Online Bible Dictionary: Definitions of Key Concepts in the Bible
There are many concepts which appear frequently in the Bible, but not so frequently elsewhere. Many of these concepts in the Bible are also tied closely to the cultures of hundreds or thousands of years ago. This makes it difficult for people reading the Bible today to fully understand or appreciate what is written. An online Bible dictionary can help define critical terms and concepts.
Agape, Love: What is Love? What is Agape? What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Agape (ah-gah-pay) is the main word used for 'love' in the New Testament. There are three principal Greek words which can be translated as 'love' in English, each with different connotations. The two most common were eros, which refers to sexual love, and philos, which means friendship or brotherly love (eros does not appear in the New Testament, but philos does). Agape was the least used in Greek and least specific in its meaning.
Agape (ah-gah-pay) is the main word used for 'love' in the New Testament. There are three principal Greek words which can be translated as 'love' in English, each with different connotations. The two most common were eros, which refers to sexual love, and philos, which means friendship or brotherly love (eros does not appear in the New Testament, but philos does). Agape was the least used in Greek and least specific in its meaning.
Anoint: How are People or Things Anointed? What does Anoint Mean in the Bible?
To anoint means to touch, rub, or smear with oil - the subject of anointing may be a person or an object and the oil involved is holy from having been sanctified by a religious cleric at some point. The use of oil in this manner stems from the fact that scented oils were a luxury in the ancient world, so they were only used for special occasions - including especially religious ones. They were also used for their medicinal qualities.
To anoint means to touch, rub, or smear with oil - the subject of anointing may be a person or an object and the oil involved is holy from having been sanctified by a religious cleric at some point. The use of oil in this manner stems from the fact that scented oils were a luxury in the ancient world, so they were only used for special occasions - including especially religious ones. They were also used for their medicinal qualities.
Apocalypse: What is the Apocalypse? Does the Bible Predict an Apocalyptic End?
The term apocalypse technically refers to writings about secret teachings and the end times, but in popular vernacular it has also come to describe actual cataclysmic events themselves, in which good and evil battle each other for the last time - and of course the forces of evil lose and everyone is judged for a final time. It may also be used to describe any devastating event generally, such as an apocalyptic war.
The term apocalypse technically refers to writings about secret teachings and the end times, but in popular vernacular it has also come to describe actual cataclysmic events themselves, in which good and evil battle each other for the last time - and of course the forces of evil lose and everyone is judged for a final time. It may also be used to describe any devastating event generally, such as an apocalyptic war.
Baptism: What is Baptism? How does one Baptize? What does the Bible say about Baptisms?
In Christianity, baptism is a religious sacrament which is marked by the symbolic use of water and results in admission to the community of believers. The practice of baptism is based upon the story of John the Baptist's practice of baptizing people, including Jesus and his immediate followers. Later Christian beliefs seem to have included the idea that baptism effectively created a unity between the individual believer and Christ.
In Christianity, baptism is a religious sacrament which is marked by the symbolic use of water and results in admission to the community of believers. The practice of baptism is based upon the story of John the Baptist's practice of baptizing people, including Jesus and his immediate followers. Later Christian beliefs seem to have included the idea that baptism effectively created a unity between the individual believer and Christ.
Bless, Blessing, Blessed: What is a Blessing? How are People in the Bible Blessed?
In the Bible, a blessing is depicted as a mark of God's relationship with a person or nation. When a person or group is blessed, it is a sign of God's grace upon them and perhaps even presence among them. To be blessed means that a person or people take part in God's plans for the world and humanity.
In the Bible, a blessing is depicted as a mark of God's relationship with a person or nation. When a person or group is blessed, it is a sign of God's grace upon them and perhaps even presence among them. To be blessed means that a person or people take part in God's plans for the world and humanity.
Burial & Burial Customs: How do the Bible and Religion Present Burial Customs?
