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Free Bible Dictionary Online

Bible people, places and words, A to Z. Hear each name said aloud.

What is a Bible dictionary?

A Bible dictionary explains the people, places and words of Scripture. This free Bible dictionary online lets you look up any of them A to Z. Most entries link to a page where you can hear the word said, see the Hebrew or Greek behind it, read the verses, or see what the early Christians taught.

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What the old dictionaries leave out

None of the big Bible dictionaries we checked lets you hear the name said. We know of no other site that has all of this in one place.

Bible words, names and terms A to Z

A glossary of Bible terms, people and places. Tap a letter to open it. Strong’s definitions follow the King James Version. Every Bible name: People A to Z · Places A to Z.

A · Aaron to Azrikam

176 entries · Angel, Aaron, Abraham
  • Aaron The brother of Moses.Bible verses
  • Abba Greek abba: father as a vocative.
  • Abdon The name of a place in Israel and of four Israelites. Name means “servitude.”
  • Abed-nego The name of Azariah.
  • Abel The son of Adam.
  • Abiathar An Israelite. Name means “father of abundance.”
  • Abib Hebrew abib: green, i.e. a young ear of grain; (hence) the name of the month Abib or Nisan.Hear it on its page
  • Abidan An Israelite. Name means “father of judgment.”
  • Abiezer The name of two Israelites. Name means “father of help.”
  • Abigal The name of two Israelitesses. Name means “father of joy.”
  • Abihail The name of three Israelites and two Israelitesses. Name means “father of might.”
  • Abihu A son of Aaron. Name means “father of Him.”Bible verses
  • Abihud The name of two Israelites. Name means “father of renown.”
  • Abijah The name of several Israelite men and two Israelitesses. Name means “father of Jah.”
  • Abimelech The name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.
  • Abinadab The name of four Israelites. Name means “father of generosity.”Bible verses
  • Abiram The name of two Israelites. Name means “father of height.”
  • Abishag A concubine of David. Name means “father of error.”
  • Abishai An Israelite. Name means “father of a gift.”Bible verses
  • Abishua The name of two Israelites. Name means “father of plenty.”
  • Abner An Israelite. Name means “father of light.”Bible verses
  • Abomination Greek bdelygma: a detestation; (specially) idolatry.Hear it on its page
  • Abomination of Desolation Early Christian writers generally read the abomination of desolation as a future temple desecration tied to Antichrist.Early church
  • Abortion Early Christian writings clearly reject abortion and speak of it as killing a child.
  • Abraham The later name of Abram. Name means “father of a multitude.”Early church
  • Abraham's Bosom Early Christian writers commonly read Abraham’s bosom as a real place of comfort for the righteous dead before the final resurrection.Early church
  • Abram The original name of Abraham. Name means “high father.”
  • Absalom A son of David; (also, the fuller form) a later Israelite. Name means “father of peace.”Bible verses
  • Achaia A country of Europe.
  • Achbor The name of an Idumaean and of two Israelites.
  • Achish A Philistine king.
  • Achsah An Israelitess. Name means “anklet.”
  • Acolytes Early Christian writings give only a thin picture of acolytes, but they do show church servants and subdeacons helping with ministry.Early church
  • Adah The name of two women. Name means “ornament.”
  • Adaiah The name of eight Israelites. Name means “Jah has adorned.”Bible verses
  • Adam The name of the first man, also of a place in Israel.Early church
  • Admah A place near the Dead Sea. Name means “earthy.”
  • Adonijah The name of three Israelites. Name means “lord of Jah.”
  • Adoptionism Early Christian writers strongly rejected the idea that Jesus became the Son of God only at his baptism or by later election.Early church
  • Adronicus An Israelite. Name means “man of victory.”
  • Adullam A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Adultery Early Christian teaching treated adultery as a serious sin, not a minor moral slip.Early church
  • Advent of Christ Early Christians taught that Christ has come once in humility and will come again in glory for judgment, resurrection, and salvation.Early church
  • Aesculapius Early Christian writers mostly treat Aesculapius as a pagan healing god who was not truly divine.Early church
  • Afterlife Early Christian teaching about the afterlife centered on a real resurrection of the dead, final judgment.Early church
  • Agag A title of Amalekitish kings. Name means “flame.”
  • Age of Accountability Early Christian writers often spoke of infants and young children as innocent, needing care.Early church
  • Agrippa One of the Herods. Name means “wild-horse tamer.”
  • Ahab The name of a king of Israel and of a prophet at Babylon. Name means “brother of (his) father.”Bible verses
  • Ahasuerus The title (rather than name) of a Persian king.
  • Ahaz The name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite. Name means “possessor.”Bible verses
  • Ahaziah The name of a Jewish and an Israelite king. Name means “Jah has seized.”
  • Ahiezer The name of two Israelites. Name means “brother of help.”
  • Ahijah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “brother of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Ahikam An Israelite. Name means “brother of rising.”Bible verses
  • Ahilud An Israelite. Name means “brother of one born.”
  • Ahimaaz The name of three Israelites. Name means “brother of anger.”Bible verses
  • Ahimelech The name of an Israelite and of a Hittite. Name means “brother of (the) king.”
  • Ahinoam The name of two Israelitesses. Name means “brother of pleasantness.”
  • Ahio The name of three Israelites. Name means “brotherly.”
  • Ahira An Israelite. Name means “brother of wrong.”
  • Ahithophel An Israelite. Name means “brother of folly.”Bible verses
  • Ahitub The name of several priests. Name means “brother of goodness.”Bible verses
  • Aholiab An Israelite. Name means “tent of (his) father.”
  • Aholibah A symbolic name for Judah. Name means “my tent (is) in her.”
  • Aholibamah A wife of Esau. Name means “tent of (the) height.”
  • Ai Aja or Ajath, a place in Israel.
  • Ain The name (thus simply) of two places in Israel. Name means “fountain.”
  • Ajah The name of two Israelites.
  • Ajalon The name of five places in Israel. Name means “deer-field.”
  • Akan An Israelite. Name means “troublesome.”
  • Akkub The name of five Israelites. Name means “insidious.”
  • Alexander The name of three Israelites and one other man. Name means “man-defender.”Early church
  • Alexander the Great Early Christians did not treat Alexander the Great as a Christian figure.Early church
  • Alexandria Early Christian writings treat Alexandria as a major city in Egypt and an important center for church life.
  • Almsgiving Early Christian writings teach that almsgiving was a normal and serious Christian duty, not a small extra.Early church
  • Altar Greek thysiasterion: a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar.Hear it on its page
  • Amalek A descendant of Esau; also his posterity and their country.
  • Amalekites Hebrew amaleqi: an Amalekite or descendants of Amalek.Hear it on its page
  • Amariah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has said.”Bible verses
  • Amasa The name of two Israelites. Name means “burden.”
  • Amasai The name of three Israelites. Name means “burdensome.”
  • Amaziah The name of four Israelites. Name means “strength of Jah.”
  • Amen Greek amen: (properly) firm; (figuratively) trustworthy; (adverbially) surely.Hear it on its page
  • Ammiel The name of three or four Israelites. Name means “people of God.”
  • Ammihud The name of three Israelites. Name means “people of splendor.”
  • Amminadab The name of four Israelites. Name means “people of liberality.”
  • Ammishaddai An Israelite. Name means “people of (the) Almighty.”
  • Ammon A son of Lot; also his posterity and their country. Name means “tribal, i.e. inbred.”
  • Ammonites Hebrew ammoni: an Ammonite or (the adjective) Ammonitish.Hear it on its page
  • Amon The name of three Israelites.
  • Amorites Hebrew emori: thus, a mountaineer; an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes.Bible verses
  • Amos An Israelite prophet. Name means “burdensome.”
  • Amoz An Israelite. Name means “strong.”
  • Amram The name of two Israelites. Name means “high people.”Bible verses
  • Anah The name of two Edomites and one Edomitess. Name means “an answer.”
  • Anak A Canaanite.
  • Ananias The name of three Israelites.
  • Anathoth The name of two Israelites; also of a place in Israel.
  • Andrew An Israelite. Name means “manly.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Angel Greek angelos: a messenger; (especially) an "angel" of God; (of evil, Satan) a demon.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Anger of God Early Christians taught that God באמת judges sin and punishes evil, but they often said His anger is not like human rage.
  • Anna An Israelitess.
  • Annihilation Early Christian writings are mixed on annihilation.Early church
  • Anthropomorphisms About God Early Christian writers usually said God is not a body with human parts, and they read Bible language about God’s hands.Early church
  • Antichrist Greek antichristos: an adversary of the Messiah, the Anointed-One.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Antioch A place in Syria.
  • Antiochus Epiphanes Early Christians mainly treated Antiochus Epiphanes as a real wicked king who attacked the Jews, profaned the temple.Early church
  • Aphek The name of three places in Israel. Name means “fortress.”
  • Apocalypse Early Christians commonly read the Apocalypse as the book of Revelation by John and used it to teach about Christ.Early church
  • Apocrypha Early Christian writers do not treat the apocrypha as one simple category.Early church
  • Apollos An Israelite.
  • Apologetics Early Christian writings treat apologetics as a real task: giving a reasoned defense of the faith against charges, doubt, and false teaching.Early church
  • Apostasy Early Christian writers taught that apostasy is a real and serious falling away from God and the faith, not a small mistake.Early church
  • Apostle Greek apostolos: a delegate; (specially) an ambassador of the Gospel; (officially) a commissioner of Christ, "apostle" (with miraculous powers).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Apostles' Creed Early Christian writings do not preserve a single document called the Apostles' Creed in the earliest centuries.Early church
  • Apostolic Churches Early Christian writers taught that apostolic churches were the main public mark of true faith.Early church
  • Apostolic Doctrine The early Christian writings teach that apostolic doctrine was the fixed rule for the Church.Early church
  • Apostolic Faith Early Christian writings teach that the apostolic faith was one public teaching passed down from the apostles, guarded in the churches.Early church
  • Apostolic Succession Early Christian writings strongly taught that apostolic teaching was passed on through an ordered chain of bishops and presbyters.Early church
  • Apostolic Teaching Early Christians taught that apostolic teaching was the fixed standard for the church.Early church
  • Aquila An Israelite.Early church
  • Ar A place in Moab. Name means “a city.”
  • Arabia A country East of Israel.
  • Arabian An Arab or native of Arabia.Bible verses
  • Arad The name of a place near Israel, also of a Canaanite and an Israelite. Name means “fugitive.”
  • Aram And its inhabitants; (also) the name of the son of Shem. Name means “the highland.”
  • Aram-naharaim Aram of (the) two rivers (Euphrates and Tigris) or Mesopotamia.
  • Araunah A Jebusite.
  • Argob A district of Israel. Name means “stony.”
  • Arianism Early Christian writers strongly rejected Arian teaching and treated it as a denial of Christ’s full Godhead.Early church
  • Arioch The name of two Babylonians.
  • Aristeas Early Christian writers mention Aristeas mainly as a pagan figure from Greek history.Early church
  • Aristobulus A Christian. Name means “best counselling.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Aristotle Early Christians did not treat Aristotle as a Christian authority; they usually used him as a pagan philosopher to explain, criticize.Early church
  • Ark Greek kibotos: a box, i.e. the sacred ark and that of Noah.Hear it on its page
  • Arm Greek brachion: the arm; (figuratively) strength.Hear it on its page
  • Arnon A brawling stream; the Arnon, a river east of the Jordan, also its territory.Bible verses
  • Aroer The name of three places in or near Israel. Name means “nudity of situation.”
  • Arpad A place in Syria. Name means “spread out.”
  • Arphaxad A son of Noah; also the region settled by him.
  • Arrow Hebrew chets: (properly) a piercer, i.e. an arrow; (by implication) a wound; (figuratively, of God) thunder-bolt.Hear it on its page
  • Art Greek techne: art; (specially), a trade; (generally) skill.Hear it on its page
  • Artaxerxes A title (rather than name) of several Persian kings.
  • Asa The name of a king and of a Levite.
  • Asahel The name of four Israelites. Name means “God has made.”Bible verses
  • Asaiah The name of three or four Israelites. Name means “Jah has made.”
  • Asaph The name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first. Name means “collector.”Bible verses
  • Ascension Early Christian writings clearly teach that Jesus really ascended into heaven after his resurrection and now sits at the Father's right hand.Early church
  • Asceticism Early Christian writings support fasting, self-control, and sexual restraint as parts of a holy life.
  • Asharoth The name of a Sidonian deity, and of a place East of the Jordan.
  • Ashdod A place in Israel. Name means “ravager.”Bible verses
  • Asher A son of Jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Ashkelon A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Ashtoreth The Phoenician goddess of love (and increase).Hear it on its page
  • Asia Asia Minor; (usually) only its western shore.Bible verses
  • Asp Greek aspis: a buckler; used of a serpent, probably the "asp".Hear it on its page
  • Assir The name of two Israelites. Name means “prisoner.”
  • Assumption of Moses Early Christian writers did not leave a full, direct doctrine of the Assumption of Moses.Early church
  • Assurance of Salvation Early Christian writings connect assurance of salvation with faith in Christ, abiding in him, and a hope that lasts to the end.Early church
  • Assyria The second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them, its region and its empire.Bible verses
  • Astrology Early Christians usually rejected astrology as false, idolatrous, and tied to fate.
  • Ataroth The name (thus simply) of two places in Israel.
  • Ater The name of three Israelites. Name means “maimed.”
  • Athaliah The name of an Israelitess and two Israelites. Name means “Jah has constrained.”Bible verses
  • Athens The capitol of Greece; (archaic) Athenoe.
  • Atonement Hebrew kaphar: to cover (specifically with bitumen); (figuratively) to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Attributes of God Early Christian writers commonly described God as eternal, unchangeable, almighty, invisible, and beyond full human grasp.Early church
  • Augustus Caesar Early Christian writings treat Augustus mainly as the Roman ruler in whose reign Jesus was born.Early church
  • Azal The name of an Israelite, and of a place in Israel. Name means “noble.”
  • Azarael The name of five Israelites. Name means “God has helped.”
  • Azariah The name of nineteen Israelites. Name means “Jah has helped.”Bible verses
  • Azekah A place in Israel. Name means “tilled.”
  • Azmaveth The name of three Israelites and of a place in Israel. Name means “strong one of death.”
  • Azotus A place in Israel.
  • Azrikam The name of four Israelites. Name means “help of an enemy.”
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B · Baal to Brothers of Jesus

