Preschool Bible Encyclopedia

A to Z
Bible People, Events, Foods, Animals, and More!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Letter A

Abel - This was the second son of Adam and Eve.  He was found favorable in God’s eyes, and his jealous brother Cain killed him.  (Genesis 4:1-16)

Abraham - He was born Abram and later was given this new name.  God declared that Abraham would be the father of many nations.  He was faithful to God, even to the point of sacrificing his son, Isaac, which God ultimately did not allow.  (Genesis 12-25)

Adam - The first man created by God.  Adam was given the job of naming all of the animals on the land, in the sky, and in the waters.  Adam sinned against God and was banned from living in the Garden of Eden, which was created for him.  (Genesis 1:26 – 2:26)

Affection - A strong feeling of emotion towards another person in a good way.  (Colossians 3:2)

Agony - A feeling of suffering, struggling with pain.  (Luke 22:44)

Air - Used in the Bible often times to describe the sky and the heaven’s above.

Almond - The almond tree is a native of Syria and Palestine.  Its blossoms are very pale pink and appear before its leaves.  (Genesis 43:11; Hebrews 9:4)

Altar - A place to make sacrificial offerings to God.  (Genesis 22:9; Ezekial 6:3; 2 Kings 23:12 & 16:4; 23:8; Acts 14:13)

Amen - A word meaning “yes” to faithfulness.  The word often ends prayer to acknowledge agreement and truthfulness. (1 Kings 1:36; 1 Chronicles 16:36; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms; Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 14:16; Revelations 5:14 & 19:4)

Apostle - Another name for disciples.  Refers to followers after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  (Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians)

Apple -  Red, juicy fruit that grows on trees.  The apple is often referred to as the fruit Eve bit into when tempted by the serpent, but there is no clear evidence this is the case.  The word “apple” is mentioned seven times in different translations of the Bible.  (Joel 1:12; Song of Solomon 2:3)

Ark - An ark is a box or chest.  It is referred to in the Bible for Noah’s Ark (Genesis 5-9) and the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 3:3; Joshua 3:6; Hebrews 9:4).  Noah built an ark by God’s guidelines to save his family and animals from the earth’s destruction.  The Ark of the Covenant was a way in which God traveled with the Israelites for protection.

Ashes - These are the remains of a sacrificed animal used to cleanse people from their sins before Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave.  Mentioned mostly in the Old Testament.  (Numbers 19:5; Esther 4:3; Jeremiah 6:26)

Letter B

Babel - God separated the people trying to build a tower to heaven and confused their languages, so they could not speak to each other.  This is where we get the phrase babble used today to describe someone who talks, but you can’t understand what they are saying.  (Genesis 11:1-9)

Babylon - A city planted on the banks of the Euphrates River.  Many great kings rose out of Babylon, and some were not obedient to God’s Word.  (Book of Daniel)

Banquet -  It is a big feast that also offers entertainment for the guests.  (Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3)

Baptism - Being immersed into water as a symbol of shedding your old life for a new life in Christ.  Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.  (Matthew 3:15)

Barley - A grain first grown in Egypt and then Palestine. Used in breads and other foods made with flour.  (Exodus 9:31; Leviticus 27:16)

Bear - An animal native to Western Asia.  David killed a bear that was attacking his flock.  (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

Behemoth - A gigantic beast having the likeness of a dinosaur.  (Job 40)

Bible -  A book written by approximately 40 men with every word inspired by God.  It consists of 66 books in total and is divided into the Old Testament (before the birth of Jesus) and the New Testament (after Jesus was born and resurrected).

Bless - When God gives someone a gift or grants a wish.  (Genesis 1:22; 24:35; Job 42:12; Psalm 45:2; 104:24, 35)

Branch - (Jeremiah 23:5; John 15:5-6)

Part of a tree that extends out and grows leaves, flowers, or fruit.
Along a family line in which you were born. 
Breastplate - Ancient armor that protected the chest during battle.  Most noted for being a part of the spiritual armor outlined in the Armor of God.  (Ephesians 6:14)

Burnt Offering - The sacrifice of an animal to God for forgiveness of sins of many people.  These are not required now that Jesus has died for our sins.  (Genesis 22:2; Exodus 29:38-42)

Letter C

Cain - He was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve.  He was exiled from God’s presence when he killed his brother Abel, but given a mark in answer of his cry for mercy.  (Genesis 4)

Calvary - The place where Jesus was crucified.  It means “the place of a skull,” probably because of its shape, being a hillock or low, rounded, bare elevation somewhat in the form of a human skull.

