Language: English

Book: Ephesians

Introduction to Ephesians

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Ephesians

1. Greeting and prayer for the spiritual blessings in Christ (1:1-23)
2. Sin and salvation (2:1-10)
3. Unity and peace (2:11-22)
4. Mystery of Christ in you, made known (3:1-13)
5. Prayer for riches of his glory to make them strong (3:14-21)
6. Unity of the Spirit, building up the Body of Christ (4:1-16)
7. New life (4:17-32)
8. Imitators of God (5:1-21)
9. Wives and husbands; children and parents; slaves and masters (5:22-6:9)
10. Armor of God (6:10-20)
11. Final greeting (6:21-24)

Who wrote the Book of Ephesians?

Paul wrote Ephesians. 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.

The Apostle Paul helped start the church in Ephesus on one of his trips. He also lived in Ephesus for a year and a half and helped the believers there. Paul probably wrote this letter while he was in prison in Rome.

What is the Book of Ephesians about?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus to explain God's love for them in Christ Jesus. He described the blessings that God was giving them because they were now united with Christ. He explained that all believers are united together, whether Jew or Gentile. Paul also wanted to encourage them to live in a way that pleases God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the "hidden truth" in the Book of Ephesians?

The expression translated in the ULB as "hidden truth" or "hidden" occurs six times. By it Paul always meant something that God had to reveal to human beings because they could not know it on their own. It always referred to something about how God planned to save mankind. Sometimes it was about his plan to cause peace between himself and mankind. Sometimes it was about his plan to unite Jews and Gentiles through Christ. Gentiles are now able to benefit from the promises of Christ as equals with the Jews.

What did Paul say about salvation and righteous living?

Paul said much about salvation and righteous living in this letter and in many of his letters. He said that God has been very kind and saved Christians because they believe in Jesus. Therefore, after they become Christians, they should live in a righteous way to show that they have faith in Christ. (See: righteous)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural "you"

In this book, the word "I" refers to Paul. The word "you" is almost always plural and refers to the believers who may read this letter. The three exceptions to this are: 5:14, 6:2, and 6:3.

What did Paul mean by the "new self" or the "new man"?

When Paul spoke of the "new self" or the "new man," he meant the new nature that a believer receives from the Holy Spirit. This new nature was created in God's image (See: 4:24). The phrase "new man" is also used for God causing peace between Jews and Gentiles. God brought them together as one people that belong to him (See: 2:15).

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

This kind of expression occurs in 1:1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 20; 2:6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22; 3:5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 21; 4:1, 17, 21, 32; 5:8, 18, 19; 6:1, 10, 18, 21. 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 Ephesians?

• "in Ephesus" (1:1). Some early manuscripts do not include this expression, but it is probably in the original letter. The ULB, UDB, and many modern versions include it.
• "because we are members of his body" (5:30). Most modern versions, including the ULB, read in this way. Some older translations read, "because we are members of his body and of his bones." Translators might decide to choose the second reading if other versions in their area have it that way. If translators choose the second reading, they should put the additional words inside square brackets ([]) to indicate that they are probably not original to the Book of Ephesians.

Introduction to Ephesians

Why did Paul write Ephesians?

Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians to give courage and to teach the Christians in and near the city. He taught the Christians about God and his son Jesus. Also, he taught Christians to love each other and to help each other serve and honor God. That is, he taught Christians the things they needed to do to honor other Christians, to honor their families, and to honor those who are not Christians.

Who wrote this letter?

Paul wrote Ephesians (see: 1:1). Paul was in prison in Rome, and he may have written this letter while there. Paul said that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ. God made him an apostle (see: 1:1; Galatians 1:1). Because God made him an apostle, Christians obey Paul’s words in the same way they obey Jesus’ words.

See: Apostle

To whom did Paul write?

Paul wrote to Christians in and around the city of Ephesus. Ephesus was in Asia Minor, which is now called the country of Turkey. Rome valued this city because of the boats that came in to sell and buy different things in the Roman Empire. The temple of the their god Artemis was built in this city. Many people went to Ephesus to see this temple and to buy and sell different things. Because of this, many people in Ephesus were rich

Paul went to Ephesus on his second trip to preach the gospel in other countries (see: Acts 18:18-21). Some of the Ephesians became Christians. During his third trip to preach the gospel in other countries, Paul lived in Ephesus for three years (see: Acts 19). Because he went to Ephesus twice, Paul knew the people well. This letter was very personal to him because they were Christians and his friends.

Most scholars think that Paul also wanted Christians around the city of Ephesus to have his letter. John, the author of the Book of Revelation, wrote of seven cities and churches in this area of Asia. So Paul wanted people from Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea to read this letter. Because he wrote to many cities, Paul did not write any specific greetings in the same way he did his other letters.

See Map: Ephesus

See: Temple

What Paul wrote about in Ephesians

Christians are “in Christ” or “in him.”

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul used the words “in Christ” or “in him” or “in the One he loves” eleven different times. Paul wanted Christians to know how Jesus loved them and how close they are to God because of what Jesus did for them.

See: In Christ

Christian Unity

In 1:10 Paul said that God brings everything together "in Christ." This means God brings all people and things in heaven and on earth together, not just people and things on earth. He brings all things together by Jesus sacrifice on the cross.

Paul said that God planned for all Christians to be united, both the Jews and the Gentiles. During the time of the Old Testament, God worked through the Jewish people. But now that Jesus has been sacrificed for all people, both Jews and Gentiles are brought together for God. This means that God sees all Christian Jews and Gentiles as united and a part of his nation and family. This was God’s plan from the creation of the world (see: 3:6-11). Paul said that God gave gifts to his people to teach other Christians about serving God and others. This unites all Christians in faith.

See: Gentile

Love

Paul wrote a lot about how Christians are to “love”(ἀγάπη/g0026) in the same way that Jesus loved all people. In the Greek language, there were four words for different types of love. The type of love Paul talked about in this letter is a love that only wants good for those who are loved, even when it is hard to do good to them. Also, Paul wrote about God’s love for all people and his love for Christians (see: 2:4-5). Christians love each other with this type of love. Christians love Christ when they worship him and care for other people with this love (see: 6:24).

See: In Christ

Why did Paul write this letter?

Paul wrote Ephesians because he needed to tell Christians what to know about God and how to live their lives in a way that honors God.

In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul told Christians what they need to know about God.

1. First, Paul told Christians about Jesus sacrifice. He told them how God put his anger on Jesus. This sacrifice stops God’s anger on the sin of Christians. That is, those who believe in Jesus are no longer punished for their sins (see:1:7, and 2:1-5). Christ was punished for the sins of Christians. God said that anyone who sinned had to die, physically and spiritually (see rom6:23). Jesus died for Christians so that they did not have to die spiritually. Jesus’ death stopped God’s anger for sin on those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

2. Second, Paul wrote that Christians are no longer looked at by God in the same way. They were now “in Christ,” instead of looking at a Christian’s sin, God now looks at Jesus. He took away their sin. Paul used the metaphor “sealed” by the Holy Spirit to tell Christians that they can know how God thinks about them. God makes Christians holy and blameless (1:4). Also, God makes Christians his children. This means that Christians can know that they will be in heaven with Jesus when they die (see: 1:5,13-14; 2:6-7).

In the last three chapters, Paul wrote about how Christians are to honor God by how they live.

1. Paul wrote that Christians must love each other. That is, they want only what is good for each other. He wrote that loving others in this way is the best thing for Christians to do for each other. Paul said that Christians whom God had given the gifts of preaching and teaching were to teach other Christians how to better love and serve each other. Also, Paul spoke about how Christians love in this way in their marriage, family life, and in their actions between masters and slaves.

2. Next, Paul told Christians that they needed to fight against Satan’s attacks. Paul used the metaphor of a soldier in 6:10-24 to tell Christians that they need to fight Satan in the the same way a soldier fights his enemies.

See: Redeem (Redemption); Satan (The Devil)

Outline of Ephesians

1. Paul’s greeting to the Ephesians (1:1-2)
2. Praises to God and prayer for the church (1:3-23)
3. How God looks at Christians (2:1-3:13)
4. Prayer for Christians (3:14-21)
5. How Christians are to live (4:1-6:9)
6. How Christians are to fight Satan (6:10-20)
7. Conclusion (6:21-24).

Ephesians

Chapter 1

¹ Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus. ^[1]

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. ⁴ God chose us in him from the foundation of the world, that we may be holy and blameless in his sight in love. ⁵ God predestined us ^[2] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will. ⁶ Our adoption results in the praise of his glorious grace that he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In Jesus Christ we have redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. ⁸ He multiplied this grace to us with all wisdom and understanding. ⁹ God made known to us the mystery of his will, according to what pleased him, and which he demonstrated in Christ, ¹⁰ with a view to a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things together, all things in heaven and on earth, under one head, even Christ. ¹¹ In Christ we were given an inheritance, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything according to the purpose of his will. ¹² God appointed us as heirs so that we, who are the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of his glory. ¹³ In Christ, you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, you believed in him and were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's holy people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you as I mention you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, that you may know the hope to which he has called you and the riches of his glorious inheritance among all God's holy people. ¹⁹ In my prayers I ask that you may know the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of the strength of his might. ²⁰ This is the same power that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. ²¹ He seated Christ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named. Christ will rule, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. ²² God subjected all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as head over all things. ²³ The church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Footnotes

Ephesians 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

"I pray"

Paul structures part of this chapter like a prayer of praise to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is teaching the church in Ephesus. He also tells the Ephesians how he is praying for them.

Special concepts in this chapter

Predestination

Many scholars believe this chapter teaches on a subject known as "predestination." This is related to the biblical concept of "predestine." Some scholars take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: predestine)

Ephesians 1 Commentary

1:1-3

Did 1:1 originally contain the words “in Ephesus”?

[1:1]

See: Introduction

Why did Paul say that God wanted him to be an apostle?

[1:1]

Paul was an apostle because God wanted him to be an apostle. Perhaps Paul wanted people to know that God specifically chose him to be an apostle. On perhaps, Paul wanted people to know that he spoke for God. Therefore, when a person rejected Paul, they also rejected God. Both of these things may have been true.

See: Apostle; Will of God

What did Paul say when he wrote greetings to the church in Ephesus?

