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“Bible
DICTIONARY
 FOREWORD
to young Bible readers

Bible reading presents difficulties to many young people

because Bible lands are far away; life and customs in
Bible times were very different from those of today;
and Bible narratives contain many unfamiliar words
and ideas. It is important to understand these un-
familiar words and ideas and to know something about
the lands where Bible events occurred and about the
people who took part in them.

To meet this need A Student’s Bible Dictionary has

been prepared. It is not a dictionary in the ordinary
sense, for the list of words explained is selective rather
than all-inclusive. The aim has been to include Biblical
words which refer to objects, places, peoples, customs,
and ideas which are likely to raise questions in the
minds of young readers, and which when explained
briefly will make their reading clear and enjoyable. In
many instances references to Bible passages are given
in which the words may be found. The reader is urged
to look up these references and to learn the meanings
of the words as the Bible uses them. If this is done,
Bible reading may be a happy adventure and the result
a lasting satisfaction.
 A
STUDENT'S

Bible
Dictionary

by
FREDERIC L. FAY, D.R-E.
for many years an earnest student of the Bible and a Director
of Christian Education in various Protestant Churches

Drawings by
WILLIAM DUNCAN

WHITTEMORE ASSOCIATES, INC.

BOSTON 8, MASS.
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The publishers of A Student’s Bible Dictionary take

this opportunity of expressing their appreciation of
the invaluable contribution to this work of Neilson
Campbell Hannay, M.A., B.D., Ph.D.

Because of his qualifications as a graduate of Union

College and of Auburn Theological Seminary, his con-
centrated Bible and Literary study in England, Scot-
land, Germany, and America, and his many years as a
professor of Bible and of English Language and Litera-
ture at Boston University and at other colleges, Dr.
Hannay was selected to make a minutely critical and
comprehensive review of this entire work in respect of
content, accuracy, clarity, and editorial technique.

We feel that his scholarly competence, sound judgment,

and literary skill, applied through a protracted period
of authentication, have added immeasurably to the
value of this Dictionary.
First Printing February 1956
Second Printing December 1956
Third Printing January 1958
Fourth Printing January 1960
Fifth Printing January 1961
Sixth Printing October 1962

Over 310,000 Printed

Copyright 1956
CARROLL E. WHITTEMORE
Boston, Mass.
 A
AARON The older brother of Moses and Miriam
(Numbers 26:59), and the first head of the Hebrew
priesthood.
ABBA An Aramaic word which means, father
(Mark 14:36).
ABEL Mentioned in Genesis 4 as the younger
son of Adam and Eve.
ABOMINATION Whatever is wrong according
to God’s plan for man’s right living, such as, worship
of idols (I Kings 11:5), dishonesty (Micah 6:10),
etc. ‘
ABRAHAM Originally Abram. Means “father
of a multitude.” He was the founder of the Hebrew
nation and was called the friend of God (II Chron-
icles 20:7).
ABSALOM The third son of King David. He
tried to seize the throne which David intended for
Solomon, but was unsuccessful. Absalom was killed ALABASTER
after his head caught in the branches of a tree and
pulled him from the mule he was riding (II Samuel
18).
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES The fifth book of
the New Testament, and presumed to be written by
Luke as a sequel to his gospel narrative. The book is
the account of the early Christian church, and por-
trays the apostles proclaiming their message to the
Gentiles.
ADAM The name of the first man, according to
the Bible story of creation.
ADDER The word used in the Bible for any
poisonous snake.
ADVERSARY A word denoting enemy or op-
ponent of God’s way of living.
ALABASTER __ A whitish stone resembling marble,
used in Bible times for making vases and jars.
ALMOND TREE A nut-bearing tree resembling
a peachtree in shape and blossom.
ALMS Money, or produce from the field and
vineyard, given to those in need (Leviticus 19:9, 10).
ALPHA The first letter of the Greek alphabet.
With Omega, the last letter of the alphabet, the two
words stand for the eternal existence of God (Revela-
tion 1:8).
ALTAR A single large stone or a structure of
stopes or other material on which sacrifices were
offered (Genesis 35:1).
AMEN A Hebrew word signifying “So be it,”
used at the end of a prayer to indicate approval by
those present, as though the prayer had been uttered
by themselves. ALPHA

3
 AMOS The earliest of the prophets and a great
prophet of Judah, who spoke out against the wicked
and godless living of his day. He preached that God
cared more for right living than for burnt offerings.
ANATHEMA A Greek word implying that a
person or a thing was condemned or accursed.
ANDREW The brother of Simon Peter and one
of the first apostles of Jesus.
ANGEL The word means “a messenger.” The
Bible presents angels generally as heavenly beings
sent as messengers of God to man on earth.
ANKLET A metal bracelet worn as an orna-
ment on the leg near the ankle.
ANNA An aged prophetess living in the Temple
(Luke 2:36, 37). She was present at the dedication
of the baby Jesus and declared him to be the ex-
pected Messiah.
ANNAS The high priest before whom Jesus was
brought for examination after his arrest (John
18:12, 13; 19-24).
ANNUNCIATION The announcement to Mary
by the angel Gabriel that she was to be the mother of
a son who should be called Jesus.
ANOINT To apply oil or ointment to the head.
This was done as a sign of hospitality toward a guest,
or as an official rite of consecration to certain impor-
tant offices.
ANTICHRIST The opponent of Christ, or any-
ANKLET one who stood opposed to Christ.
ANTIOCH It was at Antioch in Syria that the
followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts
11:26). Antioch may be considered the birthplace
of foreign missions since it was from here that Paul
set forth on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3).
APOCRYPHA Certain books rejected by the
early Church but generally not included among the
books of our Protestant Bible, yet considered to have
some value.
al APOLLOS A Jew from Alexandria who was an
enthusiastic and eloquent popular preacher of the
ANNUNCIATION
gospel. He was a trusted friend of Paul.
APOSTLE A Greek word meaning “one who is
sent.” The name “apostles” was applied to the twelve
disciples whom Jesus chose to prepare and aid him
in his ministry and to send forth to preach the Gospel
after he left this earth (Luke 6:13).
APPIAN WAY A famous road in Italy over
which Paul walked on his way to Rome.
APPLE Not the specie of fruit which we know
by that name, but probably the apricot, a common
fruit in Palestine.
4
ARAMAIC The common language of Palestine
spoken by Jesus. He undoubtedly knew Greek and
Hebrew also.
ARARAT A lofty mountain northeast of Pales-
tine on which Noah’s ark is said to have landed after Ghe
the flood.
YY: if
ARCHAEOLOGY The scientific study of the Yff rn
is aest

remains of past human life, such as fossils, monu- APPIAN WAY

ments, etc., often carried on by careful digging and
uncovering of ancient regions.
ARCHELAUS _ The son of Herod and the ruler of
Judea when Joseph and Mary brought the boy Jesus
back from Egypt.
ARCHERS Soldiers using bows and arrows were
an important fighting unit in the armies of Old
Testament times (I Chronicles 8:40).
AREOPAGUS A rocky hill in Athens where the
city court met to consider and pass judgment on
criminal, social, and political questions. Paul made
a famous speech in this place (Acts 17:22-31).
ARK, NOAH’S The houseboat in which (ac-
cording to the Bible narrative in Genesis, Chaps. 6-8)
Noah with his family and animals were saved from
the flood.
ARK OF THE COVENANT A sacred chest
in which were kept the Mosaic tables of stone, a pot
of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. The ark was
placed in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle and
later of the Temple, and it was a_reminder of God’s ARK, NOAH’S
presence.
ARMOR A suit of body coverings, usually metal,
for protection in battle. Wn KIlbh
ARMOR BEARER A young man whose duty
was to hold the large shield before a soldier facing
attack in battle, and to carry it when not in actual
fighting.
ASAPH One of the leaders of David’s choir,
who founded a guild of singers (I Chronicles 16:4-7).
ARK OF THE
His name is attached to Psalm 50 and Psalms 73-83. COVENANT
ASCRIBE To give due credit (Deuteronomy
32:3).
ASHERAH The name of a pagan goddess wor-
shipped in Canaan. Sometimes the word indicated
the tree or pole which was her symbol, and sometimes
the grove where her image was located.
ASSYRIA A mighty empire on the upper Tigris
River. Bible accounts tell of the raiding of Israel
and Judah by Assyria, sieges laid to their capitals,
and the final carrying away of Israel into captivity.

5
 ATONEMENT The Old Testament belief was
that when man offended God by sin, man could be
restored only by paying for his wrong by sacrifices,
offerings, or by the performance of ritual pleasing to
God. This earnest effort to recover favor with God
was the atonement man made for his sins.
ATONEMENT, DAY OF The final day of a
most solemn religious celebration, held yearly, when
the high priest conducted a ceremonial rite cleansing
the people from the defilement of their sins.
AVENGER The person or persons who returned
punishment on one who had done evil to a kinsman.
This was approved by Old Testament standards
though later this spirit was greatly modified (Num-
bers 35:19).
AX A sharp iron instrument with a wooden
handle for chopping.

ihil
B
BAAL The heathen god worshipped by the in-
habitants of Canaan when the Children of Israel con-
BABEL, TOWER OF quered that land.
BABEL, TOWER OF This tower in Babylon
consisted of seven stories, each smaller than the one
below, with a shrine on top where the Babylonian
god was worshipped. The Bible narrative says it was.
here God confused the language of man so that they
could not understand one another, and were scattered
over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:4-9).
BABYLON The capital city of Babylonia.
BABYLONIA The country around the lower
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Many times its rulers
harassed the Hebrew kingdoms, and finally carried
Judah captive to Babylon.
BAGS BAGS Made of skin or woven material. The
shepherd’s bag would be used to carry food, or stones
to frighten away wild animals, or even to transport
a lamb unable to walk. Smaller bags were used to
carry money.
BALANCES Scales used to weigh money and
produce. A piece of metal of predetermined weight
was placed on one side of the balance and articles to
be weighed on the other side until the two sides bal-
anced (Proverbs 11:1).
BALM The fragrant sap or gum from a bush
which grew in Gilead to the east of the Jordan River.
It was valued for its healing properties, and was also
used by women as a skin cream, and in preparing
BALANCES bodies for burial.
BAPTISM A rite practiced by John the Baptist
who baptized Jesus. Baptism was administered as a
symbol of inner cleansing with new members in the
early Christian church. The rite has been accepted
ever since as evidence of faith in Christ and a pledge
of discipleship when entering into membership of the
Church. It is one of the two Sacraments of the
a ordained by our Lord himself (Matthew "eq
BAR- An Aramaic word meaning “son,” used as
a prefix of a proper name, like Bar-jona (Son of
Jona).
BARABBAS A criminal released by Pilate at
the trial of Jesus. Pilate let the crowd choose which
prisoner should be released, Jesus or Barabbas, and
they chose the latter (Matthew 27:11-26).
BARBARIAN In New Testament days a bar-
barian usually meant anyone not a Greek or a Roman.
BARLEY An important food grain used largely
for cattle and horses, although sometimes it was
baked into round flat loaves by the village people.
BARNABAS A member of the early church at
Jerusalem and a close friend of Paul. He accom-
panied the latter on his first missionary journey. BAPTISM

BATH Hebrew term for a liquid measure of

about 8 gallons.
BATHING Bathing was a prescribed ceremonial
act for a priest or worshipper before approaching the
altar, expressing reverence toward God.
BATTERING-RAM A heavy beam with an iron
head sometimes fashioned as the head of a ram; used
to batter down gates and walls when a city was
besieged.
BATTLEMENT A low parapet built around the
edge of the flat roof of a house to prevent accidents.
BEATITUDE A Latin word meaning “happy”
or “blessed.” The term, Beatitudes, refers to the
opening of the Sermon on the Mount~where nine BARLEY
verses begin with the word “blessed,” stating some of
the qualities Jesus expected in his followers (Mat-
thew 5:3-11).
BED Usually a mat of straw or rushes spread
on the floor, or a sack filled with straw, which was
rolled up and put aside during the day (Luke 5:25).
BEHOLD Look! See!
BELSHAZZAR The king of Babylon who gave
a great feast, at which the accusing words that ap-
peared on the wall were interpreted by Daniel.
BESEECH To plead for special favor.
BETH- A Hebrew word meaning “house.” Used
in
compound proper names, as Beth-el (house of
BATTERING-RAM
God), Beth-lehem (house_of bread).
7
 BETHANY A small village about one and one-
half miles from Jerusalem and on the Mount of
Olives, the village where Jesus sometimes stayed with
his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
BETHEL A town about twelve miles north of
Jerusalem. Many Old Testament characters were
associated with the history of Bethel.
BETHESDA (House of mercy) A spring-fed
BATTLEMENT pool in Jerusalem, having five porches, where in-
valids and crippled waited to step into the water. It
was said to have healing properties. Here Jesus cured
the man sick for 38 years (John 5:2).
BETHLEHEM (House of bread) A very old
town in Palestine, located about five miles south of
Jerusalem. It was the home of David, also of Ruth;
it is best known, however, as the birthplace of Jesus,
the Messiah (Matthew 2).
BIBLE (Greek, meaning “books”) The sacred
book of Christians. A collection of 66 books, com-
posed by many different writers over a period of
about a thousand years. Included in this volume are
laws, history, sacred poems, songs, prayers, proverbs,
prophecies, memoirs, letters, speeches, and other
literature. The Old Testament was written chiefly in
Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. The Bible
is a best seller, and it has been translated into over
a thousand languages. A 20-volume Braille Bible and
169 Talking-Book Bible records have been made
available for the blind.
BIER A wooden cot or stretcher on which bodies
were transported to the place of burial (Luke 7:14).
BIRTHRIGHT The special rights, privileges,
and inheritance of the oldest son in a Hebrew family
(Deuteronomy 21:17).
BISHOP (From a Greek word meaning, “‘over-
seer.”) An official in the early Christian Church
(I Timothy 3:1-7).
BITTER HERBS Eaten by Jews at the Pass-
over meal as a reminder of Israel’s bitter experience
as slaves in Egypt (Exodus 12:8).
BLASPHEMY Words spoken against the honor
BOOKS of God.
BLEMISH A mark or defect which prevents
something from being perfect.
BLESSING The bestowing of goodwill or spe-
cial favor upon another, as when a prayer asks for a
blessing from God.
BLINDNESS Very common in Palestine because
of dust, flies, and glare of the sun.
BLOOD In the Bible, blood was associated with
life itself and was never eaten. In worship rites the
blood of the sacrificial animals was poured upon the
BOOTHS, altars as an act of atonement for men’s sins.
FEAST OF
8
BOAZ A wealthy farmer of Bethlehem who be-
friended and then married Ruth. One of his descend-
ants was David, and he is mentioned in the gene-
alogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
BONDAGE The same as slavery.
BOOKS These were long strips of papyrus, or
skins, rolled on two sticks. To open such a book was
to unroll from one stick to the other.
BOOTHS, FEAST OF A seven-day fall festi-
val, one of the most joyous and popular of all the
year. During this time Hebrew families lived in
booths made of the branches of trees and usually
built on the roof-tops. The purpose was to serve as a
thanksgiving for the harvest and a reminder of the
wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness when
they lived in leafy shelters.
BOTTLES Such containers were commonly
made of skins, to hold water, milk, etc., although
bottles and jars of earthenware were also used (Mat-
thew 9:17).
BRAMBLES Thorns and prickly shrubs, of
which there were many varieties in Palestine.
BRASEN Made of brass, a long-lasting metal
probably compounded principally of copper and zinc.
BREAD To make bread, wheat or barley was
ground between two round stones. The flour was
mixed with milk or water, usually kneaded, formed
into flat, round loaves like pancakes, and then baked.
Being pliable, the loaves could be bent spoon-shape
to dip up gravy and liquids.
BREASTPLATE The breastplate of the high BREASTPLATE,
HIGH PRIEST’S
priest’s vestment was made of cloth trimmed with 12
jewels, each bearing the name of a Hebrew tribe. It
was worn especially when the priest entered the Holy
of Holies once a year (Exodus 28:15-30). The breast-
plate of a soldier was for protection in battle and was
made of heavy leather.
BRICK Made of clay mixed with water by
tramping and kneading and then shaped in molds.
Originally they were baked in the sun. Sometimes
straw was used to make the clay bind together better.
BULRUSH (Papyrus) A tall reed which grew BREASTPLATE,
in swampy regions in Palestine and along the banks SOLDIER’S
of the Nile in Egypt. The stalks were pliable and
could be interwoven to make a small boat or basket.
A sort of paper was made by splitting the inner layers
of fibers into thin slices, laying them criss-cross, and
then pounding them flat.
BURNT OFFERING An offering placed on the
altar and consumed by fire as a gift to a god or idol.
With the Hebrews of the Old Testament it symbolized
the desire of the sacrificer to submit himself com-
pletely to God and to His will.
9
 Cc
CAESAR A title of the Roman emperors. Used

