Bible Dictionary

Father of the Jewish nation, called by God to leave his homeland for a promised land.

Literally "one sent out"; a title given to Jesus's closest commissioned messengers.

Making amends for wrongdoing; the means by which sin is forgiven and reconciliation with God is made possible.

A ritual washing with water symbolizing cleansing and initiation into Christian faith.

The small town of David, where Jesus was born.

A binding agreement or promise, especially between God and his people.

Shepherd who became Israel’s greatest king, and an ancestor of Jesus.

A student or follower who learns from and imitates a teacher.

Land of Israel’s slavery and exodus, and Jesus’ refuge as a child.

A person who is not Jewish.

Literally "good news"; the message of Jesus Christ and salvation through him.

God's unearned favor and kindness toward people.

Praying or pleading on behalf of another.

The holy city, center of Israel’s worship and the setting for Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

The river where Israel crossed into the Promised Land and where Jesus was baptized.

Being declared righteous, or brought into right standing.

Mother of Jesus, who accepted her calling with humility and faith.

Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone, especially instead of deserved punishment.

Hebrew for "anointed one"; the promised deliverer, identified in the New Testament as Jesus.

Prophet and lawgiver who led Israel out of slavery in Egypt.

The Galilean town where Jesus grew up.

A short story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Former persecutor of Christians who became the Church’s foremost missionary and letter-writer.

A Jewish harvest festival; in the New Testament, the day the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus's followers.

A member of an ancient Jewish religious group known for strict observance of the law.

A person who speaks on behalf of God, often delivering messages of guidance or warning.

An act that turns away deserved judgment by satisfying its cause; used of Christ's sacrifice.

Being bought back or set free, especially from sin, at a cost.

A turning away from sin and toward God.

Rising from the dead to life again.

Moral rightness; living, or being counted, according to God's standard.

A day of rest and worship, observed on the seventh day in Jewish tradition.

A member of an ancient Jewish religious and political group, often associated with the priestly class.

Deliverance from sin, danger, or ruin.

The process of being made holy, or set apart for a sacred purpose.

Wrongdoing, or falling short of God's standard.

A Jewish place of worship and communal gathering.

A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites for worship before the Temple was built.

A period of great suffering or hardship.

The Christian understanding of God as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.