84 entries · Babylon, Blood, Baptism
  • Baal A Phoenician deity.Hear it on its page
  • Baal-hanan The name of an Edomite, also of an Israelite. Name means “possessor of grace.”
  • Baal-peor A Moabitish deity. Name means “Baal of Peor.”
  • Baalah The name of three places in Israel.
  • Baanah The name of four Israelites. Name means “in affliction.”Bible verses
  • Baasha A king of Israel. Name means “offensiveness.”
  • Babylon Including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire. Name means “confusion.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Babylon the Great Early Christian writers often read Babylon the Great in Revelation as a symbol of Rome, especially Tertullian and Hippolytus.Early church
  • Bahurim A place in Israel. Name means “young men.”
  • Balaam A Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Israel. Name means “not (of the) people; foreigner.”Bible verses
  • Balak A Moabitish king. Name means “waster.”
  • Bani The name of five Israelites. Name means “built.”Bible verses
  • Baptism Greek baptisma: immersion. The early Christians taught that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins and the new birth (Justin Martyr, First Apology 61).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Baptismal Regeneration Early Christian writers commonly taught that baptism is tied to new birth, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit.Early church
  • Baptist A "baptizer" (immerser), as an epithet of Christ's forerunner, John.
  • Bar Kokhba Early Christian writers remembered Bar Kokhba mainly as a rebel leader who hurt Christians.Early church
  • Barabbas An Israelite. Name means “son of Abba.”
  • Barak An Israelite.
  • Barbarians Early Christians often used “barbarians” to mean foreign peoples, not a single race or one fixed idea.
  • Barnabas An Israelite. Name means “son of Nabas.”Early church
  • Baruch The name of three Israelites. Name means “blessed.”
  • Barzillai The name of three Israelites. Name means “iron-hearted.”
  • Bashan Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan.Bible verses
  • Bashemath The name of a wife of Esau, and of a daughter of Solomon. Name means “fragrance.”
  • Basilides Early Christian writers mostly treat Basilides as a heretic, not a trusted teacher.Early church
  • Basket Hebrew cal: (properly) a willow twig, i.e. an osier; but only as woven into a basket.Hear it on its page
  • Bathsheba The mother of Solomon. Name means “daughter of an oath.”
  • Beards Early Christian writings often treated a beard as a proper part of a man’s appearance and warned against shaving or damaging it.
  • Beast Early Christians usually read the beast in Revelation as the future Antichrist or his kingdom.Early church
  • Beatitudes Early Christians read the Beatitudes as real teaching about the Christian life, not as empty sayings.Early church
  • Bebai An Israelite.
  • Beds Greek koite: a couch; (by extension) cohabitation; (figuratively) marriage bed, sexual intercourse.Hear it on its page
  • Beelzebub A name of Satan. Name means “dung-god.”Bible verses
  • Beer-sheba A place in Israel. Name means “well of an oath.”Bible verses
  • Beeroth A place in Israel. Name means “wells.”
  • Bela The name of a place, also of an Edomite and of two Israelites.Bible verses
  • Believer's Baptism A Baptist term. Early Christian writings teach that baptism normally came after belief and repentance, and that it is for the forgiveness of sins and the new birth (Justin Martyr, First Apology 61).Early church
  • Belly Hebrew beten: the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.Hear it on its page
  • Belshazzar A Babylonian king.
  • Belteshazzar The Babylonian name of Daniel.
  • Benaiah The name of twelve Israelites. Name means “Jah has built.”Bible verses
  • Benhadad The name of several Syrian kings. Name means “son of Hadad.”
  • Benjamin Youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory. Name means “son of (the) right hand.”Bible verses
  • Beor The name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam. Name means “a lamp.”
  • Berachiah The name of six Israelites. Name means “knee of Jah.”
  • Beriah The name of four Israelites. Name means “in trouble.”Bible verses
  • Beth-aven A place in Israel. Name means “house of vanity.”
  • Beth-horon The name of two adjoining places in Israel. Name means “house of hollowness.”Bible verses
  • Beth-shean A place in Israel. Name means “house of ease.”
  • Beth-shemesh A place in Israel. Name means “house of (the) sun.”Bible verses
  • Bethany A place in Israel. Name means “date-house.”Bible verses
  • Bethel A place in Israel. Name means “house of God.”
  • Bethesda A pool in Jerusalem. Name means “house of kindness.”Early church
  • Bethlehem A place in Israel. Name means “house of bread.”Early church
  • Bethsaida A place in Israel. Name means “fishing-house.”
  • Bethuel The name of a nephew of Abraham, and of a place in Israel. Name means “destroyed of God.”
  • Bezaleel The name of two Israelites. Name means “in (the) shadow of God.”
  • Bezer A place in Israel; also an Israelite.
  • Biblical Canon Early Christian writers treated the Scriptures as the rule for faith.Early church
  • Biblical Chronology Early Christians often tried to date biblical history by counting years from Moses, David, the exile, and Christ.Early church
  • Bichri An Israelite. Name means “youth-ful.”
  • Bigvai An Israelite.
  • Bildad One of Job's friends.
  • Bilhah The name of one of Jacob's concubines; also of a place in Israel. Name means “timid.”
  • Binnui An Israelite. Name means “built up.”
  • Birth of Jesus Early Christians taught that Jesus was truly born of the Virgin Mary, born in Bethlehem, and born in real human flesh.Early church
  • Birthday Celebrations Early Christian writers did not give a simple, universal rule against every birthday meal.Early church
  • Bishop of Rome Early Christian writings strongly show that Rome held an important place and that later bishops there were treated as real bishops in the wider church.Early church
  • Bishops Greek episkopos: an overseer; (in genitive case) one of the co-superintendents entrusted with the well-being of a local assembly or of assemblies within a city or location.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Blood Greek haima: blood; (literally) of men or animals; (figuratively) the juice of grapes.Hear it on its page
  • Blood of Christ Early Christians taught that the blood of Christ was the saving blood that redeemed, cleansed, and forgave sins.Early church
  • Boasting Greek kauchesis: boasting (properly, the act; (by implication) the object), in a good or a bad sense.Hear it on its page
  • Boaz The ancestor of David; also the name of a pillar in front of the temple.
  • Body Hebrew geviah: a body, whether alive or dead.Hear it on its page
  • Book Hebrew cepher: (properly) writing (the art or a document); (by implication) a book.Hear it on its page
  • Book of Daniel Early Christians treated Daniel as a real prophecy book that pointed to Christ, the kingdom of God, the end times.
  • Book of Enoch Early Christians did not all treat the Book of Enoch the same way.Early church
  • Book of Life Early Christians tied the Book of Life to judgment, salvation, and whether a person’s name would be kept or blotted out.
  • Bottle Greek askos: a leathern bag used as a bottle.Hear it on its page
  • Bozrah A place in Edom.
  • Bracelet Hebrew tsamid: a bracelet or arm-clasp; (generally) a lid.Hear it on its page
  • Bride Hebrew kallah: a bride; (hence) a son's wife.Hear it on its page
  • Brooks Hebrew nachal: a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs).Hear it on its page
  • Brothers of Jesus Early Christian writings do say Jesus had brothers, and they name James, Joses, Simon, Judas.Early church
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C · Caesar to Cyrus

82 entries · Covenant, Christ, Caesar
  • Caesar A title of the Roman emperor.Early church
  • Caiaphas An Israelite. Name means “the dell.”Bible verses
  • Cain The name of the first child, also of a place in Israel, and of an Oriental tribe.
  • Cainan The name of two patriarchs.
  • Caleb The name of three Israelites.Bible verses
  • Calf Hebrew egel: a (male) calf, especially one nearly grown.Hear it on its page
  • Canaan A son a Ham; also the country inhabited by him. Name means “humiliated.”
  • Canaanites Hebrew kenaani: a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan.
  • Canan The name of seven Israelites. Name means “favor.”
  • Capernaum A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Capital Punishment Early Christian writers did not all agree on capital punishment.Early church
  • Captive Greek aichmalotos: (properly) a prisoner of war; (genitive case) a captive.Hear it on its page
  • Captivity of Israel Early Christian writers treated the captivity and dispersion of Israel as real historical judgment, especially in connection with the prophets.Early church
  • Careah An Israelite. Name means “bald.”
  • Carmel The name of a hill and of a town in Israel.
  • Carmi The name of three Israelites. Name means “gardener.”
  • Catechesis Early Christian writings treat catechesis as real teaching that leads people into faith, baptism, and a life of obedience.Early church
  • Catechumens Early Christians commonly taught that catechumens were people being instructed before baptism, prayed for in the church.Early church
  • Catholic Church Early Christian writers strongly described the church as one, worldwide, and Catholic.Early church
  • Cave Greek spelaion: a cavern; (by implication) a hiding-place or resort.Hear it on its page
  • Celibacy Early Christian writings often praise celibacy and virginity as a special gift, while still saying marriage is good and not sinful.
  • Centurion Greek hekatontarches: the captain of one hundred men.Hear it on its page
  • Cephas A surname of Peter. Name means “the Rock.”
  • Cesarea The name of two places in Israel.
  • Chaff Hebrew mots: chaff (as pressed out, i.e. winnowed or (rather) threshed loose).Hear it on its page
  • Chains Hebrew sharsherah: a chain; (arch.) probably a garland.Hear it on its page
  • Chaldean A Chaldoean, or native or the region of the lower Euphrates.
  • Chebar A river of Mesopotamia. Name means “length.”
  • Chedorlaomer An early Persian king.
  • Chenaanah The name of two Israelites.
  • Cherethites Hebrew kerethi: a Kerethite or life-guardsman.Hear it on its page
  • Cherubim Hebrew kerub: a cherub or imaginary figure.Hear it on its page
  • Chinnereth A place in Israel. Name means “perhaps harp-shaped.”
  • Christ Greek christos: anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
  • Christ as Mediator Jesus is called the one mediator between God and humanity in early Christian writings.
  • Christ Descending Into Hades Early Christians widely taught that Christ went down to Hades or the lower parts of the earth after his death.Early church
  • Christian Apparel Early Christian writers taught that clothing should be modest, plain, and tied to godliness rather than display.Early church
  • Christian Assemblies Early Christian writings teach that believers should gather together regularly as the church, not live as isolated believers.Early church
  • Christian Discipleship Early Christian teaching tied discipleship to following Jesus in real obedience, self-denial, and endurance, not just calling oneself a Christian.Early church
  • Christian Faith Early Christian teaching on the faith was that it was the apostolic gospel handed down from Christ through the apostles.Early church
  • Christian Holidays Early Christians did not all treat holy days the same way.Early church
  • Christian Life Early Christian writers taught that the Christian life is a real, whole-life walk of obedience, holiness, faith, and endurance.Early church
  • Christian Mysteries Early Christian writings usually treat Christian mysteries as sacred truths that belong to God and are given to believers.Early church
  • Christian Mysticism Early Christian writers often linked Christian life with illumination, hidden truth, and growing knowledge of God, especially Clement of Alexandria and Origen.Early church
  • Christian Perfection Early Christian writings teach that perfection is a real goal for believers, but they usually treat it as growth in holiness.Early church
  • Christmas Early Christians strongly taught that Jesus was truly born as a man, from the Virgin, and that this birth mattered for salvation.Early church
  • Churam The name of an Israelite and two Syrians. Name means “whiteness, i.e. noble.”
  • Church Greek ekklesia: (properly) a "calling out"; (concretely) a called out assembly of citizens.
  • Church at Ephesus Early Christian writings say the church at Ephesus was an important apostolic church, closely tied to Paul, John, and Timothy.Early church
  • Church at Rome Early Christian writings clearly call the Roman church real and important, and they often link it with Peter and Paul.Early church
  • Church Authority Early Christians taught that church authority was real, ordered, and tied to apostolic succession rather than private invention.Early church
  • Church Discipline Early Christian writings teach that church discipline was normal, necessary, and meant to protect the church and restore sinners.Early church
  • Church Membership Early Christian writers treated church membership as belonging to the visible people of God, joined through faith, baptism, shared worship.Early church
  • Church Officers Early Christians taught that churches should have recognized officers, especially bishops, presbyters, and deacons, with real authority and defined duties.Early church
  • Church Unity Early Christian teaching strongly says the church should stay one, avoid schism, and live in peace, one mind, and one faith.Early church
  • Cilicia A region of Asia Minor.
  • Circumcision Greek peritome: circumcision (the rite, the condition, or the people).
  • Cis An Israelite.
  • Clay Hebrew chomer: (properly) a bubbling up, i.e. of water, a wave; of earth, mire or clay (cement); also a heap.Hear it on its page
  • Closed Communion Early Christian writings support a guarded Lord’s Supper, not open access for everyone.Early church
  • Cloud Greek nephele: (properly) cloudiness; (concretely) a cloud.Hear it on its page
  • Communion Early Christian writings teach that communion was not treated as ordinary bread and wine.Early church
  • Confession of Sins Early Christian writings teach that confession of sins belonged to repentance, baptism, prayer, and church discipline.Early church
  • Congregational Church Government Early Christian writings teach that churches were led by appointed elders and bishops, with deacons serving under them.Early church
  • Contraception The early Christian writings do not give a single, direct rule about contraception.Early church
  • Conversion to Christianity Early Christian writings teach that conversion meant turning from idols, sin, and old ways to faith in Christ, baptism.Early church
  • Core An Israelite.
  • Corinth A city of Greece.Early church
  • Cornelius A Roman.
  • Corruption Hebrew mashchith: destructive, i.e. destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption).Hear it on its page
  • Cosmetics Early Christian writers usually warned against cosmetics and heavy beauty display.
  • Councils Early Christian writings say church leaders did gather in councils to settle hard questions and guide the churches.
  • Countenance Greek prosopon: the front, i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; (by implication) presence, person.Hear it on its page
  • Covenant Greek diatheke: (properly) a disposition; (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will).
  • Covenants of God Early Christian writers taught that God made and kept covenants across both the Old and New Testaments.Early church
  • Creeds Early Christians did not treat creeds as a late invention; they used a fixed rule of faith, summary confession.Early church
  • Crete An island in the Mediterranean.
  • Cross Greek stauros: a stake or post; (specially) a pole or cross; (figuratively) exposure to death, i.e. self-denial.
  • Cup Greek poterion: a drinking-vessel; (by extension) the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught); (figuratively) a lot or fate.Hear it on its page
  • Cush The name of a son of Ham, and of his territory; also of an Israelite.
  • Cyprus An island in the Mediterranean.
  • Cyrus The Persian king.Bible verses
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D · Dagon to Dust

