Names
Aaron
Facts:
Aaron was Moses’ older brother. God chose Aaron to be the first high priest for the people of Israel.
- Aaron helped Moses speak to Pharaoh about letting the Israelites go free.
- While the Israelites were traveling through the desert, Aaron sinned by making an idol for the people to worship.
- God also appointed Aaron and his descendants to be the priest priests for the people of Israel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: priest, Moses, Israel)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 9:15 God warned Moses and Aaron that Pharaoh would be stubborn.
- 10:5 Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and told them that if they stopped the plague, the Israelites could leave Egypt.
- 13:9 God chose Moses’ brother, Aaron, and Aaron’s descendants to be his priests.
- 13:11 So they (the Israelites) brought gold to Aaron and asked him to form it into an idol for them!
- 14:7 They (the Israelites) became angry with Moses and Aaron and said, “Oh, why did you bring us to this horrible place?”
Word Data:
Abel
Facts:
Abel was Adam and Eve’s second son. He was Cain’s younger brother.
- Abel was a shepherd.
- Abel sacrificed some of his animals as an offering to God.
- God was pleased with Abel and his offerings.
- Adam and Eve’s firstborn son Cain murdered Abel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cain, sacrifice, shepherd)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Abiathar
Definition:
Abiathar was a high priest for the nation of Israel during the time of King David.
- When King Saul killed the priests, Abiathar escaped and went to David in the wilderness.
- Abiathar and another high priest named Zadok served David faithfully throughout his reign.
- After David’s death, Abiathar helped Adonijah try to become king instead of Solomon.
- Because of this, King Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood.
(See also: Zadok, Saul (OT), David, Solomon, Adonijah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Abijah
Facts:
Abijah was a king of Judah who reigned from 915 to 913 B.C. He was a son of King Rehoboam. There were also several other men named Abijah in the Old Testament:
- Samuel’s sons Abijah and Joel were leaders over the people of Israel at Beersheba. Because Abijah and his brother were dishonest and greedy, the people asked Samuel to appoint a king to rule them instead.
- Abijah was one of the temple priests during the time of King David.
- Abijah was one of King Jeroboam’s sons.
- Abijah was also a chief priest who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Abimelech
Facts:
Abimelech was a Philistine king over the region of Gerar during the time when Abraham and Isaac were living in the land of Canaan.
- Abraham deceived King Abimelech by telling him that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife.
- Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement regarding ownership of wells at Beersheba.
- Many years later, Isaac also deceived Abimelech and the other men of Gerar by saying that Rebekah was his sister, not his wife.
- King Abimelech rebuked Abraham, and later Isaac, for lying to him.
- Another man by the name of Abimelech was a son of Gideon and a brother of Jotham. Some translations may use a slightly different spelling of his name to make it clear that he is a different person from King Abimelech.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Beersheba, Gerar, Gideon, Jotham, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Abner
Definition:
Abner was a cousin of King Saul in the Old Testament.
- Abner was the chief commander of Saul’s army, and introduced young David to Saul after David killed Goliath the giant.
- After King Saul’s death, Abner appointed Saul’s son Ishbosheth as king in Israel, while David was appointed king in Judah.
- Later, Abner was treacherously killed by David’s chief commander, Joab.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Abraham, Abram
Facts:
Abram was a Chaldean man from the city of Ur who was chosen by God to be the forefather of the Israelites. God changed his name to “Abraham.”
- The name “Abram” means “exalted father.”
- “Abraham” means “father of many.”
- God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, who would become a great nation.
- Abraham believed God and obeyed him. God led Abraham to move from Chaldea to the land of Canaan.
- Abraham and his wife Sarah, when they were very old and living in the land of Canaan, had a son, Isaac.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Chaldea, Sarah, Isaac)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 4:6 When Abram arrived in Canaan, God said, “Look all around you. I will give to you and your descendants all the land that you can see as an inheritance.”
- 5:4 Then God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many.”
- 5:5 About a year later, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, Sarah gave birth to Abraham’s son.
- 5:6 When Isaac was a young man, God tested Abraham’s faith by saying, “Take Isaac, your only son, and kill him as a sacrifice to me.”
- 6:1 When Abraham was very old and his son, Isaac, had grown to be a man, Abraham sent one of his servants back to the land where his relatives lived to find a wife for his son, Isaac.
- 6:4 After a long time, Abraham died and all of the promises that God had made to him in the covenant were passed on to Isaac.
- 21:2 God promised Abraham that through him all people groups of the world would receive a blessing.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0087, H0085, G00110
Absalom
Facts:
Absalom was the third son of King David. He was known for his handsome appearance and fiery temperament.
- When Absalom’s sister Tamar was raped by their half-brother, Amnon, Absalom made a plan to have Amnon killed.
- After the murder of Amnon, Absalom fled to the region of Geshur (where his mother Maacah was from) and stayed there three years. Then King David sent for him to come back to Jerusalem, but did not allow Absalom to come into his presence for two years.
- Absalom turned some of the people against King David and led a revolt against him.
- David’s army fought against Absalom and killed him. David was very grieved when this happened.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Geshur, Amnon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Adam
Facts:
Adam was the first person whom God created. He and his wife Eve were made in the image of God.
- God formed Adam from dirt and breathed life into him.
- Adam’s name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for “red dirt” or “ground.”
- The name “Adam” is the same as the Old Testament word for “mankind” or “human being.”
- All people are descendants of Adam and Eve.
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God. This separated them from God and caused sin and death to come into the world.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: death, descendant, Eve, image of God, life)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 1:9 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image to be like us.”
- 1:10 This man’s name was Adam. God planted a garden where Adam could live, and put him there to care for it.
- 1:12 Then God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” But none of the animals could be Adam’s helper.
- 2:11 And God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins.
- 2:12 So God sent Adam and Eve away from the beautiful garden.
- 49:8 When Adam and Eve sinned, it affected all of their descendants.
- 50:16 Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into this world, God cursed it and decided to destroy it.
Word Data:
Adonijah
Definition:
Adonijah was the fourth son of King David.
- Adonijah tried to take over as king of Israel after the deaths of his brothers Absalom and Amnon.
- God, however, had promised that David’s son Solomon would be king, so Adonijah’s plot was overthrown and Solomon was made king.
- When Adonijah tried a second time to make himself king, Solomon put him to death.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ahab
Facts:
Ahab was a very evil king who reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel from 875 to 854 BC.
- King Ahab influenced the people of Israel to worship false gods.
- The prophet Elijah confronted Ahab and told him there would be a severe drought for three and a half years as punishment for the sins that Ahab caused Israel to commit.
- Ahab and his wife Jezebel did many other evil things, including using their power to kill innocent people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Baal, Elijah, Jezebel, kingdom of Israel, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 19:2 Elijah was a prophet when Ahab was king over the kingdom of Israel. Ahab was an evil man who encouraged people to worship a false god named Baal.
- 19:3 Ahab and his army looked for Elijah, but they could not find him.
- 19:5 After three and a half years, God told Elijah to return to the kingdom of Israel and speak with Ahab because he was going to send rain again.
Word Data:
Ahasuerus
Facts:
Ahasuerus was a king who ruled over the ancient kingdom of Persia for twenty years.
- This was during the time the exiled Jews were living in Babylonia, which had come under Persian rule.
- Another name for this king may have been Xerxes.
- After sending away his queen in a fit of anger, King Ahasuerus later chose a Jewish woman named Esther to be his new wife and queen.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Esther, Ethiopia, exile, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ahaz
Definition:
Ahaz was a wicked king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah from 732 BC to 716 BC. This was about 140 years before the time when many people in Israel and Judah were taken as captives to Babylonia.
- While he was ruling Judah, Ahaz had an altar built for worshiping the false gods of the Assyrians, which caused the people to turn away from the one true God, Yahweh.
- King Ahaz was 20 years old when he started to rule over Judah, and he ruled for 16 years.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ahaziah
Facts:
Ahaziah was the name of two kings: one ruled over the kingdom of Israel, and the other ruled over the kingdom of Judah.
- Judah’s King Ahaziah was the son of King Jehoram. He reigned for one year (841 B.C.) and then was killed by Jehu. Ahaziah’s young son Joash eventually took his place as king.
