Language: English

Book: Colossians

Introduction to Colossians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Colossians

1. Greeting, thanksgiving, and prayer (1:1-12)
2. The person and work of Christ
   • Deliverance and redemption (1:13-14)
   • Christ: the Image of the invisible God, and the One who is over all creation (1:15-17)
   • Christ is the Head of the Church, and the Church trusts in him (1:18-2:7)
3. Tests of faithfulness
   • Warnings against false teachers (2:8-19)
   • True godliness is not rigid rules and unbending traditions (2:20-23)
4. Teaching and living
   • Life in Christ (3:1-4)
   • Old and new life (3:5-17)
   • Christian family (3:18-4:1)
5. Christian behavior (4:2-6)
6. Closing and greetings
   • Paul thanks Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7-9)
   • Paul sends greetings from his associates (4:10-14)
   • Paul gives directions to Archippus and the Christians in Laodicea (4:15-17)
   • Paul's personal greeting (4:18)

Who wrote the Book of Colossians?

Paul wrote the Book of Colossians. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome.

What is the Book of Colossians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the Asia Minor city of Colossae. The main purpose of this letter was to defend the gospel against false teachers. He did this by praising Jesus as the image of God, sustainer of all things, and head of the church. Paul wanted them to understand that only Christ is needed for God to accept them.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Colossians." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to the Church in Colossae," or "A Letter to the Christians in Colossae."

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What were the religious issues that the church in Colossae struggled with?

In the church in Colossae, there were false teachers. Their exact teaching is unknown. But they probably taught their followers to worship angels and to obey strict rules about religious ceremonies. They probably also taught that a male must be circumcised and that believers should eat only certain types of food. Paul said these false teachings came from the minds of men and not from God.

How did Paul use the imagery of heaven and earth?

In this letter, Paul twice speaks of things in heaven as "things above." He distinguishes it from the earth, which other parts of Scripture speak of as being "below." The purpose of this imagery was to teach Christians to live in a way that honors God, who lives in heaven above. Paul is not teaching that the earth or the physical world is evil. (See: evil)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

How are the ideas of "holy" and "sanctify" represented in Colossians in the ULB?

The scriptures use such words to indicate any one of various ideas. For this reason, it is often difficult for translators to represent them well in their versions. In Colossians, these words usually indicate a simple reference to Christians without implying any particular role filled by them. So Colossians in the ULB uses "believers" or "those who believe in him." (See: 1:2, 12, 26)

Was Jesus created or is he eternal?

Jesus was not a created being but has always existed as God. Jesus also became a human being. There is potential for confusion in Colossians 1:15 where it says Jesus "is the firstborn of all creation." This statement means that Jesus is dominant over all of creation. It does not mean that he was the first thing God created. Translators should be careful not to imply that Jesus is a created being.

What does Paul mean by the expressions "in Christ," "in the Lord," and others like them?

Paul used these phrases to express the idea of a very close union between Jesus Christ and believers--that believers belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ means the believer is saved and is made a friend with God.

These phrases also have specific meanings that depend on how Paul used them in a particular passage. Depending on the the context, the word “in” can mean “because of,” “by means of,” “that agrees with,” “in submission to,” “in the manner of,” or “in regard to.” The translator may represent those more immediate senses. But, if possible, it would be good for the translator to choose a word or phrase that represents both the immediate sense and the sense of “in union with.” (See: in Christ)

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Colossians?

For the following verses, some modern versions of the Bible differ from older versions. The ULB text has the modern reading and puts the older reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading.

• "May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father" (1:2). Some older versions have a longer reading: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
• "Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf" (1:7). Some older translations read "for you": "Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, a faithful servant of Christ for you."
• "the Father, who has made you able to have a share in the inheritance of the believers in light" (1:12). Some older translations read, "the Father, who has qualified us for a share in the inheritance in light."
• "In his Son we have redemption" (1:14). Some older translations read, "In his Son we have redemption through his blood."
• "and forgave us all of our trespasses" (2:13). Some older translations read: "and forgave you all of your trespasses."
• "When Christ appears, who is your life" (3:4). Some older translations read, "When Christ appears, who is our life."
• "It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience" (3:6). The ULB and many other modern translations read this way. However, some modern and older translations read, "It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming."
• "I sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us" (4:8). Some older translations read, "I sent him to you for this, that he might know the matters about you."

Introduction to Colossians

Overview

Paul wrote many letters to churches in Asia. Colossians is one of those letters. In these letters, Paul often wrote to help each church with a certain problem they were having. However, local churches also had the same types of problems. So, these churches passed Paul's letters to the other churches near them. Also, they made certain to keep these letters and often made copies of these letters.

In this letter, Paul taught things about Jesus that Christians really need to know. He taught about how God can save people from their sins and about how Christians can live in a way that honors God. Paul also encouraged the Christians in Colossae to trust in Jesus and to ignore false teachers.

Paul wrote other letters that can help readers to understand this letter. In Romans, he explained more about how God saves people from their sins. Many scholars think what Paul wrote in Romans is what he taught people in each of the churches he founded. In Acts, Luke wrote down several speeches Paul gave. These speeches can also help readers to understand what he wrote in this letter. In Ephesians, Paul wrote about many of the same things he wrote about in Colossians. Scholars think Paul wrote Ephesians and Colossians at the same time.

See: Church; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Atone (Atonement)
See Map: Asia; Colossae

Who wrote this letter?

Paul of Tarsus wrote the letter to the Colossians. Timothy helped Paul write it (see: 1:1).

Scholars think Paul wrote this letter about 25 years after Jesus died. Some scholars think he wrote when he was in Ephesus. Some other scholars think Paul wrote the letter near the time of a major earthquake which devastated Colossae and several other cities near it. Scholars think this earthquake happened about 30 years after Jesus died.

See: Paul's Missionary Journeys
See Map: Tarsus; Ephesus; Colossae

Who was Paul?

Paul was an apostle. He started many churches. Acts records many things about Paul’s life and how he served God (see: Acts 7:54-28:31). His letters provide more information about him. Thirteen of the letters he wrote are in the Bible: 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Philippians, Philemon, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus.

Paul was born in Tarsus (see: Acts 22:3). This was an area where Gentiles live. However, Paul was a Jew. Many of the earliest Christians were Jewish. He was from the tribe of Benjamin (see: Philippians 3:5-6). He was a Pharisee (see: Acts 22:3; Galatians 1:14; Philippians 3:5-6). Pharisees believed they could earn God’s favor by obeying the Law of Moses and the rules of certain Jewish teachers. Gamaliel taught Paul (see: Acts 22:3; 5:34). Gamaliel was a Jewish teacher and people thought he was the best teacher. Paul was also taught by Gentile teachers (see: Acts 26:4). Paul was zealous (see: Galatians 1:14; Acts 22:3). That is, he worked very hard to please God. He persecuted Christians (see: Acts 7:58-8:3; 9:1-2) until he met and believed in Jesus (see: Acts 9:3-19). After this, he became a great Christian teacher.

See: Apostle; Pharisees; Tribes of Israel; Gentile; Law of Moses; Persecute (Persecution)
See Map: Tarsus

Who was Timothy?

Timothy was a man who worked with Paul. He was younger than Paul. Paul said Timothy helped him to write Colossians (see: 1:1). He also helped Paul write many other letters.

Timothy was from Lystra. Lystra is a city located roughly midway between Tarsus and Colossae. Lystra was a place where many Roman soldiers lived. They guarded this city for the Roman Empire. His father was a Gentile. His mother and grandmother were Jewish and Christians (see: Acts 16:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:5).

Paul met Timothy in Lystra on his second missionary journey. Timothy was already a Christian. Paul asked Timothy to travel with him (see: Acts 16:1-5). The two men became very close friends (see: 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Timothy led the church Paul founded in Ephesus (see: 1 Timothy 1:3). Paul wrote 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy to him during that time.

See: Gentile; Paul's Missionary Journeys
See Map: Lystra; Ephesus

Who did Paul write this letter to?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae.

See Map: Colossae

What were some important things about Colossae?

Many people in Colossae had a lot of money. Many soldiers lived in Colossae. They guarded the city because many people went to Colossae to trade with one another. People came to Colossae from many places. Large numbers of Greeks, Romans, and Jews lived there. People in Colossae worshipped gods from many different places around the world.

See: False gods

What was the history of the church there?

Scholars think Epaphras started the Colossian church. He believed in Jesus because of what Paul taught (see: Colossians 1:7-8; 4:12-13; Philemon 23). They think this happened while Paul was at Ephesus. Paul taught in Ephesus for several years (see: Acts 18:19-21, 19:1-41, 20:31). Epaphras then went back to his hometown of Colossae, as well as Laodicea and Hierapolis. He taught people there about Jesus. Scholars do not think Paul went to Colossae (see: Colossians 2:1, 2:5). He heard from other people about how the Colossian Christians believed in Jesus (see: 1:4, 1:9). Epaphras was one person who told Paul about this (see: Colossians 1:8).

See Map: Colossae; Ephesus; Laodicea; Hierapolis

What did Paul write about in this letter?

Paul wrote this letter to tell Christians several important things.

He wrote to tell Christians not to believe what certain false teachers said. He wrote about what Christians should think about Jesus. Jesus is God. He wanted everyone to know true things about God. He wrote about how people can be saved from their sins. He wrote that God saves people from their sins when they believe in Jesus. He wanted Christians to live in a way that honors God.

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); False Teacher; Jesus is God); Atone (Atonement)

Why did Paul write this letter?

Paul wrote this letter to tell people not to believe some things that false teachers were teaching in Colossae.
Paul did not want people to stop trusting in Jesus because of the things these false teachers said.

Paul taught that Jesus is more powerful than anyone, except for God the Father. This was true when Jesus lived on the earth. Jesus created all things and all things are subject to him (see: 1:15-17). He also leads the church. He made peace between God and humans when he was crucified.

See: Crucify (Crucifixion); Resurrect (Resurrection)

Outline of Colossians

1. Paul greeted the Colossian Christians (1:1-2)
2. Paul prayed for the Christians in Colossae (1:3-14)
3. Jesus Christ is the Greatest (1:15-23)
4. How Paul Taught the Gentiles (1:24-2:7)
5. How Christians Should Think (2:8-3:4)
6. How Christians Should Live (3:5-4:6)
7. People Who Worked with Paul (4:7-17)
8. Paul said goodbye (4:18)

Colossians

Chapter 1

¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

² to God's holy people and faithful brothers in Christ who are at Colossae. May grace be to you, and peace from God our Father. ^[1]

³ We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we always pray for you. ⁴ We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all God's holy people, ⁵ because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, which you heard about in the word of truth, the gospel ⁶ which has come to you. In the same way this gospel is bearing fruit and is growing in all the world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. ⁷ This is the gospel as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf. ^[2]8 Epaphras has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

⁹ Because of this love, from the day we heard this we have not stopped praying for you. We pray that you will be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, ¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner that is worthy of the Lord and that pleases him in every way: by bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ by being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, and by joyfully ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who made you able ^[3] to have a share in the inheritance of God's holy people in light. ¹³ He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ^[4]15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created, those in the heavens and those on the earth, the visible and the invisible things. Whether thrones or dominions or governments or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so he has first place among all things. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son, ²⁰ and through the Son to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, whether things on earth or things in heaven. ²¹ At one time you also were alienated and hostile in mind and in evil deeds. ²² But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, blameless, and above accusation before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which was proclaimed to every person created under heaven. This is the gospel of which I, Paul, became a servant.

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ It is of this church that I am a servant, according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God. ²⁶ This is the mystery that was hidden for ages and for generations but now has been revealed to God's holy people. ²⁷ It is to them that God wanted to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim him, warning every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person mature in Christ. ²⁹ For this I labor and strive according to his energy that is at work in me in power.

Footnotes

Colossians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

As in a typical letter, Paul begins his letter in verses 1-2 by introducing Timothy and himself to the Christians in Colossae.

Paul writes much of this chapter around two subjects: who Christ is, and what Christ has done for the Christian.

Special concepts in this chapter

Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: reveal)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Images for Christian living

Paul uses many different images to describe Christian living. In this chapter, he uses the images of "walking" and "bearing fruit." (See: fruit)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Paradox

A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. Verse 24 is a paradox: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you." People do not usually rejoice when they suffer. But in verses 25-29 Paul explains why his suffering is good. (Colossians 1:24)

Colossians 1 Commentary

1:1-2

Who was Paul?

[1:1]

Paul wrote this letter. (See: Introduction to Colossians).

What is an "apostle"?

[1:1]

See: Apostle

Who was Timothy?

[1:1]

Timothy was a young man who worked with Paul. He helped Paul write this letter. (See: Introduction to Colossians).

Who are God’s holy people?

[1:2]

See: Holy Ones

What did Paul write in verse 2?

[1:2]

Some ancient copies of the New Testament have the words “the Lord Jesus Christ.” More and older copies of the New Testament do not have these words. Scholars do not think Paul wrote these words. Who were the "faithful brothers”?

When Paul wrote "faithful brothers," he was writing about the Christians in Colossae. He called them this because they believed in Jesus. Because of this, they were God's children. So, they were also Paul's brothers and sisters in some way. When Paul used the word “brothers,” he was speaking about both men and women.

See: Family of God See Map: Colossae

What is "grace"?

[1:2]

In ancient times, people often greeted each other by saying “grace.” Greek people and people who spoke Greek used it. They wanted people to get favor. Paul always wrote this in his letters. This was because many of his readers were Greek. He also wanted the Christians to remember that God gave favor to them. God forgives the sins of all people who believe in Jesus (See: Romans 3:24, 4:16).

See: Grace

What is "peace"?

[1:2]

In ancient times, Jews often greeted one another by saying “peace” (See: Genesis 43:23).

1:3-8

Why did Paul call God the father of Jesus?

[1:3]

Paul called God the father of Jesus. Paul wanted people to know that God is the father of Jesus and that Jesus is God. He wrote more about this in the rest of this letter. Scholars think the some Christians in Colossae did not believe that Jesus is God. Paul wrote this letter to help them to know true things about Jesus. Paul wanted people to know that Jesus is greater than everyone except God the Father.

See: God the Father; Trinity; Jesus is God

What is the "certain hope reserved for you in heaven"?

[1:5]

When Paul wrote "certain hope reserved for you in heaven", he wanted his readers to know that the "hope" he wrote about is a promise from God. God promises that people who believe in Jesus will live with him forever in heaven. Christians can be certain God has "reserved" places in heaven for them.

See: Hope; Heaven

What is the "gospel"?

[1:5]

See: Gospel

Why did Paul write "bearing fruit"?

[1:6]

Paul wrote "bearing fruit" to speak about how the Colossians lived. "Bearing fruit" is a metaphor for the way the Jesus changed the people who believed in him. The Colossians traded fruits for other goods. They understood the value of a tree that made a lot of fruit. Paul wrote "bearing fruit" to get them to think that they were valuable to God because of the things they did to serve and honor God.

See: Metaphor; Fruit (Metaphor); Gospel

What did Paul write in verse 7?

[1:7]

Some ancient copies of the New Testament have the words “on our behalf.” More and older copies of the New Testament have the words “on your behalf.” Scholars think Paul wrote “on our behalf.” Who was Epaphras?

Epaphras was the person who started the church at Colossae. Scholars think Paul told Epaphras about Jesus. After Epaphras believed in Jesus, Paul trained him so he could lead a church. Scholars believe Epaphras came from Colossae (see: 4:12).

See: Church

Why did Paul write "love in the Spirit"?

[1:8]

Paul wrote "love in the Spirit" to tell the Christians in Colossae that he knew how much they cared about him. He knew this because of what Epaphras told him.

Scholars disagree about why Paul wrote "in the Spirit." Some scholars think he wanted to speak about the Holy Spirit. That is to say, in some way, the Holy Spirit caused the Colossian Christians to love Paul. Other scholars think that Paul spoke about their human spirits. That is, God helped them to love Paul.

See: Love; Holy Spirit; Spirit (Spiritual)

1:9-14

Why did Paul write "knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding"?

[1:9]

Paul wrote "knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" to tell the Christians in Colossae something special. Paul prayed that God would give the Colossian Christians "full knowledge" of God's will, with "wisdom"and "understanding" (σύνεσις/g4907). He wanted them to know the will of God and how to live in a way that honors God. Knowing this was greater than anything the false teachers taught.

See: Will of God; False Teacher

Why did Paul ask God to "fill" the Colossians with all these things?

[1:9]

When Paul asked God to "fill" the Christians in Colossae with these things, it was a metaphor. He spoke about God "filling" them to get them to think about all they thought and all they did. He wanted them to live in a way that would honor God even more. Therefore, he asked God to help them know more of God's will. He asked God to give them a certain type of wisdom and understanding. He did not want them to ask to know more about things that would make them rich. He wanted to say that if God "filled" them with the things, then they would know what God wanted them to do.

See: Metaphor; Filling of the Holy Spirit; Will of God

Why did Paul write "walk worthily of the Lord"?

[1:10]

When Paul wrote "walk worthily of the Lord," this was a metaphor. He wanted people to think about living in ways that honor God. He used the metaphor of "walk" to write about the things they did.

See: Walk (Metaphor)

What is "glory"?

[1:11]

See: Glory (Glorify)

Why did Paul call God "father"?

[1:12]

See: God the Father; Trinity

What did Paul write in verse 12?

[1:12]

Some ancient copies of the New Testament have the words “who made us able.” More and older copies of the New Testament have the words “who made you able.” Scholars think Paul wrote “who made you able.” What is an "inheritance"?

See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)

Who is "the Son"?

[1:13]

The "Son" is Jesus.

See: Son of God; Trinity

What did Paul write in verse 14?

[1:14]

Some ancient copies of the New Testament have the words “in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” More and older copies of the New Testament have the words “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Scholars think Paul wrote “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” What is the "dominion of darkness"?

When Paul wrote "dominion of darkness", he wanted readers to think about Satan. He also wanted them to think about how they used to sin before they did believed in Jesus. A "dominion" is an area controlled by a ruler. Paul wanted to say that before they believe in Jesus, people serve Satan. Satan encourages them to sin.

Scholars also think that Paul wrote about "darkness" because he wanted the Colossian Christians to reject the things the false teachers taught. Scholars think they taught about light and darkness. They believed that a person could move from darkness into light by learning certain things. Paul wanted to say that they really were still in darkness because they thought this way. So the Colossian Christians should not listen to them.

See: Satan (The Devil); Light and Darkness (Metaphor); False Teacher

What is "redemption"?

[1:14]

See: Colossians 1:22; John 3:16; Romans 5:10

See: Redeem (Redemption)

1:15-23

What is an image?

[1:15]

An image is something that is like a person, an animal, or another thing in some way. Jesus is God’s perfect image. That is, Jesus is like God the Father in every way, but he is not God the Father. People know about God the Father because of the things Jesus said and did.

See: Image; God the Father; Jesus is God

Why did Paul call Jesus the firstborn (1:15)?

[1:15, 1:18]

Paul called Jesus the "firstborn" to say he has special honor. A first born child is the first child that was born in a family. In ancient times, the firstborn was greater than the family’s other children in some way.

The firstborn had a different inheritance than their brothers and sisters. If the firstborn child’s parents were a king or a queen, they became the king or queen when their parents died. Paul said Jesus was the first born. This as a metaphor. Jesus deserves to be honored more than any other person. Also, Jesus was the first to come back to life after he died. Because of this, Jesus is the older brother of everyone else who becomes a child of God (see: Romans 8:29). Jesus was alive before God created the universe. Jesus will rule over everyone and everything forever. He deserves to be greatly honored.

See: Metaphor; Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Resurrect (Resurrection); Family of God; Son of God; Children of God

Who made the universe (1:16)?

[1:16]

God made the universe. That is to say, he made everything. However, Paul wrote that God did this by Jesus and through Jesus (See: Proverbs 8:22-31, John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6, and Hebrews 1:2). Scholars do not know how God did this.

See: God the Father; Son of God; Trinity

Why did Paul write "thrones or dominions or governments or authorities"?

[1:16]

Paul wrote about "thrones or dominions or governments or authorities." He wanted his readers to know nothing could happen unless God gave permission for it to happen. Because of this, no one can say they are as great as or greater than God.

Why did Paul write that in Jesus all things "hold together"?

[1:17]

Paul wrote that in Jesus all things "hold together" so his readers would know that Jesus makes the universe stay together. If he did not do this, there would be nothing in the universe (see: Hebrews 1:3).

How is Jesus "head of" the church?

[1:18]

When Paul wrote that Jesus is "head of" the church, he wanted readers to know that Jesus is the leader of all Christians everywhere.

See: Church

Why did Paul write "all his fullness"?

[1:19]

When Paul wrote "all his fullness," he wanted readers to know that Jesus is God. That is, Jesus is completely God. There is nothing God has that Jesus does not have. Also, there is nothing of Jesus that is not God.

See: Trinity; Jesus is God)

What is "to reconcile" and "made peace"?

[1:20]

Paul wrote about God reconciling things. When someone is reconciled to someone else, they are brought together after they fought against each other in some way. When Paul wrote this, he wanted people to think about how everyone sins. Because of this, they fight against God in some way. However, God sent Jesus to "reconcile" or "make peace" between God and people. When Jesus died, he made it possible for God to forgive the sins of people who believe in Jesus. These people are at peace with God. God did what was needed so that people could be at peace with him.

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Sin; Atone (Atonement); Reconcile (Reconciliation)

What is "holy, blameless, and above reproach"?

[1:22]

When Paul wrote "holy, blameless, and above reproach," he wanted readers to think about how Christians should live in a way that honors God. He said that Jesus made it possible for people who believe in him to serve him completely. He also said that these people do not have to sin any longer. And he also said that other people do not think they do evil things.

See: Holy (Holiness, Set Apart)

What is "the faith"?

[1:23]

When Paul wrote "the faith", he wanted to tell readers that they must continue to trust in Jesus. He wanted them to keep trusting Jesus.

See: Faith (Believe in)

What is the gospel?

[1:23]

See: Gospel

1:24-29

Why did Paul write "I fill up in my flesh" (1:24)?

[1:24]

When Paul wrote "I fill up in my flesh," he wanted his readers to think about how he suffered. He wrote "fill up" as a metaphor to say he accepted whatever happened to him while he preached the gospel.

In another letter, Paul listed the ways he suffered while he traveled to preach and teach (see: 2 Corinthians 11:23-29). In ancient times, it was difficult to travel a long distance. Paul suffered when he traveled to serve God and other Christians. Once he arrived, sometimes people beat him or imprisoned him because they did not like the things he said (see: Acts 16:19-24). Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison (See: Introduction to Colossians).

Paul wrote this so his readers would know that Paul was willing to suffer because he believed in Jesus. He did not try to avoid suffering. He thought it was more important to do what God wanted him to do.

See: Metaphor; Preach (Preacher); Gospel; Suffer

Why did Paul write "what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ"?

[1:24]

When Paul wrote "what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ," he wanted people to think that what Paul did was because of what Jesus did. "Afflictions" is another word for suffering.

Paul taught that Jesus died to completely atone for peoples' sins. Paul did not write that he suffered to atone for peoples' sins. Instead, Paul wrote that he suffered so that other people could learn about Jesus. Then they too could believe in Jesus.

See: Atone (Atonement); Suffer; Sin

What is "his body"?

[1:24]

When Paul wrote "his body", he used a metaphor. He was writing about the church. In other letters, Paul explained this metaphor (see: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). When he wrote the church, he wanted readers to think about all Christians everywhere.

See: Church; Body of Christ

Why did Paul write "secret truth"?

[1:26]

When Paul wrote "secret truth,” he wanted to speak about something that people can learn about. It is something that was once a secret (see: Ephesians 3:9, Romans 16:25). Now God has revealed it. So it is not a secret now. Instead it is "truth" that people need to know.

See: Colossians 2:2; 4:3; Ephesians 3:3 See: Reveal (Revelation); Mystery

What specific "secret truth" did Paul reveal?

[1:26, 1:27]

Some scholars think the "secret truth" Paul revealed was that Gentiles could also become part of the people of God. First, God made the people of Israel his people. Now, anyone who believed in Jesus could also be part of God's people. Other scholars think the “secret truth” Paul wrote about was that Gentiles could be at peace with God. Before, Gentiles needed to do the things the Jews did so they could be at peace with God. Now anyone can be at peace with God because they believe in Jesus.

God had hidden this plan from people for a long time (see: Ephesians 3:9, Romans 16:25). Now, God revealed it to Paul (see: Ephesians 3:3). He wanted Paul to reveal it to Gentiles and other Christians.

See: Romans 11:25, Ephesians 3:6, Acts 22:21, and Acts 28:28. See: Reveal (Revelation); People of God; Gentile

What are the "riches" that Paul wrote about?

[1:27]

Paul wrote about "riches." This was a metaphor. He wanted to write that God highly values people who believe in Jesus. That is, God thinks about them the way a rich person thinks about their money. So, when Paul wrote about the "secret truth among the Gentiles," he really wanted the Gentiles to know about Jesus. Paul served God by telling Gentiles about Jesus. This is what God wanted Paul to do.

See: Metaphor; Gentile

Why did Paul write "Christ in you"?

[1:27]

When Paul wrote "Christ in you", he wanted people to think that when they believed in Jesus, Jesus became part of them in some way. Paul did not want to say that Jesus is physically inside of Christians. Some scholars think that "Christ in you" is the Holy Spirit. Other scholars think that a person who believes in Jesus can in some way make themselves like Jesus. That is, they can live in a way that honors God.

See: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

What is the "hope of glory"?

[1:27]

The hope of glory is something Christians know. They know that they will be with God in heaven. They will be near God who is glorious.

See: Hope; Glory (Glorify)

How did Paul present people mature in Christ?

[1:28]

Paul wrote about presenting people mature in Christ. This was a metaphor. He was speaking about making an offering to God of the people who they taught. They wanted to give them to God to show God how they helped these people serve God. Paul wanted to help these people to live in a way that honors God. He did this to honor God.

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 2

¹ For I want you to know how great a struggle I have had for you, for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh. ² I work so that their hearts may be encouraged by being brought together in love and into all the riches of full assurance of understanding, into the knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ. ³ In him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden. ⁴ I say this so that no one may trick you with persuasive speech. ⁵ Although I am not with you in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit. I rejoice to see your good order and the strength of your faith in Christ.

⁶ As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him. ⁷ Be rooted in him, be built on him, be established in faith just as you were taught, and abound in thanksgiving.

⁸ See that no one captures you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, conforming to the elemental spirits of the world, and not conforming to Christ. ⁹ For in him all the fullness of God lives in bodily form. ¹⁰ You have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. ¹¹ In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not done by humans in the removal of the body of flesh, but in the circumcision of Christ. ¹² You were buried with him in baptism, and in him you were raised up through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive together with him and forgave us all of our trespasses. ^[1]14 He blotted out the written record of debts that was hostile to us with its regulations. He took it away by nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

¹⁶ So then, let no one judge you in eating or in drinking, or about a festival or a new moon, or about Sabbath days. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one who wants humility and the worship of angels judge you out of your prize. Such a person enters into the things he has seen and becomes puffed up for no reason by his fleshly thinking. ¹⁹ He does not hold on to the head. It is from the head that the whole body throughout its joints and ligaments is supplied and held together; it grows with the growth given by God.

²⁰ If you died together with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you live as obligated to the world: ²¹ "Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch"? ²² All these things will perish with use, according to the commandments and teachings of men. ²³ These rules have the appearance of wisdom, with their self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body. But they have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Footnotes

Colossians 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Circumcision and baptism

In verses 11-12, Paul uses both the old covenant sign of circumcision and the new covenant sign of baptism to show how Christians are united with Christ and freed from sin.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Flesh

This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for our sinful nature. Paul is not teaching that the physical part of man is sinful. Paul appears to be teaching that, while Christians are alive ("in the flesh"), we will continue to sin. But our new nature will be fighting against our old nature. Paul also uses "flesh" in this chapter to refer to the physical body.

Implicit information

Paul mentions several issues in this chapter that imply information about the context of the church in Colossae. It is best to allow the text to remain uncertain over the actual details.

Colossians 2

2:1-5

What was Paul's struggle?

[2:1]

When Paul wrote about his struggle, he wanted people to know how he prayed for them very often. He was in prison. Therefore, he could not be with them. This made him very sad. Scholars also think he wanted them to think that he was in some way wrestling with God. That is, he was fighting with God in some way when he was asking God to help them.

Where was Laodicea?

[2:1]

Laodicea was about 16 kilometers west of Colossae. Christians in the two cities knew each other. Christian leaders sent letters to both of them. They usually shared those letters with each other. Paul prayer for both those churches.

See Map: Colossae; Laodicea

Why did Paul write "have not seen my face in the flesh"?

[2:1]

When Paul wrote "have not seen my face in the flesh," he was writing about people who had not seen Paul. Paul did not start the church in Colossae. Therefore, many people were part of that church who had not met him. He still loved them.

See: Church

Why did Paul write "hearts"?

[2:2]

See: Heart (Metaphor)

What is the "secret truth of God"?

[2:2]

The "secret truth of God" is that Jesus is the Messiah.

See: Colossians 1:26

Why did Paul write "hidden"?

[2:3]

Paul wrote "hidden" to make his people think about God. He wrote that Jesus is God. God is very great, and he can do anything. However, Jesus was also a person. This meant that other people could not see everything he could do because he was God but he was also a man. Therefore, Paul wrote that some of the things Jesus could do were "hidden." That is, people could not see them.

See: Jesus is God

Why did Paul write "with you in spirit"?

[2:5]

Paul wrote "with you in spirit" to tell people that he knew they believed in Jesus. They believed in Jesus the same way he did. They prayed for the same things (see: Colossians 1:3,9).

Paul also knew that they heard the gospel he taught. He knew this because Epaphras started the church in Colossae. Paul trained Epaphras. So Epaphras taught them what Paul taught Epaphras. Paul wanted to say that in some way it was as if he taught them himself.

See:Gospel, Church

Why did Paul write "faith"?

[2:5]

See: Faith (Believe in)

2:6-15

Why did Paul write "received Christ the Lord"?

[2:6]

When Paul wrote "received Christ the Lord", he wanted people to think about when they believed in Jesus, who is the Messiah. He used the metaphor of receiving a gift. This is because when a person believes in Jesus and God saves them from their sins, it is a great gift from God.

See: Metaphor, Messiah (Christ)

Why did Paul write "walk in him"?

[2:6]

See: Walk

Why did Paul write "be rooted in him"?

[2:7]

When Paul wrote "be rooted in him", he used a metaphor to speak about how Christians should follow Jesus. He wanted people to think about how a plant is rooted in the ground. The ground keeps the plant strong. It keeps the plant growing. In some way, when a person believes in Jesus, God keeps that person strong and helps them to live in a way that honors God.

See: Metaphor

Why did Paul write "be built on him"?

[2:7]

When Paul wrote "be built on him", he used a different metaphor to speak about Christians should obey Jesus. He wanted people to think about how a building is built on a foundation. The foundation keeps the building from falling down. In some way, Jesus keeps Christians from falling away from God.

See: Metaphor

Why did Paul write "captures you"?

[2:8]

When Paul wrote "captures you", he warned people not to start believing the wrong things. He used the metaphor of a soldier being captured by an enemy in war. That soldier became the slave of the enemy. Paul wanted to say that it is in some way like this if a Christian starts to believe wrong ideas about God or Jesus. That person does the wrong things and they cannot stop doing the wrong things because they believe the wrong things.

See: Metaphor

What is "philosophy and empty deceit"?

[2:8]

Paul wrote "philosophy and empty deceit" to warn people not to believe something other than the gospel.

"Philosophy" is a word for ways of thinking. Paul used it to speak about ideas that people make up. That is to say, they are things people teach that are not from God.

When Paul wrote "empty deceit", he wanted people to know that these ideas are worthless. If people believed them, they did not help them. Also, he wanted them to know that these ideas are lies. That is, other people tell them these things to deceive them.

Advice to translators: An idea is something someone thinks.

See: Gospel

What are the "elements of the world"?

[2:8]

Scholars disagree about what "elements of the world" are. Some scholars think when Paul wrote "elements of the world," he wanted people to think about spirits that are not from God. These spirits are demons. Other scholars think he wrote this to get people to think about things the world. The ancient Greeks thought that everything in the world was composed of the "elements" of earth, air, fire, and water. Other scholars think Paul wrote about ways the false teachers spoke. These false teachers would speak about ideas as if they were people.

