7 Scrolls

Bible Dictionary: Word Meanings A–Z

This Bible dictionary explains what key Bible words mean, from grace to covenant, in plain English. Each entry gives a short definition and an example verse; the most-searched words have full pages with key verses, word counts in the Berean Standard Bible, and how they differ from similar words.

Where should you start?

Three words carry much of the Bible’s message: grace, faith and covenant. Read those first, then compare mercy with grace, and hope with faith. If you are reading a particular passage, the verse explanations link their key words back here.

Bible words explained in full

Bible dictionary A–Z

A

Abba
An Aramaic word for father, used in close family speech. Jesus uses it in prayer in Mark 14:36, and Paul says believers can also call God Abba (Romans 8:15). Example: ““Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”” Mark 14:36 (BSB)
Advocate
Someone who speaks up for another person, like a defender in court. The New Testament uses the word for Jesus before the Father and, in John's Gospel, for the Holy Spirit. Example: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1 (BSB)
Amen
A Hebrew word meaning truly or so be it. It is said to agree with a prayer, a blessing or a statement of truth. Example: “For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (BSB)
Angel
A spiritual being sent by God as a messenger or servant. The Hebrew and Greek words behind it both mean messenger. Example: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:” Luke 2:10 (BSB)
Apostle
One who is sent out with a message. It refers mainly to the Twelve chosen by Jesus and to Paul, who were sent to spread the good news about him. Example: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—” Romans 1:1 (BSB)
Ark
The Bible uses the word for two things: the large boat Noah built to survive the flood, and the ark of the covenant, a gold-covered chest that held the tablets of the law. Example: “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.” Genesis 6:14 (BSB)
Atonement
The removal of sin and the restoring of a broken relationship between people and God. In the Hebrew Bible it is linked to sacrifices, especially on the yearly Day of Atonement. Example: “because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.” Leviticus 16:30 (BSB)

B

Baptism
A ritual washing with water that marks a person's entry into the community of Jesus' followers and their identification with his death and resurrection. Traditions differ on its meaning and practice, including whether infants are baptized and whether it is a sacrament or a public sign of faith. Example: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (BSB)
Blasphemy
Speech that insults or dishonors God. In the Gospels, Jesus is accused of it, and he warns about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Example: “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” Matthew 12:31 (BSB)
Blessing
God's favor and goodness given to someone, or words spoken to ask for that favor. God's promise to bless Abraham, and through him all nations, is a key theme of Genesis. Example: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2 (BSB)
Born again
A phrase from Jesus' talk with Nicodemus about a new, spiritual birth needed to see the kingdom of God. Traditions agree it describes new life from God, but understand it differently, from a personal conversion experience to the new life given in baptism. Example: “Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”” John 3:3 (BSB)

C

Church
From a Greek word for an assembly of people called together. In the New Testament it means the community of Jesus' followers, both a local gathering and believers everywhere, not a building. Example: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 (BSB)
Confession
Openly admitting sin to God, or publicly declaring what one believes. Both senses appear in the Bible. Example: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (BSB)
Covenant
A covenant in the Bible is a binding promise that creates or confirms a relationship, sealed by an oath, a sign or a sacrifice. God's covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel at Sinai and David shape the story, and the prophets look ahead to a new covenant. Full entry
Covet
To covet is to desire something that belongs to someone else in a way that wants it for yourself, at their expense. The Ten Commandments forbid it, and the Bible treats it as a problem of the heart that leads to harmful action. Full entry

D

Disciple
A student or follower who learns from a teacher and shapes their life around that teaching. In the Gospels it refers to those who followed Jesus. Example: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”” John 13:35 (BSB)

E

Elect
People chosen by God, first Israel and in the New Testament the followers of Jesus. All traditions affirm that God chooses and calls, but they differ on how God's choice relates to human free will. Example: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen” 1 Peter 1:1 (BSB)
Envy
Resentment at what someone else has, often with a wish that they did not have it. The Bible treats it as close kin to coveting and warns that it eats away at the one who carries it; see covet. Example: “A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (BSB)
Epistle
A formal word for a letter. Twenty-one books of the New Testament are letters, written by Paul and other early leaders to churches and individuals. Example: “After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.” Colossians 4:16 (BSB)
Eternal life
Life that comes from God and does not end. In John's Gospel it begins now, through knowing God and Jesus, and continues beyond death. Example: “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 17:3 (BSB)

F

Faith
Faith in the Bible is trust in God and in what God has promised, shown by relying on God and acting on that trust. It is confidence in a person, not a leap in the dark. Full entry
Fasting
Going without food, or certain foods, for a period of time, usually alongside prayer. In the Bible people fast to mourn, to repent or to seek God's help. Example: “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.” Matthew 6:16 (BSB)
Forgiveness
Releasing someone from the debt of a wrong they have done. The Bible speaks of God forgiving sin and calls people to forgive one another in the same way. Example: “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14 (BSB)