CAESAREA A Roman city on the coast of

Palestine nearly 20 miles south of Mt. Carmel. Here
lived Pontius Pilate. Paul was imprisoned here for
two years before being sent to Rome.
CAESAREA PHILIPPI A city of northern
Palestine near Mt. Hermon. Jesus visited here, and
it was the scene of Peter’s confession of Jesus as
“the Christ, the son of the living God” (Matthew
16:13-16).
CAIAPHAS High priest in the time of Jesus,
before whom Jesus was taken for trial. Later on
Caiaphas was antagonistic to the apostles Peter and
John.
CALDRON A large pot for boiling meat, either
for ceremonial or for household use.
CALVARY (Skull). The place outside Jeru-
salem where Jesus was crucified; the exact location
of it is unknown. It is often called Golgotha.
CAMEL An animal highly prized in the East for
transport and other work. He can go longer without
food and water than any other beast of burden, and
his padded feet adapt him to travel over soft sandy
soil.
CANA A small village in Galilee, near Nazareth,
where Jesus performed his first miracle (John
QV
CANAAN (Lowland) The land lying westward
from the Dead Sea and the Jordan River, to the
Mediterranean Sea. This land was given to the Chil-
dren of Israel by God, who led them out of Egypt to
possess it.
CANDLESTICK More correctly a lampstand of
metal holding small lamps, each supplied with oil
and a wick (Exodus 25:31-40).
CANON OF SCRIPTURE The word means a
straight rod by which certain things are measured.
The canon of the Scriptures refers to those books
judged to be worthy of inclusion in the sacred col-
lection (our Bible).
CANTICLES (Song of Songs) Another title for
the Bible book, The Song of Solomon,
CAPERNAUM A lake port on the northwest.
shore of the Sea of Galilee, very familiar to Jesus.
Many of his recorded activities took place here (Mat-
thew 8:14-17, 9:1-8).
CAPTIVE One who is taken as a prisoner of
CAPTIVE war.

10
CAPTIVITY OF THE JEWS The period when
many thousands of the Jews were deported to Baby-
lonia. See: Exile.
CARAVAN A company of merchants. and trav-
elers making a long trip together for safety.
CARMEL, MOUNT A mountain range extend-
ing out of Samaria with its headland projecting into
the Mediterranean Sea. It was the scene of the con-
test between Elijah and the priests of Baal (I Kings
18:19-46). CARAVAN
CASTING NET A net thrown into the water
for the purpose of catching fish.
CATHOLIC A word meaning “universal.” It
does not signify any established faith or system. As
used by the Church, and especially as found in the
Apostles’ Creed “I believe in the Holy Cathelic
Church,” it refers to the universal, world-wide and
age-long faith and practice of the Church.
CATHOLIC EPISTLES The name given to
seven of the New Testament Epistles: James, I and
II Peter, I, II, III John, and Jude. These letters
were not addressed to a particular person or church
but their contents were of a general nature for wide
reading. See: Catholic.
CEDAR The cedar trees of Lebanon were es- CARMEL, MOUNT
pecially sought for building palaces, masts, chests,
and musical instruments. The wood is fragrant and
very durable, and takes an excellent polish.
CENSER A small metal vessel usually sus-
pended by chains, made to hold live coals from the
altar. When incense was thrown on the coals and
the censer swung back and forth fragrant clouds of
smoke were produced for religious rites in Taber-
nacle and in‘ Temple.
CENTURION An_officer_in the Roman army
who commanded a group of 100 men_ (Matthew
°8:1-13).
CHAFF The useless outer husks of threshed
grain, which were blown away by the wind when the CASTING NET
grain was tossed into the air to winnow it (Psalm
1:4).
CHALDEA The southernmost of the three coun-
tries enclosing the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The
others were Assyria to the North, and Babylonia in
the middle. The term is often used for “Babylonia”
(Jeremiah 50:10).
CHARGER A large shallow dish like a platter,
used in connection with the sacrificial offerings. The
head of John the Baptist was carried on a charger
after his death (Matthew 14:1-12).
CHARIOT A low two-wheeled cart with high
front and sides but open at the back; used princi-
pally for war, although high officials sometimes used
them for traveling short distances (Acts 8:38). CENSER

11
 CHASTEN To punish for the purpose of making
better.
CHERUBIM The plural of CHERUB. Sym-
bolic winged creatures, usually spoken of as being in
the presence of Deity, guarding sacred articles or
stationed in sacred places. They were purely mytho-
logical, but they symbolized the presence of God_
(Exodus 25:18).
J CHEST OF JOASH A special chest made to
CENTURION receive the money offerings of the people to repair
the Temple in the days of King Joash (II Chronicles
24:8-11).
CHILDREN OF GOD _ A New Testament concep-
tion of those people who have received Jesus Christ
by faith and have entered into filial relationship with
God the Father (John 1:12).
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL A term denoting the
descendants of Jacob; that is, the whole company of
CHARGER Hebrews, up to the time of King Solomon.
CHRISTIAN The name borne by followers of
Jesus Christ. It was first applied to them in Antioch
(Acts 11:26), perhaps in the spirit of scorn.
CHURCH The name applied to the groups of
early Christians who met for consolation and inspira-
tion after Jesus’ resurrection. The day of Pentecost
is generally considered the birthday of the Church
(Acts 2).
CITIES OF REFUGE Six cities designated as
places to which anyone who had killed another unin-
tentionally might flee and find protection from the
avenger.
CLAY TABLETS Soft clay was imprinted with
cuneiform writing made by a wedge-shaped stylus
and then baked hard. This was one of the chief
writing materials of people for thousands of years.
CLOAK A long, loose outer garment worn by
men and women (Matthew 5:40).
CLOUD, PILLAR OF The pillar of cloud
which God placed before the children of Israel by
day (a pillar of fire by night), to lead them in their
journey to the Promised Land. It was also a comfort-
ing visible sign of the continuous presence of God
(Exodus 13:21, 22).
REFUGE
COMFORTER A_name for the Holy Spirit,
given by Jesus in John 14:16, 26. Another translation
is “Counselor.”” ~
COMMANDMENT An order given by one in
authority. God’s commandments are mentioned in
the Bible as laws, statutes, testimonies, etc. Moses
was given the Ten Commandments by God on tablets
of stone (Exodus 24:12).
CONQUEST OF CANAAN This refers to the
occupation of the land of Canaan when the Children
CLAY TABLETS
of Israel reached the land promised by God to the
descendants of Abraham.
12
CONSECRATE To dedicate or devote com-
pletely to a specific purpose or service to God.
CONVERSION (A turning to) A complete
about face. In the Bible, usually a turning from false
gods to the true God.
COPPER The most important metal of Old
Testament times. It was used in making cups, knives,
and many useful and ornamental articles.
CORBAN An offering dedicated to God, there-
fore not available for any other use (Mark 7:11).
CORINTH About 40 miles west of Athens and
next after it the most important ancient city of
Greece. Paul visited there several times and estab-
lished a church. Later he wrote several letters to
this Christian company.
CORN A word used to denote the seeds of any
of the grains used for food, such as wheat, barley,
millet, beans, lentils.
CORNELIUS A Roman centurion known for
his piety and good works. He was the first Gentile
convert and was baptized with his family at the com-
mand of Peter (Acts 10).
CORNERSTONE A stone at the front angle of
the foundation of a wall or building. It was very
important as it helped bind together the sides of the
structure.
COUNSEL Advice, as when the young Reho-
boam sought counsel from the old men who had been
with his father, Solomon (II Chronicles 10:6).
COURT An open enclosure surrounded by
buildings or rooms; often applied to the Temple
courts (Psalm 100:4).
COVENANT A solemn agreement between
parties. The Israelites entered into a covenant with
God as a means of gaining God’s protection (Exodus
34:10). This is spoken of as the Old Covenant, from
which we get the name Old Testament for the first
part of our Bible. The New Covenant or New Testa-
ment is God’s promise for salvation to those who be-
lieve in Christ and accept him as Savior (I Cor-
inthians 11:25).
COVET To desire earnestly to possess some-
thing which may belong to someone else.
CREATION The bringing into existence of
something which did not previously exist. The Bible
states that God is the Creator of all things, but it
does not give details as to the method of creation
(Genesis 1).
CROSS An instrument of execution for crimi-
nals used by Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans,
and others. The death of Jesus on a cross is told in
the Gospel narratives.
13
 CROWN Worn as a symbol of royalty or of
high distinction. Victors in the games of Greece were
awarded wreaths of laurel or soft branches for their
ability (I Corinthians 9:25).
CROWN OF THORNS Jesus wore a crown of
thorns interwoven and placed upon his head in mock-
ery by the Roman soldiers just before his crucifixion.
CRUCIFIXION A method of capital punish-
ment in the early days. See: Cross. The victim
was fastened to a cross by nails driven through hands
and feet, and the cross was lifted up and dropped
upright in a hole in the ground. Jesus was put to
death on Calvary by crucifixion.
CRUSE A small jar or bottle for holding liquids,
such as water, oil, honey.
CUBIT A measure of length, being the distance
from a man’s elbow to the tip of his middle finger,
or approximately 18 inches.
CROWN OF CUNEIFORM WRITING (Wedge-shaped) Writ-
THORNS
ing recorded on wet clay tablets by pressing with a
stylus of wedge-shaped reed, wood, or bone. The
tablets were then baked hard. Many have been pre-
served to this day, and when deciphered have given
much information about peoples and times of long
ago.

il CUPBEARER An officer of high rank and im-

portance, whose responsibility was to test the wines,
and then to fill the king’s cup and present it to him
(Nehemiah 1:11-2:1).
CURSE An utterance calling on Deity to con-
demn or destroy (Numbers 22:12). The curse was
approved and used in Old Testament times. Jesus
spoke against it, however,.and said, “Bless them that
curse you” (Luke 6:28).
CYMBALS A percussion musical instrument. As
used in the Temple worship of David’s time, cymbals
were round, flat or nearly flat plates of bronze. One
plate was fastened to each hand and the two were
struck together to accent the rhythm of the music.
Cymbals were also used as musical accompaniment
CUBIT for dances.
CYPRUS A large island in -the Mediterranean
Sea, about 150 miles northwest of Palestine. The
island is about 140 miles long and 60 miles~wide,
shaped like a fist with the forefinger pointing to the
east. On his first missionary journey Paul and Barna-
bas went across Cyprus preaching in several places
(Acts 13).
CYRUS Founder of the Persian Empire, the
Cee as largest empire of the world up to that time. After
Cyrus conquered Babylonia he encouraged and aided
CUNEIFORM
WRITING the captive Jews to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-8)
14
 D

DAMASCUS Located northeast of Palestine,

Damascus was the capital and chief city of Syria and
a great trading center. It was while en route to
Damascus that Paul had his vision and became a be-
liever in Jesus (Acts 9:1-9).
DANCING Dancing as mentioned in the Bible
was usually part of a religious rite, although it was
at times an expression of great joy such as in cele-
brations of victory.
DANIEL A young Jew carried as captive to
Babylon. According to the narratives in the book of
the same name, Daniel had many experiences which
showed his trust in God. His example brought com-
fort and hope to his people in their dark hour of
captivity (The Book of Daniel).
DATE Fruit of the date palm, highly prized as
an article of food in Bible times.
DAVID David was born in Bethlehem, the son
of Jesse, and was an ancestor of Jésus, who, cen-
turies later, was also born in Bethlehem. David was {hh
the second king of the Hebrew kingdom. Soon after
he was anointed king at Hebron he took possession
NiCr4
of Jerusalem and made it the capital city. He unified
and successfully administered the affairs of the king- littn
Pras
dom until it became one of the greatest of ancient
times.
DAVID, CITY OF Jerusalem. was called the
city of David because he seized it from the Jebusites
and made it the capital city of the Hebrew nation.
DAVID, STAR OF This symbol consists of two
equilateral triangles, one over the other, to produce
a six-pointed star.
DAY The Hebrews reckoned a day from sunrise
to sunset which they roughly divided into morning, rt li
noonday, and evening.
DAYSPRING Dawn; the first light of day. Also
used to indicate the beginning of a new era (Job
38:12; Luke 1:78).
VUNSili
DEACON An official in the early church whose
responsibility was to care for the poor and needy in
Christian communities.
DEAD SEA This body of water, also called the
Salt -Séa, lies about 14 mile below sea level. It has
no outlet, and so all water flowing in to it can escape
only through evaporation. The salt content of the
water is five times more than that of the ocean. Fish
cannot live in it, and a person will float upon it.
DEBTOR One who owes a debt, which may be
money or an obligation.
DECALOGUE See: Ten Commandments.

15
W\' \qUity/ “Uy DECAPOLIS Ten cities of Greek population,
southeast of the Sea of Galilee, allied for defence
i/
against hostile Jews. 7a
DECREE An order from an emperor, political
leader, or other person in authority.
WY
\\ JAW
\ DEDICATION The public rite of devoting a
GY, S place of worship, a shrine, or other structure to a
Gl UA WS
particular purpose.
DAVID, STAR OF
DEDICATION, FEAST OF A Jewish feast_to
commemorate the reconsecration of the Jerusalem
Temple under Judas Maccabaeus in 165 B.C., after-—
it had been desecrated by foreigners. The festivalis
perpetuatedby Jews today in the Hanukkah, a joyous
holiday sometimes spoken of as “The Feast of
Lights.”
DEFILE To make ceremonially unclean.
DEMON Demons in Bible times were spirits
considered responsible for the presence of disease,
insanity, and evil in human beings.
DESERT Wild, uninhabited, dry, unproductive
country.
DAYSPRING DEUTERONOMY_ (TI cond Law) The fifth
book of the Old Testament and last book of the
Pentateuch. The book contains a re-statement of
laws mentioned in other parts of Scripture and they
are here attributed to Moses the great Lawgiver. It
is believed that a portion of Deuteronomy was the
l
my JERUSALEM ‘
“Book of the Law” (II Kings 22:8) dramatically
found in the Temple. Read II Kings 21 and 22.
| » §f¢ Mala
Jordan

Wy BETHLEHEM E
DEVIL An evil spirit; Satan, the chief of de-
oy,
mons; the adversary; the personification of evil.

N
DEVOUT Religious; spiritually devoted.

|
yr
adult
DISCIPLE (Learner) People who follow the
|\t thinking of another. In the New Testament all those
who believed in Jesus and wanted to learn his teach-
DEAD SEA ings were considered disciples. See: Apostles.
DISPERSION The Jews who left Palestine and
were scattered in distant countries, especially those
who were deported to Assyria and Babylonia and
who chose to remain there, or to go elsewhere when

i
the majority returned to the homeland.

il DONKEY A small tough animal used to carry

loads and to ride upon.
F
SSS “AN S
DORCAS A Christian woman of Joppa in the
early church, who was noted for her kindness to the
poor and those in need (Acts 9:36).
DOWRY Money or the equivalent paid to the
SXwwWwNWS parents of a bride-to-be as a compensation for the
DESERT loss of the daughter.
16
DUNGEON A dim gloomy room usually under-
ground, to hold prisoners.
DYEING The Hebrews excelled in this craft,
and made use of dyed garments for ordinary wear
as well as for ceremonial purposes. They obtained
colors from certain shellfish, from bark, plants, and
minerals.