Proper burial was important in ancient religions, so it's only natural that they receive attention throughout the Bible. Use of above-ground tombs in caves is prominent and several such tombs can still be found close to Jerusalem. An important story connected to Abraham was his insistence on finding a proper cave in which he could bury his wife, Sarah.
Proper burial was important in ancient religions, so it's only natural that they receive attention throughout the Bible. Use of above-ground tombs in caves is prominent and several such tombs can still be found close to Jerusalem. An important story connected to Abraham was his insistence on finding a proper cave in which he could bury his wife, Sarah.
Confession & Confessing: What is Confession? How does Christianity Handle Confessing?
The Latin root of confession is confiteor, which means 'to acknowledge a sin or fault,' or sometimes more broadly, to simply acknowledge or avow. In this way we might have sinners who confess their crimes or believers who confess their faith. The two are more closely connected than is usually realized, however, because the context in which a person confessed their faith in early Christianity was typically at a tribunal where they might be punished.
The Latin root of confession is confiteor, which means 'to acknowledge a sin or fault,' or sometimes more broadly, to simply acknowledge or avow. In this way we might have sinners who confess their crimes or believers who confess their faith. The two are more closely connected than is usually realized, however, because the context in which a person confessed their faith in early Christianity was typically at a tribunal where they might be punished.
Covenant & Testament: What is a Covenant?
The Hebrew term for covenant is berit, meaning 'to bond or fetter.' It is translated into the Greek as syntheke, 'binding together' or diatheke, 'will, testament.' In the Bible, then, a covenant is a relationship based upon mutual commitments. It typically involves promises, obligations, and rituals.
The Hebrew term for covenant is berit, meaning 'to bond or fetter.' It is translated into the Greek as syntheke, 'binding together' or diatheke, 'will, testament.' In the Bible, then, a covenant is a relationship based upon mutual commitments. It typically involves promises, obligations, and rituals.
Curses & Cursing: What is a Curse? Why are People Cursed? How does the Bible Present Curses?
A curse is the opposite of a blessing: whereas a blessing is a pronouncement of good fortune because one is initiated into God's plans, a curse is a pronouncement of ill fortune because one opposes God's plans. God may curse a person or a whole nation because of their opposition to God's will. A priest may curse someone for violating God's laws. In general, the same people with the authority to bless also have the authority to curse.
A curse is the opposite of a blessing: whereas a blessing is a pronouncement of good fortune because one is initiated into God's plans, a curse is a pronouncement of ill fortune because one opposes God's plans. God may curse a person or a whole nation because of their opposition to God's will. A priest may curse someone for violating God's laws. In general, the same people with the authority to bless also have the authority to curse.
Demons: What are Demons? How do the Bible and Religion Present Demons?
The English word demon is derived from the Greek daimon, a term which might be applied to evil spirits, deified heroes, protective spirits, divinities, or even in some cases a place. Greek daimons are all superior to humanity, but they aren't supernatural - their 'nature' is just as much defined and constrained by the natural world as is the nature of human beings. In general, it wasn't until the Roman period that the term came to be used exclusively for evil spirits.
The English word demon is derived from the Greek daimon, a term which might be applied to evil spirits, deified heroes, protective spirits, divinities, or even in some cases a place. Greek daimons are all superior to humanity, but they aren't supernatural - their 'nature' is just as much defined and constrained by the natural world as is the nature of human beings. In general, it wasn't until the Roman period that the term came to be used exclusively for evil spirits.
Eucharist, Mass, Communion, the Lord's Supper: What Does the Bible Say About the Lord's Supper?
The last meal which Jesus shared with his disciples is called the Lord's Supper by Christians. In 1 Corinthians 11:20, Paul refers to 'the supper of the Lord,' the only place in the Bible where this name is used. The gospels disagree on whether it was a Passover meal or not, but they are in agreement that it is supposed to represent an intimate fellowship between Jesus and his followers - not just his disciples at the time, but with Christians today through the mass celebration.