Advice to translators: An idea is something someone thinks.

See: Spirit (Spiritual); Demon

What is the "fullness of God"?

[2:9]

When Paul wrote "fullness of God," he wanted people to know that Jesus is God. That is, Jesus is completely God. There is nothing God has that Jesus does not have. Also, there is nothing of Jesus that is not God.

See: Trinity; Jesus is God

Why did Paul write "filled in him"?

[2:10]

When Paul wrote "filled in him," he wanted people to know that Jesus in some way completed or perfected them.

See: Colossians 1:9

What is the "circumcision of Christ"?

[2:11]

See: Circumcise (Circumcision)

Why did Paul write "you were buried with him in baptism"?

[2:12]

When Paul wrote "you were buried", he used the metaphor of death and burial to speak about what happens when someone believes in Jesus. When a person dies, their body is buried in the ground. That is, people no longer see it. When a person is baptised, it is a symbol of that they no longer have to do the things they used to do. They do not have to sin. They begin a new life. That is, they begin obeying Jesus instead of sinning.

Paul wrote "with him" to make people know that Jesus changes people who believe in him. When a person is baptised, it is also a symbol that the person in some way is joining in Jesus' resurrection.

See: Metaphor; Symbol](../articleas/symbol.md); [Sin; Baptize (Baptism); Resurrect (Resurrection); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

How are people "raised up" in Christ?

[2:12]

Paul wrote that Christians are "raised up" in Christ. In some way, God gives Christians the benefit of Jesus' resurrection. That is, Christians will be resurrected. However. Paul said that in some way, Christians are changed when they believe in Jesus. In some way, this is like being resurrected, or being given a new life.

Scholars think this was part of the metaphor of baptism. That is, when a person comes up from the water when they are baptised, it is a symbol of their new life. This new life is because of Jesus. Baptize (Baptism) See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Symbol; Baptize (Baptism); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

What was Paul writing about being "dead in your trespasses" and "alive together with" Christ?

[2:13]

Paul wrote about being "dead in your trespasses" but now "alive together with" Jesus to get readers to think about how different their lives were before and after they believed in Jesus. Before they believed in Jesus, they sinned against God. In the Bible, people often used the metaphor of being dead to speak about this (see: Romans 5:12-21). But when a person believes in Jesus, God saves them from their sins. Paul wanted people to know that in some way, this is like getting a new life. They now live in some way "with" Jesus, who is the Messiah. Paul said that this new life is in some way like the new life Jesus got when he was resurrected.

See: Sin; Metaphor; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Resurrect (Resurrection); Die (Death); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Messiah (Christ)

Why did Paul write "nailing it to the cross"?

[2:14]

When Paul wrote about peoples' sins being "nailed to the cross", he wanted to say that God cancelled their sins completely. God will no longer judge them or punish them for their sins. Nailing to the cross is a metaphor or symbol for completely ending something.

See: Metaphor; Cross; Sin; Atone (Atonement)

What was Paul saying in 2:15?

[2:15]

In 2:15, Paul was saying that when Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected, he defeated forever all "powers and authorities" that are opposed to God (see: 1:16, 2:10). That is to say, they still exist on earth. But they never can defeat God. Paul used the metaphor of "disarming" them to speak about this. Then he wrote that Jesus "made a public spectacle of them". That is to say, he defeated them in a way that all people can know about it. Also, it was a way that shames them. People may still follow the "powers and authorities". But if they do, they are foolish.

These “powers and authorities” included Satan and demons.

See: Metaphor; Cross; Atone (Atonement); Satan (The Devil); Demon

2:16-23

Why did Paul write "a shadow of the things to come"?

[2:17]

When Paul wrote "a shadow of the things to come," he wanted people to know that any religious rules or laws are less important than eternal life.

Some teachers wanted the Christians in Colossae to go back to obeying the Law of Moses. They taught that people are saved from their sins by following the Law of Moses.

However, Paul said these things were only a "shadow." That is they were not as great as something that happened later. He wanted people to believe in Jesus and obey the things Jesus taught. This is how people are at peace with God.

See: Eternal Life; Law of Moses; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)

What is "humility"?

[2:18]

In 2:18, Paul used the word "humility" differently than he did in the rest of the New Testament. He used it to speak about certain things people did to please God. These were things such as fasting, that a person did to make other people think he was serving God. This is different than other places the word "humility" is used in the New Testament (see: 3:12; Acts 20:19; Ephesians 4:2; Philipppians 2:3). In those places, it is written to say that a person knows they are not greater than God or other people. The person is not proud.

See: Humble (Humility)

What is "the worship of angels"?

[2:18]

Scholars disagree over "the worship of angels." Some scholars think he was speaking about people worshipping angels instead of worshipping God. Other scholars think he was speaking about people worshipping God the way the angels worship God.

Paul wanted his readers to reject both of these things. He wanted them to worship God through Jesus, who is the Messiah.

See: Worship; Angel; Messiah (Christ)

What is "fleshly thinking"?

[2:18]

"Fleshly thinking" is when a person thinks too much about their body and what they feel. Paul warned his people that this way of thinking was not what God wants. God wants people to think about other things. He wanted them to think about serving God and helping other people.

What is the "head"?

[2:19]

When Paul wrote about the "head", he used a metaphor to speak about Jesus. Paul wanted people to know that Jesus is the leader of all Christians. The head is the part of a person that determines what the body will do. That is to say, in some way the head leads the body.

See: Metaphor; Body of Christ; Church

What is the "body" that Paul wrote about?

[2:19]

The "body" that Paul wrote about is a metaphor for the church.

See: Body of Christ; Church

What did Paul write about in 2:20-23?

In 2:20-23, Paul wrote again that a person should not think that they will be saved from their sins if they follow certain rules. Paul said that these are part of "the world", that is to say of things that are opposed to God. These rules were part of the wrong things that false teachers taught in Colossae. Paul said that Christians need to believe in Jesus and obey the things Jesus taught.

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Law of Moses;World

How can a person "die together with Christ"?

[2:20]

When Paul wrote that a person "die together with Christ," he used the metaphor of dying to speak about a person believing in Jesus and being saved from their sins.

See: Colossians 2:13, 15 See: Metaphor; Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Die (Death)

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 3

¹ If then God has raised you with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. ² Think about the things above, not about the things on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ appears, who is your life, then you will also appear with him in glory. ^[1]

⁵ Put to death, then, the members that are on earth—sexual immorality, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ It is for these things that the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. ^[2]7 It is in these things that you also once walked when you lived in them. ⁸ But now you must get rid of all these things—wrath, anger, evil intentions, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old man with its practices, ¹⁰ and you have put on the new man that is being made new in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it, ¹¹ where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all, and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with one another. Be gracious to each other. If someone has a complaint against someone else, forgive in the same way that the Lord has forgiven you. ¹⁴ Above all these things, have love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. It was for this peace that you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ live in you richly, teaching and instructing one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him.

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is appropriate in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing in the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they will not be discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with a sincere heart. Fear the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work from the soul as to the Lord and not as to people. ²⁴ You know that you will receive from the Lord the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. ²⁵ For anyone who does unrighteousness will receive the penalty for the unrighteousness that he did, and there is no partiality.

Footnotes

Colossians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.

Special concepts in this chapter

Old and new self

The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: sin and faith)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Character

Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate.

"The things above"

Where God dwells is often pictured as being located "above." Paul says to "seek the things above" and to "think about the things above." He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.

Colossians 3

3:1-4

How are people "raised with Christ"?

[3:1]

See: Colossians 2:12, 2:13 See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Messiah (Christ)

What are "things above"?

[3:1]

"Things above" are things about heaven. When Paul wrote this, he wanted people to think about the kingdom of God. He did not want them to keep thinking about things on earth. He wanted them to think about serving God.

See: Heaven; Kingdom of God

Why did Paul write "you have died"?

[3:3]

Paul wrote "you have died." This is a metaphor (see: Colossians 2:13, 20). He wanted them to repent of their sins completely.

See: Metaphor; Repent (Repentance);Sin Offering

Why did Paul write "your life is hidden with Christ"?

[3:3]

When Paul wrote "your life is hidden with Christ", he wanted people to think about the way God changed them when they believed in Jesus. He used the metaphor of hiding. He wanted them to know that because they believed in Jesus, they could honor and serve God. And because they honored and served God, they did not serve other gods. It was as if they were hidden from the gods they used to worship.

See: Messiah (Christ);Metaphor; False gods

When will Christ "appear"?

[3:4]

Nobody knows when the messiah will "appear" again. That is, no one knows when Jesus will return to the earth. Paul wrote this so his readers would think about Jesus returning to the earth.

See: Jesus' Return to Earth; Messiah (Christ)

Why did Paul write "you will also appear with him in glory"?

[3:4]

Paul wrote "you will also appear with him in glory" because he wanted people to think about eternal life with God.

See: Eternal Life; Glory (Glorify)

3:5-17

Why did Paul write "put to death"?

[3:5]

When Paul wrote "put to death," it was a metaphor. He wanted Christians to completely removing certain things from their lives. That is, he wanted them to completely stop doing these evil things. When a person dies, he cannot affect the people who know him any more. In the same way, when a Christian completely stops doing certain things, those things no longer affect him any more.

See: Metaphor

Why did Paul write "members"?

[3:5]

Paul wrote "members." This was a metaphor. He was writing about anything a person desires that is wrong.

Who are the "sons of disobedience"?

[3:6]

The "sons of disobedience" are people who do not honor God. They do wrong things. They do not follow what Paul and Epaphras taught the Christians in Colossae.

Why did Paul write "walked"?

[3:7]

See: Metaphor;Walk

Who is the "old man with its practices"?

[3:9]

The "old man with its practices" is a way of speaking about how people are before they believe in Jesus. That is, how they live before they become Christians. Paul often wrote about believing in Jesus as if it is the beginning of a new life. So, he also wrote about a person before they believe in Jesus as the "old man".

See: Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

Who is the "new man"?

[3:10]

The "new man" is a way of speaking about people after they believe in Jesus. Paul often wrote this way as a metaphor. That is, he wrote about believing in Jesus as if it is the beginning of a new life. That is, as if the person becomes a "new man" when they believe in Jesus. He is different than he was before he believed in Jesus.

See: Metaphor; Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

How does a person "put on the new man"?

[3:10]

When Paul wrote that a person should "put on the new man." It was a metaphor. He wrote about putting on clothes. That is, a person chooses to put clothes on. Sometimes, the person chooses which clothes to put on. So Paul wrote this to get people to think that a Christian needs to choose to live a certain way. That is, Christians are to live in a way that honors God.

See: Metaphor

What is the "image of the one who created it"?

[3:10]

When Paul wrote the "image of the one who created it," he spoke about God. He wanted people to remember that they were created in God's image (see: Genesis 1:26-27). He also wanted people to think about how God forgives their sins when they believe in Jesus. When God does this, it is as if he creates them as new people (see: Colossians 3:10).

See: Image; Sin; Atone (Atonement); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

What did Paul want readers to think when he wrote 3:11?

[3:11]

When Paul wrote 3:11, he wanted to say that God cares whether someone believes in Jesus. God will forgive the sins of anyone who believes in Jesus. However, God does not care where someone was born. He does not care if someone is rich or poor. He does not care who someone worshipped before they believed in Jesus. God wants people to believe in Jesus.

See: John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:11-22 See: Messiah (Christ); Sin; Atone (Atonement)

What is to "put on a heart"?

[3:12]

When someone "put on a heart," they choose to live in a certain way. Paul continued to use the metaphor of a person putting on clothes (see: Colossians 3:10). He did this to tell people that they should choose to live in a way that honors God. He wanted to say that Christians need to choose this every day.

See: Metaphor

What is "bear with"?

[3:13]

When someone "bear with" someone, they are patient. That is, they do not get angry or upset with someone else.

Why did Paul write "bond of perfection"?

[3:14]

Paul wrote "bond of perfection" to get people to think that if they love each other, God will keep them together. "Bond" is a metaphor for joining things together forever. So Paul wrote this to write about God joining people together who are different. God does this because they all believe in Jesus. So, they love each other. The bond "of perfection" was a way of saying that this is the best way for people to live.

See: Metaphor

What is "peace" ?

[3:15]

"Peace" is when someone is calm does not often get upset.

Why did Paul write "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts"?

Paul wrote "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" to tell people to keep obeying Jesus. He used the metaphor of a person ruling other people. He wanted to say that Christians need to remember that Jesus is their king. That is, they need to do things he said to do.

If they do this, then God will give them peace that is better than any peace they can have without Jesus. That is why Paul wrote peace "of Christ."

See: Metaphor; Messiah (Christ)

What is to be "called in one body"?

[3:15]

Paul wrote about all Christians when he wrote "called in one body." In the Bible, the church is spoken about as if it is a body. Paul wanted people to think that God called them to be part of his church. That is, God did certain things so they could believe in Jesus. When they do this, it makes them part of the church.

See: Body of Christ; Church; Call (Calling)

What is the "word of Christ"?

[3:16]

The "word of Christ" is the gospel about Jesus. It is also all the things that Jesus taught while he was on the earth.

See: Gospel

How can the word of Christ "live in you richly"?

[3:16]

When Paul wrote about the word of Christ living in you richly, he wanted people to keep learning about Jesus and thinking about what Jesus taught people to do. If someone does this, they will do things that honor God. This will help other people to know that this person believes in Jesus.

See: Messiah (Christ)

3:18-25

Why did Paul write "masters according to the flesh"?

[3:22]

Paul wrote "masters according to the flesh" to get people to think about people who owned slaves. He wrote "according to the flesh" to say that a person was only a slave while they were living on earth. That is, people were not slaves because God wanted them to be slaves. It was only because of what other people did.

What is "eyeservice"?

[3:22]

"Eyeservice" was when a slave obeyed his master only when the master watched him. Paul told people that this was wrong. They should obey all the time.

What are "people pleasers"?

[3:22]

"People pleasers" are men or women who do things just to get other people to think they were good people. Paul told people that this was wrong. They should think about pleasing God.

What is working "as to the Lord and not as to people"?

[3:23]

Working "as to the Lord and not as to people" is another way of saying what Paul wrote in 3:22. That is, he wanted people to always do things that honor God. He wanted people not to do things because of what other people will think.

What is "the inheritance"?

[3:24]

See: Colossians 1:9 See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)

What is "favoritism"?

[3:25]

"Favoritism" is when one person or group of people receives a gift or favor just because of who they are. That is, it is not because they have done something to deserve the gift. Paul told people that God does not do this. He loves all people (see: John 3:16). He forgives the sins of everyone who believes in Jesus.

See: Sin;Atone(Atonement)

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 4

¹ Masters, give to slaves what is right and fair, knowing you also have a Master in heaven.

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert in it in thanksgiving, ³ praying together for us also, that God would open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which also I have been in chains. ⁴ Pray that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward those outside, and redeem the time. ⁶ Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

⁷ As for all the things concerning me, Tychicus will make them known to you. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us, and so that he may encourage your hearts. ^[1]9 I have sent him together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that has happened here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as well as Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received orders; if he comes to you, receive him), ¹¹ and also Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God. They have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras greets you. He is one of you and a slave of Christ Jesus. He always strives for you in prayer, so that you may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God. ¹³ For I can testify that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. ¹⁵ Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church that is in her house. ¹⁶ When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ Say to Archippus, "Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill it."

¹⁸ This greeting is with my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. May grace be with you.

Footnotes

Colossians 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Colossians 4:1 appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.

Special concepts in this chapter

"In my own hand"

It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Secret truth

Paul refers to a "secret truth" in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: reveal)

Colossians 4

4:1-6

Who is the "master in heaven"?

[4:1]

When Paul wrote "master in heaven,” he wanted people to think about Jesus. Jesus is the master who all Christians serve. He is in heaven now. That is, he went to heaven after he was resurrected. He will be in heaven until he returns to earth.

See: Heaven; Resurrect (Resurrection); Jesus' Return to Earth

What is "thanksgiving"?

[4:2]

See: Thanksgiving

Why did Paul write "open a door for the word"?

[4:3]

Paul wrote "open a door." This was a metaphor. He was writing about being able to tell other people about Jesus. Opening a door allows a person go into another room. So Paul wanted people to know that he asked God to allow him in some way to tell people around him about Jesus.

Paul wrote "the word" because he wanted people to think about the gospel.

See: Metaphor; Door (Metaphor);Gospel

What is the "mystery of Christ"?

[4:3]

See: Mystery

Why was Paul "chained up"?

[4:3]

Paul was "chained up" because the Romans had arrested him. He was a Roman citizen. Because of this, he wanted the Roman emperor to judge him (see: Acts 25). While he waited to see the emperor, the Romans kept him chained up so he could not escape.

See: Citizen

Why did Paul write "seasoned with salt"?

[4:6]

Paul wrote "seasoned with salt." This is a metaphor about the gospel. Salt makes food taste better. That is, salt makes the food seem better to people. In some way, Paul wanted readers to explain the gospel to people so that it would seem better to them.

Jesus also used the metaphor of salt to speak about how Christians should speak to other people and live (see: Matthew 5:13).

See: Metaphor; Gospel

4:7-9

What were the "things concerning me" and "matters about us"?

[4:7]

When Paul wrote "things concerning me" and "matters about us," he wanted people to think about what they heard was happening to him. They heard about him from the people who brought this letter to them.

Who was Tychicus?

[4:7]

Tychicus was a man who traveled with Paul. He went with Paul to Jerusalem (see: Acts 20:4). He was with Paul in Rome. He took this letter to the Christians in Colossae.

See Map: Jerusalem; Rome

Who was Onesimus?

[4:9]

Onesimus was a man who met Paul when Paul went to Rome. Before this, Onesimus was a slave. In fact, he was a slave in Colossae. He believed in Jesus, so he was a Christian.

Onesimus became a Christian after he escaped from slavery. Paul wrote a letter to Onesimus's owner (see: Philemon). In that letter, Paul asked Philemon not to punish Onesimus. Instead, Paul wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus in the same way he treated other Christians.

Now, Onesimus was with Paul while Paul was in prison at Rome. Paul sent him to Colossae with Tychicus. He wanted the Christians in Colossae to know that Onesimus was also a Christian. That is, he wrote about Onesimus so the Christians in Colossae would treat Onesimus in the same way they treated each other.

See: Serve (Servant, Slave) See Map: Rome; Jerusalem

4:10-18

Who was Aristarchus?

[4:10]

Aristarchus was a man who traveled with Paul (see: Acts 20:1-6). He came from Thessalonica.

Scholars disagree about why Paul wrote that Aristarchus was Paul's "fellow prisoner." Some scholars think the Romans kept him in prison with Paul. That is, they arrested Aristarchus for being a Christian. Other scholars think Paul used "prisoner" as a metaphor. He was writing about Aristarchus being a fellow Christian who was there to help Paul while in prison.

See Map: Thessalonica

Who was Mark?

[4:10]

Mark was a man who traveled with Paul (see: Acts 12:12, 12:25, 15:37-39, 2 Timothy 4:11). He was also called John Mark. He wrote the gospel of Mark.

See: Gospel

Who was Barnabas?

[4:10]

Barnabas was a man who traveled with Paul (see: Acts 11-15).

Who was "Jesus called Justus"?

[4:11]

"Jesus called Justus" was a man who traveled with Paul. He is not Jesus who is the messiah. Scholars do not know much about this man. He was a Jew who believed in Jesus the messiah, so he became a Christian. Some scholars think he worked with Christians who were born Jews and also Christians who were born Gentiles. They think this because "Jesus" is a Jewish name, but "Justus" is a Latin name.

See: Messiah (Christ); Gentile

Why did Paul write "of the circumcision"?

[4:11]

When Paul wrote "of the circumcision," he wanted people to know that three of the men he wrote about were Jewish. Jewish people circumcised their boys when they were 8 days old. At this time, the Gentiles did not do this. Therefore, people knew a man was Jewish if he was circumcised.

See: Circumcise (Circumcision)

Who was Epaphras?

[4:12]

See Colossians 1:7-8

Why did Paul write "slave of Christ Jesus"?

[4:12]

Paul wrote "slave of Christ Jesus." This is a metaphor. Some scholars think he was writing about someone who believes in Jesus and obeys Jesus. That is, he obeys Jesus in the same way a slave obeys his master. (See: Colossians 3:11, 3:22).

Other scholars think Paul wrote about someone who chose to serve Jesus. Christians choose to serve Jesus. They did this because they love him.

See: Serve (Servant, Slave); Metaphor

Why did Paul write "strives for you in prayer" ?

[4:12]

Paul wrote "strives for you in prayer" to speak about how hard Epaphras prayed for the Christians in Colossae. When someone strives for something, they work very hard to do it. Therefore, Paul wanted to say that Epaphras prayed especially hard for the Colossian Christians.

Where was Laodicea?

[4:13]

See: Colossians 2:1.

Where was Hierapolis?

4:13]

See Map: Hierapolis

Who was "Luke the beloved physician"?

[4:14]

He was a "physician." A "physician" was someone who healed people who were sick or injured.

Paul said Luke was "beloved" because they were close friends. He loved Luke. Also, many other Christians knew and loved Luke.

See: Gentile; Gospel; New Testament

Who was Demas?

[4:14]

Demas was a man who traveled with Paul. However, scholars believe he stopped working with Paul (see: 2 Timothy 4:10). Some scholars think this is because he stopped believing in Jesus. Other scholars do not think this is why he stopped working with Paul

Who was Nympha?

[4:15]

Nympha was a Christian who lived near Colossae. Scholars do not know if Nympha was a man or a woman. More scholars think Nympha was a woman.

Why did Paul write "the church that meets in her house"?

[4:15]

Paul wrote "the church that meets in her house." He was writing about Christians who met at Nympha's house. That is, they worshipped God together in Nympha’s house. Scholars think they did this because they were too far from Colossae to meet with the Christians in the city. Nympha's house may have been in Laodicea. Or it may have been somewhere in between Colossae and Laodicea.

See Map: Colossae; Laodicea

Who was Archippus?

[4:17]

Archippus was a Christian man in Colossae. Scholars think he was a leader in the church there. However, they do not know what he did in the church. Scholars think he could have been part of Philemon's family (see: Philemon 2). Perhaps he was Philemon's son.

Scholars disagree about why Paul wrote "Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill it." Some scholars think Paul said this to encourage Archippus. That is, Paul wanted Archippus to keep doing the things he was doing. Other scholars think Paul said this because Archippus was no longer serving the church for some reason. So Paul wrote it to warn Archippus to go back to serving God in this way.

See: Church

Why did Paul write "this greeting is with my own hand"?

[4:18]

When Paul wrote "this greeting is with my own hand," he wanted people to know that he really sent the letter. Often Paul spoke words and one of his companions wrote them down as a letter. But he wrote these last words himself. This way, readers could see that the handwriting was his own. Therefore, they would know the things in this letter were what Paul taught.

See: Ancient Letters

ULB Translation Questions

ULB Translation Words

Aaron

Facts:

Aaron was Moses' older brother. God chose Aaron to be the first high priest for the people of Israel.

• Aaron helped Moses speak to Pharaoh about letting the Israelites go free.
• While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, Aaron sinned by making an idol for the people to worship.
• God also appointed Aaron and his descendants to be the priests for the people of Israel.

(See also: priest, Moses, Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 23:14
• Acts 07:38-40
• Exodus 28:1-3
• Luke 01:05
• Numbers 16:45

Word Data:

• Strong's: H175, G2

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aaron, Aaron's

Abel

Facts:

Abel was Adam and Eve's second son. He was Cain's younger brother.

• Abel was a shepherd.
• Abel sacrificed some of his animals as an offering to God.
• God was pleased with Abel and his offerings.
• Adam and Eve's firstborn son Cain murdered Abel.

(See also: Cain, sacrifice, shepherd)

Bible References:

• Genesis 04:02
• Genesis 04:09
• Hebrews 12:24
• Luke 11:49-51
• Matthew 23:35

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1893, G6

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abel, Abel's

Abiathar

Facts:

Abiathar was a high priest for the nation of Israel during the time of King David.

• When King Saul killed the priests, Abiathar escaped and went to David in the wilderness.
• Abiathar and another high priest named Zadok served David faithfully throughout his reign.
• After David's death, Abiathar helped Adonijah try to become king instead of Solomon.
• Because of this, King Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood.

(See also: Zadok, Saul (OT), David, Solomon, Adonijah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 27:32-34
• 1 Kings 01:07
• 1 Kings 02:22-23
• 2 Samuel 17:15
• Mark 02:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H54, G8

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abiathar, Abiathar's

Abijah

Facts:

Abijah was a king of Judah who reigned from 915 to 913 B.C. He was a son of King Rehoboam. There were also several other men named Abijah in the Old Testament:

• Samuel's sons Abijah and Joel were leaders over the people of Israel at Beersheba. Because Abijah and his brother were dishonest and greedy, the people asked Samuel to appoint a king to rule them instead.
• Abijah was one of the temple priests during the time of King David.
• Abijah was one of King Jeroboam's sons.
• Abijah was also a chief priest who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity.

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 15:03
• 1 Samuel 08:1-3
• 2 Chronicles 13:02
• 2 Chronicles 13:19
• Luke 01:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H29, G7

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abijah, Abijah's

Abimelek

Facts:

Abimelek was a Philistine king over the region of Gerar during the time when Abraham and Isaac were living in the land of Canaan.

• Abraham deceived King Abimelek by telling him that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife.
• Abraham and Abimelek made an agreement regarding ownership of wells at Beersheba.
• Many years later, Isaac also deceived Abimelek and the other men of Gerar by saying that Rebekah was his sister, not his wife.
• King Abimelek rebuked Abraham, and later Isaac, for lying to him.
• Another man by the name of Abimelek was a son of Gideon and a brother of Jotham. Some translations may use a slightly different spelling of his name to make it clear that he is a different person from King Abimelek.

(See also: Beersheba, Gerar, Gideon, Jotham, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 11:21
• Genesis 20:03
• Genesis 20:05
• Genesis 21:22
• Genesis 26:11
• Judges 09:54

Word Data:

• Strong's: H40

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abimelek, Abimelek's

Abner

Facts:

Abner was a cousin of King Saul in the Old Testament.

• Abner was the chief commander of Saul's army, and introduced young David to Saul after David killed Goliath the giant.
• After King Saul's death, Abner appointed Saul's son Ishbosheth as king in Israel, while David was appointed king in Judah.
• Later, Abner was treacherously killed by David's chief commander, Joab.

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 26:26-28
• 1 Kings 02:5-6
• 1 Kings 02:32
• 1 Samuel 17:55-56
• 2 Samuel 03:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H74

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abner, Abner's

Abraham

Related Words:

Abram

Facts:

Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to "Abraham."

• The name "Abram" means "exalted father."
• "Abraham" means "father of many."
• God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, who would become a great nation.
• Abraham believed God and obeyed him. God led Abraham to move from Chaldea to the land of Canaan.
• Abraham and his wife Sarah, when they were very old and living in the land of Canaan, had a son, Isaac.

(See also: Canaan, Chaldeans, Sarah, Isaac)

Bible References:

• Galatians 03:08
• Genesis 11:29-30
• Genesis 21:04
• Genesis 22:02
• James 02:23
• Matthew 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H87, H85, G11

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Abraham, Abraham's, Abram

Absalom

Facts:

Absalom was the third son of King David. He was known for his handsome appearance and fiery temperament.

• When Absalom's sister Tamar was raped by their half-brother, Amnon, Absalom made a plan to have Amnon killed.
• After the murder of Amnon, Absalom fled to the region of Geshur (where his mother Maacah was from) and stayed there three years. Then King David sent for him to come back to Jerusalem, but did not allow Absalom to come into his presence for two years.
• Absalom turned some of the people against King David and led a revolt against him.
• David's army fought against Absalom and killed him. David was very grieved when this happened.

(See also: Geshur, Amnon)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:1-3
• 1 Kings 01:06
• 2 Samuel 15:02
• 2 Samuel 17:1-4
• 2 Samuel 18:18
• Psalm 003:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H53

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Absalom, Absalom's

Adam

Facts:

Adam was the first person whom God created. He and his wife Eve were made in the image of God.

• God formed Adam from dirt and breathed life into him.
• Adam's name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for "red dirt" or "ground."
• The name "Adam" is the same as the Old Testament word for "mankind" or "human being."
• All people are descendants of Adam and Eve.
• Adam and Eve disobeyed God. This separated them from God and caused sin and death to come into the world.

(See also: death, descendant, Eve, image of God, life)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 02:14
• Genesis 03:17
• Genesis 05:01
• Genesis 11:05
• Luke 03:38
• Romans 05:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H120, G76

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Adam, Adam's, the man, mankind

Adonijah

Facts:

Adonijah was the fourth son of King David.

• Adonijah tried to take over as king of Israel after the deaths of his brothers Absalom and Amnon.
• God, however, had promised that David's son Solomon would be king., so Adonijah's plot was overthrown and Solomon was made king.
• When Adonijah tried a second time to make himself king, Solomon put him to death.

(See also: David, Solomon)

Bible References:

Word Data:

• Strong's: H138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Adonijah, Adonijah's

Ahab

Facts:

Ahab was a very evil king who reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel from 875 to 854 BC.

• King Ahab influenced the people of Israel to worship false gods.
• The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and told him there would be a severe drought for three and a half years as punishment for the sins that Ahab caused Israel to commit.
• Ahab and his wife Jezebel did many other evil things, including using their power to kill innocent people.

(See also: Baal, Elijah, Jezebel, kingdom of Israel, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 18:1-2
• 1 Kings 20:1-3
• 2 Chronicles 21:06
• 2 Kings 09:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H256

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahab, Ahab's

Ahaz

Facts:

Ahaz was a wicked king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah from 732 BC to 716 BC. This was about 140 years before the time when many people in Israel and Judah were taken as captives to Babylonia.

• While he was ruling Judah, Ahaz had an altar built for worshiping the false gods of the Assyrians, which caused the people to turn away from the one true God, Yahweh.
• King Ahaz was 20 years old when he started to rule over Judah, and he ruled for 16 years.

(See also: Babylon)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 08:35-37
• 2 Chronicles 28:01
• 2 Kings 16:20
• Hosea 01:01
• Isaiah 01:1
• Isaiah 07:04
• Matthew 01:9-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H271

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahaz, Ahaz's

Ahaziah

Facts:

Ahaziah was the name of two kings: one ruled over the kingdom of Israel, and the other ruled over the kingdom of Judah.

• Judah's King Ahaziah was the son of King Jehoram. He reigned for one year (841 B.C.) and then was killed by Jehu. Ahaziah's young son Joash eventually took his place as king.
• Israel's King Ahaziah was the son of King Ahab. He reigned for two years (850-49 B.C.). He died from injuries suffered in a fall at his palace, and his brother Joram became king.

(See also: Jehu, Ahab, Jeroboam, Joash)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 22:39-40
• 2 Chronicles 22:02
• 2 Chronicles 25:23-24
• 2 Kings 11:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H274

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahaziah, Ahaziah's

Ahijah

Facts:

Ahijah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament. The following are some of these men:

• Ahijah was the name of a priest in the time of Saul.
• A man named Ahijah was a secretary during the reign of King Solomon.
• Ahijah was the name of a prophet from Shiloh who predicted that the nation of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms.
• The father of King Baasha of Israel was also named Ahijah.

(See also: Baasha, Shiloh)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 15:27-28
• 1 Kings 21:21-22
• 1 Samuel 14:19
• 2 Chronicles 10:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H281

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ahijah, Ahijah's

Ai

Facts:

In Old Testament times, Ai was the name of a Canaanite town located just south of Bethel and about 8 km northwest of Jericho.

• After defeating Jericho, Joshua led the Israelites in an attack of Ai. But they were easily defeated because God was not pleased with them.
• An Israelite named Achan had stolen plunder from Jericho, and God ordered that he and his family be killed. Then God helped the Israelites defeat the people of Ai.

(See also: Bethel, Jericho)

Bible References:

• Ezra 02:27-30
• Genesis 12:8-9
• Genesis 13:3-4
• Joshua 07:03
• Joshua 08:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5857

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ai

Almighty

Facts:

The term "Almighty" literally means "all-powerful"; in the Bible, it always refers to God.