Camel -  During Bible Times the camel was used both for riding and as a beast of burden (as it could carry a lot of weight)  (Genesis 24:64), as well as in war (1 Samuel 30:17; Isaiah 21:7).

Carpenter - The first job Jesus held working with his earthly father, Joseph.  A carpenter builds things out of wood, such as tables, chairs, and shelves.  (Matthew 13:55)

Census - A way of keeping track of a population of people and categorizing them by occupation, wages earned, and other means of tracking for tax purposes.  (Exodus 38:26; Luke 2:1)

Chariot - A vehicle used in warlike service.  A mode of transportation.  (Judges 4:3; Acts 8:28-29)

Cheese -  Most likely means curdled milk in Bible Times, as they had no way to refine cheese like we eat today.  Similar to cottage cheese.  (2 Samuel 17:29; Job 10:10)

Christ - A name for Jesus the Messiah.  (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matthew 22:42)

Christmas - A Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Church - A place where Christians go to worship God together.  The first church was originated in the Book of Acts.  (Acts 13:1; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15)

Cloud -  A covering over the sky.  Also meaning the heavens or God’s divine presence, as when he led the Israelites through the desert when escaping from Egypt.  (Exodus 16:10; 33:9; Matthew 17:5; 24:3)

Confession - Admitting that you have done something wrong and are asking for forgiveness.  (Leviticus 16:21; James 5:16)

Covenant - An agreement between two parties (either people or groups).  A promise.  (Genesis 9; Jeremiah 33:20; John 17:4)

Creation -  Called into being out of nothing; all things out of nothing.  Everything that God created in six days.  (Genesis 1)
1.    Light and dark
2.    Sky
3.    Land and seas
4.    Sun, moon, and stars
5.    Sea creatures and birds
6.    Land animals and man

Crucifixion - The act of Jesus dying on the cross at Calvary to conquer death and give all people hope for eternal life with God.  (Luke 23:26-43)

Cymbals -  A musical instruments consisting of two pieces of brass one held in each hand, which are clashed together to produce a loud clanging sound.  (Psalm 150:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1)

Letter D

Damascus - The capital of Syria in Bible Times.  This is the city where Saul was converted to Paul and stopped killing Christians.  (Acts 9:1-25)

Daniel - A major prophet in the Old Testament.  Daniel could tell the meaning of dreams through God’s power.  (Book of Daniel)

Date - A type of fruit grown in Palestine.  (Nehemiah 8:15)

David - A shepherd boy who ultimately became one of the greatest kings of Israel.  He defeated Goliath, wrote most of the Psalms, and was very heroic in battles.  (1 & 2 Samuel)

Deliverer -  A name for Jesus, as he saved us from our sins.  (Romans 11:26)

Disciple - One of the original 12 men Jesus chose to help him spread the Good News.  They included:
1.    Matthew
2.    Mark
3.    John
4.    Andrew
5.    Bartholomew
6.    James (son of Zebedee)
7.    James (son of Alphaeus)
8.    Thaddeus
9.    Judas Iscariot
10.    Peter
11.    Simon
12.    Thomas

Donkey - An animal that resembles a small horse used to transport people and things in Bible Times.  Most notable for carrying Jesus into Jerusalem during his Triumphal Entrance.  (Matthew 21:5) 

Dorcas - A Christian widow in Joppa who died.  Peter raised her from the dead through the power of God.  (Acts 9:36-41)

Dove - A bird that represents the presence of God.  It is also a symbol of purity and the Holy Spirit.  (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32)

Drought - When there is a lack of rain and crops die because of lack of water.  (Genesis 31:40)

Letter E

Eagle - A powerful bird with very good vision and grace.  A symbol of freedom.  (Deuteronomy 28:49; Psalm 103:5; Job 39:27-30)

Easter - A Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Eclipse - A natural phenomenon that happens when it becomes totally dark on the earth.  It happens when the sun and moon obscure light on the earth.  (Matthew 27:45)

Eden - The name given to God’s Creation before the great flood.  It is was a perfect place where Adam and Eve lived until they were banned from the garden for their sins.  (Genesis 2)

Egypt - A great empire in early biblical times where Pharaohs ruled the kingdom.  It is located in Africa.  The Israelites were slaves in Egypt until Moses rescued them through the power of God.  Egypt is mentioned many times in the Bible and had many great kings.

