Bible and Christian Definitions / Dictionary

Sabbath: The day of rest ordained by God; A holy day of rest and worship (Ex. 20:8). The seventh day of the week, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Luke 23:52-54; Luke 23: 55, 56; Luke 24:1, 2; Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 16:1, 2; Mark 16:9; John 20:18-20. Sackbut: A medieval wind instrument (Dan 3:5, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15)). Sacrifice: An offering to God. In Bible times people sacrificed animals on altars in order to praise and thank God and to ask his forgiveness. The prophets declared that sacrifices were not as pleasing to God as a person’s justice, mercy and righteousness (Amos 5:21-27). See also burnt offering, offering.Sacrilege: Stealing what is consecrated to God (Rom 2:22).

Sadducees: A priestly group claiming to be the legitimate line from Zadok, the high priest under Solomon. They accepted only the written law and rejected the oral interpretations of it which the Pharisees had developed. The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection from the dead. Jesus warned his followers against the teaching of the Sadducees (Mat. 16:12; Ex. 5:17; Mk. 12:33; Heb. 9:26).

Saints: Holy people whose lives are consecrated to God. All the Christians belonging to a church or district were called saints, as the “saints at Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13), “the saints which dwelt at Lydda” (Acts 9:32), “all the saints which are in all Achaia” (2 Cor. 1:1).

Salvation: The saving of people from danger, evil, wrongdoing and/or eternal damnation. Jesus Christ is the Savior who brought salvation to all people who are willing to accept his sacrifice in faith (Acts 4:12; Ps. 25:5; 95:1; Lk. 3:6;Phil. 1:19; Tit. 2:11; Heb. 2:10).

Samaritan: A person from Samaria, the country between Judea and Galilee. In Jesus’ time the Jews had “no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9), for they disagreed about religious matters. But Jesus talked with a Samaritan woman (John 4:4-42) and on another occasion told a story about a good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

The Samaritans occupied the country formerly belonging to the tribe of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The capital of the country was Samaria, formerly a large and splendid city. When the ten tribes were carried away into captivity to Assyria, the king of Assyria sent people from Cutha, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim to inhabit Samaria (2 Kings 17:24; Ezra 4:2-11). These foreigners intermarried with the Israelite population that was still in and around Samaria. These “Samaritans” at first worshipped the idols of their own nations, but being troubled with lions, they supposed it was because they had not honored the God of that territory. A Jewish priest was therefore sent to them from Assyria to instruct them in the Jewish religion. They were instructed from the books of Moses, but still retained many of their idolatrous customs. The Samaritans embraced a religion that was a mixture of Judaism and idolatry (2 Kings 17:26-28). Because the Israelite inhabitants of Samaria had intermarried with the foreigners and adopted their idolatrous religion, Samaritans were generally considered “half-breeds” and were universally despised by the Jews.

Additional grounds for animosity between the Israelites and Samaritans were the following:

1. The Jews, after their return from Babylon, began rebuilding their temple. While Nehemiah was engaged in building the walls of Jerusalem, the Samaritans vigorously attempted to halt the undertaking (Nehemiah 6:1-14).

2. The Samaritans built a temple for themselves on “Mount Gerizim,” which the Samaritans insisted was designated by Moses as the place where the nation should worship. Sanballat, the leader of the Samaritans, established his son-in-law, Manasses, as high priest. The idolatrous religion of the Samaritans thus became perpetuated.

3. Samaria became a place of refuge for all the outlaws of Judea (Joshua 20:6-7; 21:21). The Samaritans willingly received Jewish criminals and refugees from justice. The violators of the Jewish laws, and those who had been excommunicated, found safety for themselves in Samaria, greatly increasing the hatred which existed between the two nations.

4. The Samaritans received only the five books of Moses and rejected the writings of the prophets and all the Jewish traditions.

Samson: A hero of the tribe of Dan, noted for his great strength (Judg. 13 – 16).

Samuel: The last “judge” of Israel; A prophet of the eleventh century B.C. The two Old Testament books of Samuelrecord his life and deeds and the history of Israel through the reigns of Solomon and David. The Lord calls Samuel (1 Sam. 3); Samuel anoints David (1 Sam. 16:11-13).

Sanctify: To make holy (1 Thes. 5:23).

Sanctuary: A building or place set apart for religious worship. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle (Ex. 25:8) or the temple (1 Chr. 22:19).

Sanhedrin: The term Sanhedrin is from a Greek word that means “assembly” or “council” and dates from the Hellenistic period, but the concept is one that goes back to the Bible. In the Torah, God commands Moses to “bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you” (Numbers 11:16). Also, in the sixteenth chapter of Deuteronomy, we read in verse 18, “You shall appoint for yourselves judges and officers in all your towns which the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.” The land was divided up among the tribes, and in those areas where tribes had their presence, there were towns and villages, and in every town and every village there was to be a court. If there were 120 men as heads of families, they had a local court there called a Sanhedrin. In smaller towns where there were not 120 men as heads of families, there were either three judges, if the town was very small, or seven judges who sat as a court, both judge and jury, in all legal matters.

The Great Sanhedrin was the supreme court of ancient Israel, made up of 70 men and the high priest. In the Second Temple period, the Great Sanhedrin met in the Temple in Jerusalem. The court convened every day except festivals and on the Sabbath. The Sanhedrin as a body claimed powers that lesser Jewish courts did not have. As such, they were the only ones who could try the king or extend the boundaries of the Temple and Jerusalem, and were the ones to whom all questions of law were finally put. The last binding decision of the Sanhedrin was in 358, when the Hebrew calendar was adopted. The Sanhedrin was dissolved after continued persecution by the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, there have been attempts to revive the institution, such as the Grand Sanhedrin convened by Napoleon Bonaparte.

In the New Testament, the Sanhedrin is best known for their part in the series of mock trials that resulted in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Sanhedrin began with an informal examination of Jesus before Annas, the acting high priest (John 18:12-14, 19-23), followed by a formal session before the entire Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68). There the decision was made to turn Jesus over the Roman authorities to be tried and crucified.

Sarah or Sarai: The wife of Abraham ; Mother of Isaac in accord with divine promise (Gen. 17:15-21; 18:1-15).

Satan: The Devil; The adversary of God and Christ (Mt. 12:26; Mk. 1:13; 3:23; 2 Cor. 2:11; Rev. 20:7).

Satiate: To fill to excess or satisfy (Jer 31:14, Jer 46:10).

Satyr: Male goat (Isa 13:21, Isa 34:14).

Saul: Son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin; First king over Israel. The prophet Samuel anoints him to be king (1 Sam. 10:1); He disobeys the Lord (1 Sam. 15); David enters his service (1 Sam. 16:14-23); He tries to kill David (1 Sam. 19:9, 10); David spares his life (1 Sam. 26:6-24).

Save: Besides, except for, or excluding (Joh 6:22, Joh 6:46).

Savior or Saviour: A title given to Jesus Christ because he brought salvation to all people (Luke 2:11). God is also called the Savior (Isa. 43:3; 2 Sam. 22:3; Isa. 45:21; Lk. 1:47; Jn. 4:42; Eph. 5:23; Phil. 3:20; Jude 25).

Savour: Taste (Exo 5:21; Mat 5:13); think, understand (Mat 16:23; Mar 8:33).

Scall: A sore or scab (Lev 13:30, Lev 14:54).

Scant: Skimped, meager (Mic 6:10).

Scrabbled: Rake, scrape, or snatch hurriedly (1 Sa 21:13).

Scribes: Men who copied, interpreted and taught the Scriptures. Ezra was the first recorded scribe in the Bible (Neh. 8:1). Jesus condemned the scribes of his day (Mark 12:38-40).