E
EAGLE A very large bird of prey, noted for its
strength, keenness of sight, speed, flying range, and
ability to attain great height.
EBONY A hard black, lasting wood from tropi-
cal Asia and Africa. It will take a very fine polish.
EDEN, GARDEN OF A very beautiful fertile
region which (according to the Bible story of crea-
tion) was the first dwelling place of man (Genesis 2).
EGYPT A large and very fertile country, south-
west of Palestine, through which flows the river Nile.
It was to Egypt that the sons of Jacob went for food
in a time of famine. To Egypt fled Joseph and Mary DUNGEON
and the infant Jesus to escape from King Herod, and
there they remained until the king died (Matthew
3:14, 15).
ELDER An official title among the early He-
brews for the older and more experienced persons
of position and influence in community affairs. In
the early Christian church the elders had pastoral
supervision of the newly formed groups of believers.
ELIJAH A remarkable stern prophet of the 9th
century B.C. He fearlessly interpreted the will of
God to the people in a difficult period of their history.
ELISHA The young man on whom the prophet
Elijah threw his cloak as a sign that Elisha was to
carry on with the aged prophet’s mission.
ELIZABETH The mother of John the Baptist
and a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus.
EMBALMING A process practiced by the
Egyptians to preserve from decay the bodies of the
dead.
EMERALD A precious stone of a rich green
color. One of the stones on the high priest’s breast-
plate. See: Breastplate
EMMANUEL See: Immanuel.
EMMAUS A village about 7 miles west of Jeru-
salem, to which two of Jesus’ disciples were walking
after the resurrection when Jesus joined them, went
to their home for supper, and made himself known
to them as the risen Lord (Luke 24:13-35). ENGINE

17
 ENCAMPMENT The resting place for an army
or company of travelers. The Bible refers to the
places where the Children of Israel stopped on their
way from Egypt to Canaan.
ENGINE In Bible times this was a-machine of
war used to hurl missiles at the attackers of a be-
sieged town.
EPHAH A measure of capacity, approximately
a bushel.
EPHOD An apron-like garment worn under the
breastplate of the high priest.
EPISTLES Letters. Most of the New Testament
books are letters written by Paul to some of the
churches he had started. The letters contain doc-
trinal instruction, comments on Christian conduct,
and pastoral advice.
ESAU The twin brother of Jacob and slightly
the older. Esau traded his rights and privileges as an
older son to his brother for a dish of thick soup
(Genesis 25:29-34).
ESDRAELON An extensive and fertile plain in
EPISTLES northern Palestine. Through it the caravans passed,
and on it were fought many historic battles.
ESSENES A very early brotherhood or monastic
order, the members of which lived most strictly as
they aspired to purity and closer communion with
God.
ESTHER A beautiful Jewish woman, queen of
a Persian king, who interceded with the king to pre-
vent wholesale slaughter of her people. Her story is
told in the Old Testament book that bears her name.
ETERNAL LIFE Everlasting. But eternal life
means more than mere duration; it includes the
¥
77MI,
My“us L,=
, quality of life that is in harmony with God’s eternal
yay, 4 M purpose for man.
ESDRAELON ETHIOPIA A country in Africa, southeast of
Egypt, known to the Hebrews as Cush,
EUPHRATES A great river nearly 1800 miles
long, far to the east of Palestine and serving as the
western boundary of Babylonia. At one time the
Hebrew Kingdom extended to the Euphrates (II
Samuel 8:3).
EVANGELIST One who proclaims good news.
This name was given in the New Testament to men
who went from place to place preaching the Gospel.
EVE (Hebrew word meaning “ife”) In the
Bible story of creation Eve was the first woman, and
the name was given her by Adam because she was
the mother of all living persons (Genesis 3:20).
FAN EVIL Bad; wrong; the opposite of good.

18
EXALT To raise up; glorify; speak highly of.
EXILE The period of captivity when the de-
ported Hebrews (an estimated 50,000 of them) lived
in Assyria and Babylonia. It began in 597 B.C. and
lasted about 50 years; but many of the Hebrews
never returned.
FARTHING
EXCOMMUNICATE Literally, to expel from
fellowship. To remove from church membership, and
so to forbid the privileges of the Sacraments.
EXODUS (Going out) The name given to the
journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to the
Promised Land of Canaan, under the leadership of.
Moses (about 1200 B.C.). The story is told in the
Old Testament Book of Exodus.
EXORCIST One who claimed to have power to
drive out evil spirits by using strange procedures wana
known only to himself. See: Sorcerer. x pe CR, fH
EZEKIEL A prophet in Jerusalem who was
& ss
OF

taken to Babylon at the time of the captivity (597

K\S h.2 Z

B.C.). There he did much to encourage his people

and help them to retain contact with the Hebrew
religious ideal and with its ceremonies.
EZRA A_Jewish priest in Babylon who led a
group of 1500 of his people back to Jerusalem to FERTILE
CRESCENT
restore the Jewish religious life and state there. The
account of his work is given in the Old Testament
Book of Ezra.

F
FAMINE A period when crops fail and there is
very little food.
FAN A wooden fork or shovel used on the
threshing floor to toss grain into the air so that the
wind may blow away the chaff and leave the clean
grain. See: Winnowing.
FARTHING A coin of small value in New Tes-
tament times, worth somewhat less than one cent. FETTERS
FASTING _ To go without ‘food for an unusual
length of time. This was considered by some a dis-
cipline pleasing to God because of the hardship in-
volved. When entered upon freely it was considered
as having spiritual value.
FATHOM A measure of depth of water, about,
sixfeet.
FEAR OF THE LORD An expression used in
the Bible to indicate reverence and awe when con-
sidering the holiness of God.
FEASTS AND FESTIVALS Important happy
occasions in the religious life of the Hebrews, usually
to commemorate some important event in their his-
tory, or to recognize some significant season or event
of the year.
19
% FELIX Governor of Judea, before whom Paul
SE
yy
cae was taken for trial at Caesarea (Acts 24).
=FS
=
s SS FERTILE CRESCENT, THE A widely used
RYUUW.SJ term to indicate the semicircle of fertile country
<4

\ around the Arabian Desert, beginning with the area

.
of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and extending
northwest across Syria and down through Phoenicia
and Palestine.
FIRMAMENT
FETTERS Two bands connected with a short
chain, used to fasten the feet so that a person can
take only very short steps, and so cannot run away.
FIGS The pear-shaped fruit of the fig tree;
much used in Palestine for food.
FIRE Considered by Israel as a purifying agent;
also represented as a symbol of God’s presence and
power.
FIRMAMENT The vault or circle of the sky
above us; the heavens. That area above the earth in
which God put the sun, moon, and stars (Genesis 1).
FIRST-BORN The oldest child. The oldest son
became the head of the family at the father’s death,
and received a double portion of the father’s estate.
FIRST FRUIT The Hebrew law required that
the first of the fruits should be offered in God’s house
as acknowledgment that God was the giver of all
things.
FISHING Catching fish for food in Palestine
was a common occupation. This was done mostly
with nets.
FLOCK A herd of sheep.
FLOOD This word is identified with the flood
of Noah’s day when, according to the story, God sent
the deluge to destroy mankind because of their
wickedness, saving only Noah and his family (Gene-
sis 6:5-8).
FOOL One lacking in wisdom and sound judg-
FOOTMAN ment.
FOOTMAN A messenger who ran alongside a
chariot to serve the one occupying it. The term foot-
men is also used to indicate soldiers on foot in con-
trast to those on horse or in chariots.
FORERUNNER (The meaning of a Greek word
signifying “one who goes before”) John the
Baptist was called the forerunner of Jesus because he
went before Jesus to prepare people for his coming
(Matthew 3:11).
FOUNTAIN A spring of water gushing up out
of a ground, as compared with a cistern or a dug
well.
FOWL A general word used in the Bible to in-
FOUNTAIN dicate any and all kinds of birds.

20
FOWLER A man who hunts birds, snaring them
with a slip cord to entangle their feet and also using
a net.
FRANKINCENSE A_sweet-scented gummy sub-
stance which exudes from certain trees. It is im-
ported from Arabia and India and was used by the
Hebrews in worship to make fragrant smoke at the
altar (Matthew 2:11).
FRINGES Borders of twined cord fastened to FRANKINCENSE
the edges of garments worn by the children of Israel
as a reminder to keep all the commandments of the
Lord.
FRONTLETS, OR PHYLACTERIES _ Strips of
parchment on which were written four passages of
Scripture, one of which is Exodus 13:2-10. These
were then rolled up and put in two leather cases or
boxes about 1% inches on a side and fastened one
on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead.
Beene A measure of distance; about 600 TTT
SUT
eet.
FURNACES An enclosure for fire, used for pur-
itt
ay
sind
poses of baking bread or pottery, and also for melt-
ing ores.
FRINGES

G
GABRIEL An angel sent as messenger to Mary
informing her that she was to become the mother of
a son who would be great and do much for his people
(Luke 1:26-33).
GALATIA A_ Roman province in Asia Minor,
northwest of Palestine, where Paul preached and
started Christian churches.
GALATIANS, EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE
The first two chapters give the earliest firsthand ac-
count of the beginnings of Christianity, and include
a vigorous statement by Paul as to his right to be
considered an apostle (Chapters 1, 2). The remain- FRONTLETS
ing chapters answer some of the Jewish Christians
who insisted that Gentiles who would become Chris-
tians must do so through obedience to the Mosaic
Law. For Paul, Christ had redeemed all men where
they were.
GALILEE The northern section of Palestine,
extending from the Jordan River to the Mediter-
ranean Sea. Jesus spent most of his life in this area.
GALILEE, SEA OF This Sea is on the eastern ai 33 ;
border of the province of Galilee, and is fed by the
Jordan River. It is in the shape of a heart about 13
miles long and 6 miles broad. The Sea of Galilee is vaygquneeryetn
about 700 feet below the level of the ocean. It is
surrounded by lofty hills, which account for sudden me" Aad
and violent storms. GALILEE,
SEA OF
21
 GALL A very bitter tasting herb.
GATE The gate was an opening in a city wall,
with heavy doors which were closed at night and in
times of danger or crisis. The open space on the
inside was often a gathering place fot the people, for
the public markets, for men who administered justice,
and for others who just came to observe, and discuss
public affairs.
GAZA One of the principal cities of the Philis-
tines in southern Palestine. It was the Temple here
in Gaza which Samson destroyed (Judges 16:21-30).
GENERATION This word usually signified the
sum total of people living at the time of speaking.
In the plural, it meant ancestors for a long time back,
or descendants for many years to come.
GENESIS (Beginning) The first book of the
Bible. It tells the Hebrew story of the beginning of
the earth and life upon it.
GENTILES All people not Hebrews. The
Christian Gospel was taken to the Gentile world
chiefly by Paul, who was the great missionary to the
Gentiles.
GLEANING
GERIZIM A high mountain in Samaria, the
middle province of Palestine. It was the site of the
Samaritan temple built after the Captivity as a rival
to the Temple in Jerusalem.
GETHSEMANE A_ garden at the foot of the
Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem, where Jesus went
with his disciples to pray after their last supper to-
gether. Here it was that Jesus was betrayed by Judas
and was seized by the soldiers and led away for trial.
GIANT A man of unusual size and strength. In
Old Testament times a race of giants inhabited
Philistia on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea just
west of Judea. The giant foe of the Israelites, Goliath,
killed by the boy David, was one of these.
GIBEAH The home of Saul, the first king of
Israel.
GIDEON One of the judges of Israel, who
stirred his people to defend themselves against in-
vaders who plundered the country (Judges 7).
GILGAL The place where the Children of Israel
first encamped in the land of Canaan after crossing
the Jordan. Here were set up the 12 stones taken
from the bed of the river (Joshua 4:20). Gilgal was
where Saul was made king (I Samuel TVs15)3
GLEANING The act of gathering the fruit of
trees or of grain in the field after the crop had been
harvested. This was a privilege reserved for the poor.
GLORIFY To exalt or praise highly. A term
GOLIATH
used in the Bible with reference to God.

22
GLORY Splendor of a very high order; a high
degree of quality and character, usually with refer-
ence to God (Luke 2:9; Acts 22:6-11).
GOAD (OX-GOAD) A pole with a sharp point
for the purpose of pricking the oxen to make them
move faster.
GOD The Creator and Maintainer of the uni-
verse; the Supreme Being above all created beings GRANARY
and things.
GODLESS Without God, usually through indif-
ference; living and acting without reference to God
and so living wickedly.

<¢
GODLY The godly are those who try to under-
stand and do the will of God.
GOLGOTHA (Skull) The place outside Jeru-
salem where Jesus was crucified (John 19:20; He-
brews 13:12). See: Calvary.
GOLIATH A famous giant from Gath, over 9
feet tall, who defied the armies of Israel. He was
challenged by David the shepherd boy and was killed
by a stone from his slingshot (I Samuel 17).
GOSHEN The name of that part of Egypt along GRAPES
the Nile where Jacob and his family settled when
they came at the call of Joseph in time of famine
(Gen. 46:28).
GOSPEL The Gospel is the “Good News” about

rae
Christ, the Kingdom of God, and the plan of salva-
tion of men’s lives which God has made possible
through the life and death of Jesus Christ.
GOSPELS, THE These are the four written

‘
histories of Jesus Christ, namely, Matthew, Mark,
Luke, John, as found in the New Testament. They
bear witness to the Gospel message as they serve to
make Jesus and his teaching known.
GRASSHOPPER
GOVERNOR A term used to designate a person
responsible for something special and important, such
as: the head of a tribe, an officer in the king’s court,
a dispenser of justice. In the time of Christ Rome
appointed a governor to rule over Judea.
GRACE The favorable disposition and blessing
of God bestowed upon man, even though he may be
entirely unworthy and lacking in merit. Such grace
is the outright gift of God to undeserving man.
GRANARY A place for storing threshed grain.
GRAPES Grapes grew plentifully in Palestine
and were an important food, either eaten fresh from
the stems or dried as raisins. Sometimes the juice
was boiled down to a honey-like jelly and eaten with
bread, but usually the juice was made into wine. HANDMAIDEN
23
 GRASSHOPPERS or LOCUSTS A destructive
pest which often travel in immense swarms and alight
on vegetation and devour it completely.
GRAVEN Carved or engraved with a sharp tool,
as on stones, gold, silver, and precious stones.