• The titles "the Almighty" or "the Almighty One" refer to God and reveal that he has complete power and authority over everything.
• This term is also used to describe God in the titles "Almighty God" and "God Almighty" and "Lord Almighty" and "Lord God Almighty."

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "All-powerful" or "Completely Powerful One" or "God, who is completely powerful."
• Ways to translate the phrase "Lord God Almighty" could include "God, the Powerful Ruler" or "Powerful Sovereign God" or "Mighty God who is Master over everything."

(See also: God, lord, power)

Bible References:

• Exodus 06:2-5
• Genesis 17:01
• Genesis 35:11-13
• Job 08:03
• Numbers 24:15-16
• Revelation 01:7-8
• Ruth 01:19-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7706, G3841

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Almighty, Almighty's

Amalekite

Related Words:

Amalek

Facts:

The Amalekites were a nomadic people group who lived throughout the southern part of Canaan, from the Negev desert to the country of Arabia. This people group was descended from Amalek, the grandson of Esau.

• The Amalekites were bitter enemies of Israel from the time when Israel first came to live in Canaan.
• Sometimes the term "Amalek" is used figuratively to refer to all the Amalekites.
• In one battle against the Amalekites, when Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. When he got tired and his hands came down, they started losing. So Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep his hands up until the Israelite army had defeated the Amalekites.
• Both King Saul and King David led military expeditions against the Amalekites.
• After one victory over the Amalekites, Saul disobeyed God by keeping some of the plunder and by not killing the Amalekite king as God had commanded him to do.

(See also: Arabia, David, Esau, Negev, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 04:43
• 2 Samuel 01:08
• Exodus 17:10
• Numbers 14:23-25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6002, H6003

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amalek, Amalekite, Amalekites

Amaziah

Facts:

Amaziah became king over the kingdom of Judah when his father, King Joash, was murdered.

• King Amaziah reigned over Judah for twenty-nine years, from 796 BC to 767 BC.
• He was a good king, but he did not destroy the high places where idols were worshiped.
• Amaziah eventually put to death all the men who were responsible for the murder of his father.
• He defeated the rebellious Edomites and brought them back under the control of the Kingdom of Judah.
• He challenged King Jehoash of Israel to a battle, but lost. Part of the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the silver and gold vessels of the temple were stolen.
• Years later King Amaziah turned away from Yahweh and certain men in Jerusalem plotted together and killed him.

(See also: Joash, Edom)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:10-12
• 1 Chronicles 04:34
• 2 Chronicles 25:9-10
• 2 Kings 14:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H558

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amaziah, Amaziah's

Ammon

Related Words:

Ammonite

Facts:

The "people of Ammon" or the "Ammonites" were a people group in Canaan. They were descended from Ben-ammi, who was the son of Lot by his younger daughter.

• The term "Ammonitess" refers specifically to a female Ammonite. This could also be translated as "Ammonite woman."
• The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan River and were enemies of the Israelites.
• At one point, the Ammonites hired a prophet named Balaam to curse Israel, but God did not allow him to do it.

(See also: curse, Jordan River, Lot)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 19:1-3
• Ezekiel 25:02
• Genesis 19:38
• Joshua 12:1-2
• Judges 11:27
• Zephaniah 02:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5983, H5984, H5985

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites

Amnon

Facts:

Amnon was the oldest son of King David. His mother was King David's wife Ahinoam.

• Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, who was also Absalom's sister.
• Because of this, Absalom plotted against Amnon and had him killed.

(See also: David, Absalom)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:1-3
• 2 Samuel 13:02
• 2 Samuel 13:7-9

Word Data:

• Strong's: H550

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amnon, Amnon's

Amorite

Facts:

The Amorites were a powerful group of people who were descended from Noah's grandson Canaan.

• Their name means "high one," which may refer to the mountainous regions where they lived or to the fact that they were known to be very tall.
• The Amorites lived in regions on both sides of the Jordan River. The city of Ai was inhabited by Amorites.
• God refers to the "sin of the Amorites," which included their worship of false gods and the sinful practices associated.
• Joshua led the Israelites in destroying the Amorites, as God had commanded them to do.

Bible References:

• Amos 02:09
• Ezekiel 16:03
• Genesis 10:16
• Genesis 15:14-16
• Joshua 09:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H567

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amorite, Amorites, Amorites'

Amos

Facts:

Amos was an Israelite prophet who lived during the time of King Uzziah of Judah.

• Before being called as a prophet, Amos was originally a shepherd and fig farmer living in the kingdom of Judah.
• Amos prophesied against the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel regarding their unjust treatment of people.

(See also: fig, Judah, kingdom of Israel, shepherd, Uzziah)

Bible References:

• Amos 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5986

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amos, Amos'

Amoz

Facts:

Amoz was the father of the prophet Isaiah.

• The only times he is mentioned in the Bible are when Isaiah is identified as the "son of Amoz."
• This name is different from the name of the prophet Amos and should be spelled differently.

(See also: Amos, Isaiah)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 19:02
• Isaiah 37:1-2
• Isaiah 37:21-23

Word Data:

• Strong's: H531

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Amoz, Amoz's

Andrew

Facts:

Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).

• Andrew's brother was Simon Peter. Both of them were fishermen.
• Peter and Andrew were fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them to be his disciples.
• Before Peter and Andrew met Jesus, they had been disciples of John the Baptizer.

(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)

Bible References:

• Acts 01:12-14
• John 01:40
• Mark 01:17
• Mark 01:29-31
• Mark 03:17-19
• Matthew 04:19
• Matthew 10:2-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: G406

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Andrew, Andrew's

Annas

Facts:

Annas was the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem for 10 years, from approximately AD 6 to AD 15. Then he was removed from the high priesthood by the Roman government, although he continued to be an influential leader among the Jews.

• Annas was father-in-law to Caiaphas, the official high priest during the ministry of Jesus.
• After high priests retired, they still kept the title, along with some of the responsibilities of the office, so Annas was still referred to as high priest during the priesthood of Caiaphas and others.
• During his trial before the Jewish leaders, Jesus was first brought to Annas for questioning.

(See also: high priest, priest)

Bible References:

• Acts 04:5-7
• John 18:22-24
• Luke 03:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: G452

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Annas, Annas'

Antioch

Facts:

Antioch was the name of two cities in the New Testament. One was in Syria, near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The other was in the Roman province of Pisidia, near the city of Colossae.

• The local church at Antioch of Syria was the first place where believers in Jesus were called "Christians." The church there was also active in sending out missionaries to reach the Gentiles.
• The leaders of the church in Jerusalem sent a letter to the believers in the church at Antioch in Syria to help them know they didn't have to keep the Jewish laws in order to be Christians.
• Paul, Barnabas and John Mark traveled to the Antioch in Pisidia to share the gospel. Some Jews from other cities came there to stir up trouble, and they tried to kill Paul. But many other people, both Jews and Gentiles, listened to the teaching and believed in Jesus.

(See also:Barnabas, Colossae, John Mark, Paul, province, Rome, Syria)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 03:10-13
• Acts 06:5-6
• Acts 11:19-21
• Acts 11:26
• Galatians 02:11-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: G491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Antioch

Apollos

Facts:

Apollos was a Jew from the city of Alexandria in Egypt who had a special ability in teaching people about Jesus.

• Apollos was well educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and was a gifted speaker.
• He was instructed by two Christians in Ephesus named Aquila and Priscilla.
• Paul emphasized that he and Apollos, as well as other evangelists and teachers, were working toward the same goal of helping people to believe in Jesus.

(See also: Aquila, Ephesus, Priscilla, word of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 01:13
• 1 Corinthians 16:12
• Acts 18:25
• Titus 03:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: G625

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Apollos, Apollos'

Aquila

Facts:

Aquila was a Jewish Christian from the province of Pontus, a region along the southern coast of the Black Sea.

• Aquila and Priscilla lived in Rome, Italy, for a time, but then the Roman emperor, Claudius, forced all Jews to leave Rome.
• After that Aquila and Priscilla traveled to Corinth, where they met the apostle Paul.
• They worked as tentmakers with Paul and also helped him with his missionary work.
• Both Aquila and Priscilla taught believers the truth about Jesus; one of those believers was a gifted teacher named Apollos.

(See also: Apollos, Corinth, Rome)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 16:19-20
• 2 Timothy 04:19-22
• Acts 18:02
• Acts 18:24

Word Data:

• Strong's: G207

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aquila, Aquila's

Arabah

Facts:

The Old Testament term "Arabah" often refers to a very large desert and plains region that includes the valley surrounding the Jordan River and extends south to the northern tip of the Red Sea.

• The Israelites traveled through this desert region on their journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan.
• The "Sea of the Arabah" could also be translated as "sea located in the Arabah desert region." This sea is often referred to as the "Salt Sea" or the "Dead Sea."
• The term "arabah" can also be a general reference to any desert region.

(See also: desert, Sea of Reeds, Jordan River, Canaan, Salt Sea, Egypt)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 23:24-25
• 2 Kings 25:4-5
• 2 Samuel 02:29
• Jeremiah 02:4-6
• Job 24:5-7
• Zechariah 14:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1026, H6160

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Arabah

Arabia

Related Words:

Arab, Arabian

Facts:

Arabia is the largest peninsula in the world, covering nearly 3,000,000 square kilometers. It is located southeast of Israel, and is bordered by the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf.

• The term "Arabian" is used to refer to someone who lives in Arabia or to something that is connected with Arabia.
• The earliest people to live in Arabia were grandchildren of Shem. Other early inhabitants of Arabia included Abraham's son Ishmael and his descendants, as well as descendants of Esau.
• The desert region where the Israelites wandered for 40 years was located in Arabia.
• After becoming a believer in Jesus, the apostle Paul spent a few years in the desert of Arabia.
• In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul mentioned that Mt. Sinai was located in Arabia.

(See also: Esau, Galatia, Ishmael, Shem, Sinai)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 10:14-15
• Acts 02:11
• Galatians 01:15-17
• Galatians 04:24-25
• Jeremiah 25:24-26
• Nehemiah 02:19-20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6152, H6153, H6163, G688, G690

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Arab, Arabia, Arabian, Arabians

Aram

Related Words:

Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean

Facts:

"Aram" was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a region northeast of Canaan, where modern-day Syria is located.

• One of Shem's sons was named Aram. Another man named Aram was a cousin of Rebekah.
• The region of Aram was probably named after one of the two men.
• The people living in Aram became known as "Arameans" and spoke "Aramaic."
• The region of Aram later became known by the Greek name "Syria."
• The term "Paddan Aram" means "plain of Aram" and this plain was located in the northern part of Aram.
• Some of Abraham's relatives lived in the city of Haran, which was located in "Paddan Aram."
• In the Old Testament, sometimes the terms "Aram" and "Paddan Aram" refer to the same region.
• The term "Aram Naharaim" may mean "Aram of Two Rivers." This region was located in the northern part of Mesopotamia and was to the east of "Paddan Aram."
• Jesus and other Jews of his time also spoke Aramaic.

(See also: Mesopotamia, Paddan Aram, Rebekah, Shem, Syria)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:17-19
• 2 Samuel 08:06
• Amos 01:5
• Ezekiel 27:16
• Genesis 31:19-21
• Hosea 12:12
• Psalm 060:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H130, H726, H758, H761, H762, H763, H1834, H7421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Aram, Aram of Damascus, Aramaic, Aramean, Arameans

Ararat

Facts:

In the Bible, "Ararat" is the name given to a land, a kingdom, and a mountain range.

• The "land of Ararat" was probably located in what is now the northeastern part of the country of Turkey.
• Ararat is best known as the name of the mountain that Noah's ark came to rest on after the waters of the great flood began to recede.
• In modern times, a mountain called "Mount Ararat" is often thought to be the location of the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible.

(See also: ark, Noah)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 19:35-37
• Genesis 08:4-5
• Isaiah 37:38
• Jeremiah 51:27

Word Data:

• Strong's: H780

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ararat

Artaxerxes

Facts:

Artaxerxes was a king who reigned over the Persian empire from about 464 to 424 BC.

• During Artaxerxes' reign, the Israelites from Judah were in exile in Babylon, which was under the control of Persia at that time.
• Artaxerxes allowed Ezra the priest and other Jewish leaders to leave Babylon and go back to Jerusalem to teach the Israelites the Law of God.
• Later during this time, Artaxerxes also allowed his cupbearer Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the Jews in rebuilding the walls surrounding the city.
• Because Babylon was under the rule of Persia, Artaxerxes was sometimes called the "king of Babylon."
• Note that Artaxerxes is not the same person as Ahasuerus (Xerxes).

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, cupbearer, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)

Bible References:

• Ezra 04:7-8
• Ezra 07:1-5
• Nehemiah 02:01
• Nehemiah 13:6-7

Word Data:

• Strong's: H783

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Artaxerxes, Artaxerxes'

Asa

Facts:

Asa was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah for forty years, from 913 B.C. to 873 B.c.

• King Asa was a good king who removed many idols of false gods and caused the Israelites to start worshiping Yahweh again.
• Yahweh gave King Asa success in his warfare against other nations.
• Later in his reign, however, King Asa stopped trusting Yahweh and became sick with a disease that eventually killed him.

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 09:14-16
• 1 Kings 15:7-8
• 2 Chronicles 14:03
• Jeremiah 41:09
• Matthew 01:07

Word Data:

• Strong's: H609

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asa, Asa's

Asaph

Facts:

Asaph was a Levite priest and gifted musician who composed the music for the psalms of King David. He also wrote his own psalms.

• Asaph was appointed by King David to be one of three musicians who were responsible for providing songs for worship in the temple. Some of these songs were also prophecies.
• Asaph trained his sons and they carried on this responsibility, playing musical instruments and prophesying in the temple.
• Some of the musical instruments included the lute, harp, trumpet, and cymbals.
• Psalms 50 and 73-83 are said to be from Asaph. It may be that some of these psalms were written by his family members.

(See also: descendant, harp, lute, prophet, psalm, trumpet)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:39-43
• 2 Chronicles 35:15
• Nehemiah 02:08
• Psalm 050:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H623

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asaph, Asaph's

Ashdod

Related Words:

Azotus

Facts:

Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa.

• The temple of the Philistine's false god Dagon was located in Ashdod.
• God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod.
• "Azotus" was the Greek name for this city. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel.

(See also: Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Joppa, Philip, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 05:1-3
• Acts 08:40
• Amos 01:8
• Joshua 15:45-47
• Zechariah 09:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H795, G108

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashdod, Azotus

Asher

Facts:

Asher was the eighth son of Jacob. His descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel and this tribe was also called "Asher."

• Asher's mother was Zilpah, the servant of Leah.
• His name means "happy" or "blessed."
• Asher was also the name of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher when the Israelites entered the promised land.

(See also: Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:1-2
• 1 Kings 04:16
• Ezekiel 48:1-3
• Genesis 30:13
• Luke 02:36-38

Word Data:

• Strong's: H836

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asher, Asher's

Asherah

Related Words:

Asherah pole, Ashtoreth

Facts:

Asherah was the name of a goddess that was worshiped by Canaanite people groups during Old Testament times. "Ashtoreth" may be another name for "Asherah," or it could be the name of a different goddess that was very similar.

• The term "Asherah poles" refers to carved wooden images or carved trees that were made to represent this goddess.
• Asherah poles were often set up near altars of the false god Baal, who was thought of as Asherah's husband. Some people groups worshiped Baal as the sun god and Asherah or Ashtoreth as the moon goddess.
• God commanded the Israelites to destroy all the carved images of Asherah.
• Some Israelite leaders such as Gideon, King Asa, and King Josiah obeyed God and led the people in destroying these idols.
• But other Israelite leaders such as King Solomon, King Manasseh, and King Ahab did not get rid of the Asherah poles and influenced the people to worship these idols.

(See also: god, Baal, Gideon, image, Solomon)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 18:04
• 2 Kings 21:03
• Isaiah 27:9
• Judges 03:7-8
• Micah 05:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H842, H6253

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asherah, Asherah pole, Asherah poles, Asherahs, Ashtoreth, Ashtoreths

Ashkelon

Facts:

In Bible times, Ashkelon was a major Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It still exists in Israel today.

• Ashkelon was one of the five most important Philistine cities, along with Ashdod, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
• The Israelites did not completely conquer the people of Ashkelon, even though the kingdom of Judah occupied its hill country.
• Ashkelon remained occupied by the Philistines for hundreds of years.

(See also: Ashdod, Canaan, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Philistines, the sea)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 06:17-18
• Amos 01:8
• Jeremiah 25:19-21
• Joshua 13:2-3
• Judges 01:18-19
• Zechariah 09:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H831

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashkelon

Asia

Facts:

In Bible times, "Asia" was the name of a province of the Roman Empire. It was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.

• Paul traveled to Asia and shared the gospel in several cities there. Among these were the cities of Ephesus and Colossae.
• To avoid confusion with modern day Asia, it may be necessary to translate this as, "the ancient Roman province called Asia" or "Asia Province."
• All of the churches referenced in Revelation were in the Roman province of Asia.

(See also: Rome, Paul, Ephesus)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 16:19-20
• 1 Peter 01:1-2
• 2 Timothy 01:15-18
• Acts 06:8-9
• Acts 16:07
• Acts 27:1-2
• Revelation 01:4-6
• Romans 16:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: G773

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Asia

Assyria

Related Words:

Ashur, Assyrian, Assyrian Empire

Facts:

Assyria was a powerful nation during the time the Israelites were living in the land of Canaan. The Assyrian Empire was a group of nations ruled by an Assyrian king.

• The nation of Assyria was located in a region that is now the northern part of Iraq.
• The Assyrians fought against Israel at different times in their history.
• In the year 722 BC, the Assyrians completely conquered the kingdom of Israel and forced many of the Israelites to move to Assyria.
• The remaining Israelites intermarried with foreigners that the Assyrians had brought into Israel from Samaria. The descendants of those people who intermarried were later called the Samaritans.
• Ashur was a city on the Tigris River. It was the capital of Assyria. Sometimes it is not clear whether the word Ashur refers to the city or the nation.
• Ashur was also the name of a person.

(See also: Samaria)

Bible References:

• Genesis 10:11
• Genesis 25:17-18
• Isaiah 07:16-17
• Jeremiah 50:17
• Micah 07:11-13

Word Data:

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ashur, Assyria, Assyrian, Assyrian Empire, Assyrians

Athaliah

Facts:

Athaliah was the evil wife of Jehoram king of Judah. She was the granddaughter of the evil King Omri of Israel.

• Athaliah's son Ahaziah became king after Jehoram died.
• When her son Ahaziah died, Athaliah made a plan to kill all the rest of the king's family.
• But Athaliah's young grandson Joash was hidden by his aunt and saved from being killed. After Athaliah had ruled the land for six years, she was killed and Joash became king.

(See also: Ahaziah, Jehoram, Joash, Omri)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 22:02
• 2 Chronicles 24:6-7
• 2 Kings 11:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6271

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Athaliah

Azariah

Facts:

Azariah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

• One Azariah is best known by his Babylonian name, Abednego. He was one of many Israelites from Judah who were captured by Nebuchadnezzar's army and taken to live in Babylon. Azariah and his fellow Israelites Hananiah and Mishael refused to worship the Babylonian king, so he had them thrown into a blazing furnace as punishment. But God protected them and they were not harmed at all.
• Uzziah king of Judah was also known as "Azariah."
• Another Azariah was an Old Testament high priest.
• In the time of the prophet Jeremiah, a man named Azariah wrongly urged the Israelites to disobey God by leaving their homeland.

(See also: Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Jeremiah, Uzziah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:38
• 1 Kings 04:02
• 2 Chronicles 15:01
• Daniel 01:6-7
• Jeremiah 43:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5838

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Azariah, Azariah's

Baal

Facts:

"Baal" means "lord" or "master" and was the name of the primary false god that was worshiped by the Canaanites.

• There were also local false gods that had "Baal" as part of their names, such as "Baal of Peor." Sometimes all these gods together are referred to as "the Baals."
• Some people had names that included the word "Baal" in them.
• The worship of Baal included evil practices such as sacrificing children and using prostitutes.
• At different time periods throughout their history, the Israelites also became deeply involved in Baal worship, following the example of the pagan nations around them.
• During the reign of King Ahab, God's prophet Elijah set up a test to prove to the people that Baal does not exist and that Yahweh is the only true God. As a result, the prophets of Baal were destroyed and the people started worshiping Yahweh again.

(See also: Ahab, Asherah, Elijah, god, prostitute, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 16:31
• 1 Samuel 07:3-4
• Jeremiah 02:7-8
• Judges 02:11
• Numbers 22:41

Word Data:

• Strong's: G896

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baal, Baal's

Baasha

Facts:

Baasha was one of Israel's evil kings, who influenced the Israelites to worship idols.

• Baasha was the third king of Israel and reigned for twenty-four years, during the time when Asa was king of Judah.
• He was a military commander who became king by killing the previous king, Nadab.
• During Baasha's reign there were many wars between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, especially with King Asa of Judah.
• Baasha's many sins caused God to eventually remove him from office by his death.

(See also: Asa, god)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 15:17
• 2 Kings 09:09
• Jeremiah 41:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1201

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baasha, Baasha's

Babel

Facts:

Babel was a chief city in a region called Shinar in the southern part of Mesopotamia. Shinar was later called Babylonia.

• The city of Babel was founded by Ham's great-grandson, Nimrod, who ruled the region of Shinar.
• The people of Shinar became proud and decided to build a tower high enough to reach heaven. This later became known as the "Tower of Babel."
• Because the people building the tower refused to spread out as God had commanded, he confused their languages so that they could not understand one another. This forced them to move away to live in many different places across the earth.
• The root meaning of the word for "Babel" is "confusion," named for when God confused the people's language.

(See also: Babylon, Ham, Mesopotamia)

Bible References:

• Genesis 10:8-10
• Genesis 11:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H894

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Babel, Babel's

Babylon

Related Words:

Babylonia, Babylonian

Facts:

The city of Babylon was the capital of the ancient region of Babylonia, which was also part of the Babylonian Empire.

• Babylon was located along the Euphrates River, in the same region where the Tower of Babel had been built hundreds of years before.
• Sometimes the word "Babylon" refers to the entire Babylonian Empire. For example, the "king of Babylon" ruled the entire empire, not just the city.
• The Babylonians were a powerful people group who attacked the kingdom of Judah and kept the people in exile in Babylonia for 70 years.
• Part of this region was called "Chaldea" and the people living there were the "Chaldeans." As a result, the term "Chaldea" was often used to refer to Babylonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche])
• In the New Testament, the term "Babylon" is sometimes used as a metaphor to refer to places, people, and thinking patterns that are associated with idol-worship and other sinful behaviors.
• The phrase "Babylon the Great" or "great city of Babylon" refers metaphorically to a city or nation that was large, wealthy, and sinful, just as the ancient city of Babylon was. (See: Metaphor)

(See also: Babel, Chaldeans, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 09:01
• 2 Kings 17:24-26
• Acts 07:43
• Daniel 01:02
• Ezekiel 12:13
• Matthew 01:11
• Matthew 01:17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3778, H3779, H8152, H894, H895, H896, G897

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Babylon, Babylon's, Babylonia, Babylonian, Babylonians

Balaam

Facts:

Balaam was a pagan prophet whom King Balek hired to curse Israel while they were camped at the Jordan River in northern Moab, preparing to enter the land of Canaan.

• Balaam was from the city of Pethor, which was located in the region around the Euphrates River, about 400 miles away from the land of Moab.
• The Midianite king, Balek, was afraid of the strength and numbers of the Israelites, so he hired Balaam to curse them.
• As Balaam was traveling toward Israel, an angel of God stood in his path so that Balaam's donkey stopped. God also gave the donkey the ability to speak to Balaam.
• God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and commanded him to bless them instead.
• Later however, Balaam still brought evil on the Israelites when he influenced them to worship the false god Baal-peor.

(See also: bless, Canaan, curse, donkey, Euphrates, Jordan River, Midian, Moab, Peor)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 02:16
• Deuteronomy 23:3-4
• Joshua 13:22-23
• Numbers 22:05
• Revelation 02:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1109, G903

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Balaam, Balaam's

Barabbas

Facts:

Barabbas was a prisoner in Jerusalem at the time when Jesus was arrested.

• Barabbas was a criminal who had committed crimes of murder and rebellion against the Roman government.
• When Pontius Pilate offered to either release Barabbas or Jesus, the people chose Barabbas.
• So Pilate allowed Barabbas to go free, but condemned Jesus to be killed.

(See also: Pilate, Rome)

Bible References:

• John 18:40
• Luke 23:19
• Mark 15:07
• Matthew 27:15-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: G912

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Barabbas, Barabbas'

Barnabas

Facts:

Barnabas was one of the early Christians who lived during the time of the apostles.

• Barnabas was from the Israelite tribe of Levi and was from the island of Cyprus.
• When Saul (Paul) became a Christian, Barnabas urged the other believers to accept him as a fellow believer.
• Barnabas and Paul traveled together to preach the good news about Jesus in different cities.
• His name was Joseph, but he was called "Barnabas," which means "son of encouragement."

(See also: Christian, Cyprus, good news, Levi, Paul)

Bible References:

• Acts 04:36
• Acts 11:26
• Acts 13:03
• Acts 15:33
• Colossians 04:10-11
• Galatians 02:9-10
• Galatians 02:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: G921

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Barnabas, Barnabas'

Bartholomew

Facts:

Bartholomew was one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

• Along with the other apostles, Bartholomew was sent out to preach the gospel and do miracles in Jesus' name.
• He was also one of those who saw Jesus return to heaven.
• A few weeks after that, he was with the other apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them.

(See also: apostle, good news, Holy Spirit, miracle, Pentecost, the twelve)

Bible References:

• Acts 01:12-14
• Luke 06:14-16
• Mark 03:17-19

Word Data:

• Strong's: G918

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bartholomew, Bartholomew's

Baruch

Facts:

Baruch is the name of several men in the Old Testament.

• One Baruch (son of Zabbal) worked with Nehemiah to repair the walls of Jerusalem.
• Also during the time of Nehemiah, another Baruch (son of Kol-Hozeh) was one of the leaders who settled in Jerusalem after its walls were restored.
• A different Baruch (son of Neriah) was an assistant to the prophet Jeremiah, who helped him with various practical tasks such as writing down the messages God gave to Jeremiah and then reading them to the people.

(See also: disciple, Jeremiah, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, prophet)

Bible References:

• Jeremiah 32:12
• Jeremiah 36:04
• Jeremiah 43:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1263

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Baruch, Baruch's

Bashan

Facts:

Bashan was a region of land east of the Sea of Galilee. It covered an area that is now part of Syria and the Golan Heights.

• An Old Testament city of refuge called "Golan" was located in the region of Bashan.
• Bashan was a very fertile region known for its oak trees and pasturing animals.
• Genesis 14 records that Bashan was the site of a war between several kings and their nations.
• During Israel's wanderings in the desert after their escape from Egypt, they took possession of part of the region of Bashan.
• Years later, King Solomon obtained supplies from that region.

(See also: Egypt, oak, Sea of Galilee, Syria)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:13
• Amos 04:01
• Jeremiah 22:20-21
• Joshua 09:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bashan, Bashan's

Bathsheba

Facts:

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, a soldier in King David's army. After Uriah's death, she became the wife of David, and the mother of Solomon.

• David committed adultery with Bathsheba while she was married to Uriah.
• When Bathsheba became pregnant with David's child, David caused Uriah to be killed in battle.
• David then married Bathsheba and she gave birth to their child.
• God punished David for his sin by causing the child to die several days after he was born.
• Later, Bathsheba gave birth to another son, Solomon, who grew up to become king after David.

(See also: David, Solomon. Uriah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:4-5
• 1 Kings 01:11
• 2 Samuel 11:03
• Psalm 051:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1339

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bathsheba, Bathsheba's

Beelzebul

Facts:

Beelzebul is another name for Satan, or the devil. It is also sometimes spelled, "Beelzebub."

• This name literally means "lord of flies" which means, "ruler over demons." But it is best to translate this term close to the original spelling rather than translate the meaning.
• It could also be translated as "Beelzebul the devil" to make it clear who is being referred to.
• This name is related to the name of the false god "Baal-zebub" of Ekron.

(See also: demon, Ekron, Satan)

Bible References:

• Luke 11:15
• Mark 03:22
• Matthew 10:25
• Matthew 12:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: G954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beelzebul, Beelzebul's

Beersheba

Facts:

In Old Testament times, Beersheba was a city located about 45 miles southwest of Jerusalem in a desert area that is now called the Negev.

• The desert surrounding Beersheba was the wilderness area where Hagar and Ishmael wandered after Abraham sent them away from his tents.
• The name of this city means "well of the oath." It was given this name when Abraham swore an oath to not punish King Abimelech's men for seizing control of one of Abraham's wells.

(See also: Abimelek, Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, Jerusalem, oath)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 03:20
• 2 Samuel 17:11
• Genesis 21:14-16
• Genesis 21:31
• Genesis 46:01
• Nehemiah 11:30

Word Data:

• Strong's: H884

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beersheba

Benaiah

Facts:

Benaiah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

• Benaiah son of Jehoiada was one of David's mighty men. He was a skilled warrior and was put in charge of David's bodyguards.
• When Solomon was being made king, Benaiah helped him overthrow his enemies. He eventually became commander of the Israelite army.
• Other men in the Old Testament named Benaiah include three Levites: a priest, a musician, and a descendant of Asaph.

(See also: Asaph, Jehoiada, Levi, Solomon)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 04:36
• 1 Kings 01:08
• 2 Samuel 23:20-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1141

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Benaiah, Benaiah's

Benjamin

Related Words:

Benjamite

Facts:

Benjamin was the youngest son born to Jacob and his wife Rachel. His name means, "son of my right hand."

• He and his older brother Joseph were the only children of Rachel, who died after Benjamin was born.
• The descendants of Benjamin became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• The term "Benjamite" refers to a person who belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
• King Saul was from the Israelite tribe of Benjamin.
• The apostle Paul was also from the tribe of Benjamin.

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Joseph (OT), Paul, Rachel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:1-2
• 1 Kings 02:08
• Acts 13:21-22
• Genesis 35:18
• Genesis 42:04
• Genesis 42:35-36
• Philippians 03:4-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1144, G958

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Benjamin, Benjamin's, Benjamite, Benjamites

Berea

Facts:

In New Testament times, Berea (or Beroea) was a prosperous Greek city in southeast Macedonia, about 80 kilometers south of Thessalonica.

• Paul and Silas fled to the city of Berea after their fellow Christians helped them escape from certain Jews who had caused trouble for them in Thessalonica.
• When the people living in Berea heard Paul preach, they researched the Scriptures to confirm that what he was telling them was true.

(See also: Macedonia, Paul, Silas, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

• Acts 17:11
• Acts 17:13-15
• Acts 20:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: G960

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Berea

Beth Shemesh

Facts:

Beth Shemesh was the name of a Canaanite city approximately 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem.

• The Israelites captured Beth Shemesh during the time of Joshua's leadership.
• Beth Shemesh was a city that was set aside as a place for the Levite priests to live.
• When the Philistines were taking the captured ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, Beth Shemesh was the first city where they stopped with it.

(See also: ark of the covenant, Canaan, Jerusalem, Joshua, Levi, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:09
• 1 Samuel 06:09
• Joshua 19:20-22
• Judges 01:33

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1053

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Beth Shemesh

Bethany

Facts:

The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.

• Bethany was near the road that ran between Jerusalem and Jericho.
• Jesus often visited Bethany where his close friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived.
• Bethany is especially known as the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

(See also: Jericho, Jerusalem, Lazarus, Martha, Mary (sister of Martha), Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

• John 01:26-28
• Luke 24:50-51
• Mark 11:01
• Matthew 21:15-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: G963

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethany

Bethel

Facts:

Bethel was a city located just north of Jerusalem in the land of Canaan. It was formerly called "Luz."

• After receiving God's promises for the first time, Abram (Abraham) built an altar to God near Bethel. The actual name of the city was not yet Bethel at that time, but it was usually referred to as "Bethel," which was better known.
• When fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob stayed overnight near this city and slept outdoors on the ground there. While he was sleeping, he had a dream showing angels going up and down a ladder to heaven.
• This city did not have the name "Bethel" until after Jacob named it that. To make this clear, some translations may translate it as "Luz (later called Bethel)" in the passages about Abraham, as well as when Jacob first arrives there (before he changed the name).
• Bethel is mentioned often in the Old Testament and was a place where many important events happened.

