipient of many forms of
false worship. It also became a place for Christians. Paul gave a
thorough witness in Rome. (Acts 23:11) The apostle Paul wrote
letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon
during his two-year detention in Rome. He also wrote the letter to
the Hebrews from Rome. (Hebrews 13:23, 24) Paul, Luke, Mark and
other first century Christians visited Rome. (Philippians 1:1)
(Colossians 4:10, 14)

ROSH, SON OF BENJAMIN: This son of Benjamin was among

those who went into Egypt in 1728 B.C.E. with Jacob’s household.
(Genesis 46:21, 26)

ROSH, THE PRINCE OF: The expression “Prince of Rosh” is only

found at Ezekiel 38:2. Some scholars believe that the Rosh were a
barbarous people who lived in Russia along the Volga River. Others
think it is a term describing rulership or a title, such as “the great
one” or “head prince.”

RUBY: This precious red gemstone is very rare. It is slightly inferior

to the diamond in hardness. Yet its value may exceed the diamond
of the same size in value. The Ruby was the first stone in the first
row of gems on High Priest Aaron’s breast piece of judgment.
(Exodus 28:2, 15, 17, 21; 39:10) Jehovah comforted Zion by
describing her beauty by saying: I will make your battlements of
rubies, and your gates of fiery glowing stones. (Isaiah 54:5, 6, 11, 12)

RUDDER: The rudder is a ship’s steering mechanism. Greek and

Roman ships had two steering paddles at the stern. The rudder oars
were used to direct the ship. (Acts 27:40) James compares the
power of the tongue to the ship’s rudder at James 3:4, 5.

RUE: This strong-scented shrub perennial had hairy stems and

grew to a height of about 3 feet. It was cultivated for use in medicine
and flavoring for food. It is mentioned only at Luke 11:42.

RUFUS THE SON OF SIMON: Rufus was the son of Simon of

Cyrene who was forced to help carry the stake for Jesus. He was the
brother of a man named Alexander. (Mark 15:21) (Luke 23:26)
RUFUS, A CHRISTIAN IN ROME: He was referred to as the chosen
one in the Lord when Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. Paul also
spoke of Rufus’ mother as his mother and mine. (Romans 16:13)

RULER: The Hebrew word “ma-shal” and Greek word “ar’khon”

are both translated ruler. They mean a person who exercises
authority or control. The supreme Ruler is Jehovah God the
almighty. He exercises absolute sovereign authority over the
universe. (Daniel 4:17, 25, 35) (1 Timothy 1:17) Jesus Christ, the Son
of David was anointed with Holy Spirit to rule as king on a heavenly
throne. (Matthew 21:9) (Luke 20:41) (Acts 2:34-36) He and his
fellow heirs of the Kingdom will govern in the new system.
(Revelation 14:1, 4; 20:4, 6; 22:5) Satan the Devil is the ruler of this
world until Jesus Christ removes him. (John 12:31; 14:30) (2
Corinthians 4:4) (Matthew 4:8, 9) (Revelation 13:2)

RUMAH: Rumah was the hometown of Zebidah, a wife of King

Josiah of Judah. She wa the mother of Jehoiakim. (2 Kings 23:34,
36) Some think Rumah is the same as the town of Arumah,
mentioned at Judges 9:41. (SEE:ARUMAH)

RUNNERS: The apostle Paul uses running illustratively in the

Greek Scriptures. He said: “Do you not know that the runners in a
race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that
you may attain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) At the end of his life he
said: “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish,
I have observed the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) Running is also
referred to in a literal sense. (Matthew 28:8) (Mark 9:15, 25; 10:17)
(John 20:2) In the official sense, runners were fleet-footed men who
ran before the king’s chariot. (2 Samuel 15:1) (1 Kings 1:5) (2
Chronicles 30:6)

RUSH: The Hebrew word “aghmohn” refers to any grasslike plant

that commonly grows in marshes. The common rush is round and
hollow and has small brown and green flowers. Rushes were used to
start fires in a furnace. (Job 41:20) The term cord or rope was used
instead of the word rush at Job 41:2. The prophet Isaiah employes
the term rush in reference to bowing and falsely prophesying.
(Isaiah 9:14; 58:5)

RUST: Rust is a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused

by action of oxygen and moisture. Rust is used figuratively to show
how things and spiritual values in this world will be corrupted.
James warned those who depend on this world’s riches when he
wrote: “Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth
eaten. Your gold and your silver are rusted. Their corrosion will be
for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire.” (James
5:2, 3) Jesus Christ counseled to “Stop storing up treasures on earth
where moth and rust consume.” (Matthew 6:19, 20)

RUTH, THE BOOK: This Moabitess was the wife of Mahian,

whose father, Elimelech, settled in the land of Moab. After the death
of her husband Ruth followed Naomi, her mother-in-law, to
Bethlehem. A rich relative of Naomi named Boaz then met Ruth and
they eventually married. Ruth became the mother of Obed, the
grandfather of David. (Matthew 1:5) The book of Ruth is a gripping
drama and narrative showing how this Gentile woman was blessed
by Jehovah by becoming part of the unbroken Messianic line
leading to King David and eventually to Jesus Christ. It will take you
only a few minutes to read the entire book and it will strengthen
your faith.

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

S

SABACHTHANI: One of the Aramaic words uttered by our Lord

Jesus while hanging on the stake. (Matthew 27:46) (Mark 15:34) It
means: “why have you forsaken me?”

SABBATH DAY: A day set apart by God for rest from work. The
Sabbath was given by Jehovah as a sign between him and the sons
of Israel. (Exodus 31:16, 17) Being a Jew, Jesus observed the
Sabbath as directed by God’s word. The Christian Greek Scriptures
plainly state that God blotted out the handwritten document.
(Ephesians 2:13-15) (Colossians 2:13-16) (Romans 14:4-6) However,
the principle of keeping everyday holy is observed by loyal followers
of Christ.

SABBBATH DAY’S JOURNEY: The Sabbath Day’s Journey was

approximately 2,920 feet, about half-a-mile. The Sabbath Day’s
Journey was the distance between Jerusalem and the Mount of
Olives. This was the distance, according to Jewish tradition, it was
allowable to travel on the Sabbath day without violating the law.
(Acts 1:12) (Exodus 16:29) (Numbers 35:5) (Joshua 3:4)

SABBATH YEAR: The land was allowed to rest during the seventh
year out of each cycle of seven years in Israel. It was not cultivated
and fellow and the Hebrews were not pressed for payment of debts.
(Deuteronomy 15:1, 2, 12) It required faith to keep the Sabbath
years as part of Jehovah’s covenant with Israel, but observing the
covenant fully resulted in many blessings. (Leviticus 26:3-13)

SABEANS, BAND OF LOOTERS: The Sabeans were a band of

looters and plunderers who attacked the property of Job in the land
of Uz. This band of raiders stole Job’s livestock and killed all but
one of his attendants. (Job 1:14, 15) These lawless men may have
been the descendants of several different men named Sheba.
Scholars suggest that the Sabeans came through the Sheba who
descended from Ham through Cush or Sheba the son of Joktan in
Shem’s line. (Genesis 10:6, 7, 21-29)

SABEANS, TALL PEOPLE: These Sabeans were tall people from

Egypt and Ethiopia. They are recognized by Isaiah as persons who
will say to the Israelites: “God is with you, and there is no other.”
(Isaiah 45:14)

SABEANS, DESCENDANTS OF SHEBA: These descendants of

Sheba formed a kingdom near far end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is
possible the Queen of Sheba was from this land. (1 Kings 10:1)

SABTAH: Sabtah was a son of Cush and brother of Nimrod. He was

progenitor of one to the 70 post-Flood families. (Genesis 10:7, 8, 32)
(1 Chronicles 1:9, 10) It is possible that Sabtah settled in southern
Arabia in the capital of Hadhramaut, near the Persian Gulf, but
there is no proof of this.

SABTECA: This man was the fifth son of Cush and father of one of
the 70 post-flood families. (Genesis 10:7, 32) (1 Chronicles 1:9)

SACAR, THE HARARITE: He was the Hararite father of David’s

warrior Ahiam. Sacar was called Sharar at 2 Samuel 23:33. (1
Chronicles 11:26, 35)

SACAR, SON OF OBEDL-EDOM: Sacar was the fourth son of Obed-

edom. He was one of the gatekeepers during David’s reign. (1
Chronicles 26:1, 4)

SACHIA: Sachia was the head of a paternal house in the tribe of

Benjamin. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8-10)

SACKCLOTH: A coarse cloth made of goats’ hair. It was worn as a

sign of mourning or distress. (Genesis 37:4) (2 Samuel 3:31)
(Matthew 11:21)
SACRED PILLAR: The sacred pillars erected by false religions were
upright stone pillars. Some were evidently phallic symbols of Baal
or other false gods. (Exodus 23:24) (2 Kings 3:2; 10:27) The
Israelites were instructed not to erect any sacred pillars and to burn,
break down or shatter the existing sacred pillars of the Canaanites.
(Exodus 34:13) (Leviticus 26:1) (Deuteronomy 12:3; 16:22) (2 Kings
10:26)

SACRED POLE: Hebrew “ashe-rah’” means sacred pole

representing a Canaanite goddess of fertility Asherah. Sometimes it
was used to refer to the goddess herself. (Judges 6:25, 26) (2 Kings
13:6) The sacred poles or symbols stood upright and were made of
wood. The Israelites were commanded to cut them down and burn
them. (Exodus 34:13) (Deuteronomy 12:3) Both Israel and Judah
disobeyed God’s command not to set up sacred pillars and sacred
poles. They placed them upon every high hill and under every
luxuriant tree. These idols were probably phallic symbols used with
grossly immoral sex origies. (1 Kings 14:22-24) (2 Kings 17:10)

SACRIFICE: God designated sacrifices as a divine institution.

Acceptable worship required a sacrifice be offered up to cover the
guilt of the worshiper. Abel offered a sacrifice of the first born of his
flock. (Genesis 4:4) The Son of God, Jesus Christ, gave the greatest
sacrifice of all when he died for all on the stake. (Hebrews 9:14) (1
John 1:7)

SADDLE: A saddle is a seat that fastens over the back of an animal

for a rider. The Hebrew term “karhaggamal” means camel-bag or
camel’s saddle. (Genesis 22:3) (Leviticus 15:9, 19-23) (Numbers
22:21) (2 Samuel 17:23; 19:26) (1 Kings 2:40; 13:13, 27) (2 Kings
4:24)

SADDUCEES: A Jewish religious party composed largely of priests.

Their beliefs came primarily from the first five books of the Hebrew
Scriptures. Jesus condemned both the Sadducees and the Pharisees
for their false teachings and hypocritical behavior. (Matthew 3:7)
(Matthew 22:23)

SAFFRON: The word saffron is found only at The Song of Solomon

4:14. It is from the saffron-yielding crocus, a fall blooming bulbous
plant with grasslike leaves and purple flowers. Saffron is used for
flavoring foods and food coloring. It was once used to dye cloth a
yellow hue. It has some medicinal value and was used in perfume.
SAKKUTH: While the meaning of this name is unclear, the Greek
Septuagint reads “the tent of Moloch” and the Babylonians
identified it as “Saturn” a star god. Sakkuth was likely an astral
deity. (Amos 5:26) (Acts 7:43)

SALAMIS: Salamis was a city in Cyprus where Paul, Barnabas and

John Mark published the word of God. This occurred near the start
of Paul’s first missionary tour about 47 C.E. (Acts 13:2-5) Barnabas
and John Mark probably visited Salamis again in 49 C.E. (Acts
15:36-39)

SALECAH: Under Moses, Israel captured the city of Salecah from

Og. (Deuteronomy 3:8, 10) (Joshua 12:4-5; 13:8, 11) (1 Chronicles
5:11)

SALEM: Salem was the city where Melchizedek was king and priest.
(Genesis 14:18) The name Salem means peace. It is incorporated in
the name Jerusalem and is used in connection with Zion at Psalm
76:2. The parallels are many between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the one chosen to be a king and priest according to
the manner of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 3:1; 7:1-3, 15-17)

SALIM: John the Baptist was baptizing in Aenon near Salim. (John
3:23) It was possibly 7 miles south of Bethshean.

SALLAI, BENJAMITES IN JERUSALEM: The Sallai were

Benjamites who lived in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile.
(Nehemiah 11:4, 7, 8)

SALLAI, PRIESTLY PATERNAL HOUSE: This paternal house was

used by High Priest Jeshua’s successor Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:7,
12, 20)

SALMAI: Salmai was one of the Nethinim whose descendants

returned to Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 46) (Nehemiah
7:48)

SALMON: He was the son of Judah’s chieftain Mahshon. He was

probably born during the forty-year wilderness trek. Salmon
married Rahab of Jericho, by whom he fathered Boaz. That made
him part of the genealogical line leading to David and Jesus.
(Numbers 2:3) (Ruth 4:20-22) (Matthew 1, 4, 5) (Luke 3:32)
SALMONE: Paul sailed past Salmone in about 58 C.E. on his way to
Rome for trial. It is a small part of the Island of Crete identified with
Cape Sidero at the east end of the island. (Acts 27:7)

SALOME, MOTHER OF THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE: Salome was the

mother of the sons of Zebedee, James and John the apostles of
Jesus Christ. (Matthew 27:56) (Mark 15:40) Salome was a disciple
of the Lord, Jesus Christ. She was among the women who
accompanied Jesus and ministered to him. (Luke 8:3) On the third
day after Jesus death, Salome was among the women who went to
Jesus’ tomb early in the morning. (Mark 16:1-8)

SALVATION: To be rescued from danger. Being saved from sin and

death. The wages sin earns is death. (Ro 5:12; 6:23) Salvation is a
gift from Jehovah God offered through the blood sacrifice of Jesus
Christ. (John 3:16) (Ephesians 2:8-10) (Titus 2:11-12) (Hebrews 5:7-
9)

SALT: Salt is white crystalline sodium chloride used to season and

preserve food. Salt was readily available to the Israelites.
Evaporation of the Dead Sea waters furnished a large supply.
(Genesis 14:3) There were also salt-bearing hills near there.
(Genesis 19:26) (Zepaniah 2:9) The Bible identifies salt as an
essential parts of man’s diet and as a seasoning for food. (Job 6:6)
Salt was also used in a figurative way. Jesus told his disciples: “You
are the salt of the earth.” The good news they possessed preserved
life. (Matthew 5:13) (Mark 9:50) (Luke 14:34, 35)

SALT, CITY OF: A Judean city on the northwest shore of the Dead
Sea was referred to as the city of salt. (Joshua 15:61, 62)

SALT, VALLEY OF: The Israelites defeated the Edomites on two

occasions at the Valley of Salt. (2 Samuel 8:13) (2 Kings 14:7)

SALT HERB: Hebrew: “mal-lu’ach” means mallow or salt herb. This

food is mentioned once in the Scriptures at Job 30:4.

SALT SEA: This sea is also called a lake in the Bible. It is also known
as the Dead Sea. The Jordan River flows into the Salt Sea and there
is no outlet so the evaporation of the water leaves large quantities of
salt. (Genesis 14:3) (Numbers 34:3, 12) (Joshua 15:2, 5) The water
of the sea is nine times saltier than the oceans of the earth. The lake
is 9 miles wide by 47 miles long. It is believed that Sodom and
Gomorrah were located near the southern end of the Salt Sea.
(Genesis 14:3, 10; 19:24-26)
SALU: Salu was a Simeonite whose son Zimri was executed for
immorality on the Plains of Moab. (Numbers 25:14)

SAMARITAN: The Samaritans were the people who lived in

Samaria, the region between Judea and Galilee. There were bad
feelings between the Jews and the Samaritans. This was because of
the differences in politics, race, customs, and religion. Jesus spoke
to the Samaritan woman at the well. This was unusual since most
Jews did not talk to Samaritans. (John 4:5-26) The story of the
Good Samaritan is found at Luke 10:30-37.

SAMEKH: Sa’mekh is the 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is

the initial letter in each of the eight verses of Psalm 119:113-120.

SAMGAR-NEBO: Samgar-Nebo was the title of one of the

Babylonian princes who entered Jerusalem after a breach was
opened in its walls in the summer of 607 B.E.C. (Jeremiah 39:3)

SAMOS: Samos was an island in the Aegean Sea near the west coast
of Asia Minor. Paul disembarked there briefly on his return from
the third missionary tour. (Acts 20:15) The island was southwest of
Ephesus and northwest of Miletus.

SAMOTHRACE: Samothrace was a mountainous island in the

northeast part of the Aegean Sea. The city of Samothrace was on the
north side of the island. The ship on which Paul traveled on his
second missionary journey passed by this island in the spring of 50
C.E. (Acts 6:11)

SAMLAH: Samlah was the fifth king of Edom. He reigned before a

king ruled Israel. He was from Masrekah. (Genesis 36:31-37) (1
Chronicles 1:47, 48)

SAMOS: Samos is an island in the Aegean Sea. It is near the west

coast of Asia Minor. Paul stopped at Samos on the return from his
third missionary tour. (Acts 20:15)

SAMSON: Samson was one of Israel’s outstanding judges. He was a

Danite from Zorah, the son of Manoah. An angel appeared to his
mother before his birth and announced that she would bear a son
who was to be a Nazirite from birth and take the lead in saving
Israel out of the oppressive grip of the Philistines. (Judges 13:1-5,
24; 16:17) Much history in the book of Judges includes the accounts
of Samson’s life and his great physical strength. The most popular is
the story of his love relations with Delilah. Samson fell in love with
Delilah. The account is found at Judges chapter sixteen.

SAMUEL: Samuel was a well-known prophet. He is credited with

writing the Bible books of Judges, Ruth and part of First Samuel. (1
Samuel 10:25) (1 Chronicles 29:29) (Acts 3:24; 13:20) His father
was Elkanah a Levite of the nonpriestly Kohathites. Samuel had
three brothers and two sisters. (1 Samuel 2:21) (1 Chronicles 6:27,
28, 33-38) Before conception his mother Hannah promised Samuel
to the service of Jehovah as a Nazirite. (1 Sa 1:11) When he was
about three years old he was taken to the tabernacle at Shiloh and
left in the charge of the High Priest Eli. (2 Chronicles 31:16) (1
Samuel 1:24-28) Samuel wore a linen ephod and ministered to
Jehovah as a boy. His mother visited him every year and brought
him a new sleeveless coat. (1 Samuel 2:18, 19, 26) Samuel grew in
standing with both Jehovah and men. He served as prophet to King
Saul and King David. (1 Samuel 8:6-10:1; 10:25) (1 Samuel 15:34-
16:13)

SANBALLAT: Sanballat was a resident of Horonaim. He was

opposed to Nehemiah’s project to repair the wall of Jerusalem. (Ne
2:10) As the repair work progressed, he and the other opposers
conspired against Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1)

SANCTIFY: The Greek word “hagiad’zo” means reverence, honor,

venerate, set apart as holy, and consecrate. We are told to sanctify
the Christ as Lord in our hearts. (1 Peter 3:15) We honor Jesus
Christ by obeying his teachings and worshiping the true God,
Jehovah, his heavenly father and his God. God exalted Jesus so that
“every tongue should acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord TO THE
GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER!” (Philippians 2:9-11)

SANCTUARY: A sanctuary is a building or holy place dedicated to

the worship of God. Sometimes the word refers to the central place
of worship and not to the whole building. (Exodus 25:8) (Zepaniah
3:4)

SAND: Sand is loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral.

Jehovah God made the sand a boundary for the sea, a permanent
barrier that it cannot cross. (Jeremiah 5:22) Is this mere poetic
language? Hardly, sand yields and absorbs the waves that pound
against it. The force of the raging waves is diffused and dissipated
by the sand. Over and over the sand of the sea is used in the Bible to
express great abundance, innumerableness or countlessness.
(Genesis 22:17; 32:12; 41:49) (Joshua 11:4) (Psalms 78:27; 139:17,
18) (Jeremiah 15:8) (Hebrews 1:12) The number of people misled by
Satan following his release from the abyss were said to be as the
sand of the sea. It was so great John could not count them in his
vision at Revelation 20:8. Job said his anguish was heavier than the
sands of the seas. (Job 6:3) 1.3 cubic yards of wet sand weighs 4,200
pounds. That was a very fitting illustration.

SANDAL: A sandal is a type of shoe with a flat sole of fibrous

material such as leather or wood. It is strapped to the foot by laces
often of leather thongs. Most people in the Middle East wore
sandals. (Ezekiel 16:10) (Matthew 10:5, 9, 10) (Mark 6:7-9) (Luke
10:1,4) Sandals were used figuratively in the Bible too. A good
example is John the Baptist, who said that he was not worthy to
untie Jesus’ sandal laces. (Matthew 3:11) (Mark 1:7) The apostle
Paul admonished the Ephesians to “shod your feet with the
preparation of the good news of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14, 15)

SAND LIZARD: The Hebrew word “cho’met” is translated sand

lizard, lizard, chameleon, snail and skink. It is part of the unclean
swarming creatures. (Leviticus 11:29-31)

SANHEDRIN: The Sanhedrin was the Jewish high court. It was

located in Jerusalem. Seventy-one members constituted this
Supreme Court called the Great Sanhedrin. The high priest,
Caiaphas, presided at the trial of Jesus. (Mathew 26:3, 57) (Mark
14:53-55, 60, 63) (Luke 22:54) Ananias was the high priest
presiding over the Sanhedrin at Paul’s trial. (Acts 23:2)

SANSANNAH: Sansannah was a town in the southern part of the

territory of the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 31)

SAPH: Saph was one of the four giant like Raphaim who fought with
the Philistines against Israel. David’s might men defeated them and
put them to death. (2 Samuel 21:18, 22) (1 Chronicles 20:4)

SAPPHIRA: Sapphira was the wife of Ananias. She and her husband
entered a conspiracy that resulted in their death. They sold a field
they owned and pretended to bring the full value obtained to the
apostles. Their sin was not that they withheld funds but that they
lied about it. (Acts 4:34, 35; 5:1-11)

SAPPHIRE: Sapphire is a transparent precious stone. It comes in

many colors but the deep-blue shades are the most popular. The
sapphires mentioned in the Bible are considered blue. A sapphire
was one of the stones warn in the high priest’s breast piece of
judgment. (Exodus 28:15-18; 39:11)

SARAH, SARAI: Sarah was the half sister and wife of Abraham and
mother of Isaac. (Genesis 11:29; 20:12) (Isaiah 51:2) Her first name
was Sarai. (Genesis 17:15) She was ten years younger than Abraham.
(Genesis 17:17) They were married at the Caldean city of Ur.
(Genesis 11:28, 29) She was barren until her old age when Jehovah
caused her reproductive powers to activate. (Genesis 18:11)
(Romans 4:19) (Hebrews 11:11)

SARAPH: Saraph was a descendant of Shelah of the tribe of Judah.

He took a Moabite wife. (1 Chronicles 4:21, 22)

SARDIS: Sardis was the capital of Lydia in western Asia Minor. It

was the center for worship of an Asiatic goddess. It was about 30
miles south of Thyatira. It may have had a population of 50,000
persons and was important for its commercial activity and trade. It
was noted for the manufacture for woolen cloth and carpets. It was
also a center for false worship. The apostle John was told in vision
that the Sardis congregation needed to wake up spiritually.
(Revelation 3:1-6)

SARDONYX: This ornamental stone is mentioned only once in the

Holy Scriptures, at Revelation 21:2, 19, 20. Sardonyx stone is the
fifth foundation stone of the holy city, New Jerusalem. The Greek
word o’nyx means fingernail. This may be because the red layer in
the stone shows through the white layer.

SARGON: Sargon was the king of Assyria. He was the successor of

Shalmaneser V. An earlier king of Babylon is designated as Sargon I.
Sargon is identified as the king of Assyria. (Isaiah 20:1) His son
Sennacherib succeeded him after his death.

SARSECHIM: This Babylonian prince was one of the first to enter

Jerusalem after the army broke through the walls in 607 B.C.E.
(Jeremiah 29:2, 3)

SARID: Sarid was a city on the border of Zebulun about six miles
north northeast of Megiddo. (Joshua 19:10, 12)

SATAN: The Greek “satanas” means the resistor. He was at one time
a perfect, righteous spirit creature of God. Then he rebelled and
resisted God and deviated into sin and degradation. He influenced a
third of the angels in heaven to follow him. (Revelation 12:4) Satan
is also called Devil, meaning slanderer. Matthew chapter 4 depicts
Satan’s efforts to tempt Jesus. He is called a dragon and a serpent.
(Revelation 12:12, 13)

SATRAP: A satrap was a governor of a province in the Babylonian

and Persian empires. The king appointed his as a chief ruler of a
legal district. Daniel speaks of satraps serving under
Nebuchadnezzar in the Babylonian Empire. (Daniel 3:1-3) Satraps
carried on the civil administration of the territory he ruled over.
They were literally mini kings or monarchs.

SAUL THE KING OF ISRAEL: Saul was a Benjamite. He was a

descendent of Jeiel through Ner and Kish. (1 Chronicles 8:29-33;
9:35-39) Saul was the first divinely selected king of Israel. (1 Samuel
9:15, 16; 10:1) He came from a wealthy family. He was a handsome
man who stood head and shoulders taller than nearly all others of
his nation and was physically stronger than most. (1 Samuel 9:1, 2)
(2 Samuel 1:23) Later in his reign Saul disobeyed Jehovah and was
rejected by God. After his death, David became king. The entire
account of Saul’s life is found at 1 Samuel chapters 9 to 11. (1 Samuel
13:5-14; 14:47-52; 15:1-35) (2 Samuel 1:23.

SAUL, OF TARSUS: This Saul was A Benjamite from the city of

Tarsus in Asia Minor. He actively persecuted Christians. (Acts 9:1,
4, 17; 11:25; 21:39) (Philippians 3:5) His name was changed to the
Latin name Paul when he was converted to Christianity. SEE:PAUL

SAVIOR: Jehovah God is identified as Savior and Deliverer. (Isaiah

43:11; 45:21) (Psalm 106:21) Jesus Christ the Son of God can rightly
be called our Savior. (1 John 4:14) (Titus 1:4) (2 Peter 1:11) The
name Jesus means “Jehovah is Salvation.” It points to God, the
father of Jesus Christ, as the ultimate source of salvation.

SAW: A saw is a tool used for cutting wood and other materials.
Early saws had teeth designed to cut when pulled through the
material, thus cutting one way. Many of them were made of bronze.
(Isaiah 10:15) (1 Kings 7:9) (2 Samuel 12:29-31) The saw was used
as a torture instrument. Early believers were literally “sawed in
two.” (Hebrew 11:37, 38)

SCENTED WOOD: Among the symbolic luxury items that traders

brought to Babylon the Great is scented wood. (Revelation 18:11, 12)
This wood was most likely from North Africa. It was prize by the
Romans for making costly furniture. It was a fragrant, hard wood
that took a high polish. The tree producing this wood is the
sandarac tree from the cypress family. Its wood has a rich reddish
brown hue.

SCALES FOR WEIGHING: A scale is a device used for weighing

objects. Ancient scales were simple beam or balance scales
consisting of a horizontal bar that pivoted at the center. Each end of
the bar had a hook or pan. The object to be weighted was placed on
one side and known weights were placed on the other. (Jeremiah
32:10) (Isaiah 46:6) (Genesis 23:15, 16) (Ezekiel 5:1) The rider of
the black horse of Revelation 6:5 held a pair of scales for measuring
food. Jehovah required honesty and accuracy when using scales.
(Leviticus 19:35, 36) (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11) (Ezekiel 45:10) Scales
were sometimes used to represent proper measurement in
judgement. (Job 31:6) (Daniel 5:27)

SCARECROW: Poles or piles of stone are placed in a field and

dressed to look like a human figure to form a scarecrow. Its primary
function is to frighten away birds or other animals so that they will
not eat the crops. Jeremiah depicted the idols of the nations as a
scarecrow in a cucumber field. (Jeremiah 10:5)

SCARLET, CRIMSON: Scarlet is a brilliant red color. Crimson is

also red, a deep and vivid red. These colors are reminiscent of the
color of blood. They are characterized by violence and bloodshed.
The palace guard removed Jesus’ clothes and “dressed him in a
scarlet robe.” (Matthew 27:28) Jehovah told the people of Israel:
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as
snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become as white
as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) “You are going to be destroyed.” Jehovah said
to his people. “Why do you dress in scarlet (crimson) and put on
gold jewelry?” (Jeremiah 4:30) The spies that Joshua sent to view
the land of Jericho were to escape being caught by lowering
themselves down on a scarlet cord. (Joshua 2:1, 18) The harlot
sitting on the scarlet-colored beast is dressed in purple and scarlet.
(Revelation 17:3-5)

SCEPTER: The emblem of royal authority, it is a baton or rod

carried by a ruler. It is used in a symbolic sense to represent
kingship. (Genesis 49:10) (Numbers 21:17, 18) (Hebrews 1:8-9) It is
sometimes called the “royal scepter,” “commanders staff,” and
“rulers staff.” It was a long rod that serves as a symbol of a rulers
right to issue orders. When a ruler was seated, his long staff would
often rest upon the ground and lie back against the fold of his robe.
This royal scepter represented the legal right to rule. (Deuteronomy
33:21) (Psalms 2:8, 9; 45:6-7; 60:7; 108:8) (Isaiah 55:4)
SCEVA: Sceva was a Jewish “chief priest.” His seven sons traveled
from place to place driving out demons. At Ephesus they tried to
exocise a demon by saying, “ In the name of Jesus whom Paul
preaches I command you to come out.” (Acts 19:13-20) The wicked
spirit replyed, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?”
The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overpowered
them. He gave them such a beating that they fled out of that house
naked and wounded. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified
because of this.

SCHOOL: The Greek word for school is “skho-le.” It means leisure,

a requirement for study and learning. Jehovah God placed the
responsibility upon parents to teach their offspring. This includes
both secular and religious education. (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) The
Jews required their leaders be instructed in God’s law at their
schools. (Acts 22:3) (John 7:15) Meeting places of the Christian
congregation served as schools. The scrolls of the Hebrew Scriptures
and the writings of the apostles and their co-workers were studied
at congregation meetings. Even then the family remained the
primary source for education, using the curriculum provided by the
Christian congregation. (Ephesians 6:4) (1 Corinthians 14:35)
Children were always included in the arrangement at both the
Jewish and the Christians meetings. They were never separated into
a “Sunday school.”

SCORPION: This is a very small creature, with eight legs and a long
tail with a poisonous sting. It can inflict a very painful and
sometimes fatal wound. (Luke 11:12) (Revelation 9:5)

SCREECH OWL: SEE NIGHTJAR

SCRIBE: A person who writes documents for others. Scribes wrote

copies of the Holy Scriptures. Ezra was a scribe. (Nehemiah 8:1)
Jesus condemned the Scribes and Pharisees of the Law for their
false teachings and hypocrisy. (Matthew 15:1-9) (Matthew 23:13-36)

SCRIBAL CHANGES: The Jewish Sopherim (scribes) altered the

original Hebrew text from the Tetragrammaton, “YHWH” to the
Hebrew word for God, “Adhonai.” According to the Gins.
Manuscript, “as many as one hundred and thirty-four instances”
have been found. The Jewish canons decreed that the
incommunicable name is to be pronounced: “Adonai” as if it were
written that way. The New Simplified Bible has restored the divine
name, Jehovah, to many of these Scriptures. The terms, “Jehovah
God” or “God, Jehovah” are used in some instances. An example is
found at Psalm 14:1.

SCRIPTURES: The Greek word “graphe’” meaning a writing refers

to the sacred writings in God’s Word. The Holy Scriptures is divided
into two parts: The Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek Scriptures.
This is because of the original language with which they were
written.

SCRIPTURE-CASE, PHYLACTERY: The word phylacterie comes

from the Greek word “phylakte’rion” meaning outpost, fortification
and safeguard. This Scripture case or phylactery was a small case
containing four portions of the Law. (Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16)
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21) Jewish men wore this case on their
forehead and left arm. The Rabbis obtained the laws about wearing
of phylacteries from four Biblical passages, Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18
and Exodus 13:9,13. Jesus Christ reprimanded the scribes and
Pharisees for enlarging the scripture-case that they wore as
safeguards. (Matthew 23:5)

SCROLL, ROLL or BOOK: The Scriptures were written and copied

on rolls or scrolls of leather, parchment, or papyrus. (John 20:30)
(Jeremiah 36:2) The Book of life is opened at Revelation 20:11-15.
The word ‘book’ is used interchangeably with ‘scroll’ in the New
Simplified Bible.

SCYTHIAN: The ancient Scythian people were a fierce and nomadic

tribe who lived northeast of the Black Sea. They migrated as far as
western Siberia near the border of Mongolia. The word “Scythian”
implied the worst of uncivilized people. Paul verified at Colossians
3:11 that when they became Christians they had equal standing with
all other believer. He added the important point that “Christ is all,
and in all.”

SEAS AND WATERS: Water covers seventy percent of the earth’s

surface. A sea is a large body of salt water smaller than an ocean
that is partially or totally enclosed by land. A few examples of seas
include the Mediterranean Sea, also called the western sea or the
Sea, (Joshua 1:4) (Deuteronomy 11:24) (Numbers 34:5) the Red Sea
(Exodus 10:19) (Isaiah 11:15) and the Dead Sea or the Salt Sea
(Deuteronomy 3:17) (Ezekiel 47:18). The word sea is used in
illustrative ways at several places in the Holy Scriptures. One of the
best examples of this is found at Isaiah 57:20. Isaiah likened the
wicked people of the earth to the sea that is being tossed and that
tosses up seaweed and mire. Revelation 17:1,15 speaks of waters on
which Babylon the Great sits. It goes on to explain it means peoples,
crowds, nations and tongues.

SEAH: A seah is a dry measure that was established occording to

rabbinic sources. It is equal to one third of an ephah. It is equivilant
to about 6.66 dry qts. (1 Kings 18:32)

SEAL: A seal is an instrument used to make an impression on clay

or wax that indicated ownership or authenticity. Ancient seals were
made of a piece of hard material such as stone, wood or ivory. The
engraved letters or designs were reverse so that when the seal was
applied they would be right side out on the impressed material. (1
Kings 21:8) (Job 14:17) (Jeremiah 32:10-14, 44) Figurative use of
the term seal or sealed includes Paul’s reference at 1 Corinthians
9:1,2 where he said that Christians served as a seal confirming his
apostleship. First century Christians were spoken of as being
“sealed” by the Holy Spirit. (Eph 1:13, 14; 4:30) According to the
Bible something that is hidden, secret and closed is “sealed.”
(Daniel 12:4, 9) (Isaiah 8:16; 29:11) (Revelation 5:1; 22:10)

SEA MONSTER: The Hebrew word “tan-nin’” is generally

translated sea monster or great monster. (Ezekiel 29:3; 32:2) It is
call big snake when not mentioned with the sea or water. (Jeremiah
51:34) (Exodus 4:2, 3; 7:9, 12) The term is also used in reference to
Rahab, Egypt and Pharaoh. (Psalms 74:13) (Isaiah 30:7; 51:9)
(Ezekiel 29:3; 32:2)

SEASONS: A season is a period of the year marked by special events

or activities or a natural period of the year divided by equinoxes and
solstices or atmospheric conditions. This includes the cycle of
weather seasons. The heavenly bodies serve as indicators of seasons.
(Genesis 1:14) The apostle Paul counseled Christians about the
observance of days and months that were part of the festival seasons
as part of the Law at Galatians 4:10. (Acts 1:7; 3:19) (Galatians 6:9)

SEARCH: The activity of looking thoroughly in order to find

something or someone. An investigation seeking answers. Research
is a systematic investigation to establish facts and gain knowledge.
Jesus spoke about searching the Scriptures. (Matthew 5:39) The
Beroeans were diligent about searching the Scriptures to verify that
what they heard preached was really the truth. (Acts 17:11)

SEBA: The Sebans were a people of east Africa. Seba is mentioned

in conection with Egypt and Ethiopia (Cush). They were given a
ransom in place of Jacob. (Isaiah 43:3; 45:14) Seba borderd on or
was within the Ethiopian borders.