Elijah - He was a prophet of God and told the people many messages that came from God.  Elijah is one of two men that were taken to heaven before they died.  (1 Kings – 2 Kings)

Elisha - He was a prophet of God also.  He became God’s great prophet after Elijah was taken to heaven.  (2 Kings)

Emerald - A green gem stone known as a “glowing stone.”  It was often found in the breastplate of a high priest.  (Exodus 28:18)

Emmanuel - A name given to Jesus.  It means “God With Us.”  (Matthew 1:23)

Enoch - The second man taken to heaven without dying first, the first being Elijah.  (Jude 1:14)

Esther - A beautiful Jewish girl who became the Queen of Persia.  She saved the Jewish people from destruction and was considered very brave.  (Book of Esther)

Eternal Life - It is the final reward and glory into which the children of God enter.  It is when we get to live with God forever in peace and splendor.  (Matthew 19:25; Romans 6:22; Galatians 6:8)

Eve - The first woman created by God.  She was created from Adam’s rib.  She disobeyed God by eating fruit from the Forbidden Tree.  (Genesis 2:21,22)

Letter F

Faithful - To be full of faith.  To trust in God’s Word.  (Psalm 119:86; Acts 10:45; 2 Corinthians 6:15; Colossians 1:2; 1 Timothy 4:3)

Famine - To be without food for a very long time.  (Genesis 26:1; Acts 11:28)

Father - Meaning God is our Father.  A father is the beginning of something; i.e., God’s Creation of man.  (Exodus 4:22; Romans 8:16)

Fellowship - The act of meeting and talking with other Christians.  Being with people of like mind.  (Romans 8:38, 39)

Fig - It was one of the most valuable products in Palestine in Bible Times.  It was used as a medicine and for food.  (Deuteronomy 8:8)

Fish - A sea creature that is used commonly for food.  Many men in Bible Times were fishermen by occupation.  Jesus performed one of His most noted miracles by feeding 5,000 people with only two fish from a boy’s lunch.  (2 Chronicles 33:14; Nehemiah 3:3; 12:39; Matthew 14:13-21)

Forgiveness -The act of dismissing someone from something they did wrong.  To forgive.  (Acts 5:31)

Furnace - A very hot oven.  In Bible Times Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a furnace for not bowing to the king.  God rescued them from death.  (Daniel 3:22, 23)  A furnace was also used to bake bread.  (Genesis 15:17)

Letter G

Gabriel - One of the angels mentioned in the Bible.  He was sent to help Daniel (Daniel 8:16), to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11), and to tell of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26)

Gate - The entryway to a city.  In early history, prophets delivered their messages from the city gates.  Judges also performed trials for criminals at the gates.   

Generation - A family register or the history of a family.  For example, grandparents, parents and children are three different generations.

Genesis - First book of the Bible.  It begins with the story of the creation of the world and ends with the story of Joseph.  It was written by Moses.

Gifts (spiritual) - Gifts given to Christians by God for building up each other.  They include: speaking in tongues, healing, prophecy and many others.

Glorify  - To make glorious.  The act of praising God. (John 12:28; 13:31-32; 17:4-5)

Glutton - A person who wastes by using too much.  (Deut. 21:20, Prov. 23:21)

Goblet - A bowl used for drinking.  It can also denote a bowl used for washing clothes. (Songs of Sons 7:2)

God - God is our Father and the creator of all things.  The word God comes from the Hebrew word El, which means Strong.

Goliath - Famous giant who bullied Israel for forty days before he was slain by David with a stone from a sling. (1 Sam. 17:4)

Goodness - When a person chooses to do the right thing and turns away from bad choices.  

Gospel - The Word of God, good news, a good message.  The good news of the Gospel is that God loved the world so much that he gave his son Jesus so that we can have salvation.

Governor - An important chief or officer.  Leader of a family.  Captain of an army.  Ruler of a place.

Grace - Kindness, friendship.  Preferring others before yourself.  God’s forgiving mercy (Rom. 11:6, Eph .2:5).

Grape - A fruit that grows on a vine.  It was cultivated a lot in Palestine.