Scrip: A small bag, satchel, or purse (1 Sa 17:40; Luk 22:36).

Scripture or Scriptures: The sacred writings inspired by God (Mk. 12:10; Romans 1:2; Jn 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:16).

Scroll: Also called a roll or scrole. A roll of parchment or papyrus on which a book was written (Jer. 36:2). See also bulrushes.

Seal: An implement for stamping an impression on soft clay or wax; also the impression made by the seal. Ancient seals wee usually made from small stones and engraved with designs or words. Documents and merchandise such as jars of oil or bags of grain were stamped with a seal, which was the equivalent of a signature. When Jezebel wrote letters in her husband’s name, she sealed them with his royal seal (1 Ki. 21:8). Seals were often worn as rings and were sometimes called signets (Ex. 39:6).

Seemly: Fitting, proper or appropriate (Pro 19:10, Pro 26:1).

Seer: A person who predicts future events. In Israel’s early days a prophet was called a seer (1 Sam. 9:9).

Seethe: To boil or cook by boiling (Exo 16:23; Zec 14:21).

Selah: A Hebrew word of uncertain meaning found in Habakkuk 3:3, 9 and 13 and in certain Psalms, such as 3, 4 and 9. The word may have indicated a pause in the musical accompaniment of the Psalm.

Selvedge: The edge of woven fabric (Exo 26:4, Exo 36:11).

Semites: The people descended from Shem, the son of Noah (Gen. 5:32), or those speaking one of the Semetic languages.

Sephardic Jews (s’-FAHR-dic) or Sephardim (seh-fahr-DEEM): Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East and their descendants, who are culturally different from Jews with origins in other parts of the world. Jews from North Africa and the Middle East are often described separately as Mizrachi Jews. See Ashkenazic, Mizrachi & Sephardic Jews.

Septuagint: The Septuagint (also known as the LXX) is a translation of the Hebrew Bible into the Greek language. The name “Septuagint” comes from the Latin word for seventy. The tradition is that 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars were the translators behind the Septuagint. The Septuagint was translated in the third and second centuries B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt. As Israel was under the authority of Greece for several centuries, the Greek language became more and more common. By the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., most people in Israel spoke Greek as their primary language. That is why the effort was made to translate the Hebrew Bible into Greek – so that those who did not understand Hebrew could have the Scriptures in a language they could understand. The Septuagint represents the first major effort at translating a significant religious text from one language into another.

It is interesting to note that many of the New Testament quotes from the Hebrew Bible are taken from the Septuagint. As faithful as the Septuagint translators strived to be in accurately rendering the Hebrew text into Greek, some translational differences arose. In comparing the New Testament quotations of the Hebrew Bible, it is clear that the Septuagint was often used. This is the result of the fact that by the late 1st century B.C., and especially the 1st century A.D. – the Septuagint had “replaced” the Hebrew Bible as the Scriptures most people used. Since most people spoke and read Greek as their primary language, and the Greek authorities strongly encouraged the use of Greek, the Septuagint became much more common than the Hebrew Old Testament. The fact that the Apostles and New Testament authors felt comfortable, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, in using the Septuagint should give us assurance that a translation of the original languages of the Bible is still the authoritative Word of God.

Sepulchre: A tomb, grave, or burial place. The Holy Sepulchre is the place where Jesus’ body was laid (Mat. 23:27; 27:59-61; Gen 23:6; Rom 3:13).

Seraphim or Seraphs – The seraphim (fiery, burning ones) are angelic beings associated with the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God in the Temple when God called him to his prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-7). Isaiah 6:2-4 records, “Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.” Seraphs are angels who worship God continually.

Isaiah chapter 6 is the only place in the Bible that specifically mentions the seraphim. Each seraph had six wings. They used two to fly, two to cover their feet, and two to cover their faces (Isaiah 6:2). The seraphim flew about the throne on which God was seated, singing His praises as they called special attention to God’s glory and majesty. These beings apparently also served as agents of purification for Isaiah as he began his prophetic ministry. One placed a hot coal against Isaiah’s lips with the words, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7). Similar to the other types of holy angels, the seraphim are perfectly obedient to God. Similar to the cherubim, the seraphim are particularly focused on worshipping God.

Sermon on the Mount: Teachings given by Jesus to his disciples on a mountain (Mat. 5:1-7:27; 5:3 – 7:27). This lengthy sermon contains the Beatitudes, the Golden Rule, the Lord’s Prayer and a description of the qualities of a true disciple. A similar discourse in Luke 6:17-49 is called the “Sermon on the Plain”.

Serpent: A snake (Gen. 3:1). In Biblical usage, many times synonymous with “Satan” (Mk. 16:18; 2 Cor. 11:3; Rev. 20:2).

Servile: Befitting a slave or a menial position (Lev 23:7; Num 29:35).

Servitor: A servant, slave; one who provides a service (2 Ki 4:43).

Settle: A sitting place, or a raised platform (Eze 43:14, Eze 43:17, Eze 43:20, Eze 45:19).

Severally: Separately, individually (1 Co 12:11).

Sh’mah (Shema Yisrael): The Sh’mah is the Jewish confession of faith emphasizing their monotheistic belief.

The most well-known section of the Sh’mah prayer, recited in the synagogue at every morning and evening service, and often at bedtime, is taken from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and declared by the Messiah to be the most important commandment of all [Mark 12:29-30].

The Sh’mah: Sh’mah, Israel, YHVH Elohanu YHVH echad. Hear, O Israel, YHVH Elohanu (our El), YHVH (is) one. And you shall love YHVH Elohekka with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

According to tradition, the last letter of the first word, and the last letter of the last word, are written in large script on the Torah scroll. The combined two letters spell ayd, meaning “witness.” The Sh’mah expresses the purpose of Israel’s existence: to serve as a witness to the primacy of YHVH as the one and only Master of the universe.

Shadrach: The Babylonian name of one of Daniel’s companions (Dan. 1:7; 3:12).

Shambles: Tables for displaying goods; market (1 Co 10:25).

Shamefacedness: The state or quality of being ashamed; modest (1 Ti 2:9).

Share: To shear (1 Sa 13:20).

Shavu’ot : A Jewish holiday; Shavu’ot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah).

The period from Passover to Shavu’ot is a time of great anticipation. In Judaism, they count each of the days from the second day of Passover to the day before Shavu’ot, 49 days or 7 full weeks, hence the name of the festival. See The Counting of the Omer. The counting reminds us of the important connection between Passover and Shavu’ot: In Judaims, Passover freed the Jews physically from bondage, but the giving of the Torah on Shavu’ot redeemed them spiritually from their bondage to idolatry and immorality. Shavu’ot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th day; however, Shavu’ot has no particular similarity to the Christian holiday of Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after their Spring holiday.

Shavu’ot is not tied to a particular calendar date, but to a counting from Passover. Because the length of the months used to be variable, determined by observation (see Jewish Calendar), and there are two new moons between Passover and Shavu’ot, Shavu’ot could occur on the 5th or 6th of Sivan. However, now that we have a mathematically determined calendar, and the months between Passover and Shavu’ot do not change length on the mathematical calendar, Shavu’ot is always on the 6th of Sivan (the 6th and 7th outside of Israel. See Extra Day of Holidays.)

Work is not permitted during Shavu’ot. It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavu’ot and study Torah, then pray as early as possible in the morning.

Sheeba, Queen: A queen who came to test Solomon’s wisdom (1 Kgs. 10:1-13; 2 Chr. 9:1-12).

Shekel: An ancient coin. About .5 ounce (Exo 38:24, Exo 38:25).

