Bible dictionary

Understand the words inside the story.

Search 100 terms that can make a Bible passage feel unfamiliar. Each entry gives the direct meaning first, then shows where the word belongs and how translations may name it differently.

100

terms

100

terms

  1. 01MannaThe food Israel gathered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.Read definition
  2. 02Unleavened breadflatbread without yeastBread prepared without a fermented starter or leaven.Read definition
  3. 03PassoverPesachThe festival remembering Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt.Read definition
  4. 04PentecostFeast of Weeks · ShavuotA harvest festival observed on the fiftieth day counted from the offering of the first grain sheaf.Read definition
  5. 05Feast of TabernaclesFeast of Booths · SukkotA seven-day festival after the harvest, spent in temporary shelters to remember Israel’s departure from Egypt.Read definition
  6. 06Day of AtonementYom KippurIsrael’s annual day of solemn cleansing and atonement for the sanctuary, priests, and people.Read definition
  7. 07JubileeJubilee yearThe fiftieth year in Leviticus, with provisions for returning land and releasing impoverished Israelites.Read definition
  8. 08SabbathShabbatThe seventh day, kept holy to God by resting from work.Read definition
  9. 09CircumcisionThe removal of the male foreskin, given in Genesis as the sign of the covenant with Abraham.Read definition
  10. 10Purificationritual cleansingThe processes by which a person or object moved from ritual impurity to a clean state.Read definition
  11. 11AmenA Hebrew word used to affirm that something is true or to express agreement.Read definition
  12. 12HallelujahAlleluiaA Hebrew call inviting people to praise the Lord.Read definition
  13. 13HosannaA plea meaning “Save, please,” which also became a shout of praise and welcome.Read definition
  14. 14SelahA repeated Hebrew notation in Psalms and Habakkuk whose exact function is uncertain.Read definition
  15. 15MaranathaAn Aramaic expression about the Lord’s coming, read as a prayer or a declaration.Read definition
  16. 16AbbaAn Aramaic form of address for a father.Read definition
  17. 17ImmanuelEmmanuelA Hebrew name meaning God is with us.Read definition
  18. 18EphphathaAn Aramaic command meaning “Be opened.”Read definition
  19. 19CorbankorbanA Hebrew word for an offering or gift dedicated to God.Read definition
  20. 20Scapegoatgoat for AzazelThe live goat sent into the wilderness during the Day of Atonement rite.Read definition
  21. 21Firstfruitsfirst produceThe first portion of a harvest brought as an offering to God.Read definition
  22. 22TithetenthA tenth of produce or livestock set apart as holy to God under biblical law.Read definition
  23. 23Burnt offeringwhole offeringAn animal sacrifice burned on the altar, without a portion of meat for a shared meal.Read definition
  24. 24Fellowship offeringpeace offering · well-being offeringA sacrifice with portions burned on the altar and meat shared under specific rules.Read definition
  25. 25Wave offeringelevation offeringAn offering presented before the Lord by a ritual waving motion.Read definition
  26. 26Ark of the Covenantark of the testimonyThe sacred chest that held the stone tablets of God’s covenant with Israel.Read definition
  27. 27Scrollbook scroll · written rollA written document stored as a roll and opened for reading.Read definition
  28. 28Wineskinskin bottle · leather wine bagAn animal-skin container for storing and carrying liquids such as wine.Read definition
  29. 29Yokewooden yoke · burdenA harness for animals pulling a plow or load; also an image of burden or service.Read definition
  30. 30Slingshepherd’s slingA weapon that launches stones by swinging cords.Read definition
  31. 31Millstonegrinding stone · hand-mill stoneA heavy stone used to grind grain into flour.Read definition
  32. 32Frankincensepure incenseAn aromatic tree resin used in offerings and presented as a gift.Read definition
  33. 33Myrrhmyrrh resinAn aromatic tree resin used in oil and spices, and named in gifts to Jesus and his burial.Read definition
  34. 34Alabaster Jaralabaster flask · perfume jarA container used to bring perfume in Gospel accounts.Read definition
  35. 35Phylacterytefillin · prayer boxesSmall scripture-containing boxes worn in Jewish prayer practice.Read definition