SECACAH: Secacah was a city in the wilderness of Judah. (Joshua

15:20, 61)

SECRET: The Greek word “musterion” means a secret that requires

a silence imposed by initiation into religious rites. In this context it
refers to what originates with God and is revealed at God’s own time
and will. God’s secrets are made known only by revelation of his
Holy Spirit. It is really not appropriate to call them mysteries since
false religion takes great advantage of that term. They are indeed
secrets revealed only to true believers. (2 Corinthians 2:6-16)
(Matthew 13:11) (Mark 4:11) (Luke 8:10) The apostle Paul presented
the revelation of the divine and sacred secret of the administration
of God’s Messianic Kingdom at Ephesians 1:9-11.

SECRETARY: The Hebrew word so-pher’ means scribe and copyist.

A secretary is person who is skilled in writing and keeping records.
Israel had trusted court officials called ‘the secretary of the king.’ (2
Chronicles 24:11) (2 Kings 19:2) Sometimes the secretary of the king
took care of financial matters. (2 Kings 12:10, 11) Baruch was a
secretary for Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 36:32)

SECRETARY’S INKHORN: The secretary’s inkhorn of Ezekiel 9:2,

3, 11 is the secretary’s writing case. The man in linen responsible to
mark individuals on the forehead has a writing case at his hips. It
was a narrow case made out of wood with slots for reed pens a small
cake of dried ink. The secretary would press the moistened end of
his pen to the ink to prepare to write.

SECT, CULT: A sect is a dissenting clique or faction of a religious

order. The English word heresy comes from the Greek word “hai’re-
sis.” It is used to describe a sect. Non-Christians called Christianity
a sect. On one occasion they called it the sect of the Nazarenes. (Acts
24:5, 14; 28:22) Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity prayed
that unity would prevail among his followers at John 17:21. All sects
were to be avoided along with false teachings. (Acts 20:28)
(Galatians 5:19-21) (2 Timothy 2:17, 18) (2 Peter 2:1) The
organizations of Christendom today are not united in faith and
frequently call each other members of false sects. A cult is a system
of religious beliefs and rituals whose adherents display exaggerated
zeal. The only reference to “cult” in the Bible speaks of cult or
temple prostitutes. (Deuteronomy 23:17) (1 Kings 14:24) (1 Kings
15:12) (2 Kings 23:7) (Job 36:14) It is also a term used by
religionists to criticize other religions.

SECU: Saul inquired as to the whereabouts of David and Samuel at

the great cistern of Secu. Secu was near Ramah. Some Greek and
Latin manuscripts refer to Secu as “the threshing-floor on the bare
hill.” (1 Samuel 19:21, 22)

SECUNDUS: Secundus was a Thessalonian Christian. He

accompanied Paul through Macedonia into Asia Minor on the
apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. This probably took place in
the spring of 56 C.E. (Acts 20:3-5)

SEDITION: The Greek word sta’sis means sedition, dissension and

trouble making. Sedition was a capital offence under Roman law.
Both Jesus Christ and his followers were accused of being
troublemakers and seditionists. (Luke 23:19, 25) (Acts 19:40; 24:5)

SEED: The Hebrew word for seed is “zera.” The Greek word for seed
is “sperma.” These words appear many times in the Bible. They are
used in the literal sensewhen talking about agricultural things.
(Genesis 1:11, 12, 29) They are also used figuratively when talking
about offspring. (Genesis 7:3: 9:9; 17:7-11) (Matthew 13:24) (1
Corinthians 15:38)(Hebrews 11:11) (John 8:42) The Greek word
“sporos” is used at Luke 8:11 to symbolize the Word of God. Over
the years Bible experts have debated the prospect that the word
“seed” means singular, one person, or plural, a group of people. This
should be determined by considering the context of the verse,
chapter, and book.

SEER: The English word seer comes from the Hebrew word “ro-
eh.’” The terms seer, prophet, and visionary are used
interchangeably in the Scriptures. Each of them had discernment
and the powers of vision of the future. And each was capable of
speaking out about what they knew. The prophets spoke God’s
Word by divine inspiration. (Hebrews 1:1, 2) People would consult
them for wise counsel on their problems. (1 Samuel 9:5-19) (2
Samuel 15:27) (1 Chronicles 9:22; 29:29) (2 Chronicles 16:7, 10) 1
Samuel 9:9 tells us that a “prophet used to be called a seer.” Samuel
is referred to as the first of the “the prophets” at Acts 3:24 and
13:20.

SEGUB, SON OF HEZRON: Segub was the son of Hezron. He was

the father of Jair in the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:21, 22)
SEGUB, SON OF HIEL: Segub was the youngest son of Hiel the
Bethelite. He lost his life when his father rebuilt Jericho during the
reign of King Ahab. (Joshua 6:26) (1 Kings 16:34)

SEIR, THE HORITE: Seir was the Horite whose seven sons were
sheiks in the land of Seir before it was occupied by Esau (Edom).
(Genesis 36:20, 21, 29, 30) (1 Chronicles 1:38)

SEIR, THE REGION: There was an area known as Seir. It included

the mountains and the area of land between the mountains and the
Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. (Genesis 36:8, 30) (Deuteronomy
2:1, 8) The Horites inhabited Seir when Abraham was alive.
(Genesis 14:6) Later Esau’s descendants, the Edomites,
dispossessed the Horites and the land was then called Edom.
(Numbers 24:18) (Deuteronomy 2:4, 5, 12) (Joshua 24:4) (2
Chronicles 25:11)

SEIR, THE MOUNTAIN: Mount Seir is the mountain between

Baalah and Chesalon on the north border of the Territory of Judah.
It is part of the ridge about 9.5 miles west of Jerusalem. The village
of Shoresh is nearby. (Joshua 15:10)

SEIRAH: Ehud escaped to Seirah after assassinating the Moabite

King Eglon. It is at an unknown site in the mountains of Ephraim.
(Judges 3:26, 27)

SELA, EDOMITE CITY: Sela was a major Edomite city. It was

captured by Judean King Amaziah and renamed Joktheel. (2 Kings
14:7) A place called Sela is mentioned in the pronouncement against
Moab. (Isaiah 15:1; 16:1) They could be the same place.

SELA, AMORITE SITE: This Sela was located on the boundary of

Amorite territory after the Israelites took possession of the
Promised Land. (Judges 1:36)

SELAH: Selah is a Hebrew expression found in the Psalms. It is also

found in Habakkuk chapter 3. It is a technical term for music or
recitation. Some believe it means to pause, a supension, or holding
back. The Greek Septuagint rendered Selah as “diapsalma,”
meaning “a musical interlude.” It is accompanied by the word
“Higgaion” in Psalm 9:16. This is associated with the music of the
harp.

SELED: Seled was a son of Nadab in the Jerahmeelite division of

Judah’s genealogy. Seled died with out sons. (1 Chronicles 2:25, 30)
SELEUCIA: Seleucia was a fortified Mediterranean port town. It
was twelve miles southwest of Syrian Antioch. The two cities were
connected by road as well as the navigable Orontes River that
emptied into the Mediterranean Sea just down river from Seleucia.
Paul sailed from Seleucia at the start of his first missionary journey
about 47 C.E. (Acts 13:4; 14:26; 15:30-41) The city was sometimes
called Seleucia Pieria.

SELF-CONTROL: Greek: egkrateia. Self-control is a fruit of

God’s Spirit. (Ga 5:22, 23) It is the ability to control one’s self:
actions, speech and thoughts. A true follower of Jesus Christ will
learn to restrain his own actions and behave in a Christ-like, loving
way. (Genesis 43:31) (Psalm 119:101) (Proverbs 10:19) Jehovah God
exercises self control. (Jeremiah 18:7-10) (2 Peter 3:9) The Son of
God, Jesus Christ also exercised self control. (1 Peter 2:21-23) One
of the characteristics of those not practicing true Christianity in the
last days is a lack of self control. (2 Timothy 3:1-7) King David
suffered severe problems because he did not use self-control and
subsequently committed adultery with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:1-
27)

SELF-WILL: Self-will is out of harmony with Christianity. It

means self-pleasing and describes someone who is inconsiderate of
others. The self-willed person arrogantly asserts his own will. This
type of person does not put other people first in his thinking and
actions. (Titus 1:5-7) (2 Peter 2:10)

SEMACHIAH: He was a Levite grandson of Obededom.

Semachiah was assigned as a gatekeeper to the south of the
sancturary during David’s reign. Semachiah and his fleshly brothers
were very capable men. (1 Chronicles 26:1, 4, 6-8, 15)

SEMEIN: Semein was an ancestor of Jesus’ mother Mary. He was a

decendant of David. (Luke 3:26)

SENAAH: More than 3,000 sons of Senaah returned from exile in

Babylon with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 35) (Nehemiah
7:38)

SENEH: The nearly vertical cliffs along the Wadi Suweinit between
Michmash and Geba cantained a big toothlike crag called Seneh.
This crag was used by Jonathan when he attacked the Philistines. (1
Samuel 14:4, 5, 13)
SEPHAR: It is believed that Sephar was the mountains to the east
of the city of Mesha. The descendants of Joktan resided there.
(Genesis 10:29, 30)

SEPHARAD: Sepharad was a place where the Jerusalem exiles

were to return. (2 Kings 17:5, 6) (Obadiah 20)

SENNACHERIB: Sennacherib was the son of Sargon II. He

succeeded his father to the throne of Assyria in the 23rd year of
Hezekiah. Like the Persian Xerxes, Sennacherib was weak and vain
but cruel and boastful in success. He defeated a powerful
combination of princes who were in league against him. Hezekiah
was among these princes. Hezekiah entered into an alliance with
Egypt against Assyria. Sennacherib sent envoys to try to persuade
Hezekiah to surrender. But this was all in vain. (2 Kings 19:10-34)
In one night the angel of Jehovah destroyed the camp of the
Assyrians. In the morning there were dead corpses everywhere. The
Assyrian army was annihilated. (Isaiah 37:9-37) Sennacherib lived
20 more years after this but he never renewed his attempt to
capture Jerusalem. After a reign of 24 years Sennacherib was
murdered by his two sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer.

SENIR: Senir is the Amorite name for Mount Hermon. It may also
have been used as a name for part of the Hermon Range. After all 1
Chronicles 5:23 mentions Senir and Mount Hermon.” (De 3:9) It
was a source of lumber. (Ezekiel 27:5)

SEORIM: Seorim was the head of the fourth of the 24 priestly

service divisions organized during King David’s reign. (1 Chronicles
24:5, 8)

SEPHARVAIM: After the Israelites had been taken into exile the
king of Assyria brought people from Sepharvaim to live in Samaria.
Sepharvaim and its king were defeated by the Assyrians.
Sepharvaim was mentioned among the places in Syria and Babylon.
(2 Kings 17:24; 19:13) (Isaiah 37:13)

SEPHARVITES: The people of Sepharvaim where called

Sepharvites. The Sepharvites were taken captive by the Assyrians to
colonize Samaria. They brought their false religion with them. That
included sacrificing their sons to the gods Adrammelech and
Anammelech. (2 Kings 17:24, 31-33; 18:34) (Isaiah 36:19)
SERAH: Serah was Asher’s daughter. She traveled with the house
of Jacob into Egypt. (Genesis 46:7, 17, 27) (Numbers 26:46) (1
Chronicles 7:30)

SERAIAH, SON OF KENAZ: Seraiah was the son of Kenaz of the

tribe of Judah. He was the brother of Judge Othniel and nephew of
Caleb the spy. He and his descendants through his son Joab were
craftsmen. (1 Chronicles 4:13, 14)

SERAIAH, SECRETARY TO KING DAVID: Seraiah was King

David’s secretary. (2 Samuel 8:15, 17)

SERAIAH, SON OF ASIEL: This Seraiah was the son of Asiel. He

was from the tribe of Simeon. His descendants joined up with
Hezekiah to strike down the Hamites and Meunim. (1 Chronicles
4:24, 35, 38-41)

SERAIAH, QUARTERMASTER OF ZEDEKIAH: Seraiah was

the quartermaster of King Zedekiah. He was the son of Neriah and
brother of Baruch. (Jeremiah 32:12; 51:59) Seraiah traveled with
Zedekiah to Babylon to read the scroll Jeremiah gave him.

SERAIAH, CHIEF PRIEST: This Seraiah was the chief priest

when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. He was killed at
the order of Nebuchadneszzar and his son Jehozadak was taken
alive as a captive in Babylon. (2 Kings 25:18-21) (Jeremiah 52:24-
27) His son Jehozadak continued the line of high priests from Aaron
continued. (1 Chronicles 6:14, 15) (Ezra 3:2)

SERAIAH, LEADER WITH ZERUBBABEL: Seraiah was one of

the leaders who returned from exile in 537 B.C.E. with Zerubbabel.
(Ezra 2:1, 2)

SERAPHS: The Hebrew word “sera-phim” is a plural noun that

comes from the verb “sa-raph,” meaning burn. (Isaiah 6:2, 6) These
are spirit creatures stationed above Jehovah God’s throne in
heaven. The prophet Isaiah describes them at Isaiah 6:1-7. He said:
Seraphs were standing above Jehovah. Each one had six wings. Two
covered his face, and two covered his feet and he flew with the other
two wings. The description of the seraphs must be understood to be
symbolic. Their likeness to earthly creatures is only used to give
human beings something to relate to. God often speaks symbolically
of himself as having eyes, ears and other human features.
SERED: Sered was the first son of Zebulun. He was the founder of
the Seredites, a family of the tribe of Zebulun. (Genesis 46:14)
(Numbers 26:26, 27)

SEREDITES: The Seredites were a Zebulunite family founded by

Sered. (Numbers 26:26)

SERPENT, SNAKE: The serpent is a long, limbless reptile. It is

covered with scales. The head is near the ground and the flickering
tongue appears to be licking the dust. (Genesis 3:14) There were
more than thirty kinds of snakes in Israel. The Hebrew word for
snakes and serpent like animals is “na-chash.’” (Psalms 58:4; 140:3)
(Proverbs 23:32) The term serpent is often used figuratively in the
Scriptures. The lies of the wicked are compared to venom. (Psalm
58:3, 4) The sharp tongue of the evil is likened to that of the
serpent. (Psalm 140:3) The snake is symbolized when pronouncing
judgment on such nations as Philistia, Judah, and Egypt. (Isaiah
14:29) (Jeremiah 8:17) (Jeremiah 46:22) Satan is called the original
serpent. (Genesis 3:1-15) Serving in the capacity of the original
serpent he is also the progenitor of other opposers. Jesus call such
opposers, “serpents and offspring of vipers.” (Matthew 23:33) (John
8:44) (1 John 3:12)

SERUG: Serug was a descendant of Shem. He was the son of Reu.

He was the great-grandfather of Abraham. All of this made him an
ancestor of Jesus Christ. Serug lived 230 years and fathered a
number of children including Nahor. (Genesis 11:10, 20-23) (1
Chronicles 1:24-27) (Luke 3:35)

SERVICE: Service is work done by one person or group that

benefits another. Divine service includes the ministry and related
activities. Service that is related to worship of God is sacred and
holy. It is worthy of respect, dedication and veneration and is
devoted exclusively to the person or object of worship. The Hebrew
word “avadh’” means to serve. (Genesis 14:4; 15:14; 29:15) The
Greek verb la-treu’o” also denotes service. It is used in reference to
serving God. (Matthew 4:10) (Luke 1:74; 2:37; 4:8) (Acts 7:7)
(Romans 1:9) (Philippians 3:3) (2 Timothy 1:3) (Hebrews 9:14;
12:28) (Revelation 7:15; 22:3) The Greek word ”di-ako-ni’a” means
to minister and serve and is used to describe common service
activities as well. Even though we consider Jesus Christ, the Son of
God worthy, only Jehovah God, his heavenly father, is to receive our
devine service and worship. We learn this from our Savior’s own lips
at Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8. Christians faithfully serve Jehovah
God in the name of His faithful witness, Jesus Christ. (Revelation
3:14)

SERVANT: The Greek word “diak’onos” means waiter, attendant,

teacher, and minister. A minister is a servant! Jesus taught his
followers whoever wanted to be their leader must be their servant.
(Luke 9:46-48) (Matthew 23:11) He emphasized this by washing
their feet. The account is found in Chapter 13 of John. (SEE:
SLAVE)

SETH: Seth was the son of Adam and Eve born when Adam was 130
years old. Eve called him Seth because she said, “God has appointed
another seed in place of Abel.” (Genesis 5:4) After Adam, mankind
descended from Seth. Seth became father of Enosh. Seth died at the
age of 912 years. (Genesis 4:17, 25, 26; 5:3-8) (1 Chronicles 1:1-4)
(Luke 3:38)

SETHUR: Sethur was the Asherite chieftain appointed to spy out

Canaan. He was the son of Michael. (Numbers 13:2, 3, 13)

SEVEN: SEE: NUMBER-SEVEN

SEWING: Sewing is the practice of joining or attaching material by

stitches. Sewing includes embroidery and has been prominent in
mankind’s activities from the beginning. (Exodus 26:1; 35:35) (Job
16:15) (Ecclesiastes 3:7) (Ezekiel 13:18) You might say Adam and
Eve invented sewing. (Genesis 3:7) No doubt their sewing was not
very fancy. Jesus Christ used sewing in a symbolic or figurative
sense at Mark 2:18-21 where he stated that sewing unshrunk clothe
on to an old garment would worsen the tear.

SEX AND MARRIAGE: Paul presents the Christian view on Sex

and Marriage at 1 Corinthians Chapter 7. Jesus speaks out against
divorce and adultery. (Matthew 5:27-32)

SHAALBIM: Shaalbim was a city of Amorites. It’s inhabitants were

recruited to do forced labor for the house of Joseph. (Judges 1:35)
This city was later one of the cities that annually provided food for
Solomon’s household. (1 Kings 4:7-9)

SHAALIM: Shaalim was the land Saul passed through when he

searched for the lost donkeys belonging to his father Kish. Shaalim
was in Ephraim. (1 Samuel 9:3, 4; 13:17)
SHAAPH, SON OF CALEB: Shaaph was the son of Caleb by his
concubine Maacah. Shaaph was the founder of the group that
settled Madmannah. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 42, 48, 49)

SHAAPH, LAST OF JAHDAI’S SONS: Shaaph was the last of the

six sons of Jahdai. They were among the descendants of Caleb the
son of Hezron in the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 42, 47)

SHAALBONITE: A Shaalbonite was someone from the city of

Shaalbim. (2 Samuel 23:8, 32) (1 Chronicles 11:26, 33)

SHAARAIM: Shaaraim was a city in the Shephelah. (Joshua 15:20,

33, 36) The Israelites chased after the Philistine after David
defeated Goliath. The Philistine dead were scattered from Shaaraim
to Gath and Ekron. (1 Samuel 17:52)

SHAASHGAZ: Shaashgaz was the man in charge of King

Ahasuerus’s concubines. He was the eunuch in charge of the second
house of women. (Esther 2:14)

SHADOW, SHADE: A shadow is an area where the intensity of the

sun’s heat and light does not reach. It is used in the Bible to describe
the protection Jehovah God offers people. (Psalms 91:1; 17:8; 36:7;
63:7; 121:5) (Isaiah 25:4) The opposite is also depicted where the
shadow is associated with gloom and danger, as well as the grave.
(Job 10:21, 22; 24:17; 38:17) (Psalm 23:4)

SHADRACH: Shadrach was one of the Daniel’s three companions.

The name Shadrach is a Babylonian name given to him when
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were appointed to a high
position in the government of Babylon. Their corresponding
Hebrew names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. By the end of
three years study, they were found to be ten times better than the
wise men of Babylon. They temporarily lost favor with the king
when they refused to bow to his great image, but Jehovah rescued
them from the king’s punishment. They were then restored to their
former position. (Daniel 1:3-20; 2:49; 3:1-30)

SHAGEE: Shagee the Hararite was the father of Jonathan, one of

David’s mighty men. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 34)

SHAHARAIM: This man was a Benjamite who lived in Moab. (1

Chronicles 8:8-11)
SHAHAZUMAH: Shahazumah was a boundary site in the territory
of Issachar, located between Bethshemesh and Mount Tabor.
(Joshua 19:17, 22)

SHALISHAH: Saul traveled through the region of Shalishah when

he went in search of his father’s donkeys. This place was latter
identified with Kafr Thulth, about 12 miles northwest of Gilgal. (2
Kings 4:42) (1 Samuel 9:3, 4)

SHALLECHETH GATE: Shallecheth Gate was on the west side of

the sancturary at Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 26:16)

SHALLUN: Shallun was a prince of the district of Mizpah. He was

son of Colhozeh. When Nehemiah worked to rebuild Jerusalem’s
wall Shallun helped. They also repaired the Fountain Gate.
(Nehemiah 3:15)

SHALMAN: It is widely thought that the name Shalman is a

shortened form of Shalmaneser.

SHALMANESER: Five different Assyrian monarchs bore the name

Shalmaneser. Two of them had direct contact with Israel:
Shalmaneser III and Shalmaneser V. Near the end of Hosea’s
prophesying Shalmaneser V invaded Israel and laid siege to
Samaria. Shalmaneser is mentioned two times in the Bible. (2 Kings
17:3; 18:9)

SHAMA: He was one of David’s mighty men. Shama was brother of

Jeiel and son of Hotham the Aroerite. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 44)

SHAMGAR: Shamgar is know for killing 600 Philistines with a

cattle goad. (a long pole with a point on the end) He is credited with
saving Israel. (Judges 3:31)

SHAMIR, CITY IN THE MOUNTAINS: Shamir was a city in the

mountains of Judah believed to have been about 12 miles southwest
of Hebron. (Joshua 15:20, 48)

SHAMIR, RESIDENCE OF JUDGE TOLA: Shamir was the

residence of Judge Tola. It was also the burial site where he was laid
to rest. (Judges 10:1, 2)

SHAMIR, SON OF MICAH: Shamir was the son of Micah. He was a

Levite. (1 Chronicles 24:20, 24)
SHAMMA: Shamma was a prominent member of the tribe of Asher.
He was the son of Zophar. (1 Chronicles 7:36, 37, 40)

SHAMMAH, GRANDSON OF ESAU: Shammah was the grandson

of Esau through Reuel. He was an Edomite sheik. (Genesis 36:10,
13, 17) (1 Chronicles 1:37)

SHAMMAH, BROTHER OF KING DAVID: Shammah was King

David’s older brother. He was also called Shimea and Shimei. (1
Chronicles 2:13) (2 Samuel 13:3; 21:21) Shammah was also in Saul’s
army when the giant Goliath taunded them. (1 Samuel 17:13, 14, 20,
23)

SHAMMOTH: Shammoth was one of David’s mighty men. He was a

Horite. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 27) (2 Samuel 23:8, 25)

SHAMMUA, SON OF ZACCUR: Shammua was a leader in the tribe

of Reuben. He was the son of Zaccur. Moses sent him into the
Promised Land as a spy. Nine other spies joined him in the efforts to
determine the strength of the Canaanites. (Numbers 13:2-4, 28, 29)

SHAMMUA, SON OF DAVID: This Shammua was the son of David

by Bathsheba. He was a full brother of King Solomon. At one time
he was called Shimea. (2 Samuel 5:13, 14) (1 Chronicles 3:5; 14:3, 4)

SHAMMUA, A LEVITE: This Shammua was a Levite of the line of

Jeduthaun. His son Abda lived in Jerusalem after the Babylonian
exile. (Nehemiah 11:17)

SHANK: The shank is the lower part of the leg. It is between the
knee and the ankle. The Bible usually refers to the term shank when
talking about animals prepared for sacrifice. (Leviticus 1:9, 13; 4:11,
12; 8:21; 9:14)

SHAPHAM: He was the second in charge of the tribe of Gad in

Bashan. This occurred prior to the reign of jeroboam II in the ninth
century B.C.E. (1 Chronicles 5:11, 12, 17)

SHARON: Sharon was the plain located between the Plain of Dor
near Carmel and the Plain of Philistia. Its northern border was the
Crocodile River and the southern border was the area of Joppa.
Large areas of sand dunes are found near the coast. Sharon was
abundant with fertile land that was well watered. Flocks and herds
grazed there. (1 Chronicles 27:29) (Isaiah 33:9; 35:2; 65:10)
SHARONITE: A Sharonite was a person from the Plain of Sharon.
David’s head heardsman was from Sharon and was called a
Sharonite. (1 Chronicles 27:29, 31)

SHARON, THE ROSE OF: The meadow saffron, sometimes called

the Rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys, is a common flower
among the many flowers found in Sharon-Song of Solomon 2:1.
Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary states that the Hebrew word
“chabatstseleth” has an uncertain derivation referring to the
meadow saffron, crocus, or rose. Most translators use the word
rose.

SHARUHEN: This was a city in the territory of Simeon. It was also

called Shilhim and Shaaraim. (Joshua 15:32; 19:1-6) (1 Chronicles
4:31) Bible Scholars believe it is the same city and el-Farah, about
22 miles west of Beersheba.

SHAULITES: The Shaulites was a Simeonite family founded by

Shaul. (Numbers 26:12, 13)

SHAVEH VALLEY: The Shaveh Valley is where Abraham was met

by the king of Sodom and received a blessing from Melchizedek,
king of Salem. (Genesis 14:17-24) Hundreds of years later Absalom
erected a monument in the Shaveh Valley at the same place. (2
Samuel 18:18)

SHAVSHA: Shavsha was King David’s secretary. (1 Chronicles

18:16)

SHEARIAH: Sheariah was a descendant of Saul and Jonathan. He

was one of Azel’s six sons. (1 Chronicles 8:33-38; 9:44)

SHEAR-JASHUB: Shearjashub was the first son of Isaiah the

prophet. Shearjashub acompanied Isaiah when he delivered a
prophetic message to King Ahaz at the time the Israelite King Pekah
invaded Judah. (Isaiah 7:1, 3) The name Shearjashub means “a
remnant.” It foretold that a remnant would return from Babylonian
exile. (Isaiah 8:18; 10:21)

SHEBA, QUEEN OF: the queen of Sheba visited Solomon after he

completed most of his building projects. The queen is unnamed in
the Bible. (1 Kings 10:1, 2) (Matthew 12:42) Jesus commented that
she was the queen of the south and came from the ends of the earth.
He also said of the queen of Sheba that she came to hear the wisdom
of Solomon. (Luke 11:31) She was impressed by what she saw and
Solomon gave her gifts of great value. (1 Kings 10:2-9) (2 Chronicles
9:1-12) Jesus commended her for her efforts to travel to hear
Solomon’s.

SHEBANIAH, PLAYED THE TRUMPET: Shebaniah was a priest

who played a trumpet in the procession that accompanied the Ark of
the Covenant when David had it moved to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles
15:3, 24)

SHECHEM THE CITY: This ancient city was located at the east end
of the narrow valley running between Mount Gerizim and Mount
Ebal about thirty miles north of Jerusalem. It did not have the
military advantage of being on a mountain, so the city depended
upon it fortifications for security. (Judges 9:35) Abram traveled to
the site of Shechem when he first entered the Promised Land. He
camped near the big trees of Moreh and later built an altar there.
(Genesis 12:6-9) Two hundred years later Jacob purchased some
land there. The sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, killed the men of
Shechem because their sister Dinah was violated the son of Hamor
in Shechem. (Genesis 33:18-34:31) Later, Jacob’s sons pastured
their flocks near Shechem. (Genesis 35:5; 37:12-17) After the
destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. the men
from Shechem came to Jerusalem for worship. (Jeremiah 41:5)

SHECHEMITES: Citizens of the city of Shechem and descendants of

Manasseh through Shechem were Shechemites. (Numbers 26:29,
31)

SHEEP: Sheep are cud chewing domestic animals that graze in

pastures. (Genesis 24:35; 26:14) Men of great wealth usually had
thousands of sheep. (Job 1:3, 16; 42:12) Domestic sheep are helpless
and fearful creatures. They get lost and scattered and are easy prey
for their enemies. (Numbers 27:16, 17) (Jeremiah 23:4) (Ezekiel
34:5, 6, 8) (Micah 5:8) Sheep need a shepherd. They faithfully
follow their shepherds and are easily led. (John 10:2-5) Sheep are
referred to in a prophetic and figurative way in the Scriptures. (2
Samuel 24:17) (Psalm 44:11, 22; 95:7; 119:176) (Matthew 10:6, 16)
(John 21:16, 17) (Romans 8:36) Jesus’ sheep follow his lead and are
well-cared for. (Luke 12:32) (John 10:4, 14, 16) (Revelation 7:16, 17)

SHEEPFOLD: When the sheep were brought in from the fields at

night they were placed in protective enclosures called sheepfold.
Often they were made out of stone. (Numbers 32:16) (1 Samuel
24:3) (Zephaniah 2:6) Flocks belonging to several shepherds might
be kept in the same sheepfold. There was little danger of confusion
over whose sheep belonged to whom. The sheep responded only to
the voice of their individual shepherd. A doorkeeper attended the
entrance of the sheepfold and opened to the shepherds in the
morning. (John 10:1-4)

SHEERAH: She was a daughter of Ephraim or of his son Beriah.

She is thought to have built or founded lower and upper Beth-horon
and Uzzensheerah. (1 Chronicles 7:22-24)

SHEHARIAH: Shehariah was the head of a Benjamite family living

in Jerusalem. He was the son of Jeroham. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 26-28)

SHEIK, CHIEF: The title sheik was given to the Edomite and Horite
tribal chiefs. They were considered the sons of Esau and the sons of
Seir the Horite. (Exodus 15:15) The Hebrew word “al-luph” means
chief or leader of thousands. The modern Bedouin use the title sheik
when referring to the tribal leaders. Seven sheiks of the Horites are
listed at Genius 36:20, 21, 29, 30. The sheiks of Edom were fourteen
in number at Genius 36: 15-19. The New Simplified Bible uses the
term chief most of the time because most English speaking readers
easily understand it.

SHEKEL: This basic Hebrew unit of weight was also used as

monetary value. (1 Samuel 17:5) (Ezekiel 4:10) (Amos 8:5) It was
approximately 11.4 g. The shekel is spoken of in connection with
silver or gold. Pieces of silver and gold were used before money was
minted. (1 Chronicles 21:25) (Nehemiah 5:15) The weight was
checked at the time of the transaction. (Genesis 23:15, 16) (Joshua
7:21)

SHELAH, SON OF ARPACHSHAD: Shelah was born in 2333 B.C.E.

and died in 1900 B.C.E. He was 433 years old when he died. Shelah
was grandson of Shem. Shelah and his son, Eber, each founded one
of the 70 post-Flood families. Eber’s genealogical lineage led from
Shem to Abraham and then to Jesus Christ. (Genesis 10:22, 24;
11:12-15) (1 Chronicles 1:18, 24) (Luke 3:35)

SHELAH, SON OF JUDAH: Shelah was the third son of Judah by

his Canaanite wife. Shelah’s descendants are listed by name in the
tribal family of Shelanites. Some of them returned from Babylonian
exile. (1 Chronicles 2:3; 4:21-23) (Genesis 38:1-5. 11-14, 26)
(Numbers 26:20)

SHEM: Shem was one of Noah’s three sons and from these all the
earth’s population spread abroad following the flood. (Genesis 6:10;
9:18, 19) After Shem fathered Arpachshad he fathered Elam,
Asshur, Lud, and Aram. (Genesis 10:22; 11:10, 11) He also fathers
daughters. Noah pronounced a blessing on Shem and referred to
Jehovah as Shem’s God at Genius 9:26. Shem lived 500 years after
fathering Arpachshad. He died at the age of 600 years.

SHEMEBER: Chedorlaomer and his allies defeated King Shemeber

of Zeboiim in the Siddim Valley. (Genesis 14:1-11)

SHEMIDA: Shemida was a son of Gilead and great-grandson of

Manasseh. The Shemidaites family came from His four sons.
(Numbers 26:2, 29-32) (Joshua 17:2) (1 Chronicles 7:19)

SHEMIDAITES: The Shemidaites were a family of the tribe of

Manasseh. It was founded by Shemida. (Numbers 26:29, 32)

SHEMINITH: This is a musical term meaning the eighth. I could

refer to a particular musical register, or mode. The term is found a 1
Chronicles 15:21 “Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed Edom,
Jeiel, and Azaziah were appointed to play lyres and to conduct the
eighth.”

SHEMIRAMOTH, THE MUSICIAN: Shemiramoth was a Levite

musician who traveled with the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-
edon’s house to Jerusalem. Later he was assigned to play befor its
tent. (1 Chronicles 15:17, 18, 20, 25; 16:1, 4, 5)

SHEMIRAMOTH, SENT BY JEHOSHAPHAT: Shemiramoth was

one of the Levites Jehoshaphat sent to teach the Law to the people.
(2 Chronicles 17:7-9)

SHEOL: SEE HELL, SEE GRAVE

SHEPHAM: This site was on the eastern border of the Promised

Land near Riblah. (Numbers 34:10, 11)

SHEPHELAH: The Shephelah was the region of small foothills

between Palestine’s central mountain range and the costal plains of
Philistia. (Deuteronomy 1:7) (Joshua 9:1; 10:40; 11:2; 12:8) (Judges
1:9) (2 Chronicles 28:18) (Zechariah 7:7) It was one of the
territories assigned to Judah. (Joshua 15:33-44)

SHEPHERD: A person who takes care of sheep is the shepherd. He

or she feeds and guards a flock of sheep and goats. (Genesis 30:35,
36) (Matthew 25:32) Illustratively, Jehovah is a Shepherd. (Psalms
23:1-6; 80:1) (Jeremiah 31:10) (Ezekiel 34:11-16) (1 Peter 2:25)
The Son of God, Jesus Christ is called the great shepherd at
Hebrews 13:20. (John 10:11) (Matthew 9:36) (Zechariah 13:7)
(Matthew 26:31) Elders in the congregations are told to shepherd
the flock of God at 1 Peter 5:2-4. Shepherding the nations with an
iron rod at Revelation 12:5 and Psalm 2:9 means strict control and
destruction.

SHEPHER, MOUNT: Mount Shepher is a mountain on the Sinai

Peninsula. The people of Israel camped there. (Numbers 33:23, 24)

SHERESH: Sheresh was a descendant of Manasseh. He was the son

of Machir by his wife Maacah. (1 Chronicles 7:14-16)

SHESHACH: Sheshach was a symbolic name for Babylon.

(Jeremiah 25:26; 51:41) According to Jewish tradition, Sheshach is
a code word for the Hebrew name Babel, or Babylon. The name
Sheshach was representative of the humiliation that was due
Babylon. (Jeremiah 25:26)

SHESHAI: Sheshai was the brother of Ahiman and Talmai.

(Numbers 13:22) (Joshua 15:14) (Judges 1:10)

SHEHAN: Shehan was a descendant of Judah through Jerahmeel.

He had no sons. So he gave his daughter in marriage to his slave
Jarha in a effort to continue his line of descent. (1 Chronicles 2:31,
34, 35)

SHESHBAZZAR: King Cyrus apponted Sheshbazzar to be in charge

of the exiles returning from Babylon. Sheshbazzar brought the gold
and silver utensis that had been looted by Nebuchadnezzar from the
Temple. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he laid the foundations of
the second Temple. (Ezra 1:7-11; 5:14-16) Some scholars believe the
name Sheshbazzar was a name given to Zerubbabel. This would be
the same way official court names were given to Daniel and his
companions. (Daniel 1:7)

SHETHAR: This man was one of the seven princes of Persia and
Media consulted by King Ahasuerus when Queen Vashti refused to
obey him. (Esther 1:13-15)

SHIBAH, THE WELL: Isaac commissioned his servants to dig or re-

dig a well at Beer-sheba. They found water there after concluding a
peace agreement with Abimelech the king of Gerar. Issac called the
well Shibah. (Genesis 26:26-33)

SHIBBOLETH: Shibboleth was the password used by men of Gilead

to identify Ephraimites who tried to flee across the Jordan River.
The word means “flowing stream.” (Judges 12:4-6) The Ephraimites
would give themselves away to the Gileadite sentries by
mispronouncing the initial “sh” sound. They would say “Sibboleth.”
(Matthew 26:73) (Luke 22:59)

SHIHOR RIVER: The term Shihor River occurs four times in the
Hebrew Scriptures: Joshua 13:3, 1 Chronicles 13:5, Isaiah 23:3 and
Jeremiah 2:18. Most experts link it to Egypt and the Nile River. It is
most likely the easternmost branch of the Nile River in the Delta
region.