37 entries · Day, David, Death
  • Dagon A Philistine deity. Name means “the fish-god.”
  • Dalaiah The name of five Israelites. Name means “Jah has delivered.”
  • Damascus A city of Syria.Bible verses
  • Dan One of the sons of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him. Name means “judge.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Daniel The name of two Israelites. Name means “judge of God.”Bible verses
  • Darius A title (rather than name) of several Persian kings.
  • Dathan An Israelite.
  • David The youngest son of Jesse. Name means “loving.”
  • Day Greek hemera: day; (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours; (figuratively) a period.
  • Days of Creation Early Christian writers commonly taught that God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh.Early church
  • Deacons Greek diakonos: an attendant, a servant; (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Death Hebrew maveth: death (natural or violent); (concretely) the dead, their place or state (hades); (figuratively) pestilence, ruin.
  • Debir The name of an Amoritish king and of two places in Israel.
  • Deborah The name of two Hebrewesses.
  • Dedan The name of two Cushites and of their territory.Bible verses
  • Deification Early Christians did use deification language, but usually in a limited way: they meant adoption, incorruption, and sharing in God’s life.Early church
  • Deity of Christ Early Christian writers widely taught that Jesus Christ is God and truly became man.Early church
  • Delilah A Philistine woman. Name means “languishing.”
  • Demetrius The name of an Ephesian and of a Christian.
  • Demons Greek daimonion: a demonic being; (by extension) a deity.
  • Depravity of Man Early Christian writers often said that people are marked by sin, corruption, and a bent toward evil.Early church
  • Deuterocanonical Books Early Christian writers quoted Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach and the other Septuagint books as Scripture (Polycarp, Irenaeus, Cyprian). Protestants call them the Apocrypha.Early church
  • Devil Greek diabolos: a slanderer; (specially) Satan.
  • Dibon The name of three places in Israel. Name means “pining.”
  • Dinah The daughter of Jacob. Name means “justice.”
  • Diocletian's Persecution of Christians Early Christian writings say Diocletian’s persecution began with the destruction of the Nicomedia church, the burning of the Scriptures.Early church
  • Disciple Greek mathetes: a learner, i.e. pupil.
  • Dishan An Edomite.
  • Dishon The name of two Edomites. Name means “the leaper, i.e. an antelope.”
  • Divine Healing Early Christian writings teach that God heals, Christ heals by his word and touch.Early church
  • Divinity of Christ Early Christian writers taught that Christ is truly divine, not a mere man or a created being.Early church
  • Doctrine of Man Early Christian writers taught that humans are made by God in his image, with a real body and soul.Early church
  • Dodo The name of three Israelites. Name means “loving.”
  • Door Hebrew shaar: an opening, i.e. door or gate.Hear it on its page
  • Dor A place in Israel. Name means “dwelling.”
  • Drought Hebrew batstsoreth: restraint; (of rain) drought.Hear it on its page
  • Dust Hebrew aphar: dust; (hence) clay, earth, mud.Hear it on its page
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E · Eagle to Ezra

86 entries · Earth, Egypt, Elijah
  • Eagle Greek aetos: an eagle (from its wind-like flight).Hear it on its page
  • Ear Greek ous: the ear (physically or mentally).Hear it on its page
  • Early Christian Apologetics Early Christians did think faith could be defended with reasons, but they did not treat argument as the whole of apologetics.Early church
  • Early Christian Apologists Early Christian apologists often defended the faith by answering charges, explaining Christian belief, and calling people to examine the Scriptures.Early church
  • Early Christians Early Christian writings do teach that the first Christians were a visible community marked by faith in Christ, shared life.Early church
  • Earth Greek ge: soil; (by extension) a region, or the solid part or the whole of the earthly globe (including the occupants in each application).
  • Easter Early Christian writings connect Easter with Christ’s resurrection, the Paschal feast, and the first day of the week.Early church
  • Eating Greek brosis: (abstractly) eating; (by extension, concretely) food.Hear it on its page
  • Ebal A mountain of Israel. Name means “bare.”
  • Ebed The name of two Israelites.
  • Ebed-melech A eunuch of Zedekeah. Name means “servant of a king.”
  • Eber The name of two patriarchs and four Israelites.Bible verses
  • Economy of God Early Christian writers did not use one single meaning for the economy of God.Early church
  • Eden The region of Adam's home.Bible verses
  • Edict of Milan The early Christian evidence says the Edict of Milan gave Christians legal freedom to worship and ended the public push against them.Early church
  • Edom The elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region (Idumaea) occupied by him. Name means “red.”
  • Edomites Hebrew edomi: an Edomite, or descendants from Edom.
  • Edrei The name of two places in Israel. Name means “mighty.”
  • Eglon The name of a place in Israel and of a Moabitish king. Name means “vituline.”
  • Egypt Upper and Lower Egypt.Early church
  • Egyptians Hebrew mitsri: a Mitsrite, or inhabitant of Mitsrajim.
  • Ehud The name of two or three Israelites. Name means “united.”
  • Ekron A place in Israel. Name means “eradication.”Bible verses
  • Elah The name of an Edomite, of four Israelites, and also of a place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Elam A son of Shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six Israelites. Name means “hidden, i.e. distant.”Bible verses
  • Elasah The name of four Israelites. Name means “God has made.”
  • Elath A place on the Red Sea. Name means “trees or a grove.”
  • Elders Greek presbyteros: older; a senior; (specially) an Israelite Sanhedrist.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Elealeh A place east of the Jordan. Name means “God (is) going up.”
  • Eleazar The name of seven Israelites. Name means “God (is) helper.”Bible verses
  • Election Early Christian writers tied election to God’s foreknowledge: He chooses those He knew would freely believe and obey, and calls the Gentiles with the remnant of Israel (Justin Martyr, Irenaeus).Early church
  • Eli An Israelite high-priest. Name means “lofty.”Bible verses
  • Eliab The name of six Israelites. Name means “God of (his) father.”Bible verses
  • Eliakim The name of four Israelites. Name means “God of raising.”Bible verses
  • Eliasaph The name of two Israelites. Name means “God (is) gatherer.”
  • Eliashib The name of six Israelites. Name means “God will restore.”Bible verses
  • Eliel The name of nine Israelites. Name means “God of (his) God.”
  • Eliezer The name of a Damascene and of ten Israelites. Name means “God of help.”
  • Elihoenai The name of seven Israelites. Name means “towards Jehovah (are) my eyes.”
  • Elihu The name of one of Job's friends, and of three Israelites. Name means “God of him.”
  • Elijah The name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites. Name means “God of Jehovah.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Elimelech An Israelite. Name means “God of (the) king.”
  • Eliphaz The name of one of Job's friends, and of a son of Esau. Name means “God of gold.”
  • Eliphelet The name of six Israelites. Name means “God of deliverance.”
  • Elisabeth An Israelitess.
  • Elisha The famous prophet.Bible verses
  • Elishama The name of seven Israelites. Name means “God of hearing.”Bible verses
  • Elizaphan An Israelite. Name means “God of treasure.”
  • Elizur An Israelite. Name means “God of (the) rock.”
  • Elkanah The name of several Israelites. Name means “God has obtained.”Bible verses
  • Elnathan The name of four Israelites. Name means “God (is the) giver.”
  • Elon The name of a place in Israel, and also of one Hittite, two Israelites. Name means “oak-grove.”
  • Emmaus A place in Israel.Early church
  • Emperor Decius Early Christian writers remembered Emperor Decius mainly as the ruler who brought a severe persecution on the Church.Early church
  • Emperor Valerian Early Christian writings present Valerian mainly as a persecutor of Christians, but they also remember that he first treated Christians kindly.Early church
  • En-gedi A place in Israel. Name means “fountain of a kid.”
  • Enan An Israelite. Name means “having eyes.”
  • Enoch An antediluvian patriach. Name means “initiated.”Early church
  • Enos A son of Seth.
  • Entire Sanctification A Wesleyan term. Early Christian writers taught that believers should pursue real holiness all their life.Early church
  • Ephah The name of a son of Midian, and of the region settled by him.
  • Ephesus A city of Asia Minor.Bible versesEarly church
  • Ephraim A son of Joseph; (also) the tribe descended from him, and its territory. Name means “double fruit.”
  • Ephratah Another name for Bethlehem; (also) of an Israelitish woman. Name means “fruitfulness.”Bible verses
  • Ephron The name of a Canaanite and of two places in Israel. Name means “fawn-like.”
  • Epistle of Barnabas Early Christian writers treated the Epistle of Barnabas as a real and widely received church writing.Early church
  • Er The name of two Israelites. Name means “watchful.”Bible verses
  • Esau A son of Isaac, including his posterity. Name means “rough.”Bible verses
  • Eshcol The name of an Amorite, also of a valley in Israel.
  • Eshtaol A place in Israel. Name means “intreaty.”
  • Eshtemoa A place in Israel.
  • Esther The Jewish heroine.
  • Etam A place in Israel. Name means “hawk-ground.”
  • Eternal Punishment Early Christian writers repeatedly taught that final punishment is real, conscious, and everlasting for the wicked.Early church
  • Ethan The name of four Israelites. Name means “permanent.”
  • Ethiopian An Ethiopian; a dark-skinned person from a particular ancient region in north east Africa.
  • Ethiopian Eunuch Early Christian writers usually treated the Ethiopian eunuch as a real convert in Acts 8 who heard Philip.Early church
  • Eucharist Early Christian writers taught that the Eucharist was not just ordinary bread and wine.Early church
  • Euphrates A river of the East. Name means “rushing.”Bible verses
  • Eve The first woman. Name means “life-giver.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Excommunication Early Christian writings teach that excommunication was a real church discipline used to remove stubborn sinners, heretics, and troublemakers from fellowship.Early church
  • Eye Greek ophthalmos: the eye; (by implication) vision; (figuratively) envy (from the jealous side-glance).Hear it on its page
  • Ezekiel The name of two Israelites. Name means “God will strengthen.”
  • Ezer An Idumaean. Name means “treasure.”Bible verses
  • Ezion-geber A place on the Red Sea. Name means “backbone-like of a man.”
  • Ezra An Israelite.
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F · Faith to Furnace

18 entries · Fire, Faith, FleshBack to the letters ↑

G · Gaal to Greek Mythology

53 entries · God, Grace, Glory
  • Gaal An Israelite. Name means “loathing.”
  • Gabriel An archangel. Name means “man of God.”
  • Gad A son of Jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet.Bible verses
  • Galilean Or belonging to Galilea.
  • Galilee A region of Israel. Name means “known as the heathen circle.”
  • Gamaliel An Israelite. Name means “reward of God.”
  • Gath A Philistine city.Bible verses
  • Gaza A place in Israel.
  • Geba A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Gedaliah The name of five Israelites. Name means “Jah has become great.”
  • Gedor A place in Israel; also the name of three Israelites. Name means “inclosure.”
  • Gehazi The servant of Elisha. Name means “valley of a visionary.”
  • Gehenna Greek geenna: valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna, a valley of Jerusalem.
  • Gemariah The name of two Israelites. Name means “Jah has perfected.”
  • Genealogies Greek genealogia: tracing by generations, i.e. "genealogy".Hear it on its page
  • Gentiles Greek ethnos: a race, i.e. a tribe; (specially) a foreign (non-Jewish) one, Gentiles; (usually, by implication) pagan.
  • Gera The name of six Israelites. Name means “a grain.”Bible verses
  • Gerar A Philistine city. Name means “a rolling country.”
  • Gershom The name of four Israelites.
  • Gershon An Israelite. Name means “a refugee.”Bible verses
  • Geshur A district of Syria. Name means “bridge.”
  • Gezer A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Gibbethon A place in Israel. Name means “a hilly spot.”
  • Gibeah Gibah; the name of three places in Israel.
  • Gibeon A place in Israel. Name means “hilly.”
  • Gibeonites Hebrew giboni: a Gibonite, or inhabitant of Gibon.Bible verses
  • Gideon An Israelite. Name means “feller.”Bible verses
  • Gideoni An Israelite. Name means “warlike.”
  • Gihon A river of Paradise; also a valley near Jerusalem. Name means “stream.”
  • Gilboa A mountain of Israel. Name means “fountain of ebullition.”
  • Gilead A region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites.Bible verses
  • Gilgal The name of three places in Israel.Bible verses
  • Glory Greek doxa: glory, in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective).
  • Goat Hebrew seh: a member of a flock, i.e. a sheep or goat.Hear it on its page
  • God Greek theos: a deity; (figuratively) a magistrate; (by Hebraism) very.
  • God the Father Early Christian writers taught that the Father is the one true God, the maker of all things.Early church
  • Gog The name of an Israelite, also of some nothern nation.
  • Goliath A Philistine. Name means “exile.”
  • Gomer The name of a son of Japheth and of his descendants. Name means “completion.”
  • Gomorrah A place in Israel. Name means “a (ruined) heap.”Bible verses
  • Goshen The residence of the Israelites in Egypt; also a place in Israel.
  • Gospel Greek euangelion: (properly) a good message; (specially) the good news of redemption through Jesus; (also called) the good news.
  • Gospel of John The early Christians treated the Gospel of John as a real apostolic Gospel and used it to teach that Jesus is the eternal Word who became flesh.Early church
  • Gospel of Mark Early Christian writers taught that Mark wrote the Gospel as Peter’s interpreter and that the book carried Peter’s preaching in written form.Early church
  • Gospel of Matthew Early Christians treated Matthew as a true apostolic Gospel, not a late or minor text.
  • Gozan A province of Assyria. Name means “a quarry.”
  • Grace Greek charis: graciousness; (especially) the divine influence upon the heart. The early Christians taught that God’s grace helps a free will that must still answer and obey (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.37).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Grass Hebrew chatsir: grass; also a leek (collectively).Hear it on its page
  • Great Harlot Early Christian writers mainly used the Great Harlot of Revelation as a picture of a proud.Early church
  • Great Mother Early Christian writers mostly used the Great Mother as an example of pagan religion, not as a Christian figure to follow.Early church
  • Greece A country of Europe.Bible verses
  • Greek A Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; (by extension) a Greek-speaking person; (especially) a non-Jew, i.e. a Gentile.
  • Greek Mythology Early Christian writers mostly treated Greek mythology as false story, idol worship, or pagan fable.Early church
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H · Habakkuk to Hypostatic Union