HALLELUJAH (Hallel, praise; jah, Yahweh) An

expression found at the beginning or ending of some
of the psalms, urging the worshippers to join in
praising Yahweh (God) (Psalms 106, 111-113).
HALLOW To make holy. “Hallowed be Thy
name” means “May Thy name be regarded as holy,
or sacred.”
HANDMAIDEN A female servant or attendant.
HARP The harp of Bible times was a small
easily carried musical instrument, usually with 8 or
10 strings stretched on a frame and played with the
fingers. It was a favorite instrument among the Jews
to accompany joyous songs.
HART A male deer.
HATTIN, HORNS OF A two-pointed hill near
the Sea of Galilee, said by tradition to be the place
where Jesus met the multitudes and taught them, in-.
cluding the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1).
HEATHEN A word applied to the people and
nations who did not worship the God of Israel.
HEAVEN The upper area of the universe. In
the Old Testament the Hebrews divided heaven into
HEAVEN 3 parts: the lower, where clouds are; the firmament,
in which are the sun, moon, and stars; and the upper,
the dwelling-place of God and His angels, where the
children of God go after death.
HEBREW (From a word meaning beyond, on the
other side) Abram was first called a Hebrew
probably because he and his family had come from
the other side of the Euphrates (Genesis 14:13).
The Hebrews may have originated with the Aramean
Semites on the eastern edge of the Arabian desert.
HEBRON A very old city of Palestine, about
20 miles southwest of Jerusalem, and closely asso-
ciated with early narratives of the Hebrews. For
more than 7 years Hebron was the capital city of
HELMET David, until he captured Jerusalem.
24
HELL A word used for the place of the dead,
without indicating whether or not a place of happi-
ness or misery. The sentence in the Apostle’s Creed,
“He (Jesus) descended into hell,” would therefore
mean that Jesus passed into the experience of death.
Traditionally the word has been regarded as the
place of the condemned wicked after death.
HELMET A metal head covering to protect
from injury in battle. HERALD
HERALD One who speaks for king or other
oficial in a public proclamation.
HERD A group of cattle, such as: oxen, camels,
horses. ’
HERDSMEN Men who keep or tend cattle,
sheep, etc.
HERITAGE Something valuable passed on to
heirs, as from parents to children.
HERMON The highest mountain (9050 feet) in_
Syria on the northern boundary of Palestine, whose
snow-covered peak all the year made it an important
landmark for the Hebrews.
HEROD THE GREAT The ruler of Judea at
the time Jesus was born.
HEXATEUCH (Six books) The first six books
of the Bible. This includes the Pentateuch (Five
books) plus the Book of Joshua which is closely re-
lated, being the final stage of the Hebrew conquest.
HEZEKIAH One of the best kings of Judah,
who did much to purify the Temple worship and to
strengthen the kingdom.
HIGH PLACES From earliest times it has been
customary for nations to erect places of worship on
lofty and prominent spots. The Hebrews followed
this same policy, tearing down the signs of idolatrous
and heathen worship and devoting the places to the
worship of the Hebrew God.
HIGH PRIEST The spiritual head of the He-
brew congregation and the highest authority in reli-
gious matters.
HIRAM The king of Tyre, north of Galilee, who
sent workmen, and lumber from the forests of Leb-
anon, to King David for his palace in Jerusalem and
later to King Solomon for the Temple (II Samuel
5:11, I Kings 5:1).
HIRELING Any lowly servant who worked for
pay.
HOLY OF HOLIES A curtained room at the
end of the Tabernacle which contained only the Ark
of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence with
the Israelites, No one but the High Priest entered
this most holy place, and then only once a year on
the Day of Atonement. HIGH PRIEST

25
 HOLY Separated, set apart, because of being
saintly or divine, as “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord
God Almighty, who was and is and is to come”
(Revelation 4:8).
HOLY SPIRIT One of the manifestations of
God in the Trinity, whereby He has fellowship with_
men, entering into their spiritual experiences, rebuk-
|MOM
GL ing, inspiring, illumining. After Jesus’ death, in some
HOLY OF HOLIES~ mysterious way, the Holy Spirit was to serve as
Helper (John 14:16), as Teacher (14:26), to man.
HOMER A Hebrew measure of capacity, ap-
proximately 11 bushels.
HONEY Honey, whether from wild bees or do-
mestic, was abundant in Palestine. It was relished
as food and it was sometimes used in the making of
cakes, as sugar was unknown (Exodus 16:31).
HOREB, MOUNT Another name for Mt. Sinai,
at the foot of which the Israelites encamped for a
while, and where Moses received the revelation of
the Ten Commandments.
HOSANNA A Hebrew word meaning “Save
now,” used in the liturgy of the Temple worship. It
HOSPITALITY was also used by the multitude as a greeting at the
time of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mat-
thew 21:9).
HOSEA An eighth century prophet. The main

i)
emphasis of his message was the forgiving love of
God toward man.
HOSPITALITY Hospitality ranked high as a
ull characteristic virtue in Bible times. Strangers as well
as guests were welcome, and elaborate measures were
taken to minister to their comfort. A first step was
to bathe and wipe the hot and dusty feet of guests as
they entered the house.
a HOST A large number, as of stars (Deuteron-
HOUSE omy 4:19), or an army (Genesis 21:22). God is
spoken of as the Lord of hosts (I Samuel 17:45) be-
cause He was the leader of the armies of Israel.
HOUSE The houses of the poorer people in
Bible Lands were usually made of sun-baked mud
bricks and were one story in height. Sometimes an
enclosed room was built on the flat roof as a guest
chamber. The family lived on the raised section of
the one-room house and the domestic animals were
allowed in the lower part.
HUSBANDMAN A word used in the Bible for
a farmer.
HUSKS The sweet pods of the locust tree, prob-
ably, which were used for feeding cattle and pigs
HUSBANDMAN (Luke 15:16).
26
HYMNS The Psalms were the hymns used in the
Hebrew Temple. In New Testament times and since,
a variety of compositions have been used by Chris-
tians in the worship of God to express spiritual
aspirations and to affirm the Christian way of living.
A hymnbook today is a good cross-section of spiritual
and doctrinal thinking over the centuries, as well as
the expression of spiritual ideas and experiences of
different groups and individuals.
HUSKS
HYPOCRITE One who pretends to be what he
is not. Jesus sternly denounced those who were in-
sincere in their religious professions (Matthew 6:2,
5, 16). ?
HYSSOP A common plant in Palestine having
certain cleansing and healing properties.

IDOL The representation of a person or crea-

ture used as the object of worship. HYSSOP
IDOLATRY The worship of idols.
IMAGES A likeness, either artistic or offensive,
usually representing a human form or an animal or
some object, real or imagined.
IMMANUEL (A Hebrew word; Greek, Emmanuel,
“God is with us”) The name of a child whom
thé prophet Isaiah said would be born to a young
woman as a sign that God was with Judah (Isaiah
7:14). Because he was with them, the nations
threatening Judah would be made desolate before
the young child grew to years of maturity (Is.
7:1-16).
IMMORTALITY Continued existence by man
even though he passes through the experience of
physical death.
INCARNATION (Latin, incarnatio, “to be made
flesh”’ ) The Incarnation took place when the Son
of God became man in a true human body (John 1:14).
INCENSE Gums and spices which burned with
a fragrant odor, used as a part of the ritual of wor-

|
ship in the Tabernacle and the Temple.
INHERITANCE See: Heritage.
INIQUITY Sin or wrongdoing; wicked opposi-
tion to the will of God.
INN A shelter along a road for the lodging of
IDOLATRY
See
||
man and beast.
Atk
 INSPIRATION The action of the Holy Spirit
on the minds and hearts of men resulting in a divine
revelation and the understanding of divine truth.
INTERCESSION Speaking onthe behalf of
another; prayer.
IRON One of the earlier known metals in Pales-
tine; found plentifully there and used extensively
(Deuteronomy 8:9).
INCENSE
ISAIAH Generally regarded as the greatest of
the Hebrew prophets. He enjoyed the confidence of
the kings of Judah and spoke of God’s will concern-
ing the kingdom and concerning individuals. A book
of the Old Testament bears his name.
ISRAEL The name given to Jacob after he
wrestled with the man at the river. It was used to
designate the peoples of the twelve tribes and later
to include the whole company of Hebrews (Genesis
2-22-02)
ISRAELITE A descendant of Jacob; any Jew.
IVORY A hard, white substance taken from the
tusks of elephants, hippopotami, and walruses. Used
for making delicately carved ornamental objects and
for inlay and veneer work on furniture.

J
JACKAL An animal of the dog family about the
size of a fox.
JACOB Son of Isaac and Rebekah. After
wrestling with the man by the river he was renamed
“Tsrael” (Genesis 32:28). Jacob with his sons and
their families went to Egypt in a time of famine and
remained there (Genesis 46). Jacob had 12 sons,_
wie households later became the twelve tribes of
srael.
JACOB’S WELL A very deep well, near the
ancient Shechem, probably dug by Jacob. This well
was the scene of Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan
woman (John 4:5-12).
JAR A tall container of earthenware used to
hold water, oil, and grain.
JASPER A precious stone radiant and clear as
crystal (Revelation 21:11).
JAVELIN A short light spear intended to be
hurled at the enemy.
JEBUS One of the names of Jerusalem. before
JACOB’S WELL it was captured by David.
28
( JEHOVAH One of the Hebrew words for God
. was YHWH, probably pronounced “Yahweh.” Out
of reverence for this name, the Jews would not speak
it aloud but would use the word “Adonai” (Lord) in-
_ stead, or “Elohim” (God). Later, vowels were taken
| from these 2 latter words and were added to the 4
- consonants to make the word J(Y)EHOV(W) AH.
\ JEREMIAH One of the great prophets of the
Hebrews, who lived a century after Isaiah, and was
age at the capture and destruction of Jerusalem,
586 B.C.
JERICHO The ancient city in the Jordan Valley,
5 miles north of the Dead Sea, first to be captured by
the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land.
JERUSALEM This hill city (elevation 2500
feet), the most important town of Palestine, was
wrested from the Jebusites by King David and made
the capital city of the Israelites. Today it is the
capital city of Jews throughout the world. It is the
holy city of three world religions, namely Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam.
JESUS CHRIST “Jesus” is our Lord’s personal
name. “Christ” is his title — the Christ, the anointed
one. However, this latter name is commonly used as
a proper name either alone or with the name “Jesus.”
JEWELRY From earliest times articles for per-
sonal adornment seem to have been worn. These
have included, as with primitive man, ornaments of
shell and bone. Later, all sorts of rings, bracelets,
amulets, pendants, etc., made of precious stones and
metals, were common.
JEW Originally this word was used after the
time of David and Solomon for a member of the ay te
tribe or kingdom of Judah; later it came to mean
any member of that race.
JOHN THE BAPTIST The man who baptized
Jesus. A man of great spiritual strength, he was So
known as the forerunner of Jesus, the one sent to
prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah sah
(Mark 1:1-8).
JONATHAN The oldest son of King Saul and
a very close friend of David, even though Jonathan
knew that David was to occupy his father’s throne
instead of himself.
JORDAN RIVER The largest and most impor-
tant river in Palestine. It rises far to the north in
the-foothills of Mt. Hermon and flows southward
more than 100 miles, through Lake Huleh and the
Sea of Galilee, descending 3000 feet rapidly until it
empties into the Dead Sea 1292 feet below sea level.
JOSHUA One of Moses’ righthand men on the
journey from Egypt-to~Canaan, and the one chosen Bc. aprons
to succeed Moses after the latter’s death on Mt. Nebo. JEWELRY
29
 JOSHUA, BOOK OF The account of Joshua’s
leadership of the Israelites and their varied experi-
ences from the crossing of the Jordan to the occupa-
tion of Canaan.
JOT English form of the smallest letter (iota) in
the Greek alphabet. Used figuratively to denote the
very smallest trifle (Matthew 5:18). See: Tittle.
JOURNEY, A DAY’S Estimated at four to
eight hours’ walk, or about 25 miles. This was the
unit by which people referred to the distances they
traveled. A Sabbath day’s journey was limited to
1000 yards.. See: Sabbath Day’s Journey.
JUBILEE, YEAR OF Every 50th year was the
year of Jubilee, and it was proclaimed by the blowing
of trumpets on the Day of Atonement. All Hebrews
who were in bondage to their own countrymen were
to be set free, and those who had sold their inherited
possessions because of poverty had them restored.

(pittinn
l JUDAH The fourth son of Jacob, whose de-
scendants became the tribe of Judah. Later, parts of
ih other tribes joined with them to become the Kingdom
of Judah, occupying the greater part of southern
Palestine.
JUDAS ISCARIOT The disciple who betrayed
his Master for 30 pieces of silver.
JUDGES In the early days of the Israelites in
Palestine, judges were older men who assumed lead-
ership in times of emergencies, such as an attack by
outsiders. The immediate danger passed, the com-
munities naturally looked to these same men for
leadership when regular government was lacking.

K
KIDRON A valley that borders the eastern slope
of Jerusalem, separating it from the Mount of Olives.
Jesus and his disciples crossed _this valley on their
way to Gethsemane (John 18:1).
KINE Cattle.
KINGDOM The territory or people ruled over
by a king.
KINGDOM OF GOD
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN These two terms

mi
mean the same. Jesus thought of God as father
rather than as king, and so the Kingdom of God _is_
TOMI
TTYL
CLAPTTLTT really the familyof God living together in the spirit
of the loving Father. ret
KINSMEN Male members of the same family
line or race; relatives.

30
KNIVES In the early days, the Hebrews had
knives of shaped flint, although by the time of the
Exile they used knives with metal blades.

L
LAMB A very young sheep. Lambs without de-
fects were used as sacrifices for the sins of the people.
LAMB OF GOD A term used by John the
Baptist to denote Jesus, because Jesus was to be_
sacrificed for a guilt not his own (John 1:29).
a Wailing and loud cries of
grief.
LAMENTATIONS, BOOK OF A book in the
Old Testament containing 5 poems of mourning over
the fate of Jerusalem after it was captured in 586
B.C. (II Kings 25).
LAMP Vessels of clay or of metal to hold oil,
from which a wick extended for lighting. Sometimes
these lamps were very small to carry in the hand,
with an additional supply of oil in a bottle hanging
on a string from a finger (Matthew 25:1-13).
LATCHET A narrow leather strap or thong
which fastened a sandal to the foot (Luke 3:16).
LAVER A metal vessel containing water for the
priests to wash their hands in before offering a sacri-
fice.. This washing symbolized the holiness required
in the service of God.
LAW In the Bible, Jaw refers to the elaborate-
system of legislation among the Hebrews, and it
covers almost every situation affecting man in rela-
tion to others. Much law was established by Moses,
but other codes were added later. The first five books
of the Bible are commonly spoken of as the Books of
the Law. .
LAYING ON OF HANDS An act indicating the
bestowing of a blessing, or dedication to a special
purpose.
LEATHER Prepared from skins of sheep and
other animals. Used for shoes, clothing, belts, thongs,
bottles, shields, helmets, etc. Specially treated skins
were used as writing material.
LEAVEN Something added to dough to cause
fermentation and make it rise.
LEBANON (White) A snow-capped mountain
range (about 6000 feet) at the north of Palestine;
famous for its beauty, its fruitfulness, and its splendid
cedar trees, used for the construction of furniture
and buildings (I Kings 5:6).
31
 LEGION A division of the Roman army con-
sisting of about 6000 men. The word, however, was
commonly vuused to mean any large number of persons.
LENTIL A plant which bears bean-like seeds
that can be boiled for food.
LEPROSY A fearful and loathesome skin dis-
ease. In Jesus’ day a leper was considered unclean
and he was required to live apart from other people.
LEBANON CEDAR Today medical science knows that this is not neces-
sary, and that the disease can, in many instances, be
cured or greatly relieved.
LEVI The third son of Jacob. The tribe of
Levites were the people descended from Levi. While
the Israelites were on their journey out of Egypt the
Levites were assigned to care for the Tabernacle,
setting it up, transporting it, etc., and assisting the
priests in the religious ceremonies (Numbers 3).
LEVITICUS The third book of the Old Testa-
ment. It consists of various priestly codes and ritual-
istic regulations, together with narratives which touch
mo upon the observance and infractions of these rules.
The Levites were responsible for certain duties in
LENTIL connection with the Tabernacle and Temple.
LIBRARIES Libraries in the East were valuable
collections of parchment and papyrus scrolls and
clay tablets. Several libraries of about 20,000 clay
tablets each, along with smaller ones have been un-
earthed by excavations in Syria and Mesopotamia.
These have consisted of temple records, religious,
literary, and scientific works, many of which are in-
valuable to Biblical scholars.
LIGHT In the Bible, light is associated with the
presence of God. See: Fire. Jesus is called the Light
of the world (John 1:4-9), and Christians who repre-
sent him are said to be “the Light of the world”
(Matthew 5:14).
LILY Palestine abounded in_ bright-colored
flowers. It is probable that Jesus referred to these
in Matthew 6:28 rather than to any particular variety.
LINTEL The beam across the upper frame of a
door (Exodus 12:22).
LIZARD A reptile with a long body, a tail, four
legs, and a scaly hide. Lizards of many varieties are
very common in Palestine.
LO Look! Behold!
LOAF See: Bread.
LOCUST See: Grasshopper.
LORD The owner of property, or a person in
authority. When the word begins with a capital letter
it refers to God or to Jesus.
32
LORD’S DAY, THE The first day of the week
was called the Lord’s Day by the early Christians
because on that day Jesus rose from the dead. It was
“also the day they assembled for worship in memory
of him. See: Sunday.
LORD’S PRAYER, THE A prayer given by
Jesus to his disciples as a model of the true prayer
spirit. The first three sentences of the prayer have
to do with God’s glory, while the next three are con-
cerned with man’s needs. A Doxology not found in
the oldest Greek manuscripts was probably added
during the first century to make the prayer more
useful for public worship. This Doxology, “For
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen,” is included as a footnote only in the
American Revised Version and the Revised Standard
Version.
LORD’S SUPPER, THE A symbolic rite and
sacrament central in the Christian faith, conducted
in memory of the Last Supper Jesus had with his 12
disciples in the upper room at Jerusalem. It is some-
times called “The Holy Communion,” “The Euchar-
ist,” “The Breaking of Bread” (I Corinthians 11:24).
LUKE A Christian physician and companion of LORD’S SUPPER
Paul on his second missionary journey. Luke has
given us an apparently true account of Jesus’ life as
he was able to get the facts from eye-witnesses (Luke
1:1-4). He was probably also the author of the Book
of Acts, in which he gives us the best picture of the
early Christian Church (Acts 1:1). —
——
—_—
LXx This abbreviation, consisting of the Roman
numerals for 70, is used to denote the Septuagint
(70) or Greek version of the Old Testament. Tradi-
tion says that this translation was made by about 70
scholars, hence its name. WNT
HIT
LYDIA A prosperous business woman in Phi-
lippi, northern Greece, who was converted under
Paul’s preaching and was baptized with her whole
household. Lydia was the first convert to Christianity
in Europe. Later she gave great assistance to Paul
and Silas in spreading the Gospel (Acts 16:14).
LYRE A musical instrument somewhat re-
sembling a small harp.