SHILHI: Shilhi was the father of Azubah. Azubah was Asa’s wife
and the mother of Jehoshaphat. (1 Kings 22:41-43) (2 Chronicles
20:31)

SHILHIM: Shilhim was a city in Judah. It was in the south about 22

miles west of Beersheba. It was also called Shaaraim. (Joshua 15:21,
32) (1 Chronicles 4:31)

SHILLEM: Shillem was the fourth of Naphtali’s sons who travel

with him to Egypt. Shillem founded the tribe of Shillemites.
(Genesis 46:8, 24) (Numbers 26:49, 50) The name was spelled
Shallum at 1 Chronicles 7:13.

SHILOAH CANAL: This canal is believed to have flowed from the

Gihon Spring down the Kidron Valley around a hill to a pool at the
Hinnom and Tyropoeon Valleys. It had a gradient of less than 0.2 of
an inch per yard and thus produced a very gentle flow. This would
explain the statement about the “gently flowing water of Shiloah”
found at Isaiah 8:6. The point of the statement is figurative and
represents the source of real salvation and security.

SHILOH: He to Whom It Belongs…The Messiah. Jesus Christ is the

only descendant of David to whom the kingship was promised.
(Ezekiel 21:26-27) (Luke 1:32-33) Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of
David spoken of at Revelation 5:5.

SHILONITE, THE FAMILY: The Shilonite family sprang from

Judah’s third son Shelah. (1 Chronicles 9:5) (Genesis 46:12)
SHILSHAH: Shilshah was the leader of the tribe of Asher. He was a
might and valiant chieftain. Shilshah was the son or descendant of
Zophar. (1 Chronicles 7:36, 37, 40)

SHIMEAH, SON OF MIKLOTH: Shimeah was the son of Mikloth.

He was a Benjamite related to King Saul and his ancestors. Shimeah
was also called Shimeam. (1 Chronicles 8:32; 9:35-39)

SHIMEAH, DAVID’S BROTHER: This Shimeah was another name

for David’s brother Shammah. (1 Samuel 16:2) (2 Samuel 13:3, 32)

SHIMEAM: This man was the son of Mikloth, who lived in

Jerusalem. He was a Benjamite related to King Saul’s ancestors. (1
Chronicles 9:35-39)

SHIMEATH: Shimeath was an Ammonite woman. Her son was one

of the persons who assassinated Judah’s King Johash. (2 Kings
12:20, 21) (2 Chronicles 24:25, 26)

SHIMEATHITES: The Shimeathites were a Kenite family. They

were scribes who lived at Jabez. (1 Chronicles 2:55)

SHIMEI THE BENJAMITE: Shimei was a Benjamite of the village

of Bahurim. He was the son of Gera of a family in Kings Saul’s
house. Shemei harbored a grudge against David because of Saul’s
death and the removal of the kingship from his house. Shimei threw
stones and dust at David and his men one day but David refused to
retaliate. He hoped that Jehovah would turn Shimei’s curse into a
blessing. (2 Samuel 16:5-13; 19:15-23) (1 Kings 2:8, 9)

SHIMEITES: The Shimeites were descendants of Shimei, the son of

Gershon and the grandson of Levi. (Exodus 6:16, 17) Shimei had
four sons: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. (1 Chronicles 23:6, 7, 10,
11)

SHIMEON: Shimeon was one of the eight sons of Harim. Ezra

requested that they send their pagan wives and sons away. (Ezra
10:10, 11, 31, 32, 44)

SHIMON: Shimon was the father of four sons in the tribe of Judah.
(1 Chronicles 4:20)

SHIMRITH: Shimrith was a Moabitess. Her son Jehozabad was one

of the assassins of the Judean King Jehoash. (2 Chronicles 24:25,
26)
SHIMRON, SON OF ISSACHAR: Shimron was one of the Israelites
who went to Egypt. His descendants, the Shimronites, formed one
of the familes of Issachar. (Genesis 46:8, 13) (Numbers 26:23, 24) (1
Chronicles 7:1)

SHINAR: The area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers was
originally called Shinar. Later it was called Babylonia. Nimrod was
the king over Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh. This was where the
tower of Babel was built. (Genesis 10:9, 10; 11:2-8) After that the
king of Shinar, Amraphel, and his followers took Abraham’s nephew
Lot captive. (Genesis 14:1, 9, 12) Joshua and the prophets Isaiah,
Daniel, and Zechariah made reference to Shinar. (Joshua 7:21)
(Isaiah 11:11) (Daniel 1:2) (Zechariah 5:11)

SHINAB: Shinab was the king of Admah. He was one of five

monarchs in southern Dead Sea area who rebelled against vassalage
to Chedorlaomer but did not succeed. (Genesis 14:1-10)

SHINING ONE: This is a description applied to the king of Babylon

at Isaiah 14:4, 12. The Hebrew expression comes from a root
meaning “shine.” (Job 29:3) “The shining one said in his heart: I
will go up to heaven (Mount Zion) and set up my throne above
God’s stars.” (Isaiah 14:13) Biblical evidence points to Mount Zion
as the “heaven” the shining one; the king of Babylon plans to
conquer. Stars refer to kings at Numbers 24:17 and Revelation
22:16. Therefore God’s stars must be the kings of the Davidic line
who ruled from Mount Zion. The word “Lucifer” in the King James
Version comes from the Latin Vulgate. The proper Hebrew
translation means “shine, shining one, or morning star.”

SHION: Shion was a city of Issachar. (Joshua 19:17, 19) It was

located a short distance east of Nazareth.

SHIP: A ship is a large sea going vessel. The Bible makes reference
to ships in several places. Ships were plying the seas in the time of
Moses. Jehovah warned the Israelites that if they disobeyed they
would be brought “back to Egypt by ships” at Deuteronomy 28:68.
(Ezekiel 27:27) The Phoenicians were skilled sailors who sailed
great distances. (1 Kings 22:48) (Psalm 48:7) (Isaiah 2:16) (Ezekiel
27:25) It is possible that Jonah fled on a ship like this. (Jonah 1:3, 5)
As a prisoner Paul sailed from Caesarea to Myra. (Acts 21:1-6; 27:2-
5) The Gospels frequently spoke about boats on the Sea of Galilee.
These were primarily used for fishing with nets. (Matthew 4:18-22)
(Luke 5:2) (John 21:2-6) The apostle Paul featured the ships
“anchor” in a figurative way when he spoke to the Hebrews. He said
our hope is a “sure and steadfast anchor of life.” (Hebrews 6:19)
Ephesians 4:13 and James 1:6 each uses this same nautical theme.

SHIPHI: Shiphi was a Simeonite. His son was one of the tribal
leaders who extended their pasture grounds during Hezekiah’s
reign. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 37-41)

SHISHAK: Shishak was an Egyptian king known as Sheshonk I in

Egyptian records. Shishak was regarded as the founder of the
Libyan dynasty. He ruled for nearly 21 years. His son Osorkon I
succeeded him to the throne. Jeroboam fled to Egypt to escape from
King Solomon when Shishak ruled. (1 Kings 11:40) (2 Chronicles
12:1-12)

SHITTIM, THE CAMPSITE: Shittim was a campsite on the desert

plains of Moab where the Israelites camped. Shittim is a shortened
form of the name Abel-shittim. (Numbers 25:1; 33:49) (Joshua 2:1)

SHITTIM VALLEY: This valley was near the Kidron Valley. (Joel
3:18)

SHIZA: Shiza was the Reubenite father of David’s warrior Adina. (1

Chronicles 11:26, 42)

SHOA: Pekod, Koa and Shoa were named as people or geographic

areas providing military forces that Jehovah would use against
unfaithful Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 23:4, 22, 23)

SHOBAB, DAVID’S SON: Shobab was the son of David and

Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 5:14) (1 Chronicles 3:5; 14:4)

SHOBAB, CALEB’S SON: Shobab was the son of Caleb the brother
of Jerahmeel. He was from the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:9, 18)

SHOBACH, SHOPHACH: This man commanded an army of Syrians

hired by the Ammonites to fight against David. He was an army
chief of Syrian King Hadadezer. Shobach lost the battle and his life
along with 40,700 of his men. (2 Samuel 10:15-19) (1 Chronicles
19:16, 18)

SHOBAI: Shobach was a Levite. He was the founder of a family of

temple gatekeepers. Some of his descendants returned from
Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 40, 42) (Nehemiah
7:45)

SHOBAL, SON OF SEIR: This man was a Horite sheik. He was the
father of five sons. (Genesis 36:20, 23, 29) (1 Chronicles 1:38, 40)

SHOBAL, SON OF HUR: Shobal was the son of Hur. He descended

from Caleb of the tribe of Judah. The inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim
and other towns were descendants of Shobal. (1 Chronicles 2:50-53;
4:1, 2)

SHOBI: Shobi and two others brought supplies to David when

Absalom rebelled and David fled Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 17:27-29)
Shobi was the son of Nahash from Rabbah. He was one of the sons
of Ammon.

SHOHAM: Shoham was the son of Jaaziah. He was a Merarite

Levite. Shoham was engaged in David’s reorganization of the
Levitical services. (1 Chronicles 24:27, 31)

SHOULDER: The shoulder is the part of the human or anamal that

extends from the body just below the neck. It is also the term used
to describe the rounded or sloping part of a hill. To shoulder a
burden or responsibility means to do it. An authority or
responsibility rested on a person’s shoulder. Isaiah prophesied that
the rule would come to be on the shoulder of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah
9:6) Physical loads are carried on the shoulders. (Genesis 21:14)
(Exodus 12:34) The Ark of the Covenant was carried on the
shoulders of the Levites. (1 Chronicles 15:15) (Joshua 3:14, 15) A
heavy load on the shoulders could represent oppression or slavery.
(Psalm 81:5, 6) (Isaiah 10:27; 14:25) (Matthew 23:4) Symbolically, a
stubborn shoulder represented resistance. (Nehemiah 9:29)
(Zechariah 7:11)

SHOVEL: A shovel is a scooping and digging implement. It usually

has a long handle. Shovels were used at the tabernacle for removing
the ashes from the altar of burnt offering. (Exodus 27:1-3; 38:3)
(Numbers 4:14) The Hebrew-Phoenician workman Hiram made
copper shovels for use at the temple Solomon built. (1 Kings 7:13,
14, 40, 45) The Babylonians carried these utensils away in 606
B.C.E. (2 Kings 25:8, 14) (Jeremiah 52:18) Big wide wooden shovels
were used to winnow grain. (Isaiah 30:24) (Matthew 3:1, 12) They
were also used at the threshing floor.
SHOWBREAD, HOLYBREAD: Twelve fresh cakes of bread were
placed on a table in the temple every Sabbath. (Exodus 35:13;
39:36) (1 Kings 7:48) (2 Chronicles 13:11) (Nehemiah 10:32, 33) The
showbread was placed before Jehovah’s face, meaning in his
presence. (2 Kings 13:23) It is referred to as holy bread or loaves of
presentation at Mark 2:26. It is interesting to note that the priest ate
the old loaves of bread the following week. It was considered
something most holy. (Le 24:9) Only once in Biblical history has
anyone other than Aaronic priest eaten this holy bread. Jesus
Christ spoke about David and his men eating the holy bread at
Matthew 12:3-7 and Luke 6:1-4.

SHUA, FATHER OF JUDAH’S WIFE: Shua was the Canaanite

father of Judah’s wife. He was the grandfather of Er, Onan, and
Shelah. (Genesis 38:2-5, 12) (1 Chronicles 2:3)

SHUA, DAUGHTER OF HEBER: This Shua was the daughter of

Heber. She was of the tribe of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 32)

SHUAH: Shuah was the sixth son of Abraham by his second wife
Keturah. (1 Chronicles 1:32) Abraham gave gifts to his sons and
then sent them out of his household toward the east. (Genesis 25:1,
2, 5, 6) It is believed that Shuah’s descendants, the Shuhites, lived
along the Euphrates River between the two tributaries, the Balikh
River and the Khabur River. Job’s companion Bildad was the only
Shuhite named in the Holy Scriptures. (Job 2:11)

SHUHITE: A Shuhite was a descendant of Shuah. Shuah was a son

of Abraham by his wife Keturah. (Genesis 25:2) (1 Chronicles 1:32)
Bildad, the companion to Job, is the only Shuhite mentioned in the
Bible. (Job 2:11; 8:1; 18:1; 25:1; 42:9)

SHULAMMITE: The Shulammite is the beautiful country girl who is

the main character of the Song of Solomon. (Song of Solomon 6:13)
She was probably from the city of Shunem or Sulam. (1 Kings 1:3)
The Greek Septuagint as well as the Vatican Manuscript number
1209 calls the girl the Sunamite.

SHUNAMMITE: A Shunammite was an inhabitant of the city of

Shunem. Abishag was a Shunammite. (1 Kings 1:3, 4, 15; 2:17, 21,
22)

SHUNEM: Shunem was a city in the territory of Issachar. (Joshua

19:17, 18) It was located near Jezreel and Mount Gilboa. Its modern
name is Shulam and it is north of Mount Gilboa. The Philistines
camped at Shunem before the battle that resulted in the death of
King Saul. (1 Samuel 28:4) The beautiful maiden Abishag was a
Shunammite. (1 Kings 1:3, 4) The prophet Elisha frequently stayed
overnight at Shunem. (2 Kings 4:8-10)

SHUSHAN: Shushan was an ancient city between the Karkheh

River and the Ab-I-Diz River, 220 miles east of Babylon. The
Shushan castle was the fortified part of the city. It was the setting
for one of Daniel’s visions found at Daniel 8:2. The book of Esther
relates events that took place at Shushan the Castle (Palace).
(Esther 1:2, 5, 6; 2:3, 5, 8, 21; 3:2, 15; 8:14; 9:12-15) Shushan was
also called Susa at Ezra 4:9.

SHUTHELAH, SON OF EPHRAIM: Shuthelah was a son of

Ephraim. He was a forefather of the Shuthelahites tribal family. (1
Chronicles 7:20) (Numbers 26:35-37)

SIA, SIAHA: Sia was one of the Nethinim whose descendants

returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43,
44) (Nehemiah 7:47)

SIBMAH: Sibmah was a town east of the Jordan River. It was

captured from by Israel from Amorite King Sihon. It was then
assigned to the Reubenites because of the pasturelands. It was also
called Sebam. (Numbers 32:2-5, 37, 38) (Joshua 13:15, 19, 21) Some
believe it was 3 miles southwest of Heshbon.

SIBRAIM: Sibraim was a place on the northern boundary of Israel’s

territory, listed in Ezekiel’s vision. (Ezekiel 47:15-17)

SIDDIM VALLEY: Siddim Valley was considered by some Bible

students to be the baylike section of the Dead Sea south of the Lisan
Peninsula. It could have once been a fertile valley that was later
submerged. An earthquake could have caused these topographical
changes at the time God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis
19: 24, 25) Rebellious kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim,
and Zoar battled with The king of Edom, King Chedorlaomer and
his three allies. Some of the troops fell into the bitumen pits in the
area. (Genesis 14:4, 8-10)

SIDON, SIDONIANS: Sidon was Canaan’s firstborn son and the

progenitor of the Sidonians. The seaport town of Sidon was named
after Sidon. Tyre, a town about 22 miles south of Sidon , was
colonized by the Sidonians. Tyre and Sidon are mentioned together
in prophecy. (Jeremiah 25:22; 27:2; 47:4) (Joel 3:4) (Zechariah 9:2)
The Sidonians were depraved and lewd people. They performed
detestable sex orgies in connection with the goddess Ashtoreth as
part of their worship. (Judges 10:6, 7, 11-13) Jehovah’s prophets
pronounced destruction on the Sidonians and later the Babylonians
and others carried out the prophecy. (Isaiah 23:4, 12) (Jeremiah
25:17, 22; 27:1-8; 47:4) (Ezekiel 28:20-24; 32:30) (Joel 3:4-8)
(Zechariah 9:1-4)

SIGN: A sign is an indicator of something that is about to happen. It

can be a warning of danger, or an indicator of the wise course to
follow. The heavenly luminaries, the sun and the moon were meant
to be visible signs of God’s existence and qualities. (Genesis 1:14)
(Psalm 19:1-4) (Jeremiah 10:2) (Romans 1:19, 20) God gave signs to
assure the truthfulness and dependability of His Words. (Jeremiah
44:29) (1 Samuel 2:31-34; 10:7, 9) (2 Kings 20:8-11) Jesus
performed numerous signs that helped people believe in him. (John
2:23) However the hardhearted ones did not accept him. (Luke
2:34) (John 11:47, 53; 12:37) (Numbers 14:11, 22) These skeptical
ones were the ones who asked Jesus to provide another sign. He
answered them: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign. No
sign will be given but the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah
was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so the son
of man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth
(The Grave).” (Matthew 12:39-41) Jesus Christ’s own death and
time spent in the grave served as a sign to all mankind. Even this
did not convince most of the Jews. (Luke 11:30) (1 Corinthians 1:22)

SIGN OF CHRIST’S COMING AND PRESENCE: Jesus Christ’s

apostles asked him: “What will be the sign of your coming and
presence and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) Jesus
responded by telling them about a composite sign made up of many
events that would prove that he was indeed present and was about
to come with his army of angels in kingdom power. These events
included wars, earthquakes, persecution of Christians, great
tribulation and the worldwide preaching of the Kingdom. The entire
sign of his coming and presence can be read at Matthew chapter 24,
Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21.

SICKLE: Farmers used the sickle to cut wheat and other crops. This
tool had a curved metal blade attached to a long wooden handle.
Revelation 14:14-20 pictures the heavenly Jesus Christ with a sharp
sickle in his hand. A harvest is reaped and thrown into the great
wine press. The word sickle is used 7 times in that account.
SIGNAL: The Hebrew Scriptures speak about signals as signals for
sending messages such as a smoke signal or fire signal. (Judges
20:38) (Jeremiah 6:1) Some signals or poles stationed on high
places served as rallying points for people. (Isaiah 5:26; 13:2; 18:3;
30:17; 31:9) (Jeremiah 4:6, 21; 50:2; 51:12, 27) (Psalm 60:4) The
apostle Paul applied the words of Isaiah 11:10 to Jesus Christ at
Romans 15:8,12. We read at Isaiah 11:10: “He will stand as a signal
for the peoples.”

SIGNATURE: The Hebrew word taw is translated mark or

signature. It is the name of the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It
was frequently a written mark that would identify the person. Job
offered his signature, or identifying mark, so the Almighty One
could answer his questions at Job 31:35.

SIGNET RING: This was also called a signature ring or seal ring. It
was warn to indicate ownership, authenticity, or agreement.
Jehovah promised Zerubbabel, the Governor of Judah that He
would make him like a signet ring. “I will take you, my servant
Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,” declared Jehovah. “I will make you
important like a signet (signature) ring, because I have chosen you,”
proclaimed Jehovah of Hosts. (Haggai 2:23) A signet is a seal used
to mark official documents. It is used by high government officials.
God was saying he would exalt Zerubbabel to high dignity, power,
and trust. Some translators believe that it was Gods own signet ring
that He was using to grant favor to Zerubbabel, but the translation
ends up “a signet ring” and not “My signet ring.” See: SEAL

SIHON: He was the Amorite king when Israel came into the
Promised Land. Sihons kingdom included the Jabbok Valley and
the Arnon Valley. His capital city was Heshbon near the east end of
the Dead Sea. (Numbers 21:23, 24) (Joshua 12:2, 3; 13:21)

SILAS, SILVANUS: Silas was a leading member of the Christian

congregation in Jerusalem in the first-century. He was a prophet
and companion of Paul on his second missionary journey. He was
likely a Roman citizen. (Acts 15:22, 26, 27, 32, 40; 16:19, 25, 37, 38)
The name Silvanus was also found in the letter of Paul and Peter
and was probably the same person.

SILK: Silk is the strongest of natural fibers used to make lightweight

cloth. Caterpillars produce it. Most noted of these is the Chinese
silkworm. The silkworm feeds on leaves and gives off a fluid that
hardens into fine threads to form a cocoon. Silken fabric woven over
2,000 years ago has been found. Archaeologists found this fabric in
Phoenician tombs near Sabrata, Libya. Silk is listed among the
costly merchandise bought by Babylon the Great at Revelation 18:2,
11, 12. The Hebrew word “me’shi” found at Ezekiel 16:10,13 can
mean silk or costly material.

SILLA: King Jehoash was assassinated at the house of the Mound,

on road that goes down to Silla. (2 Kings 12:20)

SILOAM: The pool of Siloam was in Jerusalem where Jesus Christ

had a blind man wash in order to receive sight.--Joh 9:6, 7, 11. This
was the sight of King Hezekiah’s pool or reservoir. It adjoined the
conduit he constructed to carry the waters of Gihon. (2 King 20:20)
(2 Chronicles 32:30)

SILVER: Silver is a, soft white, precious metallic element. It is use

in coins, jewelery, silverware, and photography. The ore has to be
smelted and purified to release the silver and separate it from the
dross, scummy foreign matter, and other metals. (Psalm 12:6)
(Proverbs 27:21) (Ezekiel 22:20-22) (Malachi 3:3) The Hebrew
word “keseph” is sometimes rendered “money.” The Greek word
“argyrion” is translated “silver money.” (Genesis 17:12) Refined
silver was used to measure wealth and as a medium of exchange.
(Genesis 13:2; 23:15-18; 24:53; 44:2) (Exodus 11:11:2; 12:35) King
Solomon was inspired to contrast material wealth of silver and gold
with the more valuable spiritual wealth of wisdom, discipline, and
understanding received from Jehovah. (Proverbs 3:13, 14; 8:10, 19;
16:16) (Ecclesiastes 12:6) (Isaiah 60:17) (Daniel 2:32) (1 Corinthians
3:12)

SIMEON, SON OF JACOB: Simeon was the second of Jacob’s sons.

His mother Leah named his because “Jehovah has listened.”
(Genesis 29:32, 33; 35:23-26; 48:5) (Exodus 1:1-4) (1 Chronicles
2:1, 2) Without their father’s consent Simeon and his brothers
avenged their sister Dinah by slaughtering the Shechemites. This
brought ostracism upon Jacob’s entire family. (Genesis 34:1-31)
Simeon and his brother planned to kill Joseph, their younger
brother. (Genesis 42:14-24, 34-36)

SIMEON, THE TRIBE: The tribe of Simeon came from Simeon’s six
sons: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul. (Genesis
46:10) (Exodus 6:15)

SIMEON, OLD MAN IN THE TEMPLE: When Joseph and Mary

brought the child Jesus to the Temple, the righteous old man named
Simeon was there. It had been divinely revealed to Simeon that
before his death he would see the Messiah (Christ). No doubt he
cried with joy as he took the baby in his arms and praised Jehovah.
(Luke 2:22, 25-35)

SIMEONITES: The descendants of Jacob’s second son Simeon were

called Simeonites. There were 22,000 Simeonite males who were
over 20 years old and qualitifed for military service after the 40
years in the wilderness. (Numbers 25:14; 26:1, 2, 12-14) (Joshua
21:4) (1 Chronicles 27:16)

SIMON ISCARIOT: Simon Iscariot was the father of Judas Iscariot,

the man who betrayed Jesus. (John 6:71; 13:2, 26)

SIMON PETER: Simon was another nam for the apostle Peter.
(Mark 3:16)

SIMON, THE OTHER APOSTLE: As another apostle of Jesus

Christ, this Simon was distinguished from Simon Peter by the term
“the Cananaean.” (Matthew 10:4) (Mark 3:18) He may have
belonged to the Zealots, a Jewish party opposed to the Romans.
However, he may have been called “the zealous one” because of his
religious zeal. (Luke 6:15) (Acts 1:13)

SIMON, HALF BROTHER OF JESUS: He was an unbeliever at the

time of the Festival of Tabernacles in 32 C.E. (Matthew 13:55)
(Mark 6:3) (John 7:2-8) He may have become a believer later.
Jesus’ fleshly brothers were present at the Pentecost in 33 C.E..
(Acts 1:14, 15)

SIMON, THE PHARISEE: Jesus dined at the house of Simon. A

sinful woman showed him kindness and respect. She greased his
feet with perfumed oil. (Luke 7:36-50)

SIMON, OF BETHANY: This Simon was a leper whom Jesus cured.

Jesus, his disciples and the resurrected Lazarus and his sisters Mary
and Marth, had a meal at his house. (Matthew 26:6-13) (Mark 14:3-
9) (John 12:2-8)

SIMON, OF CYRENE: Simon of Cyrene was the father of Alexander

and Rufus. While traveling Simon was pressed into service to help
carry Jesus’ stake. (Matthew 27:32) (Mark 15:21) (Luke 23:26)

SIMON, THE MAGICIAN: Simon the magician from Samaria

amazed the nation with his magical arts. Philip preached to him and
he became a believer and was baptized. Simon offered money to
receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:9-24)

SIMON, THE TANNER: This Simon was a tanner in Joppa. The

apostle Peter was entertained at his house for several days in 36
C.E. (Acts 9:43; 10:6, 17, 32)

SIMPLE, SIMPLIFIED: Something that exhibits childlike simplicity

and credulity is simple. It is not complicated and not complex. It is
easy to understand! The New Simplified Bible fits this description.
Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, if you do not have a change of heart and
become like little children, you will not go into the kingdom of
heaven. He who humbles himself to become like this little child is
the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Everyone who accepts this
little child in my name accepts me. He who causes one of my faithful
little ones to stumble is in trouble. It would be better for him to end
in the deep sea with a great stone tied to his neck.” (Matthew 18:3-
6)

SIN: Anything not in harmony with Gods Will. 1 John 3:4 tells us:
Everyone who practices sin also commits lawlessness, because sin is
lawlessness. James 4:17 says: He that knows to do good, and does
not do it, to him it is sin. A list of sins is found at 1 Corinthians 6:9-
10 and Galatians 5: 19-21.

SIN, WILDERNESS REGION: The wilderness region the Israelites

traveled to one mont after their Exodus from Egypt after leaving
their campsite near the Red Sea. It was in the Wilderness of Sin that
they complained about the lack of meat. Jehovah caused a flock of
quail to cover the campsite. The Israelites first ate manna for the
first time at the Wilderness of Sin. The Sabbath law was put into
effect there also. (Exodus 16:1-30; 17:1) (Numbers 33:9-15)

SIN, CITY IN EGYPT: Sin was a city in Egypt where the Babylonian
King Nebuchadnezzar attacked. In His proclamation against Egypt,
God declared: “Egypt will become the most desolate country in the
world! Egypt’s cities will lie in ruins…I will set fire to Egypt. Sin will
be in much pain.” (Ezekiel 30:6, 10-16)

SIN, THE LETTER: Sin (Shin) is the 21st letter in the Hebrew
alphabet. In the Hebrew language, each of the eight verses of Psalm
119:161-168 begins with this letter.
SINAI: This is the mountain on which Moses received the Ten
Commandments-Exodus Chapters 19 and 20. It is located between
Egypt and Canaan.

SINEW: A sinew is a tendon, connection of muscle to bone, in the

body of humans and animals. Man is said to be woven together with
bones and sinews at Job 10:11; 40:15-18. Jacob grappled with an
angel. The angel touched the socket of Jacob’s thigh joint caused it
to go out of place. Moses explained that this is why the sons of Israel
did not the sinew of the thigh nerve. (Genesis 32:32) The Scriptures
speak figuratively of a stubborn, stiff-necked person as “having an
iron sinew.” (Exodus 32:9) (Ezekiel 37:6-8) (Isaiah 48:4)

SINIM, LAND OF: The Land of Sinim was one of the countries from
which the Israelites would come when they returned to dwell in
their homeland. The Greek Septuagint reads “land of the Persians.”
The Latin Vulgate says “land to the south.” Strong’s Hebrew
Dictionary says it is “a distant oriental region.” (Isaiah 49:12)

SION: Sion is another name for Mount Hermon. (De 4:48) Just like
the Amorite name Senir, Sion may have been a part of Mount
Hermon. (Deuteronomy 3:9) (1 Chronicles 5:23) (Song of Solomon
4:8)

SIPHMOTH: Siphmoth was a Judean city. David sent a gift of the

spoils of his victory over the Amalekites to them. David and his men
had free access to the city when they were fugitives. (1 Samuel
30:26-31)

SIRAH’S CISTERN: This was a cistern 1.5 miles northwest of

Hebron where Abner was when he received a message to return to
Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:26, 27)

SIRION: Sirion was the old Sidonian name for Mount Hermon. The
Amorites gave it that name. (Deuteronomy 3:9) Sirion and Lebanon
are mentioned together at Psalm 29:6.

SISERA, ARMY COMMANDER: Sisera was the army commander

for Canaanite King Jabin. Sisera lived at Harosheth. He was more
prominent that King Jabin. After Judge Ehud defeated the
Moabites, Sisera and Jabin captured and oppressed Israel for 20
years. (Judges 4:1-3) (1 Samuel 12:9) Exhausted from fighting a
battle Sisera rested at Jael’s tent. When he had fallen into a sound
sleep, she drove a tent pin through his temples and he died. (Judges
4:9, 17-22; 5:25-30)
SISTER: This term is applied to full and half sister. (Genesis 34:1,
27) (1 Chronicles 3:1-9) (Matthew 13:55, 56) (Mark 6:3) Adam’s
sons married their sisters because all humans sprang from Adam
and Eve. (Genesis 3:20; 5:4) At that time there was no disgrace
attached to marriage to sisters. The term sister also applied to fellow
countrywomen of a nation. (Numbers 25:17, 18) (Jeremiah 3:7-10)
(Ezekiel 16:46, 48, 49, 55; 23:32, 33) Jesus taught that everyone
who does the will of his Father in heaven was his brother or sister.
(Matthew 12:50) (Mark 10:29, 30) (Luke 14:26) Women in the
Christian congregation are spiritual sisters. (Matthew 19:29) (Mark
10:29, 30) (Luke 14:26) (Romans 16:1) (1 Corinthians 7:15; 9:5)
(James 2:15) Figuratively, Proverbs 7:4 says: Say to wisdom: “You
are my sister.”

SITHRI: Sithri was a Levite who lived during the Israelite slavery in
Egypt. He was the son of Uzziel and cousin of Moses. (Exodus 6:18,
20, 22)

SITNAH WELL: The Sitnah Well was dug by Isaac’s servants. It was
located near Gerar and Rehoboth and was named Sitnah because
they were fighting over it with the shepherds of Gerar. (Genesis
26:19-22)

SKIN: Skin is the natural protective covering of the body. It is the

external layer of the human or animal body. It is an organ and
perfoms many functions for the body. It protects, regulates
temperature, and removes waste materials. The Bible speaks about
skin afflictions. (Leviticus 13:1-46) (Deuteronomy 28:27) Jehovah
provided skin garments to cover Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3:21) Skin
was used in a symbolic or figurative sense. For example Job said: “I
escaped with the skin of my teeth” at Job 19:20 meaning it was a
narrow escape.

SKINK: A Skink is an agile lizard with reduced, stubb-like, limbs

and an elongated body covered with shiny scales. It is more
dependent on moisture than most lizards and therefore it is found
in tropical regions worldwide.

SKY: Hebrew: shachag. The sky is the expanse of atmosphere

surrounding the earth. It is usually blue in color exect when clouds
form. (Isaiah 45:8) The Bible speaks of the sky as being star-
studded at night. (Psalm 89:37) Jehovah God used figurative
language in warning Israel not to disobey. He said the skies
overhead would become copper and the earth beneath would
become iron. (Deuteonomy 28:23, 24) (1 Kings 8:35) Jesus
ascended into the clouds in the sky and was caught away from the
disciples’ view. (Acts 1:9-11)

SLAVE, SERVANT: The Hebrew word “evedh” can be rendered

slave or servant. It can refer to persons owned by their fellowmen.
(Genesis 12:16) (Exodus 20:17) It can also mean designated subjects
of a king. (2 Samuel 11:21) (2 Chronicles 10:7) Another
understanding of slave or servant could be persons in royal service,
owned by their fellowman or not. (Genesis 40:20) (1 Samuel 29:3)
(1 Kings 9:27) (2 Chronicles 8:18; 9:10) The apostle Paul warned
Christians not to be slaves (or servants) to sin. (Romans 6:16; 7:14)
(James 1:14, 15) A person can be a voluntary or an involuntary slave
or servant. The New Simplified Bible uses the words “slave” and
“servant” interchangeably because their meaning is very much the
same. (See: SERVANT)

SLEEP: Sleep is a natural periodic state of rest during which

consciousness is suspended. Rest and sleep are necessary for the
maintenance of human life and health. Jesus Christ showed his
concern for his disciples to have time to rest. (Mark 4:38; 6:31) A
person is warned not to become a lover of sleep at Proverbs 20:3.
(Proverbs 19:15) Unlike men, God does not become tired and
require sleep. He is always available to help his servants. (Psalm
121:3,4) Death is compared to sleep in the Holy Scriptures.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) (Psalm 146:4) (John 11:11-14) (Acts 7:60) (1
Corinthians 7:39; 15:51) (1 Thessalonians 4:13) People who engage
in wrong practices and false teachings are considered asleep as to
righteousness. (Romans 13:11-13) (Ephesians 5:6-14) (1
Thessalonians 5:6-8) (Revelation 16:15)

SLING, SLINGER: A person who hurles missiles from a sling was

considered a slinger. The sling as a short strap doubled over and
hirled around. One end of the strap was released, freeing the missile
which was hurled toward the target at a high velocity. The tribe of
Benjamin selected 700 men who were experts at slinging stones.
Every one of them could sling a stone to a hairbreadth and would
not miss. (Judges 20:15, 16) (2 Chronicles 26:13, 14) (2 Kings 3:25)
Young shephard boys were well trained in slinging stones. While it
is important to give God credit for helping David, it was not just a
matter of taking a chance that David could hit a big target like
Goliath. David was an expert shot with a sling. (1 Samuel 17:38-51)

SMOKE: Smoke is a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas. It is a

hot vapor filled with carbon and produced by combustion. The
Hebrew “ashan” and Greek “kapnos” refer to literal smoke.
Sacrificial smoke was offered as a pleasing odor to God. The Hebrew
word “qatar” means sacrificial smoke. (1 Ch 6:49; Jer 44:15)
Figurative use of the word smoke is found through out the Bible.
Jehovah gave evidence of his presence by a cloud of smoke,
sometimes accompanied by fire. (Exodus 19:18; 20:18) (Isaiah 4:5,
6:1-6) (Revelation 15:8) Jehovah’s burning anger is show with the
use of smoke. (Deuteronomy 29:20) (Isaiah 65:5) A pillar of cloud
was used to led the Israelites through the desert wilderness.
(Exodus 13:21) SEE: CLOUD. Smoke normally dissipates quickly, so
it has been used figuratively to convey transitory things, beings, and
events. (Job 41:20) (Psalms 68:2; 102:3) (Hosea 13:3)

SMYRNA: Smyrna was part of the Roman province of Asia. It was

an important commercial city and was noted for its beauty. Smyrna
was the second of the seven Christian congregations in Asia Minor
to receive a message from Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation.
(Revelation 1:11) The Smyrna congregation was poor materially and
rich spiritually. Christians of the congregation in Smyrna were
encouraged not to fear and to be faithful even to death in order to
receive the crown of life. (Revelation 2:8-11)

SNAIL: A snail is a slow moving mollusk. The snail has a spiral or

conical shell into which it can withdraw for protection. Some
experts believe that phrase: “the snail melts away” is referring to the
snail’s slimy trail. (Psalm 58:8) Still others think it means the snail
dries up into its shell in the heat of the sun.