Letter H

Hail - Meaning rejoice.  Used as a greeting when you want to wish someone well. (Luke 1:8)

Hallelujah - Meaning Praise the Lord.  It is found at the beginning of ten psalms.  Today we use it as a phrase of praise. (Psalms 106, 111-113, 135, 146-150)

Hammer -  A tool used by workmen to shape gold, stone and other metals.    

Harp - A musical instrument with strings played during happy songs (Psalm 33:2).  It was the national musical instrument of the Hebrews.  

Harvest - A season for collecting grain or fruit.  Harvest occurs after a season of planting seeds and waiting for them to grow.

Hatred - A work of the flesh where there is no love.  When you strongly dislike something.  

Heart - The center of all that you are.  It is where your actions come from.  If your heart is clean, then your actions will be good (Luke 8:15).  The only way to change is to ask God to make your heart new so that you can be obedient to Him (Psalm 51:10-14).

Heaven - The place where God lives.  A place where believers in Christ enjoy a life that lasts forever.  There is no sadness, just blessing and joy. 

Hebrew - One of the names that the people of Israel called themselves.  The Old Testament of the Bible was written in the Hebrew language.

Helmet - A cap worn to protect the head. (1 Sam. 17:5)

Holiness - To separate yourself for God.  Being holy takes prayer, determination, and hard work.

Hosanna - Meaning Save Now (Matt 21:9).  It was a praise commonly offered at feasts.

Horse - A four-legged animal that was used in war.  

House - In early times, the Hebrews lived in tents.  Later, they began to build houses like the Canaanites.  Some houses had grass on top of the roof.  People played on the roof or sometimes slept in tents on the roof of their house.

Humility - The grace to be patient and calm during hard times.  Honoring God by not thinking of yourself more important than others. There are many promises in the Bible for those who are humble (Ps. 147:6; Is. 57:15; 1 Pet. 5:5)  

Hymn - A song of praise to God.  We are encouraged to sing a new song unto the Lord.

Letter I

Ice - Frozen water.  Mentioned in the Bible many times (Job 6:16, 38:29; Ps. 147:17).

Idol - Anything that keeps your attention away from God.

Immanuel - Name meaning God with us (Is. 7:14, 8:8).   It was the name give to Jesus at his birth.

Incense - A type of perfume usually offered as a gift.  

Inn - A place of rest for travelers.  When people traveled on long trips with their animals, they stopped at inns to get some rest.  The inn had an inn-keeper who helped travelers get what they needed.  

Intercessor - One who prays.  The Bible says that Christ intercedes for us in heaven.

Isaac - Meaning Laughter.  It was the name of the son of Abraham.

Isaiah - Meaning Salvation of Jehovah.  In the Bible, Isaiah was a prophet.

Israel - Name given to Jacob after struggling with the angel of God.  It is the name given to Jacob’s descendants.  The people from the twelve tribes were called the Children of Israel.  The twelve tribes were:

1.    Reuben
2.    Simeon
3.    Levi
4.    Judah
5.    Zebulon
6.    Issachar
7.    Dan
8.    Gad
9.    Asher
10.    Naphtali
11.    Joseph
12.    Benjamin

Ivory - Elephant tusks used for decoration.

Letter J

Jacob - He was the son of Isaac and the grandson of Abraham.  Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he spent a night wrestling with God for a blessing.  (Gen 32:22-32)     

Jairus - A ruler whose only daughter was brought back to life by Jesus. (Mark 5:22)

Jealousy - When you want something that belongs to another person.  

Jehovah - A special name that God used to call himself.  It describes a God who does not change; he lives forever.  He is the Great I am, and he keeps his promises.  

Jehovah – Jireh - Meaning God will provide.  When we call God Jehova Jireh, we are declaring that he meets all our needs.    

Jericho - A city in Jordan that was surrounded by a large fence.  God gave this city to the Israelites in an awesome way.  (Joshua 6)

Jerusalem - Holy city of God where a number of important biblical and historical events took place.

Jesus - Meaning Salvation or The Lord Saves.  It stands for what he came to do: save us.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph.  He is sometimes called Jesus of Nazareth to distinguish him from others with the same name.

Jew - One that belongs to the tribe of Judah.  Later also used to refer to all Hebrews.

Job - A wealthy man who suddenly suffered a number of trials in which he lost everything.  Even while his wife and friends told him to turn his back on God, Job remained faithful to Him.  In the end God blessed him and gave him more than what he had at the beginning.  