[1:2]

Paul greeted the Christians in Ephesus in a way that was similar to other letters. However, it was also different from other letters, because he also prayed that God would give “favor” or “grace”(χάρις/g5485) and peace to the Christians. This greeting is similar to Paul’s other letters (see: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; Galatians 1:3; Philippians 1:2). Perhaps this reminded the Christians in Ephesus of the favor God showed them. Favor or grace is one of the things that Paul wrote about the most in Ephesians.

See: Grace

When does Paul’s sentence end?

[1:3]

In Greek, the sentence beginning in 1:3 stops at the end of 1:14. However, it is common for translations to break this sentence into many smaller sentences.

How does Paul speak about blessing?

[1:3]

Paul said that God is “blessed,” that is, God should be worshipped and should be honored. Paul then said that God has blessed Christians. This means that God helps Christians in certain ways. Paul explained that the way God helps to Christians is not easily seen or understood. These blessings are not the same as the things that a person is born able to do.

Many scholars believe that the blessings which cannot easily be seen come from the Holy Spirit. However in 1:3, Paul stated that these blessings come from the place where God lives. Paul also stated that these blessings are “in Christ.” Christians receive these blessings because they are in Jesus.

See: Bless (Blessing); In Christ

1:4

How did God choose Christians?

[1:4]

Some scholars think that God “chose”(ἐκλέγομαι/g1586) each Christian before they were born. God helped them to, or made them, believe in Jesus. Other scholars think that God chose the church, that is, all Christians. They think God always planned to create a group of people who believe in Jesus. Other scholars think that “chose” means that God created all Christians to serve him in a certain way. God chose them before he made the world.

See: Elect (Election)

When did God choose Christians?

[1:4]

Paul explains when God “chose”(ἐκλέγομαι/g1586) Christians. Some scholars think that this was at the same time that God created the world. Other scholars think that God did this before he created the world.

See: John 17:24;1 Peter 1:20

Why did God choose Christians?

[1:4]

God “chose” or “determined”(ἐκλέγομαι/g1586) that Christians are to try to be “holy”(ἅγιος/g0040) or to act like Jesus. They are also to be “without a fault”(ἄμωμος/g0299), that is, people should not be able to say that they do the wrong things. They are to do the same types of things that Jesus did, but not do the evil things that non-Christians did (see: 1 Peter 1:16). The Holy Spirit helps Christians to live in a way that honors God.

Does the phrase “in love” with the sentence in 1:4 and 1:5?

[1:4]

The phrase “in love” could be part of 1:4 or 1:5. If it is part of the sentence in #v4, it would explain that Christians love God. It would be similar to other uses in Ephesians (see: Ephesians 3:17; 4:15-16; 5:2). If “in love” is a part of 1:5, then it would explain the reason why God “chose”(ἐκλέγομαι/g1586) Christians. Paul also used it in this way in Ephesians (see: Ephesians 2:4-5)

1:5-6

How are Christians adopted?

[1:5]

Part of God’s plan was for Christians to be “adopted” into his family. In Scripture, Christians are spoken about as if they were adopted into God’s family. This is because they receive all the legal rights and blessings that a child would receive from a parent. This adoption can only occur through Jesus (see: Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:4-5).

Advice to translators: Children receive an inheritance from their parents. This means that they get receive their parents’ property and money after they die. In this question, the inheritance is called “legal rights,” that is, legal rights as heirs.

See: Adopt (Adoption); Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)

1:7-14

What are some things that God gives to those whom He has chosen?

[1:7, 1:9, 1:11, 1:13]

God blessed Christians in many different ways.

1. Christians have “redemption”(ἀπολύτρωσις/g0629), that is, Christians are freed from their sin enslaving them. This redemption is only found in Jesus (see: Romans 3:23-25; Colossians 1:13-14).

2. Christians are forgiven of their sins. When God forgives somebody, they are pardoned or permanently released from the punishment because of their sin.

3. Christians know more about God’s plans. Parts of God’s plan have previously been hidden. Paul refers to the things hidden as a “mystery” (see: Ephesians 3:4-5, 9).

4. Some scholars think that Christians will receive an inheritance from God. This inheritance is that Christians will live with God in heaven (see: Philippians 3:20-21). However, fewer scholars believe 1:11 indicates that Christians are God’s inheritance, that is, Christians belong to God.

5. The Holy Spirit has “sealed” or “secured”(σφραγίζω/g4972) Christians. Some scholars think Jesus protects Christians so that they will live together with God forever. However, other scholars think Paul taught that Gentiles have become part of the people of God and this is what the Holy Spirit has sealed.

See: Redeem (Redemption); Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Seal; People of God

How will God “bring together” all things in Jesus?

[1:10]

God will “bring together”(ἀνακεφαλαιόω/g0346) all things together in Jesus. This includes all things in “heavenly places” or “the universe”(οὐρανός/g3772) and all things on earth. God’s plan was that Jesus would have first place in everything, that is, for everyone and everything to worship Jesus.

1:15-16

Why did Paul appreciate the Christians in Ephesus?

[1:16]

After talking about the Christians in Ephesus, Paul now talked about why he appreciated them. Some scholars think Paul’s appreciated the things that God did for both him and the Ephesians. This is what Paul talked about in 1:3-14. Other scholars think Paul appreciated the Christians in Ephesus because they believed in Jesus and lived in a way that honored God. They did this by loving one another. They think this is what Paul talked about in 1:13-14.

Advice to translators: To “appreciate” someone is to be thankful for them and to tell them this.

1:17-19

What did Paul ask God to give the Christians in Ephesus?

[1:17]

Paul asked God to give several different things to the Christians in Ephesus.

Paul asked God to give Christians the “spirit”(πνεῦμα/g4151) of “wisdom”(σοφία/g4678). This is a certain wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit or the wisdom to lead a life that honors God.

Paul also asked God to give Christians the Spirit of “understanding”(ἀποκάλυψις/g0602). This meant to learn more about God.

See: Spirit (Spiritual); Wise (Wisdom, Fool); Reveal (Revelation)

Why did Paul want the Christians in Ephesus to know?

[1:19]

Paul wanted the Christians in Ephesus to know something they did not know before.

1. Paul wanted these Christians to know that they would get to live together with God in heaven forever. Therefore, Christians should be confident about this. (see: 1 Peter 1:3-5; Romans 5:1-2)

2. Paul wanted these Christians to know that they have received a great inheritance from God, that is, God gave them certain gifts.

3. Paul wanted these Christians to know that God is very powerful. God uses his power to help Christians.

See: Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1:20-23

Why is Jesus sitting next to God?

[1:20]

The permission God gives to Jesus to rule is spoken of as if it were his right hand. God gave Jesus the permission to rule with him. Paul talked about God ruling on his throne in heaven while sitting down. Paul wanted to say that Jesus rules alongside of or with God. The ruler was expected to sit on a throne when he made decrees, that is, when he gives rules for others to follow.

Why are Christians to trust that God is able to do these things?

[1:21]

Christians are to trust that God is able to do these things because:

1. God had the power to bring Jesus back to life after Jesus died.

2. God had the power to give Jesus permission to rule alongside of him.

3. God made Jesus greater than many different things and people (see: 1:20). Paul explained that God made Jesus greater than anything or anyone with the power or the permission to rule others. He has more power than any other person in heaven or on earth. (see: Philippians 2:9-11)

4. God made Jesus the leader of the entire church and Jesus has the power to keep it going and to help it to grow.

5. God made Jesus leader over everything. When something is “put under”(ὑποτάσσω/g5293) another person’s feet, the person controlled or ruled over that thing.

See: Church

How is Jesus’ name greater than any other name?

[1:21]

In the ancient Near East, a person’s “name” often symbolized who that person was. In 1:21, Jesus’ name refers to Jesus himself. Paul said that Jesus is much greater than every other person. This is true both now and in the future.

Jesus is also greater because all things have been “put under his feet.” This means that permission to rule everything has been given to Jesus (see: 1 Corinthians 15:27; 1 Peter 3:22).

Why is the church called Jesus’ body?

[1:23]

In Scripture, all Christians are called the church. The church is spoken about as if it were Jesus’ body. This is because the church is a single group working together to serve a single purpose. This purpose of to serve God. Jesus is the “head” of this body because he leads it.

Jesus “filled” the church, that is, he gave the church many blessings.

See: 1 Corinthians 12:12-17; Colossians 1:18

See: Church; Body of Christ

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 2

¹ And as for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, ² in which you once walked, according to the ways of this world. You were living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air, the spirit that is working in the sons of disobedience. ³ Once we all lived among these people, fulfilling the evil desires of our flesh, and carrying out the desires of the flesh and of the mind. We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of humanity. ⁴ But God is rich in mercy because of his great love with which he loved us. ⁵ While we were dead in trespasses, he made us alive together in Christ—by grace you have been saved. ⁶ God raised us up together with Christ, and God made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the ages to come he might show to us the immeasurably great riches of his grace expressed in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this did not come from you, it is the gift of God, ⁹ not from works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good deeds that God planned long ago for us, so that we would walk in them.

¹¹ Therefore remember that once you were Gentiles in the flesh. You are called "uncircumcision" by what is called the "circumcision" in the flesh made by human hands. ¹² For at that time you were separated from Christ, foreigners to citizenship in Israel, strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, because he made us both one. By his flesh he broke down the dividing wall of hostility. ¹⁵ He set aside the law with its commands and ordinances so that he might create in himself one new man out of two, so making peace. ¹⁶ Christ reconciles both peoples into one body to God through the cross, putting to death the hostility. ¹⁷ Jesus came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through Jesus we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then, now you Gentiles are no longer foreigners and strangers. Rather you are fellow citizens with God's holy people and members of the household of God. ²⁰ You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building fits together and grows as a holy temple in the Lord. ²² It is in him that you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter focuses on a Christian's life before coming to believe in Jesus. Paul then uses this information to explain how a person's former way of living is distinct from a Christian's new identity "in Christ." (See: faith)

Special concepts in this chapter

One body

Paul teaches about the church in this chapter. The church is made of two different groups of people (Jews and Gentiles). They are now one group or "body." The church is also known as the body of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

"Dead in trespasses and sins"

Paul teaches that those who are not Christians are "dead" in their sin. Sin binds or enslaves them. This makes them spiritually "dead." Paul writes that God makes Christians alive in Christ.

Descriptions of worldly living

Paul uses many different ways to describe how non-Christians act. They "lived according to the ways of this world" and are "living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air," "fulfilling the evil desires of our sinful nature," and "carrying out the desires of the body and of the mind."