- Israel’s King Ahaziah was the son of King Ahab. He reigned for two years (850-49 B.C.). He died from injuries suffered in a fall at his palace, and his brother Joram became king.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Jehu, Ahab, Jeroboam, Joash)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ahijah
Facts:
Ahijah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament. The following are some of these men:
- Ahijah was the name of a priest in the time of Saul.
- A man named Ahijah was a secretary during the reign of King Solomon.
- Ahijah was the name of a prophet from Shiloh who predicted that the nation of Israel would be divided into two kingdoms.
- The father of King Baasha of Israel was also named Ahijah.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Baasha, Shiloh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ai
Facts:
In Old Testament times, Ai was the name of a Canaanite town located just south of Bethel and about 8 km northwest of Jericho.
- After defeating Jericho, Joshua led the Israelites in an attack of Ai. But they were easily defeated because God was not pleased with them.
- An Israelite named Achan had stolen plunder from Jericho, and God ordered that he and his family be killed. Then God helped the Israelites defeat the people of Ai.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethel, Jericho)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Amalek, Amalekite
Facts:
The Amalekites were a nomadic people group who lived throughout the southern part of Canaan, from the Negev desert to the country of Arabia. This people group was descended from Amalek, the grandson of Esau.
- The Amalekites were bitter enemies of Israel from the time when Israel first came to live in Canaan.
- Sometimes the term “Amalek” is used figuratively to refer to all the Amalekites. (See: synecdoche)
- In one battle against the Amalekites, when Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. When he got tired and his hands came down, they started losing. So Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep his hands up until the Israelite army had defeated the Amalekites.
- Both King Saul and King David led military expeditions against the Amalekites.
- After one victory over the Amalekites, Saul disobeyed God by keeping some of the plunder and by not killing the Amalekite king as God had commanded him to do.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Arabia, David, Esau, Negev, Saul (OT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Amaziah
Facts:
Amaziah became king over the kingdom of Judah when his father, King Joash, was murdered.
- King Amaziah reigned over Judah for twenty-nine years, from 796 BC to 767 BC.
- He was a good king, but he did not destroy the high places where idols were worshiped.
- Amaziah eventually put to death all the men who were responsible for the murder of his father.
- He defeated the rebellious Edomites and brought them back under the control of the Kingdom of Judah.
- He challenged King Jehoash of Israel to a battle, but lost. Part of the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the silver and gold vessels of the temple were stolen.
- Years later King Amaziah turned away from Yahweh and certain men in Jerusalem plotted together and killed him.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Joash, Edom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ammon, Ammonite
Facts:
The “people of Ammon” or the “Ammonites” were a people group that lived on the east side of the Jordan River across from the Israelites.
- The book of Genesis reports that the Ammonite nation was descended from Ben-ammi, who was the son of Lot by his younger daughter.
- The term “Ammonitess” refers specifically to a female Ammonite. This could also be translated as “Ammonite woman.”
- At one point, the Ammonites hired a prophet named Balaam to curse Israel, but God did not allow him to do it.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: curse, Jordan River, Lot)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5983, H5984, H5985
Amnon
Facts:
Amnon was the oldest son of King David. His mother was King David’s wife Ahinoam.
- Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, who was also Absalom’s sister.
- Because of this, Absalom plotted against Amnon and had him killed.
(See also: David, Absalom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Amorite
Facts:
The Amorites were a powerful group of people who inhabited the land of Canaan and lived on both sides of the Jordan River.
- Their name means “high one,” which may refer to the mountainous regions where they lived or to the fact that they were known to be very tall.
- The book of Genesis reports that the Amorites were descended from Canaan, the grandson of Noah.
- The city of Ai was inhabited by Amorites.
- God refers to the “sin of the Amorites,” which included their worship of false gods and the sinful practices associated.
- Joshua led the Israelites in destroying the Amorites, as God had commanded them to do.
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 15:7 Sometime later, the kings of another people group in Canaan, the Amorites, heard that the Gibeonites had made a peace treaty with the Israelites, so they combined their armies into one large army and attacked Gibeon.
- 15:8 In the early morning they surprised the Amorite armies and attacked them.
- 15:9 God fought for Israel that day. He caused the Amorites to be confused and he sent large hailstones that killed many of the Amorites.
- 15:10 God also caused the sun to stay in one place in the sky so that Israel would have enough time to completely defeat the Amorites.
Word Data:
Amos
Facts:
Amos was an Israelite prophet who lived during the time of King Uzziah of Judah.
- Before being called as a prophet, Amos was originally a shepherd and fig farmer living in the kingdom of Judah.
- Amos prophesied against the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel regarding their unjust treatment of people.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: fig, Judah, kingdom of Israel, shepherd, Uzziah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Amoz
Facts:
Amoz was the father of the prophet Isaiah.
- The only times he is mentioned in the Bible are when Isaiah is identified as the “son of Amoz.”
- This name is different from the name of the prophet Amos and should be spelled differently.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Amos, Isaiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Anak, Anakites
Facts:
Anak is the name of a man whose father was Arba and whose descendents were called “Anakites” or “the Anakim” or “the Anak.”
- The Anakites were a very tall people.
- The Anakites are a people group who lived in the land that Yahweh promised to give to the Israelites. The Israelites eventually conquered and dispossessed them.
- Anak had three sons or descendants who were named Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai.
- The name “Anak” is an English transliteration of the Hebrew word for Anak.
(See also: Hebron)
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
Bible References:
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Andrew
Facts:
Andrew was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his closest disciples (later called apostles).
- Andrew’s brother was Simon Peter. Both of them were fishermen.
- Peter and Andrew were fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them to be his disciples.
- Before Peter and Andrew met Jesus, they had been disciples of John the Baptizer.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Annas
Facts:
Annas was the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem for 10 years, from approximately AD 6 to AD 15. Then he was removed from the high priesthood by the Roman government, although he continued to be an influential leader among the Jews.
- Annas was father-in-law to Caiaphas, the official high priest during the ministry of Jesus.
- When Jesus was being arrested, Annas’s son-in-law Caiaphas was the official high priest. Annas is also mentioned as a high priest, however, because he was a former high priest who still had power and authority over the people.
- During his trial before the Jewish leaders, Jesus was first brought to Annas for questioning.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: high priest, priest)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Antioch
Facts:
Antioch was the name of two cities in the New Testament. One was in Syria, near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The other was in the Roman province of Pisidia, near the city of Colossae.
- The local church at Antioch of Syria was the first place where believers in Jesus were called “Christians.” The church there was also active in sending out missionaries to reach the Gentiles.
- The leaders of the church in Jerusalem sent a letter to the believers in the church at Antioch in Syria to help them know they didn’t have to keep the Jewish laws in order to be Christians.
- Paul, Barnabas and John Mark traveled to the Antioch in Pisidia to share the gospel. Some Jews from other cities came there to stir up trouble, and they tried to kill Paul. But many other people, both Jews and Gentiles, listened to the teaching and believed in Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Barnabas, Colossae, John Mark, Paul, province, Rome, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Apollos
Facts:
Apollos was a Jew from the city of Alexandria in Egypt who had a special ability in teaching people about Jesus.
- Apollos was well educated in the Hebrew Scriptures and was a gifted speaker.
- He was instructed by two Christians in Ephesus named Aquila and Priscilla.
- Paul emphasized that he and Apollos, as well as other evangelists and teachers, were working toward the same goal of helping people to believe in Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aquila, Ephesus, Priscilla, word of God)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Aquila
Facts:
Aquila was a Jewish Christian from the province of Pontus, a region along the southern coast of the Black Sea.
- Aquila and Priscilla lived in Rome, Italy, for a time, but then the Roman emperor, Claudius, forced all Jews to leave Rome.
- After that Aquila and Priscilla traveled to Corinth, where they met the apostle Paul.
- They worked as tentmakers with Paul and also helped him with his missionary work.
- Both Aquila and Priscilla taught believers the truth about Jesus; one of those believers was a gifted teacher named Apollos.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Apollos, Corinth, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Arabah
Facts:
The Old Testament term “Arabah” often refers to a very large desert and plains region that includes the valley surrounding the Jordan River and extends south to the northern tip of the Red Sea.
- The Israelites traveled through this desert region on their journey from Egypt to the land of Canaan.
- The “Sea of the Arabah” could also be translated as “sea located in the Arabah desert region.” This sea is often referred to as the “Salt Sea” or the “Dead Sea.”
