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Plain-English definitions of 122 biblical terms. Tap any word to learn more.
Something that causes deep disgust or hatred, especially in God's sight.
The coming or arrival of something important, especially the coming of Christ.
A raised structure where sacrifices and offerings were presented to God.
A Hebrew word meaning 'so be it' or 'truly,' used to affirm what has been said.
A spiritual being created by God to serve as His messenger and carry out His purposes.
The act of pouring oil on someone to set them apart for a special role or to symbolize the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
One who is 'sent out' with authority — specifically the twelve men Jesus chose and commissioned.
The sacred gold-covered chest that held the Ten Commandments and symbolized God's presence among His people.
The act of making amends for sin — restoring the relationship between God and humanity.
A public declaration of faith through immersion in or application of water.
The eight blessings Jesus pronounced at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Speaking irreverently about God or sacred things; claiming for yourself what belongs to God alone.
God's favor, protection, and good gifts poured out on His people.
The sacrificial death of Jesus, whose shed blood pays the penalty for human sin.
A spiritual rebirth — being made new from the inside out by the Holy Spirit.
The official collection of books recognized as inspired Scripture.
Powerful angelic beings associated with God's presence, glory, and holiness.
The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew 'Messiah,' meaning 'the Anointed One.'
The worldwide community of believers in Jesus Christ, not merely a building or institution.
The surgical removal of the foreskin, given to Abraham as the physical sign of God's covenant.
The sharing of the bread and cup in remembrance of Christ's death, also called the Lord's Supper.
Openly acknowledging sin before God and, when appropriate, before others.
The Holy Spirit's work of making a person deeply aware of their sin and need for God.
A binding agreement between God and His people, far stronger than a contract.
God's act of bringing the universe and everything in it into existence from nothing.
The Roman instrument of execution on which Jesus died, and the central symbol of the Christian faith.
The method of execution by nailing or binding a person to a cross, used to put Jesus to death.
A church servant-leader appointed to care for practical needs within the congregation.
An evil spiritual being opposed to God, under the authority of Satan.
A student or follower who learns from a teacher and imitates their way of life.
A distinct period or arrangement in God's dealings with humanity throughout biblical history.
A body of teaching or belief, especially the core truths of the Christian faith.
The garden God planted as the original home for Adam and Eve, a place of perfect communion with God.
A mature spiritual leader appointed to shepherd and oversee a local church.
God's sovereign choice of individuals or groups for salvation and service.
A Hebrew name meaning 'God with us,' prophetically given to the Messiah.
A formal letter, especially one of the letters written by apostles that became New Testament books.
Not just living forever, but knowing God personally — life of a completely different quality that starts now.
Another name for Communion or the Lord's Supper, from the Greek word for 'thanksgiving.'
A person gifted and called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard.
The departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, God's defining act of deliverance.
Trusting God and taking Him at His word, even when you can't see the outcome.
The event in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, plunging humanity into sin and death.
Voluntarily going without food for a period of time as a spiritual discipline.
The deep, shared life of believers united by their common faith in Christ.
In Paul's writings, the sinful human nature that opposes the Spirit and pulls believers toward sin.
The act of releasing someone from the debt of their wrongdoing, as God has released us through Christ.
The nine character qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer's life.
Anyone who is not Jewish — the non-Israelite nations of the world.
The visible splendor, majesty, and weightiness of God's presence.
An early heresy claiming that salvation comes through secret spiritual knowledge rather than faith in Christ.
The 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again.
God's undeserved favor — getting what you don't deserve and could never earn.
God's dwelling place and the eternal home of those who trust in Christ.
The place of final separation from God and eternal punishment for the unrepentant.
A belief or teaching that contradicts the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
Being set apart — morally pure and completely devoted to God.
The third person of the Trinity — God living in and empowering believers.
A Hebrew exclamation meaning 'Save us!' that became a shout of praise and adoration.
Anything that takes the place of God in a person's heart — whether a physical statue or an invisible priority.
God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ — the Word made flesh.
