Words · Meanings · Passages
Bible Glossary — Meanings of Bible Words
Clear explanations of the words you meet in the Bible, each grounded in the passages where they are used. Where a meaning depends on interpretation, we say so.
43 words
A
- AdoptionTaking someone into a family as a son or daughter. Paul uses adoption to describe believers becoming God's children, with the right…
- AngelA messenger. In the Bible angels are spiritual beings sent by God with messages or help; the same word can also mean…
- AscensionJesus' going up into heaven forty days after his resurrection, as his disciples watched.
- AtonementMaking things right between God and people by dealing with sin. In Israel atonement was made through sacrifices, especially on the Day…
B
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E
F
- FaithTrust in God, believing what he says and relying on him. In the Bible faith is shown in action: Abraham leaves home,…
- Fear of the LORDReverent awe of God that leads to trust and obedience. Proverbs calls it the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.
- ForgivenessReleasing someone from what they owe because of a wrong: cancelling the debt. God forgives sin, and Jesus taught his followers to…
G
- GlorySplendour, honour and weight. The glory of God is his visible presence and greatness; to glorify God is to honour him.
- Gospel (Good News)"Good news". In the New Testament the good news is the message about Jesus and the kingdom of God; the four accounts…
- GraceFavour that is given, not earned. In the Bible grace describes God's kindness and help to people who do not deserve it,…
H
- HeavenThe sky above, and the place of God's throne. The Bible uses "heaven" for both, and also speaks of a new heaven…
- HolinessBeing set apart and pure. God is holy, wholly other and morally perfect, and he calls his people, places and things to…
- Holy SpiritThe Spirit of God. The Bible shows the Spirit at creation, empowering prophets and leaders, and in the New Testament given to…
- HopeConfident expectation of good from God. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking but trust that God will keep his promises.
I
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K
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M
- MercyCompassion and kindness shown to someone in need or who deserves punishment. God is described as merciful, and his people are called…
- Messiah"Anointed one". In the Old Testament kings and priests were anointed; the prophets looked forward to a coming king from David's line.…
- Miracle (sign)An extraordinary act of God beyond normal events, often called a "sign" or "wonder" in the Bible because it points to God's…
P
- PeaceWholeness and well-being, not only the absence of conflict. In the Bible peace includes peace with God, between people, and inner calm.
- PrayerTalking with God: praising, thanking, confessing, asking and listening. The Bible is full of prayers and teaching about prayer.
- PromiseA commitment to do something in the future. The Bible is built around God's promises: to Noah, to Abraham, to David, and…
- ProphecyA message from God spoken through a prophet. Prophecy in the Bible includes warnings, calls to return to God and promises about…
R
- ReconciliationBringing enemies or estranged people back into peace. Paul uses it for God reconciling people to himself through Christ, and believers are…
- RedemptionBuying back or setting free by paying a price. In Israel a relative could redeem family land or a family member; the…
- RepentanceTurning back to God: a change of mind and heart that turns away from sin and leads to a changed life.
- ResurrectionRising from the dead to life. The Gospels record that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day; the New Testament…
- RevelationMaking known what was hidden. In the Bible God reveals himself and his purposes; "Revelation" is also the name of the last…
- RighteousnessBeing right: doing what is right and being in a right relationship with God and others. It describes God's own character, the…
S
- SalvationBeing rescued or delivered. The Bible uses it for rescue from enemies and danger, and above all for God's rescue of people…
- SanctificationBeing made holy, set apart for God. The Bible speaks of it both as something God has done for his people and…
- Satan"The adversary" or accuser. Satan opposes God and tempts people; in the Gospels he tempts Jesus in the wilderness and is defeated.
- SinWrongdoing against God and others: breaking God's commands, missing the mark, rebelling. The Bible traces sin from Genesis 3 and presents God's…
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