Bible dictionary
People, places & terms
Clear, original entries on the people, places, and terms of the Bible — with key verses. More entries are added over time.
People
Aaron Moses’ brother and spokesman, and Israel’s first high priest. Abraham The patriarch God called to leave his homeland, promising to make him into a great nation through whom all peoples would be blessed. Adam The first man, created by God in his image, whose disobedience brought sin and death into the world. Amos (prophet) A shepherd from Tekoa called by God to prophesy against Israel's injustice and false worship — "let justice roll down like waters." Andrew Peter’s brother and one of the first disciples, often shown bringing people to Jesus. Anna (prophetess) A widow of advanced age who lived in the temple, fasting and praying — and who, when Simeon held the infant Jesus, gave thanks and spoke of him to all looking for redemption. Barnabas An encouraging early Christian leader who vouched for Paul and partnered with him in mission. Bartimaeus The blind beggar of Jericho who cried out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" — was rebuked by the crowd, healed by Jesus, and followed him on the way. Benjamin The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, born at her death — head of a tribe that produced King Saul and the apostle Paul. Caleb One of the twelve spies sent into Canaan — and one of only two (with Joshua) who trusted God's promise. Forty-five years later he claimed his promised hill country. Cornelius A Roman centurion whose conversion opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles. Daniel A faithful exile in Babylon, known for refusing to compromise and for being delivered from the lions’ den. David Israel’s shepherd-king, author of many psalms, a man ‘after God’s own heart’ — and an ancestor of Jesus. Deborah A prophetess and judge of Israel — under her palm tree she settled disputes and led Israel to victory over Sisera, then sang one of the Bible's oldest songs. Elijah A bold prophet who confronted idolatry in Israel and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha The prophet who succeeded Elijah — given a «double portion» of his master's spirit — and ministered through decades of Israel's history with mercy and power. Ephraim The younger son of Joseph, blessed above his older brother by Jacob — and the head of one of the leading tribes of Israel. Esau The elder twin son of Isaac and Rebekah who sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew — and later reconciled with him. Esther The Jewish queen of Persia who risked her life to save her people from destruction. Eve The first woman, made by God as a companion for Adam and called ‘the mother of all the living.’ Ezekiel A priest-prophet exiled to Babylon — known for striking visions of God's glory, dry bones coming to life, and a future temple where God dwells with his people. Ezra A priest and scribe who led a second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem — devoted to studying and teaching the Law of God to a people learning to live again under it. Gabriel An archangel who appears in Daniel and in Luke — bringing the announcements of John the Baptist's birth to Zechariah and of Jesus' birth to Mary. Gideon A reluctant judge who, with just 300 men, delivered Israel from the Midianites by God’s power. Habakkuk (prophet) A prophet who dared to ask God why he tolerated injustice — and was answered that "the righteous shall live by his faith," a key verse Paul would later quote. Hannah A faithful woman who prayed for a son and, when God answered, dedicated Samuel to the LORD. Isaac The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, through whom God continued his covenant. Isaiah The 8th-century prophet of Judah whose book towers over the Old Testament — calling kings to repentance and proclaiming the Servant who would suffer for our sins. Ishmael The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar — the son not of the promise but of human attempt to fulfill God's word ahead of time. Jacob Isaac’s son, renamed ‘Israel,’ whose twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. Jairus A synagogue ruler whose young daughter died — and was raised by Jesus, who took her hand and said, "Little girl, get up." James (brother of Jesus) A half-brother of Jesus who became leader of the Jerusalem church and the likely author of the New Testament letter of James. James (son of Zebedee) A fisherman and one of Jesus’ inner three disciples, the first apostle to be martyred. Jeremiah The «weeping prophet» — called as a young man to warn Judah of coming exile, who wept over a people that would not hear and yet promised a new covenant. Job A blameless man who suffered terrible loss yet held on to God, central to the Bible’s wrestling with suffering. Joel (prophet) A minor prophet whose book describes a devastating locust plague and looks ahead to the great Day of the Lord and the outpouring of God's Spirit on all flesh. John (the Apostle) The ‘disciple whom Jesus loved,’ traditionally the author of the Gospel of John, three letters, and Revelation. John the Baptist The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and baptizing Jesus in the Jordan. Jonah The reluctant prophet who fled from God, was swallowed by a great fish, and preached repentance to Nineveh. Joseph (son of Jacob) Jacob’s son who was sold into slavery by his brothers yet rose to power in Egypt and saved many lives. Joseph of Arimathea A wealthy council member and secret disciple who provided his own tomb for Jesus’ burial. Joshua Moses’ successor who led Israel into the promised land, famous for the call to ‘be strong and courageous.’ Judah (son of Jacob) The fourth son of Jacob, head of the tribe through which Jesus came — and the brother who offered himself in place of Benjamin in Joseph's story. Judas Iscariot The disciple who betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. Jude (apostle) The author of the short New Testament letter of Jude — a brother of James and likely of Jesus, who wrote to defend the faith against false teachers. Lazarus of Bethany The friend of Jesus whom he raised from the dead after four days in the tomb—one of the Gospels’ greatest signs. Leah Jacob's first wife — the unloved sister of Rachel — yet honored as the mother of six tribes of Israel, including Judah, the line of David and Jesus. Luke A Gentile physician and traveling companion of Paul — author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, careful historian of Jesus and the early church. Malachi (prophet) The last of the Old Testament prophets, whose book confronts Israel's lukewarm worship and broken marriages — and promises the coming of a messenger to prepare the way of the Lord. Manasseh The elder son of Joseph, also blessed by Jacob — though under Ephraim — and the head of one of Israel's tribes, settled on both sides of the Jordan. Mark Author of the second Gospel — a young companion of Peter and Paul whose action-packed account is the briefest and likely earliest of the four Gospels. Martha Sister of Mary and Lazarus, known for serving Jesus and for her great confession of faith. Mary Magdalene A devoted follower of Jesus, delivered of demons, who was the first witness of the resurrection. Mary of Bethany The sister of Martha and Lazarus who sat at Jesus' feet to learn, and anointed him for burial with costly nard. Mary, mother of Jesus The young woman of Nazareth chosen to give birth to Jesus, who responded to God’s call with humble faith. Matthew (the Apostle) A tax collector whom Jesus called to follow him, traditionally the author of the first Gospel. Micah (prophet) A prophet contemporary with Isaiah whose book denounces injustice and pride, foretells the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, and names the heart of true religion: do justice, love kindness, walk humbly. Miriam Moses' older sister — a prophetess who led Israel's women in song after the Red Sea and walked with her brothers through the wilderness years. Moses The prophet who led Israel out of slavery in Egypt and received the Law at Mount Sinai. Naomi The mother-in-law of Ruth, who returned bitter from Moab having lost her husband and sons — and was given joy through Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's kindness. Nathan (prophet) The prophet during David's reign who delivered both God's promise of an everlasting throne and his confrontation of David over Bathsheba. Nehemiah A cupbearer in the Persian court who returned to Jerusalem and led the rebuilding of its walls — a model of bold prayer, careful planning, and trust in God. Nicodemus A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who came to Jesus by night and heard the words ‘you must be born again.’ Noah The righteous man God preserved through the flood in the ark, with whom God made a covenant marked by the rainbow. Onesimus The runaway slave of Philemon who came to faith through Paul in prison — whose name means "useful," and whom Paul commended back to his master as a beloved brother. Paul the Apostle A former persecutor of the church who, after meeting the risen Jesus, became Christianity’s great missionary and the author of much of the New Testament. Peter A fisherman who became a leading apostle—bold yet impulsive—who denied Jesus, was restored, and helped lead the early church. Philemon A Christian slaveholder whose runaway slave Onesimus came to faith through Paul — and recipient of one of the New Testament's shortest, most personal letters. Philip One of the Twelve disciples — and later one of the Seven deacons who brought the gospel to Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road. Pontius Pilate The Roman governor of Judea who, though finding no guilt in Jesus, handed him over to be crucified. Priscilla and Aquila A married couple — tentmakers, fellow workers with Paul, and gifted teachers who took Apollos aside to «explain the way of God more accurately.» Rachel Jacob's beloved wife and mother of Joseph and Benjamin — long barren before God gave her a son, and a figure of grief and hope in the prophets. Rahab A woman of Jericho who hid Israel’s spies, was spared, and is honored for her faith. Rebekah Isaac's wife and mother of Jacob and Esau — chosen by God's providence at a well in Mesopotamia and brought into the covenant family. Ruth A Moabite widow whose loyalty to Naomi and faith in Israel’s God brought her into the line of David and Jesus. Samson A judge of Israel of legendary strength, whose life shows both God’s power and the cost of compromise. Samuel The last judge and a prophet who anointed Israel’s first kings, Saul and David. Sarah Abraham's wife, mother of Isaac and grandmother of God's covenant people — first called barren, then named «mother of nations» when God kept his promise. Silas Paul's companion on the second missionary journey — co-author of letters, jailed with Paul in Philippi, and a faithful partner in the spread of the gospel. Simeon A devout man of Jerusalem to whom the Spirit had revealed he would not die before seeing the Messiah — who, holding the infant Jesus, sang the Nunc Dimittis. Solomon David’s son and successor, famed for his God-given wisdom and for building the first temple in Jerusalem. Stephen The first Christian martyr, a Spirit-filled deacon who was stoned for his bold witness to Jesus. Thomas The disciple who doubted the resurrection until he saw the risen Jesus and confessed, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Timothy Paul’s young protégé and co-worker, recipient of two New Testament letters. Titus A Gentile partner of Paul left in charge of the church on Crete, and recipient of the New Testament letter that bears his name. Zacchaeus A chief tax collector in Jericho — short of stature, big in fortune — who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus and went home transformed.