Shem: The eldest son of Noah who stands as the ancestor of the Semites generally and of the Hebrews specifically (Gen. 5:32; 9:18-27; 10:21-31; Lk. 3:36).

Shema (shemah): Listen, hear (obey/do)

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: A Jewish holiday; Tiseihri 22, the day after the seventh day of Sukkot, is the holiday Shemini Atzeret. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret is also the holiday of Simchat Torah. Outside of Israel, where extra days of holidays are held, only the second day of Shemini Atzeret is Simchat Torah: Shemini Atzeret is Tishri 22 and 23, while Simchat Torah is Tishri 23.

These two holidays are commonly thought of as part of Sukkot, but that is technically incorrect; Shemini Atzeret is a holiday in its own right and does not involve some of the special observances of Sukkot. We do not take up the lulav and etrog on these days, and our dwelling in the sukkah is more limited, and performed without reciting a blessing.

Shemini Atzeret literally means “the assembly of the eighth (day).” Rabbinic literature explains the holiday this way: our Creator is like a host, who invites us as visitors for a limited time, but when the time comes for us to leave, He has enjoyed himself so much that He asks us to stay another day. Another related explanation: Sukkot is a holiday intended for all of mankind, but when Sukkot is over, the Creator invites the Jewish people to stay for an extra day, for a more intimate celebration.

Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in the Torah.” This holiday marks the completion of the annual cycle of weekly Torah readings. Each week in synagogue we publicly read a few chapters from the Torah, starting with Genesis Ch. 1 and working our way around to Deuteronomy 34. On Simchat Torah, we read the last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends.

Sheol: Hebrew word of uncertain etymology, synonym of “bor” (pit), “abaddon” and “shahat” (pit or destruction), and perhaps also of “tehom” (abyss); Refers to the realm of the dead The Greek translation of sheol is “hades”.

Shepherd: A man who guards sheep and leads them to pasture. Abel was the first shepherd (Gen. 4:2). One of the best-known Psalms describes God as a shepherd (Ps. 23; Jn. 10:7-18; Lk. 2:8; Jn. 10:16; Heb. 13:20).

Sherd: Shard, fragment (Isa 30:14; Eze 23:34).

Shield: A broad piece of metal, wood or leather carried on the left arm in battle to protect a man’s body from arrows and spears. The New Testament mentions a shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).

Shiloh: A city of Ephraim, 10 miles North East of Bethel; Site of the ark of the testimony and the tabernacle from the time of Joshua to Samuel.

Shittim: Acacia tree (Exo 25:5; Isa 41:19).

Shivers: Chips, splinters, or slivers (Rev 2:27).

Shod: Wearing shoes or furnished with shoes (2 Ch 28:15; Eze 16:10; Eph 6:15).

Shroud: Cover, shelter (Eze 31:3).

Sign: An unusual event believed to point to the future; an omen. The rainbow after the flood was a sign of God’s covenant with his people (Gen. 9:13). An angel spoke of “a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” as a “sign” (Luke 2:12). Jesus’ miracles were called “signs” (Mat. 12:38-39).

Signet: See seal.

Silas or Silvanus: One of the earliest of the apostolic missionaries, associated with both Paul (Acts 16:19; 1 Thes. 1:1; 2:1, 2) and Peter (1 Pet. 5:12).

Silly: Simple, foolish (Hos 7:11; 2 Ti 3:6).

Silverlings: A piece of money made of silver (Isa 7:23).

Simeon: The name of six persons in the Bible, including: 1) The second son of Jacob, by Leah (Gen. 29:33); Ancestor of the tribe of Simeon. 2) A devout man who blessed the infant Jesus when His parents presented Him in the temple (Lk. 2:25-35).

Similitude: Likeness, image, or resemblance (Num 12:8).

Simon: The name of nine persons in the New Testament, including: 1) Simon Peter – See Peter (Mt. 16:17, 18; Jn. 1:42). 2) Simon the Zealot – Also one of the 12 apostles (Lk. 6:15). 3) Simon the Pharisee, in whose home Jesus was anointed by the sinful woman (Lk. 7:36-50). 4) Simon the Leper, in whose home Jesus was anointed by Mary (Mk. 14:3-9; Jn. 12:1-8). 5) Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry Jesus’s cross (Mt. 27:32; Mk. 15:21; Lk. 23:26). 6) Simon the sorcerer, who offered money to Peter and John for the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-24).

Simple: Ignorant, without guile, innocent (Pro 9:4; Rom 16:19).

Sin or Sinner: Anything a person does that is contrary to the will of God. Some sins are done intentionally or without thinking or awareness (Lev. 4:2), while others are done voluntary or purposely (Lev. 6:1-7; James 4:17; Deut. 24:16;Isa. 59:12; Mt. 9:6; Mk. 2:7; Lk. 5:21; Jn. 1:29; 8:7; Gal. 1:4; 1 Kgs. 8:46; Ezek. 18:4; Jn. 5:14; 1 Jn. 3:9; Ps. 1:1;Mt. 9:11; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 5:30; Mt. 9:13; Mk. 2:17; Lk. 5:7; 18:13; Isa. 1:4; Rom. 8:3).

Sinai, Mount: See Mount Sinai.

Sith: Since (Eze 35:6).

Sixscore: 120 (6 times 20) (1 Ki 9:14; Jon 4:11).

Sleight: An artful trick; cunning, or skill (Eph 4:14).

Slime: Mud, bitumen (Gen 11:3, Gen 14:10; Exo 2:3).

Sling: A device for throwing stones. David killed Goliath with a stone shot from a sling (1 Sam. 17:49-50).

Sluices: A dam for water; barrier (Isa 19:10).

Snuffed: To inhale, draw up, smell (Jer 14:6; Mal 1:13).

Sod: Cook, boil (Gen 25:29; 2 Ch 35:13).

Sodom: One of the two cities destroyed by the Lord because of their wickedness (Gen. 19:24-28).

Sodering: Soldering (Isa 41:7).

Sojourn or Sojourner: Dwell for a period (Gen 12:10). A person of another race living among the Hebrews; a foreigner, stranger or Gentile (1 Chr. 29:15).

Solace: To comfort, sooth, console (Pro 7:18).

Solomon: Son of David and Bathsheba ; Third king of Israel; Under his reign, the kingdom reached its zenith; Noted for his wisdom (1 Kgs. 3:16-28) and his gift of expressing himself. The Old Testament books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, and Psalms 72 and 127 are attributed to him. He built the temple (1 Kgs. 6 – 7; 2 Chr. 3); Was visited by the queen of Sheba (1 Kgs. 10:1-13; 2 Chr. 9:1-12).

Son of God: The Second Being of the Trinity; Christ (Mt. 3:17; 17:5; Mk. 1:11; Lk. 9:35; Mt. 16:16; Jn. 6:69; Jn. 1:34; Jn. 3:16).

Son of Man: Any human being (Ps. 8:4); The prophet Ezekiel (used throughout the Old Testament book of Ezekiel); In the Gospels, Jesus uses “Son of Man” as a self-designation, particularly in the passages relating to the Parousia.

Soothsayer: One who claims to foretell future events (Jos 13:22; Isa 2:6; Dan 2:27).

Sop: Bread dipped in liquid before being eaten (Joh 13:26, Joh 13:30).

Sottish: To be foolish or stupid (Jer 4:22).

Soul: The real beingliving within the body, or a person’s entire spiritual being (Gen 2:7; Deut. 30:2; Isa. 55:3;Ezek. 18:4; Mt. 10:28; Mk. 8:36; Rom. 13:1). See also spirit.

Sow or Sowing: Planting or scattering seeds. In the parable of the sower seed falls on four different kinds of ground (Mark 4:3-20).