  36. 36Tasselsfringes · tzitzitThread fringes on garment corners that remind wearers of God’s commands.Read definition
  37. 37Veilcurtain of the sanctuary · temple curtainThe curtain separating the inner sanctuary from the outer holy space.Read definition
  38. 38Holy of HoliesMost Holy Place · inner sanctuaryThe innermost and most restricted room of the tabernacle and temple.Read definition
  39. 39Bronze Laverbronze basin · washing basinA bronze basin used by priests for ritual washing.Read definition
  40. 40Censerfirepan · incense burnerA vessel used to carry hot coals and burn incense.Read definition
  41. 41Anointing Oilholy anointing oilOil used to set the tabernacle, its furnishings, and priests apart for God’s service.Read definition
  42. 42Altarplace of sacrificeA raised or designated place where offerings were presented to God.Read definition
  43. 43Bronze Altaraltar of burnt offeringThe large altar in the sanctuary court used for animal and other offerings.Read definition
  44. 44Incense Altargolden altarA small gold-covered altar where fragrant incense was burned.Read definition
  45. 45Lampstandmenorah · golden lampstandA support for oil lamps that give light in the sanctuary.Read definition
  46. 46Showbreadbread of the Presence · consecrated bread · show breadTwelve loaves regularly placed before God in the sanctuary.Read definition
  47. 47Tabernacletent of meeting · dwellingThe tent sanctuary that Israel used while traveling in the wilderness.Read definition
  48. 48Ephodpriestly ephodA priestly garment, especially associated with the high priest.Read definition
  49. 49Urim and Thummimthe Urim · the ThummimSacred items used by Israel’s priesthood when seeking a decision before God.Read definition
  50. 50Mercy Seatatonement cover · cover of the arkThe pure gold cover of the ark, on which blood was sprinkled during the Day of Atonement rites.Read definition
  51. 51NaziriteNazirite vowA person set apart for God under the rules of Nazirite dedication.Read definition
  52. 52CenturionRoman centurionAn officer commanding a unit in the Roman army.Read definition
  53. 53MagiWise men · Visitors from the EastVisitors from the east who worship the young Jesus in Matthew’s account.Read definition
  54. 54Slave and servantBondservant · Household servantWords for someone subject to another person, also used to describe service to God or Christ.Read definition
  55. 55WidowWidowed womanA woman whose husband has died; the law includes provisions for her livelihood and rights.Read definition
  56. 56SojournerResident alien · Foreigner · StrangerA person living among a people other than their own.Read definition
  57. 57Kinsman-redeemerGuardian-redeemer · Family redeemer · Near kinsmanA close relative who buys back family land or redeems a relative who has been sold.Read definition
  58. 58ShepherdSheepherder · PastorSomeone who leads, feeds, and tends sheep; Scripture also uses this picture for God’s care and leaders’ responsibility.Read definition
  59. 59CupbearerRoyal cupbearer · Cup bearer · ButlerA court official responsible for presenting the king’s drink.Read definition
  60. 60HeraldCrier · ProclaimerSomeone who announces a command or message aloud before other people.Read definition
  61. 61SamaritanSamaritansA member of the community centered in Samaria; the Gospels describe differences with Jews over relations and the place of worship.Read definition
  62. 62Tax collectorPublicanA person responsible for collecting taxes; the Gospels record instructions to collectors and their encounters with Jesus.Read definition
  63. 63EunuchCourt eunuch · Court officialUsually a castrated man, though the term can also function as a court title; the context matters.Read definition
  64. 64ProselyteConvert to JudaismA person of non-Jewish origin who formally joined the Jewish faith community.Read definition
  65. 65GentileNations · Non-JewA person or people belonging to the nations outside Israel or the Jewish people.Read definition
  66. 66DiasporaDispersion · Scattered communitiesCommunities living dispersed from their homeland; in biblical contexts, especially Jews living among other peoples.Read definition
  67. 67SanhedrinCouncil · Jewish councilThe leading Jerusalem council appearing in New Testament judicial and religious proceedings.Read definition