Places
Antioch A great Syrian city where Jesus' followers were first called «Christians» — the launching pad for Paul's missionary journeys to the Roman world. Areopagus A hill in Athens, traditionally a place where philosophers debated — where Paul preached his famous sermon about the "unknown god" they worshiped in ignorance. Athens The intellectual capital of the ancient world where Paul, troubled by its many idols, preached the unknown God to the philosophers on the Areopagus. Babylon The empire that conquered Judah and exiled its people—later a biblical symbol of human pride against God. Berea A Macedonian city Paul visited after Thessalonica — whose Jews were "more noble" than those at Thessalonica because they searched the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's preaching. Bethany A village near Jerusalem, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and a place Jesus often stayed. Bethlehem A small town near Jerusalem, the birthplace of King David and of Jesus, fulfilling Micah’s prophecy. Caesarea A coastal Roman city that served as the seat of Roman governors in Judea — home of Cornelius, prison of Paul, and gateway to the Gentile mission. Cana of Galilee The small Galilean village where Jesus performed his first sign — turning water into wine at a wedding — quietly revealing his glory to his disciples. Canaan The land God promised to Abraham’s descendants—the ‘promised land’ Israel entered under Joshua. Capernaum The lakeside town that became Jesus’ base in Galilee, where he taught and healed. Corinth A wealthy and morally chaotic Greek port city where Paul stayed eighteen months — and to whose church he later wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians. Damascus The ancient city on the road to which Saul (Paul) met the risen Jesus and was converted. Egypt The land where Israel was enslaved and from which God delivered them in the exodus. Ephesus A major Asian city with the temple of Artemis — where Paul taught for two years and the gospel «prevailed mightily,» and to which he later wrote the letter to the Ephesians. Galilee The northern region where Jesus did much of his teaching and miracles, centered on the Sea of Galilee. Garden of Eden The garden God planted for the first humans—a place of harmony with God that was lost when sin entered. Gethsemane The garden where Jesus prayed in anguish the night before his crucifixion and was betrayed and arrested. Golgotha (Calvary) The place outside Jerusalem, ‘the place of the skull,’ where Jesus was crucified. Heaven The dwelling place of God and the present home of believers who have died in Christ — and the realm whose reality will fill the renewed earth at the end. Hebron An ancient city in the hills of Judah where Abraham settled, Sarah was buried, and David first reigned as king before moving the throne to Jerusalem. Hell The Bible's name for the final state of those who refuse God — separation from him, with imagery of fire and outer darkness. Jesus spoke of it often. Jericho The fortified city whose walls fell as Israel marched around it, the first conquest in the promised land. Jerusalem The central city of biblical history—home to the temple, the place of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and a symbol of God’s dwelling with his people. Joppa A Mediterranean port — Jonah sailed from here trying to flee God, and Peter received the vision opening the gospel to the Gentiles here. Jordan River The river Israel crossed to enter the promised land and where Jesus was baptized by John. Malta The island in the Mediterranean where Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome — and welcomed warmly by the islanders. Mount Carmel The mountain where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and God answered with fire. Mount of Olives The hill east of Jerusalem where Jesus often taught and prayed, and from which he ascended to heaven. Mount Sinai The mountain where God gave Moses the Law, including the Ten Commandments, and made his covenant with Israel. Mount Zion The hill in Jerusalem on which the temple stood — and, by extension, a name for the city itself, the people of God, and the heavenly city to come. Nazareth The Galilean village where Jesus grew up, so obscure that one disciple asked, ‘Can anything good come from there?’ Nineveh The great capital of Assyria that repented at Jonah’s preaching, later judged for its return to violence. Patmos The island where the apostle John was exiled and received the visions of the book of Revelation. Philippi A Roman colony in Macedonia — the first European city where Paul preached, where Lydia opened her heart and a midnight earthquake opened a jail. Red Sea The sea God parted so Israel could escape Egypt on dry ground—the climax of the exodus. Rome Capital of the Roman Empire and the destination of Paul's longest journey — where he wrote four of his letters under house arrest and where tradition says he was martyred. Samaria The central region of Israel between Galilee and Judea, despised by Jewish neighbors — yet a site of Jesus' grace and the early church's gospel mission. Sea of Galilee The freshwater lake in northern Israel where Jesus called disciples, calmed a storm, and walked on water. Thessalonica A bustling Macedonian capital where Paul preached for only a few weeks before being driven out — yet planted a church whose faith «rang out» everywhere. Tyre and Sidon Twin Phoenician port cities — proud trading powers in the Old Testament, sources of cedar for the temple, and places Jesus visited and praised for surprising faith. Wilderness The dry, hostile land between Egypt and Canaan where Israel wandered for forty years — and the setting of Jesus' temptation. A place of testing and dependence. Zion Originally a hill in Jerusalem, ‘Zion’ becomes a name for the city of God and his dwelling with his people.
Terms
Amen A Hebrew word meaning ‘truly’ or ‘so be it,’ used to affirm and agree with prayer and truth. Angel A «messenger» — a created spiritual being who serves God by bringing his word, protecting his people, and worshiping him around his throne. Apostle An «one sent» — first used of the twelve disciples Jesus chose to be his authoritative witnesses, then of Paul and a handful of others called by the risen Christ. Ascension The bodily lifting up of the risen Jesus into heaven forty days after Easter — where he reigns at the Father's right hand, sends the Spirit, and prays for his people. Atonement Making «at-one» — the way God reconciles sinners to himself. In the Old Testament through sacrifices, and finally and fully through the death of Jesus on the cross. Baptism The Christian practice of immersion or washing in water, symbolizing union with Christ in his death and resurrection. Covenant A binding relationship God initiates with his people, with promises and commitments—running from Abraham to the ‘new covenant’ in Christ. Disciple A learner and follower of a teacher — and in the Gospels, anyone who follows Jesus, trusts him, and is shaped by his life and teaching. Faith Trust in God and his promises—‘confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ Gospel ‘Good news’—the message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe. Grace God’s unmerited favor—his free gift of salvation and kindness that we cannot earn. Holy Spirit God himself present and active in the world and in believers—the third person of the Trinity. Incarnation The astonishing Christian teaching that the eternal Son of God became fully human in Jesus — «the Word became flesh» — without ceasing to be God. Kingdom of God God's saving rule breaking into the world — central to Jesus' preaching, already present where he is welcomed as King, and to be fully revealed at his return. Messiah ‘Anointed One’ (Greek: Christ)—the promised deliverer-king of Israel, whom Christians identify as Jesus. Miracle An act of God in which he works in a striking, often visible way — to reveal his power, his goodness, and his purposes. Jesus' miracles were called «signs.» Parable A short story or comparison that teaches a deeper truth — Jesus' favorite teaching method, opening the kingdom of God through everyday images. Pentecost The Jewish harvest festival fifty days after Passover — and the day God poured out his Spirit on the gathered believers, launching the Christian church. Pharisees A devout Jewish group known for strict law-keeping, often in conflict with Jesus over the heart of true religion. Prophet One who speaks for God — calling his people back, exposing injustice, and announcing what God will do. The Old Testament prophets ultimately pointed to Christ. Redemption Being bought back and set free—God redeeming his people from slavery to sin through the blood of Christ. Repentance A change of mind and heart that turns from sin to God—central to Jesus’ message. Righteousness Being right with God—both his perfect justice and the right standing he gives believers through Christ. Sabbath The God-given day of rest, rooted in creation and the Ten Commandments, pointing to rest found in God. Salvation God’s rescue of people from sin and death, given freely through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture The Bible — the written Word of God, «breathed out» by God through human authors, given to teach, correct, train, and lead us to faith in Christ. Trinity The Christian teaching that there is one God who exists eternally as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — fully equal, fully God, one in essence.