Span: A measure of length (Ex. 28:16). It was the distance between the end of the thumb and the end of the little finger when extended, or about nine inches. Two spans equal one cubit.

Speaking In Tongues: Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit when a person speaks in a language that is unknown to him (Mk. 16:17; Acts 10:46; 19:6; 1 Cor. 12, 13 and 14; Isa. 28:11).

Spices: Fragrant-smelling or sharp-tasting vegetable products such as pepper, cloves or nard. Spices were used in food, cosmetics and incense, as well as in the preparation of bodies for burial (Mark 16:1).

Spin: To draw out fibers of wool or flax and twist them into a thread (Mat. 6:28).

Spirit: The eternal “breath” of life; the opposite of the “flesh” (Rom. 7; Ps. 31:5; Prov. 16:18; Mt. 26:41; Mk. 14:38;Heb. 12:23). “Ruakh” (roo’-akh) in Hebrew (spirit/breath/life) ??????. “Pneuma” in Greek (spirit/breath/life).

Spirit of the Lord or Spirit of God: See Holy Ghost.

Spring: Dawn (Jdg 19:25; 1 Sa 9:26).

Staff: A long wooden pole on which a shepherd leans to rest (Ps. 23:4).

Stanched: To stop (Luk 8:44).

Stay: Support; hold up (Psa 18:18; Isa 3:1; Lev 13:5).

Stead: Place (Gen 30:2; 2 Co 5:20).

Steadfast or Stedfast: Unchanging, firmly fixed (Ps. 78:8).

Stephen: The first Christian martyr; One of the seven men chosen by the apostles for the special “service of tables”; His death was the signal for a general persecution of the Christians (Acts 6:1 – 8:3).

Steward: The manager of a large household or estate. Two parables told by Jesus are about stewards (Luke 12:42-48; 16:1-8; 1 Cor. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:10).

Stomacher: An embroidered garment; corset (Isa 3:24).

Straightway: Immediately or right away (1 Sa 9:13; Jam 1:24).

Strait: To be narrow, tight, or close (1 Sa 13:6; Phi 1:23).

Strakes: A streak or a stripe (Gen 30:37; Lev 14:37).

Strawed: Strewed, scattered (Exo 32:20; Mat 21:8).

Stripling: A youth or young person (1 Sa 17:56).

Suborned: To procure secretly, bribe, or obtain by corrupt or counterfeit means (Act 6:11).

Subtil: Cunning (Gen 3:1; Mat 26:4).; insight, perception (Pro 1:4).

Succour: To help, aid, assist (2 Sa 8:5, 2 Sa 18:3; Heb 2:18).

Suffer: To allow, permit, tolerate (Exo 12:23; Rev 11:9).

Sukkot (sue-coat): A Jewish holiday; The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day after Yom Kippur. It is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays in our year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as Z’man Simchateinu Z’mn Simchateinu (in Hebrew), the Season of our Rejoicing.

Sukkot is the last of the Shalosh R’galim (three pilgrimage festivals). Like Passover and Shavu’ot, Sukkot has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. Agriculturally, Sukkot is a harvest festival and is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif Chag Ha-Asif (in Hebrew), the Festival of Ingathering.

The word “Sukkot” means “booths,” and refers to the temporary dwellings that we are commanded to live in during this holiday in memory of the period of wandering. The Hebrew pronunciation of Sukkot is “Sue COAT,” but is often pronounced as in Yiddish, to rhyme with “BOOK us.” The name of the holiday is frequently translated “Feast of Tabernacles,” which, like many translations of Jewish terms, isn’t very useful. This translation is particularly misleading, because the word “tabernacle” in the Bible refers to the portable Sanctuary in the desert, a precursor to the Temple, called in Hebrew “mishkan.” The Hebrew word “sukkah” (plural: “sukkot”) refers to the temporary booths that people lived in, not to the Tabernacle.

Sukkot lasts for seven days. The two days following the festival, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, are separate holidays but are related to Sukkot and are commonly thought of as part of Sukkot.

The festival of Sukkot is instituted in Leviticus 23:33 et seq. In Judaism, no work is permitted on the first and second days of the holiday. Work is permitted on the remaining days. These intermediate days on which work is permitted are referred to as Chol Ha-Mo’ed, as are the intermediate days of Passover.

Sunder: To separate, divide, or sever (Psa 46:9; Isa 27:9; Luk 12:46).

Sundry: Separate, various, or diverse (Heb 1:1).

Sup: To have taken food to eat (Hab 1:9; Luk 17:8; Rev 3:20).

Superfluity: To be excessive, overflowing, or unnecessary (Jam 1:21; Lev 21:18; 2 Co 9:1).

Supper, Last: See Last Supper.

Supple: To soften, easily bent (Eze 16:4).

Suppliants: Petition, pray, or beseech (Zep 3:10).

Surfeiting: Gluttony, overindulgence, or excess (Luk 21:34).

Surmisings: Allegations, suspicions, or suppositions (1 Ti 6:4).

Swaddling or Swaddling Cloths: Pieces of material in which newborn babies were wrapped. The chief piece was a square cloth on which the infant was placed diagonally. The corners were folded over his sides and up over his feet, making a bundle that was tied with swaddling bands (Luke 2:7, 12).

Swine: Pigs or hogs. The Hebrews did not eat these animals, which were believed to be ceremonially “unclean.” The prodigal son reached his lowest state when he tended swine (Luke 15:15-16).

Sycamore or Sycomore: A shade tree yielding a fig-like fruit. Amos was a dresser of sycamore trees and made cuts in the figs in order to ripen them (Amos 7:14). Biblical sycamores growing on the coastal plains of Palestine (1 Ki. 10:27) are different from the American sycamore or plan tree.

Synagogue (SIN-uh-gahg): From a Greek root meaning “assembly.” The most widely accepted term for a Jewish house of worship. The Jewish equivalent of a church, mosque or temple; An assembly or congregation of Jews organized for worship and instruction; also the building used by this assembly (Mark 1:21). After the exile there were many synagogues for worship and instruction, but sacrifices could only be offered in the temple in Jerusalem (Acts 13:5).

Tabering: The beating or striking of anything (Nah 2:7).Tabernacle: Tent, dwelling. Tile tent used as a place of worship by the Hebrews during their years in the wilderness (Exo 26; 39:32; Mat 17:4).Tabernacle, Feast Of: One of the three great joyous festivals of the Jewish year; Held in autumn at the end of the harvest; Celebrates a renewal of the covenant and recalls the wilderness pilgrimage (Ex. 23:16; Lev. 23:34-36; Deut. 16:13-15). Also called “Feast of Booths” (Lev. 23:42); “The Feast of Ingathering” (Ex. 23:16; 34:22).

Table: Writing tablet (Luk 1:63; 2 Co 3:3).

Tables of the Law: Stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were engraved (Ex. 24:12). See also ark of the covenant.

Tablets: Ornaments, necklace, jewelry (Exo 35:22; Num 31:50; Isa 3:20).

Taches: Fasteners; hooks (Exo 26:6, Exo 39:33).

Tale: A number or quantity (Exo 5:8, Exo 5:18; 1 Sa 18:27; 1 Ch 9:28).

Talent: An ancient unit of money; In the Old Testamen: 3,000 shekels, 94 Lbs (Exo. 38:24); In the New Testament: 60 pounds (Luk 19:13; Mat. 25:14-30).

Tallit: The tallit (tall-eet) or tallis (tall-us) is a large rectangular shawl made of wool, cotton or synthetic fibers. In each of the four corners of the shawl are strings tied in a particular pattern, called tzitzit. The origin of the tzitzit is biblical; the practice is prescribed in Numbers 15. The precept is to put these strings on the four corners of one’s garment — in ancient tradition, with a single strand of blue as well–as a reminder of the duties and obligations of a Jew. Since we no longer wear four-cornered garments, the tallit is worn specifically to fulfill the biblical precept.