- The term “arabah” can also be a general reference to any desert region.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: desert, Sea of Reeds, Jordan River, Canaan, Salt Sea, Egypt)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Arabia, Arabian
Facts:
Arabia is the largest peninsula in the world, covering nearly 3,000,000 square kilometers. It is located southeast of Israel, and is bordered by the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf.
- The term “Arabian” is used to refer to someone who lives in Arabia or to something that is connected with Arabia.
- The earliest people to live in Arabia were grandchildren of Shem. Other early inhabitants of Arabia included Abraham’s son Ishmael and his descendants, as well as descendants of Esau.
- The desert region where the Israelites wandered for 40 years was located in Arabia.
- After becoming a believer in Jesus, the apostle Paul spent a few years in the desert of Arabia.
- In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul mentioned that Mt. Sinai was located in Arabia.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Esau, Galatia, Ishmael, Shem, Sinai)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H6152, H6153, H6163, G06880, G06900
Aram, Aramean, Aramaic, Aram of Damascus
Definition:
“Aram” was the name of two men in the Old Testament. It was also the name of a region northeast of Canaan, where modern-day Syria is located.
- The people living in Aram became known as “Arameans” and spoke “Aramaic.” Jesus and other Jews of his time also spoke Aramaic.
- One of Shem’s sons was named Aram. Another man named Aram was a cousin of Rebekah. It is probable that the region of Aram was named after one of these two men.
- Aram later became known by the Greek name “Syria.”
- The term “Paddan Aram” means “plain of Aram” and this plain was located in the northern part of Aram.
- Some of Abraham’s relatives lived in the city of Haran, which was located in “Paddan Aram.”
- In the Old Testament, sometimes the terms “Aram” and “Paddan Aram” refer to the same region.
- The term “Aram Naharaim” may mean “Aram of Two Rivers.” This region was located in the northern part of Mesopotamia and was to the east of “Paddan Aram.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Mesopotamia, Paddan Aram, Rebekah, Shem, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0130, H0726, H0758, H0761, H0762, H0763, H1834, H7421
Ararat
Facts:
In the Bible, “Ararat” is the name given to a land, a kingdom, and a mountain range.
- The “land of Ararat” was probably located in what is now the northeastern part of the country of Turkey.
- Ararat is best known as the name of the mountain that Noah’s ark came to rest on after the waters of the great flood began to recede.
- In modern times, a mountain called “Mount Ararat” is often thought to be the location of the “mountains of Ararat” in the Bible.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: ark, Noah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Artaxerxes
Facts:
Artaxerxes was a king who reigned over the Persian empire from about 464 to 424 BC.
- During Artaxerxes’ reign, the Israelites from Judah were in exile in Babylon, which was under the control of Persia at that time.
- Artaxerxes allowed Ezra the priest and other Jewish leaders to leave Babylon and go back to Jerusalem to teach the Israelites the Law of God.
- Later during this time, Artaxerxes also allowed his cupbearer Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the Jews in rebuilding the walls surrounding the city.
- Because Babylon was under the rule of Persia, Artaxerxes was sometimes called the “king of Babylon.”
- Note that Artaxerxers is not the same person as Xerxes (Ahasuerus).
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahasuerus, Babylon, cupbearer, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Asa
Facts:
Asa was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah for forty years, from 913 B.C. to 873 B.c.
- King Asa was a good king who removed many idols of false gods and caused the Israelites to start worshiping Yahweh again.
- Yahweh gave King Asa success in his warfare against other nations.
- Later in his reign, however, King Asa stopped trusting Yahweh and became sick with a disease that eventually killed him.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Asaph
Facts:
Asaph was a Levite priest and gifted musician who composed the music for the psalms of King David. He also wrote his own psalms.
- Asaph was appointed by King David to be one of three musicians who were responsible for providing songs for worship in the temple. Some of these songs were also prophecies.
- Asaph trained his sons and they carried on this responsibility, playing musical instruments and prophesying in the temple.
- Some of the musical instruments included the lute, harp, trumpet, and cymbals.
- Psalms 50 and 73-83 are said to be from Asaph. It may be that some of these psalms were written by his family members.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: descendant, harp, lute, prophet, psalm, trumpet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ashdod, Azotus
Facts:
Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa.
- The temple of the Philistine’s false god Dagon was located in Ashdod.
- God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod.
- The Greek name for this city was Azotus. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Joppa, Philip, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Asher
Facts:
Asher was Jacob’s eighth son. He was Zilpah’s second son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Asher” or “Asher.”
- His name sounds similar to a Hebrew word meaning “blessed, happy.”
- The tribe of Asher settled in the northwest corner of Canaan, on the Mediterannian Sea. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Asher” refers to the land given to the tribe of Asher.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Zilpah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Asherah, Asherah pole, Ashtoreth
Definition:
Asherah was the name of a goddess that was worshiped by Canaanite people groups during Old Testament times. “Ashtoreth” may be another name for “Asherah,” or it could be the name of a different goddess that was very similar.
- The term “Asherah poles” refers to carved wooden images or carved trees that were made to represent this goddess.
- Asherah poles were often set up near altars of the false god Baal, who was thought of as Asherah’s husband. Some people groups worshiped Baal as the sun god and Asherah or Ashtoreth as the moon goddess.
- God commanded the Israelites to destroy all the carved images of Asherah.
- Some Israelite leaders such as Gideon, King Asa, and King Josiah obeyed God and led the people in destroying these idols.
- But other Israelite leaders such as King Solomon, King Manasseh, and King Ahab did not get rid of the Asherah poles and influenced the people to worship these idols.
(See also: false god, Baal, Gideon, image, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0842, H6252, H6253
Ashkelon
Facts:
In Bible times, Ashkelon was a major Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It still exists in Israel today.
- Ashkelon was one of the five most important Philistine cities, along with Ashdod, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
- The Israelites did not completely conquer the people of Ashkelon, even though the kingdom of Judah occupied its hill country.
- Ashkelon remained occupied by the Philistines for hundreds of years.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ashdod, Canaan, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Philistines, Mediterranean)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Asia
Facts:
In Bible times, “Asia” was the name of a province of the Roman Empire. It was located in the western part of what is now the country of Turkey.
- Paul traveled to Asia and shared the gospel in several cities there. Among these were the cities of Ephesus and Colossae.
- To avoid confusion with modern day Asia, it may be necessary to translate this as, “the ancient Roman province called Asia” or “Asia Province.”
- All of the churches referenced in Revelation were in the Roman province of Asia.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Rome, Paul, Ephesus)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Assyria, Assyrian, Assyrian Empire
Facts:
Assyria was a powerful nation during the time the Israelites were living in the land of Canaan. The Assyrian Empire was a group of nations ruled by an Assyrian king.
- The nation of Assyria was located in a region that is now the northern part of Iraq.
- The Assyrians fought against Israel at different times in their history.
- In the year 722 BC, the Assyrians completely conquered the kingdom of Israel and forced many of the Israelites to move to Assyria.
- The remaining Israelites intermarried with foreigners that the Assyrians had brought into Israel from Samaria. The descendants of those people who intermarried were later called the Samaritans.
(See also: Samaria)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 20:2 So God punished both kingdoms by allowing their enemies to destroy them. The kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrian Empire, a powerful, cruel nation. The Assyrians killed many people in the kingdom of Israel, took away everything of value, and burned much of the country.
- 20:3 The Assyrians gathered all the leaders, the rich people, and the people with skills and took them to Assyria.
- 20:4 Then the Assyrians brought foreigners to live in the land where the kingdom of Israel had been.
Word Data:
Athaliah
Facts:
Athaliah was the evil wife of Jehoram king of Judah. She was the granddaughter of the evil King Omri of Israel.
- Athaliah’s son Ahaziah became king after Jehoram died.
- When her son Ahaziah died, Athaliah made a plan to kill all the rest of the king’s family.
- But Athaliah’s young grandson Joash was hidden by his aunt and saved from being killed. After Athaliah had ruled the land for six years, she was killed and Joash became king.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaziah, Jehoram, Joash, Omri)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Azariah
Facts:
Azariah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.
- One Azariah is best known by his Babylonian name, Abednego. He was one of many Israelites from Judah who were captured by Nebuchadnezzar’s army and taken to live in Babylon. Azariah and his fellow Israelites Hananiah and Mishael refused to worship the Babylonian king, so he had them thrown into a blazing furnace as punishment. But God protected them and they were not harmed at all.