72 entries · Heaven, Heart, Holy
  • Habakkuk The prophet. Name means “embrace.”
  • Hadad The name of an idol, and of several kings of Edom.
  • Hadadezer Hadad (is his) help; Hadadezer, a Syrian king.
  • Hadarezer A Syrian king. Name means “Hadar is his help.”
  • Hades Greek haides: (properly) unseen; (commonly) "Hades," the place (state) of departed souls.Hear it on its page
  • Hagar The mother of Ishmael.
  • Haggai A Heb. prophet. Name means “festive.”
  • Haggith A wife of David. Name means “festive.”
  • Ham A son of Noah; his descendants or their country. Name means “hot (from the tropical habitat).”Bible versesEarly church
  • Haman A Persian vizier.
  • Hamath A place in Syria. Name means “walled.”Bible verses
  • Hamor A Canaanite. Name means “donkey.”
  • Hanani The name of six Israelites. Name means “gracious.”Bible verses
  • Hananiah The name of thirteen Israelites. Name means “Jah has favored.”Bible verses
  • Hannah An Israelitess. Name means “favored.”Early church
  • Hanun The name of an Ammonite and of two Israelites. Name means “favored.”
  • Haran The name of a man and also of a place. Name means “parched.”Bible verses
  • Harim An Israelite. Name means “snub-nosed.”Bible verses
  • Hashabiah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has regarded.”Bible verses
  • Hashub The name of two or three Israelites. Name means “intelligent.”
  • Hashum The name of two or three Israelites. Name means “enriched.”
  • Hattush The name of four or five Israelites.
  • Havilah The name of two or three eastern regions; also perhaps of two men. Name means “circular.”
  • Hazael A king of Syria. Name means “God has seen.”Bible verses
  • Hazeroth A place in Israel. Name means “yards.”
  • Hazor The name (thus simply) of two places in Israel and of one in Arabia. Name means “village.”Bible verses
  • Head Covering The key New Testament passage is 1 Corinthians 11. The early Christians taught that women cover their heads in worship (Tertullian, On the Veiling of Virgins; Clement, The Instructor 3.11).Early church
  • Heart Greek kardia: the heart; (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); (by analogy) the middle.
  • Heaven Greek ouranos: the sky; (by extension) heaven; (by implication) happiness, power, eternity.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Heber The name of a Kenite and of three Israelites. Name means “community.”Bible verses
  • Hebrew Language Early Christian writers usually treated Hebrew as the language tied to the Jews, their fathers, and their Scriptures.Early church
  • Hebron A place in Israel, also the name of two Israelites. Name means “seat of association.”Bible verses
  • Heli An Israelite.
  • Hell The eternal fire of the final judgment (Greek geenna, Gehenna). The early Christians kept it separate from Hades, the place where the dead wait for the judgment.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Helmet Greek perikephalaia: encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet.Hear it on its page
  • Helon An Israelite. Name means “strong.”
  • Heman The name of at least two Israelites. Name means “faithful.”
  • Hepher A place in Israel; also the name of three Israelites. Name means “a pit of shame.”Bible verses
  • Heresy Early Christian writers often treated heresy as false teaching that breaks unity, twists the faith, and pulls people away from the Church.Early church
  • Hermon A mount of Israel. Name means “abrupt.”
  • Herod The name of four Jewish kings. Name means “heroic.”Early church
  • Herodias A woman of the Heodian family.
  • Heshbon A place East of the Jordan.Bible verses
  • Heth An aboriginal Canaanite. Name means “terror.”Bible verses
  • Hezekiah A king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites. Name means “strengthened of Jah.”
  • Hezron The name of a place in Israel; also of two Israelites. Name means “court-yard.”Bible verses
  • Hilkiah The name of eight Israelites. Name means “portion of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Hinnom Apparently a Jebusite.Bible verses
  • Hiram The name of two Tyrians.
  • Hittites Hebrew chitti: a Chittite, or descendant of Cheth.Bible verses
  • Hivites Hebrew chivvi: a villager; a Chivvite, one of the aboriginal tribes of Israel.Bible verses
  • Hodijah The name of three Israelites.
  • Holy Greek hagios: sacred; (physically) pure; (morally) blameless.
  • Holy Kiss Early Christian writings treat the holy kiss as a real church practice tied to peace, love, and worship.Early church
  • Holy Orders Early Christian writings teach a real church order with bishops, presbyters, deacons, and the laying on of hands in ordination.Early church
  • Holy Spirit Early Christian writings teach that the Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter who teaches, guides, gives understanding.Early church
  • Homosexuality Early Christians taught that same-sex sex was sinful and outside God’s design.Early church
  • Hope Greek elpis: expectation; (abstractly or concretely) confidence.
  • Hophni An Israelite. Name means “perhaps pugilist.”
  • Hor The name of a peak in Idumaea and of one in Syria. Name means “mountain.”
  • Horeb A (generic) name for the Sinaitic mountains. Name means “desolate.”Bible verses
  • Hormah A place in Israel. Name means “devoted.”Bible verses
  • Horn Hebrew qeren: a horn; (by implication) a flask, cornet; (figuratively) power.Hear it on its page
  • Hosah An Israelite; also a place in Israel. Name means “hopeful.”
  • Hosanna Greek hosanna: "oh save!", an exclamation of adoration.
  • Hosea The name of five Israelites. Name means “deliverer.”
  • House Churches Early Christian writings do support house churches, but they also show believers gathering in larger church settings.Early church
  • Human Nature Early Christian writers commonly taught that human nature is good because it was made by God, but also wounded by sin.Early church
  • Humanity of Christ Early Christian teaching was clear: Jesus Christ was truly human, born of Mary, came in the flesh.Early church
  • Hur The name of four Israelites and one Midianite.Bible verses
  • Hushai An Israelite. Name means “hasty.”
  • Hypostatic Union Early Christians did teach that Jesus Christ is one person who is fully divine and fully human.Early church
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I · Iconium to Izhar

35 entries · Israel, Isaac, Isaiah
  • Iconium A place in Asia Minor. Name means “image-like.”
  • Icons Early Christian writings overwhelmingly treat making religious images and bowing to them as idolatry, not as a normal part of Christian worship.Early church
  • Iddo The name of five Israelites. Name means “timely.”Bible verses
  • Idols Early Christians taught that idols are not real gods and that believers should turn away from idol worship.
  • Idumea A region East (and South) of Israel.
  • Immer The name of five Israelites. Name means “talkative.”Bible verses
  • Imna The name of two Israelites; (with the article) of the posterity of one of them. Name means “prosperity.”
  • Impassibility of God Early Christian writers taught that God is not changeable, not ruled by human passions.Early church
  • Imputed Righteousness A Reformation term. The early Christians taught that God counts faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) and that true faith obeys. They did not teach a credited righteousness apart from a changed life (1 Clement 30-33).Early church
  • Incarnation Early Christian writings clearly teach that Jesus Christ is the Word who became flesh, truly born of the Virgin Mary.Early church
  • Incense Early Christians often rejected incense in idol worship, but many also used incense language for prayer and Christian worship.
  • Infant Baptism Mixed before AD 325: Origen and Cyprian favor baptizing infants; Tertullian (On Baptism 18) urged waiting.Early church
  • Infant Communion Cyprian (On the Lapsed 25) tells of a deacon giving the cup to a little child, so some churches gave communion to baptized infants. Earlier writers say little about it.Early church
  • Inherited Sin Early Christian writers often tied Adam’s fall to the human race’s shared death and corruption.Early church
  • Inner Man Early Christian writers usually treated the inner man as the soul, mind, or inward life that can be renewed by God.Early church
  • Inspiration of Scripture Early Christian writers taught that Scripture is given by God’s Spirit, not by ordinary human invention.Early church
  • Intercession of Saints Early Christian writings do support asking saints for prayers and speaking of the saints as alive with God.Early church
  • Intermediate State Early Christian writers commonly taught that the dead go to an intermediate place before the final resurrection and judgment.Early church
  • Interpretation of Scripture Early Christian writers taught that Scripture should be read with care, compared with other Scriptures.Early church
  • Ira The name of three Israelites. Name means “wakefulness.”
  • Iron A place in Israel. Name means “fearfulness.”Bible verses
  • Isaac Son of Abraham. Name means “laughter.”
  • Isaiah The name of seven Israelites. Name means “Jah has saved.”
  • Iscariot An epithet of Judas the traitor. Name means “inhabitant of Kerioth.”
  • Ish-bosheth A son of King Saul. Name means “man of shame.”
  • Ishmael The name of Abraham's oldest son, and of five Israelites. Name means “God will hear.”Bible verses
  • Ishmaelites Hebrew yishmaeli: a Jishmaelite or descendant of Jishmael.Bible verses
  • Israel A symbolical name of Jacob; (typically) of his posterity. Name means “he will rule as God.”
  • Israel of God Early Christian writers often read "the Israel of God" as the people who belong to Christ by faith, not as flesh-only Israel.Early church
  • Israelite An "Israelite", i.e. descendant of Israel.
  • Issachar A son of Jacob. Name means “he will bring a reward.”
  • Ithai The name of a Gittite and of an Israelite. Name means “near.”
  • Ithamar A son of Aaron. Name means “coast of the palm-tree.”Bible verses
  • Ivory Hebrew shen: a tooth; specifically ivory; (figuratively) a cliff.Hear it on its page
  • Izhar An Israelite.
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J · Jaazer to Justification