Traditionally, men wear a tallit during morning services; in non-Orthodox synagogues, many women also wear a tallit. In some Orthodox congregations, only married men wear a tallit. One may see people gathering the tzitzit in their left hand and kissing them when the paragraph from the Torah referring to them is recited.

Talmud: The word “Talmud” is a Hebrew word meaning “learning, instruction.” The Talmud is a central text of mainstream Judaism and consists primarily of discussions and commentary on Jewish history, law (especially its practical application to life), customs and culture. The Talmud consists of what are known as the Gemara and the Mishnah.

In addition to the inspired written Hebrew scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament, Judaism has an “Oral Torah” which is a tradition explaining what these scriptures mean and how to interpret them and apply the laws. Orthodox Jews believe God taught this Oral Torah to Moses, and to others, down to the present day. This tradition was maintained only in oral form until about the 2nd century A.D., when the oral law was compiled and written down in a document called the Mishnah. Over the next few centuries, additional commentaries elaborating on the Mishnah were written down in Jerusalem and Babylon. These additional commentaries are known as the Gemara. The Gemara and the Mishnah together are known as the Talmud. This was completed in the 5th century A.D.

Tanakh: Though the terms “Bible” and “Old Testament” are commonly used by non-Jews to describe Judaism’s scriptures, the appropriate term is Tanakh (or “Tanach,”). The “Hebrew Bible”, also known as Mikra (“what is read”) or TaNaKh, is an acronym referring to the traditional Jewish division of the Bible into Torah (Teaching), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

The “T” is for the “Torah”. The Torah is the first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). The “N” is “Nevi’im”. The Nevi’im is the prophet books (Joshua, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc). The “K” is for “Ketuvim” . The Ketuvim is the writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ruth, Chronicles, etc).

Tanner: A person who converts animal skins into leather. Peter stayed in the house of a tanner in Jopa (Acts 9:43).

Tares: Any kind of weed (Mat 13:25).

Targets: A small shield or buckler (1 Sa 17:6; 1 Ki 10:16; 2 Ch 9:15).

Teats: The nipple on the breast (Isa 32:12; Eze 23:3, Eze 23:21).

Teil: The linden or lime tree (Isa 6:13).

Tell: To count, reckon, or name numerically (Gen 15:5; Psa 22:17, Psa 48:12).

Temple: The place of Jewish worship and sacrifice in Jerusalem. Three temples were built in succession on the same site. The first was Solomon’s Temple, erected about 950 B.C. and destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 B.C. The second temple was Zerubbabel’s, built after the exile in 515 B.C. This structure was enlarged by Herod the Great, beginning about 20 B.C. It was still in the process of being built when Jesus cleansed it. The Romans destroyed it in A.D. 70, leaving only one wall of huge limestone blocks called “the Jews’ Wailing Wall.” Today the site is occupied by the Moslem Dome of the Rock. (1 Kings 5 – 8; Ps. 11:4; Mt. 26:61; 27:40; Mk. 15:29; Jn. 2:19)

Tempt or Temptation: Try, test (Gen 22:1; Mat 4:7); An attempt to get someone to do something wrong; A test of character. (Mt. 6:13; Lk. 11:4)

Temptations of Jesus: Math. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13.

Tent Maker: A person who weaves goat’s hair cloth for tents. Tentmaking was Paul’s trade (Acts 18:3).

Teraphim: Idols, images, or gods (Jdg 17:5, Jdg 18:14, Jdg 18:17, Jdg 18:18, Jdg 18:20; Hos 3:4).

Terrestrial: Earthly, worldly; pertaining to land (1 Co 15:40).

Testimony: The divine law, especially the Ten Commandments; Witness (Isa. 8:20; Jn. 21:24; Rev. 1:2).

Tetragrammaton: The four letters YHWH forming the sacred name of the Supreme Deity (God). Whenever the words “Lord” and “God” appear in large and small capital letters in the Old Testament, the original Hebrew text uses YHWH.

Tetrarch: One of four rulers (Mat 14:1; Luk 1:1; Act 13:1).

Thaddaeus: One of the twelve apostles of Jesus (Mk. 3:18), also called Lebbaeus (Mt. 10:3) and probably Judas. See Judas.

Thee: The second person, singular pronoun; you (Gen 3:11; Rev 21:9).

Thence: From that time, date, or place (Gen 2:10; 2Co 2:13).

Thessalonica or Thessalonians: An important city of Macedonia where Paul and his associates founded an early Christian church. The two New Testament epistles to the Thessalonians were among the earliest written by Paul.

Thine: The possessive case of the second person (Gen 13:14; Exo 4:4; Rev 3:18).

Thither: There, toward that place (Gen 29:30; Act 25:4).

Thomas: One of the 12 apostles; His incredulity of Jesus’ resurrection gained him the name “doubting Thomas” (Mt. 10:3; Mk. 3:18; Lk. 6:15; Jn. 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-29; Acts. 1:13).

Thorns: Various plants and bushes with sharp-pointed branches or spikes; also the spikes themselves. Many varieties of thorns grow in the Holy Land, where they choke out crops (Mark 4:7). In Old Testament times thorns were cut down and burned as fuel (Eccl. 7:6). A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus’ head (Mark 15:17).

Thou: Personal pronoun of the second person singular (Gen 2:16; Jam 2:22; Rev 22:9).

Thought: Anxiety; worry (Mat 6:25).

Threshing: Separating grain from its stalk. Sheaves of grain were spread on a threshing floor and beaten with a stick or trampled by oxen dragging a threshing sledge. The stone threshing floor, or threshing place, in Jerusalem that David bought from Araunah became the site of an altar and later of the temple (2 Sam. 24:16-24). See also chaff, winnow.

Thrice: Three times in succession (Exo 34:23; 2 Co 12:8).

Timothy: A trusted companion and assistant of Paul, from the early part of the latter’s second missionary journey. According to tradition the two epistles to Timothy were written near the close of Paul’s life.

Tisha B’Av: A Jewish holiday; Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the Ninth of Av, is a day of mourning to commemorate the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, many of which have occurred on the ninth of Av.

Tisha B’Av means “the ninth (day) of Av.” It occurs in July or August. Tisha B’Av primarily commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, both of which were destroyed on the ninth of Av (the first by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E.; the second by the Romans in 70 C.E.).

Although this holiday is primarily meant to commemorate the destruction of the Temple, it is appropriate to consider on this day the many other tragedies of the Jewish people, many of which occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 and from England in 1290.

Tishri: The seventh month of the Jewish year, during which many important holidays occur.

Tithe: The tenth part of one’s income paid to support God’s work (Lev. 27:30-32).

Titus: A gentile Christian associate of Paul (2 Cor. 7:5-7); According to Titus 1:4, 5, Paul wrote the letter bearing his name in order to encourage him in his work in the churches of Crete.

Tongues: See Speaking In Tongues.

Torah:  In its most limited sense (and historically), “Torah” refers to the Five Books of Moses (The first five books of the Hebrew Bible): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

The word “torah” sometime is used to refer to the entire Jewish bible (the body of scripture known to non-Jews as the Old Testament and to Jews as the Tanakh or Written Torah), or in its broadest sense, to the whole body of Jewish law and teachings.

To Jews, there is no “Old Testament.” The books that Christians call the New Testament are not part of Jewish scripture. The “Old Testament” is known to Jews as Written Torah or the Tanakh.

Written Torah is often referred to as the Tanakh, which is an acrostic of Torah, Nevi’im and Ketuvim.