MACCABEES
M
A patriotic Jewish family that
ih iy
defied the Syrians under Antiochus Epiphanes, who
aT
= Ze
sought to destroy Judaism. The Maccabees recap-
tured Jerusalem and cleansed the Temple in 165 B.C.
See: Dedication, Feast of.

33
 MACEDONIA A country north of Greece in
ill which Paul and Silas spent some time successfully
establishing the Gospel; their first missionary work
“All
in Europe.
MADNESS A condition of mental derangement
or insanity, explained in Bible times as due to the
presence of an evil spirit.

MACEDONIA
MAGI Men of a priestly cast from the East, who
made a study of astrology and mysterious natural
sciences. The appearance of a new star sent them,
according to the Gospel narrative (Matthew 2:1), to
search for the new-born king of the Jews. They are
spoken of as Wise Men.
MAGIC The methods by which primitive people
try to bring about certain results by apparently super-
natural means.
MAGNIFICAT The beautiful hymn of praise
from the lips of Mary when she realized that she was
to become the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:46-55).
MAGNIFY To praise very highly (Psalm 34:3).
MALEFACTOR An evil doer; criminal (Luke
23202)"
MAMMON A word used in the New Testament
to indicate trust in wealth and material things rather
than in God (Matthew 6:24).
MAN The Bible regards man as the greatest of
God’s creatures on earth, because he possesses some
of the qualities of God Himself (Genesis 1:26-28).
MANASSEH One of the two sons of Joseph. In
the assignment of land at the occupation of Canaan,
Manasseh’s descendants were called the “half tribe
of Manasseh.”

MANGER MANGER An open box or trough from which

cattle ate their food. Jesus was born in a manger
(Luke 2:7,12).

MANIFOLD Many and varied kinds.

MANNA Food which was_supplied by God to_
the Children of Israel while on the journey to Canaan
(Exodus 16:14,15). : Se NA es

MANTLE A loose, sleeveless, outer garment

worn in Oriental countries.
MARBLE Limestone which can be given a high
polish. A luxury item used for costly buildings,
pillars, and flooring. Marble was one of the materials
David provided for the building of the Temple
(I Chronicles 29:2).

34
MARK Companion of Paul and Barnabas on
preaching tours. He is probably the author of the
Gospel bearing his name; it is believed that he ob-
tained much of the matter for the book from Peter.
MARKET PLACE An open place or square in
a town where merchandise may be bought and sold.
Sometimes public trials and other assemblies were
held in market places.
MARKET PLACE
MARTHA The sister of Mary and of Lazarus.
The members of this family were much loved friends
of Jesus and he enjoyed visiting them (John 11:1-6).
MARTYR A person of strong religious convic-
tion who accepts death rather than give up his faith.
MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS Mary was
a common name in New Testament times, as it is
today. This Mary was the wife of Joseph, and to-
gether they shared the responsibility of bringing up
Jesus in the Jewish faith to fulfill his earthly mission.
MARY MAGDALENE A woman from the vil-
lage of Magdala, who was healed by Jesus of mental
trouble and physical infirmities, and who became one
of his followers (Luke 8:2).
MARTYR
MARY OF BETHANY Sister of Martha and
Lazarus. See: Martha.
MASTER A word used in the Bible to denote a
man of authority, such as the head of a house or the
owner of slaves. One of the names by which the
disciples addressed Jesus. It is a translation of the
Greek word for “teacher.”
MATTHEW One of the twelve apostles, evi-
dently a converted Jewish tax collector originally in
the service of Rome. While at his place of business
near Capernaum Matthew accepted Jesus’ invitation
to become his. follower (Matthew 9:9).
MATTHIAS The man chosen by lot to be in-
cluded with the apostles as the successor to Judas MATTOCK
who had betrayed Jesus and committed suicide (Acts
1:21-26).
MATTOCK A farm tool something like a short-
handled hoe, used for breaking up the soil.
MAUNDY THURSDAY The day in Holy Week
before Good Friday. The word “Maundy” is derived
from the Latin word “mandare,” to command. It is
associated with Jesus’ words after the Last Supper,
“A new commandment I give unto you” (John 13:34).
MEALS In New Testament times, among the
well-to-do, people while eating reclined on the elbow
on couches around a low table. The couches were on
two or three sides of the table, leaving the fourth
side open for attendants to serve the food.

35
 MEDIATOR One who works to bring together
people who are in disagreement. The Bible is con-
cerned with the bringing together of sinful man and
God. In the Old Testament the mediator was the
priest; in the New Testament he is Jesus (I Timothy
5)
MEDITERRANEAN SEA The body of water
between Europe and Africa. Palestine had few good
MENORAH harbors, and the Hebrews did not use the Sea much
for commerce. Paul, however, on his missionary
journeys, sailed to many ports in the northeastern
part of the Mediterranean.
MELITA (Malta) A small island 60 miles
south of Sicily in the Mediterranean, on which Paul
was shipwrecked, and where, during his enforced
stay of 3 months, he performed miracles of healing
and probably preached the Gospel to the natives
(Acts 28:1-10).
MENORAH The Hebrew word for the sacred
golden candelabrum of the Jewish Temple. Itsseven’
candlesticks symbolize the seven days of creation_
(Exodus 37:17-24).
MERCY-SEAT MERCY In the Bible, mercy is the forbearance
and loving-kindness of God toward men, even though
they are unworthy of His favor (Psalm 23:6; Psalm
106:1).
MERCY-SEAT This was the cover of the Ark
(See: Ark of the Covenant), the symbolic place of
God’s eternal presence. Once a year, on the Day of
Atonement, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies
and burned incense, which enveloped the Ark and
the Mercy-Seat. This act represented a petition for
God’s mercy in the sacrifice of atonement for sin.
eel
miteMERODACH (Marduk) The chief god of the

\
MEZUZAH
Babylonians.
MESOPOTAMIA (Between the rivers) The land
enclosed by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
MESSIAH (One anointed) A Hebrew word de-
noting anyone anointed with holy oil and set apart
for. high office. Jesus is called the Messiahbecause
he is believed to be the one sent by God to fulfill
me great expectation of the Jews for a Deliverer and
Savior.
MEZUZAH (Doorpost) . A small case contain-
ing parchment on which is written Deuteronomy 6:4-9
and 11:13-21 and fastened on the outside door frame.
This symbol indicated that this family was trying to
live up to the ideals of Judaism. Every devout Jew
touched the Mezuzah with his fingers on passing
through the doorway, and then kissed his fingers in
reverence for the words written within the case.
36
MICAIAH A prophet who refused to tone down
the message of God to please a king (I King 22).
MIDIANITES Enemies of the Israelites, living
east and south of Palestine, who continually harassed
them until finally routed and subdued by Gideon
(Judges 6-8).
MILETUS One of the important towns in Asia
Minor where Paul preached (Acts 20:13-38)-
MILL Two circular stones, one upon the other,
the upper having a handle by which it may be turned
back and forth on the lower, or rotated. Grain put
in an opening in the center of the upper stone is
ground between the stones, dnd the meal flows out
at the edges upon a cloth.
MINISTER Sometimes called an “attendant.”
One who voluntarily serves another. Used thus in
the Bible particularly in the conduct of religious
services in the synagogue and in the early Christian
Church (Luke 4:20).
MIRROR
MINSTREL A musician, especially orre who
sings accompanied by a musical instrument (II Kings
3215).
MIRACLES Wonderful events or effects which

i |
cannot be explained by the operation of any known
natural forces and laws. Jesus performed miracles
as evidence of his love for mankind.
MIRIAM The older sister of Moses, who
watched her brother as a baby in a basket among the
reeds of the river, and who suggested her mother as
nurse when the baby was discovered by Pharaohs
daughter.
MIRROR As used in Bible times, a mirror was
of metal usually highly polished copper or bronze.
MITE The smallest piece of money in the time
of Jesus; worth perhaps one-fifth of a cent.
MOAB A country just east of the Dead Sea,
sometimes not friendly to the Israelites.
MOABITE STONE A stone of black basalt,
unearthed in Moab in 1868, which is inscribed in a
language similar to Hebrew, and which gives events
and places which correspond to some Bible passages,
MOLECH A god of the peoples east of the
Jordan in Old Testament times. Worship of him
included sacrifices of small children by fire (Leviticus
18:21).
MOLTEN SEA or BRAZEN SEA. huge
bronze basin in the court of Solomon’s Temple in-—
tended for the use of priests in washing their hands
and feet before approaching the altar (II Chronicles
4:2-6). = MOLTEN SEA

37
 MONEY From the earliest period of their his-
tory in Palestine thé Hebrews used metal money
(gold, silver, copper), but only in uncoined pieces,
the value of which was determined by weighing
(Genesis 23:16). Coined money began to be used
by them only after their return from the Babylonian
captivity (6th century B.C.). In New Testament
times none but coins of the Roman Empire were
recognized by the Roman government.

MONEY-CHANGERS Money-changers, present

everywhere in Palestine, were “ales locuied aire
Temple to exchange the money of persons coming
from far countries for the currency.used_
in the Tem-
ple for the Temple tax. Jesus denounced the money-
changers_because they charged too much for this
service (Matthew 21:12-13). or
MONOTHEISM The worship of one God only.

MOON The farmers of Bible lands depended

on the moon to guide them in the time of planting
and in determining the time of religious festivals.
The new moon marked the beginning of a new month.
MORIAH, MOUNT The hill on which was lo-
cated Araunah’s threshing-floor, which David hought
on which to build an altar to God (II Samuel 24:18-
25).

MOSES One of the great figures of all time.

Moses led the undisciplined, wandering multitude of
Hebrews from captivity in Egypt to independence
in Palestine,.and on the way developed in them a
spirit of unity. He was the founder_of
the religion
based on one God. He gave
his people the Hebrew
Law, which continued practically unchanged until
the days of Ezra. His discerning wisdom has in-
fluenced all legislation, much of which still” exists
‘in orthodox Judaism. oa
MOST HIGH A name applied to God (Psalm
Cale
MOTE A tiny speck of dirt such as might easily
get into one’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5).
MOTH A winged insect extremely common
throughout Palestine, which, in the caterpillar state,
eats and destroys clothing (Job 13:28; Matthew
6:19).
MOURNING In Bible times grief was expressed
publicly by various actions, which included tearing
the clothes, shaving the head, sprinkling ashes on
the head, fasting, cutting the flesh. Sometimes pro-
fessional mourners were hired to lament and wail
MOURNING loudly.

38
MULTITUDE A large number of people gath-
om
Oe Ag Ot ge yPAs
ered together (Matthew 5:1). walMy
Poeee
OM
AAcK) o/=
aK
30,

MURRAIN An infectious’ disease or plague of ens

cattle. 7 ZiSr

MUSIC Music among the Hebrews found _ its

great encouragement in the Temple worship. Here
were large choruses under trained musicians, singing
antiphonally ; that is, one group responding to an-
fl
SAK
as.

7
~

other in such volume that they were heard afar off

(Nehemiah 12:45-47). Stringed, wind, and percus-
sion instruments were often used to accompany the
singing.

MUSTARD SEED A very small seed, which

grows rapidly into a bush 12 or 15 feet in height.
Its spreading branches provide alighting space for
birds, which feed upon its seeds (Matthew 13:32).
MYRRH A common shrub_in Palestine, with
fragrant wood and bark. It. gives off a yellowish
brown gum used as a perfume, iin medicine, in anoint-
ing oils, in cosmetics, and in preparing bodies for
burial. The Wise Men brought myrrh to the babe
Jesus (Matthew 2:11).
MYRTLE An evergreen shrub, the branches of
which were used for making booths at the Feast of
Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:15).

ili
B DW
MUSTARD SEED

NAAMAN A Syrian general afflicted with lep-

rosy. Healed of his disease by Elisha the man of
God, he accepted the God of Israel as the only true
God in all the earth (II Kings 5).
NAZARETH A_small]_village” in southern Gali-

Carmel on the Mediterranean, where lived Joseph

and Mary. Here Jesus grew from boyhood to man-
hood.
NAZIRITES Individuals who took a special
vow, and were thus set apart to the service of God in
a peculiar way for a specified time. The Nazirite did
not use intoxicating drinks, did_not_cut_his hair, and
did not touch a dead person.
NEBO, MOUNT A_part_of Mt. Pisgah across
the Jordan: from Jericho. At God’scommand (Deu-
teronomy 32:49), Moses ascended to view the Prom-
ised Land before. he died (Deuteronomy 34:1-6). MYRTLE

39
 NEBUCHADNEZZAR The Babylonian king
who captured Jerusalem and deported many Jews to’
Babylon 597-588 B.C.
NEHEMIAH A Jew who was cupbearer to the
Persian king during the Exile. He persuaded the
king to. grant him safe conduct back to Jerusalem,
with authority to rebuild the city. This he did in
spite of considerable opposition there. The account
of his activity is in the Old Testament book that bears
his name.
NETS Cords woven into a mesh and used for
catching fish and for snaring small animals and
birds.
NETTLES Thorny plants with sharp points or
hairs that enter the flesh easily and cause a stinging
pain.
NEW MOON The first day of the new moon,
the beginning of the lunar month, was observed as
a holy day, with sacrifices, blowing of trumpets, and
abstaining from work (Numbers 10:10; Amos 8:5).
NEW TESTAMENT The New Testament_ is
the second part of our Christian Scriptures, consist-
NETTLES ing of 27 books. It contains accounts of the life of
Jesus and of the beginnings of the Christian church.
The writers did not realize that they were contrib-
uting to what would be called “The Holy Scriptures”
but were desirous of recording and making public
the facts about their Lord and what they had done
to proclaim his truth and to reveal his will. See:
Bible; Covenant.
NICODEMUS A Pharisee who paid a_ night
ye
luauJesus’
visit to Jesus because he
religious ideas.
was eager to learn more of

NIGHT The Hebrews divided the night into

Ver
ype
epe three watches: dark to midnight, midnight to cock-
oats
Ecypr
EScrow, cockcrow to sunrise. In the New Testament the
Roman system of 4 watches was used: twilight to
9 o'clock, 9 to midnight, midnight to 3 o’clock (cock-
crow), 3 o’clock to dawn (Mark 13:35).
NILE The great river of Egypt. The rich fer-
tility of the Nile Valley is due to the river overflow-
ing its banks and flooding the lowlands. Rich silt
from northeast Africa is deposited on the land, and
when the river recedes to its natural bounds the
people sow their seed in the new rich soil.
NINEVEH Capital and chief city of Assyria._
Although the city was totally destroyed in 612 B.C.
(Zephaniah 2:13-15), excavations have uncovered
portions of it. The king had a vast library of 22,000
inscribed clay tablets. Many of these have been re-
moved and translated, and they give us much infor-
NOMADS mation regarding the greatness of Nineveh.