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

"It is the gift of God"

Some scholars believe "it" here refers to being saved. Other scholars believe that it is faith that is the gift of God. Because of how the Greek tenses agree, "it" here more likely refers to all of being saved by God's grace through faith.

Flesh

This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. The phrase "Gentiles in the flesh" indicates the Ephesians once lived without any concern for God. "Flesh" is also used in this verse to refer to the physical part of man. (See: flesh)

Ephesians 2

2:1-3

How is a non-Christian dead?

[2:1]

Paul spoke about non-Christians as if they were dead. They are “dead”(νεκρός/g3498) because of their sins. Non-Christians are spoken about as if they are dead because they are separated from God and because they have no hope. Dying is a type of separation. It separates the soul from the body. When a non-Christian dies, his soul is separated from God forever (see: Ephesians 4:18). Non-Christians were also considered to be without hope (2:12), that is, they would not be able to live together with God in heaven. Non-Christians are also considered dead because they inherited sin from their fathers, going all the way back to Adam and sin leads to death (see: Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23).

See: Sin; Soul

How do non-Christians live?

[2:2]

Paul talked about the way that non-Christians generally live. While Paul spoke about non-Christians in general, all non-Christians live in a way that does not honor God. They may dishonor very much or very little.

1. Non-Christians live in the same way that the “world” lives. In Scripture, this is a common metaphor. All sinful people are called the “world.” These people do not live in a way that honors God. This is because the rules of the world oppose all things that honor God (see: John 15:18-19; Colossians 2:8).

2. Non-Christians live in the way Satan wants them to live. In #v2, Satan is described as a ruler of the earth.

3. Paul described three different heavens. In ancient Israel, this was a common Jewish way of describing the universe. There are three heavens: the earth, the universe, and the place where God lives. In 2:2, Paul uses the word “air” as a metaphor for the first heaven, which is the whole earth.

4. Some scholars believe that Satan currently lives in a part of heaven, the place where God lives. This is because these scholars do not think that he has been removed from heaven yet (see: Revelation 12:7-9). In this heaven, he controls some of the angels, who are also called demons.

5. Non-Christians do the things that their “physical body” or “flesh”(σάρξ/g4561) wants to do. In Scripture, the flesh is a metaphor that means that non-Christians sin want to do things that do not honor God (see: Galatians 5:19-21).

6. Non-Christians do the things that their “mind” or “thoughts”(διάνοια/g1271) desires. In Scripture, the mind is a metaphor that means that non-Christians sin by following their sinful thoughts. Yet, they may believe that they are doing a good thing.

7. Non-Christians do not honor God with their actions. They do not need help to do this. This is normal for them.

See: Angel; Demon; World

Why is Satan described as a prince?

[2:2]

God is the ruler over everything. In Scripture, God is the king who rules all kings. Therefore, God is the ruler of the earth. However, Scripture also calls Satan the ruler of the earth. Since God is still ruler over Satan, Satan is called a “prince.” A prince is a person who rules under a king.

See: Satan (The Devil)

How are non-Christians “children of wrath”?

[2:3]

Non-Christians are called children of “wrath” or “God’s anger”(ὀργή/g3709). After becoming a Christian, a person becomes a child of God (see: 1 John 2:29). God created all people, but not all people are his children. Before believing in Jesus, non-Christians are children of the devil (see: 1 John 3:10). God will punish these evil people. God will punish their sin with of his wrath.

2:4-6

Why did God do great things for people who did not honor him?

[2:4]

God did great things for people who did not honor him. This is because God is kind to all people and does not always punish them, even when they deserve to be punished. He does this because he loves everyone, even when they do not honor him.

Fewer scholars think that God only loves non-Christians who will become Christians. They think God hates sinners (see: Psalm 5:5) and this type of kindness is only for those who become Christians.

How does God make Christians alive?

[2:5]

Paul spoke about Christians as if they are alive in a certain way. This is because Paul talked about non-Christians as if they are dead. After believing in Jesus, Christians become “alive.” Christians are now able to live in a new way, a way that honors God. They are no longer controlled by their desire to sin, that is, they do not have to do the evil things they want to do.

In 2:6, Paul also used the metaphor of waking up from sleeping. When God makes a Christian “alive,” it is as if they have woken up from sleep. This was also a way to describe someone who had risen or come back to life after they died.

See: Colossians 2:13

See: Resurrect (Resurrection); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration)

Why are Christians seated with Jesus in heaven?

[2:6]

Christians are seated with Jesus because believers are “in Jesus.” While Christians are not physically with Jesus at this time, heaven is their new “home” (see: Philippians 3:20). This means that they are to act as if they are from heaven, instead of the earth, which Paul said is evil. Some scholars think this refers to a future time when Christians will rule alongside of Jesus (see: 2 Timothy 2:11; Revelation 3:21). Other scholars think that Christians share in the victory over sin and Satan in their life (see: Ephesians 6:10-12; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

See: In Christ

2:7

What will God do in the future?

[2:7]

In the end, God’s plan is for Christians to honor him. It will display his favor and kindness, which is so great, it cannot be measured. In Scripture, everything serves God’s plan, which will one day reach its greatest or highest point. At its greatest point, God’s plan will be completed.

2:8-9

Does God give Christians what they deserve?

[2:8]

Paul said that God does not give Christians what they deserve. He gives them better than they deserve. This is because they believed in Jesus. They deserved punishment, but they get to live together with God forever. They cannot do anything to earn this. However, people need to believe in Jesus in order to receive this gift from God.

See: Romans 11:6; 2 Timothy; Titus 3:5

What is the gift of God?

[2:8]

Some scholars think that God delivering people from the punishment that came as a result of their sin is a gift from God. Other scholars think God’s gift is making people believe in Jesus. They believe this because they also think that non-Christians are unable to believe in Jesus, unless God makes them believe in Jesus. 2:10

Why does God save Christians?

[2:10]

Christians are God’s “works,” that is, God made all people. However, he also remakes all Christians or makes all Christians new when then believe in Jesus. They are now able to honor God in the way that they live. God is the one who does this. The reason that God has done this is so that Christians can do things that honor God.

Christians are not able to be saved by honoring God. Instead, it is because God has saved Christians that they are then able to live in a way that honors God. However, God must first save Christians.

There are specific things that Christians will do in their life that honor God. God knows what these specific things are, even before a Christian does them. Elsewhere, Scripture speaks about these actions as if God did them (see: Philippians 2:13). This is because God helps the Christian to live in a way that honors him.

Advice to translators: In this passage, “save” means to not be punished for their sins. When God saves a Christian, they will live together with God in heaven forever. It does not mean that they are save from some physical danger.

See: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Born Again (New Life, Regeneration); Walk

2:11-12

How were the Gentiles separated from God?

[2:12]

Paul reminded the Gentiles that they used to be separated from God. They were not part of the covenant God made with Abraham. Israel obeyed this covenant by circumcising their male children when they were 8 years old (see: Genesis 17:9-11).

Because they were not part of this, they were not part of the “people of God.” The Gentiles were called “uncircumcised.” However, this meant more than just “not circumcised.” It was a way to insult the Gentiles. The Jews hated the Gentiles because they did not honor God.

Paul talked about the different ways the Gentiles were separated from God. He told them to remember these things about how they used to be separated from God:

1. They did not have anyone to deliver them from difficult circumstances. Perhaps God would not help them.
2. They were not a part of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.
3. They were not able to inherit the promises God gave to Israel. God called them “strangers” or “foreigners” to God’s covenants. This is because they did not get to participate in these covenants or receive the blessings of these covenants.
4. They did not have any hope. Some scholars think they did not have hope that God would help them. Other scholars think that they did not have any hope that their future would be better.
5. They did not know about the God of Israel.
6. They were far away from God. Paul used this metaphor to explain that the Gentiles were not honoring God in anything that they did. Before they could honor God, they first needed to learn about God and learn about God could be honored. Only then could they try to honor God.

See: Covenant; Circumcise (Circumcision); People of God; Inherit (Inheritance, Heir)

2:13

How have things changed for Gentiles?

[2:13]

After Jesus’ death, things between the Gentiles and the God of Israel have changed. Now, God brought the Gentiles, who became Christians, close to him. Paul used this metaphor to explain that the Gentiles could now honor God. Some scholars think that this metaphor was originally used when a Gentile began to obey the Law of Moses. However, Paul used it in a different way because the Jews and Gentiles both became Christians.

See: Isaiah 57:19; Acts 2:39; 22:21

2:14-16

Are Jews and Gentiles equal in the church?

[2:14]

In the Church, Jews and Gentiles were joined together into one group. Because of this, they are considered equal. Before the church began, the Gentiles needed to follow the Jewish religion. They were evil and did not honor God. When Paul wrote, calling someone a Gentile was even considered an insult. Therefore, the Jews believed that they were far better than the Gentiles. In the church, being a Jew is not better than being a Gentile.

See: Church

What was the wall between the Jews and Gentiles?

[2:14]

Paul spoke about the Jews and Gentiles being separated as if it were a wall between them. The Jews and the Gentiles hated each other. This “wall” was a type of barrier between them. Some scholars think that the wall reminded people of the wall that physically separated the Jews and Gentiles in temple. Other scholars think that the wall reminded people of the curtain in the temple that separated the people from God. Still other scholars think that the wall reminded the people that they did not need to obey the Law of Moses.

See: Law of Moses

How did Paul talk about peace in this passage?

[2:15]

Paul uses the word “peace” several times in this passage. Jesus is peace, that is, he brings peace. He brings peace to the Jews and the Gentiles. Before, they hated each other. Jesus made them into one new group. This new group is spoken about as if it were a man because a man cannot be separated into two different people.

2:17-18

To whom did God give peace?

[2:17]

In Israel, it was common to talk about the Jews as if they were close to God. It was also common to talk about the Gentiles as if they were far from God (see: 2:13). God gave made it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be at peace with him.

In 2:17, God gave peace to those believe in Jesus. In Scripture, non-Christians are described as being at war with God (see: Romans 8:7). By believing in Jesus, they no longer fight against God.

Can Christians directly approach God?

[2:18]

Both Jews and Gentiles have been given the ability to speak to God without the need for another person who speaks to God for them. In Judaism, a person could not speak to God without a priest. The priest was the only person who could speak to God. The Gentiles needed the Jews, and the Jewish priests, in order to talk to God. After Jesus died, this changed. The curtain in the temple that separated God from man was torn (see: Matthew 27:51). Now, Jesus approaches God for people. No one else is needed for both the Jews and the Gentiles.