Praying on behalf of another person, standing in the gap between them and God.
The name God gave to Jacob, and the nation descended from him — God's chosen covenant people.
An English rendering of God's personal covenant name, YHWH, revealed to Moses.
The fiftieth year in Israel's calendar when debts were canceled, slaves freed, and ancestral land returned.
God's righteous evaluation of all people, both the living and the dead.
Being declared 'not guilty' before God — a legal verdict of righteousness.
God's reign and rule — both a present reality and a future hope.
A title for Jesus pointing to His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
God's instructions given through Moses, including the Ten Commandments and the broader Torah.
A member of the tribe of Levi, set apart by God for service in the tabernacle and temple.
The model prayer Jesus taught His disciples when they asked Him how to pray.
The meal Jesus shared with His disciples the night before His crucifixion, commemorated in Christian worship.
The miraculous bread God provided daily from heaven to feed Israel in the wilderness.
A person who suffers death rather than renounce their faith in Christ.
Not getting the punishment you deserve — God withholding judgment out of compassion.
The 'Anointed One' — the promised deliverer God would send to save His people.
A supernatural act of God that transcends natural laws and reveals His power and purposes.
Service rendered to God and others in the name of Christ.
All-powerful — a divine attribute meaning God possesses unlimited power and authority.
A gift presented to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement.
The formal setting apart of a person for ministry leadership through prayer and the laying on of hands.
The doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature from Adam as a result of the fall.
A short, memorable story Jesus used to teach spiritual truth through everyday images.
The annual Jewish feast celebrating God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
The Jewish harvest festival on which the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church.
A strict Jewish religious group focused on obeying every detail of the Law and oral traditions.
Communicating with God — speaking to Him and listening for His response.
God's sovereign plan, established before creation, regarding the eternal destiny of individuals.
A mediator between God and people, authorized to offer sacrifices and intercede on their behalf.
A person called by God to speak His message to the people — both truth-telling and future-telling.
A sacred song or poem used in worship, especially the 150 collected in the Book of Psalms.
The belief that living Christians will be caught up to meet Christ in the air at His return.
Being bought back from bondage — set free through the payment of a price.
A complete change of mind and direction — turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Coming back to life after death — especially Jesus' bodily resurrection on the third day.
God making Himself and His truth known to humanity — both through Scripture and through Christ.
Being in right standing with God — living in alignment with His character and commands.
The seventh day of the week, set apart for rest and worship.
A sacred rite instituted by Christ that serves as a visible sign of an invisible spiritual reality.
An offering made to God — ultimately fulfilled in Jesus giving His life on the cross.
A Jewish religious party associated with the temple priesthood who denied the resurrection of the dead.
Being rescued from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
The ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus — growing in holiness after being saved.
The chief adversary of God and His people — a fallen angel who leads the forces of evil.
The sacred writings recognized as God's inspired and authoritative Word — the Bible.
Falling short of God's standard — any thought, action, or attitude that misses the mark of His character.
The immaterial, innermost part of a person — the seat of identity, thought, emotion, and will.
God's supreme authority and control over all creation, history, and human affairs.
The portable tent of worship that housed God's presence as Israel traveled through the wilderness.
The permanent house of worship in Jerusalem where God's glory dwelled among His people.
An enticement to sin — a test of faith that can lead to either failure or spiritual growth.
Giving one-tenth of your income to God as an act of worship and trust.
The first five books of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy), also known as the Pentateuch or the Law of Moses.
The event on a mountain where Jesus' appearance was transformed, revealing His divine glory to three disciples.
One God existing eternally as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The ability to apply God's truth skillfully to real-life situations.
A person who testifies to what they have seen, heard, or experienced — especially regarding Christ.
God's communication to humanity — both the written Bible and the living person of Jesus Christ.
Expressing reverence, love, and devotion to God — with your whole life, not just in song.
God's holy and just anger against sin and evil.
A name for Jerusalem, especially as the city of God and the symbol of His eternal kingdom.