John the Baptist - A prophet who announced the coming of Jesus Christ.  He was sent to prison for preaching.

Jonah - A prophet who God called to preach to the people of Nineveh.  He disobeyed God and ended up being swallowed by a large fish.  He asked God to forgive him and God gave him another chance. 

Joseph - The son of Jacob and great grandson of Abraham.  He wore a coat of many colors made by his father.  He could tell the meaning of dreams and ended up being an important leader (Gen. 37-48).  

Joshua - He became the leader of Israel after Moses died.  He led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Justice - Doing what is fair and right.

Letter K

Kettle - A large pot used for cooking.

Key - An instrument used to open.  In old times this word was used to mean power and authority.

Kid - A baby goat.

King - A title or name given to a person in authority. God is our king because he rules over all the world.  

Kingdom of God - God rules over the earth.  People in the Church are the members of the kingdom of God.  There are blessings that belong to all in His Kingdom.  

Kinsman - A close relative.  

Knead - To prepare dough in the process of baking.

Knife - A sharp instrument used for cutting.

Knock - It is polite to knock before entering any place to protect the privacy of the person inside.

Letter L

Ladder - An object used to climb.  In a vision, Jacob saw angels climbing up and down a ladder. (Gen 28:10-20)

Lamb - An innocent animal with soft skin that was commonly offered in sacrifices.  Jesus is called the Lamb of God because he gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  

Lamp - The part of the candle that carries the light.  A type of torch.  

Law - Rules for behavior.  Laws are set to help you do the right thing.  When a law is broken, there are consequences that follow.   

Lazarus - A friend of Jesus who, after being dead for four days, Jesus brought him back to life.  

Leaf - Part of a plant.  A fresh leaf is the symbol of success.
    
Leprosy - A disease that attacks the skin. 

Lie - Withholding of truth.  God is the Father of Truth, therefore he hates lies.  Telling the truth, even when you may get in trouble for it, is better than being deceitful.

Life - A beautiful gift that God has given to us.  

Light - God created the sun to give us light.  Light refers to brightness.  

Linen - A fabric used to make the clothes that were worn by the priests.  

Lion - A ferocious animal that often stands as a symbol of courage and strength.  God saved Daniel from being eaten by lions (Dan 6:19-22).  

Lock - Used to secure a door.

Locust - An animal that looks like a grasshopper.

Lord - Such as Jehovah, this word is another name for Jesus Christ.  He is our Lord and Master; we are his servants.  

Love - A deep feeling of affection.

Letter M

Manger - A small crib used to place food for cattle.  When Jesus was born, he was laid in a manger to sleep.

Marriage - A special relationship.  The union between a man and a woman. 

Martyr - One who gives his life for the gospel.  

Mary - The name of the mother of Jesus Christ.

Meadow - Grass or plants that grow by the water.

Merchant - A traveling sales person.

Mercy - To have compassion over those who are suffering.

Messiah - One of the names of God meaning Anointed.

Methuselah - The oldest man in the Bible.  He lived to be 969 years old.

Mill - Two stones used to crush corn. 

Millennium - A thousand years.

Minister - A person who serves others.

Miracle - An event in the world that cannot be caused by humans but can only be caused by God alone.

Miriam - The sister of Moses.  She lead the people in song after they crossed the Red Sea.

Moses - Great leader of the people of Israel.  God used him to free the Israelites from Egypt. 

Mouse - A small rodent that was eaten by the Arabs.  

Music - Sound produced by singers or musical instruments.  Used to worship God.  

Mystery - A hidden truth.

Letter N

Nail - A pointy tool used to fasten materials. It was used when setting up tents.  Jesus also had nails placed in his hands when he was on the cross.  

Nativity - The birth of Jesus Christ.  Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2).  Although no one knows the exact day or hour, we celebrate his birthday on Christmas Day.

Nazarene - A person from Nazareth.  Jesus was sometimes called Nazarene because he lived in Nazareth from the time of his birth until he began his ministry as an adult.

Nebuchadnezzar - The greatest and most powerful of the Kings of Babylon.  

Needle - The expression “Eye of a Needle” may refer to the side entrance near a main gate.  It can also mean the opening of a needle used for sewing.