See: Priest (Priesthood)

2:19-22

How did Paul describe Christians?

[2:19]

Paul described Christians in different ways in this passage.

1. They are not “strangers” or “outsiders” and “aliens” or “foreigners.” These two words mean almost the same thing. Both of these words use the same metaphor of being a foreigner or outsider. God is not a foreigner to Christians. They now know about God. In addition to this, Christians are visitors or foreigners on the earth (see: Philippians 3:20). When they die, Christians will go to their new home in heaven.

2. They are “fellow citizens” or “citizens of the same nation.” This is the opposite of being strangers and aliens. Paul continued his metaphor and said that all Christians are from the same nation or tribe.

3. They are part of God’s family. This is a common metaphor in Scripture. All Christians are called children of God. In this passage, Paul indicated that the Christians join a group of all those who trust in God. All of these people are united as part of God’s family.

See: Children of God

How does the church resemble a building?

[2:20, 2:21, 2:22]

Paul spoke about the church as if it were building. This building was a temple.

1. The apostles served as the foundation of the building. They are the base upon which everything else is built or are themselves the base. They helped the church to grow.

Some scholars think that Paul walk talking about the apostles and prophets who lived when he lived. These were titles given to certain people. Everything that came after these people built upon the things they had done.

Other scholars think that the prophets could have been the prophets in Israel. They think that Paul wanted to remind people that the church came out of the Jewish religion.

Other scholars think that the church continues to have people who serve God as apostles and prophets. The apostles are people who God sends out to serve him. The prophets are people who God sends out to speak for him. 2. Jesus is the “cornerstone.” When making a building, the cornerstone is the stone that is the most essential part of the building and it is the first stone put in place. This stone guides every other part of the building so that it is the right place. This is what Jesus does for the church. He is also the one who holds the whole building together and helps it to grow. 3. The church is a temple. The church is made of Christians who try to honor God in the way that they live. The temple was a place where God was worshipped. Now, the church is where God is worshipped. He is worshipped when Christians live in a way that honors him (see: Romans 12:1). 4. The church is where the Holy Spirit lives.

See: Apostle; Prophet; Temple; Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 3

¹ For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— ² I assume that you have heard of the stewardship of the grace of God that was given to me for you. ³ The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. ⁴ When you read about this, you will be able to understand my insight into this mystery about Christ. ⁵ In other generations this mystery was not made known to the sons of men. But now it has been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ This hidden truth is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and they share the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

⁷ For I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given to me through the working of his power. ⁸ To me—although I am the least of all God's holy people—this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ⁹ and to bring to light for everyone the plan—the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ This plan was made known through the church so the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places would come to know the many-sided nature of the wisdom of God. ¹¹ This happened according to the eternal plan that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² For in Christ we have boldness and access with confidence because of our faith in him. ¹³ Therefore I ask you not to be discouraged because of my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

¹⁴ For this reason I bend my knees to the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power through his Spirit, who is in your inner person. ¹⁷ I pray that Christ may live in your hearts through faith and that you may be rooted and founded in his love, ¹⁸ in order that you might be able to understand, along with all God's holy people, what is the width, the length, the height, and the depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ, which goes beyond knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, according to his power that works in us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

"I pray"

Paul structures part of this chapter as a prayer to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is both praying for and instructing the church in Ephesus.

Special concepts in this chapter

Mystery

Paul refers to the church as a "mystery." The role of the church in the plans of God was once not known. But God has now revealed it. Part of this mystery involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God.

Ephesians 3

3:1-6

Why was Paul in jail?

[3:1]

Paul was in jail because he was a Christian. He did not do anything evil. The Romans believed that their gods brought them favor, made their empire very great, and gave them peace with other nations. When someone rejected their gods, or worshipped another god, he rejected the gods the Romans believe in, who helped their nation. Because of this, they rebelled against the gods and the nation. This caused the Romans to say that Christians were trying to cause problems for their nation. Perhaps this was why Paul was imprisoned.

What is the “mystery of Jesus”?

[3:3]

The “mystery of Jesus” was a certain part of God’s plan. People did not know about this part of God’s plan before Jesus told them about it. After Jesus came to the earth, he talked much about this because God wanted him to tell people more about God’s plans. Before, God hid this “mystery.” Now, Jesus has talked about this mystery and explained it to people.

Before Jesus came to the earth, people did not believe that the messiah would come to the earth to die for the sins of mankind. However, the Old Testament said that this would happen (see: Isaiah 53). They also did not believe that the Gentiles would be joined together with the Jews. However, Jesus said that this happened. They also did not believe that God would promise certain things to the Gentiles or that God would give them favor. Jesus said that this now happens.

Advice to translators: Translate “mystery” as your local translation does.

See: Galatians 1:11-12; Colossians 1:24-27

See: Messiah (Christ)

How was the “mystery” revealed by God?

[3:5]

God did not tell the prophets who lived during the Old Testament times everything about this “mystery.” Now in the New Testament times, God told the apostles and prophets to tell people more about this mystery. This was always part of God’s plan (see: 3:11).

See: 2:19-22

See: Apostle; Prophet; Gifts of the Holy Spirit

3:7

How did God make Paul someone who would teach others about the gospel?

[3:7]

God made Paul a “minister of” or “someone who would teach others about”(διάκονος/g1249) the gospel. This is how he served God. Paul wanted people to know that it was God’s choice to do this and not his own choice. Paul said that God gave him a gift of favor (see:3:2). Paul also said that God did this by the “working of his power” (see: 1 Corinthians 15:10).

3:8-10

Why did God want Paul to serve him?

[3:8]

Paul told the Christians in Ephesus that God had three reasons why he wanted Paul to serve him.

1. God wanted Paul to “preach” or “proclaim things about God”(εὐαγγελίζω/g2097) to the Gentiles. Part of Paul’s message was to tell the Gentile Christians about the “unfathomable riches” found in Jesus (see: Romans 11:33). Some scholars think that the word “unfathomable” means that Christians cannot know how great God is. Other scholars think that Paul taught about something that came from God and it could not be known without God’s help.

2. God wanted Paul to serve him in order to “shed light” on how God’s previously “hidden purpose”(μυστήριον/g3466) started to happen, that is, God wanted Paul to explain to people what God wanted them to know after the church began. This is also called a “mystery,” which hidden from the beginning of the world, and only God knew it. Perhaps Paul was thinking about the words he said in 1:4.

3. God wanted Paul to serve him by telling people about God’s wisdom. He spoke about God’s wisdom as if it were an object with many different sides, that is, God’s wisdom is complex and cannot be fully understood by man. God wanted the rulers or leaders in the world to know about his wisdom and he wanted Paul to tell them about it. God also wanted the “authorities” or “those who rule”(ἐξουσία/g1849) in the “heavenly places”(ἐπουράνιος/g2032) to do this.

See: Wise (Wisdom, Fool); Church; In Christ

Advice to translators: Translate “authorities in heavenly places” as your local translation does. A “being” is a living creature that is not a human being.

Who were the authorities in the heavenly places?

[3:10]

Scholars think that the “authorities or those who rule”(ἐξουσία/g1849) were good and evil beings. These beings did not live in this world, but somewhere in a “heavenly place”(ἐπουράνιος/g2032).

3:11-12

What did Jesus give to Christians?

[3:12]

Christians have many things because of Jesus:

1. Christians have “boldness, confidence, no fear, or no need to hide things from God”(g3954). Christians do not need to fear when they approach God. Christians can speak to God without needing to hide anything from God (John 7:26; 11:14).

2. Christians have “confident access to, confidence in, or trust in”(προσαγωγή/g4318) God (see: Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). Christians can go to God without worrying that he will punish them. This is because God said that they can come to him. Christians should trust the things that God says.

3:13

What did Paul want for the Christians in Ephesus?

[3:13]

Paul wanted the Christians in Ephesus not to “lose heart”(ἐγκακέω/g1573), that is, Paul did not want them to struggle because of his “tribulations, trials, or difficult circumstances”(θλῖψις/g2347). He had difficult circumstances for them (see: 3:1; Philippians 2:17). Instead, Paul wanted them to think about all of the things that he just said and all of the great things Jesus gave to them.

Paul also explained to them that he was “honored” to go through these difficult circumstances. This is because he was able to help them.

3:14-15

How did Paul pray?

[3:14]

Paul continues the prayer that he had started in 3:1. He also wanted people to think about what he said in 2:11-22.

Paul said, “I bend my knees to the Father.” Paul wanted to say that God was in control over everything in his life. He also wanted people to know that he was friends with God.

See: Philippians 2:10-11; Isaiah 45:23

Who did Paul pray for?

[3:14, 3;15]

Paul prayer for people all over the world. God created people and God cares for them. Perhaps Paul wanted people to think about how God loves both the Jews and the Gentiles and how God now saves both of them.

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins)

3:16-19

How did Paul ask God for something?

[3:16]

Paul asked God for something because he knew what God is like or how powerful God is. He described God as if God were rich, wealthy, too rich to be counted, perhaps he has much power. Or perhaps he is just very great in many different ways. He is so great, that it cannot be measured or counted

Paul asked God to give power to the Christians in Ephesus. What type of power is this?

[3:16]

Paul wanted God to “strengthen or make strong” the Christians with God’s power. This strength was to be given to the believers through the Holy Spirit. In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is the one who gives Christians power (see: Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5). Paul wanted Christians to have or use God’s power in the “inner person” (see: Romans 7:22; 2 Corinthians 4:16).

Advice to translators: Each culture will have a way to speak about the inner person. In English, the “heart” is used to describe what happens inside of a person, that is their thoughts.

See: Inner Person

How does God make Christians strong?

[3:16]

Paul speaks about Christians growing and becoming strong as if they were a tree growing deep roots. They are “grounded”(θεμελιόω/g2311) in love, that is, they often love other people and God. They have done this for a long time. This type of love only comes from God.

Some scholars think that Christians are to get better at loving other people and loving God in every possible way. This is what Paul wanted to say when he talked about height, width, and depth. Other scholars think that Paul wanted to say that Christians are to know about God’s power. Still other scholars think that Paul wanted to say that Christians needed to know more and more about how much Jesus loves people.

How are Christians to be filled with God?

[3:19]

Paul often spoke about the Holy Spirit being in Christians, and being “filled” with the Holy Spirit when they obey God. Perhaps here, Paul wanted the Christians to be completely full of the Holy Spirit, that is, completely obedient to God. He wanted the Christians to live in a way that honors God.