  68. 68RabbiTeacher · MasterA Hebrew title used to address a Jewish teacher with respect.Read definition
  69. 69LeviteMember of the tribe of LeviA member of Levi’s tribe assigned particular duties in Israel’s worship.Read definition
  70. 70PriestIsraelite priestAn appointed minister who served at Israel’s sanctuary and altar.Read definition
  71. 71High priestChief priestThe leading priest who bore unique responsibility for Israel’s sanctuary.Read definition
  72. 72ScribeTeacher of the law · Expert in the lawSomeone who writes documents or studies and teaches the law; the work varies with the context.Read definition
  73. 73PhariseePhariseesA member of a Jewish group concerned with interpreting and observing the law and inherited traditions.Read definition
  74. 74SadduceeSadduceesA member of a Jewish group described in the New Testament as denying resurrection.Read definition
  75. 75ZealotSimon the ZealotA title given to Simon, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles; he is distinct from Simon Peter.Read definition
  76. 76DenariusdenariiA Roman silver coin; in the vineyard parable it is the daily pay agreed by the owner.Read definition
  77. 77TalenttalantonA large unit of metal weight, also used in parables for debts or entrusted wealth.Read definition
  78. 78ShekelsheqelA unit of metal weight, used in payments of silver and in setting contributions.Read definition
  79. 79Leptonwidow’s miteA small coin of low value, made from copper alloy; the poor widow gives two in the treasury scene.Read definition
  80. 80DrachmadrachmA silver coin in Greek monetary systems, named in Luke’s parable of the lost coin.Read definition
  81. 81MinamanehAn ancient unit for an amount of metal or money; its use depends on the passage and the system of measures.Read definition
  82. 82EphahephaA unit of volume for grain or flour, distinct from a weight such as the shekel.Read definition
  83. 83Bathbath measureA unit of volume for liquids such as oil or wine.Read definition
  84. 84HomerkorA large unit of volume, equal to ten ephahs or ten baths in Ezekiel’s system of measures.Read definition
  85. 85CubitammahAn ancient length measure based on the forearm, from elbow to fingertip.Read definition
  86. 86Stadionstadia · furlongAn ancient Greek unit of distance; the word also referred to a running course.Read definition
  87. 87Sabbath day’s journeySabbath journeyA conventional limit for travel on the Sabbath in later Jewish practice.Read definition
  88. 88GehennaValley of HinnomA term linked to the name of the Valley of Hinnom, used in Jesus’ warnings about sin and judgment.Read definition
  89. 89Sheolthe grave · realm of the deadA Hebrew biblical term concerning death and the realm of the dead.Read definition
  90. 90Hadesrealm of the deadA Greek New Testament term concerning death and the realm of the dead.Read definition
  91. 91Paradisegarden of GodA word associated with a garden, used in the New Testament for being with Jesus and the place of the tree of life.Read definition
  92. 92Wildernessdesert · desolate placeLand away from settled towns, appearing in biblical scenes of travel, testing, provision, and refuge.Read definition
  93. 93SynagogueassemblyA meeting place where Jewish communities gathered to hear Scripture read and taught.Read definition
  94. 94TemplesanctuaryThe sanctuary building and surrounding grounds in Jerusalem where Israel worshiped God and offered sacrifices.Read definition
  95. 95City gategateA town’s entrance, also appearing as a public place for elders, legal matters, and witnessed transactions.Read definition
  96. 96Upper roomupstairs roomA room on an upper level, used in biblical scenes for lodging, meals, and prayer gatherings.Read definition
  97. 97Threshing floorthreshing placeA place for separating harvested grain from stalks and separating grain from chaff.Read definition
  98. 98Watchtowertower · lookoutA raised structure for looking over the surrounding area, appearing in vineyard and watchkeeping scenes.Read definition
  99. 99Cisternpit · water reservoirA reservoir dug to hold water; empty pits also appear as places where people are confined.Read definition
  100. 100Winepresswine vatA facility for extracting juice by treading or pressing grapes.Read definition