(See also: Abraham, altar, Jacob, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

• Genesis 12:8-9
• Genesis 35:01
• Hosea 10:15
• Judges 01:23

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1008

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethel

Bethlehem

Facts:

Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as "Ephrathah," which was probably its original name.

• Bethlehem has been called the "city of David," since King David was born there.
• The prophet Micah said that the Messiah would come from "Bethlehem Ephrathah."
• Fulfilling that prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many years later.
• The name "Bethlehem" means "house of bread" or "house of food."

(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)

Bible References:

• Genesis 35:16
• John 07:42
• Matthew 02:06
• Matthew 02:16
• Ruth 01:02
• Ruth 01:21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H672, H1035, G965

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethlehem

Bethuel

Facts:

Bethuel was the son of Abraham's brother Nahor.

• Bethuel was the father of Rebekah and Laban.
• There was also a town called Bethuel, which may have been located in southern Judah, not far from the town of Beersheba.

(See also: Beersheba, Laban, Nahor, Rebekah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 04:30
• Genesis 28:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1328

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Bethuel, Bethuel's

Boaz

Facts:

Boaz was an Israelite man who was the husband of Ruth, the great grandfather of King David, and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

• Boaz lived during the time when there were judges in Israel.
• He was a relative of an Israelite woman named Naomi who had returned to Israel after her husband and sons died in Moab.
• Boaz "redeemed" Naomi's widowed daughter-in-law Ruth by marrying her and giving her a future with a husband and children.
• He is seen as a picture of how Jesus rescued and redeemed us from sin.

(See also: Moab, redeem, Ruth)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:12
• 2 Chronicles 03:17
• Luke 03:30-32
• Matthew 01:05
• Ruth 02:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1162

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Boaz, Boaz's

Book of Life

Definition:

The term "Book of Life" is used to refer to where God has written the names of all the people whom he has redeemed and given eternal life to.

• Revelation refers to this book as "the Lamb's Book of Life." This could be translated as "the book of life belonging to Jesus, the Lamb of God." The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross paid the penalty for people's sins so that they can have eternal life through faith in him.
• The word for "book" can also mean "scroll" or "letter" or "writing" or "legal document." It may be literal or figurative.

(See also: eternity, lamb, life, sacrifice, scroll)

Bible References:

• Philippians 04:03
• Psalms 069:28-29
• Revelation 03:5-6
• Revelation 20:11-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2416, H5612, G976, G2222

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Book of Life

Caesar

Related Words:

the emperor

Facts:

The term "Caesar" was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.

• The first Roman ruler named Caesar was "Caesar Augustus," who was ruling during the time that Jesus was born.
• About thirty years later, at the time when John the Baptist was preaching, Tiberius Caesar was the ruler of the Roman Empire.
• Tiberius Caesar was still ruling Rome when Jesus told the people to pay Caesar what was due him and to give to God what is due him.
• When Paul appealed to Caesar, this referred to the Roman emperor, Nero, who also had the title "Caesar."
• When "Caesar" is used by itself as a title, it can also be translated as: "the Emperor" or "the Roman Ruler."
• In names such as Caesar Augustus or Tiberius Caesar, "Caesar" can be spelled close to the way a national language spells it.
• An emperor is the ruler of an empire.

(See also: king, Paul, Rome)

Bible References:

• Acts 25:06
• Luke 02:01
• Luke 20:23-24
• Luke 23:02
• Mark 12:13-15
• Matthew 22:17
• Philippians 04:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2541, G4575

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caesar, Caesar's, the emperor

Caesarea

Related Words:

Caesarea Philippi

Facts:

Caesarea was an important city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 39 km south of Mount Carmel. Caesarea Philippi was a city located in the northeastern part of Israel, near Mount Hermon.

• These cities were named for the Caesars who ruled the Roman empire.
• The coastal Caesarea became the capital city of the Roman province of Judea around the time of the birth of Jesus.
• The apostle Peter first preached to the Gentiles in Caesarea.
• Paul sailed from Caesarea to Tarsus and also passed through this city on two of his missionary journeys.
• Jesus and his disciples traveled in the region surrounding Caesarea Philippi in Syria. Both cities were named after Herod Philip.

(See also: Caesar, Gentile, the sea, Carmel, Hermon, Rome, Tarsus)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:30
• Acts 10:1-2
• Acts 25:01
• Acts 25:14
• Mark 08:27
• Matthew 16:13-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2542, G5376

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caesarea, Caesarea Philippi

Caiaphas

Facts:

Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.

• Caiaphas played a major role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus.
• The high priests Annas and Caiaphas were at the trial of Peter and John when they were arrested after healing a crippled man.
• Caiaphas is the one who said that it was better for one man to die for the whole nation than for the whole nation to perish. God caused him to say this as a prophecy about how Jesus would die to save his people.

(See also: Annas, high priest)

Bible References:

• Acts 04:5-7
• John 18:12
• Luke 03:02
• Matthew 26:3-5
• Matthew 26:57-58

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2533

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caiaphas, Caiaphas'

Cain

Facts:

Cain and his younger brother Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible.

• Cain was a farmer who produced food crops while Abel was a sheep herder.
• Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy because God had accepted Abel's sacrifice but had not accepted Cain's sacrifice.
• As punishment, God sent him away from Eden and told him that the land would no longer yield crops for him.
• God put a mark on Cain's forehead as a sign that God would protect him from being killed by other people as he wandered.

(See also: Adam, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• 1 John 03:12
• Genesis 04:02
• Genesis 04:09
• Genesis 04:15
• Hebrews 11:4
• Jude 01:11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7014, G2535

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cain, Cain's

Caleb

Facts:

Caleb was one of the twelve Israelite spies whom Moses sent to explore the land of Canaan.

• He and Joshua told the people to trust God to help them defeat the Canaanites.
• Joshua and Caleb were the only men of their generation who were allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan.
• Caleb requested that the land of Hebron be given to him and his family. He knew that God would help him defeat the people who lived there.

(See also: Hebron, Joshua)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 04:13
• Joshua 14:6-7
• Judges 01:12
• Numbers 32:10-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3612, H3614

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Caleb, Caleb's

Cana

Facts:

Cana was a village or town in the province of Galilee, located about nine miles north of Nazareth.

• Cana was the hometown of Nathanael, one of the Twelve.
• Jesus attended a wedding feast in Cana and performed his first miracle there when he turned water into wine.
• Some time after that, Jesus came back to Cana and met an official there from Capernaum who requested healing for his son.

(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, the twelve)

Bible References:

• John 02:1-2
• John 04:46-47

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2580

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cana

Canaan

Related Ideas:

Canaanite

Facts:

Canaan was the son of Ham, who was one of Noah's sons. The Canaanites were the descendants of Canaan.

• The term "Canaan" or the "land of Canaan" also referred to an area of land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It extended south to the border of Egypt and north to the border of Syria.
• This land was inhabited by the Canaanites, as well as several other people groups.
• God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites.

(See also: Ham, Promised Land)

Bible References:

• Acts 13:19-20
• Exodus 03:7-8
• Genesis 09:18
• Genesis 10:19-20
• Genesis 13:07
• Genesis 47:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3667, H3669, G5478

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Canaan, Canaanite, Canaanites

Capernaum

Facts:

Capernaum was a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.

• Jesus lived in Capernaum whenever he was teaching in Galilee.
• Several of his disciples were from Capernaum.
• Jesus also did many miracles in this city, including bringing a dead girl back to life.
• Capernaum was one of three cities that Jesus publicly rebuked because their people rejected him and did not believe his message. He warned them that God would punish them for their unbelief.

(See also: Galilee, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

• John 02:12
• Luke 04:31
• Luke 07:1
• Mark 01:21
• Mark 02:02
• Matthew 04:12-13
• Matthew 17:24-25

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2584

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Capernaum

Carmel

Related Ideas:

Carmelite, Mount Carmel

Facts:

"Mount Carmel" refers to a mountain range that was located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea just north of the Plain of Sharon. Its highest peak is 546 meters high.

• There was also a town called "Carmel" located in Judah, south of the Salt Sea.
• The wealthy landowner Nabal and his wife Abigail lived near the town of Carmel where David and his men helped guard Nabal's sheep shearers.
• On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest in order to prove that Yahweh is the only true God.
• To make it clear that this wasn't just a single mountain, "Mount Carmel" could be translated as, "mountain on the Carmel mountain range" or "Carmel mountain range."

(See also: Baal, Elijah, Judah, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 18:18-19
• 1 Samuel 15:12
• Jeremiah 46:18
• Micah 07:14-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3760, H3761, H3762

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Carmel, Carmelite, Mount Carmel

Chaldeans

Related Words:

Chaldea

Facts:

Chaldea was a region in the southern part of Mesopotamia or Babylonia. The people who lived in this region were called Chaldeans.

• The city of Ur, where Abraham was from, was located in Chaldea. It is often referred to as "Ur of the Chaldeans."
• King Nebuchadnezzar was one of several Chaldeans who became kings over Babylonia.
• After many years, around 600 BC, the term "Chaldean" came to mean "Babylonian."

(See also: Abraham, Babylon, Shinar, Ur)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:4-5
• Ezekiel 01:01
• Genesis 11:27-28
• Genesis 11:31-32
• Genesis 15:6-8
• Isaiah 13:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3679, H3778, H3779, G5466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Chaldea, Chaldean, Chaldeans, Chaldeans'

Christ

Related Ideas:

Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Facts:

The terms "Messiah" and "Christ" mean "Anointed One" and refer to Jesus, God's Son.

• Both "Messiah" and "Christ" are used in the New Testament to refer to God's Son, whom God the Father appointed to rule as king over his people, and to save them from sin and death.
• In the Old Testament, the prophets wrote prophecies about the Messiah hundreds of years before he came to earth.
• Often a word meaning "anointed (one)" is used in the Old Testament to refer to the Messiah who would come.
• Jesus fulfilled many of these prophecies and did many miraculous works that proves he is the Messiah; the rest of these prophecies will be fulfilled when he returns.
• The word "Christ" is often used as a title, as in "the Christ" and "Christ Jesus." "Christ" also came to be used as part of his name, as in "Jesus Christ." These names emphasize that God's Son is the Messiah, who will reign forever.
• Jesus the Messiah is the one who was chosen and anointed as a Prophet, High Priest, and King.

Translation Suggestions:

• In many languages "Jesus" and "Christ" are spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesucristo," "Jezus Christus," "Yesus Kristus", and "Hesukristo" are some of the ways that these names are translated into different languages.
• For the term "Christ," some translators may prefer to use only some form of the term "Messiah" throughout.
• This term could be translated using its meaning, "the Anointed One" or "God's Anointed Savior."
• Many languages use a transliterated word that looks or sounds like "Christ" or "Messiah."
• The transliterated word could be followed by the definition of the term, as in "Christ, the Anointed One."
• Be consistent in how this is translated throughout the Bible so that it is clear that the same term is being referred to.
• Make sure the translations of "Messiah" and "Christ" work well in contexts where both terms occur in the same verse (such as John 1:41).

(See also: Son of God, David, Jesus, anoint)

Bible References:

• 1 John 05:1-3
• Acts 02:35
• Acts 05:40-42
• John 01:40-42
• John 03:27-28
• John 04:25
• Luke 02:10-12
• Matthew 01:16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4899, G3323, G5547

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, Messiah

Christian

Definition:

Some time after Jesus went back to heaven, people made up the name "Christian" which means, "follower of Christ."

• It was in the city of Antioch where Jesus' followers were first called "Christians."
• A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God, and who trusts Jesus to save him from his sins.
• In our modern times, often the term "Christian" is used for someone who identifies with the Christian religion, but who is not really following Jesus. This is not the meaning of "Christian" in the Bible.
• Because the term "Christian" in the Bible always refers to someone who truly believes in Jesus, a Christian is also called a "believer."

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could be translated as "Christ-follower" or "follower of Christ" or perhaps something like, "Christ-person."
• Make sure that the translation of this term is translated differently than terms used for disciple or apostle.
• Be careful to translate this term with a word that can refer to everyone who believes in Jesus, not just certain groups.
• Also consider how this term is translated in a Bible translation in a local or national language.

(See also: Antioch, Christ, church, disciple, believe, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:7-8
• 1 Peter 04:16
• Acts 11:26
• Acts 26:28

Word Data:

• Strong's: G5546

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Christian, Christians

Cilicia

Facts:

Cilicia was a small Roman province located in the southeastern part of what is now the modern-day country of Turkey. It borders the Aegean Sea.

• The apostle Paul was a citizen from the city of Tarsus located in Cilicia.
• Paul spent several years in Cilicia after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
• Some of the Jews from Cilicia were among those who confronted Stephen and influenced the people to stone him to death.

(See also: Paul, Stephen, Tarsus)

Bible References:

• Acts 06:8-9
• Acts 15:41
• Acts 27:3-6
• Galatians 01:21-24

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2791

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cilicia

Colossae

Related Words:

Colossae, Colossians

Facts:

In New Testament times, Colossae was a city located in the Roman province of Phrygia, an area of land that is now southwestern Turkey. The Colossians were the people who lived in Colossae.

• Located about 100 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Colossae was on an important trade route between the city of Ephesus and the Euphrates River.
• While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the "Colossians" to correct false teachings among the believers at Colossae.
• When he wrote this letter, Paul had not visited the church at Colossae, but had heard about the believers there from his coworker, Epaphras.
• Epaphras was probably the Christian worker who started the church at Colossae.
• The book of Philemon was a letter by Paul addressed to a slave owner in Colossae.

(See also: Ephesus, Paul)

Bible References:

• Colossians 01:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2857

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Colossae, Colossians

Corinth

Related Words:

Corinth, Corinthians

Facts:

Corinth was a city in the country of Greece, about 50 miles west of Athens. The Corinthians were the people who lived at Corinth.

• Corinth was the location of one of the early Christian churches.
• The New Testament books, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were letters written by Paul to the Christians living in Corinth.
• On his first missionary journey, Paul stayed in Corinth for approximately 18 months.
• Paul met the believers Aquila and Priscilla while in Corinth.
• Other early church leaders associated with Corinth include Timothy, Titus, Apollos, and Silas.

(See also: Apollos, Timothy, Titus)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 01:03
• 2 Corinthians 01:23-24
• 2 Timothy 04:19-22
• Acts 18:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2881, G2882

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Corinth, Corinthians

Cornelius

Facts:

Cornelius was a Gentile, or non-Jewish man, who was a military officer in the Roman army.

• He prayed regularly to God and was very generous in giving to the poor.
• When Cornelius and his family heard the apostle Peter explain the gospel, they became believers in Jesus.
• The people of Cornelius' household were the first non-Jewish people to become believers.
• This showed Jesus' followers that he had come to save all people, including Gentiles.

(See also: apostle, believe, Gentile, good news, Greek, centurion)

Bible References:

• Acts 10:01
• Acts 10:08
• Acts 10:18
• Acts 10:22
• Acts 10:24
• Acts 10:26
• Acts 10:30

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2883

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cornelius, Cornelius'

Crete

Related Words:

Cretan

Facts:

Crete is an island that is located off the southern coast of Greece. A "Cretan" is someone who lives on this island.

• The apostle Paul traveled to the island of Crete during his missionary journeys.
• Paul left his co-worker Titus on Crete to teach the Christians and to help appoint leaders for the church there.

Bible References:

• Acts 02:11
• Acts 27:08
• Amos 09:7-8
• Titus 01:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2912, G2914

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cretan, Cretans, Crete

Cush

Related Ideas:

Cushite

Facts:

Cush was the oldest son of Noah's son Ham. He was also the ancestor of Nimrod. Two of his brothers were named Egypt and Canaan.

• In Old Testament times, "Cush" was the name of a large region of land south of Israel. It is probable that the land was named after Ham's son Cush.
• The ancient region of Cush covered an area of land that may have, at different times, included parts of the modern-day countries of Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and possibly, Saudi Arabia.
• Another man named Cush is mentioned in the Psalms. He was a Benjamite.

(See also: Arabia, Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:8-10
• Ezekiel 29:10
• Genesis 02:13
• Genesis 10:6-7
• Jeremiah 13:23

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3568, H3569, H3570, H3571

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cush, Cushite, Cushites

Cyprus

Facts:

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, about 64 kilometers south of the modern-day country of Turkey.

• Barnabas was from Cyprus so it is probable that his cousin John Mark was also from there.
• Paul and Barnabas preached together on the island of Cyprus at the beginning of their first missionary journey. John Mark came along to help them on that trip.
• Later on, Barnabas and Mark visited Cyprus again.
• In the Old Testament, Cyprus is mentioned as being a rich source of cypress trees.

(See also: Barnabas, John Mark, the sea)

Bible References:

• Acts 04:36-37
• Acts 13:05
• Acts 15:41
• Acts 27:04
• Ezekiel 27:6-7
• Isaiah 23:10-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2953, G2954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyprus

Cyrene

Related Ideas:

Cyrenian

Facts:

Cyrene was a Greek city on the north coast of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, directly south of the island of Crete.

• In New Testament times, both Jews and Christians lived in Cyrene.
• Cyrene is probably most well-known in the Bible as the home city of a man named Simon who carried the cross of Jesus.

(See also: Crete)

Bible References:

• Acts 11:19-21
• Matthew 27:32-34

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2956, G2957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyrene, Cyrenians

Cyrus

Facts:

Cyrus was a Persian king who founded the Persian empire in about 550 BC, through military conquest. In history he was also known as Cyrus the Great.

• King Cyrus conquered the city of Babylon, which led to the release of the Israelites who had been kept in exile there.
• Cyrus was known for his tolerant attitude toward the people of the nations he conquered. His kindness toward the Jews led to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after the exile.
• Cyrus was reigning during the time when Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were living.

(See also: Daniel, Darius, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 36:23
• Daniel 01:21
• Ezra 05:13
• Isaiah 44:28

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3566

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Cyrus, Cyrus'

Damascus

Facts:

Damascus is the capital city of the country of Syria. It is still in the same location as it was in Bible times.

• Damascus is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• During the time of Abraham, Damascus was the capital of the Aram kingdom (located in what is now Syria).
• Throughout the Old Testament, there are many references to the interactions between the inhabitants of Damascus and the people of Israel.
• Several biblical prophecies predict the destruction of Damascus. These prophecies may have been fulfilled when Assyria destroyed the city during Old Testament times, or there may be also be a future, more complete destruction of this city.
• In the New Testament, the Pharisee Saul (later known as Paul) was on his way to arrest Christians in the city of Damascus when Jesus confronted him and caused him to become a believer.

(See also: Aram, Assyria, believe, Syria)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 24:23-24
• Acts 09:1-2
• Acts 09:03
• Acts 26:12
• Galatians 01:15-17
• Genesis 14:15-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1834, G1154

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Damascus

Dan

Related Words:

Danite

Facts:

Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.The region settled by the tribe of Dan in the northern part of Canaan also was given this name.

• During the time of Abram, there was a city named Dan located west of Jerusalem.
• Years later, during the time the nation of Israel entered the promised land, a different city named Dan was located about 60 miles north of Jerusalem.
• The term "Danites" refers to the descendants of Dan, who were also members of his clan.

(See also: Canaan, Jerusalem, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 12:35
• 1 Kings 04:25
• Exodus 01:1-5
• Genesis 14:14
• Genesis 30:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1835, H1839, H2051

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Dan, Dan's, Danite, Danites

Daniel

Facts:

Daniel was an Israelite prophet who as a young man was taken captive by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC.

• This was during the time that many other Israelites from Judah were held captive in Babylon for 70 years.
• Daniel was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
• Daniel was an honorable and righteous young man who obeyed God.
• God enabled Daniel to interpret several dreams or visions for the Babylonian kings.
• Because of this ability and because of his honorable character, Daniel was given a high leadership position in the Babylonian empire.
• Many years later, Daniels enemies tricked the Babylonian king Darius into making a law forbidding the worship of anyone except the king. Daniel continued to pray to God, so he was arrested and thrown into a den of lions. But God rescued him and he was not harmed at all.

(See also: Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

• Daniel 01:6-7
• Daniel 05:29
• Daniel 07:28
• Ezekiel 14:12-14
• Matthew 24:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1840, H1841, G1158

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Daniel, Daniel's

Darius

Facts:

Darius was the name of several kings of Persia. It is possible that "Darius" was a title rather than a name.

• "Darius the Mede" was the king who was tricked into having the prophet Daniel thrown into a lion's den as punishment for worshiping God.
• "Darius the Persian" helped facilitate the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.

(See also: Persia, Babylon, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)

Bible References:

• Ezra 04:4-6
• Haggai 01:01
• Nehemiah 12:22
• Zechariah 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1867, H1868

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Darius, Darius'

David

Facts:

David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.

• When David was still a young boy caring for his family's sheep, God chose him to become the next king of Israel.
• David became a great fighter and led the Israelite army in battles against their enemies. His defeat of Goliath the Philistine is well known.
• King Saul tried to kill David, but God protected him, and made him king after Saul's death.
• David committed a terrible sin, but he repented and God forgave him.
• Jesus, the Messiah, is called the "Son of David" because he is a descendant of King David.

(See also: Goliath, Philistines, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 17:12-13
• 1 Samuel 20:34
• 2 Samuel 05:02
• 2 Timothy 02:08
• Acts 02:25
• Acts 13:22
• Luke 01:32
• Mark 02:26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1732, G1138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

David, David's

Delilah

Facts:

Delilah was a Philistine woman who was loved by Samson, but was not his wife.

• Delilah loved money more than she loved Samson.
• The Philistines bribed Delilah to trick Samson into telling her how he could be made weak. When his strength was gone, the Philistines captured him.

(See also: bribe, Philistines, Samson)

Bible References:

• Judges 16:4-5
• Judges 16:6-7
• Judges 16:10
• Judges 16:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1807

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Delilah, Delilah's

Eden

Related Ideas:

garden of Eden

Facts:

In ancient times, Eden was a region that had a garden where God placed the first man and woman to live.

• The garden where Adam and Eve lived was only part of Eden.
• The exact location of the region of Eden is not certain, but the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were flowing through it.
• The word "Eden" comes from a Hebrew word meaning to "take great delight in."

(See also: Adam, Euphrates, Eve)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 28:11-13
• Genesis 02:7-8
• Genesis 02:10
• Genesis 02:15
• Genesis 04:16-17
• Joel 02:3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5729, H5731

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eden, garden of Eden

Edom

Related Words:

Edomite, Idumea

Facts:

Edom was another name for Esau. The region where he lived also became known as "Edom" and later, "Idumea." The "Edomites" were his descendants.

• The region of Edom changed locations over time. It was mostly located to the south of Israel and eventually extended into southern Judah.
• During New Testament times, Edom covered the southern half of the province of Judea. The Greeks called it "Idumea."
• The name "Edom" means "red," which may refer to the fact that Esau was covered with red hair when he was born. Or it may refer to the red lentil stew that Esau traded his birthright for.
• In the Old Testament, the country of Edom is often mentioned as an enemy of Israel.
• The entire book of Obadiah is about the destruction of Edom. Other Old Testament prophets also spoke negative prophecies against Edom.

(See also: adversary, birthright, Esau, Obadiah, prophet)

Bible References:

• Genesis 25:30
• Genesis 32:03
• Genesis 36:01
• Isaiah 11:14-15
• Joshua 11:16-17
• Obadiah 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H123, H130, G2401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Edom, Edom's, Edomite, Edomites, Idumea

Egypt

Related Words:

Egyptian

Facts:

Egypt is a country in the northeast part of Africa, to the southwest of the land of Canaan. An Egyptian is a person who is from the country of Egypt.

• In ancient times, Egypt was a powerful and wealthy country.
• Ancient Egypt was divided into two parts, Lower Egypt (northern part where the Nile River flowed downward into the sea) and Upper Egypt (southern part). In the Old Testament, these parts are referred to as "Egypt" and "Pathros" in the original language text.
• Several times when there was little food in Canaan, Israel's patriarchs traveled to Egypt to buy food for their families.
• For several hundred years, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt.
• Joseph and Mary went down to Egypt with the young child Jesus, to escape from Herod the Great.

(See also: Herod the Great, Joseph (NT), Nile River, patriarch)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 04:7-9
• Acts 07:10
• Exodus 03:07
• Genesis 41:29
• Genesis 41:57
• Matthew 02:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4692, H4693, H4713, H4714, G124, G125

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Egypt, Egypt's, Egyptian, Egyptians, Egyptians'

Ekron

Related Words:

Ekronite

Facts:

Ekron was a major city of the Philistines, located nine miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea.

• A temple of the false god Baal-zebub was located at Ekron.
• When the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant, they took it to Ashdod and then moved it to Gath and Ekron because God kept causing people to get sick and die in whatever city the ark was taken to. Finally the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel.
• When King Ahaziah fell through the roof of his house and injured himself, he sinned by trying to find out from the false god Baal-zebub of Ekron as to whether or not he would die from his injuries. Because of this sin, Yahweh said that he would die.

(See also: Ahaziah, ark of the covenant, Ashdod, Beelzebul, god, Gath, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 05:10
• Joshua 13:2-3
• Judges 01:18-19
• Zechariah 09:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6138, H6139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ekron, Ekronites

Elam

Related Words:

Elamite

Facts:

Elam was a son of Shem and a grandson of Noah.

• The descendants of Elam were called "Elamites," and they lived in a region that was also called "Elam."
• The region of Elam was located southeast of the Tigris River in what is now western Iran.

(See also: Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:17-19
• Acts 02:09
• Ezra 08:4-7
• Isaiah 22:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5867, H5962, G1639

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elam, Elamites

Eleazar

Facts:

Eleazar was the name of several men in the Bible.

• Eleazar was the third son of Moses' brother Aaron. After Aaron died, Eleazar became the high priest in Israel.
• Eleazar was also the name of one of David's "mighty men."
• Another Eleazar was one of Jesus' ancestors.

(See also: Aaron, high priest, David, mighty)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 24:03
• Judges 20:27-28
• Numbers 26:1-2
• Numbers 34:16-18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H499, G1648

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eleazar, Eleazar's

Eliakim

Facts:

Eliakim was the name of two men in the Old Testament.

• One man named Eliakim was the manager of the palace under King Hezekiah.
• Another man named Eliakim was a son of King Josiah. He was made king of Judah by the Egyptian pharaoh Necho.
• Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim.

(See also: Hezekiah, Jehoiakim, Josiah, Pharaoh)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 18:18
• 2 Kings 18:26
• 2 Kings 18:37
• 2 Kings 23:34-35

Word Data:

• Strong's: H471, G1662

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eliakim, Eliakim's

Elijah

Facts:

Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.

• God did many miracles through Elijah, including raising a dead boy back to life.
• Elijah rebuked King Ahab for worshiping the false god Baal.
• He challenged the prophets of Baal to a test that proved that Yahweh is the only true God.
• At the end of Elijah's life, God miraculously took him up to heaven while he was still alive.
• Hundreds of years later, Elijah, along with Moses, appeared with Jesus on a mountain, and they talked together about Jesus' coming suffering and death in Jerusalem.

(See also: miracle, prophet, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 17:1
• 2 Kings 01:3-4
• James 05:16-18
• John 01:19-21
• John 01:24-25
• Mark 09:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H452, G2243

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elijah, Elijah's

Elisha

Facts:

Elisha was a prophet in Israel during the reigns of several kings of Israel: Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash.

• God told the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as prophet.
• When Elijah was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, Elisha became God's prophet to the kings of Israel.
• Elisha did many miracles, including healing a man from Syria who had leprosy and raising from the dead the son of a woman from Shunem.

(See also: Elijah, Naaman, prophet)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 19:15-16
• 2 Kings 03:15
• 2 Kings 05:08
• Luke 04:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H477

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elisha, Elisha's

Elizabeth

Facts:

Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist. Her husband's name was Zechariah.

• Zechariah and Elizabeth had never been able to have children, but in their old age, God promised Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear him a son.
• God kept his promise, and soon Zechariah and Elizabeth were able to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. They named the baby John.
• Elizabeth was also a relative of Mary, Jesus' mother.

(See also: John (the Baptist), Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

• Luke 01:05
• Luke 01:24-25
• Luke 01:41

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1665

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Elizabeth, Elizabeth's

En Gedi

Facts:

En Gedi was the name of a city in the wilderness of Judah southeast of Jerusalem.

• En Gedi was located on the western bank of the Salt Sea.
• Part of its name means "fountain," referring to a spring of water that flows down from the city into the sea.
• En Gedi was known for having beautiful vineyards and other fertile land, probably due to the continual watering by the fountain of water.
• There were strongholds in En Gedi which David fled to when he was being chased by King Saul.

(See also: David, desert, fountain, Judah, rest, Salt Sea, Saul (OT), stronghold, vineyard)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 20:02
• Song of Solomon 01:12-14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5872

Forms Found in the English ULB:

En Gedi

Enoch

Facts:

Enoch was the name of two men in the Old Testament.

• One man named Enoch was descended from Seth. He was the great grandfather of Noah.
• This Enoch had a close relationship with God and when he was 365 years old, God took him to heaven while he was still alive.
• A different man named Enoch was a son of Cain.

(See also: Cain, Seth)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:03
• Genesis 05:18-20
• Genesis 05:24
• Jude 01:14
• Luke 03:36-38

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2585, G1802

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Enoch, Enoch's

Ephesus

Related Words:

Ephesian

Facts:

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of what is now the present-day country of Turkey.

• During the time of the early Christians, Ephesus was the capital of Asia, which was a small Roman province at that time.
• Because of its location, this city was an important center of trade and travel.
• A well-known pagan temple for the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana) was located in Ephesus.
• Paul lived and worked in Ephesus for more than two years and later appointed Timothy to lead the new believers there.
• The book of Ephesians in the New Testament is a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus.

(See also: Asia, Paul, Timothy)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 15:32
• 1 Timothy 01:03
• 2 Timothy 04:11-13
• Acts 19:01
• Ephesians 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2179, G2180, G2181

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephesian, Ephesians, Ephesus

Ephraim

Related Words:

Ephraimite

Facts:

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph. His descendants, the Ephraimites, formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

• The tribe of Ephraim was one of the ten tribes that were located in the northern part of Israel.
• Sometimes the name Ephraim is used in the Bible to refer to the whole northern kingdom of Israel.
• Ephraim was apparently a very mountainous or hilly area, based on references to "the hill country of Ephraim" or "the mountains of Ephraim."

(See also: kingdom of Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:66-69
• 2 Chronicles 13:4-5
• Ezekiel 37:16
• Genesis 41:52
• Genesis 48:1-2
• John 11:54

Word Data:

• Strong's: H669, H673, G2187

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephraim, Ephraim's, Ephraimite, Ephraimites

Ephrathah

Related Words:

Ephrath, Ephrathite

Facts:

Ephrathah was the name of a city and region in the northern part of Israel. The city of Ephrathah was also called "Ephrath," and later it was called "Bethlehem" and "Ephrathah-Bethlehem."

• Ephrathah was also the name of Caleb's second wife. She was also called Ephrath.
• A person who was from the city of Ephrathah was called an "Ephrathite."
• Boaz, the great-grandfather of David, was an Ephrathite.

(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, Caleb, David, Israel)

Bible References:

Word Data:

• Strong's: H672, H673

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ephrath, Ephrathah, Ephrathite, Ephrathites

Esau

Facts:

Esau was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. He was the first baby born to them. His twin brother was Jacob.

• Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food.
• Since Esau was born first, his father Isaac was supposed to give him a special blessing. But Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him that blessing instead. At first Esau was so angry that he wanted to kill Jacob, but later he forgave him.
• Esau had many children and grandchildren, and these descendants formed a large people group living in the land of Canaan.

(See also: Edom, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah)

Bible References:

• Genesis 25:26
• Genesis 25:29-30
• Genesis 26:34
• Genesis 27:11-12
• Genesis 32:05
• Hebrews 12:17
• Romans 09:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6215, G2269

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Esau, Esau's

Esther

Facts:

Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of the Persian kingdom during the time of the Babylonian captivity of the Jews.