See: Filling of the Holy Spirit

3:20-21

How did Paul end his prayer?

[3:20, 3:21]

When Paul said, “Now to Him…,” he is praising God, that is, Paul honored God. He knows that God has done something, he has answered Paul’s prayer. Paul honored God when he said that God is able to or can do more than a Christian could ask him to do. Perhaps Paul said that God can do more than a Christian can even think. While some may think that Christians can think about anything, God can actually do more things than people can even think about. The phrase, “far beyond” means that God can do anything.

Because of this, God deserves to be honored by “everyone” or “all generations”(γενεά/g1074). This was true then, and it is true now, and it will always be true.

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 4

¹ I, therefore, as the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthily of the calling by which you were called. ² I urge you to live with great humility and gentleness and patience, bearing with one another in love. ³ Do your best to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling. ⁵ And there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ and one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ⁷ To each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. ⁸ It is as scripture says:

     "When he ascended on high,

     he led the captives into captivity,

     and he gave gifts to the people."

⁹ What is the meaning of "he ascended," except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is the same person who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. ¹¹ Christ gave some to be apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers ¹² to equip God's holy people for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, so that we become mature and reach the measure of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ Christ builds us up so that we should no longer be children who are tossed back and forth by the waves, carried away by every wind of doctrine and by the trickery of people in their deceitful schemes. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ Christ builds the whole body, and it is joined and held together by every supporting ligament, and when each part works together, that makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

¹⁷ Therefore, I say and insist on this in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They have become shameless and have committed themselves to sensuality, and they practice every kind of uncleanness with greed. ²⁰ But that is not how you learned about Christ. ²¹ I assume that you have heard about him, and that you were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. ²² You were taught to put off what belongs to your former manner of life, to put off the old man. It is the old man that is corrupt because of its deceitful desires. ²³ You were taught to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on the new man that is created in the image of God—in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore, get rid of lies, and let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. ²⁷ Do not give an opportunity to the devil. ²⁸ The one who had been stealing must steal no longer. Instead, he must labor, working at what is good with his hands, so that he may have something to share with those who are in need. ²⁹ Do not let any harmful talk come out of your mouth. Use only words that are good for the edification of those who need it, so that your words give grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, for it is by him that you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Put away all bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and insults, along with every kind of evil. ³² Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 8, which is quoted from the Old Testament.

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual gifts

Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. These spiritual gifts were foundational to developing the church. Paul lists here only some of the spiritual gifts. (See: faith)

Unity

Paul considers it very important that the church is united. This is a major theme of this chapter.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Old man 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.

Ephesians 4

4:1-3

How does Paul want Christians to live?

[4:1, 4:2, 4:3]

Paul really wanted all Christians to live in a way that honored God. In Ancient Near East, people expected that a person would live in a way that would bring honor to their leader or someone they followed. Paul wanted to say that when Christians do the right things, they honor God. When a person believes in Jesus, God becomes his leader, so he needs to live the way Paul wrote about. (see: 1:4, 18; Philippians 1:27).

In order to do this, Christians must do these things:

1. They should be humble. A Christian should not think that they are greater than they are. When someone is humble, they are not impressed when other people think that they are great or tell them that they are great. They do not have too much pride.
2. They should be gentle or mild. This does not mean that a Christian is weak. Instead, a Christian controls the way he does something. He does not do things because of some bad feeling. He is not cruel or severe to others.
3. They should be patient. Christians are to wait and expect God to do something because he said he will do it.
4. They should endure. A Christian must keep doing the right things even if bad things are happening to them. They do this because they love other Christians and want to serve them.

Paul wanted Christians to do everything that they could to remain united, joined together, one group in the Spirit. While the Spirit joins all Christians together into one group, Christians need to work to remain friends with other Christians.

See: Ancient Near East; Call (Calling)

4:4-6

How else did Paul speak about Christians being joined together in this passage?

[4:4, 4:5, 4:6]

In these verses, Paul used the word “one” many times. He wanted all Christians to work together to be friends. This is called “unity.”

Paul often wrote about all Christians as if they were part of one “body.” He wrote that all Christians as a group form "one" body, not many bodies. He also used this word to describe how all Christians should have the same purpose and trust in God, even though they are all different as people.

Paul wrote that there is one “spirit” (see: 2:18). This is the Spirit of God, who gathers all Christians into the one body. The Holy Spirit and God the Father work together perfectly. In the same way, Christians are to work together.

Paul said the body of believers have one “hope”(ἐλπίς/g1680) that is, Christians are completely certain that God will do good things He has promised (see: 1:11-12; 1 John 3:2-3; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 10:23; 1 Peter 1:13).

Next, Paul said that Christians are joined together because there is one “Lord” or “master”(κύριος/g2692), Jesus. He is also the ruler over all Christians (see 1:22-23). All Christians serve the same master.

When Paul wrote about one “faith”, he wanted Christians to know that all Christians believe the same thing, Jesus.

Paul also wrote about one baptism. However, Paul did not mean the physical act of water baptism. Paul used the word baptism as a metaphor to mean that in some way God sees the believer as if they had been buried with Christ and also raised to a new life with Jesus. This means that God has given believers an ability to live in a way that pleases God. (see: Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12).

Finally, Paul wrote that there is one God and Father of everyone. Paul used the word "above" to talk about God's great power and the permission he has to rule everything. Paul then said that God works through everyone. Paul wanted his readers to think about how God accomplishes part of His purposes because believers willingly obey him (see: 2:10). Paul said that God is in everyone. He meant that the Holy Spirit works in all believers (see: John 14:16-17; 1 John 3:24; 4:13).

See: Baptize (Baptism); Call (Calling); Body of Christ

4:7-10

How does Jesus help all believers to serve God?

[4:7]

Paul wrote that God gives every believer favor or a gift in the amount that Jesus chooses. Jesus gives the gift and he decides how much of the gift each believer will receive (see: Romans 12:3-6). Paul wants his readers to know that God has given each believer a gift so they can perform a serve God in a special way (see: Romans 12:6-8).

What did Paul mean when he wrote about Jesus coming down and going up?

[4:9]

Paul wrote that Jesus “came down” and also “went up.” In Scripture, heaven is often described as being “up.” When Jesus came from heaven, he went “down” to earth. Then, Jesus went back “up” to heaven. Some scholars think that Paul was speaking about Jesus coming down when he was born. Other scholars think that Paul was speaking about Jesus coming down at Pentecost. At Pentecost, the Spirit of God came “down” upon people and gave them certain gifts (see: Acts 2:1-6).

Paul further wrote that Jesus went “up” so that He might fill all things, that is, when Jesus went up, God gave him permission to rule over the entire world. Therefore, he had the right to give gifts just as he wanted.

See: Pentecost

4:11

What special gifts does Jesus give for His body, all believers?

[4:11]

In this verse, Paul wrote that Jesus gave Christians different gifts to serve him and the church (see: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31). Jesus gives these gifts to “build up” other Christians, that is, to serve other Christians and help them to live in a way that honors God.

See: Church; Gifts of the Holy Spirit

4:12-13

Why does God give these particular gifts?

[4:12]

Paul wrote that God calls all Christians to use their gifts people to serve him until all believers become “mature or grown” (τέλειος/g5046). Paul did not want to talk about growing in size. Instead, he wanted to say that Christians grow to become more like Jesus in the way they live.

See: Gifts of the Holy Spirit

4:14-16

What is the result that Paul wanted readers to think about?

[4:15]

Paul often spoken about people who were not “mature” or “grown”(τέλειος/g5046) as if they were young children. In 4:14, Paul talked about immature believers using the metaphor of a boat. When a boat is being sailed by a person who does not know how to control it, the boat will be moved by the waves and the wind. It will go places that the people in it do not want to go. In the same way, when someone is not mature, they go the wrong places. Perhaps Paul wanted to say that a believer who is not mature can be tricked into accepting the false things that other people teach (see: 5:6-13).

Paul then wrote about how “mature” Christians should act. He wrote about “speaking the truth”(ἀληθεύω/g0226) with love (see: Galatians 4:16). When believers become more mature, they talk and live more like Jesus lived. They help other people to know about the love of Jesus. Like he had written earlier in Ephesians, Paul once again wrote that Christ is the head, meaning where the body is guided from (see: 1:22-23).

Paul then wrote that in Christ the “whole body,” that is, all Christians are “joined”(συναρμολογέω/g4883) and “held together”(συμβιβάζω/g4822) (see: 2:19-22). God brought together all people who believe in Jesus, whether they are Jews or Gentiles (see: 2:13-22). All Christians are joined together because they each serve God and other Christians in a special way.

Advice to translators: Someone who is a “mature” Christian is a Christian who lives in a way that honors God. A Christian who is not mature is “immature.”

See: Gifts of the Holy Spirit

4:17-19

How did Paul describe the way unbelievers act?

[4:17, 4:18, 4:19]

In 4:1-3, Paul wrote that Christians should live in a way that honors God. In these verses, he wrote that Christians must stop living in the way Gentiles lived. Paul wrote about how unbelieving Gentiles behave in several ways.

1. Unbelievers do not know much about God. This means they cannot do things to serve God or do things that will please God (see: Romans 1:21-23).
2. The unbeliever’s hearts are in a spiritual and moral darkness, that is, they do not understand things about God because they cannot see him and they do not understand how to live in a way that honors God. Most scholars think that this darkening of their minds keeps them from being able to know about God.
3. The unbeliever's life is separated from God because of the unbeliever's ignorance. However, they do not just lack information about God. They reject God. Paul spoke about this as if their hearts were becoming hard (see: Romans 1:18-23).
4. Finally, Paul talked about the unbeliever losing all feeling of God and what is right, that is, they choose to make themselves feel good instead of trying to please God. They want to do this. They want to do wrong things and to do evil things.

Advice to translators: Unbelievers are people who do not believe in Jesus, or who reject Jesus.

See: Gentile

4:20-21

How do Christians learn more about Jesus?

[4:20]

Paul wrote about Christians understanding or learning more about Jesus in a way that is much better than how unbelievers can think or know anything. In the New Testament, only Paul wrote about “learning Jesus” and he only wrote about it here in 4:20. Christians are to know about Jesus in the way you know another person. When a Christian knows Jesus in this way, he wants to live in a way that pleases Jesus.