- Uzziah king of Judah was also known as “Azariah.”
- Another Azariah was an Old Testament high priest.
- In the time of the prophet Jeremiah, a man named Azariah wrongly urged the Israelites to disobey God by leaving their homeland.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Jeremiah, Uzziah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Baal
Facts:
“Baal” means “lord” or “master” and was the name of the primary false god that was worshiped by the Canaanites.
- There were also local false gods that had “Baal” as part of their names, such as “Baal of Peor.” Sometimes all these gods together are referred to as “the Baals.”
- Some people had names that included the word “Baal” in them.
- The worship of Baal included evil practices such as sacrificing children and using prostitutes.
- At different time periods throughout their history, the Israelites also became deeply involved in Baal worship, following the example of the pagan nations around them.
- During the reign of King Ahab, God’s prophet Elijah set up a test to prove to the people that Baal does not exist and that Yahweh is the only true God. As a result, the prophets of Baal were destroyed and the people started worshiping Yahweh again.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Asherah, Elijah, false god, prostitute, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 19:2 Ahab was an evil man who encouraged people to worship a false god named Baal.
- 19:6 All the people of the entire kingdom of Israel, including the 450 prophets of Baal, came to Mount Carmel. Elijah said to the people, “How long will you keep changing your mind? If Yahweh is God, serve him! If Baal is God, serve him!”
- 19:7 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Kill a bull and prepare it as a sacrifice, but do not light the fire.”
- 19:8 Then the prophets of Baal prayed to Baal, “Hear us, O Baal!”
- 19:12 So the people captured the prophets of Baal. Then Elijah took them away from there and killed them.
Word Data:
Baasha
Facts:
Baasha was one of Israel’s evil kings, who influenced the Israelites to worship idols.
- Baasha was the third king of Israel and reigned for twenty-four years, during the time when Asa was king of Judah.
- He was a military commander who became king by killing the previous king, Nadab.
- During Baasha’s reign there were many wars between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, especially with King Asa of Judah.
- Baasha’s many sins caused God to eventually remove him from office by his death.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Asa, false god)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Babel
Facts:
Babel was a chief city in a region called Shinar in the southern part of Mesopotamia. Shinar was later called Babylonia.
- The city of Babel was founded by Ham’s great-grandson, Nimrod, who ruled the region of Shinar.
- The people of Shinar became proud and decided to build a tower high enough to reach heaven. This later became known as the “Tower of Babel.”
- Because the people building the tower refused to spread out as God had commanded, he confused their languages so that they could not understand one another. This forced them to move away to live in many different places across the earth.
- The root meaning of the word for “Babel” is “confusion,” named for when God confused the people’s language.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Ham, Mesopotamia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Babylon, Babylonia, Babylonian
Facts:
The city of Babylon was the capital of the ancient region of Babylonia, which was also part of the Babylonian Empire.
- Babylon was located along the Euphrates River, in the same region where the Tower of Babel had been built hundreds of years before.
- Sometimes the word “Babylon” refers to the entire Babylonian Empire. For example, the “king of Babylon” ruled the entire empire, not just the city.
- The Babylonians were a powerful people group who attacked the kingdom of Judah and kept the people in exile in Babylonia for 70 years.
- Part of this region was called “Chaldea” and the people living there were the “Chaldeans.” As a result, the term “Chaldea” was often used to refer to Babylonia. (See: synecdoche)
(See also: Babel, Chaldea, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 20:6 About 100 years after the Assyrians destroyed the kingdom of Israel, God sent Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians, to attack the kingdom of Judah. Babylon was a powerful empire.
- 20:7 But after a few years, the king of Judah rebelled against Babylon. So, the Babylonians came back and attacked the kingdom of Judah. They captured the city of Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and took away all the treasures of the city and the Temple.
- 20:9 Nebuchadnezzar and his army took almost all of the people of the kingdom of Judah to Babylon, leaving only the poorest people behind to plant the fields.
- 20:11 About seventy years later, Cyrus, the king of the Persians, defeated Babylon.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3778, H3779, H8152, H0894, H0895, H0896, G08970
Balaam
Facts:
Balaam was a pagan prophet whom King Balek hired to curse Israel while they were camped at the Jordan River in northern Moab, preparing to enter the land of Canaan.
- Balaam was from the city of Pethor, which was located in the region around the Euphrates River, about 400 miles away from the land of Moab.
- The Midianite king, Balek, was afraid of the strength and numbers of the Israelites, so he hired Balaam to curse them.
- As Balaam was traveling toward Israel, an angel of God stood in his path so that Balaam’s donkey stopped. God also gave the donkey the ability to speak to Balaam.
- God did not allow Balaam to curse the Israelites and commanded him to bless them instead.
- Later however, Balaam still brought evil on the Israelites when he influenced them to worship the false god Baal-peor.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: bless, Canaan, curse, donkey, Euphrates River, Jordan River, Midian, Moab, Peor)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Barabbas
Facts:
Barabbas was a prisoner in Jerusalem at the time when Jesus was arrested.
- Barabbas was a criminal who had committed crimes of murder and rebellion against the Roman government.
- When Pontius Pilate offered to either release Barabbas or Jesus, the people chose Barabbas.
- So Pilate allowed Barabbas to go free, but condemned Jesus to be killed.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Pilate, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Barnabas
Facts:
Barnabas was one of the early Christians who lived during the time of the apostles.
- Barnabas was from the Israelite tribe of Levi and was from the island of Cyprus.
- When Saul (Paul) became a Christian, Barnabas urged the other believers to accept him as a fellow believer.
- Barnabas and Paul traveled together to preach the good news about Jesus in different cities.
- His name was Joseph, but he was called “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Christian, Cyprus, good news, Levite, Paul)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 46:8 Then a believer named Barnabas took Saul to the apostles and told them how Saul had preached boldly in Damascus.
- 46:9 Barnabas and Saul went there to teach these new believers more about Jesus and to strengthen the church. I
- 46:10 One day, while the Christians at Antioch were fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do the work I have called them to do.” So the church in Antioch prayed for Barnabas and Saul and placed their hands on them.
Word Data:
Bartholomew
Facts:
Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.
- Along with the other apostles, Bartholomew was sent out to preach the gospel and do miracles in Jesus’ name.
- He was also one of those who saw Jesus return to heaven.
- A few weeks after that, he was with the other apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, good news, Holy Spirit, miracle, Pentecost, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Baruch
Facts:
Baruch is the name of several men in the Old Testament.
- One Baruch (son of Zabbal) worked with Nehemiah to repair the walls of Jerusalem.
- Also during the time of Nehemiah, another Baruch (son of Kol-Hozeh) was one of the leaders who settled in Jerusalem after its walls were restored.
- A different Baruch (son of Neriah) was an assistant to the prophet Jeremiah, who helped him with various practical tasks such as writing down the messages God gave to Jeremiah and then reading them to the people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: disciple, Jeremiah, Jerusalem, Nehemiah, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bashan
Facts:
Bashan was a region of land east of the Sea of Galilee. It covered an area that is now part of Syria and the Golan Heights.
- An Old Testament city of refuge called “Golan” was located in the region of Bashan.
- Bashan was a very fertile region known for its oak trees and pasturing animals.
- Genesis 14 records that Bashan was the site of a war between several kings and their nations.
- During Israel’s wanderings in the desert after their escape from Egypt, they took possession of part of the region of Bashan.
- Years later, King Solomon obtained supplies from that region.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Egypt, oak, Sea of Galilee, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bathsheba
Facts:
Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, a soldier in King David’s army. After Uriah’s death, she became the wife of David, and the mother of Solomon.
- David committed adultery with Bathsheba while she was married to Uriah.
- When Bathsheba became pregnant with David’s child, David caused Uriah to be killed in battle.
- David then married Bathsheba and she gave birth to their child.
- God punished David for his sin by causing the child to die several days after he was born.
- Later, Bathsheba gave birth to another son, Solomon, who grew up to become king after David.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, Solomon. Uriah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:10 One day, when all of David’s soldiers were away from home fighting battles, he got up from an afternoon nap and saw a beautiful woman bathing. Her name was Bathsheba.