SNOW: Snow consists of white crystals of frozen water. It forms

from water vapor in the atmosphere. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) (Job 9:30)
Some areas of Palestine rarely receive snow. However, it sometimes
falls during January and February in the hill country near
Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 23:20) (1 Chronicles 11:22) Mount Hermon
and Mount Hauran are snowcapped in season. (Psalm 68:14)
(Jeremiah 18:14) God provides snow and controls it. (Job 37:6)
(Psalm 147:16) Snow is offered illustratively in the Scriptures to
convey the idea of whiteness. (Exodus 4:6) (Numbers 12:10) (2
Kings 5:27) (Daniel 7:9) (Matthew 28:3) (Revelation 1:14)

SNUFFERS: The Hebrew word mezam-me’reth means snuffer and

trimmer. It was a tool made of gold or copper that was used in
connection with the services at the temple. (Exodus 25:37, 38)
(Numbers 4:9) (1 Kings 7:50) (2 Kings 12:13; 25:14) (2 Chronicles
4:22) (Jeremiah 52:18)
SOCOH, IN THE SHEPHELAH: Socoh was a Judean city in the
Shephelah. It have been called both Soco and Socoh. (Joshua 15:20,
33, 35) The Philistines assembled their army at Socoh and camped
at nearby Ephesdammim before Goliath fought David. (1 Samuel
17:1) It was amoung the cities strengthened by Rehoboam. (2
Chronicles 11:5-7) Two hundred years later, during the rule of King
Ahaz, the Philistines captured Soco again. (2 Chronicles 28:16-18)

SOCOH, IN THE JUDEAN MOUNTAINS: This Socoh was a city in

the mountains of Judah. (Joshua 15:20, 48)

SOCO, IN GENEALOGY OF JUDAH: Heber is the father of Soco.

Soco could be a personal name of Heber’s descendant. (1 Chronicles
4:18)

SODI: This man was a Zebulunite. His son Gaddiel was a spy who
spied out the Promised Land for the tribe. (Numbers 13:2, 10)

SODOM: Sodom was a city on the boundary of Canaan. (Genesis

10:19; 13:12) It was the most prominent of five cities in the Siddim
Valley. (Genesis 14:2, 3) Abraham and Lot moved to different
directions. Lot moved eastward to the area of Sodom and
Gomorrah. It was there that he discovered that men of Sodom were
bad and were gross sinners against Jehovah. (Genesis 13:5-13) (2
Peter 2:7, 8) Sodom persisted in a course in defiance of Jehovah. It
was known for immoral sexual practices including homosexuality.
(Genesis 18:16, 20-33) (Romans 1:24-32) (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) An
angel finally came to lead Lot and his Wife and two daughters out of
the city. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with sulfur and fire.
(Genesis 19:1-29) (Luke 17:28, 29) Sodom and Gomorrah are often
mentioned together. They are known for gross sin and everlasting
destruction.

SOLOMON: The son of David who was famous for his wisdom. He
built the temple for Jehovah. (1 Kings 6 and 7) Solomon made wise
decisions when he served as king. (1 Kings 3:16-28)

SON: Hebrew: ben and Greek: hui-os’ mean son, one’s immediate
male offspring. Men were often identified by the name of a
forefather such as “son of Jesse” or son of David.” (1 Samuel 22:7-9)
The word son frequently is descriptive of the person’s
circumstances. Here are some examples: sons of light, sons of day,
sons of the kingdom, sons of the wicked one, son of the Devil, sons
of disobedience. (Luke 6:35) (1 Thessalonians 5:5) (Matthew 13:38)
(Acts 13:10) (Ephesians 2:2)
Angels created by God, are sons of God. (Job 38:7) Adam was also
created by God as a son of God. (Luke 3:38) Judges and rulers in
Israel were called gods and the sons of the Most High. (Psalm 82:6)
Those whom God chose to be joint heirs with his Son Jesus Christ
are called God’s sons. (Romans 8:14-17)

SON OF GOD: Jesus Christ is called the Son of God 74 times in the
Christian Greek Scriptures. Satan acknowledged him as the Son of
God at Matthew 4:3. At Matthew 16:16 Peter honored Jesus as “the
Son of the living God.” John the Baptist knew who he was for he
witnessed: “this one is the Son of God” (John 1:34) And most
important of all, Jesus proclaimed: “I said, I am the Son of God.”
(John 10:36)

SON OF MAN: Hebrew: “ben-adham’” and Greek: “huios’ tou

anthro’pou” mean “son of man.” God addresses the prophet Ezekiel
over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel as “son of man.” (Ezekiel 2:1, 3,
6, 8) The same designation is applied to the prophet Daniel at
Daniel 8:17. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is also referred to as the
Son of man nearly 80 times in the four Gospels. (Mathew 8:20; 9:6;
10:23) This expression showed that God’s Son was now human,
having become flesh. (John 1:14)

SONG: A song is a composition of music and words. Nearly one

tenth of the Bible is song. Most of those songs are found in Psalms,
Song of Solomon and Lamentations. The first song found in the
Holy Scriptures was sung by Moses and the men of Israel. Miriam
and the women also sang about their deliverance at the Red Sea.
(Exodus 15:1-21) (Deuteronomy 31:30; 32:1-43) (Judges 5:1-31) (2
Samuel 1:17-27) The song of Jehovah and the song of Moses and the
Lamb are also in the Scriptures. (2 Chronicles 29:27) (Revelation
15:3, 4) James wrote: “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
(James 5:13)

SOPATER: Sopater was a Beroean Christian. He was the son of

Pyrrhus and may have been the same person as Sosipater in Rome.
Sopater associtaed with Paul in Greece when Paul went on his third
missionary journey. (Acts 20:2-6) (Romans 16:21)

SOPHERETH: Sophereth was among the sons of the servants of

Solomon who returned from the Babylonian exile. (Ezra 2:55)
(Nehemiah 7:57)
SORCERER: A false prophet who works magic for evil purposes is a
sorcerer. (Acts 13:6-8)

SOREK VALLEY: The Wadi es-Sarar is located in the Sorek Valley.

The Philistine wagon used to return the Ark of the Covenant to the
Israelites probably followed the Sorek Valley from Ekron on the
road to Beth-shemesh. (1 Samuel 5:10; 6:10-12) The name Sorek
means “Choice Red Vine.” This is very fitting since the area is suited
for vineyards. Delilah lived in the Sorek Valley. This was where she
seduced Samson to reveal the secret of his strength. (Judges 16:4-
21)

SOSIPATER: Sosipater was a friend to the apostle Paul when he was

in Corinth. The apostle described him as “my relative’ at Romans
16:21. He could possibly be the same as Sopater, mentioned at Acts
20:4.

SOSTHENES: Sosthenes was the presiding officer of the Corinthian

synagogue when Paul visited in Corinth. He was attacked by a
crowd of people and beaten. This bad experience suffered by
Sosthenes may have led to his conversion to Christianity. He later
associated with the apostle Paul. (Acts 18:8, 12-17) (1 Corinthians
1:1)

SOTAI: Sotai was one of Solmon’s servant. His offspring returned to

Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezekiel 2:55) (Nehemiah
7:57)

SOUL: The Hebrew word “ne’phesh” and the Greek word “psykhe”
mean breath, life, person or living being. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Each
human being and each animal is a soul. The word means a living
being. Adam became a living being. (Genesis 2:7) It can also mean
physical and spiritual life. (Matthew 10:28) (Mark 8:36) The word
soul is not included in the New Simplified Bible. It is a very old
word that has lost its original meaning. Matthew 22: 37 is translated
without the old word “soul.” Included in that verse are the Greek
words “kardia” meaning heart, feelings, emotions; “psuche”
meaning being, life; “dianoia” meaning mind, understanding.

SOURDOUGH: Dough that is allowed to sour or ferment is

sourdough. The Hebrew term “seor” means fermented or leavened.”
The Israilites used sourdough to make leavened bread. (Matthew
13:33) (Luke 13:20, 21) The grain offerings presented by fire to
Jehovah were not to be made with sourdough. (Leviticus 2:11) The
apostle Paul spoke about sourdough when he said, “Purge out the
old leaven, that you may be a new batch of dough.” (1 Corinthians
5:7)

SOVEREIGNTY: The right to govern and genuine supremacy over

others is sovereignty. Jehovah, the true God of the Bible, is the
Sovereign of the universe. This is verified at Psalm 47:9. He is the
rightful ruler by reason of his supremacy as the Almighty, his
Godship, and His Creatorship. (Genesis 17:1) (Exodus 6:3)
(Revelation 16:14) He is the Owner of all things and the Source of
all authority and power. (Psalm 21:1) (Isaiah 40:21-23) (Revelation
4:11; 11:15) Jehovah God is judge, lawgiver and King!
(Deuteronomy 10:17) (Psalm 103:19; 145:13; 150:6) (Isaiah 33:22)
(Acts 4:24) The only being in the universe with which Jehovah will
share his power is Jesus Christ. Jehovah God will present Jesus
Christ as his under king during the thousand-year reign of
Revelation 20:6, Psalm 2 and Daniel 7:13,14.

SOWING SEED: Sowing or broadcasting is the practice of placing

seeds in the ground for future growth. It is also the act of induceing
something, such as an idea or belief, into an environment. In
ancient times the farmer would carry grain seed in a fold of his
garment or in a container. Then he would use long sweeping arm
motion to disperse the seed on the earth for growth. Jehovah uses
the sowing and growing process to illustrate the sure effectiveness
of his word. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) Jesus Christ compare the sowing of
seed to preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (John 4:35-38)
The apostle Paul emphasized that, “A man will harvest what he
sows.” (Galatians 6:4, 7, 8) He was speaking about spiritual things.

SPAIN: Spain is a European country located on the Iberian

Peninsula in southwest Europe. It is not certain if the apostle Paul
reached Spain but he intended to travel there. (Romans 15:23, 24,
28) Spain was under Roman rule at the time Paul was imprisoned in
Rome in 61 C.E. and 65 C.E.

SPAN: A span is a distance between the end of the thumb and the
end of the little finger when the hand is spread out. (Isaiah 40:12)
The span was about 8 or 9 inches in length. Two spans were equal to
one cubit. Tree handbreadths were equal to one span. A span is also
an interval or period of time from one moment to another. The
Hebrew term “tsemedh” refers to a pair or couple of animals that
are yoked together. SEE:HANDBREADTH
SPARROW: The only direct references to sparrows in the Holy
Scriptures are found in Jesus’ words recorded during his third
Galilean tour. He said: ““Do two sparrows sell for a penny? Not one
of them will fall on the ground without your Father knowing.”
(Matthew 10:29-31) (Luke 12:6, 7) Jesus concluded: “Do not fear!
You are more valuable than many sparrows.” The Greek word
“strouthion” means any small bird. The same is true of the Hebrew
word, “tsippohr.” (Psalm 84:3; 102:7)

SPEARMEN: The Roman army employed soldiers armed with

spears, backed up by archers and slingers. Charioteers and
cavalrymen frequently carried spears. Spearmen were included in
the Roman occupational forces in Palestine. Two hundred spearmen
secretly escorted the apostle Paul out of Jerusalem in the account
found at Acts 23:23.

SPELT: Spelt is an inferior variety of wheat in which the kernels are

hard to separate from the chaff. In ancient times spelt was
cultivated in Egypt. Greek historian Herodotus reported that it was
made into bread. The Israelites planted it as a border plant around
their fields to serve as a fence. (Exodus 9:32) (Ezekiel 4:9) (Isaiah
28:25)

SPICE: There were a number of fragrant plant products that were in

the category known as spice. The original language words for spice
did not apply to food seasonings. They included: aloe, balsam,
calamus, cassia, cinnamon, frankincense, galbanum, labdanum,
myrrh, and stacte. Spices were used in making the holy anointing
oil and incense prepared exclusively for sanctuary use. (Exodus
30:23-25, 34-37) Spices were also use in preparing the dead for
burial. Myrrh and aloes were mentioned to prepare Jesus’ body.
(John 19:39, 40) (Mark 16:1) (Luke 23:56; 24:1)

SPIDER: The spider is a predatory, small, eight-legged arachnid.

Most spiders spin webs to catch their prey. The spinning organs are
on the rear of the abdomen. The spider web is made up of very
strong silk like thread secreted from the spiders body. The spider is
referenced in two places in the Bible at Job 8:14, 15 and Isaiah 59:5,
6. Each occurrence is illustrative in nature.

SPIES: Spies are secret agents who obtain information using hidden
observations. Moses sent twelve people representing all the tribes
except Levi to search the land of Canaan. (Deuteronomy 1:22-40)
(Numbers 13:1-33) Joshua sent two spies across the Jordan River to
spy on the city of Jericho in 1473 B.C.E. (Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1, 22-25)
(Hebrews 11:31) There are other instances of spying found in the
Bible. (Judges 1:22-26; 18:1-10, 14, 17) (1 Samuel 26:4) The apostle
Paul spoke about “false brother who were brought in to spy out our
liberty that we have in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 2:1-5)

SPIKENARD, NARD: Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ head and

feet with very precious and expensive oil extracted from the
spikenard plant. (Song of Solomon 1:12; 4, 13, 14) (Mark 14:3) The
oil was sealed in cases of alabaster in order to preserve it’s
fragrance. The pound of perfumed oil called genuine nard was
probably worth more than a years wages of 300 denari. (Mark 14:3-
9) (John 12:3-8) (Matthew 20:2) It is possible that the nard Mary
used came from India.

SPINNING: Spinning is the process of making thread or yarn. Plant

or animal fibers are twisted together to be used for weaving, sewing,
and making rope. Both men and women spun thread in ancient
Egypt. Mostly women did the spinning among the Hebrews.
(Exodus 35:25, 26) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said
the lilies grow without spinning or toiling. (Luke 12:27, 28)
(Matthew 6:28-30)

SPIRIT: SEE HOLY SPIRIT

SPIRITISM: The major belief or doctrine of spiritism is that the

living can communicate with the dead. They claim that it is
accomplished through a person known as a medium. This practice
existed from early times. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians
believed in spiritism. (Isaiah 19:3; 47:12, 13) This is contrary to the
Holy Scriptures, for they teach that “the dead do not know
anything.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) The practice of spiritism was so bad
that God made it a capital offense. (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27)
(Deuteronomy 18:9-12) (Isaiah 8:19) It is emphaticaly stated in the
Christian Greek Scriptures that those who practice spiritism, a work
of the flesh, “will not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:20, 21)
(Revelations 21:8) The Greek word “pharmakia” means spiritism.
The word relates to the use of drugs. Included in the use of drugs is
the practice of influencing someone with poisons, occult powers,
charms and amulets. The Bible clearly tells us that wicked spirits,
demons, are responsible for this practice. (Deuteronomy 18:11)
(Acts 16:16-19) (1 Corinthians 10:20) Jesus Christ expelled demons
when he was on earth. (Matthew 8:29-34) (Mark 5:7-13) (Luke
8:28-33)
SPIT: This is saliva ejected from the mouth. Spitting on someone
was considered an extreme act of contempt. (Numbers 12:14) Job
experienced such an act of humiliation. (Job 17:6; 30:10) Jesus
Christ also experienced this detestable action when he appeared
before the Sanhedrin. (Matthew 26:59-68) (Mark 14:65) Roman
soldiers spit upon him after his trial. (Matthew 27:27-30) (Mark
15:19) (Isaiah 50:6) Contrasting these negitive applications of saliva
Jesus used his saliva when performing meraculous healing. (Mark
7:31-37; 8:22-26) (John 9:1-7)

SPOIL: Plunder or booty taken from a defeated enemy is called

spoil. It was customary for the victors to take spoil. (Luke 11:21, 22)
It was even part of Jehovah’s reward to the Israelites for carrying
out his will, as his executioners. Even whole cities were taken as
spoil. When Abraham rescued Lot from Chedoriaomer’s army he
refused to take spoil and returned it, to make sure it was understood
about where he got his wealth. (Genesis 14:1-24) (Hebrews 7:4)

SPONGE: Interlacing fibers from various marine animals or any

porus rubber or cellulose product used to absorb liquid such as
water is called a sponge. Sponges are found in the waters of the
Mediterranean Sea and elsewhere. A sponge was fastened to the end
of a reed, soaked full of sour wine, and extended to Jesus Christ on
the stake. (Matthew 27:48) (Mark 15:36) (John 19:29)

STACHYS: Stachys was a member of the Christian congregation in

Rome in 56 C.E. Paul sends his greeting to him and speaks of him as
my “beloved” at Romans 16:9.

STACTE: Stacte drops were one of the ingredients of the incense

used for sacred purposes only. A perfumer mixed the fragrant
incense. (Exodus 30:34, 35)

STAG: The stag is the adult male deer. There were three varieties of
deer that were once native to Palestine: the fallow deer, the red
deer, and the roe deer. The flesh of the stag was among the meats on
King Solomon’s table. (1 Kings 4:22, 23) The Shulammite compared
her shepherd lover to a young stag. (Song of Solomon 2:9, 17; 8:14)
The stags great mobility was used to illustrate the complete cure of
lame persons at Isaiah 35:6.

STAKE: The Greek verb used when the mob demanded that Jesus
be implaled was “stauroo.” It means to impale a person by fastening
him to an upright stake, or pole. The Greek word “stauros” means
an upright stake or pole. Jesus Christ was fastened to the stake until
he died. The New Simplified Bible uses the words impale and stake.
The word cross is not in this translation because the Greek word
stauros simply means a standing pole or tree trunk. The root verb
“stauroo” ocurs more than 40 times in the Christian Greek
Scriptures. (See Translation Notes: STAKE OR CROSS?)

STARS: Angels, messengers. (Revelation 1:20)

STATER: The stater is the Greek word rendered “piece of money” at

Matthew 17:27. It is rendered “drachmas” at Matthew 17:24. It has
also been translated “shekel” in some Bible translations.

STATUTE: A statute is an act of law. It can be passed by a legislative

body. It is also a divine law. Jehovah is the the supreme Statute
Giver. (Isaiah 33:22) (Genesis 26:5) (Psalm 89:30-32) (Daniel 6:15)

STEPHANAS: He was a member of the congregation at Corinth in

southern Greece. He and his family had the distinct honor of being
baptized by the apostle Paul as the “firstfruit” of his ministry. (1
Corinthians 1:16; 16:15) Stephanas and some other brothers visited
Paul in Ephesus to deliver the news about distressing conditions. (1
Corinthians 1:11; 5:1; 11:18)

STEPHEN: Stephen was the first Christian martyr, for he was

stoned to death. He was from a Jewish background. But he did not
listen to the Jewish leaders of his day. He accepted and followed
Jesus. (Acts 7:2) He was one of the faithful men who were
appointed to special service responsibilities in the congregation at
Jerusalem. (Acts 6:1-6) Stephen was the first to bear witness that he
had seen Jesus in a special vision. In his vision, Jesus returned to
heaven and was at the right hand of God. (Psalm 110:1) (Acts 7:55,
56)

STEWARD, STEWARDSHIP: God appointed man as steward over

the earth. (Genesis 1:26-28) Man must also be servants of God.
(Luke 12:42-48) And the most important stewardship of all is of the
Good New of God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 4:1) (See:FAITHFUL
SERVENT)

STOCKS: Wrongdoers were locked in stocks and exposed to public

scorn. A stock was an ancient instrument used for punishment,
consisting of a wooden frame in which a victom’s feet, head and
hands were locked. Paul and Silas were falsely accused of
wrongdoing and confined to stocks at Philippi. (2 Chronicles 16:10)
(Job 13:27; 33:11) (Jeremiah 20:2, 3; 29:26) (Acts 16:24) Stocks
were not prescribed by Gods Law.

STOICS: The Greek philosopher Zeno taught that happiness is

found by being free from pleasure and pain. A stoic is someone who
is indifferent to emotions. (Acts 17:18)

STOMACH: The stomach is the principal organ of digestion found

between the thorax and the pelvis. Under the Law, a person who
sacrificed a victim was required to give the stomach to the priest.
(Deuteronomy 18:3) The apostle Paul recommended that Timothy
use a little wine to settle his stomach. (1 Timothy 5:23) The terms
“belly” and “inward parts” are used in some places in the Scriptures.
(Romans 16:18) (1 Corinthians 6:13) (SEE: BELLY)

STONE: Stone is a building material that has been widely used

because of its durable nature. The Assyrians, Egyptians and other
nations erected palaces, monuments and other structures of stone.
(Leviticus 14:40, 41) (2 Samuel 5:11) (1 Kings 5:18; 6:7) (Nehemiah
4:3) (Proverbs 24:31) (John 11:39) Stone is used figuratively on
several occasions in the Scriptures. (Ephesians 2:19-22) (1 Peter
2:4-8) (Matthew 21:42) (Mark 12:10) (Luke 20:17) (Romans 9:32,
33)

STONECUTTER: A person who cuts, carves, and prepares tones for

use as building material is called a stonecutter. (2 Ki 12:11, 12; 2 Ch
24:12) King David used foreigners in Israel stone hewers or cutters
for the temple of Jehovah. (1 Ch 22:2, 15)

STONE PAVEMENT: A place in Jerusalem that was paved with

large stones was called the Stone Pavement. It was there that
Roman Governor Pontius Pilate sat on the judgment seat when
Jesus Christ was before him for trial. The site was called by the
Hebrew term “Gabbatha” is a word-meaning hill, height, or open
space. In Greek it was called “Li-tho’strp-ton” meaning ornamental
mosaic pavement. (John 19:1-13)

STONING: The Law required that a wrongdoer deserving capital

punishment be pelted to death with stones. (Leviticus 20:2) This
was done in order to clear out what was bad from their midst.
Everyone in Israel would hear of the punishment and fear doing
wrong. (Deuteronomy 13:5, 10, 11; 22:22-24) At least two witnesses
had to give harmonious testimony before a wrongdoer could be
condemned to death and the witnesses had to throw the first stones.
(Leviticus 24:14) (Deuteronomy 17:6, 7) Jesus said that Jerusalem
was the “killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her.”
(Matthew 23:37) (Hebrews 11:37) There were people who
threatened to stone Jesus. (John 8:59; 10:31-39; 11:8) Stephen was
stoned to death as recoreded at Acts 7:58-60. The apostle Paul also
experienced stoning. (Acts 14:19) (2 Corinthians 11:25)

STORAGE AND SUPPLY CITIES: Cities were designed to be used as

government storage centers. Warehouses and granaries were built
at these locations. The Egyptians forced the Israelites to build cities
as storage places for Pharaoh, namely, Pithom and Raamses.
(Exodus 1:11) Solomon also built storage and supply cities. (1 Kings
9:17-19) (2 Chronicles 8:4-6) King Jehoshaphat also ordered the
building of fortiified places and storage cities in Judah. (2
Chronicles 17:12)

STORAX TREE: The storax or poplar tree grows as a tall shrub or

tree to a height of 20 feet. It is found in Syria, where Jacob made
use of its staffs, as well as in Palestine. (Genesis 30:37) (Hosea 4:13)
It has delightful flowers with white petals that offer sweet fragrance
similar to orange blossoms. It has oval shaped leaves that are green
on top and white underneath. That would explain the Hebrew name
for the tree, “livneh” meaning white.

STOREHOUSE: A storehouse or storeroom was a warehouse or

building in which foodstuffs, wine and oil, precious metals, and
other articles were stored. (2 Chronicles 32:27, 28) (Nehemiah
12:44) (Malachi 3:10) Jesus Christ used the word in an illustrative
way when he spoke about not being anxious about material needs.
He said that the birds do not gather things into storehouses and
God takes care of them. (Matthew 6:11, 25) (Luke 12:22, 24) He also
used the illustration of the rich man who built larger storehouses to
hold many more goods and then died without using them. (Luke
12:13-21) The term storehouse is also used figuratively. For example
the sea is said to be gathered and “placed in the ocean depth in Gods
storehouse.” (Psalm 33:7) (Matthew 3:7-12) (Luke 3:16, 17) (Job
38:22, 23) (Psalm 105:32) (Jeremiah 50:25, 26)

STORK: This bird is known for its tender care for its young and its
faithfulness to its lifelong mate. The stork is a large, long-legged
wading bird similar to the heron. The adult stork stands nearly 4
feet tall. It regualarly migrates through Palestine and Syria from its
winter grounds in Africa and it assembles into large flocks during
March and April. The white and the black stork are most common in
Israel. (Leviticus 11:19) (Deuteronomy 14:18) (Jeremiah 8:7) (Psalm
104:17)
STRAIGHT STREET: During the period of Roman influence there
was a street in Damascus, Syria called Straight Street. It was a major
thoroughfare measureing 100 feet wide. It was divided by
colonnades and its center lane was used by pedestrians. The two
outside lanes were for vehicular traffic. Saul of Tarsus, later known
as Paul, stayed at the house on Streight Street. Jesus directed the
disciple Ananias to this house to restore Saul’s eyesight. (Acts 9:3-
12, 17-19)

STRAW: Straw is the stalk of grain such as wheat and barley

remaining after the threshing is over. It was used as fodder for
domestic animals. (Genesis 24:25, 32) (Judges 19:19) (1 Kings 4:28)
(Isaiah 11:7) Straw was also used to manufacture bricks. (Exodus
5:7-18)

STREET: A street is a throughfare that is usually lined with

buildings and houses. Vehicles travel on the streets. Most of the
streets in ancient towns were unpaved. (Isaiah 10:6; 42:2) (Psalm
18:42) An open area along a street served as the public square, a
place to tansact business or meet for instruction. (Genesis 23:10-18)
(Nehemiah 8:1-3) (Jeremiah 5:1) Children sometimes played in the
streets. (Zechariah 8:4, 5) Jesus taught, and cured the sick along the
side of the roads and streets. (Luke 8:1) (Matthew 12:13-19) (Isaiah
42:1,2)

STRIFE: Proverbs 10:12 says: “Hatred stirs up strife: but love covers
all sins.” Hatred is one of the major causes of strife. Wrangling,
quarreling and fighting because of enmity and hatred is sometimes
called strife in the Holy Scriptures. (Proverbs 15:18; 16:28; 29:22) (1
Timothy 6:4) Strife is one of the works of the flesh listed at
Galatians 5:19, 20 and it has no place in the Christian congregation.
(Romans 13:13) (1 Corinthians 3:3) (2 Corinthians 12:20)
(Philippians 2:3) (Titus 3:9)

STUBBLE: The grain stalks remaining in the field after the harvest
is the stubble. The Israelites had to gather stubble when Egypt’s
Pharaoh deprived them of the straw they needed for making bricks.
(Exodus 5:10-12) Stubble is used in a figurative or illustrative way
since it is easily blown away by the wind. (Isaiah 40:24; 41:2)
(Jeremiah 13:24) The wicked enemies of Jehovah and their evil
schemes are compared to stubble. (Exodus 15:7) (Psalm 83:13)
(Malachi 4:1) (Isaiah 33:11) The apostle Paul listed stubble as a
material that would not withstand the fire test at 1 Corinthians 3:12,
13.
STUBBORN, STUBBORNESS: Stubbornness is hardness or
strength in a bad sense. A stubborn person deliberately refused to
comply with God’s will or commands. (Psalms 78:8; 81:12) (Isaiah
1:23; 65:2) (Jeremiah 3:17; 5:23; 7:23-26; 11:8; 18:12) (Acts 7:51)
Disaster and problems happen to those who persist in a stubborn
course. (Deuteronomy 29:19, 20) (Nehemiah 9:29, 30) (Proverbs
28:14) (Isaiah 30:1) (Jeremiah 6:28-30) (Daniel 5:20) (Hosea 9:15)
(Zechariah 7:9) (Romans 2:5) God is patient and allows individuals
and nations to continue to exist even when they are not repentant.
(Genesis 15:16) (2 Peter 3:9)

STUDY TOOLS: The following Bible Study tools should be

considered for a comprehensive study of the Holy Scriptures:

(1) CROSS REFERENCES: Notes alongside the text that show where
similar words or thoughts may appear in other Bible passages.

(2) CONCORDANCE: This shows the passages where various words

appear. It would not be practical for a bible to contain a complete
concordance with all of the words and all of the places where each
appears (there is a separate book for that), but it is handy to have a
concordance in the back of a bible for a quick word study if a full
concordance is unavailable.

(3) TOPICAL INDEX: This lists various topics, such as salvation,

sin, Christ, etc. and where these topics may be found. This is helpful
for topical studies and for answering questions that you or others
may have. The Simplified Bible Dictionary serves as a Topical
Index.

(4) MAPS: Some Bibles contain maps of the Middle East and
pertinent surrounding areas at various times during biblical history.
Various inclusions could be the missionary journeys of Paul, the
journey of Israel in the wilderness, and the places that Abraham
lived. Interpretive notes may sometimes be helpful but they often
reflect the biasies of the editors.

(5) DICTIONARY: A large unabridged dictionary can be very helpful

in understanding the meaning of words.

(6) BIBLE DICTIONARIES AND COMMENTARIES: These

reference books are also helpful, but the reader must be careful to
recognize and differentiate Bible truth from authors opinions and
private interpretation.
STYLUS: This writing instrument was used to make impressions on
materials such as clay or wax. (Psalm 45:1) (Isaiah 8:1) (Jeremiah
8:8) A stylus or chisel of metal was needed to cut or carve letters
into stone or metal. (Job 19:23, 24) Judah’s sins were written down
with an iron stylus or pen. That symbolized indelible records.
(Jeremiah 17:1)

SUAH: Suah was of the first son of Zophan or the tribe of Asher. He
was one of the paternal heads among those selected to serve as the
mighty men of Israel’s army. (1 Chronicles 7:30, 36, 40)

SUBJECTION, SUBMISSIVENESS: Christians are willing to be

in subjection, to yield or submit to superiors or to God’s
arrangement. Jesus Christ was in subjection to his heavenly Father.
(1 Corinthians 15:27, 28) The Christian congregation was
submissive to Jesus and to God. (Ephesians 5:24) (Hebrews 12:9)
(James 4:7) Subjection to those who take the lead in the
congregation is very important. (1 Corinthians 16:15, 16) (Hebrews
13:17) Wives and husbands are to be in subjection to each other.
(Ephesians 5:21-31) Women are to be subject to the teaching
arrangements in the congregation. (1 Timothy 2:11) The headship
principle applies to all Christians as stated at 1 Corinthians 11:3. The
apostle Paul counseled the Philippians: “In humility consider others
more important than you.” (Philippians 2:3) This is the ultimate in
submissiveness!

SUCATHITES: The Sucathites were a Kenite family of scribes who

lived at Jabez. (1 Chronicles 2:55)

SUCCOTH-BENOTH: Succoth-benoth was a deity worshiped by the

Babylonians. The king of Assyria brought Succoth-benoth to the
cities of Samaria when he captured the Israelites of the ten-tribe
kingdom. (2 Kings 17:30)

SUKKIIM: The Sukkim was a unit of the Egyptian Army of King

Shishak. They were part of the invasion of Judah during
Rehoboam’s reign. (2 Chronicles 12:2, 3) Some scholars telieve they
of Libyan origin.

SULFUR: Sulfur is a yellow nonmetallic element that occurs in

many minerals, especially in volcanic regions. It burns with a pale
blue flame forming sulfur dioxide, which gives off a pungent odor.
Fire and sulfur rained down on the wicked cities of Sodom and
Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:24) (Luke 17:29) Sulfur is highly flammable.
(Isaiah 30:33; 34:9) (Revelation 9:17, 18) It is believed that sulfur
was added to the ever-burning fires in the Valley of Hinnom
(Gehenna) outside the walls of Jerusalem. Fire and sulfur is used as
a symbol of total destruction. (Deuteronomy 29:22, 23) (Job 18:15)
(Psalm 11:6) (Ezekiel 38:22) (Revelation 14:9-11) The “lake of fire
and sulfur” is a symbol of complete, total annihilation known as the
second death at Revelation 19:20; 20:10; 21:8.

SUN: Life on earth would not be possible without the primary

source of energy, the sun. The sun and the moon serve as time
measuring tools. They provide measurement of the seasons, days,
and years. (Genesis 1:14-18) We learn at James 1:17 that “Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above. It comes down from
the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation.” The sun is a
gift from God! (Jeremiah 31:35) (Matthew 5:45) The function of the
sun is to serve as a testimony of praise to our Creator. (Psalm 148:3)
Jehovah God is a figurative source of life, “a sun and a shield.”
(Psalm 84:11) Jesus Christ said that the: “righteous ones will shine
as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew
13:39, 43) The sun has been so important to mankind that man has
even worshiped the sun. (2 Kings 23:5, 11) (Ezekiel 8:16)

SUNRISE, SUNSET: Sunrise is the time when the sun appears to

rise above the horizon. Sunset is the time when it disappears from
view below the horizon. For most people during Bible times sunrise
was the beginning of a twelve hour day. (Mark 16:2) (John 11:9)
Twelve hours of night and darkness began at sunset. (Psalm 104:19-
24) Many arose before dawn like the diligent woman of Proverbs
31:15. Jesus got up before the sun was up to pray. (Mark 1:35)
Normal activities and labor went on until sundown. (Judges 19:14-
16) (Matthew 20:8-12) (Deuteronomy 24:15) (Genesis 24:11)
(Nehemiah 13:19) (Mark 13:35) The ancient Hebrews also used the
term from sunrise to sunset to express a geographic location or a
direction such as from east to west. (Psalm 113:3) (Isaiah 45:6;
59:19)

SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES: The expression at Romans 13:1

designates human governments as superior authorities. God has
allowed human governments to exist, and they continue to exist by
his permission. God can remove or control these authorities to
accomplish is will. (Matthew 4:8, 9) (1 John 5:19) (Revelation 13:1,
2) Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that Jehovah God can influence human
rulers. (Daniel 2:21)
SUPH: Suph was one of the locations where Moses spoke to the
Israelites in the 40th year in the wilderness. Instead of Suph the
Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate read “the Red Sea.” The
New Simplified Bible also uses the Red Sea. The exact location is
not known. (Deuteronomy 1:1)

SUPHAH: Suphah was a valley or region located near or in the

Arnon Valley or canyon on the eastern site of the Dead Sea.
(Numbers 21:14)

SURETY: Surety is the security given in pledge for an obligation. It

is a pledge or guaranty given by the one who is responsible for
another. Originally surety was offered simple by shaking hands to
seal an agreement. (2 Kings 10:15) (Job 17:3) (Psalm 119:122)
(Proverbs 11:21; 17:18) The Law closely regulated pledges given as
security by a debtor to his creditor. (Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15; 22:26, 27)

SUSA: See SHUSHAN

SUSANNA: Susanna was one of the many faithful women who, out
of their private substance, cared for the needs of Jesus and his 12
apostles. (Luke 8:1-3)

SUSI: Susi was the father of Gaddi. He was from the tribe of
Manasseh and was involved in spying out the Promised Land.
(Numbers 8:1-3)

SWAN: The swan is a large, graceful water bird. It has a long,

slender curving neck. Some swans have an eight-foot wingspan.
They are heavy birds, nearly forty pounds. The Hebrew word for
swan is “tin-she’meth.” It appears in the list of unclean flying
creatures. (Leviticus 11:13, 18) (Deuteronomy 14:12, 16) The swan
usually eats seeds, roots of water plants, worms and shellfish.

SWEAT, PERSPIRATION: Sweat is moisture excreted by the

sudoriferous glands. It flows through the pores in the skin. Physical
exertion, emotions such as anxiety and heat cause sweat. Adam and
Eve were required to eke out an existence outside the Garden of
Eden through sweat-producing toil because of sin. (Genesis 3:17-19)
Sweat is associated with uncleanness in Ezekiel’s temple vision at
Ezekiel 44:15-18. On the final night of Jesus Christ’s earthly life
Jesus’ sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground at Luke
22:44. Many have tried to explain this unique happening. Suffice it
to say it happened! These verses appear in the original Sinaitic
Manuscript, The Codex Bezae, the Latin Vulgate, the Curetonian
Syriac, and the Syriac Peshitta.