• The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther became the wife of the Persian King Xerxes and how God used her to save her people.
• Esther was an orphan who was raised by her godly older cousin, Mordecai.
• Her obedience to her adoptive father helped her to be obedient to God.
• Esther obeyed God and risked her life in order to save her people, the Jews.
• The story of Esther illustrates God's sovereign control over the events of history, especially how he protects his people and works through those who obey him.

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, Mordecai, Persia)

Bible References:

• Esther 02:7
• Esther 02:15
• Esther 07:01
• Esther 08:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H635

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Esther, Esther's

Ethiopia

Related Words:

Ethiopian

Facts:

Ethiopia is a country in Africa located just south of Egypt, bordered by the Nile River to the west and by the Red Sea to the east. A person from Ethiopia is an "Ethiopian."

• Ancient Ethiopia was located south of Egypt and included land that is now part of several modern-day African countries, such as Sudan, modern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Chad.
• In the Bible, Ethiopia is sometimes called "Cush" or "Nubia."
• The countries of Ethiopia ("Cush") and Egypt are often mentioned together in the Bible, perhaps because they were located next to each other and their people may have had some of the same ancestors.
• God sent Philip the evangelist to a desert where he shared the good news about Jesus with an Ethiopian eunuch.

(See also: Cush, Egypt, eunuch, Philip)

Bible References:

• Acts 08:27
• Acts 08:30
• Acts 08:32-33
• Acts 08:36-38
• Isaiah 18:1-2
• Nahum 03:09
• Zephaniah 03:9-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: G128

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ethiopia, Ethiopian

Euphrates

Related Words:

Euphrates River, the River

Facts:

The Euphrates is the name of one of the four rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden. It is the river that is most often mentioned in the Bible.

• The modern day river named Euphrates is located in the Middle East and is the longest and most important river in Asia.
• Together with the Tigris River, the Euphrates borders a region of land known as Mesopotamia.
• The ancient city of Ur where Abraham came from was at the mouth of the Euphrates River.
• This river was one of the boundaries of the land that God promised to give to Abraham (Genesis 15:18).
• Sometimes the Euphrates is simply called "the River."

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 05:7-9
• 2 Chronicles 09:25-26
• Exodus 23:30-33
• Genesis 02:13-14
• Isaiah 07:20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5104, H6578, G2166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Euphrates, Euphrates River, the River

Eve

Facts:

This was the name of the first woman. Her name means "life" or "living."

• God formed Eve from a rib that he took out of Adam.
• Eve was created to be Adam's "helper." She came alongside Adam to assist him in the work that God gave them to do.
• Eve was tempted by Satan (in the form of a snake) and was the first to sin by eating the fruit that God said not to eat.

(See also: Adam, life, Satan)

Bible References:

• 1 Timothy 02:13
• 2 Corinthians 11:03
• Genesis 03:20
• Genesis 04:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2332, G2096

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Eve, Eve's

Ezekiel

Facts:

Ezekiel was a prophet of God during the exile period when many Jews were taken to Babylon.

• Ezekiel was a priest living in the kingdom of Judah when he and many other Jews were captured by the Babylonian army.
• For over twenty years, he and his wife lived in Babylon near a river, and the Jews came there to hear him speak messages from God.
• Among other things, Ezekiel prophesied about the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.
• He also prophesied about the future kingdom of the Messiah.

(See also: Babylon, Christ, exile, prophet)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 01:03
• Ezekiel 24:24

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3168

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ezekiel, Ezekiel's

Ezra

Facts:

Ezra was an Israelite priest and expert in Jewish law who recorded the history of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem from Babylon where Israel had been held captive for 70 years.

• Ezra recorded this part of Israel's history in the biblical book of Ezra. He may also have written the book of Nehemiah, since these two books had originally been one single book.
• When Ezra returned to Jerusalem he re-established the Law, since the Israelites had stopped obeying the Sabbath laws and had intermarried with women who practiced pagan religions.
• Ezra also helped rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem.
• There are two other men named Ezra mentioned in the Old Testament.

(See also: Babylon, exile, Jerusalem, law of Moses, Nehemiah, temple)

Bible References:

• Ezra 07:06
• Nehemiah 08:1-3
• Nehemiah 12:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H250, H5830, H5831

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ezra, Ezra's

Gabriel

Facts:

Gabriel is the name of one of God's angels. He is mentioned by name several times, in both the Old and New Testaments.

• God sent Gabriel to tell the prophet Daniel the meaning of a vision he had seen.
• Another time, while Daniel was praying, the angel Gabriel flew to him and prophesied about what would happen in the future. Daniel described him as a "man."
• In the New Testament it is recorded that Gabriel came to Zechariah to prophesy that his aged wife Elizabeth would have a son, John.
• Sixth months after that, Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her that God would miraculously enable her to conceive a child who would be the "Son of God." Gabriel told Mary to name her son "Jesus."

(See also: angel, Daniel, Elizabeth, John (the Baptist), Mary, prophet, Son of God, Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

• Daniel 08:15-17
• Daniel 09:21
• Luke 01:19
• Luke 01:26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1403, G1043

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gabriel, Gabriel's

Gad

Related Words

Gadite

Facts:

Gad was one of the sons of Jacob. Jacob was also named Isreal.

• Gad's family became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Another man in the Bible named Gad was a prophet who confronted King David for his sin of taking a census of the Israelite people.
• The names of the cities Baalgad and Migdalgad are each two words in the original text and are sometimes written "Baal Gad" and "Migdal Gad."
• A Gadite was a person from the tribe of Gad.

(See also: census, prophet, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 05:18
• Exodus 01:1-5
• Genesis 30:11
• Joshua 01:12
• Joshua 21:38

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1410, H1425, G1045

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gad, Gadite, Gadites, Gad's

Galatia

Related Words:

Galatian

Facts:

In New Testament times, Galatia was a large Roman province located in the central part of what is now the country of Turkey.

• Part of Galatia bordered the Black Sea, which was to the north. It was also bordered by the provinces of Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Celicia, and Pamphylia.
• The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians who lived in the province of Galatia. This letter is the New Testament book called "Galatians."
• One reason that Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians was to emphasize again the gospel of salvation by grace, not by works.
• The Jewish Christians there were incorrectly teaching the Gentile Christians there that it was necessary for believers to keep certain Jewish laws.

(See also: Asia, believe, Cilicia, good news, Paul, work)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
• 1 Peter 01:1-2
• 2 Timothy 04:9-10
• Acts 16:6-8
• Galatians 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1053, G1054

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Galatia, Galatians

Galilee

Related Words:

Galilean

Facts:

Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A "Galilean" was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.

• Galilee, Samaria, and Judea were the three main provinces of Israel during New Testament times.
• Galilee is bordered on the east by a large lake called the "Sea of Galilee."
• Jesus grew up and lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
• Most of the miracles and teachings of Jesus took place in the region of Galilee.

(See also: Nazareth, Samaria, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:32
• Acts 13:31
• John 02:1-2
• John 04:03
• Luke 13:03
• Mark 03:07
• Matthew 02:22-23
• Matthew 03:13-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1551, G1056, G1057

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Galilee, Galilean, Galileans

Gath

Related Words:

Gittite

Facts:

Gath was one of the five major cities of the Philistines. It was located north of Ekron and east of Ashdod and Ashkelon.

• The Philistine warrior Goliath was from the city of Gath.
• During the time of Samuel, the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant from Israel and took it to their pagan temple at Ashdod. It was then moved to Gath and later to Ekron. But God punished the people of those cities with disease, so they sent it back to Israel again.
• When David was escaping from King Saul, he fled to Gath and lived there awhile with his two wives and with six hundred men who were his loyal followers.
• A Gittite was a person from the city of Gath.

(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gaza, Goliath, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 02:39
• 1 Samuel 05:8-9
• 2 Chronicles 26:6-8
• Joshua 11:21-22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1661, H1663

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gath, Gittite, Gittites

Gaza

Related Words

Gazite

Facts:

During Bible times, Gaza was a prosperous Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 38 kilometers south of Ashdod. It was one of the Philistines' five major cities.

• Because of its location, Gaza was a key seaport where commercial activities took place between many different people groups and nations.
• Today, the city of Gaza is still an important seaport in the Gaza Strip, which is a region of land located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea bordered by Israel on the north and east, and by Egypt on the south.
• Gaza was the city that the Philistines took Samson to after they had captured him.
• Philip the evangelist was walking along the desert road to Gaza when he met an Ethiopian eunuch.
• A Gazite was a person from the city of Gaz.

(See also: Ashdod, Philip, Philistines, Ethiopia, Gath)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:24-25
• Acts 08:26
• Genesis 10:19
• Joshua 10:40-41
• Judges 06:3-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5804, H5841, G1048

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gaza, Gazites

Gentile

Facts:

The term "Gentile" refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Gentiles are people who are not descendants of Jacob.

• In the Bible, the term "uncircumcised" is also used figuratively to refer to Gentiles because many of them did not circumcise their male children as the Israelites did.
• Because God chose the Jews to be his special people, they thought of the Gentiles as outsiders who could never be God's people.
• The Jews were also called "Israelites" or "Hebrews" at different times in history. They referred to anyone else as a "Gentile."
• Gentile could also be translated as "not a Jew" or "non-Jewish" or "not an Israelite" (Old Testament) or "non-Jew.".
• Traditionally, Jews would neither eat with nor associate with Gentiles, which at first caused problems within the early church.

(See also: Israel, Jacob, Jew)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:13-16
• Acts 14:5-7
• Galatians 02:16
• Luke 02:32
• Matthew 05:47
• Matthew 06:5-7
• Romans 11:25

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1471, G1482, G1484

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gentile, Gentiles

Gerar

Facts:

Gerar was a city and region in the land of Canaan, located southwest of Hebron and northwest of Beersheba.

• King Abimelech was the ruler of Gerar when Abraham and Sarah settled there.
• The Philistines dominated the region of Gerar during the time that the Israelites were living in Canaan.

(See also: Abimelek, Beersheba, Hebron, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 14:12-13
• Genesis 20:1-3
• Genesis 26:1
• Genesis 26:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1642

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gerar

Geshur

Related Words:

Geshurite

Facts:

During the time of King David, Geshur was a small kingdom located on the east side of the Sea of Galilee between the countries of Israel and Aram.

• King David married Maacah, the daughter of Geshur's king, and she bore him a son, Absalom.
• After murdering his half-brother Amnon, Absalom fled northeast from Jerusalem to Geshur, a distance of about 140 kilometers. He stayed there three years.
• A Geshurite was a person from the kingom of Geshur.*

(See also: Absalom, Amnon, Aram, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:23
• 2 Samuel 03:2-3
• Deuteronomy 03:14
• Joshua 12:3-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1650

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Geshur, Geshurites

Gethsemane

Facts:

Gethsemane was a garden of olive trees east of Jerusalem beyond the Kidron valley and near the Mount of Olives.

• The garden of Gethsemane was a place where Jesus and his followers would go to be alone and rest, away from the crowds.
• It was in Gethsemane that Jesus prayed in deep sorrow, before being arrested there by Jewish leaders.

(See also: Judas Iscariot, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

• Mark 14:32
• Matthew 26:36

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1068

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gethsemane

Gibeah

Facts:

Gibeah was a city located north of Jerusalem and south of Bethel.

• Gibeah was in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.
• It was the site of a huge battle between the Benjamites and Israel.

(See also: Benjamin, Bethel, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 10:26-27
• 2 Samuel 21:06
• Hosea 09:09
• Judges 19:12-13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1390

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gibeah

Gibeon

Related Words:

Gibeonite

Facts:

Gibeon was a city that was located about 13 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. The people living in Gibeon were the Gibeonites.

• When the Gibeonites heard about how the Israelites had destroyed the cities of Jericho and Ai, they were afraid.
• So the Gibeonites came to the leaders of Israel at Gilgal and pretended to be people from a far-away country.
• The Israelite leaders were deceived and made an agreement with the Gibeonites that they would protect them and not destroy them.

(See also: Gilgal, Jericho, Jerusalem)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 08:29
• 1 Kings 03:4-5
• 2 Samuel 02:12-13
• Joshua 09:3-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1391, H1393

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gibeon, Gibeonite, Gibeonites

Gideon

Facts:

Gideon was an Israelite man whom God raised up to deliver the Israelites from their enemies.

• During the time when Gideon lived, a people group called the Midianites kept attacking the Israelites and destroying their crops.
• Even though Gideon was afraid, God used him to lead the Israelites to fight against the Midianites and defeat them.
• Gideon also obeyed God by taking down altars to the false gods Baal and Asherah.
• He not only led the people in defeating their enemies but also encouraged them to obey and worship Yahweh, the one true God.

(See also: Baal, Asherah, deliver, Midian, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• Hebrews 11:32-34
• Judges 06:11
• Judges 06:23
• Judges 08:17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1439, H1441

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gideon, Gideon's

Gilead

Gileadite

Facts:

Gilead was the name of a mountainous region east of the Jordan river where the Israelite tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh lived.

• This region was also referred to as the "hill country of Gilead" or "Mount Gilead."
• "Gilead" was also the name of several men in the Old Testament. One of these men was the grandson of Manasseh. Another Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
• A Giliadite was a descendant of Gilead and a member of his clan.

(See also: Gad, Jephthah, Manasseh, Reuben, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:22
• 1 Samuel 11:01
• Amos 01:03
• Deuteronomy 02:36-37
• Genesis 31:21
• Genesis 37:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1568, H1569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gilead, Gileadite, Gileadites

Gilgal

Facts:

Gilgal was a town north of Jericho and was the first place that the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River to enter Canaan.

• At Gilgal, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the dry river bed of the Jordan River that they had just crossed over.
• Gilgal was the city that Elijah and Elisha were leaving as they crossed the Jordan when Elijah was taken up to heaven.
• There were also several other places called "Gilgal" in the Old Testament.
• The word "gilgal" means "circle of stones," perhaps referring to a place where a circular altar was built.
• In the Old Testament, this name almost always occurs as "the gilgal." This may indicate that it was not a specific place name but rather was a description of a certain kind of place.

(See also: Elijah, , Elisha, Jericho, Jordan River)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 07:15-17
• 2 Kings 02:1-2
• Hosea 04:15
• Judges 02:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1537

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gilgal

Girgashites

Facts:

The Girgashites were a people group living near the Sea of Galilee in the land of Canaan.

• They were descendants of Ham's son Canaan and so were one of the many people groups who were also known as "Canaanites."
• God promised the Israelites that he would help them defeat the Girgashites and other Canaanite people groups.
• Like all the Canaanite peoples, the Girgashites worshiped false gods and did immoral things as part of that worship.

(See also: Canaan , Ham, Noah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:14
• Deuteronomy 07:1
• Genesis 10:16
• Joshua 03:9-11
• Joshua 24:11-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1622

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Girgashites

God

Related Ideas:

the living God

Facts:

In the Bible, the term "God" refers to the eternal being who created the universe out of nothing. God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God's personal name is "Yahweh."

• God has always existed; he existed before anything else existed, and he will continue to exist forever.
• He is the only true God and has authority over everything in the universe.
• God is perfectly righteous, infinitely wise, holy, sinless, just, merciful, and loving.
• He is a covenant-keeping God, who always fulfills his promises.
• People were created to worship God and he is the only one they should worship.
• God revealed his name as "Yahweh," which means "he is" or "I am" or "the One who (always) exists."
• The Bible also teaches about false "gods," which are nonliving idols that people wrongly worship.

Translation Suggestions:

• Ways to translate "God" could include "Deity" or "Creator" or "Supreme Being."
• Other ways to translate "God" could be "Supreme Creator" or "Infinite Sovereign Lord" or "Eternal Supreme Being."
• Consider how God is referred to in a local or national language. There may also already be a word for "God" in the language being translated. If so, it is important to make sure that this word fits the characteristics of the one true God as described above.
• Many languages capitalize the first letter of the word for the one true God, to distinguish it from the word for a false god.
• Another way to make this distinction would be to use different terms for "God" and "god."
• The phrase "I will be their God and they will be my people" could also be translated as "I, God, will rule over these people and they will worship me."

(See also: create, god, God the Father, Holy Spirit, god, Son of God, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 John 01:07
• 1 Samuel 10:7-8
• 1 Timothy 04:10
• Colossians 01:16
• Deuteronomy 29:14-16
• Ezra 03:1-2
• Genesis 01:02
• Hosea 04:11-12
• Isaiah 36:6-7
• James 02:20
• Jeremiah 05:05
• John 01:03
• Joshua 03:9-11
• Lamentations 03:43
• Micah 04:05
• Philippians 02:06
• Proverbs 24:12
• Psalms 047:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H136, H410, H426, H430, H433, H2623, H3069, H4136, H6697, G112, G516, G932, G935, G2098, G2124, G2128, G2152, G2153, G2299, G2304, G2312, G2314, G2315, G2316, G2317, G2318, G2319, G2320, G4151, G5207, G5377, G5463, G5537, G5538

Forms Found in the English ULB:

God, God's, the living God

God the Father

Related Ideas:

Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Facts:

The terms "God the Father" and "heavenly Father" refer to Yahweh, the one true God. Another term with the same meaning is "Father," used most often when Jesus was referring to him.

• God exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each one is fully God, and yet they are only one God. This is a mystery that mere humans cannot fully understand.
• God the Father sent God the Son (Jesus) into the world, and he sends the Holy Spirit to his people.
• Anyone who believes in God the Son becomes a child of God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit comes to live in that person. This is another mystery that human beings cannot fully understand.

Translation Suggestions:

• In translating the phrase "God the Father," it is best to translate "Father" with the same word that the language naturally uses to refer to a human father.
• The term "heavenly Father" could be translated by "Father who lives in heaven" or "Father God who lives in heaven" or "God our Father from heaven."
• Usually "Father" is capitalized when it refers to God.

(See also: father, God, heaven, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 08:4-6
• 1 John 02:01
• 1 John 02:23
• 1 John 03:01
• Colossians 01:1-3
• Ephesians 05:18-21
• Luke 10:22
• Matthew 05:16
• Matthew 23:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1, H2, G3962

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Father, God the Father, heavenly Father, my Father

Golgotha

Facts:

"Golgotha" was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. Its name comes from an Aramaic word that means "Skull" or "Place of the Skull."

• Golgotha was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, somewhere nearby. It was perhaps located on a slope of the Mount of Olives.
• In some older English versions of the Bible, Golgotha is translated as "Calvary," which comes from the Latin word for "skull."
• Many Bible versions use a word that looks or sounds similar to "Golgotha," since its meaning is already explained in the Bible text.

(See also: Aram, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

• John 19:17
• Mark 15:22
• Matthew 27:33

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1115

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Golgotha

Goliath

Facts:

Goliath was a very tall and very large soldier in the army of the Philistines who was killed by David.

• Goliath was between two and three meters tall. He is often referred to as a giant because of his great size.
• Although Goliath had better weapons and was much bigger than David, God gave David the strength and ability to defeat Goliath.
• The Israelites were declared victorious over the Philistines as a result of David's victory over Goliath.

(See also: David, Philistines)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 20:4-5
• 1 Samuel 17:4-5
• 1 Samuel 21:8-9
• 1 Samuel 22:9-10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1555

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Goliath, Goliath's

Gomorrah

Facts:

Gomorrah was a city located in a fertile valley near Sodom, where Abraham's nephew Lot chose to live.

• The exact location of Gomorrah and Sodom is unknown, but there are indications that they may have been located directly south of the Salt Sea, near the Valley of Siddim.
• There were many kings at war in the region where Sodom and Gomorrah were located.
• When Lot's family was captured in a conflict between Sodom and other cities, Abraham and his men rescued them.
• Not long after that, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of the wickedness of the people who lived there.

(See also: Abraham , Babylon, Lot, Salt Sea, Sodom)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 02:06
• Genesis 10:19
• Genesis 14:1-2
• Genesis 18:21
• Isaiah 01:9
• Matthew 10:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6017

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Gomorrah

Goshen

Facts:

Goshen was the name of a fertile region of land located along the Nile River in the northern part of Egypt.

• When Joseph was a ruler in Egypt, his father and brothers and their families came to live in Goshen to escape a famine in Canaan.
• They and their descendants lived well in Goshen for over 400 years, but then they were forced into slavery by the Egyptian pharaoh.
• Finally God sent Moses to help the people of Israel leave the land of Goshen and escape this slavery.

(See also: Egypt, famine, Moses, Nile River)

Bible References:

• Exodus 08:22-24
• Genesis 45:11
• Genesis 47:02
• Genesis 50:7-9
• Joshua 10:40-41

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1657

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Goshen

Greece

Facts:

During New Testament times, Greece was a province in the Roman Empire.

• Like the modern-day country of Greece, it was located on a peninsula that is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Ionian Sea.
• The apostle Paul visited several cities in Greece and established churches in the cities of Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi and probably others.

(See also: Corinth, Gentile, Greek, Hebrew, Philippi, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

• Daniel 08:21
• Daniel 10:20-21
• Daniel 11:1-2
• Zechariah 09:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3120, G1671

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Greece

Greek

Related Words:

Grecian

Facts:

The term "Greek" refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece. It is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The term "Grecian" means "Greek-speaking."

• Since most non-Jewish people in the Roman Empire spoke Greek, Gentiles are often referred to as "Greeks" in the New Testament, especially when contrasted with Jews.
• The phrase "Grecian Jews" referred to Jews who spoke Greek in contrast to the "Hebraic Jews" who spoke only Hebrew, or perhaps Aramaic.
• Other ways to translate "Grecian" could include, "Greek-speaking" or "culturally Greek" or "Greek."
• When referring to non-Jews, "Greek" could be translated as "Gentile."

(See also: Aram, Gentile, Greece, Hebrew, Rome)

Bible References:

• Acts 06:1
• Acts 09:29
• Acts 11:20
• Acts 14:1-2
• Colossians 03:11
• Galatians 02:3-5
• John 07:35

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3125, G1672, G1673, G1674, G1675, G1676

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Greek, Greeks, Grecian

Habakkuk

Facts:

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who lived around the time that King Jehoiakim was reigning over Judah. The prophet Jeremiah was also alive during some of this time.

• This prophet wrote the book of Habakkuk around 600 BC when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many of the people of Judah into exile.
• Yahweh gave Habakkuk the prophecy about how the "Chaldeans" (Babylonians) would come and conquer the people of Judah.
• One of Habakkuk's most well-known statements is: "the righteous person shall live by his faith."

(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah)

Bible References:

• Habakkuk 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2265

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Habakkuk, Habakkuk's

Hades

Related Ideas:

Sheol

Definition:

The terms "Hades" and "Sheol" are used in the Bible to refer to death and the place where the souls of people go when they die. Their meanings are similar.

• The Hebrew term "Sheol" is often used in the Old Testament to refer generally to the place of death.
• In the New Testament, the Greek term "Hades" refers to a place for the souls of people who rebelled against God. These souls are referred to as going "down" to Hades. This is sometimes contrasted to going "up" to heaven, where the souls of people who believe in Jesus live.
• The term "Hades" is coupled with the term "death" in the book of Revelation. In the end times, both death and Hades will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which is hell.

Translation Suggestions

• The Old Testament term "Sheol" could be translated as "place of the dead" or "place for dead souls." Some translations translate this as "the pit" or "death," depending on the context.
• The New Testament term "Hades" could also be translated as "place for unbelieving dead souls" or "place of torment for the dead" or "place for the souls of unbelieving dead people."
• Some translations keep the words "Sheol" and "Hades," spelling them to fit the sound patterns of the language of translation.
• A phrase could also be added to each term to explain it, examples of doing this are, "Sheol, place where dead people are" and "Hades, place of death."

(See also: death, heaven, hell, tomb)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:31
• Genesis 44:29
• Jonah 02:02
• Luke 10:15
• Luke 16:23
• Matthew 11:23
• Matthew 16:18
• Revelation 01:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7585, G86

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hades, Sheol

Hagar

Facts:

Hagar was an Egyptian woman who was Sarai's personal slave.

• When Sarai was not able to bear children, she gave Hagar to her husband Abram to have a child by him.
• Hagar conceived and gave birth to Abram's son Ishmael.
• God watched over Hagar when she was in distress in the desert and promised to bless her descendants.

(See also: Abraham, descendant, Ishmael, Sarah, servant)

Bible References:

• Galatians 04:25
• Genesis 16:1-4
• Genesis 21:09
• Genesis 25:12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1904

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hagar

Haggai

Facts:

Haggai was a prophet of Judah after the Jews returned home from being captives in Babylon.

• During the period when Haggai was prophesying, King Uzziah was reigning over Judah.
• The prophet Zechariah was also prophesying during this period.
• Haggai and Zechariah exhorted the Jews to rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar.

(See also: Babylon, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

• Ezra 05:1-2
• Ezra 06:13-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2292

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Haggai, Haggai's

Ham

Related Words:

Hamite

Facts:

Ham was the second of Noah's three sons.

• During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Ham and his brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
• After the flood, there was an occasion where Ham was very dishonoring to his father, Noah. As a result, Noah cursed Ham's son Canaan and all his descendants, who eventually became known as the Canaanites.

(See also: ark, Canaan, dishonor, Noah)

Bible References:

• Genesis 05:32
• Genesis 06:10
• Genesis 07:13-14
• Genesis 10:1
• Genesis 10:20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2526

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ham, Hamite, Hamites

Hamath

Related Words:

Hamath Zobah, Hamathite, Lebo Hamath

Facts:

Hamath was an important city in northern Syria, north of the land of Canaan. The Hamathites were descendants of Noah's son Canaan.

• The name "Lebo Hamath" probably refers to a mountain pass near the city of Hamath.
• Some versions translate "Lebo Hamath" as "entrance to Hamath."
• King David defeated enemies of King Tou of Hamath, causing them to be on good terms.
• Hamath Zobah was one of Solomon's storehouse cities which he had conquered. Hamath Zobah was used as a place to keep provisions (see 2 Chronicles 8:3).
• The land of Hamath was where King Zedekiah was killed by King Nebuchadnezzar and where King Jehoahaz was captured by an Egyptian pharaoh.
• The term "Hamathite" could also be translated as "person from Hamath."

(See also: Babylon, Canaan, Nebuchadnezzar, Syria, Zedekiah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 18:3-4
• 2 Samuel 08:09
• Amos 06:1-2
• Ezekiel 47:15-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2574, H2577

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hamath, Hamath Zobah, Hamathites, Lebo Hamath

Hamor

Facts:

Hamor was a Canaanite man living in the city of Shechem when Jacob and his family were living in nearby Sukkoth. He was a Hivite.

• Jacob bought a family burial ground from Hamor's sons.
• While they were there, Hamor's son Shechem raped Jacob's daughter Dinah.
• Dinah's brothers took revenge on Hamor's family and killed all the men in the city of Shechem.

(See also: Canaan, Hivite, Jacob, Shechem, Sukkoth)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:14-16
• Genesis 34:02
• Genesis 34:21
• Joshua 24:32-33
• Judges 09:28

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2544

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hamor, Hamor's

Hananiah

Facts:

Hananiah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament.

• One Hananiah was an Israelite captive in Babylon whose name was changed to "Shadrach."
• He was given a position as a royal servant due to his excellent character and abilities.
• Once Hanahiah (Shadrach) and two other Israelite young men were thrown into a fire in a furnace because they refused to worship the Babylonian king. God showed his power by protecting them from being harmed.
• Another man named Hananiah was listed as a descendant of King Solomon.
• A different Hananiah was a false prophet during the time of the prophet Jeremiah.
• One man named Hananiah was a priest who helped lead a celebration during the time of Nehemiah.

(See also: Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, false prophet, Jeremiah, Mishael)

Bible References:

• Daniel 01:6-7
• Daniel 02:17-18
• Jeremiah 28:01
• Jeremiah 28:5-7
• Jeremiah 28:15-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2608

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hananiah, Hananiah's

Hannah

Facts:

Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She was one of two wives of Elkanah.

• Hannah was not able to conceive a child, which was a great grief to her.
• At the temple, Hannah earnestly prayed for God to give her a son, promising to dedicate him to serving God.
• God granted her request and when the boy Samuel was old enough, she brought him to serve at the temple.
• God also gave Hannah other children after that.

(See also: conceive, Samuel)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 01:1-2
• 1 Samuel 02:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2584

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hannah, Hannah's

Haran

Facts:

Haran was a younger brother of Abram and the father of Lot.

• Haran was also the name of the town where Abram and his family lived awhile on their journey from the city of Ur to the land of Canaan.
• A different man named Haran was a son of Caleb.
• A third man in the Bible named Haran was a descendant of Levi.

(See also: Abraham, Caleb, Canaan, Levi, Lot, Terah, Ur)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 19:12
• Acts 07:1-3
• Genesis 11:31
• Genesis 27:43-45
• Genesis 28:10-11
• Genesis 29:4-6

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2039

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Haran

Hebrew

Facts:

The "Hebrews" were people who were descended from Abraham through the line of Isaac and Jacob. Abraham is the first person in the Bible to be called a "Hebrew."

• The term "Hebrew" also refers to the language that the Hebrew people spoke. The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language.
• In different places in the Bible, the Hebrews were also called "Jewish people" or "Israelites." It is best to keep all three terms distinct in the text, as long as it is clear that these terms refer to the same people group.

(See also: Israel, Jew, Jewish authorities)

Bible References:

• Acts 26:12-14
• Genesis 39:13-15
• Genesis 40:15
• Genesis 41:12-13
• John 05:1-4
• John 19:13
• Jonah 01:8-10
• Philippians 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5680, G1445, G1446, G1447

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hebrew, Hebrews, Hebrews'

Hebron

Related Words:

Hebronite

Facts:

Hebron was a city located in the high, rocky hills about 20 miles south of Jerusalem.

• The city was built around 2000 BC during the time of Abram. It was mentioned many times in the historical accounts given in the Old Testament.
• Hebron had a very important role in King David's life. Several of his sons, including Absalom, were born there.
• The city was destroyed around AD 70 by the Romans.

(See also: Absalom)

Bible References:

• 2 Samuel 02:10-11
• Genesis 13:18
• Genesis 23:1-2
• Genesis 35:27
• Genesis 37:12-14
• Judges 01:10
• Numbers 13:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2275, H2276

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hebron, Hebronites, Hebronites', Hebronite's, Hebron's

Hermon

Facts:

Mount Hermon is the name of the tallest mountain in Israel at the southern tip of the Lebanon mountain range.

• It is located north of the Sea of Galilee, at the northern border between Israel and Syria.
• Other names given to Mount Hermon by other people groups were "Mount Sirion" and "Mount Senir."
• Mount Hermon has three major peaks. The tallest peak is around 2,800 meters high.

(See also: Israel, Sea of Galilee, Syria)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 05:23-24
• Ezekiel 27:4-5
• Joshua 11:16-17
• Psalms 042:06
• Song of Solomon 04:8

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2768, H2769, H8149

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hermon, Mount Hermon, Senir

Herod Antipas

Facts:

During most of Jesus' lifetime, Herod Antipas was the ruler of the part of the Roman Empire that included Galilee province.

• Like his father Herod the Great, Antipas was sometimes referred to as "King Herod" even though he was not really a king.
• Herod Antipas ruled one-fourth of the Roman Empire and so he was also called "Herod the tetrarch."
• Antipas is the "Herod" who gave the order for John the Baptist to be killed by beheading.
• It was also Herod Antipas who questioned Jesus before his crucifixion.
• The other Herods in the New Testament were Antipas' son (Agrippa) and grandson (Agrippa 2) who ruled during the time of the apostles.

(See also: crucify, Herod the Great, John (the Baptist), king, Rome)

Bible References:

• Luke 03:1-2
• Luke 03:20
• Luke 09:09
• Luke 13:32
• Luke 23:09
• Mark 06:20
• Matthew 14:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2264, G2267

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herod, Herod Antipas

Herod the Great

Facts:

Herod the Great was ruling over Judea at the time Jesus was born. He was the first of several Edomite rulers named Herod who ruled over parts of the Roman Empire.

• His ancestors converted to Judaism and he was raised as a Jew.
• Caesar Augustus named him "King Herod" even though he was not a true king. He ruled over the Jews in Judea for 33 years.
• Herod the Great was known for the beautiful buildings he ordered to be built and for the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
• This Herod was very cruel and had many people killed. When he heard that a "king of the Jews" had been born in Bethlehem, he had all the baby boys in that town killed.
• His sons Herod Antipas and Herod Philip and his grandson Herod Agrippa also became Roman rulers. His great-grandson Herod Agrippa II (called "King Agrippa") ruled over the entire area of Judea.