4:22-24

What did Paul mean when he wrote about the old self and the new self?

[4:22, 4:23, 4:24]

Paul wrote about how believers "learn more about Jesus" using the metaphor of changing clothes. He wrote about the way that Christians used to live as if it were putting off or taking off a piece of clothing called the “old self.” He also wrote about the way Christians are now to live as if they were “putting on”(ἐνδύω/g1746) a new piece of clothing called the “new self.”

Paul also told Christians to be “renewed”(ἀνανεόω/g0365) in the way they think, that is, to think about how they are to live in a new way. Paul wanted them to honor God, not to live how they used to live before they believed in Jesus.

See: Old and New Self

4:25

What change did Paul write that believers should make in how they talk?

[4:25]

Paul wrote that Christians need to change the way they talk to other people. They are to “putting on” the new self and not tell lies or speak falsely in any way. In their old self, Christians used to follow Satan, who is the father of lies (see: John 8:44). However, the Holy Spirit gives Christians the power to follow the Holy Spirit instead of Satan.

See: Old and New Self

4:26-27

What did Paul write to the believers about anger?

[4:26]

Paul quoted from Psalm 4:4 and wrote that in the believer, anger should be not sin. Although a Christian may get angry, he should make sure he does not commit any sin because of that anger.

Paul also wrote that believers must be at peace with other people, even after they are angry with them. Paul wanted to say that when it can hurt a Christian to remain angry with someone.

4:28-30

How are believers taught to speak to one another?

[4:29]

Paul already wrote that Christians should not lie (see: 4:25). Now in these verses, he wrote more strongly that Christians are not to say any “unwholesome” or “corrupt”(σαπρός/g4550) words or ideas.

Christians should speak in a way that “builds up” other people. When a believer speaks like this, they bless or give a great gift to the people who hear them.

Advice to translators: Some cultures use the metaphor of a wall to talk about the way people speak to one another. The things people say can “build up” a person. They can also “tear down” a person.

How do Christians grieve the Holy Spirit?

[4:30]

Paul wrote that believers must not “grieve”(λυπέω/g3076) the Holy Spirit of God. One way they do this is to speak in a way that was wrong or evil (see: Isaiah 63:10; Acts 5:1-10).

4:31-32

What changes did Paul write that a believer needs in his life?

[4:31, 4:32]

Paul concludes the things that Paul was talking about. Paul wanted Christians to change the way they live. God gave the Holy Spirit to Christians to help them to do this.

Some changes are things the believer needs to put away. That is, a person must let the Holy Spirit remove these things from them. Paul started with the inner attitudes of the believer and ended with his outward actions. The bad things that need to be removed are:

1. “Bitterness”(πικρία/g4088)- This means any attitude of resentment (see: Hebrews 12:14-15).

2. “Anger” (ὀργή/g3709) and “fierce-anger”(θυμός/g2372)- Some scholars think that these two words mean two different things. They think fierce-anger as a sudden, violent action, but anger is inside a person, they think in a certain way. Other scholars think that the two words mean the same thing, one type of anger causes the other type of anger.

3. All “shouting”(κραυγή/g2906) and “abusive speech”(βλασφημία/g0988). Shouting is when a person talks in a way that is very loud. Abusive speech is an evil way of speaking. It includes insults, gossip, lying, and cursing.

4. “Hatred”(κακία/g2549). This is all types of evil actions that toward other people. Some scholars think that all of the things that Paul talked about are all ways a person can show that they hate other people.

However, Paul also talked about how a Christian can live in a way that honors God and be at peace with one another.

1. With “kindness”(χρηστός/g5543)- Kindness means being genuine, pleasant and nice to other people. This is one of the “fruit of the Spirit” (see: Galatians 5:22). Paul also wrote about the kindness God showed to believers (see: 2:7).

2. “Tender-hearted” or “compassionate”(εὔσπλαγχνος/g2155)- Christians to care for other people in both how they think and in the things that they do (see: Colossians 3:12). Jesus did this for Christians (see: Matthew 9:36).

3. “Forgiveness”(χαρίζομαι/g5483). Christians should forgive one another because God forgave them (see: 1:7-12; 2:4-10).

See: Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 5

¹ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as also Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But sexual immorality or any kind of uncleanness or of greed must not even be named among you, for these are improper for God's holy people. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness, no foolish talk, and no crude jokes—all of which are improper. Instead there should be thanksgiving. ⁵ For you know and are certain that no sexually immoral, impure, or greedy person—that is, an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore, do not join in with them. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ¹⁰ and test and approve what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Do not associate with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² For it is disgraceful even to mention the things they do in secret. ¹³ But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. ¹⁴ For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

     "Awake, you sleeper,

     and arise from the dead,

     and Christ will shine on you."

¹⁵ Look carefully how you walk—not as unwise but as wise. ¹⁶ Redeem the time because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that leads to reckless behavior. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, ²⁰ always giving thanks for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father, ²¹ being subject to one another in reverence for Christ.

²² Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is the head of the church, himself the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶ so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ so that he might present the church to himself as glorious, without stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless. ²⁸ In the same way husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and treats it with care, just as Christ nourishes and treats the church with care, ³⁰ because we are members of his body. ³¹ "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." ³² This hidden truth is great—but I am speaking about Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless, each of you also must love his own wife as himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 14.

Special concepts in this chapter

Darkness and Light

In this chapter Paul teaches how God's people should live. He uses the image of darkness to represent sin and the image of light to represent righteousness.

Christ and his church as a model for marriage

Paul teaches husbands and wives to relate to each other as Christ and the church relate to each other.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wives, submit to your husbands

Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.

Ephesians 5

5:1-2

Why did Paul tell Christians to imitate God?

[5:1]

Paul wanted Christians to live in a way that honors God (see: 4:17-32). Paul told the Christians that they needed to imitate God. That is, they need to do the things that God does, closely follow God, or do the things that God wants them to do in Scripture. When they do this, they teach other people about what God is like. Also, Paul explained that learning to imitate God is something Christians must always do. Christians must never stop learning to live in the way God wants them to live.

How did Paul tell Christians to imitate God?

[5:1, 5:2]

Christians imitate God by loving all people. Paul used a Greek word for a certain type of love. When someone loves in this way, they want to do good for the people they love without wanting anything from them. This is how Christians should love one another. Jesus loves all people with this type of love, and he showed it by dying for all people. Christians are to love all people in the same way Jesus loves all people.

See: Atone (Atonement)

Why did Paul tell Christians to love all people?

[5:2]

Paul told Christians to love all people. This is because:

1. Christians must love all people because God made them his children (see: 1:5; 2:19; Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:35-36).

2. Christians must love all people because Jesus loves them. Jesus loved other people by serving them and even dying for them. In the same way this made God happy, it will also make God happy when Christians love in the same way Jesus did. (see: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Romans 3:21-26).

See: Adopt (Adoption)

What is fragrant aroma?

[5:2]

See: Fragrant Offering (Aroma)

What warnings did Paul write to Christians?

[5:3, 5:4]

Paul wrote many warnings to Christians. He wrote about the things Christians are not to do or say (see: Colossians 3:5-8; Galatians 5:19-21).

1. Paul said Christians are not to have sex for money, have sex with people of the same gender, have sex with anyone other than their spouse, or have sex with someone in their family (see: 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9, 16; Matthew 5:28).

2. Paul also told Christians that “impurity”(ἀκαθαρσία/g0167) of any kind is not to be found in them. That is, they are never to do things that dishonor God. Instead, God wants all Christians to honor him by their actions (see: 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8). He wants Christians to be holy because he is holy (see: 1 Peter 1:16). They are not even to talk about impure things.

3. Paul said that Christians must not talk using “obscenity”(αἰσχρότης/g0151), foolish talking”, or “harmful ridicule”(εὐτραπελία/g2160). Some scholars think this means making jokes about sex in ways that dishonor God or joking about doing anything that dishonors God. Other scholars think that Paul did not want Christians to talk in any way that does not help another person. That is, speech that insults or mocks another person does not honor God. Instead, Paul wrote that Christians need to live a life that gives ‘thanks”(εὐχαριστία/g2169) in the way they talk and what they do. That is, they are thankful to God and live in a way that shows God they are thankful. Paul also wrote about the difference between gratitude and doing what does not honor God in the Book of Romans (see: Romans 1:21).

5:5

What did Paul say happened to those who did not listen to his warnings in 5:3-4?

[5:5]

Paul told Christians that those who did not follow his warnings can not have an “inheritance” in the kingdom of God. He said there were three types of people who can not have a place in God’s kingdom:

1. The sexually immoral person. That is, a person who has sex with someone whom they are not married to.
2. The impure person. That is, a person who does things that do not honor God.
3. The covetous person. That is, a person who wants things that are not theirs.

Paul wrote that a person who does any of these things worships an idol. That is, they were really worshipping something or someone other than God. Paul wanted his readers to know that people who live their lives in this way cannot have any inheritance in God’s kingdom.

Paul wrote “for you can be sure of this” to make Christians give special attention to what happened to those who did not follow his warnings in 5:3-4. Some scholars think Paul wrote these words because he wanted them to remember what he already told them while he was with them. Other scholars think Paul really was giving a command to these Christians. Paul wanted them to obey what he wrote.

See: Idolatry (Idol); Inherit (Inheritance, Heir); Sexual Immorality; Kingdom of God

5:6-7

Who are “sons of disobedience”?

[5:6]

The “sons of disobedience” are people who disobey God.

What did Paul say about God’s anger on those who did not obey Paul’s warnings?

[5:6]

Paul wrote that God must punish the “sons of disobedience.” That is, people who live in ways that do not honor God. Paul told Christians that God becomes very angry when people do the things Paul wrote about in 5:3-5. Because of his anger for people not honoring him, God will punish these “sons of disobedience.” Some scholars think that God will punish sin in the future. Other scholars think that God is punishing it now and in the future (see: Romans 1:18-32; 2:5-6).

Also, Paul told Christians not to let “empty words” from the sons of disobedience make them sin. People who speak “empty words” are those who make excuses for the bad things they do, and they say that God will not punish them for those things. Paul told Christians that listening to empty words

Paul ended his warning by telling Christians not to do the things that the sons of disobedience do. That is, Christians are not to do things that do not honor God.

What is the command Paul gave believers?

[5:7]

Paul commanded Christians not to allow anyone to deceive them with “empty words.” That is, Paul wanted to write about a person who makes excuses for doing evil things. This person speaks empty words because they are not true and are against what God wants.