95 entries · Jehovah, Jerusalem, Jesus
  • Jaazer A place East of the Jordan. Name means “helpful.”
  • Jabbok A river east of the Jordan. Name means “pouring forth.”
  • Jabesh The name of an Israelite and of a place in Israel.
  • Jabin The name of two Canaanitish kings. Name means “intelligent.”
  • Jachin The name of three Israelites and of a temple pillar. Name means “he will establish.”
  • Jacob The Israelitish patriarch. Name means “heel-catcher.”Bible verses
  • Jael A Canaanite.
  • Jah The sacred name.
  • Jahath The name of four Israelites. Name means “unity.”
  • Jahaz A place East of the Jordan. Name means “perhaps threshing-floor.”
  • Jahaziel The name of five Israelites. Name means “beheld of God.”
  • Jair The name of four Israelites. Name means “enlightener.”Bible verses
  • James The name of three Israelites.Early church
  • Jamin The name of three Israelites.
  • Japheth A son of Noah; also his posterity. Name means “expansion.”Bible verses
  • Japhia The name of a Canaanite, an Israelite, and a place in Israel. Name means “bright.”
  • Jared The name of an antediluvian, and of an Israelite. Name means “a descent.”
  • Jarmuth The name of two places in Israel. Name means “elevation.”
  • Jason A Christian. Name means “about to cure.”
  • Javan The name of a son of Joktan, and of the race. Name means “effervescing.”
  • Jebusites Hebrew yebuci: a Jebusite or inhabitant of Jebus.Hear it on its page
  • Jechonias An Israelite.
  • Jedaiah The name of two Israelites. Name means “Jah has known.”Bible verses
  • Jediael The name of three Israelites. Name means “knowing God.”
  • Jeduthun An Israelite. Name means “laudatory.”
  • Jehiel The name of eight Israelites. Name means “God will live.”Bible verses
  • Jehoahaz The name of three Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-seized.”Bible verses
  • Jehoash The name of two Israelite kings. Name means “Jehovah-fired.”
  • Jehohanan The name of eight Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-favored.”
  • Jehoiachin An Israelite king.Bible verses
  • Jehoiada The name of two Israelites.
  • Jehojada The name of three Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-known.”
  • Jehojakim A Jewish king. Name means “Jehovah will raise.”
  • Jehojakin A Jewish king. Name means “Jehovah will establish.”
  • Jehonadab The name of an Israelite and of an Arab. Name means “Jehovah-largessed.”
  • Jehoram The name of a Syrian and of three Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-raised.”
  • Jehoshaphat The name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem. Name means “Jehovah-judged.”
  • Jehovah Hebrew yehovah: Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.
  • Jehozadak An Israelite. Name means “Jehovah-righted.”Bible verses
  • Jehu The name of five Israelites. Name means “Jehovah (is) He.”
  • Jeiel The name of six Israelites. Name means “carried away of God.”Bible verses
  • Jekonjah A Jewish king. Name means “Jah will establish.”
  • Jephthah An Israelite; also a place in Israel. Name means “he will open.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Jephunneh The name of two Israelites. Name means “he will be prepared.”
  • Jerahmeel The name of three Israelites. Name means “God will compassionate.”
  • Jeremiah The name of eight or nine Israelites. Name means “Jah will rise.”
  • Jericho A place in Israel. Name means “fragrant.”Bible verses
  • Jerimoth The name of twelve Israelites. Name means “elevations.”
  • Jeroboam The name of two Israelite kings. Name means “(the) people will contend.”Bible verses
  • Jeroham The name of seven or eight Israelites. Name means “compassionate.”Bible verses
  • Jerubbaal A symbol. name of Gideon. Name means “Baal will contend.”
  • Jerusalem The capital city of Israel. Name means “founded peaceful.”
  • Jeshua The name of ten Israelites, also of a place in Israel. Name means “he will save.”
  • Jesse David's father. Name means “extant.”Bible verses
  • Jesus The name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites.Early church
  • Jesus the Nazarene Early Christian writings call Jesus the Nazarene, tie that name to his real life in Galilee.Early church
  • Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem Early Christian writers clearly taught that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.Early church
  • Jether The name of five or six Israelites and of one Midianite.
  • Jethro Moses' father-in-law. Name means “his excellence.”
  • Jeush The name of an Edomite and of four Israelites. Name means “hasty.”Bible verses
  • Jew A Jehudaite, i.e. Jew.
  • Jewish Law Early Christian writers usually said the Jewish law was real, good, and given by God.Early church
  • Jezebel The wife of king Ahab.Bible verses
  • Jezreel The name of two places in Israel and of two Israelites. Name means “God will sow.”
  • Jishshijah The name of five Israelites. Name means “Jah will lend.”
  • Joab The name of three Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-fathered.”Bible verses
  • Joah The name of four Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-brothered.”Bible verses
  • Joash The name of six Israelites.Bible verses
  • Job The patriarch famous for his patience. Name means “hated.”Early church
  • Jobab The name of two Israelites and of three foreigners. Name means “howler.”Bible verses
  • Joel The name of twelve Israelites. Name means “Jehovah (is his) God.”Bible verses
  • Johanan The name of nine Israelites.Bible verses
  • John The name of four Israelites.
  • Joiarib The name of four Israelites.
  • Joktan An Arabian patriarch. Name means “he will be made little.”
  • Jonadab The name of an Israelite and of a Rechabite.
  • Jonah An Israelite.
  • Jonathan The name of four Israelites. Name means “Jehovah-given.”Bible verses
  • Joppa A place in Israel.
  • Joram The name of three Israelites and one Syrian.
  • Jordan The principal river of Israel. Name means “a descender.”Bible verses
  • Joseph The name of seven Israelites. Name means “let him add.”
  • Joshua The Jewish leader. Name means “Jehovah-saved.”
  • Josiah The name of two Israelites. Name means “founded of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Jot Greek iota: "iota", the name of the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet.
  • Jotham The name of three Israelites. Name means “Jehovah (is) perfect.”
  • Joy Greek chara: cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight.
  • Jozabad The name of ten Israelites.Bible verses
  • Jozadak An Israelite.
  • Judah The name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first. Name means “celebrated.”
  • Judas The name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region.
  • Judea The Judaean land, a region of Israel.
  • Judgment Day Early Christian writers taught that Judgment Day is a future event when Christ or God will judge all people.Early church
  • Judith Jewess; Jehudith, a Canaanitess.Early church
  • Justification Greek dikaiosis. The early Christians taught that God makes us righteous by faith in Christ, a faith that obeys (1 Clement 30-33). Strong’s (1890) gives “acquittal.”Early churchHear it on its page
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K · Kadesh to Koz

20 entries · King, Kingdom of God, King Abgar
  • Kadesh A place in the Desert. Name means “sanctuary.”Bible verses
  • Kadeshbarnea A place in the Desert. Name means “Kadesh of (the) Wilderness of Wandering.”
  • Kadmiel The name of three Israelites. Name means “presence of God.”
  • Kedar A son of Ishmael; (collectively) Bedouin. Name means “dusky (of the skin or the tent).”
  • Kedesh The name of four places in Israel. Name means “a sanctum.”
  • Keilah A place in Israel. Name means “citadel.”
  • Kenan An antediluvian. Name means “fixed.”
  • Kenaz The name of an Edomite and of two Israelites. Name means “hunter.”Bible verses
  • Kidron A brook near Jerusalem. Name means “dusky place.”Bible verses
  • King Greek basileus: a sovereign (king, emperor, ruler).
  • King Abgar Early Christian writings give very little direct teaching about King Abgar.
  • Kingdom of God The kingdom of God is central to Jesus' preaching and the apostolic vision of righteousness, peace, joy, holiness.Early church
  • Kiriathaim The name of two placed in Israel. Name means “double city.”
  • Kirjath-arba City of Arba, or city of the four (giants); Kirjath-Arba or Kirjath-ha-Arba, a place in Israel.
  • Kirjath-jearim A place in Israel. Name means “city of forests.”Bible verses
  • Kish The name of five Israelites. Name means “a bow.”Bible verses
  • Kohath An Israelite. Name means “allied.”
  • Korah The name of two Edomites and three Israelites. Name means “ice.”Bible verses
  • Korahite A Korchite (collectively) or descendants of Korach.
  • Koz The name of two Israelites.
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L · Laadan to Lystra

44 entries · Lord, Life, Law
  • Laadan The name of two Israelites.
  • Laban A Mesopotamian; also a place in the Desert.
  • Lachish A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Laish The name of two places in Israel.
  • Lamech The name of two antediluvian patriarchs.
  • Lamp Hebrew nir: a lamp or light (literally or figuratively).Hear it on its page
  • Laodicea A place in Asia Minor.
  • Last Days Early Christian writers taught that the last days were already beginning in their own time.Early church
  • Last Judgment Early Christians taught that a final judgment was coming, and they tied it to Christ’s return, the resurrection of the dead.Early church
  • Law Greek nomos: law (through the idea of prescriptive usage); (genitive case) regulation; (specially) of Moses (including the volume).
  • Lawsuits Early Christians taught believers not to drag each other into lawsuits and to seek peace and quick settlement instead.
  • Laying on of Hands Early Christian writers taught that laying on of hands was a normal Church act for giving the Holy Spirit.Early church
  • Lazarus The name of two Israelites (one imaginary).
  • Lead Hebrew ophereth: lead (from its dusty color).Hear it on its page
  • Leah A wife of Jacob. Name means “weary.”Bible verses
  • Leaven Greek zyme: a fermenting agent; (specially) leaven; (figuratively, good or bad) a thorough.Hear it on its page
  • Lebanon A mountain range in Israel. Name means “(the) white mountain (from its snow).”
  • Lent Early Christian writings do support Lent-style fasting, but the strongest early witness is that Christians fasted in different ways and linked the season to repentance, Christ’s passion, and baptismal preparation.Early church
  • Levi A son of Jacob. Name means “attached.”
  • Levite A Levite, i.e. descendant of Levi.
  • Libnah A place in the Desert and one in Israel.
  • Libni An Israelite. Name means “white.”
  • Life Hebrew chay: alive; (hence) raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong.
  • Light Hebrew or: illumination; (concretely) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.).
  • Lightning Greek astrape: lightning; (by analogy) glare.Hear it on its page
  • Linen Hebrew bad: flaxen thread or yarn; (hence) a linen garment.Hear it on its page
  • Linus A Christian.Early church
  • Liturgy Early Christian writings link liturgy to prayer, thanksgiving, Scripture reading, orderly worship, and the Eucharist.Early church
  • Locust Hebrew arbeh: a locust (from its rapid increase).Hear it on its page
  • Logos Greek logos: something said (including the thought); (by implication) a topic (subject of discourse).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Lord Greek kyrios: supreme in authority; controller; (by implication) Master.
  • Lord's Day Early Christian writings treat the Lord’s Day as the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.Early church
  • Lord's Prayer Early Christians treated the Lord’s Prayer as the Lord’s own model prayer and prayed it as a real pattern.Early church
  • Lord's Supper Early Christian writers taught that the Lord’s Supper is not common bread and drink, but is received as the body and blood of Christ (Justin Martyr, First Apology 66).Early church
  • Lordship of Christ The early Christian writings teach that Jesus is Lord, and they often connect that lordship to his kingly rule, divine authority.Early church
  • Lot Abraham's nephew.Early church
  • Lotan An Idumaean. Name means “covering.”
  • Love Greek agape: love, i.e. affection or benevolence; (specially, plural) a love-feast.
  • Lud The name of two nations.
  • Luke A Christian.Bible versesEarly church
  • Lust Early Christian writers taught that lust was a serious sin that had to be resisted, not excused.Early church
  • Luz The name of two places in Israel.
  • Lysias A Roman.
  • Lystra A place in Asia Minor.
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M · Maachah to Mushi

85 entries · Man, Moses, Mercy
  • Maachah The name of a place in Syria, also of a Mesopotamian. Name means “depression.”Bible verses
  • Maaseiah The name of sixteen Israelites. Name means “work of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Macedonia A region of Greece.Bible verses
  • Machir An Israelite. Name means “salesman.”
  • Machpelah A place in Israel. Name means “a fold.”
  • Madai A country of central Asia.
  • Magdalene A female Magdalene, i.e. inhabitant of Magdala.
  • Magog A son of Japheth; also a barbarous northern region.
  • Mahalaleel The name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an Israelite. Name means “praise of God.”
  • Mahanaim A place in Israel. Name means “double camp.”
  • Mahlah The name apparently of two Israelitesses. Name means “sickness.”
  • Mahli The name of two Israelites. Name means “sick.”
  • Makkedah A place in Israel. Name means “fold.”
  • Malachi A prophet. Name means “ministrative.”
  • Malchiah The name of ten Israelites. Name means “king of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Malchishua An Israelite. Name means “king of wealth.”
  • Malluch The name of five Israelites. Name means “remnant.”
  • Mammon Greek mammonas: mammonas, i.e. avarice (deified).
  • Mamre An Amorite. Name means “lusty.”
  • Man Greek anthropos: (properly) man-faced; (concretely) a human being (man or female); (generally) all human beings.
  • Manasseh A grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory. Name means “causing to forget.”
  • Manna Greek manna: manna, an edible gum.Hear it on its page
  • Manoah An Israelite. Name means “rest.”
  • Maon The name of an Israelite and of a place in Israel. Name means “a residence.”
  • Maranatha Greek maranatha: maranatha, i.e. an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment.
  • Mareshah The name of two Israelites and of a place in Israel. Name means “summit.”
  • Mark A Christian.
  • Marriage Early Christian writers taught that marriage is honorable, one man and one woman become one flesh.Early church
  • Martha A Christian woman.
  • Martyrs Early Christians taught that martyrs were honored, remembered, and seen as true witnesses for Christ.Early church
  • Mary The name of six Christian females.Bible versesEarly church
  • Mattan The name of a priest of Baal, and of an Israelite.
  • Mattaniah The name of ten Israelites. Name means “gift of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Mattathias An Israelite and a Christian.
  • Matthew An Israelite and a Christian.Early church
  • Matthias An Israelite.Bible versesEarly church
  • Mattithiah The name of four Israelites. Name means “gift of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Medatha The father of Haman.
  • Mede A country of central Asia.Bible verses
  • Medeba A place in Israel. Name means “water of quiet.”
  • Megiddo A place in Israel. Name means “rendezvous.”Bible verses
  • Melchizedek An early king in Israel. Name means “king of right.”
  • Menahem An Israelite. Name means “comforter.”
  • Mephibosheth The name of two Israelites. Name means “dispeller of shame.”
  • Meraioth The name of two Israelites. Name means “rebellious.”
  • Merari An Israelite. Name means “bitter.”
  • Mercy Hebrew checed: kindness; (by implication, towards God) piety; (by opposition, rarely) reproof.
  • Meremoth The name of two Israelites. Name means “heights.”
  • Meribah The name of two places in the Desert.
  • Meshach The Babylonian name of Mishael.
  • Meshech A son of Japheth, and the people descended from him.Bible verses
  • Meshullam The name of seventeen Israelites. Name means “allied.”Bible verses
  • Mesopotamia A region of Asia.Bible verses
  • Messiah Hebrew mashiach: anointed; usually a consecrated person; (specifically) the Messiah, the Anointed One.
  • Methuselah An antediluvian patriarch. Name means “man of a dart.”
  • Micah The name of seven Israelites.Bible verses
  • Michael The name of an archangel and of nine Israelites. Name means “who (is) like God?”Bible versesEarly church
  • Michal Saul's daughter. Name means “revulet.”
  • Midian A son of Abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants.
  • Mikajah The name of three Israelites.
  • Mikmas A place in Israel. Name means “hidden.”
  • Milcah The name of a Hebrewess and of an Israelite. Name means “queen.”Bible verses
  • Milcom The national idol of the Ammonites.
  • Military Service Early Christian writing on military service is mixed, but the strongest early voices lean against Christian involvement in killing and oath-bound warfare.Early church
  • Millennium Many early Christian writers taught a future thousand-year reign of Christ.Early church
  • Millo A rampart, i.e. the citadel.
  • Ministers Early Christian writings treat ministers as ordained servants with defined duties in the church.
  • Miracles Early Christian writings teach that miracles were real works of God, not tricks.Early church
  • Miriam The name of two Israelitesses. Name means “rebelliously.”Early church
  • Mishael The name of three Israelites. Name means “who (is) what God (is)?”
  • Mizpah The name of two places in Israel.Bible verses
  • Mizpeh The name of five places in Israel.
  • Moab An incestuous son of Lot; also his territory and descendants.
  • Moabites Hebrew moabi: a Moabite or Moabitess, i.e. a descendant from Moab.
  • Modesty Early Christian writings taught that modesty should shape how believers dress, act, and carry themselves.Early church
  • Molech The chief deity of the Ammonites.Hear it on its page
  • Mordecai An Israelite.
  • Mortal Sin Early Christian writers often treated some sins as deadly or grievous in a way that could not be casually brushed aside.Early church
  • Mosaic Law Early Christian writers mostly treated the Mosaic Law as real and God-given.Early church
  • Moses The Israelite lawgiver. Name means “drawing out (of the water).”Bible versesEarly church
  • Mother Hebrew em: a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively).
  • Moza The name of two Israelites.
  • Mule Hebrew pered: a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits).Hear it on its page
  • Muratorian Fragment This page gathers the limited early Christian source material related to the Muratorian Fragment and the wider question of early Christian book lists and canon history.
  • Mushi A Levite. Name means “sensitive.”
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N · Naamah to Noph