The last meal which Jesus shared with his disciples is called the Lord's Supper by Christians. In 1 Corinthians 11:20, Paul refers to 'the supper of the Lord,' the only place in the Bible where this name is used. The gospels disagree on whether it was a Passover meal or not, but they are in agreement that it is supposed to represent an intimate fellowship between Jesus and his followers - not just his disciples at the time, but with Christians today through the mass celebration.
Exorcism: What is Exorcism? What does an Exorcist Do? How are Demons Exorcised?
The English word exorcism comes from the Greek exorkosis, which means 'out-oath.' An exorcism is an attempt to evict demons or spirits from the body of a (normally living) human being. Belief in exorcism is almost automatic from belief in demons capable of possessing people. So long as there is a belief that demons can posses a person, there will be belief that some people have power over those demons, forcing them to cease their possession.
The English word exorcism comes from the Greek exorkosis, which means 'out-oath.' An exorcism is an attempt to evict demons or spirits from the body of a (normally living) human being. Belief in exorcism is almost automatic from belief in demons capable of possessing people. So long as there is a belief that demons can posses a person, there will be belief that some people have power over those demons, forcing them to cease their possession.
Family & Families: What is a Family? How does the Bible Describe the Family?
Everyone is or has been part of a family, but defining the boundaries of a family is difficult to do. In modern America, 'family' is used almost exclusively in reference to the nuclear family of a father, mother, and their biological children. In the Bible, however, 'family' has much broader overtones. In the Bible, the family might include as little as the household, but it might further refer to a clan or tribe - even an entire nation.
Everyone is or has been part of a family, but defining the boundaries of a family is difficult to do. In modern America, 'family' is used almost exclusively in reference to the nuclear family of a father, mother, and their biological children. In the Bible, however, 'family' has much broader overtones. In the Bible, the family might include as little as the household, but it might further refer to a clan or tribe - even an entire nation.
Forgiveness: What is Forgiveness? How does the Bible describe It?
The concept of forgiveness appears in the Bible under two terms: one refers to the relief of debts and one's obligation to pay while the other refers to the reestablishment of some interpersonal relationship which was fractured due to a misdeed. God's forgiveness of others is described using both terms, indicating that both concepts overlap to a significant degree.
The concept of forgiveness appears in the Bible under two terms: one refers to the relief of debts and one's obligation to pay while the other refers to the reestablishment of some interpersonal relationship which was fractured due to a misdeed. God's forgiveness of others is described using both terms, indicating that both concepts overlap to a significant degree.
Healing: What is Healing? How do the Bible and Religion Handle Healing?
Although people in modern Western nations typically regard healing as a subject of medical science, it has traditionally played an important role in religion and religious experiences throughout the world. It has been common, for example, for religions to be the sole source of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological healing for adherents.
Although people in modern Western nations typically regard healing as a subject of medical science, it has traditionally played an important role in religion and religious experiences throughout the world. It has been common, for example, for religions to be the sole source of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological healing for adherents.
Heaven: What is Heaven? What Does the Bible Say about the Heavens?
In religions in the West, heaven was originally simply where God dwelled; eventually it came to be the place where the souls of good people went after death in order to be rewarded. Early biblical texts describe heaven in concrete terms - an arching vault supported by pillars at the ends of the earth. Later the concept became more transcendent, but nowhere in the Old Testament is heaven described as a reward for good people.
In religions in the West, heaven was originally simply where God dwelled; eventually it came to be the place where the souls of good people went after death in order to be rewarded. Early biblical texts describe heaven in concrete terms - an arching vault supported by pillars at the ends of the earth. Later the concept became more transcendent, but nowhere in the Old Testament is heaven described as a reward for good people.
Hell: What is Hell? What is Sheol? How are Hell and Sheol Presented in the Bible?
The word hell comes from a Germanic root which means 'to cover,' and is the usual translation of the Hebrew Sheol. In religions in the West, hell is believed to be a place of punishment for the souls of those who sinned during their lives. Hell is normally contrasted with heaven, the place where the souls of good people go to be rewarded.