(See also: Herod Antipas, Judea, king, temple)

Bible References:

• Matthew 02:03
• Matthew 02:12
• Matthew 02:16
• Matthew 02:20
• Matthew 02:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2264

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herod, Herod the Great, Herod's

Herodias

Facts:

Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas in Judea during the time of John the Baptist.

• Herodias was originally the wife of Herod Antipas' brother Philip, but later she unlawfully married Herod Antipas.
• John the Baptist rebuked Herod and Herodias for their unlawful marriage. Because of this, Herod put John in prison and because of Herodias eventually was beheaded.

(See also: Herod Antipas, John (the Baptist))

Bible References:

• Luke 03:19
• Mark 06:17
• Mark 06:22
• Matthew 14:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2266

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Herodias, Herodias'

Hezekiah

Facts:

Hezekiah was the 13th king over the kingdom of Judah. He was a king who trusted and obeyed God.

• Unlike his father Ahaz, who had been an evil king, King Hezekiah was a good king who destroyed all the places of idol worship in Judah.
• One time when Hezekiah became very sick and almost died, he earnestly prayed that God would spare his life. God healed him and allowed him to live 15 more years.
• As a sign to Hezekiah that this would happen, God performed a miracle and caused the sun to move backwards in the sky.
• God also answered Hezekiah's prayer to save his people from King Sennacherib of Assyria, who was attacking them.

(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, god, Judah, Sennacherib)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:13-14
• 2 Kings 16:19-20
• Hosea 01:01
• Matthew 01:9-11
• Proverbs 25:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2396, H3169, G1478

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hezekiah, Hezekiah's

Hilkiah

Facts:

Hilkiah was the high priest during the reign of King Josiah.

• When the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law and ordered that it be brought to King Josiah.
• After the Book of the Law was read to him, Josiah was grieved and caused the people of Judah to worship Yahweh again and obey his laws.
• Another man named Hilkiah was the son of Eliakim and worked in the palace during the time of King Hezekiah.

(See also: Eliakim, Hezekiah, high priest, Josiah, Judah, law, worship, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 18:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2518

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hilkiah, Hilkiah's

Hittite

Facts:

The Hittites were descendants of Ham through his son Canaan. They became a large empire located in what is now Turkey and northern Palestine.

• Abraham bought a piece of property from Ephron the Hittite so that he could bury his deceased wife Sarah in a cave there. Eventually Abraham and several of his descendants were also buried in that cave.
• Esau's parents were grieved when he married two Hittite women.
• One of David's mighty men was named Uriah the Hittite.
• Some of the foreign women that Solomon married were Hittites. These foreign women turned Solomon's heart away from God because of the false gods they worshiped.
• The Hittites were often a threat to the Israelites, both physically and spiritually.

(See also: descendant, Esau, foreigner, Ham, mighty, Solomon, Uriah)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 09:20-21
• Exodus 03:7-8
• Genesis 23:11
• Genesis 25:10
• Joshua 01:4-5
• Nehemiah 09:08
• Numbers 13:27-29

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2850

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hittite, Hittites

Hivite

Facts:

The Hivites were one of seven major people groups living in the land of Canaan.

• All these groups, including the Hivites, were descended from Canaan, who was Noah's grandson.
• Shechem the Hivite raped Jacob's daughter Dinah, and her brothers killed many Hivites in revenge.
• When Joshua led the Israelites to take over the land of Canaan, the Israelites were tricked into making a treaty with the Hivites instead of conquering them.

(See also: Canaan, Hamor, Noah, Shechem)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 08:7-8
• Exodus 03:7-8
• Genesis 34:02
• Joshua 09:1-2
• Judges 03:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2340

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hivite, Hivites

Holy One

Related Ideas:

holy one

Definition:

The term "Holy One" is a title in the Bible that almost always refers to God.

• In the Old Testament, this title often occurs in the phrase "Holy One of Israel."
• In the New Testament, Jesus is also referred to as the "Holy One."
• The term "holy one" is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to an angel.

Translation Suggestions:

• The literal term is "the Holy" (with "One" being implied.) Many languages (like English) will translate this with the implied noun included (such as "One" or "God").
• This term could also be translated as "God, who is holy" or "the Set Apart One."
• The phrase "the Holy One of Israel" could be translated as "the Holy God whom Israel worships" or "the Holy One who rules Israel."
• It is best to translate this term using the same word or phrase that is used to translate "holy."

(See also: holy, God)

Bible References:

• 1 John 02:20
• 2 Kings 19:22
• Acts 02:27
• Acts 03:13-14
• Isaiah 05:15-17
• Isaiah 41:14
• Luke 04:33-34

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6918, G40, G3741

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy One, holy ones

Holy Spirit

Related Ideas:

Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Facts:

These terms all refer to the Holy Spirit, who is God. The one true God exists eternally as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit is also referred to as "the Spirit" and "Spirit of Yahweh" and "Spirit of truth."
• Because the Holy Spirit is God, he is absolutely holy, infinitely pure, and morally perfect in all his nature and in everything he does.
• Along with the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit was active in creating the world.
• When God's Son, Jesus, returned to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit to his people to lead them, teach them, comfort them, and enable them to do God's will.
• The Holy Spirit guided Jesus and he guides those who believe in Jesus.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could simply be translated with the words used to translate "holy" and "spirit."
• Ways to translate this term could also include "Pure Spirit" or "Spirit who is Holy" or "God the Spirit."

(See also: holy, spirit, God, lord, God the Father, Son of God, gift)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 10:10
• 1 Thessalonians 04:7-8
• Acts 08:17
• Galatians 05:25
• Genesis 01:1-2
• Isaiah 63:10
• Job 33:04
• Matthew 12:31
• Matthew 28:18-19
• Psalms 051:10-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3068, H6944, H7307, G40, G4151

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of the Lord Yahweh

Horeb

Facts:

Mount Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the stone tablets with the ten commandments.

• Mount Horeb is called the "mountain of God."
• Horeb was the place where Moses saw the burning bush when he was tending sheep.
• Mount Horeb was the place where God revealed his covenant to the Israelites by giving them the stone tablets with his commandments written on them.
• It was also the place where God later told Moses to strike a rock to provide water for the Israelites as they were wandering in the desert.
• The exact location of this mountain is not known, but it may have been in the southern part of what is now the Sinai Peninsula.
• It is possible that "Horeb" was the actual name of the mountain and that "Mount Sinai" simply means "mountain of Sinai," referring to the fact that Mount Horeb was located in the desert of Sinai.

(See also: covenant, Israel, Moses, Sinai, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 08:9-11
• 2 Chronicles 05:9-10
• Deuteronomy 01:02
• Exodus 03:1-3
• Psalms 106:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2722

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Horeb

Hosea

Facts:

Hosea was a prophet of Israel who lived and prophesied about 750 years before the time of Christ.

• His ministry lasted for many years through the reigns of several kings, such as Jeroboam, Zechariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hoshea, Uzziah, and Hezekiah.
• Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer and to continue to love her, even though she was unfaithful to him.
• This was a picture of God's love for his unfaithful people, Israel.
• Hosea prophesied against the people of Israel because of their sin, warning them to turn away from worshipping idols.

(See also: Ahaz, Hezekiah, Hoshea, Jeroboam, Jotham, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

• Hosea 01:1-2
• Hosea 01:3-5
• Hosea 01:6-7

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1954, G5617

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hosea, Hosea's

Hoshea

Facts:

Hoshea was the name of a king of Israel and several other men in the Old Testament.

• Hoshea son of Alah was a king of Israel for nine years during part of the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
• Joshua son of Nun was formerly named Hoshea. Moses changed Hoshea's name to Joshua before sending him and eleven other men to spy out the land of the Canaanites.
• After Moses died, Joshua led the people of Israel to take possession of the land of Canaan.
• A different man named Hoshea was a son of Azaziah and was one of the leaders of the Ephraimites.

(See also: Ahaz, Canaan, Ephraim, Hezekiah, Joshua, Moses)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 27:20
• 2 Kings 15:30
• 2 Kings 17:03
• 2 Kings 18:01
• 2 Kings 18:09

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1954

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Hoshea, Hoshea's

Iconium

Facts:

Iconium was a city in the south central part of what is now the country of Turkey.

• On Paul's first missionary journey, he and Barnabas went to Iconium after the Jews forced them to leave the city of Antioch.
• Then the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles in Iconium also planned to stone Paul and his coworkers, but they escaped to the nearby city of Lystra.
• After that the people from both Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and stirred up the people there to stone Paul.

(See also: Barnabas, Lystra, stone)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 03:10-13
• Acts 14:01
• Acts 14:19-20
• Acts 16:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2430

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Iconium

Isaac

Facts:

Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised to give them a son even though they were very old.

• The name "Isaac" means "he laughs." When God told Abraham that Sarah would give birth to a son, Abraham laughed because they were both very old. Some time later, Sarah also laughed when she heard this news.
• But God fulfilled his promise and Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
• God told Abraham that the covenant he had made with Abraham would also be for Isaac and his descendants forever.
• When Isaac was a youth, God tested Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac.
• Isaac's son Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants later became the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.

(See also: Abraham, descendant, eternity, fulfill, Jacob, Sarah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• Galatians 04:28-29
• Genesis 25:9-11
• Genesis 25:19
• Genesis 26:1
• Genesis 26:08
• Genesis 28:1-2
• Genesis 31:18
• Matthew 08:11-13
• Matthew 22:32

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3327, H3446, G2464

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Isaac, Isaac's

Isaiah

Facts:

Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

• He lived in Jerusalem during the time when the Assyrians were attacking the city, during the reign of Hezekiah.
• The Old Testament book of Isaiah is one of the major books of the Bible.
• Isaiah wrote many prophecies that came true while he was still living.
• Isaiah is especially known for the prophecies he wrote about the Messiah that came true 700 years later when Jesus was living on earth.
• Jesus and his disciples quoted Isaiah's prophecies to teach people about the Messiah.

(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, Christ, Hezekiah, Jotham, Judah, prophet, Uzziah)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 20:1-3
• Acts 28:26
• Isaiah 01:1
• Luke 03:4
• Mark 01:01
• Mark 07:06
• Matthew 03:03
• Matthew 04:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3470, G2268

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Isaiah, Isaiah's

Ishmael

Related Words:

Ishmaelite

Facts:

Ishmael was the son of Abraham and the Egyptian slave Hagar. There were several other men in the Old Testament named Ishmael.

• The name "Ishmael" means "God hears."
• God promised to bless Abraham's son Ishmael, but he was not the son God had promised to establish his covenant with.
• God protected Hagar and Ishmael when they were sent into the desert.
• While Ishmael was living in the desert of Paran, he married an Egyptian woman.
• Ishmael son of Nethaniah was an army officer from Judah who led a group of men to kill a governor who had been appointed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.
• There were also four other men named Ishmael in the Old Testament.
• An Ishmaelite was a descendant of Ishmael.

(See also: Abraham, Babylon, covenant, desert, Egypt, Hagar, Isaac, Nebuchadnezzar, Paran, Sarah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:28-31
• 2 Chronicles 23:01
• Genesis 16:12
• Genesis 25:9-11
• Genesis 25:16
• Genesis 37:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3458, H3459

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Ishmael, Ishmaelite, Ishmaelites, Ishmael's

Israel

Related Ideas:

Israelite

Facts:

The term "Israel" is the name that God gave to Jacob. It means "he struggles with God."

• The descendants of Jacob became known as the "people of Israel" or the "nation of Israel" or the "Israelites."
• God formed his covenant with the people of Israel. They were his chosen people.
• The nation of Israel consisted of twelve tribes.
• Soon after King Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom, called "Judah," and the northern kingdom, called "Israel."
• Often the term "Israel" can be translated as "the people of Israel" or "the nation of Israel," depending on the context.

(See also: Jacob, kingdom of Israel, Judah, nation, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 10:01
• 1 Kings 08:02
• Acts 02:36
• Acts 07:24
• Acts 13:23
• John 01:49-51
• Luke 24:21
• Mark 12:29
• Matthew 02:06
• Matthew 27:09
• Philippians 03:4-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3478, H3479, H3481, H3482, G935, G2474, G2475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Israel, Israel's, Israelite, Israelite's, Israelites, Israelites'

Issachar

Facts:

Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob. His mother was Leah.

• The tribe of Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Issachar's land was bordered by the lands of Naphtali, Zebulun, Manasseh, and Gad.
• It was located just south of the Sea of Galilee.

(See also: Gad, Manasseh, Naphtali, twelve tribes of Israel, Zebulun)

Bible References:

• Exodus 01:1-5
• Ezekiel 48:23-26
• Genesis 30:18
• Joshua 17:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3485, G2466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Issachar, Issachar's

Jacob

Facts:

Jacob was the younger twin son of Isaac and Rebekah.

• Jacob's name means "he grabs the heel" which is an expression meaning "he deceives." As Jacob was being born, he was holding onto the heel of his twin brother Esau.
• Many years later, God changed Jacob's name to "Israel," which means "he struggles with God."
• Jacob was clever and deceptive. He found ways to take the firstborn blessing and inheritance rights from his older brother, Esau.
• Esau was angry and planned to kill him so Jacob left his homeland. But years later Jacob returned with his wives and children to the land of Canaan where Esau was living, and their families lived peacefully near each other.
• Jacob had twelve sons. Their descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel.
• A different man named Jacob is listed as being Joseph's father in Matthew's genealogy.

(See also: Canaan, deceive, Esau, Isaac, Israel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:11
• Acts 07:46
• Genesis 25:26
• Genesis 29:1-3
• Genesis 32:1-2
• John 04:4-5
• Matthew 08:11-13
• Matthew 22:32

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3290, G2384

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jacob, Jacob's

James brother of Jesus

Facts:

James was a son of Mary and Joseph. He was one of Jesus' younger half-brothers.

• Jesus' other half-brothers were named Joseph, Judas, and Simon.
• During Jesus' lifetime, James and his brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
• Later, after Jesus was raised from the dead, James believed in him and became a leader of the church in Jerusalem.
• The New Testament book of James is a letter that James wrote to Christians who had fled to other countries to escape persecution.

(See also: apostle, Christ, church, Judas son of James, persecute)

Bible References:

• Galatians 01:18-20
• Galatians 02:9-10
• James 01:1-3
• Jude 01:1-2
• Mark 09:1-3
• Matthew 13:54-56

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James

James son of Alphaeus

Facts:

James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. Jesus also called these men apostles.

• His name is given in the lists of Jesus' disciples in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• He is also mentioned in the book of Acts as one of the eleven disciples who were together praying in Jerusalem after Jesus went back up to heaven.

(See also: apostle, disciple, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Zebedee), the twelve)

Bible References:

• Acts 01:12-14
• Luke 06:14-16
• Mark 03:17-19
• Mark 14:32-34
• Matthew 10:2-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James son of Alphaeus

James son of Zebedee

Facts:

James, a son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He had a younger brother named John who was also one of Jesus' apostles.

• James and his brother John worked by fishing with their father Zebedee.
• James and John were nicknamed the "Sons of Thunder," perhaps because they got angry quickly.
• Peter, James, and John were Jesus' closest disciples and were with him for amazing events such as when Jesus was on a mountaintop with Elijah and Moses and when Jesus caused a dead little girl to come back to life.
• This is a different James than the one who wrote a book in the Bible. Some languages may have to write their names differently to make it clear that they were two different men.

(See also: apostle, Elijah, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Alphaeus), Moses)

Bible References:

• Luke 09:28-29
• Mark 01:19-20
• Mark 01:29-31
• Mark 03:17
• Matthew 04:21-22
• Matthew 17:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2385

Forms Found in the English ULB:

James son of Zebedee, James

Japheth

Facts:

Japheth was one of Noah's three sons.

• During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Japheth and his two brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
• Noah's sons are usually listed as, "Shem, Ham, and Japheth." This indicates that Japheth was the youngest brother.

(See also: ark, flood, Ham, Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:04
• Genesis 05:32
• Genesis 06:10
• Genesis 07:13-14
• Genesis 10:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3315

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Japheth, Japheth's

Jebus

Related Words

Jebusite

Facts:

The Jebusites were a people group living in the land of Canaan. They were descended from Ham's son Canaan.

• The Jebusites lived in the city of Jebus, and its name was later changed to Jerusalem when King David conquered it.
• Melchizedek, the king of Salem, was probably of Jebusite origin.

(See also: Canaan, Ham, Jerusalem, Melchizedek)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:14
• 1 Kings 09:20-21
• Exodus 03:7-8
• Genesis 10:16
• Joshua 03:9-11
• Judges 01:20-21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2982, H2983

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jebus, Jebusite, Jebusites

Jehoiachin

Facts:

Jehoiachin was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah.

• Jehoiachin became king when he was 18 years old. He only reigned three months, and after that he was captured by the Babylonian army and taken to Babylon.
• During his short reign, Jehoiachin did evil things like the ones his grandfather King Manasseh and his father King Jehoiakim had done.

(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Judah, Manasseh)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 36:8
• 2 Kings 24:15-17
• Esther 02:06
• Ezekiel 01:1-3
• Jeremiah 22:24
• Jeremiah 37:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3078, H3112, H3204, H3659

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiachin, Jehoiachin's

Jehoiada

Facts:

Jehoiada was a priest who helped hide and protect King Ahaziah's son Joash until he was old enough to be declared king.

• Jehoiada arranged for hundreds of bodyguards to protect young Joash as he was proclaimed king by the people in the temple.
• Jehoiada led the people in getting rid of all the altars of the false god Baal.
• For the rest of his life, Jehoiada the priest advised King Joash to help him obey God and rule the people wisely.
• Another man named Jehoiada was the father of Benaiah.

(See also: Ahaziah, Baal, Benaiah, Joash)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 11:04
• 2 Kings 12:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3077

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiada, Jehoiada's

Jehoiakim

Facts:

Jehoiakim was an evil king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah, beginning around 608 B.C. He was King Josiah's son. His name was originally Eliakim.

• The Egyptian pharaoh Necho changed Eliakim's name to Jehoiakim and made him king of Judah.
• Necho forced Jehoiakim to pay high taxes to Egypt.
• When Judah was later invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar, Jehioakim was among those who were captured and taken to Babylon.
• Jehoiakim was an evil king who led Judah away from Yahweh. Jeremiah the prophet prophesied against him.

(See also: Babylon, Eliakim, Jeremiah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:15-16
• 2 Kings 23:34-35
• 2 Kings 24:01
• Daniel 01:02
• Jeremiah 01:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3079

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoiakim, Jehoiakim's

Jehoram

Facts:

"Jehoram" was the name of two kings in the Old Testament. Both kings were also known as "Joram."

• One King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Judah for eight years. He was the son of King Jehoshaphat. This is the king that is most commonly known as Jehoram.
• The other King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Israel for twelve years. He was the son of King Ahab.
• King Jehoram of Judah reigned during the time that the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, Obadiah, and Ezekiel were prophesying in the kingdom of Judah.
• King Jehoram also reigned during some of the time that his father King Jehoshaphat was reigning over Judah.
• Some translations may choose to consistently use the name "Jehoram" when the king of Israel is mentioned and the name "Joram" for the king of Judah.
• Another way to clearly identify each one would be to include the name of his father.

(See also: Ahab, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Obadiah)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 22:48-50
• 2 Chronicles 21:03
• 2 Kings 11:1-3
• 2 Kings 12:18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3088, H3141, G2496

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoram, Jehoram's

Jehoshaphat

Facts:

Jehoshaphat was the name of at least two men in the Old Testament.

• The best known man by this name was King Jehoshaphat who was the fourth king to rule over the kingdom of Judah.
• He restored peace between Judah and Israel and destroyed the altars of false gods.
• Another Jehoshaphat was a "recorder" for David and Solomon. His job included writing documents for the king to sign and recording the history of the important events that happened in the kingdom.

(See also: altar, David, god, Israel, Judah, priest, Solomon)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:10-12
• 1 Kings 04:17
• 2 Chronicles 17:01
• 2 Kings 01:17
• 2 Samuel 08:15-18
• Matthew 01:7-8

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3092, G2498

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat's

Jehu

Facts:

Jehu was the name of two men in the Old Testament.

• Jehu son of Hanani was a prophet during the reigns of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
• Jehu son (or descendant) of Jehoshaphat was a general in the Israelite army who was anointed king by order of the prophet Elisha.
• King Jehu killed two evil kings, King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah.
• King Jehu also killed all the relatives of the former King Ahab and had the evil queen Jezebel killed.
• King Jehu destroyed all the places of Baal worship in Samaria and killed all the prophets of Baal.
• King Jehu served the only true God, Yahweh, and was king over Israel for twenty-eight years.

(See also: Ahab, Ahaziah, Baal, Elisha, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jezebel, Joram, Judah, Samaria)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 04:35
• 1 Kings 16:02
• 2 Chronicles 19:1-3
• 2 Kings 10:09
• Hosea 01:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3058

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jehu, Jehu's

Jephthah

Facts:

Jephthah was a warrior from Gilead who served as a judge over Israel.

• In Hebrews 11:32, Jephthah is praised as an important leader who delivered his people from their enemies.
• He rescued the Israelites from the Ammonites and led his people to defeat the Ephraimites.
• Jepthah however, made a foolish, hasty vow to God which resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter.

(See also: Ammon, deliver, Ephraim, judge, vow)

Bible References:

• Hebrews 11:32-34
• Judges 11:1-3
• Judges 11:35
• Judges 12:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3316

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jephthah, Jephthah's

Jeremiah

Facts:

Jeremiah was a prophet of God in the kingdom of Judah. The Old Testament book of Jeremiah contains his prophecies.

• Like most of the prophets, Jeremiah often had to warn the people of Israel that God was going to punish them for their sins.
• Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonians would capture Jerusalem, making some of the people of Judah angry. So they put him in a deep, dry well and left him there to die. But the king of Judah ordered his servants to rescue Jeremiah from the well.
• Jeremiah wrote that he wished his eyes could be a "fountain of tears," to express his deep sadness over the rebellion and sufferings of his people.

(See also: Babylon, Judah, prophet, rebel, suffer, well)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 35:25
• Jeremiah 01:02
• Jeremiah 11:01
• Matthew 02:18
• Matthew 16:13-16
• Matthew 27:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3414, G2408

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jeremiah, Jeremiah's

Jericho

Facts:

Jericho was a powerful city in the land of Canaan. It was located just west of the Jordan River and just north of the Salt Sea.

• As all Canaanites did, the people of Jericho worshiped false gods.
• Jericho was the first city in the land of Canaan that God told the Israelites to conquer.
• When Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho, God did a great miracle to help them defeat the city.

(See also: Canaan, Jordan River, Joshua, miracle, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:78
• Joshua 02:1-3
• Joshua 07:2-3
• Luke 18:35
• Mark 10:46-48
• Matthew 20:29-31
• Numbers 22:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3405, G2410

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jericho, Jericho's

Jeroboam

Facts:

Jeroboam son of Nebat was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel around 900-910 BC. Another Jeroboam, son of King Jehoash, ruled over Israel about 120 years later.

• Yahweh gave Jeroboam son of Nebat a prophecy that he would become king after Solomon and that he would rule ten tribes of Israel.
• When Solomon died, the ten northern tribes of Israel rebelled against Solomon's son Rehoboam and instead made Jeroboam their king, leaving Rehoboam as king of only the southern two tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
• Jeroboam became a wicked king who led the people away from worshiping Yahweh and instead set up idols for them to worship. All the other kings of Israel followed Jeroboam's example and were evil like he was.
• Almost 120 years later, another King Jeroboam began ruling the northern kingdom of Israel. This Jeroboam was the son of King Jehoash and was wicked like all the previous kings of Israel had been.
• In spite of the Israelite's wickedness, God had mercy on them and helped this King Jeroboam to gain land and establish boundaries for their territory.

(See also: god, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 05:16-17
• 1 Kings 12:02
• 2 Chronicles 09:29
• 2 Kings 03:1-3
• Amos 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3379

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jeroboam, Jeroboam's

Jerusalem

Facts:

Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.

• The name "Jerusalem" is first mentioned in the book of Joshua. Other Old Testament names for this city include "Salem" "city of Jebus," and "Zion." Both "Jerusalem" and "Salem," have the root meaning of "peace."
• Jerusalem was originally a Jebusite fortress called "Zion" which King David captured and made into his capital city.
• It was in Jerusalem that David's son Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, which was the mountain where Abraham had offered his son Isaac to God. The temple was rebuilt there after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.
• Because the temple was in Jerusalem, the major Jewish festivals were celebrated there.
• People normally referred to going "up" to Jerusalem since it is located in the mountains.

(See also: Babylon, Christ, David, Jebus, Jesus, Solomon, temple, Zion)

Bible References:

• Galatians 04:26-27
• John 02:13
• Luke 04:9-11
• Luke 13:05
• Mark 03:7-8
• Mark 03:20-22
• Matthew 03:06
• Matthew 04:23-25
• Matthew 20:17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3389, H3390, G2414, G2415, G2419

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jerusalem, Jerusalem's

Jesse

Facts:

Jesse was the father of King David and the grandson of Ruth and Boaz.

• Jesse was from the tribe of Judah.
• He was an "Ephrathite," which means he was from the town of Ephrathah (Bethlehem).
• The prophet Isaiah prophesied about a "shoot" or "branch" that would come from the "root of Jesse" and bear fruit. This refers to Jesus, who was a descendant of Jesse.

(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, descendant, fruit, Jesus, king, prophet, Ruth, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:12
• 1 Kings 12:16
• 1 Samuel 16:1
• Luke 03:32
• Matthew 01:4-6

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3448, G2421

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesse, Jesse's

Jesus

Related Ideas:

the Lord Jesus

Facts:

Jesus is God's Son. The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves."

• In a miraculous way, the Holy Spirit caused the eternal Son of God to be born as a human being. His mother was told by an angel to call him "Jesus" because he was destined to save people from their sins.
• Jesus did many miracles that revealed that he is God and that he is the Christ, or the Messiah.

Translation Suggestions:

• In many languages "Jesus" is spelled in a way that keeps the sounds or spelling as close to the original as possible. For example, "Jesu," "Jezus," "Yesus", and "Hesu" are some of the ways that this name is translated into different languages.
• Also consider how this names are spelled in a nearby local or national language.

(See also: Christ, God, God the Father, high priest, kingdom of God, Mary, Savior, Son of God)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 06:11
• 1 John 02:02
• 1 John 04:15
• 1 Timothy 01:02
• 2 Peter 01:02
• 2 Thessalonians 02:15
• 2 Timothy 01:10
• Acts 02:23
• Acts 05:30
• Acts 10:36
• Hebrews 09:14
• Hebrews 10:22
• Luke 24:20
• Matthew 01:21
• Matthew 04:03
• Philippians 02:05
• Philippians 02:10
• Philippians 04:21-23
• Revelation 01:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jesus, the Lord Jesus

Jethro

Facts:

The names "Jethro" and "Reuel" both refer to the father of Moses' wife, Zipporah. There were also two other men named "Reuel" in the Old Testament.

• When Moses was a shepherd in the land of Midian, he married the daughter of a Midianite man named Reuel.
• Later on Reuel is referred to as "Jethro, the priest of Midian." It could be that "Reuel" was his clan name.
• When God spoke to Moses from a flaming bush, Moses was tending Jethro's sheep
• Some time later, after God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt, Jethro came out to the Israelites in the wilderness and gave Moses good advice about judging the affairs of the people.
• He believed in God when he heard about all the miracles God had done for the Israelites in Egypt.
• One of Esau's sons was named Reuel.
• Another man named Reuel is mentioned in the genealogy of the Israelites who returned to resettle in Judah after their captivity in Babylon had ended.

(See also: captive, clan, desert, Egypt, Esau, miracle, Moses, desert)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:34-37
• Exodus 02:18-20
• Exodus 03:1-3
• Exodus 18:03
• Numbers 10:29

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3503, H7467

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jethro, Reuel

Jew

Related Ideas:

Jewish, person of Judah

Facts:

Jews are people who are descendants of Abraham's grandson Jacob. The word "Jew" comes from the word "Judah."

• People began to call the Israelites "Jews" after they returned to Judah from their exile in Babylon.
• Jesus the Messiah was Jewish. However, the Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus and demanded that he be killed.
• Often the phrase "the Jews" refers to the leaders of the Jews, not all the Jewish people. In those contexts, some translations add "leaders of" to make this clear.

(See also: Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Babylon, Jewish authorities)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:05
• Acts 10:28
• Acts 14:5-7
• Colossians 03:11
• John 02:14
• Matthew 28:15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3054, H3061, H3062, H3064, H3066, G2450, G2451, G2452, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jew, Jewish, Jews, Jews', a person of Judah, the language of Judah, the people of Judah

Jewish authorities

Related Ideas:

Jewish leader

Definitions:

The term "Jewish leader" or "Jewish authority" refers to religious leaders such as the priests and teachers of God's laws. They also had the authority to make judgments about non-religious matters as well.

• The Jewish leaders were the high priests, chief priests, and scribes (teachers of God's laws).
• Two main groups of Jewish leaders were the Pharisees and Saduccees.
• Seventy Jewish leaders met together in the Jewish Council in Jerusalem to make judgments about matters of law.
• Many Jewish leaders were proud and thought they were righteous. They were jealous of Jesus and wanted to harm him. They claimed to know God but did not obey him.
• Often the phrase "the Jews" referred to the Jewish leaders, especially in contexts where they were angry at Jesus and were trying to trick or harm him.
• These terms could also be translated as "Jewish rulers" or "men who ruled over the Jewish people" or "Jewish religious leaders."

(See also: Jew, chief priests, council, high priest, Pharisee, priest, Sadducee, scribe)

Bible References:

• Exodus 16:22-23
• John 02:19
• John 05:10-11
• John 05:16
• Luke 19:47-48

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jewish authorities, Jewish leader

Jezebel

Facts:

Jezebel was the wicked wife of King Ahab of Israel.

• Jezebel influenced Ahab and the rest of Israel to worship idols.
• She also killed many of God's prophets.
• Jezebel caused an innocent man named Naboth to be killed so that Ahab could steal Naboth's vineyard.
• Jezebel was finally killed due to all the evil things she had done. Elijah prophesied about how she would die and it happened exactly as he had predicted.

(See also: Ahab, Elijah, god)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 16:31-33
• 1 Kings 19:1-3
• 2 Kings 09:07
• 2 Kings 09:31
• Revelation 02:20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H348, G2403

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jezebel, Jezebel's

Jezreel

Related Words:

Jezreelite

Facts:

Jezreel was an important Israelite city in the territory of the Issachar tribe, located southwest of the Salt Sea. A Jezreelite is a person from this city.

• The city of Jezreel is one of the western points in the Plain of Megiddo, which is also called the "Valley of Jezreel."
• Several kings of Israel had their palaces in the city of Jezreel.
• Naboth's vineyard was located near King Ahab's palace in Jezreel. The prophet Elijah prophesied against Ahab there.
• Ahab's evil wife Jezebel was killed in Jezreel.
• Many other significant events happened in this city, including several battles.

(See also: Ahab, Elijah, Issachar, Jezebel, palace, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:12
• 1 Samuel 25:43-44
• 2 Kings 08:28-29
• 2 Samuel 02:1-3
• Judges 06:33

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3157, H3158, H3159

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jezreel, Jezreelite

Joab

Facts:

Joab was an important military leader for King David throughout David's entire reign.

• Before David became king, Joab had already been one of his loyal followers.
• Later, during David's reign as king over Israel, Joab became the commander of King David's army.
• Joab was also King David's nephew, since his mother was one of David's sisters.
• When David's son Absalom betrayed him by trying to take over his kingship, Joab killed Absalom in order to protect the king.
• Joab was a very aggressive fighter and killed many people who were enemies of Israel.

(See also: Absalom, David)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:16-17
• 1 Kings 01:07
• 1 Samuel 26:6-8
• 2 Samuel 02:18
• Nehemiah 07:11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3097

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joab, Joab's

Joash

Facts:

Joash was the name of several men in the Old Testament.

• One Joash was the father of the Israelite deliverer Gideon.
• Another man named Joash was a descendant of Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin.
• The most well-known Joash became king of Judah at the age of seven. He was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who had been murdered.
• When Joash was a very young child, his aunt saved him from being killed by hiding him away until he was old enough to be crowned king.
• King Joash was a good king who at first obeyed God. But he did not remove the high places, and the Israelites started worshiping idols again.
• King Joash ruled Judah during some of the years that King Jehoash was ruling Israel. They were two distinct kings.