Paul warned Christians that God becomes very angry when people do what Paul wrote about in 5:3-5. Paul called people who persistently behave in these ways the “sons of disobedience.” Some scholars believe that God will show his strong anger sometime in the future. Other scholars believe that God is showing his strong anger now, and will also show it in the future (see: Romans 1:18-32; 2:5-6).

Paul concluded his warning by stating that Christians must not join with the sons of disobedience. This means that Christians must not behave like or associate with people who behave like this.

5:8-14

What did Paul say about the things people thought and did?

[5:8, 5:9, 5:10, 5:11]

Paul used the metaphor of darkness to talk about the things that those who do not believe in Jesus do. In 5:3-6, Paul talked about things a person of darkness does. Now in 5:11-12, Paul wrote that a person of “darkness” does things that do not honor God. Also, because they do not want others to see them doing these things, they only do these things when they are alone.

Paul then talks about Christians as “light in the Lord” and “children of light.” Paul told Christians to think about things and to do things that show others God's light. That is, Christians follow God's commands to show others God’s light. When Christians follow God’s commands, the light of God is shown in their lives in three ways:

1. “Goodness”(ἀγαθωσύνη/g0019)- This means that a believer in Jesus does only what is good, honors God, and they give to others. This is the opposite of non-Christians. That is, people who are sexually immoral, impure, or greedy in other ways are in darkness (see: 5:3).
2. Living in the right way- This means that Christians do the things God wants. This is the opposite of people who do impure or covetous things (see: 5:3 and 5:5).
3. Truth- This means that a believer in Jesus only says what is true, and they do everything God says. Christians are to speak and act in the way God wants them to live. This is the opposite of people who lie and do not do what God wants (5:6).

Paul also said that the believer in Jesus is a person who “find out” the things that the Lord wants. That is, Christians carefully think about the things they do and the things they think about to know if it is what God wants from them. Paul writes about proving in other letters as well (see: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 1:9-11).

Paul wrote that Christians must not do the things that those who are in darkness do. That is, they must not do things that do not honor God. Also, Paul said that they must “expose” the things that those in darkness do, that is, they make them known. Some scholars think that Christians expose these things by always following God's commands. These scholars think Paul was saying that when non-Christians see the things Christians do and do not do, they see that the things they are doing themselves are wrong. Other scholars think that what Christians say or do not say also exposes the things that those in darkness do. These scholars also think that Paul wanted to talk about Christians who have gone back to doing the things that dishonor God.

See: Metaphor; Sexual Immorality; Light and Darkness (Metaphor)

How does Paul speak about sleeping and death?

[5:14]

In 5:14, some scholars think that Paul used the metaphors of sleep and death to talk about those who did not believe in Jesus. He wanted to say that those who did not believe in Jesus needed to “wake up” from the dead. That is, those who did not believe in Jesus needed to know that the way they thought and the things they did were wrong. They needed to believe in Jesus, change the way they thought, and change the things they did.

Other scholars think Paul used the metaphors of sleep and death to talk about Christians. That is, Christians who do things that do not honor God need to wake up and stop sinning, because sin makes them like dead people (see: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6).

See: Metaphor; Sleep (Metaphor)

5:15-20

What did Paul tell Christians about wisdom and the Holy Spirit?

[5:15, 5:18]

In 5:15-20, Paul wrote that Christians must do things that are wise. When Christians learn, know, and do the things God wants them to do, they are wise. Paul wanted Christians to not do what was unwise. He already wrote about God giving wisdom to Christians (see 1:7-10, 1:17). Then, he wrote that Christians needed to use the wisdom God gave them to understand what God wanted them to do (see: 5:17).

One way a Christian uses wisdom is by “making the most” of his time. Paul wanted Christians to know that their lives are not long. If they are wise, they will do what honors God while they are alive. Wise Christians will not do deeds of darkness. That is, they will not do things that do not honor God. Paul wrote that the “days are evil” (see: 5:16) That is, the world is filled with evil people. Christians are to be wise and not do the same things that those who are not Christians do.

Paul told Christians not to get drunk because this will make them do things that are unwise. Instead, Christians must always be filled with the Holy Spirit. This will help them to do what honors God. People will be able to know when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit because of the way they talk and the way they worship God. This person will give thanks to God for everything in their life, even the bad things. The person filled with the Holy Spirit knows that all things in life work together for his good (see: Romans 8:28).

Next, Paul wrote commands in 5:19-6:9 for the person filled by the Holy Spirit to follow.

See: Filling of the Holy Spirit

5:21

What did Paul say to Christians about submission?

[5:21]

Paul wrote that Christians need to “submit”(ὑποτάσσω/g5293) to one another. That is, Christians are to willingly obey one another. Also, Paul wanted Christians to know that they all need to obey, worship, and respect Jesus. So, Christians are willing to obey each other because they want to do the things that Jesus told them to do.

See: Submit (Submission) 5:22-24

What did Paul write to wives?

[5:22, 5:23, 5:24]

Paul told wives to “submit”(ὑποτάσσω/g5293) to their own husbands like they submit to Jesus. That is, the wife first submits to Jesus, whom God has made the leader over all believers. This does not mean that a wife is her husband’s property (see: Galatians 3:27-28). Instead, God has also designed marriage so that the husband is the leader over his family in the same way that Jesus is the leader over all Christians. Whatever God leads the husband to do, the husband leads his family to do the same. But Jesus is the leader over the husband. In this way, the family is like the church. Because the wife sees the order of God’s design for the family, she wants to submit to it.

5:25-33

What did Paul write to husbands?

[5:25]

Paul commanded that husbands need to love their wives. He used a certain Greek word for “love.” This means a husband says and does what will honor his wife. Paul used the metaphor of Jesus living and dying for sinners to talk about the love a husband is to have for his wife (see: 5:2; John 10:11-17; 15:12-13). Jesus willingly sacrificed himself for all Christians because he loves them. In the same way, the husband must be willing to sacrifice the things he wants or needs, even his life, for his wife's good.

In 5:28, the word “should” or “ought”(ὀφείλω/g3784) means the husband has a duty to his wife. So, the husband must have unconditional love for his wife. That is, a husband is to love his wife even if she does not submit to him or does what is not good to him. Because of this love, the husband “nourishes”(ἐκτρέφω/g1625) and “cherishes”(θάλπω/g2282) his wife like Jesus nourishes and cherishes all Christians. Paul wrote these words because he wanted husbands to know that they are to care for their wives like God takes care of his children.

Paul’s final instructions for marriage are found in 5:33. He again commanded husbands to love their wives as much as they love themselves. And in 5:33, he told wives to “respect”(φοβέωg5399) her husband in the same way she does for Jesus.

Some scholars think Paul’s instructions came directly from 5:31-32. That is, Jesus has made Christians a part of his body in the same way that a husband and wife become one person when they marry. A husband is to love his wife in the same way that he loves himself because she is now a part of his own body in the same way Christians are a part of the body of Jesus. And, in the same way that all Christians are to honor Jesus, the head of their Christian body, the wife is to honor her husband, the head of their joined body.

See: Marriage; Body of Christ; Children of God

Why did Jesus sacrifice himself?

[5:25, 5:26, 5:27]

Paul wrote that Jesus sacrificed himself to “sanctify” all believers in Jesus. That is, Jesus’ sacrifice makes Christians acceptable to God and sets them apart for God (see: 5:8-9; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 10:10).

Also, Jesus cleansed all believers. That is, he made Christians acceptable to God. Jesus served the punishment for their sin. Paul did not say that Christians would not sin anymore during their lives. But because Jesus died, God can see Christians as if they were never sinners.

Paul said that Jesus cleanses and sanctifies all Christians by washing them with the water of the word. That is, when people hear the gospel and believe in it, they are cleansed and set apart for God.

Finally, Paul wrote that Jesus did these things so that all Christians will be with God. Jesus will take them for a great and beautiful gift at the end of the world. God wanted to do this for those who trust in him, even before the beginning of the world (see: 1:4).

See: Gospel; Clean and Unclean; Atone (Atonement)

What did Paul say about marriage in 5:31-32?

[5:31, 5:32]

In 5:31-32, Paul said that God created marriage to be like the love Jesus has for all believers. He also said that in the same way Jesus is joined to all believers, a man and woman join together in marriage.

When Paul wrote instructions to husbands about marriage he quoted from an Old Testament passage (see: Genesis 2:24). When God created people, God made the first woman from one of Adam’s ribs. Then Adam said, “this one is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (see: Genesis 2:23). He said this because the woman came from a part of his body. Also, he said this because he and the woman are to live their lives together like they are one person instead of two people. The husband and wife will leave their parents homes, and they will become united in a new family.

Paul called this a “mystery.” In the Bible, a mystery is something that people did not understand. But, when Jesus came to earth, people began to understand. So, in 5:31-32, Paul wanted Christians to know that marriage should be like the way Jesus loves those who believe in him and how Christians are to love each other.

See: Mystery

ULB Translation Questions

Chapter 6

¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is proper. ² "Honor your father and mother" (which is the first commandment with promise), ³ "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." ⁴ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. Instead, raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

⁵ Slaves, be obedient to your masters according to the flesh with deep respect and trembling, in the honesty of your heart. Be obedient to them as you would be obedient to Christ. ⁶ Be obedient not only when your masters are watching, in order to please them. Instead, be obedient as slaves of Christ, who do the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve with all your heart, as though you were serving the Lord and not people, ⁸ because we know that for whatever good deed each person does, he will receive a reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.

⁹ Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them. You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the scheming plans of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and after you have done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, by which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit. To this end, always be watching with all perseverance as you offer prayers for all God's holy people. ¹⁹ And pray for me, that a message might be given to me when I open my mouth. Pray that I might make known with boldness the hidden truth about the gospel. ²⁰ It is for the gospel that I am an ambassador who is kept in chains, so that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

²¹ Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you may know how I am doing. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are, and so that he may encourage your hearts.

²³ Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be to all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love.

Ephesians 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches about working to please God whether as a slave or as a master. What Paul teaches here about slavery would have been surprising. In his time, masters were not expected to treat their slaves with respect and not threaten them.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Armor of God

This extended metaphor describes how Christians can protect themselves when spiritually attacked.

Ephesians 6

6:1-4

What did Paul tell children?

