Who’s who
Every person, place and word the Story explains: how to say it, what it is, and the chapters it appears in. In a chapter, tap a dotted name to see its card.
A
A brother-in-law’s duty
When a man died without children, his brother was to marry the widow, and their first son would count as the dead man’s son.
Gen 38:8; Deut 25:5–6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land
A father’s blessing
Words a father spoke over his son before he died, asking God to give him good things. In Genesis, once given, it could not be taken back.
Gen 27:4, 33–37
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau
A jealous God
God, who will not share his people’s worship with any other god.
Ex 20:3–5; 34:14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God
A mother in Israel
An honored name for a town that mattered to all of Israel.
2 Sam 20:19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Aaron
Say it: AIR-un
Moses’ older brother, from the family of Levi, a good speaker, sent by God to speak for Moses. God made him and his sons Israel’s priests. Hebrews speaks of “the order of Aaron.”
Ex 4:14–16; 7:7; 28:1; Heb 5:4; 7:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Abaddon
Say it: uh-BAD-un
A name used beside Sheol for the place of the dead. It means “Destroyer” or “destruction”. In Revelation, the angel of the abyss, king over the locusts, has the name “Abaddon” in Hebrew and “Apollyon” in Greek.
Job 26:6; 28:22; Prov 15:11; Rev 9:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Abanah
Say it: AB-uh-nuh
One of the rivers of Damascus. Naaman said it and the Pharpar were better than all the waters of Israel.
2 Kgs 5:12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman
Abarim
Say it: AB-uh-rim
Mountains in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; Mount Nebo is one of them. The Lord told Moses to go up and see the land from there.
Num 27:12; 33:47–48; Deut 32:49
In the Story: The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Abba
Say it: AB-uh
The word Jesus used in his prayer in Gethsemane: “Abba, Father.” Paul writes that believers received the Spirit “by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” The World English Bible’s note: Abba is a Greek spelling for the Aramaic word for “Father” or “Daddy” used in a familiar, respectful, and loving way.
Mark 14:36; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6
In the Story: Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation
Abdon
Say it: AB-don
The son of Hillel, from Pirathon, who judged Israel eight years. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy young donkeys.
Judg 12:13–15
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Abednego
Say it: uh-BED-nee-goh
Azariah, one of Daniel’s three friends from Judah, whom the Babylonians named Abednego.
Dan 1:6–7; 3:12–30
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Abel
Say it: AY-bul
Adam and Eve’s second son, a shepherd, killed by his brother Cain.
Gen 4:2–8
In the Story: Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Abel Meholah
Say it: AY-bel meh-HOH-luh
A town in Israel, the home of Elisha son of Shaphat. When Gideon routed the Midianites, they fled as far as its border.
1 Kgs 19:16; Judg 7:22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice
Abel Mizraim
Say it: AY-bel miz-RAY-im
A place beyond the Jordan where Jacob was mourned. Its name sounds like the Hebrew for “mourning of Egypt”.
Gen 50:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Abel of Beth Maacah
Say it: AY-bul · beth MAY-uh-kuh
A town in the far north of Israel.
2 Sam 20:14–15; 1 Kgs 15:20
In the Story: The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Abiathar
Say it: uh-BY-uh-thar
A priest who escaped to David when Saul had the priests of Nob killed.
1 Sam 22:20–23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath
Abib
Say it: AY-bib
The month Israel came out of Egypt, in spring. God made it the first month of their year.
Ex 12:2; 13:4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses
Abiezer
Say it: ay-bih-EE-zer; Abiezrite: ay-bih-EZ-rite
A clan, or family group, of the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon’s family belonged to it, and its people were called Abiezrites.
Josh 17:2; Judg 6:11, 24, 34
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Abigail
Say it: AB-ih-gayl
Nabal’s wife, a wise woman who stopped David from taking revenge. After Nabal died, she became David’s wife.
1 Sam 25:3, 23–42; 2 Sam 3:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Abihu
Say it: uh-BY-hyoo
Aaron and Elisheba’s second son.
Ex 6:23
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Abijah
Say it: uh-BY-juh
King Jeroboam’s son, who fell sick and died as his mother came home. The prophet Ahijah said he alone of Jeroboam’s family would be buried, because something good toward the Lord was found in him. Not Samuel’s son Abijah, or Rehoboam’s son.
1 Kgs 14:1–18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah
Abijah
Say it: uh-BY-juh
In David’s time, when the priests of Aaron’s family were divided into their turns of service by drawing lots, the eighth lot came out to Abijah. Zacharias was a priest of the division of Abijah. Not Samuel’s son Abijah, King Jeroboam’s son, or Rehoboam’s son.
1 Chr 24:1–10, 19; Luke 1:5
In the Story: Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple
Abijah
Say it: uh-BY-juh
Samuel’s second son. Samuel made him and his brother Joel judges in Beersheba, but they took bribes and twisted justice.
1 Sam 8:1–3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations
Abijam
Say it: uh-BY-jum
A king of Judah, Rehoboam’s son by Maacah, called Abijah in 2 Chronicles. Rehoboam made him chief prince among his brothers, meaning to make him king, and after his father he reigned three years in Jerusalem.
1 Kgs 14:31; 15:1–8; 2 Chr 11:20–22; 12:16; 13:1–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Abimelech
Say it: uh-BIM-uh-lek
A king of Gerar. Genesis names a King Abimelech of Gerar in the stories of both Abraham and Isaac.
Gen 20:2; 21:22; 26:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau
Abimelech
Say it: uh-BIM-uh-lek
A son of Gideon by his concubine in Shechem, who killed his brothers and made himself king. Not the king of Gerar in Genesis.
Judg 8:31; 9:1–57
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba
Abinadab
Say it: uh-BIN-uh-dab
A man of Kiriath Jearim whose house on the hill held the ark after the Philistines sent it back. Not Jesse’s son Abinadab.
1 Sam 7:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Abinadab
Say it: uh-BIN-uh-dab
Jesse’s second son, one of David’s older brothers, who went with Saul to the battle with the Philistines. (Not the Abinadab whose house held the ark.)
1 Sam 16:8; 17:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant
Abinoam
Say it: uh-BIN-oh-am
Barak’s father.
Judg 4:6; 5:1, 12
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Abiram
Say it: uh-BY-rum
A son of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben. With his brother Dathan he rose up against Moses with Korah, and the ground swallowed them.
Num 16:1, 12–14, 25–33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Abishag
Say it: AB-ih-shag
A beautiful young woman from the town of Shunem, brought to take care of King David when he was old. After David died, Adonijah asked to marry her.
1 Kgs 1:3–4; 2:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Abishai
Say it: uh-BISH-eye
Joab’s brother, one of David’s commanders.
2 Sam 18:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Abner
Say it: AB-ner
Ner’s son, the commander of Saul’s army. After Saul died, he made Saul’s son Ishbosheth king.
1 Sam 14:50; 2 Sam 2:8–9; 3:27
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Abomination
Say it: uh-bom-ih-NAY-shun
Something disgusting and hateful. In John’s vision, the woman on the scarlet beast held a golden cup full of abominations, and the name on her forehead called her the mother “of the abominations of the earth.” Into the holy city will in no way enter “one who causes an abomination or a lie.”
Rev 17:4–5; 21:8, 27
In the Story: The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
The abomination of desolation
Say it: uh-bom-ih-NAY-shun of des-uh-LAY-shun
Words Jesus used: “the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place”; in Mark, “standing where it ought not”.
Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14
In the Story: Jesus, 51: The End of the Age
Abraham
Say it: AY-bruh-ham
The name God gave Abram, because he would be the father of many nations.
Gen 17:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Abraham’s bosom
Say it: AY-bruh-hamz BOOZ-um
In the story Jesus told of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus, the place where the angels carried Lazarus when he died, and where he was comforted.
Luke 16:22–25
In the Story: Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Abram
Say it: AY-brum
Terah’s son, Sarai’s husband. God later gave him the name Abraham.
Gen 11:26–31; 17:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Absalom
Say it: AB-suh-lum
King David’s son, born in Hebron.
First named in 2 Sam 3:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two
The abyss
Say it: uh-BISS
The place where, in Luke, the demons in the man among the tombs begged Jesus not to command them to go. In Revelation, smoke went up out of its pit “like the smoke from a burning furnace,” and the locusts had over them as king “the angel of the abyss.”
Luke 8:31; Rom 10:7; Rev 9:1–11; 11:7
In the Story: Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Acacia
Say it: uh-KAY-shuh
A tree that grows in the desert, with hard wood.
Ex 25:5, 10
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
Accad
Say it: AK-ad
One of the first towns of Nimrod’s kingdom, in Shinar.
Gen 10:10
Achaia
Say it: uh-KAY-uh
A region where Corinth was. Gallio was its proconsul when Paul was brought before him.
Acts 18:12, 27; 2 Cor 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Achan
Say it: AY-kan
A man of the tribe of Judah who took things from Jericho that were devoted to the Lord, and was put to death for it.
Josh 7; 22:20
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Achiacharus
Say it: ak-ee-AK-uh-rus
Tobit’s nephew, the son of his brother Anael, whom King Sarchedonus put over all the accounts of his kingdom, second only to himself. He provided for Tobit when Tobit went blind; Aman, whom he had brought up, did him great harm, but he was saved.
Tob 1:21–22; 2:10; 11:18; 14:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Achior
Say it: AY-kee-or
The leader of the children of Ammon in Holofernes’ army, who told him Israel’s story and warned him that their God would defend them.
Jdt 5:5–21; 6:10–21; 14:10
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Achish
Say it: AY-kish
The king of Gath, a Philistine city, whom David went to when he fled from Saul.
1 Sam 21:10; 27:2; 29:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
Achsah
Say it: AK-suh
Caleb’s daughter. Caleb gave her as a wife to Othniel, who took Debir, and she asked her father for springs of water.
Josh 15:16–19
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Adah
Say it: AY-duh
One of Lamech’s two wives. She gave birth to Jabal.
Gen 4:19–21
Adam
Say it: AD-um
The first man, whom God shaped from the dust of the ground.
Gen 2:7; 3:17; 5:1–5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Adam
Say it: AD-um
A city beside Zarethan, up the Jordan valley. When Israel crossed the Jordan, the water coming down the river rose up in one heap a great way off, at Adam.
Josh 3:16
In the Story: The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan
Adar
Say it: AY-dar
The twelfth month of the year. God’s house in Jerusalem was finished on its third day; in Esther its thirteenth day was set for destroying the Jews, and Purim is kept on its fourteenth and fifteenth days.
Ezra 6:15; Esth 3:7, 13; 9:1, 17–21
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Adasa
Say it: AD-uh-suh
The place where Judas camped with three thousand men and defeated Nicanor’s army on the thirteenth day of Adar.
1 Macc 7:40–45
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Adida
Say it: AD-ih-duh
A town in the plain country that Simon built and made strong, with gates and bars. He camped there when Tryphon came to invade Judah.
1 Macc 12:38; 13:13
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Admah
Say it: AD-muh
One of the cities near Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses names it among the cities the Lord overthrew in his anger.
Gen 14:2; Deut 29:23
In the Story: The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life
Adoni-Bezek
Say it: uh-DOH-nee BEE-zek
A man the tribes of Judah and Simeon fought at Bezek. He had cut off the thumbs and big toes of seventy kings, and when they caught him they did the same to him.
Judg 1:5–7
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Adoni-Zedek
Say it: uh-DOH-nye-ZEE-dek
A king of Jerusalem in Joshua’s time, who brought four other kings of the Amorites to attack Gibeon.
Josh 10:1–5
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still
Adonijah
Say it: ad-oh-NY-juh
David’s son by Haggith, who tried to make himself king when David was old.
2 Sam 3:4; 1 Kgs 1:5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Adoniram
Say it: ad-oh-NY-rum
King Solomon’s official in charge of the forced labor: the men made to work for the king.
1 Kgs 4:6; 5:14
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Adoram
Say it: uh-DOR-um
The official in charge of forced labor: people made to work for the king.
2 Sam 20:24
In the Story: The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two
Adrammelech
Say it: uh-DRAM-uh-lek
A son of Sennacherib king of Assyria. He and Sharezer killed their father with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. Not Adrammelech, the god of the people of Sepharvaim (2 Kings 17:31).
2 Kgs 19:37; Isa 37:38
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Adriel
Say it: AY-dree-el
Adriel son of Barzillai the Meholathite. Saul’s older daughter Merab was given to him as his wife, though Saul had promised her to David.
1 Sam 18:19; 2 Sam 21:8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Adullam
Say it: uh-DUL-um
A town in the hill country west of Bethlehem.
Gen 38:1; 1 Sam 22:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Adultery
Say it: uh-DUL-tuh-ree
When a married person sleeps with someone who is not their husband or wife.
Ex 20:14; Lev 20:10
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Aeneas
Say it: ih-NEE-us
A man at Lydda who had been bedridden for eight years because he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” and immediately he got up.
Acts 9:33–35
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus
Afflict your souls
The World English Bible’s words in Leviticus 16 for what Israel was to do on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23 says “afflict yourselves” and “deny yourselves”). To afflict here means to bring low or humble; “your souls” means yourselves. Leviticus doesn’t say how it was done.
Lev 16:29, 31
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters
Agabus
Say it: AG-uh-bus
A prophet who came down from Jerusalem to Antioch and made known through the Spirit that there would be a great famine all over the world; it happened in the days of Claudius. At Caesarea, “a certain prophet named Agabus” came down from Judea and bound his own feet and hands with Paul’s belt.
Acts 11:27–28; 21:10–11
In the Story: The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Agag
Say it: AY-gag
A king Balaam names: Israel’s king will be higher than Agag. Later, in Saul’s time, a king of the Amalekites is named Agag.
Num 24:7; 1 Sam 15:8
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Agagite
Say it: AY-guh-gite
What the book of Esther calls Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews (“Haman the Agagite”). The book does not explain the name.
Esth 3:1, 10; 8:3, 5; 9:24
In the Story: The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 13: Purim
Ahab
Say it: AY-hab
A king of Israel, the son of Omri, who married Jezebel and served Baal.
1 Kgs 16:29–33; 22:37–40
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh
Ahasuerus
Say it: uh-haz-yoo-EER-us
The king who reigned over 127 provinces, from India to Ethiopia, from his palace in Susa, and who made Esther his queen.
Esth 1:1–2; 2:16–17
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim
Ahasuerus
Say it: uh-haz-yoo-EER-us
The father of Darius the Mede. The book of Daniel says nothing more about him.
Dan 9:1
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Ahasuerus
Say it: uh-haz-yoo-EER-us
A king named in Ezra 4:6. At the beginning of his reign, an accusation was written against the people living in Judah and Jerusalem.
Ezra 4:6
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid
Ahasuerus
Say it: uh-haz-yoo-EER-us
A king named with Nebuchadnezzar at the very end of Tobit, as taking Nineveh captive. The book says nothing more about him.
Tob 14:15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Ahava
Say it: uh-HAY-vuh
A place with a river running to it, also called the river Ahava. Ezra gathered the people going up with him from Babylon there; they camped three days and fasted before setting out for Jerusalem.
Ezra 8:15, 21, 31
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
Ahaz
Say it: AY-haz
A king of Judah, Jotham’s son, who did not do what was right in the Lord’s eyes and sent to the king of Assyria for help.
2 Kgs 16:1–20; Isa 7:1–12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Ahaziah
Say it: ay-huh-ZY-uh
A king of Israel, Ahab’s son, who fell through a lattice and sent to ask Baal Zebub whether he would recover. Not Ahaziah king of Judah.
1 Kgs 22:51–53; 2 Kgs 1:2–17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire
Ahaziah
Say it: ay-huh-ZY-uh
A king of Judah, the son of Jehoram and Athaliah, who reigned one year. Jehu’s men struck him down. Not Ahaziah king of Israel.
2 Kgs 8:25–29; 9:27–28
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Ahijah
Say it: uh-HY-juh
A priest with Saul’s army, who wore the ephod: the son of Ahitub and a great-grandson of Eli. Saul told him to bring God’s ark.
1 Sam 14:3, 18–19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Ahijah
Say it: uh-HY-juh
A prophet from Shiloh who tore his new cloak into twelve pieces and told Jeroboam he would rule ten tribes. Not Ahijah the priest in Saul’s time.
1 Kgs 11:29–39; 14:1–18
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Ahikam
Say it: uh-HY-kum
Ahikam son of Shaphan, one of the men King Josiah sent to ask the Lord about the book found in the Lord’s house. Later he stood by Jeremiah, so that Jeremiah was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
2 Kgs 22:12–14; 2 Chr 34:20; Jer 26:24
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Ahimaaz
Say it: uh-HIM-ay-az
Zadok’s son.
2 Sam 15:27
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Ahiman
Say it: uh-HY-mun
One of three descendants of Anak who were at Hebron when the twelve men explored Canaan.
Num 13:22; Josh 15:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Ahimelech
Say it: uh-HIM-uh-lek
The priest at Nob who gave David holy bread and Goliath’s sword. Saul had him and the other priests of Nob killed.
1 Sam 21:1–9; 22:9–19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
Ahimelech
Say it: uh-HIM-uh-lek
A priest in David’s time, named as the son of Abiathar, from the family of Aaron’s son Ithamar; 1 Chronicles 18:16 calls him Abimelech. Not Ahimelech the priest of Nob, who was Abiathar’s father.
2 Sam 8:17; 1 Chr 18:16; 24:3, 6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Ahimelech the Hittite
Say it: uh-HIM-uh-lek
One of the men with David while he was hiding from Saul. Not Ahimelech the priest.
1 Sam 26:6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Ahinoam
Say it: uh-HIN-oh-am
One of David’s wives, from Jezreel, and the mother of his first son, Amnon. (Saul’s wife had the same name.)
1 Sam 25:43; 27:3; 30:5; 2 Sam 3:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Ahinoam
Say it: uh-HIN-oh-am
Saul’s wife, the daughter of Ahimaaz. Not David’s wife Ahinoam.
1 Sam 14:50
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Ahithophel
Say it: uh-HITH-uh-fel
David’s counselor, from the town of Giloh. People treated his advice as if it came from God.
2 Sam 15:12; 16:23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Ahitub
Say it: uh-HY-tub
Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli the priest. His son Ahijah was a priest with Saul.
1 Sam 14:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Ai
Say it: AY-eye
A town near Bethel.
Gen 12:8; Josh 7:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Aijalon
Say it: AY-juh-lon
A town in the land the lot gave to the tribe of Dan. Joshua told the moon to stop in the valley of Aijalon.
Josh 10:12; 19:42; 21:24
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Akeldama
Say it: uh-KEL-duh-muh
The field Judas got with the reward for his wickedness. Peter says that in the language of those who lived in Jerusalem it was called Akeldama, that is, “The field of blood.”
Acts 1:18–19
In the Story: The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Alabaster
Say it: AL-uh-bas-ter
A pale stone carved into jars for ointment. Mark tells of an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of pure nard.
Luke 7:37; Matt 26:7; Mark 14:3
In the Story: Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper
Alcimus
Say it: AL-sih-mus
The leader of the lawless and ungodly men of Israel, who wanted to be high priest. King Demetrius made him high priest and sent him with Bacchides; 2 Maccabees says he had been high priest before.
1 Macc 7:5–25; 9:54–57; 2 Macc 14:3–13, 26
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Alexander
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-der
A man whom the Jews put forward out of the crowd at Ephesus during the riot. He motioned with his hand and was about to make a defense to the people, but when they saw that he was a Jew, they all cried out for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Not the Alexanders of the books of the Maccabees.
Acts 19:33–34
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Alexander
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-der
Alexander Epiphanes, called the son of Antiochus, who took Ptolemais and reigned there, and made Jonathan high priest. Not Alexander the Macedonian.
1 Macc 10:1–21; 11:1–17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Alexander
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-der
A man Paul names with Hymenaeus in a letter to Timothy, among those who made a shipwreck of the faith. Paul writes that he delivered them to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Tim 1:19–20
In the Story: The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Alexander
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-der
Alexander the Macedonian, the son of Philip, who came out of the land of Chittim, defeated Darius king of the Persians and Medes and reigned over Greece; before he died he divided his kingdom among his servants.
1 Macc 1:1–8; 6:2
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Alexander the coppersmith
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-der
A worker in copper who, Paul wrote to Timothy, caused him a lot of harm and greatly opposed “our words.” Paul wrote that the Lord will repay him according to his deeds, and told Timothy to beware of him.
2 Tim 4:14–15
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Alexandria
Say it: al-ig-ZAN-dree-uh
A city on the coast of Egypt. Some of its people in Jerusalem argued with Stephen, Apollos was an Alexandrian, and Paul sailed on ships of Alexandria.
Acts 6:9; 18:24; 27:6; 28:11
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 31: Rome
Algum wood
Say it: AL-gum
A wood Solomon asked King Huram of Tyre to send from Lebanon for the Lord’s house; later Hiram’s ships brought it from Ophir, and Solomon made pillars (2 Chronicles says terraces), harps and other stringed instruments from it. 1 Kings calls it almug; the World English Bible’s note says it was possibly an Indian sandalwood.
2 Chr 2:8; 9:10–11; 1 Kgs 10:11–12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Allegory
Say it: AL-uh-gor-ee
A story in which people and things stand for something more. Of Abraham’s two sons, Paul writes, “These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants.”
Gal 4:24
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
The Almighty
A name of God. In Hebrew it is Shaddai, as in El Shaddai, “God Almighty”. In Revelation, the Lord God is the one “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Job 5:17; Gen 17:1; Rev 1:8; 4:8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Alms
Say it: AHMZ
Gifts given to help the poor; almsgiving is the giving of them.
Sir 3:30
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord
Aloes
Say it: AL-ohz
Plants or trees with a sweet smell, used for perfume. Balaam compares Israel’s tents to aloes the Lord has planted.
Num 24:6; Ps 45:8
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · Jesus, 56: The Cross
The Alpha and the Omega
Say it: AL-fuh and oh-MAY-guh
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In Revelation the Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” and later the words come again: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” and “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Altar
A raised place, often of stones or earth, where offerings were made to God.
Gen 8:20; Ex 20:24–25
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Amalek
Say it: AM-uh-lek
A grandson of Esau. His descendants, the Amalekites, were a people of the desert south of Canaan.
Gen 36:12, 16; Ex 17:8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Amalekites
Say it: AM-uh-leh-kites
A people of the desert south of Canaan, descended from Amalek, Esau’s grandson. Genesis 14 names their country by the name it had later.
Gen 14:7; 36:12
Aman
Say it: AY-mun
A man Tobit spoke of in his last words. Achiacharus had raised him, but Aman brought him out of the light into darkness; in the end Aman fell into the trap and died.
Tob 14:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Amasa
Say it: uh-MAY-suh
Joab’s cousin, whom Absalom made commander of his army.
2 Sam 17:25
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Amaziah
Say it: am-uh-ZY-uh
A king of Judah, the son of Joash and the father of Uzziah, who became king after his father was killed. Not Amaziah the priest of Bethel.
2 Kgs 12:21; 14:1–22; 2 Chr 25; 26:1–4
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Amaziah
Say it: am-uh-ZY-uh
The priest of Bethel in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash. He reported Amos to the king and told him to go away to Judah. Not King Amaziah of Judah.
Amos 7:10–17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Ambassador
Say it: am-BAS-uh-dur
Someone sent to speak for a king or a people. Paul wrote, “We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ,” and called himself “an ambassador in chains.”
2 Cor 5:20; Eph 6:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 34: One Body
Amen
Say it: ay-MEN
A word people say to agree with what has just been said. After each curse the Levites called out, all the people were to answer, “Amen.” In the letters, prayers and praises end with “Amen.”
Deut 27:15–26; Rom 1:25; Gal 1:5; Rev 22:20
In the Story: The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Amminadab
Say it: uh-MIN-uh-dab
The father of Nahshon, the leader of the tribe of Judah, and of Elisheba, Aaron’s wife.
Ex 6:23; Num 1:7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Ammon
Say it: AM-un
The children of Ammon, or Ammonites: the descendants of Lot’s son Ben Ammi. The Lord gave them their land east of the Jordan, by the river Jabbok.
Gen 19:38; Deut 2:19, 37
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Ammonites
Say it: AM-uh-nites
The descendants of Ben Ammi, the son of Lot’s younger daughter. They lived east of the Jordan, and their border was strongly guarded.
Gen 19:38; Num 21:24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Amnon
Say it: AM-non
David’s oldest son.
2 Sam 3:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Amon
Say it: AM-un
A king of Judah, Manasseh’s son, who did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes. After he had reigned two years, his servants killed him in his own house.
2 Kgs 21:18–26; 2 Chr 33:20–25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Amon of No
Say it: AH-mun of NOH
A name in the Lord’s word against Egypt. The Lord says he will punish Amon of No, together with Pharaoh, Egypt, and her gods and her kings.
Jer 46:25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Amorites
Say it: AM-uh-rites
One of the peoples who lived in Canaan.
Gen 10:16; 15:16, 21
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Amos
Say it: AY-mus
A herdsman of Tekoa who also grew sycamore figs. The Lord took him from following the flock and sent him to prophesy to Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel.
Amos 1:1; 7:10–17; Tob 2:6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit
Amphipolis
Say it: am-FIP-uh-lis
A place Paul and those with him passed through, with Apollonia, on the way to Thessalonica.
Acts 17:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Amram
Say it: AM-ram
Levi’s grandson, the father of Aaron and Moses.
Ex 6:18–20
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
An offering
A gift brought to God.
Gen 4:3–4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Exile, 18: The Last Vision
The Anakim
Say it: AN-uh-kim
The descendants of Anak, a people in Canaan known for being tall and strong.
Num 13:22, 28, 33; Deut 1:28; 2:10–11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Ananias
Say it: an-uh-NY-us
A disciple at Damascus, a devout man well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there. The Lord sent him in a vision to Saul, and when he laid his hands on Saul, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. Not Sapphira’s husband, and not the high priest Ananias.
Acts 9:10–18; 22:12–16
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Ananias
Say it: an-uh-NY-us
The high priest who ordered those standing by to strike Paul on the mouth when Paul stood before the council, and who came down with some elders and the orator Tertullus to accuse Paul before Felix the governor. Not Sapphira’s husband, and not the disciple at Damascus.
Acts 23:2–5; 24:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Ananias
Say it: an-uh-NY-us
A man who, with his wife Sapphira, sold a possession, kept back part of the price, and brought the rest to the apostles. When Peter asked him why he had lied to the Holy Spirit, he fell down and died. Not Ananias of Damascus or Ananias the high priest.
Acts 5:1–6
In the Story: The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
Anathoth
Say it: AN-uh-thoth
A town in the land of Benjamin given to the priests. Abiathar the priest had his fields there, and Solomon sent him there.
Josh 21:17–19; 1 Kgs 2:26
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Ancient of Days
What Daniel’s vision calls the one who sat on a throne of fire, with clothing white as snow and hair like pure wool, when the books were opened.
Dan 7:9–10, 13, 22
In the Story: Exile, 11: Four Beasts
Andrew
Say it: AN-droo
Simon Peter’s brother, a fisherman and one of the twelve apostles, who had first heard John the Baptizer and followed Jesus.
John 1:40; Matt 4:18; 10:2
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Andronicus
Say it: an-druh-NY-kus
A man of high rank whom King Antiochus left as his deputy. At Menelaus’s request he lured Onias out of a sanctuary and killed him, and the king put him to death for it. Not the Andronicus left at Gerizim.
2 Macc 4:31–38
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Andronicus
Say it: an-druh-NY-kus
A governor King Antiochus left at Gerizim to make the people suffer. Not the Andronicus who killed Onias.
2 Macc 5:23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Aner
Say it: AY-ner
An Amorite, a brother of Mamre and Eshcol, and one of Abram’s allies.
Gen 14:13, 24
Angel
A messenger from God.
Gen 19:1, 15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
The angel of the Lord
One who speaks for the Lord. In Genesis 16:13 the text calls him the Lord who spoke to Hagar.
Gen 16:7–13
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 7: Samson · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Anna
Say it: AN-uh
A prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: a widow of great age who never left the temple. At the hour the child Jesus was brought there, she gave thanks to the Lord. Not Tobit’s wife Anna.
Luke 2:36–38
In the Story: Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna
Anna
Say it: AN-uh
Tobit’s wife, from his own family, and the mother of Tobias. She wove cloth for pay after Tobit went blind, and while Tobias was away she watched the road for him every day.
Tob 1:9; 2:11–14; 5:17–22; 10:4–7; 11:5–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Annas
Say it: AN-us
A high priest, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, to whom Jesus was led first after he was arrested.
Luke 3:2; John 18:13, 24
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
Anointed
Oil was poured on a new king’s head as a sign that he was king. In Acts, Peter tells “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.”
1 Sam 10:1; 16:13; Acts 4:27; 10:38; 2 Cor 1:21
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son
Anointing
Say it: uh-NOINT-ing
To anoint is to pour oil on someone, as on a new king. The letter called 1 John tells its readers they have “an anointing from the Holy One,” which they received from him; it remains in them and teaches them concerning all things, and it “is true, and is no lie.”
1 John 2:20, 27
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
The anointing oil
A holy oil of olive oil and spices, made by a recipe God gave, put on the tabernacle and all its furniture, and poured on Aaron’s head, to make them holy.
Ex 29:7; 30:22–33
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Antichrist
Say it: AN-tee-kryst
The letter called 1 John says its readers heard “that the Antichrist is coming,” and “even now many antichrists have arisen”; it calls the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ “the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son,” and the spirit that doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh “the spirit of the Antichrist,” already in the world. In 2 John the elder says of the many deceivers who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh: “This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.”
1 John 2:18–22; 4:3; 2 John 7
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Antioch
Say it: AN-tee-ok
A city of the Greek kings, to which Antiochus hurried with the silver he took from the temple. In Acts, “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch,” and from the assembly there Barnabas and Saul were sent out. Not the Antioch of Pisidia.
2 Macc 4:9, 33; 5:21; Acts 11:19–26; 13:1–3; 15:22–35; Gal 2:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Antioch of Pisidia
Say it: AN-tee-ok of pih-SID-ee-uh
A city Paul and Barnabas came to from Perga. Paul spoke in its synagogue on the Sabbath, and the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of God; then the Jews stirred up a persecution and threw the two out. Not the Antioch from which they were sent out.
Acts 13:14–51
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Antiochus
Say it: an-TY-uh-kus
The young child of King Alexander, whom Imalcue the Arabian was raising. Tryphon brought him back to reign, and he confirmed Jonathan as high priest and made Jonathan’s brother Simon governor. Not Antiochus Epiphanes.
1 Macc 11:39–40, 54–59; 12:39
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Antiochus
Say it: an-TY-uh-kus
“The great king of Asia,” who came against the Romans with a hundred twenty elephants and was taken alive; they made him and the kings after him pay them tribute. Not Antiochus Epiphanes.
1 Macc 8:6–8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Antiochus
Say it: an-TY-uh-kus
The son of King Demetrius. He wrote to Simon from the islands of the sea, came to claim his ancestors’ kingdom and shut Tryphon up in Dor, then turned against Simon. Not the young King Antiochus whom Tryphon killed.
1 Macc 15:1–41
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Antiochus Epiphanes
Say it: an-TY-uh-kus ee-PIF-uh-neez
A king, the son of King Antiochus, who had been a hostage at Rome. He robbed the temple in Jerusalem, set up an abomination of desolation on the altar and ordered the Jews to give up their laws.
1 Macc 1:10–64; 6:1–16; 2 Macc 4:7; 5:11–21; 9:1–29
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Antiochus Eupator
Say it: an-TY-uh-kus YOO-puh-tor
The son of King Antiochus Epiphanes, whom Lysias set up to reign after his father died, and against whom Judas and his brothers fought.
1 Macc 6:17; 2 Macc 2:20; 10:10; 13:1
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Antipas
Say it: AN-tih-pus
A man the letter to the assembly in Pergamum calls “my witness, my faithful one”, who was killed among them, “where Satan dwells.”
Rev 2:13
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Antipater
Say it: an-TIP-uh-ter
Antipater, the son of a man named Jason, whom Jonathan sent with Numenius to Rome and to the Spartans to renew the friendship with them.
1 Macc 12:16–17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Antipatris
Say it: an-TIP-uh-tris
A place the soldiers brought Paul to by night when they were taking him from Jerusalem to Felix the governor at Caesarea. From there the horsemen went on with him.
Acts 23:31–32
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Apharsachites
Say it: uh-FAR-suh-kites
Companions of Tattenai the governor and Shetharbozenai, beyond the River, who joined in their letter to King Darius about the building of God’s house.
Ezra 5:6; 6:6
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Aphek
Say it: AY-fek
A place where the Philistines camped and gathered their armies to fight Israel.
1 Sam 4:1; 29:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
Aphek
Say it: AY-fek
A city where Ben Hadad king of Syria brought his army to fight Israel, after his officials said Israel’s god was a god of the hills. The Syrians fled into it and its wall fell on them; later Elisha said Israel would strike the Syrians at Aphek. Not the Aphek where the Philistines camped.
1 Kgs 20:26–30; 2 Kgs 13:17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Apollonia
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-uh
A place Paul and those with him passed through, after Amphipolis, on the way to Thessalonica.
Acts 17:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Apollonius
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-us
Apollonius, who was over Coelesyria, appointed by Demetrius son of Demetrius. He dared Jonathan to fight him on the plain, and his army was beaten near Azotus. Not the Apollonius whom Judas killed.
1 Macc 10:69–85
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Apollonius
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-us
Apollonius the son of Menestheus, governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, who added to Simon’s malice against Onias. He was later sent into Egypt for the crowning of Philometor.
2 Macc 4:4, 21
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Apollonius
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-us
“That lord of pollutions Apollonius,” sent with an army of twenty-two thousand, with orders to kill all who were full grown and to sell the women and the boys as slaves. He waited for the Sabbath, killed those who came out to watch his men parade, and killed great numbers in the city.
2 Macc 5:24–26
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Apollonius
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-us
A man who gathered the Gentiles together, with a great army from Samaria, to fight against Israel. Judas killed him and took his sword, and fought with it all his days.
1 Macc 3:10–12
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Apollonius of Tarsus
Say it: ap-uh-LOH-nee-us of TAR-sus
The governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia who heard from Simon about the money in the temple treasury in Jerusalem and told the king.
2 Macc 3:5–7
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus
Apollos
Say it: uh-POL-us
A Jew from Alexandria, an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, who taught about Jesus in Ephesus and then went to Corinth.
Acts 18:24–28; 19:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails
Apollyon
Say it: uh-POL-ee-un
In John’s vision, the name in Greek of the angel of the abyss, the king over the locusts; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon. The World English Bible’s note: “Apollyon” means “Destroyer”.
Rev 9:11
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Apostle
Say it: uh-POS-ul
The name Jesus gave the twelve he chose from his disciples. After Judas, Matthias “was counted with the eleven apostles.” Acts also calls Barnabas and Paul apostles, and Paul begins his letters as one “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.” Hebrews calls Jesus “the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.”
Luke 6:13; Matt 10:2–4; Acts 1:26; 14:14; 1 Cor 1:1; Heb 3:1
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Apphia
Say it: AF-ee-uh
“The beloved Apphia,” one of those to whom Paul and Timothy wrote the letter to Philemon.
Phlm 2
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Aquila
Say it: uh-KWIL-uh
A Jew from Pontus who came from Italy with his wife Priscilla when Claudius ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul stayed and worked with them in Corinth, for they were tentmakers.
Acts 18:2–3, 18, 26
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Ar
Say it: AR
A town of Moab, on the border of Moab by the valleys of the Arnon.
Num 21:15, 28; Deut 2:9
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
The Arabah
Say it: AIR-uh-buh
The low valley along the Jordan and south of it. Deuteronomy calls the Salt Sea “the sea of the Arabah”.
Deut 1:1; 3:17; 4:49
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Arabia
Say it: uh-RAY-bee-uh
The land of the Arabians, where King Alexander fled for shelter. Paul writes that after God revealed his Son to him, “I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.”
1 Macc 11:16–17; Gal 1:17; 4:25
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
Arabians
Say it: uh-RAY-bee-unz
A people who lived near the Ethiopians. The Lord stirred them up, with the Philistines, against King Jehoram of Judah, and they carried off his sons and wives.
2 Chr 21:16–17; 22:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Arad
Say it: AIR-ad
A town in the South of Canaan. Its king, a Canaanite, fought Israel in the wilderness and took some of them captive.
Num 21:1; 33:40
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Aram
Say it: AIR-um
The land to the north-east of Canaan, named after Aram, a son of Shem. Balaam says Balak has brought him from Aram.
Gen 10:22; Num 23:7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam
Ararat
Say it: AIR-uh-rat
A land of mountains, in what is now eastern Turkey and Armenia.
Gen 8:4; Jer 51:27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Araunah
Say it: uh-RAW-nuh
A Jebusite whose threshing floor David bought, to build an altar to the Lord there. The book of Chronicles calls him Ornan.
2 Sam 24:16–25; 1 Chr 21:15–28
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Archangel
Say it: ARK-ayn-jul
A chief angel. Jude calls Michael “the archangel,” and Paul writes of “the voice of the archangel” when the Lord comes down from heaven.
1 Thess 4:16; Jude 9
In the Story: The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Archelaus
Say it: ar-kuh-LAY-us
King Herod’s son, who reigned over Judea in his father’s place. Joseph was afraid to go to Judea.
Matt 2:22
In the Story: Jesus, 8: The Wise Men
Archippus
Say it: ar-KIP-us
One to whom Paul sent a message through the Colossians: “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
Col 4:17
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Areopagus
Say it: air-ee-OP-uh-gus
A place in Athens where Paul was brought so that they could know what his new teaching was. Paul stood in the middle of it and spoke to the men of Athens.
Acts 17:19–34
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Aretas
Say it: AIR-uh-tus
The prince of the Arabians, at whose court Jason was held prisoner.
2 Macc 5:8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Aretas
Say it: AIR-uh-tus
A king. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas guarded the city, wanting to arrest Paul, but Paul was let down in a basket through a window by the wall and escaped.
2 Cor 11:32–33
In the Story: The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver
Arioch
Say it: AIR-ee-ok
The captain of King Nebuchadnezzar’s guard, who went out to kill the wise men of Babylon and then brought Daniel in to the king.
Dan 2:14–25
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon
Aristarchus
Say it: air-is-TAR-kus
A Macedonian from Thessalonica, one of Paul’s companions in travel. The crowd at Ephesus seized him and Gaius and rushed into the theater.
Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Aristobulus
Say it: uh-ris-tuh-BYOO-lus
King Ptolemy’s teacher, from the family of the anointed priests. The people of Jerusalem and Judea, with the senate and Judas, wrote a letter to him and to the Jews in Egypt.
2 Macc 1:10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Arius
Say it: AIR-ee-us
A king of the Spartans, who sent a letter to Onias the high priest saying it had been found in writing that the Spartans and the Jews were kindred, descendants of Abraham.
1 Macc 12:7, 19–23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
The ark
The great wooden ship Noah built. (The World English Bible calls it a ship.)
Gen 6:14–16
In the Story: Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
The ark of the covenant
The sacred chest made at Mount Sinai, which held the stone tablets of the law. In Revelation, when God’s temple in heaven was opened, “the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple.”
Ex 25:10–22; Deut 10:1–5; Heb 9:4; Rev 11:19
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Armoni
Say it: ar-MOH-nee
A son of King Saul and Rizpah. David handed him over to the Gibeonites, who hanged him.
2 Sam 21:8–9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
The Arnon
Say it: AR-non
A river with deep valleys east of the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea). It was the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
Num 21:13–15, 24–26
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Arpachshad
Say it: ar-PAK-shad
Shem’s son, born two years after the flood.
Gen 11:10–13
Arphaxad
Say it: ar-FAX-ad
In the book of Judith, the king who reigned over the Medes in Ecbatana and built great walls around it. Nebuchadnezzar defeated him and killed him in the mountains of Ragau. Not Shem’s son Arpachshad.
Jdt 1:1–15
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes
Arsaces
Say it: AR-suh-seez
The king of Persia and Media. One of his princes seized King Demetrius and brought him to Arsaces, who put him under guard.
1 Macc 14:2–3; 15:22
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Artaxerxes
Say it: ar-tuh-ZURK-seez
The name of a king of Persia. A letter to Artaxerxes stopped the building of Jerusalem for a time; in his seventh year he sent Ezra to Jerusalem, and in his twentieth year Nehemiah, his cupbearer.
Ezra 4:7–23; 7:1–26; Neh 2:1–8
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Artemis
Say it: AR-tuh-mis
A goddess whom, as the silversmith Demetrius said, all Asia and the world worshiped. The town clerk called the city of the Ephesians temple keeper of “the great goddess Artemis”, and of the image which fell down from Zeus.
Acts 19:24–35
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Asa
Say it: AY-suh
A king of Judah, Abijam’s son and Jehoshaphat’s father, who reigned forty-one years and did what was right in the Lord’s eyes. He removed idols from the land, but he paid Ben Hadad king of Syria to turn against Israel, and put the seer Hanani in prison.
1 Kgs 15:8–24; 22:41–43; 2 Chr 14–16; 17:1–2; 21:12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Asahel
Say it: AS-uh-hel
Joab’s brother, as fast on his feet as a wild gazelle. Abner killed him in battle.
2 Sam 2:18–23; 23:24
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Asaph
Say it: AY-saf
A Levite, the son of Berechiah, one of David’s chief singers. David made him chief of the Levites who gave thanks and praise in front of the ark, and his sons later sang and played in the Lord’s house.
1 Chr 15:17–19; 16:4–7; 25:1–2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Asaph
Say it: AY-saf
The keeper of King Artaxerxes’ forest. Nehemiah asked the king for a letter to him, so that he would give timber for the gates of the fortress by the temple, for the city wall and for Nehemiah’s house. Not Asaph the singer.
Neh 2:8
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer
Asenath
Say it: AS-uh-nath
Joseph’s Egyptian wife, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim.
Gen 41:45, 50
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Ashdod
Say it: ASH-dod
A city near the coast, one of the five Philistine cities. It was counted in Judah’s land, and some of the Anakim were still left there after Joshua’s wars.
Josh 11:22; 13:3; 15:46–47
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Asher
Say it: ASH-er
Jacob’s second son by Zilpah. Leah said, “How happy I am!”
Gen 30:13
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Asherah poles
Say it: Asherah: ASH-uh-ruh
Wooden poles or trees set up to worship Asherah, a goddess worshiped in Canaan, which God told Israel to cut down.
Ex 34:13; Deut 16:21; 2 Kgs 23:4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 4: Gideon · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Ashkelon
Say it: ASH-kuh-lon
One of the five cities of the Philistines.
Josh 13:3; Jer 47:5–7
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Ashpenaz
Say it: ASH-puh-naz
The master of King Nebuchadnezzar’s eunuchs. The king told him to bring in young men of Israel, of the royal family and the nobles, and teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.
Dan 1:3–4
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon
Ashtaroth
Say it: ASH-tuh-roth
Goddesses the peoples of Canaan worshiped. Israel served them along with the Baals.
Judg 2:13; 10:6
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
Ashtoreth
Say it: ASH-tuh-reth
The goddess of the Sidonians. Solomon followed her in his old age, and 2 Kings says he built a high place for her near Jerusalem, which King Josiah later defiled.
1 Kgs 11:5, 33; 2 Kgs 23:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Asia
Say it: AY-zhuh
In 1 Maccabees, the kingdom of the kings who ruled from Antioch. In Acts and the letters, the land where Ephesus was: Paul taught there for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, and John wrote to seven assemblies in Asia.
1 Macc 8:6; 11:13; Acts 2:9; 19:10, 26; 20:16; Rev 1:4, 11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Asiarchs
Say it: AY-zhee-arks
Men of high rank in Asia. Some of them were Paul’s friends, and during the riot at Ephesus they begged him not to go into the theater.
Acts 19:31
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Asmodaeus
Say it: az-moh-DEE-us
The evil spirit that killed each of Sarah’s seven husbands. The angel Raphael was sent to bind it.
Tob 3:8, 17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Aspalathus
Say it: as-PAL-uh-thus
A plant with a sweet smell. Wisdom names it with cinnamon when she says she has given perfumes their scent.
Sir 24:15
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Assarion
Say it: uh-SAIR-ee-un
A small coin; Jesus said two sparrows were sold for one. The World English Bible’s note: worth a tenth of a drachma or a sixteenth of a denarius, about the wages of half an hour of farm work.
Matt 10:29
In the Story: Jesus, 27: Sent Out
Assembly
Say it: uh-SEM-blee
A gathering of those who believe in Jesus, in one place or all together. Many Bibles call it the church.
Acts 2:47; 11:26; 1 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Asshur
Say it: ASH-ur
A son of Shem, and the people named after him. Balaam says Asshur will carry the Kenites away captive; which people Balaam means isn’t certain.
Gen 10:22; Num 24:22, 24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam
Assos
Say it: AS-os
A place Paul meant to reach by land while those with him sailed there; he met them at Assos, and they took him on board.
Acts 20:13–14
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Assyria
Say it: uh-SEER-ee-uh
A land on the Tigris river, in what is now northern Iraq, and later a great empire.
Gen 2:14; 2 Kgs 17:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Astyages
Say it: uh-STY-uh-jeez
A king who died and joined his ancestors, after which Cyrus the Persian received his kingdom.
Dan (Gk) 14:1
In the Story: Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon
Athaliah
Say it: ath-uh-LY-uh
The mother of Ahaziah king of Judah, of Ahab’s family (called the daughter of Omri). After her son died she destroyed the royal family and ruled Judah herself.
2 Kgs 8:18, 26; 11:1–20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Athenobius
Say it: ath-uh-NOH-bee-us
One of King Antiochus’s friends, whom he sent to Jerusalem to demand Joppa, Gazara and the citadel from Simon.
1 Macc 15:28–36
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Athens
Say it: ATH-unz
A city of the Greeks. King Antiochus sent an old man of Athens to make the Jews give up the laws of their ancestors. In Acts, Paul spoke there in the middle of the Areopagus, and some believed.
2 Macc 6:1; Acts 17:15–34; 1 Thess 3:1
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica
Atonement
Say it: uh-TONE-ment
Making people, or a holy thing such as the altar, clean and right before God, by the offerings and payments he commanded. 1 John says Jesus Christ “is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Ex 29:33, 36; 30:15–16; 1 John 2:2; 4:10
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Attalia
Say it: at-uh-LY-uh
The place Paul and Barnabas went down to after speaking the word in Perga. From there they sailed to Antioch.
Acts 14:25–26
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
The avenger of blood
The relative whose duty it was to put a killer to death.
Num 35:19; 2 Sam 14:7, 11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar
Azariah
Say it: az-uh-RY-uh
Azariah son of Hoshaiah, who with Johanan son of Kareah and all the proud men told Jeremiah he was lying when he gave them the Lord’s word not to go to Egypt. Not the other men named Azariah.
Jer 43:2
In the Story: Exile, 6: After the Fall
Azariah
Say it: az-uh-RY-uh
Azariah son of Oded, on whom the Spirit of God came. He told King Asa, “If you seek him, he will be found by you.” Not King Azariah (Uzziah).
2 Chr 15:1–8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Azariah
Say it: az-uh-RY-uh
The chief priest who went into the temple after King Uzziah, with eighty brave priests. They stood up to the king and told him that burning incense was for the priests, the sons of Aaron.
2 Chr 26:17–20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Azariah
Say it: az-uh-RY-uh
The chief priest in King Hezekiah’s days, of the family of Zadok. He told the king that since the people began bringing their offerings into the Lord’s house, they had eaten all they needed and still had plenty left over.
2 Chr 31:10, 13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Azarias
Say it: az-uh-RY-us
The name the angel Raphael gave when Tobit asked who he was: Azarias, the son of Ananias the great.
Tob 5:12; 6:6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Azarias
Say it: az-uh-RY-us
A leader whom Judas left with Joseph son of Zacharias to lead the people in Judea, with orders to fight no battle. They went out to win a name for themselves, marched toward Jamnia, and were beaten by Gorgias. Not the name the angel Raphael gave in Tobit.
1 Macc 5:18–19, 55–62
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
B
Baal
Say it: BAY-ul
A god worshiped by the peoples around Israel. Balak took Balaam up to the high places of Baal, where he could see part of Israel’s camp.
Num 22:41; Judg 2:11–13
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · The Early Church, 24: All Israel
Baal Berith
Say it: BAY-ul BEER-ith
A god Israel made its own after Gideon died. Its temple was at Shechem, and its silver paid for the men Abimelech hired.
Judg 8:33; 9:4
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Baal Hazor
Say it: BAY-ul HAY-zor
A place near Ephraim where Absalom kept sheep.
2 Sam 13:23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 12: Tamar
Baal Peor
Say it: BAY-ul PEE-or
A god worshiped at Peor in Moab. At Shittim, Israel joined itself to him, and the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
Num 23:28; 25:1–5, 18; Deut 4:3
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
Baal Perazim
Say it: BAY-ul puh-RAY-zim
The place where David struck down the Philistines. The World English Bible’s note: the name means “Lord who breaks out”.
2 Sam 5:20
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Baal Zebub
Say it: BAY-ul ZEE-bub
The god of Ekron, a Philistine city. King Ahaziah of Israel sent messengers to ask him whether he would get well, and Elijah asked, “Is it because there is no God in Israel?”
2 Kgs 1:2–6, 16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire
Baal Zephon
Say it: BAY-ul ZEE-fon
A place by the sea, across from where Israel camped before crossing it.
Ex 14:2, 9
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Baalis
Say it: BAY-uh-lis
A king of the Ammonites. Johanan warned Gedaliah that Baalis had sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to kill him.
Jer 40:14
In the Story: Exile, 6: After the Fall
Baanah
Say it: BAY-uh-nuh
A son of Rimmon from Beeroth, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a captain of raiding bands for Saul’s son Ishbosheth. He and his brother Rechab killed Ishbosheth.
2 Sam 4:2–12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Baasha
Say it: BAY-uh-shuh
Baasha son of Ahijah, of the tribe of Issachar, who killed King Nadab, Jeroboam’s son, struck down Jeroboam’s whole family and reigned over Israel twenty-four years in Tirzah. His own family was later destroyed, as the Lord had said.
1 Kgs 15:27–16:13; 21:22; 2 Kgs 9:9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Babel
Say it: BAY-bul
The city where the Lord confused the language of the whole earth. Its name sounds like the Hebrew word for “confuse”; in Hebrew it is the same name as Babylon.
Gen 10:10; 11:9
Babylon
Say it: BAB-uh-lon
A great city on the Euphrates river, in what is now Iraq, and the empire ruled from it.
2 Kgs 20:12–18; 24:1; 25:7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Babylon the great
Say it: BAB-uh-lon
In John’s visions, “the great city, Babylon, the strong city”, which angels cry out has fallen. A woman sitting on a scarlet beast has “BABYLON THE GREAT” in the name written on her forehead, and the angel told John, “The woman whom you saw is the great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
Rev 14:8; 16:19; 17:5, 18; 18:2, 10, 21
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Babylonian
Say it: bab-ih-LOH-nee-un
From Babylon, the great city in the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now Iraq. Achan took a beautiful Babylonian robe from the plunder of Jericho.
Josh 7:21
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
Bacchides
Say it: BAK-ih-deez
One of King Demetrius’s friends, ruler of the country beyond the river, a great man in the kingdom and faithful to the king, whom the king sent with Alcimus to take vengeance on Israel.
1 Macc 7:8–20; 9:1–72
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Bagoas
Say it: buh-GOH-us
The eunuch in charge of everything Holofernes had, who was sent to bring Judith to Holofernes’ feast and found him dead the next morning.
Jdt 12:11–15; 13:1–3; 14:14–18
In the Story: The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Bahurim
Say it: buh-HOO-rim
A village on David’s road out of Jerusalem.
2 Sam 16:5; 17:18
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Balaam
Say it: BAY-lum
The son of Beor, from Pethor by the River, whom Balak king of Moab sent for to curse Israel. Peter writes that Balaam “loved the wages of wrongdoing,” and that a speechless donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped him.
Num 22–24; 31:8, 16; 2 Pet 2:15–16; Jude 11; Rev 2:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Balak
Say it: BAY-lak
The son of Zippor, king of Moab, who sent for Balaam to curse Israel.
Num 22:2–6; 24:10–11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Balm
Say it: BAHM
A healing ointment for pain and wounds. Merchants carried it from Gilead down to Egypt.
Gen 37:25; Jer 8:22; 51:8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall
Baptize
Say it: bap-TYZ
To wash or dip in water. John baptized people in the Jordan as they confessed their sins. In Acts, those who received the word were baptized, “both men and women.”
Matt 3:6; Mark 1:4–5; Acts 2:41; 8:12, 36–38
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son
Barabbas
Say it: buh-RAB-us
The prisoner Pilate released at the feast when the crowd asked for him instead of Jesus. Mark says he was in chains with his fellow rebels, men who had committed murder in the uprising; Luke, that he was in prison for a revolt in the city and for murder; Matthew calls him a notable prisoner, and John a robber.
Matt 27:16–26; Mark 15:7–15; Luke 23:18–25; John 18:40
In the Story: Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
Barachel
Say it: BAIR-uh-kel
Elihu’s father.
Job 32:2, 6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu
Barak
Say it: BAIR-uk
The son of Abinoam, from Kedesh in Naphtali. Deborah gave him the Lord’s command to lead ten thousand men against Sisera, and he said he would go only if she went with him.
Judg 4:6–22; 5:1, 12
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Barley
Say it: BAR-lee
A grain, like wheat, used for bread and for feeding animals.
Ex 9:31; Ruth 1:22
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Barnabas
Say it: BAR-nuh-bus
Joses, whom the apostles called Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”), a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. He traveled with Paul.
Acts 4:36–37; 11:22–26; 13:2; Gal 2:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God
Barracks
Say it: BAIR-uks
The place where soldiers live. In Jerusalem the commanding officer had Paul brought into the barracks; at the stairs the soldiers carried him because of the violence of the crowd.
Acts 21:34–37; 22:24
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Bartholomew
Say it: bar-THOL-uh-myoo
One of the twelve whom Jesus chose from his disciples and named apostles.
Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Matt 10:3
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Bartimaeus
Say it: bar-tih-MEE-us
A blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, who sat by the road as Jesus went out of Jericho and cried out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” He received his sight and followed Jesus.
Mark 10:46–52
In the Story: Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come
Baruch
Say it: BAIR-ook
Baruch son of Neriah, a scribe who wrote Jeremiah’s words on a scroll as Jeremiah spoke them, and read them aloud in the Lord’s house.
Jer 36:4–32
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book
Barzillai
Say it: bar-ZIL-eye
A rich old man from Gilead, eighty years old, who fed David’s people.
2 Sam 17:27; 19:32
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Bascama
Say it: BAS-kuh-muh
The place near which Tryphon killed Jonathan, Simon’s brother, and where Jonathan was buried.
1 Macc 13:23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Bashan
Say it: BAY-shan
Rich land east of the Jordan, north of Gilead, ruled by King Og.
Num 21:33; Deut 3:1–10
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Bath
Say it: BATH
A measure for wine and oil, a tenth of a cor. The World English Bible’s note: about 21 liters, or about 5.6 gallons.
Ezra 7:22
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
Bathsheba
Say it: bath-SHEE-buh
The daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite. David took her, and she later became the mother of Solomon.
2 Sam 11:3–4; 12:24
In the Story: The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Batos
Say it: BAH-tohs
A measure for oil. The World English Bible’s note: a hundred batos is about 395 liters, or 104 U.S. gallons.
Luke 16:6
In the Story: Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Bdellium
Say it: DEL-ee-um
A resin taken from certain African trees (the World English Bible’s note). The land of Havilah had it, and manna looked like it.
Gen 2:12; Num 11:7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints
The Bear, Orion and the Pleiades
Say it: or-EYE-un · PLEE-uh-deez
Groups of stars in the night sky. Orion and the Pleiades still go by those names. Which stars the old name “the Bear” meant is not certain.
Job 9:9; 38:31–32; Amos 5:8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
The beast
Say it: BEEST
In John’s visions, the text calls both of these “the beast”: the beast that comes up out of the abyss and makes war on the two witnesses, and the beast John saw coming up out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, to whom the dragon gave his power, his throne and great authority.
Rev 11:7; 13:1–10; 17:3–17; 19:19–20
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
The beast from the earth
Say it: BEEST
In John’s vision, another beast coming up out of the earth, with two horns like a lamb; it spoke like a dragon. He makes the earth and those who live in it worship the first beast, and makes everyone be given a mark on the right hand or the forehead.
Rev 13:11–17
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
The Beautiful Gate
Say it: BYOO-tih-ful GATE
A door of the temple in Jerusalem, called Beautiful, where a man lame from birth was laid every day to beg for gifts from those going into the temple. There Peter told him, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to get up and walk.
Acts 3:2–10
In the Story: The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
Bedan
Say it: BEE-dan
A leader Samuel names with Jerubbaal, Jephthah and himself as men the Lord sent to rescue Israel from its enemies.
1 Sam 12:11
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations
Beelzebul
Say it: bee-EL-zuh-bul
Called “the prince of the demons” by those who said that Jesus cast out demons by him: the scribes who came down from Jerusalem, the Pharisees, and some of the crowd. Jesus said people had called the master of the house Beelzebul.
Mark 3:22; Matt 10:25; 12:24–27; Luke 11:15–19
In the Story: Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 27: Sent Out
Beer
Say it: BEE-er
A place Israel came to: the well where the Lord told Moses to gather the people so that he could give them water. In Hebrew, the name means “well”.
Num 21:16–18
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake
Beer
Say it: BEE-er
The place Jotham fled to, away from Abimelech. The World English Bible’s note: “Beer” is Hebrew for “well”, a village named for its well. Not the well in Numbers.
Judg 9:21
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Beer Lahai Roi
Say it: BEE-er luh-HY-roy
The well where the angel of the Lord found Hagar. The World English Bible’s note: “well of the one who lives and sees me”.
Gen 16:14; 24:62
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac
Beersheba
Say it: beer-SHEE-buh
A place in the far south of Canaan. The World English Bible’s note: the name can mean “well of the oath” or “well of seven”.
Gen 21:14, 31
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Behemoth
Say it: bih-HEE-muth
A huge, powerful animal God describes to Job. Which animal is meant is not certain.
Job 40:15–24
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Bel
Say it: BEL
A god of Babylon. Isaiah says “Bel bows down,” and Jeremiah that the Lord will judge Bel in Babylon. In the Greek book of Daniel, Bel is the Babylonians’ idol, given great amounts of flour, sheep and wine every day.
Isa 46:1; Jer 50:2; 51:44; Bar 6:41; Dan (Gk) 14:3–22
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon
Belial
Say it: BEE-lee-ul
A name Paul uses in a question that sets Christ and Belial side by side: “What agreement does Christ have with Belial?” The letter says nothing more about Belial.
2 Cor 6:15
In the Story: The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness
Belshazzar
Say it: bel-SHAZ-er
A king of Babylon, called the son of Nebuchadnezzar, who saw a hand write on the wall of his palace.
Dan 5:1–30; 7:1; 8:1
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den
Ben Ammi
Say it: ben-AM-eye
The son of Lot’s younger daughter. His descendants were the Ammonites, east of the Jordan.
Gen 19:38
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah
Ben Hadad
Say it: ben-HAY-dad
The name of kings of Syria in Damascus who fought against Israel.
1 Kgs 15:18; 20:1; 2 Kgs 6:24; 13:24–25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Benaiah
Say it: bih-NAY-uh
Son of Jehoiada, commander of the king’s bodyguard.
2 Sam 8:18; 20:23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom
Benefactor
Say it: BEN-uh-fak-ter
A title meaning someone who does good to others. Jesus said that those who have authority over the nations are called benefactors.
Luke 22:25
In the Story: Jesus, 52: The Last Supper
Benjamin
Say it: BEN-juh-min
Jacob and Rachel’s second son, the youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons. The World English Bible’s note: Benjamin means “son of my right hand”.
Gen 35:18, 24
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Bera
Say it: BEER-uh
The king of Sodom when four kings from the east made war on the five towns of the Jordan plain.
Gen 14:2
Beracah
Say it: BAIR-uh-kuh
A valley where Jehoshaphat’s people gathered to bless the Lord after their enemies destroyed one another. The World English Bible’s note: “Beracah” means “blessing”.
2 Chr 20:26
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Bernice
Say it: ber-NEES
She came with King Agrippa to Caesarea to greet Festus, and the next day came with him, with great pomp, into the place of hearing where Paul made his defense.
Acts 25:13, 23; 26:30
In the Story: The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Berodach Baladan
Say it: beh-ROH-dak BAL-uh-dan
A king of Babylon, the son of Baladan, who sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah when he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Isaiah 39:1 calls him Merodach-baladan.
2 Kgs 20:12; Isa 39:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Beroea
Say it: buh-REE-uh
A place where the believers in Thessalonica sent Paul and Silas by night. The people there received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Acts 17:10–14; 20:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Beroea
Say it: buh-REE-uh
The place where King Antiochus Eupator had Menelaus put to death, in a tower full of ashes.
2 Macc 13:4–8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Beryl
Say it: BER-ul
A precious stone, often green, blue-green or golden.
Dan 10:6
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Beth Aven
Say it: beth-AY-ven
A place beside Ai, east of Bethel.
Josh 7:2
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Beth Horon
Say it: beth-HOR-un
Two towns, Lower Beth Horon and Upper Beth Horon, on the road where Israel chased the armies of the five kings, up the slope and down it.
Josh 10:10–11; 16:3, 5
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Beth Peor
Say it: beth-PEE-or
A place in Moab, east of the Jordan; Israel camped in the valley near it while Moses spoke to them.
Deut 3:29; 4:46; 34:6
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Beth Rehob
Say it: beth-REE-hob
A place by the valley where the city of Laish lay, far from Sidon.
Judg 18:28
In the Story: The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Beth Shean
Say it: beth-SHEE-un
A Canaanite city in the valley, with its towns, given to Manasseh, who couldn’t drive out its people. After Saul’s death the Philistines fastened his body to its wall.
Josh 17:11, 16; 1 Sam 31:10–12
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Beth Shemesh
Say it: beth-SHEM-esh
An Israelite town near the Philistines’ border, where the cows brought the ark back from the Philistines.
1 Sam 6:9–21
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Bethany
Say it: BETH-uh-nee
A village near Jerusalem, the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
John 11:1, 18; 12:1; Mark 11:1
In the Story: Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World
Bethany beyond the Jordan
Say it: BETH-uh-nee
The place on the far side of the Jordan where John was baptizing. Not the village of Bethany near Jerusalem, the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
John 1:28
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness
Bethbasi
Say it: beth-BAY-sy
A place in the wilderness that Jonathan and Simon rebuilt and made strong, and that Bacchides besieged for many days.
1 Macc 9:62–68
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Bethel
Say it: BETH-ul
A town in the hills of Canaan. Its name means “house of God”.
Gen 12:8; 28:17–19
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Bether
Say it: BEE-ther
Mountains named in the Song of Songs, where she asks her beloved to “be like a roe or a young deer on the mountains of Bether.”
Song 2:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Bethesda
Say it: buh-THEZ-duh
A pool in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate, with five porches, where many who were sick, blind, lame or paralyzed lay waiting for the moving of the water. There Jesus healed a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years.
John 5:2–9
In the Story: Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath
Bethlehem
Say it: BETH-luh-hem
A town in the hills south of where Jerusalem would be, also called Ephrath. Luke calls it David’s city.
Gen 35:19; Ruth 1:1; Luke 2:4
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 6: After the Fall · The Return, 1: Going Home · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths
Bethsaida
Say it: beth-SAY-ih-duh
A town in Galilee, the home of Philip, Andrew and Peter. Jesus said, “Woe to you, Bethsaida!” because most of his mighty works had been done there and it did not repent.
John 1:44; 12:21; Matt 11:20–21; Mark 6:45; 8:22; Luke 9:10; 10:13
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Bethsphage
Say it: BETHS-fuh-jee
A place at the Mount of Olives that Jesus and his disciples came near on the way to Jerusalem; Mark and Luke name it with Bethany. From there Jesus sent two disciples into the village across from them.
Matt 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:29
In the Story: Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Bethsura
Say it: beth-SOO-ruh
A place where Lysias’s army camped when it came into Idumaea, and where Judas defeated it.
1 Macc 4:29
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Bethuel
Say it: beh-THOO-el
A son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and Milcah, and the father of Rebekah and Laban.
Gen 22:22–23; 24:15; 28:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau
Bethulia
Say it: beh-THOO-lee-uh
A town of Israel in the hill country, Judith’s home, which Holofernes besieged.
Jdt 4:6; 6:10–11; 7:1–32; 8:1–3
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Bethzacharias
Say it: beth-zak-uh-RY-us
The place where Judas camped near the king’s camp, and where the king’s army came against him with its elephants.
1 Macc 6:32–47
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Beulah
Say it: BYOO-luh
A new name in Isaiah for the land: “your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land will be married.” The World English Bible’s note: Beulah means “married”.
Isa 62:4
In the Story: Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Bezalel
Say it: BEZ-uh-lel
The son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, whom God filled with his Spirit to make the tabernacle and everything in it.
Ex 31:2–5; 35:30–35
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom
Bezek
Say it: BEE-zek
A place where the tribes of Judah and Simeon struck down ten thousand Canaanites and Perizzites, and found Adoni-Bezek.
Judg 1:4–5
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Bezer
Say it: BEE-zer
A town in the wilderness, on the plain east of the Jordan, from the tribe of Reuben: set apart as a city of refuge and given to the Merarite Levites.
Deut 4:43; Josh 20:8; 21:36
In the Story: The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Bidkar
Say it: BID-kar
Jehu’s captain, who had ridden with him behind King Ahab. Jehu told him to throw Joram’s body onto Naboth’s field.
2 Kgs 9:25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Bigthan
Say it: BIG-than
One of King Ahasuerus’ eunuchs who kept the doors. He and Teresh looked for a way to attack the king; Mordecai found out, and both were hanged. Esther 6 calls him Bigthana.
Esth 2:21–23; 6:2
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King
Bildad
Say it: BIL-dad
One of Job’s three friends, from Shuah.
Job 2:11; 8:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Bile
A bitter liquid made in the liver. Tobias kept the bile of the fish from the river Tigris, and it healed the white films on his father’s eyes.
Tob 6:4, 8; 11:8–13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Bilhah
Say it: BIL-huh
Rachel’s servant, who became Jacob’s wife and the mother of Dan and Naphtali.
Gen 29:29; 30:3–8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Birthright
The special rights of the oldest son, including a larger share of what his father left.
Gen 25:31–34; Deut 21:17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Bithynia
Say it: bih-THIN-ee-uh
A region Paul and those with him tried to go into, but the Spirit did not allow them. A letter from Peter is written to the chosen ones living as foreigners there and in other lands.
Acts 16:7; 1 Pet 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Blaspheme
Say it: blas-FEEM
To speak against God or his name, insulting or cursing him.
Lev 24:11–16
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Blastus
Say it: BLAS-tus
King Herod’s personal aide. The people of Tyre and Sidon made him their friend and asked the king for peace.
Acts 12:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
Boanerges
Say it: boh-uh-NUR-jeez
The name Jesus gave James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Mark says it means “Sons of Thunder”.
Mark 3:17
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed
Boaz
Say it: BOH-az
A rich man of Bethlehem from the family of Elimelech, Naomi’s husband. He married Ruth.
Ruth 2:1; 4:13
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Boaz
Say it: BOH-az
The name given to the bronze pillar on the left at the porch of the Lord’s house. Not Boaz who married Ruth.
1 Kgs 7:21; 2 Chr 3:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Bochim
Say it: BOH-kim
The place where the angel of the Lord told Israel they hadn’t listened to the Lord, and the people wept. The World English Bible’s note: “Bochim” means “weepers”.
Judg 2:1–5
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Boil
A painful, swollen sore on the skin.
Ex 9:9–11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
The Book of Jashar
Say it: JAY-shar
A book the Bible quotes twice, for Joshua’s words to the sun and the moon and for David’s song about Saul and Jonathan. Nothing more of it is known.
Josh 10:13; 2 Sam 1:18
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
The book of life
Say it: BOOK uv LYFE
A book Paul and John’s visions speak of. Paul writes of his fellow workers “whose names are in the book of life,” and in Revelation the one speaking to the assembly in Sardis says of him who overcomes, “I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life.”
Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:27
In the Story: The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
The Book of the Wars of the Lord
A book that the Bible quotes once, in Numbers. Nothing more of it is known.
Num 21:14–15
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake
Bozrah
Say it: BOZ-ruh
A place linked with Edom. Jobab son of Zerah, of Bozrah, was one of the kings who reigned in Edom. In Jeremiah the Lord swears by himself that Bozrah will become a waste, and in Isaiah someone comes from Edom “with dyed garments from Bozrah”.
Gen 36:31–33; Jer 49:13, 22; Isa 63:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Bramble
Say it: BRAM-bul
A thorny bush. In Jotham’s story, it is the one the trees ask to be their king after the olive, the fig and the vine say no.
Judg 9:14–15
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
The bread of the presence
Bread set out on the gold table in the tabernacle, always there before the Lord. Hebrews calls it “the show bread.”
Ex 25:30; Lev 24:5–9; Heb 9:2
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
The breastplate
A square of woven cloth, folded double and set with twelve stones for the twelve tribes, that Aaron wore over his heart, fastened to the ephod. Some Bibles call it the breastpiece.
Ex 28:15–30
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord
Bridegroom
Say it: BRIDE-groom
A man about to be married, or just married.
Ex 4:25
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
The brook Besor
Say it: BEE-sor
A brook (a small stream) in the south. Two hundred of David’s men, too weak to cross it, stayed there while he went after the Amalekites.
1 Sam 30:9–10, 21
In the Story: The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
The brook Cherith
Say it: KEER-ith
A brook by the Jordan where Elijah hid at the Lord’s command. He drank from it, and ravens brought him bread and meat, until it dried up because there was no rain.
1 Kgs 17:3–7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel
The Brook of Egypt
A stream on the south-west edge of the land, toward Egypt, where Israel’s south border turned to the sea.
Num 34:5
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
The brook of Kanah
Say it: KAY-nuh
A stream on the border between Ephraim, to the south, and Manasseh, to the north.
Josh 16:8; 17:9
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
The brook Zered
Say it: ZEER-ed
A stream at the edge of Moab. Israel crossed it thirty-eight years after leaving Kadesh Barnea.
Num 21:12; Deut 2:13–14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
Burnt offering
An offering to God that was burned whole on an altar.
Gen 8:20; Lev 1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Buzite
Say it: BOOZ-ite
Someone from the family or land of Buz. Where that was is not certain.
Job 32:2; Jer 25:23
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu
C
Cabul
Say it: KAY-bul
The name Hiram king of Tyre gave the twenty towns in Galilee that Solomon gave him, which didn’t please him. The World English Bible’s note: “Cabul” sounds like Hebrew for “good-for-nothing”.
1 Kgs 9:11–13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Caesar
Say it: SEE-zer
The ruler to whom the people paid taxes; the coin for the tax carried Caesar’s image and inscription. Luke names Caesar Augustus and Tiberius Caesar. In Acts, Paul said, “I appeal to Caesar!”, and was told, “You must stand before Caesar.”
Luke 2:1; 3:1; 20:22–25; Matt 22:17–21; John 19:12–15; Acts 25:11–12; 27:24; Phil 4:22
In the Story: Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Caesar Augustus
Say it: SEE-zer aw-GUS-tus
The ruler who ordered that all the world should be enrolled, in the days when Jesus was born.
Luke 2:1
In the Story: Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem
Caesarea
Say it: ses-uh-REE-uh
A city where Philip the evangelist lived, where Cornelius the centurion lived, and where Paul was later kept under guard. Not Caesarea Philippi.
Acts 8:40; 10:1; 21:8; 23:33–35
In the Story: The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Caesarea Philippi
Say it: ses-uh-REE-uh fih-LIP-eye
A place with villages around it. Jesus went there with his disciples and, on the way, asked them who people said he was.
Matt 16:13; Mark 8:27
In the Story: Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ
Caiaphas
Say it: KY-uh-fus
The high priest that year, who said it was better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.
John 11:49–51; 18:13–14; Matt 26:57
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
Cain
Say it: KAYN
Adam and Eve’s first son, a farmer, who killed his brother Abel. His name sounds like the Hebrew word for “gotten” (Genesis 4:1). 1 John asks, “Why did he kill him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”
Gen 4:1–16; Heb 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Jude 11
In the Story: The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Calah
Say it: KAY-luh
A great city Nimrod built in Assyria.
Gen 10:11–12
Caleb
Say it: KAY-leb
The son of Jephunneh, of the tribe of Judah: one of the twelve men sent to explore Canaan, who said Israel could take the land.
Num 13:6, 30; 14:24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Calneh
Say it: KAL-neh
One of the first towns of Nimrod’s kingdom, in Shinar.
Gen 10:10
Cana
Say it: KAY-nuh
A town in Galilee. At a wedding there Jesus did the beginning of his signs, when the water became wine, and there a nobleman came to beg him to heal his son. Nathanael was from Cana.
John 2:1–11; 4:46–54; 21:2
In the Story: Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore
Canaan
Say it: KAY-nun
Ham’s son, whose descendants, the Canaanites, lived in the land later called Canaan.
Gen 9:18; 10:15–19
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Canaan
Say it: KAY-nun
The land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, named for the Canaanites who lived there. God promised it to Abram’s offspring.
Gen 12:5–7; 13:14–17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Candace
Say it: KAN-duh-see
The queen of the Ethiopians. A eunuch of great authority under her, in charge of all her treasure, met Philip on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza.
Acts 8:27
In the Story: The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Capernaum
Say it: kuh-PUR-nee-um
A town by the sea in Galilee, where Jesus lived and taught.
Matt 4:13; Mark 1:21; 2:1
In the Story: Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan
Cappadocia
Say it: kap-uh-DOH-shuh
A land in what is now central Turkey. People from Cappadocia were among those in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost who heard “the mighty works of God” spoken in their own languages, and a letter from Peter is written to the chosen ones living as foreigners there.
Acts 2:9; 1 Pet 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Captain of the temple
Say it: KAP-tun uv thuh TEM-pul
An officer at the temple in Jerusalem. The captain of the temple came with the priests and the Sadducees to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people, and later went with the officers to bring the apostles before the council. Captains of the temple were with the chief priests and elders who came out against Jesus when he was arrested.
Acts 4:1; 5:24–27; Luke 22:4, 52
In the Story: The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
Carchemish
Say it: KAR-kuh-mish
A city on the Euphrates river, where Neco king of Egypt was going to fight when Josiah went out against him. Jeremiah tells of the army of Pharaoh Necoh “by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck.”
2 Chr 35:20; Jer 46:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Carites
Say it: KAIR-ites
A group of soldiers named with the guard in Athaliah’s time. Jehoiada the priest brought their commanders into the Lord’s house and showed them the king’s son, and they helped make Joash king.
2 Kgs 11:4, 19
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Carmel
Say it: KAR-mel
A town in the hill country of Judah. Saul set up a monument there, and Nabal of Maon sheared his sheep there. Not Mount Carmel by the sea.
Josh 15:55; 1 Sam 15:12; 25:2; 27:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Carmi
Say it: KAR-my
A man of the tribe of Judah, from the family of Zerah: the father of Achan.
Josh 7:1, 18
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
Carnaim
Say it: kar-NAY-im
One of the strong, large cities of Gilead, with a temple. The Gentiles beaten by Judas fled to the temple, and Judas’s men burned it with everyone inside.
1 Macc 5:26, 43–44
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Casiphia
Say it: kuh-SIF-ee-uh
A place where Iddo was chief, with his brothers the temple servants. Ezra sent there for people to serve in the house of God.
Ezra 8:17
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
The Casluhim
Say it: KAS-loo-him
A people descended from Mizraim (Egypt), from whom the Philistines came.
Gen 10:14
Cassia
Say it: KASH-uh
A sweet-smelling spice from the bark of a tree, like cinnamon.
Ex 30:24; Ps 45:8
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God
Cedar
Say it: SEE-der
A tall tree whose wood was prized for building. King Solomon had cedar trees cut in Lebanon to build the temple.
Lev 14:4; 1 Kgs 5:6
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Cenchreae
Say it: SEN-kruh-ee
A port near Corinth. As Paul sailed for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, Acts says, “He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.”
Acts 18:18
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Cendebaeus
Say it: sen-duh-BEE-us
The chief captain of the seacoast under King Antiochus, sent to make war on Judea. Simon’s sons put his army to flight.
1 Macc 15:38–41; 16:1–10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Censer
Say it: SEN-ser
A holder for burning coals, with incense laid on them to make a sweet-smelling smoke.
Lev 10:1; 16:12
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Centurion
Say it: sen-TOOR-ee-un
An army officer with soldiers under him. A centurion at Capernaum asked Jesus to help his servant, and the servant was healed. When Jesus died, a centurion said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” In Acts, Cornelius was a centurion, and the centurion Julius took Paul to Rome.
Matt 8:5–13; Luke 7:2–10; Mark 15:39; Acts 10:1; 27:1
In the Story: Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 31: Rome
Chaldeans
Say it: kal-DEE-unz
A people of southern Mesopotamia. In Job they are raiders; in the last days of the kings of Judah they are the people of Babylon and its army; in Daniel the name is also used for a class of the king’s wise men.
Job 1:17; Gen 11:28; 2 Kgs 25:4–13; Dan 2:2–10; 4:7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Chamois
Say it: SHAM-ee
A wild animal of the mountains, something like a goat. It was one of the animals Israel was allowed to eat.
Deut 14:5
In the Story: The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses
Chedorlaomer
Say it: KED-or-lay-OH-mer
A king of Elam, in the east, whom the five kings of the Jordan plain served for twelve years.
Gen 14:1–17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings
Chemosh
Say it: KEE-mosh
The god the people of Moab worshiped.
Num 21:29; 1 Kgs 11:7; Jer 48:7, 13, 46
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Cherethites and Pelethites
Say it: KAIR-uh-thites · PEL-uh-thites
The king’s bodyguard.
2 Sam 8:18
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Cherubim
Say it: CHAIR-uh-bim
Powerful winged creatures who serve God.
Gen 3:24; Ezek 10
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Chewing the cud
Bringing food back up from the stomach to chew it again, as cows and sheep do. God’s law let Israel eat land animals that chewed the cud and had split hooves.
Lev 11:3–7; Deut 14:6–8
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses
Chief priests
The leading priests. King Herod gathered them with the scribes of the people to ask where the Christ would be born. Later the chief priests, with the scribes and the elders, sought to put Jesus to death.
Matt 2:4; 26:3–4; 27:1; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:2
In the Story: Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Chilion
Say it: KIL-ee-on
Naomi’s other son, who also died in Moab.
Ruth 1:2–5; 4:9
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Chimham
Say it: KIM-ham
The man old Barzillai sent with King David in his place.
2 Sam 19:37–40
In the Story: The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Chios
Say it: KY-os
A place Paul’s ship came opposite on the day after it sailed from Mitylene.
Acts 20:15
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Chislev
Say it: KIZ-lev
The ninth month of the year.
Zech 7:1; Neh 1:1
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Choenix
Say it: KEE-niks
A dry measure; in John’s vision a voice names the price of a choenix of wheat and of three choenix of barley. The World English Bible’s note: a dry volume measure that is a little more than a liter (a little more than a quart).
Rev 6:6
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Chorazin
Say it: koh-RAY-zin
One of the towns where most of Jesus’ mighty works had been done. Because it did not repent, he said, “Woe to you, Chorazin!”
Matt 11:20–21; Luke 10:13
In the Story: Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan
Christ
Say it: KRYST
A title. Andrew told his brother, “We have found the Messiah!”, which John gives as Christ. The World English Bible’s note: “Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek) both mean “Anointed One”.
John 1:41; 4:25
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Christians
Say it: KRIS-chunz
The name the disciples were first called in Antioch. King Agrippa asked Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16
In the Story: The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Cilicia
Say it: sih-LISH-uh
A land on the coast in what is now southern Turkey. In the book of Judith it is among the lands to the west that Nebuchadnezzar swore to punish. Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia,” and he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
Jdt 1:7, 12; 2:21, 25; Acts 6:9; 15:41; 21:39; Gal 1:21
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Circumcise the heart
Say it: SUR-kum-size
Moses’ picture, taken from circumcision, the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham’s family. He says the Lord will circumcise his people’s hearts “to love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Stephen called the council “stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears.”
Deut 10:16; 30:6; Acts 7:51; Rom 2:29
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Circumcision
Say it: sur-kum-SIZH-un
Cutting off the loose fold of skin (the foreskin) at the tip of a boy’s or man’s private part. God gave it to Abraham’s family as the sign of his covenant.
Gen 17:10–14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Cistern
Say it: SIS-tern
A pit dug in the ground or cut into the rock to catch and store rainwater.
Deut 6:11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
The citadel
Say it: SIT-uh-dul
A fortress in Jerusalem. After the king’s chief collector of tribute attacked the city, they made the city of David into a fortress with a large, strong wall and strong towers, and it became their citadel, a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary.
1 Macc 1:33–36
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
The city of palm trees
A city that Eglon king of Moab and his allies took when they attacked Israel. Deuteronomy 34:3 calls Jericho “the city of palm trees”.
Judg 1:16; 3:13; Deut 34:3
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
City of refuge
One of six cities where someone who had killed a person without meaning to could run and be safe from the dead person’s avenger until he was judged.
Num 35:9–34; Deut 19:1–13
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Claudius
Say it: KLAW-dee-us
The great famine that the prophet Agabus made known came “in the days of Claudius.” Acts also tells that Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. Not Claudius Lysias, who wrote to the governor Felix.
Acts 11:28; 18:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Claudius Lysias
Say it: KLAW-dee-us LIS-ee-us
The commanding officer in Jerusalem who arrested Paul when the crowd was beating him, brought him before the council, and sent him by night to Felix the governor with a letter. He had bought his citizenship for a great price. Not Lysias of the books of the Maccabees.
Acts 21:31–40; 22:24–30; 23:10–30; 24:22
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Clean and unclean animals
God’s law sorted animals into “clean” ones, which could be eaten and offered to God, and “unclean” ones, which could not.
Gen 7:2; Lev 11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses
Clement
Say it: KLEM-ent
One of Paul’s fellow workers, named in his letter to the believers at Philippi: Euodia and Syntyche had labored with Paul in the Good News “with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Phil 4:3
In the Story: The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Cleopas
Say it: KLEE-oh-pus
One of the two walking to Emmaus when Jesus came near and walked with them.
Luke 24:13–18
In the Story: Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus
Cleopatra
Say it: klee-oh-PAT-ruh
The daughter of Ptolemy king of Egypt, whom he gave to King Alexander as his wife at Ptolemais.
1 Macc 10:57–58
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Coelesyria
Say it: see-lee-SEER-ee-uh
A land ruled, together with Phoenicia, by a governor under the king. Apollonius of Tarsus was its governor when Simon told him of the money in the temple treasury.
2 Macc 3:5, 8; 4:4; 1 Macc 10:69
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Colossae
Say it: kuh-LOS-ee
A place where there were saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, to whom Paul and Timothy wrote a letter. They had learned the Good News from Epaphras, who was one of them.
Col 1:2, 7; 4:12
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Commanding officer
Say it: kuh-MAN-ding OF-ih-ser
The officer over a regiment of soldiers. In Jerusalem the commanding officer of the regiment ran down with soldiers and centurions when the crowd was trying to kill Paul, arrested him and had him bound with two chains. He had bought his citizenship for a great price.
Acts 21:31–40; 22:24–29
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Concubines
Wives of lower rank. Rich men and kings in that time often had them.
2 Sam 5:13
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Condemn, condemnation
Say it: kun-DEM, kon-dem-NAY-shun
To judge someone guilty and pass sentence on them. Paul writes, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Rom 8:1, 3, 34
In the Story: The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation
Conscience
Say it: KON-shuns
A person’s inner sense of what is right and what is wrong.
1 Cor 8:7–12; 10:25–29
In the Story: The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Cor
Say it: KOR
A large measure for grain, the same as a homer. The World English Bible’s note: about 211 liters, or about six bushels.
Ezra 7:22
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Corban
Say it: KOR-ban
A word Jesus quoted to the Pharisees and scribes: by their tradition, a man who told his father or mother that the help they might have had from him was Corban wasn’t allowed to do anything more for them. Mark explains it as “given to God.”
Mark 7:11
In the Story: Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Coriander
Say it: KOR-ee-an-der
A plant whose small, round seeds are used as a spice. Manna was like coriander seed, but white.
Ex 16:31; Num 11:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints
Corinth
Say it: KOR-inth
A city in Achaia where Paul stayed a year and six months, working with Aquila and Priscilla; he wrote letters to the assembly there.
Acts 18:1–18; 1 Cor 1:2; 2 Cor 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Cornelius
Say it: kor-NEEL-yus
A centurion of the Italian Regiment who lived in Caesarea, a devout man who feared God with all his household. An angel told him to send to Joppa for Peter, and the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard Peter speak in his house.
Acts 10:1–48; 11:13–14
In the Story: The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius
Cornerstone
Say it: KOR-ner-stohn
A main stone at the corner of a building. A psalm says, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Paul writes that Christ Jesus himself is “the chief cornerstone,” and Peter writes of “a chief cornerstone, chosen and precious.”
Ps 118:22; Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6–7
In the Story: The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Cos
Say it: KOSS
A place Paul and those with him sailed straight to after they left the elders at Miletus. The next day they came to Rhodes.
Acts 21:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
The council
The chief priests, the elders and the scribes meeting together in Jerusalem to judge.
Mark 14:53–55; Luke 22:66
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
The Counselor
Say it: KOWN-suh-ler
Jesus told his disciples that the Father would give them “another Counselor” to be with them forever: the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit. In 1 John, “we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.” The World English Bible’s note gives the Greek word’s meanings as Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comforter.
John 14:16–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 John 2:1
In the Story: Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Covenant
Say it: KUV-uh-nunt
A solemn agreement with promises. In the Bible, God makes covenants with people.
Gen 6:18; 9:9–17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Covenant of salt
The Lord’s name for his gift to Aaron and his family of the holy offerings the Israelites gave: “a covenant of salt forever.” The Bible doesn’t say here what the salt means.
Num 18:19
In the Story: The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Covet
Say it: KUV-it
To want for yourself something that belongs to someone else.
Ex 20:17
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Cozbi
Say it: KOZ-bye
A Midianite woman, the daughter of Zur, a leader in Midian. Phinehas killed her with Zimri, the Israelite man who brought her to his brothers.
Num 25:6–8, 15, 18
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Crete
Say it: KREET
An island in the sea. Demetrius son of Demetrius came from there into the land of his ancestors. In Acts, Paul’s ship sailed under the shelter of Crete, and Paul writes that he left Titus in Crete.
1 Macc 10:67; Acts 27:7–13; Titus 1:5
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Crispus
Say it: KRIS-pus
The ruler of the synagogue in Corinth, who believed in the Lord with all his household.
Acts 18:8
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Cross
What a person was fastened to and put to death on when he was crucified. Jesus said that anyone who wants to come after him must take up his cross and follow him.
Mark 8:34; Matt 16:24; John 19:17–19
In the Story: Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Crucify
Say it: KROO-sih-fy
To put someone to death on a cross.
Matt 20:19; 27:22–35
In the Story: Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Cubit
Say it: KYOO-bit
A length: from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, about 18 inches.
Gen 6:15
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Cumin
Say it: KYOO-min
One of the things, with mint and dill, that Jesus said the scribes and the Pharisees gave a tenth of. The World English Bible’s note: an aromatic seed, resembling caraway in flavor and appearance, used as a spice.
Matt 23:23
In the Story: Jesus, 50: Woe to You
Cupbearer
The official who served the king his wine, a trusted position.
Gen 40:1–2; Neh 1:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer
Curse
Say it: KURSS
Words that call down harm on someone: the opposite of a blessing. Moses set before Israel the blessing that would come if they listened to the Lord, and the curse that would come if they didn’t. Paul writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”
Deut 11:26–28; 27:13–26; 28:15–68; Gal 3:10–13
In the Story: The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
Cush
Say it: KUSH
A land the Gihon river flowed through. Elsewhere the Bible gives the name to the land south of Egypt; where this Cush was is not known for sure.
Gen 2:13
In the Story: Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Cushan Rishathaim
Say it: KOO-shan rish-uh-THAY-im
A king of Mesopotamia. Israel served him for eight years, until the Lord handed him over to Othniel.
Judg 3:8–10
In the Story: The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
Cushite
Say it: KUSH-ite
Someone from Cush, the land south of Egypt. Moses married a Cushite woman, and a Cushite runner brought David news.
Num 12:1; 2 Sam 18:21
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Cut off
Removed from God’s people as a punishment. The Bible doesn’t say here exactly how it was done.
Ex 12:15, 19
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock
Cypress
Say it: SY-press
A tall evergreen tree. In Isaiah, the Lord says the cypress will come up instead of the thorn.
Isa 55:13
In the Story: Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Cyprus
Say it: SY-prus
An island in the sea. In Judas’s time Nicanor was its governor. Barnabas was “a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,” and he and Saul sailed there and went through the island preaching.
2 Macc 10:13; 12:2; Acts 4:36; 11:19; 13:4–6; 15:39; 27:4
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Cyrene
Say it: sy-REE-nee
A city in Libya, on the coast of Africa west of Egypt. Simon, who was made to carry Jesus’ cross, came from there, and so did some who argued with Stephen.
Matt 27:32; Acts 2:10; 6:9; 11:20; 13:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Cyrus
Say it: SY-rus
A king of Persia. In his first year the Lord stirred up his spirit, and he proclaimed that the Lord had commanded him to build the Lord a house in Jerusalem, and that the Lord’s people could go up.
2 Chr 36:22–23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
D
Dagon
Say it: DAY-gon
The god of the Philistines. Their rulers gathered to offer him a great sacrifice when Samson was handed over to them.
Judg 16:23–24; 1 Sam 5:1–5
In the Story: The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Dalmanutha
Say it: dal-muh-NOO-thuh
A region Jesus came to by boat with his disciples after he fed the four thousand.
Mark 8:10
In the Story: Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Dalmatia
Say it: dal-MAY-shuh
A place Titus went to, Paul wrote to Timothy, while Demas went to Thessalonica and Crescens to Galatia.
2 Tim 4:10
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Damaris
Say it: DAM-uh-ris
A woman in Athens who joined Paul and believed after he spoke at the Areopagus.
Acts 17:34
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Damascus
Say it: duh-MASK-us
An old city north-east of Canaan, today the capital of Syria. Saul was on the road to Damascus when a light from the sky shone around him, and there his disciples let him down through the wall by night, lowering him in a basket.
Gen 14:15; 15:2; Acts 9:1–25; 2 Cor 11:32–33; Gal 1:17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Dan
Say it: DAN
A town in the far north of the land.
Gen 14:14; Judg 18:29
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Dan
Say it: DAN
Jacob’s son by Bilhah. Rachel said, “God has judged in my favor.”
Gen 30:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Daniel
Say it: DAN-yul
One of the young men of Judah brought to Babylon to serve in the king’s palace, who interpreted dreams and served the kings there. The Babylonians named him Belteshazzar.
Dan 1:3–7; 2:48; 6:28
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age
Daphne
Say it: DAF-nee
A place near Antioch with a sanctuary, where Onias had withdrawn. Andronicus persuaded him to come out of it and killed him.
2 Macc 4:33–34
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Daric
Say it: DAIR-ik
A gold coin of the Persian kings. The World English Bible’s note: a daric weighed about 8.4 grams, or about 0.27 troy ounces.
Ezra 2:69; 8:27; Neh 7:70–72
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Darius
Say it: duh-RY-us
Darius king of the Persians and Medes, whom Alexander the Macedonian defeated before reigning in his place. Not the Darius in whose days the Lord’s house was rebuilt, nor Darius the Mede.
1 Macc 1:1
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Darius
Say it: duh-RY-us
A king of Persia. In his second year the building of the Lord’s house began again, and in his sixth year it was finished. Not Darius the Mede.
Ezra 4:24; 6:1–15; Hag 1:1; Zech 1:1
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Darius the Mede
Say it: duh-RY-us
The king who received the kingdom after Belshazzar was killed, and who had Daniel put in the lions’ den.
Dan 5:31; 6:1–28; 9:1
In the Story: Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Darnel
Say it: DAR-nul
A weed grass. The World English Bible’s note says it looks very much like wheat until it is ripe, when the difference becomes easy to see. In Jesus’ parable an enemy sowed it among a man’s wheat.
Matt 13:24–30, 36–40
In the Story: Jesus, 25: The Sower
Dathan
Say it: DAY-thun
A son of Eliab, a descendant of Reuben. With his brother Abiram he rose up against Moses with Korah, and the ground swallowed them.
Num 16:1, 12–14, 25–33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
David
Say it: DAY-vid
The son of Jesse of Bethlehem, who later became king of Israel.
Ruth 4:17, 22; 2 Sam 5:3
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Day of Atonement
A day each year, the tenth day of the seventh month, when atonement was made for the priests, the people and the holy place. It was a day of solemn rest, when no one worked.
Lev 16:29–34; 23:26–32
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters
Debir
Say it: DEE-bur
A city in the hill country of Judah, once called Kiriath Sepher, where some of the Anakim lived. Joshua took it and its king; Caleb went up against it, and Othniel took it.
Josh 10:38–39; 11:21; 15:15–17
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Deborah
Say it: DEB-uh-ruh
A prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, who judged Israel under Deborah’s palm tree in the hill country of Ephraim. She called Barak to fight Sisera, went with him, and sang a song with him afterward. (Not Rebekah’s nurse, Gen 35:8.)
Judg 4:4–14; 5:1–15
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Decapolis
Say it: dih-KAP-uh-lis
A region from which great crowds came to follow Jesus. A man Jesus had freed from demons later told there how much Jesus had done for him.
Matt 4:25; Mark 5:20; 7:31
In the Story: Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Dedication
Giving something to God for his use, with offerings. The leaders of Israel’s twelve tribes brought gifts for the dedication of the altar, one leader each day.
Num 7:10–88
In the Story: The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean
Delilah
Say it: dih-LY-luh
A woman in the Valley of Sorek whom Samson loved. The rulers of the Philistines promised her silver to find out where his great strength came from, and when he told her, she sent for them.
Judg 16:4–20
In the Story: The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah
Demas
Say it: DEE-mus
One who sent greetings to the Colossians with Paul, along with Luke the beloved physician.
Col 4:14
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Demetrius
Say it: dih-MEE-tree-us
Demetrius the son of Demetrius, who came out of Crete to take back his father's kingdom.
1 Macc 10:67; 11:9–19; 14:1–3
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Demetrius
Say it: dih-MEE-tree-us
Demetrius the son of Seleucus, who came out of Rome and took the kingdom, and sent Bacchides and Nicanor against Judas.
1 Macc 7:1–4; 10:1–50
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Demetrius
Say it: duh-MEE-tree-us
A silversmith at Ephesus who made silver shrines of Artemis and brought the craftsmen much business. He gathered them and warned them that Paul’s preaching put their trade, and the temple of Artemis, in danger. Not the kings named Demetrius in 1 Maccabees.
Acts 19:24–27, 38
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Demetrius
Say it: dih-MEE-tree-us
A man the elder speaks of to Gaius: “Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify.”
3 John 12
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Demon
Say it: DEE-mun
In the Gospels, an unclean spirit that could take hold of a person. Paul writes that what the Gentiles sacrifice, “they sacrifice to demons and not to God,” and in Revelation the rest of mankind didn’t repent of worshiping demons and idols.
Mark 1:23–26; 5:1–13; Luke 8:2; 1 Cor 10:20–21; 1 Tim 4:1; Rev 9:20
In the Story: Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Denarius
Say it: dih-NAIR-ee-us
A silver coin; more than one are called denarii. In a story Jesus told, the master of a household agreed with his laborers for a denarius a day. The World English Bible’s note: one denarius was typical of one day’s wages for agricultural labor.
Matt 18:28; 20:2; 22:19; Mark 6:37; Luke 7:41; 10:35; John 6:7; 12:5
In the Story: Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Derbe
Say it: DUR-bee
A city of Lycaonia. Paul and Barnabas went there the day after Paul was stoned at Lystra, preached the Good News, and made many disciples.
Acts 14:6, 20–21; 16:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
The destroyer
The one who struck Egypt’s firstborn on the night of the Passover. Paul writes that some in the wilderness grumbled “and perished by the destroyer.” Neither says more about who it was.
Ex 12:23; 1 Cor 10:10; Heb 11:28
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover
The devil
Say it: DEV-ul
The one who tempted Jesus in the wilderness; Matthew also calls him the tempter. Hebrews speaks of “him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,” and Peter writes that the devil “walks around like a roaring lion.”
Matt 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13; Heb 2:14; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 3:10
In the Story: Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Devoted
Given over to the Lord forever. Nothing devoted could be sold or bought back; a person devoted to destruction had to be put to death.
Lev 27:21, 28–29
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice
Dibri
Say it: DIB-ry
A man of the tribe of Dan, the father of Shelomith.
Lev 24:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee
Didrachma
Say it: dy-DRAK-muh
A coin that collectors asked Peter whether Jesus paid. The World English Bible’s note: a Greek silver coin worth two drachmas, about two days’ wages, commonly used to pay the half-shekel temple tax.
Matt 17:24
In the Story: Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them
Dinah
Say it: DY-nuh
Jacob and Leah’s daughter.
Gen 30:21; 34
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Return, 8: Judith
Dionysius the Areopagite
Say it: dy-uh-NISH-ee-us the air-ee-OP-uh-gyte
A man in Athens, of the Areopagus, who joined Paul and believed after Paul spoke there.
Acts 17:34
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Dionysus
Say it: dy-uh-NY-sus
A god of the Greeks. At his feast, the Dionysia, the Jews were made to walk in a procession in his honor, wearing wreaths of ivy.
2 Macc 6:7
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Diotrephes
Say it: dy-OT-ruh-feez
A man “who loves to be first” in an assembly the elder wrote to. He doesn’t accept the elder’s words and accuses him unjustly with wicked words; he won’t receive the brothers himself, and he forbids those who would and throws them out of the assembly.
3 John 9–10
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Disciple
Say it: dih-SY-pul
A follower who learns from a teacher. From his disciples Jesus chose twelve and named them apostles.
Luke 6:13; Matt 10:1
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
The Dispersion
Say it: dih-SPUR-zhun
A word that means “scattering”. Peter writes “to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion,” and James “to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion.”
John 7:35; Jas 1:1; 1 Pet 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Divination
Say it: div-ih-NAY-shun
Trying to find out hidden things by reading signs or omens.
Gen 30:27; 44:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Doeg
Say it: DOH-eg
An Edomite, the head of Saul’s herdsmen. He told Saul that the priest Ahimelech had helped David, and at Saul’s order he killed the priests of Nob and attacked their town.
1 Sam 21:7; 22:9–19; Ps 52
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Dok
Say it: DOK
A little stronghold that Ptolemy son of Abubus built, where he received Simon and his sons deceitfully and killed them.
1 Macc 16:15–16
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Dor
Say it: DOR
A city by the sea, where Tryphon fled and King Antiochus surrounded him by land and sea.
1 Macc 15:11–14, 25
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Dothan
Say it: DOH-thun
A place north of Shechem where Joseph found his brothers. Elisha was in Dothan when the Syrian army surrounded it.
Gen 37:17; 2 Kgs 6:13–14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman
Dowry
Say it: DOW-ree
The money or gift a man gave a young woman’s father so that she would become his wife.
Ex 22:16–17; 1 Sam 18:25
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear
Drachma
Say it: DRAK-muh
A Greek silver coin. Tobit offered Azarias a drachma a day as wages.
Tob 5:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
The dragon
Say it: DRAG-un
In John’s vision, a great red dragon seen as a sign in heaven, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns on his heads. He was thrown down to the earth with his angels: “the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.”
Rev 12:3–17
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Drink offering
Wine poured out as an offering to God, often along with a burnt offering and a meal offering.
Ex 29:40–41; Lev 23:13, 18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation
Drusilla
Say it: droo-SIL-uh
The wife of Felix the governor, a Jewish woman. She came with Felix when he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.
Acts 24:24
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Dura
Say it: DOOR-uh
A plain in the province of Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar set up his image of gold.
Dan 3:1
In the Story: Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace
E
Ebedmelech
Say it: EE-bed-MEL-ek
An Ethiopian eunuch in King Zedekiah’s palace. When Jeremiah had been let down into a dungeon and sank in the mud, Ebedmelech spoke up for him to the king and, with thirty men, pulled him out with ropes and rags. The Lord promised to save his life because he trusted in the Lord.
Jer 38:7–13; 39:15–18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Ebenezer
Say it: eb-uh-NEE-zer
The place beside which Israel camped before the battle in which the Philistines captured the ark; also the name Samuel gave a stone after the Lord helped Israel defeat the Philistines. The World English Bible’s note: “Ebenezer” means “stone of help”.
1 Sam 4:1; 5:1; 7:12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Eber
Say it: EE-ber
Shem’s great-grandson, the father of Peleg and Joktan.
Gen 10:21–25; 11:14–17
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam
Ecbatana
Say it: ek-BAT-uh-nuh
A city of Media, in what is now Iran. Raguel and his daughter Sarah lived there, and Tobias moved there and died there. In the book of Judith it is the city of Arphaxad, king of the Medes; Ezra calls it Achmetha, where a scroll of Cyrus’ decree was found in its palace.
Tob 3:7; 6:5; 7:1; 14:12–14; Jdt 1:1–4; Ezra 6:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Eden
Say it: EE-dun
The land where God planted a garden and put the man he had formed. A river flowed out of it and divided into four.
Gen 2:8–14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord
Edna
Say it: ED-nuh
Raguel’s wife and Sarah’s mother.
Tob 7:2, 8, 16–18; 10:12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Edom
Say it: EE-dum
Another name for Esau. The World English Bible’s note: “Edom” means “red”. His descendants, the Edomites, lived south-east of the Salt Sea.
Gen 25:30; 36:1, 8; Jer 49:7–22; Isa 63:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 21: My Messenger
Edrei
Say it: ED-ree-eye
A place in Bashan where Og, king of Bashan, came out to fight Israel.
Num 21:33; Deut 3:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Eglon
Say it: EG-lon
A king of Moab, a very fat man, whom the Lord made strong against Israel. Israel served him for eighteen years, until Ehud killed him. (Not the city of Eglon in Joshua.)
Judg 3:12–25
In the Story: The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
Eglon
Say it: EG-lon
A city in the south of Canaan whose king, Debir, joined the attack on Gibeon. Joshua took it the same day he camped against it.
Josh 10:3, 34–35
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still
Egypt
Say it: EE-jipt
The great kingdom along the Nile River, south-west of Canaan, ruled by Pharaoh.
Gen 12:10
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Ehud
Say it: EE-hud
The son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin, whom the Lord raised up to save Israel from Eglon king of Moab.
Judg 3:15–30
In the Story: The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Ekron
Say it: EK-ron
One of the five cities of the Philistines, at the north edge of their land; it was counted in the land of Judah, and also of Dan.
Josh 13:3; 15:45–46; 19:43
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Elah
Say it: EE-luh
A king of Israel, Baasha’s son, who reigned two years. Zimri killed him while he was drinking himself drunk in Tirzah. Not the Valley of Elah.
1 Kgs 16:6–14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Elam
Say it: EE-lum
A land east of Babylon, in what is now Iran. The fortress city of Susa was in the province of Elam.
Gen 14:1; Dan 8:2; Jer 49:34–39
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 11: Four Beasts
Elasa
Say it: EL-uh-suh
The place where Judas was camped with three thousand chosen men when Bacchides and Alcimus came against him the second time.
1 Macc 9:5
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Elath
Say it: EE-lath
A town by the Red Sea in the land of Edom, also spelled Eloth. Uzziah built it and restored it to Judah, and in Ahaz’s days Rezin king of Syria took it.
1 Kgs 9:26; 2 Kgs 14:22; 16:6; 2 Chr 26:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Eldad
Say it: EL-dad
One of two men who stayed in the camp when the elders went out to the Tent of Meeting. They were among those whose names had been written down; the Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.
Num 11:26–29
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints
The elder
Say it: EL-der
The writer of 2 John, to “the chosen lady and her children,” and of 3 John, to Gaius, named in both letters only as “the elder.”
2 John 1; 3 John 1
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Elders
Say it: EL-derz
The older men who led Israel’s families and tribes; in the Gospels, leaders of the people named with the chief priests and the scribes. In Acts and the letters, the assemblies had elders too: Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in every assembly.
Ex 3:16; Matt 16:21; Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:6; 20:17; 1 Pet 5:1
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Eleazar
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
Aaron and Elisheba’s third son, the father of Phinehas.
Ex 6:23, 25
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Eleazar
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
Abinadab’s son, set apart to take care of the ark at Kiriath Jearim. Not Aaron’s son Eleazar.
1 Sam 7:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Eleazar
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
One of the five sons of Mattathias, called Avaran. In a battle he crept under the elephant the king seemed to be on and killed it, and it fell on him, and he died there. Not Aaron’s son, nor the old scribe Eleazar.
1 Macc 2:5; 6:43–46
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Eleazar
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
Eleazar son of Dodai, one of the three mighty men with David, who struck down Philistines until his hand stuck to his sword. Not Aaron’s son Eleazar.
2 Sam 23:9–10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Eleazar
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
One of the principal scribes, an old man, who chose to die rather than eat swine's flesh against the law.
2 Macc 6:18–31
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers
Eleazer
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
Eleazer, who read aloud the sacred book and gave the watchword “The help of God” before the battle with Nicanor. Not Eleazar the old scribe.
2 Macc 8:23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Eleutherus
Say it: eh-LOO-thuh-rus
A river to the north, as far as which Jonathan went with King Ptolemy. Later the army of Demetrius crossed it to get away from Jonathan.
1 Macc 11:7; 12:30
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Elhanan
Say it: el-HAY-nun
A man from Bethlehem who killed the brother of Goliath of Gath. Samuel calls him the son of Jaare-Oregim, and Chronicles the son of Jair.
2 Sam 21:19; 1 Chr 20:5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Eli
Say it: EE-ly
The priest at Shiloh when Samuel was a boy. He judged Israel for forty years.
1 Sam 1:9; 4:18
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Eliab
Say it: ee-LYE-ab
Jesse’s firstborn son, David’s oldest brother. Samuel took him for the Lord’s anointed, but the Lord had rejected him. At the battle with Goliath he was angry with David. (Not the Eliab of Reuben’s family.)
1 Sam 16:6–7; 17:13, 28
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant
Eliab
Say it: ee-LYE-ab
A descendant of Reuben, the father of Dathan and Abiram.
Num 16:1, 12; 26:8–9
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
Eliakim
Say it: ee-LY-uh-kim
Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of King Hezekiah’s palace. He went out to hear the Assyrian official at Jerusalem, and Hezekiah sent him to the prophet Isaiah.
2 Kgs 18:18, 26, 37; 19:2; Isa 36:3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Eliashib
Say it: ee-LY-uh-shib
The high priest in Nehemiah’s days, the son of Joiakim and grandson of Jeshua. With his brothers the priests he built the Sheep Gate of Jerusalem’s wall.
Neh 3:1, 20–21; 12:10; 13:28
In the Story: The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Eliezer
Say it: el-ee-EE-zer
Eliezer son of Dodavahu, of Mareshah, who prophesied against King Jehoshaphat: because he had joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, the Lord had destroyed his work. Their ships were wrecked.
2 Chr 20:37
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Eliezer
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
Moses and Zipporah’s second son. Moses said, “My father’s God was my help and saved me from Pharaoh’s sword.” The World English Bible’s note: Eliezer means “God is my helper”.
Ex 18:4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven
Eliezer of Damascus
Say it: el-ee-AY-zer
The man who would inherit everything Abram had if Abram had no child.
Gen 15:2–3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings
Elihu
Say it: ee-LYE-hyoo
A young man, the son of Barachel the Buzite, who speaks after Job’s three friends have finished.
Job 32:2–6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu
Elijah
Say it: ee-LY-juh
Elijah the Tishbite, a prophet in Israel in the days of King Ahab. He was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
1 Kgs 17:1; 18:36–39; 2 Kgs 2:11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Elim
Say it: EE-lim
A place in the wilderness with twelve springs and seventy palm trees, where Israel camped.
Ex 15:27
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Elimelech
Say it: ee-LIM-uh-lek
A man of Bethlehem in Judah, Naomi’s husband, who took his family to Moab in a famine and died there.
Ruth 1:1–3
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Eliphaz
Say it: EL-ih-faz
One of Job’s three friends, from Teman.
Job 2:11; 4:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Elisha
Say it: ee-LY-shuh
The son of Shaphat, whom Elijah called to follow him. He became a prophet in Israel after Elijah was taken up.
1 Kgs 19:16–21; 2 Kgs 2:9–15; 13:20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor
Elizabeth
Say it: ih-LIZ-uh-beth
The wife of Zacharias the priest, a relative of Mary, and the mother of John the Baptizer.
Luke 1:5–7, 36, 39–45, 57
In the Story: Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John
Elizaphan
Say it: el-ih-ZAY-fan
The son of Uzziel who led the Kohathite families.
Num 3:30
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Elkanah
Say it: el-KAY-nuh
An Ephraimite from Ramathaim Zophim, the husband of Hannah and Peninnah, and Samuel’s father.
1 Sam 1:1–2, 19–20
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Elnathan
Say it: el-NAY-thun
Elnathan son of Achbor, one of King Jehoiakim’s officials. The king sent him to Egypt to bring back the prophet Uriah, and he pleaded with the king not to burn Jeremiah’s scroll.
Jer 26:22; 36:12, 25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Elon
Say it: EE-lon
A man of the tribe of Zebulun who judged Israel ten years.
Judg 12:11–12
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Eloth
Say it: EE-loth
A town beside Ezion Geber on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. Uzziah rebuilt it and won it back for Judah. 2 Kings calls it Elath.
1 Kgs 9:26; 2 Kgs 14:22; 2 Chr 26:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Elul
Say it: EH-lool
A month of the year. Jerusalem’s wall was finished on its twenty-fifth day.
Neh 6:15
In the Story: The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Elymais
Say it: el-ih-MAY-is
A land in what is now south-western Iran. Tobit 2:10 says Tobit went there after he lost his sight; some ancient copies say it was Achiacharus who went.
Tob 2:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Elymas
Say it: EL-ih-mus
A sorcerer and false prophet, a Jew named Bar Jesus, who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus and tried to turn him away from the faith. Acts calls him “Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation).” Saul, also called Paul, told him he would be blind for a time, and a mist and darkness fell on him.
Acts 13:6–11
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Elzaphan
Say it: el-ZAY-fan
A son of Uzziel, Aaron’s uncle. He and his brother Mishael carried Nadab and Abihu out of the camp.
Ex 6:22; Lev 10:4–5
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord
Embalm
Say it: em-BAHM
To prepare a dead body with spices and oils so that it lasts, as the Egyptians did.
Gen 50:2–3, 26
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
The Emim
Say it: EE-mim
A people east of the Jordan, great, many and tall, struck by the four kings. The Moabites’ name for some of the Rephaim.
Gen 14:5; Deut 2:10–11
Emmaus
Say it: eh-MAY-us
A place in the plain where the king’s army camped against Judah, and where Judas defeated it.
1 Macc 3:40, 57; 4:3
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Emmaus
Say it: eh-MAY-us
A village sixty stadia (about seven miles) from Jerusalem. Two of Jesus’ followers were walking there when Jesus came near and walked with them, and they recognized him when he broke the bread.
Luke 24:13–35
In the Story: Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus
En Gedi
Say it: en-GED-ee
A wilderness with strongholds and the rocks of the wild goats, where David hid from Saul and spared him in a cave. The Song of Songs speaks of “the vineyards of En Gedi.”
1 Sam 23:29; 24:1–3; Song 1:14
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
En Hakkore
Say it: en HAK-oh-ree
The spring at Lehi that God opened when Samson called on the Lord. In Hebrew, the name means “the spring of the one who called”.
Judg 15:18–19
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson
En Rogel
Say it: en-ROH-gel
A spring just outside Jerusalem.
Josh 15:7; 2 Sam 17:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Endor
Say it: EN-dor
A town given to the tribe of Manasseh. A woman who was a medium lived there, and Saul went to her by night before his last battle.
Josh 17:11; 1 Sam 28:7
In the Story: The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa
Enemessar
Say it: en-uh-MES-ar
The king of the Assyrians in whose days Tobit was carried away captive to Nineveh. The World English Bible’s note: that is, Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:3).
Tob 1:2, 13–15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit
Enoch
Say it: EE-nuk
Jared’s son, who walked with God until God took him. (Not Cain’s son Enoch.) Hebrews says “Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death,” and Jude calls him “the seventh from Adam.”
Gen 5:18–24; Heb 11:5; Jude 14
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Enoch
Say it: EE-nuk
Cain’s son. Cain named a city after him. (A different Enoch comes later, in Seth’s family.)
Gen 4:17
Enon
Say it: EE-nun
A place near Salim where John the Baptizer was baptizing, because there was much water there.
John 3:23
In the Story: Jesus, 14: Nicodemus
Enosh
Say it: EE-nosh
Seth’s son.
Gen 4:26; 5:6
Epaphras
Say it: EP-uh-frus
A servant of Christ who was one of the believers at Colossae. They learned the Good News from him, and he told Paul of their love; Paul says he was always striving for them in his prayers.
Col 1:7–8; 4:12–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Epaphroditus
Say it: ih-paf-roh-DY-tus
A believer whom Paul, writing to the believers at Philippi, calls “my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need”; Paul received from him the things they had sent. He was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and Paul sent him to them.
Phil 2:25–30; 4:18
In the Story: The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Ephah
Say it: EE-fuh
A measure for grain and flour, ten omers. The World English Bible’s note: about 22 liters, or about two-thirds of a bushel.
Ex 16:36
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions
Ephah
Say it: EE-fuh
A son of Midian, and so a grandson of Abraham and Keturah. Isaiah speaks of “the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah”.
Gen 25:1–4; Isa 60:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Ephesus
Say it: EF-uh-sus
A city in Asia where Paul taught daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years, and where a silversmith named Demetrius stirred up the craftsmen against him.
Acts 18:19–21; 19:1–41; Eph 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
The ephod
Say it: EE-fod
A priest’s garment. Aaron’s was woven of gold, blue, purple and scarlet, and fine linen, with two shoulder straps and a woven band. The boy Samuel and King David wore linen ones, and Gideon and Micah made ephods of their own.
Ex 28:6–14; Judg 8:27; 17:5; 1 Sam 2:18; 2 Sam 6:14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Ephphatha
Say it: EF-uh-thuh
The word Jesus said to a deaf man who had trouble speaking. Mark explains it as “Be opened!”
Mark 7:34
In the Story: Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Ephraim
Say it: EE-free-um
Joseph’s second son. The World English Bible’s note: the name sounds like the Hebrew for “twice fruitful”.
Gen 41:52; 48:1–20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Ephraim
Say it: EE-free-um
A city in the country near the wilderness, where Jesus stayed with his disciples when he no longer walked openly among the Jews. Not Joseph’s son Ephraim.
John 11:54
In the Story: Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out
Ephraim’s gate
Say it: EE-free-umz gayt
A gate in the wall of Jerusalem, also called the gate of Ephraim. In Nehemiah’s day the people built shelters of branches in the open square by it for the Feast of Booths.
2 Kgs 14:13; Neh 8:16; 12:39
In the Story: The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Ephrathah
Say it: EF-ruh-thuh
Another name for Bethlehem, which was also called Ephrath.
Gen 35:19; Ruth 1:2; 4:11
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Ephrathites
Say it: EF-ruh-thites
People from Ephrath, another name for Bethlehem. Naomi’s family were Ephrathites.
Gen 35:19; Ruth 1:2
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant
Ephron
Say it: EE-fron
A Hittite who sold Abraham the field and cave of Machpelah.
Gen 23:8–17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Ephron
Say it: EE-fron
A large, very strong city on the road from Gilead to Judah, which shut its gates against Judas and the people he was bringing home. Not Ephron the Hittite.
1 Macc 5:46–51; 2 Macc 12:27–28
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Epicureans
Say it: ep-ih-kyoo-REE-unz
Philosophers who followed the teaching of a Greek teacher named Epicurus. Some of them talked with Paul in Athens.
Acts 17:18
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Epileptic
Say it: ep-ih-LEP-tik
Having epilepsy, an illness that brings on seizures. Epileptics were among the sick brought to Jesus, and in Matthew a father says his son is epileptic and often falls into the fire and into the water.
Matt 4:24; 17:15
In the Story: Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them
Er
Say it: UR
Judah’s firstborn son. He was wicked in the Lord’s sight, and the Lord killed him.
Gen 38:3–7; Num 26:19
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Erastus
Say it: ih-RAS-tus
One of those who served Paul. Paul sent him and Timothy into Macedonia while he stayed on in Asia.
Acts 19:22
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Erastus
Say it: ih-RAS-tus
A man who, Paul wrote to Timothy, remained at Corinth.
2 Tim 4:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Erastus
Say it: ih-RAS-tus
“The treasurer of the city,” who sends greetings at the end of Paul’s letter to Rome.
Rom 16:23
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Erech
Say it: EE-rek
One of the first towns of Nimrod’s kingdom, in Shinar.
Gen 10:10
Esar Haddon
Say it: EE-sar HAD-un
A son of Sennacherib, who became king of Assyria after his father was killed.
2 Kgs 19:37; Isa 37:38
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid
Esau
Say it: EE-saw
Isaac and Rebekah’s older twin son, a hunter, also called Edom.
Gen 25:25–34; 27
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Esdraelon
Say it: ez-druh-EE-lon
A great plain, named with upper Galilee among the places Nebuchadnezzar sent to. Holofernes came toward it with his army, and his camp later stretched as far as Cyamon, which is near it.
Jdt 1:8; 3:9; 7:3
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes
Eshcol
Say it: ESH-kol
An Amorite, a brother of Mamre and Aner, and one of Abram’s allies.
Gen 14:13, 24
Eshtaol
Say it: ESH-tay-ol
A town given to the tribe of Dan, near Zorah.
Josh 19:41; Judg 13:25
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Esther
Say it: ES-ter
A young Jewish woman brought up by her cousin Mordecai, whom King Ahasuerus made queen in place of Vashti. Her other name was Hadassah.
Esth 2:7, 15–17; 4:13–16
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim
Etham
Say it: EE-thum
A place at the edge of the wilderness where Israel camped soon after leaving Egypt.
Ex 13:20
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Ethiopia
Here, the land of Cush, south of Egypt along the Nile. It was not the same as today’s Ethiopia. In Acts, Philip met “a man of Ethiopia,” an official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.
Job 28:19; Acts 8:27
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 13: Purim · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Eunice
Say it: YOO-nis
Timothy’s mother. Paul wrote that the sincere faith in Timothy lived first in Timothy’s grandmother Lois and in her.
2 Tim 1:5
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Eunuch
Say it: YOO-nuk
A man who could not father children. Kings often had eunuchs as officials in their palaces. Isaiah says, “Do not let the eunuch say, ‘Behold, I am a dry tree.’” In Matthew, Jesus speaks of eunuchs born that way, eunuchs made so by others, and eunuchs who made themselves so for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake.
2 Kgs 9:32; 20:18; Isa 56:3–5; Jer 38:7; Matt 19:12; Acts 8:27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Euodia
Say it: yoo-OH-dee-uh
A woman whom Paul, in his letter to the believers at Philippi, urges with Syntyche “to think the same way in the Lord.” He asks his “true partner” to help these women, who labored with him in the Good News.
Phil 4:2–3
In the Story: The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Euphrates
Say it: yoo-FRAY-teez
One of the four rivers of Eden; a great river that flows from Turkey through Syria and Iraq. Exodus 23:31 calls it simply “the River”.
Gen 2:14; 15:18; Ex 23:31
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Eupolemus
Say it: yoo-POL-uh-mus
The son of John, the son of Accos, whom Judas sent with Jason the son of Eleazar to Rome to make friendship and an alliance.
1 Macc 8:17; 2 Macc 4:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Euroclydon
Say it: yoo-ROK-lih-don
The stormy wind that beat down from shore on the ship carrying Paul to Italy, as it sailed along Crete, and drove it along. The World English Bible’s note: Or, “a northeaster”.
Acts 27:13–15
In the Story: The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Eutychus
Say it: YOO-tih-kus
A young man at Troas who sat in the window while Paul talked until midnight. Weighed down with deep sleep, he fell from the third floor and was taken up dead; Paul went down and embraced him, saying, “his life is in him,” and they brought the boy in alive.
Acts 20:9–12
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Evangelist
Say it: ih-VAN-juh-list
Someone who tells the Good News. Paul writes, “He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers,” and tells Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist.” Philip, “who was one of the seven,” is called “Philip the evangelist.”
Acts 21:8; Eph 4:11; 2 Tim 4:5
In the Story: The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Eve
Say it: EEV
Adam’s wife. Her name sounds like the Hebrew word for “living”: he named her Eve because she would be the mother of all the living.
Gen 3:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver
The Everlasting
A name for God in the book of Baruch, which also calls him “the everlasting God” and “your Everlasting Savior”.
Bar 4:8, 10, 14, 22
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book
Evilmerodach
Say it: EE-vul muh-ROH-dak
A king of Babylon. In the year he began to reign he let Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison and gave him a place at his table.
2 Kgs 25:27–30; Jer 52:31–34
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Ezekiel
Say it: ih-ZEEK-yul
A priest, the son of Buzi, living among the captives in the land of the Chaldeans, where he saw visions of God and spoke the Lord’s word.
Ezek 1:1–3; 24:24
In the Story: Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Ezion Geber
Say it: EE-zee-un GEE-ber
A place beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea in the land of Edom, where Israel camped in the wilderness. Later King Solomon built a fleet of ships there, and Jehoshaphat’s ships were built and wrecked there.
Num 33:35; Deut 2:8; 1 Kgs 9:26; 22:48; 2 Chr 8:17; 20:36
In the Story: The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Ezra
Say it: EZ-ruh
A priest and a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, who came from Babylon to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes to teach the law in Israel.
Ezra 7:1–10; Neh 8:1–9
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
F
The false prophet
Say it: FAWLS PROF-it
In John’s visions, one called the false prophet. Out of his mouth, and out of the mouths of the dragon and of the beast, came three unclean spirits, something like frogs. Later the beast was taken, “and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight.”
Rev 16:13; 19:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Fast
Going without food for a time. A fast could be announced for a whole town, and Ahab fasted when he humbled himself before the Lord. Isaiah asks, “Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness…?” In Acts, the assembly at Antioch fasted and prayed before sending Barnabas and Saul away.
1 Kgs 21:9–12, 27; Isa 58:3–6; Joel 1:14; 2:12–15; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver
The Fast
Say it: the FAST
A time of fasting, going without food. When Paul sailed for Italy, the voyage had become dangerous because the Fast had already gone by.
Acts 27:9
In the Story: The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Father
Here a title of honor for a priest: someone respected like a father, not a parent.
Judg 17:10; 18:19
In the Story: The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Fear God
In the Bible, to honor God and take him so seriously that you obey him.
Gen 22:12; Prov 1:7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Exile, 3: Susanna · Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Jesus, 3: Mary · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius
The Fear of Isaac
A name Jacob uses for God: the God Isaac feared and honored.
Gen 31:42, 53
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God
Feast of Booths
A seven-day feast for the Lord from the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after the crops were gathered in, when everyone born in Israel lived in booths, shelters made for a short time, so that later generations would know that the Lord made Israel live in shelters when he brought them out of Egypt. The World English Bible’s note: also called the feast of tents, or Succoth.
Lev 23:33–43; Neh 8:14–18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths
The Feast of the Dedication
Say it: ded-ih-KAY-shun
A feast at Jerusalem, kept in winter. The Feast of the Dedication is the Greek name for Hanukkah, a celebration of the rededication of the temple.
John 10:22
In the Story: Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd
Feast of Weeks
A feast at the wheat harvest, seven weeks after the grain harvest began, when Israel brought the Lord the first of the wheat; Exodus 23:16 calls it the Feast of Harvest.
Ex 34:22; Deut 16:9–10
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Felix
Say it: FEE-liks
The governor to whom Claudius Lysias sent Paul at Caesarea. He heard Paul and his accusers, put off deciding the case and kept Paul in custody; he came with his wife Drusilla and heard Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus, and was terrified as Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. He hoped Paul would give him money to release him, and when Porcius Festus took his place after two years, he left Paul in chains.
Acts 23:24–24:27
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
The Field of Blood
The potter’s field, which the chief priests bought as a graveyard for strangers with the thirty pieces of silver Judas threw down in the sanctuary; they said the silver was the price of blood.
Matt 27:5–8
In the Story: Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
First fruits
Say it: FURST FROOTS
The first of the crops of the ground, which Israel was to bring into the house of the Lord. Paul writes that Christ has been raised from the dead, “the first fruit of those who are asleep”, and that we “have the first fruits of the Spirit.”
Ex 23:19; Rom 8:23; 16:5; 1 Cor 15:20–23; 16:15; Jas 1:18; Rev 14:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Flax
A plant whose stems give threads that are woven into linen cloth.
Ex 9:31; Josh 2:6
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Fleece
The woolly coat sheared from a sheep in one piece. Gideon laid one on the threshing floor as a sign: first he asked God for dew on the fleece alone, with the ground dry, and then for the fleece alone to stay dry, with dew all over the ground.
Judg 6:36–40
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon
Flint
A hard stone that breaks into sharp edges, so people made knives and tools from it. The Lord told Joshua to make knives of flint.
Josh 5:2–3
In the Story: The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story
The four living creatures
Say it: LIV-ing KREE-cherz
In John’s vision, four creatures in the middle of the throne and around it, full of eyes before and behind, each with six wings. The first was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. Day and night they say, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
Rev 4:6–9; 5:8, 14; 6:1–7
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Frankincense
Say it: FRANK-in-sens
A sweet-smelling gum from a tree, burned as incense.
Ex 30:34; Matt 2:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
G
Gaal
Say it: GAY-ul
The son of Ebed. He came to Shechem with his brothers and turned the city against Abimelech, until Abimelech beat him and Zebul drove him out.
Judg 9:26–41
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Gaash
Say it: GAY-ash
A mountain in the hill country of Ephraim. Joshua was buried at Timnathserah, on its north side.
Josh 24:30
In the Story: The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Gabael
Say it: GAB-ay-el
A man of Rages in Media with whom Tobit left ten talents of silver in trust; Raphael later went to him for the money. Tobit 1:14 calls him the brother of Gabrias, and 4:20 the son of Gabrias.
Tob 1:14; 4:1, 20; 5:6; 9:2–6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Gabbatha
Say it: GAB-uh-thuh
A place called “The Pavement”, Gabbatha in Hebrew, where Pilate sat on the judgment seat before he handed Jesus over to be crucified.
John 19:13
In the Story: Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
Gabriel
Say it: GAY-bree-ul
In Daniel’s visions, “the man Gabriel”, sent to make Daniel understand what he saw. In Luke, the angel Gabriel, “who stands in the presence of God”, was sent to Zacharias and then to Mary in Nazareth.
Dan 8:16–26; 9:21–23; Luke 1:19, 26
In the Story: Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem
Gad
Say it: GAD
Jacob’s son by Zilpah. Leah said, “How fortunate!”
Gen 30:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Gad
Say it: GAD
A prophet who brought David messages from the Lord; he is called David’s seer. Not Jacob’s son Gad.
1 Sam 22:5; 2 Sam 24:11–19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Gadarenes
Say it: GAD-uh-reenz
The people of the country on the other side of the lake, opposite Galilee, where Jesus met a man with an unclean spirit who lived among the tombs. All the people of that country asked Jesus to leave them.
Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26, 37
In the Story: Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves
Gaius
Say it: GAY-us
The one the elder wrote to in 3 John: “Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.” Brothers came and testified about his truth and his love, and the elder says he does faithful work for those who are brothers and strangers.
3 John 1–8
In the Story: The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Gaius
Say it: GAY-us
A man who sends greetings at the end of Paul’s letter to Rome, called there “my host and host of the whole assembly.”
Rom 16:23
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Gaius
Say it: GAY-us
A man of Macedonia, one of Paul’s companions in travel. The crowd at Ephesus seized him and Aristarchus and rushed into the theater.
Acts 19:29
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Galatia
Say it: guh-LAY-shuh
A region Paul passed through on his journeys; he wrote a letter to the assemblies there.
Acts 16:6; 18:23; Gal 1:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Galbanum
Say it: GAL-buh-num
A strong-smelling gum from a plant, one of the spices in the holy incense.
Ex 30:34
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Galilee
Say it: GAL-ih-lee
A region in the north of the land; Kedesh, in the hill country of Naphtali, was in it. In the Gospels, the region of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, and of Capernaum, by the sea of Galilee.
Josh 20:7; Luke 1:26; 2:39; 4:31; Matt 4:18
In the Story: The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Gallio
Say it: GAL-ee-oh
The proconsul of Achaia when the Jews in Corinth brought Paul before the judgment seat. He didn’t want to be a judge of “questions about words and names and your own law,” and drove them from the judgment seat.
Acts 18:12–17
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Gallows
Say it: GAL-ohz
A tall wooden post or frame on which a person was hanged to put them to death. Haman had one made fifty cubits high, about 75 feet, to hang Mordecai on, and was hanged on it himself.
Esth 2:23; 5:14; 7:9–10
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim
Gamaliel
Say it: guh-MAY-lee-ul
A Pharisee in the council, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, who told the council to leave the apostles alone: “if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it.”
Acts 5:34–39
In the Story: The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Gath
Say it: GATH
One of the Philistine cities, and Goliath’s hometown.
1 Sam 17:4
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Gath Hepher
Say it: gath-HEE-fer
A town on the border of the land of the tribe of Zebulun. The prophet Jonah came from there.
Josh 19:13; 2 Kgs 14:25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah
Gauls
Say it: GAWLZ
A people. Judas reminded his men how an army of Gauls was destroyed in a battle in the land of Babylon, and 1 Maccabees says the Romans conquered them and made them pay tribute.
2 Macc 8:20; 1 Macc 8:2
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Gaza
Say it: GAH-zuh
A city near the coast in the south-west, toward Egypt, one of the five Philistine cities. In Acts, an angel sent Philip to “the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
Josh 10:41; 11:22; 13:3; 15:47; Jer 47:1, 5; Acts 8:26
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Gazara
Say it: guh-ZAIR-uh
A city on the borders of Azotus, where the Jews’ enemies used to live. Simon took it, made it clean, settled Jews there and built a home for himself in it. His son John was there when Ptolemy sent men to kill him.
1 Macc 13:43–48, 53; 14:34; 16:1, 19–22
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Geba
Say it: GEE-buh
A town of Benjamin, across a rocky pass from Michmash. Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost there, and Saul and his men stayed there.
1 Sam 13:3, 16; 14:5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Gedaliah
Say it: ged-uh-LY-uh
Gedaliah son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom Nebuchadnezzar made governor over the people left in Judah. Jeremiah was put in his care. Ishmael son of Nethaniah killed him at Mizpah. Not Gedaliah son of Pashhur, one of the officials who heard Jeremiah’s words.
2 Kgs 25:22–25; Jer 39:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Gehazi
Say it: geh-HAY-zy
Elisha’s servant. He ran after Naaman for silver and clothes, and was struck with leprosy.
2 Kgs 4:12; 5:20–27; 8:4–5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria
Gehenna
Say it: geh-HEN-uh
A place of fire Jesus spoke of, “where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.” James writes that the tongue “is set on fire by Gehenna.” The World English Bible’s note: “or, Hell”.
Matt 5:22, 29–30; 18:9; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 12:5; Jas 3:6
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Gemariah
Say it: gem-uh-RY-uh
Gemariah son of Shaphan, one of King Jehoiakim’s officials. Baruch read Jeremiah’s scroll to the people from Gemariah’s room in the Lord’s house, and Gemariah pleaded with the king not to burn it.
Jer 36:10–12, 25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Gennesareth
Say it: geh-NES-uh-reth
The lake in the north of the land, also called the Sea of Chinnereth. Jonathan’s army camped by its water before the battle in the plain of Hazor. Luke calls it the lake of Gennesaret, and Mark and Matthew tell of the land of Gennesaret on its shore, where Jesus and his disciples came to land.
1 Macc 11:67; Luke 5:1; Mark 6:53; Matt 14:34
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish
Gentiles
Say it: JEN-tylz
The people of the nations other than Israel. In Acts the Good News was preached to them too, and Paul calls himself “an apostle to Gentiles.”
1 Macc 1:11–15; Acts 10:45; 13:46–48; Rom 11:13
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love
Gerah
Say it: GEER-uh
A small weight: twenty gerahs made a shekel. The World English Bible’s note: about half a gram.
Lev 27:25; Ex 30:13
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock
Gerar
Say it: GEER-ar
A town in the south-west of Canaan, on the way toward Gaza.
Gen 10:19; 20:1; 26:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Gergesenes
Say it: GUR-guh-seenz
The people of the country on the other side of the lake where, in Matthew, two people possessed by demons came out of the tombs to meet Jesus.
Matt 8:28
In the Story: Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves
Gershom
Say it: GUR-shum
Moses and Zipporah’s son. Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land.” The World English Bible’s note: Gershom sounds like the Hebrew for “an alien there”.
Ex 2:22
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Gershon
Say it: GUR-shun
One of Levi’s three sons. His descendants, the Gershonites, camped on the west side of the tabernacle and carried its curtains, coverings and hangings.
Ex 6:16–17; Num 3:17–26; 4:21–28
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Geshem
Say it: GESH-em
Geshem the Arabian, who with Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the plan to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, and who later plotted against Nehemiah. He is also called Gashmu.
Neh 2:19; 6:1–2, 6
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Geshur
Say it: GEE-shur
A kingdom in Syria, where Absalom lived in exile.
2 Sam 13:37–38; 15:8
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Geshurites
Say it: GESH-uh-rites
A people who had lived from long ago in the land on the way to Shur and Egypt. David raided them while he lived at Ziklag. Not the kingdom of Geshur in Syria.
1 Sam 27:8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Gethsemane
Say it: geth-SEM-uh-nee
A place across the Kidron brook, where there was a garden, and where Jesus prayed on the night he was betrayed.
Matt 26:36; Mark 14:32; John 18:1
In the Story: Jesus, 54: Gethsemane
Gezer
Say it: GEE-zer
A city at the west end of the land of Joseph’s descendants. Ephraim didn’t drive out its Canaanites, who became forced laborers.
Josh 16:3, 10
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Gibeah
Say it: GIB-ee-uh
A town of the tribe of Benjamin, a little way past Jebus (Jerusalem) on the road north. The war against Benjamin began there.
Judg 19:12–15; 20:4
In the Story: The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Gibeon
Say it: GIB-ee-un
A city whose people tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them; later a town of the tribe of Benjamin.
Josh 9; 18:25; 2 Sam 20:8
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Exile, 6: After the Fall · The Return, 17: Building the Wall
Gideon
Say it: GID-ee-un
A man of Manasseh, the son of Joash, whom the Lord called to save Israel from Midian. He was also called Jerubbaal.
Judg 6:11–8:35
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Gihon
Say it: GY-hon
One of the four rivers of Eden. No one knows today which river it was.
Gen 2:13
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Gihon
Say it: GY-hon
A place just outside Jerusalem, down from the city, where Solomon was anointed king. Later the Bible calls it a spring. Not the river Gihon in Eden.
1 Kgs 1:33, 38, 45; 2 Chr 32:30
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh
Gilead
Say it: GIL-ee-ud
The hill country east of the Jordan River.
2 Sam 17:26; 19:31
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Gilead
Say it: GIL-ee-ud
Machir’s son and Manasseh’s grandson; his descendants were the family of the Gileadites. (Not the hill country of Gilead.)
Num 26:29; 27:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Gilgal
Say it: GIL-gal
A town near the Jordan, by Jericho, where Israel first camped after crossing the river in Joshua’s time.
Josh 4:19; 2 Sam 19:15
In the Story: The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Girgashites
Say it: GUR-guh-shites
One of the peoples who lived in Canaan, one of the seven nations Moses names.
Gen 10:16; 15:21; Deut 7:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Gleaning
Say it: GLEEN-ing
Picking up the grain the harvesters left behind in a field. God’s law told farmers not to go back for the grain left behind, but to leave it for the poor and the foreigner.
Lev 19:9–10; Deut 24:19; Ruth 2:2–3
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go
Goad
Say it: GOHD
A pointed stick for driving oxen. Shamgar killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, and on the road to Damascus Jesus said to Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
Judg 3:31; 1 Sam 13:21; Eccl 12:11; Acts 26:14
In the Story: The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Goat idols
Idols the Israelites had been sacrificing to; the Lord told them to stop.
Lev 17:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement
God Almighty
A name of God. In Hebrew it is El Shaddai.
Gen 17:1; Ex 6:3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go
God Most High
A name for God, the highest over all.
Gen 14:18–22
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Gog
Say it: GOG
In Ezekiel, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, of the land of Magog, whom the Lord says he will bring from the far north against the mountains of Israel in the latter days.
Ezek 38:1–16; 39:1–11
In the Story: Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Golan
Say it: GOH-lun
A town in Bashan, east of the Jordan, from the half-tribe of Manasseh: set apart as a city of refuge and given to the Gershonite Levites.
Deut 4:43; Josh 20:8; 21:27
In the Story: The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Golgotha
Say it: GOL-guh-thuh
“The place of a skull”, where Jesus was crucified.
Matt 27:33; John 19:17
In the Story: Jesus, 56: The Cross
Goliath
Say it: guh-LY-uth
A giant from Gath, the Philistines’ champion, whom David killed with a sling and a stone.
1 Sam 17:4, 49–51; 21:9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Gomer
Say it: GOH-mer
The daughter of Diblaim, whom the prophet Hosea married at the Lord’s word. Her children were Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi. Not Gomer the son of Japheth.
Hos 1:3–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Gomorrah
Say it: guh-MOR-uh
A city on the plain of the Jordan, destroyed with Sodom.
Gen 13:10; 19:24–25
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Gopher wood
A kind of wood. No one knows today which tree it came from.
Gen 6:14
Gorgias
Say it: GOR-jee-us
A captain with experience in war, one of the king’s friends, sent with Nicanor against Judah. At Emmaus he went out by night to fall on the Jews’ army, and found Judas’s camp empty.
1 Macc 3:38; 4:1–22; 2 Macc 8:9
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Goshen
Say it: GOH-shun
A region in the north-east of Egypt, near the Nile delta, good for flocks, where Jacob’s family settled.
Gen 45:10; 47:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · The Return, 7: Holofernes
Goshen
Say it: GOH-shun
A region in the south of Canaan that Joshua took. Not the land of Goshen in Egypt.
Josh 10:41; 11:16
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Gospel
Say it: GOS-pul
The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are each called a Gospel. The World English Bible’s word for it is “Good News”, as in the title “The Good News According to John”, and Mark begins, “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Mark 1:1
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore
Grace
Say it: GRAYSS
Kindness and favor. Paul begins his letters, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” and writes, “you are not under law, but under grace.” Hebrews speaks of “the throne of grace.”
Rom 1:7; 6:14–15; Gal 1:3, 6; 6:18; Heb 4:16
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Graft
Say it: GRAFT
To set a branch cut from one tree into another tree, so that it becomes part of that tree. Paul writes of branches broken off a good olive tree, and of a wild olive grafted in among them, sharing with them in the root and the richness of the olive tree.
Rom 11:17–24
In the Story: The Early Church, 24: All Israel
The Great Sea
The sea on the west side of the land, today called the Mediterranean.
Num 34:6–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Greece
Say it: GREES
The land of the Greeks. Daniel’s visions speak of “the king of Greece.” In Acts, Paul came into Greece and spent three months there.
Dan 8:21; 10:20; 11:2; Joel 3:6; Acts 20:2–3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Gymnasium
Say it: jim-NAY-zee-um
A Greek place for training young men, with a wrestling arena and discus-throwing. 1 Maccabees says one was built in Jerusalem “according to the laws of the Gentiles”; 2 Maccabees says Jason set it up under the citadel.
1 Macc 1:14; 2 Macc 4:9–14
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
H
Habakkuk
Say it: huh-BAK-uk
A prophet whose book begins, “The revelation which Habakkuk the prophet saw.” He cried out to the Lord about violence, and his book speaks of the Chaldeans being raised up.
Hab 1:1–6; 3:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon
Hadad
Say it: HAY-dad
Hadad the Edomite, of Edom’s royal family, who escaped to Egypt as a little boy when Joab killed every male in Edom. Pharaoh gave him a house, land and a wife, and the Lord raised him up as an enemy of Solomon. Not Ben Hadad, the kings of Syria.
1 Kgs 11:14–22, 25
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns
Hadadezer
Say it: had-uh-DEE-zer
Son of Rehob and king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom, in David’s time. David defeated him, and the kings who served him made peace with Israel.
2 Sam 8:3–12; 10:16–19; 1 Chr 18:3–10; 19:16–19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns
Hadadrimmon
Say it: hay-dad-RIM-un
A name in Zechariah: the great mourning in Jerusalem “in that day” will be “like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddo.”
Zech 12:11
In the Story: The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Hades
Say it: HAY-deez
The place of the dead.
Bar 2:17; 3:11, 19; Dan (Gk) 3:88
In the Story: Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Hadrach
Say it: HAY-drak
A land named at the start of a revelation in the book of Zechariah: “The Lord’s word is against the land of Hadrach, and will rest upon Damascus.”
Zech 9:1
In the Story: The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Hagar
Say it: HAY-gar
Sarai’s Egyptian servant, who became Abram’s wife and the mother of Ishmael.
Gen 16:1–16; 21:9–21
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
Haggai
Say it: HAG-eye
A prophet who spoke the Lord’s word in the second year of King Darius, calling the people to build the Lord’s house again.
Ezra 5:1; 6:14; Hag 1:1
In the Story: The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Haggith
Say it: HAG-ith
One of David’s wives, the mother of Adonijah.
2 Sam 3:4; 1 Kgs 1:5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Hallelujah
Say it: hal-uh-LOO-yuh
A shout of praise that means “Praise Yah!” (Yah is a name of God), as the Psalms say: “Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!” In John’s vision a great crowd in heaven cried it out, and the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures said, “Amen! Hallelujah!”
Ps 150:6; Tob 13:18; Rev 19:1–6
In the Story: The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Ham
Say it: HAM
One of Noah’s three sons.
Gen 5:32; 6:10
Haman
Say it: HAY-mun
The son of Hammedatha the Agagite, whom King Ahasuerus raised above all his princes, and who plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. The Greek parts of Esther call him a Bougean and a Macedonian.
Esth 3:1–6; 7:6–10; Esth (Gk) 1:1; 8:13
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim
Hamath
Say it: HAY-math
A kingdom north of Canaan, in what is now Syria. The entrance to Hamath marked the northern edge of the land promised to Israel.
Num 13:21; 34:8; Jer 49:23
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Hamath Zobah
Say it: HAY-math ZOH-buh
A place that Solomon went to and overpowered, 2 Chronicles says.
2 Chr 8:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Hamor
Say it: HAY-mor
The ruler of the town of Shechem, and the father of a son also named Shechem.
Gen 33:19; 34:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Hamstring
Say it: HAM-string
To cut the tendons at the back of an animal’s legs, so that it can’t run. The Lord told Joshua to hamstring the horses of the kings of the north.
Josh 11:6, 9
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Hanani
Say it: huh-NAY-ny
One of Nehemiah’s brothers, who came to him in Susa with some men from Judah, bringing news that Jerusalem’s wall was broken down. Later Nehemiah put him, with Hananiah, in charge of Jerusalem. Not Hanani the seer.
Neh 1:2; 7:2
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Hanani
Say it: huh-NAY-ny
A seer who told King Asa he had acted foolishly by relying on the king of Syria instead of the Lord. Asa put him in prison.
2 Chr 16:7–10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Hananiah
Say it: han-uh-NY-uh
The governor of the fortress, whom Nehemiah put in charge of Jerusalem with his brother Hanani.
Neh 7:2
In the Story: The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Hand under the thigh
The way a man made the most serious kind of promise in Abraham’s time.
Gen 24:2, 9; 47:29
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Hannah
Say it: HAN-uh
Elkanah’s wife, who had no children until she prayed at Shiloh and the Lord gave her a son, Samuel. She gave him to the Lord, and her prayer of praise is a song.
1 Sam 1:2, 10–11, 20, 28; 2:1–10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Hanun
Say it: HAY-nun
Son of Nahash, who became king of the Ammonites after him. He shamed the men David sent to comfort him.
2 Sam 10:1–5; 1 Chr 19:1–5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Haran
Say it: HAIR-un
Terah’s son, the father of Lot, Milcah and Iscah. He died in Ur. (Not the town of Haran.)
Gen 11:26–29
Haran
Say it: HAIR-un
A town far to the north of Canaan, in what is now southern Turkey, where Terah settled and died. (Not Terah’s son Haran.)
Gen 11:31–32; 12:4
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Harbonah
Say it: har-BOH-nuh
One of the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10 spells his name Harbona). He told the king about the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai.
Esth 1:10; 7:9
In the Story: The Return, 12: Esther Before the King
Harmagedon
Say it: har-muh-GED-un
In John’s vision, the place called in Hebrew “Harmagedon”, into which he gathered them together.
Rev 16:16
In the Story: The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Harod
Say it: HAY-rod
A spring where Gideon and his army camped before the battle with Midian. The Midianite camp lay to the north of it, by the hill of Moreh.
Judg 7:1
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon
Harosheth of the Gentiles
Say it: huh-ROH-sheth
The town where Sisera lived. Gentiles are the people of the nations other than Israel.
Judg 4:2, 13, 16
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Hasidaeans
Say it: has-ih-DEE-unz
A company of mighty men of Israel, everyone who offered himself willingly for the law, who joined Mattathias and his friends. The World English Bible’s note: that is, Chasidim.
1 Macc 2:42; 7:13; 2 Macc 14:6
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Hathach
Say it: HAY-thak
One of King Ahasuerus’ eunuchs, whom the king appointed to serve Queen Esther. He carried messages between Esther and Mordecai.
Esth 4:5–10
In the Story: The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot
Havilah
Say it: HAV-ih-luh
A land the Pishon river flowed through, known for its good gold. Where it was is not known for sure.
Gen 2:11–12
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac
Hazael
Say it: HAZ-ay-el
A man of Syria. Elisha wept as he told Hazael he would be king; when Ben Hadad died, Hazael reigned in his place, and he fought against Israel.
1 Kgs 19:15; 2 Kgs 8:7–15; 13:22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Hazazon Tamar
Say it: HAZ-uh-zon TAY-mar
The place where the four kings struck the Amorites. 2 Chronicles says it is En Gedi.
Gen 14:7; 2 Chr 20:2
Hazeroth
Say it: huh-ZEER-oth
A place in the wilderness where Israel camped after Kibroth Hattaavah. Miriam was shut outside the camp there for seven days.
Num 11:35; 12:15–16
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
Hazor
Say it: HAY-zor
A city in the north of Canaan, once the head of all the kingdoms there. Joshua captured it and burned it.
Josh 11:1, 10–13; 12:19
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Heave offering
A share of an offering given to the Lord and then to the priest, such as the right thigh of a peace offering, or one from each kind of bread brought with a thanksgiving offering.
Lev 7:14, 32–34
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You
Heber the Kenite
Say it: HEE-ber
Jael’s husband, a Kenite who had separated from the other Kenites and pitched his tent by the oak in Zaanannim, near Kedesh. His family was at peace with Jabin king of Hazor.
Judg 4:11, 17; 5:24
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Hebrew
Say it: HEE-broo
A name for Abram and, later, for his descendants, the people of Israel, and for their language. Paul calls himself “a Hebrew of Hebrews.”
Gen 14:13; Ex 2:6; Acts 21:40; 2 Cor 11:22; Phil 3:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Hebron
Say it: HEE-brun
An old city in the hills of Canaan, later in Judah. Abraham lived near it, and David first reigned there as king.
Gen 13:18; 2 Sam 5:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Hegai
Say it: HEG-eye
King Ahasuerus’ eunuch, the keeper of the women gathered at Susa. Esther pleased him, and he was kind to her.
Esth 2:3, 8–9, 15
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen
The heifer Baal
Say it: HEF-er BAY-ul
What the tribes that broke away from Jerusalem offered sacrifices to, as Tobit tells it. A heifer is a young cow.
Tob 1:5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit
Heir
Say it: AIR
Someone who is to receive what belongs to another, as a child receives what a parent leaves. Paul writes, “if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,” and Hebrews says God appointed his Son “heir of all things.”
Gal 3:29; 4:1, 7; Rom 8:17; Heb 1:2; 6:17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Heliodorus
Say it: hee-lee-uh-DOR-us
The chancellor of King Seleucus, a high official, sent to take the money in the temple treasury in Jerusalem. He was struck down there, and his life was spared for the sake of Onias the high priest.
2 Macc 3:7–40; 4:1; 5:18
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Helkias
Say it: hel-KY-us
Susanna’s father. He and his wife had brought her up by the law of Moses, and they praised God when she was saved.
Dan (Gk) 13:2–3, 29, 63
In the Story: Exile, 3: Susanna
Hellenists
Say it: HEL-uh-nists
The World English Bible’s note: “The Hellenists used Greek language and culture, even though they were also of Hebrew descent.” In Jerusalem they complained that their widows were neglected in the daily service.
Acts 6:1; 9:29; 11:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius
Heman
Say it: HEE-mun
A Levite, the son of Joel, one of David’s three chief singers, called the king’s seer. God gave him fourteen sons and three daughters.
1 Chr 15:17–19; 16:41–42; 25:1, 4–6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Henna
Say it: HEN-uh
A plant whose blossoms grow in clusters. In the Song of Songs she says her beloved is to her “a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi.”
Song 1:14; 4:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Hepher
Say it: HEE-fer
A man of the tribe of Manasseh, Gilead’s son and Zelophehad’s father; his descendants were the family of the Hepherites.
Num 26:32–33; 27:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Hephzibah
Say it: HEF-zih-buh
A new name in Isaiah: “you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you.” The World English Bible’s note: Hephzibah means “I delight in her”.
Isa 62:4
In the Story: Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Hercules
Say it: HER-kyuh-leez
A god of the Greeks. Jason sent three hundred drachmas of silver to the games at Tyre for a sacrifice to him.
2 Macc 4:18–20
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Herod
Say it: HAIR-ud
The king when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, who was troubled by the wise men’s news and had the boys of Bethlehem two years old and under killed. Not Herod the tetrarch.
Matt 2:1–19; Luke 1:5
In the Story: Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men
Herod the king
Say it: HAIR-ud
The king who set out to mistreat some of the assembly. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword and put Peter in prison; later an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Acts 12:1–23
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
Herod the tetrarch
Say it: HAIR-ud
Herod, tetrarch of Galilee, who shut John the Baptizer up in prison and had him beheaded, and before whom Jesus was later brought. In Acts the believers named him with Pontius Pilate in their prayer.
Luke 3:1, 19–20; Mark 6:14–29; Luke 23:6–12; Acts 4:27; 13:1
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
Herodians
Say it: hih-ROH-dee-unz
People named alongside the Pharisees. The Pharisees plotted with the Herodians how they might destroy Jesus, and later Herodians were sent to him with Pharisees to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.
Mark 3:6; 12:13–14; Matt 22:15–17
In the Story: Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 49: By What Authority?
Herodias
Say it: heh-ROH-dee-us
The wife of Herod the tetrarch’s brother Philip. Herod had married her, and John the Baptizer told him it was not lawful for him to have her; Mark says she wanted to kill John, and her daughter, told by her mother, asked for John’s head.
Luke 3:19; Mark 6:17–28; Matt 14:3–11
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed
Heshbon
Say it: HESH-bon
The city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, which Israel took with all its villages.
Num 21:25–30; Deut 2:24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Hezekiah
Say it: hez-uh-KY-uh
A king of Judah, the son of Ahaz, who trusted in the Lord. In his days the Assyrians came against Jerusalem.
2 Kgs 18:1–7; 19:14–19; 2 Chr 29:1–2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Hezron
Say it: HEZ-ron
Perez’s son and Judah’s grandson, in the family line of Boaz and David.
Gen 46:12; Ruth 4:18–19
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Hiddekel
Say it: HID-eh-kel
One of the four rivers of Eden. Many Bibles call it the Tigris, a great river in what is now Iraq.
Gen 2:14; Dan 10:4
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Hiel
Say it: HY-el
A man from Bethel who rebuilt Jericho in Ahab’s days. His firstborn son and his youngest son died, as the Lord had said through Joshua.
1 Kgs 16:34; Josh 6:26
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
High place
A place where people worshiped and made offerings, often on a hill.
Lev 26:30; 1 Kings 14:23
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
High places
Hilltop shrines where people offered sacrifices, to the Lord and to other gods.
1 Kgs 3:2–4; 2 Kgs 23:8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
High priest
The chief of Israel’s priests, from Aaron’s family: the one on whose head the anointing oil was poured. In the Gospels and Acts, the high priest led the council that questioned Jesus, the apostles and Paul. Hebrews calls Jesus “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens.”
Lev 21:10–15; Num 35:25; Matt 26:57–66; Acts 5:17–27; 23:2; Heb 4:14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Hilkiah
Say it: hil-KY-uh
The high priest in King Josiah’s day, who found the book of the law in the Lord’s house while it was being repaired.
2 Kgs 22:4–14; 23:4; 2 Chr 34:9–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
The hill of Moreh
Say it: Moreh: MOR-eh
A hill in the valley of Jezreel. The Midianites camped by it, north of Gideon’s camp. (Not the oak of Moreh at Shechem.)
Judg 7:1
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon
Hin
Say it: HIN
A measure for liquids such as oil and wine. The World English Bible’s note: about 6.5 liters, or 1.7 gallons.
Ex 29:40; Lev 19:36
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Hiram
Say it: HY-rum
The king of Tyre, who sent David cedar trees, carpenters and stonemasons to build him a house.
2 Sam 5:11; 1 Chr 14:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Hiram
Say it: HY-rum
A skilled bronze worker from Tyre, the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, who made the bronze pillars, the Sea and the stands for the Lord’s house. 2 Chronicles calls him Huram-abi. Not Hiram the king of Tyre.
1 Kgs 7:13–47; 2 Chr 2:13–14; 4:11–16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Hittites
Say it: HIT-ites
A people living in Canaan in Abraham’s time; the World English Bible also calls them the children of Heth.
Gen 23:3–20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Hivites
Say it: HY-vites
One of the peoples living in Canaan.
Gen 10:17; 34:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Hobab
Say it: HOH-bab
The son of Reuel the Midianite. When Israel set out from Sinai, Moses asked him to come with them and be their eyes in the wilderness.
Num 10:29–32
In the Story: The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Hobah
Say it: HOH-buh
A place north of Damascus, as far as Abram chased the four kings.
Gen 14:15
Hoglah
Say it: HOG-luh
One of Zelophehad’s five daughters, who asked Moses for property of their own among their father’s brothers.
Num 26:33; 27:1–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Holofernes
Say it: hol-oh-FUR-neez
In the book of Judith, the chief captain of Nebuchadnezzar’s army, sent to make war on the lands to the west.
Jdt 2:4–13; 13:6–10
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Holy
Set apart for God.
Gen 2:3
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God
The Holy One
A name of God: the one who is holy, set apart from everything else.
Job 6:10; Isa 1:4
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Holy ones
In Job, beings in heaven who belong to God. The book does not say more about who they are.
Job 5:1; 15:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters
The Holy Place
The outer room of the tabernacle, in front of the veil, where the table, the lamp stand and the altar of incense stood.
Ex 26:33–35; 30:6
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
The Holy Spirit
Say it: HOH-lee SPEER-it
Luke says John would be filled with the Holy Spirit “even from his mother’s womb”, and when Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down on him in a bodily form like a dove. At Pentecost the disciples “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages.”
Luke 1:15, 67; 3:22; Acts 1:8; 2:1–4
In the Story: Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Homer
Say it: HOH-mer
A large measure for grain, ten ephahs. The World English Bible’s note: about 220 liters, or about six bushels.
Lev 27:16; Ezek 45:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Hophni
Say it: HOFF-ny
One of Eli’s two sons, priests at Shiloh who were wicked men. He was killed on the day the Philistines captured the ark.
1 Sam 1:3; 2:12, 34; 4:11
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Hophra
Say it: HOFF-ruh
Pharaoh Hophra, a king of Egypt. The Lord said through Jeremiah that he would hand him over to his enemies, as he had handed Zedekiah over to Nebuchadnezzar.
Jer 44:30
In the Story: Exile, 6: After the Fall
Horeb
Say it: HOR-eb
The mountain of God in the desert, where God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Ex 3:1
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Horites
Say it: HOR-ites
The people who lived in the hill country of Seir before Esau’s family.
Gen 14:6; 36:20–30
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
Hormah
Say it: HOR-muh
A place in the south of Canaan. When the Israelites went up to fight without the Lord, the Amalekites and Canaanites crushed them all the way to Hormah. The World English Bible’s note: “Hormah” means “destruction”.
Num 14:45; 21:3; Deut 1:44
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Hosanna
Say it: hoh-ZAN-uh
A shout of the crowds as Jesus came to Jerusalem, and of the children in the temple. The World English Bible’s note: “Hosanna” means “save us” or “help us, we pray”.
Matt 21:9, 15; Mark 11:9–10; John 12:13
In the Story: Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Hosea
Say it: hoh-ZAY-uh
Hosea son of Beeri, a prophet in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and of Jeroboam son of Joash, king of Israel. At the Lord’s word he married Gomer, and the Lord named each child she bore.
Hos 1:1–9; 3:1–5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · The Early Church, 24: All Israel
Hoshea
Say it: hoh-SHAY-uh
Joshua the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, listed by this name among the twelve men sent to spy out Canaan. Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.
Num 13:8, 16
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies
Hoshea
Say it: hoh-SHAY-uh
Hoshea son of Elah, who killed King Pekah and reigned over Israel in Samaria for nine years. In his ninth year the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried Israel away. Not Joshua, who was first called Hoshea.
2 Kgs 15:30; 17:1–6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
The house of Joseph
Joseph was one of Jacob’s twelve sons, the fathers of Israel’s tribes. “The house of Joseph” means the tribes that came from him, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
Gen 49:28; Josh 17:17; Judg 1:22; 2 Sam 19:20; 1 Kgs 11:28
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
House of the Forest of Lebanon
A great building Solomon built, a hundred cubits (about 150 feet) long, on four rows of cedar pillars. He kept his gold shields in it, and all its dishes were pure gold.
1 Kgs 7:2; 10:17, 21; 2 Chr 9:16, 20
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba
Household idols
Say it: teraphim: TAIR-uh-fim
Small statues of gods kept in a home. The World English Bible calls them teraphim, and its note says they may have had to do with a family’s right to inherit its property.
Gen 31:19, 34–35
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Hozai
Say it: HOH-zy
A name in 2 Chronicles: King Manasseh’s prayer, and his sins, were written in “the history of Hozai.” The World English Bible’s note says the name may mean “the seers.”
2 Chr 33:19
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh
Huldah
Say it: HUL-duh
A prophetess in Jerusalem in King Josiah’s day, the wife of Shallum. She gave the Lord’s answer about the book of the law that had been found.
2 Kgs 22:14–20; 2 Chr 34:22–28
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Hur
Say it: HUR
One of Israel’s leaders. With Aaron, he held up Moses’ hands in the battle with Amalek, and stayed with the elders while Moses was on the mountain.
Ex 17:10–12; 24:14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant
Hushai
Say it: HOO-shy
Hushai the Archite, David’s friend.
2 Sam 15:32, 37
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Hymenaeus
Say it: hy-meh-NEE-us
A man Paul names with Alexander in a letter to Timothy, among those who made a shipwreck of the faith. Paul writes that he delivered them to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Tim 1:19–20
In the Story: The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Hypocrite
Say it: HIP-uh-krit
A word Jesus used for people who give, pray and fast in front of others to be seen by them, for someone who sees the speck in his brother’s eye but not the beam in his own, and for the scribes and Pharisees.
Matt 6:2, 5, 16; 7:5; 22:18; 23:13; Luke 12:56
In the Story: Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Hyrax
Say it: HY-raks
A small animal that makes its home among the rocks. The World English Bible’s note: also called the rock badger, or cony.
Lev 11:5; Ps 104:18; Prov 30:26
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean
Hyrcanus
Say it: her-KAY-nus
Hyrcanus the son of Tobias, a man in a very high position, who had money kept in the temple treasury in Jerusalem.
2 Macc 3:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus
Hyssop
Say it: HISS-up
A small, bushy plant. A bunch of it could be used as a brush.
Ex 12:22
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
I
Ibex
Say it: EYE-beks
A wild goat of the mountains, with long horns that curve back. It was one of the wild animals Israel was allowed to eat.
Deut 14:5
In the Story: The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses
Ibzan
Say it: IB-zan
A man of Bethlehem who judged Israel seven years after Jephthah. He had thirty sons and thirty daughters.
Judg 12:8–10
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Ichabod
Say it: IK-uh-bod
The son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli, born when the news came that God’s ark had been taken. His mother named him as she was dying. The World English Bible’s note: “Ichabod” means “no glory”.
1 Sam 4:19–22; 14:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Iconium
Say it: eye-KOH-nee-um
A city Paul and Barnabas came to after they were thrown out of Antioch of Pisidia. A great crowd of Jews and Greeks believed there, but the city was divided, and when some moved to mistreat and stone them, they fled. Later the brothers there spoke well of Timothy.
Acts 13:51; 14:1–6, 19, 21; 16:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Iddo
Say it: ID-oh
A seer, also called a prophet. 2 Chronicles names his writings among the records of the reigns of Solomon, Rehoboam and Abijah.
2 Chr 9:29; 12:15; 13:22
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Iddo
Say it: ID-oh
The chief at the place Casiphia, to whom Ezra sent for people to serve in the house of God. Not Iddo the seer.
Ezra 8:17
In the Story: The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
Idol
Say it: EYE-dul
An image someone makes in order to bow down to it and serve it as a god.
Ex 20:4–5
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Idumaea
Say it: id-yoo-MEE-uh
The land of the children of Esau. Lysias’s army came into it and camped at Bethsura, and its people held strongholds against the Jews.
1 Macc 4:29; 5:3; 2 Macc 10:15–17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath
Illyricum
Say it: ih-LIR-ih-kum
A region along the sea across from Italy, north and west of Macedonia. Paul wrote that “from Jerusalem and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ.”
Rom 15:19
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Imalcue
Say it: ih-MAL-kyoo-ee
An Arabian who was bringing up Antiochus, the young son of King Alexander. Tryphon went to him and pressed him to hand the boy over.
1 Macc 11:39–40
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Immanuel
Say it: ih-MAN-yoo-el
The name in the sign that King Ahaz was told the Lord himself would give. The World English Bible’s note: “Immanuel” means “God with us”.
Isa 7:14; 8:8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Immortality
Say it: im-or-TAL-ih-tee
Never dying. The book of Wisdom says that righteousness is immortal and that the hope of the righteous is “full of immortality”. Paul writes that “this mortal must put on immortality,” and that God “alone has immortality.”
Wis 1:15; 3:4; 6:18–19; 8:13, 17; 1 Cor 15:53–54; 1 Tim 6:16; 2 Tim 1:10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Incense
Say it: IN-sens
Sweet spices burned to make a fragrant smoke. The incense for the tabernacle was made by a recipe God gave, and no one was to make it for himself.
Ex 30:1–9, 34–38
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 3: Mary · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Iniquity
Say it: in-IK-wih-tee
An old word for wrongdoing and sin.
Ex 34:7, 9
Interpreter
Someone who speaks for another person or explains things to him. Who Elihu means here is not certain.
Job 33:23
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu
Irad
Say it: EYE-rad
Enoch’s son, Cain’s grandson.
Gen 4:18
Isaac
Say it: EYE-zik
The son God promised Abraham and Sarah. The World English Bible’s note: Isaac means “he laughs”.
Gen 17:19; 21:1–7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 8: Judith · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Isaiah
Say it: eye-ZAY-uh
Isaiah son of Amoz, a prophet in Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.
Isa 1:1; 6:1–8; 2 Kgs 19:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 31: Rome
Iscah
Say it: IS-kuh
A daughter of Haran, Abram’s brother, and a sister of Milcah and Lot.
Gen 11:29
Ishbibenob
Say it: ISH-bye-BEE-nob
A Philistine descended from the giant, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze. He thought he would kill David, but Abishai killed him.
2 Sam 21:16–17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Ishbosheth
Say it: ish-BOH-sheth
A son of Saul whom Abner made king over Israel after Saul died. Two of his own captains killed him.
2 Sam 2:8–10; 4:5–8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Ishmael
Say it: ISH-may-el
The son of Abram and Hagar. His name means “God hears”.
Gen 16:11–16; 17:20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Return, 7: Holofernes
Ishmael
Say it: ISH-may-el
Ishmael son of Nethaniah, of Judah’s royal family, who came with ten men and killed Gedaliah the governor at Mizpah. Not Abraham’s son Ishmael.
2 Kgs 25:23–25
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Ishmaelites
Say it: ISH-may-uh-lites
Traders descended from Ishmael, Abraham’s son.
Gen 37:25–28; 39:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Israel
Say it: IZ-ree-ul
The new name given to Jacob, “because you have fought with God and with people, and you have won.” His descendants are called Israel too.
Gen 32:28; 35:10
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 12: Come and See · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Issachar
Say it: ISS-uh-kar
Jacob and Leah’s fifth son. Leah said, “God has paid me.”
Gen 30:18
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Italy
Say it: IT-uh-lee
The land Aquila and his wife Priscilla had recently come from when Paul found them in Corinth, and the land Paul was sent to by ship as a prisoner. Near the end of Hebrews: “The Italians greet you.”
Acts 18:2; 27:1, 6; Heb 13:24
In the Story: The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Ithamar
Say it: ITH-uh-mar
Aaron and Elisheba’s youngest son.
Ex 6:23
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
Ittai
Say it: IT-eye
A man from the Philistine city of Gath who joined David with his men and their families.
2 Sam 15:19–22
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Izhar
Say it: IZ-har
A son of Kohath, Levi’s son, and the father of Korah.
Ex 6:18, 21; Num 16:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah
J
Jaazaniah son of Azzur
Say it: jay-az-uh-NY-uh
One of two leaders of the people whom Ezekiel saw, in his vision, among twenty-five men at the east gate of the Lord’s house. The Lord said these men gave wicked advice in Jerusalem.
Ezek 11:1–2
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Jaazaniah son of Shaphan
Say it: jay-az-uh-NY-uh
In Ezekiel’s vision of Jerusalem, the man standing in the middle of seventy elders of Israel, each with his censer, before pictures of creeping things and idols on the walls.
Ezek 8:11
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Jabal
Say it: JAY-bul
Lamech’s son, the first of all who live in tents and keep livestock.
Gen 4:20
The Jabbok
Say it: JAB-uk
A river east of the Jordan that flows into it from the hills of Gilead.
Gen 32:22
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Jabesh Gilead
Say it: JAY-besh GIL-ee-ud
A town in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. No one from there came to the assembly at Mizpah.
Judg 21:8–14
In the Story: The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Jabin
Say it: JAY-bin
The king of Hazor, who sent for the kings of the north to fight Israel at the waters of Merom. Joshua took Hazor and killed its king.
Josh 11:1–10
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Jabin
Say it: JAY-bin
A king of Canaan who reigned in Hazor in the time of the judges. The Lord sold Israel into his power, and Sisera was the commander of his army; in the end the Israelites destroyed him. (Joshua had killed an earlier Jabin, king of Hazor.)
Judg 4:2–3, 23–24; Josh 11:10
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Jachin
Say it: JAY-kin
The name given to the bronze pillar on the right at the porch of the Lord’s house.
1 Kgs 7:21; 2 Chr 3:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Jacob
Say it: JAY-kub
Isaac and Rebekah’s younger twin son. He was born holding his brother’s heel, and Esau says his name fits because he “supplanted”, or cheated, him.
Gen 25:26; 27:36
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Jael
Say it: JAY-ul
The wife of Heber the Kenite. Sisera ran to her tent, and she killed him there with a tent peg and a hammer while he slept. Deborah’s song calls her blessed above women.
Judg 4:17–22; 5:6, 24–27
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Jahaz
Say it: JAY-haz
A place in the wilderness where Sihon, king of the Amorites, fought Israel.
Num 21:23; Deut 2:32
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Jahaziel
Say it: juh-HAY-zee-el
A Levite of Asaph’s family. The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he told Jehoshaphat’s people that the battle was not theirs, but God’s.
2 Chr 20:14–17
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Jair
Say it: JAY-ur
A son of Manasseh who took the region of Argob in Bashan and called it by his own name, Havvoth Jair.
Num 32:41; Deut 3:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Jair
Say it: JAY-ur
A man of Gilead who judged Israel twenty-two years. His thirty sons rode on thirty young donkeys and had thirty towns, called Havvoth Jair. (Not Manasseh’s son Jair.)
Judg 10:3–5
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Jairus
Say it: JY-rus
A ruler of the synagogue, whose only daughter, about twelve years old, was dying. He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house.
Mark 5:22–43; Luke 8:41–56
In the Story: Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves
Jambres
Say it: JAM-breez
A man Paul names with Jannes in a letter to Timothy: “Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these also oppose the truth.”
2 Tim 3:8
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Jambri
Say it: JAM-bry
A family from Medaba who seized John, the brother of Jonathan and Simon, and all he had.
1 Macc 9:36–42
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
James
Say it: JAYMZ
A James to whom Peter sent word after the Lord brought him out of prison: “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” When the apostles and elders met in Jerusalem, James spoke after Barnabas and Paul and gave his judgment about the Gentiles who turn to God. Later Paul went in to James, “and all the elders were present.”
Acts 12:17; 15:13–21; 21:18
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
James
Say it: JAYMZ
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” who wrote a letter “to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion.”
Jas 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
James
Say it: JAYMZ
James the son of Zebedee, John’s brother, a fisherman and one of the twelve apostles. Not James the son of Alphaeus. In Acts, King Herod “killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.”
Matt 4:21; 10:2; Acts 12:2
In the Story: Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
James the son of Alphaeus
Say it: JAYMZ … al-FEE-us
One of the twelve apostles. Not James the son of Zebedee.
Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Matt 10:3
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
James, the Lord’s brother
Say it: JAYMZ
Paul writes that when he went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, “of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother.”
Gal 1:19
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
Jamnia
Say it: JAM-nee-uh
A town whose men meant to harm the Jews living among them; Judas set fire to its harbor and fleet at night. Gorgias came out of the city to beat Joseph and Azarias when they marched toward it.
1 Macc 4:15; 5:58–60; 2 Macc 12:8–9, 40
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Jannes
Say it: JAN-eez
A man Paul names with Jambres in a letter to Timothy: “Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these also oppose the truth.”
2 Tim 3:8
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Japheth
Say it: JAY-futh
One of Noah’s three sons.
Gen 5:32; 6:10
Jared
Say it: JAIR-ed
Mahalalel’s son, and the father of Enoch.
Gen 5:15–20
Jason
Say it: JAY-sun
The son of Eleazar, whom Judas sent with Eupolemus to Rome to make friendship and an alliance. Not Jason the high priest.
1 Macc 8:17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Jason
Say it: JAY-sun
The brother of Onias, who took the high priesthood from his brother with a promise of money to King Antiochus, and turned his people to the Greek way of life.
2 Macc 4:7–26; 5:5–10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Jason
Say it: JAY-sun
A man in Thessalonica whose house a mob attacked, looking for Paul and Silas, whom they said he had taken in. They dragged him before the city rulers, who took a pledge from him and let him go. Not Jason the high priest.
Acts 17:5–9
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Jason of Cyrene
Say it: JAY-sun of sy-REE-nee
A writer who told of Judas Maccabaeus and his brothers in five books. The writer of 2 Maccabees set out to shorten them into one book. Not Jason the brother of Onias.
2 Macc 2:23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus
Javan
Say it: JAY-vun
A son of Japheth. From his sons came the peoples of the islands and coasts.
Gen 10:2, 4–5
Jazer
Say it: JAY-zer
A town of the Amorites, with villages around it. Moses sent men to spy it out, and Israel drove out the Amorites who were there.
Num 21:32; 32:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Jebusites
Say it: JEB-yoo-sites
One of the peoples living in Canaan.
Gen 10:16; Ex 3:8
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Jedidiah
Say it: jed-ih-DY-uh
A name given to Solomon, through Nathan the prophet, for the Lord’s sake. The World English Bible’s note: it means “loved by Yahweh”.
2 Sam 12:24–25
In the Story: The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba
Jeduthun
Say it: jeh-DOO-thun
A Levite musician in David’s time, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praising the Lord. His sons sang in the Lord’s house.
1 Chr 25:1, 3, 6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Jehoahaz
Say it: jeh-HOH-uh-haz
A king of Israel, Jehu’s son, who reigned after him in Samaria. Not Jehoahaz king of Judah.
2 Kgs 10:35; 13:1–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Jehoahaz
Say it: jeh-HOH-uh-haz
A king of Judah, Josiah’s son, whom the people of the land made king after his father. He reigned three months before Pharaoh Necoh took him away to Egypt, where he died; 2 Chronicles also calls him Joahaz. Not Jehu’s son Jehoahaz, king of Israel.
2 Kgs 23:30–34; 2 Chr 36:1–4
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Jehoash
Say it: jeh-HOH-ash
A king of Israel, the son of Jehoahaz, who wept over the dying Elisha. Also called Joash.
2 Kgs 13:10–25; 14:8–16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Jehoiachin
Say it: jeh-HOY-uh-kin
A king of Judah, Jehoiakim’s son, who reigned three months before Nebuchadnezzar took him to Babylon. Years later he was let out of prison there.
2 Kgs 24:8–15; 25:27–30
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen
Jehoiada
Say it: jeh-HOY-uh-duh
The priest who kept the young Joash hidden in the Lord’s house, made him king in place of Athaliah, and taught him. He died at a hundred and thirty and was buried among the kings. Not Jehoiada the father of Benaiah.
2 Kgs 11:4–12:16; 2 Chr 22:11–24:16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Jehoiakim
Say it: jeh-HOY-uh-kim
A king of Judah, Josiah’s son, whose name had been Eliakim until Pharaoh Necoh made him king.
2 Kgs 23:34–24:6; Jer 36
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book
Jehonadab
Say it: jeh-HON-uh-dab
Jehonadab son of Rechab, who met Jehu on the road to Samaria, rode with him in his chariot, and went with him into the temple of Baal.
2 Kgs 10:15–23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Jehoram
Say it: jeh-HOR-um
A king of Judah, Jehoshaphat’s son, who married Ahab’s daughter. Also called Joram.
2 Kgs 8:16–24; 2 Chr 21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Jehoshaphat
Say it: jeh-HOSH-uh-fat
A king of Judah, the son of Asa, who sought the Lord and went into battle with Ahab.
1 Kgs 15:24; 22:2–50; 2 Chr 17:1–6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Jehosheba
Say it: jeh-HOSH-uh-buh
King Joram’s daughter and Ahaziah’s sister, who hid the young Joash from Athaliah. 2 Chronicles calls her Jehoshabeath and says she was the wife of Jehoiada the priest.
2 Kgs 11:2; 2 Chr 22:11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Jehu
Say it: JEE-hyoo
Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi, an army commander anointed king of Israel at Elisha’s word. He put an end to Ahab’s family and to Baal worship in Israel.
1 Kgs 19:16; 2 Kgs 9:1–10:36
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Jehu
Say it: JEE-hyoo
A prophet, the son of Hanani, who brought the Lord’s word against King Baasha of Israel and later rebuked King Jehoshaphat of Judah for helping the wicked. Not King Jehu.
1 Kgs 16:1–7, 12; 2 Chr 19:2–3; 20:34
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Jemimah
Say it: jeh-MY-muh
The first of the three daughters born to Job after his troubles. Her name probably means “dove”.
Job 42:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Jephthah
Say it: JEF-thuh
A brave fighter from Gilead, the son of a prostitute, whose brothers drove him out. The elders of Gilead brought him back to lead the fight against the Ammonites, and he judged Israel six years.
Judg 11:1–12:7
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Jephunneh
Say it: jeh-FUN-uh
Caleb’s father.
Num 13:6; 14:6, 30, 38
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Jeremiah
Say it: jer-uh-MY-uh
The son of Hilkiah, from a family of priests in Anathoth. The Lord’s word came to him from Josiah’s days until Jerusalem was taken captive.
Jer 1:1–3; 2 Chr 36:12, 21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 1: Going Home · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
Jericho
Say it: JAIR-ih-koh
A city in Canaan just west of the Jordan River, across from where Israel camped in the plains of Moab.
Num 22:1; Deut 34:1; Josh 2–6
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Jeroboam
Say it: jer-uh-BOH-um
Jeroboam son of Nebat, of Ephraim, one of Solomon’s officials, who became the first king of the ten tribes of Israel when the kingdom split. He set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan. Not the later King Jeroboam son of Joash.
1 Kgs 11:26–40; 12:20, 28–29
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Jeroboam
Say it: jer-uh-BOH-um
Jeroboam son of Joash (Jehoash), a king of Israel who reigned forty-one years in Samaria, in the days of the prophets Hosea and Amos. He restored Israel’s border, as the Lord had said through the prophet Jonah. Not Jeroboam son of Nebat.
2 Kgs 13:13; 14:16, 23–29; Hos 1:1; Amos 1:1; 7:10–11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Jerubbesheth
Say it: jer-ub-BEE-sheth
Another form of Jerubbaal, Gideon’s other name. Joab calls Abimelech “the son of Jerubbesheth”.
2 Sam 11:21; Judg 6:32; 9:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba
Jerusalem
Say it: juh-ROO-suh-lem
A city in the hills of Canaan, held by the Jebusites in Joshua’s time; later David’s city. In the Gospels, the city of the temple, where Jesus’ parents went every year for the Passover.
Josh 10:1; 2 Sam 5:6–9; Luke 2:41
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Jeshua
Say it: JESH-oo-uh
The son of Jozadak, the high priest when the captives came home from Babylon, who built the altar again with Zerubbabel. Haggai and Zechariah call him Joshua.
Ezra 2:2; 3:2, 8; Hag 1:1; Zech 3:1–9; 6:11
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Jeshurun
Say it: JESH-uh-run
A name for Israel in the poems of Deuteronomy: Moses’ song and his blessing of the tribes.
Deut 32:15; 33:5, 26
In the Story: The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Jesse
Say it: JESS-ee
David’s father, from Bethlehem.
1 Sam 16:1; 17:12
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Jesus
Say it: JEE-zus
The son of Mary, born in Bethlehem and brought up in Nazareth. The angel told Joseph to name him Jesus, “for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matt 1:21; Luke 2:4–7, 39–40
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Jesus son of Sirach
Say it: SY-rak
“Jesus, the son of Sirach Eleazar, of Jerusalem”, who wrote the book of Sirach's teaching. Not Jesus of Nazareth.
Sir 50:27
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 1: The Fear of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Jesus who is called Justus
Say it: JEE-zus, JUS-tus
A man who sent greetings to the Colossians with Paul, one of Paul’s fellow workers for God’s Kingdom from among the circumcised.
Col 4:11
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Jethro
Say it: JETH-roh
Moses’ father-in-law, the priest of Midian. Exodus 2 calls him Reuel.
Ex 3:1; 4:18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven
Jezebel
Say it: JEZ-uh-bel
The daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians and Ahab’s wife. She killed the Lord’s prophets and served Baal.
1 Kgs 16:31; 18:4; 2 Kgs 9:30–37
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Jezebel
Say it: JEZ-uh-bel
A woman in Thyatira who calls herself a prophetess. The letter to the assembly there says, “you tolerate your woman Jezebel,” that she teaches and leads astray “my servants” to commit sexual sin and to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that she was given time to repent but refuses.
Rev 2:20–23
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Jezreel
Say it: JEZ-ree-el
A town and a valley in the north of the land. The Canaanites in the valley had chariots of iron. The town fell to Issachar. (Not the Jezreel in Judah’s hill country, 15:56.)
Josh 17:16; 19:18
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Jezreel
Say it: JEZ-ree-el
The first son Gomer bore to the prophet Hosea. The Lord told Hosea to name him Jezreel. Not the town and valley of Jezreel.
Hos 1:3–5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Joab
Say it: JOH-ab
Commander of David’s army. His mother, Zeruiah, was David’s sister.
2 Sam 8:16; 1 Chr 2:16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns
Joah
Say it: JOH-uh
Joah son of Asaph, King Hezekiah’s recorder, the official who kept the royal records.
2 Kgs 18:18, 26, 37; Isa 36:3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Joakim
Say it: JOH-uh-kim
A very rich man living in Babylon, who had a beautiful garden next to his house. The Jews used to come to him, because he was more respected than anyone else. Susanna was his wife.
Dan (Gk) 13:1–4, 63
In the Story: Exile, 3: Susanna
Joakim
Say it: JOH-uh-kim
In the book of Judith, the high priest in Jerusalem in those days. He wrote to the people of Bethulia to seize the passes into the hill country, and later came with the elders to see Judith. Not Joakim the husband of Susanna.
Jdt 4:6–8, 14; 15:8
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Joakim
Say it: JOH-uh-kim
The high priest in Jerusalem, the son of Helkias son of Salom, to whom the captives in Babylon sent money for offerings and Baruch’s book to read in the Lord’s house. Not Joakim the husband of Susanna.
Bar 1:7–14
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book
Joanna
Say it: joh-AN-uh
The wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward. Luke names her among the women who had been healed of evil spirits and illnesses and who were with Jesus and the twelve.
Luke 8:3; 24:10
In the Story: Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen
Joash
Say it: JOH-ash
Gideon’s father, an Abiezrite of Ophrah, who had an altar to Baal. When the men of the town wanted Gideon put to death for tearing it down, Joash said that if Baal was a god, he could fight for himself.
Judg 6:11, 25–32; 8:13, 29, 32
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Joash
Say it: JOH-ash
A king of Judah, also called Jehoash. He was hidden with his nurse in the Lord’s house for six years while Athaliah ruled, and made king at seven.
2 Kgs 11:2–12:21; 2 Chr 24
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
Job
Say it: JOBE
A blameless man of the land of Uz who lost everything and argued with God about why. The Bible does not say when he lived.
Job 1:1; Ezek 14:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Jochebed
Say it: JOK-uh-bed
Amram’s wife, his father’s sister, the mother of Aaron and Moses.
Ex 6:20
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Joel
Say it: JOH-ul
A prophet, the son of Pethuel, to whom the Lord’s word came. On the day of Pentecost Peter told the crowd what was spoken through him. (Not Samuel’s son Joel.)
Joel 1:1; Acts 2:16–21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost
Joel
Say it: JOH-ul
Samuel’s firstborn son. Samuel made him and his brother Abijah judges in Beersheba, but they took bribes and twisted justice. (Not the prophet Joel.)
1 Sam 8:1–3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations
Johanan
Say it: joh-HAY-nun
Johanan son of Kareah, one of the army captains who came to Gedaliah at Mizpah. He warned Gedaliah that Ishmael had been sent to kill him, won back the people Ishmael carried off, called Jeremiah a liar, and took those left in Judah into Egypt.
2 Kgs 25:23; Jer 40:8–16; 41:11–18; 42:1–8; 43:2–7
In the Story: Exile, 6: After the Fall
John
Say it: JON
One of the five sons of Mattathias, called Gaddis. Later the children of Jambri seized him and everything he had. Not Mattathias’s father John.
1 Macc 2:2; 9:35–38
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
John
Say it: JON
One of those gathered in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas and Alexander when Peter and John were made to stand in the middle of them and questioned. Not John the apostle.
Acts 4:6
In the Story: The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate
John
Say it: JON
The servant to whom the Revelation of Jesus Christ was made known by his angel. He writes to the seven assemblies in Asia as their brother and partner in the oppression, the Kingdom and the perseverance in Christ Jesus, and says that he was on the island called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 1:1, 4, 9
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
John
Say it: JON
Simon’s son, whom Simon made leader of all his forces. He fought Cendebaeus, escaped the men Ptolemy son of Abubus sent to kill him, and became high priest after his father.
1 Macc 13:53; 16:1–24
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
John
Say it: JON
John the son of Zebedee, James’s brother, a fisherman and one of the twelve apostles. Not John the Baptizer.
Matt 4:21; 10:2
In the Story: Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
John Mark
Say it: JON MARK
John, who was called Mark, the son of a Mary in whose house many were gathered together and praying. Barnabas and Saul took him with them.
Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37–39
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
John the Baptizer
Say it: JON
John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, who preached in the wilderness of Judea and baptized people in the Jordan as they confessed their sins.
Luke 1:57–63; 3:2–3; Matt 3:1–6; Mark 1:4–5
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Joktan
Say it: JOK-tan
A son of Eber and brother of Peleg, the father of thirteen sons.
Gen 10:25–30
Jonadab
Say it: JON-uh-dab
Amnon’s cousin, the son of David’s brother Shimeah; a very cunning man.
2 Sam 13:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 12: Tamar
Jonah
Say it: JOH-nuh
Jonah son of Amittai, a prophet from Gath Hepher and the Lord’s servant, through whom the Lord spoke about Israel’s border in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash. The Lord sent him to preach against Nineveh; he ran away to sea, but in the end he warned the city that it would be overthrown.
2 Kgs 14:25; Jonah 1:1–3; 3:4; Tob 14:4, 8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
Abiathar’s son. Not the Jonathan who was Saul’s son and David’s friend.
2 Sam 15:27
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
Jonathan the son of Absalom, whom Simon sent to Joppa with a great army. Not Simon’s brother Jonathan.
1 Macc 13:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
Jonathan, the son of Mattathias, called Apphus, who led the people after his brother Judas died and became high priest. Not Saul's son.
1 Macc 2:5; 9:28–31; 10:18–21; 12:48
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
The son of Gershom, the son of Moses. He and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan. Not Abiathar’s son Jonathan, or Saul’s son.
Judg 18:30
In the Story: The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
The man who led the priests’ prayer while Nehemiah’s sacrifice burned, as a letter from Jerusalem tells it; the rest answered. Not Jonathan the son of Mattathias.
2 Macc 1:23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Jonathan
Say it: JON-uh-thun
Saul’s son, a brave fighter and David’s closest friend. He died with his father on Mount Gilboa. Not Abiathar’s son Jonathan.
1 Sam 14:1; 18:1–4; 31:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Joppa
Say it: JOP-uh
A port town on the coast. Huram king of Tyre said he would bring timber there by sea for Solomon, and there Jonah found a ship going to Tarshish. In Acts, Peter was in Joppa when Tabitha died, and stayed there with Simon the tanner.
2 Chr 2:16; Jonah 1:3; Acts 9:36–43; 10:5–6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius
Joram
Say it: JOR-um
A king of Israel, Ahab’s son, also called Jehoram. Jehu killed him.
2 Kgs 3:1; 8:28–29; 9:24
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
The Jordan
Say it: JOR-dun
The river that flows south through the land, from the Sea of Galilee into the Salt Sea (the Dead Sea).
Gen 13:10–11; Josh 3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come
Joseph
Say it: JOH-sef
Jacob and Rachel’s first son. The World English Bible’s note: Joseph means “may he add”.
Gen 30:24; 37–50
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Joseph
Say it: JOH-zef
One of the brothers of Judas Maccabaeus in 2 Maccabees, whom Judas put over one of the four divisions, of fifteen hundred men, before the battle with Nicanor. Not Jacob’s son Joseph.
2 Macc 8:22
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Joseph
Say it: JOH-sef
A man of David’s house, pledged to be married to Mary, the mother of Jesus. An angel spoke to him in dreams. Not Jacob’s son Joseph.
Matt 1:16–25; 2:13–23; Luke 1:27; 2:4
In the Story: Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life
Joseph
Say it: JOH-zuf
Joseph son of Zacharias, whom Judas left with Azarias to lead the people in Judea, with orders to fight no battle. They went out to win a name for themselves, marched toward Jamnia, and were beaten by Gorgias. Not Jacob’s son Joseph.
1 Macc 5:18–19, 55–62
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Joseph called Barsabbas
Say it: JOH-sef … bar-SAB-us
One of the two men put forward to take part in the work and position as an apostle that Judas fell away from; he was also called Justus. They drew lots, and the lot fell on Matthias.
Acts 1:23–26
In the Story: The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Joseph of Arimathaea
Say it: JOH-sef of air-ih-muh-THEE-uh
A member of the council from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for God’s Kingdom and was a disciple of Jesus. He asked Pilate for Jesus’ body and laid it in a tomb cut out of the rock. Not Joseph, Mary’s husband.
Matt 27:57–60; Mark 15:43–46; Luke 23:50–53; John 19:38–42
In the Story: Jesus, 56: The Cross
Josheb Basshebeth
Say it: JOH-sheb bash-SHEE-beth
The first named of David’s mighty men, a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains, also called Adino the Eznite. He killed eight hundred men at one time.
2 Sam 23:8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Joshua
Say it: JOSH-oo-uh
Moses’ helper, who led Israel’s fighters against Amalek and went with Moses up the mountain.
Ex 17:9; 24:13
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Josiah
Say it: joh-SY-uh
A king of Judah who became king at eight years old. In his days the book of the law was found in the Lord’s house, and he tore down the altars to other gods.
1 Kgs 13:2; 2 Kgs 22:1–23:30
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Jotham
Say it: JOH-thum
Gideon’s youngest son, who hid when Abimelech killed his brothers. From Mount Gerizim he told the men of Shechem a story about trees choosing a king, and then fled.
Judg 9:5–21, 57
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Jotham
Say it: JOH-thum
A king of Judah, Uzziah’s son and Ahaz’s father. He was in charge of the palace while his father had leprosy, then reigned sixteen years and did what was right in the Lord’s eyes; the prophet Micah’s word from the Lord came in his days. Not Gideon’s son Jotham.
2 Kgs 15:5, 32–38; 16:1; 2 Chr 27; Isa 7:1; Mic 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Jubal
Say it: JOO-bul
Jabal’s brother, the first of all who play the harp and the flute.
Gen 4:21
Jubilee
Say it: JOO-buh-lee
Every fiftieth year, a holy year when freedom was announced in the land: land that had been sold went back to its family, and people went home to their families.
Lev 25:8–55
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Judah
Say it: JOO-duh
Jacob and Leah’s fourth son. Leah said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” The tribe that came from him was called Judah, and when the kingdom split after Solomon, the kingdom that stayed with David’s family, ruled from Jerusalem, was called Judah too.
Gen 29:35; 1 Kgs 12:20–21
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Judas
Say it: JOO-dus
One of Simon’s two oldest sons, sent with his brother John against Cendebaeus and wounded in the battle. Ptolemy son of Abubus killed him with his father at Dok. Not Simon’s brother Judas Maccabaeus.
1 Macc 16:2–9, 14–16
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Judas called Barsabbas
Say it: JOO-dus … bar-SAB-us
One of the leading men among the brothers in Jerusalem, chosen with Silas to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, carrying the letter from the apostles, the elders and the brothers. He was a prophet, and he encouraged and strengthened the brothers there. Not Judas Iscariot.
Acts 15:22, 27, 32–33
In the Story: The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem
Judas Iscariot
Say it: JOO-dus is-KAIR-ee-ut
One of the twelve apostles, who betrayed Jesus. In Acts, the apostles chose Matthias to take his place.
Matt 10:4; 26:14–16, 47–50; Acts 1:16–26
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Judas Maccabaeus
Say it: JOO-dus mak-uh-BEE-us
Judas, the son of Mattathias, called Maccabaeus, who led the fight against the king's armies and made the sanctuary clean again.
1 Macc 2:4, 66; 3:1–9; 4:36–59; 9:1–22; 2 Macc 8:1–7; 10:1–8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Judas of Galilee
Say it: JOO-dus of GAL-ih-lee
A man Gamaliel named before the council, who rose up in the days of the enrollment and drew some people away after him. He died, and all who obeyed him were scattered. Not Judas Iscariot.
Acts 5:37
In the Story: The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
Judas son of Chalphi
Say it: JOO-dus, KAL-fy
One of Jonathan’s captains, one of the two who stayed with him in the plain of Hazor when the rest of his men ran away. Not Jonathan’s brother Judas Maccabaeus.
1 Macc 11:70
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Judas the son of James
Say it: JOO-dus
One of the twelve apostles in Luke’s list. Not Judas Iscariot.
Luke 6:16
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Jude
Say it: JOOD
A servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, who wrote a letter “to those who are called.”
Jude 1
In the Story: The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Judea
Say it: joo-DEE-uh
The land of Judah, around Jerusalem. In the book of Judith the children of Israel living in Judea heard what Holofernes had done to the nations. In the Gospels, Herod was king of Judea when John the Baptizer and Jesus were born. In Acts, Jesus told his apostles they would be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
Tob 1:18; Jdt 4:1–3; Luke 1:5; Matt 2:1; Acts 1:8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome
Judge
Say it: JUJ
In the book of Judges, a leader the Lord raised up to save Israel from the people who were raiding them.
Judg 2:16–19
In the Story: The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Judith
Say it: JOO-dith
A widow of Bethulia, the daughter of Merari, who feared God greatly, and who went out to the camp of Holofernes to save her people.
Jdt 8:1–8; 13:6–10
In the Story: The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Julius
Say it: JOOL-yus
A centurion of the Augustan band, to whom Paul and some other prisoners were handed over when they were to sail for Italy. He treated Paul kindly, and when the ship ran aground he stopped the soldiers from killing the prisoners, because he wanted to save Paul.
Acts 27:1, 3, 42–43
In the Story: The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Jupiter
Say it: JOO-pih-tur
The name the crowds at Lystra gave Barnabas when they said, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Jupiter was a god whose temple was in front of their city, and his priest brought oxen and garlands to the gates to make a sacrifice along with the crowds.
Acts 14:11–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Justify, justified
Say it: JUS-tih-fy
A word Paul uses for being in the right before God. He writes that “no man is justified by the law before God,” and, “It is God who justifies.”
Gal 2:16–17; 3:8, 11, 24; Rom 8:33
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation
Justus
Say it: JUS-tus
A man in Corinth who worshiped God. His house was next door to the synagogue, and Paul went into it after the Jews there opposed him.
Acts 18:7
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
K
Kadesh
Say it: KAY-desh
A place in the desert in the far south, also called En Mishpat, and later Kadesh Barnea, where Israel camped in the wilderness.
Gen 14:7; Num 13:26; 20:1; Deut 1:19
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Return, 7: Holofernes
Kadmonites
Say it: KAD-muh-nites
One of the peoples whose land God promised to Abram’s offspring.
Gen 15:19
Kain
Say it: KAYN
In Balaam’s words to the Kenites; it seems to stand for them.
Num 24:22
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam
Kedar
Say it: KEE-dar
Ishmael’s second son. His descendants were a people of the desert.
Gen 25:13; Song 1:5; Isa 21:16; 60:7; Jer 49:28–33
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Kedesh
Say it: KEE-desh
A town in Galilee, in the hill country of Naphtali, set apart as a city of refuge and given to the Gershonite Levites.
Josh 20:7; 21:32
In the Story: The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Keilah
Say it: kee-EYE-luh
A town with gates and bars that David saved from the Philistines. The Lord told David its men would hand him over to Saul, so he left.
1 Sam 23:1–13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Return, 17: Building the Wall
Kenan
Say it: KEE-nun
Enosh’s son, in Seth’s family line.
Gen 5:9–14
Kenaz
Say it: KEE-naz
Othniel’s father. Joshua 15:17 calls Othniel “the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb”.
Josh 15:17
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
Kenites
Say it: KEE-nites
A people of the land; Genesis 15:19 lists them among the peoples whose land God promised Abram. Balaam says their home is strong, their nest set in the rock, and the family of Moses’ brother-in-law were Kenites.
Gen 15:19; Num 24:21–22; Judg 1:16
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Kenizzite
Say it: KEN-ih-zite
Caleb the son of Jephunneh is called a Kenizzite. A people called the Kenizzites is also named among those whose land God promised to Abram’s descendants.
Gen 15:19; Num 32:12
In the Story: The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Kenizzites
Say it: KEN-ih-zites
One of the peoples whose land God promised to Abram’s offspring.
Gen 15:19
Keren Happuch
Say it: KEHR-en HAP-uk
Job’s third daughter. Her name probably means “jar of eye makeup”.
Job 42:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Keturah
Say it: keh-TOO-ruh
Another wife of Abraham, the mother of six of his sons.
Gen 25:1–4
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac
Keziah
Say it: keh-ZY-uh
Job’s second daughter. Her name is the name of a sweet-smelling spice, cassia.
Job 42:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Kibroth Hattaavah
Say it: KIB-roth huh-TAY-uh-vuh
A place in the wilderness where the people who craved were buried, after the Lord struck the people with a plague while they were eating the quail. The World English Bible’s note: the name means “graves of lust,” that is, of craving.
Num 11:33–35
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
Kidron
Say it: KID-ron
The valley and brook just east of Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives.
2 Sam 15:23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane
Kidron
Say it: KID-run
A place that Cendebaeus built up at King Antiochus’s command, so that his soldiers could go out from it and raid the roads of Judea. Not the Kidron brook by Jerusalem.
1 Macc 15:39–41; 16:9
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
King Agrippa
Say it: uh-GRIP-uh
A king who came with Bernice to Caesarea to greet Festus, and who heard Paul make his defense. Paul called him an expert in all the customs and questions among the Jews, and afterward Agrippa told Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Acts 25:13–26:32
In the Story: The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
The king’s highway
A main road through Edom and through the land of the Amorites. Israel asked to travel along it without turning off into fields or vineyards.
Num 20:17; 21:22
In the Story: The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake
The kingdoms of Hazor
Say it: HAY-zor
Named with Kedar in the Lord’s word through Jeremiah, “which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck.” The Lord tells the people of Hazor to run far off and live down in the depths, for Nebuchadnezzar has made a plan against them, and says Hazor will become a place where jackals live and no one will live there.
Jer 49:28–33
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Kir Hareseth
Say it: keer HAR-uh-seth
A city of Moab. When Israel, Judah and Edom attacked Moab, all they left in Kir Hareseth was its stones, and men with slings surrounded it and attacked it.
2 Kgs 3:25; Isa 16:7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders
Kiriath Arba
Say it: KEER-ee-ath AR-buh
The old name of Hebron, named after the greatest man among the Anakim, the father of Anak.
Josh 14:15; 15:13
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Kiriath Jearim
Say it: KEER-ee-ath JEE-uh-rim
One of the four cities of the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them. Later it was a city of Judah on the border with Benjamin, also called Baalah and Kiriath Baal.
Josh 9:17; 15:9, 60; 18:14
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Kiriath Sepher
Say it: KEER-ee-ath SEE-fer
The old name of the city of Debir, in the hill country of Judah.
Josh 15:15–16
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Kish
Say it: KISH
A brave and powerful man of the tribe of Benjamin, the son of Abiel, and the father of King Saul. Saul and Jonathan were buried in his tomb at Zela.
1 Sam 9:1–3; 14:51; 2 Sam 21:14
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
The Kishon River
Say it: KY-shon
The river where Sisera brought his chariots and his army against Barak. Deborah’s song says it swept them away.
Judg 4:7, 13; 5:21
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice
Kittim
Say it: KIT-im
A people of the coastlands, named after Kittim, a son of Javan, Japheth’s son. Balaam says ships will come from the coast of Kittim; 1 Maccabees spells it Chittim, the land Alexander the Macedonian came from, whose king Perseus the Romans defeated.
Gen 10:4; Num 24:24; 1 Macc 1:1; 8:5
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Kohath
Say it: KOH-hath
One of Levi’s three sons, and the grandfather of Moses and Aaron. His descendants, the Kohathites, camped on the south side of the tabernacle and carried the ark and the other most holy things.
Ex 6:16–20; Num 3:27–31; 4:1–20
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Korah
Say it: KOR-uh
A Levite, the son of Izhar and grandson of Kohath, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. (Not Korah, Esau’s son.) Jude speaks of those who “perished in Korah’s rebellion.”
Ex 6:21, 24; Num 16; Jude 11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Kue
Say it: KOO-ay
A land where King Solomon’s merchants bought horses.
2 Chr 1:16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom
L
Laban
Say it: LAY-bun
Rebekah’s brother, who lived in the town of Nahor.
Gen 24:29–31; 29:5
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Return, 8: Judith
Lacedaemonians
Say it: las-uh-dih-MOH-nee-unz
A people across the sea. Jason crossed the sea to them, hoping to find shelter there because they were near of kin, and he died in exile.
2 Macc 5:9
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Lachish
Say it: LAY-kish
A city in the lowland of Canaan. Its king joined the kings who fought against Gibeon, and Joshua took it on the second day.
Josh 10:3–5, 31–32; 12:11; 15:33, 39
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
The Ladder of Tyre
A place on the coast by Tyre. Young King Antiochus made Simon governor from the Ladder of Tyre to the borders of Egypt.
1 Macc 11:59
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Laish
Say it: LAY-ish
A city in the valley near Beth Rehob, far from Sidon, whose people lived quiet and secure. The Danites killed its people and burned it, then rebuilt it and named it Dan.
Judg 18:7, 27–29
In the Story: The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
The lake of fire
Say it: LAYK uv FY-er
In John’s visions, the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive. Later the lake that burns with fire and sulfur is called “the second death.”
Rev 19:20; 21:8
In the Story: The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
The Lamb
Say it: LAM
In John’s vision, a Lamb standing in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
Rev 5:6
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Lamech
Say it: LAY-mek
Methuselah’s son and Noah’s father. (Not the Lamech of Cain’s family.)
Gen 5:25–31
Lamech
Say it: LAY-mek
A man of Cain’s family who married two wives and boasted of killing a man. (A different Lamech, Noah’s father, comes later, in Seth’s family.)
Gen 4:18–24
The lamp stand
A stand of pure gold with seven lamps, its branches made with cups like almond blossoms, which stood in the tabernacle.
Ex 25:31–40
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Laodicea
Say it: lay-od-ih-SEE-uh
A city where there were believers. Paul asked that his letter to the Colossians be read in the assembly of the Laodiceans too. One of the seven assemblies in Asia that John was told to write to was in Laodicea; its letter calls it lukewarm, “neither hot nor cold.”
Col 2:1; 4:13–16; Rev 1:11; 3:14–22
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Lappidoth
Say it: LAP-ih-doth
Deborah’s husband.
Judg 4:4
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Lasha
Say it: LAY-shuh
A place at the edge of the Canaanites’ land, beyond Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim.
Gen 10:19
Lasthenes
Say it: LAS-thuh-neez
A man to whom King Demetrius son of Demetrius wrote about the Jews, calling him his kinsman and his “father.”
1 Macc 11:31–32
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Lattice
Say it: LAT-iss
A screen of crossed strips set in a window. In the Song of Songs her beloved stands behind the wall, looks in at the windows, and “glances through the lattice.”
Song 2:9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Lawyer
Say it: LAW-yer
In the Gospels, someone who knew the law well. Luke names lawyers along with the Pharisees; one lawyer asked Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life, and in Matthew a lawyer asked him which is the greatest commandment.
Matt 22:35–36; Luke 7:30; 10:25; 11:45–52
In the Story: Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 49: By What Authority?
Lazarus
Say it: LAZ-uh-rus
The poor man in a story Jesus told.
Luke 16:20–25
In the Story: Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Lazarus
Say it: LAZ-uh-rus
The brother of Martha and Mary of Bethany, whom Jesus loved and raised from the dead. Not the poor man in Jesus’ story.
John 11:1–44; 12:1–2, 9–11
In the Story: Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Leah
Say it: LEE-uh
Laban’s older daughter and Jacob’s first wife, the mother of six of his sons and his daughter Dinah.
Gen 29:16–35; 30:17–21
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Lebanon
Say it: LEB-uh-nun
The mountain country to the north, named among the places the Lord sent Israel to take; Moses asked to see it.
Deut 1:7; 3:25
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Legion
Say it: LEE-jun
When Jesus asked the man among the tombs his name, the answer was: “My name is Legion, for we are many.” Luke says many demons had entered into him.
Mark 5:9, 15; Luke 8:30
In the Story: Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves
Legion
Say it: LEE-jun
A very large company of soldiers. When he was seized, Jesus said he could ask his Father, who would send him more than twelve legions of angels.
Matt 26:53
In the Story: Jesus, 54: Gethsemane
Lehi
Say it: LEE-hye
The place in Judah where the Philistines camped and Samson killed a thousand men with a donkey’s jawbone. The World English Bible’s note: “Lehi” means “jawbone”.
Judg 15:9–19
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson
Leprosy
Say it: LEP-ruh-see
In the Bible, a name for several diseases of the skin that made a person unclean. Leviticus also uses it for a spreading mark in cloth, leather or the walls of a house.
Ex 4:6; Lev 13–14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers
Leshem
Say it: LEE-shem
A city the people of Dan fought against and took. They lived there and called it Dan.
Josh 19:47
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Levi
Say it: LEE-vye
Jacob and Leah’s third son. Leah hoped her husband would now stay close to her.
Gen 29:34
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 21: My Messenger · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Levi
Say it: LEE-vye
Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office when Jesus called him to follow him. Luke calls him a tax collector named Levi, who left everything and made a great feast for Jesus in his house. Not Jacob’s son Levi.
Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–29
In the Story: Jesus, 18: Through the Roof
Leviathan
Say it: luh-VY-uh-thun
A great creature of the sea, described in Job 41. What it was is not certain.
Job 3:8; 41:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Levites
Say it: LEE-vites
The tribe of Levi, set apart to carry the ark and serve at the place of worship. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus.
Deut 10:8; Acts 4:36
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
The Libertines
Say it: LIB-er-teenz
The name of a synagogue: some of those who belonged to it stood up to argue with Stephen. The name comes from a Latin word for people who had been freed from slavery.
Acts 6:9
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Libnah
Say it: LIB-nuh
A town in the lowland of Judah. The king of Assyria was fighting against it when Rabshakeh came back from Jerusalem.
Josh 15:42; 2 Kgs 19:8; Isa 37:8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Libyans
Say it: LIB-ee-unz
The people of Libya, the land along the coast of Africa west of Egypt.
Dan 11:43
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Lo-Ammi
Say it: loh-AM-eye
The second son Gomer bore, named by the Lord’s word to Hosea. The World English Bible’s note: the name means “not my people”.
Hos 1:8–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Lo-Ruhamah
Say it: loh-roo-HAH-muh
The daughter Gomer bore, named by the Lord’s word to Hosea. The World English Bible’s note: the name means “not loved”.
Hos 1:6–8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Locust
Say it: LOH-kust
A kind of grasshopper that flies in huge swarms and eats every green plant in its way.
Ex 10:4; Joel 1:4; 2:25
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Judges, 4: Gideon · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Log
A measure for oil. The World English Bible’s note: about 300 milliliters, or about 10 ounces.
Lev 14:10, 21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean
Lois
Say it: LOH-is
Timothy’s grandmother. Paul wrote that the sincere faith in Timothy lived first in her and in Timothy’s mother, Eunice.
2 Tim 1:5
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Loom
A wooden frame for weaving threads into cloth. Delilah fastened the weaving with the loom’s pin, and Samson pulled the pin out.
Judg 16:13–14
In the Story: The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
The Lord
Say it: Yahweh: YAH-way
Stands for God’s own name, Yahweh. The World English Bible prints the name; many Bibles print “the LORD” instead.
Gen 2:4; Ex 3:13–15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
The Lord Is Peace
Say it: Yahweh Shalom: YAH-way shah-LOME
The name Gideon gave the altar he built at Ophrah, after the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you! Don’t be afraid.” In Hebrew it is Yahweh Shalom.
Judg 6:23–24
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon
The Lord Our Banner
Say it: Yahweh Nissi: YAH-way NISS-ee
The name Moses gave the altar he built after the battle with Amalek. In Hebrew it is Yahweh Nissi. A banner is a flag on a pole that an army gathers around.
Ex 17:15
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven
The Lord Will Provide
The name Abraham gave the place on the mountain. In Hebrew it is Yahweh Jireh; the World English Bible’s note also gives “Yahweh-Seeing”.
Gen 22:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain
The Lord’s glory
The Lord’s greatness and splendor, when he lets people see it. In the wilderness it appeared in the cloud; on Mount Sinai it looked like a fire burning on the mountaintop.
Ex 16:10; 24:16–17
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness
Lot
Say it: LOT
Haran’s son, Abram’s nephew, who went to live in Sodom. Peter calls him “righteous Lot.”
Gen 11:27, 31; 13:12; 19:1; 2 Pet 2:7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace
Lots
Small objects thrown or drawn to make a choice, a little like drawing straws. The soldiers at the cross cast lots for Jesus’ clothing. In Acts, the apostles drew lots, “and the lot fell on Matthias.”
Lev 16:8–10; John 19:23–24; Mark 15:24; Acts 1:26
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Love feast
Say it: LUV feest
The feasts of those Jude wrote to, which he calls “your love feasts.” He says the ungodly men who crept in are hidden reefs there “when they feast with you.”
Jude 12
In the Story: The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith
Lubim
Say it: LOO-bim
A people who came with Shishak king of Egypt against Rehoboam, and who were part of the huge army, with the Ethiopians, that the Lord put in King Asa’s power.
2 Chr 12:3; 16:8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Luke
Say it: LUKE
The name in the title of the Gospel of Luke, “The Good News According to Luke”, which is written to a man named Theophilus.
Luke 1:1–4
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word
Luke
Say it: LOOK
“Luke the beloved physician,” who sends greetings with Demas at the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Col 4:14
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Luz
Say it: LUZZ
The old name of the town Jacob called Bethel.
Gen 28:19; 48:3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Lycaonia
Say it: lik-ay-OH-nee-uh
A region whose cities included Lystra and Derbe. The crowds at Lystra spoke the language of Lycaonia.
Acts 14:6, 11
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Lydda
Say it: LID-uh
A town near Joppa where Peter came to the saints and found Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Acts 9:32–38
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus
Lydia
Say it: LID-ee-uh
A woman from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple cloth, who worshiped God. At Philippi the Lord opened her heart to listen to Paul. She and her household were baptized, and she persuaded Paul and those with him to come and stay in her house.
Acts 16:14–15, 40
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Lysias
Say it: LIS-ee-us
An honorable man of royal lineage, whom King Antiochus left over the affairs of the kingdom and to bring up his son, and who led armies against Judas.
1 Macc 3:32–37; 4:26–35; 6:17, 55–63; 2 Macc 11:1–15
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Lysimachus
Say it: ly-SIM-uh-kus
Menelaus’s brother, left as his deputy in the high priesthood. With Menelaus’s consent he committed many crimes against holy things in Jerusalem, and when the people rose against him he armed about three thousand men.
2 Macc 4:29, 39–42
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Lystra
Say it: LIS-truh
A city of Lycaonia, where Paul told a man who had been lame from birth to stand upright, and he leaped up and walked; the crowds called Barnabas “Jupiter” and Paul “Mercury.” Later the crowds stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. The disciple Timothy was well spoken of there.
Acts 14:6–21; 16:1–2
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
M
Maacah
Say it: MAY-uh-kuh
A wife of King Rehoboam, the one he loved most, and the mother of Abijam, also called Abijah. 2 Chronicles 11 calls her Absalom’s granddaughter and 1 Kings the daughter of Abishalom; both books also name Maacah as King Asa’s mother, and say Asa removed her from being queen because she had made an image for an Asherah.
1 Kgs 15:2, 10, 13; 2 Chr 11:20–22; 15:16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Macedonia
Say it: mas-uh-DOH-nee-uh
A region Paul sailed to from Troas after a vision in the night: a man of Macedonia begging him, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” Philippi was one of its cities.
Acts 16:9–12; 20:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Macedonian
Say it: mas-uh-DOH-nee-un
Someone from Macedonia, a land in the north of Greece. The Greek book of Esther calls Haman a Macedonian; the king’s second letter says he was really a foreigner with no Persian blood, who planned to hand the Persians’ rule over to the Macedonians.
Esth (Gk) 8:13; 9:24
In the Story: The Return, 13: Purim · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Machir
Say it: MAY-keer
Manasseh’s son, the father of Gilead. His descendants took the land of Gilead east of the Jordan.
Num 26:29; 32:39–40
In the Story: The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Machpelah
Say it: mak-PEE-luh
The field and cave near Mamre that Abraham bought as a family grave.
Gen 23:9–20; 25:9; 49:29–32
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Magdala
Say it: MAG-duh-luh
A place Jesus came to by boat after he fed the four thousand.
Matt 15:39
In the Story: Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
Magistrates
Say it: MAJ-ih-strayts
The officials in Philippi to whom the masters of a slave girl brought Paul and Silas. They had them beaten with rods and thrown into prison, and were afraid when they heard that the men were Romans.
Acts 16:20–22, 35–39
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Magog
Say it: MAY-gog
Gog’s land in Ezekiel. In Genesis, Magog is one of the sons of Japheth, Noah’s son.
Gen 10:2; Ezek 38:2; 39:6
In the Story: Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Mahalalel
Say it: muh-HAY-luh-lel
Kenan’s son.
Gen 5:12–17
Mahanaim
Say it: may-huh-NAY-im
A town east of the Jordan, in Gilead. The World English Bible’s note: Mahanaim means “two camps”.
Gen 32:2; 2 Sam 17:24
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Mahaneh Dan
Say it: MAY-huh-neh DAN
A camp of the Danites. Judges 13:25 places it between Zorah and Eshtaol; in 18:12 the Danites camp behind Kiriath Jearim and the place is named Mahaneh Dan. In Hebrew, the name means “the camp of Dan”.
Judg 13:25; 18:12
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Mahlah
Say it: MAH-luh
One of Zelophehad’s five daughters, who asked Moses for property of their own among their father’s brothers.
Num 26:33; 27:1–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Mahlon
Say it: MAH-lon
One of Naomi’s two sons, Ruth’s first husband. He died in Moab.
Ruth 1:2–5; 4:10
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Makkedah
Say it: muh-KEE-duh
A city in Canaan with a cave where five kings hid from Joshua. Joshua took the city the day the five kings were put to death.
Josh 10:10, 16–28
In the Story: The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still
Malachi
Say it: MAL-uh-ky
A prophet. His book begins, “A revelation, the Lord’s word to Israel by Malachi.”
Mal 1:1
In the Story: The Return, 21: My Messenger
Malcam
Say it: MAL-kam
A name in the Lord’s word against the Ammonites. The Lord asks why Malcam has taken Gad’s land for his own, and says Malcam will go into captivity with his priests and his princes.
Jer 49:1, 3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Malchus
Say it: MAL-kus
The high priest’s servant whose right ear Simon Peter cut off with a sword on the night Jesus was seized in the garden.
John 18:10, 26
In the Story: Jesus, 54: Gethsemane
Malta
Say it: MAWL-tuh
The island where Paul and those sailing with him escaped to land when their ship was wrecked. Its people showed them uncommon kindness, and three months later they sailed on in a ship that had wintered there.
Acts 27:41–44; 28:1–11
In the Story: The Early Church, 31: Rome
Mammon
Say it: MAM-un
A word for riches, or a false god of wealth. Jesus said, “You can’t serve both God and Mammon.”
Matt 6:24; Luke 16:9–13
In the Story: Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Mamre
Say it: MAM-ree
Where the oaks of Mamre stood, at Hebron. Abram lived there.
Gen 13:18; 18:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Man of God
A name the Bible gives to someone God sends with his message, such as Moses, Samuel, Elisha, and the man from Judah who cried out against the altar at Bethel.
Deut 33:1; 1 Sam 9:6; 1 Kgs 13:1; 2 Kgs 13:19
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Manasseh
Say it: muh-NASS-uh
Joseph’s first son. The World English Bible’s note: the name sounds like the Hebrew for “forget”.
Gen 41:51; 48:1–20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Manasseh
Say it: muh-NASS-uh
A king of Judah, Hezekiah’s son, who became king at twelve and did great evil in the Lord’s eyes. Not the tribe of Manasseh.
2 Kgs 21:1–18; 2 Chr 33:1–20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Manasses
Say it: muh-NASS-eez
A man Tobit spoke of in his last words, who gave to the poor and escaped the trap of death set for him. Tobit says nothing more about who he was.
Tob 14:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Manasses
Say it: muh-NASS-eez
Judith’s husband, of her own tribe and family, who was overcome by the burning heat at the barley harvest and died in Bethulia. Not the Manasses Tobit spoke of.
Jdt 8:2–7; 16:22–24
In the Story: The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Mandrakes
Say it: MAN-drakes
A plant with sweet-smelling fruit.
Gen 30:14–16; Song 7:13
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder
Manna
Say it: MAN-uh
The bread God gave Israel in the wilderness for forty years: small, round and white, like coriander seed, and tasting like wafers with honey. The World English Bible’s note: “Manna” means “What is it?”
Ex 16:14–15, 31, 35
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Manoah
Say it: muh-NOH-uh
A man of Zorah from the tribe of Dan, Samson’s father. The angel of the Lord told his wife she would have a son, then came again and spoke with them both.
Judg 13:2–23; 16:31
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah
Maon
Say it: MAY-on
A town in Judah with a wilderness around it, where David hid from Saul. Nabal came from Maon.
1 Sam 23:24–25; 25:2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Marah
Say it: MAR-uh
A place in the wilderness where the water was bitter until Moses threw in a tree the Lord showed him, and it became sweet. The World English Bible’s note: Marah means “bitter”.
Ex 15:23
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Maranatha
Say it: mar-uh-NATH-uh
“Come, Lord!”: words near the end of Paul’s letter to the assembly at Corinth, after a greeting in his own hand. The World English Bible’s note: Aramaic: Maranatha!
1 Cor 16:22
In the Story: The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails
Mark
Say it: MARK
Mark, “the cousin of Barnabas,” who sent greetings to the Colossians with Paul. They had received instructions about him: “if he comes to you, receive him.”
Col 4:10
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Mark
Say it: MARK
Named at the end of a letter from Peter: “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son.”
1 Pet 5:13
In the Story: The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
The mark of the beast
In John’s vision, a mark on the right hand or the forehead that the beast from the earth makes everyone, the small and the great, be given; no one can buy or sell unless he has it. It is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
Rev 13:16–17; 14:9–11; 16:2; 19:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Martha
Say it: MAR-thuh
The sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, who welcomed Jesus into her house.
Luke 10:38–42; John 11:1–40; 12:2
In the Story: Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Martyr
Say it: MAR-ter
Someone who is put to death for being a faithful witness. John saw the woman on the scarlet beast drunk “with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”
Rev 17:6
In the Story: The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Mary
Say it: MAIR-ee
The sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany, who sat at Jesus’ feet and later anointed him. Not Mary his mother.
Luke 10:38–42; John 11:1–2, 28–33; 12:3
In the Story: Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Mary
Say it: MAIR-ee
A virgin of Nazareth, pledged to be married to Joseph, to whom the angel Gabriel was sent; the mother of Jesus. Not Mary Magdalene or Mary of Bethany.
Luke 1:26–38; 2:5–7
In the Story: Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Mary Magdalene
Say it: MAIR-ee MAG-duh-leen
A woman from whom seven demons had gone out, who followed Jesus, stood near his cross and saw him after he rose.
Luke 8:2; John 19:25; 20:1–18; Mark 16:9
In the Story: Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen
Mary the mother of James
Say it: MAIR-ee
Mark names her among the women who watched from a distance when Jesus was crucified, calling her the mother of James the less and of Joses. With Mary Magdalene and Salome she bought spices to anoint him, and Luke names her among the women who came back from his tomb and told the apostles.
Mark 15:40; 16:1; Luke 24:10
In the Story: Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen
Mary the mother of John Mark
Say it: MAIR-ee
The mother of John who was called Mark. Many were gathered praying in her house when Peter came there after the Lord brought him out of prison.
Acts 12:12
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
Massah
Say it: MASS-uh
A name Moses gave the place at Rephidim where the people tested the Lord. The World English Bible’s note: Massah means testing.
Ex 17:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Mastick tree
Say it: MAS-tik
A small evergreen tree. One of the two elders said he had seen Susanna and the young man under one; the other said it was an evergreen oak.
Dan (Gk) 13:54
In the Story: Exile, 3: Susanna
Mattathias
Say it: mat-uh-THY-us
A priest, the son of John, the son of Simeon, of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, who lived at Modin. He refused to sacrifice as the king commanded and fled to the mountains with his five sons.
1 Macc 2:1–70
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Mattathias
Say it: mat-uh-THY-us
A son of Simon, killed with his father and his brother Judas at Dok. Not Simon’s father Mattathias.
1 Macc 16:14–16
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Mattathias son of Absalom
Say it: mat-uh-THY-us
One of Jonathan’s captains, one of the two who stayed with him in the plain of Hazor when the rest of his men ran away. Not Jonathan’s father, Mattathias the priest.
1 Macc 11:70
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Matthew
Say it: MATH-yoo
A man sitting at the tax collection office whom Jesus called to follow him; one of the twelve apostles.
Matt 9:9; 10:3
In the Story: Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Matthias
Say it: muh-THY-us
One of the two men put forward to take part in the work and position as an apostle that Judas fell away from. They drew lots, and the lot fell on him, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:23–26
In the Story: The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Meal offering
An offering of fine flour with oil and frankincense, or of bread or grain, part of it burned on the altar and the rest given to the priests.
Lev 2
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Medad
Say it: MEE-dad
One of two men, with Eldad, who stayed in the camp when the elders went out to the Tent of Meeting. The Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.
Num 11:26–29
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints
The Medes
Say it: MEEDZ
A people who lived east of Assyria, in what is now Iran. The king of Assyria settled some of the people of Israel in their towns.
2 Kgs 17:6; 18:11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Media
Say it: MEE-dee-uh
A land east of Assyria, in what is now Iran, the land of the Medes. Its cities included Rages and Ecbatana.
2 Kgs 17:6; Tob 1:14; 3:7; 14:4
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 13: Purim · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Mediator
Say it: MEE-dee-ay-ter
Someone who goes between two sides. Paul writes that the law “was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.”
Gal 3:19–20
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Medium
Someone people went to in order to call up the dead and ask them questions. God’s law told Israel not to turn to mediums.
Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27; 1 Sam 28:7–11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Megiddo
Say it: muh-GID-oh
A Canaanite city with its towns, given to Manasseh; Manasseh couldn’t drive out its people.
Josh 12:21; 17:11
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Mehujael
Say it: meh-HOO-jay-el
Irad’s son, in Cain’s family.
Gen 4:18
Melchizedek
Say it: mel-KIZ-uh-dek
King of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram. Hebrews says Jesus became “a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Gen 14:18–20; Heb 5:6–10; 6:20; 7:1–17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
The memorial
The part of an offering burned on the altar to the Lord as a reminder: in a meal offering, the handful of flour and oil with all the frankincense, the rest going to the priests; and the frankincense set on the twelve loaves on the table.
Lev 2:2–3, 9, 16; 5:12; 6:15; 24:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Memucan
Say it: meh-MOO-kan
One of the seven princes of Persia and Media closest to King Ahasuerus, who advised him that Vashti should never again come before him.
Esth 1:14–21
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen
Menahem
Say it: MEN-uh-hem
Menahem son of Gadi, who came from Tirzah, killed King Shallum, and reigned ten years over Israel. He paid Pul king of Assyria a thousand talents of silver.
2 Kgs 15:14–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Menelaus
Say it: men-uh-LAY-us
The brother of Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who took the high priesthood for himself by outbidding Jason with the king.
2 Macc 4:23–50; 5:15, 23; 13:3–8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Mephibosheth
Say it: meh-FIB-oh-sheth
Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson, lame in both feet. David took him in for Jonathan’s sake.
2 Sam 4:4; 9:1–13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Mephibosheth
Say it: meh-FIB-oh-sheth
A son of King Saul and Rizpah, handed over to the Gibeonites and hanged. Not Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, whom David spared.
2 Sam 21:7–9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Merab
Say it: MEER-ab
Saul’s older daughter. Saul promised her to David, but when the time came she was given to Adriel the Meholathite. David later handed her five sons by Adriel over to the Gibeonites, who hanged them.
1 Sam 14:49; 18:17–19; 2 Sam 21:8–9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Merari
Say it: meh-RAH-ree
One of Levi’s three sons. His descendants, the Merarites, camped on the north side of the tabernacle and carried its boards, bars, pillars and sockets.
Ex 6:16, 19; Num 3:33–37; 4:29–33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
Merari
Say it: meh-RAH-ree
Judith’s father, whose family line the book of Judith traces back to Israel. Not Levi’s son Merari.
Jdt 8:1; 16:7
In the Story: The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Mercury
Say it: MUR-kyuh-ree
The name of a god, which the crowds at Lystra gave Paul, “because he was the chief speaker,” when they said, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” They called Barnabas “Jupiter.”
Acts 14:11–12
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
The mercy seat
The cover of pure gold on top of the ark, with a gold cherub at each end, where God said he would meet with Moses. Some Bibles call it the atonement cover.
Ex 25:17–22
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Meribah
Say it: MER-ih-bah
A name Moses gave the place at Rephidim where the people quarreled with him over water. The World English Bible’s note: Meribah means quarreling.
Ex 17:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Meribah of Kadesh
Say it: MER-ih-bah
The water at Kadesh that came out of the rock when Moses struck it, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord. The World English Bible’s note: “Meribah” means “quarreling”. A place at Rephidim had the same name.
Num 20:1–13, 24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Merodach
Say it: muh-ROH-dak
A god of Babylon. Jeremiah’s message against Babylon says, “Merodach is dismayed.”
Jer 50:2
In the Story: Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall
Meroz
Say it: MEER-oz
A place the Lord’s angel cursed in Deborah’s song, because its people didn’t come to help the Lord against the mighty.
Judg 5:23
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Mesha
Say it: MEE-shuh
A king of Moab who bred sheep and supplied the king of Israel with lambs and wool. After Ahab died, he rebelled against Israel.
2 Kgs 3:4–5, 26–27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders
Meshach
Say it: MEE-shak
Mishael, one of Daniel’s three friends from Judah, whom the Babylonians named Meshach. Not the Mishael of Moses’ time.
Dan 1:6–7; 3:12–30
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Mesopotamia
Say it: mes-uh-puh-TAY-mee-uh
The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now Iraq and Syria. Abraham’s relatives lived in its north.
Gen 24:10
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Methuselah
Say it: meh-THOO-zuh-luh
Enoch’s son. He lived 969 years, the longest life in the Bible.
Gen 5:21–27
Methushael
Say it: meh-THOO-shay-el
Mehujael’s son, and the father of Lamech.
Gen 4:18
Micah
Say it: MY-kuh
A man of the hill country of Ephraim who had a shrine in his house, with images made from his mother’s silver, and hired a young Levite as his priest. Not the prophet Micah.
Judg 17:1–13; 18:2–31
In the Story: The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Micah
Say it: MY-kuh
Micah of Morasheth, a prophet in the days of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. The Lord’s word came to him about Samaria and Jerusalem. Not the Micah of the hill country of Ephraim in the days of the judges.
Mic 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Micaiah
Say it: my-KAY-uh
Micaiah son of Imlah, a prophet of the Lord in King Ahab’s days. Ahab hated him because he never prophesied anything good about him.
1 Kgs 22:8–28; 2 Chr 18:7–27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Michael
Say it: MY-kul
“One of the chief princes,” who came to help the one speaking with Daniel when the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood against him; “the great prince who stands for the children of your people.” Jude calls him “Michael, the archangel,” and in Revelation “Michael and his angels made war on the dragon.”
Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Michal
Say it: MY-kul
Saul’s younger daughter, who loved David and became his wife.
1 Sam 14:49; 18:20–27; 2 Sam 6:16–23
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise
Michmash
Say it: MIK-mash
A town east of Beth Aven, across a rocky pass from Geba. The Philistines camped there to fight Saul.
1 Sam 13:2, 5, 16; 14:4–5, 31
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Midian
Say it: MID-ee-un
A son of Abraham and Keturah. His descendants, the Midianites, lived in the desert east and south of Canaan.
Gen 25:2–4; Ex 2:15; Isa 60:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Midwife
Say it: MID-wife
A woman whose work is helping mothers give birth.
Ex 1:15
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
Migdol
Say it: MIG-dol
A place near the sea, beside Israel’s camp before the crossing.
Ex 14:2
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Milcah
Say it: MIL-kuh
Haran’s daughter, who married her uncle Nahor.
Gen 11:29
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac
Milcah
Say it: MIL-kuh
One of Zelophehad’s five daughters, who asked Moses for property of their own among their father’s brothers. (Not Milcah, Nahor’s wife.)
Num 26:33; 27:1–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Milcom
Say it: MIL-kom
A god of the Ammonites, whom 1 and 2 Kings call detestable. Solomon followed him in his old age, and 2 Kings says he built a high place for him near Jerusalem, which King Josiah later defiled.
1 Kgs 11:5, 33; 2 Kgs 23:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Mildew
A mold that grows in patches. Leviticus uses the word for a spreading mark, greenish or reddish, that could show up in clothing, in leather or in the walls of a house, and the law calls this leprosy too.
Lev 13:47–59; 14:33–57
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean
Miletus
Say it: my-LEE-tus
A place Paul came to by ship on his way to Jerusalem. From there he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the assembly and spoke to them, and they went with him to the ship. In a letter, Paul wrote that he had left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
Acts 20:15–38; 2 Tim 4:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Millo
Say it: MIL-oh
A place in Jerusalem. David built around from Millo inward, and Solomon later built Millo too. Not the “house of Millo” at Shechem.
2 Sam 5:9; 1 Chr 11:8; 1 Kgs 9:15; Judg 9:6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Millstone
Say it: MIL-stohn
A heavy stone for grinding grain. Jesus said that whoever causes one of the little ones who believe in him to stumble would be better off with a huge millstone hung around his neck, sunk in the depths of the sea. In Revelation, a mighty angel threw “a stone like a great millstone” into the sea.
Matt 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2; Rev 18:21
In the Story: Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Mina
Say it: MY-nuh
A weight used for silver. The World English Bible’s note: a mina is about 600 grams, or 1.3 pounds, so five thousand minas is about three metric tons. In a story Jesus told, a nobleman gave ten servants a mina coin each; ten minas were more than three years’ wages for a farm laborer.
Ezra 2:69; Neh 7:71–72; Luke 19:13–25
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus
Miriam
Say it: MEER-ee-um
The sister of Aaron and Moses, and a prophet. She led the women in singing after Israel crossed the sea.
Ex 15:20–21; Num 26:59
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land
Mishael
Say it: MISH-ay-el
A son of Uzziel, Aaron’s uncle. He and his brother Elzaphan carried Nadab and Abihu out of the camp.
Ex 6:22; Lev 10:4–5
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord
Mithredath
Say it: MITH-ruh-dath
The treasurer by whom Cyrus king of Persia brought out the vessels of the Lord’s house, to be counted out to Sheshbazzar.
Ezra 1:8
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home
Mitylene
Say it: mit-ih-LEE-nee
A place Paul’s ship came to after taking him on board at Assos.
Acts 20:14
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Mizpah
Say it: MIZ-puh
A place in Benjamin where all Israel gathered in the Lord’s presence after the crime at Gibeah. Not the Mizpah in Gilead, Jephthah’s town.
Josh 18:26; Judg 20:1; 21:1
In the Story: The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Mizpah
Say it: MIZ-puh
A town in Gilead, also called Mizpah of Gilead, where Israel camped against the Ammonites and where Jephthah had his house. (Not the Mizpah in Benjamin.)
Judg 10:17; 11:11, 29, 34
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Mizraim
Say it: MIZ-ray-im
Ham’s son. Mizraim is also the Hebrew name for Egypt.
Gen 10:6, 13
Mnason
Say it: NAY-sun
Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple. Some of the disciples from Caesarea brought him along when they went up to Jerusalem with Paul, and Paul and those with him were to stay with him.
Acts 21:16
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Moab
Say it: MOH-ab
The son of Lot’s older daughter. His descendants, the Moabites, lived east of the Salt Sea.
Gen 19:37; Ruth 1:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Modin
Say it: MOH-din
The town where Mattathias lived, where he refused the king's command to sacrifice, and where his sons buried him and later built a monument over the tombs of their family.
1 Macc 2:1, 15–28, 70; 13:25–30
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Molech
Say it: MOH-lek
A god to whom some people gave their children as sacrifices. God’s law made it punishable by death. Stephen said Israel took up “the tabernacle of Moloch” in the wilderness.
Lev 18:21; 20:2–5; Acts 7:43
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Money changers
People who sat in the temple in Jerusalem changing money. Jesus poured out their coins and overturned their tables.
John 2:14–15; Matt 21:12; Mark 11:15
In the Story: Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 48: The King Comes
Morasheth
Say it: MOR-uh-sheth
The town the prophet Micah came from.
Mic 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Mordecai
Say it: MOR-duh-ky
A Jew of the tribe of Benjamin living in Susa, who brought up his cousin Esther, uncovered a plot against the king, and would not bow down to Haman.
Esth 2:5–7, 21–23; 3:2–6; 10:3
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Moreh
Say it: MOR-eh
At Shechem: the oak of Moreh (Gen 12:6), the oaks of Moreh (Deut 11:30).
Gen 12:6; Deut 11:30
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
Moriah
Say it: moh-RY-uh
The land where God told Abraham to take Isaac, to one of its mountains.
Gen 22:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Moserah
Say it: moh-SEER-uh
A place in the wilderness where the Israelites camped; Deuteronomy says Aaron died and was buried there.
Deut 10:6
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
Moses
Say it: MOH-ziz
A baby from the family of Levi, saved from the river and raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, who later led Israel out of Egypt; “the law was given through Moses.” The World English Bible’s note: Moses sounds like the Hebrew for “draw out”.
Ex 2:10; 3:10; John 1:17; Acts 7:20–44
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 3: Susanna · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 1: The Word · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
The Most Holy Place
The innermost room, behind the veil in the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant stood. Solomon’s temple had one for the ark too. Hebrews calls it “the Holy of Holies.”
Ex 26:33–34; 1 Kgs 6:16–19; Ezek 41:4; Heb 9:3–7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Mount Carmel
Say it: KAR-mel
A mountain by the sea in the north of the land, where Elijah faced the prophets of Baal. Jeremiah speaks of “Carmel by the sea.” Not the town of Carmel in Judah.
1 Kgs 18:19–40; 2 Kgs 2:25; 4:25; Jer 46:18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Mount Ebal
Say it: EE-bul
A mountain in Canaan, west of the Jordan. Moses told Israel that once they had crossed the Jordan they were to set up big stones there, coated with plaster and written with the law, and build an altar of uncut stones; six tribes were to stand on it for the curse.
Deut 11:29–30; 27:4–13; Josh 8:30–33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
Mount Gerizim
Say it: GAIR-ih-zim
A mountain in Canaan, west of the Jordan. Moses told Israel that once they had crossed the Jordan, six tribes were to stand on it to bless the people.
Deut 11:29–30; 27:12; Josh 8:33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation
Mount Gilboa
Say it: gil-BOH-uh
A mountain where Saul and the army of Israel camped against the Philistines, and where Saul and his sons died.
1 Sam 28:4; 31:1–8; 2 Sam 1:21; 21:12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Mount Hermon
Say it: HUR-mun
A mountain in the north, the far end of the land Israel took east of the Jordan. The Sidonians called it Sirion, and the Amorites called it Senir.
Deut 3:8–9; 4:48
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Mount Hor
Say it: HOR
A mountain by the border of the land of Edom, where Aaron died on the top of the mountain.
Num 20:22–28
In the Story: The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Mount Nebo
Say it: NEE-boh
A mountain in the land of Moab, across from Jericho, where Moses looked out over the promised land and died.
Deut 32:49; 34:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
The Mount of Olives
A hill just east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron brook. David climbed it weeping when he fled from Absalom. In Zechariah, the Lord’s feet will stand on it “in that day.” In Acts, after Jesus was taken up, the apostles returned to Jerusalem “from the mountain called Olivet.”
2 Sam 15:30; Zech 14:4; Acts 1:12
In the Story: The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Mount Tabor
Say it: TAY-bor
A mountain Barak went up with ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun, and from which he went down to fight Sisera. In Jeremiah the Lord says one will come “like Tabor among the mountains, and like Carmel by the sea.”
Judg 4:6, 12, 14; 8:18; Jer 46:18
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Myrrh
Say it: MUR
A sweet-smelling gum from a small tree, used in perfume and in the holy anointing oil.
Ex 30:23; Matt 2:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 56: The Cross
Myrtle
Say it: MUR-tul
An evergreen bush with sweet-smelling leaves. In Isaiah, the Lord says the myrtle will come up instead of the brier.
Isa 55:13
In the Story: Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Mysia
Say it: MISH-ee-uh
A region Paul and those with him came near and passed by on their way down to Troas, when the Spirit did not let them go into Bithynia.
Acts 16:7–8
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
N
Naamah
Say it: NAY-uh-muh
Tubal Cain’s sister.
Gen 4:22
Naamah
Say it: NAY-uh-muh
An Ammonite woman, the mother of Solomon’s son Rehoboam. Not Tubal Cain’s sister Naamah.
1 Kgs 14:21, 31; 2 Chr 12:13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah
Naaman
Say it: NAY-uh-mun
The commander of the army of the king of Syria. He had leprosy, and he was made clean when he washed seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha told him.
2 Kgs 5:1–27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor
Nabal
Say it: NAY-bul
A rich, harsh man of Maon, Abigail’s husband, who refused David’s men food. His name means “foolish”. The Lord struck him, and he died.
1 Sam 25:2–39
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Nabathaeans
Say it: nab-uh-THEE-unz
A people who met Judas and Jonathan peacefully, three days’ journey into the wilderness beyond the Jordan, and told them what had happened to their people in Gilead.
1 Macc 5:24–27
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Naboth
Say it: NAY-both
A man of Jezreel whose vineyard was next to King Ahab’s palace. He would not give Ahab the inheritance of his ancestors, so Jezebel had him falsely accused and stoned to death; later Jehu had Ahab’s son Joram thrown onto his field.
1 Kgs 21:1–16; 2 Kgs 9:21–26
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Nadab
Say it: NAY-dab
Aaron and Elisheba’s oldest son.
Ex 6:23
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Nadab
Say it: NAY-dab
Jeroboam’s son, who became king of Israel after him. Not Aaron’s son Nadab.
1 Kgs 14:20; 15:25–31
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Nahash
Say it: NAY-hash
A king of the Ammonites named Nahash camped against Jabesh Gilead in Saul’s time, and a king of the Ammonites named Nahash, Hanun’s father, died in David’s time; David said he had been kind to him. The Bible doesn’t say whether they are the same man.
1 Sam 11:1–11; 12:12; 2 Sam 10:1–2; 1 Chr 19:1–2
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Nahor
Say it: NAY-hor
Serug’s son, and the father of Terah. (Terah also named a son Nahor.)
Gen 11:22–25
Nahor
Say it: NAY-hor
Terah’s son, Abram’s brother, who married Milcah. (Named like his grandfather Nahor.)
Gen 11:26–29
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day
Nahshon
Say it: NAH-shon
The son of Amminadab and the leader of the tribe of Judah in the wilderness. His sister Elisheba was Aaron’s wife.
Ex 6:23; Num 1:7; 2:3
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Nahum
Say it: NAY-hum
A prophet called Nahum the Elkoshite, whose book is “a revelation about Nineveh.”
Nah 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh
Nain
Say it: NAYN
A town where a widow’s only son was being carried out dead, near the town gate, when Jesus told him to get up. He sat up and began to speak.
Luke 7:11–17
In the Story: Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son
Naioth
Say it: NAY-oth
A place in Ramah where David stayed with Samuel after he escaped from Saul. A group of prophets prophesied there with Samuel at their head.
1 Sam 19:18–24; 20:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear
Nanaea
Say it: nuh-NEE-uh
The one whose temple in Persia had its own priests. A letter from Jerusalem says Antiochus came there with his friends, pretending he would marry her, to take a large part of the treasures as a dowry, and her priests killed him and his men.
2 Macc 1:13–16
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Naomi
Say it: nay-OH-mee
A woman of Bethlehem, Elimelech’s wife, who went to Moab with her family and came home after her husband and both sons had died.
Ruth 1:1–22
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Naphtali
Say it: NAF-tuh-lye
Jacob’s second son by Bilhah. Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle with my sister.”
Gen 30:8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Nard
Say it: NARD
A very costly, sweet-smelling ointment. John and Mark both tell of pure nard poured on Jesus at Bethany.
Mark 14:3; John 12:3
In the Story: Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper
Nasbas
Say it: NAZ-bus
A relative of Tobit’s family. When Tobias came home to Nineveh, “Achiacharus and Nasbas his brother’s son came.”
Tob 11:18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Nathan
Say it: NAY-thun
A prophet at David’s court.
2 Sam 7:2; 12:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Nathan
Say it: NAY-thun
A son of David, born to him in Jerusalem. The family line Luke gives for Jesus goes back through Nathan to David. Not Nathan the prophet.
2 Sam 5:14; Luke 3:31
In the Story: Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Nathanael
Say it: nuh-THAN-ee-ul
A man of Cana in Galilee, whom Philip brought to Jesus. Jesus called him an Israelite in whom there was no deceit, and Nathanael called him the Son of God and King of Israel.
John 1:45–51; 21:2
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore
Nazarene
Say it: NAZ-uh-reen
A name for Jesus, who was brought up in Nazareth. People called him “Jesus the Nazarene”. In Acts, Paul was accused of being “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.”
Matt 2:23; Mark 1:24; 10:47; 16:6; Luke 4:16; Acts 2:22; 24:5
In the Story: Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Nazareth
Say it: NAZ-uh-reth
A city of Galilee, where Mary lived and where Jesus was brought up.
Luke 1:26; 2:39–51; 4:16; Matt 2:23
In the Story: Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Nazirite
Say it: NAZ-uh-rite
Someone set apart for the Lord by a special vow: no wine or anything from the grapevine, no razor on the head, and no going near a dead body, for as long as the vow lasted.
Num 6:1–21
In the Story: The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Neapolis
Say it: nee-AP-oh-lis
A place Paul and those with him came to the day after Samothrace, on their way from Troas to Philippi.
Acts 16:11
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Near kinsman
A close relative with the right to buy back a dead relative’s land and keep his name alive in Israel.
Ruth 2:20; 3:9–13; 4:1–10
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Nebaioth
Say it: neh-BY-oth
Ishmael’s oldest son.
Gen 25:13; 28:9; Isa 60:7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Nebuchadnezzar
Say it: neb-uh-kud-NEZ-er
The king of Babylon who took Jerusalem, burned the Lord’s house and carried the people of Judah away.
2 Kgs 24:1–25:21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Nebuchadnezzar
Say it: neb-yuh-kud-NEZ-er
In the book of Judith, the king “who reigned over the Assyrians in Nineveh”, who sent Holofernes to make war on the lands that would not help him.
Jdt 1:1–12; 2:1–13
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Nebuzaradan
Say it: neb-yoo-zar-AY-dun
The captain of the guard of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He burned the Lord’s house and Jerusalem and carried the people away to Babylon.
2 Kgs 25:8–20; Jer 39:9–14; 52:12–30
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Necoh
Say it: NEE-koh
A pharaoh, king of Egypt, called Neco in 2 Chronicles. King Josiah went out against him and Necoh killed him at Megiddo; then he took Josiah’s son Jehoahaz away to Egypt and made Eliakim, another of Josiah’s sons, king, renaming him Jehoiakim. Later Nebuchadnezzar struck his army at Carchemish.
2 Kgs 23:29–35; 2 Chr 35:20–22; 36:3–4; Jer 46:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Nehemiah
Say it: nee-uh-MY-uh
The son of Hacaliah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, who was sent to Jerusalem as governor and led the rebuilding of its walls.
Neh 1:1, 11; 2:1–8; 5:14
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Nehushtan
Say it: nih-HUSH-tun
The name of the bronze snake Moses had made in the wilderness. King Hezekiah broke it in pieces, because the Israelites were burning incense to it.
2 Kgs 18:4; Num 21:8–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Nephilim
Say it: NEF-ih-lim
They were on the earth in those days. The World English Bible’s note says “or, giants.” Who they were is not certain.
Gen 6:4; Num 13:33
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies
Nephthar
Say it: NEF-thar
The name Nehemiah and those with him gave the thick liquid found where the priests had hidden the altar’s fire. It means “Cleansing”; most people call it Nephthai.
2 Macc 1:19–36
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
New Jerusalem
Say it: NOO juh-ROO-suh-lem
The holy city John saw “coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband”; Revelation 3:12 calls it “the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God.” When John was shown the holy city, Jerusalem, it had the glory of God, a great and high wall with twelve gates, each gate one pearl, a street of pure gold, and no temple, “for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”
Rev 3:12; 21:2, 10–27
In the Story: The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
New Moon
The first day of the month, when the new moon appeared. Saul kept it with a meal at the king’s table. Paul writes, “Let no one therefore judge you… with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day.”
1 Sam 20:5, 18, 24–27; Col 2:16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Nicanor
Say it: ny-KAY-ner
One of the king's honorable princes, a man who hated Israel, sent to destroy the people. He was killed in battle against Judas on the thirteenth day of Adar.
1 Macc 7:26–50; 2 Macc 14:12–15:36
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas
Nicanor
Say it: ny-KAY-ner
Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of the king’s chief friends, sent with Gorgias to destroy Judea. He planned to sell the Jews he captured as slaves; when his army was beaten, he went alone across the country to Antioch.
1 Macc 3:38; 2 Macc 8:9–36
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Nicodemus
Say it: nik-uh-DEE-mus
A Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night, and later helped bury him.
John 3:1–21; 7:50–51; 19:39
In the Story: Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 56: The Cross
Nicolaitans
Say it: nik-uh-LAY-ih-tunz
People whose works the assembly in Ephesus hated, and whose teaching some in the assembly in Pergamum held to. The one speaking to the assemblies says that he hates their works too.
Rev 2:6, 15
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Nicopolis
Say it: nih-KOP-uh-lis
The place where Paul had decided to spend the winter. He told Titus to hurry to come to him there when Paul sent Artemas or Tychicus to him.
Titus 3:12
In the Story: The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Nile
Say it: NYLE
The great river of Egypt, which God turned to blood when its water was struck with the staff.
Ex 7:17–21; 17:5
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Nimrod
Say it: NIM-rod
Cush’s son, a mighty hunter before the Lord, whose kingdom began in Shinar.
Gen 10:8–12
Nineveh
Say it: NIN-uh-vuh
A great city in Assyria, on the Tigris river, in what is now northern Iraq.
Gen 10:11; Jonah 1:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Jesus, 24: A House Divided
Nisan
Say it: NY-san
The first month of the year. In the Greek Esther, Mordecai saw his dream on its first day; in Nisan the lot was cast before Haman, and Nehemiah asked the king to send him to Judah.
Esth (Gk) 1:1; Esth 3:7; Neh 2:1
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer
Nisroch
Say it: NIS-rok
A god of Assyria. King Sennacherib was worshiping in the house of Nisroch when two of his sons killed him.
2 Kgs 19:37; Isa 37:38
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Noadiah
Say it: noh-uh-DY-uh
A prophetess who, with other prophets, tried to make Nehemiah afraid.
Neh 6:14
In the Story: The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Noah
Say it: NO-uh
Lamech’s son, a righteous man who walked with God, whom God kept safe in the ship when he brought the flood. Lamech said, “This one will comfort us.” Peter calls him “a preacher of righteousness.”
Gen 5:29; 6:9–8:19; Heb 11:7; 1 Pet 3:20; 2 Pet 2:5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Noah
Say it: NOH-uh
One of Zelophehad’s five daughters, who asked Moses for property of their own among their father’s brothers. (Not Noah who built the ark.)
Num 26:33; 27:1–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Nob
Say it: NOB
The town of the priests, where Ahimelech the priest gave David holy bread and Goliath’s sword. Saul had its priests and people killed.
1 Sam 21:1–9; 22:9–19
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Nod
Say it: NOD
The land east of Eden where Cain went to live. Its name sounds like the Hebrew word for “wandering”.
Gen 4:16
Numenius
Say it: noo-MEE-nee-us
Numenius, the son of a man named Antiochus, whom Jonathan sent with Antipater to Rome and to the Spartans to renew the friendship with them.
1 Macc 12:16–17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Nun
Say it: NUN
Joshua’s father.
Ex 33:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
O
Obadiah
Say it: oh-buh-DY-uh
A prophet. His book is “the vision of Obadiah” about Edom. Not Obadiah who was in charge of King Ahab’s household.
Obad 1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Obadiah
Say it: oh-buh-DY-uh
The man in charge of King Ahab’s household. He feared the Lord, and when Jezebel was killing the Lord’s prophets he hid a hundred of them in caves and fed them. (Not the prophet Obadiah.)
1 Kgs 18:3–16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel
Obed
Say it: OH-bed
The son of Boaz and Ruth, and the father of Jesse, King David’s father.
Ruth 4:13–17, 21–22
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Obed-Edom
Say it: OH-bed EE-dum
A man called the Gittite, in whose house the ark of God stayed for three months. The Lord blessed him, his household and everything he had. An Obed-Edom is also named among the Levite musicians and doorkeepers who served the ark.
2 Sam 6:10–12; 1 Chr 13:13–14; 15:18–24; 16:5, 38; 26:4–8, 15
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Oded
Say it: OH-ded
A prophet of the Lord in Samaria who told Israel’s army to send home the captives they had taken from Judah. Not the Oded of King Asa’s days.
2 Chr 28:9–11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Offspring
Children and their children after them. The word can mean one child or many.
Gen 3:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son
Og
Say it: OG
The king of Bashan, who came out to fight Israel and was defeated.
Num 21:33–35; Deut 3:1–11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Oholah
Say it: oh-HOH-luh
The older of two sisters in a message the Lord gave Ezekiel, sisters who were unfaithful to him. The Lord said that Samaria is Oholah.
Ezek 23:4–10
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Oholiab
Say it: oh-HOH-lee-ab
The son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, whom God chose to work with Bezalel.
Ex 31:6; 35:34
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle
Oholibah
Say it: oh-HOH-lih-buh
Oholah’s sister, in a message the Lord gave Ezekiel about two sisters who were unfaithful to him. The Lord said that Jerusalem is Oholibah.
Ezek 23:4, 11–35
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Omer
Say it: OH-mer
A measure for grain and other dry food: one tenth of an ephah, the amount of manna each person gathered for a day. The World English Bible’s note: about 2.2 liters, or about 2.3 quarts.
Ex 16:16, 36
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven
Omri
Say it: OM-ry
The commander of Israel’s army who became king. He built the city of Samaria, and he was Ahab’s father.
1 Kgs 16:16–28; 2 Kgs 8:26
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria
On
Say it: ON
A city in Egypt, near today’s Cairo, later called Heliopolis.
Gen 41:45
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
On
Say it: ON
The son of Peleth, a descendant of Reuben, who rose up against Moses with Korah, Dathan and Abiram. (Not On, the city in Egypt.)
Num 16:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah
Onan
Say it: OH-nun
Judah’s second son. What he did was evil in the Lord’s sight, and the Lord killed him too.
Gen 38:4, 8–10; Num 26:19
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
One flesh
The Bible’s way of saying how closely a husband and wife are joined.
Gen 2:24; Matt 19:5
Onesimus
Say it: oh-NES-ih-mus
Paul sent an Onesimus, “the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you,” to the Colossians with Tychicus. Paul’s letter to Philemon appeals for “my child Onesimus,” whom he calls “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother.” The name Onesimus means “useful.”
Col 4:9; Phlm 10–16
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Onesiphorus
Say it: on-ih-SIF-uh-rus
A man who often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chain. When he was in Rome, he sought Paul diligently and found him, and he had served at Ephesus. Paul asked the Lord to grant mercy to his household, and sent it greetings.
2 Tim 1:16–18; 4:19
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Onias
Say it: oh-NY-us
A high priest of an earlier time, to whom Arius king of the Spartans sent a letter calling the Spartans and the Jews kindred. He welcomed the messenger with honor.
1 Macc 12:7–8, 19–23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Onias
Say it: oh-NY-us
The high priest in Jerusalem in a time of peace, known for his godliness and his hatred of wickedness, whose brother Jason took the high priesthood from him. Not Onias, Simon's father in Sirach.
2 Macc 3:1, 31–33; 4:1–7, 33–38; 15:12
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Ono
Say it: OH-noh
A town named with Lod and Hadid. Sanballat and Geshem asked Nehemiah to meet them in the villages in the plain of Ono.
Neh 6:2; 7:37
In the Story: The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Onycha
Say it: ON-ih-kuh
One of the spices in the holy incense. What it was is not known for sure.
Ex 30:34
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Ophel
Say it: OH-fel
A part of Jerusalem with a wall of its own, on which King Jotham built much. King Manasseh ran an outer wall around Ophel and built it up very high.
2 Chr 27:3; 33:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Ophir
Say it: OH-fer
A faraway land famous for its gold. Where it was is not known for sure.
Job 22:24; 28:16; 1 Kgs 9:28
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Ophrah
Say it: OFF-ruh
Gideon’s hometown in Manasseh, the town of the Abiezrites, where the Lord’s angel sat under the oak and Gideon built the altar he named “The Lord Is Peace”. (Not the Ophrah in Benjamin.)
Judg 6:11, 24
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Oreb
Say it: OR-eb
One of the two princes of Midian. As Israel chased Midian, he was killed at Oreb’s rock, and his head was brought to Gideon.
Judg 7:25; 8:3
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Ornan
Say it: OR-nun
A Jebusite who sold David his threshing floor, where David built an altar to the Lord. The book of Samuel calls him Araunah.
1 Chr 21:18–28; 2 Sam 24:16–24
In the Story: The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Orpah
Say it: OR-puh
A woman of Moab who married one of Naomi’s sons. After he died, she set out with Naomi for Judah, then kissed her mother-in-law and went back to her people.
Ruth 1:4, 14–15
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go
Osnappar
Say it: oz-NAP-er
“The great and noble Osnappar,” who brought people of many nations over and settled them in the city of Samaria and the rest of the country beyond the River.
Ezra 4:10
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid
Othniel
Say it: OTH-nee-el
The son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb. He took the city of Debir, and Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as his wife.
Josh 15:17
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
Overseer
Say it: OH-ver-see-er
Someone who watches over others; the World English Bible’s note gives “superintendent” or “bishop” as other ways to say the word. Paul told the elders of the assembly at Ephesus that the Holy Spirit had made them overseers in the flock, to shepherd the assembly.
Acts 20:17, 28; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:1–2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet 2:25
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Ozias
Say it: oh-ZY-us
Ozias son of Micah, of the tribe of Simeon, one of the rulers of Bethulia in the days of Holofernes. He took Achior into his house, and asked the thirsty people to hold out five more days.
Jdt 6:14–21; 7:23–32; 8:9–11, 28–35
In the Story: The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
P
Paddan Aram
Say it: PAD-un AIR-um
The land in the north of Mesopotamia where Abraham’s relatives lived, around the town of Haran.
Gen 25:20; 28:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Paltiel
Say it: PAL-tee-el
Paltiel son of Laish, from Gallim. Saul gave him his daughter Michal, though she was David’s wife. Later Ishbosheth took her from him for David, and Paltiel followed her, weeping, as far as Bahurim. He is also called Palti.
1 Sam 25:44; 2 Sam 3:15–16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Pamphylia
Say it: pam-FIL-ee-uh
A region where Perga was. Paul and those with him came to it by sea from Paphos, and John left them there and went back to Jerusalem. People from Pamphylia were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:10; 13:13; 14:24; 15:38
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Paphos
Say it: PAY-fos
A place on the island of Cyprus where Barnabas and Saul found the sorcerer Bar Jesus, also called Elymas, who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus.
Acts 13:6–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Parable
Say it: PAIR-uh-bul
A story Jesus told to teach, often about everyday things such as seed, sheep or coins.
Matt 13:3, 34; Mark 4:33–34
In the Story: Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age
Paran
Say it: PAIR-un
A wilderness south of Canaan, where Ishmael grew up.
Gen 21:21; Num 10:12
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Parchments
Say it: PARCH-munts
Writing material made from animal skins. Paul asked Timothy to bring the cloak he had left at Troas, “and the books, especially the parchments.”
2 Tim 4:13
In the Story: The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Passover
Say it: PASS-oh-ver
The meal of a lamb that Israel ate on the night the Lord brought them out of Egypt, and the feast that remembers it every year. It is named for the Lord passing over the houses marked with the lamb’s blood. Paul writes, “Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.”
Ex 12:11–13, 27; Acts 12:4; 1 Cor 5:7; Heb 11:28
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · Jesus, 9: In His Father’s House · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Patara
Say it: PAT-uh-ruh
A place Paul and those with him came to by sea from Rhodes, on the way to Jerusalem. There they found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia.
Acts 21:1–2
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Patmos
Say it: PAT-mus
An island. John says that he was on “the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Rev 1:9
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Patriarch
Say it: PAY-tree-ark
A forefather: one of the early fathers of the people of Israel. Stephen calls Jacob’s twelve sons “the twelve patriarchs”; Peter speaks of “the patriarch David”, and Hebrews of “Abraham the patriarch”.
Acts 2:29; 7:8–9; Heb 7:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Paul
Say it: PAWL
Saul, who is also called Paul: a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia who at first breathed threats against the disciples, and after Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus preached the Good News among the Gentiles and wrote letters to the assemblies.
Acts 9:1–22; 13:9; 21:39; Rom 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace
Peace offering
An offering shared as a meal: part was burned on the altar for God, and the rest was eaten by the priests and the people who brought it.
Ex 20:24; Lev 3; 7:11–21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Pekah
Say it: PEE-kuh
Pekah son of Remaliah, a captain who killed King Pekahiah and reigned over Israel in Samaria. With Rezin king of Syria he made war on Jerusalem in Ahaz’s days; in his days Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria took much of Israel’s land, and Hoshea son of Elah killed him.
2 Kgs 15:25–31, 37; 16:5; Isa 7:1–9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Pekahiah
Say it: pek-uh-HY-uh
Menahem’s son, who reigned two years over Israel in Samaria until his captain Pekah killed him.
2 Kgs 15:22–26
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Pelatiah
Say it: pel-uh-TY-uh
Pelatiah son of Benaiah, one of the leaders Ezekiel saw at the east gate of the Lord’s house in his vision. He died while Ezekiel was prophesying against those leaders.
Ezek 11:1, 13
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Peleg
Say it: PEE-leg
Eber’s son. His name sounds like the Hebrew word for “divided”, because in his time the earth was divided.
Gen 10:25; 11:16–19
Peleth
Say it: PEE-leth
A descendant of Reuben, the father of On.
Num 16:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 6: Korah
Peniel
Say it: PEN-ee-el
The place where Jacob wrestled. The World English Bible’s note: Peniel means “face of God”.
Gen 32:30–31
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God
Peninnah
Say it: pih-NIN-uh
Elkanah’s other wife. She had children, and she taunted Hannah, who had none.
1 Sam 1:2, 6–7
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Pentecost
Say it: PEN-tih-kawst
A feast, which the book of Tobit calls “the holy feast of the seven weeks”. On the day of Pentecost, those gathered in one place in Jerusalem were all filled with the Holy Spirit; later Paul hurried, if he could, to be in Jerusalem on that day. Paul wrote to the assembly at Corinth that he would stay at Ephesus until Pentecost.
Acts 2:1–4; 20:16; 1 Cor 16:8; Tob 2:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Penuel
Say it: pih-NOO-el
A town with a tower, east of the Jordan. Its men refused bread to Gideon’s tired army, and Gideon later tore down the tower and killed the men of the city.
Judg 8:8–9, 17
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two
Peor
Say it: PEE-or
A mountain in Moab looking out over the wilderness, where Balak took Balaam to curse Israel. The name also stands for what happened when Israelites joined in worshiping Baal Peor there.
Num 23:28; 25:18; 31:16
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge
Perez
Say it: PEER-ez
One of Tamar and Judah’s twin sons. The World English Bible’s note: Perez means “breaking out”.
Gen 38:29; Ruth 4:18
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Perga
Say it: PUR-guh
A place in Pamphylia. Paul and those with him came there by sea from Paphos, and John left them and went back to Jerusalem. On their way back, Paul and Barnabas spoke the word there.
Acts 13:13–14; 14:25
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Pergamum
Say it: PUR-guh-mum
A city with one of the seven assemblies in Asia that John was told to write to. Its letter says that Satan’s throne is there, and that Antipas was killed there.
Rev 1:11; 2:12–17
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Perizzites
Say it: PAIR-ih-zites
One of the peoples living in Canaan.
Gen 13:7; 15:20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Persepolis
Say it: per-SEP-uh-lis
A city in Persia, in what is now Iran. 2 Maccabees says Antiochus Epiphanes went into it and tried to rob a temple, and the people of the country drove him out.
2 Macc 9:2
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Persia
Say it: PUR-zhuh
A kingdom east of Babylon, in what is now Iran. 2 Chronicles says the people carried away to Babylon served the king of Babylon and his sons until the kingdom of Persia began to rule.
2 Chr 36:20–23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Peter
Say it: PEE-ter
Simon, a fisherman, the brother of Andrew and one of the twelve apostles. Jesus said he would be called Cephas, which means Peter.
John 1:40–42; Matt 4:18; 10:2
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace
Pethor
Say it: PEE-thor
Balaam’s town, by the River, where Balak’s messengers came to call him. Deuteronomy calls it “Pethor of Mesopotamia”.
Num 22:5; Deut 23:4
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land
Pethuel
Say it: puh-THOO-ul
The father of Joel, to whom the word of the Lord came.
Joel 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord
Phalanx
Say it: FAY-lanks
A body of soldiers drawn up for battle in close ranks. King Antiochus Eupator’s army divided its elephants among its phalanxes.
1 Macc 6:35, 38, 45
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Phanuel
Say it: FAN-yoo-el
The father of Anna the prophetess, of the tribe of Asher.
Luke 2:36
In the Story: Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna
Pharaoh
Say it: FAIR-oh
The title of the king of Egypt.
Gen 12:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Pharisees
Say it: FAIR-ih-seez
A party of Jews who held to the tradition of the elders, such as washing their hands before they ate, and who often questioned Jesus.
Mark 7:1–5; Matt 23:2–7
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Pharpar
Say it: FAR-par
One of the rivers of Damascus, named with the Abanah by Naaman.
2 Kgs 5:12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman
Phicol
Say it: FY-kol
The commander of Abimelech’s army.
Gen 21:22, 32
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau
Philadelphia
Say it: fil-uh-DEL-fee-uh
A city with one of the seven assemblies in Asia that John was told to write to. Its letter says, “I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut.”
Rev 1:11; 3:7–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Philemon
Say it: fy-LEE-mun
A man Paul calls “our beloved fellow worker,” to whom Paul and Timothy wrote a letter in which Paul appeals for Onesimus. Paul says the hearts of the saints had been refreshed through him.
Phlm 1–7
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
One of the twelve apostles, from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” and he told Nathanael about Jesus. Not Herod’s brother Philip, nor the Philips of the Maccabees’ time.
John 1:43–46; 6:5–7; 12:21; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Matt 10:3
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
One of the seven men the disciples in Jerusalem chose and set before the apostles; later called “Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven”. Not Philip the apostle.
Acts 6:5; 8:5–40; 21:8
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
The foster brother of King Antiochus Epiphanes. 2 Maccabees says he took the dead king’s body home, then, afraid of the king’s son, went away to Ptolemy Philometor in Egypt.
2 Macc 9:29
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
One of King Antiochus Epiphanes’ friends, whom the dying king set over all his kingdom, giving him his crown, his robe and his signet ring, to bring up his son Antiochus to be king. Not Philip the father of Alexander the Macedonian.
1 Macc 6:14–15, 55–56
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
Herod the tetrarch’s brother. Herodias was Philip’s wife, and Herod had married her. Not Philip the apostle.
Mark 6:17; Matt 14:3
In the Story: Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed
Philip
Say it: FIL-ip
A Phrygian, from a land in what is now Turkey, whom King Antiochus left as governor in Jerusalem. 2 Maccabees says he was more savage in character than the king who put him there.
2 Macc 5:22
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Philippi
Say it: FIL-ih-py
A city of Macedonia, the most important city of its district, and a Roman colony. There Lydia and her household were baptized, and Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and thrown into prison. A letter from Paul and Timothy is written to the saints there.
Acts 16:12–40; Phil 1:1; 1 Thess 2:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Philistines
Say it: FIL-ih-steens
A people who lived on the coast of Canaan and were often at war with Israel.
Gen 10:14; 1 Sam 17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Phinehas
Say it: FIN-ee-us
Aaron’s grandson, the son of Eleazar, and a priest. At Peor he killed an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, and the plague on Israel stopped.
Ex 6:25; Num 25:7–13
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Phinehas
Say it: FIN-ee-us
One of Eli’s two sons, priests at Shiloh who were wicked men. He was killed on the day the Philistines took the ark, and his wife died giving birth to their son Ichabod. Not Aaron’s grandson Phinehas.
1 Sam 1:3; 4:11, 19–21; 14:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Phoebe
Say it: FEE-bee
“Our sister,” whom Paul commends at the end of his letter to Rome: “a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,” who “has been a helper of many, and of my own self.”
Rom 16:1–2
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Phoenicia
Say it: fuh-NISH-uh
The land along the sea coast north of Israel. In 2 Maccabees it is ruled, together with Coelesyria, by one governor under the king. In Acts, believers scattered after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia.
2 Macc 3:5, 8; 4:4, 22; Acts 11:19; 15:3; 21:2
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Phrygia
Say it: FRIJ-ee-uh
A region Paul went through on his journeys, with Galatia. People from Phrygia were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:10; 16:6; 18:23
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Phylacteries
Say it: fih-LAK-tuh-reez
Jesus said the scribes and the Pharisees made theirs broad, to be seen by people. The World English Bible’s note: phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather pouches that some Jewish men wear on their forehead and arm in prayer, used to carry a small scroll with some Scripture in it.
Matt 23:5
In the Story: Jesus, 50: Woe to You
Pihahiroth
Say it: py-huh-HY-roth
A place by the sea where Israel camped just before crossing it.
Ex 14:2, 9
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Pillar
A tall column. God went ahead of Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Ex 13:21–22
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story
Pisgah
Say it: PIZ-guh
A mountain ridge in Moab, looking out over the wilderness and the Jordan valley; Moses climbed to its top to see the land.
Num 21:20; Deut 3:27; 34:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Pishon
Say it: PY-shon
One of the four rivers of Eden. No one knows today which river it was.
Gen 2:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Pithom
Say it: PYE-thum
One of the storage cities the Israelites were forced to build for Pharaoh.
Ex 1:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
Plague
A disaster that strikes a whole land or people, such as a deadly sickness or swarms of insects.
Ex 9:14; 11:1
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Plane tree
Say it: PLAYN tree
A tall tree with broad leaves. Wisdom says she rose high like a plane tree.
Sir 24:14
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Plumb line
Say it: PLUM line
A cord with a weight tied to its end, which builders hang beside a wall to see whether it stands straight. The Lord said he would stretch over Jerusalem “the plumb line of Ahab’s house.”
2 Kgs 21:13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions
Pomegranate
Say it: POM-uh-gran-it
A fruit tree and its fruit. In the Song of Songs he tells her that her temples behind her veil are “like a piece of a pomegranate.”
Song 4:3; 6:7
In the Story: The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Pontius Pilate
Say it: PON-shus PY-lut
The governor of Judea, before whom Jesus was tried and who handed him over to be crucified.
Luke 3:1; Matt 27:2, 11–26; John 19:1–16
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Pontus
Say it: PON-tus
A land on the Black Sea, in what is now northern Turkey. Aquila, a Jew, was a man of Pontus by birth.
Acts 2:9; 18:2; 1 Pet 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Porcius Festus
Say it: POR-shee-us FES-tus
The man who took Felix’s place when two years had passed, and found Paul left a prisoner. When Paul appealed to Caesar, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go,” and later he brought Paul before King Agrippa.
Acts 24:27; 25:1–27; 26:24–32
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Pork
Meat from pigs. God’s law said the pig was unclean, and his people were not to eat its meat.
Lev 11:7–8; Deut 14:8; 2 Macc 6:18; 7:1
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers
Potiphar
Say it: POT-ih-fer
An official of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, who bought Joseph.
Gen 37:36; 39:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt
Potiphera
Say it: poh-TIF-er-uh
A priest of On, the father of Joseph’s wife Asenath. (Not Potiphar, who bought Joseph.)
Gen 41:45, 50
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
The Praetorium
Say it: pree-TOR-ee-um
The governor’s court in Jerusalem. Pilate questioned Jesus inside it, and the governor’s soldiers mocked him there.
Matt 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28, 33; 19:9
In the Story: Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
The Preacher
Say it: PREE-cher
The book of Ecclesiastes begins with “the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem,” who says, “I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.” Because he was wise, he taught the people knowledge and set many proverbs in order; he sought out acceptable words, and what was written was words of truth.
Eccl 1:1–2, 12; 12:9–10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher
The Preparation Day
The day before the Sabbath, Mark says. John calls the day Pilate handed Jesus over “the Preparation Day of the Passover.”
Mark 15:42; John 19:14, 31, 42
In the Story: Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross
Priest
Someone who served God for the people, bringing their offerings to him. Later, God chose Aaron and his sons to be Israel’s priests.
Ex 19:22; 28:1
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
The prince
In Ezekiel’s vision of the temple and the land, “the prince in Israel”, who is to sit in the shut east gate to eat bread in the Lord’s presence. The people give their offerings for him; he provides the offerings for the feasts, new moons and Sabbaths, and his land lies on both sides of the holy portion and the city.
Ezek 44:3; 45:7–8, 16–17; 46:1–12; 48:21–22
In the Story: Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Principalities
Say it: prin-sih-PAL-ih-teez
Rulers, or the ruling powers they hold. Paul names principalities among the things that will not be able to separate us from God’s love.
Rom 8:38
In the Story: The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 34: One Body
Priscilla
Say it: prih-SIL-uh
The wife of Aquila, a Jew who came with him from Italy to Corinth, where Paul stayed and worked with them.
Acts 18:2–3, 18, 26
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Proconsul
Say it: proh-KON-sul
A governor of a province for Rome. Sergius Paulus was the proconsul at Paphos on Cyprus, and Gallio was proconsul of Achaia.
Acts 13:7–12; 18:12; 19:38
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Prophesy
Say it: PROF-uh-sy
To speak for God, as a prophet does.
Acts 2:17–18; 19:6; 21:9
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Prophet
Someone who speaks for God.
Gen 20:7
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 43: God Is Love · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Proselyte
Say it: PROS-uh-lyte
Someone not born a Jew who has joined the Jewish people and their faith.
Acts 2:10; 6:5; 13:43; Matt 23:15
In the Story: Jesus, 50: Woe to You · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Prostitute
A woman who is paid to sleep with men. The law and the prophets also use the word as a picture for people who leave God to worship other gods. In Revelation, an angel shows John “the great prostitute who sits on many waters.”
Gen 34:31; 38:15; Ex 34:15–16; Rev 17:1; 19:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Province
Say it: PROV-ins
A part of a great kingdom. Those who came home from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah are called “the children of the province”, and King Ahasuerus reigned over 127 provinces. In Acts, the governor Felix asked what province Paul was from, and Festus came into the province.
Ezra 2:1; Esth 1:1; Acts 23:34; 25:1
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Pruning hook
A curved knife for cutting back vines and trees. Micah spoke of a day when nations would beat their spears into pruning hooks; Joel calls to the nations to beat their pruning hooks into spears.
Mic 4:3; Joel 3:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Ptolemais
Say it: tol-uh-MAY-is
A city on the coast. In 1 Maccabees its people, with those of Tyre and Sidon, gathered to destroy the Jews of Galilee. In Acts, Paul’s ship arrived there from Tyre, and he stayed one day with the brothers.
1 Macc 5:15, 22, 55; Acts 21:7
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Ptolemeus
Say it: tol-uh-MEE-us
A king who reigned with Cleopatra. In the fourth year of their reign, Dositheus and his son, also named Ptolemeus, brought the letter of Purim; Lysimachus, who had interpreted it, was the son of another Ptolemeus.
Esth (Gk) 10:14
In the Story: The Return, 13: Purim
Ptolemy
Say it: TOL-uh-mee
Ptolemy the son of Abubus, governor over the plain of Jericho and the high priest Simon’s son-in-law, who killed Simon and two of his sons at a banquet at Dok. Not King Ptolemy.
1 Macc 16:11–22
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Ptolemy
Say it: TOL-uh-mee
The man whose suggestion led to an order to the neighboring Greek cities: they were to make the Jews eat from the sacrifices and kill those who would not go over to the Greek ceremonies. 2 Maccabees names him here only as Ptolemy.
2 Macc 6:8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation
Ptolemy
Say it: TOL-uh-mee
Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes, who was promised money by Menelaus and talked King Antiochus into clearing him of the charges against him. Not Ptolemy king of Egypt.
2 Macc 4:45–46
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Ptolemy
Say it: TOL-uh-mee
Ptolemy king of Egypt, as 1 Maccabees names him. Antiochus Epiphanes made war on him; in Jonathan’s time a Ptolemy king of Egypt gave his daughter Cleopatra to King Alexander as his wife, then took her back and took Alexander’s kingdom.
1 Macc 1:16–19; 10:51–58; 11:1–18
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Ptolemy
Say it: TOL-uh-mee
A king whose teacher, Aristobulus, was sent a letter by the people of Jerusalem and Judea.
2 Macc 1:10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Ptolemy Macron
Say it: TOL-uh-mee MAY-kron
Ptolemy, called Macron, who set an example of justice toward the Jews. Called a traitor for abandoning Cyprus and going over to Antiochus Epiphanes, he took his own life with poison. Not one of the kings of Egypt.
2 Macc 10:12–13
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Ptolemy Philometor
Say it: TOL-uh-mee fih-LOM-uh-tor
A king in Egypt, called Philometor in 2 Maccabees 4. Apollonius son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for his enthronement as king, and Antiochus Epiphanes learned that he had turned hostile toward his government.
2 Macc 4:21; 9:29
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Puah
Say it: PYOO-uh
One of the two Hebrew midwives who feared God and would not kill the baby boys.
Ex 1:15–21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
Publius
Say it: PUB-lee-us
The chief man of the island of Malta, who took in Paul and those with him and was a kind host to them for three days. His father lay ill with fever and dysentery, and Paul prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him.
Acts 28:7–8
In the Story: The Early Church, 31: Rome
Pul
Say it: PUL
A king of Assyria who came against Israel in Menahem’s days. Menahem paid him a thousand talents of silver, and he turned back.
2 Kgs 15:19–20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Purah
Say it: POO-ruh
Gideon’s servant, who went down with him at night to the edge of the Midianite camp.
Judg 7:10–11
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon
Purification
Say it: pyoor-ih-fih-KAY-shun
Being made clean again. After a birth, the law of Moses set days of purification for the mother, ending with an offering. John tells of six stone water jars at a wedding in Cana, set there “after the Jews’ way of purifying”. In Acts, Paul purified himself with four men in the temple, as the elders asked him to.
Lev 12:1–8; Luke 2:22; John 2:6; 3:25; Acts 21:24–26; 24:18
In the Story: Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Purim
Say it: POOR-im
A feast the Jews keep on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month Adar, remembering how they were saved from Haman’s plot. It is named after Pur, the lot Haman cast.
Esth 3:7; 9:20–32
In the Story: The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 13: Purim
Q
Quail
Say it: KWAYL
A small, plump bird that lives on the ground. One evening in the wilderness, quail came up and covered Israel’s camp.
Ex 16:13; Num 11:31–32
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story
Quartermaster
Say it: KWOR-ter-mas-ter
An officer in charge of places to stay and supplies for people on a journey. Seraiah was chief quartermaster when he went with King Zedekiah to Babylon.
Jer 51:59
In the Story: Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall
The queen of the sky
The one the people of Judah in Egypt vowed to go on worshiping, as they and their ancestors had in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, by burning incense and pouring out drink offerings to her. The women made cakes to worship her.
Jer 44:15–25
In the Story: Exile, 6: After the Fall
The Queen of the South
A queen who, Jesus said, came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and who will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it.
Matt 12:42; Luke 11:31
In the Story: Jesus, 24: A House Divided
Quirinius
Say it: kwih-RIN-ee-us
The governor of Syria when the enrollment Caesar Augustus ordered was made: “the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.”
Luke 2:1–2
In the Story: Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem
Quiver
Say it: KWIV-er
A case for carrying arrows.
Isa 49:2
In the Story: Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord
R
Raamses
Say it: ray-AM-seez
One of the storage cities the Israelites were forced to build for Pharaoh.
Ex 1:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
Rabbah
Say it: RAB-uh
A city of the Ammonites. Joab’s army besieged it, and David captured it and took the crown of their king.
2 Sam 11:1; 12:26–30; 1 Chr 20:1–2; Jer 49:2–3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Rabbi
Say it: RAB-eye
A title meaning “Teacher”.
John 1:38; 20:16
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane
Rabboni
Say it: rab-OH-nye
A title meaning “Teacher”: Mary Magdalene called Jesus “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!” The World English Bible’s note: Rabboni is the Aramaic word for “great teacher.”
Mark 10:51; John 20:16
In the Story: Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen
Rabmag
Say it: RAB-mag
The title of one of the chief officers of the king of Babylon.
Jer 39:3, 13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Rabsaris
Say it: RAB-suh-ris
The title of one of the chief officers of the king of Babylon.
Jer 39:3, 13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Rabshakeh
Say it: RAB-shuh-keh
One of the king of Assyria’s officials, sent from Lachish with a great army. At Jerusalem he called to the people on the wall not to trust Hezekiah or the Lord.
2 Kgs 18:17–37; 19:8; Isa 36:2–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Raca
Say it: RAH-kuh
An Aramaic insult. The World English Bible’s note says it is related to the word for “empty” and conveys the idea of empty-headedness.
Matt 5:22
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed
Rachel
Say it: RAY-chul
Laban’s younger daughter, whom Jacob loved, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Gen 29:6–30; 30:22–24; 35:16–20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men
Rages
Say it: RAY-jeez
A town in Media where Gabael lived. Tobit had left ten talents of silver in trust with him there.
Tob 1:14; 4:1, 20; 5:5; 9:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Raguel
Say it: RAG-yoo-el
A relative of Tobit who lived in Ecbatana of Media, the father of Sarah. He gave Sarah to Tobias as his wife.
Tob 3:7; 6:10; 7:1–14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Rahab
Say it: RAY-hab
A prostitute in Jericho who hid Joshua’s two spies; she and her family were spared when the city fell. Hebrews says that by faith she “didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.”
Josh 2; 6:17–25; Heb 11:31
In the Story: The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Rahab (in Job)
Say it: RAY-hab
A name in Job and some psalms for a power God overcame, often taken to be a monster of the sea. What it stands for is not certain. (Not Rahab of Jericho.)
Job 9:13; 26:12; Ps 89:10
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On
Ram
Say it: RAM
Hezron’s son and Amminadab’s father, in the family line of Boaz and David.
Ruth 4:19
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Ram (Elihu’s family)
Say it: RAM
The family Elihu came from.
Job 32:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu
Ram’s horn
A trumpet made from the horn of a ram, a male sheep. Seven priests blew trumpets of rams’ horns as Israel marched around Jericho.
Josh 6:4–20
In the Story: The Promised Land, 3: The Walls of Jericho
Ramah
Say it: RAY-muh
A town in the land given to Benjamin. Deborah lived under her palm tree between Ramah and Bethel.
Josh 18:25; Judg 4:5; 19:13
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men
Ramah
Say it: RAY-muh
Samuel’s hometown, Ramathaim Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim.
1 Sam 1:1, 19; 7:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Ramath Lehi
Say it: RAY-muth LEE-hye
“Jawbone Hill”, the name given to the place where Samson threw the jawbone away.
Judg 15:17
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson
Rameses
Say it: RAM-uh-seez
The region in the land of Goshen, in Egypt, where Joseph settled his family.
Gen 47:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Ramoth Gilead
Say it: RAY-moth GIL-ee-ud
A city in Gilead that Moses set apart for the Gadites as a city of refuge.
Deut 4:43; Josh 20:8
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Ransom
A price paid to set someone free.
Job 33:24; Ex 21:30
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Raphael
Say it: RAF-ay-el
One of the seven holy angels. He travelled with Tobias, calling himself Azarias.
Tob 5:4, 12; 12:15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Razis
Say it: RAY-zis
An elder of Jerusalem who loved his countrymen and was called Father of the Jews for his goodwill. When Nicanor’s soldiers came to seize him, he took his own life rather than fall into their hands.
2 Macc 14:37–46
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Rebekah
Say it: ruh-BEK-uh
Bethuel’s daughter, who became Isaac’s wife.
Gen 22:23; 24:15–67
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Early Church, 24: All Israel
Rechab
Say it: REE-kab
A son of Rimmon from Beeroth, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a captain of raiding bands for Saul’s son Ishbosheth. He and his brother Baanah killed Ishbosheth.
2 Sam 4:2–12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
Reconcile
Say it: REK-un-sile
To bring together again, as friends, those who were apart or against each other. Paul wrote that God “reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ” and gave “the ministry of reconciliation”.
Rom 5:10; 11:15; 2 Cor 5:18–20; Eph 2:16; Col 1:21–22
In the Story: The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body
The red heifer
Say it: HEF-er
A heifer is a young cow. The Lord’s law told Israel to bring a red heifer with no flaw that had never worn a yoke; she was killed and burned outside the camp, and her ashes were kept for the water for removing uncleanness.
Num 19:1–10
In the Story: The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock
Red Sea
The sea east of Egypt. The World English Bible’s note: its Hebrew name, Yam Suf, could also mean “Sea of Reeds”.
Ex 10:19
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Redeemer
Say it: rih-DEE-mer
Someone who stands up for a relative in trouble, buying him back or defending his cause. The prophets call the Lord Israel’s Redeemer. In Luke, Anna spoke about the child Jesus to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. Paul writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” Christians have understood Job’s words in Job 19:25 in different ways.
Lev 25:25; Ruth 4:4–6; Job 19:25; Isa 44:6; Luke 2:38; 21:28; 1 Cor 1:30; Gal 3:13; Heb 9:12, 15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Regem Melech
Say it: REE-gem MEE-lek
One of the men the people of Bethel sent, with Sharezer, to ask the priests and prophets whether they should go on weeping in the fifth month.
Zech 7:2
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Rehob
Say it: REE-hob
A place in the north of the land, at the entrance to Hamath: as far as the twelve men went when they explored Canaan.
Num 13:21
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies
Rehoboam
Say it: ree-uh-BOH-um
Solomon’s son, who became king after him. The ten tribes broke away from him, and he ruled Judah.
1 Kgs 11:43; 12:1–20; 14:21
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Rehoboth Ir
Say it: ree-HOH-both EER
A city Nimrod built in Assyria.
Gen 10:11
Rehum
Say it: REE-hum
Rehum the chancellor, a high official, who with Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes. When the king’s answer came, they hurried to Jerusalem and made the Jews stop by force.
Ezra 4:8–23
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid
Remnant
Say it: REM-nunt
What is left of something. Isaiah says that “the remnant of Israel” will lean on the Lord, and Paul quotes Isaiah crying out about Israel, “it is the remnant who will be saved.”
Isa 10:20–22; Rom 9:27; 11:5
In the Story: The Early Church, 24: All Israel
Repent
Say it: rih-PENT
To be sorry for one’s sins and turn away from them. John the Baptizer preached “the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins”, and Jesus began to preach, “Repent!”
Matt 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:4, 15; Luke 3:3
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
The Rephaim
Say it: REF-ay-im
Peoples of long ago, great, many and tall, like the Anakim. Og, king of Bashan, was the last of them.
Deut 2:10–11, 20–21; 3:11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Rephan
Say it: REE-fan
A god named in the words Stephen quotes from “the book of the prophets”: “the star of your god Rephan”.
Acts 7:43
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Rephidim
Say it: REF-ih-dim
A place in the wilderness where Israel camped and found no water, and where Amalek came and fought them.
Ex 17:1, 8; 19:2
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience
Resen
Say it: REE-sen
A city Nimrod built in Assyria, between Nineveh and Calah.
Gen 10:12
Resurrection
Say it: rez-uh-REK-shun
Rising again from the dead. Martha said her brother would rise again “in the resurrection at the last day,” and Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The Sadducees said there is no resurrection.
John 11:23–25; Matt 22:23–30; Mark 12:18–25; Luke 20:27–36
In the Story: Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Reu
Say it: REE-oo
Peleg’s son.
Gen 11:18–21
Reuben
Say it: ROO-bin
Jacob and Leah’s first son, Jacob’s oldest.
Gen 29:32
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Reuel
Say it: ROO-ul
The priest of Midian, father of seven daughters, who took Moses into his household. (Not Reuel, Esau’s son.)
Ex 2:16–21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out
Rezin
Say it: REE-zin
A king of Syria, in Damascus. In Jotham’s days the Lord began to send him and Pekah king of Israel against Judah; in Ahaz’s days they made war on Jerusalem, and the king of Assyria took Damascus and killed him.
2 Kgs 15:37; 16:5–9; Isa 7:1–8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Rezon
Say it: REE-zon
Rezon son of Eliada, who ran away from Hadadezer king of Zobah and became captain of a band of fighters; they settled in Damascus and ruled there. God raised him up as an enemy of Solomon.
1 Kgs 11:23–25
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns
Rhoda
Say it: ROH-duh
A servant girl who came to answer when Peter knocked at the gate of Mary’s house. She knew his voice and was so full of joy that she didn’t open the gate but ran in and told them he was there; when they said she was crazy, she insisted it was so.
Acts 12:13–15
In the Story: The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison
Rhodes
Say it: ROHDZ
A place Paul and those with him came to by sea the day after Cos, and from there they went to Patara.
Acts 21:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Rhodocus
Say it: ROD-uh-kus
A man from the Jewish ranks who made secrets known to the king’s army. He was found, arrested and shut up in prison.
2 Macc 13:21
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Riblah
Say it: RIB-luh
A town in the land of Hamath, north of Israel. There Pharaoh Necoh put King Jehoahaz in chains, and later the king of Babylon passed judgment on King Zedekiah and put Judah’s chief priest and leaders to death.
2 Kgs 23:33; 25:6–7, 18–21; Jer 39:5–6; 52:9–11, 24–27
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem
Righteous, righteousness
Doing what is right.
Gen 6:9; 15:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 20: Elihu · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works
Rimmon
Say it: RIM-un
A god worshiped in Syria. Naaman’s master, the king of Syria, went to worship in the house (the temple) of Rimmon. Not the rock of Rimmon in Judges.
2 Kgs 5:18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman
The river Chebar
Say it: KEE-bar
A river in the land of the Chaldeans, where Ezekiel lived among the captives and saw visions of God.
Ezek 1:1–3; 3:15; 43:3
In the Story: Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
The river Ulai
Say it: YOO-lye
A river named in Daniel’s vision of the ram and the goat. In the vision Daniel was beside it, and he heard a man’s voice from between its banks.
Dan 8:2, 16
In the Story: Exile, 11: Four Beasts
Rizpah
Say it: RIZ-puh
Saul’s concubine, the daughter of Aiah.
2 Sam 3:7; 21:8–11
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
The rock of Etam
Say it: EE-tum
The rock of Etam had a cave where Samson went to live after he struck the Philistines. Three thousand men of Judah went down to him there.
Judg 15:8–13
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson
The rock of Rimmon
Say it: RIM-un
A rock toward the wilderness where six hundred men of Benjamin escaped and stayed four months.
Judg 20:45–47; 21:13
In the Story: The Judges, 10: No King in Israel
Roebuck
Say it: ROH-buk
A small kind of deer. It was one of the wild animals Israel was allowed to eat. In the Song of Songs she says, “My beloved is like a roe or a young deer.”
Deut 14:5; 1 Kings 4:23; Song 2:9, 17; 8:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Romans
Say it: ROH-munz
The people of Rome. The chief priests and the Pharisees said that if they left Jesus alone, the Romans would come and take away both their place and their nation. In Acts, Paul said he was a Roman, and those who had beaten him without a trial were afraid.
John 11:47–48; Acts 16:37–38; 22:25–29
In the Story: Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 31: Rome
Rome
Say it: ROHM
A great city of a people in the west, with whom Judas and his brothers made a treaty. In Acts, Paul was taken there as a prisoner and stayed two whole years in his own rented house. He wrote a letter “to all who are in Rome, beloved of God.”
1 Macc 8:1–32; Acts 2:10; 23:11; 28:14–31; Rom 1:7
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · The Early Church, 2: Pentecost · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 31: Rome · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Ruddy
Say it: RUD-ee
Reddish in color. It is how the Bible describes David’s looks, along with being handsome, and in the Song of Songs she says, “My beloved is white and ruddy.”
1 Sam 16:12; 17:42; Song 5:10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs
Ruth
Say it: ROOTH
A woman of Moab who married Naomi’s son, stayed with Naomi after he died, and later married Boaz. She was King David’s great-grandmother.
Ruth 1:4, 16–17; 4:13–17
In the Story: The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
S
Sabbath
Say it: SAB-uth
The seventh day of the week, a holy day of rest for the Lord.
Ex 16:23; 20:8–11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son
Sabbath year
Say it: SAB-uth yeer
Every seventh year, a year of rest for the land, when no one sowed fields or pruned vineyards.
Lev 25:1–7; 1 Macc 6:49, 53
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants
Sabeans
Say it: suh-BEE-unz
Raiders from the land of Sheba, in the south of Arabia.
Job 1:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble
Sackcloth
Rough cloth, like the cloth of sacks. People wore it to mourn, or to humble themselves before God.
Gen 37:34; 1 Kgs 21:27–29; Jonah 3:5–8
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Sacrifice
Say it: SAK-rih-fice
An animal killed and offered to God, often burned on an altar; or the act of offering it.
Gen 22:2; Ex 8:8
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 4: The Plagues · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Sadducees
Say it: SAD-yoo-seez
A party of Jews who said that there is no resurrection.
Matt 22:23; Mark 12:18; Luke 20:27
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Saints
Holy ones. In Daniel’s vision a horn makes war on the saints of the Most High, and Matthew tells that when Jesus died, many bodies of the saints were raised. In Acts and the letters, those who believe in Jesus: Paul writes “to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.”
Dan 7:18–27; Matt 27:52; Acts 9:13; Rom 1:7; Rev 5:8
In the Story: Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 23: No Condemnation · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Salamis
Say it: SAL-uh-mis
A place on the island of Cyprus where Barnabas and Saul proclaimed God’s word in the synagogues of the Jews.
Acts 13:5
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Salem
Say it: SAY-lum
The city where Melchizedek was king.
Gen 14:18
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Salim
Say it: SAY-lim
A place. Enon, where John the Baptizer was baptizing, was near Salim.
John 3:23
In the Story: Jesus, 14: Nicodemus
Salmon
Say it: SAL-mon
Nahshon’s son and Boaz’s father.
Ruth 4:20–21
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer
Salome
Say it: suh-LOH-mee
One of the women who watched from a distance when Jesus was crucified, who had followed him and served him when he was in Galilee. With Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James she bought spices to anoint him.
Mark 15:40–41; 16:1
In the Story: Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen
The Salt Sea
The lake at the south end of the Jordan valley, today called the Dead Sea.
Gen 14:3; Num 34:12
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Salu
Say it: SAY-loo
A man of the tribe of Simeon, the father of Zimri.
Num 25:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Samaria
Say it: suh-MAIR-ee-uh
The city Omri built on a hill he bought from Shemer. It was the capital of the kingdom of Israel, and its name was also used for the land around it. In John, Jesus left Judea for Galilee and needed to pass through Samaria, coming to a city of Samaria called Sychar.
1 Kgs 16:24; 2 Kgs 17:5–6; John 4:3–5
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 6: After the Fall · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem
Samaritans
Say it: suh-MAIR-ih-tunz
The people of Samaria, between Judea and Galilee. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans.
John 4:4–9; Luke 10:33; 17:16
In the Story: Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Samos
Say it: SAY-mos
A place Paul’s ship touched at on its way to Miletus. 1 Maccabees names it among the places to which Lucius, consul of the Romans, wrote about the Jews.
Acts 20:15; 1 Macc 15:16, 22–23
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Samothrace
Say it: SAM-oh-thrays
A place Paul and those with him sailed straight to from Troas, on their way to Macedonia.
Acts 16:11
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Samson
Say it: SAM-sun
A Nazirite of the tribe of Dan, the son of Manoah, who fought the Philistines and judged Israel for twenty years.
Judg 13:24–16:31
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Samuel
Say it: SAM-yoo-ul
The son of Elkanah and Hannah, given to the Lord as a boy at Shiloh. He became a prophet and judged Israel, and he anointed its first two kings, Saul and David.
1 Sam 1:20; 3:19–20; 10:1; 16:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Sanballat
Say it: san-BAL-ut
Sanballat the Horonite, who mocked and opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls under Nehemiah.
Neh 2:10, 19; 4:1–8; 6:1–14; 13:28
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Sanctify
Say it: SANK-tih-fy
To make holy. Jesus prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.”
John 17:17–19
In the Story: Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Sanctuary
Say it: SANK-choo-air-ee
A holy place set apart for God. In Exodus and Leviticus it is the tabernacle, where God said he would live among his people.
Ex 25:8; Lev 12:4; 16:33; 19:30
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · Exile, 11: Four Beasts · Exile, 18: The Last Vision · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Sapphira
Say it: suh-FY-ruh
The wife of Ananias, who knew that he had kept back part of the price of the land they sold. She told Peter the land had sold for that much; when Peter asked how they had agreed to test the Spirit of the Lord, she fell down at his feet and died, and was buried beside her husband.
Acts 5:1–2, 7–10
In the Story: The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
Sarah
Say it: SAIR-uh
The name God gave Sarai, Abraham’s wife, the mother of Isaac.
Gen 17:15–19; 21:1–3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 6: On the Mountain · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Early Church, 22: Not Ashamed of the Good News · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Sarah
Say it: SAIR-uh
The daughter of Raguel in Ecbatana of Media, who married Tobias. Not Abraham’s wife Sarah.
Tob 3:7; 7:13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Sarai
Say it: SAIR-eye
Abram’s wife, who could not have children. God later gave her the name Sarah.
Gen 11:29–31; 17:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael
Sarchedonus
Say it: sar-keh-DOH-nus
A king of Assyria, Sennacherib’s son, who reigned after him and put Tobit’s nephew Achiacharus over all his affairs. The World English Bible’s note: that is, Esar-haddon.
Tob 1:21–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit
Sardis
Say it: SAR-dis
A city with one of the seven assemblies in Asia that John was told to write to. Its letter says, “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
Rev 1:11; 3:1–6
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Satan
Say it: SAY-tun
The adversary (the Hebrew word means “adversary”). In the book of Job he comes before the Lord and accuses Job. Mark says Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, where Matthew and Luke say the devil. Paul writes that Satan hindered him, and Revelation tells of “the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan.”
Job 1:6–12; 1 Chr 21:1; Mark 1:13; Matt 4:1, 10; 1 Thess 2:18; Rev 12:9
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · Jesus, 11: The Baptism and the Testing · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Saul
Say it: SAWL
The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, whom Samuel anointed as Israel’s first king.
1 Sam 9:1–2; 10:1; 31:4–6
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
The scapegoat
Say it: Azazel: uh-ZAY-zul
On the Day of Atonement, the goat chosen by lot to be sent away alive into the wilderness, carrying the Israelites’ wrongdoing on itself. Some Bibles keep the Hebrew word here, Azazel, whose meaning is uncertain.
Lev 16:8–10, 20–22, 26
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement
Scarlet
A bright red color, and thread or cloth dyed that color. The spies told Rahab to tie a line of scarlet thread in her window.
Josh 2:18, 21; Song 4:3
In the Story: The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Scepter
Say it: SEP-ter
A rod a king holds as a sign of his power to rule.
Gen 49:10; Esth 4:11
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim · Between the Testaments, 20: The Souls of the Righteous · Between the Testaments, 21: Wisdom in Israel’s Story · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son
Sceva
Say it: SEE-vuh
A Jewish chief priest. His seven sons tried to drive out evil spirits “by Jesus whom Paul preaches,” and the man with the evil spirit overpowered them.
Acts 19:13–16
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Scribe
Someone whose work was writing, such as keeping records and writing scrolls. A king’s scribe was one of his officials, like Shaphan in King Josiah’s day. In the Gospels, the scribes are often named with the chief priests or the Pharisees, and Jesus said that “the scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.” Mark says Jesus taught “as having authority, and not as the scribes.”
2 Kgs 22:3; Jer 36:26, 32; Matt 2:4; 23:2; Mark 1:22; Luke 5:21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 7: Eleazar and the Seven Brothers · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Jesus, 8: The Wise Men · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
Scythians
Say it: SITH-ee-unz
A people far to the north. 2 Maccabees says Menelaus’ accusers would have been set free even if they had pleaded before Scythians. Paul writes that in the new self there can’t be “barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person.”
2 Macc 4:47; Col 3:11
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus
The Sea of Chinnereth
Say it: KIN-uh-reth
The lake in the north of the land that the Jordan flows through, later called the Sea of Galilee.
Num 34:11
In the Story: The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
The Sea of Tiberias
Say it: ty-BEER-ee-us
John’s name for the sea of Galilee.
John 6:1; 21:1
In the Story: Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore
Seal
A carved stone or ring used to press a person’s mark into clay or wax, like a signature. The World English Bible calls it a signet, or a seal: in the Song of Songs she says, “Set me as a seal on your heart.”
Gen 38:18, 25; Song 8:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Exile, 16: The Lions’ Den · Exile, 17: Bel and the Dragon · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God
Sealskin
The World English Bible’s word in Numbers for the leather covering Exodus calls sea cow hides.
Ex 26:14; Num 4:25
In the Story: The Wilderness, 1: The Count
Sebat
Say it: SEE-bat
The eleventh month of the year.
1 Macc 16:14
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Seer
Say it: SEER
An older name for a prophet.
1 Sam 9:9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Seir
Say it: SEE-ur
The hill country south-east of the Salt Sea, where Esau lived; also called Edom.
Gen 32:3; 33:14–16
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Wilderness, 9: Balaam · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Seirah
Say it: see-EYE-ruh
The place Ehud escaped to after he killed Eglon.
Judg 3:26–27
In the Story: The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab
Seleucia
Say it: sih-LOO-shuh
The place Barnabas and Saul went down to when the Holy Spirit sent them out from Antioch. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
Acts 13:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Seleucus
Say it: suh-LOO-kus
King Seleucus of Asia, who paid all the costs of the sacrifices in the temple at Jerusalem out of his own revenues, and sent Heliodorus to take the money in its treasury. When he died, Antiochus, called Epiphanes, became king after him.
2 Macc 3:3–7; 4:7; 5:18
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Selucia
Say it: seh-LOO-shuh
A city by the sea. King Ptolemy took control of the cities along the coast as far as Selucia.
1 Macc 11:8
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
The senate
Say it: SEN-it
The council of the Jewish nation. A letter to the Spartans went out from Jonathan the high priest and the senate of the nation. In Acts, the high priest called the council together “with all the senate of the children of Israel.”
1 Macc 12:6; 2 Macc 1:10; Acts 5:21
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
The senate of Rome
Say it: SEN-it
The council of Rome. Its members met in their senate house every day to take counsel for the people.
1 Macc 8:15; 12:3
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Sennacherib
Say it: suh-NAK-er-ib
A king of Assyria in King Hezekiah’s days. He came against the fortified cities of Judah and sent an army against Jerusalem, and later two of his sons killed him while he was worshiping his god.
2 Kgs 18:13; 19:36–37; 2 Chr 32:1–21; Isa 36:1; 37:38; Tob 1:15–21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day
Sephar
Say it: SEE-far
The mountain of the east, the far edge of the lands of Joktan’s sons.
Gen 10:30
Serah
Say it: SEER-uh
Asher’s daughter, named among Jacob’s family who went down to Egypt, and again in the count in the plains of Moab.
Gen 46:17; Num 26:46
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Seraiah
Say it: suh-RY-uh
The son of Neriah, son of Mahseiah, chief quartermaster when he went with King Zedekiah to Babylon. Jeremiah told him to read the book of words against Babylon there, tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates.
Jer 51:59–64
In the Story: Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall
Seraphim
Say it: SAIR-uh-fim
The beings Isaiah saw standing above the Lord as he sat on his throne, each with six wings. One of them touched his lips with a burning coal from the altar.
Isa 6:2–7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Sergius Paulus
Say it: SUR-jee-us PAW-lus
The proconsul on Cyprus, “a man of understanding,” who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. When he saw the sorcerer Elymas struck blind, he believed, astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Acts 13:7–12
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Seron
Say it: SEER-on
The commander of the army of Syria, who went to war against Judas to make a name for himself. Judas defeated him at the ascent of Bethhoron.
1 Macc 3:13–24
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus
Serpent
An old word for a snake.
Gen 3:1, 14
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 13: Purim · Jesus, 60: Go into All the World · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Serug
Say it: SEER-ug
Reu’s son, and the father of Nahor.
Gen 11:20–23
Servant
Say it: SUR-vunt
Where Paul calls Phoebe “a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,” writes “to all the saints… with the overseers and servants” at Philippi, and tells Timothy what servants must be, the World English Bible’s notes read “or, deacon” or “or, deacons.”
Rom 16:1; Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Seth
Say it: SETH
Adam and Eve’s son, born after Abel was killed. His name sounds like the Hebrew word for “given” (Genesis 4:25).
Gen 4:25; 5:3
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Shadrach
Say it: SHAD-rak
Hananiah, one of Daniel’s three friends from Judah, whom the Babylonians named Shadrach.
Dan 1:6–7; 3:12–30
In the Story: Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 2: The Fiery Furnace · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Shallum
Say it: SHAL-um
Shallum son of Jabesh, who killed King Zechariah of Israel and reigned one month in Samaria, until Menahem killed him.
2 Kgs 15:10–15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Shalmaneser
Say it: shal-muh-NEE-zer
A king of Assyria. Hoshea king of Israel had to serve him and pay him tribute, and later he came up against Samaria and besieged it.
2 Kgs 17:3; 18:9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms
Shamgar
Say it: SHAM-gar
The son of Anath, who killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, a pointed stick for driving oxen. He too saved Israel.
Judg 3:31; 5:6
In the Story: The Judges, 2: Ehud and the King of Moab · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Shammah
Say it: SHAM-uh
Shammah son of Agee, a Hararite, one of David’s mighty men. When Israel’s men ran, he stood in a field of lentils, defended it and killed the Philistines.
2 Sam 23:11–12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Shammah
Say it: SHAM-uh
Jesse’s third son, one of David’s older brothers, who went with Saul to the battle with the Philistines. (Not Shammah son of Agee, one of David’s mighty men.)
1 Sam 16:9; 17:13
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant
Shaphan
Say it: SHAY-fan
Shaphan son of Azaliah, King Josiah’s scribe. Hilkiah gave him the book of the law found in the Lord’s house, and he read it to the king.
2 Kgs 22:3–14; 2 Chr 34:8–21
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Sheaf
Say it: SHEEF
A bundle of grain stalks, cut and tied together at harvest time.
Gen 37:7; Lev 23:10–15
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Judges, 11: Where You Go · The Return, 1: Going Home
Shearer
Say it: SHEER-er
Someone who cuts the wool off sheep.
Acts 8:32
In the Story: The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Shearjashub
Say it: SHEE-ar-JAY-shub
Isaiah’s son, who went with his father to meet King Ahaz.
Isa 7:3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Sheba
Say it: SHEE-buh
A land in Arabia, known for its traders and for gold, spices and jewels.
Job 6:19; 1 Kgs 10:1–2; Isa 60:6; Joel 3:8
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Sheba son of Bichri
Say it: SHEE-buh · BIK-rye
A man of the tribe of Benjamin, from the hill country of Ephraim, who led Israel to turn away from David.
2 Sam 20:1–2, 21
In the Story: The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Shebarim
Say it: SHEB-uh-rim
A place near Ai. The men of Ai chased Israel’s fighters from outside the city gate as far as Shebarim.
Josh 7:5
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
Shebna
Say it: SHEB-nuh
King Hezekiah’s scribe, the king’s secretary. 2 Kings 18:18 also spells his name Shebnah.
2 Kgs 18:18, 37; 19:2; Isa 36:3
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Shecaniah
Say it: shek-uh-NY-uh
The son of Jehiel, of the family of Elam. When the people wept with Ezra, he said there was still hope for Israel and proposed a covenant with God to send away the foreign wives and the children born to them.
Ezra 10:2–4
In the Story: The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief
Shechem
Say it: SHEK-um
A town in the hill country in the middle of Canaan.
Gen 12:6; 33:18
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Exile, 6: After the Fall · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Shechem
Say it: SHEK-um
The son of Hamor, ruler of the town of Shechem.
Gen 34:2–26
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Return, 8: Judith
Sheepfold
Say it: SHEEP-fohld
A pen where sheep are kept. In Jesus’ words in John 10 it has a door, and a gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd.
John 10:1–5, 16
In the Story: Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd
Shekel
Say it: SHEK-ul
A weight used for silver and gold, and so for money. The World English Bible’s note: a shekel is about 10 grams, or about a third of an ounce.
Ex 30:13
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Shelah
Say it: SHEE-luh
Arpachshad’s son, and the father of Eber.
Gen 11:12–15
Shelah
Say it: SHEE-luh
Judah’s third son. (Not Shem’s descendant Shelah.)
Gen 38:5, 11, 14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams
Shelomith
Say it: shuh-LOH-mith
An Israelite woman, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan, whose son by an Egyptian father blasphemed the Name.
Lev 24:11
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee
Shem
Say it: SHEM
One of Noah’s three sons.
Gen 5:32; 6:10
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Shemaiah
Say it: shuh-MAY-uh
A man of God, a prophet in King Rehoboam’s day. He told Rehoboam and the people of Judah and Benjamin not to fight their brothers in Israel, and when Shishak came against Jerusalem he told the king and his leaders that because they had left the Lord, the Lord had left them in Shishak’s hand.
1 Kgs 12:22–24; 2 Chr 11:2–4; 12:5–8, 15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah
Shemaiah
Say it: shuh-MAY-uh
The son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel. He told Nehemiah that men were coming in the night to kill him, and that they should meet in the temple and shut its doors; but God had not sent him, and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Not the prophet Shemaiah of King Rehoboam’s day.
Neh 6:10–13
In the Story: The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Sheol
Say it: SHEE-ohl
The World English Bible’s note: “Sheol is the place of the dead.”
Gen 37:35
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 19: Job Holds On · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Sheshai
Say it: SHEE-shy
One of three descendants of Anak who were at Hebron when the twelve men explored Canaan.
Num 13:22; Josh 15:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Sheshbazzar
Say it: shesh-BAZ-er
The prince of Judah, to whom King Cyrus had the vessels of the Lord’s house counted out, and who brought them up when the captives were brought from Babylon to Jerusalem. The elders of the Jews later said that Cyrus had made him governor, and that he laid the foundations of God’s house.
Ezra 1:8–11; 5:11–16
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Sheth
Say it: SHETH
A name Balaam sets beside Moab: a scepter out of Israel will “crush all the sons of Sheth.” Who they were isn’t certain.
Num 24:17
In the Story: The Wilderness, 9: Balaam
Shetharbozenai
Say it: shee-thar-BOZ-uh-ny
A man who came with Tattenai the governor to question the builders of God’s house in Jerusalem, and joined in his letter to King Darius.
Ezra 5:3, 6; 6:6, 13
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Shiloh
Say it: SHY-loh
A town in the hill country of Ephraim where Israel set up the Tent of Meeting after taking the land.
Josh 18:1; 22:9
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Shimei
Say it: SHIM-ee-eye
A man from the tribe of Benjamin, from King Saul’s family.
2 Sam 16:5, 11
In the Story: The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Shimshai
Say it: SHIM-shy
Shimshai the scribe, who with Rehum the chancellor wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes. When the king’s answer came, they hurried to Jerusalem and made the Jews stop by force.
Ezra 4:8–23
In the Story: The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid
Shinar
Say it: SHY-nar
The land of the great plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now Iraq.
Gen 10:10; 11:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions
Shiphrah
Say it: SHIF-ruh
One of the two Hebrew midwives who feared God and would not kill the baby boys.
Ex 1:15–21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt
Shishak
Say it: SHY-shak
A king of Egypt. Jeroboam fled to him from Solomon, and in Rehoboam’s fifth year he came up against Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the Lord’s house and Solomon’s gold shields.
1 Kgs 11:40; 14:25–26; 2 Chr 12:2–9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah
Shittim
Say it: shih-TEEM
A place in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, where Israel camped before crossing into Canaan. There the people joined themselves to Baal Peor.
Num 25:1; 33:49; Josh 2:1
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan
Shrine prostitutes
Men who served as prostitutes at the shrines, which the Law forbade; the World English Bible calls them “sodomites” in Deuteronomy and 1 Kings and “male shrine prostitutes” in 2 Kings. Judah had them in Rehoboam’s day; King Asa drove them out, his son Jehoshaphat drove out the rest, and King Josiah tore down their houses in the Lord’s house.
Deut 23:17–18; 1 Kgs 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2 Kgs 23:7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Shunem
Say it: SHOO-nem
A town in the land given to the tribe of Issachar. The Philistines camped there before Saul’s last battle.
Josh 19:18; 1 Sam 28:4
In the Story: The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders
Shur
Say it: SHOOR
A desert area on the road from Canaan toward Egypt.
Gen 16:7; 20:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 3: Hagar and Ishmael · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · Out of Egypt, 6: Through the Sea · The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
Sibbecai
Say it: SIB-uh-kye
Sibbecai the Hushathite, one of David’s men, who killed a descendant of the giant (Saph in Samuel, Sippai in Chronicles).
2 Sam 21:18; 1 Chr 20:4
In the Story: The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Sickle
Say it: SIK-ul
A curved blade on a handle, used to cut grain at harvest.
Mark 4:29; Joel 3:13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Jesus, 25: The Sower · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Sidon
Say it: SY-dun
A city on the coast north of Canaan, known for its sailors and traders. On the way to Rome, Paul’s ship touched at Sidon, and he was allowed to go to his friends there.
Gen 10:19; 49:13; Matt 11:21–22; Acts 12:20; 27:3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck
Sign
John’s word for the things Jesus did. The beginning of his signs was at Cana, where the water became wine; a great crowd followed him because they saw the signs he did for the sick.
John 2:11, 23; 6:2, 14; 20:30–31
In the Story: Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well · Jesus, 29: Five Loaves and Two Fish · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 35: At the Feast of Booths · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus
Sihon
Say it: SY-hon
A king of the Amorites who ruled from Heshbon, east of the Jordan; he fought Israel and was defeated.
Num 21:21–31; Deut 2:24–37
In the Story: The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Silas
Say it: SY-lus
One of the leading men among the believers in Jerusalem, sent to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Paul chose him to travel with him.
Acts 15:22, 40; 16:19–25
In the Story: The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Siloam
Say it: sy-LOH-um
A pool where Jesus sent a man born blind to wash, and he came back seeing; John says the name means “Sent”. Jesus also spoke of a tower in Siloam that fell and killed eighteen people.
John 9:7, 11; Luke 13:4
In the Story: Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door
Silvanus
Say it: sil-VAY-nus
A name in the letters. Paul’s letters to the assembly of the Thessalonians open with “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy”; Paul writes to the Corinthians that Jesus Christ was preached among them “by me, Silvanus, and Timothy”; and a letter from Peter says, “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly.”
2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1; 1 Pet 5:12
In the Story: The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones
Simeon
Say it: SIM-ee-un
Jacob and Leah’s second son. Leah said, “The Lord heard.”
Gen 29:33
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 14: Joseph’s Brothers · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 3: Let My People Go · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 8: Judith · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Simeon
Say it: SIM-ee-un
A righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He took the child Jesus into his arms in the temple and blessed God. Not Jacob’s son Simeon.
Luke 2:25–35
In the Story: Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna
Simon
Say it: SY-mun
Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, the guardian of the temple, who disagreed with Onias the high priest and told Apollonius about the money in the temple treasury. Not Simon the son of Mattathias.
2 Macc 3:4–11; 4:1–6
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
Simon
Say it: SY-mun
Simon, the son of Onias, the high priest, who in his life repaired the Lord’s house, strengthened the temple and fortified the city against siege. Not Simon the son of Mattathias, or Simon of the tribe of Benjamin.
Sir 50:1–21
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Simon
Say it: SY-mun
A Pharisee who invited Jesus to eat at his house, where a woman who was a sinner wet Jesus’ feet with her tears and anointed them. Not Simon Peter.
Luke 7:36–50
In the Story: Jesus, 23: Are You the One?
Simon
Say it: SY-mun
A man who practiced sorcery in the city of Samaria; its people said of him, “This man is that great power of God.” He believed and was baptized, then offered the apostles money, saying, “Give me also this power”; not Simon Peter.
Acts 8:9–24
In the Story: The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian
Simon
Say it: SY-mun
Simon, the son of Mattathias, called Thassi, who led the people after his brother Jonathan. The people made him their leader and high priest “forever, until there should arise a faithful prophet.”
1 Macc 2:3, 65; 13:1–9; 14:35–49; 16:11–17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Simon of Cyrene
Say it: SY-mun of sy-REE-nee
A man of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming from the country when he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross.
Matt 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26
In the Story: Jesus, 56: The Cross
Simon the leper
Say it: SY-mun
The man in whose house in Bethany Jesus sat at the table when a woman poured very costly ointment on Jesus’ head. Not Simon Peter.
Matt 26:6; Mark 14:3
In the Story: Jesus, 52: The Last Supper
Simon the tanner
Say it: SY-mun
A tanner (someone who makes leather from animal skins) at Joppa, whose house was by the seaside. Peter stayed with him many days. Not Simon Peter.
Acts 9:43; 10:6, 32
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius
Simon the Zealot
Say it: SY-mun … ZEL-ut
One of the twelve apostles, called the Zealot. Not Simon Peter.
Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Matt 10:4
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Sin offering
An offering to God to make atonement for sin.
Ex 29:14, 36; Lev 4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt
Sinai
Say it: SY-ny
The mountain in the wilderness where God came down and gave Israel his laws, and the wilderness around it. Deuteronomy calls the place where God made his covenant with Israel Horeb.
Ex 19:1–20; Deut 5:2
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 8: The Mountain of God · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia
Sinews
Say it: SIN-yooz
The tough cords in the body that join muscles to bones. In Ezekiel’s vision, the Lord puts sinews, flesh and skin on dry bones.
Ezek 37:6–8
In the Story: Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones
Sisera
Say it: SIS-er-uh
The commander of the army of Jabin king of Canaan. He lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles and brought nine hundred chariots of iron against Barak at the Kishon River.
Judg 4:2, 7, 13–22; 5:20, 26–30
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations
Sivan
Say it: see-VAHN
A month of the year. The book of Esther calls it the third month.
Bar 1:8; Esth 8:9
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · The Return, 13: Purim
Sling
Say it: SLING
A weapon for throwing stones: two cords with a pocket between them. You swing it around and let one cord go, and the stone flies out hard and far. David killed Goliath with a sling and a stone.
1 Sam 17:40, 49–50
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men
Smyrna
Say it: SMUR-nuh
A city with one of the seven assemblies in Asia that John was told to write to. Its letter says, “Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Rev 1:11; 2:8–11
In the Story: The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
So
Say it: SOH
A king of Egypt. Hoshea king of Israel sent messengers to him and stopped paying tribute to the king of Assyria.
2 Kgs 17:4
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria
Sodom
Say it: SOD-um
A city on the plain of the Jordan, whose people were very wicked. The Lord later destroyed it.
Gen 13:10–13; 19:24–25
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Solomon
Say it: SOL-uh-mun
David’s son by Bathsheba, who became king after him.
2 Sam 12:24; 1 Kgs 1:39; 2:12
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Solomon’s porch
Say it: SOL-uh-munz PORCH
A porch in the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking there in winter, at the Feast of the Dedication; later the people ran together there to Peter and John.
John 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12
In the Story: Jesus, 40: The Good Shepherd · The Early Church, 3: At the Beautiful Gate · The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
Son of Man
A name Jesus often used for himself.
Matt 8:20; Mark 2:10, 28
In the Story: Jesus, 12: Come and See · Jesus, 14: Nicodemus · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 25: The Sower · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 32: You Are the Christ · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 57: He Is Risen · The Early Church, 5: Stephen
Son of man
The name God calls Ezekiel by in his book. In Hebrew it means a human being, a mortal.
Ezek 2:1; 3:1
In the Story: Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Song of Ascents
Say it: uh-SENTS
The title of each of the psalms from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134; some of them add “By David” or “By Solomon”. An ascent is a going up; the psalms don’t say why they have that name.
Ps 120–134
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home
The sons of God
Who they were is not certain. Christians have understood the words in different ways.
Gen 6:2, 4; Job 1:6
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Sons of the prophets
The Bible’s name for groups of prophets in the days of Elijah and Elisha, at places such as Bethel, Jericho and Gilgal; some of them lived and met with Elisha. The name means members of the group, not prophets’ children.
1 Kgs 20:35; 2 Kgs 2:3–7, 15–18; 4:1, 38; 5:22; 6:1–2; 9:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 7: The Chariot of Fire · Two Kingdoms, 8: Elisha’s Wonders · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Sorcerer
Say it: SOR-sur-ur
Someone who works magic and casts spells. Bar Jesus, also called Elymas, was a sorcerer and a false prophet on Cyprus. In Revelation, sorcerers are named among those outside the holy city: “Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers…”
Acts 13:6, 8; Rev 21:8; 22:15
In the Story: The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Sorceress
Say it: SOR-ser-us
A woman who works magic and casts spells.
Ex 22:18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant
Sosthenes
Say it: SOS-thuh-neez
The ruler of the synagogue in Corinth whom all the Greeks seized and beat in front of the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.
Acts 18:17
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
Sosthenes
Say it: SOS-thuh-neez
“Our brother Sosthenes,” whom Paul names beside himself at the start of a letter to the assembly of God at Corinth.
1 Cor 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth
Sostratus
Say it: SOS-truh-tus
The governor of the citadel in Jerusalem, whose job was collecting the revenues. He demanded the money Menelaus had promised the king.
2 Macc 4:27–29
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus
The South
The dry country in the south of Canaan. In Hebrew it is called the Negev.
Gen 12:9; 13:1–3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 5: Isaac · Abraham’s Family, 7: A Wife for Isaac · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 5: The Sun Stands Still · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Spain
Say it: SPAYN
A land far to the west of Italy, across the sea. Paul wrote to those in Rome that he hoped to see them on his way to Spain.
Rom 15:24, 28
In the Story: The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice
Sparta
Say it: SPAR-tuh
A city in Greece. Its king Arius once wrote to Onias the high priest that it had been found in writing that the Spartans and the Jews were kindred, descendants of Abraham, and Jonathan wrote to the Spartans to renew that friendship.
1 Macc 12:2–23; 14:16–23
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Stacte
Say it: STAK-tee
A sweet-smelling spice, named with galbanum and onycha when Wisdom says she spread a pleasant fragrance.
Sir 24:15
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Stater
Say it: STAY-ter
A coin Jesus told Peter he would find in the mouth of a fish. The World English Bible’s note: a silver coin worth a Jewish shekel, just enough to pay the half-shekel temple tax for two people.
Matt 17:27
In the Story: Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them
Stephanas
Say it: STEF-uh-nus
A believer whose household Paul baptized. Paul wrote to the assembly at Corinth that his household was the first fruits of Achaia and had set themselves to serve the saints, and that Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus had come to him and refreshed his spirit.
1 Cor 1:16; 16:15–18
In the Story: The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails
Stephen
Say it: STEE-vun
One of the seven men the disciples in Jerusalem chose, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”. He did great wonders and signs among the people. He was thrown out of the city and stoned, and the witnesses laid their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 6:5–15; 7:54–60; 22:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 6: Philip and the Ethiopian · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Steward
Say it: STOO-erd
A servant put in charge of his master’s household. Jesus spoke of “the faithful and wise steward,” whom his lord sets over his household. Paul calls himself and Apollos “Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries,” and an overseer must be blameless “as God’s steward.”
Luke 12:42; 1 Cor 4:1–2; Gal 4:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet 4:10
In the Story: Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Stocks
Say it: STOKS
A frame of wood that held a prisoner’s feet fast. At Philippi the jailer put Paul and Silas in the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.
Acts 16:24
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer
Stoics
Say it: STOH-iks
Philosophers of a school named after the Stoa, a porch in Athens where its first teacher taught. Some of them talked with Paul in Athens.
Acts 17:18
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth
The stone tablets
Flat slabs of stone on which God wrote the law and the commands for Israel.
Ex 24:12; 31:18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Strange fire
The fire Nadab and Abihu offered before the Lord, “which he had not commanded them.” The Bible says no more about what made it strange.
Lev 10:1; Num 3:4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
Succoth
Say it: SUK-uth
A place east of the Jordan where Jacob built shelters for his animals. The name means “shelters”.
Gen 33:17
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Succoth
Say it: SUK-uth
The first place Israel stopped after leaving Rameses in Egypt. Not the Succoth where Jacob built shelters. The name means “shelters”.
Ex 12:37; 13:20
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
Sud
Say it: SOOD
A river at Babylon. Baruch read his book to King Jehoiachin and to all the people who lived beside it.
Bar 1:3–4
In the Story: Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book
Sulfur
Say it: SUL-fur
A yellow mineral that burns with a choking smell. The Lord rained sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah.
Gen 19:24; Rev 14:10
In the Story: The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Susa
Say it: SOO-suh
A fortress city in the province of Elam. Daniel says he was in the fortress of Susa when he saw the vision of the ram and the goat.
Dan 8:2; Neh 1:1
In the Story: Exile, 11: Four Beasts · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 13: Purim · The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer
Susanna
Say it: soo-ZAN-uh
The daughter of Helkias and the wife of Joakim in Babylon, a very beautiful woman who feared the Lord. Two elders accused her falsely, and Daniel showed that they had lied.
Dan (Gk) 13:2–63
In the Story: Exile, 3: Susanna
Sycamore figs
Say it: SIK-uh-more figs
The fruit of a kind of fig tree. Amos grew them before the Lord sent him to prophesy.
Amos 7:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Sychar
Say it: SY-kar
A city of Samaria near the piece of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there.
John 4:5–6
In the Story: Jesus, 15: The Woman at the Well
Synagogue
Say it: SIN-uh-gog
A meeting place where Jews gathered, as on the Sabbath, to hear the Scriptures read and taught. In Acts, Paul, “as was his custom,” went in to the synagogue and reasoned with them from the Scriptures. James writes of a man who “comes into your synagogue” (the World English Bible’s note: “or, meeting”).
Luke 4:16–21; Mark 1:21; Acts 13:14; 17:1–2; Jas 2:2
In the Story: Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 21: The House on the Rock · Jesus, 22: A Widow’s Son · Jesus, 26: Wind and Waves · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 39: The Man Born Blind · Jesus, 41: The Narrow Door · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa · The Early Church, 42: Faith and Works · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Syntyche
Say it: SIN-tih-kee
A woman whom Paul, in his letter to the believers at Philippi, urges with Euodia “to think the same way in the Lord.” He asks his “true partner” to help these women, who labored with him in the Good News.
Phil 4:2–3
In the Story: The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains
Syria
Say it: SEER-ee-uh
In the books of the kings, the kingdom of Aram to the north-east of Israel, ruled from Damascus. In 1 Maccabees, the land whose army Seron commanded against Judas. In Luke, Quirinius was governor of Syria at the first enrollment. In Acts, Paul went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
1 Kgs 20:1; 2 Kgs 5:1; 1 Macc 3:13; Luke 2:2; Matt 4:24; Acts 15:41; 18:18; 21:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Jesus, 6: Born in Bethlehem · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Syrian
Say it: SEER-ee-un
Someone from Syria, which the World English Bible also calls Aram (Numbers 23:7). In Deuteronomy 26:5 its note says “father” can also mean “forefather”.
Num 23:7; Deut 26:5
In the Story: The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Syrophoenician
Say it: sy-roh-fuh-NISH-un
Mark’s word for the woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon who begged Jesus to drive a demon out of her little daughter: “a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race.” Matthew calls her a Canaanite woman.
Mark 7:26; Matt 15:22
In the Story: Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean
T
Taanach
Say it: TAY-uh-nak
A Canaanite city by the waters of Megiddo. Joshua defeated its king, and Deborah’s song says the kings of Canaan fought there.
Josh 12:21; Judg 5:19
In the Story: The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael
Taberah
Say it: TAB-uh-ruh
A place in the wilderness where the Lord’s fire burned among the complaining Israelites until Moses prayed. The World English Bible’s note: Taberah means “burning.”
Num 11:1–3
In the Story: The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel
The tabernacle
Say it: TAB-er-nak-ul
The tent God told Moses to make, where he would live among his people. It is also called the Tent of Meeting.
Ex 25:8–9; 26:1–37
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 19: Letters to Egypt · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Tabitha
Say it: TAB-ih-thuh
A disciple at Joppa, full of good works and acts of mercy. Her name, translated, is Dorcas, which the World English Bible’s note gives as Greek for “Gazelle.” She became sick and died, and when Peter said, “Tabitha, get up!”, she opened her eyes and sat up.
Acts 9:36–42
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus
Tahpanhes
Say it: TAH-pun-heez
A town in Egypt where Pharaoh had a house. Johanan and the army captains brought the people left in Judah there, with Jeremiah and Baruch.
Jer 43:7–9; 44:1; 46:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 6: After the Fall
Talent
Say it: TAL-ent
A large weight used for gold, silver and bronze. The World English Bible’s note: a talent is about 30 kilograms, or 66 pounds.
Ex 25:39; 38:24–29
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 5: The Still Small Voice · Two Kingdoms, 9: Naaman · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 11: Haman’s Plot · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Talmai
Say it: TAL-my
King of Geshur, the father of Absalom’s mother Maacah.
2 Sam 3:3; 13:37
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 12: Tamar
Talmai
Say it: TAL-my
One of three descendants of Anak who were at Hebron when the twelve men explored Canaan. (Not Talmai king of Geshur.)
Num 13:22; Josh 15:14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Tamar
Say it: TAY-mar
Absalom’s sister, a daughter of King David.
2 Sam 13:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son
Tamar
Say it: TAY-mar
The widow of Judah’s sons Er and Onan, and the mother of Perez and Zerah. (Not King David’s daughter Tamar.)
Gen 38:6–30
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Tammuz
Say it: TAM-ooz
In Ezekiel’s vision of Jerusalem, women sat at the north gate of the Lord’s house weeping for Tammuz, one of the disgusting things he was shown there. The Bible names Tammuz only here and doesn’t say who Tammuz was.
Ezek 8:14
In the Story: Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege
Tarshish
Say it: TAR-shish
A faraway place reached by sea. Solomon and Jehoshaphat both had “ships of Tarshish” (2 Chronicles says ships to go to Tarshish), and Jonah found a ship going there when he ran away from the Lord.
1 Kgs 10:22; 22:48; 2 Chr 9:21; 20:36; Jonah 1:3; Isa 60:9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine
Tarsus
Say it: TAR-sus
A city in Cilicia, the home of Saul, who is also called Paul.
Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
Tartarus
Say it: TAR-tuh-rus
Where, Peter writes, God cast down angels when they sinned, and committed them to pits of darkness to be kept for judgment. The World English Bible’s note: “Tartarus is another name for Hell.”
2 Pet 2:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 38: Grow in Grace
Tattenai
Say it: TAT-uh-ny
The governor beyond the River in the days of King Darius, who asked the Jews who had ordered them to build God’s house in Jerusalem, and wrote to Darius about it.
Ezra 5:3–6; 6:6, 13
In the Story: The Return, 5: The Temple Finished
Tax collector
Someone who collected taxes. In the Gospels, people often named tax collectors along with sinners.
Matt 9:9–11; Luke 19:2–7
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 18: Through the Roof · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 42: Lost and Found · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus · Jesus, 49: By What Authority?
Tebeth
Say it: TEE-beth
A month of the year; the book of Esther calls it the tenth month. Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in it.
Esth 2:16
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen
Tekoa
Say it: tuh-KOH-uh
A town in Judah; the prophet Amos came from there.
2 Sam 14:2; 2 Chr 11:5–6; Amos 1:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 12: Tamar · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan
Tel Aviv
Say it: tel uh-VEEV
A place by the river Chebar, in the land of the Chaldeans, where some of the captives lived; Ezekiel sat among them there for seven days, overwhelmed. Not the modern city in Israel.
Ezek 3:15
In the Story: Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River
Tema
Say it: TEE-muh
An oasis town in the Arabian desert, on the trade routes.
Job 6:19; Isa 21:14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends
Teman
Say it: TEE-mun
A place named in the Lord’s word against Edom, which asks, “Is wisdom no more in Teman?” Job’s friend Eliphaz was a Temanite.
Jer 49:7, 20; Job 2:11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations
Temple servants
Servants of the Lord’s house, counted family by family with the priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers among those who came home from Babylon. Ezra says David and the princes had given them for the service of the Levites; in Nehemiah’s time they lived in Ophel.
Ezra 2:43–58; 8:20; Neh 7:46–60; 11:21
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 14: Ezra Comes to Jerusalem · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Tent of Meeting
The tent where God said he would meet with Moses and the Israelites: a name for the tabernacle. Exodus also uses it for a tent Moses pitched outside the camp.
Ex 27:21; 33:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 4: Quail and Complaints · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple
Terah
Say it: TEER-uh
The father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. He set out from Ur for Canaan and died in Haran.
Gen 11:24–32
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Terebinth
Say it: TER-uh-binth
A large tree. Wisdom says that like the terebinth she stretched out her branches.
Sir 24:16
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Teresh
Say it: TEER-esh
One of King Ahasuerus’ eunuchs who kept the doors. He and Bigthan looked for a way to attack the king; Mordecai found out, and both were hanged.
Esth 2:21–23; 6:2
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · The Return, 12: Esther Before the King
Tertullus
Say it: ter-TUL-us
An orator (a skilled public speaker) who came down with the high priest Ananias and some elders and accused Paul before Felix the governor, calling him a plague and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
Acts 24:1–8
In the Story: The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
The Testimony
The stone tablets of the law that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai, later kept in the ark. Aaron set the jar of manna in front of it. The World English Bible sometimes calls it “the covenant” (Num 17:4, 10).
Ex 16:34; 25:16; 31:18
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Early Church, 5: Stephen · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Tetrarch
Say it: TET-rark
A ruler over part of a land. Luke says Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias of Abilene.
Luke 3:1, 19
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · Jesus, 28: John the Baptizer Killed · The Early Church, 10: The First Journey
Thaddaeus
Say it: THAD-ee-us
One of the twelve apostles in Mark’s list. Matthew’s list calls him “Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus”.
Mark 3:18; Matt 10:3
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out
Theophilus
Say it: thee-OF-ih-lus
The man the Gospel of Luke is written to, “most excellent Theophilus”, so that he can know for sure about the things he was taught.
Luke 1:3–4
In the Story: Jesus, 1: The Word · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Thessalonica
Say it: thes-uh-luh-NY-kuh
A city with a Jewish synagogue, where Paul reasoned from the Scriptures for three Sabbath days and a mob attacked Jason’s house. Paul, Silvanus and Timothy wrote to the assembly of the Thessalonians.
Acts 17:1–13; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1
In the Story: The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 30: Shipwreck · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Theudas
Say it: THOO-dus
A man Gamaliel named before the council, who rose up “making himself out to be somebody”; about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.
Acts 5:36
In the Story: The Early Church, 4: Ananias and Sapphira
Thisbe
Say it: THIZ-bee
The town in Galilee, beside Kedesh Naphtali, from which Tobit was carried away captive.
Tob 1:2
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit
Thomas
Say it: TOM-us
One of the twelve apostles, called Didymus.
Matt 10:3; John 11:16; 20:24–29
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 44: Lazarus, Come Out · Jesus, 53: The Way, the Truth and the Life · Jesus, 58: The Road to Emmaus · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore · The Early Church, 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
Threshing
Say it: THRESH-ing
Beating or trampling harvested grain to separate the grain from the straw.
Lev 26:5
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Threshing floor
A flat, hard patch of ground where harvested grain was beaten to separate the grain from the straw.
Gen 50:10; Ruth 3:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness
Threshing sledge
A heavy wooden board with sharp stones or iron set into its underside, dragged over harvested grain to separate the grain from the straw.
Job 41:30; Isa 41:15
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song
Thyatira
Say it: thy-uh-TY-ruh
The city Lydia, the seller of purple cloth, came from. One of the seven assemblies John was told to write to was in Thyatira.
Acts 16:14; Rev 1:11; 2:18–29
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 45: Letters to Seven Churches
Tiberias
Say it: ty-BEER-ee-us
A town by the sea of Galilee. Boats from Tiberias came near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
John 6:23
In the Story: Jesus, 30: The Bread of Life
Tiberius Caesar
Say it: ty-BEER-ee-us SEE-zer
The emperor. In the fifteenth year of his reign, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.
Luke 3:1–2
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness
Tibni
Say it: TIB-ny
Tibni son of Ginath, whom half of Israel followed to make him king while the other half followed Omri. Tibni died, and Omri reigned.
1 Kgs 16:21–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Tiglath Pileser
Say it: TIG-lath pih-LEE-zer
A king of Assyria who, in Pekah’s days, took Gilead, Galilee and all the land of Naphtali and carried their people away. King Ahaz sent him the silver and gold of the Lord’s house and asked him to come and save him; 2 Chronicles spells his name Tilgath-pilneser.
2 Kgs 15:29; 16:7–10; 2 Chr 28:20
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
Tigris
Say it: TY-gris
A great river in what is now Iraq, flowing past Nineveh. Genesis calls it the Hiddekel.
Tob 6:1; Gen 2:14
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · The Return, 7: Holofernes · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise
Timnah
Say it: TIM-nuh
A town in the hills of Canaan where Judah sheared his sheep.
Gen 38:12–14
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams
Timnah
Say it: TIM-nuh
A town where Philistines lived in Samson’s day. The woman Samson married came from there.
Judg 14:1–15:6
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson
Timnathserah
Say it: TIM-nath SEER-uh
The town in the hill country of Ephraim that the Israelites gave Joshua at the Lord’s command, when he asked for it. He built it and lived there, and he was buried there. Judges 2:9 spells it Timnath Heres.
Josh 19:49–50; 24:30; Judg 2:9
In the Story: The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 1: After Joshua
Timotheus
Say it: tih-MOH-thee-us
A commander whose forces fought against Judas Maccabaeus and his men.
2 Macc 8:30–32
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 11: The Death of Antiochus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side
Timothy
Say it: TIM-uh-thee
A disciple Paul found when he came to Derbe and Lystra, the son of a Jewish woman who believed and a Greek father; the believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him, and Paul took him with him on his travels. Paul wrote letters to him.
Acts 16:1–3; 1 Thess 3:2; 1 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 1:2
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 15: Letters to Thessalonica · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 19: Love Never Fails · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 32: Joy in Chains · The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight · The Early Church, 41: By Faith
Tiphsah
Say it: TIF-suh
A town that Menahem attacked, with the lands around it, because it would not open its gates to him.
2 Kgs 15:16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Tirhakah
Say it: tur-HAY-kuh
A king of Ethiopia, the land of Cush south of Egypt. The king of Assyria heard that Tirhakah had come out to fight against him.
2 Kgs 19:9; Isa 37:9
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem
Tirzah
Say it: TUR-zuh
A city of Israel where its kings lived for a time: Baasha, Elah and Zimri reigned there, and Omri for six years before he built Samaria. Jeroboam’s son died there, and later Menahem went up from there to Samaria to take the throne. Not Zelophehad’s daughter Tirzah.
1 Kgs 14:17; 15:21, 33; 16:8–23; 2 Kgs 15:14–16; Song 6:4
In the Story: The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Tirzah
Say it: TUR-zuh
One of Zelophehad’s five daughters, who asked Moses for property of their own among their father’s brothers.
Num 26:33; 27:1–7
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Titans
Say it: TY-tunz
In old Greek stories, a race of giants. Judith’s song says the enemy’s mighty one did not fall to young men, to “sons of the Titans”, or to tall giants, but to a woman.
Jdt 16:7
In the Story: The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
Tithe
Say it: TYTHE
A tenth part. A tenth of what the land grew, and of the herds and flocks, belonged to the Lord and was holy to him.
Lev 27:30–32
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 9: Judas Maccabaeus · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 45: Ten Lepers · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Titus
Say it: TY-tus
A Greek who went up to Jerusalem with Paul and Barnabas and was not made to be circumcised; Paul wrote a letter to him.
Gal 2:1–3; 2 Cor 7:6; Titus 1:4
In the Story: The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Tob
Say it: TOBE
The land where Jephthah lived after his brothers drove him out.
Judg 11:3–5
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Tobiah
Say it: toh-BY-uh
Tobiah the Ammonite servant, who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls under Nehemiah. Not Tobias, Tobit’s son.
Neh 2:10, 19; 4:3, 7; 6:1–19; 13:4–8
In the Story: The Return, 16: The King’s Cupbearer · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Tobias
Say it: toh-BY-us
Tobit’s son, who travelled to Media with the angel Raphael and married Sarah.
Tob 1:9; 5:4; 7:13
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Tobit
Say it: TOH-bit
A man of the tribe of Naphtali, carried away captive to Nineveh, who did many kind deeds and buried the dead.
Tob 1:1–3, 17–18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 20: Tobias and Sarah
Toi
Say it: TOH-eye
King of Hamath, whom Hadadezer had fought. He sent his son Joram to greet and congratulate David, with things made of silver, gold and bronze. 1 Chronicles calls him Tou.
2 Sam 8:9–10; 1 Chr 18:9–10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War
Tola
Say it: TOE-luh
A man of Issachar, the son of Puah, who rose up to save Israel after Abimelech and judged Israel twenty-three years.
Judg 10:1–2
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow
Topheth
Say it: TOH-feth
A place in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, near Jerusalem, where people made their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech. King Josiah defiled it.
2 Kgs 23:10
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Town clerk
Say it: TOWN KLURK
The official at Ephesus who quieted the crowd in the theater, told them to take any charges to the courts, and dismissed the gathering.
Acts 19:35–41
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Trance
Say it: TRANSS
A state like a dream while awake, in which a person sees a vision. Peter fell into a trance on a housetop in Joppa, and Paul fell into a trance while he prayed in the temple.
Acts 10:10; 11:5; 22:17
In the Story: The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
The treasury
Say it: TREZH-uh-ree
A place in the temple where people put in their gifts of money. Jesus spoke there as he taught in the temple.
John 8:20; Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4
In the Story: Jesus, 36: The Light of the World · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate
The tree of life
Say it: TREE uv LYF
In Genesis, a tree God made grow in the garden of Eden; when the man had come to know good and evil, God sent him out of the garden, lest he also take from the tree of life, eat and live forever, and placed cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to it. In Revelation, the one who overcomes is promised to eat from it “in the Paradise of my God,” and John sees it on this side of the river of the water of life and on that, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, its leaves “for the healing of the nations.”
Gen 2:9; 3:22–24; Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14
In the Story: The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Trespass offering
An offering brought to put right a wrong done to God or to another person, often along with paying back what was taken.
Lev 5:14–6:7
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Tribes of Israel
The family groups of the people of Israel, each descended from one of Jacob’s sons.
Gen 49:28
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 12: The Tabernacle · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road · The Wilderness, 15: Hear, Israel · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 1: Rahab and the Spies · The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan · The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Promised Land, 9: Choose This Day · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol · The Judges, 10: No King in Israel · The Kingdom, 2: A King Like the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 29: Before Agrippa
Tribute
A payment brought to a king, often by other kings or peoples under his rule. Those who came to Solomon brought him tribute year after year, and King Hoshea of Israel had to bring tribute to Shalmaneser king of Assyria.
1 Kgs 10:25; 2 Kgs 17:3; 2 Chr 9:24
In the Story: The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat · Two Kingdoms, 18: The Fall of Samaria · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Troas
Say it: TROH-as
A city Paul and those with him came down to, where Paul saw a vision in the night of a man of Macedonia begging him, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” Paul wrote that when he came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, a door was opened to him in the Lord.
Acts 16:8–11; 20:5–6; 2 Cor 2:12
In the Story: The Early Church, 13: Lydia and the Jailer · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Trogyllium
Say it: troh-JIL-ee-um
A place where Paul’s ship stayed, on the day it touched at Samos, on the way to Miletus.
Acts 20:15
In the Story: The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Trophimus
Say it: TROF-ih-mus
Trophimus of Asia, one of those who went with Paul as far as Asia; Acts also calls him “the Ephesian”. In Jerusalem the Jews from Asia, who had seen him with Paul in the city, supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. In a letter Paul writes that he left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim 4:20
In the Story: The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 37: The Good Fight
Tryphon
Say it: TRY-fon
A man who had been on Alexander's side, who raised up Alexander's young son Antiochus as king, then took Jonathan by deceit.
1 Macc 11:39–40; 12:39–13:32
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon
Tubal Cain
Say it: TOO-bul KAYN
Lamech’s son, who forged blades and cutting tools of bronze and iron.
Gen 4:22
Tumors
Say it: TOO-merz
Lumps or swellings on the body. The Lord struck the people of Ashdod, Gath and Ekron with them while the ark was in their cities.
1 Sam 5:6–12; 6:4–5
In the Story: The Kingdom, 1: Samuel
Turtledove
Say it: TUR-tul-duv
A small wild dove. A burnt offering could be turtledoves or young pigeons. In the Song of Songs, when winter is past, “the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”
Lev 1:14; 5:7; Song 2:12
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Jesus, 7: Simeon and Anna
The twenty-four elders
Say it: TWEN-tee-for EL-derz
In John’s vision, twenty-four elders who sit on twenty-four thrones around the throne in heaven, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. They fall down before the one who sits on the throne, worship him, and throw their crowns before the throne.
Rev 4:4, 10–11; 5:8–14; 7:11–13
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Tychicus
Say it: TIK-ih-kus
“The beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord,” whom Paul sent to the saints at Ephesus, and with Onesimus to the Colossians, to tell them how he was and to comfort their hearts.
Eph 6:21–22; Col 4:7–9
In the Story: The Early Church, 33: Onesimus · The Early Church, 34: One Body
Tyrannus
Say it: ty-RAN-us
The school of Tyrannus, at Ephesus, was where Paul reasoned every day for two years after he left the synagogue there.
Acts 19:9–10
In the Story: The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Tyre
Say it: TIRE
A fortified city on the coast, on the border of Asher’s land. In David’s time its king, Hiram, sent David cedar trees and builders. In Acts, Paul’s ship landed at Tyre, and he stayed there seven days with the disciples.
Josh 19:29; 2 Sam 5:11; 1 Chr 14:1; Matt 11:21–22; Acts 21:3–7
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 7: Holofernes · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Jesus, 19: Lord of the Sabbath · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
U
Unclean
Under God’s law, not fit to come near what is holy (it doesn’t mean dirty). A person, animal or thing that was unclean had to be kept away from the Lord’s holy things until it was made clean again. In Acts, a voice told Peter, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.”
Lev 5:2–3; 10:10; 11–15; Acts 10:14–15, 28; Rom 14:14
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 7: Samson · The Kingdom, 5: Saul’s Spear · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 19: Tobit · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 1: Daniel in Babylon · Exile, 5: Signs of the Siege · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 6: Your King Comes · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song · The Return, 15: Ezra’s Grief · The Return, 21: My Messenger · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 24: A House Divided · Jesus, 27: Sent Out · Jesus, 31: What Makes a Person Unclean · Jesus, 33: Changed Before Them · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 55: Before Pilate · The Early Church, 8: Peter and Cornelius · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 25: A Living Sacrifice · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Unleavened bread
Say it: un-LEV-und
Flat bread made without yeast, so it doesn’t rise. Israel ate it at the Passover and all through the seven-day feast that begins with it. Paul writes, “Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened.”
Ex 12:8, 15–20; Acts 12:3; 20:6; 1 Cor 5:7–8
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 5: The Passover · Out of Egypt, 9: The Book of the Covenant · Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 11: The Golden Calf · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 9: Peter in Prison · The Early Church, 17: To the Church in Corinth · The Early Church, 26: Eutychus
Uphaz
Say it: YOO-faz
A place known for its gold. No one knows for sure where it was.
Jer 10:9; Dan 10:5
In the Story: Exile, 18: The Last Vision
Ur of the Chaldees
Say it: UR · KAL-deez
The city where Terah’s family lived, in the south of what is now Iraq.
Gen 11:28, 31
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Uriah
Say it: yoo-RY-uh
Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s mighty men and Bathsheba’s husband. David arranged his death in battle.
2 Sam 11:3–17; 23:39
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 11: Bathsheba · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Uriah
Say it: yoo-RY-uh
Uriah son of Shemaiah, from Kiriath Jearim, a prophet who spoke the same warnings as Jeremiah. King Jehoiakim had him brought back from Egypt and killed him. Not Uriah the Hittite.
Jer 26:20–23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire
Urijah
Say it: yoo-RY-juh
A priest in Jerusalem in Ahaz’s days, who built an altar copied from one the king saw in Damascus.
2 Kgs 16:10–16
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision
The Urim and Thummim
Say it: YOOR-im, THUM-im
Things put in the priest’s breastplate, by which he asked the Lord for his decisions. The Bible doesn’t say what they looked like.
Ex 28:30; Num 27:21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 10: A Tent for God · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished
Uz
Say it: UZ
The land where Job lived, among the peoples of the east. Where it was is not known for sure.
Job 1:1, 3
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble
Uzzah
Say it: UZ-uh
A son of Abinadab, who drove the new cart carrying the ark of God. When the oxen stumbled he took hold of the ark, and God struck him down there, and he died. 1 Chronicles spells his name Uzza.
2 Sam 6:3–8; 1 Chr 13:7–11
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise
Uzziah
Say it: uh-ZY-uh
A king of Judah, also called Azariah, who was struck with leprosy.
2 Kgs 15:1–7; 2 Chr 26; Isa 6:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Uzziel
Say it: uh-ZY-ul
A son of Kohath and brother of Amram, so an uncle of Aaron and Moses; the father of Mishael and Elzaphan.
Ex 6:18, 22; Lev 10:4
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · The Wilderness, 1: The Count
V
The valley of Achor
Say it: AY-kor
The valley where all Israel stoned Achan. Its name sounds like the Hebrew for “trouble”, the word in Joshua’s “Why have you troubled us?”
Josh 7:24–26
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
The Valley of Elah
Say it: EE-luh
A valley near Socoh, a town of Judah, where Saul and the army of Israel camped facing the Philistines, and where David fought Goliath.
1 Sam 17:2, 19; 21:9
In the Story: The Kingdom, 4: The Shepherd and the Giant · The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw
The valley of Eshcol
Say it: ESH-kol
A valley in the hill country where the men exploring Canaan cut down a cluster of grapes and carried it on a pole between two of them. Eshcol is the Hebrew word for “cluster”.
Num 13:23–24; 32:9; Deut 1:24
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 14: Remember the Road
Valley of Hinnom
Say it: HIN-um
A valley beside Jerusalem, called in full the valley of the son of Hinnom. King Ahaz burned incense there and burned his children in the fire, and King Manasseh made his children pass through the fire there.
Josh 15:8; 2 Chr 28:3; 33:6
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 17: Isaiah’s Vision · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
The valley of Jehoshaphat
Say it: jeh-HOSH-uh-fat
The valley where, the Lord says through Joel, he will gather all nations and bring them down, and sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
Joel 3:2, 12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord
The valley of Rephaim
Say it: REF-ay-im
A valley near Jerusalem, at the edge of the borders of Judah and Benjamin. The Philistine army camped and spread out there when they came against David.
Josh 15:8; 18:16; 2 Sam 5:18, 22; 1 Chr 11:15
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel
The Valley of Salt
A valley where King Amaziah of Judah killed ten thousand Edomites.
2 Kgs 14:7; 2 Chr 25:11
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha
The valley of Shaveh
Say it: SHAY-veh
The King’s Valley, where the king of Sodom and Melchizedek came out to meet Abram.
Gen 14:17; 2 Sam 18:18
The valley of Shittim
Say it: shih-TEEM
A valley named in the book of Joel: a fountain will flow out from the Lord’s house and water it.
Joel 3:18
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord
The valley of Siddim
Say it: SID-im
The valley full of tar pits where the five kings of the Jordan plain fought the four kings. Genesis says it is also called the Salt Sea.
Gen 14:3, 8–10
Valley of Sorek
Say it: SOR-ek
The valley where Delilah lived.
Judg 16:4
In the Story: The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah
Vanity
Say it: VAN-ih-tee
In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher’s word for what is empty and comes to nothing. Of all the works done under the sun he says, “all is vanity and a chasing after wind.”
Eccl 1:2, 14; 12:8
In the Story: The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher
Vashti
Say it: VASH-tee
King Ahasuerus’ queen, who refused to come when he sent for her to show the people and the princes her beauty. The king decreed that she would never come before him again, and he made Esther queen in her place.
Esth 1:9–22; 2:1, 17
In the Story: The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen
The veil
The curtain of blue, purple and scarlet and fine linen, with cherubim on it, that hung inside the tabernacle in front of the Most Holy Place. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. Hebrews speaks of a hope “entering into that which is within the veil.”
Ex 26:31–33; Lev 16:2; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; Heb 6:19; 10:20
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 16: The Day of Atonement · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 5: Jason and Menelaus · Jesus, 56: The Cross · The Early Church, 39: God Has Spoken by His Son · The Early Church, 40: A Better Covenant
Viper
Say it: VY-per
A poisonous snake.
Matt 3:7; Luke 3:7
In the Story: Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness · Jesus, 24: A House Divided
Virgin
A young woman who has never slept with a man.
Judg 11:37–39
In the Story: The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 10: Esther Made Queen · Jesus, 3: Mary · The Early Church, 18: To the Glory of God · The Early Church, 21: A Cheerful Giver
Vow
A solemn promise made to God.
Gen 28:20; Num 30:2
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 10: Wrestling with God · Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 8: The Bronze Snake · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Wilderness, 17: Laws for the Land · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · The Kingdom, 20: The Preacher · Two Kingdoms, 14: Jonah · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Between the Testaments, 4: Heliodorus · Jesus, 20: Blessed · The Early Church, 14: Athens and Corinth · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple
W
Walked with God
The Bible’s way of saying someone lived close to God.
Gen 5:22–24; 6:9
Watcher
In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, a holy one who came down from the sky and ordered the great tree cut down. The book does not say more about who the watchers are.
Dan 4:13–17, 23
In the Story: Exile, 10: The Tree Cut Down
Watchman
A lookout whom the people of a land set to watch for an enemy coming and to warn them by blowing a trumpet. The Lord made Ezekiel a watchman for Israel.
Ezek 33:2–7; 3:17
In the Story: Exile, 4: Ezekiel by the River · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · The Return, 9: Judith’s Song
The water gate
A gate on the east side of Jerusalem. In the open square in front of it, the people gathered to hear Ezra read the book of the law, and built shelters of branches there for the Feast of Booths.
Neh 3:26; 8:1–3, 16; 12:37
In the Story: The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
The waters of Merom
Say it: MEER-om
The place where the kings of the north camped together to fight Israel, and where Joshua came against them suddenly.
Josh 11:5–7
In the Story: The Promised Land, 6: The Land Taken
Wave offering
A part of an offering that was waved before the Lord and then given to the priests.
Lev 7:30–34
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 13: Offerings · Out of Egypt, 14: Fire from the Lord · Out of Egypt, 15: Clean and Unclean · Out of Egypt, 18: Feasts and the Jubilee · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 6: Korah · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 12: War with Midian · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
The Way
A name in Acts for the faith of the Lord’s disciples and the people who held to it. Saul asked for letters to bring any he found who were of the Way, men or women, to Jerusalem in chains; later Paul said he served the God of his ancestors by the Way, which others called a sect.
Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22
In the Story: The Early Church, 7: The Road to Damascus · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus · The Early Church, 27: Seized in the Temple · The Early Church, 28: Before Felix
The Western Sea
The sea on the west side of the land: the Mediterranean Sea.
Deut 11:24; 34:2
In the Story: The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Wilderness of Sin
Say it: SIN
A desert between Elim and Sinai, where Israel camped and first ate manna. The place name has nothing to do with the English word “sin”.
Ex 16:1; 17:1
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered
The wilderness of Zin
Say it: ZIN
A desert on the southern edge of Canaan, near Kadesh. The twelve men spied out the land from there all the way to Rehob.
Num 13:21; 20:1; 34:3
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies · The Wilderness, 7: Water from the Rock · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Wine press
A pit, often cut into rock, where grapes were trampled to squeeze out their juice. Gideon beat out wheat in one, to hide it from the Midianites. In Isaiah, one coming from Edom says, “I have trodden the wine press alone,” and in Revelation an angel threw the earth’s harvest into “the great wine press of the wrath of God.”
Judg 6:11; Isa 63:2–3; Rev 14:19–20; 19:15
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Jesus, 49: By What Authority? · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 49: A New Heaven and a New Earth
Wineskin
Say it: WYN-skin
A bag made of skin, used to hold wine. Jesus said that new wine put into old wineskins would burst them, and that new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.
Matt 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37–38
In the Story: Jesus, 18: Through the Roof
Winnowing
Say it: WIN-oh-ing
Tossing threshed grain into the air so the wind blows away the light husks and straw, while the heavier grain falls back down.
Ruth 3:2
In the Story: The Judges, 12: The Redeemer · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness
Wise men
Men from the east who saw the star of the one born King of the Jews and came to Jerusalem to worship him. They gave the young child gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matt 2:1–12
In the Story: Jesus, 8: The Wise Men
Wizard
Someone people went to, as they went to mediums, to seek answers from the dead or from spirits (not a wizard from a storybook). God’s law told Israel not to turn to wizards, and Saul had sent them out of the land.
Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27; 1 Sam 28:3, 9; Isa 8:19
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 17: Be Holy · The Wilderness, 16: The Place He Chooses · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Woe
Say it: WOH
An old word for great sorrow or trouble, as when Jesus said, “Woe to you who are rich!”
Luke 6:24–26; 11:42–52; 17:1; Matt 18:7; 23:13
In the Story: Jesus, 20: Blessed · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · Jesus, 34: Seventy Times Seven · Jesus, 37: The Good Samaritan · Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 43: The Rich Man and Lazarus · Jesus, 50: Woe to You · Jesus, 51: The End of the Age · Jesus, 52: The Last Supper · The Early Church, 44: Contend for the Faith · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses · The Early Church, 48: The Fall of Babylon
Wood offering
Wood that the priests, the Levites and the people cast lots to bring to God’s house, family by family, at set times every year, to burn on the Lord’s altar.
Neh 10:34; 13:31
In the Story: The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Wormwood
Say it: WURM-wood
A plant: the World English Bible’s note on gall calls it “a bitter-tasting, dark green oil from a wormwood plant”, and Proverbs speaks of something “as bitter as wormwood”. In John’s vision, “Wormwood” is the name of a great star that fell from the sky, burning like a torch, on one third of the rivers and on the springs of water. One third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
Prov 5:4; Matt 27:34; Rev 8:10–11
In the Story: The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Y
The year of release
Every seventh year, when anyone who had lent something to a neighbor was to cancel the debt and not ask for it back.
Deut 15:1–2; 31:10
In the Story: The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Return, 19: Ezra Reads the Law
Yoke
A wooden bar put across the necks of animals pulling a plow or cart; a picture of being under someone else’s control.
Gen 27:40
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 8: Jacob and Esau · Out of Egypt, 19: Blessings and Warnings · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Kingdom, 1: Samuel · Two Kingdoms, 1: The Kingdom Torn in Two · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Exile, 7: The Valley of Dry Bones · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · Between the Testaments, 15: The Death of Judas · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 23: Are You the One? · The Early Church, 11: The Council at Jerusalem · The Early Church, 12: A Letter to Galatia · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness · The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Z
Zabdi
Say it: ZAB-dy
A man of the tribe of Judah, Carmi’s father and Achan’s grandfather. When the Zerahites came forward man by man, Zabdi was selected, and then Achan from his household.
Josh 7:1, 17–18
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai
Zabdiel
Say it: ZAB-dee-el
An Arabian who cut off King Alexander’s head and sent it to King Ptolemy.
1 Macc 11:17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 17: Jonathan and the Kings
Zacchaeus
Say it: zuh-KEE-us
A chief tax collector, and a rich man, who climbed a sycamore tree in Jericho to see Jesus because he was short. Jesus went to stay at his house.
Luke 19:1–10
In the Story: Jesus, 47: Zacchaeus
Zachariah
Say it: zak-uh-RY-uh
A man Jesus named with Abel when he spoke of the blood that had been shed. In Matthew he is “Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar”; in Luke, “Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.”
Matt 23:35; Luke 11:51
In the Story: Jesus, 38: Teach Us to Pray · Jesus, 50: Woe to You
Zacharias
Say it: zak-uh-RY-us
A priest, the husband of Elizabeth and the father of John the Baptizer.
Luke 1:5–23, 59–79
In the Story: Jesus, 2: An Angel in the Temple · Jesus, 3: Mary · Jesus, 4: His Name Is John · Jesus, 10: A Voice in the Wilderness
Zadok
Say it: ZAY-dok
One of the two chief priests in David’s time.
2 Sam 8:17
In the Story: The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Exile, 9: The River from the Temple
Zalmunna
Say it: zal-MUN-uh
One of the two kings of Midian whom Gideon chased across the Jordan. Gideon captured him and killed him.
Judg 8:5–21
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Zaphenath-Paneah
Say it: ZAF-uh-nath puh-NEE-uh
The Egyptian name Pharaoh gave Joseph.
Gen 41:45
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 13: Prisoner in Egypt
Zarephath
Say it: ZAIR-uh-fath
A town that belonged to Sidon. Elijah stayed there with a widow whose jar of flour and jar of oil did not run out, and her son came back to life when Elijah cried out to the Lord.
1 Kgs 17:9–24
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 4: Fire on Mount Carmel · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor
Zarethan
Say it: ZAIR-uh-than
A place in the Jordan valley; the city of Adam was beside it.
Josh 3:16
In the Story: The Promised Land, 2: Across the Jordan
Zeal
Say it: ZEEL
A burning eagerness. Mattathias was zealous for the law, as Phinehas and Elijah had been. When Jesus drove the traders out of the temple, his disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”
1 Macc 2:24–27, 54, 58; John 2:17
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias · Jesus, 13: Water into Wine · The Early Church, 20: Strength in Weakness
Zebah
Say it: ZEE-buh
One of the two kings of Midian whom Gideon chased across the Jordan. Gideon captured him and killed him.
Judg 8:5–21
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Zebedee
Say it: ZEB-uh-dee
The father of James and John. He was in the boat with his sons when Jesus called them, and they left him there with the hired servants.
Matt 4:21–22; Mark 1:19–20; Luke 5:10; John 21:2
In the Story: Jesus, 17: Fishers of People · Jesus, 46: Let the Children Come · Jesus, 54: Gethsemane · Jesus, 56: The Cross · Jesus, 59: Breakfast on the Shore
Zeboiim
Say it: zuh-BOY-im
One of the cities near Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses names it among the cities the Lord overthrew in his anger.
Gen 14:2; Deut 29:23
In the Story: The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life
Zebul
Say it: ZEE-bul
The ruler of Shechem and Abimelech’s officer. He warned Abimelech about Gaal and then drove Gaal out of the city.
Judg 9:28–41
In the Story: The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Zebulun
Say it: ZEB-yoo-lun
Jacob and Leah’s sixth son. Leah said, “Now my husband will stay with me.”
Gen 30:20
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · The Wilderness, 1: The Count · The Wilderness, 2: The Lord Bless You · The Wilderness, 3: Setting Out · The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Wilderness, 18: Choose Life · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Judges, 1: After Joshua · The Judges, 3: Deborah and Jael · The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 6: Jephthah’s Vow · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Jesus, 16: The Year of the Lord’s Favor · The Early Church, 46: The Scroll and the Lamb
Zechariah
Say it: zek-uh-RY-uh
A king of Israel, the son of Jeroboam son of Joash. He reigned six months in Samaria until Shallum killed him, and so the Lord’s word to Jehu came true, that Jehu’s sons would sit on Israel’s throne to the fourth generation. Not the priest or the prophet named Zechariah.
2 Kgs 14:29; 15:8–12
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea
Zechariah
Say it: zek-uh-RY-uh
The son of Jehoiada the priest. The Spirit of God came on him and he warned the people, and at King Joash’s command they stoned him in the courtyard of the Lord’s house. Not the king of Israel or the prophet of that name.
2 Chr 24:20–22
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 12: The Hidden King
Zechariah
Say it: zek-uh-RY-uh
A prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, who saw visions in the night and spoke the Lord’s word while the Lord’s house was being rebuilt. Ezra calls him the son of Iddo.
Ezra 5:1; 6:14; Zech 1:1, 7
In the Story: The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 6: Your King Comes
Zedekiah
Say it: zed-uh-KY-uh
The last king of Judah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, whose name had been Mattaniah until the king of Babylon made him king.
2 Kgs 24:17–25:7
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Two Kingdoms, 26: Against the Nations · Two Kingdoms, 27: The Fall of Jerusalem · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 12: The Writing on the Wall
Zedekiah
Say it: zed-uh-KY-uh
Zedekiah son of Chenaanah, one of King Ahab’s prophets, who made himself iron horns and slapped Micaiah. Not Zedekiah the last king of Judah.
1 Kgs 22:11, 24; 2 Chr 18:10, 23
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 6: Micaiah and Jehoshaphat
Zeeb
Say it: ZEE-eb
One of the two princes of Midian. As Israel chased Midian, he was killed at Zeeb’s wine press, and his head was brought to Gideon.
Judg 7:25; 8:3
In the Story: The Judges, 4: Gideon · The Judges, 5: The Bramble King
Zelophehad
Say it: zeh-LOH-fuh-had
A man of the tribe of Manasseh who died in the wilderness with no sons; his five daughters asked Moses for his share of the land.
Num 26:33; 27:1–11; 36
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · The Wilderness, 11: Zelophehad’s Daughters · The Wilderness, 13: The Journey Remembered · The Promised Land, 7: Dividing the Land
Zenas
Say it: ZEE-nus
Zenas the lawyer. Paul told Titus to send him and Apollos on their journey quickly, that nothing would be lacking for them.
Titus 3:13
In the Story: The Early Church, 35: Timothy and Titus
Zephaniah
Say it: zef-uh-NY-uh
A prophet, the son of Cushi, to whom the Lord’s word came in the days of King Josiah.
Zeph 1:1
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 24: The Book in the Temple
Zerah
Say it: ZEER-uh
One of Tamar and Judah’s twin sons, the brother of Perez. His descendants, the family of the Zerahites, were part of the tribe of Judah; Achan was one of them.
Gen 38:27–30; Josh 7:1, 17; 22:20
In the Story: The Promised Land, 4: Achan and Ai · The Promised Land, 8: Cities of Refuge · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Zerah
Say it: ZEER-uh
Zerah the Ethiopian, who came against Judah in Asa’s day with an army of a million troops and three hundred chariots. The Lord struck the Ethiopians down before Asa, and they fled. Not Judah’s son Zerah.
2 Chr 14:9–15
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel
Zeresh
Say it: ZEER-esh
Haman’s wife. With his friends she told him to have a gallows made for Mordecai, and later she and his wise men told him that he would surely fall before Mordecai.
Esth 5:10, 14; 6:13
In the Story: The Return, 12: Esther Before the King
Zerubbabel
Say it: zuh-RUB-uh-bul
The son of Shealtiel, who led the captives home from Babylon with Jeshua the priest and began to rebuild the Lord’s house. Haggai calls him governor of Judah.
Ezra 2:2; 3:2, 8; Hag 1:1; Zech 4:6–10
In the Story: The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 2: The Foundation Laid · The Return, 3: Consider Your Ways · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 18: The Wall Finished · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Jesus, 5: Joseph’s Dream
Zeruiah
Say it: zer-oo-EYE-uh
David’s sister, the mother of Joab, Abishai and Asahel.
1 Chr 2:16
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home · The Kingdom, 15: David’s Last Song · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne
Zeus
Say it: ZOOS
A god of the Greeks. The king’s man was to call the sanctuary in Jerusalem by the name of Olympian Zeus. In Ephesus, the town clerk spoke of the image of the goddess Artemis “which fell down from Zeus.”
2 Macc 6:2; Acts 19:35
In the Story: Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · The Early Church, 16: Ephesus
Ziba
Say it: ZY-buh
A servant of Saul’s family who farmed Mephibosheth’s land.
2 Sam 9:9–10
In the Story: The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 13: The King’s Son · The Kingdom, 14: The Way Home
Ziklag
Say it: ZIK-lag
A town that Achish king of Gath gave David to live in.
1 Sam 27:6; 30:1; 2 Sam 1:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 6: Outlaw · The Kingdom, 7: Mount Gilboa · The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Return, 20: Nehemiah’s Last Reforms
Zillah
Say it: ZIL-uh
One of Lamech’s two wives. She gave birth to Tubal Cain.
Gen 4:19, 22
Zilpah
Say it: ZIL-puh
Leah’s servant, who became Jacob’s wife and the mother of Gad and Asher.
Gen 29:24; 30:9–13
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 9: The Ladder · Abraham’s Family, 11: Dinah · Abraham’s Family, 12: Joseph’s Dreams · Abraham’s Family, 15: Israel in Egypt
Zimri
Say it: ZIM-rye
The son of Salu, a leader of a family in the tribe of Simeon. He brought a Midianite woman, Cozbi, to his brothers, and Phinehas killed them both. (Not Zimri the king of Israel.)
Num 25:6–8, 14
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas · Between the Testaments, 8: Mattathias
Zimri
Say it: ZIM-rye
The captain of half of King Elah’s chariots, who killed Elah, reigned seven days in Tirzah, then burned the palace over himself and died. Jezebel later called Jehu “Zimri, you murderer of your master”. Not Zimri son of Salu.
1 Kgs 16:9–20; 2 Kgs 9:31
In the Story: Two Kingdoms, 3: Kings of Judah and Israel · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu
Zion
Say it: ZY-un
The stronghold in Jerusalem that David took from the Jebusites; it became David’s city. The prophets and psalms call Jerusalem itself Zion, and in 1 Maccabees Mount Zion is where the sanctuary stood. Hebrews speaks of “Mount Zion… the heavenly Jerusalem,” and in Revelation John saw “the Lamb standing on Mount Zion.”
2 Sam 5:7; 1 Chr 11:5; 1 Macc 4:37, 60; Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1
In the Story: The Kingdom, 8: King of Judah, King of Israel · The Kingdom, 9: The Ark and the Promise · The Kingdom, 16: Solomon Takes the Throne · The Kingdom, 17: The Gift of Wisdom · The Kingdom, 18: The Temple · The Kingdom, 19: The Queen of Sheba · The Kingdom, 21: The Song of Songs · Two Kingdoms, 2: The Man of God from Judah · Two Kingdoms, 10: The Siege of Samaria · Two Kingdoms, 11: Jehu · Two Kingdoms, 13: The Last of Elisha · Two Kingdoms, 15: Amos and Hosea · Two Kingdoms, 16: The Day of the Lord · Two Kingdoms, 21: Hezekiah’s Reforms · Two Kingdoms, 22: The Siege of Jerusalem · Two Kingdoms, 23: Manasseh · Two Kingdoms, 25: The Scroll in the Fire · Exile, 6: After the Fall · Exile, 8: Baruch’s Book · Exile, 13: Comfort My People · Exile, 14: The Servant of the Lord · Exile, 15: Arise, Shine · The Return, 1: Going Home · The Return, 4: Zechariah’s Visions · The Return, 5: The Temple Finished · The Return, 8: Judith · The Return, 17: Building the Wall · Between the Testaments, 2: Wisdom Sings Her Praise · Between the Testaments, 3: Famous Men · Between the Testaments, 6: The Abomination of Desolation · Between the Testaments, 10: The Sanctuary Made Clean · Between the Testaments, 12: Wars on Every Side · Between the Testaments, 13: The Elephants · Between the Testaments, 14: Nicanor’s Day · Between the Testaments, 16: Jonathan · Between the Testaments, 18: Simon · Jesus, 48: The King Comes · The Early Church, 24: All Israel · The Early Church, 36: Living Stones · The Early Church, 41: By Faith · The Early Church, 47: The Two Witnesses
Zipporah
Say it: zih-POR-uh
One of Reuel’s seven daughters, who became Moses’ wife.
Ex 2:21
In the Story: Out of Egypt, 1: Slaves in Egypt · Out of Egypt, 2: The Burning Bush · Out of Egypt, 7: Bread from Heaven
Zoan
Say it: ZOH-an
An old city in Egypt. Hebron was built seven years before it.
Num 13:22; Ps 78:12, 43
In the Story: The Wilderness, 5: The Spies
Zoar
Say it: ZOH-ar
A small town at the edge of the plain of the Jordan, also called Bela.
Gen 13:10; 14:2; 19:22
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 1: The Call of Abram · Abraham’s Family, 2: Abram and the Kings · Abraham’s Family, 4: Sodom and Gomorrah · The Wilderness, 19: The Death of Moses
Zobah
Say it: ZOH-buh
A Syrian kingdom whose kings Saul fought. In David’s time its king was Hadadezer; 1 Chronicles places it toward Hamath.
1 Sam 14:47; 2 Sam 8:3; 10:6; 1 Chr 18:3
In the Story: The Kingdom, 3: Saul’s Disobedience · The Kingdom, 10: Kindness and War · The Kingdom, 22: Solomon’s Heart Turns
Zophar
Say it: ZOH-far
One of Job’s three friends, from Naamah.
Job 2:11; 11:1
In the Story: Abraham’s Family, 16: Job’s Trouble · Abraham’s Family, 17: Job’s Friends · Abraham’s Family, 18: Miserable Comforters · Abraham’s Family, 21: Out of the Storm
Zorah
Say it: ZOR-uh
A town given to the tribe of Dan, where Manoah, Samson’s father, lived.
Josh 19:41; Judg 13:2
In the Story: The Judges, 7: Samson · The Judges, 8: Samson and Delilah · The Judges, 9: Micah’s Idol
Zur
Say it: ZUR
A leader in Midian, the head of the people of a family there, and the father of Cozbi. He was one of the five kings of Midian killed in the war with Midian.
Num 25:15, 18; 31:8
In the Story: The Wilderness, 10: Phinehas
The Zuzim
Say it: ZOO-zim
A people east of the Jordan whom the four kings struck at Ham.
Gen 14:5