(See also: Ahaziah, altar, Benjamin, god, Gideon, high place, god)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:10-12
• 2 Chronicles 18:25-27
• 2 Kings 11:03
• Amos 01:01
• Judges 06:11-12

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3101, H3135

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joash, Joash's

Job

Facts:

Job was a man who is described in the Bible as blameless and righteous before God. He is best known for persevering in his faith in God through times of terrible suffering.

• Job lived in the land of Uz, which was located somewhere east of the land of Canaan, possibly near the region of the Edomites.
• It is thought that he lived during the time of Esau and Jacob because one of Job's friends was a "Temanite," which was a people group named after Esau's grandson.
• The Old Testament book of Job tells about how Job and others responded to his suffering. It also gives God's viewpoint as the sovereign creator and ruler of the universe.
• After all the disasters, God eventually healed Job and gave him more children and wealth.
• The book of Job says that he was very old when he died.

(See also: Abraham, Esau, flood, JacobNoah, people group)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 14:12-14
• James 05:9-11
• Job 01:01
• Job 03:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H347, G2492

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Job, Job's

Joel

Facts:

Joel was a prophet who probably lived during the reign of King Joash of Judah. There were also several other men in the Old Testament named Joel.

• The book of Joel is one of twelve short prophetic books in the last section of the Old Testament.
• The only personal information we have about the prophet Joel is that his father's name was Pethuel.
• In his sermon at Pentecost, the apostle Peter quoted from the book of Joel.

(See also: Joash, Judah, Pentecost)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:33-35
• 1 Samuel 08:1-3
• Acts 02:16
• Ezra 10:43
• Joel 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3100, G2493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joel, Joel's

John Mark

Facts:

John Mark, also known as "Mark," was one of the men who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. He is most likely the author of the Gospel of Mark.

• John Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey.
• When Peter was put in prison in Jerusalem, the believers there were praying for him at John Mark's mother's house.
• Mark was not an apostle, but was taught by both Paul and Peter and worked together with them in ministry.

(See also: Barnabas, Paul)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 04:11-13
• Acts 12:24-25
• Acts 13:05
• Acts 13:13
• Acts 15:36-38
• Acts 15:39-41
• Colossians 04:10-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2491, G3138

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John Mark, John ... Mark, Mark

John the Baptist

Facts:

John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since "John" was a common name, he is often called "John the Baptist" to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.

• John was the prophet whom God sent to prepare people to believe in and follow the Messiah.
• John told people to confess their sins, turn to God, and stop sinning, so that they would be ready to receive the Messiah.
• John baptized many people in water as a sign that they were sorry for their sins and were turning away from them.
• John was called "John the Baptist" because he baptized many people.

(See also: baptize, Zechariah (NT))

Bible References:

• John 03:22-24
• Luke 01:11-13
• Luke 01:62-63
• Luke 03:7
• Luke 03:15-16
• Luke 07:27-28
• Matthew 03:13
• Matthew 11:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: G910 G2491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John the Baptist, Baptist, John the Baptist, John's

John the apostle

Facts:

John was one of Jesus' twelve apostles and one of Jesus' closest friends.

• John and his brother James were sons of a fisherman named Zebedee.
• In the gospel that he wrote about Jesus' life, John referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This seems to indicate that John was an especially close friend of Jesus.
• The apostle John wrote five New Testament books: the gospel of John, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and three letters written to other believers.
• Note that the apostle John was a different person than John the Baptist.

(See also: apostle, reveal, James (son of Zebedee), John (the Baptist), Zebedee)

Bible References:

• Galatians 02:9-10
• John 01:19-21
• Mark 03:17-19
• Matthew 04:21-22
• Revelation 01:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2491

Forms Found in the English ULB:

John

Jonah

Facts:

Jonah was a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament.

• The book of Jonah tells the story of what happened when God sent Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh.
• Jonah refused to go to Nineveh and instead got on a ship headed for a Tarshish.
• God caused a huge storm to overwhelm that ship.
• He told the men sailing the ship that he wasrunning away from God, and he suggested that they throw him into the sea. When they did the storm stopped.
• Jonah was swallowed by a huge fish, and he was inside the belly of that fish for three days and nights.
• After that, Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to the people there, and they turned from their sins.

(See also: disobey, Nineveh, turn)

Bible References:

• Jonah 01:03
• Luke 11:30
• Matthew 12:39
• Matthew 16:04

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3124, G2495

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jonah, Jonah's

Jonathan

Facts:

Jonathan was the name of at least ten men in the Old Testament. The name means "Yahweh has given."

• David's best friend, Jonathan, is the most well-known Jonathan in the Bible with this name. This Jonathan was King Saul's oldest son.
• Other Jonathans mentioned in the Old Testament include a descendant of Moses; a nephew of King David; several priests, including a son of Abiathar; and an Old Testament scribe in whose house the prophet Jeremiah was imprisoned.

(See also: Abiathar, David, Moses, Jeremiah, priest, Saul (OT), scribe)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 01:41-42
• 1 Samuel 14:1
• 1 Samuel 20:02
• 2 Samuel 01:3-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3083, H3129

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jonathan, Jonathan's

Joppa

Facts:

In Bible times, the city of Joppa was an important commercial seaport located on the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Plain of Sharon.

• The ancient site of Joppa is the location of the present-day city of Jaffa, which is now part of the city of Tel Aviv.
• In the Old Testament, Joppa was the city where Jonah got on a boat that was going to Tarshish.
• In the New Testament, a Christian woman named Tabitha died in Joppa, and Peter brought her back to life.

(See also: the sea, Jerusalem, Sharon, Tarshish)

Bible References:

• Acts 09:37
• Acts 10:08
• Acts 11:4-6
• Acts 11:11
• Jonah 01:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3305, G2445

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joppa

Joram

Facts:

Joram son of Ahab was a king of Israel. He was also sometimes referred to as "Jehoram."

• King Joram of Israel reigned at the same time as King Jehoram of Judah.
• Joram was an evil king who worshiped false gods and caused Israel to sin.
• King Joram of Israel also reigned during the time of the prophets Elijah and Obadiah.
• Another man named Joram was the son of King Tou of Hamath when David was king.

(See also: Ahab, David, Elijah, Hamath, Jehoram, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Obadiah, prophet)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:10-12
• 2 Chronicles 22:4-5
• 2 Kings 01:17
• 2 Kings 08:16

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3088, H3141, G2496

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joram, Joram's

Jordan River

Facts:

The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.

• Today, the Jordan River separates the countries of Israel and Jordan. Israel is on the west side of the river, and Jordan is on the east side of the river.
• The Jordan River flows through the Sea of Galilee and then empties into the Dead Sea.
• When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, they had to cross the Jordan River. It was too deep to cross normally, but God miraculously stopped the river from flowing so they could walk across the river bed.
• Often in the Bible the Jordan River is referred to as "the Jordan."

(See also: Canaan, Salt Sea, Sea of Galilee)

Bible References:

• Genesis 32:9-10
• John 01:26-28
• John 03:25-26
• Luke 03:3
• Matthew 03:06
• Matthew 03:13-15
• Matthew 04:14-16
• Matthew 19:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3383, G2446

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jordan River, Jordan

Joseph (New Testament)

Facts:

In the New Testament, one of the men named Joseph was Mary's husband. This Joseph was the husband of Jesus' mother Mary. Joseph raised Jesus as if Jesus were his son. Joseph was a righteous man who worked as a carpenter.

• Joseph became engaged to a Jewish girl named Mary, while they were engaged God chose her to become the mother of Jesus the Messiah.
• An angel told Joseph that the Holy Spirit had miraculously caused Mary to be pregnant, and that Mary's baby was the Son of God.
• After Jesus was born, an angel warned Joseph to take the baby and Mary to Egypt in order to escape from Herod.
• Joseph and his family later lived in the city of Nazareth of Galilee, where he earned a living doing carpentry work.

(See also: Christ, Galilee, Jesus, Nazareth, Son of God, virgin)

Bible References:

• John 01:43-45
• Luke 01:26-29
• Luke 02:4-5
• Luke 02:15-16
• Matthew 01:18-19
• Matthew 01:24-25
• Matthew 02:19-21
• Matthew 13:54-56

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2500, G2501

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joseph

Joseph (Old Testament)

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of his mother Rachel.

• Joseph was his father's favorite son.
• His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery.
• While in Egypt, Joseph was falsely accused and put into prison.
• In spite of his difficulties, Joseph remained faithful to God.
• God brought him to the second highest place of power in Egypt and used him to save people in a time when there was little food. The people of Egypt, as well as his own family, were kept from starving.

(See also: Egypt, Jacob)

Bible References:

• Genesis 30:22-24
• Genesis 33:1-3
• Genesis 37:1-2
• Genesis 37:23-24
• Genesis 41:55-57
• John 04:4-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3084, G2501

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joseph, Joseph's

Joshua

Facts:

There were several Israelite men named Joshua in the Bible. The most well-known is Joshua son of Nun who was Moses' helper and who later became an important leader of God's people.

• Joshua was one of the twelve spies whom Moses sent to explore the Promised Land.
• Along with Caleb, Joshua urged the Israelite people to obey God's command to enter the Promised Land and defeat the Canaanites.
• Many years later, after Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
• In the first and most famous battle against the Canaanites, Joshua led the Israelites to defeat the city of Jericho.
• The Old Testament book of Joshua tells how Joshua led the Israelites in taking control of the Promised Land and how he assigned each tribe of Israel a part of the land to live on.
• Joshua son of Jozadak is mentioned in the books of Haggai and Zechariah; he was a high priest who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
• There are several other men named Joshua mentioned in the genealogies and elsewhere in the Bible.

(See also: Canaan, Haggai, Jericho, Moses, Promised Land, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 07:25-27
• Deuteronomy 03:21
• Exodus 17:10
• Joshua 01:03
• Numbers 27:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: H1954, H3091, G2424

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Joshua, Joshua's

Josiah

Facts:

Josiah was a godly king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah for thirty-one years. He led the people of Judah to repent and worship Yahweh.

• After his father King Amon was killed, Josiah became king over Judah at eight years of age.
• In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah ordered Hilkiah the high priest to rebuild the temple of the Lord. While this was being done, the books of the Law were found.
• When the books of the Law were read to Josiah, he was grieved at how his people were disobeying God. He ordered that all the places of idol worship be destroyed and that the priests of the false gods be killed.
• He also ordered the people to start celebrating the Passover feast again.

(See also: god, Judah, law, Passover, temple)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:13-14
• 2 Chronicles 33:24-25
• 2 Chronicles 34:03
• Jeremiah 01:03
• Matthew 01:11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2977, G2502

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Josiah, Josiah's

Jotham

Facts:

In the Old Testament, there were three men with the name Jotham.

• One man named Jotham was the youngest son of Gideon. Jotham helped defeat his older brother Abimelech, who had killed all the rest of their brothers.
• Another man named Jotham was a king over Judah for sixteen years following the death of his father Uzziah (Azariah).
• Like his father, King Jotham obeyed God and was a good king.
• However, by not removing the places of idol worship he caused the people of Judah to later turn away from God again.
• Jotham is also one of the ancestors listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew.

(See also: Abimelek, Ahaz, Gideon, Uzziah)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 26:21
• 2 Kings 15:05
• Isaiah 01:1
• Judges 09:5-6

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3147

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Jotham, Jotham's

Judah

Facts:

Judah was one of Jacob's older sons. His mother was Leah. His descendants were called the "tribe of Judah."

• It was Judah who told his brothers to sell their younger brother Joseph as a slave instead of leaving him to die in a deep pit.
• King David and all the kings after him were descendants of Judah. Jesus, too, was a descendant of Judah.
• When Solomon's reign ended and the nation of Israel divided, the kingdom of Judah was the southern kingdom.
• In the New Testament book of Revelation, Jesus is called the "Lion of Judah."
• The words "Jew" and "Judea" come from the name "Judah."

(See also: Jacob, Jew, Judah, Judea, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:1-2
• 1 Kings 01:09
• Genesis 29:35
• Genesis 38:02
• Luke 03:33
• Ruth 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3061, H3063

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judah, Judah's

Judah

Facts:

The tribe of Judah was the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel. The kingdom of Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

• After King Solomon died, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Judah was the southern kingdom, located west of the Salt Sea.
• The capital city of the kingdom of Judah was Jerusalem.
• Eight kings of Judah obeyed Yahweh and led the people to worship him. The other kings of Judah were evil and led the people to worship idols.
• Over 120 years after Assyria defeated Israel (the northern kingdom), Judah was conquered by the nation of Babylon. The Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives.

(See also: Judah, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

• 1 Samuel 30:26-28
• 2 Samuel 12:08
• Hosea 05:14
• Jeremiah 07:33
• Judges 01:16-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4438, H3063, G2455

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judah, kingdom of Judah, language of Judah

Judaism

Definition:

The term "Judaism" refers to the religion practiced by the Jews.

• The word “Judaism” only appears in the New Testament, since the term did not exist before that time.
• Judaism includes all the Old Testament laws and instructions that God gave to the Israelites to obey. It also includes the customs and traditions that have been added to the Jewish religion over time.
• When translating, the term "Jewish religion" or "religion of the Jews" can be used in both the Old and New Testaments.
• When translating the word “Judaism”, the term “Jewish religion” or “religion of the Jews” can be used.

(See also: Jew, law of Moses)

Bible References:

• Galatians 01:13
• Galatians 01:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2454

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judaism

Judas Iscariot

Related Words

Judas son of Simon Iscariot

Facts:

Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus' apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.

• The name "Iscariot" may mean "from Kerioth," perhaps indicating that Judas grew up in that city.
• Judas Iscariot managed the apostles' money and regularly stole some of it to use for himself.
• Judas betrayed Jesus by telling the religious leaders where Jesus was so they could arrest him.
• After the religious leaders condemned Jesus to die, Judas regretted that he had betrayed Jesus, so he gave the betrayal money back to the Jewish leaders and then killed himself.
• Another apostle was also named Judas, as was one of Jesus' brothers. Jesus' brother was also known as "Jude."

(See also: apostle, betray, Jewish authorities, Judas son of James)

Bible References:

• Luke 06:14-16
• Luke 22:47-48
• Mark 03:19
• Mark 14:10-11
• Matthew 26:23-25

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2455, G2469

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judas ... Iscariot

Judas son of James

Facts:

Judas son of James was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Note that he was not the same man as Judas Iscariot.

• Often in the Bible, men with the same name were distinguished by mentioning whose son they were. Here, Judas was identified as the "son of James."
• Another man named Judas was Jesus' brother. He was also known as "Jude."
• The New Testament book called "Jude" was probably written by Jesus' brother Judas, since the author identified himself as the "brother of James." James was another brother of Jesus.
• It is also possible that the book of Jude was written by Jesus' disciple, Judas, the son of James.

(See also: Judas Iscariot, son, the twelve)

Bible References:

• Acts 01:12-14
• Luke 06:14-16

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2455

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judas son of James

Judea

Facts:

The term "Judea" refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.

• Sometimes "Judea" is used in a narrow sense to refer only to the province located in the southern part of ancient Israel just west of the Dead Sea. Some translations call this province "Judah."
• Other times "Judea" has a broad sense and refers to all the provinces of ancient Israel, including Galilee, Samaria, Perea, Idumea and Judea (Judah).
• If translators want to make the distinction clear, the broad sense of Judea could be translated as "Judea Country" and the narrow sense could be translated as "Judea Province," or "Judah Province" since this is the part of ancient Israel where the tribe of Judah had originally lived.

(See also: Galilee, Edom, Judah, Judah, Samaria)

Bible References:

• 1 Thessalonians 02:14
• Acts 02:09
• Acts 09:32
• Acts 12:19
• John 03:22-24
• Luke 01:05
• Luke 04:44
• Luke 05:17
• Mark 10:1-4
• Matthew 02:01
• Matthew 02:05
• Matthew 02:22-23
• Matthew 03:1-3
• Matthew 19:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Judea

Kadesh

Facts:

The names Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, and Meribah Kadesh all refer to an important city in Israel's history which was located in the southern part of Israel, near the region of Edom.

• The city of Kadesh was an oasis, a place where there was water and fertile soil in the middle of a desert named Zin.
• Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan from Kadesh Barnea.
• Israel also encamped at Kadesh during the wandering in the wilderness.
• Kadesh Barnea was where Miriam died.
• It was at Meribah Kadesh where Moses disobeyed God and hit a rock to get water for the Israelites, instead of speaking to it as God had told him to do.
• The name "kadesh" comes from the Hebrew word meaning "holy" or "set apart."

(See also: desert, Edom, holy)

Bible References:

• Ezekiel 48:28
• Genesis 14:7-9
• Genesis 16:14
• Genesis 20:1-3
• Joshua 10:40-41
• Numbers 20:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4809, H6946, H6947

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, Meribah Kadesh

Kedar

Facts:

Kedar was Ishmael's second son. It was also an important city, which was probably named after the man.

• The city of Kedar is located in the northern part of Arabia near the southern border of Palestine. In Bible times, it was known for its greatness and beauty.
• The descendants of Kedar formed a large people group that is also called "Kedar."
• The phrase "dark tents of Kedar" refers to the black goathair tents the people of Kedar lived in.
• These people raised sheep and goats. They also used camels for transporting things.
• In the Bible, the phrase "the glory of Kedar" refers to the greatness of that city and its people.

(See also: Arabia, goat, Ishmael, sacrifice)

Bible References:

• Song of Solomon 01:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6938

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kedar

Kedesh

Facts:

Kedesh was a Canaanite city that was taken over by the Israelites when they entered the land of Canaan.

• This city was located in the northern part of Israel, in the portion of land that was given to the tribe of Naphtali.
• Kedesh was one of the cities that was chosen as a place where the Levite priests could live, since they did not have any land of their own.
• It was also set apart as a "city of refuge."

(See also: Canaan, Hebron, Levi, Naphtali, priest, refuge, Shechem, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:72
• Joshua 19:37
• Judges 04:10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6943

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kedesh

Kerethites

Facts:

The Kerethites were a people group who were probably part of the Philistines. Some versions write this name as "Cherethites."

• The "Kerethites and Pelethites" were a special group of soldiers from King David's army who were especially devoted to him as his bodyguards.
• Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a member of David's administrative corps, was the leader of the Kerethites and Pelethites.
• The Kerethites remained with David when he had to flee Jerusalem because of Absalom's revolt.

(See also: Absalom, Benaiah, David, Philistines)

Bible References:

• Zephaniah 02:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3774

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kerethites

Kidron Valley

Facts:

The Kidron Valley is a deep valley just outside the city of Jerusalem, between its eastern wall and the Mount of Olives.

• The valley is over 1,000 meters deep and about 32 kilometers long.
• When King David was fleeing from his son Absalom, he went through the Kidron Valley to get to the Mount of Olives.
• King Josiah and King Asa of Judah ordered that the high places and altars of false gods be smashed and burned; the ashes were thrown into the Kidron Valley.
• During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Kidron Valley was where the priests threw everything impure that they removed from the temple.
• The evil queen Athaliah was killed in this valley because of the wicked things she had done.

(See also: Absalom, Asa, Athaliah, David, god, Hezekiah, high place, Josiah, Judah, Mount of Olives)

Bible References:

• John 18:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5674, H6939, G2748, G5493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Kidron Valley, Kidron

King of the Jews

Definition:

The term "King of the Jews" is a title that refers to Jesus, the Messiah.

• The first time the Bible records this title is when it was used by the wise men who traveled to Bethlehem looking for the baby who was "King of the Jews."
• The angel revealed to Mary that her son, a descendant of King David, would be a king whose reign would last forever.
• Before Jesus was crucified, Roman soldiers mockingly called Jesus "King of the Jews." This title was also written on a piece of wood and nailed to the top of Jesus' cross.
• Jesus truly is the King of the Jews and the king over all creation.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "King of the Jews" could also be translated as "king over the Jews" or "king who rules over the Jews" or "supreme ruler of the Jews."
• Check to see how the phrase "king of" is translated in other places in the translation.

(See also: descendant, Jew, Jesus, king, kingdom, kingdom of God, wise men)

Bible References:

• Luke 23:03
• Luke 23:38
• Matthew 02:02
• Matthew 27:11
• Matthew 27:35-37

Word Data:

• Strong's: G935, G2453

Forms Found in the English ULB:

King of the Jews, king of the Jews

Korah

Facts:

Korah was the name of three men in the Old Testament.

• One of the sons of Esau was named Korah. He became a leader in his community.
• Korah was also a descendant of Levi and so served in the tabernacle as a priest. He became jealous of Moses and Aaron and led a group of men to rebel against them.
• A third man named Korah is listed as a descendant of Judah.

(See also: Aaron, authority, Caleb, descendant, Esau, Judah, priest)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:34-37
• Numbers 16:1-3
• Numbers 16:25-27
• Psalm 042:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H7141

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Korah, Korahite, Korahites

Laban

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Laban was the uncle and father-in-law of Jacob.

• Jacob lived with Laban's household in Padan Aram and managed his sheep and goats as a condition of marriage to Laban's daughters.
• Jacob's preference was for Laban's daughter Rachel to be his wife.
• Laban deceived Jacob and made him marry his oldest daughter Leah first before giving Rachel to him as his wife.

(See also: Jacob, Nahor, Leah, Rachel)

Bible References:

• Genesis 24:30
• Genesis 24:50
• Genesis 27:43
• Genesis 28:1-2
• Genesis 29:05
• Genesis 29:13
• Genesis 30:26
• Genesis 46:16-18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3837

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Laban, Laban's

Lamech

Facts:

Lamech was the name of two men mentioned in the book of Genesis.

• The first Lamech mentioned was a descendant of Cain. He boasted to his two wives that he had killed a man for injuring him.
• The second Lamech was a descendant of Seth. He was also the father of Noah.

(See also: Cain, Noah, Seth)

Bible References:

• Genesis 04:18-19
• Genesis 04:24
• Genesis 05:25
• Genesis 05:29
• Genesis 05:31
• Luke 03:36

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3929, G2984

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lamech, Lamech's

Lazarus

Facts:

Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were special friends of Jesus. Jesus often stayed with them in their home in Bethany.

• Lazarus is best known for the fact that Jesus raised him from the dead after he had been buried in a tomb for several days.
• The Jewish leaders were angry at Jesus and jealous that he had done this miracle, and they tried to find a way to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.
• Jesus also told a parable about a poor beggar and a rich man in which the beggar was named "Lazarus."

(See also: beg, Jewish authorities, Martha, Mary, raise)

Bible References:

• John 11:11
• John 12:1-3
• Luke 16:21

Word Data:

• Strong's: G2976

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lazarus, Lazarus'

Leah

Facts:

Leah was one of Jacob's wives. She was the mother of ten of Jacob's sons and their descendants were ten of the twelve tribes of Israel.

• Leah's father was Laban, who was the brother of Jacob's mother Rebekah.
• Jacob didn't love Leah as much as he loved his other wife, Rachel, but God abundantly blessed Leah by giving her many children.
• Leah's son Judah was an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

(See also: Jacob, Judah, Laban, Rachel, Rebekah, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• Genesis 29:17
• Genesis 29:28
• Genesis 31:06
• Ruth 04:11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3812

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Leah, Leah's

Lebanon

Facts:

Lebanon is a beautiful mountainous region located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel. In Bible times this region was thickly wooded with fir trees, such as cedar and cypress.

• King Solomon sent workers to Lebanon to harvest cedar trees for use in building God's temple.
• Ancient Lebanon was inhabited by Phoenician people, who were skilled builders of ships that were used for a successful trading industry.
• The cities of Tyre and Sidon were located in Lebanon. It was in these cities that a valuable purple dye was first used.

(See also: cedar, cypress, fir, Phoenicia)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:32-34
• 2 Chronicles 02:8-10
• Deuteronomy 01:7-8
• Psalms 029:3-5
• Zechariah 10:8-10

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3844

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lebanon

Levi

Facts:

Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi.

• The Levites were responsible for taking care of the temple and conducting religious rituals, including offering sacrifices and prayers.
• All Jewish priests were Levites, descended from Levi and part of the tribe of Levi. (Not all Levites were priests, however.)
• The Levite priests were set apart and dedicated for the special work of serving God in the temple.
• Two other men named "Levi" were ancestors of Jesus, and their names are in the genealogy in the gospel of Luke.
• Jesus' disciple Matthew was also called Levi.

(See also: Matthew, priest, sacrifice, temple, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 02:1-2
• 1 Kings 08:3-5
• Acts 04:36-37
• Genesis 29:34
• John 01:19-21
• Luke 10:32

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3878, H3879, H3881, G3017, G3018, G3019, G3020

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Levi, Levite, Levites, Levitical, Levi's, Levite's, Levites'

Leviathan

Facts:

The term "Leviathan" refers to a very large, extinct animal mentioned in the earliest writings of the Old Testament, the books of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah.

• Leviathan is described as a large, snake-like creature, strong and fierce and able to make the water around it "boil." The descriptions of it were similar to that of a dinosaur.
• Isaiah the prophet refered to Leviathan as "the gliding serpent".
• Job wrote from firsthand knowledge of Leviathan, so the animal was most likely alive during his lifetime.

(See also: Isaiah, Job, serpent)

Bible References:

• Job 03:08
• Psalms 104:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3882

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Leviathan

Lord Yahweh

Related Ideas:

Yahweh God

Facts:

In the Old Testament, "Lord Yahweh" is frequently used to refer to the one true God.

• The term "Lord" is a divine title and "Yahweh" is God's personal name.
• "Yahweh" is also often combined with the term "God" to form "Yahweh God."

Translation Suggestions:

• If some form of "Yahweh" is used for the translation of God's personal name, the terms "Lord Yahweh" and "Yahweh God" can be translated literally. Also consider how the term "Lord" is translated in other contexts when referring to God.
• Some languages put titles after the name and would translate this as "Yahweh Lord." Consider what is natural in the project language: should the title "Lord" come before or after "Yahweh"?
• "Yahweh God" could also be rendered as "God who is called Yahweh" or "God who is the Living One" or "I am, who is God."
• If the translation follows the tradition of rendering "Yahweh" as "Lord" or "LORD," the term "Lord Yahweh" could be translated as "Lord God" or "God who is the Lord." Other possible translations could be, "Master LORD" or "God the LORD."
• The term "Lord Yahweh" should not be rendered as "Lord LORD" because readers may not notice the difference in letter size that has traditionally been used to distinguish these two words and it would look very strange.

(See also: God, lord, lord, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 04:3-4
• 2 Samuel 07:21-23
• Deuteronomy 03:23-25
• Ezekiel 39:25-27
• Ezekiel 45:18
• Jeremiah 44:26
• Judges 06:22
• Micah 01:2-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H136, H3068

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord Yahweh, Yahweh God

Lord's Supper

Definition:

The term "Lord's Supper" was used by the apostle Paul to refer to the Passover meal that Jesus ate with his disciples on the night he was arrested by the Jewish leaders.

• During this meal, Jesus broke the Passover bread into pieces and called it his body, which would soon be beaten and killed.
• He called the cup of wine his blood, which would soon be spilled out as he died as a sacrifice for sin.
• Jesus commanded that as often as his followers shared this meal together, they should remember his death and resurrection.
• In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul also further established the Lord's Supper as a regular practice for believers in Jesus.
• Churches today often use the term "communion" to refer to the Lord's Supper. The term "Last Supper" is also sometimes used.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term could also be translated as "the Lord's meal" or "the meal of our Lord Jesus" or "the meal in memory of the Lord Jesus."

(See also: Passover)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 11:20
• 1 Corinthians 11:25-26

Word Data:

• Strong's: G1173, G2960

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lord's Supper

Lot

Facts:

Lot was Abraham's nephew.

• He was the son of Abraham's brother Haran.
• Lot traveled with Abraham to the land of Canaan and settled in the city of Sodom.
• Lot was the ancestor of the Moabites and Ammonites.
• When enemy kings attacked Sodom and captured Lot, Abraham came with several hundred men to rescue Lot and recover his belongings.
• The people living in the city of Sodom were very wicked, so God destroyed that city. But he first told Lot and his family to leave the city so that that they could escape.

(See also: Abraham, Ammon, Haran, Moab, Sodom)

Bible References:

• 2 Peter 02:08
• Genesis 11:27-28
• Genesis 12:4-5

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3876, G3091

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lot, Lot's

Luke

Facts:

Luke wrote two books of the New Testament: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.

• In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to Luke as a doctor. Paul also mentions Luke in two of his other letters.
• It is thought that Luke was a Greek and a Gentile who came to know Christ. In his gospel, Luke includes several accounts that highlight Jesus' love for all peoples, both Jews and Gentiles.
• Luke accompanied Paul on two of his missionary journeys and helped him in his work.
• In some early church writings, it is said that Luke was born in the city of Antioch in Syria.

(See also: Antioch, Paul, Syria)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 04:11-13
• Colossians 04:12-14
• Philemon 01:24

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3065

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Luke, Luke's

Lystra

Facts:

Lystra was a city in ancient Asia Minor that Paul visited on one of his missionary journeys. It was located in the region of Lycaonia, which is now in the modern-day country of Turkey.

• Paul and his companions escaped to Derbe and Lystra when they were threatened by the Jews in Iconium.
• In Lystra, Paul met Timothy, who became a fellow evangelist and church planter.
• After Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra, the people there tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, but the apostles rebuked them and stopped them from doing that.

(See also: evangelist, Iconium, Timothy)

Bible References:

• 2 Timothy 03:10-13
• Acts 14:06
• Acts 14:08
• Acts 14:21-22

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3082

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Lystra

Maakah

Facts:

Maakah (or Maacah) was one of the sons of Abraham's brother Nahor. Other people in the Old Testament also had this name.

• The city of Maakah or Beth Maakah was located in the far north of Israel, in the region occupied by the tribe of Naphtali.
• It was an important city and was attacked by enemies on several occasions.
• Maakah was the name of several women, including the mother of David's son Absalom.
• King Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen because she had promoted Asherah worship.

(See also: Asa, Asherah, Nahor, Naphtali, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4601

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Maakah, Maakah's

Macedonia

Related Words

Macedonian

Facts:

In New Testament times, Macedonia was a Roman province located just north of ancient Greece.

• Some important Macedonian cities mentioned in the Bible were Berea, Philippi and Thessalonica.
• Through a vision, God told Paul to preach the gospel to the people in Macedonia.
• Paul and his coworkers went to Macedonia and taught the people there about Jesus and helped the new believers to grow in their faith.
• In the Bible there are letters that Paul wrote to the believers in the Macedonian cities of Philippi and Thessalonica.

(See also: believe, Berea, faith, good news, Greece, Philippi, Thessalonica)

Bible References:

• 1 Thessalonians 01:6-7
• 1 Thessalonians 04:10
• 1 Timothy 01:3-4
• Acts 16:10
• Acts 20:1-3
• Philippians 04:14-17

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3109, G3110

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Macedonia, Macedonians

Maker

Facts:

In general, a "maker" is someone who creates or makes things.

• In the Bible, the term "Maker" is sometimes used as a name or title for Yahweh, because he created everything.
• Usually this term is combined with "his" or "my" or "your."

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "Maker" can be translated as "the Creator" or "God who creates" or "the One who made everything."
• The phrase "his Maker" could also be translated as "the One who created him" or "God, who created him."
• The phrases "your Maker" and "my Maker" could be translated in a similar way.

(See also: create, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• Hosea 08:13-14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H3335, H6213, H6466

Forms Found in the English ULB:

formed, make, Maker, makes, made

Malachi

Facts:

Malachi was one of God's prophets to the kingdom of Judah. He lived around 500 years before Christ was on earth.

• Malachi prophesied during the period when Israel's temple was being rebuilt after returning from the Babylonian captivity.
• Ezra and Nehemiah lived around the same time as Malachi.
• The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
• Like all the Old Testament prophets, Malachi urged the people to repent of their sins and to turn back to worshiping Yahweh.

(See also: Babylon, captive, Ezra, Judah, Nehemiah, prophet, repent, turn)

Bible References:

• Malachi 01:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4401

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Malachi, Malachi's

Manasseh

Facts:

There were five men by the name of Manasseh in the Old Testament:

• Manasseh was the name of Joseph's firstborn son.
• Both Manasseh and his younger brother Ephraim were adopted by Joseph's father, Jacob which gave their descendants the privilege of being among the twelve tribes of Israel.
• The descendants of Manasseh formed one of the tribes of Israel.