Nehemiah - A faithful servant of the King who was appointed governor of Judea.  His heartfelt prayers are recorded in the Bible.  Under his leadership, God restored Judea.  

Nicodemus - He visited Jesus on night to learn more about him.  Jesus said to him that he must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:1-21).  

Nile - It is two rivers, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, joined into one.  Together, the rivers stretched across 1,800 miles until they ended up in the sea.    

Nineveh - The city where Jonah was sent to preach.  The people of Nineveh were wicked, but God gave them a second chance.  They repented and God saved them. 

Noah - Being obedient to God, he built a giant boat in the middle of the desert; even while others made fun of him (Gen. 6).  

Nuts - The fruit of the pistachio tree resembling the size of an olive.

Letter O

Oak - A large and strong tree.

Oath - A serious promise to tell the truth, usually made in front of witnesses.  God calls us to be truthful in everything we say.

Offense - Something wrong that is done to hurt someone.  

Offering - A gift given to God.  There are different kinds of offerings including: worship, money and life itself.

Oil - One of the most valuable products of the country.  There was a lot of oil in Galilee.  Olive oil was used in burning lamps.  It was also used to anoint people chosen by God for a greater purpose.

Ointment - Mixtures used as medicines or perfumes.  

Olive - Olive oil, which was highly valued, came from olive trees.  People would pluck the olives from the tree and press them until the got the oil out of them.  

Omega - The last letter of the Greek alphabet.  It is used to mean the end.  We call God the Alpha and Omega because he is the beginning and the end of all things.

Onion - Plant that is grown all around the world for its edible bulb.  It was loved by the Hebrews.  

Orphan - One without a father or protector (Lam. 5:3).  Even if our family leaves us, God promises to be our father and never to leave us as orphans (John 14:18).

Oven - Used to heat and cook.  Some towns in the Bible had large public ovens.

Owl - An unclean bird commonly found among ruins.  It makes a powerful, loud hoot that sounds like a crying howl.  Found in places such as Egypt, Palestine and the Holy Land.
 
Ox - Cattle.

Letter P

Palace - The home of the king is called a palace.  It can also refer to the place where other important leaders lived.  

Palm tree - A tall and straight tree.  Sometimes 80 feet tall with large branches.  Palm branches were used in Jerusalem to greet Jesus.  The pal tree grew best in Jericho.  

Parable - Short stories used to make comparisons.  Jesus often spoke using parables.

Patriarch - Name given to the “Heads of Families.”

Peace - The absence of stress.  Freedom from arguments.  Harmony.

Pentecost - Day of the festival celebrating the first harvest.  The Day of Pentecost is recorded as the day when the Holy Spirit of God came down unto the apostles (Acts 2).

Persecution - When others use violence to try and stop Christians from worshiping God, or even talking about Him. 

Pharaoh - The official title given to Egyptian kings.

Pharisees - A group of prideful and religious people.  They were constantly judging others.  They were enemies of our Lord.

Pit - A whole in the ground.  It can be used to bury things or as a holding place for water.

Plague - To be afflicted by suffering or disease.  The people of Egypt suffered from 10 plagues:
1.    The river turned in to blood causing the fish to die and the water to stink (Ex. 7:14-25).
2.    Plague of frogs (Ex. 8:1-15).
3.    Plague of lice (Ex. 8:16-19).
4.    Plague of flies (Ex. 8:21-24).
5.    Plague of a horrible smell (Ex. 9:1-7).
6.    Plague of boils (Ex. 9:8-12).
7.    Plague of hail (Ex. 9:13-33).
8.    Plague of locusts (Ex. 10:12-15).
9.    Plague of darkness (Ex. 10:21-29).
10.    Plague of death (Ex. 11:4-5).

Prayer - A conversation with God.  When you pray, you must pray with faith, believing that God is listening and will answer you prayer.  

Priest - One who offers sacrifices.  Before Jesus came to the world, only the priests were allowed to offer sacrifices for sins.  Today, all believers have direct access to God.

Prophet - One who brings forth a message from God.  God’s messenger.  God uses prophets to communicate or predict future events.  Some prophets mentioned in the Bible are: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Samuel.

Letter Q

Quail - A type of bird found in the Mediterranean.  When the Israelites were hungry in the desert, God sent quails flying low so that the people could easily catch them and eat them.

Quarries - The name of large caves underneath the city of Jerusalem.  The word can also refer to a household god.  Remember that we should only worship the One true God an no images.

