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. Andrew Peter’s brother and one of the first disciples, often shown bringing people to Jesus. Barnabas An encouraging early Christian leader who vouched for Paul and partnered with him in mission. 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. Elijah A bold prophet who confronted idolatry in Israel and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. 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.’ Gideon A reluctant judge who, with just 300 men, delivered Israel from the Midianites by God’s power. 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. Jacob Isaac’s son, renamed ‘Israel,’ whose twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. James (son of Zebedee) A fisherman and one of Jesus’ inner three disciples, the first apostle to be martyred. Job A blameless man who suffered terrible loss yet held on to God, central to the Bible’s wrestling with suffering. 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.’ Judas Iscariot The disciple who betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. 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. 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, 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. Moses The prophet who led Israel out of slavery in Egypt and received the Law at Mount Sinai. 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. 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. Pontius Pilate The Roman governor of Judea who, though finding no guilt in Jesus, handed him over to be crucified. Rahab A woman of Jericho who hid Israel’s spies, was spared, and is honored for her faith. 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. 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.
Places
Babylon The empire that conquered Judah and exiled its people—later a biblical symbol of human pride against God. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Jordan River The river Israel crossed to enter the promised land and where Jesus was baptized by John. 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. 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. Red Sea The sea God parted so Israel could escape Egypt on dry ground—the climax of the exodus. Sea of Galilee The freshwater lake in northern Israel where Jesus called disciples, calmed a storm, and walked on water. 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. 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. 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. Messiah ‘Anointed One’ (Greek: Christ)—the promised deliverer-king of Israel, whom Christians identify as Jesus. Pharisees A devout Jewish group known for strict law-keeping, often in conflict with Jesus over the heart of true religion. 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.