40
 NOAH The tenth in descent from Adams. The
Bible narrative says that because of the wickedness
of man God destroyed by a Flood every living thing
he had created, except Noah and his family, for
Noah was a righteous man. Two each of all the
lesser creatures were spared and went with Noah into
the Ark, and so were saved for a new beginning
(Genesis 6:11-22).

NOMADS Wandering herdsmen and shepherds

who went from one grazing plot to another with their
flocks. They were tent-dwellers with no established
“homes.

NUMBERS The fourth book of the Old Testa-

ment. Its name comes from the census of the people
recorded in Chapters 1, 3, 4, 26. The book presents
narratives and laws covering the 40 years of Israel’s
desert wanderings.

Oo
OBEISANCE
OAK Oak trees, common in Palestine, frequently
reach an advanced age. Because they were greatly
venerated in Bible times they were sometimes asso-
ciated with important events or people (Genesis
13:18; I Kings 13:14).

OATH An appeal to God to affirm the truth of a

statement cr one’s intention to keep a promise.

OBEISANCE A bowing of the head, bending

of the body, or kneeling to denote reverence or wor-
ship (Genesis 24:52).

OBLATION An offering to God, usually not of

animals but of flour, fruit, or even land (Leviticus
2:4, 12; Ezekiel 48:9).

OFFERINGS Offerings to God of many kinds

were an important part of Jewish worship. Animal
sacrifices were required to be free from blemish. The
entire animal must be consumed in the fire as an
expression of the complete dedication to God of the
one making the sacrifice; other sacrifices were for
atonement of sin. See: Atonement.

OINTMENT Ointment of olive oil base, with

other ingredients added, was used to heal cuts and
bruises of men and animals and to sooth the skin
and perfume the body. A holy anointing oil, stated
by Moses, was used in the ritualistic services of the
Tabernacle and the Temple (Exodus 30:23-25). OINTMENT
41
 OLD TESTAMENT The first_and_oldest_part
of our Bible, identical in contents with the Hebrew
Bible. The 39 books include historical, legal, devo-
tional, wisdom, and prophetic literature dating from
more than a thousand years before Christ.. The first
5 books of law are the Hebrew Torah. See: Bible;
Covenant.
OLIVE
OLIVE TREE OLIVE TREE The olive tree was one of the
most plentiful and most highly valued trees of Pales-
tine: its shade was a welcome protection from the
hot sun; its nut-like fruit was a staple food; and its
oil was used in cooking, for lamp fuel, and as a base
for ointments.
OLIVES, MOUNT OF A_ridge.of hills just.
east of Jerusalem, separated by the narrow Kidron
Valley. On its lower slope was the Garden. of .Geth-
semane.. Jesus sometimes went to the Mount of Olives
at evening (John 8:1), from which point he could
see the Holy City spread before him.
OMEGA The last letter of the Greek alphabet.
See: Alpha.
OMNIPOTENT All-powerful.
OLIVES,
MOUNT OF ONESIMUS A slave belonging to Philemon of
Colossae, in Asia Minor. He ran away from his
master and as a fugitive in Rome became a Christian
under the influence of Paul. Later he returned to
his master with a letter from Paul to Philemon ask-
ing that Philemon receive him back, not as a run-
away slave but as a beloved brother (Epistle of
Philemon).
ONYX A semi-precious stone of the quartz vari-
ety having colored lines or veins through it. Collected
by David to be used in the building of the Temple
by Solomon (I Chronicles 29:2).
ORACLE A person or means by which com-
munications were given to man by God. God’s will
OMEGA was made known by means of prophets and priests,
dreams (I Samuel 28:6), Urim and Thummim (Exo-
dus 28:30), the Holy of Holies (Psalm 28:2).
ORDAIN To appoint or designate with author-
ity (I Chronicles 9:22).
ORDINATION The ceremony, called the “lay-.
ing on of hands,” which set men apart for the Chris-
i" tian ministry (Acts 13:2, 3).

ni OVEN A device for baking bread. For home

use the oven was something like an earthen jar, with
an opening at the bottom for the fire. When the
oven was heated the thin cakes of dough were laid
or stuck against the outside; or the fire might be
raked out and the loaves put inside and the opening
ORDINATION sealed while hot.
42
Ox The animal most used for farm work (I
Kings 19:19) and for sacrifices (I Kings 8:63).
nyt
~

PALESTINE A_ small territory at the eastern OVEN

end of the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 150 miles
Tong from Dan to Beersheba, and averages about 40
miles in width to the Jordan River—smaller than the
state of Massachusetts. The name_came from Phil-
pai a people who. lived aleng the southern. coast
ine.
PALM TREE A tall straight tropical tree end-
ing in a crown of large fan-shaped leaves. The fruit
of the date palm was highly valued as food in Bible
times.

PALSY Paralysis. A disease which takes away

control of muscles to move parts of the body.
PAPYRUS See: Bulrush.
PARABLE (Placing beside) A_short_narratiye
by which a moral or religious truth isillustrated by
comparison with some well-known experience.
PARADISE (A park) The word is used in
Scripture to indicate the dwelling-place of the right-
éous after this earthly life (Luke 23:43).
PARCHMENT The skin of sheep or goats pre-
pared for use as writing material.

i
PARENTAL BLESSING Both hands of the
father were laid on the head of the child as words
of blessing were pronounced. This act was highly
valued in Bible days as invoking God’s favor and
bringing happiness and success to the new genera-
PALM TREE
tion.
PASCHAL Having to do with the Passover cele-
bration, or with Easter.
PASSION The passion of Christ includes his
sufferings from the eyening of the Last Supper,
through the experiences_in the Garden of Geth-
semane, in his trial, on the journey to the cross, and
during the crucifixion.
Se ve,
PASSOVER One of the great festivals of the
Jews, observed about the time of Easter. Its purpose
wasto- commemorate their deliverance from Egyptian
bondage, especially the “passing over’ ’ of the homes
of the Israelites by the destroying angel when the
first-born of Egypt were slain. PAPYRUS

43
 PASTORAL EPISTLES Grouped as the “Pas-
toral Epistles” are the New Testament books of I
and II Timothy, and Titus. These deal with advice
to pastérs on the qualifications and conduct of church
officers and on other pastoral matters.
PATRIARCH A general name given to a Bible
character who lived before the time of Moses: for
example, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.
PARENTAL
BLESSING PAUL (Hebrew, Saul) A_Jew who as a young
man, persecuted the early Christians but who became ~
a follower of Christ after a vision he had on the road
to Damascus. As an apostle, he was _a_ tireless
preacher and promoter of the Christian faith, the
first Christian missionary, and the author of about
half of the books of the New Testament.
PEN Early pens for writing with ink were prob-
ably made of reeds, whittled with a penknife to a
shape suitable for writing (III John 13; Jeremiah
36:23).
PENNY This was the Roman denarius, worth
about 20 cents in the time of Christ. This sum was
a day’s wage of a laborer in the time of Christ.
PENTATEUCH (Five books) | The first five
books of the Bible, known as the Law, and called by
the Jews the “Torah.” See: Law.
PENTECOST This was a solemn one-day festi-
val of the Jews mentioned in the Old Testament.
The first Christian Pentecost, on the seventh Sunday
after the Resurrection, is significant because of the
descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the
birth of the Christian Church.(Acts 2). .Pentecost. _
fifty days after Easter, is Whitsunday.
PERSIA A small country southeast of Baby-
lonia. By many conquests it grew in power and size
until the Persian Empire extended to Egypt and
Asia Minor and became the greatest in western Asia.
PESTILENCE Any infectious or contagious
disease which spreads rapidly and causes great suffer-
ing.
PETER A fisherman who became a devoted dis-
ciple of Jesus and then an.apostle. After Jesus’ death,
Peter became an outstanding leader of the Christian
Church. Tradition says that he suffered_martyrdom
in Rome by being~ crucified head downward _at_his
own request.
PETITION _A request or prayer.
PHARAOH An honorary title for the ruler of
ancient Egypt. In the Bible the Egyptian king is
frequently referred to as “Pharaoh” regardless of
PHARAOH which king was meant.
44
PHARISEES (Separated) The name given to
a sect of the Jews in Jesus’ day, probably because
their strict insistence on observance of the written
Law of Moses and on oral tradition, as they inter-
preted it, seemed to set them apart from other Jews,
and certainly from non-Jews.
PHILEMON A convert of Paul’s, whose-run-
away slave Onesimus also became a Christian believer
under Paul. See: Onesimus.
PHILISTIA
PHILIPPI A prominent city in eastern Mace-
donia. To Philippi Paul went immediately after re-
ceiving in a vision the invitation “Come over to
Macedonia and help us.” This city was the first on
the continent of Europe to receive the Christian
a a}
Gospel (Acts 16).
PHILISTIA The strip of coast-land along the =a i= ~)s3
Mediterranean from Joppa to Gaza, extending inland = Megs *2
for 15 miles.
=¥
= re
JF 22
ce ekge

PHILISTINES The inhabitants of Philistia.

ey +42
ae €
They were rivals and enemies of the Israelites, who
entered Canaan from the east about the time the
Philistines landed in the west. PHOENICIA
PHOENICIA The coastal section of Palestine
north from Mount Carmel and west of Galilee. The
inhabitants, a seafaring people, were fairly highly
cultivated. From them came the alphabet, which was
the basis for the letters of Hebrews, Greeks, and
Europeans.
PHYLACTERIES See: Frontlets.

PILATE Governor of Judea, before whom Jesus

was tried, scourged, and finally delivered up to be
crucified (John 18:28-19:16).

PILGRIMAGE A journey, usually long, to a

religious shrine or holy place by a group of devoted PHYLACTERIES
persons.
PINNACLE The summit or highest point of the
Temple.
PIPE A wind instrument of reed or wood to
produce musical sounds by blowing into one end of
it or into a hole in the side. It was in common use
by shepherds to call their sheep and by musicians on
many joyous or mournful occasions.

PISGAH A part of Mount Nebo; the mountain

from which Moses viewed the Promised Land just
before his death. See: Nebo.
PIT A large deep hole in the ground. PILGRIMAGE

45
 PITCHER A tall jar of éarthenware with one
or two handles, used for holding, carrying, and pour-
ing water, wine, and oil.

PLAGUE An affliction or pestilence, very com-

mon in Qld Testament times especially, considered
as being sent by God. The Ten Plagues of Egypt
are recorded in Exodus as being visited upon the
Egyptians in order that the Pharaoh might let the
Israelites go free. See: Pestilence.
PLEDGES A man’s personal property given as
security for a debt or a promise.
PLOW
PLOWSHARE The plow is a farming imple-
ment or tool for turning over the soil in preparation
for planting. In primitive days a large long piece of
tough wood, sharpened at the end, covered with
metal, was used. This dug into the ground as the
plow was dragged forward.
POETRY There is much poetry in the Bible,
but only in the newer translations is it indicated by
the printed form. One of the main characteristics of
Hebrew poetry is parallelism; that is, the first line
makes a statement and the second line adds to the
first idea or states a contrast (Job 3:17; Proverbs
10:11; Psalm 8:4).

POLYTHEISM Belief in more than one god;

the opposite of Monotheism, oar
POMEGRANATE A delicious tropical fruit the
size of a small orange (Song of Solomon 8:2).
PORTER The keeper of a city gate, or a door-
keeper in a house or especially the Temple (II
Chronicles 23:4).

POST 1. A runner or swift messenger (Esther

|
3:13). 2. The upright timber (sometimes stone) on

i
the side of a doorway (Deut. 11:20).
POTIPHAR The captain of the Pharaoh’s’ body-
guard who bought the boy Joseph from the Ishmae]-
PITCHER
ites when they brought him down to Egypt (Genesis
39:1).
POTTAGE A stew made of lentils, a plant of
the pea family, flavored with other vegetables (Gene-
sis 25:27-34).
POTTER One who made pottery.
POTTER’S WHEEL A horizontal wheel, turned
by hand or foot, used by the potter. The clay was
put on the revolving wheel, and while in motion it
was shaped by the skilful hand of the potter (Jere-
miah 18:3).

46
PRAISE To glorify or speak highly of; for
example, to glorify or praise God.

PRAYER Prayer is communing with God. It

includes confession of wrong doing, giving thanks,
praise, making requests on behalf of others or one’s
self and listening to God.

PRECEPT A commandment, or instruction, or POMEGRANATE

rule intended to improve conduct.

PRESS A machine or device for pressing the

juice out of fruit, such as grapes or olives. The press
might be a hollowed stone with a hole near the bot-
tom of one side out of which the juice escaped, or it
might be a vat. With grapes, the juice was pressed
out when barefooted persons trod on the bunches;
with olives, a large round stone was rolled over the
fruit to break it up.

PRIEST A person appointed or ordained to

officiate in religious ceremonies, Jewish or Christian,
to perform religious rites, to give moral and religious
instruction, and to reveal the will of God.

PRINCE As used in the Bible, not necessarily

one of royal descent but a man in a position of
authority, such as the head of a tribe, or captain of
abody of men; a chieftain.
PRIVILY In a private manner.

PROCURATOR One appointed by the Roman

Emperor and directly responsible to him to admin-
ister affairs in some part of the empire; often the
governor of a province where trouble was present or
expected. Some procurators of Judea mentioned in
the New Testament are Pontius Pilate, Felix, Festus.