- 17:11 A short time later Bathsheba sent a message to David saying that she was pregnant.
- 17:12 Bathsheba’s husband, a man named Uriah, was one of David’s best soldiers.
- 17:13 After Uriah was killed, David married Bathsheba.
- 17:14 Later, David and Bathsheba had another son, and they named him Solomon.
Word Data:
Beelzebul
Facts:
Beelzebul is another name for Satan, or the devil. It is also sometimes spelled, “Beelzebub.”
- This name literally means “lord of flies” which means “ruler over demons.” But it is best to translate this term close to the original spelling rather than translate the meaning.
- It could also be translated as “Beelzebul the devil” to make it clear who is being referred to.
- This name is related to the name of the false god “Baal-zebub” of Ekron.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: demon, Ekron, Satan)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Beersheba
Facts:
In Old Testament times, Beersheba was a city located about 45 miles southwest of Jerusalem in a desert area that is now called the Negev.
- The desert surrounding Beersheba was the wilderness area where Hagar and Ishmael wandered after Abraham sent them away from his tents.
- The name of this city means “well of the oath.” It was given this name when Abraham swore an oath to not punish King Abimelech’s men for seizing control of one of Abraham’s wells.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, Jerusalem, oath)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Benaiah
Definition:
Benaiah was the name of several men in the Old Testament.
- Benaiah son of Jehoiada was one of David’s mighty men. He was a skilled warrior and was put in charge of David’s bodyguards.
- When Solomon was being made king, Benaiah helped him overthrow his enemies. He eventually became commander of the Israelite army.
- Other men in the Old Testament named Benaiah include three Levites: a priest, a musician, and a descendant of Asaph.
(See also: Asaph, Jehoiada, Levite, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Benjamin, Benjaminite
Facts:
Benjamin was Jacob’s twelfth son. He was Rachel’s second son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Benjamin” or “Benjamin” or the “Benjaminites.”
- In Hebrew, the name Benjamin means “son of my right hand.”
- The tribe of Benjamin settled just northwest of the Dead Sea, north of Jerusalem.
- King Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
- The apostle Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Rachel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Berea
Facts:
In New Testament times, Berea (or Beroea) was a prosperous Greek city in southeast Macedonia, about 80 kilometers south of Thessalonica.
- Paul and Silas fled to the city of Berea after their fellow Christians helped them escape from certain Jews who had caused trouble for them in Thessalonica.
- When the people living in Berea heard Paul preach, they researched the Scriptures to confirm that what he was telling them was true.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Macedonia, Paul, Silas, Thessalonica)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Beth Shemesh
Facts:
Beth Shemesh was the name of a Canaanite city approximately 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem.
- The Israelites captured Beth Shemesh during the time of Joshua’s leadership.
- Beth Shemesh was a city that was set aside as a place for the Levite priests to live.
- When the Philistines were taking the captured ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, Beth Shemesh was the first city where they stopped with it.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: ark of the covenant, Canaan, Jerusalem, Joshua, Levite, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bethany
Facts:
The town of Bethany was located at the base of the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about 2 miles east of Jerusalem.
- Bethany was near the road that ran between Jerusalem and Jericho.
- Jesus often visited Bethany where his close friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived.
- Bethany is especially known as the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Jericho, Jerusalem, Lazarus, Martha, Mary (sister of Martha), Mount of Olives)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bethel
Facts:
Bethel was a city located just north of Jerusalem in the land of Canaan. It was formerly called “Luz.”
- After receiving God’s promises for the first time, Abram (Abraham) built an altar to God near Bethel. The actual name of the city was not yet Bethel at that time, but it was usually referred to as “Bethel,” which was better known.
- When fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob stayed overnight near this city and slept outdoors on the ground there. While he was sleeping, he had a dream showing angels going up and down a ladder to heaven.
- This city did not have the name “Bethel” until after Jacob named it that. To make this clear, some translations may translate it as “Luz (later called Bethel)” in the passages about Abraham, as well as when Jacob first arrives there (before he changed the name).
- Bethel is mentioned often in the Old Testament and was a place where many important events happened.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, altar, Jacob, Jerusalem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bethlehem, Ephrathah
Facts:
Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as “Ephrathah,” which was probably its original name.
- Bethlehem has been called the “city of David,” since King David was born there.
- The prophet Micah said that the Messiah would come from “Bethlehem Ephrathah.”
- Fulfilling that prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many years later.
- The name “Bethlehem” means “house of bread” or “house of food.”
(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:2 David was a shepherd from the town of Bethlehem.
- 21:9 The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin. The prophet Micah said that he would be born in the town of Bethlehem.
- 23:4 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem.
- 23:6 “The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem!”
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0376, H0672, H1035, G09650
Bethuel
Facts:
Bethuel was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor.
- Bethuel was the father of Rebekah and Laban.
- There was also a town called Bethuel, which may have been located in southern Judah, not far from the town of Beersheba.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Beersheba, Laban, Nahor, Rebekah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Bilhah
Facts:
Bilhah was one of Jacob’s wives. She gave birth to Dan and Naphtali, two sons of Jacob whose descendants became tribes of Israel.
- Laban gave Bilhah to Rachel as a servant when Rachel married Jacob.
- Because Rachel was not having children, she gave Bilhah to Jacob as a wife in order to produce children for her.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Jacob, Rachel, Dan, Naphtali)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Boaz
Facts:
Boaz was an Israelite man who lived during the time when there were judges ruled Israel. He married a Moabite woman named Ruth and became both the great grandfather of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.
- He was a relative of an Israelite woman named Naomi who had returned to Israel after her husband and sons died in Moab.
- Boaz “redeemed” Naomi’s widowed daughter-in-law Ruth by marrying her and giving her a future with a husband and children.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Moab, redeem, Ruth)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Caesar
Facts:
The term “Caesar” was the name or title used by many of the rulers of the Roman Empire. In the Bible, this name refers to three different Roman rulers.
- The first Roman ruler named Caesar was “Caesar Augustus,” who was ruling during the time that Jesus was born.
- About thirty years later, at the time when John the Baptist was preaching, Tiberius Caesar was the ruler of the Roman Empire.
- Tiberius Caesar was still ruling Rome when Jesus told the people to pay Caesar what was due him and to give to God what is due him.
- When Paul appealed to Caesar, this referred to the Roman emperor, Nero, who also had the title “Caesar.”
- When “Caesar” is used by itself as a title, it can also be translated as: “the Emperor” or “the Roman Ruler.”
- In names such as Caesar Augustus or Tiberius Caesar, “Caesar” can be spelled close to the way a national language spells it.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: king, Paul, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Caesarea, Caesarea Philippi
Facts:
Caesarea was an important city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 39 km south of Mount Carmel. Caesarea Philippi was a city located in the northeastern part of Israel, near Mount Hermon.
- These cities were named for the Caesars who ruled the Roman empire.
- The coastal Caesarea became the capital city of the Roman province of Judea around the time of the birth of Jesus.
- The apostle Peter first preached to the Gentiles in Caesarea.
- Paul sailed from Caesarea to Tarsus and also passed through this city on two of his missionary journeys.
- Jesus and his disciples traveled in the region surrounding Caesarea Philippi in Syria. Both cities were named after Herod Philip.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Caesar, Gentile, the sea, Carmel, Mount Hermon, Rome, Tarsus)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Caiaphas
Facts:
Caiaphas was the high priest of Israel during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus.
- Caiaphas played a major role in the trial and condemnation of Jesus.
- The high priests Annas and Caiaphas were at the trial of Peter and John when they were arrested after healing a crippled man.
- Caiaphas is the one who said that it was better for one man to die for the whole nation than for the whole nation to perish. God caused him to say this as a prophecy about how Jesus would die to save his people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Annas, high priest)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Cain
Facts:
Cain and his younger brother Abel were the first sons of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible.
- Cain was a farmer who produced food crops while Abel was a sheep herder.
- Cain killed his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy because God had accepted Abel’s sacrifice but had not accepted Cain’s sacrifice.
- As punishment, God sent him away from Eden and told him that the land would no longer yield crops for him.
- God put a mark on Cain’s forehead as a sign that God would protect him from being killed by other people as he wandered.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Adam, sacrifice)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Caleb
Facts:
Caleb was one of the twelve Israelite spies whom Moses sent to explore the land of Canaan.