Quarter - When something is divided into four parts, a quarter is one of those parts.  

Queen - The name given to the wife of a king or Pharaoh.

Quest - A journey toward a goal.

Question - A request for information.

Quicksand - A type of sand that is so soft and unstable that it cannot hold a heavy object.  If you stand on quicksand you can get swallowed by the sand.

Quiver - A case for carrying arrows.  It was carried suspended from the shoulder.

Letter R

Rabbi - Teacher.  Jesus was called a Rabbi at times because he was a teacher.

Rain - Water that falls from the clouds in the sky.  

Rainbow - Multi-colored image caused by the reflection of light on water.  A symbol of God’s promise of faithfulness.

Reconciliation - When two people change from being enemies to being friends.

Redeemer - The one responsible for restoring those who have done wrong.  Christ redeems us from all the bad things we do.  

Red Sea - Extends along the west coast of Arabia.  Separates Asia from Africa.  A great miracle where God divided the waters so that the people of Israel could walk on dry land, happened at the Red Sea.

Refuge - A place of safety.

Repent - To change your mind.  To be sorry for something you have done.  Repentance comes from truly feeling guilty.  

Rest - To relax.  When God created the world, he rested on the seventh day, also called the Sabbath.

Resurrection - When something that was dead comes back to life.  Jesus Died on the cross but he resurrected on the third day.  We have the victory because He is alive.

Revelation - Bringing to light something that was hidden.

Righteousness - Purity and holiness.  

Ring - Generally worn by rich men, rings were used to decorate fingers, arms, wrists, ears and the nose.

Rose - A beautiful, delicate and fragrant flower.  It comes in a variety of colors.

Ruby - One of the precious stones on the Priest’s breastplate.  It is red in color.  The Bible says that wisdom is more valuable than rubies (Prov. 8:11).

Ruth - When her father and husband died, she promised her mother-in-law, Naomi, that she would never leave her.  She is an ancestor of David and of Jesus Christ.

Letter S

Sabbath - A day of rest and refreshment for the body and blessing to the soul.  God rested from creation on the Sabbath.  

Sacrifice - An act of offering to God.  People used to burn offerings on an altar.  Today we sacrifice out time, worship, and tithe unto God. 

Saint - A believer in Christ, separated from the world and dedicated to God.

Salt - Used to flavor food and keep it fresh.  Christians are called the salt of the earth.

Samson - A man with supernatural strength.  The secret to his strength was in his long hair.  He fell in love with a woman who was working for his enemies.  She fooled him into telling her the secret of his strength (Judges 16).

Sandals - A type of shoe.  A simple sole made of wood or pal bark, fastened to the foot by a leather strap.

Savior - One who saves others from any type of evil.  Jesus is our Savior because he died on the cross for our sins.  

Shaddai - Meaning all powerful, almighty.  Name given to God in Hebrew scriptures. 

Shepherd - One who watches over sheep.  Sometimes called a Pastor.  The term is also used to denote one who watches over people.  

Shield - Used as a defense tool during war.  Leaders are compared to shields because they protect their people.  God is our shield from harm.

Sin - To purposefully break God’s law.  An offense against God.  Sin is what separates people from God.  Jesus died on the cross for our sin.  If we pray and ask him to forgive us, he will erase our sin.

Solomon - The son of David and second King of Israel.  When God told him to ask for anything, he asked for wisdom.  

Son of God - Jesus Christ is the son of God.  When we receive Jesus as our savior we become sons and daughters of God.

Sparrow - Bird given up as an offering by the poor.  The Bible reminds us that God takes care of us even as he takes care of the birds.

Spirit - Holy - The third person of the trinity who came down after Jesus went back to heaven.  Holy Spirit is our counselor, helper and he prays over us.  

Steal - Taking someone else’s property.  Stealing is a sin.

Sun - Source of light in the sky.  People used to look at the sun to determine time and divide seasons.  Worshiping the sun was a popular form of idolatry.  God says we are to worship no one but Him. 

Sword - Hebrew swords were sharp with two edges and carried in a case or sheath.

Letter T

Tablet - A string of beads worn around the neck (Ex. 35:22).

Temple - A holy house built to worship God.  Our bodies are called the Temples of God because the Holy Spirit lives within us.