Below is a list of the books of Written Torah, in the order in which they appear in Jewish translations, with the Hebrew name of the book, a translation of the Hebrew name (where it is not the same as the English name), and English names of the books (where it is not the same as the Hebrew name). The Hebrew names of the first five books are derived from the first few words of the book. The text of each book is more or less the same in Jewish translations as what you see in Christian bibles, although there are some occasional, slight differences in the numbering of verses and there are some significant differences in the translations.

TORAH (The Law):

• Bereishith (In the beginning…) (Genesis)
• Shemoth (The names…) (Exodus)
• Vayiqra (And He called…) (Leviticus)
• Bamidbar (In the wilderness…) (Numbers)
• Devarim (The words…) (Deuteronomy)

NEVI’IM (The Prophets):

• Yehoshua (Joshua)
• Shoftim (Judges)
• Shmuel (I &II Samuel)
• Melakhim (I & II Kings)
• Yeshayah (Isaiah)
• Yirmyah (Jeremiah)
• Yechezqel (Ezekiel)
• The Twelve (treated as one book):
  • Hoshea (Hosea)
  • Yoel (Joel)
  • Amos
  • Ovadyah (Obadiah)
  • Yonah (Jonah)
  • Mikhah (Micah)
  • Nachum
  • Chavaqquq (Habbakkuk)
  • Tzefanyah (Zephaniah)
  • Chaggai
  • Zekharyah (Zechariah)
  • Malakhi

KETHUVIM / KETUVIM (The Writings):

• Tehillim (Psalms)
• Mishlei (Proverbs)
• Iyov (Job)
• Shir Ha-Shirim (Song of Songs)
• Ruth
• Eikhah (Lamentations)
• Qoheleth (the author’s name) (Ecclesiastes)
• Esther
• Daniel
• Ezra & Nechemyah (Nehemiah) (treated as one book)
• Divrei Ha-Yamim (The words of the days) (Chronicles)

Transfiguration: Jesus’ glorious and radiant change in appearance; Witnessed by three disciples (Mt. 17:1-9; Mk. 9:2-10; Lk. 9:28-36; 2 Pet. 1:16-18).

Transgression: A sin; Rebellion against God’s will (Rom. 5:14).

Trespass: An offense against God or man. In the Old Testament an animal sacrifice was made for a trespass offering (Lev. 6:6; Mt. 6:14).

Trinity: The three divine beings (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) united in the one Supreme Divine Being (Deut. 6:4;Isa. 45:5; John 10:30; 12:44, 45; 14:9, 16-20, 23; Rom. 8:9, 11, 26; Heb. 9:14, 15; Mt. 1:20; 12:32; 28:19; Lk. 1:35; 12:10; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14).

Thummin: See Urim.

Thy: Second person, singular pronoun (Gen 13:10; Rev 22:9).

Thyine: Wood from the thya tree (Rev 18:12).

Timbrel: A musical instrument like a small drum or tambourine. It was beaten by women and girls while they danced and sang. Examples are Miriam (Ex. 15:20) and Jephthah’s daughter (Judg. 11:34) (Job 21:12; Psa 81:2).

Tire: Apparel, clothing, a head-dress (Eze 24:17).

Tithe: A tenth part of a person’s income set aside for a special use, usually as a gift to God (Num. 18:21-32; Deut. 14:22-29; Luk 11:42).

Tittle: The marks in writing (Mat 5:18; Luk 16:17).

Tow: The fibers of flax (Jdg 16:9; Isa 1:31, Isa 43:17).

Torah: The Torah (/‘t??r??‘to?r?/; Hebrew: , “Instruction, Teaching”), or Jewish Written Law, consists of the five books of the Hebrew Bible – known more commonly to non-Jews as the “Old Testament” – that were given by G-d to Moses on Mount Sinai and include within them all of the biblical laws of Judaism. The Torah is also known as the Chumash, Pentateuch (/‘p?nt??tu?k, –?tju?k/) or Five Books of Moses.

The word “Torah” has multiple meanings including: A scroll made from kosher animal parchment, with the entire text of the Five Books of Moses written on it; the text of the Five Books of Moses, written in any format; and, the term “Torah” can mean the entire corpus of Jewish law. This includes the Written and the Oral Law.

Traffick: To trade, engage in commerce (Gen 42:34; 1 Ki 10:15; Eze 17:4).

Transfigured: Changed, glorified illuminated. Peter, James and John saw Jesus transfigured (Mark 9:2).

Transgress: To break the law (Num. 14:41).

Translate: To transfer, convey, transport (Heb 11:5; Col 1:13; Heb 11:5).

Travail: Work, labour (Gen 38:27; Isa 53:11).

Trespass: Sin, transgress (Gen 50:17; Mat 18:15).

Tribulation: Trouble, suffering, persecution (Rom. 5:3).

Trow: Trust, believe, accept (Luk 17:9).

Trumpet: A musical instrument with a bell-shaped end and a long tube into which the player blows. Two silver trumpets summoned the people to the tabernacle in the wilderness (Num. 10:2-3). Trumpets made of flattened rams’ horns were blown by priests marching around Jericho (Josh. 6:13). Ram’s horn trumpets or shophars are still blown in synagogues on the Day of Atonement.

Truth: A proven sincerity, verity, honesty; Righteousness (Deut. 32:4; Jn. 8:32; Jn. 14:6; Jn. 16:13).

Tselem: Being made in the image of God; Idol or image.

Tumult: Noise and confusion of a crowd of people (1 Sam. 4:14).

Tu B’Shevat: A Jewish holiday; Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as the New Year for Trees. The word “Tu” is not really a word; it is the number 15 in Hebrew, as if you were to call the Fourth of July “Iv July” (IV being 4 in Roman numerals). See Hebrew Alphabet for more information about using letters as numbers and why the number 15 is written this way.

Judaism has several different “new years.” This is not as strange a concept as it sounds at first blush; in America, we have the calendar year (January-December), the school year (September-June), and many businesses have fiscal years. It’s basically the same idea with the various Jewish new years.

Tu B’Shevat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. See Lev. 19:23-25, which states that fruit from trees may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year’s fruit is for G-d, and after that, you can eat the fruit. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B’Shevat, so if you planted a tree on Shevat 14, it begins its second year the next day, but if you plant a tree two days later, on Shevat 16, it does not reach its second year until the next Tu B’Shevat. Tu B’Shevat is not mentioned in the Torah.

Turtledove: A bird related to doves and pigeons. Turtledoves were often offered as sacrifices to the Lord (Lev. 5:7).

Twain: Two (1 Sa 18:21; Eph 2:15).

Twined: To be twisted, wrapped, or plaited together (Exo 26:1, Exo 39:29).

Tzedekah (ze-dah-kah): Righteousness; justice; charity.

Unawares: Unknowingly, unexpectedly (Gen 31:20; Jud 1:4).Unclean: Ceremonially impure. Under Old Testament law certain foods, such as pork, and certain acts, such as touching something dead, made a person “unclean” (Lev. 10:10).Unction: Anointing; divine or sanctifying grace (1 Jo 2:20).

Untoward: To be corrupt, improper, or perverse in the AV (Act 2:40).

Upbraid: To rebuke, condemn, or scold (Jdg 8:15; Mat 11:20).

Ur: An ancient city of the Euphrates, called “Ur of the Chaldees”; Home of Abraham (Gen. 11:28).

Urim and Thummim: Unknown objects, possibly small carved stones, worn by the high priest “in the breastplate of judgment” (Ex. 28:30). They used to cast sacred lots (something like tossing a coin today) (1 Sam. 14:41; Ezra 2:63).

Usurp: Hold in possession without right (1 Ti 2:12).