51 entries · Name, Nazareth, Noah
  • Naamah The name of an antediluvian woman, of an Ammonitess. Name means “pleasantness.”
  • Naaman The name of an Israelite and of a Damascene.
  • Naashon An Israelite. Name means “enchanter.”Bible verses
  • Nabal An Israelite. Name means “dolt.”
  • Naboth An Israelite. Name means “fruits.”
  • Nadab The name of four Israelites. Name means “liberal.”Bible verses
  • Nahash The name of two persons apparently non-Israelite.
  • Nahath The name of an Edomite and of two Israelites. Name means “quiet.”
  • Nahor The name of the grandfather and a brother of Abraham. Name means “snorer.”
  • Nahum An Israelite prophet. Name means “comfortable.”
  • Nail Hebrew tephar: a finger-nail; also a hoof or claw.Hear it on its page
  • Naioth A place in Israel. Name means “residence.”
  • Name Greek onoma: a "name" (authority, character).
  • Name Christian Early Christian writings usually tie the name Christian to Christ, not just to a label.Early church
  • Name of God Early Christian writers often said God’s name is holy, great, and not to be treated lightly.Early church
  • Naomi An Israelitess. Name means “pleasant.”
  • Naphtali A son of Jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory. Name means “my wrestling.”Bible verses
  • Nathan The name of five Israelites. Name means “given.”
  • Nathanael An Israelite and Christian.
  • Nativity of Jesus Early Christians strongly taught that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and that his birth was a real human birth, not a myth or illusion.Early church
  • Natural Law Early Christian writers often tied natural law to God’s law written into the human heart.Early church
  • Nature of God Early Christian writers usually described God as one, eternal, uncreated, spiritual, and beyond bodily form.Early church
  • Nazareth A place in Israel.Bible versesEarly church
  • Nebajoth A son of Ismael, and the country settled by him. Name means “fruitfulnesses.”
  • Nebat The father of Jeroboam I. Name means “regard.”
  • Nebo The name of a Babylonian deity, also of a mountain in Moab, and of a place in Israel.
  • Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon.Bible verses
  • Nebuzaradan A Babylonian general.
  • Necessity of Baptism Early Christian writers widely taught that baptism is tied to forgiveness, new birth, and salvation.Early church
  • Nehemiah The name of three Israelites. Name means “consolation of Jah.”
  • Ner An Israelite. Name means “lamp.”
  • Neriah An Israelite. Name means “light of Jah.”
  • Nero A Roman emperor.Early church
  • Nethaneel The name of ten Israelites. Name means “given of God.”Bible verses
  • Nethaniah The name of four Israelites. Name means “given of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Nethinims Hebrew nathin: one given, i.e. (in the plural only) the Nethinim, or Temple-servants.Bible verses
  • New Birth Early Christians taught that the new birth is real spiritual rebirth.Early church
  • New Testament Canon Early Christians treated the New Testament as the apostolic writings of the church, not as a later human collection.Early church
  • New Testament Pseudepigrapha Early Christian writers did not treat every writing with an apostolic name as true.Early church
  • Nicanor A Christian. Name means “victorious.”
  • Nimshi The (grand-)father of Jehu. Name means “extricated.”
  • Nineveh The capital of Assyria.
  • No The capital of Upper Egypt.
  • Noah The patriarch of the flood. Name means “rest.”Early church
  • Noah's Ark Early Christians generally treated Noah’s ark as a real спасing event and as a picture of salvation in the Church and baptism.Early church
  • Noah's Flood Early Christians taught that Noah’s flood was a real judgment on a wicked world and that Noah was saved in the ark with a small group.
  • Nob A place in Israel. Name means “fruit.”Bible verses
  • Noe , a patriarch.
  • Non Perpetuity, Nun or Non, the father of Joshua.
  • Nonresistance The New Testament calls disciples away from revenge and toward love of enemies. The early Christians took this literally: they would not strike back or kill (Justin Martyr, First Apology 16 and 39).Early church
  • Noph The capital of Upper Egypt.
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O · Oaths to Ozias

26 entries · Ordination, Original Sin, Oaths
  • Oaths Early Christians taught that Jesus’ followers should not swear oaths at all, but let their yes be yes (Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement).
  • Obadiah The name of thirteen Israelites. Name means “serving Jah.”Bible verses
  • Obed The name of five Israelites. Name means “serving.”Bible verses
  • Obed-edom The name of five Israelites. Name means “worker of Edom.”
  • Ocran An Israelite. Name means “muddler.”
  • Og A king of Bashan. Name means “round.”Bible verses
  • Old Testament Canon Early Christians treated the Old Testament as Scripture, as the books of Moses and the Prophets.Early church
  • Old Testament Epigrapha Early Christian writers treated the Old Testament as holy Scripture and used it to explain Christ, teach the church, and answer heresies.Early church
  • Old Testament Prophecies Early Christians taught that the Old Testament prophets foretold Christ, and that Jesus fulfilled those prophecies.Early church
  • Old Testament Pseudepigrapha Early Christians did not treat Old Testament pseudepigrapha as a single, clearly accepted category.Early church
  • Omri An Israelite. Name means “heaping.”
  • Onan A son of Judah. Name means “strong.”
  • Ono A place in Israel. Name means “strong.”
  • Ophel A ridge in Jerusalem.
  • Ophir The name of a son of Joktan, and of a gold region in the East.Bible verses
  • Ophrah The name of an Israelite and of two places in Israel. Name means “female fawn.”
  • Oracle of Delphi Early Christians usually treated the oracle of Delphi as false or demonic, not as a trustworthy voice from God.Early church
  • Order of Virgins Early Christian writings treat virgins as a real and honored group in the church, not just a symbol.Early church
  • Order of Widows Early Christian writers treated the order of widows as a real church role, not just a general term for bereaved women.Early church
  • Ordination Early Christian writers taught that ordination was a real church act, not a private choice, and that it normally involved prayer.Early church
  • Origin of Writing Early Christian writers clearly taught that God and the prophets used writing.Early church
  • Original Sin Early Christian writers often linked Adam’s fall to real human death, corruption, and a wounded human condition.Early church
  • Ornan A Jebusite. Name means “strong.”
  • Ostriches Hebrew yaen: the ostrich, a ceremonially unclean animal (probably named from its answering cry).Hear it on its page
  • Othniel An Israelite. Name means “force of God.”
  • Ozias An Israelite.
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P · Padan to Put

74 entries · Priest, Power, Prophet
  • Padan A region of Syria. Name means “the table-land of Aram.”
  • Pagan Gods Early Christian writers usually said pagan gods were not real gods at all.Early church
  • Pagan Holidays Early Christian writers mostly reject pagan festivals, idolatrous rites, and the customs tied to them.Early church
  • Pagan Oracles Early Christian writers mostly said pagan oracles were not from the true God and should not be trusted.Early church
  • Pagan Temples Early Christian writers treated pagan temples as places tied to false worship, idols, demons, and dead men.Early church
  • Pagiel An Israelite. Name means “accident of God.”
  • Pahathmoab An Israelite. Name means “pit of Moab.”
  • Pallu An Israelite. Name means “distinguished.”
  • Pamphylia A region of Asia Minor. Name means “every-tribal, i.e. heterogeneous (having foreign origin).”
  • Papal Authority Early Christian writings give real support for strong bishop leadership, but they do not give a single.Early church
  • Parable Greek parabole: a similitude ("parable"); (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage.
  • Parables of Jesus Early Christian writers said Jesus really used parables and that He often explained them to His disciples in private.Early church
  • Paradise Greek paradeisos: a park; (specially), an Eden (place of future happiness, "paradise").
  • Paran A desert of Arabia. Name means “ornamental.”Bible verses
  • Parosh The name of our Israelite.
  • Pashur The name of four Israelites. Name means “liberation.”Bible verses
  • Passover Greek pascha: the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it).Hear it on its page
  • Pathros A part of Egypt.
  • Paul The name of a Roman and of an apostle. Name means “little.”
  • Peace Greek eirene: peace; (by implication) prosperity.
  • Pedahzur An Israelite. Name means “a rock has ransomed.”
  • Pedaiah The name of six Israelites. Name means “Jah has ransomed.”
  • Pekah An Israelite king. Name means “watch.”Bible verses
  • Pelatiah The name of four Israelites. Name means “Jah has delivered.”
  • Peleg A son of Shem. Name means “earthquake.”
  • Penance Early Christian writings teach that sinners should repent, confess, and bring forth changed lives.Early church
  • Peniel A place East of Jordan; the name of two Israelites. Name means “face of God.”
  • Pentecost Greek pentekoste: fiftieth day from Passover, i.e. the festival of "Pentecost".
  • Perez The name of two Israelites.
  • Perizzites Hebrew perizzi: inhabitant of the open country; a Perizzite, one of the Canaanitish tribes.Bible verses
  • Persecution Early Christian writers taught that persecution is normal for believers, that it comes from wicked human power and the devil’s work.Early church
  • Perseverance Early Christian writings teach that believers must keep going in faith, prayer, and obedience until the end.Early church
  • Persia An Eastern country, including its inhabitants.Bible versesEarly church
  • Persis A Christian female. Name means “a Persian woman.”
  • Peter An apostle. Name means “a (piece of) rock.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Phalec A patriarch.
  • Pharaoh An Egyptian king.
  • Pharaoh-necho An Egyptian king.
  • Phares An Israelite.
  • Pharisee A separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.
  • Phenice A region of Lebanon. Name means “palm-country.”
  • Philip The name of four Israelites. Name means “fond of horses.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Philippi A place in Macedonia.
  • Philistia A region of Syria. Name means “rolling, i.e. migratory.”
  • Philistines Hebrew pelishti: a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.
  • Phinehas The name of three Israelites. Name means “mouth of a serpent.”Bible verses
  • Pilate A Roman. Name means “close-pressed, i.e. firm.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Pisgah A mt. East of Jordan. Name means “a cleft.”
  • Pomegranate Hebrew rimmon: a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament).Hear it on its page
  • Pool of Bethesda Early Christian writers treated the pool of Bethesda as a real place in Jerusalem and repeated the Gospel story of the crippled man healed there.Early church
  • Pope Early Christian writings give strong support for the bishop’s role in local church order.Early church
  • Poverty Early Christians often warned against greed and said wealth must serve mercy, not rule the heart.
  • Power Greek dynamis: force; (specially) miraculous power; (usually by implication) a miracle itself.
  • Prayer Greek proseuche: prayer; (by implication) an oratory (chapel).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Prayer Language Early Christian writings teach that prayer should be sincere, focused, and offered in the Spirit, not as empty babbling.Early church
  • Praying to Saints Early Christian writings clearly teach praying with and for the saints.Early church
  • Preaching Early Christians saw preaching as a God-given way to announce Jesus Christ, not just a human speech skill.
  • Predestination The strongest early pattern is that God knows and plans, but people still choose and are judged (Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen).Early church
  • Presbyters Early Christian writings treat presbyters as recognized church leaders who were appointed, honored, and expected to govern in order.Early church
  • Presbytery Greek presbyterion: the order of elders; (specially), Israelite Sanhedrin or Christian "presbytery".
  • Prevenient Grace A Wesleyan term. The early Christians taught that God’s grace goes first and helps, and that people freely answer and work with it (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.37; Clement).Early church
  • Priest Hebrew kohen: (literally) one officiating, a priest; (also, by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman).
  • Priscilla A Christian woman.Bible verses
  • Problem of Evil Early Christian writers mainly taught that evil is not God’s own work, but something that comes from free will, sin.Early church
  • Prophecy Early Christian writers taught that prophecy was a real gift from the Holy Spirit, not a human trick or a paid performance.Early church
  • Prophet Greek prophetes: a foreteller ("prophet"); (by analogy) an inspired speaker; (by extension) a poet.
  • Prophetesses Hebrew nebiah: a prophetess; (generally) inspired woman; (by implication) a poetess.Hear it on its page
  • Propitiation Greek hilasmos: atonement; (concretely) an expiator.
  • Proselyte Greek proselytos: an arriver from a foreign region; (specially), a convert to Judaism ("proselyte").
  • Prosperity Gospel Early Christian writings do not teach a prosperity-gospel idea that God promises wealth, ease, or success to every believer.Early church
  • Psalm Greek psalmos: a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument).
  • Ptolemais A place in Israel.
  • Publicans Greek telones: a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue.Hear it on its page
  • Put A son of Ham, also the name of his descendants or their region, and of a Persian tribe.
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Q · Quartus