G

Gentile
Anyone who is not Jewish. A major theme of the New Testament is that Gentiles are welcomed into God's people alongside Jews. Example: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6 (BSB)
Glory
In the Bible, glory is the weight, splendor and honor of God made visible. To glorify God means to recognize that worth and show it in words and life. Full entry
Gospel
Good news, from an Old English rendering of the Greek euangelion. It means the message about Jesus, and also names the four books that tell his life: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Example: ““The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”” Mark 1:15 (BSB)
Grace
Grace is God's undeserved favor: kindness given freely to people who have not earned it and cannot repay it. In the Bible it also names the strength God gives people to live and serve. Full entry

H

Hallelujah
A Hebrew call to worship meaning praise the LORD. It appears often in the Psalms and in Revelation 19. Example: “Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 (BSB)
Holy
Set apart, different from the ordinary, and belonging to God. God is holy, and people, places and things can be made holy by being dedicated to God. Example: ““Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2 (BSB)
Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God, active from creation onward. In the New Testament the Holy Spirit is given to Jesus' followers to guide, comfort and empower them. Example: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4 (BSB)
Hope
In the Bible, hope is confident expectation of good that God has promised but that has not yet arrived. It is trust pointed toward the future. Full entry
Hosanna
A Hebrew cry that originally meant save, please. By the time of Jesus it had also become a shout of praise, used by the crowds as he entered Jerusalem. Example: “The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”” Matthew 21:9 (BSB)
Humility
Humility in the Bible is an honest view of yourself before God and others: knowing your limits and dependence on God, and putting the good of others ahead of your own status. Full entry

I

Idol
An image or object worshiped as a god. The Bible forbids idols and treats anything put in God's place as a form of idolatry. Example: “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.” Exodus 20:4 (BSB)
Incarnation
The belief that the eternal Word of God became a human being in Jesus. The word itself is not in the Bible, but the idea is drawn from passages such as John 1:14. Example: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (BSB)
Israel
The new name God gave to Jacob, then the name of his descendants, the twelve tribes, and later a kingdom. It is the people through whom God's covenant promises unfold in the Hebrew Bible. Example: “Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”” Genesis 32:28 (BSB)

J

Joy
In the Bible, joy is a deep gladness rooted in God's presence and promises. It can exist alongside sorrow, because it rests on what God has done rather than on good circumstances. Full entry
Justice
Doing what is right by others, especially the poor and powerless, and judging fairly. In the prophets it goes hand in hand with righteousness and is something God requires of people and rulers alike. Example: “But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24 (BSB)
Justification
Being declared right with God. Christians agree it is God's gift through Christ, but traditions understand it differently: many Protestant readers stress a legal declaration received by faith, while Catholic and Orthodox teaching also links it to inner renewal. Example: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1 (BSB)

K

Kingdom of God
God's rule and reign, which Jesus announced as near and present in his ministry. Matthew often calls it the kingdom of heaven. Example: “Nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”” Luke 17:21 (BSB)

L

Lamb of God
A title John the Baptist gave to Jesus. It recalls the lambs offered in Israel's sacrifices, especially at Passover. Example: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (BSB)
Law
In the Bible, usually God's instruction given through Moses, found in the first five books. The Hebrew word torah means teaching or instruction, not only rules. Example: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7 (BSB)
LORD
When printed in small capitals in English Bibles, LORD stands for God's personal name in Hebrew, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Lord in ordinary letters is a title meaning master. Example: “God also told Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.” Exodus 3:15 (BSB)
Lord's Supper
The shared meal of bread and cup that Jesus gave his followers on the night before his death, also called Communion or the Eucharist. Traditions differ on how Christ is present in it and on what it accomplishes. Example: “And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”” Luke 22:19 (BSB)
Love
In the Bible, love is committed, self-giving care for the good of another. It describes God's character and is the command that sums up the law: love God and love your neighbor. Full entry

M

Mediator
A go-between who brings two parties together. Moses acts as a mediator for Israel, and the New Testament calls Jesus the one mediator between God and people. Example: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5 (BSB)
Meekness
In the Bible, meekness is strength held under control: a gentle, humble spirit that trusts God instead of grabbing for power or revenge. Full entry
Mercy
In the Bible, mercy is compassion shown to someone in need or in the wrong, especially holding back a punishment they deserve. It is closely tied to God's loyal, covenant love. Full entry
Messiah
From a Hebrew word meaning anointed one, a king or deliverer chosen by God. The Greek equivalent is Christos, which gives us the title Christ. Example: “He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ).” John 1:41 (BSB)
Miracle
An extraordinary act of God beyond normal events, such as a healing or a sign over nature. The Bible often calls miracles signs, because they point to who God is. Example: “God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul,” Acts 19:11 (BSB)