- He and Joshua told the people to trust God to help them defeat the Canaanites.
- Joshua and Caleb were the only men of their generation who were allowed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan.
- Caleb requested that the land of Hebron be given to him and his family. He knew that God would help him defeat the people who lived there.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Hebron, Joshua)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 14:4 When the Israelites reached the edge of Canaan, Moses chose twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel. He gave the men instructions to go and spy on the land to see what it was like.
- 14:6 Immediately Caleb and Joshua, the other two spies, said, “It is true that the people of Canaan are tall and strong, but we can certainly defeat them! God will fight for us!”
- 14:8 “Except for Joshua and Caleb, everyone who is twenty years old or older will die there and never enter the Promised Land.”
so that they could live at peace in that land.
Word Data:
Cana
Definition:
Cana was a village or town in the province of Galilee, located about nine miles north of Nazareth.
- Cana was the hometown of Nathanael, one of the Twelve.
- Jesus attended a wedding feast in Cana and performed his first miracle there when he turned water into wine.
- Some time after that, Jesus came back to Cana and met an official there from Capernaum who requested healing for his son.
(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Canaan, Canaanite
Facts:
Canaan was the son of Ham, who was one of Noah’s sons. The Canaanites were the descendants of Canaan.
- The term “Canaan” or the “land of Canaan” also referred to an area of land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It extended south to the border of Egypt and north to the border of Syria.
- This land was inhabited by the Canaanites, as well as several other people groups.
- God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ham, Promised Land)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 4:5 He (Abram) took his wife, Sarai, together with all his servants and everything he owned and went to the land God showed him, the land of Canaan.
- 4:6 When Abram arrived in Canaan God said, “Look all around you. I will give to you and your descendants all the land that you can see as an inheritance.”
- 4:9 “I give the land of Canaan to your descendants.”
- 5:3 “I will give you and your descendants the land of Canaan as their possession and I will be their God forever.”
- 7:8 After twenty years away from his home in Canaan, Jacob returned there with his family, his servants, and all his herds of animals.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3667, H3669, G54780
Capernaum
Facts:
Capernaum was a fishing village on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.
- Jesus lived in Capernaum whenever he was teaching in Galilee.
- Several of his disciples were from Capernaum.
- Jesus also did many miracles in this city, including bringing a dead girl back to life.
- Capernaum was one of three cities that Jesus publicly rebuked because their people rejected him and did not believe his message. He warned them that God would punish them for their unbelief.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Galilee, Sea of Galilee)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Carmel, Mount Carmel
Facts:
“Mount Carmel” refers to a mountain range that was located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea just north of the Plain of Sharon. Its highest peak is 546 meters high.
- There was also a town called “Carmel” located in Judah, south of the Salt Sea.
- The wealthy landowner Nabal and his wife Abigail lived near the town of Carmel where David and his men helped guard Nabal’s sheep shearers.
- On Mount Carmel, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest in order to prove that Yahweh is the only true God.
- To make it clear that this wasn’t just a single mountain, “Mount Carmel” could be translated as “mountain on the Carmel mountain range” or “Carmel mountain range.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Baal, Elijah, Judah, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3760, H3761, H3762
Chaldea, Chaldean
Facts:
Chaldea was a region in the southern part of Mesopotamia or Babylonia. The people who lived in this region were called Chaldeans.
- The city of Ur, where Abraham was from, was located in Chaldea. It is often referred to as “Ur of the Chaldeans.”
- King Nebuchadnezzar was one of several Chaldeans who became kings over Babylonia.
- After many years, around 600 BC, the term “Chaldean” came to mean “Babylonian.”
- In the book of Daniel, the term “Chaldean” also refers to a special class of men who were highly educated and studied the stars.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Babylon, Shinar, Ur)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3679, H3778, H3779, G54660
Cilicia
Facts:
Cilicia was a small Roman province located in the southeastern part of what is now the modern-day country of Turkey. It borders the Aegean Sea.
- The apostle Paul was a citizen from the city of Tarsus located in Cilicia.
- Paul spent several years in Cilicia after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.
- Some of the Jews from Cilicia were among those who confronted Stephen and influenced the people to stone him to death.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Paul, Stephen, Tarsus)
Bible References:
Word Data:
city of David
Facts:
The term “city of David” is another name for both Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
- Jerusalem is where David lived while he ruled Israel.
- Bethlehem is where David was born.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, Bethlehem, Jerusalem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1732, H5892, G11380, G41720
Colossae, Colossians
Facts:
In New Testament times, Colossae was a city located in the Roman province of Phrygia, an area of land that is now southwestern Turkey. The Colossians were the people who lived in Colossae.
- Located about 100 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Colossae was on an important trade route between the city of Ephesus and the Euphrates River.
- While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the “Colossians” to correct false teachings among the believers at Colossae.
- When he wrote this letter, Paul had not visited the church at Colossae, but had heard about the believers there from his coworker, Epaphras.
- Epaphras was probably the Christian worker who started the church at Colossae.
- The book of Philemon was a letter by Paul addressed to a slave owner in Colossae.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ephesus, Paul)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Corinth, Corinthians
Facts:
Corinth was a city in the country of Greece, about 50 miles west of Athens. The Corinthians were the people who lived at Corinth.
- Corinth was the location of one of the early Christian churches.
- The New Testament books, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians were letters written by Paul to the Christians living in Corinth.
- On his first missionary journey, Paul stayed in Corinth for approximately 18 months.
- Paul met the believers Aquila and Priscilla while in Corinth.
- Other early church leaders associated with Corinth include Timothy, Titus, Apollos, and Silas.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Apollos, Timothy, Titus)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Cornelius
Facts:
Cornelius was a Gentile, or non-Jewish man, who was a military officer in the Roman army.
- He prayed regularly to God and was very generous in giving to the poor.
- When Cornelius and his family heard the apostle Peter explain the gospel, they became believers in Jesus.
- The people of Cornelius’ household were the first non-Jewish people to become believers.
- This showed Jesus’ followers that he had come to save all people, including Gentiles.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, believe, Gentile, good news, Greek, centurion)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Crete, Cretan
Facts:
Crete is an island that is located off the southern coast of Greece. A “Cretan” is someone who lives on this island.
- The apostle Paul traveled to the island of Crete during his missionary journeys.
- Paul left his co-worker Titus on Crete to teach the Christians and to help appoint leaders for the church there.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Cush
Facts:
Cush was the oldest son of Noah’s son Ham. He was also the ancestor of Nimrod. Two of his brothers were named Egypt and Canaan.
- In Old Testament times, “Cush” was the name of a large region of land south of Israel. It is probable that the land was named after Ham’s son Cush.
- The ancient region of Cush covered an area of land that may have, at different times, included parts of the modern-day countries of Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and possibly, Saudi Arabia.
- Another man named Cush is mentioned in the Psalms. He was a Benjamite.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Arabia, Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3568, H3569, H3570, 3571
Cyprus
Facts:
Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, about 64 kilometers south of the modern-day country of Turkey.
- Barnabas was from Cyprus so it is probable that his cousin John Mark was also from there.
- Paul and Barnabas preached together on the island of Cyprus at the beginning of their first missionary journey. John Mark came along to help them on that trip.
- Later on, Barnabas and Mark visited Cyprus again.
- In the Old Testament, Cyprus is mentioned as being a rich source of cypress trees.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Barnabas, John Mark, the sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Cyrene
Facts:
Cyrene was a Greek city on the north coast of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, directly south of the island of Crete.
- In New Testament times, both Jews and Christians lived in Cyrene.
- Cyrene is probably most well-known in the Bible as the home city of a man named Simon who carried the cross of Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Crete)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Cyrus
Facts:
Cyrus was a Persian king who founded the Persian empire in about 550 BC, through military conquest. In history he was also known as Cyrus the Great.
- King Cyrus conquered the city of Babylon, which led to the release of the Israelites who had been kept in exile there.
- Cyrus was known for his tolerant attitude toward the people of the nations he conquered. His kindness toward the Jews led to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after the exile.
- Cyrus was reigning during the time when Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were living.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Daniel, Darius, Ezra, Nehemiah, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Damascus
Facts:
Damascus is the capital city of the country of Syria. It is still in the same location as it was in Bible times.
- Damascus is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- During the time of Abraham, Damascus was the capital of the Aram kingdom (located in what is now Syria).