PRODIGAL One who foolishly wastes his money

or possessions. Jesus told the parable of the loving
father who received back his repentant prodigal son POTTER
(Luke 15:11-32).
PROPHET (Hebrew, one who speaks for an-
other) The Hebrew prophet was not so much a fore-
teller of what was to occur as he was a “forth-teller”
of the will of God, although both ideas might be in-
cluded in his message. The prophet was a man who
felt himself called of God to preach and to speak
fearlessly for Him.
PROPHETESS A woman prophet.
PROPHETS, MAJOR These include Isaiah,
Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, whose writing consist of
utterances of warning and counsel, and incidents in
the lives of the three prophets.
47
 PROPHETS, MINOR These twelve prophets
are not minor in the importance of their message but
only in the brevity of their writing. They are: Amos,
Hosea, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Hag-
gai, Zechariah, Malachi, Obadiah, Joel, Jonah.
PROSELYTE A person who has been converted
or won over from one faith to another.
PROVERB A short saying expressed in vivid,
PRIEST easily remembered language; a maxim.
PROVERBS, BOOK OF One of the books of
the Old Testament which is a collection of various
collections of proverbs, many of which are attributed
to Solomon; some to others. The proverbs are bits
of wise comment based on keen observations of
people and of daily life.
PROVINCES Geographical divisions of a
country made for the purposes of administration.
PRUNINGHOOK A pole with a curved blade
on the end, used to cut off suckers and branches from
fruit trees.
PSALMS, BOOK OF A collection of religious
PRUNINGHOOK
poems used as hymns for the Temple services. The
authors of many of the Psalms are unknown, al-
though the name of David is associated with a large
number of them. Many of them probably represent
Temple hymns which grew out of the religious life
of the Jews over a considerable period of time and
were brought together as the “Psalms of David” be-
cause of his musical gifts and his great contributions
to the services of the Temple.
PSALTER The Book of Psalms. Also a selec-
tion of Psalms arranged in a book for church services.
PSALTERY A favorite musical instrument of
the Jews to accompany joyous songs. It was a small
stringed instrument, somewhat like a zither or a lyre,
PUBLICAN the strings of which were plucked with the fingers.
PUBLICAN In New Testament times, an agent
of the Roman governor of Judea employed to collect
the Impérial taxes. All that the collector could
squeeze from the people above a fixed amount he
kept for himself; and so he was hated and treated
with contempt.
PULSE A vegetable something like peas and
nytt beans.
PURGE To cleanse of impurities.
PURIFICATION A ritualistic observance which
Nyy cleared a person from the taint of ceremonial un-
cleanness; such as the house of a leper, a mother
PURSE after childbirth, the touching of a dead body.
48
PURIM, FEAST OF A joyous Jewish Festival
(March 14 and 15) to commemorate the deliverance
of Jews exiled in Persia from wholesale massacre as
planned by Haman, chief minister and favorite of
the Persian king (Esther 7).
PURSE A small leather bag or pouch, frequently
carried in the girdle and used to hold money. Mer-
chants used such bags for carrying their stone weights
for weighing.

Q
QUAIL A small bird belonging to the partridge
family. The Israelites on their journey to Canaan
found quail provided by God for food (Exodus
16:13).
QUARTERNION A squad of four Roman sol-
diers. Peter was once guarded by four quarternions
(Acts 12:4).
QUIVER A case for holding and carrying bet} ’,> AI DB

arrows. QUARTERNION

R
RABBI
RABBONI A term of respect used to address
learned men and meaning “Master” or “Teacher.”
“Rabboni” implies a little more respect than Rabbi.
Jesus was addressed both as Rabbi and Rabboni
(John 3:2; 20:16).
RACA Worthless, good-for-nothing! An expres-
sion of contempt (Matthew 5:22).
RACHEL Wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph QUIVER
and Benjamin (Genesis 29:28).
RAIMENT Clothing, usually of linen or of
wool; coarser fabrics of goats’ or camels’ hair.
RAINBOW After the Flood God chose the rain-
bow to be the symbol of His merciful promise that
never again would he destroy the earth by flood
(Genesis 9:11-17).
RAISINS Grapes dried in the sun. They were
preserved in clusters or were pressed into cakes to
keep for food.
RAM A male sheep. From the ram’s horn was
made the shophar, a kind of trumpet used to sound
signals in battle or at sacred festivals; still used in ~
Jewish synagogues. RAINBOW

49
 RAMESES A treasure-city in Egypt built, as
was Pithom, by Hebrew slave labor (Exodus 1:11).
It was from Rameses that the Israelites set forth on
ull the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37).
REAPER One who harvests grain in the field.
REBEKAH Wife of the patriarch Isaac and
mother of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26).
RECEIPT OF CUSTOM The collector’s office
where people under Roman rule paid their taxes
(Matthew 9:9) ; called also “the place of toll.”
RECONCILIATION Return to harmony after a
separation caused by difference of ideas. In the
Bible, sinful man has been separated from the
righteous God. The Jewish system of sacrifices was
planned to bring about this reconciliation with God.
In the Christian religion it is through Christ that
reconciliation is obtained (II Corinthians 5:18).
REDEEMER One who sets free, buys back, de-
livers, or saves. This title is used for Jesus, who came
to redeem people from sin and spiritual bondage and
REAPER to restore them to sonship with God (Titus 2:14).
REED Any of the tall grasses which grow along
low-lying streams. They were used to thatch houses
and cover roofs. From tall vigorous reeds with their
hollow stalks crude musical pipes were fashioned.
REFINING The process of separating pure
ae from other substances found with it by the use
of fire.
REFUGE A place of safety. Six cities in the
early days of the Hebrews in Palestine were 33‘apart
as~ Cities of Refuge. To any one of these a person
who~had accidentally killed another might flee for
safety-and receivée-a fair trial (Numbers 35:09:15).
REHOBOAM A son of Solomon and the last
king of the united monarchy of David and Solomon
(I Kings 14:21).
REMISSION Taking away; forgiving.

| REMNANT Something that remains;

used to denote that portion of the Jewish people who
survived the disastrous experiences
a

of the Exile and

term

I"
il
=} __sremained true to God (Isaiah 10:20-22).
REND
SSS
To rip or tear apart violently.
>
NSS REPENTANT To feel sorry for something done
or not done; to regret very deeply. In the Bible,
va repentance means forsaking wrongdoing and follow-
ing God’s will completely; it is a condition of salva-
REND tion (Luke 13:3).

50
RESTITUTION What is done by an offender to
make good for an injury he has caused another.

RESURRECTION The return of the dead to

life. Belief in the resurrection of Jesus after his
body was placed in the tomb was central in the faith
of the early Christians, as it is with Christians today.
This belief is the basis of faith in life after death
(I Corinthians 15:12-19).

REUBEN The oldest of Jacob’s twelve sons. It

was Reuben who persuaded his brothers not to kill
Joseph but to put him in a pit from which he might
rescue the boy later (Genesis 37:22).

REVELATION, BOOK OF THE The last book

of the Bible. It tells of the bitter conflict between
good and evil, and reveals the ultimate triumph of
Christ and his Kingdom. The purpose of the book
was to give encouragement to faithful Christians in
the days of terrible persecution.

RIGHTEOUS Upright; free from wrong in such

matters as justice, kindness, sincerity, unselfishness,
etc. God alone is righteous; men may only strive to ROLL
be so.

RITUAL A carefully prepared style and order

of words for use in the conduct of a formal service,
such as public worship.

ROD, SHEPHERD’S A word sometimes used

interchangeably with “staff.” Usually, however, a
rod was a stout club about three feet:long with a
bulging joint at the end used to strike down wolves
when they attacked the sheep.

ROLL A book or scroll of ancient times con-

sisted of a long strip of papyrus or parchment, each
end of which was fastened to a roller. As one read RUNNERS
the book it was unrolled from one roller and wound
upon the other.

ROMAN EMPIRE The expanding Roman Em-

pire extended to include Palestine about 63 A.D.
Palestine was ruled by governors and_procurators
during the lifetime of Jesus, as it was an occupied
country.

ROME The famous capital city of the mighty

Roman Empire. At his own request, the apostle
Paul was sent to Rome for trial. The early Christians,
here persecuted by Roman emperors, sought refuge
in the vaults and galleries, of the underground
quarries of —Romé, knownas the “catacombs,” and
here also they buried their dead: SACKCLOTH

51
 ROOFS The flat roofs of Palestinian houses
provided space for recreation, sleeping, drying grain,
spinning and weaving, even for the building of a
guest room (II Kings 4:10).
RUNNERS Men who went ahead of the king’s
chariot to test the road or to arrange for improving
Wa
| it (II Samuel 15:1). Runners also brought back
SANDAL reports of the king’s battles and ran errands (II
Samuel 18:19).
RUTH A young woman of Moab whose Jewish
husband died. She went with her sorrowing mother-
in-law to Bethlehem, and there met Boaz and mar-
ried him. Their first child was Obed, who became
the grandfather of King David.

Ss

SABAOTH, LORD GOD OF Refers to God

as the Lord of all the forces operating in His uni-
SCAPEGOAT verse.
SABBATH (Day of rest) In the Jews’ calendar
the seventh day of the week (from Friday evening
to Saturday evening), appointed in the fourth Com-
mandment (Exodus 20:8) to be observed as a day of
rest as the symbol of the covenant between the chil-
dren of Israel and God (Exodus 31:12-17).
SABBATH DAY’S JOURNEY By Jewish Law,
people could travel only about 2000 cubits (1000
yards) on the Sabbath. This distance was determined
by the fact that the Israelites on their way into
Palestine were forbidden to approach nearer than
2000 cubits (a little more than half a mile) to the
sacred Ark of the Covenant which preceded them
SCEPTER (Joshua 3:3, 4).

SACKCLOTH Coarsely woven cloth made of

the hair of goats and of camels, and worn as a sign
of mourning (Genesis 37:34).
SACRAMENT A religious ceremony in which a
certain visible act, accompanied by faith, is believed
to impart the blessing of God upon the one who
shares in it. The two sacraments of the Protestant
church are those authorized by Jesus himself, Bap-
tism, and the Lord’s Supper.
SACRIFICE To give up something. In Bible
days, offerings were made on altars for the purpose
of asking forgiveness of God, for thanksgiving, and
SCHOOL for praise.

52
 SADDUCEES A_ conservative religious party

“lh
among the Jews who held that only the written Law
was binding. They did not accept oral traditions or
the body of interpretation which the Pharisees had
developed to supplement the Law. ll
SAINTS Persons of great holiness and religious
devotion (Ephesians 1:1).
N
SAMARITANS People who lived in Samaria. SCOURGE
At the time of the Exile many people from Samaria
were carried into Assyria, and from Assyria a variety
of colonists were brought to Samaria. The Samaritans
were therefore a racially mixed people, scorned by
the pure-blooded Jews of Galilee and Judea. They
acknowledged as binding only the first five books of
the Old Testament. .
SAMSON One of the Judges who did good serv-
ice to Israel by welding the people into a more united
group and by defending them from outside foes. His
life story, Judges 13-16, seems presented as a series
of colorful folk tales.
SAMUEL The last of the judges of the Israel-
ites, Samuel was also a prophet of God. When the SCRIBE
people demanded a king, Samuel selected the young
man Saul and anointed him king, a choice later con-
firmed by the people (I Samuel 10:1, 24).
SAMUEL, I AND II Originally one book called
Samuel. The books tell of the Hebrew Monarchy
under the leadership of Samuel, Saul, and David.

SANCTUARY A holy place set apart, as for the

worship of God; a church. In some Christian
churches the enclosure around the altar is called the
sanctuary, and it is set apart as an especially holy
place for those who serve there.
SANDAL A leather or wooden sole fastened to
the foot by a leather thong or shoe latchet (Mark
1:7).
SANHEDRIN The highest judicial council and
supreme court of the Jews. ~
SARAH The wife of Abraham and the mother
of Isaac.
SARGON The king of Assyria who captured
Samaria and deported many of the people to his own
land. The ruins of his high palace have been un-
covered and much information gained of that period
(II Kings 17:5, 6).
SAUL The first king of the Israelites. His reign
brought the Hebrew tribes closer together and paved
the way for David, the next king. SCROLLS, THE
DEAD SEA
53
 SAVIOUR A term applied to Jesus because of
his redeeming work in saving people from their sins
(Luke 2:11; Luke 19:10).

SCAPEGOAT At the observance of the Day of

Atonement the priest would lay both his hands upon
the head of a goat and confess over him all the sins
of the people. Then he would send the goat away
into the wilderness, thus symbolizing the carrying
away of the sins of the people by God (Leviticus
16:20-22).
SCEPTER A short staff held by a king as the
symbol of authority. In the Persian court no one
could approach the throne unless the king extended
his scepter as a sign of invitation (Esther 4:11).
SCHOOL In early Bible times mothers and
fathers were teachers of their children in the home.
After the Exile and in the time of Jesus the syna-
gogue provided a school for the boys; girls were in-
structed in the home.

me
Ser
_ 7X3
SCOURGE A whip of cords or thongs fastened
to a handle, sometimes with pieces of metal attached,
or with knots, used as punishment for wrongdoers,
SEPULCHRE and for those who had offended the authorities
(II Corinthians 11:24).

SCRIBE A public letter writer, or copyist, em-

ployed by people who could not write.
SCRIBES, THE A group of people who copied
the sacred Scriptures, and interpreted and taught
them.
SCRIP A small leather bag in which shepherds
and travelers carried their food or other necessities
(I Samuel 17:40).
SCRIPTURE (Writing) A word used by the
Jews to indicate their sacred writings and by Chris-
tians for the Old and New Testaments.
SCROLL See: Roll; Books.
SCROLLS, THE DEAD SEA A collection. of.
a dozen scrolls of very old manuscripts. discovered in
the spring of 1947 in a cave near the northwest end
of the Dead Sea. Included in the rolls was a practi-
cally complete Hebrew manuscript of Isaiah written
about the second century B.C., the oldest existing
manuscript of this, or any other, Bible book.
SEAL A device of precious or ordinary stone
bearing a design for printing an impression on clay
or wax. The impression made was also called a seal.
Used to give official sanction to papers, or to protect
shipments of grain, wine, olive oil, etc., from being
SHEEPFOLD opened by unauthorized persons.

54
SELAH A word found only in the poetical books
ofthe Bible, chiefly _in the Psalms. Of_uncertain
meaning, _but apparently a Hebrew liturgical or
i
musical direction; possiblyan indication of-pause.

SENNACHERIB A powerful, boastful Assyrian

king whose armies laid waste Judea and besieged ih
iin
Jerusalem (II Kings 18 and 19).

SEPTUAGINT A Greek translation of the He-

brew Old Testament, made at Alexandria in Egypt,
probably in the 3rd century B.C. Jesus must have

SEPULCHRE A tomb, usually cut out of rock,

with the entrance closed by a large rock.

SERMON ON THE MOUNT Some teachings

of Jesus given to the disciples on a mountain (Mat-
thew 5:1). It deals with the qualities which are in
the true follower, and with the ideal life which he
should live.
SHEAF A bundle of grain tied together.
SHEEPFOLD A safe enclosure of stones where
sheep were kept at night.
SHEEPGATE An entrance in the wall of Jeru-
salem through which the animals were taken to the
Temple area for sacrifice.
SHEKEL A Jewish silver coin worth about 65
cents; the gold shekel was worth about $10.

SHEMA A Jewish statement of faith, made up

of3 passages in the Old Testament, beginning with
Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

SHEWBREAD Twelve large loaves of un-

leavened bread, corresponding to the twelve tribes of SHOPHAR
Israel, renewed each Sabbath and placed in two piles
on a table in the Tabernacle and the Temple as a
symbol of gratitude to God.
SHOES In Old Testament times these were usu-
ally simple sandals with a single leather sole bound
to the feet with leather thongs. See: Sandal.

SHOPHAR A trumpet made of a ram’s horn,

used by the Hebrews to sound. alarms and to summon
to worship in the Tabernacle and the Temple. See:
Ram.
SHRINES Sacred places with small images in
silver or marble and terra cotta of a god or goddess
as a mark of respect and reverence.
55
 SIEGE The placing of an.army around a city
or a fortified place to make it surrender as a result
of attack or blockade.
SILAS A companion of Paul on his second mis-
sionary journey.

SILOAM, POOL OF
SILOAM, TUNNEL The Siloam Tunnel (1700
feet long) was built in the 8th century B.C. by King
Hezekiah to ensure a water supply for Jerusalem in
case of a siege. The tunnel supplied water from a
spring outside the city to the Pool inside (II Kings
20:20).