1 entryBack to the letters ↑

R · Rabbath to Ruth

44 entries · Righteousness, Rachel, Rehoboam
  • Rabbath The name of two places in Israel, East and West. Name means “great.”
  • Raca Greek rhaka: O empty one, i.e. thou worthless.
  • Races of Mankind Early Christian writings usually spoke of all mankind as one human family.Early church
  • Rachel A wife of Jacob.Bible verses
  • Ragau A patriarch.
  • Rahab A Canaanitess. Name means “proud.”
  • Rain Greek hyetos: rain, especially a shower.Hear it on its page
  • Ram The name of an Arabian and of an Israelite. Name means “high.”
  • Ramah The name of four places in Israel.
  • Ramoth A place East of the Jordan. Name means “heights of Gilad.”
  • Ransom Early Christian writers taught that Jesus gave his life as a ransom for sinners.
  • Raven Hebrew oreb: a raven (from its dusky hue).Hear it on its page
  • Rebekah The wife of Isaac. Name means “fettering (by beauty).”Bible verses
  • Recapitulation in Christ Early Christians taught that Christ brings Adam and humanity back under one head.Early church
  • Rechab The name of two Arabs and of two Israelites. Name means “rider.”Bible verses
  • Red Sea The Reed (Sea).Bible verses
  • Redeem Hebrew gaal: to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship).
  • Redemption Hebrew geullah: redemption (including the right and the object); (by implication) relationship.
  • Redemption Through Christ Early Christian writers taught that people are redeemed through Christ’s blood, death, and saving work, not by human effort alone.Early church
  • Reed Hebrew qaneh: a reed; by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm).Hear it on its page
  • Rehob The name of a place in Syria, also of a Syrian and an Israelite.Bible verses
  • Rehoboam An Israelite king. Name means “a people has enlarged.”Bible verses
  • Rehum The name of a Persian and of three Israelites.
  • Rekem The name of a place in Israel, also of a Midianite and an Israelite. Name means “versi-color.”
  • Relics Early Christian writers treated the bodies and tombs of martyrs with honor.Early church
  • Religious Liberty Early Christian writers often defended freedom of worship and resisted forced religion, especially Tertullian, Lactantius, Cyprian, and Athenagoras.Early church
  • Religious Vestments Early Christian writers do not give one simple rule for religious vestments.Early church
  • Remaliah An Israelite. Name means “Jah has bedecked.”Bible verses
  • Repent Hebrew nacham: (properly) to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; (by implication) to be sorry.
  • Repentance Greek metanoia: compunction, reversal. The early Christians taught that repentance means turning from sin to a new life, and they asked for it before baptism (Justin Martyr, First Apology 61).Hear it on its page
  • Resurrection Greek anastasis: a standing up again; (literally) a resurrection from death; (individual, genitive case or by implication) its author.
  • Resurrection of Jesus Early Christians taught that Jesus really rose from the dead.Early church
  • Reuben A son of Jacob. Name means “see ye a son.”Bible verses
  • Reuel The name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite. Name means “friend of God.”Bible verses
  • Rezin The name of a Syrian and of an Israelite.
  • Riblah A place in Syria. Name means “fertile.”Bible verses
  • Righteousness Greek dikaiosyne: equity (of character or act). The early Christians joined righteousness to faith and a holy life (1 Clement 30-33).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Rimmon The name of a Syrian deity, also of five places in Israel.Hear it on its page
  • Ring Hebrew tabbaath: (properly) a seal, i.e. signet (for sealing); (hence, generally) a ring of any kind.Hear it on its page
  • Roman Empire Early Christian writers did not give one simple, flat view of the Roman Empire.Early church
  • Roman Law Early Christians did not treat Roman law as the highest authority.Early church
  • Rome The capital of Italy. Name means “strength.”Early church
  • Rule of Faith Early Christians treated the rule of faith as the fixed apostolic pattern for belief and teaching.Early church
  • Ruth A Moabitess. Name means “friend.”
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S · Sabbath to Syrian

101 entries · Son, Soul, Spirit
  • Sabbath Greek sabbaton: the Sabbath; a day of weekly repose from secular avocations; the observance or institution itself.Early churchHear it on its page
  • Sacrifice Greek thysia: sacrifice (the act or the victim).
  • Sadducee A Sadducaean, or follower of a certain heretical Israelite.
  • Salah A postdiluvian patriarch.
  • Salem An early name of Jerusalem. Name means “peaceful.”
  • Sallai The name of two Israelites. Name means “weighed.”
  • Salt Greek halas: salt; (figuratively) prudence.Hear it on its page
  • Salvation Greek soteria: rescue or safety. The early Christians taught that salvation begins in faith and baptism and is kept by obeying God to the end (2 Clement 8).Early churchHear it on its page
  • Samaria A place in Israel. Name means “watch-station.”Bible verses
  • Samson An Israelite. Name means “sunlight.”Bible verses
  • Samuel The name of three Israelites. Name means “heard of God.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Sanballat A Persian satrap of Samaria.
  • Sanctification Early Christian writers taught that sanctification is God’s work in believers, begun in baptism, continued by the Holy Spirit.Early church
  • Sanctuary Hebrew miqdash: a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum.
  • Sanhedrin Greek synedrion: a joint session; (specially), the Jewish Sanhedrin; (by analogy) a subordinate tribunal.
  • Sarah Abraham's wife.
  • Sarai The wife of Abraham. Name means “dominative.”
  • Satan The devil. Name means “the Adversary; the Accuser.”Early church
  • Saturday Sabbath Early Christian writings do not point to a single, simple Saturday-Sabbath rule.Early church
  • Saul The name of an Edomite and two Israelites. Name means “asked.”Early church
  • Schism Early Christian writers consistently taught that schism is a serious sin that breaks the church’s unity.Early church
  • Scorpion Greek skorpios: a "scorpion" (from its sting).Hear it on its page
  • Second Coming Early Christians widely taught that Jesus will come again in glory, judge the world, raise the dead.Early church
  • Seed Greek sperma: something sown, i.e. seed (including the male "sperm"); (by implication) offspring; (specially) a remnant.Hear it on its page
  • Seir A mountain of Idumaea and its aboriginal occupants, also one in Israel. Name means “rough.”Bible verses
  • Selah Hebrew celah: suspension (of music), i.e. pause.
  • Sennacherib An Assyrian king.
  • Separation From the World Early Christians taught that believers should not live by the world’s values, even while they still lived in it.Early church
  • Sepharvaim A place in Assyria.
  • Septuagint Early Christian writers treated the Septuagint as the Church’s Bible, including Tobit, Wisdom, Sirach and the other books Protestants call the Apocrypha.Early church
  • Seraiah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has prevailed.”Bible verses
  • Serpent Hebrew tannin: a marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal.Hear it on its page
  • Seth Third son of Adam. Name means “put, i.e. substituted.”
  • Shadrach The Babylonian name of one of Daniel's companions.
  • Shallum The name of fourteen Israelites.Bible verses
  • Shammah The name of an Edomite and four Israelites.Bible verses
  • Shaphat The name of four Israelites. Name means “judge.”Bible verses
  • Shealtiel An Israelite. Name means “I have asked God.”Bible verses
  • Sheba The name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an Ethiopian district.Bible verses
  • Shebaniah The name of three or four Israelites. Name means “Jah has grown.”
  • Shebna An Israelite. Name means “growth.”
  • Shecaniah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has dwelt.”
  • Shechem A place in Israel. Name means “ridge.”
  • Shekel Hebrew sheqel: probably a weight; used as a commercial standard.Hear it on its page
  • Shelah The name of a postdiluvian patriarch and of an Israelite. Name means “request.”Bible verses
  • Shelemiah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “thank-offering of Jah.”Bible verses
  • Shelomith The name of five Israelites and three Israelitesses. Name means “peaceableness.”Bible verses
  • Shem A son of Noah (often includ. his posterity). Name means “name.”Bible verses
  • Shema The name of a place in Israel and of four Israelites.
  • Shemaiah The name of twenty-five Israelites. Name means “Jah has heard.”
  • Sheol Hebrew sheol: Hades or the world of the dead, including its accessories and inmates.
  • Shephatiah The name of ten Israelites. Name means “Jah has judged.”Bible verses
  • Shepherd of Hermas Early Christian writers treated The Shepherd of Hermas as an important church book, but not as part of the New Testament.Early church
  • Sherebiah The name of two Israelites. Name means “Jah has brought heat.”Bible verses
  • Shiloh A place in Israel.
  • Shima The name of four Israelites.
  • Shimi The name of twenty Israelites. Name means “famous.”
  • Shinar A plain in Babylonia.
  • Shishak An Egyptian king.
  • Shobal The name of an Edomite and two Israelites. Name means “overflowing.”
  • Shocho The name of two places in Israel.
  • Shoe Greek hypodema: something bound under the feet, i.e. a shoe or sandal.Hear it on its page
  • Shur A region of the Desert.
  • Shushan A place in Persia.Bible verses
  • Sibmah A place in Moab. Name means “spice.”
  • Sidon The name of a son of Canaan, and of a place in Israel. Name means “fishery.”Bible verses
  • Siege Hebrew matsor: something hemming in; (objectively) a mound (of besiegers); (abstractly) a siege.Hear it on its page
  • Sihon An Amoritish king. Name means “tempestuous.”
  • Silas A Christian.Bible verses
  • Simeon One of Jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him. Name means “hearing.”
  • Simon The name of nine Israelites.
  • Simon Magus Early Christian writings usually treat Simon Magus as a magician and a false teacher tied to later heresies.
  • Sin Hebrew chattaah: an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; (concretely) an offender.
  • Sin Leading to Death Early Christian writers taught that sin leads to death, but they also distinguished ordinary sins from a sin that leads to death and said repentance can still bring life in many cases.Early church
  • Sinai Mountain of Arabia.Bible verses
  • Sion The summit of Mt. Hermon. Name means “peak.”
  • Sisera The name of a Canaanitish king and of one of the Nethinim.
  • Slavery Early Christian writers do not reject slavery in a modern abolitionist way, but they do insist that masters must be gentle.Early church
  • Sodom A place near the Dead Sea. Name means “burnt district.”Bible verses
  • Solomon David's successor. Name means “peaceful.”Bible verses
  • Son Greek huios: a "son" (sometimes of animals).
  • Son of God Early Christian writings teach that Jesus is the Son of God, distinct from the Father.Early church
  • Soul Greek psyche: soul, inner being or life; (literally) breath; (figuratively) the heart's desire, the drive or passion of one's soul.
  • Soul After Death Early Christian writers usually taught that the soul keeps existing after death, that the righteous are with God.Early church
  • Speaking in Tongues Early Christian writings treat speaking in tongues as a real gift of the Holy Spirit, tied to Pentecost, the apostles.Early church
  • Spices Hebrew besem: fragrance; (by implication) spicery; (also) the balsam plant.Hear it on its page
  • Spirit Greek pneuma: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; (by analogy or figuratively) a spirit.
  • Spiritual Mothers Early Christian writings do speak of women as mothers in the faith and use mother language for the Church.Early church
  • Spiritual Sacrifices Early Christian writers consistently taught that Christians offer spiritual sacrifices, not animal sacrifices.Early church
  • Stars Greek astron: (properly) a constellation; put for a single star (natural or artificial).Hear it on its page
  • Stephen A Christian.Early church
  • Stubble Greek kalame: a stalk of grain; (collectively) stubble.Hear it on its page
  • Succoth The name of a place in Egypt and of three in Israel. Name means “booths.”
  • Summer Greek theros: (properly) heat, i.e. summer.Hear it on its page
  • Sun Greek helios: the sun; (by implication) light.Hear it on its page
  • Sunday Worship Early Christian writings do support Sunday worship, especially as a regular day for gathering, reading Scripture, prayer, and the breaking of bread.Early church
  • Susanna An Israelitess. Name means “lily.”Early church
  • Swearing Oaths Early Christians taught that believers should not swear at all and should keep their word without oaths (Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Clement).Early church
  • Synagogue Greek synagoge: a gathering of persons; (specially) a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place).Hear it on its page
  • Syria A region of Asia.
  • Syrian A Syran, a native of Syria.
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T · Taanach to Tyre