Usury: Interest on money (Exo 22:25; Luk 19:23).

Uttermost: Outermost; last (Exo 26:4; Mat 5:26).

Uzziah: The name of three persons in the Old Testament, one of them king of Judah (c. 783-742 B.C.).

Vagabond: Fugitive, wanderer (Gen 4:12; Act 19:13).Vail, Veil: Curtain; divider (Exo 26:31; Mat 27:51).Vale: A valley (Gen 14:3; 2 Ch 1:15; Jer 33:13).

Valour: Importance, boldness, or determination (Jdg 3:29; Neh 11:14).

Vanity: Futility; Emptiness (Eccl. 1:2).

Variableness: Changeable (Jam 1:17).

Variance: Dissension or controversy (Mat 10:35; Gal 5:20).

Vaunt: To brag, boast, gloat (1 Co 13:4).

Vehement: Vigorous, violent, or intense (Son 8:6; Jon 4:8; 2 Co 7:11).

Vein: A mineral deposit (Job 28:1).

Venison: The flesh of a beast of prey (Gen 25:28).

Venture: A happening or event involving chance, risk (1 Ki 22:34; 2 Ch 18:33).

Verily: Truly, really, or indeed (Gen 42:21; 1 Jo 2:5).

Verity: Truth or an established fact (Psa 111:7; 1 Ti 2:7).

Vermilion: A bright red pigment (Jer 22:14; Eze 23:14).

Vestments: Garments, robes (2 Ki 10:22).

Vesture: Clothing or something that covers (Deu 22:12; Psa 22:18; Mat 27:35).

Vex: To trouble, afflict, or agitate (Lev 19:33; Isa 11:13).

Vexation: Trouble, distress, affliction (Deu 28:20; Ecc 4:6).

Victuals: Food, sustenance, or provisions (Exo 12:39, 2 Ch 11:11).

Vile: Wicked (Rom 1:26); lowly (Phi 3:21); filthy (Jam 2:2).

Vineyard: A place where grapevines are planted and grapes are gathered Vineyards are the subject of two famous Bible stories (1 Ki. 21:1-19; Mark 12:1-11).

Viol: An instrument similar to a violin (Isa 5:12; Amo 6:5).

Virtue: Worth, goodness, morality (Mar 5:30; Phi 4:8; 2 Pe 1:3).

Visage: The face, countenance, or appearance of a person (Isa 52:14; Lam 4:8; Dan 3:19).

Vision: Something seen, not with the eyes, but in the mind, as during a dream or trance. Certain people received a message from God in visions (Isa. 6; Isa. 28:7; Daniel 2:19; Jer. 1:13-15; Ezek. 37:1-14; Mt. 17:9; Acts 10:9-20).

Vow: A solemn promise, especially one made to God (Num. 30:2).

Wages: The payment for services (Lk. 3:14; Rom. 6:23).Want: Lacking or deficient (Deu 28:48; Phi 4:11).Wanton: Undisciplined, unruly, extravagant (Isa 3:16; 1 Ti 5:11; Jam 5:5).

Wax: Growing or increasing in size or number (Exo 22:24; Heb 1:11).

Way: The direction; Path; Man’s mode of living (Ps. 1:6; Prov. 22:6; Isa. 40:3; Mt. 3:3; Mk. 1:3; Lk. 3:4; Jn. 1:23;Jn. 14:6).

Wayfaring: A traveler or wanderer (Jdg 19:17; 2 Sa 12:4; Jer 9:2).

Waymarks: Guideposts (Jer 31:21).

Well: A spring with its surrounding pool of water, or a pit dug in the ground to collect water. Wells played a part in the stories of many people, such as Rebekah (Gen. 24:11-21), Moses (Ex. 2:15-20), David (2 Sam. 23:15-17) and Jesus (John 4:5-15).

Wen: A lump, tumor, cyst (Lev 22:22).

Wench: A young girl, a maid, or a young women (2 Sa 17:17).

Whence: From what place (Gen 16:8; Rev 7:13).

Whet: To sharpen (Deu 32:41; Psa 7:12; Ecc 10:10).

Whilst: While (Jdg 6:31; Heb 10:33).

Whit: The least amount (Deu 13:16; 1 Sa 3:18; Joh 7:23).

Wilderness: A barren region whee few people live and scarcely any plants grow except after the rainy season. The people of Israel lived for 40 years in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2). John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea (Mat. 3:1), and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days (Mat. 4:1-2).

Wiles: Tricks, deceits, deception (Num 25:18; Eph 6:11).

Will: Desire; Something wished (Mt. 6:10; Lk. 11:2; Lk. 2:14).

Wimples: Garment to cover the head and neck (Isa 3:22).

Winnow: To separate the kernels of grain from the chaff. When a farmer throws his threshed wheat into the air with a shovel or wooden fork, the wind blows away the light chaff, while the heavier grain falls to the ground (Ruth 3:2).See also threshing.

Wise: Way or manner (Exo 22:23; Rev 21:27).

Wist: Knew (Exo 16:15; Mar 9:6; Luk 2:49).

Wit: To know (Gen 24:21; 2 Co 8:1).

Withal: Therewith or with (Exo 25:29; Phi 1:22).

Witness: A person who has firsthand knowledge of an event or a fact, and then tells about it. The ninth commandment forbids bearing false witness against (or lying about) a neighbor (Ex. 20:16). The apostles were witnesses of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 24:48) and of his resurrection (Acts 2:32); Someone or something that bears testimony to the truthfulness of a statement or to the occurrence of a happening (Gen. 31:44; Mt. 24:14; Rom. 1:9).

Withs: Cords, ropes (Jdg 16:7).

Wont: Accustomed to, used to (Exo 21:29; Act 16:13).

Word: Something that is spoken, such as a saying, command, message, request or promise. “The Word of the Lord” means God’s will or purpose as revealed in laws, prophecies, visions or teachings (Gen. 15:1; Ex. 20:1; Prov. 25:11;Isa. 2:3). Jesus was declared to be the Word (John 1:1, 14).

Word or Word Of God or Word Of The Lord: God’s revealed will; A title of Christ (Jn. 1:1; Rev. 19:13); The Holy Scriptures (Deut. 30:14; Rom. 10:8; Ps. 33:6; Jer. 29:20; Lk. 8:21; Rev. 1:9).

Work or Works: Labor; Effort; Deeds (Gen. 2:2; Ps. 8:3; Jn. 5:17; Rom. 8:28; Gal. 5:6).

Worship: To honor; To show reverence for (Ex. 34:14; Ps. 99:5; Mt. 4:10; Lk. 4:8; Jn. 4:20).

Wot: Know (Exo 32:1; Gen 39:8; Act 3:17; Rom 11:2).

Wrath: Great anger, especially God’s punishment of sin (Prov. 15:1; Mt. 3:7; Lk. 3:7; Rom. 2:5; 1 Thess. 1:10).

Wreathen: Twisting or interweaving (Exo 28:14; 2 Ki 25:17).

Wrest: To pull, force, detach (Exo 23:2; 2 Pe 3:16).

Wroth: Angry, indignant, or incensed (Gen 4:5; Rev 12:17).

Yahweh (See YHWH): God; The covenant God of Israel, YHWH in the original Hebrew. According to Jewish custom, because of reverence the divine name was not to be spoken, so the Hebrew words for Lord and God was substituted. Whenever the words “Lord” and “God” appear in large and small capital letters, the original Hebrew reads YHWH. Ye: You (Gen 3:1; Rev 19:18) Yea: Yes (Gen 3:1; Rev 14:13).

Yakhal – Hebrew word for hope.