- Throughout the Old Testament, there are many references to the interactions between the inhabitants of Damascus and the people of Israel.
- Several biblical prophecies predict the destruction of Damascus. These prophecies may have been fulfilled when Assyria destroyed the city during Old Testament times, or there may be also be a future, more complete destruction of this city.
- In the New Testament, the Pharisee Saul (later known as Paul) was on his way to arrest Christians in the city of Damascus when Jesus confronted him and caused him to become a believer.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, Assyria, believe, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Dan
Facts:
Dan was Jacob’s fifth son. He was Bilhah’s first son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- His name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for “judge.”
- The tribe of Dan settled in the northern part of Canaan. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Dan” refers to the land given to the tribe of Dan.
- “Dan” was also the name an Israelite city located about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. In the Old Testament times, the city of Dan served as a landmark for the northern boundary of the country of Israel, opposite the city of Beersheba as a landmark for the southern boundary.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Bilhah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1835, H1839, H2051
Daniel
Facts:
Daniel was an Israelite prophet who as a young man was taken captive by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar around 600 BC.
- This was during the time that many other Israelites from Judah were held captive in Babylon for 70 years.
- Daniel was given the Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
- Daniel was an honorable and righteous young man who obeyed God.
- God enabled Daniel to interpret several dreams or visions for the Babylonian kings.
- Because of this ability and because of his honorable character, Daniel was given a high leadership position in the Babylonian empire.
- Many years later, Daniels enemies tricked the Babylonian king Darius into making a law forbidding the worship of anyone except the king. Daniel continued to pray to God, so he was arrested and thrown into a den of lions. But God rescued him and he was not harmed at all.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1840, H1841, G11580
Darius
Facts:
Darius was the name of several kings of Persia. It is possible that “Darius” was a title rather than a name.
- “Darius the Mede” was the king who was tricked into having the prophet Daniel thrown into a lion’s den as punishment for worshiping God.
- “Darius the Persian” helped facilitate the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Persia, Babylon, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
David
Facts:
David was the second king of Israel and he loved and served God. He was the main writer of the book of Psalms.
- When David was still a young boy caring for his family’s sheep, God chose him to become the next king of Israel.
- David became a great fighter and led the Israelite army in battles against their enemies. His defeat of Goliath the Philistine is well known.
- King Saul tried to kill David, but God protected him, and made him king after Saul’s death.
- David committed a terrible sin, but he repented and God forgave him.
- Jesus, the Messiah, is called the “Son of David” because he is a descendant of King David.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Goliath, Philistines, Saul (OT))
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:2 God chose a young Israelite named David to be king after Saul. David was a shepherd from the town of Bethlehem. … David was a humble and righteous man who trusted and obeyed God.
- 17:3 David was also a great soldier and leader. When David was still a young man, he fought against a giant named Goliath.
- 17:4 Saul became jealous of the people’s love for David. Saul tried many times to kill him, so David hid from Saul.
- 17:5 God blessed David and made him successful. David fought many battles and God helped him defeat Israel’s enemies.
- 17:6 David wanted to build a temple where all the Israelites could worship God and offer him sacrifices.
- 17:9 David ruled with justice and faithfulness for many years, and God blessed him. However, toward the end of his life he sinned terribly against God.
- 17:13 God was very angry about what David had done, so he sent the prophet Nathan to tell David how evil his sin was. David repented of his sin and God forgave him. For the rest of his life, David followed and obeyed God, even in difficult times.
Word Data:
Delilah
Facts:
Delilah was a Philistine woman who was loved by Samson, but was not his wife.
- Delilah loved money more than she loved Samson.
- The Philistines bribed Delilah to trick Samson into telling her how he could be made weak. When his strength was gone, the Philistines captured him.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: bribe, Philistines, Samson)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Eden, garden of Eden
Facts:
In ancient times, Eden was a region that had a garden where God placed the first man and woman to live.
- The garden where Adam and Eve lived was only part of Eden.
- The exact location of the region of Eden is not certain, but the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were flowing through it.
- The word “Eden” comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “take great delight in.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Adam, Euphrates River, Eve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Edom, Edomite, Idumea
Facts:
Edom was another name for Esau. The region where he lived also became known as “Edom” and later, “Idumea.” The “Edomites” were his descendants.
- The region of Edom changed locations over time. It was mostly located to the south of Israel and eventually extended into southern Judah.
- During New Testament times, Edom covered the southern half of the province of Judea. The Greeks called it “Idumea.”
- The name “Edom” means “red,” which may refer to the fact that Esau was covered with red hair when he was born. Or it may refer to the red lentil stew that Esau traded his birthright for.
- In the Old Testament, the country of Edom is often mentioned as an enemy of Israel.
- The entire book of Obadiah is about the destruction of Edom. Other Old Testament prophets also spoke negative prophecies against Edom.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: adversary, birthright, Esau, Obadiah, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0123, H0130, H8165, G24010
Egypt, Egyptian
Facts:
Egypt is a country in the northeast part of Africa, to the southwest of the land of Canaan. An Egyptian is a person who is from the country of Egypt.
- In ancient times, Egypt was a powerful and wealthy country.
- Ancient Egypt was divided into two parts, Lower Egypt (northern part where the Nile River flowed downward into the sea) and Upper Egypt (southern part). In the Old Testament, these parts are referred to as “Egypt” and “Pathros” in the original language text.
- Several times when there was little food in Canaan, Israel’s patriarchs traveled to Egypt to buy food for their families.
- For several hundred years, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt.
- Joseph and Mary went down to Egypt with the young child Jesus, to escape from Herod the Great.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Herod the Great, Joseph (NT), Nile River, patriarchs)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 8:4 The slave traders took Joseph to Egypt. Egypt was a large, powerful country located along the Nile River.
- 8:8 Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he appointed him to be the second most powerful man in all of Egypt!
- 8:11 So Jacob sent his older sons to __Egypt __ to buy food.
- 8:14 Even though Jacob was an old man, he moved to Egypt with all of his family, and they all lived there.
- 9:1 After Joseph died, all of his relatives stayed in Egypt.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4713, H4714, G01240, G01250
Ekron, Ekronites
Facts:
Ekron was a major city of the Philistines, located nine miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea.
- A temple of the false god Baal-zebub was located at Ekron.
- When the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant, they took it to Ashdod and then moved it to Gath and Ekron because God kept causing people to get sick and die in whatever city the ark was taken to. Finally the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel.
- When King Ahaziah fell through the roof of his house and injured himself, he sinned by trying to find out from the false god Baal-zebub of Ekron as to whether or not he would die from his injuries. Because of this sin, Yahweh said that he would die.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaziah, ark of the covenant, Ashdod, Beelzebul, false god, Gath, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Elam, Elamites
Facts:
Elam was a son of Shem and a grandson of Noah.
- The descendants of Elam were called “Elamites,” and they lived in a region that was also called “Elam.”
- The region of Elam was located southeast of the Tigris River in what is now western Iran.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Noah, Shem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5867, H5962, G16390
Eleazar
Facts:
Eleazar was the name of several men in the Bible.
- Eleazar was the third son of Moses’ brother Aaron. After Aaron died, Eleazar became the high priest in Israel.
- Eleazar was also the name of one of David’s “mighty men.”
- Another Eleazar was one of Jesus’ ancestors.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aaron, high priest, David, mighty)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Eliakim
Facts:
Eliakim was the name of two men in the Old Testament.
- One man named Eliakim was the manager of the palace under King Hezekiah.
- Another man named Eliakim was a son of King Josiah. He was made king of Judah by the Egyptian pharaoh Necho.
- Necho changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Hezekiah, Jehoiakim, Josiah, Pharaoh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Elijah
Facts:
Elijah was one of the most important prophets of Yahweh. Elijah prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Israel and Judah, including King Ahab.
- God did many miracles through Elijah, including raising a dead boy back to life.
- Elijah rebuked King Ahab for worshiping the false god Baal.
- He challenged the prophets of Baal to a test that proved that Yahweh is the only true God.
- At the end of Elijah’s life, God miraculously took him up to heaven while he was still alive.
- Hundreds of years later, Elijah, along with Moses, appeared with Jesus on a mountain, and they talked together about Jesus’ coming suffering and death in Jerusalem.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: miracle, prophet, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 19:2 Elijah was a prophet when Ahab was king over the kingdom of Israel.