The word hell comes from a Germanic root which means 'to cover,' and is the usual translation of the Hebrew Sheol. In religions in the West, hell is believed to be a place of punishment for the souls of those who sinned during their lives. Hell is normally contrasted with heaven, the place where the souls of good people go to be rewarded.
Leprosy: What is Leprosy? What Does the Bible Say about Leprosy and Lepers?
Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is a skin infection caused by a mycobacterium. Leprosy was at one time incurable and lepers were segregated into colonies; today the infection is readily cured - it's just a matter of reaching victims of the disease and fighting the social taboos surrounding it. Leprosy is rare in the West yet widely known through biblical references. Biblical references to leprosy, however, are to a wide array of skin diseases, few if any of which are Hansen's disease.
Also known as Hansen's disease, leprosy is a skin infection caused by a mycobacterium. Leprosy was at one time incurable and lepers were segregated into colonies; today the infection is readily cured - it's just a matter of reaching victims of the disease and fighting the social taboos surrounding it. Leprosy is rare in the West yet widely known through biblical references. Biblical references to leprosy, however, are to a wide array of skin diseases, few if any of which are Hansen's disease.
Marriage: What is Marriage? What Does the Bible Say About Monogamy, Polygamy?
Marriage is an institution which can be found in every human culture. Although the forms and rules differ, marriages always involve some form of legally legitimized sexual relationship. Traditionally, marriages have had a religious basis. In the modern, industrialized West, marriage is based on a legal contract. In the Bible, women occupied an inferior social position to the nearest male relations - fathers, brothers, or husbands. Marriages were usually arranged in the Bible by the parents.
Marriage is an institution which can be found in every human culture. Although the forms and rules differ, marriages always involve some form of legally legitimized sexual relationship. Traditionally, marriages have had a religious basis. In the modern, industrialized West, marriage is based on a legal contract. In the Bible, women occupied an inferior social position to the nearest male relations - fathers, brothers, or husbands. Marriages were usually arranged in the Bible by the parents.
Miracles: What Are Miracles?
Normally, a miracle is any event which occurs in contradiction to established natural laws - in other words, an event which should normally be considered impossible. Sometimes, the term is used in a broader and more general sense to refer to things which are wondrous, beautiful, and life-affirming. Thus, the smile of a newborn baby is sometimes labeled as a 'miracle.'
Normally, a miracle is any event which occurs in contradiction to established natural laws - in other words, an event which should normally be considered impossible. Sometimes, the term is used in a broader and more general sense to refer to things which are wondrous, beautiful, and life-affirming. Thus, the smile of a newborn baby is sometimes labeled as a 'miracle.'
Neighbor: Who Is Your Neighbor? What does the Bible Say?
Typically, the concept of 'neighbor' is limited to those people one lives near, or at least people in the local community. This is how the Old Testament sometimes uses the term, but it is also used in a broader or figurative sense to refer to all Israelites. Thus the commands not to covet a neighbor's wife or possessions refers to all fellow Israelites...
Typically, the concept of 'neighbor' is limited to those people one lives near, or at least people in the local community. This is how the Old Testament sometimes uses the term, but it is also used in a broader or figurative sense to refer to all Israelites. Thus the commands not to covet a neighbor's wife or possessions refers to all fellow Israelites...
Passion: What is the Passion of Jesus? What does the Bible say about Jesus' Passion and Passion Narratives?
The usual meaning of 'passion' is an aroused or intense emotion, but in the context of the Bible it is typically used to denote the suffering and death of Jesus. Thus we read in Christian literature about the Passion narratives or the Passion of Jesus. The only place in the Bible where the word is used this way is Acts 3:1, which refers to 'his Passion.'
The usual meaning of 'passion' is an aroused or intense emotion, but in the context of the Bible it is typically used to denote the suffering and death of Jesus. Thus we read in Christian literature about the Passion narratives or the Passion of Jesus. The only place in the Bible where the word is used this way is Acts 3:1, which refers to 'his Passion.'