P

Parable
A short story drawn from everyday life that teaches a spiritual lesson. Jesus often taught in parables, such as the sower and the prodigal son. Example: “Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.” Matthew 13:34 (BSB)
Passover
The yearly feast that remembers God freeing Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jesus' last meal with his disciples took place at Passover time. Example: “This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.” Exodus 12:11 (BSB)
Peace
In the Bible, peace (Hebrew shalom) is wholeness and well-being: life set right with God, with other people and within oneself, not merely the absence of conflict. Full entry
Pentecost
A Jewish harvest festival held fifty days after Passover, also called the Feast of Weeks. In Acts 2 the Holy Spirit comes on the disciples during this feast. Example: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Acts 2:1 (BSB)
Pharisee
A member of a Jewish group in Jesus' time known for careful keeping of the law and its traditions. The Gospels record both debates and friendly contact between Jesus and Pharisees. Example: ““Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” Luke 18:10 (BSB)
Priest
A person who serves at God's sanctuary, offers sacrifices and represents the people before God. The letter to the Hebrews calls Jesus a great high priest. Example: “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.” Hebrews 4:14 (BSB)
Prophet
A person who speaks God's message to others. Prophets often called people back to God and warned about what lay ahead, and prediction was only one part of their role. Example: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15 (BSB)
Psalm
A sacred song or poem, many of them prayers. The book of Psalms gathers 150 of them, and early churches kept singing them together. Example: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (BSB)

R

Redemption
Buying back or setting free, often by paying a price. The Bible uses it for God freeing Israel from Egypt and for freedom from sin through Christ. Example: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7 (BSB)
Repentance
A change of mind and direction: turning away from sin and back toward God. It includes both regret and a new way of living. Example: “In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 (BSB)
Resurrection
Being raised from death to new life. The resurrection of Jesus is central to the New Testament, which also speaks of a future resurrection of the dead. Example: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25 (BSB)
Righteousness
Righteousness is being right with God and doing what is right toward others. In the Bible it describes God's own faithfulness and fairness, a right standing God gives, and a way of life that matches it. Full entry

S

Sabbath
The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and for God, based on the creation account and the Ten Commandments. Jewish tradition keeps it from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Example: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:8 (BSB)
Sacrifice
An offering given to God, often an animal or grain in the Hebrew Bible. The Bible also speaks of praise, a humble heart and a life given to God as sacrifices. Example: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 (BSB)
Salvation
Salvation in the Bible means rescue by God: deliverance from danger, enemies, sin and death, and restoration to life with God. In the New Testament it centers on what God has done through Jesus. Full entry
Sanctification
Being made holy, or set apart for God, and growing in holiness over time. Christians agree it is God's work in people, but traditions differ on how it relates to justification and how complete it can be in this life. Example: “But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (BSB)
Scripture
Writings regarded as sacred and authoritative. In the New Testament the word usually means the Hebrew Bible; today Christians use it for the whole Bible. Example: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16 (BSB)
Sin
Any thought, word or act that goes against God's will or misses the mark of what is right. The Bible describes sin as both individual wrongdoing and a power that affects all people. Example: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 (BSB)
Soul
The inner life of a person, or the whole living self. The Hebrew word nephesh can mean life, person or desire, not only a spirit separate from the body. Example: “In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1 (BSB)

T

Tabernacle
The portable tent where God's presence dwelled among Israel in the wilderness. It was the center of worship until the temple was built in Jerusalem. Example: “You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.” Exodus 25:9 (BSB)
Temptation
Pressure or desire that pulls a person toward sin. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and taught his followers to pray about temptation. Example: ““Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”” Matthew 26:41 (BSB)
Tithe
A tenth of one's income or produce given to God. In the law of Moses it supported the Levites, the poor and worship at the sanctuary. Example: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.” Malachi 3:10 (BSB)
Trinity
The Christian teaching that the one God exists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word is not in the Bible, but it summarizes passages such as Matthew 28:19; most churches hold it as core belief, while a few groups understand God differently. Example: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 (BSB)

W

Wisdom
In the Bible, wisdom is skill for living well before God: knowing what is right and doing it in real situations. It begins with the fear of the LORD. Full entry
Worship
In the Bible, worship is honoring God as worthy: bowing down, serving and offering praise, gifts and one's whole life to God alone. Full entry

Z

Zion
Originally a hill in Jerusalem, then a name for the whole city and the people of God. In the Psalms and prophets it stands for the place where God dwells. Example: “Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.” Psalm 48:2 (BSB)

Frequently asked questions

What is a Bible dictionary?

A Bible dictionary explains words, names and ideas as the Bible uses them. This one gives a short definition for each word, example verses in the Berean Standard Bible, and longer pages for the words people ask about most.

Why do Bible words sometimes mean something different from everyday English?

Many Bible words translate Hebrew or Greek terms with a wider or older sense. Grace, for example, is about undeserved favor, not good manners, and peace often means wholeness, not just quiet. Reading the verses where a word appears is the surest way to learn its range.

Which translation do the definitions use?

Example verses are shown in the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), a public-domain translation. Word counts on the full pages are counted in the BSB, so they describe that English translation rather than the original languages.

Do Christian traditions define these words differently?

For most words the core meaning is shared. For a few, such as justification, baptism or sanctification, traditions explain the details differently, and the entries say so briefly without taking sides.