Yarmulke (or Kippah) – A kippah (KEEP-ah) or head covering (called a yarmulke in Yiddish), is traditionally worn by males during the service and also by women in more liberal synagogues. Wearing a kippah is not a symbol of religious identification like the tallit, but is rather an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space.

Yehoshua ( or Joshua) – The Hebrew meaning of “Jesus”. It is the long form of “Yeshua”.  Yehoshua is a compound name consisting of two elements. (1) The prefix “Yeho–” is an abbreviation of the Tetragrammaton, God’s Four-Letter Name: Yod-He-Vav-He or YHVH. In the Hebrew Bible “Yeho-” is used at the beginning of certain proper names: Jehoshaphat, Jehoiachin, Jehonathan (the “J” was pronounced as “Y” in Medieval English). The suffix form of the Tetragrammaton is “-yah” (“-iah” in Greek, as in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, or Halleluiah). (2) The second element is a form of the Hebrew verb yasha which means to deliver, save, or rescue. Thus, linguistically, the name Yehoshua/Yeshua/Jesus conveys the idea that God (YHVH) delivers (his people), and/or YHWH brings salvation.

Yeshua (See Yehoshua): The Hebrew meaning of “Jesus”. The name “Jesus” is an Anglicized form of the Greek name “Yesous” found in the New Testament, which represented the Hebrew Bible name Yeshua (“Jeshua” in English Bibles; Ezra 2:2; Neh 7:7). Yeshua, in turn, was a shortened form of the name Yehoshua (“Joshua” in English Bibles). God (YHVH) delivers (his people), and/or YHWH brings salvation.

YHWH (See Yahweh): The four-letter Name represented by the Hebrew letters Yod-Hei-Vav-Hei (YHVH). It is often referred to as the Ineffable Name, the Unutterable Name or the Distinctive Name. Linguistically, it is related to the Hebrew root Hei-Yod-Hei (to be), and reflects the fact that God’s existence is eternal. In scripture, this Name is used when discussing God’s relation with human beings, and when emphasizing his qualities of loving kindness and mercy. It is frequently shortened to Yah (Yod-Hei), Yahu or Yeho (Yod-Hei-Vav), especially when used in combination with names or phrases, as in Yehoshua (Joshua, meaning “the Lord is my Salvation”), Eliyahu (Elijah, meaning “my God is the Lord”), and Halleluyah (“praise the Lord”). See Yahweh.

God’s divine name ???? (Hebrew) or YHVH (Modern English equivalent)…  Most Hebrew scholars prefer Yahweh (ancient pronunciation) or Yahveh (modern pronunciation), but it is never translated this way in most bibles. In the King James Version the most common translation is LORD (6510x), but in other places, especially where it appears with the actual title “Lord” (Htr. adonai), it is translated GOD (305x). In four other places it is translated “Jehovah” (Exodus 6:3 KJV; Psalm 83:18 KJV; Isaiah 12:2 KJV; Isaiah 26:4 KJV), and in a further three places it is translated “Jehovah” in compound names (Genesis 22:14 KJV; Exodus 17:15 KJV; Judges 6:24 KJV).

Some people render the four-letter Name as “Jehovah,” but this pronunciation is particularly unlikely. The word “Jehovah” comes from the fact that ancient Jewish texts used to put the vowels of the Name “Adonai” (the usual substitute for YHVH) under the consonants of YHVH to remind people not to pronounce YHVH as written. A sixteenth century German Christian scribe, while transliterating the Bible into Latin for the Pope, wrote the Name out as it appeared in his texts, with the consonants of YHVH and the vowels of Adonai, and came up with the word JeHoVaH (“J” is pronounced “Y” in German), and the name stuck.

Yiddish (YID-ish): The “international language” of Ashkenazic Jews, based primarily on German with words taken from Hebrew and many other languages, and written in the Hebrew Alphabet.

Yokefellow: A person yoked or associated with another (Phi 4:3).

Yom Kippur: A Jewish holiday;

Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. The holiday is instituted at Leviticus 23:26 et seq.

The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. In Judaism, this day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends.

Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur.

In Judaism, Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. It is well-known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water) on Yom Kippur. It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that are less well-known: washing and bathing, anointing one’s body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.), wearing leather shoes (Orthodox Jews routinely wear canvas sneakers under their dress clothes on Yom Kippur), and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur.

Yonder: Over there, that location (Gen 22:5; Num 16:37; Mat 17:20)

Zacchaeus: Chief tax collector of Jericho at the time of one of Jesus’ visits (Lk. 19:2-8).Zacharias: See Zechariah.Zealot: A term used to designate the more radical Jewish rebels against foreign, particularly, Roman, rule; One motivated by the zeal for the Jewish law.

Zebedee: The father of the apostles James and John (Mt. 4:21; Mk. 1:19, 20; Lk. 5:10; Jn. 21:2).

Zebulun: The tenth son of Jacob, the sixth by Leah (Gen. 30:19, 20); Ancestor of the tribe of Zebulun.

Zechariah or Zechar or Zacharias: The name of33 persons in the Bible, including: 1) Son of the priest Jehoiada (2 Chr. 24:20, 21). 2) One of the Old Testament minor prophets; Contemporary of Haggai; Urged the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:1; 6:14; Zech. 1:1, 7; 7:1, 8). 3) The father of John the Baptist (Lk. 1:5-67; 3:2).

Zedekiah: The name of three persons in the Old Testament, including the last king of Judah (c. 597-587 B.C.). Also called Mattaniah.

Zephaniah: The name of four persons in the Old Testament, including a prophet during the time of Josiah; His prophecies appear in the Old Testament book of Zephaniah, the ninth of the 12 minor prophets.

Zion or Mount Zion or Sion: Psalm 87:2–3 says, “The Lord loves the gates of Zion / more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. / Glorious things are said of you, / city of God.” According to this verse, Zion is synonymous with city of God, and it is a place that God loves. Zion is Jerusalem. Mount Zion is the high hill on which David built a citadel. It is on the southeast side of the city.

The word Zion occurs over 150 times in the Bible. It essentially means “fortification” and has the idea of being “raised up” as a “monument.” Zion is described both as the city of David and the city of God. As the Bible progresses, the word Zion expands in scope and takes on an additional, spiritual meaning.

The first mention of Zion in the Bible is 2 Samuel 5:7: “David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.” Zion was originally an ancient Jebusite fortress in the city of Jerusalem. After David’s conquest of the fortress, Jerusalem became a possession of Israel. The royal palace was built there, and Zion/Jerusalem became the seat of power in Israel’s kingdom..

When Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, the meaning of Zion expanded further to include the temple area (Psalm 2:6; 48:2, 11–12; 132:13). This is the meaning found in the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:6, “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.” In the Old Testament Zion is used as a name for the city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 40:9), the land of Judah (Jeremiah 31:12), and the nation of Israel as a whole (Zechariah 9:13).

The word Zion is also used in a theological or spiritual sense in Scripture. In the Old Testament Zion refers figuratively to Israel as the people of God (Isaiah 60:14). In the New Testament, Zion refers to God’s spiritual kingdom. We have not come to Mount Sinai, says the apostle, but “to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). Peter, quoting Isaiah 28:16, refers to Christ as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6).

Mount Zion as a geographical area is currently the center of much dispute. The Bible is clear that, one day, Zion will be the sole possession of the Lord Jesus, and Zion—the nation and the city—will be restored. “Awake, awake, / Clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion; / Clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, / O Jerusalem, the holy city; / For the uncircumcised and the unclean / Will no longer come into you” (Isaiah 52:1). And “the children of your oppressors will come bowing before you; / all who despise you will bow down at your feet / and will call you the City of the LORD, / Zion of the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 60:14).