• The tribe of Manasseh was often called the "half-tribe of Manasseh" because only part of the tribe settled in the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River. The other part of the tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan. Members of the tribe are called "Manassites."

• One of the kings of Judah was also named Manasseh.

• King Manasseh was an evil king who sacrificed his own children as burnt offerings to false gods.
• God punished King Manasseh by allowing him to be captured by an enemy army. Manasseh turned back to God and destroyed the altars where idols were worshiped.
• Two men named Manasseh lived during the time of Ezra. These men were required to divorce their pagan wives, who had influenced them to worship false gods.
• One other Manasseh was the grandfather of some Danites who were priests for false gods.

(See also: altar, Dan, Ephraim, Ezra, god, Jacob, Judah, pagan, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 15:09
• Deuteronomy 03:12-13
• Genesis 41:51
• Genesis 48:1-2
• Judges 01:27-28

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4519, H4520, G3128

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Manasseh, Manassites, Manasseh's

Martha

Facts:

Martha was a woman from Bethany who followed Jesus.

• Martha had a sister named Mary and a brother named Lazarus, who also followed Jesus.
• One time when Jesus was visiting them in their home, Martha was distracted by meal preparation while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus teach.
• When Lazarus died, Martha told Jesus that she believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

(See also: Lazarus, Mary (sister of Martha))

Bible References:

• John 11:02
• John 12:1-3
• Luke 10:39

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3136

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Martha, Martha's

Mary

Facts:

Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

• The Holy Spirit miraculously caused Mary to become pregnant while she was a virgin.
• An angel told Mary that the baby to be born to her was the Son of God and that she must name him Jesus.
• Mary loved God and praised him for being gracious to her.
• Joseph married Mary, but she remained a virgin until after the baby was born.
• Mary thought deeply about the amazing things that the shepherds and wise men said about the baby Jesus.
• Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to be dedicated at the temple. Later they took him to Egypt to escape King Herod's plot to kill the baby. Eventually they moved back to Nazareth.
• When Jesus was an adult, Mary was with him when he changed water to wine at a wedding in Cana.
• The gospels also mention that Mary was at the cross when Jesus was dying. He told his disciple John to take care of her like his own mother.

(See also: Cana, Egypt, Herod the Great, Jesus, Joseph (NT), Son of God, virgin)

Bible References:

• John 02:04
• John 02:12
• Luke 01:29
• Luke 01:35
• Mark 06:03
• Matthew 01:16
• Matthew 01:19

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary, the mother of Jesus

Mary Magdalene

Facts:

Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.

• Mary Magdalene and some other women helped support Jesus and his apostles by giving to them.
• She is also mentioned as one of the women who were the first to see Jesus after he rose from the dead.
• As Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, she saw Jesus standing there and he told her to go tell the other disciples that he was alive again.

(See also: demon, demon-possessed)

Bible References:

• Luke 08:1-3
• Luke 24:8-10
• Mark 15:39-41
• Matthew 27:54-56

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3094, G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary ... Magdalene

Mary sister of Martha

Facts:

Mary was a women from Bethany who followed Jesus.

• Mary had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus who also followed Jesus.
• One time Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was best when she chose to listen to him teach rather than being anxious about preparing him a meal as Martha was.
• Jesus brought Mary's brother Lazarus back to life.
• Sometime after that, while Jesus was eating in someone's home in Bethany, Mary poured expensive perfume on his feet in order to worship him.
• Jesus praised her for doing this and said that she was preparing his body for burial.

(See also: Bethany, frankincense, Lazarus, Martha)

Bible References:

• John 11:1-2
• John 12:1-3
• Luke 10:38-39

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3137

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mary

Matthew

Facts:

Matthew was one of the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. He was also known as Levi son of Alphaeus.

• Levi (Matthew) was a tax-collector from Capernaum before he met Jesus.
• Matthew wrote the gospel that bears his name.
• There are several other men named Levi in the Bible.

(See also: apostle, Levi, tax)

Bible References:

• Luke 05:27
• Luke 06:14-16
• Mark 02:14
• Mark 03:17-19
• Matthew 09:09
• Matthew 10:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3017, G3156

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Matthew, Levi

Media

Facts:

Media was an ancient empire located east of Assyria and Babylonia, and north of Elam and Persia. The Medes were the people who lived in the empire of Media.

• The first ancestor of the Medes was Madai, a descendant of Japheth.
• The Media empire covered parts of what are present-day Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
• The Medes were closely associated with the Persians and the two empires joined forces to conquer the Babylonian empire.
• Babylonia was invaded by Darius the Mede during the time that the prophet Daniel was living there.

(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Elam, Persia)

Bible References:

• 2 Kings 17:06
• Acts 02:09
• Daniel 05:28
• Esther 01:3-4
• Ezra 06:1-2

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4074, H4075, H4076, H4077, G3370

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Madai, Mede, Medes, Media

Melchizedek

Facts:

During the time when Abram lived, Melchizedek was the king of the city of Salem (later "Jerusalem")

• Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" and his title "king of Salem" means "king of peace."
• He was also called a "priest of God Most High."
• Melchizedek is first mentioned in the Bible when he served Abram bread and wine after Abram rescued his nephew Lot from powerful kings. Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of the plunder from his victory.
• In the New Testament, Melchizedek is described as someone who had no father or mother. He was called a priest and king who will reign forever.
• The New Testament also says that Jesus is a priest according to the priestly "order of Melchizedek." Jesus was not descended from Levi as the Israelite priests were. His priesthood is directly from God, as Melchizedek's was.
• Based on these descriptions of him in the Bible, Melchizedek was a human priest who was also chosen by God to represent or point forward to Jesus, the eternal king of peace and righteousness and our great high priest.

(See also: Abraham, eternity, high priest, Jerusalem, Levi, priest, righteous)

Bible References:

• Genesis 14:18
• Hebrews 06:20
• Hebrews 07:17
• Psalm 110:4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4442, G3198

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Melchizedek, Melchizedek's

Memphis

Facts:

Memphis was an ancient capital city in Egypt, along the Nile River.

• Memphis was located in Lower Egypt, just south of the Nile River delta, where the soil was very fertile and crops were plentiful.
• Its fertile soil and important location between Upper and Lower Egypt caused Memphis to become a major city of trade and commerce.

(See also: Egypt, Nile River)

Bible References:

• Hosea 09:06

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4644, H5297

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Memphis

Meshech

Facts:

Meshech is the name of two men in the Old Testament.

• One Meshech was a son of Japheth.
• The other Meshech was a grandson of Shem.
• Meshech was also the name of a region of land, which was probably named after one of these men.
• The region of Meshech may have been located in part of what is now the country of Turkey.

(See also: Japheth, Noah, Shem)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:5-7
• Ezekiel 27:12-13
• Genesis 10:2-5
• Psalms 120:05

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4851, H4902

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Meshech

Mesopotamia

Related Words:

Aram Naharaim

Facts:

Mesopotamia is the area of land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Its location is in the region of the modern day country of Iraq.

• In the Old Testament, this region was also called "Aram Naharaim."
• The word "Mesopotamia" means "between rivers." The phrase "Aram Naharaim" means "Aram of two rivers."
• Abraham lived in the Mesopotamian cities of Ur and Haran before moving on to the land of Canaan.
• Babylon was another important city in Mesopotamia.
• The region called "Chaldea" was also part of Mesopotamia.

(See also: Aram, Babylon, Chaldeans, Euphrates)

Bible References:

• Acts 02:09
• Acts 07:1-3
• Genesis 24:10-11

Word Data:

• Strong's: H763, G3318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mesopotamia, Aram Naharaim

Micah

Facts:

Micah was a prophet of Judah around 700 years before Christ, when the prophet Isaiah was also ministering to Judah. Another man named Micah lived during the time of the judges.

• The book of Micah is near the end of the Old Testament.
• Micah prophesied about the destruction of Samaria by the Assyrians.
• Micah rebuked the people of Judah for disobeying God and warned them that their enemies would attack them.
• His prophecy ends with a message of hope in God, who is faithful and saves his people.
• In the book of Judges, the story is told of a man named Micah living in Ephraim who made an idol out of silver. A young Levite priest who came to live with him stole the idol and other things, and took off with a group of Danites. Eventually the Danites and the priest settled in the city of Laish and they set up that same silver idol to worship.

(See also: Assyria, Dan, Ephraim, god, Isaiah, Judah, judge, Levi, priest, prophet, Samaria, silver)

Bible References:

• Jeremiah 26:18-19
• Micah 01:1
• Micah 06:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4318

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Micah, Micah's

Michael

Facts:

Michael is the chief of all God's holy, obedient angels. He is the only angel who is specifically referred to as the "archangel" of God.

• The term "archangel" literally means "chief angel" or "ruling angel."
• Michael is a warrior who fights against God's enemies and protects God's people.
• He led the Israelites in fighting against the Persian army. In the end times he will lead the armies of Israel in the final battle against the forces of evil, as foretold in Daniel.
• There are also several men in the Bible with the name Michael. Several men are identified as being the "son of Michael"

(See also: angel, Daniel, messenger, Persia)

Bible References:

• Daniel 10:13
• Daniel 10:21
• Ezra 08:08
• Revelation 12:7-9

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4317, G3413

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Michael, Michael's

Midian

Related Words

Midianite

Facts:

Midian was a son of Abraham and his wife Keturah. Midian was also the name of a people group and region located in the northern Arabian Desert to the south of the land of Canaan. The people of that group were called "Midianites."

• When Moses first left Egypt, he went to the region of Midian where he met the daughters of Jethro and helped them water their flocks. Later Moses married one of Jethro's daughters.
• Joseph was taken to Egypt by a group of Midianite slave traders.
• Many years later the Midianites attacked and raided the Israelites in the land of Canaan. Gideon led the Israelites in defeating them.
• Many of the modern-day Arabian tribes are descendants of this group.

(See also Arabia, Egypt, flock, Gideon, Jethro, Moses)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:30
• Exodus 02:16
• Genesis 25:1-4
• Genesis 36:34-36
• Genesis 37:28
• Judges 07:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4080, H4084, H4092

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Midian, Midianite, Midianites, Midian's

Miriam

Facts:

Miriam was the older sister of Aaron and Moses.

• When she was young, Miriam was instructed by her mother to watch over her baby brother Moses who was in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. When the pharaoh's daughter found the baby and needed someone to take care of him for her, Miriam brought her mother to do it.
• Miriam led the Israelites in a dance of joy and thanksgiving after they had escaped from the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea.
• Years later as the Israelites were wandering in the desert, Miram and Aaron began speaking badly about Moses because he had married a Cushite woman.
• Because of her rebellion in speaking against Moses, God caused Miriam to become sick with leprosy. But later God healed her when Moses interceded for her.

(See also: Aaron, Cush, intercede, Moses, Nile River, Pharaoh, rebel)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:1-3
• Deuteronomy 24:8-9
• Micah 06:04
• Numbers 12:02
• Numbers 20:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4813

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Miriam, Miriam's

Mishael

Facts:

Mishael is the name of three men in the Old Testament.

• One man named Mishael was a cousin of Aaron. When two of Aaron's sons were killed by God after they offered incense in a way that did not follow what God had told them to do, Mishael and his brother were given the task of carrying the dead bodies outside the Israelite camp.
• Another man named Mishael stood beside Ezra when he publicly read the rediscovered law.
• During the time when the people of Israel were in exile in Babylon, a young man named Mishael was also captured and forced to live in Babylon. The Babylonians gave him the name, "Meshach." He, along with his companions, Azariah (Shadrach) and Hananiah (Abednego), refused to worship the king's statue and were thrown into a fiery furnace.

(See also: Aaron, Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah)

Bible References:

• Daniel 01:6-7
• Daniel 02:17-18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4332, H4333

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mishael, Mishael's

Mizpah

Facts:

Mizpah is the name of several towns mentioned in the Old Testament. It means, "look-out point" or "watchtower."

• When David was being pursued by Saul, he left his parents in Mizpah, under the protection of the king of Moab.
• One city called Mizpah was located on the border between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. It was a major military center.

(See also: David, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Moab, Saul (OT))

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 15:20-22
• 1 Samuel 07:5-6
• 1 Samuel 07:10-11
• Jeremiah 40:5-6
• Judges 10:17-18

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4708, H4709

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mizpah

Moab

Facts:

Moab was the son of Lot's elder daughter. Moab also became the name of the land where Moab and his family lived. The term "Moabite" refers to a person who is descended from Moab or who lives in the country of Moab.

• The country of Moab was located east of the Salt Sea.
• Moab was southeast from the town of Bethlehem where Naomi's family lived.
• The people in Bethlehem called Ruth a "Moabitess" because she was a woman from the country of Moab. This term could also be translated as "Moabite woman" or "woman from Moab."

(See also: Bethlehem, Judea, Lot, Ruth, Salt Sea)

Bible References:

• Genesis 19:37
• Genesis 36:34-36
• Ruth 01:1-2
• Ruth 01:22

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4124, H4125

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Moab, Moabite, Moabites, Moabitess, Moab's

Molech

Facts:

Molech was the name of one of the false gods that the Canaanites worshiped. Other spellings are "Moloch" and "Molek."

• People who worshiped Molech sacrificed their children to him by means of fire.
• Some of the Israelites also worshiped Molech instead of the one true God, Yahweh. They followed the evil practices of Molech worshipers, including sacrificing their children.

(See also: Canaan, evil, god, God, god, sacrifice, true, worship, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 11:07
• 2 Kings 23:10
• Acts 07:43
• Jeremiah 32:33-35
• Leviticus 18:21

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4428, H4432, G3434

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Molech

Mordecai

Facts:

Mordecai was a Jewish man living in the country of Persia. He was the guardian of his cousin Esther, who later became the wife of the Persian king, Xerxes.

• While working at the royal palace, Mordecai overheard men plotting together to kill King Xerxes. He reported this and the king's life was saved.
• Some time later, Mordecai also found out about a plan to kill all the Jews in the kingdom of Persia. He advised Esther to appeal to the king to save her people.

(See also: Xerxes, Babylon, Esther, Persia)

Bible References:

• Esther 02:06
• Esther 03:06
• Esther 08:02
• Esther 10:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4782

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mordecai, Mordecai's

Moses

Facts:

Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelite people for over 40 years.

• When Moses was a baby, Moses' parents put him in a basket in the reeds of the Nile River to hide him from the Egyptian Pharaoh. Moses' sister Miriam watched over him there. Moses' life was spared when the pharaoh's daughter found him and took him to the palace to raise him as her son.
• God chose Moses to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.
• After the Israelites' escape from Egypt and while they were wandering in the desert, God gave Moses two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them.
• Near the end of his life, Moses saw the Promised Land, but didn't get to live in it because he disobeyed God.

(See also: Miriam, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:21
• Acts 07:30
• Exodus 02:10
• Exodus 09:01
• Matthew 17:04
• Romans 05:14

Word Data:

• Strong's: H4872, H4873, G3475

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Moses, Moses'

Most High

Facts:

The term "Most High" is a title for God. It refers to his greatness or authority.

• The meaning of this term is similar to the meaning of "Sovereign" or "Supreme."
• The word "high" in this title does not refer to physical height or distance. It refers to greatness.

Translation Suggestions:

• This term can also be translated as "Most High God" or "Most Supreme being" or "God Most High" or "Greatest One" or "Supreme One" or "God, who is Greater than all."
• If a word like "high" is used, make sure it does not refer to being physically high or tall.

(See also: God)

Bible References:

• Acts 07:47-50
• Acts 16:16-18
• Daniel 04:17-18
• Deuteronomy 32:7-8
• Genesis 14:17-18
• Hebrews 07:1-3
• Hosea 07:16
• Lamentations 03:35
• Luke 01:32

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5945, G5310

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Most High

Mount of Olives

Facts:

The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.

• In the Old Testament, this mountain is sometimes referred to as "the mountain that is east of Jerusalem."
• The New Testament records several occasions when Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives to pray and rest.
• Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, which is located on the Mount of Olives.
• This could also be translated as "Olive Hill" or "Olive Tree Mountain."

(See also: Gethsemane, olive)

Bible References:

• Luke 19:29
• Luke 19:37
• Mark 13:03
• Matthew 21:1-3
• Matthew 24:3-5
• Matthew 26:30

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2132, G3735, G1636

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Mount of Olives, mountain that is called Olives

Naaman

Facts:

In the Old Testament, Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram.

• Naaman had a terrible skin disease called leprosy that could not be cured.
• A Jewish slave in Naaman's household told him to go ask the prophet Elisha to heal him.
• Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. When Naaman obeyed, God healed him of his disease.
• As a result, Naaman came to believe in the only true God, Yahweh.
• Two other men named Naaman were descendants of Jacob's son Benjamin.

(See also: Aram, Jordan River, leper, prophet)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 08:6-7
• 2 Kings 05:01
• Luke 04:27

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5283, G3497

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Naaman, Naaman's

Nahor

Facts:

Nahor was the name of two relatives of Abraham, his grandfather and his brother.

• Abraham's brother Nahor was the grandfather of Isaac's wife Rebekah.
• The phrase "city of Nahor" could mean "the city named Nahor" or "the city where Nahor had lived" or "Nahor's city."

(See also: Abraham, Rebekah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 01:24-27
• Genesis 31:53
• Joshua 24:02
• Luke 03:34

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5152, G3493

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nahor, Nahor's

Nahum

Facts:

Nahum was a prophet who preached during the time when the evil King Manasseh was ruling over Judah.

• Nahum was from the town of Elkosh, which was about 20 miles from Jerusalem.
• The Old Testament book of Nahum records his prophecies about the destruction of the Assyrian city of Nineveh.

(See also: Assyria, Manasseh, prophet, Nineveh)

Bible References:

• Nahum 01:1

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5151, G3486

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nahum, Nahum's

Naphtali

Facts:

Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob. His descendants formed the tribe of Naphtali, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

• Sometimes the name Naphtali was used to refer to the land where the tribe lived.
• The land of Naphtali was located in the northern part of Israel, next to the tribes of Dan and Asher. its eastern border was on the western shoreline of the Sea of Kinnereth.
• This tribe was mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

(See also: Asher, Dan, Jacob, Sea of Galilee, twelve tribes of Israel)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 04:15
• Deuteronomy 27:13-14
• Ezekiel 48:1-3
• Genesis 30:08
• Judges 01:33
• Matthew 04:13

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5321, G3508

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Naphtali, Naphtali's

Nathan

Facts:

Nathan was a faithful prophet of God who lived while David was king over Israel.

• God sent Nathan to confront David after David sinned grievously against Uriah.
• Nathan rebuked David in spite of the fact that David was the king.
• David repented of his sin after Nathan confronted him.

(See also: David, faithful, prophet, Uriah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 17:1-2
• 2 Chronicles 09:29
• 2 Samuel 12:1-3
• Psalm 051:01

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5416, G3481

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nathan, Nathan's

Nazareth

Facts:

Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it took about three to five days to travel on foot.

• Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth, and this is where they raised Jesus. That is why Jesus was known as "the Nazarene."
• Many of the Jews living in Nazareth did not respect Jesus' teaching because he had grown up among them, and they thought he was just an ordinary person.
• Once, when Jesus was teaching in Nazareths synagogue, the Jews there tried to kill him because he claimed to be the Messiah and had rebuked them for rejecting him.
• The remark Nathaniel made when he heard that Jesus was from Nazareth indicated that this city was not thought of very highly.

(See also: Christ, Galilee, Joseph (NT), Mary)

Bible References:

• Acts 26:9-11
• John 01:43-45
• Luke 01:26-29
• Mark 16:5-7
• Matthew 02:23
• Matthew 21:9-11
• Matthew 26:71-72

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3478, G3479, G3480

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nazareth, Nazarene

Nazirite

Related Ideas:

Nazirite vow

Facts:

The term "Nazirite" refers to a person who has taken a "Nazirite vow." Mostly men took this vow, but women could also take it.

• A person who took the Nazirite vow agreed to not have any food or drink made from grapes for period that had been agreed upon for the fulfillment of the vow. During this period he was also not to get his hair cut and not go near a dead body.
• When the required length of time had passed, and the vow had been fulfilled, the Nazirite would go to the priest and provide an offering. This would include the cutting and burning of his hair. All other restrictions would also be removed.
• Samson is a well-known man in the Old Testament who was under the Nazirite vow.
• The angel announcing John the Baptist's birth told Zechariah that his son would not drink strong drink, which may indicate that John was under the Nazirite vow.
• According to a passage in the book of Acts the apostle Paul may also have at one time taken this vow, according to one passage in the book of Acts.

(See also: John (the Baptist), sacrifice, Samson, vow, Zechariah (OT))

Bible References:

• Acts 18:18-19
• Amos 02:11-12
• Judges 13:05
• Numbers 06:1-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5139

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nazirite, Nazirite vow, Nazirites

Nebuchadnezzar

Facts:

Nebuchadnezzar was a king of the Babylonian Empire whose powerful army conquered many people groups and nations.

• Under Nebuchadnezzar's leadership, the Babylonian army attacked and conquered the kingdom of Judah, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives. The captives were forced to live there for a period of 70 years known as the "Babylonian Exile.
• One of the exiles, Daniel, interpreted some of King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams.
• Three other captured Israelites, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to bow down to a gigantic gold statue that Nebuchadnezzar had made.
• King Nebuchadnezzar was very arrogant and worshiped false gods. When he conquered Judah, he stole many gold and silver objects from the temple in Jerusalem.
• Because Nebuchadnezzar was proud and refused to turn away from worshiping false gods, Yahweh caused him to be destitute for seven years, living like an animal. After the seven years, God restored Nebuchadnezzar when he humbled himself and praised the one true God, Yahweh.

(See also: arrogant, Azariah, Babylon, Hananiah, Mishael)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 06:15
• 2 Kings 25:1-3
• Daniel 01:02
• Daniel 04:04
• Ezekiel 26:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5019, H5020

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar's

Negev

Facts:

The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel, southwest of the Salt Sea.

• The original word means "the South," and some English versions translate it this way.
• It could be that the "South" is not located where the Negev Desert is today.
• When Abraham lived in the city of Kadesh, he was in the Negev or southern region.
• Isaac was living in the Negev when Rebekah traveled to meet him and become his wife.
• The Jewish tribes of Judah and Simeon lived in this southern region.
• The largest city in the Negev region was Beersheba.

(See also: Abraham, Beersheba, Israel, Judah, Kadesh, Salt Sea, Simeon)

Bible References:

• Genesis 12:09
• Genesis 20:1-3
• Genesis 24:62
• Joshua 03:14-16
• Numbers 13:17-20

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5045, H6160

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Negev

Nehemiah

Facts:

Nehemiah was an Israelite forced to move to the Babylonian empire when the people of Israel and Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians.

• While he was the cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem.
• Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
• For twelve years Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem before returning to the king's palace.
• The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah's work in rebuilding the walls and his governing of the people in Jerusalem.
• There were also other men named Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Usually the name of the father was added, to distinguish which Nehemiah was being talked about.

(See also: Artaxerxes, Babylon, Jerusalem, son)

Bible References:

• Ezra 02:1-2
• Nehemiah 01:02
• Nehemiah 10:03
• Nehemiah 12:46

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5166

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nehemiah, Nehemiah's

Nile River

Related Words:

River of Egypt

Facts:

The Nile is a very long and wide river in northeastern Africa. It is especially well known as the main river of Egypt.

• The Nile River flows north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Crops grow well in the fertile land on either side of the Nile River.
• Most Egyptians live near the Nile River since it is an important source of water for food crops.
• The Israelites lived in the land of Goshen, which was very fertile because it was located along the Nile River.
• When Moses was a baby, his parents placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile to hide him from Pharaoh's men.

(See also: Egypt, Goshen, Moses)

Bible References:

• Amos 08:08
• Genesis 41:1-3
• Jeremiah 46:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: H216, H2975, H4714, H5104

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nile River, River of Egypt, the Nile

Nineveh

Facts:

Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria. A "Ninevite" was a person who lived in Nineveh.

• God sent the prophet Jonah to warn the Ninevites to turn from their wicked ways. The people repented and God did not destroy them.
• The Assyrians later stopped serving God. They conquered the kingdom of Israel and carried the people away to Nineveh.

(See also: Assyria, Jonah, repent, turn)

Bible References:

• Genesis 10:11-14
• Jonah 01:03
• Jonah 03:03
• Luke 11:32
• Matthew 12:41

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5210, G3535, G3536

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Nineveh, Ninevite, Ninevites

Noah

Facts:

Noah was a man who lived over 4,000 years ago, at the time when God sent a worldwide flood to destroy all the evil people in the world. God told Noah to build a gigantic ark in which he and his family could live while the flood waters covered the earth.

• Noah was a righteous man who obeyed God in everything.
• When God told Noah how to build the gigantic ark, Noah built it exactly the way God told him to.
• Inside the ark, Noah and his family were kept safe, and later their children and grandchildren filled the earth with people again.
• Everyone born since the time of the flood is a descendant of Noah.

(See also: descendant, ark)

Bible References:

• Genesis 05:30-31
• Genesis 05:32
• Genesis 06:08
• Genesis 08:01
• Hebrews 11:7
• Matthew 24:37

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5146, G3575

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Noah, Noah's

Obadiah

Facts:

Obadiah was an Old Testament prophet who prophesied against the people of Edom, who were the descendants of Esau. There were also many other men named Obadiah in the Old Testament.

• The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and tells a prophecy that Obadiah received through a vision from God.
• It is not clear when Obadiah lived and prophesied. It may have been during the paeriods that Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, and Athaliah, reigned in Judah. The prophets Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah would also have been prophesying during part of this time.
• Obadiah may also have lived at a later time period, during the reign of King Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity.
• Other men named Obadiah included a descendant of Saul, a Gadite who became one of David's men, a palace administrator for King Ahab, an official of King Jehoshaphat, a man who helped with repairs to the temple during the time of King Josiah, and a Levite who was also a gatekeeper during the time of Nehemiah.
• It could be that the writer of the book of Obadiah was one of these men.

(See also: Ahab, Babylon, David, Edom, Esau, Ezekiel, Daniel, Gad, Jehoshaphat, Josiah, Levi, Saul (OT), Zedekiah)

Bible References:

• 1 Chronicles 03:21
• 1 Chronicles 08:38-40
• Ezra 08:8-11
• Obadiah 01:02

Word Data:

• Strong's: H5662

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Obadiah, Obadiah's

Omri

Facts:

Omri was an army commander who became the sixth king of Israel.

• King Omri reigned for 12 years in the city of Tirzah.
• Like all the kings of Israel before him, Omri was a very evil king who led the people of Israel into more idol worship.
• Omri was also the father of King Ahab.

(See also: Ahab, Israel, Jeroboam, Tirzah)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 22:1-3

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6018

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Omri, Omri's

Paddan Aram

Facts:

Paddan Aram was the name of a region where Abraham's family lived before moving to the land of Canaan. It means "plain of Aram."

• When Abraham left Haran in Paddan Aram to travel to the land of Canaan, most of the rest of his family stayed behind in Haran.
• Many years later, Abraham's servant went to Paddan Aram to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives there and found Rebekah, grand-daughter of Bethuel.
• Isaac and Rebekah's son Jacob also traveled to Paddan Aram and married two daughters of Rebekah's brother Laban who was living in Haran.
• Aram, Paddan-Aram, and Aram-Nahariam were all part of the same region that is now where the modern-day country of Syria is located.

(See also: Abraham, Aram, Bethuel, Canaan, Haran, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah, Syria)

Bible References:

• Genesis 28:02
• Genesis 35:09
• Genesis 46:12-15

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6307

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paddan Aram, Paddan

Paran

Facts:

Paran was a desert or wilderness area east of Egypt and south of the land of Canaan. There was also a Mount Paran, which may have been another name for Mount Sinai.

• The slave Hagar and her son Ishmael went to live in the wilderness of Paran after Sarah ordered Abraham to send them away.
• When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they passed through the wilderness of Paran.
• It was from Kadesh-Barnea in the wilderness of Paran that Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan and bring back a report.
• The wilderness of Zin was north of Paran and the wilderness of Sin was south of Paran.

(See also: Canaan, desert, Egypt, Kadesh, Sinai)

Bible References:

• 1 Kings 11:18
• 1 Samuel 25:1
• Genesis 21:19-21
• Numbers 10:11-13
• Numbers 13:3-4

Word Data:

• Strong's: H364, H6290

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paran

Passover

Facts:

The "Passover" is the name of a religious festival that the Jews celebrate every year, to remember how God rescued their ancestors, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt.

• The name of this festival comes from the fact that God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites and did not kill their sons when he killed the firstborn sons of the Egyptians.
• The Passover celebration includes a special meal of a perfect lamb that they have killed and roasted, as well as bread made without yeast. These foods remind them of the meal that the Israelites ate the night before they escaped from Egypt.
• God told the Israelites to eat this meal every year in order to remember and celebrate how God "passed over" their houses and how he set them free from slavery in Egypt.

Translation Suggestions:

• The term "Passover" could be translated by combining the words "pass" and "over" or another combination of words that has this meaning.
• It is helpful if the name of this festival has a clear connection to the words used to explain what the angel of the Lord did in passing by the houses of the Israelites and sparing their sons.

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 05:07
• 2 Chronicles 30:13-15
• 2 Kings 23:23
• Deuteronomy 16:02
• Exodus 12:26-28
• Ezra 06:21-22
• John 13:01
• Joshua 05:10-11
• Leviticus 23:4-6
• Numbers 09:03

Word Data:

• Strong's: H6453, G3957

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Passover

Paul

Related Words

Saul

Facts:

Paul was a leader of the early church who was sent by Jesus to take the good news to many other people groups.

• Paul was a Jew who was born in the Roman city of Tarsus, and was therefore also a Roman citizen.
• Paul was originally called by his Jewish name, Saul.
• Saul became a Jewish religious leader and arrested Jews who became Christians because he thought they were dishonoring God by believing in Jesus.
• Jesus revealed himself to Saul in a blinding light and told him to stop hurting Christians.
• Saul believed in Jesus and began teaching his fellow Jews about him.
• Later, God sent Saul to teach non-Jewish people about Jesus and started churches in different cities and provinces of the Roman empire. At this time he started being called by the Roman name "Paul."
• Paul also wrote letters to encourage and teach Christians in the churches in these cities. Several of these letters are in the New Testament.

(See also: Christian, Jewish authorities, Rome)

Bible References:

• 1 Corinthians 01:03
• Acts 08:03
• Acts 09:26
• Acts 13:10
• Galatians 01:01
• Philemon 01:08

Word Data:

• Strong's: G3972, G4569

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Paul, Saul, Paul's

Pentecost

Related Ideas:

Festival of Weeks

Facts:

The "Festival of Weeks" was a Jewish festival that took place fifty days after Passover. It was later referred to as "Pentecost."

• The Feast of Weeks was seven weeks (fifty days) after the Feast of Firstfruits. In the New Testament times, this festival was called "Pentecost" which has "fifty" as part of its meaning.
• The Festival of Weeks was held to celebrate the beginning of the grain harvest. It was also a time to remember when God first gave the Law to the Israelites on the tablets of stone given to Moses.
• In the New Testament, the Day of Pentecost is especially significant because it was when the believers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit in a new way.

(See also: festival, firstfruit, harvest, Holy Spirit, raise)

Bible References:

• 2 Chronicles 08:12-13
• Acts 02:01
• Acts 20:15-16
• Deuteronomy 16:16-17
• Numbers 28:26

Word Data:

• Strong's: H2282, H7620, G4005

Forms Found in the English ULB:

Festival of Weeks, Pentecost

Peor

Related Words

Baal Peor, Beth Peor, Mount Peor

Facts:

The terms "Peor" and "Mount Peor" refer to a mountain located northeast of the Salt Sea, in the region of Moab.

• The name "Beth Peor" was the name of a city, probably located on that mountain or near it. This was where Moses died after God showed him the Promised Land.
• "Baal Peor" was a false god of the Moabites that they worshiped at Mount Peor. The Israelites also started worshiping this idol and God punished them for it.

(See also: Baal, god, Moab, Salt Sea, worship)

Bible References: