Bible Definitions!

Would you like to talk to someone? Click Here! The best definition I can find of faith is the dependence upon the veracity of another. The Bible definition in the 11th chapter of Hebrews is, ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ In other words, faith says “amen” to everything God says. Faith takes God without any ifs. If God says it, faith says, “I believe it.” ~ Dwight L. Moody

Bible definitions are a great way to better understand God and the Bible!

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or need some encouragement.

Do you ever feel frustrated when you encounter a Bible term or definition you’re unfamiliar with? Well, worry no more! This page is here to help you get acquainted with some words that may have left you confused. We encourage you to learn some Bible definitions. I remember what my wise mom used to say—there’s no such thing as a dumb question, only the one that remains unasked!

While it’s Essential To Understand The Bible, let us always remember that having a relationship with Jesus is even more important, and that we should live a respectful Christian Life That Honors God! Bible Definitions Help Clarify Harder-to-Understand Things!

Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

What Is The Meaning Of The Bible Definitions And Scriptures?

Bible definitions can be of great help…

And in all our discussions or debates about scripture, we must never use the Bible against someone unless we do so with genuine love. Understanding the Scriptures alone can make us sound like nothing more than clanging cymbals or gongs in the eyes of the Lord if we fail to share His message compassionately and selflessly with others. ~ Bill Greguska

Bible Definitions to Give You Insights!

Find out what God’s Word says about your situation and what to do about it ~ Click here

Basic Bible Definitions:

Armageddon:

A term referring to the battle between God and evil in the last days. The term appears only once in the Bible, in Revelation 16:16. “Armageddon” is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for “Mount Megiddo” in northern Israel.

Angel:

A superhuman intermediary between the divine and human realms. Angels exist in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Perhaps the most famous angel is Gabriel, who is revealed as God’s messenger in the Hebrew scriptures, the Christian New Testament, and the Islamic Koran. Theological discussions of the nature of angels vary by tradition.

Antichrist:

In Christian literature, the Antichrist is an evil figure who deceives people into thinking he is holy. According to Christian tradition, Jesus will return and defeat the Antichrist in the end times (Smith and Green 1995: 53). In Islamic eschatology, an Antichrist figure is described in the Hadith as a one-eyed monster from the East. He ruled the earth for some time before Jesus came to conquer him.

Apocalypse:

The catastrophic end-times battle between good and evil, in which good will triumph. The term refers to “hidden things.” The most famous apocalyptic literature is the Book of Revelation at the end of the New Testament. The term “apocalypse” has been popularized by Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind series of Christian novels.

Baptism:

The rite of applying water to a person usually marks their entrance into the Christian Church. It appears to have originated with John the Baptist in the first century C.E., although some scholars believe the Jewish Essenes’ ritual ablution inspired the practice. Churches and denominations are divided on whether baptism literally or symbolically washes away sin.

Biblical Inerrancy:

The belief is that the Bible is without error in theology, ethics, history, geography, and science. This is common in Christian fundamentalism, as opposed to evangelicals, who typically have a less strict view of the Bible and instead believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word.

Calvinism:

Also known as Reformed theology, Calvinism is a Protestant theological tradition rooted in the works of John Calvin (1509-1564). Calvin believed in God’s absolute sovereignty and humans’ total depravity. Calvinism also includes the double predestination doctrine, the belief that God fated every human before birth to either heaven or hell.

Charismatics:

Christians stress spiritual gifts described in the New Testament, such as speaking in tongues and healing. Before 1960, this phenomenon was closely associated with the Pentecostal tradition (see Azusa Street Revival). Since then, it has become a more general term emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s presence without a specific denominational affiliation.

Creationism:

The belief is that Genesis’s creation account, the first book of the Bible, is historically and scientifically correct. This has led to a confrontation with proponents of Darwinian evolution, most notably in the infamous Scopes Trial of 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee. More recently, former creationists have advocated Intelligent Design as an alternative to creationism to counter claims about evolution.

More Bible Definitions:

Crucifix:

A cross bearing the figure of Christ. It is often used to represent Christ’s suffering. It became a primary image for devotional purposes in the Middle Ages. Still, it was viewed as idolatry by many Protestant Reformers, which is why many Protestant churches prefer the symbol of a cross without Jesus on it.

Damnation:

Condemnation to punishment in the afterlife for sins committed while alive. This is said to occur on judgment day, and the eternal abode for the damned is hell.

Dispensationalism:

A Christian theological view divides history into several periods or dispensations. God’s plan for salvation varies by dispensation.

Dogma:

Dogma is a principal component of a religious ideology that is indisputable; the word is “dokeo,” which means “appears.” Dogma is primarily found in Roman Catholicism, as explicitly stated by ecumenical councils or by the pope. In a non-liturgical setting, it has a pejorative connotation. In the Catholic Church, the Nicene Creed contains dogmas.

Easter:

A Christian holiday commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection three days after his crucifixion. It is known as “Pascha” by Orthodox Christians.

End-Times:

The belief is that the world will end, and God’s kingdom will be established.

Evangelical Protestantism:

A Protestant movement that emphasizes one’s relationship with Christ, the Bible’s inspiration, and the importance of sharing one’s faith with non-believers. Evangelical Protestantism is often seen as more theologically and socially conservative than Mainline Protestantism, though there is variation across denominations, congregations, and individuals within the “evangelical” category.

Evangelism:

The Christian practice of sharing the gospel of Christ with non-believers. This term derives from the New Testament Greek word “euaggelion,” meaning “to proclaim the good news.”

Exorcism:

The process of driving out demons/evpirits from human beings. The practice dates back thousands of years, predating the Common Era, and spans various societies across time. According to pre-modern civilizations, physical and mental illnesses were indistinguishable from one another, as diseases and mental instability represented the presence of unappeased spirits. Priests served as “physicians” and attempted to drive out evil spirits believed to cause disease through incantations and healing rituals (Koenig, King, and Carson 2012). Exorcisms began to decrease with the advent of modern medicine and a better understanding of the origins of diseases/illnesses.

Faith Healing:

A term usually limited to the Christian practice of restoring health through prayer, divine power, or the Holy Spirit’s intervention.

Fundamentalism:

1) The Protestant movement embraces similar beliefs as evangelicals, although usually in a more conservative direction, stressing separation from the world and more liberal Christian bodies. The term derives from a series of booklets titled The Fundamentals, published in the early 20th century, which presented what were considered fundamental doctrines. 2) The term is also used to describe similarly conservative movements in other religions, particularly Islam.

Gabriel:

An archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. In Christianity, he is known for announcing to Mary that she will bear Jesus, humanity’s savior. In Islam, he is known as “Jibril” and is said to have visited the Prophet Muhammad in human form. It was Jibril who revealed God’s messages to Muhammad and guided him on his night journey through the heavens.

Gentile:

Anyone not Jewish

Graham, William “Billy” (1918-2020):

Billy Graham was the preeminent Christian evangelist of the second half of the 20th century, preaching to millions in the United States and abroad. Vast audiences attended his “crusades” throughout his career. For example, the 1949 Los Angeles Crusade drew more than 350,000 attendees. He was friends with Martin Luther King, Jr., and many U.S. presidents.

Gospels:

The narratives of Jesus’ life appear at the beginning of the New Testament in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. In Greek, “gospel” refers to “good news.” The gospels contain some differences between them. Many believe that Mark is the first gospel and that Matthew and Luke borrowed some of their material from Mark. For this reason, they are known as the synoptic gospels, while the Book of John is believed to have been written later and to contain information not found in them.

Grace:

The term refers to an expression of unmerited divine love and assistance from God to humans (Esposito et al. 2012b: G-6). In Christianity, God’s grace is expressed through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross for the redemption of human sin.

Heaven (Christianity):

The dwelling place of God, angels, and redeemed individuals in the afterlife. It is the ultimate reward for the saved, rather than hell, which is the punishment for the damned (Smith and Green 1995: 411).

Hell (Christianity):

A place for the damned in the afterlife after Judgment Day. Hell originally referred to the underworld’s dark regions, but now it refers to the eternal separation between individuals and God. Whether hell is everlasting or temporary is often debated.

Heresy:

It is either a rejection of doctrines taught by a communal authority or a choice to advocate an alternative doctrine/interpretation instead of authoritative conventional teaching. This concept is tied to the early Christian tradition, as the Church attempted to dispel certain Hellenistic philosophies. It is also evident in Judaism and Islam, though it is often more closely tied to religious behavior than to religious beliefs.

Holy Spirit:

It is a term widely used in the New Testament and, at times, in the Old Testament, though in different contexts. The Holy Spirit came upon prophets to enable them to transmit God’s message to others in the Old Testament. Christianity describes the third person in the Trinity. The archaic term for the Holy Spirit is “holy ghost.” Charismatics often refer to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues and prophecy.

Incarnation:

In Christian theology, it is the eternal Word of God embodied in Jesus’s flesh during his time on earth.

Intelligent Design:

A theory posits that the universe and individual organisms are too complex to have arisen from chance or random selection, pointing to an “intelligent designer.” Critics accuse Intelligent Design proponents of espousing “pseudoscience” and attempting to give creationist sentiments a more scientific façade.

Israel:

1) A term for the Jews as a religious people. 2) The land and state of Israel were founded in 1948 and are located in the Middle East.

Jesus Christ:

The founder of the Christian religion. “Christ” is a Hebrew term for “messiah,” meaning Christians believe he is humanity’s savior. Jesus was born in Palestine under Roman occupation around 6 BCE. Many Christians believe that he is the Son of God, who died for human sin and was raised to salvation. Along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, he makes up what is known as the Trinity. Muslims believe he was an important prophet, but he was not the Son of God, nor do they believe in the Trinity. Regarding his physical and divine natures, the nature of Jesus has been debated for centuries in Christology.

Jews for Jesus:

A term referring to a contemporary movement of young Jews to Christianity and a missionary agency. The movement began in the late 1960s during the “Jesus Movement.” The movement and missionary group attempted to convert Jews by emphasizing that accepting Christianity did not automatically reject Jewish heritage.

John the Baptist:

A first-century figure appears in Josephus’ Antiquities and the New Testament gospels as a prophetic forerunner to Jesus Christ. Many believe that he was associated with the Baptist movements in Judaism and preached baptism for the purification of sins.

What Is The Bible And Where Did It Come From?

More Bible Definitions:

King, Martin Luther (1929-1968):

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a highly influential African American Baptist minister and civil rights leader who combined Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence with Christian principles to combat racism. He is the most recognizable figure in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. For more information on Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kosher:

Jewish dietary laws specify permissible and restricted foods. The Torah outlined these guidelines, and later post-biblical Jewish law elaborated on them. Animals with cloven hooves that chew their cud are forbidden to eat, like pigs. Some explain that kosher laws exist for hygienic and symbolic reasons, like discouraging the assimilation of non-Jewish neighboring communities.

Last Supper:

The New Testament narrative of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This event is commemorated through the Christian rite of Communion, the Eucharist.

Lent:

A 40-day period of fasting begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. The purpose of fasting is to encourage spiritual discipline and devotional reflection. These 40 days usually don’t include Sundays. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and some Protestant churches celebrate this practice. For Orthodox Christians, Lent begins on Clean Monday.

Luther, Martin (1483-1546):

Luther was a German monk and theologian who became a leader during the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. He was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church after publishing his 95 Theses, which challenged the Church’s doctrines and practices. Luther emphasized the importance of justification by grace through faith and of the Bible as the sole authority for Christians, rather than scripture and tradition, as Catholics assert. His ideas helped pioneer Protestant thought. He is the founder of Lutheranism.

Megachurch:

A large congregation with 2,000 or more people attending services. It is typically Protestant, often evangelical. Two-thirds of megachurches are affiliated with a denomination. They tend to cluster in the suburbs, leading to cis. There are currently more than 1,200 megachurches in the United States. Famous megachurch pastors include Joel Osteen and Rick Warren.

Mental Health, Religion, and Mental Health

It consists of positive and negative dimensions. Positive mental health encompasses positive emotions (e.g., happiness, peace) and positive cognitive processes (e.g., optimistic thinking and adaptability). In contrast, adverse mental health involves emotions, cognitions, and behaviors that cause dysfunction in social relationships, occupation, and recreation and interfere with adaptation (e.g., anger, violence, addiction, etc.; see Koenig et al. 2012: 298). An estimated 80 percent of studies focus on mental health in the context of religion and health (Koenig 2012). Religiousness improves positive mental health and reduces adverse mental health outcomes. Examining hundreds of studies on mental health and religion, Koenig and colleagues (2012) found that religion/spirituality improves well-being, increases hope and social support, and reduces loneliness, depression, substance use, and marital dissatisfaction.

Moses:

Moses was a mighty prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is remembered for leading the enslaved Jewish people out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. The revelations on Mount Sinai became known as the Torah or Law. Moses is highly regarded in all three traditions but is particularly important in the Jewish tradition.

Some Of The Greatest Bible Verses!

More Bible Definitions:

New Testament:

In addition to the Old Testament, the canonized scriptures constitute the Christian Bible. The New Testament comprises 27 books, written roughly between 50 and 150 CE. The first four books are the gospels, which record the life of Jesus Christ. Among the gospels, the first three (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are considered the synoptic gospels for their similarities, whereas John’s book is considered relatively distinct. The Acts of the Apostles explains the spread of the Apostles’ gospel and the development of the early Christian movement. Most of the New Testament consists of letters attributed to the apostle Paul, while others are anonymous or attributed to other early church leaders.

Nicene Creed:

A formal creed stated that Jesus was “the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God.” This creed originated in the fourth century C.E. amid controversies over Jesus’ nature (see Christology). Most Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians affirm this creed.

Occultism:

Occult practices and beliefs concern “hidden” spiritual truths or esoteric insights, often regarded as highly powerful. This tradition was underground during the Middle Ages but became more prominent in the Renaissance. The occult worldview was fundamental to pre-Copernican and pre-Newtonian science. Modern groups incorporating the occult elements include the Liberal Catholic Church, Wicca, and some Neopagan groups.

Old Testament (Hebrew Bible):

The first portion of the Christian Bible is also known as the Hebrew Bible in Judaism. The Hebrew Bible contains 24 books, while the Protestant Bible divides them into 39 and arranges them in a different order. Catholic Bibles are ordered the same as the Protestant Bible but include seven additional Deuterocanonical Books. Orthodox Bibles also contain other books.

Palm Sunday:

The first day of Holy Week commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is called “Palm Sunday” because, according to John’s Gospel, the crowds took palm branches and greeted Jesus as he entered the city. It is celebrated a week before Easter.

Prayer:

Communication is addressed to God or to gods, and sometimes to intermediaries. Prayers build confidence and affection between humans and a god or gods.

Protestantism:

A branch of Christianity that dates back to the Reformation of the 15th century, when Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to reform the Catholic Church but ultimately left to found their own churches. Most Protestant churches believe in the priesthood of all believers, whereas Catholic Churches have a hierarchical model that separates the priesthood (clergy) from the members (laity). Also, Protestants emphasize the sole authority of the Bible (sola scriptura), whereas Catholics regard the Bible and the church’s tradition as authorities for faith and practice.

Quick Lists:

The Quick Lists section of the ARDA provides data on American and international religions, ranked in order using the best available data. For example, this list will help users determine the number of Christians or Muslims globally. If one wants a list of states with the most Evangelical Protestants, this list provides that information.

Rapture:

The belief is that Christians will be brought up to heaven and escape a time of tribulation and testing before the return of Christ.

Resurrection:

The belief that the dead will rise someday for final judgment. This is closely associated with the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic beliefs that a person is a combination of body and soul. Belief in a resurrection came late in the Jewish tradition, in 2 Maccabees, and was later adopted by Christians. Sometimes, when Christians refer to the “resurrection,” they refer to the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion.

Sabbath:

According to the Book of Genesis, the last day of the week is the day of rest for Jews. On this day, God rested after creating the universe; therefore, observers are forbidden from working. Over time, the Sabbath became known as a day of worship. Jews and Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday, while many Christians celebrate it on Sunday.

Salvation:

The belief is that humans require deliverance due to the problem of sin. For Christians, the death and resurrection of Jesus will allow individuals to be forgiven of sin and, therefore, saved. Salvation is also often associated with receiving admission into heaven.

Satan:

A malevolent figure in the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Satan is often interpreted as an angelic being in the Hebrew scriptures. In the New Testament, Satan is the enemy of God who challenges Jesus in the desert. Satan is identified with Iblis, chief of the devils’ legion, who leads humanity astray in Islam. It is important to note that Satan’s portrayal as a horned being with cloven hoofs and a tail appears in the Middle Ages, ascribed by the European populace to ancient fertility spirits, such as the Greek God Pan.

Seven Deadly Sins:

Roman Catholicism refers to the seven most severe human failings: pride, envy, greed, anger, sloth, lust, and gluttony. Some date the list back to Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century C.E.

Theology:

The study of God and his relationship with created reality.

Trinity:

The Christian term for the community of God is made up of three “persons” (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The word itself is not in the New Testament, although the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are mentioned. The distinctions among the three are relational and are not believed to constitute a separation of powers. Jesus is said to be the Son of God. The Trinity doctrine is somewhat controversial, for critics (e.g., Muslims and Unitarians) claim it is polytheism, while Christians traditionally defend it as communal monotheism.

Unchurched:

Those who do not attend or have stopped attending religious services.

Virgin Birth:

A Christian teaching that Mary conceived Jesus without a human father. God miraculously made Mary pregnant without the use of sexual intercourse with Joseph. This doctrine is accepted by Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Protestants, and Muslims. This doctrine is not the same as the Immaculate Conception.

Wesley, John (1703-1791):

The founder of Methodism. He was ordained in 1725 in the Church of England. From 1729 to 1735, he led the Holy Club, a group of students called Methodists. They performed acts of piety and charity. After his disastrous missionary trip to America, he returned to England. In 1738, a religious experience convinced him that the Methodists’ activities could be empowered by grace through faith in Jesus. This led to a revival and a 52-year ministry up until his death.

X, Malcolm (1925-1965):

Malcolm X was an active and controversial minister/spokesman for Islam from the mid-1950s until 1964. He brought national attention to his religious group and to the problems facing Black Americans. However, his negative comments about white people and the civil rights movement also drew widespread criticism.

Yiddish:

A vernacular language of Ashkenazi Jews. It combines medieval German with elements from Hebrew, Slavic, and other Romance languages. It has been used since the Middle Ages and remains in use today.

Yom Kippur:

A Jewish holiday ten days after the Jewish New Year entails a 25-hour fast from dusk until nightfall the following day. It is also known as the Day of Atonement, when Jews seek atonement from God for past sins. It is considered one of the most solemn Jewish holidays, and synagogues are often very crowded on this day.

Zion:

1) A specific hill in Jerusalem. 2) The place from which God rules the world in the Hebrew Bible.

Visit GotQuestions.org For More Bible Definitions And Information.

Different Topics Concerning The Bible!

When the Bible is open, it will speak to you and your needs. When it is closed, it can not do so. Sin will keep you from the Bible, but also, the Bible will keep you from evil. Please take your time to find out what you can benefit most from in the list below. ~ Bill Greguska

What is the Bible from the beginning to the end?

Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:

John 3:16-17 ESV

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him.

Revelation 22:18 ESV

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,

Ephesians 5:18 ESV

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

1 Corinthians 7:2 ESV

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.