48 entries · Thomas, Truth, Temple
  • Taanach A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Tabernacle Hebrew mishkan: a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple).Hear it on its page
  • Tabor A mountain in Israel, also a city adjacent. Name means “broken region.”Bible verses
  • Tachpanches Techaphneches or Tachpenes, a place in Egypt.
  • Talent Greek talanton: a balance; (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or "talent".Hear it on its page
  • Talitha Greek talitha: the fresh, i.e. young girl; talitha (O maiden).
  • Talmai The name of a Canaanite and a Syrian. Name means “ridged.”
  • Talmon A temple doorkeeper. Name means “oppressive.”
  • Tamar The name of three women and a place.
  • Tarah The father of Abraham; also a place in the Desert.
  • Tarshish A place on the Mediterranean; (hence) the ephithet of a merchant vessel.
  • Tekoah A place in Israel.Bible verses
  • Teman The name of two Edomites, and of the region and descendant of one of them.
  • Temani A Temanite or descendant of Teman.
  • Temple Greek hieron: a sacred place; (specially) the entire precincts of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere).
  • Tetrarch Greek tetrarches: the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch").
  • Thaddaeus the Apostle Early Christian writings clearly treat Thaddaeus as one of the apostles, but the material here is thin on anything beyond that.Early church
  • Theological Anthropology Early Christian writers taught that human beings are made by God, bear his image, and are made of both soul and body.Early church
  • Thessalonian A Thessalonican, i.e. inhabitant of Thessalonice.
  • Thessalonica A place in Asia Minor.Bible verses
  • Thirst Hebrew tsimah: thirst (figuratively, of libidinousnes).Hear it on its page
  • Thomas A Christian. Name means “the twin.”Bible versesEarly church
  • Throne Hebrew kicce: (properly) covered, i.e. a throne.Hear it on its page
  • Thumb Hebrew bohen: the thumb of the hand or great toe of the foot.Hear it on its page
  • Tiglath-pileser An Assyr. king.
  • Timna The name of two Edomites. Name means “restraint.”
  • Timnah The name of two places in Israel. Name means “a portion assigned.”
  • Timothy A Christian. Name means “dear to God.”Bible verses
  • Tirzah A place in Israel; also an Israelitess. Name means “delightsomeness.”
  • Tithe Greek dekate: a tenth, i.e. as a percentage; (technically) a tithe.
  • Titles of Christ Early Christian writings treat Christ’s titles as real names of his role and work, not as empty labels.Early church
  • Tittle Greek keraia: something horn-like; (specially) the apex of a Hebrew letter; (figuratively) the least particle, i.e. accent or punctuation mark.
  • Titus A Christian.Bible verses
  • Tobijah The name of three Israelites and of one Samaritan. Name means “goodness of Jehovah.”
  • Tongues As Initial Evidence Early Christian writers generally taught that tongues were a real gift of the Holy Spirit and were first given to the apostles at Pentecost.Early church
  • Tophet A place near Jerusalem.Bible verses
  • Tower Hebrew bachin: a watch-tower of besiegers.Hear it on its page
  • Tower of Babel Early Christian writers tied the Tower of Babel to God’s judgment on proud human unity, the scattering of the nations.Early church
  • Transfiguration of Christ Early Christian writers said Jesus was truly transformed in glory on the mountain.Early church
  • Tree Greek xylon: wood; (by extension) a tree; (by implication) a stick, staff or tree or other wooden article or substance.Hear it on its page
  • Tribe of Dan Early Christian writers mostly linked the tribe of Dan with Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49 and used it in two main ways: as a picture of Dan judging its people, and as a warning sign tied to Antichrist.Early church
  • Trinity Early Christian writings strongly affirm Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together while also guarding the oneness of God.Early church
  • Troas The Troad, i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor.
  • Truth Hebrew emeth: stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness.
  • Tsorah A place in Israel.
  • Tubal A postdiluvian patriarch and his posterity.Bible verses
  • Tychicus A Christian. Name means “fortuitous, i.e. fortunate.”
  • Tyre A place in Israel. Name means “a rock.”
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U · Unconditional Election to Uzziel

12 entries · Usury, Urijah, Uzziah
  • Unconditional Election A Calvinist term, not an early-church teaching. The early Christians taught that God chooses those He foreknew would freely believe and obey (Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen).Early church
  • Unleavened Bread Greek azymos: unleavened; (figuratively) uncorrupted; (specially in the neutral plural, by implication) the Passover week.
  • Ur A place in Chaldaea; (also) an Israelite.
  • Uri The name of three Israelites. Name means “fiery.”
  • Urijah The name of one Hittite and five Israelites. Name means “flame of Jah.”
  • Urim and Thummim Hebrew urim: lights; Urim, the oracular brilliancy of the figures in the high-priest's breastplate.Hear it on its page
  • Usury Early Christians generally taught that charging interest was wrong, especially when lending to fellow believers or people in need.
  • Uz A son of Aram, also a Seirite, and the regions settled by them. Name means “consultation.”
  • Uzza The name of five Israelites. Name means “strength.”
  • Uzzi The name of six Israelites. Name means “forceful.”
  • Uzziah The name of five Israelites. Name means “strength of Jah.”
  • Uzziel The name of six Israelites. Name means “strength of God.”
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V · Vashti to Virginity

7 entries · Veiling, Virgin Birth, Virginity
  • Vashti The queen of Xerxes.
  • Veiling Early Christian writers often taught that women should veil their heads, especially in prayer and public worship.Early church
  • Veneration of Saints Early Christian writings give clear signs of respect for saints, martyrs, and the holy dead, especially by honoring their memory.Early church
  • Vicar of Christ Early Christian writings do not give a clear, shared doctrine that uses the phrase "Vicar of Christ" in the later papal sense.Early church
  • Vinegar Greek oxos: vinegar, i.e. sour wine.Hear it on its page
  • Virgin Birth Early Christian writers taught that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, by the Holy Spirit, and without human father.Early church
  • Virginity Early Christian writings strongly praise virginity and continence as a high calling, especially in writers like Hermas, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria.Early church
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W · War to Worship

16 entries · Word, Woman, Water
  • War The early Christians refused to kill or go to war. They loved their enemies and prayed for rulers instead (Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Origen).Early church
  • Water Hebrew mayim: water; (figuratively) juice; (by euphemism) urine, semen.Hear it on its page
  • Weekly Communion Early Christian writings say the Eucharist was normally a regular church meal of thanksgiving, taken with care, reverence, and shared faith.Early church
  • Wheat Greek sitos: grain, especially wheat.Hear it on its page
  • Widows Early Christian writings teach that widows were to be honored, protected, and cared for, not ignored.Early church
  • Wind Greek anemos: wind; (plural, by implication) the four quarters of the earth (north, south, east, and west).Hear it on its page
  • Wine Hebrew yayin: wine; (by implication) intoxication.Hear it on its page
  • Winter Greek cheimon: by implication, the rainy season, i.e. winter.Hear it on its page
  • Wisdom Greek sophia: wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual).
  • Woman Greek gyne: a woman; (specially) a wife.
  • Women Deacons Early Christian writings do support women deaconesses, but they also limit what those women could do.Early church
  • Women in Church Leadership Early Christian writings mostly keep women out of church teaching and governing roles.Early church
  • Women Teaching Early Christian writers generally taught that women should not teach in the church in the same public, authoritative way as men.Early church
  • Word Greek logos: something said (including the thought); (by implication) a topic (subject of discourse).
  • Word of God Early Christians commonly taught that the Word of God is Jesus Christ himself: with God from the beginning, truly God.Early church
  • Worship Greek proskyneo: to fawn or crouch to; to fall face down (prostrate) in adoration.Early churchHear it on its page
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Y · Yoke

1 entryBack to the letters ↑

Z · Zabad to Zobah

33 entries · Zion, Zechariah, Zephaniah
  • Zabad The name of seven Israelites. Name means “giver.”Bible verses
  • Zabdi The name of four &Š Israelites. Name means “giving.”
  • Zaccur The name of seven Israelites. Name means “mindful.”
  • Zacharias The name of two Israelites.
  • Zadok The name of eight or nine Israelites. Name means “just.”Bible verses
  • Zalmunna A Midianite. Name means “shade has been denied.”
  • Zanoah The name of two places in Israel. Name means “rejected.”
  • Zarah The name of three Israelites, also of an Idumaean and an Ethiopian prince.
  • Zarephath A place in Israel. Name means “refinement.”
  • Zebadiah The name of nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has given.”Bible verses
  • Zebah A Midianitish prince. Name means “sacrifice.”
  • Zebedee An Israelite.
  • Zebul An Israelite. Name means “dwelling.”
  • Zebulun A son of Jacob; also his territory and tribe. Name means “habitation.”Bible verses
  • Zechariah The name of twenty-nine Israelites. Name means “Jah has remembered.”
  • Zedekiah The name of six Israelites. Name means “right of Jah.”
  • Zelophehad An Israelite.
  • Zephaniah The name of four Israelites. Name means “Jah has secreted.”
  • Zerubbabel An Israelite. Name means “descended of Babylon, i.e. born there.”Bible verses
  • Zeruiah An Israelitess. Name means “wounded.”
  • Ziba An Israelite. Name means “station.”
  • Zibeon An Idumaean. Name means “variegated.”
  • Zichri The name of twelve Israelites. Name means “memorable.”Bible verses
  • Ziklag A place in Israel.
  • Zilpah Leah's maid. Name means “fragrant dropping.”
  • Zimri The name of five Israelites, and of an Arabian tribe. Name means “musical.”
  • Zin A part of the Desert. Name means “a crag.”Bible verses
  • Zion A mountain of Jerusalem.
  • Ziph The name of a place in Israel; also of an Israelite. Name means “flowing.”Bible verses
  • Zippor A Moabite.
  • Zoan A place in Egypt.
  • Zoar A place East of the Jordan. Name means “little.”Bible verses
  • Zobah A region of Syria. Name means “a station.”Bible verses
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Not sure where to begin? Pick the line that fits you and follow its four steps.

New to the Bible

  1. Hear the name of Jesus said and see the Greek behind it.
  2. Read the key verses on grace in the Topical Bible.
  3. See what the first Christians taught about baptism in their own words.
  4. Listen to the Bible read aloud Tap any verse to hear it.

Leading a Bible study

  1. Find the verses for your topic 1,374 Bible topics.
  2. Follow the cross-references 439,442 of them, verse to verse.
  3. Show what the early church said on a verse Over 5 million early-church links.
  4. Answer the hard questions 110+ short answers.

Studying Hebrew and Greek

  1. Strong’s Concordance (Greek and Hebrew) Look up the word and hear it said.
  2. Read the Hebrew and Greek under the English All 66 books of the Protestant Bible. The Septuagint books are on our Septuagint reader.
  3. See how the early Christians used a Greek word Agape (love) is used 240 times.
  4. Learn how Bible Greek sounds Letter by letter.

Which Bible tool do I need?

Five tools answer five different questions.

Compare the five tools
Five Bible reference tools, side by side
ToolWhat it tells youUse it whenWhere on this site
Bible dictionaryWhat a person, place or word isYou meet a name or word you don’t knowYou are here: the A to Z
ConcordanceWhere each word appears in the BibleYou want every verse with a wordStrong’s Concordance (Greek and Hebrew)
LexiconWhat the Hebrew or Greek word meansYou want the word behind the EnglishAgape (love), a word page · Interlinear Bible
Topical BibleThe verses on one subjectYou study a theme like prayer or faith1,374 Bible topics
Bible encyclopediaLong articles on history and backgroundYou want a full essayWe don’t have one. For beliefs, see 965 early-church pages

Classic Bible dictionaries: Easton’s, Smith’s, Hitchcock’s and the ISBE

Most free Bible dictionaries online reprint these books. All are public domain and were written before modern archaeology. We name them only to explain what they are; we do not copy or host their text.

See the seven classic books by year
  1. 1863Smith’s Bible DictionaryWilliam Smith (1813–1893), A Dictionary of the Bible.Not on this site
  2. 1869Hitchcock’s Bible NamesRoswell D. Hitchcock. About 2,500 names with meanings.Not on this site
  3. 1897Easton’s Bible DictionaryM. G. Easton (1823–1894), a Scottish Presbyterian. Third edition, after his death.Not on this site
  4. 1915ISBEInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, editor. (The 1979–88 revision is not public domain.)Not on this site

Three older tools this site does use

  1. 1890Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance James Strong. Every word, keyed to the King James Version.Used on this site
  2. 1896Nave’s Topical Bible Orville J. Nave. Verses grouped by subject.Used in our topics
  3. 1897Torrey’s Topical Textbook R. A. Torrey. Topics with their verses.Used in our topics

Bible dictionary questions

Plain answers to common questions. Tap a question to open it.

What is a Bible dictionary?

A Bible dictionary explains the people, places, things and words of the Bible in short entries, usually A to Z, with the verses where they appear. This one is free and links each entry to its own page.

Is this Bible dictionary free?

Yes. It is free to use: no ads and no sign-up. It works on a phone.

What is the difference between a Bible dictionary, a concordance and a lexicon?

A dictionary explains what a word, person or place is. A concordance shows where each word appears in the Bible; the best known is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance by James Strong (1890), keyed to the King James Version. A lexicon explains the original Hebrew or Greek words. An encyclopedia has longer articles. Use our Strong’s Concordance (Greek and Hebrew) to find where a word appears, and the Topical Bible for verses on a subject.

How do I use a Bible dictionary?

Look up the word or name as you read, and read the verses it lists. Then go deeper: hear the word said, see the Hebrew or Greek behind it, and see what the early Christians taught.

What does my Bible name mean?

Each name page gives the meaning from Strong’s, where Strong’s gives one. Many name meanings are uncertain and scholars disagree, so we show Strong’s line as it is. Not every name has a meaning line. Example: Abraham, “father of a multitude” (from Strong’s).

How do you pronounce Bible names? Is there audio?

Yes. Our Hebrew and Greek word pages each have a recorded pronunciation: 14,000+ words, including 2,900+ Bible names. Open a name page and press play to hear it. To learn the Greek letters and their sounds, see the Greek pronunciation guide.

What is Easton’s Bible Dictionary?

Easton’s Bible Dictionary is by M. G. Easton (1823-1894), a Scottish Presbyterian; its third edition came out in 1897, after his death. Smith’s Bible Dictionary is by William Smith (1863). Hitchcock’s Bible Names (Roswell D. Hitchcock, 1869) lists about 2,500 names with meanings. The ISBE was edited by James Orr (1915). All are public domain and were written before modern archaeology. We do not host them.

What is the best free Bible dictionary online?

The classic free ones are Easton’s, Smith’s and Hitchcock’s, found on many sites. This one adds what they lack: hear each name said, see the Hebrew or Greek, and read what the early Christians taught.

How did the early Christians understand Bible words like baptism or grace?

They taught that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins and the new birth (Justin Martyr, First Apology 61), and that God’s grace helps a free will that must still answer and obey. Our 965 early-church pages quote them in their own words. Start with baptism or grace.

Does this dictionary favor one church?

It points to Scripture and to the earliest Christian writers, quoted in their own words.

Go deeper

Coming later (not ready yet):

  • A page for each letter
  • Bible name meanings