Temptation - A trial.  Being put through a test. It can also mean to be asked to do evil things.  Stan is called the tempter because he tries to get us to do bad things.  He tempted Jesus when he was in the desert (Matt. 4:3). 
 
Tent - A place of residence.  A type of home where people lived.  

Testimony - Witness or evidence.  The Bible is a testimony of God’s will.

Throne - A royal place of dignity (Ps. 45:6).  The seat of governors and rulers.  It was an elevated seat with a canopy hanging over it.

Tithe - A tenth, one out of every ten, of all produced which is set apart.  If you receive $10 as a birthday gift your tithe is $1.

Torch - A portable type of light usually carried by hand.  The torch was lit up with fire.

Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil - The tree of the knowledge of good and evil stood in the middle of the garden of Eden, beside the tree of life. God asked Adam and Even not to eat from the tree.  But they disobeyed and so sin and death entered our world

Tree of Life - The tree that stood in the middle of the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9).  

Tribe - A collection of families that come from the same ancestor. 

Trinity - There is one God, but He is made up of three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The word Trinity is not in the Bible but we use it to express that God is three in one.

Trumpet - Musical instrument used in giving signals of war and announcing festivals.

Truth - The opposite of a lie.  The Lord called himself the truth.  As Christians we are to always speak the truth so that we may be like the Lord.

Letter U

Unction - Anointing.  Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed as a symbol of having divine grace.  Today all believers are thought to be anointed by the Lord.

Unfailing - Someone that you can trust and depend on because they will not let you down.

Unicorn - An animal of great strength that cannot be tamed.  It really refers to an animal with two horns, possibly an ox or buffalo.  

United - To come together forming one piece.  Agreement.  Harmony.  A husband is united to his wife.  

Universe - All created things.

Useful - Helpful, beneficial.

Letter V

Vagabond - A person who walk around without a place to go.  A person who has escaped prison.

Vain - Meaningless; without value.  When a person is called vain it means that they place value on things that do not have true worth.

Valley - A low and narrow place between mountains.

Veil - A sheet, apron, or wrap that covers and conceals something else.  People wore veils to cover their face.  

Victory - The act of winning over an opponent.

Village - A place to live in the open country.  Unlike many cities, villages were open and without walls. 

Vine - One of the most important products cultivated in Palestine.  Jesus compared the Church to a vine saying “I am the vine” we are the branches.  (John 15:1)

Vinegar - A type of sour wine.  The Roman soldiers gave this to Jesus to drink when he was on the cross and said that he was thirsty. 

Vision - A supernatural revelation such as a dream.  It consists of a symbolic image followed by the meaning of the symbol.

Vows - A voluntary promise that must be kept once it is made.  

Vulture - A type of bird know for its fast speed and big appetite.

Letter W

Wagon - A type of vehicle or cart used for peaceful purposes.

Week - From the beginning, time has been recorded as six days of working and one of rest.  Therefore a week is seven days long.  

Whale - A sea creature.

Wheat - One of the first grains cultivated.  Wheat was used to make a variety of foods.  Before any the wheat was eaten, the first fruits had to be given unto the Lord.

Widow - A person who last lost their spouse.  The Bible tells us to treat widows with kindness (Deut. 26:12).

Wilderness - A dry and isolated place that has not been cultivated.

Wise - To be intelligent about moral things.  Wisdom is a gift from God that we need to ask Him for in order to know the right thing to do.

Wool - The white, fluffy covering of sheep is shaved off and used to make clothing.

Worship - To pay tribute to God through song, words, and actions. Such tribute belongs only to God and to no one else.

Letter X

Xerxes - One of the Kings of Persia.  He was married to Esther.

Letter Y

Yarn - A group of horses.

Ye - The plural form of you.  Meaning you, as in more than one person.

Year - To the ancient Egyptians a year was twelve months of 30 days each and then 5 extra days at the end to complete one of Earth’s rotations around the sun.

Yoke - A crossbar made of wood linking two animals together when pulling a load.

Youth - A person in the early part of their life or growth.

Letter Z

Zacchaeus - A tax collector who was short in height.  Jesus had dinner at his home when he came to Jericho.

Zealous - When a person is excited about their devotion they are zealous.

Zion - Mountain on which Jerusalem was built.  It was surrounded by valleys on all sides.  It was called the “City of David” after he conquered it.  The Church of God and the heavenly city have at times been referred to as Zion.