[6:1, 6:2, 6:3]

Paul told children that they must “obey”(ὑπακούω/g5219) their parents “in the Lord.” That is, they are to honor their parents in the same way they honor God. They are to do this by obeying their parents. Paul wanted them to know that what God told Christians to do is right because God said to do those things (see: Exodus 20:12).

Paul repeated the Old Testament command that children must honor their father and mother (see: Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16). Also, Paul wrote that this command came with a promise from God (see: Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus taught that Christians must love and respect all people. He said that this is the second greatest command. Paul wanted Christians when they honored their father and mother, they learned to respect all people. Paul told Christians that God blesses those who follow this command. Also, it will help them to live a long life on the earth.

See: Hope

What did Paul tell fathers?

[6:4]

Paul told Christian fathers to remember that the Holy Spirit fills them (see: 5:18). He told fathers that the Holy Spirit helped them teach their children about God and how to do what honors him (see: Colossians l3:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

See: Filling of the Holy Spirit

6:5-9

What did Paul tell slaves?

[6:5, 6:6, 6:7]

Paul commanded slaves to obey their masters (see: Colossians 3:22-25). He said that slaves needed to serve their masters in three ways:

1. Slaves needed to honor their masters. This verse used the same word for “submit” used in 5:21. That is, slaves were to submit to their masters in the same way they submit to other Christians.
2. Slaves needed to do their work well.
3. Slaves needed to serve their masters in the same way they served Jesus. Paul wrote to slaves who were Christians. Non-Christians do not serve Jesus.

Paul told slaves to work with “enthusiasm”(εὔνοια/g2133) because their work was for Jesus. Slaves must not do their work to “attract attention”(ὀφθαλμοδουλία/g3787) or to “impress people”(ἀνθρωπάρεσκος/g441). Paul told Christians that God will bless all of his servants who do their work well.

When Paul was alive, many people were slaves. Some of these slaves became Christians. Paul wanted Christian slaves to think about how to please God while they were slaves. Paul did not say that slavery was good. But he wanted all Christians to know that doing what honors God is the most important thing for them to do.

What did Paul tell masters?

[6:9]

Paul wrote that masters must be fair, honest, and respectful to their slaves (see: Colossians 4:1). If they obey Paul’s command, masters do not need to threaten slaves to make their slaves obey them.

Paul wanted Christian masters to remember that God is the master of everyone. God does not show “favoritism.” That is, God all people, even slaves and masters, in the same way (see: Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:10-11).

6:10-17

How did Paul tell Christians to be strong?

[6:10]

Paul commanded Christians to be strong. Because he knew the enemies of God attack Christians, Paul commanded Christians to be ready for these attacks.

Paul told Christians to “put on the whole armor of God.” Paul used the metaphor of a soldier wearing his armor to talk about how Christians prepared for attacks from their enemies. By wearing the “whole armor of God,” Christians get ready to fight against the enemies of God in the same way soldiers get ready to fight their enemies (see: 6:11).

Paul also commanded Christians to “stand firm.” That is, Paul wanted Christians to know that the enemy cannot cause Christians to sin against God (see: 4:27).

Paul told Christians that their strength came from God. This means Christians must not think they can fight against the devil by themselves. Instead, Christians must get their strength from the Holy Spirit to fight the devil.

Paul wrote that Christians must use all of the armor of God. This allows Christians to win against the enemies of God. Paul wanted Christians to know that they must always be prepared for all types of spiritual battles. That is, battles they know about and those battles that they do not know about.

Some scholars think that the “time of evil” in 6:13 is talking about a time in the future. A time when God allows a lot of evil on the earth before Jesus comes back to earth. Other scholars think that Paul wanted to talk about the entire Christian life. That is, a Christian’s life from the time he believed in Jesus until he died. Other scholars think Paul wanted to say that spiritual attacks come at different times and at different strengths in a Christian’s life.

See: Metaphor; Spiritual Warfare

6:12

What causes spiritual battles?

[6:12]

Paul wrote that Christians do not fight against people. Instead, they fight against the spiritual world. That is, Paul wanted Christians to know they fought Satan and against beings that cannot be seen. Paul wrote that Christians fought against three things:

1. Beings who ruled and “authorities”(ἐξουσία/g1849)- Paul wanted Christians to know that there are some beings, which cannot be seen, who fight against Jesus and have some permission to do things that affect people on earth (see: Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

2. “Powers”(κοσμοκράτωρ/g2888) over this present darkness- Again, Paul spoke of about beings who were not from the earth. They do the things that Satan wants them to do. They exist to do only evil things to people. Paul used the metaphor of darkness in 6:12 to tell Christians what Satan wanted to do in the world. He wanted to say that Satan affected people in an evil way because God allowed him to.

3. “Spiritual forces”(πνευματικός/g4152) of evil in the heavenly places- Paul wrote that all beings, even those in heaven, must fight against evil. Spiritual battles happen everywhere, not just on earth. Paul used the word “wickedness” to say that they try to get others to do what is evil. That is, doing things that do not honor God and his commands.

See: Spirit (Spiritual); Metaphor; Satan (The Devil);Light and Darkness (Metaphor)

6:13-17

What is the armor of God?

[6:13, 6:14, 6:15, 6:16, 6:17]

Paul used the metaphor “armor of God” to tell Christians that they needed to wear protection. In the same way armor protects soldiers in battle, the armor of God protects Christians against the enemy’s attacks.

Paul wrote that different pieces make the armor of God. Paul wanted Christians to know that they must wear all of these pieces everyday. Without this armor, they cannot fight against the enemy, that is, Satan. Paul wrote about six pieces of armor that the Christian must wear:

1. The “belt of truth”- Paul used the metaphor of a belt to tell Christians that they must always “wrap” themselves in truth. That is, they must always speak truthfully. The belt of a Roman soldier held all the pieces of their armor together at their waist. In the same way the soldiers belt held their armor together, the belt of truth holds the Christian together. That is, Christians must know and speak things that are truth. God’s word is true. The Bible is God's word. When Jesus prayed to the God the Father he said, “your word is truth” (see: John 17:17). Christians must read and study the Bible. This allows them to learn the truth and be changed by the truth (see: Romans 12:2). Also, when Christians know the true things taught in the Bible, they know what is true and what are lies.

2. The “breastplate of righteousness”- In the days of Jesus, Roman soldiers wore a hard piece of armor over their chest called a breastplate. This piece of armor protected their most important part of the body against attack from the enemy. Paul used the metaphor of a soldier’s breastplate to tell Christians that in the same way this piece of armor protects the soldier's heart, God protects the spiritual heart of Christians. That is, it keeps them from believing in the enemy’s lies.

3. “Shoes for your feet, put on the readiness”- Paul used the metaphor of shoes to tell Christians to stand strong in Jesus. That is, Christians are to keep doing the things that God wants them to do. The shoes of a Roman soldier had long spikes on the bottom to keep their feet from slipping. In the same way these shoes kept soldiers from being moved, the shoes of readiness keep the Christian from moved away from God and the things that he taught. By standing strong in Jesus, Christians have peace. In order to stand strong in Jesus, Christians must never forget the truth of the gospel.

4. The “shield of faith”- A Roman soldier's shield provided complete protection for the soldier against enemy arrows and swords. In the same way, believing in Jesus completely protects Christians. This protects Christians against the devil’s evil plans (see: 1 Peter 5:8-9). Paul used the words “flaming arrows” to tell Christians about the different ways the devil attacks. In the same way the soldier’s shield protects them against their enemy’s arrows, so the shield of faith protects Christians against the devil’s arrows. Believing in Jesus keeps the enemies attacks from hurting Christians.

5. The “helmet of salvation”- The helmet protected the soldier’s head from attack. In the same way the helmet protected the soldier’s head, so does the helmet of salvation protect the Christian. God saves all Christians. Perhaps this helmet protects Christians from the lies that the enemy tells Christians about how God saves them (see: 2:5; Isaiah 59:17).

6. The “sword of the spirit”- The Roman soldiers used their swords to attack their enemy and to block the enemies sword. Paul wanted to say that the “word of God” is a spiritual sword given to Christians by the Holy Spirit. Believers use the Bible to defend themselves against wrong ideas about God and replace these wrong ideas with the truth. Jesus used the word of God. During Jesus’ temptation by Satan, Jesus used the word of God to both defend and attack (see: Luke 4:1-13).

See: Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins) ; Metaphor; Gospel; Heart (Metaphor); Word of God

6:18-20

How did Paul tell Christians to pray?

[6:18, 6:19]

Paul told Christians to pray all of the time and in all kinds of ways. They are to pray with other people and by themselves. They are to pray in front of other people and by themselves. Paul wrote that Christians pray in the Spirit. That is, Christians pray with the power of the Holy Spirit and can talk with God directly (see: Romans 8:26-27).

Some scholars think Paul wanted to say that the armor of God can only be put on by prayer. Fewer scholars think that wearing the helmet and carrying the sword needed prayer because Paul had just written about those pieces. Fewer scholars think Paul wanted Christians to pray before using the entire armor of God. This allows them to do the things God wants them to do.

Paul wrote that Christians must always be alert or ready (see: Luke 21:34-36). This allows them to always be ready for spiritual battles. That is, they are ready to battle against Satan and the enemies of God whom they cannot see. In order to be ready for spiritual battle, Christians must continue to pray at all times.

Also, Paul wrote Christians must pray for one another as well as for Paul himself (see: 1 Peter 5:8-9). So, he asked the believers in and around Ephesus to pray for him. Paul knew he needed God's help to do what God wanted him to do. So he asked the Christians to pray that he continue to tell others people about the gospel bravely and clearly.

See: Gospel

6:21-22

How did Paul let the believers know about his circumstances?

[6:21]

Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus with this letter. Paul was in prison in a house near Rome. Paul was unable to leave because he was being guarded. However, Tychicus was not in prison. He followed Paul. So, Tychicus went to Ephesus with the letter. Tychicus also told Christians in Ephesus about Paul’s imprisonment. Most scholars think that Tychicus also took the other letter Paul wrote to the Colossians.

6:23-24

How is the ending of this letter similar to Paul’s other letters?

[6:23, 6:24]

In the Ancient Near East, it was common to end a letter with a blessing. Paul did this in many of his letters. These blessings included peace (see: Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 13:11). Paul prayed for God to love the people reading this letter (see: 1 Corinthians 16:24; 2 Corinthians 13:14) and for God to increase their trust in Jesus (see: Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23). Finally, Paul said that God blessed those who love Jesus.

See: Ancient Near East; Bless (Blessing)

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"