SWIFT, SWALLOW: The swift is a very fast flying bird capable of

flying up to 100 miles per hour or more. It swoops and darts after
insect prey. Its feet are not suitable for walking so it catches it food
in flight. It even drinks while skimming over the surface of water.
The swift’s cry has a wailing, melancholy sound. Some translators
use the word swallow instead of swift since they are similar to the
swallow. (Isaiah 38:14) (Jeremiah 8:7) The common barn swallow is
abundant in Palestine. (Psalm 84:1-3) (Proverbs 26:2)

SWIMMER: A swimmer is a person who propels himself through

water using his arms and legs. People have learned to swim through
out all ages in history. (Ezekiel 47:5) (Acts 27:42, 43) Fishermen
needed to know how to swim in order to move the net into position.
(John 21:7, 8) Isaiah referred to swimming in his prophecy against
Moab at Isaiah 25:10, 11.

SWINE: The term swine was applied to the common domestic pig.
The average pig is short-legged, thick-skinned and stocky built. A
distinctive feature of the pig is its blunt snout and short curly tail.
The Mosaic Law declared the pig as unacceptable for food or
sacrifice. (Leviticus 11:7) (Deuteronomy 14:8) When Jesus Christ
cast out demons he sent them into a herd of swine at Matthew 8:28-
32 and Mark 5:11-13. Jesus used swine in illustrations to show the
value of spiritual things at Matthew 7:6 and Luke 15:15,16. The
apostle Peter compared Christians who return to their former way
of life to a sow that returns to its wallow after having been washed.
(2 Peter 2:22)

SYCAMORE TREE: This tree is similar to the fig-mulberry tree of

Luke 19:4. It has fruit like the common fig and foliage like the
mulberry. It grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet and may live for
several hundred years. The sycamore is an evergreen tree. The figs
grow in abundant clusters and are smaller then the common fig
tree. It is found in the Jordan Valley and in the lowlands of the
Shephelah. (Luke 19:1, 4) (1 Kings 10:27)

SYCHAR, SYCHEM, SHECHEM: This is the site of Jacob’s fountain.

It was a city in Samaria near the field that Jacob gave to Joseph his
son in the vicinity of Shechem. (Joshua 24:32) (John 4:5, 6) Some
manuscripts read Sychem instead of Sychar or Shechem. They all
appear to be correct and the same.
SYENE: Syene was a city in southern Egypt that served as a market
or trading post. (Ezekiel 29:10; 30:6) It is identified with Aswan,
430 miles south of Cairo.

SYMEON, THE PROPHET: Symeon was a prophet and teacher of

the Antioch, Syria congregation. He was involved with Barnabas
and Paul after the Holy Spirit appointed these men for missionary
activity. (Acts 13:1-3)

SYNAGOGUE: Sometimes the term is used to describe the place or

building where the congregation met for worship and other times it
meant the congregation itself. James uses the word to mean a
Christian meeting or public gathering at James 2:2. At Revelation
2:9 and 3:9 synagogue applies to an assembly under the domination
of Satan. Each town of any size in Palestine had its own synagogue
at Jesus’ time. Paul did much preaching in the synagogues. (Acts
13:14; 17:1, 2, 10, 17; 18:4, 19; 19:9-10) The first Jewish Christians
found it easy to conduct orderly, educational Bible study meetings
since there were many similarities. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

SYNTYCHE: The apostle Paul encouraged Syntyche in his letter to

the Philipians. He said: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in
harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help
these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the good
news, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers,
whose names are in the book of life.” Paul gave this counsel because
of a disagreement between these two Christians. (Philemon 4:2, 3)

SYRACUSE: Syracuse was a city on the southeast coast of the island

of Sicily. Today it is call Siracusa. The apostle Paul stayed at
Syracuse for three days toward the end of his trip to Rome while his
ship waited for suitable sailing wind. (Acts 28:12, 13)

SYRIA: In Bible times Syria was located north of Israel and the
Arabian Desert. It was bounded by Taurus Mountains on the south
and the Lebanon Mountains on the north. (Genesis 25:20; 28:5;
31:20, 24) (Deuteronomy 26:5) (Hosea 12:12) The Israelites fell
away from Jehovah’s worship and Syrian king Cushanrishathaim
subjugated them for about eight years. (Judges 3:7-10; 10:6) Israel’s
first king, Saul, went to war with the Syrian kings of Zobah. David
overwelmingly defeated Syrian King Hadadezer. (1 Samuel 14:47) (2
Samuel 8:3-12) (1 Chronicles 18:3-8; 19:6-19) Syria was the Roman
province that Pompey annexed to the empire in 64 B.C.E. Antioch,
Syria was the third largest city in the Roman Empire. (Matthew
4:24) (Luke 2:1, 2) It was in Syria that the disciples were first call
Christians. (Acts 11:19-26) (Galatians 1:21)

SYRIAC PESHITTA, THE SIMPLE LANGUAGE OF THE PEOPLE:

Syriac was the language spoken in the general area that is now
known as modern Syria and Iraq, extending from modern Lebanon
to the Euphrates River on the east. The two major cities were
Antioch and Damascus. The first Christian expansion from
Jerusalem was into this area. The congregation was at Antioch
where Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and others ministered. It was there
that the name "Christians" was first used. (Acts 11:26) The rapid
growth in the number of Christians presented a need for a
translation of the Bible into the Syriac language, an Aramaic dialect.
It, along with Hebrew and Arabic, are all related Semitic languages.
The Syriac Peshitta New Testament was written in the second
century. It was written in the common, simple language of the
people.

SYROPHOENICIAN: A Greek Syrophoenician is mentioned at Mark

7:26. This designation comes from the combination of Syrian and
Phoenician. She was likely of Greek descent. After the Passover of
32 C.E. this Syrophoenician woman approached Jesus Christ
requesting that he expel a demon from her daughter. Jesus at first
refused saying: “It is not right to take the children's bread and give
it to the dogs. She said: Yes, Lord; but even the dogs take the scraps
from under their masters' table. O women, Jesus replied, your faith
is great! Let your desire be done. And her daughter was made well
from that hour.” (Matthew 15:26-28)

SYRTIS: Two gulfs are located within the large indentation on the
coast of northern Africa. The western gulf between Tunis and
Tripoli was called Syrtis Minor. It is now called the Gulf of Gabes.
The gulf to the east of this one was called Syrtis Major. It is now the
modern Gulf of Sidra. Sailors found treacherous sandbanks that
shifted by the tides along both gulfs. The apostle Paul was
transported as a prisoner on a ship that ran aground on the Syrtis,
evidently the sandbanks of the Gulf of Sidra. (Acts 27:14-17)

SYSTEM OF THINGS: See AGE, WORLD.

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

T
TAANACH: Taanach was an enclave city of Manasseh in the
territory of Issachar. (Joshua 17:11) (1 Chronicles 7:29) It was
assigned to the Kohathite Levites. (Joshua 21:20, 25)

TAANATH-SHILOH: This was a site on Ephraim’s border about 6

miles east southeast of Shechem. (Joshua 16:5, 6)

TABBAOTH: Tabbaoth was the forefather of a family of Nethinim.

A group of his descendants returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel.
(Ezra 2:1, 2, 43) (Nehemiah 7:46)

TABBATH: When the Gideon forces attacked the enemy Midianites,

the Midianites fled as far as the outskirts of Abel-meholah by
Tabbath somewhere west of the Jordan. (Judges 7:12, 19-22)

TABERAH: Hebrew: “Tab’erah” means a conflagration or blaze.

God sent a fire that consumed some of the people on the outskirts of
the Israelite encampment in this Wilderness of Sinai. When Moses
supplicated Jehovah, the blaze was extinguished. (Numbers 11:1-3)
(Deuteronomy 9:22)

TABERNACLE: The Tabernacle was a tent of worship used by

Israel. It was portable and could be moved wherever it was needed.
It was sometimes called the tent of meeting. (Exodus 39:32, 40) It
was a main feature for approach to Jehovah by the nation of Israel.
It had two compartments. The Holy contained a golden lamp stand,
the golden altar of incense, the table of showbread, and golden
utensils. The Most Holy contained the Ark of the Covenant with
two golden cherubs. SEE: TENT OF MEETING

The apostle Paul speaks about the figurative, spiritual tabernacle.

At Hebrews 9:11 he said: “Christ came as the high priest of the good
things that are now here. He also went into a much better tent that
is not made by humans and does not belong to this creation.” The
heavenly tent of the witness or tabernacle was seen by the apostle
John in vision at Revelation 15:5.

TABLELAND, LEVEL GROUND, LOW LAND: Hebrew mishohr’

can be rendered tableland or level ground. It is from the root
meaning be straight or level. This is contrasted with the mountains
and hilly country. (1 Kings 20:23, 25) (Psalm 26:12) (Isaiah 40:4)
(Zechariah 4:7)
TABOR, THE MOUNTAIN: This spectactular mountain is found on
the northern boundary of the territory of Issachar. It is 12 miles
west of the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and only 5 miles from
the city of Nazareth. (Joshua 19:17, 22) It rises above the Jezreel
Valley to an altitude of 1,844 feet above sea leval and is cone shaped.
The psalmist identifies Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon together
as wonderful examples of God’s creation at Psalm 89:12. The
summit of Tabor offered a commanding position. It was therefore a
suitable location for a fortified city and ruins give evidence that this
city existed. Although Mount Tabor is a “high mountain” it is
believed that Mount Hermon was the “lofty mountain” upon which
Jesus had been before the transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1, 2) (Mark
8:27; 9:2)

TABRIMMON: This means Good Is Rimmon, the Assyrian storm

god. He was the son of Hezion and father of Syrian King Benhadad
I. (1 Kings 15:18)

TADMOR: Tadmor was the city known to the Greeks and Romans
as Palmyra. Solomon did some building work at Tadmor. (2
Chronicles 8:1, 4) Its ruins can be found today in an oasis on the
north edge of the Syrian Desert, about 130 miles northeast of
Damascus.

TAHAN, TAHANITES: Tahan was the founder of an Ephraimite

tribal family called the Tahanites. (Numbers 26:35)

TAHASH: This man was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor by his
concubine Reumah. (Genesis 22:23, 24)

TAHPANES, TAHPANHES, TEHAPHNEHES: This city in Egypt is

frequently mentioned along with other cities of the northern Egypt,
such as Noph, Memphis, On, Heliopolis, and Pibeseth. (Jeremiah
2:1, 2, 14-19, 36)

TAHPENES: Tahpenes was the wife of the Egyptian Pharaoh at the

time of David and Solomon. Tahpenes’ sister was given in marriage
to Hadad, a resister of Solomon. (1 Kings 11:19, 20)

TAHREA: Tahrea was a son of Micah and descendant of King Saul.

(1 Chronicles 9:39-41) He is called Tarea at 1 Chronicles 8:35.

TALENT: The talent was the largest of the Hebrew units of weight
and of monetary value. (Exodus 38:29) (2 Samuel 12:30) (1 Kings
10:10) (2 Kings 23:33) (1 Chronicles 29:7) (2 Chronicles 36:3) (Ezra
8:26) The symbolic hailstones, weighing about one talent or 44.8
pounds U.S.A. measure, would be a devastating plague. (Revelation
16:21) Most places where the word talent is found in the Scriptures
the New Simplified Bible converts it to U.S.A. measurements.

TALITHA CUMI: Jesus spoke these words when he resurrected

Jairus’ daughter. It is not known if this expression is Hebrew or
Aramaic. It has been transliterated in Greek manuscripts in slightly
different ways. It means: “Little girl, I say to you arise.” (Mark 5:41)

TALMON: Talmon was head of a Levitical family of gatekeepers

after the return from Babylon with Zerubbabel. He and his brothers
were chosen to live in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:3, 17) (Ezra 2:42)
(Nehemiah 7:45; 11:1, 19; 12:25)

TAMAR, JUDAH’S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Tamar was a childless

widow. She disguised herself as a prostitute in order to get Judah to
have relations with her. As a result of this she became pregnant with
twins, Perez and Zerah. The Messianic lineage is traced through her
son Perez. (Genesis 38:6-30) (Joshua 7:15, 25) (Ruth 4:12, 18-22) (1
Chronicles 2:4) (Matthew 1:3)

TAMARISK TREE OR SHRUB: Hebrew: “e’shel” stands for low

growing tree or shrub. This tree is able to live in very dry areas.
There were once proud thickets of Tamarisk trees along the Jordan
River. (Jeremiah 49:19) (Zechariah 11:3) Normally the tree has a
low height but on occasion it grows to a height of 60 feet. Abraham
planted a tamarisk at Beersheba. (Genesis 21:33)

TAMBOURINE: A small drum with pieces of metal in the rim. It is

held in the hand and shaken and was generally used by women. (2
Samuel 6:5)

TAMMUZ, THE GOD: The false god Tammuz was called Dumuzi in
ancient Sumerian texts. The apostate Hebrew women in Jerusalem
were weeping over him in the prophet Ezekiel’s vision recorded at
Ezekiel 8:1, 3, 14. Tammuz was the lover of the fertility goddess
Inanna (Babylonian Ishtar). Some Sumerian texts show him to be a
king who was deified after his death.

TANHUMETH: Tanhumeth was the Netophathite father of Seraiah,

a military leader of the Jews. He was left in Jerusalem after the
deportation to Babylon. (2 Kings 25:23) (Jeremiah 40:8)
TANNER: A Tanner was a person skilled in the tanning of animal
hides into leather. (2 Kings 1:8) (Matthew 3:4) Peter spent time in
Joppa with Simon, a tanner, whose house was by the sea. (Acts
9:43; 10:32)

TAPHATH: She was a daughter of King Solomon and wife of one of

his 12 deputies. (1 Kings 4:7, 11)

TAPPUAH, HEBRON’S SON: Tappuah was one of Hebron’s four

sons. He was a descendant of Caleb. (1 Chronicles 2:42, 43)

TAPPUAH, TOWN IN SHEPHELAH: This Tappuah was a town in

the Shephelah region assigned to the tribe of Judah. (Joshua 15:20,
33, 34)

TAPPUAH, THE LAND: This town was on the border between

Ephraim and Manasseh in the land of Tappuah. (Joshua 16:8) The
town was alloted to Manasseh and the city to Ephraim. (Joshua
17:8) There was a spring of water nearby called En-Tappuah.
(Joshua 17:7)

TARALAH: Taralah was a Benjamite city, probably in mountainous

region north of Jerusalem. (Joshua 18:25-28)

TAREA: He was a descendant of king Saul through Jonathan. (1

Chronicles 8:33-35; 9:39-41)

TARSHISH, SON OF JAVAN: Tarshish was one of Javan’s four

sons. He was born after the Flood. (Genesis 10:4) (1 Chronicles 1:7)
Tarshish was one of family heads from whom the nations were
spread about in the earth. (Genesis 10:32)

TARSHISH, COUNSELOR OF KING AHASUERUS: This Tarshish

was one of the princely counselors of King Ahasuerus who
considered the case of Queen Vashti. (Esther 1:12-15)

TARSHISH, BY THE SEA: Tarshish was the region where the

offspring of Tarshish son of Javan settled. It must have been a
Mediterranean seaport since the Scriptures mention “the ships of
Tarshish,” at Ezekiel 27:25, 26, (Psalms 48:7) (Jonah 2:3) Tarshish
was a major market for the merchants of the city of Tyre. (Jeremiah
10:9) (Ezekiel 27:3, 12) It is mentioned many time in the Holy
Scriptures.
TARSUS: Tarsus was the principal city and capital of the Roman
province of Cilicia. This was the birthplace of the apostle Paul. (Acts
9:11; 22:3) Paul returned to his hometown of Tarsus during his
ministry. (Acts 9:29, 30; 11:25, 26; 15:23, 41; 18:22, 23)

TARTAK: Tartak was a deity worshiped by the Avvites. The king of

Assyria settled the Avvites in the territory of Samaria after he took
the Israelites of the ten-tribe kingdom into exile. (2 Kings 17:31) The
Babylonian Talmud stated that Tartak had the form of an ass. The
Persian word tar-thakh means intense darkness. Tartak may have
been a demon of the lower regions, a hero of darkness.

TARTAN, COMMANDER IN CHIEF: According to Assyrian

writings the title Tartan was given to a high-ranking officer. King
Sennacherib sent the Tartan along with other officials to deliver an
ultimatum to Jerusalem. The Tartan is listed first at 2 Kings 18:17,
28-35.

TASSEL: The Israelites were commanded to wear tassels on the

corners of their garments and to look at them and remember the
commandments of Jehovah. (Numbers 15:38-39)

TATTENAI: Tattenai was the governor of the Persian province that

was beyond the River during the reign of Darius I (Hystaspis).
Tattenai and his colleagues came to Jerusalem in 520 B.C.E. to
conduct an inquiry. Darius warned Tattenai not to interfere with the
building of the temple. (Ezra 4:24-6:13)

TATTOO: A tattoo is a permanent mark or design on the skin made

by cutting the skin to produce scars and inserting coloring matter
under the skin. Tattoos are common among some people. (Leviticus
19:28) According to God’s Law it is forbidden to disfigure the
human body. (Deuteronomy 14:1, 2)

TAW: Taw is the 22nd and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The
letter means “mark.” Written in the Hebrew language, it is the first
letter in each of the eight verses of Psalm 119:169-176.

TAXATION, TAXES: Taxation is a charge against a citizens person

or property for the support of the government. Taxes that were
imposed on the ancient Hebrews included the tithe, tribute, toll,
head or poll tax, tax on consumer goods, exports, and imports.
Service of Jehovah’s sanctuary was maintained through taxation.
Obligatory tithing provided the main source of funds to maintain
the Aaronic priests and Levites. (Numbers 18:26-29; 31:26-47)
When Jesus Christ worshiped at the temple he paid the required
tax. (Matthew 17:24-27) Kings and other rulers in Israel imposed
taxes on the people. (1 Samuel 8:11-17) (1 Kings 4:6-19)

TAX COLLECTOR: The Romans hired Jews to serve as tax

collectors/ (Mt 9:10-11) Matthew was a tax collector. (Matthew
10:3)(Luke 5:27) Zacchaeus was also a tax collector. (Luke 19:1-10)

TEACHER: A teacher imparts information or skill to others by word

or example. God is the Grand Instructor, or Teacher. (1 Kings 8:36)
(Psalms 27:11; 86:11; 119:102) (Isaiah 30:20, 54:13) God teaches his
believers through his Word. (Hebrews 4:12) (2 Timothy 3:16) God’s
Spirit teaches the faithful. (John 14:26) Teaching is an awesome
responsibility according to James 3:1.

TEACHERS OF THE LAW: Men who taught and interpreted the

teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially the first five books,
were known as Teachers of the Law. (Luke 5:17) Paul wrote Timothy
that they do not know what they are talking about. (1 Timothy 1:7)

TEETH: Hard, bony appendages in the mouth that are used for
chewing of food. Grinding and gnashing of the teeth stands for rage,
anguish and despair. (Job 19:20) (Matthew 8:12) (Acts 7:54) David
petitions God to strike his enemies and break their teeth. This
would render them powerless. (Psalms 3:7; 58:6)

TEHINNAH: Tehinnah was a descendant of Chelub and the father

of Irnahash. (1 Chronicles 4:11, 12)

TEHTH: Tehth is the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It appears

at the beginning of each verse of Psalm 119:65-72.

TEKOA: This town in the territory of Judah is considered by some

to be the town of Khirbet, about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It is at
an elevation of 2,700 feet. The Moabites suffered a defeat in the
wilderness of Tekoa just east of there during the reign of
Jehoshaphat. (2 Chronicles 11:5, 6; 20:20, 24)

TEKOITE: A Tekoite was an inhabitant of the town of Tekoa.

Ikkesh, the father of David’s warrior Ira was a Tekoite. (2 Chronicles
11:6; 23:26) (Jeremiah 6:1)

TELABIB: Telabib was a place by the Chebar River in the land of the
Chaldeans where Ezekiel and other Jews were exiled. (Ezekiel 1:1-3;
3:15)
TEBAH: Tebah was the first son of Abraham’s brother Nahor by his
concubine Reumah. (Genesis 22:23, 24)

TEBALIAH: He was a Merarite Levite, the third son of Hosah. He

was also a gatekeeper in the time of David. (1 Chronicles 26:1, 10, 11,
16)

TELAH: Telah was an Ephraimite ancestor of Joshua the son of

Num. (1 Chronicles 7:20, 25-27)

TELAM: Telam was one of the limits of the dwellings of the

Geshurites, Girzites and Amalekites in David’s day. (1 Samuel 27:8)

TELHARSHA: Telharsha was a Babylonian site from which

Israelites who were unable to establish their genealogy came to
Judah with the exiles in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 59) (Nehemiah 7:6,
61)

TEMA, SON OF ISHMAEL: Tema was one of Ishmael’s sons.

(Genesis 25:13-15) (1 Chronicles 1:29, 30)

TEMA OASIS: This oasis is located about 250 miles southeast of

Ezion-geber. Two major caravan routes traveled through there.
Tema is mentioned by both Isaiah and Jeremiah. Jehovah’s rage
was to fall upon Tema. (Job 6:19) (Isaiah 21:13, 14) (Jeremiah
25:15-23) The modern day name for this oasis is Taima.

TEMAH: He was the forefather of a family of Nethinim who

returned from Babylon to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:1, 2,
43, 53) (Nehemiah 7:55)

TEMAN: Teman was a place about three miles east of Petra and a
descendant of Esau through his firstborn Eliphaz. The place became
a center for wisdom. (Genesis 36:10, 11, 34) (1 Chronicles 1:35, 36)
(Jeremiah 49:7, 20) (Ezekiel 25:13) (Amos 1:11, 12) (Habakkuk 3:3,
4)

TEMANITE: A native of Teman in Edom was known as a Temanite.

The Edomite King Husham from the land of the Temanites. Eliphaz,
one of Job’s three companions was a Temanite. Eliphaz came either
from Teman or from Tema, a place on an oasis on the Arabian
Peninsula 250 miles southeast of Ezion-geber. (Job 6:19) (Genesis
36:31-34) (Job 2:11; 4:1; 42:7)
TEMENI: Temeni was a son of Ashhur by his wife Naarah. They
were of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 5, 6)

TEMPLE: The Temple was a sacred place or sanctuary used for

worship. The Hebrew word “heh-khal” and the Greek words “hi-e-
ron” and “na-os” are rendered “temple.” King Solomon conscripted
thousands of workers to build the Temple for Jehovah and in the
12th year of his reign in 1026 B.C.E. the Temple was completed. The
Temple lasted until 607 B.C.E. when the Babylonian army under
King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed it. God permitted its destruction
because of the falling away of Israel to false religion. Seventy years
later the Temple was rebuilt.

TENT: A tent is a portable, collapsible shelter made of cloth or skins

and supported by poles. Tent were one of mans earliest dwellings.
(Genesis 4:20; 9:21) Nomadic people used tents in the Middle East.
(Genesis 9:27) (Psalm 83:6) Tent is used figuratively on several
occasions in the Bible. (Isaiah 38:12) (Job 4:21) (Jeremiah 4:20)
John is inspired to write that the tent of God will be with mankind
during the thousand year reign of Christ. This is recorded at
Revelation 21:1-3.

TENTMAKER: Greek: “ske-no-poi-os” means tent manufacturer. A

tent maker makes and repairs tents. Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were
tentmakers. (Acts 18:2-3)

TENT OF MEETING: TENT OF JEHOVAH’S PRESENCE,

TABERNACLE: The large tent described in detail in Exodus 26 was
the place of worship until Solomon built the Temple.

TEN COMMANDMENTS, TEN WORDS, THE WORDS OF

THE COVENANT: Hebrew: “ase’reth had-deva-rim” or “eser-
asarah dabar” means ten words. Greek Septuagint: “Decalogue”:
“de’ka” means ten and “lo’gous” means words. The Ten
Commandments are the basic laws of the Law covenant. (Exodus
20:1-17) (Deuteronomy 5:6-22) Moses ascended the mountain to
receive the Ten Words in written form on two stone tablets. He also
received other commandments and instructions from God at that
time and recorded them in the first five books of the Bible. The basic
rules for good behavior found in the Ten Commandments are
applicable to life in today’s society. In fact they are the basis for
most civil and criminal laws today.

TERAH, ABRAHAMS FATHER: Abraham is listed first of Terah’s

children because he is the most famous of Terah’s sons. His first
born was likely Haran. (Genesis 11:29) Terah was Abrahams father
and the eighth generation from Shem. (Luke 3:34) (Genesis 11:10-
24) (1 Chronicles 1:24-26) His sons included Abraham, Nahor, and
Haran, the heads of numerous tribes. (Genesis 11:27; 22:20-24;
25:1-4, 13-15) (1 Chronicles 1:28-42) Terah was 70 years old when
he begain having children. He died at 205 when Abraham was 75, so
Terah must have been 130 when Abraham was born.

TERAH, CAMPSITE: One of the campsites that the Israelites used

during their travels in the wilderness. (Numbers 33:27, 28)

TERAPHIM: Teraphim means family gods or idols. Some of these

idols were in the shape of a man. (Genesis 31:30) (1 Samuel 19:13,
16) They were sometimes consulted for omens. (Ezekiel 21:21)
(Zechariah 10:2) The idolatrous use of teraphim existed in the days
of the Judges and of the kings. (Judges 17:5; 18:14, 17, 20) (Hosea
3:4)

TERESH: Teresh was one of two doorkeepers in the Persian palace

who conspired against King Ahasuerus. Mordecai learned about the
plot and immediately told Queen Esther. The Queen informed the
King and Teresh and his accomplice were hanged on a stake. We
have a record of this at Esther 2:21-23; 6:1, 2. It was also entered in
the royal records.

TERTIUS: Tertius was the writer or transcriber of Paul’s letter to

the Romans. Paul may have had other secretaries but Tertius was
the only one identified by name. He identifies himself at Romans
16:22.

TERTULLUS: This man was the public speaker who presented the
Jews’ case against Paul before Governor Felix in Caesarea.
Tertullus’ statement praises Felix and also makes accusation against
Paul as an accused seditionists against Rome. (Acts 24:1-8)

TESTICLES: The testicles are the male genital glands. A man having
broken or defective testicles was barred from the priesthood.
(Levitical 21:17-21, 23) (Hebrews 7:26) (Ephesians 5:27) (Revelation
14:1, 5; 20:6) Animals having defects including damaged testicles
could not be offered up as a sacrifice. (Leviticus 22:24) (Malachi
1:6-8) Israelites did not castrate their animals for this reason.
(Leviticus 17:3-5) (Deuteronomy 12:20-25) While the law has been
set aside on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice Christians are to have
respect for God’s provisions for reproduction. (Colossians 2:13)
THADDAEUS: Thaddaeus was an apostle of Jesus Christ. (Matthew
10:2, 3) (Mark 3:18)

THEATER: The Greek word “atron” means theater. It is a structure

where dramatic, humorous and musical performances were
presented. Paul and his fellow missionaries preached in theaters.
(Acts 19:23-31)

THEBEZ: Abimelech captured the city of Thebez and was

attempting to assault the tower where the people of Thebez took
refuge. A woman threw a millstone upon him from atop the wall.
Abimelech’s skull was injured. Therefore he had his attendant put
him to death so no one could say a woman killed him. (Judges 9:50-
54) (2 Samuel 11:21) Ancient Thebez was about 9 miles north
northeast of Shechem.

THEOCRACY: A political unit governed by divine guidance. The

nations of Israel and Judea before they were taken into captivity by
Babylon were theocratic.

THEOPHILUS: Greek: Theos-philos means friend of God. Luke

addressed this person in both his Gospel and the Acts of Apostles.
(Luke 1:1-4) (Acts 1: 1)

THESSALONIANS, FIRST LETTER: The apostle Paul wrote

the first letter to the Thessalonians in the year 50 C.E. from the city
of Corinth. Timothy and Silvanus (Silas) were with Paul at that
time. (Acts 18:5) Paul offers commendation to the young
congregation and he encourages them to remain firm in order to
face persecution. (1 Thessalonians 2:13-3-13)

THESSALONIANS, SECOND LETTER: The second inspired

letter from Paul to the Thessalonians was written in 51 C.E. from
Corinth. Apostasy (a falling away from truth) was to come and the
man of lawlessness would soon be revealed. “The evil (lawless) one
will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of false
signs and wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) This timely warning
fits the last days we live in today. Christians are told not to be lazy,
“Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” (2 Thessalonians
3:10-12)

THESSALONICA: Thessalonica was the main seaport of

Macedonia where Paul established a Christian congregation in the
year 50 C.E. Macedonia was divided into four districts about the
middle of the second century B.C.E. Thessalonica then became the
capital of the second district. It later became a Roman province.
The apostle Paul and Silas found it to be a thriving metropolis. He
no doubt passed through Macedonia many times and visited
Thessalonica many times. (Acts 17:1-4; 20:1-3) (1 Timothy 1:3)

THEUDAS: Theudas started an insurrection before 6 C.E. He and

many of his followers where put to death. The trouble continued
after the leader was put to death. The Pharisee Gamaliel used him
as example to persuade the Sanhedrin not to bother the youthful
Christian congregation so soon after Jesus’ death. (Acts 5:34-40)

THIEF: A thief deliberately takes the possessions of others without

permission, someone who practices fraud and deception or steals
secretly. Thieves often work at night. (Job 24:14) (Jeremiah 49:9)
(Matthew 24:43) (Luke 12:39) (John 10:10) (Revelation 3:3; 16:15)
Stealing is condemned by God in his Law at Exodus 20:15, “You
must not steal.” A thief had to make twofold, fourfold or even a
fivefold compensation. (Exodus 22:1-12)

THIGH: The thigh extends from the hip to the knee. The Hebrew
word used for thigh also refers to the side of something. (Exodus
40:24) (2 Kings 16:14) An example of this was the sword that was
worn at the side or on the thigh. (Exodus 32:27) (Judges 3:16)
(Psalm 45:3) Strange though it sounds in our day, it was the custom
to put your hand under the thigh of the person to whom you swore
an oath. (Genesis 24:2-4, 9; 47:29-31) Slapping the thigh denoted
grief, sorrow, or remorse. (Jeremiah 31:19) (Ezekiel 21:12)

THINKING AND REASONING: The Hebrew term “mezimmah”

means the ability to think and reason. The proverbs of Solomon son
of David, king of Israel help us increase our thinking skills: “To
know wisdom and instruction. To discern and understand words. To
receive instruction with wisdom, justice, judgment and integrity. To
give wisdom and refinement to the simple. To the young man
knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear and will increase
learning. A man of understanding will procure wise counsel.”
(Proverbs 1:2-5; 3:21-25; 14:17) Every believer should practice
reasoning from the Scriptures in order to become an approved
workman of God. (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17)

THISTLE: A thistle is a plant having prickly, irregular-edged leaves

with a tough stem. Adam and his descendants were to be troubled
with thistles and other weeds when cultivating the cursed ground
reported at Genesis 3:17, 18. Thistle and weed seeds are scattered by
the wind to the neglected and desolated areas. (Psalm 83:13) (Isaiah
17:13) (Hosea 10:8)

THOMAS: The apostle Thomas was called The Twin or Didymous.

(Matthew 10:3) (Mark 3:18) (Luke 6:15) (John 11:16; 14:2-6) He was
impetuous and on occasion doubting. Thomas expressed his desire
to place his finger into the nail imprints on Jesus body before he
would truly believe. (John 20:27, 28) Many have read his statement,
“My Lord and my God!” They have in turn misunderstood it to be
reference to Jesus as the Almighty God. But when you read the
context of John Chapter 20 you learn that Jesus just got done telling
Mary: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God
and your God.” (John 20:17) This is evidence that Jesus Christ
claims Jehovah God is his Father and God. (Revelation 3:12)
Furthermore, John 20:31 specifically states that Jesus Christ is the
Son of God. (SEE: TRANSLATION NOTES: TRINITARIAN
TECHNIQUES, Technique #2. Call Jesus Christ God)

THORN: More than 70 varieties of thorny plants have been found

growing in Israel. They include: the thorny caper, the acanthus, the
boxthorn and hawthorns. Thorny plants cause irritation and
annoyance, yet they have been employed for useful purposes. They
have been used as hedges and for fuel. (Hosea 2:6) (Ecclesiates 7:6)
(Isaiah 33:12) They have also been food for donkeys, camels and
goats. The Promised Land was “a land flowing with milk and
honey.” (Exodus 3:8) However the Israelites needed to work to keep
it free from thorns and other weeds. (Isaiah 5:6; 7:23-25; 34:13) In
the illustration about the sower Jesus spoke about thorns and how
they crowded out the other plants. (Matthew 13:7) (Luke 8:7)
Thorns were used in a figurative or illustrative sense throughout the
Scriptures. (Nahum 1:10) (2 Kings 14:9, 10) (Isaiah 9:18, 19; 10:17-
19) (Matthew 7:16) (Proverbs 22:5) (Ezekiel 28:24) The apostle Paul
spoke about his thorn in the flesh when talking about a problem he
had at 2 Corinthians 12:7.

THREE TAVERNS: There were three inns where travelers could

stop to rest and refresh themselves. The place was called The Three
Taverns. It was 36 miles southeast of Rome along side of the Appian
Way, the well-known highway that ran from Rome to Brundusium
by way of Capua. A delegation of Christians from Rome rested at
Three Taverns when they heard that Paul was coming. (Acts 28:13-
15)

THRESHING: Threshing is the process of releasing grain from its

stalk and chaff. A rod or flail was used to beat the grain by hand on
the ground. (Judges 6:11) (Ruth 2:17) (Isaiah 28:27) A threshing
floor was also used with bulls circling the floor to brake down the
straw and free the grain from the chaff. (Deuteronomy 25:4) (Hosea
10:11) (1 Corinthians 9:9, 10)

THRONE: The Hebrew word for throne is “kis-se.” It also refers to a

seat or chair and is not limited to the seats of ruling monarchs. (1
Samuel 4:13) (1 Kings 22:10) (2 Kings 4:10) (Nehemiah 3:7) (Esther
3:1) (Ezekiel 26:16) Eli fell backward from his “kis-se” at the gate of
Shiloh. It was a backless chair. (1 Samuel 4:13, 18) The Greek word
for high backed chair with arms was “thro’nos.” The figurative use
of the word throne in the Scriptures signifies a seat of ruling
authority. (Genesis 41:40) (1 Kings 2:12; 16:11) (1 Chronicles 17:14)
(Psalm 89:44) God does not have to sit on a throne or a chair but a
throne symbolizes His royal authority and sovereignty. (1 Kings
8:27; 22:19) (Isaiah 6:1) (Ezekiel 1:26-28) (Daniel 7:9) (Revelation
4:1-3)

Jesus Christ will rule over the earth because of the power and
authority granted by his heavenly Father, Jehovah God. That is the
meaning of the expression at Psalm 45:6 and Hebrews 1:8: “God is
your throne forever and ever.” Most English translations state this
Scripture: “Your Throne, O God, is forever and ever.” The statement
at Hebrews 1:8 speaks about the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It
emphasizes that God’s power and authority are given to him. After
Jesus Christ rules for a thousand years he returns the throne [of
authority] to his Father and God just as it is stated at 1 Corinthians
15:24-27. Verse 27 makes it clear that God is the one who places all
things under Christ.

THUMB: The finger on the human hand that can be moved against
each of the other fingers is the thumb. This digit makes it possible
for humans to grasp and perform many tasks. Sometimes people
were incapacitated so they could not serve in the military by cutting
off thumbs and big toes. (Judges 1:6, 7) Interesting is the
designation of the Hebrew word bo’hen, it means both thumb and
big toe. The thumb and big toe are often referred to in the same text.
(Exodus 29:20) (Leviticus 14:14, 17, 25, 28)

THUNDER: Thunders is the loud sound that accompanies

lightning. The air that has been heated by the electrical discharge
expands rapidly to cause thunder. (Job 28:26; 38:25) Jehovah has
used thunder to accomplish his will. (1 Samuel 2:10) (2 Samuel
22:14) (Psalm 18:13) The awe-inspiring sound of thunder is
associated with Jehovah’s voice. (Job 37:4, 5; 40:9) (Psalm 29:3-9)
Thunder sounded to indicate God’s presence at Mount Sinai.
(Exodus 19:16) (Psalm 81:7)

THUNDER, SONS OF: SEE BOANERGES

THYATIRA: This city was located along the banks of the Gediz River
(formerly the Hermus River). It was forty miles inland from the
Aegean Sea. Thyatira was a small, wealthy industrial center, noted
for its weaving, dyeing, brass working, tanning and pottery making,
to mention only a few of the crafts. Lydia the seller of purple was of
the city of Thyatira. (Acts 16:12-15) Thyatira’s Christian
congregation received a message from Jesus Christ, written by John
at Revelation 2:18-29. (Revelation 1:10, 11)

TIBERIAS, THE CITY: Tiberias was a city built by Herod Antipas

about 21 C.E. It was named after Tiberius Caesar, the emperor of
the Roman Empire. Still called Tiberias, it is located about 15 miles
northeast of Nazareth along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
It is at an altitude of 690 feet below the level of the Mediteranean
Sea. It is mentioned once in the Bible at John 6:23.

TIBERIAS, SEA OF GALILEE: The Sea of Galilee was sometimes

called Tiberias. (John 6:1; 21:1)

TIBERIUS: Tiberius was the second emperor of Rome. When his

mother Livia Drusilla married Augustus in 38 B.C.E. he became the
adopted son of the emperor. After he married Julia, the daughter of
Augustus he was chosen by Augustus to be his successor. He was
emperor for the entire time of Jesus’ ministry. It was Tiberius’
image on the tax coin brought to Jesus when Jesus said: “Pay back
Caesar’s things to Caesar.” (Mark 12:14-17) (Matthew 22:17-21)
(Luke 20:22-25) Tiberius died in March 37 C.E.

TIBHATH: Tibhath was a city north of Palestine. After David struck

down King Hadadezer of Zobath, at Hamath, he removed a large
amount of copper. (1 Chronicles 18:3, 8) (2 Samuel 8:8) Tibhath
was likely in the valley between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon
Mountains. The ruins of ancient copperworks have been found in
Lebanon, giving support to the Biblical account.

TIBNI, SON OF GINATH: Following the seven-day rule of Israel’s

fifth king Zimri in 951 B.C.E. Tibni was a contender for the kingship.
Tibni lost to Omri during a civil war and he died as a result of the
battle. (1 Kings 16:15, 21-23)
TIDAL: Tidal was the king of Goiim. He was an ally or vassal of
Elamite King Chedorlaomer. They and two other monarchs
subjugated five kings near the Dead Sea. (Genesis 14:1-17)

TIGLATH-PALESER III: This Assyrian served as king under the

throne name of Pul. After defeating Pekah, king of Israel, and Rezin
of Damascus, he put Rezin to death. (2 Kings 15:1-30) Isaiah was
inspired to prophesy that Jehovah would use the king of Assyria like
a hired razor to shave the kingdom of Judah. (Isaiah 7:17, 20) He
was noted for his policy of mass deportation of conquered peoples
forcibly moving as many as 154,000 persons.

TILON: Tilon was a son of Shimon of the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 4:20)

TIMAEUS: Timaeus was the father of Bartimaeus the blind beggar

healed by Jesus. The account is found at Mark 10:46.

TIME: One lunar year, 360 days=12 lunar months of 30 days each.
The 7 times of Daniel 4:16 are equal to 7 lunar years of 360 days
each. That makes a total of 2,520 days.

TIME INDEFINITE: The dictionary defines the term indefinite as

“vague or not clearly defined or stated, not decided or not known.
This may apply to man’s understanding of time but it does not
necessarily relate to God’s understanding of time. A perfect spirit
being is a definite being, not an indefinite being! Expressions such
as “time indefinite” “a long time ago” and “hidden time” express a
period of time that is obscure, long and uncertain. However, they do
not adequately describe time in relationship to our Eternal God,
Jehovah. See Dictionary: FOREVER; Also see Supplementary
Information: Forever, Everlasting, Eternal.

TIME OF THE END, END TIMES: This expression is found several

times in the book of Daniel. It speaks about the time at the
conclusion of the age culminating in the destruction of the wicked
governments and wicked people. The “time of the end” does not
necessarily mean the “end of time” but refers to the culmination or
end of all things mentioned in the prophecy. In fact time is an on
going thing and does not appear to come to an end. Some Bible
translations render Revelation 10:6: “there should be no more
time.” The New Simplified Bible states: “there would be no more
delay.” (Daniel 8:19; 11:35; 12:4; 12:9)

TIMES OF THE NATIONS: See GENTILE TIMES

TIMNA, THE CONCUBINE: Timna was the concubine of Esau’s son
Eliphaz and mother of Amalek. (Genesis 36:10-12) It is possible that
she was the daughter of Seir the Horite and sister of Lotan and
Seir’s other sons. (Genesis 36:20-22) (1 Chronicles 1:39)

TIMNA, THE SHEIK: This Timna was listed with 11 sheiks of Esau
(Edom). (Genesis 36:40-43)

TIMNAH, ON THE BOUNDRY: This place was at the boundary of

Judah and Dan. (Joshua 15:1, 10; 19:40-43) Samson chose a
Philistine woman of Timnah to be his wife. He killed a lion bare-
handed at the vineyards of Timnah. The Philistines captured
Timnah and its dependent towns. (2 Chronicles 28:16-19) (Judges
14:1-6)

TIMNAH, THE CITY: Timnah was a city in the mountains of

Judah.Judah was near Timnah when he had relations with Tamar,
mistaking her for a harlot. (Genesis 38:12-18) (Joshua 15:20, 48, 57)

TIMNATH-HERES: This was the location of Joshua’s inheritance. It

later became his burial place in the mountains of Ephraim, north of
Mount Gaash. (Judges 2:8, 9)

TIMNATH-SERAH: The city given to Joshua as his inheritance in

the mountains of Ephraim was Timnath-serah. Joshua built up the
city and later was buried there. (Joshua 19:49, 50; 24:30)

TIMNITE: A Timnite was a citizen of the area and city of Timnah.

The term only occures at Judges 15:6 where it is applied to
Samson’s father-in-law.

TIMON: Timon was one of the seven men full of spirit and wisdom
appointed by the apostles to take care of the daily distribution in the
congregation. (Acts 6:1-6)

TIMOTHY: This close friend and helper of the apostle Paul received
two letters from Paul, First and Second Timothy. (Acts 16:1-3; 17:13-
16) (1 Corinthians 4:17)

TIMOTHY, FIRST LETTER: The apostle Paul wrote his first letter
to Timothy in 56 C.E. when he was at Miletus with the older men of
the Ephesus congregation. Paul called Timothy his true child in the
faith which indicates that the apostle Paul had a great deal to do
with Timothy’s spiritual education and growth. (1 Timothy 5:23) (1
Thessalonians 3:2) (Philemon 2:19) As a young man Timothy
traveled with Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:1-3) There was a need for Paul
to warn Timothy to guard against false teachings and to strengthen
the brothers to do the same. (1 Timothy 6:20)

TIMOTHY, FIRST LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

1 Timothy 2:5 One mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3 Qualifications for appointment as overseer.
1 Timothy 5:1-16 Take care of widows in congregation.
1 Timothy 6:2-7 Admonition against teaching false doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:8-10 Paul warns against love of money.

TIMOTHY, SECOND LETTER: Paul wrote the second letter to

Timothy in the year 65 C.E. from prison in Rome. He was in chains
and facing death when he wrote these encouraging words to young
Timothy. (2 Timothy 1:15, 16; 4:6-8) The apostle Paul helped
Timothy to resist apostates inside the congregation and to stand
firm in the face of persecution. (2 Timothy 2:3-7, 14-26; 3:14-4:5)

TIMOTHY, SECOND LETTER HIGHLIGHTS:

2 Timothy 1:13 “Hold firmy to the true words that I taught you, as
the example for you to follow. Remain in the faith and love that are
ours in union with Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee from youthful lusts and persue righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:1 “In the last days perilous times will come.”
2 Timothy 3:16 “God inspired all Scripture!” (God-breathed)

TIN: Tin is a bluish white metal that is very malleable. Tin has a
very low melting point of 449 degrees Fahrenheit. (Numbers 31:22)
(Ezekiel 22:18, 21; 27:12)

TINDER: Tinder is material used for starting fire. It is usually very

small and easy to burn. Jehovah decreed that the wicked people and
their works would perish. He said: “Strong people will become
tinder for a fire. Their work will be the spark. Both of them will burn
together. There will be no one to put out the fire.” (Isaiah 1:31)

TIRAS: He was one of the seven sons of Japheth. (Genesis 10:2) (1

Chronicles 1:5)

TIRATHITES: The Tirathites were a family of scribes living at

Jabez. (1 Chronicles 2:55)
TIRHANAH: Tirhanah was a child of Caleb by his concubine
Maacah. They were of the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:3, 48)

TIRIA: Tiria was listed as a son of Jehallelel of the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 4:1, 16)

TIRSHATHA: The Persian title for the governor of a legal district

was “Tirshatha.” The word is preceded by the Hebrew definite
article ‘ha’ requiring the English word ‘the’ in front of the title.
Zerubbabel was the Tishatha mentioned in Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah
7:65,70. Nehemiah became governor and was therefore the
Tirshatha referred to at Nehemiah 8:9 and 10:1.

TIRZAH, CITY IN SAMARIA: This city in Samaria was 6 miles

northeast of Shechem. The Israelites, under the command of
Joshua, defeated the king of Tirzah. (Joshua 12:7, 24) Centuries
later, Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, moved his
residence to Tirzah. (1 Kings 12:25; 14:17) Tirzah was the capital of
the northern kingdom during the reigns of Jeroboam’s son Nadab
and his successors Baasha, Elah, and Zimri. (1 Kings 15:25-28, 33;
16:5, 6, 8, 15) Nearly 150 years later, Menahem, a resident of Tirzah,
killed Shallum and became king in Samaria. (2 Kings 15:14, 17)

TIRZAH, DAUGHTER OF ZELOPHEHAD: This Tirzah was one of

the five daughters of the Manassite Zelophehad. She was a
contemporary of Moses and Joshua. (Numbers 26:29, 33; 27:1-7;
36:11, 12) (Joshua 17:3, 4)

TISHBITE: A Tishbite was an inhabitant of Tishbeh. Tishbeh was a

village east of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead. Elijah was a
Tishbite. (1 Kings 17:1; 21:17, 28) (2 Kings 1:3, 8: 9:36)

TITHE: A tenth part of a person’s produce and income was given for
religious purposes. (Malachi 3:8-10) Jesus increased the
requirement by requiring all of what we have. This principle is
expressed in the greatest commandment defined at Matthew 22:36-
38. Loving Jehovah with all your heart, and all your being and your
entire mind requires greater gifts than only a tenth part. The
account of the widow’s mite also reinforces the principle that we
must give more than a tenth. (Mark 12:42-44)

TITUS: He was a trusted friend and helper of the apostle Paul and
served the Corinthian congregation. (2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 13-15; 8:6,
16, 23) Paul gave instructions to the elder, Titus, in his letter to
Titus 1:4-5.
TITUS, THE LETTER: Paul the apostle wrote the letter to Titus
between 61 and 64 C.E. from Macedonia. The letter was offered as a
guide for Titus in performing his duties in connection with the
Cretan congregations. Paul sternly warns against “foolish arguing
and dissentions, questioning; and genealogies, and arguing about
law, for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9)

TIZITE: David’s warrior Joha was known as a Tizite, probably the

name comes from an unknown place. (1Chronicles 11:26, 45)

TOAH: Toah was a Kohathite Levite. He was an ancestor of the

prophet Samuel and Heman the singer. (1 Chronicles 6:33, 34, 38)

TOB: Jephthah fled from his half brothers to the land of Tob. It was
there that he organized a force of men. His half brothers saw what
he was doing and asked him to be their commander in fighting
against the Ammonites. (Judges 11:3-11)

TOB-ADONIJAH: This man was a Levite. King Jehoshaphat sent

this Levite along with others to teach Jehovah’s Law in the cities of
Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:7-9)

TOCHEN: Tochen was a city of Simeon. (1 Chronicles 4:24, 32) It

was evidently called Ether at Joshua 19:7.

TOE: The toe is one of the digits of the foot. The same Hebrew
words that are used for the finger also refer to the toe. (2 Samuel
21:20) (1 Chronicles 20:6) (Daniel 2:41) The Hebrew word for
thumb is also used for toe. (Exodus 29:20) (Leviticus 8:23; 14:14,
17, 25, 28)

TOHU: Tohu was an ancestor of Samuel. (1 Samuel 1:1) He is called

Nahath and Toah in Chronicles. (1 Chronicles 6:16, 22-28, 34)

TOLA: Tola was the first son of Issachar. He traveled with Jacob’s
household into Egypt in 1728 B.C.E. (Genesis 46:8, 13) Tola’s sons
and grandsons tribal familes in Issachar known as Tolaites.
(Numbers 26:23) (1 Chronicles 7:1-4)

TOLAITES: The Tolaites were a family of the tribe of Issachar

founded by Tola. (Numbers 26:23)

TONGUE: Hebrew: “lashon, leshonah” and Greek: “glossa” mean

tongue or language. God hates a lying tongue. (Proverbs 6:16-17)
James 3:2-12 offers treaties about the difficulty of training the
tongue.

TOPAZ: The foundation of the wall around the New Jerusalem was
symbolically constructed of brilliant stones. Topaz is a semiprecious
stone, usually yellow in color. (Revelation 21:20)

TOPHEL: Tophel was a site used as an aid in locating the place

where Moses addressed the Israelites before his death.
(Deuteronomy 1:1)

TOPETH: Topeth was a place outside Jerusalem where apostate

Israelites sacrificed children. King Josiah finally put an end to this
despicable practice. (2 Kings 23:10) (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6)
(Jeremiah 7:31-33; 19:3-14; 32:35) Topeth could have been in the
eastern part of the Valley of Hinnom near the Gate of the Potsherds.
(Jeremiah 19:2, 6, 14) Topeth was used figuratively at Isaiah 30:32,
33 as a place of burning with fire. It represented the destruction that
came upon Assyria.

TORCH: A torch is a light often carried in the hand. It was often a

burning stick of resinous wood or a stick wrapped with material
soaked with oil and ignited. (Genesis 15:17) (Judges 7:16, 20; 15:4)
(Isaiah 62:1) (Ezekiel 1:13) (John 18:3)

TORMENT: The Greek word “ba-sa-ni’zo” means to test with

grievous pains, distressed. The Bible uses the word to speak about
grievous pain or harassment. (Matthew 88:6, 29) (Luke 8:28)

TORRENT VALLEY: The Hebrew word “na’chal” can be translated

torrent valley or “valley.” It is a valley through which a stream flows.
The New Simplified Bible uses the word valley more often then
torrent valley because most readers easily recognize it. (Genesis
26:19) (2 Kings 3:16) (Job 30:6) Sometimes the term is used to
describe the stream of water by calling it a brook, stream or river.
(Deuteronomy 8:7) (1 Kings 17:4) (Psalm 110:7)

TOWER: A tower is a building that stands higher than nearby

buildings. Towers were built as vantage points for watchmen in
guarding cities and farmland. (2 Chronicles 26:9; 32:5) (Ezekiel
26:4 9) (Isaiah 5:1, 2) (Matthew 21:33) (Mark 12:1) Psalm 61:3
focuses on a figurative tower. It points out that Jehovah is a strong
tower or defense against enemies. Proverbs 18:10 tells us the name
of Jehovah is a strong tower. (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
TRACHONITIS: Trachonitis was a region that was, together with
Ituraea, under the administration of Philip, a Roman district ruler.
This occurred during the time that John the Baptist and Jesus
Christ were ministering on the earth. (Luke 3:1) The northern
border of Trachonitis was twenty-five miles south east of Damascus.
It was an area of about three hundred and fifty square miles.

TRADITIONS OF MEN, FALSE DOCTRINE: The Jewish leaders

were following the commands of men as doctrines. (Matthew 15:9)
Jesus said that by their tradition they made God’s Word invalid,
overstepping the commands of God. (Matthew 15:3-6) Neither
Jesus nor the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures ever spoke
anything that was not absolutely found in the Holy Scriptures. (2
Timothy 3:16, 17)

Jesus Christ and the first century Christian leaders never gave
permission to add new doctrine and traditions to the teachings of
the Holy Scriptures. Christian leaders of the third, fourth and fifth
centuries added a large number of new doctrine and traditions to
the church. (1 Timothy 1:3; 6:3-5) This is especially true of the
Roman Catholic Church. However, most of the church organizations
that broke away from the Catholic Church retained these
questionable doctrines and added their own.

This practice has been going on since the first century. Church
leaders proclaim that God has given them divine authority to write
new teachings and traditions. It is not uncommon for a religious
leader to claim that God speaks to him directly. In spite of the fact
that interpretation belongs to God church leaders continue to make
up their own doctrines. (2 Peter 1:20) (Genesis 40:8) (Revelation
22:9)

TRAITOR: A traitor is one who betrays another. Judas Iscariot

turned traitor and betrayed Jesus Christ. (Luke 6:16) After being
selected as an apostle, he became greedy and became a thief. (John
12:6) Then he betrayed Jesus to those seeking to kill him. (Matthew
26:14-16, 25, 48, 49) (Mark 14:50) The Jewish religious leaders
were also betrayers and murderers for they employed Judas. (John
18:28-19:16) The apostle Paul warned Timothy that there would be
many betrayers or traitors in the last days. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

TRANSFIGURATION: The Greek word “metamorphoo” means to

change, transform, and transfigure. Jesus was transfigured
(changed) in front of Peter, James, and John. His face and clothes
began to shine brightly. (Matthew 17:1-9) (Mark 9:2-9) (Luke 9:28-
36)

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation is the act of transporting

people and goods from one location to another. In ancient times
walking and using camels were the most common ways to move
things and people. (Genesis 37:25-28) (Judges 6:3-5; 7:12) (1 Kings
10:2) The donkey was also used. (Joshua 15:18) (Judges 5:10; 10:4;
12:14) (1 Samuel 25:42) (Isaiah 30:6) Horses were used for
transportaion too. (1 Kings 4:26) (Acts 23:23, 24, 31-33) Wagons
were very valuable for hauling goods. (Genesis 46:5) (Numbers 7:1-
9) Ships were used extensively for travel on water. (2 Chronicles
9:21) (Ezekiel 27:9) (Acts 20:13-15; 27:1-44)

TRANSLATION: A translation is a written communication in a

second language that has the same meaning as the written
communication of the first language. Bible translations require the
knowledge and ability to research and translate the words and their
meanings of the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Latin languages. .

TRANSLATIONS THAT HONOR THE DIVINE NAME: The

following is a list of Bible translations that include, the Hebrew:
Yahweh or English: Jehovah, divine name: American Standard
Version 1901, Darby Bible 1889, Literal Translation of the Holy
Bible 2000, New Jerusalem 1985, New Simplified Bible 2003, New
World Translation 1984, and Young’s Literal Translation 1898.

TRANSLATIONS THAT ARE NOT TRINITARIAN BIASED: There

are only two English translations containing both the Hebrew and
Greek Scriptures that show respect to a totally monotheistic God.
They are the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and the
New Simplified Bible. (John 1:1; 14:10; 15:4-5) SEE:
MONOTHEISTIC, UNITY, UNITARIAN.

TRAP: A trap is a device for catching an animal or person. It is

usually hidden through the use of camouflage. Sometimes bait is
used. (Psalms 10:9; 141:9, 10) (Job 18:8, 9) (Jeremiah 18:22) The
word trap is sometimes used figuratively or as an illustration in the
Scriptures. (Proverbs 6:1-3; 20:25; 22:24, 25) (1 Corinthians 15:33)
First century Christians were warn against falling into a snare that
would bring spiritual ruin. (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Some were said to
have fallen into the snare of the Devil. (2 Timothy 2:23-26) (Titus
3:9)
TREASURY: A building or room where money or valuable things
are stored for security is called the treasury. The tent of meeting
served as a sacred treasury for storage of contributed gold. All the
valuable things that belonged to Jehovah were given to the treasure
of Jehovah’s house. (Numbers 31:54) (Joshua 6:17, 24) (1
Chronicles 26:20-28) The Levites were assigned the task of
watching over the treasures that were contributed as well as those
that came as a result of taking spoil. Solomon constructed a temple
that had a treasury where gold and silver were kept. (1 Kings 7:51)
(2 Chronicles 5:1) During Jesus’ time on the earth the temple in
Jerusalem had the treasury. (John 8:20) (Mark 12:41) (Matthew
27:6)

TREES: Often symbolic of individuals, rulers, kings. (Daniel 4:20-

22)

TRIBE: All the descendants of a person were referred to as a tribe.

The twelve tribes of Israel were descendants of the twelve sons of
Jacob, who was later named Israel. (Numbers Chapters 1 and 2)

TRIBULATION: The Greek word “thli’psis” means tribulation,

distress, affliction or suffering. A woman giving birth to a child
suffers tribulation. (Joh 16:21) Persecution brings on tribulation.
(Matthew 24:9) (2 Corinthians 1:8) (Hebrews 10:33) (Revelation
1:9) Tribulation can come from imprisonment, poverty, famine and
other stressful situations. Even marriage can bring tribulation
according to the apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 7:28, 32-35.
Tribulation is unpleasant and yet the Christian can endure it and
remain faithful and approved by God. (Romans 5:3-5; 12:12) (2
Corinthians 4:17, 18)

TRIBULATION, THE GREAT: Jesus Christ prophesies The Great

Tribulation at Matthew chapter 24. He said: “A great tribulation
such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no,
nor will occur again” would come upon the earth. The first
fulfillment of this took place in 70 C.E. when the Roman armies
under General Titus totally destroyed Jerusalem. The Jewish
historian Josephus reports that 1,100,000 Jews died or were killed
and only 97,000 survived and were taken into captivity. Jesus also
spoke of a greater tribulation in connection with his coming in
glory. (Matthew 24:29-31) The apostle John speaks about a great
crowd of persons who “come out of the great tribulation.”
(Revelation 7:13, 14) “There will be great tribulation. It will be
greater then has ever been from the beginning of the world until
now. Unless those days are shortened, no flesh will be saved. For the
sake of the anointed those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21,
22) Jehovah God promised through his Son Jesus Christ that these
days would be shortened and some would be saved.

TRIBUTE: Tribute is payment by one nation to maintain peace and

for protection by another. It is extorted through intimidation and
coercion. It is often obtained by threat of violence. However it can
be given as an expression of esteem. Some examples of tribute can
be found in the following Scripture references: 2 Samuel 2, 6; 1
Kings 10:23-25; 2 Kings 3:4, 5; 2 Chronicles 26:8; Psalm 72:10. The
Israelites were often forced to pay tribute. (Judges 3:12-17) (2 Kings
17:3; 23:35)

TRIUMPH, TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION: A triumphal procession is

a formal procession in celebration of victory over an enemy. The
Greek word “thriambeuo” means “lead in a triumphal procession.”
The Triumphal Arches were built by the Romans in honor of some
generals. The Arch of Titus in Rome still stands. It was built to
commemorate those who died at Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The term
“triumph” or “triumphal procession” occures only two times in the
Holy Scriptures. (2 Corinthians 2:14) (Colossians 2:15) The apostle
Paul tells Christians at 2 Corinthians 2:14: “Thanks be to God, who
always leads us in triumph (triumphal procession) in Christ.”

TRINITY: This word is not found in the Holy Scriptures. In fact the
entire context of the Bible does not support a mysterious three-
persons-in-one spirit being. Jesus instructions at Matthew 28:18-20
identify three spirit entities, but do not say they are three in one.
Paul’s salutation at 2 Corinthians 13:14 identify the three separate
spirit entities, but do not say they belong to a trinity. God does not
share his name or glory with anyone! (Isaiah 42:8; 44:6; 48:11) The
unity emphasized at Ephesians 4:3-6 proves He is a monotheistic
God, one God and Father of all. (SEE: UNITY, TRADITIONS OF
MEN, FALSE DOCTRINE and MONOTHEISTIC)

TROAS: The city of Troas was one of the most important cities in
northwest Asia at the time of the apostle Paul. (Acts 16:8-10; 20:5-
12) (2 Corinthians 2:12)
TROPHIMUS: Trophimus was an Ephesian Gentile who became a
Christian during Paul’s Ephesian ministry. (Acts 21:29) Trophimus
traveled with Paul on the trip through Macedonia into Asia Minor
and to Jerusalem. (Acts 20:3-5, 17, 22) He was seen with Paul and
several others on the temple grounds. (Acts 21:26-30; 24:6)
Trophimus became sick while on another trip. (2 Timothy 4:20)

TRUMPET: Trumpets were made from animal horns. They used

them to call an army together or announce something important.
(Numbers 10:2-10) (Joshua 6:4-20) (1 Corinthians 15:52)

TRUTH: Hebrew: “emeth” and Greek: “ale’theia” means what is

right and proper, reality in fact. Jehovah is the God of truth.
(Psalms 31:5) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the way the truth and
the life. (John 14:6) All Christians must walk in the truth. (John
4:23-24) Jesus asked his father to sanctify his followers by the truth.
He said: “your word is truth.” God’s Word is truth. (John 17:17)
(James 1:18” Be sure to take the time and effort to allow the Bible to
interpret itself. Research all of the Scriptures related to each subject
or belief before you make that belief your own. (SEE:
TRANSLATION NOTES, What is Truth?)

TRYPHAENA: The apostle Paul sends his greetings and commends

Tryphaena for her hard work at Romans 16:12.

TRYPHOSA: This Christian woman of Rome was greeted and

commended by Paul at Romans 16:12.

TSADHEH: Tsadheh is the 18th letter in the Hebrew alphabet. In the

Hebrew language, it appears as the first letter in each of the eight
verses in Psalm 119:137-144.

TUBAL, SON OF JAPHETH: This Tubal was one of the seven sons
of Japheth. (Genesis 10:2) (1 Chronicles 1:5)

TUBAL, THE LAND: The people of Tubal are included among those
uniting with “God of the land of Magog” who called the head
chieftan of Meshech and Tubal. The people of Tubal come storming
out of the remotest parts of the north to attack Jehovah’s people.
(Ezekiel 27:13; 38:2, 3; 39:1, 2) God foretells that he will send
envoys to proclaim his glory to Tubal, Javan, and other lands.
(Isaiah 66:19) Some Bible experts think Tubal was northeast of
Cilicia in northeastern Asia Minor since there were copper mines in
the region.
TUBAL-CAIN: Tubal-Cain was the Son of Lamech by his second
wife Zillah. That made him a descendant of Cain and half brother of
Jabal and Jubal. His sister’s name was Naamah. As a forger of tools
of copper and iron he was probably considered a tool maker.
(Genesis 4:17-22)

TURBAN: Men wore a head covering made of cloth wrapped around

the head.

TURQUOISE: Turquoise is a semiprecious gemstone ranging in

color from light blue to dull green. It contains hydrous phosphate of
aluminum with traces of copper and iron. When the blue stones are
heated or exposed to the weather they turn green. The high priest
Aaron wore an engraved turquoise stone on his breast piece of
judgment. One of the names of Israel’s twelve tribes was inscribe
upon it. (Exodus 28:2, 15, 18, 21) (Ezekiel 27:2, 16; 28:12, 13)

TURTLEDOVE, MORNING DOVE: The dove is a small wild pigeon.

It is a migratory bird. The turtledove or morning dove is mentioned
in Jeremiah 8:7 along with the birds that migrate annually. The
dove is a shy, gentle bird. It relies on speedy flight as a means of
escaping its enemies. (Psalm 74:19) Abraham included a turtledove
in his offering at the time God concluded a covenant with him.
(Genesis 15:9, 10, 17, 18) Doves were acceptable in certain sacrifices.
(Leviticus 1:14; 5:7, 11; 12:6, 8) (Numbers 6:10, 11) Mary offered
either two turtledoves or two young pigeons at the temple after
Jesus’ birth. (Luke 2:22-24)

TUTOR: The Greek word “pai-da-go-gos” means child leader, an

instructor, teacher or tutor. Galatians 3:24, 25 relates that the Law
has become our tutor leading to Christ. The apostle Paul said we
were held in custody by the law at Galatians 3:23. He spoke of
having ten thousand tutors in Christ in his first letter to the
Corrinthians. (1 Corinthians 4:14, 15)

TYCHICUS: This brother came from Asia to serve with the Apostle
Paul. (Acts 20:4) (Ephesians 6:21-22) (Colossians 4:7-9)

TYRANNUS: The apostle Paul reasoned daily in the school of

Tyrannus after having encountered resistance in the Jewish
synagogue. (Acts 19:9, 10)

TYRE: A large city in Phoenicia, which is now part of Lebanon.

(Mark 7:24-31) (Acts 12:20)
 SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY
U

UCAL: Agur addressed the message written to Ucal in Proverbs

chapter 30. Ical may have been the disciple of Agur. (Proverbs 30:1)

UEL: Ezra counseled Uel to send away his foreign wife. Uel was one
of the sons of Bani who sent away their foreign wives and sons.
(Ezra 10:10, 11, 34, 44)

ULAI: The Ulai was the watercourse that flowed through Shushan in
Elam. Daniel received the vision of the ram and the he-goat along
the Ulai. (Daniel 8:1-6, 16)

ULAM, FATHER OF BEDAN: This is the father of Bedan of the tribe

of Manasseh. (1 Chronicles 7:14-17)

ULAM, DESCENDANT OF SAUL: This Ulam was a distant

descendant of Saul. He was from the tribe of Benjamin. He had 150
sons and grandsons. (1 Chronicles 8:33, 39, 40)

ULCERS, BOILS: The Hebrew word “shechin” means boils or

ulcers. Ulcers are external or internal, developing on the skin or on
mucous surfaces. They often discharge pus and cause disintegration
and death of skin tissue. They can be very painful, as Job would
attest. (Job 2:7) The term ulcer is used figuratively also. Israel,
specifically Ephraim, was depicted as being sick and Judah as
having an ulcer. These are conditions resulting from wrong-doing.
(Hosea 5:13) (Jeremiah 30:12-15) Luke 16:20-21 and Revelation
16:2, 10-11 depicts a figurative use of sickness and sores.

ULLA: An Asherite named Ulla had three sons who were tribal
family heads and valiant warriors. (1 Chronicles 7: 39-40)

UMMAH: Ummah was a city located on the boundary of Asher’s

territory. (Joshua 19:29-31)

UNBELIEF: Unbelief is disbelief or a rejection of the faith. John

pointed out that unbelief was the same as disobedience at John
3:36. The Greek word there is “apeith’eo.” It means disbelieve,
unbelieving, willful disobedience. This substantiates the Bible fact
that to believe is to obey. Thus obedience is required for salvation!

UNCIRCUMCISED: SEE CIRCUMCISION.

UNCLE: The Hebrew word “dohdh” is rendered uncle or father’s
brother. (Leviticus 10:4; 20:20; 25:49) (Numbers 36:11) (1 Samuel
10:14-16)

UNCLEAN: The Bible speaks about both people and animals being
unclean in God’s sight. If a person disobeyed the rules about being
clean, he was called unclean and could not serve God until he was
made clean again. Leviticus Chapter 11 and Acts 10:9-15 tells about
unclean animals. Leviticus Chapters 12 through 15 identifies the acts
of unclean people. We learn at Acts Chapter 10 that everyone may
be declared clean through faith and obedience in God through Jesus
Christ.

UNDERSTANDING: Jehovah God is the Source of all

understanding. (Psalm 136:5-9) (Proverbs 3:19-20) (Jeremiah
10:12-13) The Hebrew words “bin” and “binah’” mean
understanding. They emphasize the specific aspects of discerning. (1
Samuel 3:8) (2 Samuel 12:19) (Psalm 19:12) (Daniel 9:2) Also the
importance of giving thoughtful consideration is stressed.
(Deuteronomy 32:7) (Proverbs 14:15) (Daniel 11:37) An
understanding person is able to see a matter and discern its
composition while separating individual factors involved. A person
truly wanting to please God prays: Give me understanding, that I
may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)

UNKNOWN GOD: The men of Athens erected an altar inscribed

with the words: To an Unknown God. Stoics, Epicureans, and
others assembled at the Areopagus. They heard Paul present a
discourse about the true God who was unknown to them but known
to Christians. (Acts 17:18-34)

UNITY: The apostle Paul points out that there is complete and total
unity in the Christian congregation. He says at Ephesians 4:4-6 that
there is one body, one Spirit and one hope, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism. Now he emphasizes the fact that there is a monotheistic
God, no not two spirit beings in one, not even three spirit beings in
one, but ONE GOD and father of all! Jesus prays for unity at John
17:11, 21. He emphasized the need for all believers to be in unity
with the Father and with the Son. They are not some kind of weird
conglomeration composed of Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and all
believers. They are all separate entities who are: “perfectly jointed
together (united) in the same mind and thought” (1 Corinthians
1:10) SEE TRINITY
UNITARIAN: A unitarian is a person who rejects the doctrine of the
Trinity and believes that God is one single spirit being. The position
that God is one single spirit being is overwhelmingly supported by
the Holy Scriptures. Jehovah is God, the Holy Spirit is God’s power,
and Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The most outstanding Scripture
that supports the unitarian position is found at Deuteronomy 6:4,
“Listen Israel! Jehovah our God is one God (Jehovah). SEE: JESUS
CHRIST, TRINITY, UNITY

UNLEAVENED BREAD: Bread made without yeast is unleavened

bread. It was used in the Passover Feast. (Exodus 12:20)
(Deuteronomy 16:1-4)

UNLEAVENED BREAD, DAY OF: The Day of Unleavened Bread

was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened bread or Passover.
(Matthew 26:17) (Luke 22:7)

UNNI: A Levite musician named Unni played a stringed instrument

in the procession that brought the Ark of the Covenant to
Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:3, 16-20)

UPHAZ: Uphaz was a location where gold was found in ancient

times. (Jeremiah 10:9) (Daniel 10:5)

UPPER ROOM: Jesus and his followers met in an upstairs room in

a house to celebrate the Passover. (Mark 14:14-15) (Luke 22:8-12)

UR: Ur means light, or the moon city, a city of the Chaldees.

(Genesis 11:28, 31) It was the largest city of Shinar or northern
Chaldea, and the principal commercial center of the country.

URBANUS: The apostle Paul greeted a Roman Christian named

Urbanus at Romans 16:9.

URI, FATHER OF BEZALEL: Uri was a descendant of Judah

through Perez, Hezron, Caleb, and Hur. He was the father of
Bezalel. His son Bezalel was a noted tabernacle craftsman. (Exodus
31:2; 35:30; 38:22) (1 Chronicles 2:4, 5, 9, 18-20) (2 Chronicles 1:5)

URI, FATHER OF GEBER: This Uri was the father of Geber. Geber
was one of Solomon’s food deputies. (1 Kings 4:7, 19)

URI, LEVITE GATEKEEPER: Uri was one of the three Levite

gatekeepers who sent away their foreign wives and sons as a result
of Ezra’s counsel. (Ezra 10:10, 11, 24, 44)
URIAH, SOLDIER: Uriah was a soldier in King David’s army. After
David committed adultery with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba he had
Uriah killed. (2 Samuel 11) Psalm 51 records David’s prayer of
sincere repentance.

URIAH, PRIEST AND WITNESS: A priest by the name of Uriah

witnessed when Isaiah wrote his son’s name, Maher-shalal-hash-
baz, on a tablet. (Isaiah 8:1-2)

URIAH, THE PRIEST FOR EZRA: This man was the priest who
stood at Ezra’s right when he read from the Law to the returned
exiles assembled at the Water Gate in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 8:1-4)

URIEL, SON OF TAHATH: Uriel was the son of Tahath. He was a

Levite descendant of Kohath. (1 Chronicles 6:22, 24)

URIEL, THE KOHATHITE: This Uriel was the leader of the

Kohathites when David had the Ark of the Covenant brought to
Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 15:5, 11, 12, 15)

URIEL, FATHER OF MICAIAH: Uriel was the father of Micaiah

(Maacah). Maacah was the wife of King Rehoboam. She was the
mother of Abijah. (2 Chronicles 13:1, 2; 11:21)

URIJAH, THE PRIEST: Urijah was a priest during the time King
Ahaz of Judah reigned. (761-746 B.C.E.) Urijah built a huge altar
designed after the pattern of altar that Tiglath-pileser III used. King
Ahaz required that it be built and used instead of Jehovah’s altar. (2
Kings 16:8-16)

URIJAH, PROPHET OF JEHOVAH: This son of Shemaiah from

Kiriath-jearim was a prophet of Jehovah during the reign of
Jehoiakim. Urijah prophesied against Judah and Jerusalem the
same as Jeremiah did. Urijah fled to Egypt, Jehoiakim had him
brought back and slain. His body was thrown into a comon
graveyard. (Jeremiah 26:20-23)

URIJAH, SON OF HAKKOZ: This Urijah was a priest whose son

Meremoth was one of the priests Ezra entrusted with the gold,
silver, and temple vessels. Urijah’s son Meremoth later helped
repair Jerusalem’s wall. (Ezra 8:33) (Nehemiah 3:4, 21)

URIM AND THUMMIM: These objects were used to determine the

divine will of Jehovah God. They were used in order to settle
important national issues. Moses dressed in the breast piece and
put the Urim and Thummim in the breast piece. (Exodus 31:18,
28:9, 12, 30) Many Bible commentators believe that the Urim and
the Thummim were lots. Their thought is that there were three
pieces, one inscribed with the word “yes” one with “no” and the
third “blank.” If the blank piece was drawn there was to be no
answer at that time. James Moffatt’s translation calls them “the
sacred lots’ at Exodus 28:30. It is not known for sure what they
were.

USURY: The sum of money, interest, paid for the use of money. The
Hebrews were forbidden to exact usury in their dealings with each
other. (Leviticus 25:36-37) (Deuteronomy 23:19-20) It was a great
crime to violate this law. (Psalm 15:5) (Proverbs 28:8) (Jeremiah
15:10)

UTENSILS: Hebrew: keli’ means utensils. It is translated “articles”

(Genesis 24:53) (Exodus 3:22) (Leviticus 13:49, 52, 57-59)
“implements” (Genesis 27:3) “equipment” (Genesis 45:20)
“utensils” (Exodus 25:39; 27:3, 19; 30:27-28; 31:7-9) The Hebrew
word “keli’” is used to designate the different utensils used in the
Tent of Sanctuary. Included in this list: dishes, pitchers, shovels,
bowls, snuffers, basins and cups. (Exodus 25:29-30, 39; 27:3, 19)

UTHAI, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: Uthai was a resident of

Jerusalem. He was a descendant of Judah through Perez. (1
Chronicles 9:3, 4)

UTHAI, SON OF BIGVAI: Uthai was the head of a paternal house

among the sons of Bigvai. He traveled with Ezra to Jerusalem in
468 B.C.E. (Ezra 8:1, 14)

UZ, THE LAND OF: Job lived in the land of Uz. (Job 1:1) (Jeremiah
25:20) This land was somewhere east or southeast of Palestine and
north of Edom. Jeremiah received the commission to pass the cup
of God’s wrath to “the kings of the land of Uz.” The context of that
verse names Philistia, Edom, Moab, and Ammon. (Jeremiah 25:15,
17, 20, 21)

UZ, SON OF ARAM: This man named Uz was the son of Aram and
great-grandson of Noah through Shem. (Genesis 10:22, 23) (1
Chronicles 1:17)

UZ, SON OF NAHOR: Uz was the firstborn son of Nahor and

Milcah. He was the nephew of Abraham. (Genesis 22:20, 21)
UZAI: Uzai’s son Palal helped Nehemiah build Jerusalem’s wall.
(Nehemiah 3:25)

UZAL, SON OF JOKTAN: Uzal was the sixth of Joktan’s 13 sons.

The tribe of Uzal descended from him. (Genesis 10:26-29) (1
Chronicles 1:21) The capital of Yemen Arab Republic was called Azal
in ancient tradition, and was connected with Uzal.

UZAL, THE TOWN: Tyre’s traders purchased “wares from Uzal.”

“Wrought iron, cassia and sweet cane were among the
merchandise.” (Ezekiel 27:19) It was probably located near the
upper Tigris River in northeast what was then Syria.

UZZA GARDEN: King Manasseh and King Amon, both of Judah,

were buried in the Garden of Uzza instead of the usual royal burial
places. (2 Kings 21:18, 23, 26) It has been speculated that Uzza
Garden was at a royal summer residence.

UZZA, THE BENJAMITE: (1 Chronicles 8:1, 7)

UZZA, FAMILY HEAD OF NETHINIM: This Uzza was a family

head of Nethinim. Some of the Nethinim returned to Jerusalem
after the Babalonian exile. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 43, 49) (Nehemiah 7:51)

UZZAH, THE LEVITE: Uzzah was a Merarite Lebite. (1 Chronicles

6:29)

UZZAH, SON OF ABINADAB: When King David ordered the Ark of

the Covenant be brought to Jerusalem Uzzah and his brother Ahio
led the wagon carrying the Ark. The wagon nearly upset. Uzzah tried
to prevent it from happening and he touched the Ark. Jehovah
instructed that under no circumstances was the Ark to be touched
by unauthorized persons. So Jehovah struck Uzzah dead. (2 Samuel
6:3-8)(1 Chronicles 13:7-11)

UZZEN-SHEERAH: It was reported that Sheerah, an Ephraimite

woman, built the town of Uzzen-Sheerah. (1 Chronicles 7:22-24)

UZZI, OF THE TRIBE OF ISSACHAR: This Uzzi was a son of the

descendant of Tola in the tribe of Issachar. He became the head of
an ancestral house. (1 Chronicles 7:1-3)

UZZI, DESCENDANT OF AARON: Uzzi was a descendant of Aaron

through Eleazar in the lineage of high priests. He may have been
great-grandson of Phinehas. Uzzi was a forefather of Ezra, the Bible
writer of the book of Ezra. (1 Chronicles 6:3-6, 51) (Ezra 7:1-5)

UZZI, DESCENDANT OF BENJAMIN: Uzzi was a descendant of

Benjamin through Belah. He was a tribal family head. (1 Chronicles
7:6-7) Another Benjamite named Uzzi had a son who lived after the
return to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:3, 7-9)

UZZI, THE PRIEST: One Uzzi was the overseer of the Levites in
Jerusalem after they returned from exile. He was a descendant of
Asaph. (Nehemiah 11:22) Yet another man named Uzzi was also a
priest. He was the head of the paternal house of Jedaiah at the time
of High Priest Jeshua’s successor Joiakim. (Nehemiah 12:1-42)

UZZIA: Uzzia was an Ashterathite from the town of Ashtaroth east

of the Jordan River. He was a mighty man in David’s military forces.
(1 Chronicles 11:26, 44) (Joshua 9:10)

UZZIAH THE KING OF JUDAH: Uzziah was also called Azariah.

He was the son of Amaziah by his wife Jecoliah. After the death of
his father, the people of Judah made Uzziah king at age 16. He
reigned for 52 years. (2 Kings 14:21) (2 Chronicles 26:1) The
prophets Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1, 6:1), Hosea (Hosea 1:1), Amos (Amos
1:1), and Joel were contemporaries of Uzziah. Uzziah was righteous
in Jehovah’s eyes. But his subjects committed improper sacrificing
at high places. (2 Chronicles 26:4, 5) Uzziah had many military
successes with the help of God. He restored Elath to the kingdom of
Judah and rebuilt that city at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba. He also
promoted agricultural interest in the land and build many cisterns
to provide a plentiful water supply for farming. (2 Chronicles 26:10)

UZZIAH, SON OF URIEL: This Uzziah was the son of Uriel. He was
a Kohathite Levite. (1 Chronicles 6:22-24)

UZZIAH, FATHER OF JOHATHAN: Another Uzziah was the

Uzziah whose son Jonathan was an official of King David. (1
Chronicles 27:25)

UZZIAH, LEVITE PRIEST: This Uzziah was a Levite priest of the

sons of Harim. (1 Chronicles 24:8) (Ezra 2:36, 39) He dismissed his
foreign wife in order to be in compliance with Ezra’s command.
(Ezra 10:10, 11, 21, 44)
UZZIAH, DESCENDANT OF JUDAH: This Uzziah was a
descendant of Judah through Perez. His son Athaiah lived in
Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time. (Nehemiah 11:4)

UZZIEL, LEVI’S GRANDSON: Uzziel was Kohath’s four sons. Uzziel

was uncle to Moses and Aaron. His three sons, Mishael, Elzaphan,
and Sithri, were heads of tribal families in the tribe of Levi. (Exodus
6:16, 18, 20, 22) (Leviticus 10:4) (Numbers 3:19, 30) (1 Chronicles
6:2, 18)

UZZIEL, LEVITE MUSICIAN: Uzziel was a Levite musician of the

family of Herman. He was appointed the head of David’s 11th
musical division. Uzziel was also called Azarel. (1 Chronicles 25:4,
18)

UZZIEL, DESCENDANT OF JUDUTHUN: Uzziel was a descendant

of Jeduthun. He helped dispose of the unclean things removed from
the temple during Hezekiah’s reign. (2 Chronicles 29:12, 14, 16)

UZZIEL, SON OF ISHI: Uzziel was one of the four Simeonite sons of
Ishi. They led 500 men to Mount Seir to fight the remnant of
Amalekites who lived there. Uzziel lived when Hezekiah lived. (1
Chronicles 4:41-43)

UZZIEL, THE GOLDSMITH: This Uzziel was the goldsmith who

helped repair the wall at Jerusalem under Nehemiah’s direction. He
was the son of Harhaiah. (Nehemiah 3:8)

UZZIEL, OF THE TRIBE OF BENJAMIN: Uzziel was the family

head in the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Bela. (1 Chronicles
7:6, 7)

UZZIELITES: The Levite descendants of Kohath’s fourth son Uzziel

were referred to as Uzzielites. (Numbers 3:19, 27) One hundred and
twelve Uzzielites were let by Amminadab as they accompanied the
Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem for David. (1 Chronicles 15:3, 4,
10) The Uzzielites participated in David’s organization of temple
service. (1 Chronicles 23:6, 20; 24:24; 26:23, 24)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

V

VEGABOND: The Latin word “vagabundus” means a wonderer and

a fugitive. (Genesis 4:12) (Psalm 109:10)
VAGEB: This place was near the Arnon in Suphah. (Numbers 21:14)

VAIZATHA: Vaizatha was one of Haman’s ten sons. (Esther 9:9-10)

VALLEY: A valley is a depression between bluffs, hills, or

mountains. (Psalm 104:8) Notable valleys mentioned in the Bible
include: The Valley of Moab in front of Bethpeor and Valley of Salt.
(Deuteronomy 3:29; 34:6) (2 Samuel 8:13) Figurative and Prophetic
valleys include: valley of the shadow of death; Valley of
Jehoshaphat; and Valley of decision. (Psalm 23:1, 4) (Joel 3:12, 14)
Nearly all Bible translations use the term “valley” and not the term
“low plain”. The New Simplified Bible uses the more commonly
understood word, “valley.”

VANIAH: Vaniah was the son of Bani. He and many other persons
married foreign wives. After Ezra admonished them they dismissed
the foreign wives. (Ezra 10:10, 11, 34-36, 44)

VASHTI: Vashti was the queen of Ahasuerus the king of Persia.

(Esther 1:1-22; 2: 1-17) She was deposed for refusing to attend the
king’s banquit.

VEDAN: Vedan was one of the places where Tyre carried on

commerce. (Ezekiel 27:19)

VEGETATION: Plants. God caused the earth to bring forth

vegetation. (Genesis 1:11-13) At Psalm 102:4, 11 man is compared to
grass that withers away and dies. Psalm 72:16 speak of people
thriving or blossoming like the vegetation of the earth. Isaiah 40:6-
8 likened to grass that withers and dies. Vegetation is used
figuratively in the Holy Scriptures to show the transitoriness of all
mankind. (Revelation 8:7)

VEIL: Hebrew: hatstsaaif and Greek: “katapet’asma” mean a wrap

over, scarf, cloak, veil used as a sign of modesty and subjection and
a door screen or curtain. A head covering usually worn by women is
called a veil or a scarf. (Genesis 24:65) (Song of Solomon 4:1)
(Isaiah 3:19) The curtain in the Temple was also called the Temple
veil. (Matthew 27:51) (Mark 15:38) (Luke 23:45)

VENGEANCE: “Vengeance and retribution belong to me,” says

Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 32:35) “O, Jehovah, God of vengeance,
shine forth.” (Psalm 94:1) The Greek word “ekdike’o” is rendered
avenge. It represents justice achieved. The Holy Scriptures make it
perfectly clear that only God has the right to seek vengeance.
(Romans 12:19) (Hebrews 10:30) The most important purpose for
God taking vengeance is to vindicate and glorify his own name and
sovereignty. (Exodus 14:18) (Psalm 83:13-18) (Isaiah 25:1-5)
(Ezekiel 25:17)

VENOM: Poisonous fluid secreted by snakes and some other

creatures. (Numbers 21:4-9) (Deuteronomyh 8:15) (Acts 28:3-6)
Figurative use of venom speaks of lying, slanderous statements of
the wicked. (Psalm 58:3, 4) The human tongue is misused by
harmful speech “full of death-dealing poison. (James 3:8)

VERMILION: This is a color that is vivid red and sometimes has an

orange tinge. (Jeremiah 22:14)

VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE: Versions and translations are usually

one and the same. Therefore a version of the Bible is a translation of
the Holy Scriptures from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into other
languages. Early versions were handwritten. Since the invention of
the printing press, many versions, or translations, have been
printed. Some versions are prepared directly from the original
languages and others are based on other translations that were not
of the original languages. The Septuagint is a translation from the
original languages into Greek. The Syriac Peshitta, and the Latin
Vulgate were prepared directly from the original Hebrew and Greek
languages. The Peshitta of Syriac speaking people was used from the
fifth century C.E. until now. The word “Peshitta” means “simple.”
The foremost Bible scholar, Eusebius Hieronymus, wrote the Latin
Vulgate. He was also known as Jerome. It was offered to the Roman
Catholic Church in about 405 C.E. Many opposed it at first but it
gradually gained approval. It was revised in 1592.

VICTORY: A successful ending of a struggle or a contest is a victory.

The apostle Paul spoke of the victory Christians would experience
over sin and death at 1 Corinthians 15:53-55. The apostle John
wrote that our faith is the victory that conquers the world at 1 John
5:4.

VILLAGES: The Hebrew word “perazon” means habitations in the

open country, unwalled villages. (Judges 5:7, 11)

VESSELS: Vessels are receptacles that hold substances, either liquid

or solid. They are objects used as containers. Some vessels have lids
and some do not. (1 Kings 17:10) (Esther 1:7) (Jeremiah 40:10) Most
vessels were made of clay, wood, metal, or stone. (Leviticus 6:28;
15:12) (Numbers 7:85) (1 Kings 10:21) (Matthew 26:7) Some
containers were jars and bowls. (Isaiah 22:24) Bags, sacks or
baskets were also used as vessels. (Genesis 42:25) (Haggai 1:6)
(Mark 8:19, 20) (2 Corinthians 11:33) Skin bottles and buckets were
also used. (Judges 4:19) (Luke 5:37, 38) (Numbers 24:7) (John 4:11)
The Scriptures often symbolically call people frail earthen vessels.
(Acts 9:15) (2 Corinthians 4:7) (Leviticus 18:19, 20; 20:18) (1 Peter
3:7) Cups are symbolic of God’s anger. (Psalm 11:6; 75:8) (Isaiah
51:17, 22) (Revelation 14:9, 10; 16:19; 18:5-8)

VINE: People drank wine and therefore the Hebrew word “ge’phen”
refers to “the wine vine.” (Numbers 6:4) (Judges 13:14) Jesus used
vine in a figurative use at John 15:1-10. He called himself the true
vine, his Father the cultivator and his disciples the branches. The
most important point he wanted to make was that they were united
with each other just as literal branches, vine, and cultivator are with
each other. The branches could not live without the true vine and
the cultivator. Jesus spoke frequently about vineyards and their
grapes. (Matthew 20:1-16) (Mark 12:1-9) (Luke 20:9-16) Jesus said
the vine of the earth must be destroyed at God’s command for
producing hurtful fruitage. (Revelation 14:15-19)

VINE OF SODOM: This expression is only found at Deuteronomy

32:32. It is lends itself to the illustrative or figurative application.
Sodom is used in the Holy Scriptures to represent moral corruption
and wickedness and thus the Vine of Sodom would represent the
growth of wickedness. (Isaiah 1:10; 3:9) (Jeremiah 23:14)

VINEGAR: Vinegar is a sour liquid produced by fermenting wine or

other alcoholic drinks. Harvesters dipped their bread into vinegar.
(Ruth 2:14) The acid contained in vinegar causes the teeth to feel
very sensitive. (Proverbs 10:26) Jesus received sour wine from a
sponge when it was put to his mouth. (John 19:28-30) (Luke 23:36,
37)

VIOL: Hebrew: “Nebel” means a psaltery, a musical instrument.

(Isaiah 5:12)

VIPER: Hebrew: “epheh” and Greek: “e’khidna.” The viper is a

poisonous snake. (Psalm 140:3) The vipers potent venom is alluded
to at Job 20:16. Paul shook off a biting venomous snake and
suffered no harm. (Acts 28:3-6)

VIRGIN: Most dictionaries define a virgin as a person who has

never had sexual intercourse. This was the situation for Mary, the
mother of Jesus, our Lord. If it were not so the impregnation by
God’s Holy Spirit would mean nothing. (Matthew 1:21-25) Prophecy
written at Isaiah 7:14 was fulfilled: “The virgin will be with child and
will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (God with us).”

VISIONS: Holy servants of God saw visions and dreams. These were
vivid images and perceptual experiences that came to them direct
from Jehovah God. (Luke 1:22; 24:23) (Acts 26:19) (2 Corinthians
12:1)

VISIONARY: The Hebrew word “cho-zeh” means behold and vision.

(Numbers 24:4) (Isaiah 1:1; 21:2; 22:1) (Ezekiel 13:7) (Daniel 8:1)

VOICE: The voice is the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a

person's speech. (Genesis 3:8; 21:17) (Job 4:10) (Daniel 4:31)
(Matthew 27:46)

VOICE OF GOD: Do human beings actually hear the literal voice of

God? Jesus Christ the Son of God emphatically stated: “The Father
who sent me testifies about me. You have not heard his voice nor
seen him at any time. You do not have his Word dwelling in you.
This is because you do not believe in the person he has sent.” (John
5:37, 38) The Christian Greek Scriptures record three occasions
when God spoke audibly to humans: (1) Jesus baptism in 29 C.E.--
Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22. (2) Jesus transfiguration in 32
C.E. with Peter, James, and John present.--Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7;
Luke 9:36. (3) Jesus asked God to glorify his name at John 12:28,
29. God made himself known by means of audible speech, but the
crowd did not understand the voice. It sounded like thunder to
them. Hearing the voice of God frequently means recognizing and
hearing with obedience what God has caused to be written in his
Word! (1 John 2:3, 4) (Psalm 103:20) (Matthew 4:4)

VOPHSI: Vophsi was a Naphtalite whose son Nahbi was one of the
12 Israelites sent to spy out Canaan. (Numbers 13:2, 14)

VOW: A vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform some act

of righteousness. It is a voluntary expression made of one’s own free
will. (Matthew 5:33) A vow has no merit in the eyes of God unless it
is in harmony with his righteous laws and issues from the right kind
of heart condition. (Psalm 51:16-17)

VULTURE: Hebrew: “ra-cham” means vulture, “oz-ni-yah” means

black vulture. The vulture is a large carrion-eating bird. Carrion is
defined as dead and rotting flesh. The vulture consumes the dead
carcasses and putrefying flesh that might otherwise cause disease.
This bird is listed as unclean in the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 11:13, 18)
(Deuteronomy 14:12, 17) The book of Revelation offers prophesy
about the large birds that eat the flesh of the dead men and animals
that die in the great war of God the Almighty. (Revelation 19:17, 18)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

W

WAFERS: Thin cakes called wafers were used in various offerings.

(Exodus 16:31; 29:2, 23) (Leviticus 2:4; 7:12; 8:26) (Numbers 6:15,
19)

WAGON: Wagons and carts were simple vehicles. Usually they were
made of wood, some had spokes and some had solid wheels. Some
were two wheeled open decks with a tongue or pole in front. (1
Samuel 6:14) (Numbers 7:2-9)

WALLS: Masonry and stone structures that serve as barriers for

protection were called walls. The walls of David’s palace were of cut
stone. (2 Samuel 5:11) City walls were erected around the city to
prevent enemy invasion. (1 Kings 4:13) (Isaiah 25:12) Walls are also
symbolic mentioned in a figurative way. (1 Samuel 25:16) (Proverbs
18:11) (Ezekiel 13:10) (Revelation 21:2, 12, 14, 17-19)

WAR AND RUMORS OF WAR: Jesus prophesied about the last

days at Matthew Chapter 24. He said: “You will hear of wars and
rumors of wars.” (Matthew 24:6-7) (Mark 13:7-8) (Luke 21:9-10)
The War of Har-Magedon is God’s war to rid the earth of
wickedness. It is reported at Revelation Chapter 16.

WASHING FEET: This act of friendship and hospitality was a

common practice in the average home of the common people. The
host provided the vessels and water for visitors to wash their own
feet. (Judges 19:21) (1 Samuel 25: 40-42) Great humility and
affection was expressed when the host or hostess personally washed
the visitor’s feet. A weeping sinful woman wet Jesus’ feet with her
tears, wiped them with her hair. She kissed his feet and greased
them with perfumed oil. (Luke 7:36-50) Jesus Christ washed his
apostles’ feet to teach them a lesson. (John 13:1-16) This served as a
reminder to Christians to serve their brothers and sisters lovingly by
performing humble tasks in their behalf. (John 13:34-35)

WASHING HANDS: Hands were frequently washed with water

poured upon them into a container over which the hands were held.
(2 Kings 3:11) The Law required that the priests wash their hands
and feet at the copper basin located near the sanctuary and the altar
before ministering at the altar. (Exodus 30:18-21) David wanted
morally clean hands so he would be able to worship before
Jehovah’s altar. (Psalm 26:6) Pilate vainly tried to clear himself of
the bloodguilt of Jesus death by washing his hands. (Matthew
27:24) The Pharisees would not eat unless they washed their hands
up to the elbow. (Mark 7:2-5) (Matthew 15:2) The Babylonian
Talmud associates one eating with unwashed hands with having
relations with a harlot.

WATCHMAN: A watchman is a guard who keeps watch against

possible harm to persons or property. In military service a
watchman is call a guard or sentry. (Jeremiah 51:12) (Acts 12:6;
28:16) Watchmen were usually stationed on the city walls and
towers. (2 Samuel 18:24-27) (2 Kings 9:17-20)

WATCHTOWER: Watchtowers were lookout posts built above city

walls. Watchmen stationed themselves there to watch for trouble. (2
Chronicles 20:24) (Isaiah 21:8; 32:14)

WATER: The major part of living matter is water. In fact the

human body is more than 70% water. (Revelation 14:7) When God
created the earth he created endless mounts of water. (Genesis 1:6-
8) God installed a wonderful watering system recorded at Genius
2:6.

WATERS: People and nations. (Revelation 17:15; 21:1) (Isaiah

57:20) Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-36) Living water.
(John 4:1-15)

WATERMELON: Hebrew: avat-ti’-ach means watermelon. It is a

large oblong and round fruit with a hard rind and sweet pulp high in
water content. (Numbers 11:4, 5)

WAW: Waw is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

WAX: The Bible refers to melting wax in a poetic sense. It speaks of

the heart melting like wax. (Psalm 22:14) The mountains melt like
wax. (Psalm 97:5) (Micah 1:4)

WAY, THE: Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. (John
14:6) Early Christianity was known as the way. (Acts 9:1-2; 19:9,
23; 22:4)
WEANING: Weaning is the process of training a child to take hard
food instead of milk from nursing. The time when breastfeeding was
discontinued was an important stage in the young one’s life. (Isaiah
11:8; 28:9) Abraham called for a feast at the weaning of Isaac.
(Genesis 21:8)

WEASEL: The Hebrew term “holedh” could mean weasel or mole.

Both are common in Palestine. This translation includes both in the
list of unclean animals found at Leviticus 11:29.

WEAVING: Weaving is the process of interlacing sets of threads or

reeds lengthwise and crosswise to make cloth or baskets. (Leviticus
13:59) Weaving was done mostly by women, but men also did it. (2
Kings 23:7) (1 Chronicles 4:21) The Hebrews and Egyptians used a
basic frame as a loom. (Judges 16:13, 14) (Isaiah 19:1, 9, 10)

WEEDS: Any plant that crowds out cultivated plants is a weed.

Weeds serve no apparent useful purpose where they grow. The
Hebrew word “bo’shah” means stink. It appropriately describes a
variety of foul-smelling plants as stinking weeds. Job spoke about
stinking weeds at Job 31:40. The Hebrew term “choh’ach”
designates thorny plants or weeds. (Isaiah 34:13) (Hosea 9:6)

WEEK: The Hebrew word for week is “shavu’a.” It stands for a

sevenfold unit or period. The Greek word “sab’ba-ton” comes from
the Hebrew word for Sabbath meaning seventh day. God set the
precedent for the seven-day time division by dividing his creative
work period into six days or units of time. He then ended the period
with a seventh day of rest. (Genesis 2:2, 3) The complexity of
creation dictates that these were not 24-hour days. The days of the
standard week were 24 hours each. They were not given names but
were simply called by number with the exception of the seventh day
called the Sabbath. (Exodus 20:8) The seven-day cycles were
governed by the four phases of the moon and started again with
each new moon.

WEEPING, CRYING: Weeping and crying is the process of shedding

tears. It is usually accompanied by sobs and other sounds of grief.
Both men and women weep. David and his mighty warriors even
wept. It was not considered a sign of weakness. (Genesis 42:24;
43:30; 45:2, 3, 14, 15; 46:29) (Ruth 1:9, 14) (Job 30:25) (Psalm 6:6-
8) Feelings of personal loss or affliction, deep concern and intense
feeling for others often prompt weeping. With weeping, the apostle
Paul spoke of those walking as enemies of the stake of Christ. (Php
3:18, 19) Even our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, petitioned his
Father with strong crying and tears. (Hebrews 5:7)

WELL: Hebrew: “be’er” means a well, pit or hole in the ground.

Most of the Mid-East has long dry seasons. That makes having a
good well very important. Wells were named after their geographic
location, Beersheba (Genesis 21:14), Beerelem (Isaiah 15:8), Beer
(Nu 21:16-18). Abraham owned the well at Beersheba. (Genesis
21:25-31; 26:20-21)

WEST: Hebrew: “yam” means sea. The Mediterranean Sea lay in the
west. (Joshua 1:4) (Genesis 28:14) (Exodus 10:19) (Zechariah 14:4)
The Hebrew word “ma-arav” is used to denote the sunset which was
in the west. (Isaiah 43:5; 59:19) Jesus spoke of eastern parts and
western parts at Matthew 8:11. It is literally from risings and
settings of the sun. (Matthew 24:27) (Luke 12:54; 13:29) (Revelation
21:13)

WHEEL: The wheel is a simple machine consisting of a circular

frame with spokes. It rotates on an axle or shaft. Wooden planks
were pegged together and rounded in ancient times. (Exodus 14:25)
(Isaiah 5:28; 28:27) Solomon had ten copper carriages. Each had a
copper axle and four chariot-like copper wheels. (1 Kings 7:27-33)
Ezekiel envisioned Jehovah riding upon a swift moving chariot. Its
four wheels had rims filled with eyes. There were wheels within
wheels apparently at right angles. This made it possible to go
forward or sideways without changing the angle of the wheels, a
brilliant idea that mankind has not effectively mastered. (Ezekiel
1:1-21; 3:13) Daniel envisioned the Ancient of Days, Jehovah, seated
upon a heavenly wheeled throne also. (Daniel 7:1, 9, 10) (Psalm
97:1-3)

WHEAT: Wheat is an annual or biennial grass having erect flower

spikes and light brown grains. The grains are sometimes cooked
whole or cracked as cereal but the majority of the time they are
ground into flour. The Hebrew word “chit-tah’” meaning wheat is
either used by itself or mixed with other grains, ground into flour,
and made into bread. (Exodus 29:2) (Ezekiel 4:9) It was used as
offerings made to Jehovah. (1 Chronicles 23:29) (Ezra 6:9, 10) The
Holy Scriptures offer illustrative reference to wheat. It represents
persons acceptable to Jehovah. They are called the sons of the
kingdom. (Matthew 3:12; 13:24-30, 37, 38) (Luke 3:17) Jesus and
Paul mentioned wheat in illustrating the resurrection. (John 12:24)
(1 Corinthians 15:35-38) Jesus also spoke of the sifting of wheat at
Luke 22:31.
WHIP: A whip is a flexible cord or leather lash with a handle. It was
used to beat humans. (2 Chronicles 10:11, 14) It was also used to
drive animals. (Proverbs 26:2) (Nahum 3:2) Using a whip made
with rope, Jesus drove the sellers of sheep, cattle and doves out of
the temple. (John 2:13-17)

WICKED, WICKEDNESS: Hebrew: verb “ra-sha” means wicked.

(Genesis 18:23) (2 Samuel 22: 22) (Psalm 37:10) (Isaiah 26:10) The
Greek word “poneri’a” is that which is wicked in a moral or physical
sense. (Luke 6:45) (Matthew 7:17, 18) Behavior that does not
conform to God’s standard of moral excellence is wicked.

WIDOW: A woman who lost her husband in death and has not
remarried is a widow. Death of the husband severs the marriage
bond. This leaves the widow free to remarry if she chooses to do so.
(Ruth 1:8-13) (Romans 7:2, 3) (1 Corinthians 7:8, 9) Jesus half
brother James emphasizes the importance of looking after orphans
and widows. (James 1:27) In a figurative sense Babylon the Great
boasts that she will never become a widow. Yet that is just what she
becomes. The account is found at Revelation chapter 18.

WIFE: A wife is a married woman, a man’s partner in marriage.

Jehovah referred to a wife as one owned by a husband at Isaiah
62:4. Man was the head of the house and was his wife’s owner
(Hebrew: ba’al). The wife occupied a dignified and honorable place
in the household. When the headship principle is properly applied it
is filled with immeasurable love. (1 Corinthians 11:3) A description
of a good wife is found at Proverbs chapter 31. Wives and husbands
are to be in subjection to each other in love. (Ephesians 5:22-24) (1
Corinthians 7:2-4) (1 Timothy 3:2) In a figurative way Jehovah
spoke of Israel as his wife at Isaiah 54:6. The anointed Christian
congregation is spoken of as the bride, or wife, of Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 5:23, 25) (Revelation 19:7; 21:2, 9)

WILDERNESS: Hebrew: “midh-bar” refers to sparsely settled,

uncultivated land, often semiarid desert. (Psalm 65:12) (Psalm
78:40) (Jeremiah 2:2; 50:12) The Hebrew word “yeshi-mohn”
speaks of natural waste or desert. (Psalm 68:7) (Isaiah 43:19, 20)
John the Baptist lived and preached in the wilderness (Greek: “e’re-
mos”). (Matthew 3:1) After being baptized, Jesus fasted and was
tempted by Satan in a wilderness region. (Matthew 4:1)

WILDERNESS OF JUDAH: SEE JUDAH, WILDERNESS OF.

WILLOW: Hebrew: “tsaph-tsa-phah” means willow tree. (Ezekiel
17:5) This word is only found once in the Holy Scriptures.

WIND: The Hebrew word “ru’ach” is rendered spirit, breath or

wind. It can also denote air in motion, wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:6) The
Greek “Pneu’ma” is translated spirit and can also mean wind or
breath. (John 3:8) We learn that all Scripture is inspired of God. It
is God-breathed! (2 Timothy 3:16) The Greek word that prompts
that beautiful thought is “theo-pneustos,” which means God-
spirited.

WINE AND STRONG DRINK: The Hebrew word ya’yin is found

frequently in the Scriptures. It first appears at Genesis 9:20-24.
Noah plants a vineyard after the flood and then becomes intoxicated
from the wine produced from the product. Jesus said not to use old
wineskins for new wine because the old wineskins will burst.
(Matthew 9:17) (Mark 1:22) (Luke 5:37, 38) Strong alcoholic liquors
are referenced in the Scriptures usually designated by the Hebrew
term “she-khar.” (Numbers 28:7) (Deuteronomy 14:26)(Psalm
69:12) (Isaiah 49:26) (Joel 1:5) Beer is also referenced in the
Scriptures designated by the Hebrew word “so’ve.” (Isaiah 1:22)
(Nahum 1:10)

WINEPRESS: See PRESS.

WILL: The Greek: “thel’ema” means determination, choice,

purpose, decree, inclination and desire. (Matthew 6:10)

WINESKINS: Greek: “askos” means a bag or bottle made of an

animal skin. Jesus spoke about wineskins at Matthew 9:17, Mark
2:22, and Luke 5:37, 38.

WINNOWED WITH A SHOVEL: Isaiah speaks about food that has

been winnow with a shovel. (Isaiah 30:24) This tool is like a shovel
or a large fork. It is used to separate the wheat from the chaff.

WISDOM: Wisdom requires the act of utilizing knowledge and

experience with common sense and insight. Biblical wisdom places
emphasis on the use of sound judgment and understanding.
(Proverbs 4:5-7; 10:14; 11:29) Hebrew: “tushiyah” means effectual
working and wisdom and Greek: “phro’nimos” and “phro’nesis”
mean sensibleness and discretion and wisdom. Respect and
reverence for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)
We should seek God’s wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2: 19-25) Man’s
wisdom will not save us!
WITCH: The word witch occurs only once in the Scriptures at
Exodus 22:18. It says: Never allow a witch to live. This comes from
the Hebrew word “mekhashshepheh.” The feminine form of the
word means enchantress or sorceress. A witch is someone dealing in
magic and evil spirits.

WITCHCRAFT: God warned his people against the practice of

witchcraft and magic. The power of Satan the Devil is called upon in
the practice of witchcraft. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) (Galatians 5:19-
21)

WITH: See the word “IN.”

WITNESS: A witness is someone who sees an event and tells what

happened. More than one witness was required in criminal cases.
(Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15) False witnesses were liable to
punishment. (Deuteronomy 19:16-21) It was against the law to
refuse to bear witness. (Leviticus 5:1) A witness is also one who
gives testimony by word and deed of his religious faith. Jesus Christ
told his followers: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit
arrives upon you and you will be witnesses of me to the most distant
part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

WOLF: The Hebrew term “zeev” means a carnivorous animal

resembling a dog. Wolves have large feet; a broad head and strong
jaws. They seek their prey under the cover of darkness and remain
hidden during the day. (Habakkuk 1:8) (Zephaniah 3:3) Shepherds
had to be courageous and resourceful to protect the flock from
wolves. (John 10:12, 13) Most Bible references to the wolf are
illustrative. For example, false teachers were compared to wolves
within the Christian congregation. (Act 20:29, 30)

WOMAN: In the figurative sense a woman is a congregation, an

organization of people, nations. God’s heavenly woman is revealed
at Revelation 12:1, 17. A woman (harlot) can mean the organization
of false religion. (Revelation 17:3)

WOMB: The womb is the female organ where the young are
nourished and grow prior to birth. Jehovah created the womb. He is
able to make it productive. (Genesis 2:22; 20:18; 29:31; 30:22;
49:25) The Bible emphasizes that God is responsible for the
formation of an embryo in the womb. It shows that the design of the
human in the womb is according to God’s pattern and not chance
and evolution. (Job 31:15;10:8) (Psalm 139:13-16) (Isaiah 45:9) The
womb is used in a figurative way at Job 38:8 when it speaks of the
sea bursting forth from the womb. The Psalmist speaks of dew from
the womb of dawn at Psalm 110:1-3. Again this is figurative and
poetic in natuire. It means from the beginning of dawn.

WOOL: Wool is soft hair from sheep. It is used to make clothing.

Wool was often white and was associated with whiteness and purity.
Isaiah compared forgiven sins to white wool at Isaiah 1:18-20. The
Ancient of Days Jehovah is seen in vision as having hair like clean
wool at Daniel 7:9. John saw someone whose head and hair were
white as wool. (Revelation 1:12-14) White garments were
representative of righteousness.

WORD: The ‘Word’ comes from Hebrew: “davar” and Greek:

“logos.” It can mean the message from the Creator as recorded in
the Holy Scriptures. It can also refer to the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Word of God spoken of at John 1:1-3.

The expression word means a complete thought or message.

References to God’s Word are found more than 20 times in Psalm
119. This includes synonyms such as law, reminders, orders,
regulations, commandments, statutes and sayings of Jehovah.

The Word of God is part of the suit of armor described at Ephesians

6:11-17. Verse 17 likens the word as the sword of the Spirit. Paul also
wrote to the Hebrew Christians that the Word of God exerts power
and is sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:11-13)

WORK, WORKS: The Bible speaks of work in many ways. It is both

physical and mental effort to accomplish a purpose or produce
something. Work is considered a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 5:18)
God’s works are filled with wisdom and love. (Psalms 33:4; 86:8;
104:24; 111:7) Jesus said: My father has kept working until now and
I keep working. (John 5:17) He also worked. (John 4:34; 5:36) And
he also encourages his followers to do the works that he did. (John
14:12) It becomes obvious when a person studies the word “work” or
“works” in the Holy Scripture that God expects his faithful believers
to do good work. (James 1:27; 2:14-17; 4:4) Good works do not earn
salvation, but bad or evil works could qualify a person for
destruction. (John 3:36)

WORLD: The Greek word “aion” means Age, a period of time.

(Matthew 24:3) The Greek word “ko’smos” can mean the material
universe. (1 Corinthians 14:10) Kosmos can also mean the world of
mankind. (John 3:16-17; 2 Co 5:19) It can also represent the world
of wicked mankind. (2 Peter 2:5; 3:6) SEE: AGE

WORLD POWERS: Revealed in a dream to King Nebuchadnezzar at

Daniel Chapter two. Seven world powers revealed at Revelation
17:10 and Daniel chapters two and seven.

Egypt: Revealed in world history.

Assyria: Revealed in world history.

Babylon: Head of Gold. (Daniel 2:38)

Medo-Persia: Breasts and Arms of Silver. (Daniel 2:39) Ram with

two horns. (Daniel 8:20)

Greece: Belly and Thighs of Copper. (Daniel 2:39. Hairy male goat.
(Daniel 8:21) Five have fallen. (Revelation 17:10)

Rome: Legs of Iron. (Daniel 2:40) A king fierce in appearance.

(Daniel 8:23) One is. (Revelation 17:10)

Anglo-American: Great Britain and United States. Feet and Toes of

Iron and Clay. (Daniel 2:41) The other has not yet arrived.
(Revelation 17:10)

WORM: The Hebrew term “tohle’ah” means worm. It is a slender,

crawling, creeping animal. It has a soft body and no legs. The
reference in Scripture often refers to the larval stage of insects and
maggots. (Exodus 16:20, 24) (Isaiah 14:11; 66:24) Used illustratively
at Psalm 22:6 it foretold that the Messiah would be viewed as a
reproach and despicable as a worm.

WORMWOOD: This is a woody plant having an intensely bitter

taste and a strong odor. Wormwood is poisonous. (Proverbs 5:4)
(Deuteronomy 29:18) (Revelation 8:11) It represents what injustice,
unrighteousness and immorality lead to, and that is death.

WORSHIP/SERVE: The Hebrew word “abad” means to serve. In

Greek “proskuneo”means to adore and do reverence. Christians are
commanded to worship God. (Luke 4:8) (John 4:20-24)
(Deuteronomy 10:20) Faith, service and obedience to God are major
parts of worship. (John 3:36; Jas 2:26)

WRATH: See ANGER.

WRITING: The inscription of letters or characters on a surface
that convey words or ideas is writing. Adam communicated by word
of mouth. Being perfect his memory must have been exceptionally
good. It is possible that Adam wrote the first part of his own history
found at Genesis Chapter 5. However there is no proof of this. City
building, tool manufacturing and development of musical
instruments began before the flood. So it is reasonable to think that
writing also began at that time. The Scriptures record that many
people knew how to read and write after the great flood. Moses and
Joshua are good examples. (Exodus 24:4) (Joshua 24:26)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

Y

YARN: The word yarn is only found at 1 Kings 10:28 and 2

Chronicles 1:16. The Hebrew word “mikveh” means stringing
together. It is used in reference to a herd of horses. The New
Simplified Bible uses the phrase, “string of horses” to depict this
stringing together.

YAH: See JAH.

YAHWEH: Some say this is the closest spelling of the divine name
in Hebrew. This translation uses Jehovah, the English spelling of
God’s Name for the reason that this is an English Bible Translation.
(See: JEHOVAH)

YEAR: Hebrew: “shanah” means repetition or revolution. (Genesis

1:14; 5:3) The Hebrews considered the year in two ways. First, a
sacred calendar began at the time of the vernal equinox with month
of Abib. And second, the civil calendar began at the autumnal
equinox in the month of Nisan. The Egyptians observed a twelve-
month year with each month being thirty days. Five days were
added to make a complete revolution of the earth around the sun.

YEAST: SEE LEAVEN

YIRON: Yiron was one of the fortified cities in the territory of

Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32, 35, 38)

YOHDH: The tenth and smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet was
Yohdh. Jesus was no doubt referring to Yohdh when he spoke of the
Law of Moses, which was written in Hebrew. He said: “heaven and
earth would pass away before one small letter (detail) will pass away
from the Law.” (Matthew 5:18)

YOKE: A yoke is a heavy bar of wood fitted over the necks of two
oxen to make it possible for them to pull a plow or a cart. The word
is used figuratively to express moral lessons. After God brought the
Israelites out of Egypt he told them: “I broke the bars of your yoke
and made you walk erect.” (Leviticus 26:13) Jesus comforted his
followers when he said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
I am meek, mild and humble in heart. You will have a restful life.”
(Matthew 11:29)

YOKEFELLOW: This is an endearing term expressed about one of

the apostle Paul’s fellow workers at Philippians 4:3. It appropriately
describes the unity of Christians, that they are yoked together in
Christ. Wyckliffe renders the phrase: genuine fellow.

YOU: The word “you” is basicly understood to mean: the second

person pronoun, the person addressed. This would be a singular
application. However it is important to note that in some instances
in the Holy Scriptures the word “you” is applied in the plural.
Though there are occasions when God addresses believers
individually, the Biblical Greek applies the word “you” in plural
when speaking of the Holy Spirit instructing the Christian
congregation. (Matthew 13:11) (John 14:26; 16:13) (1 John 2:27)

YOUTH: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth”, wrote

the wise King Solomon. Young people are encouraged to believe and
obey their God, Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ. (Matthew 19:13)
David wrote psalms asking the children to be taught respect for
Jehovah. (Psalm 34:11)

SIMPLIFIED BIBLE DICTIONARY

Z

ZAANAN: Zaanan was a town mentioned by the prophet Micah. He

said it would experience the invasion of Judah. (Micah 1:11) Some
scholars believe it is the same as Zenan at Joshua 15:37.

ZAANANNIM: The big tree in Zaanannim was located at the south

boundary of Naphtali’s tribal territory. (Joshua 19:32-33)

ZAAVAN: The second son of Horite Sheik Ezer and grandson or

descendant of Seir the Horite was Zaavan. (Genesis 36:20-27) (1
Chronicles 1:42)
ZABBAI: He was the father of Baruch who worked on Jerusalem’s
walls. (Ezra 8:1, 14)

ZABBUD: Zabbud was one of the two leaders of the sons of Bigvai, a
paternal house whose members went to Jerusalem with Ezra in 468
B.C.E. (Ezra 8:1, 14)

ZABUD: He served as priestly adviser to King Solomon. (1 Kings

4:5) Zabud’s father Nathan may have been the prophet who was a
close adviser of King David. (2 Samuel 7:3; 12:1)

ZACCAI: Zaccai was founder of a family in Israel. Seven hundred

and sixty of his male descendants returned from the Babylonian
exile in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1,2, 9) (Nehemiah 7:14)

ZACCHAEUS: As the chief tax collector, a publican at Jericho,

Zacchaeus became a rich man. (Luke 19:1-10) One day he climbed a
sycamore tree that he might be able to see Jesus. When Jesus saw
him he told him to come down so he could stay with him that night.
Shortly after that Jesus related the illustration of the ten pounds.
(Luke 19:12-27)

ZADOK: Zadok was a descendant of Aaron through the high priestly

line of Eleazar. (1 Chronicles 6:3-8, 50-53) He was called a seer at 2
Samuel 15:27. As a tribal chief he supported David’s kingship and
remained loyal to him. (1 Chronicles 12:28, 28; 18:16) (2 Samuel
8:15, 17; 20:25) Zadok and Abiathar accompanied the Ark of the
Covenant when David had it brought to Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles
15:11, 14; 16:39) David appointed Zadok to anoint Solomon as King.
(1 Kings 1:7, 8, 26, 32-46) Zadok is listed as leader over the house of
Aaron. His line of descendants as high priests can be traced to the
time of Darius the Persian. (1 Kings 4:2) (1 Chronicles 6:8-15) (2
Chronicles 31:10) (Nehemiah 12:22) The priests seen in Ezekiel’s
vision of the temple were “sons of Zadok.” (Ezekiel 40:46; 43:19;
44:15; 48:11)

ZAHAM: Zaham was the son of King Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles

11:18-23)

ZAIR: This is a site in or near Edom. At night, Judah’s King

Jehoram struck down a military force of Edomites. (2 Kings 8:20-
22)
ZALAPH: This man was father of at least six sons. One of his sons
helped Nehemiah repair Jerusalem’s wall. (Nehemiah 3:30)

ZALMON MOUNTAIN NEAR SHECHEM: Zalmon was a mountain

near Shechem. Abimelech and his fighting men climbed Mount
Zalmon and cut the wood that they used to burn down the
stronghold vault belonging to the city of Shechem. (Judges 9:48,
49) The only mountains near Shechem are Ebal, Gerizim. Zalmon
was probably a peak or slope of one of these, or it could have been a
lesser important hill nearby.

ZALMONAH: The Israelites camped at Zalmonah in the wilderness

after they left Mount Hor. (Numbers 33:41-42)

ZALMUNNA: Zalmunna was one of the kings of Midian whose

forces and allies oppressed Israel for seven years prior to Gideon’s
judgeship. (Judges 6:1, 33; 8:4-21) (Psalm 83:11, 12)

ZAMZUMMIM: This was the Ammonite name for the Rephaim.

The Ammonites dispossessed this people. (Deuteronomy 2: 19, 20)

ZAPHENATH-PANEAH: Pharaoh called Joseph Zaphenath-Paneah

when he elevated him to a position of authority next to himself.
(Genesis 41:45) In Hebrew the name meant Revealer of Hidden
Things.

ZAPHON: Zaphon was a city assigned to Gad. It was about 6 miles

north northwest of Succoth. (Joshua 13:24, 27)

ZAREPHATH: This Phoenician town belonged to Sidon in Elijah’s

day. It was at this town that a poor widow expressed hospitality to
the prophet. Her flour and oil were miraculously sustained during a
great famine. Her son Elijah was raised from death. (1 Kings 17:8-
24) (Luke 4:25, 26)

ZATTU: Zattu was a forefather of a large family that returned to

Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 537 B.C.E. (Ezra 2:1, 2, 8) (Nehemiah
7:13)

ZAYIN: Zayin is the seventh letter in the Hebrew alphabet. In

general it corresponds to the English letter “z”.

ZAZA: Zaza was a son of Jonathan among the descendants of

Jerahmeel in the tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:3-5, 25, 33)
ZEAL: Zeal is a feeling of strong eagerness. It is fervor to do
something or accomplish some goal, thus Zeal for God would be the
desire to serve him exclusively. Zeal generates feelings of ardor,
love, great warmth and intensity. Jehovah God requires exclusive
devotion. (Exodus 20:5; 34:14) (Deuteronomy 4:24) God does not
share his name or glory with anyone. (Isaiah 42:8; 44:6; 48:11)
Jesus Christ the Son of God constantly rendered exclusive devotion
to his God and Father. (Matthew 4:10) (John 8:29) (Revelation
3:12) He was truly zealous for God. Hebrew: “qin-ah” means
requiring zeal, exclusive devotion. Greek: “ze’los” means zealous.

ZEALOTS: The Zealots were a group of Jewish men who were also
called Enthusiasts. They hated the Romans for controlling their
home country, and they planned to force the Romans out. Simon
the Zealous one is mentioned at Luke 6:15, see also Acts 1:13. This
does not mean he was a member of this political group.

ZEALOUS ONE: Simon was called the Zealous one. (Luke 6:15)
(Acts 1:13) This designation was made because of Simon’s
personality.

ZEBEDEE: A fisherman on Lake Galilee. (Matthew 4:21-22) (Mark

1:19-20)

ZEBAH: Zebah was a king of Midian who shared in oppressing

Israel. Zebah and Zalmunna ruled during the seven years that
Midian raided Israel, ruining fields and causing much poverty.
(Judges 6:1-6; 8:18, 19)

ZEBIDAH: This woman was the wife or concubine of King Josiah.

She was the mother of King Jehoiakim. Zebidah was the daughter of
Pedaiah from Rumah. (2 Kings 23:34, 36)

ZEBINA: Zebina and six of his brothers married foreign wives, but
sent them away at Ezra’s counsel. He was the son of Nebo. (Ezra
10:43, 44)

ZEBOIM VALLEY: Zeboim Valley was in the territory of Benjamin,

near Michmash. A band of Philistine raiders and looters pillaged for
plunder from Michmash to the Zeboim Valley in King Saul’s day. (1
Samuel 13:16-18) The valley is about 8 miles northeast of
Jerusalem.

ZEBOIM TOWN: Zeboim was a town inhabited by Benjamites after

they returned from Babylonian exile. (Nehemiah 11:31, 34, 35)
ZEBRA: The zebra comes from the horse family. It resembles the
wild ass in appearance and habits, however it is easily distinguished
from the wild ass by its dark or black stripes. The zebra has been
clocked at 40 mph after its initial burst of speed. The zebra is hard
to tame. (Job 24:5; 39:5) (Isaiah 32:14) They feed on grasses and
they drink frequently. (Job 6:5) (Psalm 104:11) (Jeremiah 15:6)

ZEBUL: This man was a commissioner of the city of Shechem. He

served Gideon’s son Abimelech. Zebul informed Abimelech about
an attempt by Gaal and his brothers to arouse the city against
Abimelech and then challenged the rebel leader Gaal to a fight.
Zebul won the fight and drove Gaal and his brothers out of the city.
(Judges 9:26-41)

ZEBULUN: Zebulun was the sixth son of Jacob’s wife Leah. He

became father of three sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. (Genesis
30:20; 35:23) (Exodus 1:1-3) (1 Chronicles 2:1) He was the founder
of the tribe of Zebulun. The tribe of Zebulun resided by the seashore
in the northern part of the nation of Israel. They were between the
Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this fine
location they engaged in commercial trade. (Genesis 49:13)
(Deuteronomy 33:18) The tribe of Zebulun produced courageous
warriors. Ten thousand men from Naphtali and Zebulun answered
Barak’s call to fight Sisera’s forces. (Judges 4:6,10)

ZEABULUNITE: A member of the tribe of Zebulun is called a

Zeabulunite. (Numbers 26:26)

ZECHARIAH, THE PROPHET AND THE BOOK: Zechariah is

called the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo. (Zechariah 1:1, 7)
However in other references he is only titled son of Iddo. (Ezra 5:1;
6:14) (Nehemiah 12:4, 16) He became a prophet after the exile to
Babylon. He was probably born in Babylon and his prophetic
activity began 17 years after the return from exile while he was still a
young man. (Zechariah 2:4) Zechariah and Haggai were used by
Jehovah to motivate Zerubbabel, High Priest Jeshua, and the exiles
who had returned to finish rebuilding Jehovah’s temple. There was
still a ban imposed by the Persian government. (Ezra 5:1, 2; 6:14,
15) (Zechariah 1:1, 7; 7:1, 8)

ZECHARIAH THE FATHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST: The

alternate spelling is Zacharias. Zechariah was a priest of the division
of Abijah. He and his wife lived in the Judean hills. His wife
Elizabeth was related to Jesus’ mother Mary. They both reverenced
God and obeyed his commandments. They were elderly and had no
children. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and told him that
he and his wife would have a son and that he was to name him
John. Expressing his doubt he asked the angel for a sign and the
angel struck him dumb until after John’s birth. This exciting and
inspiring account may be read at Luke chapter one.

ZECHER: Zecher was the descendant of Jeiel, the father of Gibeon.

(1 Chronicle 8:29-31) He is also listed as Zechariah at 1 Chronicles
9:37.

ZEDAD: Zedad was a point at Israel’s northern boundary.

(Numbers 34:8) (Ezekiel 47:15)

ZEDEKIAH, SON OF CHENAANAH: Zedekiah was the son of

Chenaanah. He was a false prophet who told King Ahab that he
would succeed when he tried to take Ramoth-gilead from the
Syrians. Zedekiah made horns of iron to illustrate that King Ahab
would push the syrians out and exterminate them. The true prophet
of God, Micaiah, foretold calamity for Ahab. (1 Kings 22:11, 23, 24)
(2 Chronicles 18:10, 22, 23)

ZEDEKIAH, SON OF MAASEIAH: This Zedekiah was the son of

Maaseiah. He was an adulterous, lying prophet who lived among the
exiles in Babylon. The true prophet of God, Jeremiah told that King
Nebuchadnezzar would roast Zedekiah in the fire. (Jeremiah 29:21-
23)

ZEDEKIAH, KING OF JUDAH: Zedekiah was son of Josiah. He was

the last of the kings of Judah to reign at Jerusalem. During the 11
years he ruled, Zedekiah did what was bad in Jehovah’s eyes. (2
Kings 24:17-19) (2 Chronicles 36:10-12) (Jeremiah 37:1; 52:1, 2)

ZEEB: This prince of Midian was in the forces that Gideon and the
Israelites defeated. They fled from the battle and were captured and
slain by the Ephraimites. (Judges 6:33; 7:23-25; 8:1-3) (Psalm
83:11)

ZELAH: The city in Benjamin where the bones of Saul and Jonathan
were buried. (Joshua 18:21, 28) (2 Samuel 21:14)

ZELEK: This Ammonite warrior joined David’s army of mighty

men. (1 Chronicles 11:26, 39) (2 Samuel 23:37)
ZEMIRAH: The name means melody. He was a family head in the
tribe of Benjamin, son of descendant of Becher. (1 Chronicles 7:6, 8,
9)

ZENAN: Zenan was a town in the Shephelah region of Judah.

(Joshua 15:33, 37) Scholars believe it could be the same as Zaanan
of Micah 1:11.

ZENAS: Zenas was an acquaintance of Paul. Paul told Titus to

supply Zenas and Apollos for their trip. (Titus 3:12-13)

ZEPHANIAH, PROPHET AND THE BOOK: Zephaniah the prophet

lived in Judah during the early part of Josiah’s reign. He was
probably a great-great grandson of King Hezekiah. (Zephaniah 1:1)
He wrote the book of Zephaniah. The book of Zephaniah mentions
the presence of foreign-god priests and the worship of Baal and
heavenly bodies in Judah. Zephaniah’s prophesy was and is
comforting to those who endeavor to serve Jehovah in the midst of
the detestable practices going on in society. The book begins with a
stern warning from Jehovah: “I will destroy (take away) (remove)
(consume) everything on the face of the earth!” declared Jehovah.
(Zephaniah 1:3) “The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near and
coming quickly. Listen!” (Zephaniah 1:14) Zephaniah is inspired to
give the good news to the faithful that they will be saved. He says:
“Before the decree takes effect. Before the day passes like the chaff.
Before the fierce anger of Jehovah comes upon you. Yes, before the
day of Jehovah’s anger comes upon you. Seek Jehovah all you meek
ones of the earth, you who have obeyed his Law! Seek
righteousness! Seek meekness that you may be (Hebrew: ulay sathar
means may be concealed) hidden in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”
(Zephaniah 2:2, 3)

ZEPHATHAH: Jehovah enabled the forces of Judah’s King Asa to

defeat the supporters of Zerah the Ethiopian in 967 B.C.E. The
confrontation took place at the Valley of Zephathah. (2 Chronicles
14:9-12)

ZEPHO: Zepho was the thirst son of Eliphaz, grandson of Esau. He

was sheik of an Edomite tribe. (Genesis 36:10, 11, 15) (1 Chronicles
1:36)

ZEPHON: Zephon was the first son of Gad and founder of the family
of Zephonites. He was also called Ziphion. (Genesis 46:16)
(Numbers 26:15)
ZEPHONITES: This was a family descended from Gad through
Zephon. (Numbers 26:15)

ZER: Zer was a fortified city in Naphtali’s territory. (Joshua 19:32)

ZERED VALLEY: The Israelites camped in the Zered Valley on their

way around the frontier of Moab. (Numbers 21:12) (Deuteronomy
2:13-14) The Zered Valley formed the boundary between Moab and
Edom. It is 3 to 4 miles across and 35 miles long.

ZEREDAH, JEROBOAM’S HOMETOWN: Jeroboam, the first king

of the northern kingdom of Israel once lived at Zeredah. (1 Kings
11:26) I was possibly located about 16 miles southwest of Shechem.

ZERERAH: When the Midianites were pursued by Gideon’s forces

they ran as far as Bethshittah and Zererah. Zererah is believed to be
located between Bethshittah and Abelmeholah. (Judges 7:22)

ZERESH: Zeresh was the wife of Haman. Zeresh and Haman’s

friends wanted him to erect a 73 foot stake on which to hang
Mordecai. But they failed to accomplish this. (Esther 5:10, 14; 6:13)

ZERETH: He was the first son that Helah bore to Asshusr, of the
tribe of Judah. (1 Chronicles 4:1, 5, 7)

ZERETH-SHAHAR: Located at the hot springs of Callirrhoe on the

East shore of the Dead Sea, Zereth-Shahar was a site in the mount
of the valley. (Joshua 13:15, 19)

ZERI: Zeri was one of Juduthun’s six sons. They all served as temple
musicians. (1 Chronicles 25:1, 3) He is identified as Izri in 1
Chronicles 25:11 as the head of the fourth of David’s 24 divisions of
temple musicians.

ZEROR: Zeror was an ancestor of King Saul. He was son of Becorath

and father of Abiel, of the tribe of Benjamin. (1 Samuel 9:1)

ZERUAH: She was the mother of King Jeroboam and became a

widow at the time that Jeroboam chalanged King Solomon. (1 Kings
11:26)

ZERUBBABEL: He was the first governor of the repatriated Jews.

(Haggai 2:21) The Jews were liberated from Babylonian exile in 537
B.C.E. King Cyrus appointed Zerubbabel as governor of over the
newly freed Jews. (Ezra 2:1, 2) (Nehemiah 7:6,7; 12:1) Zerubbabel
was entrusted with the sacred gold and silver vessels that
Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple years earlier. (Ezra
5:14, 15) The Temple altar was erected at Jerusalem under the
direction of Zerubbabel and High Priest Jeshua. (Ezra 3:1, 2) The
actual construction of the Temple began in the 536 B.C.E. The
Temple was completed in 515 B.C.E. (Ezra 6:13-15)

ZERUIAH: Zeruiah was King David’s sister or half sister. She was
the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Her name is usually
mentioned in association with her three sons, who were all valiant
fighters for David. (2 Samuel 2:13, 18; 16:9; 17:25) Zeruiah must
have been much older than here brother David for her sons seem to
be about the same age as David.

ZETHAM: Zetham was a Gershonite Levite descended from Ladan.

He was asigned to care for the temple treasures and was head of a
paternal house. (1 Chronicles 23:7-9; 26:22)

ZETHAN: Zethan was a descendant of Benjamin through Jediael

and Bilhan. (1 Chronicles 7:6, 10)

ZETHAR: This man was one of the seven court officials whom
Ahasuerus sent to bring Vashti before him. (Esther 1:10, 11)

ZEUS, SONS OF ZEUS: The supreme false god of the Greeks was
Zeus. According to Greek and Roman mythology, Castor and Pollux
were twin sons of Leda and the offspring of the god Zeus (Jupiter).
(Acts 28:11) They were called the “Sons of Zeus.”

ZIA: This was a Gadite who lived in Bashan. (1 Chronicles 5:11, 13)

ZIBEON: Zibeon was a sheik in the land of Seir. (Genesis 36:20, 29,
30) (1 Chronicles 38, 40) His granddaughter Oholibamah married
Esau. (Genesis 36:2, 14, 24, 25)

ZIBIA: Zibia was a family head in the tribe of Benjamin. He was the
Son of Shaharaim by his wife Hodesh. (1 Chronicles 8:1, 8-10)

ZIBIAH: Zibiah was the mother of King Jehoash of Judah. She was
the daughter-in-law of Athaliah and the wife of King Ahaziah. (2
Kings 11:1, 2; 12:1; 12:1) (2 Chronicles 24:1) Zibiah was from
Beersheba.

ZIDDIM: A fortified city in the territory of Naphtali. (Joshua 19:32,

35)
ZIKLAG: This city was originally assigned Simeon as an enclave city
in south Judah. (Joshua 15:21, 31; 19:1, 2, 5) (1 Chronicles 4:24-30)
Later, Ziklag fell under Philistine control. Achis the king of Gath
gave it to David. (1 Samuel 27:6) The Amalekites raided and burned
the city. It was at Ziklag that David received word of King Saul’s
death. (2 Samuel 1:1, 2; 4:10) (1 Chronicles 12:1, 2, 20-22)

ZILLAH: She had the unique distinction of being the first

polygamist of Bible record. Zillah was one of the two wives of
Lamech. She was the mother of Tubal-cain and of his sister
Naamah. Lameh wrote a poem for his wives Adah and Zillah.
(Genesis 4:19-24)

ZILPAH: Zilpah was Leah’s maidservant and one of Jacob’s wives.

Zilpah had been a servant of Leah’s father Laban. Then when Leah
and Jacob were married she was given to Leah. (Genesis 29:24)
Leah had four sons and thought she was through childbearing. So
she gave Zilpah to Jacob as a secondary wife. Zilpah then bore Gad
and Asher as Jacob’s sons. (Genesis 30:9-13; 35:26; 37:2; 46:16-18)

ZIMMAH: Zimmah was a Gershonite Levite. (1 Chronicles 6:20) It

is possible that he was the samme Zimmah mentioned in 1
Chronicles 6:42.

ZIMRAN: Zimran was the first of the six sons Keturah bore to
Abraham. He and his five brothers were given gifts and sent into the
land of the East. (Genesis 25:1, 2, 6) (1 Chronicles 1:32) Some
students of Bible history believe Zimran’s descendants lived near
Zabram, a town west of Mecca on the Arabian shore of the Red Sea,
or Zimri, mentioned in Jeremiah 25:25.

ZIMRI, SON OF SALU: Zimri was a Simeonite leader. He was the

son of Salu who brought Cozbi the Midianitess into the camp of
Israel. He committed fornication with her in his own tent. Jehovah
saw to it that Zimri was killed by Phinehas. (Numbers 25:6-8, 14-18)

ZIMRI, KING OF ISRAEL: Zimri was the fifth king of the ten-tribe
kingdom of Israel. He ruled for only seven days and was known for
doing bad in the eyes of Jehovah. (1 Kings 16:3, 4, 9-20)

ZIMRI, DESCENDANT OF SAUL: This Zimri was a descendant of

Saul and Jonathan. (1 Chronicles 8:33-36; 9:42)
ZIMRI, GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: This Zimri was a place
connected with Abraham’s son Zimran. (Jeremiah 25:25) (Genesis
25:1, 2)

ZIMRI, SON OF ZERAH: Zimri was the son of Zerah. He was the
grandson of Judah. (1 Chronicles 2:4, 6)

ZIN: The desert Wilderness of Zin is the route traveled by the

Israelites en route to Canaan. (Numbers 33:11, 36) The Wilderness
of Zin was immediately West of Edom.

ZION: Hebrew: tsiyon, the City of David, the permanent capital City
of God. (1 Kings 8:1) (1 Chronicles 11:5) After capturing Mount Zion
David established his royal residence there. When David had the
sacred Ark of the Covenant transferred there Zion became a
mountain holy to Jehovah. (2 Samuel 6:17) Zion was referred to as
the place of God’s dwelling. (Psalms 9:11; 74:2; 76:2; 78:68; 132:13-
14; 135:21) God dwells in Zion, therefore Zion is in symbolic fact:
heaven. Since earthly Jerusalem rejected Jesus it could not be the
place where the “precious corner stone of a sure foundation” Jesus
Christ was established. (Isaiah 28:16) (Romans 9:32-33) (1 Peter
2:6) It had to be in the spiritual Mount Zion, the heavenly
Jerusalem described at Hebrews 12:22-24.

ZIOR: This city was in the mountainous region of Judah. (Joshua

15:20, 48, 54) It is identified with Siir, four miles Northeast of
Hebron.

ZIPH, A CITY OF JUDAH: Ziph was a city in the mountains of

Judah. Ziph was the son of Mesha. (Joshua 15:20, 48, 55, 57) David
sought refuge from King Saul in the wilderness near Ziph. The men
of the city informed the king of David’s hidout two times. (1
Chronicles 2:42) (2 Chronicles 11:5-8) (1 Samuel 23:14, 15, 19, 24,
29; 26:1, 2)

ZIPHITES: The Ziphites were the inhabitants of the mountain city

in the territory of Judah known as Ziph. It was approximately 60
miles southeast of Hamath. (Psalm 54)

ZIPHRON: This site was at the northern bourder of the Promised

Land. (Numbers 34:9)

ZIPPOR: Zippor was the father of Moab’s King Balak. (Numbers

22:2, 4, 10, 16; 23:18)
ZIPPORAH: Zipporah was the wife of Moses. Moses met Zipporah
at a well when she and her sisters were watering their father’s flock.
Some shepherds were trying to drive the girls away when Moses
intervened. He chased them away and helped the girls water the
flocks. Zipporah invited him to her home and later her priestly
father Jethro gave her in marriage to Moses. (Exodus 2:16-21)
Zipporah bore two sons to Moses, Gershom and Eliezer. (Exodus
2:22; 18:3, 4)

ZITHER: Also known as the lyre. There were forty strings on the
musical instrument known as the zither. (Daniel 3:5)

ZIZ: The armies of Moab, Ammon, and the Ammonim came against
Judah on the mountain pass known as Ziz about six miles northwest
of En-gedi. (2 Chronicles 20:1, 2, 16, 20) This battle occurred during
the reign of King Jehoshaphat.

ZIZA, SON OF REHOBOAM: Ziza was the son of King Rehoboam by

Absaloms granddaughter Maacah. When his brother Abijah was
make king, Ziza received gifts of cities, food, and wives from
Rehoboam. (2 Chronicles 11:20, 22, 23)

ZIZA, SON OF SHIPHI: This Ziza was the son of Shiphi. He was a
Simeonite leader who expanded his grazing land by annexing
Hamite territory during the reign of Hezekiah. (1 Chronicles 4:24,
37-41)

ZOAN: Zoan was an ancient Egyptian city. It was built seven years
after Hebron and was already in existence when Abraham entered
into Canaan in 1943 B.C.E. (Numbers 13:22) (Genesis 12:5; 13:18)
Known also by its Greek name, Tanis, it was situated on the branch
of the Nile River called the Tanitic branch. Psalm 78:12, 43 speaks
of the field of Zoan and refers to the land of Egypt. The city of Zoan
was an important commercial trade center. It was also known for
religious structures. A great temple was constructed there,
measuring 1,000 feet long. Pharaoh Ramses II erected an immense
stature of himself measuring 92 feet tall and weighing over 800
metric tons. The prophet Isaiah offered a divine pronouncement
against Egypt and in it he calls to the officials of Zoan “nothing but
fools.” (Isaiah 19:1, 11-13) Tirhakah, the Ethiopian ruler over Egypt
during Isaiah’s lifetime used Zoan as a base for ruling northern
Egypt.

ZOAR: Zoar was a city that existed in Abraham’s day. It was ruled
by a king who rebelled against the domination by Chedorlaomer.
(Genesis 13:10-12; 14:1-11) When Jehovah destroyed Sodom, Zoar
was spared. Lot fled from Sodom to Zoar. (Genesis 19:18-25) He
later left Zoar along with his two daughters to become cave dwellers
in the nearby mountains. (Genesis 19:30) Zoar was located in or
near Moab, close to the Moabite mountains, southeast of the Dead
Sea. (Genesis 19:17-22, 30, 37) Some scholars think that the original
Zoar is beneath the waters of the south portion of the Dead Sea.
(Genesis 13:12)

ZODIAC: The zodiac is the band of stars seen from the earth. It is
observed on either side of the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun.
The early Babylonians discovered it. The astronomers noted that
different stars and their constellations could be seen from the earth
at different season. A Greek astronomer divided the zodiac into
twelve equal parts of thirty degrees each. These parts came to be
known as the signs of the zodiac. The word zodiac comes from the
Greek language. It means circle of animals. This is appropriate since
most of the zodiac’s twelve constellations were designated by the
names of animal or marine life. The constellations of the zodiac
were made objects of false worship in early Mesopotamia. (2 Kings
23:5) (Deuteronomy 17:2-7) (Job 38:32) (Isaiah 47:12-15) Astrology
was a predominant factor of Babylonian worship. Many people
believe in the zodiacal signs of false religion today.

ZOHETH: Zoheth was a descendant of Ishi in the tribe of Judah. (1

Chronicles 4:1, 20)

ZOPHAH: Zophah was a member of the tribe of Asher. He had

eleven sons. (1 Chronicles 7:35-37, 40)

ZOPHAI: Zophai was the son of Elkanah. He was related to Samuel.

He was also called Zuph. (1 Chronicles 6:26, 28, 33-35)

ZOPHAR: He was one of Joe’s three companions. Zophar was a

Naamathite. (Job 2:11) He spoke after the other two gave their
dissertation to Job. The main thrust of Zophar’s thesis was that Job
was wicked. He told him to put away his sinful practices. Most of his
discourse is found in Job chapters 11 and 20. He offered nothing in
the third round. Jehovah commanded that he and his companions
offer a great sacrifice and that Job pray for them. (Job 42:7-9)

ZOPHIM: Zophim was a field on top of Mount Pisgah. Balaam built

seven altars there and sacrificees were offered. The prophet then
uttered proverbs concerning Israel at that place on the mountain.
(Numbers 23:14-24)

ZORAH: This city in the Shephelah was alloted to the tribe of

Judah. It was on the boundary between Dan and Judah and was
inhabited by people from Dan. (Joshua 15:20, 33; 19:41, 48)
(Judges 18:2, 8, 11) King Jehoboam thought it was in a strategic
location so he fortified the city of Zorah. It was 16 miles west of
Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 11:5, 10)

ZUZIM: The Zuzim were a people who lived east of the Jordan
River. Chedorlaomer’s military forces defeated the Zuzim in Ham.
(Genesis 14:5)