SIN Whatever man thinks or does that is con-

trary to the will of God.
SINAI, MOUNT The mountain where Moses
talked with God and received the Ten Command-
ments (Exodus 20:1-17); sometimes called Mt.
Horeb. ar

SLEEPING MAT A long pad or mattress of

straw, rushes, or softer material which was spread
upon the floor to sleep on. In the daytime it was
rolled up and put away.
SLING A weapon of warfare. It usually con-
sisted of a long strip of leather wide at the middle
part or of a piece of leather with 2 strings attached
to opposite sides. A stone was put in and whirled
around the head. When one string was let go the
stone went forward with great force. David killed
Goliath with a sling (I Samuel 17:40, 48, 49).

SLUGGARD A habitually lazy or indolent

person.
SNARE A trap made by looping a cord to catch
birds and small animals by the feet.
SOJOURN, THE This usually refers to the
period when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt
(Genesis 15:13).
SOJOURNER A term usually applied to a per-
son not born a Hebrew but living among Israelites on
friendly terms.

SOLOMON A son of David and the 3rd king

of Israel. Solomon built the Temple and developed
the kingdom to its greatest extent. He had a reputa-
tion for wealth and wisdom.
SON OF MAN A term used in the Old Testa-
ment to indicate a human being. In the New Testa-
ment Jesus uses these words to refer to himself
SPAN (Mark 2:10, 28).

56
SONG OF ASCENTS
SONG OF DEGREES The Psalms from 120°
through 134. These were sung by pilgrims as they
ascended the hill to Jerusalem to attend the yearly
festivals there.
SONS OF GOD This expression usually refers
to those who are worshippers of God, and who con-
scientiously strive to live in faith, obedience, and SPIKENARD
love toward Him.

SOOTHSA YER A person claiming special

power to reveal knowledge not commonly available
to everyone (Daniel 2:2).

SOP In order to gather up the more liquid por-

tion of a meal a thin piece of bread was used as a
spoon to dip into a stew or the juice of meat. It was
an indication of friendship for several persons to dip
the sop into the same dish. Judas made a show of
friendship by dipping into the same dish with Jesus
(Matthew 26:23).

SORCERER One who assumes that he possesses

supernatural power through the assistance or control
of evil spirits. STABLE

SOUL The soul is the individual person who

lives in the material body, as in a house and is the
life of it; it is that part of man which is immortal
and which continues to exist even after the physical
body dies and decays. As spirit, the soul draws its
life from God (Acts 17:28).

SPAN A Hebrew unit of measurement, the dis-

tance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the
little finger when the hand is expanded — nearly 9
inches.

SPICES Vegetable substances with fragrant odor

and sharp flavor, used for seasoning food, for making
cosmetics and ointments, for incense, and in prepara-
tion of bodies for burial (Mark 14:1-9).
SPIKENARD A fragrant plant used in making
very expensive perfumes and ointments (John 12:3).
STABLE A shelter for housing and feeding
donkeys and cattle. The stable where Jesus was born
in Bethlehem may have been below the guest quarters
of the inn.
STAFF A stick about 6 feet long, used by shep-
herds in mountain climbing, for leaning upon, and
to guide sheep over difficult paths. On entering the
fold at night the sheep were “rodded,” that is,
made to pass under the rod to be counted (Leviticus
PER). STEPHEN

57
 STEPHEN The first follower of Jesus Christ to
die as a martyr for his faith. His death led to the
conversion of Paul (Acts 7:58-60).

STEWARD An overseer or person in charge of

a large household, as Joseph was for Potiphar (Gene-
sis 39:4).
STONING Stoning to death was a form of
capital punishment declared in the Hebrew Law.
STOVES Usually made of clay in Bible times.
A lower section was for the fire; above there was a
lid or other device for holding the cooking vessel.
STRAW Stalks of grain chopped up into small
pieces and used as food for cattle, donkeys, and
horses; also used in making bricks to bind the clay
together.
SUFFER To endure pain; also to permit or
allow.
SUNDAY Very early in the Christian Era the
first day of the week came to be observed by the
Wy followers of Jesus because it was on a Sunday that
~ @ his Resurrection took place. Each recurring Sunday,
EN therefore, was of special significance to them. Gradu-
ally for Christians Sunday took the place of the
Jewish Sabbath.

WMMA ((( TSSQDS SUPERSCRIPTION (Writing above) Words

written above or upon something, as on a coin (Mat-
thew 22:20), or above the head of one crucified, as
SWADDLING above the head of Jesus (Matthew 27:37).
SWADDLING The method of wrapping up
newborn and very young babies. The baby was
placed diagonally upon a square piece of cloth and
the corners were folded over the body and the feet
and under the head. Then the whole bundle was
wrapped around with bands of cotton or of silk
(Luke 2:7).

SWINE Pigs. Regarded as unclean by the He-

brews and its flesh unfit for food (Leviticus 11:7).
SYCHAR A town in Samaria near the land
Jacob gave to Joseph. Sychar was where Jesus talked
with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John
4:5-26). :
—
SYNAGOGUE Both a religious congregation
and a place of instruction and worship for Jews.
While in exile, the Jews were unable to worship in
the Temple at Jerusalem, and so they provided lesser
places for study and prayer. Upon their return to
the homeland they continued to use synagogues,
SYNAGOGUE going to the Temple only on the Festival days.
58
SYNOPTIC GOSPELS Matthew, Mark, and
Luke. These three gospel writers seem to have ob-
tained much of their material from the same sources,
since they have much in common. The fourth Gospel,
John, weaves into his narratives considerable reli-
gious interpretations and theology not found in the
synoptics.

TABERNACLE
T
TABERNACLE A large movable tent sanctuary
which the Israelites used as a place of worship while
on their journey from Egypt to Palestine (Exodus
OI \\
\
\\
25:1-9). ¢ IN
TABERNACLES, FEAST OF See: rm
Mil
Booths,
Feast of.

Tk
TABLES OF THE LAW The stone tablets on Z Sst - |
which were written the Ten Commandments which Wl Fade WSS
were given to Moses, according to the Bible narrative
TABLES OF
(Exodus 24:12). THE LAW
TABRET A musical instrument like a tam-
bourine or small one-headed hand drum with metal
jingles (Genesis 31:27).
TALENT Both a unit of weight and of money.
The Hebrew gold talent was worth about $32,640; a
silver talent, about $2176.
TALMUD The Talmud is a body of interpreta-
tion and commentary on the written Law of the Jews.
TABRET
TANNER A man who converts skins into leather.
TANNING The process of dressing animal skins
and converting them into leather.
TARES A poisonous weed closely resembling
wheat in appearance until it is fully ripe, when it
can be easily recognized and weeded out (Matthew
13:24-30).
TARSUS The large capital city of the Roman
province of Cilicia, in Asia Minor, which was the
birthplace of Paul (Acts 22:3).
TAX In New Testament days Rome placed a tax
on certain essential commodities such as meat, salt,
etc., and on land.
TAX COLLECTOR A man who collected taxes
for Rome. See: Publican.
TEMPLE The imposing building of the Jews in
Jerusalem for the worship of God. Three Temples
have stood on the same site: Solomon’s Temple; the
Temple of Zerubbabel, built on the return from the
Exile; and Herod’s Temple, which was the Temple
Jesus knew. TEMPLE

59
 TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE These, as re-
corded in Exodus 20:3-17, were given by God to
Moses on Mount Sinai, who wrote them on two
tablets of stone (Exodus 34:27, 28).

TENTS Tents were made of goats’-hair cloth, a

rough, strong dark color fabric.

TERAPHIM Images of different sizes, com-

monly small, regarded as household gods; probably
thought to possess magica] powers.

TESTAMENT A solemn agreement or covenant.

See: Covenant.

TESTIMONY A statement to establish a fact,

as that of a witness in court.

THANK OFFERING An offering to express

gratitude to God.
TERAPHIM THESSALONICA A large and important an-
cient city in Macedonia, capital of the province.
Here Paul founded a Christian church. Two letters
which he wrote to this church, after leaving the city,
are included in the books of the New Testament.

THONG A narrow strip of leather used to hold

a sandal on the foot.

ica ith,
wll,
THRESHING The process of separating grain
from the stalk either by beating the sheaves with a
THONG stick while they are spread out on the ground, or if
the quantity is large, by driving over it several oxen
yoked together and dragging a threshing sledge
(Jeremiah 51:33).

THRONE The seat of a ruling monarch. Some-

times the word signifies royal power rather than a
definite seat (II Samuel 3:10).

TIDINGS News; a message. “Good Tidings”

(Luke 2:10).

TILLING Plowing and preparing the soil for

planting.

TIMBREL A musical instrument like a small

tambourine. A tabret.

TIMOTHY A young Christian, native of Lystra,

who was a beloved assistant and companion of Paul
on several of his preaching tours.
TITHE A very ancient custom (Genesis 14:20)
of giving a tenth part of one’s income to God as an
THRONE expression of thankfulness (Luke 18:12).

60
TITTLE A very small mark used in Hebrew
writing and printing to distinguish one letter from
another. Jesus mentioned it to designate something
very small. See: Jot.
TONGUE Commonly used in the Bible to de-
note a spoken language.
TONGUES OF FIRE An expression used to
describe the marvelous experience when the Holy
Spirit came upon the disciples on the Day of Pente- TILLING
cost (Acts 2:1-21).
TORAH The Jewish Book of the Law: The
Pentateuch, or first five books of the Old Testament.
TRANSFIGURATION A supernatural experi-
ence which came to Peter, James, and John, with
Jesus on a high mountain. The experience served to
increase the confidence and faith of the three in
their Lord.

TRANSGRESSION Something that is done con-

trary to the law of man or of God; a sin.
TRESPASS To go on someone else’s property. TIMBREL
To go beyond the limits of what is right or lawful
or just; to sin.
TRIBE A group of persons or families de-
scended from a single ancestor, held together by
blood ties, and governed by one man regarded as the
father. The twelve tribes of Jacob were the families

(Hh
of Jacob’s twelve sons.
TRIBULATION Trouble. i \\
TRIBUTE
20):22)).
Tax of one sort or another (Luke
y vba yrds
TWELVE, THE See: Apostle.
TYRE An important seaport in Phoenicia on
the northwest coast of Palestine, famous for its
TONGUES
purple dye. It was the home of King Hiram, friend OF FIRE
of David and of Solomon, and from him they ob-
tained materials and helpers in constructing David’s
palace and Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.

U
UNLEAVENED The name for bread made with-
out yeast.
UPPER ROOM, THE The large furnished
room, chosen by Jesus in which to eat his last Pass-
over with his disciples, was probably on the second
floor of a good-sized Jerusalem house (Luke 22:12).
61
USURY Interest paid on borrowed money.

USURER The man who lends money for interest.

UTTERMOST Farthest; to the greatest degree.

VALE A valley; a ravine.

VEIL A fabric used by women to conceal their

face. Also used by shepherds and farmers to protect
the head and neck from the sun’s rays. In the Taber-
nacle and Temple the Holy of Holies was separated
from the Holy Place by a large hanging veil. It was
this veil in the Temple that was “rent” at the Cruci-
fixion of Jesus (Mark 15:38).

VENGEANCE Punishment against one who has

caused an injury or wrong.

VERILY Truly.

VESSELS Containers in which food was cooked

or kept, such as the bronze and earthen ones used in
the home. For the Temple rituals, vessels of gold,
silver, and bronze were used (I Chronicles 18:10).

VIA DOLOROSA (The way of sorrow) A steep,

narrow street in Jerusalem. Tradition says that this _
was the route taken by Christ while bearing his
cross from Pilate’s judgment hall to Golgotha, the
place of his Crucifixion (John 19:17).

VINE Any slender plant that trails on the

ground or climbs some supporting device by means
of tendrils. Several kinds of vine are mentioned in
the Bible, particularly the grapevine (John 15:1-8).

VINEYARD A place where grapes are grown.

Because of its favorable climate, Palestine from
earliest times was a land of countless vineyards.

VISION Something believed to be real presenced

to the mind in pictorial form through sleep, trance,
or some emotional stimulus. God sometimes spoke to
the prophets and holy men through visions (Isaiah
6; Amos 7:7; Acts 10:3).

VOW A solemn promise. In the Bible, a vow to

God was a sort of pledge in which a person bound
himself to do something if God would grant a special
favor (Genesis 28:20, 21).

62
VULGATE A_ famous and important Latin
translation of the Bible made by Jerome in the 4th
century... For a thousand years it-was the standard”
Bible of the Middle Ages.

W
VINEYARD

WALLET See: Bag; Scrip.

WASH The washing of hands before eating was

considered very important, as a-tradition of old time
(Mark 7:3). Besides, everyone put a hand in the
common dish of stew or meat. A good host, more-
over, made certain that the feet of a guest were
bathed on arrival as an act of courtesy and refresh-
ment to the traveler (Luke 7:36-50).
WATCHES OF THE NIGHT During the Ro-
man occupation of Palestine the Jews recognized four
watches of three hours each in the night; they were
designated as “even,” “midnight,” ‘“cock-crowing,”
and “morning” (Mark 13:35).

WATERPOTS Earthen jars that could be easily

borne on head or shoulder were used for carrying
water from wells or streams to the house. These were
emptied into the large stone waterpots used for stor-
ing water (John 2:6).
WAYFARING MAN A traveler, such as a mer-
chant, metal smith, or ordinary wanderer.

WEDDING The celebration that accompanied

a marriage was a very joyous and festive occasion,
lasting perhaps seven days. Great quantities of food
and wine were consumed and singing and dancing
engaged in (Judges 14).
WELL A pit dug about 20 feet into the earth WAYFARING MAN
or limestone rock where water would collect in it.
The mouth of a well was generally covered by a
stone, and sometimes a curb was built around it.
Jesus sat beside Jacob’s well at Sychar while con-
versing with the woman of Samaria (John 4:6). The
digging of a new well was a time for rejoicing and
singing. One of the oldest songs in existence is “The
Song of the Well” (Numbers 21:17, 18).
WILDERNESS The wilderness of Bible days
was a desolate, treeless area, with little vegetation
except after the rainy season. Only wild animals and
occasional groups of wandering people inhabited it.

WINEPRESS See: Press.

63
Ny (
WINNOWING
nels
A method of separating the ker-
of grain from the chaff after threshing. A
shovel, or fan, was used to throw the mixture into
‘| N\
; NS the air while the wind blew away the chaff leaving
the grain (Psalm 1:4).

WISE MEN See: Magi.

iSSa
NAN
!
= JAIN
i)
WORSHIP Respect, and high honor, and praise
WINNOWING to one who possesses divine qualities. The Hebrews
could worship only the one true God (Exodus 20:3;
Matt. 4:10).
WRITING In Egypt inscriptions in stone have
been found dating from about 5000 B.C. The oldest
known collection of narrative literature in the world

WT Wt
is in the form of clay tablets written in cuneiform
(wedge-shaped) characters by Sumerian inhabitants
of Babylonia about 4000 B.C. The Egyptians devel-
SKY RAIN oped a kind of picture writing called “hieroglyphic.”
See: Phoenicia; Cuneiform Writing.
= TO 8E

© SUN
WRITING
Y

YOKE (OX) A wooden crossbar with two bows

to go around the necks of two oxen. When yoked
together the oxen shared the burden of pulling a
heavy load.

aah
Z

ZACHARIAS The father of John the Baptist.

While Zacharias was on duty as priest in the Temple
an angel appeared to him and announced that his
YOKE (OX) wife Elizabeth would bear him a son, who would pre-
pare the people for the coming of the Lord (Luke
135-23).

ZEAL Great eagerness; enthusiasm.

ZION The head of rock on which stood the
Jebusite fortress which was captured by David and
renamed by him “Jerusalem.” The word Zion came
to designate the whole city of Jerusalem.

ZIONISM A modern movement to resettle Pales-

tine with Jews from everywhere and to make the
state of Israel a member of the world family of
nations. This was accomplished on May 14, 1948
when the Jewish National Council proclaimed the
Jewish state of Israel.

64
 —_ a =

Log

ae —_ ¥

<— 7