Resurrection: What is a Resurrection? What Does the Bible Say About Jesus and the Resurrection?
The concept of resurrection refers to the idea of dead people who have found special favor with their deity such that they rise from the dead, restored to bodily form. Through most of the Old Testament, the concept of resurrection was applied to the whole of Israel in its renewal after returning from exile and not at all to individuals after their death. Only in later apocalyptic literature (like Daniel) do we read about the physical resurrection of individuals for a new existence with God.
The concept of resurrection refers to the idea of dead people who have found special favor with their deity such that they rise from the dead, restored to bodily form. Through most of the Old Testament, the concept of resurrection was applied to the whole of Israel in its renewal after returning from exile and not at all to individuals after their death. Only in later apocalyptic literature (like Daniel) do we read about the physical resurrection of individuals for a new existence with God.
Seven Deadly Sins: What Are the Seven Deadly Sins in Christian Tradition?
In Christian tradition, those sins which have the most serious impact on spiritual development have been classified as 'deadly sins.' Which sins qualify for this category have varied - Christian theologians have developed different lists of the most serious sins which people might commit. John Cassian offered one of the first lists, and he came up with eight: gluttony, fornication, avarice, anger, dejection (tristitia), sloth (accedia), vainglory and pride.
In Christian tradition, those sins which have the most serious impact on spiritual development have been classified as 'deadly sins.' Which sins qualify for this category have varied - Christian theologians have developed different lists of the most serious sins which people might commit. John Cassian offered one of the first lists, and he came up with eight: gluttony, fornication, avarice, anger, dejection (tristitia), sloth (accedia), vainglory and pride.
Sin: What is Sin? How is Sin Described in the Bible & Christian Tradition?
The concept of sin is, at its most basic, a transgression of religious or divine law. Disobedience to god can be either deliberate or accidental. Augustine defined sin in Christianity as 'any word or deed or thought against the eternal law,' making it essentially a religious or theological category. In Christianity, sin may usually overlap moral categories, but some sins do not - for example, idolatry.
The concept of sin is, at its most basic, a transgression of religious or divine law. Disobedience to god can be either deliberate or accidental. Augustine defined sin in Christianity as 'any word or deed or thought against the eternal law,' making it essentially a religious or theological category. In Christianity, sin may usually overlap moral categories, but some sins do not - for example, idolatry.
Temptation: What is Temptation? How are People Tempted in the Bible?
In the Bible, temptation is a test or trial designed give a subject the opportunity to do evil and sin against God. Sometimes the point is to confuse the subject about what good and evil really are. Sometimes the point is to simply see if they truly understand what good and evil are in the first place. Sometimes God does the tempting, sometimes Satan is given this task.
In the Bible, temptation is a test or trial designed give a subject the opportunity to do evil and sin against God. Sometimes the point is to confuse the subject about what good and evil really are. Sometimes the point is to simply see if they truly understand what good and evil are in the first place. Sometimes God does the tempting, sometimes Satan is given this task.
Transfiguration: What is the Transfiguration? What Does the Bible Say about the Transfiguration of Jesus?
The 'Transfiguration' refers to the appearance of Jesus Christ in a 'glorified form' to his disciples. This is recorded in the synoptic gospels when Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain where he appeared to them alongside Moses and Elijah. At this time a voice was heard which declared Jesus to be the 'beloved son' and commanded the disciples to listen to him. After Jesus returned to his normal form, he told the disciples to keep silent about what they saw.
The 'Transfiguration' refers to the appearance of Jesus Christ in a 'glorified form' to his disciples. This is recorded in the synoptic gospels when Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain where he appeared to them alongside Moses and Elijah. At this time a voice was heard which declared Jesus to be the 'beloved son' and commanded the disciples to listen to him. After Jesus returned to his normal form, he told the disciples to keep silent about what they saw.