- 19:2 Elijah said to Ahab, “There will be no rain or dew in the kingdom of Israel until I say so.”
- 19:3 God told Elijah to go to a stream in the wilderness to hide from Ahab who wanted to kill him. Every morning and every evening, birds would bring him bread and meat.
- 19:4 But they took care of Elijah, and God provided for them so that their flour jar and their bottle of oil never became empty.
- 19:5 After three and a half years, God told Elijah to return to the kingdom of Israel and speak with Ahab because he was going to send rain again.
- 19:7 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Kill a bull and prepare it as a sacrifice, but do not light the fire.”
- 19:12 Then Elijah said, “Do not let any of the prophets of Baal escape!”
- 36:3 Then Moses and the prophet Elijah appeared. These men had lived hundreds of years before this. They talked with Jesus about his death that would soon happen in Jerusalem.
Word Data:
Elisha
Facts:
Elisha was a prophet in Israel during the reigns of several kings of Israel: Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash.
- God told the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as prophet.
- When Elijah was taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, Elisha became God’s prophet to the kings of Israel.
- Elisha did many miracles, including healing a man from Syria who had leprosy and raising from the dead the son of a woman from Shunem.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Elijah, Naaman, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Elizabeth
Facts:
Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist. Her husband’s name was Zechariah.
- Zechariah and Elizabeth had never been able to have children, but in their old age, God promised Zechariah that Elizabeth would bear him a son.
- God kept his promise, and soon Zechariah and Elizabeth were able to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. They named the baby John.
- Elizabeth was also a relative of Mary, Jesus’ mother.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: John (the Baptist), Zechariah (NT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
En Gedi
Definition:
En Gedi was the name of a city in the wilderness of Judah southeast of Jerusalem.
- En Gedi was located on the western bank of the Salt Sea.
- Part of its name means “fountain,” referring to a spring which watered the city.
- En Gedi was known for having beautiful vineyards and other fertile land, probably due to the continual watering by the spring of water.
- There were strongholds in En Gedi which David fled to when he was being chased by King Saul.
(See also: David, desert, fountain, Judah, rest, Salt Sea, Saul (OT), stronghold, vineyard)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Enoch
Facts:
Enoch was the name of two men in the Old Testament.
- One man named Enoch was descended from Seth. He was the great grandfather of Noah.
- This Enoch had a close relationship with God and when he was 365 years old, God took him to heaven while he was still alive.
- A different man named Enoch was a son of Cain.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cain, Seth)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ephesus, Ephesian
Facts:
Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of what is now the present-day country of Turkey.
- During the time of the early Christians, Ephesus was the capital of Asia, which was a small Roman province at that time.
- Because of its location, this city was an important center of trade and travel.
- A well-known pagan temple for the worship of the goddess Artemis (Diana) was located in Ephesus.
- Paul lived and worked in Ephesus for more than two years and later appointed Timothy to lead the new believers there.
- The book of Ephesians in the New Testament is a letter that Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Asia, Paul, Timothy)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: G21790, G21800, G21810
Ephraim, Ephraimite
Facts:
Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph. His descendants, the Ephraimites, formed one of the tribes of Israel.
- The name Ephriam sounds like the Hebrew word meaning “to make fruitful.”
- The tribe of Ephraim was one of the ten tribes located in the northern part of Israel.
- Sometimes the name Ephraim is used in the Bible to refer to the whole northern kingdom of Israel (similar to how the name Judah is sometimes used to refer to the whole southern kingdom of Israel).
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Joseph, Manasseh, kingdom of Israel, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0669, H0673, G21870
Ephrath, Ephrathah
Facts:
The name “Ephrathah” refers to a clan of Judah as well as to the territory that they occupied, which was centered around the town of Bethlehem. Sometimes the name is shortened to “Ephrath.”
- The clan of Ephrathah was probably named after a woman named “Ephrathah,” who was a wife of Caleb and the grandmother of the founders of the towns of Kiriath-Jearim, Bethlehem, and Beth-Gader (1 Chron 2:50-51).
- The towns of Bethlehem (Gen 35:19;48:7) and Kirjath-Jearim (Psalm 132:6) are both sometimes referred to as “Ephrathah.”
- Rachel died on the way to a town called “Ephrathah.”
- It is possible that there was a different town called “Ephrathah” further north near Ramah, and that Rachel was buried near there (1 Sam 10:2; Jer 31:15).
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, Caleb, David, Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Esau
Facts:
Esau was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. He was the first baby born to them. His twin brother was Jacob.
- Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food.
- Since Esau was born first, his father Isaac was supposed to give him a special blessing. But Jacob tricked Isaac into giving him that blessing instead. At first Esau was so angry that he wanted to kill Jacob, but later he forgave him.
- Esau had many children and grandchildren, and these descendants formed a large people group living in the land of Canaan.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Edom, Isaac, Jacob, Rebekah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 6:7 When Rebekah’s babies were born, the older son came out red and hairy, and they named him Esau.
- 7:2 So __Esau __ gave Jacob his rights as the oldest son.
- 7:4 When Isaac felt the goat hair and smelled the clothes, he thought it was Esau and blessed him.
- 7:5 Esau hated Jacob because Jacob had stolen his rights as oldest son and also his blessing.
- 7:10 But __Esau __ had already forgiven Jacob, and they were happy to see each other again.
Word Data:
Esther, Hadasseh
Facts:
Esther was a Jewish woman who became queen of the Persian kingdom after the Israelites were taken to Babylon as captives. “Esther” was her Persian name, and her Hebrew name was “Hadasseh.”
- The book of Esther tells the story of how Esther became the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus and how God used her to save her people.
- Esther was an orphan who was raised by her godly older cousin, Mordecai.
- Her obedience to her adoptive father helped her to be obedient to God.
- Esther obeyed God and risked her life in order to save her people, the Jews.
- The story of Esther illustrates God’s sovereign control over the events of history, especially how he protects his people and works through those who obey him.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahasuerus, Mordecai, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ethiopia, Ethiopian
Facts:
Ethiopia is a country in Africa located just south of Egypt, bordered by the Nile River to the west and by the Red Sea to the east. A person from Ethiopia is an “Ethiopian.”
- Ancient Ethiopia was located south of Egypt and included land that is now part of several modern-day African countries, such as Sudan, modern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, and Chad.
- In the Bible, Ethiopia is sometimes called “Cush” or “Nubia.”
- The countries of Ethiopia (“Cush”) and Egypt are often mentioned together in the Bible, perhaps because they were located next to each other and their people may have had some of the same ancestors.
- God sent Philip the evangelist to a desert where he shared the good news about Jesus with an Ethiopian eunuch.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cush, Egypt, eunuch, Philip)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Euphrates River, the River
Facts:
The Euphrates is the name of one of the four rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden. It is the river that is most often mentioned in the Bible.
- The modern day river named Euphrates is located in the Middle East and is the longest and most important river in Asia.
- Together with the Tigris River, the Euphrates borders a region of land known as Mesopotamia.
- The ancient city of Ur where Abraham came from was at the mouth of the Euphrates River.
- This river was one of the boundaries of the land that God promised to give to Abraham (Genesis 15:18).
- Sometimes the Euphrates is simply called “the River.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5104, H6578, G21660
Eve
Facts:
This was the name of the first woman. Her name means “life” or “living.”
- God formed Eve from a rib that he took out of Adam.
- Eve was created to be Adam’s “helper.” She came alongside Adam to assist him in the work that God gave them to do.
- Eve was tempted by Satan (in the form of a snake) and was the first to sin by eating the fruit that God said not to eat.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Adam, life, Satan)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 1:13 Then God took one of Adam’s ribs and made it into a woman and brought her to him.
- 2:2 But there was a crafty snake in the garden. He asked the woman, “Did God really tell you not to eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
- 2:11 The man named his wife Eve, which means “life-giver,” because she would become the mother of all people.
- 21:1 God promised that a descendant of Eve would be born who would crush the snake’s head.
- 48:2 Satan spoke through the snake in the garden in order to deceive Eve.
- 49:8 When Adam and Eve sinned, it affected all of their descendants.
- 50:16 Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into this world, God cursed it and decided to destroy it.
Word Data:
Ezekiel
Facts:
Ezekiel was a prophet of God during the exile period when many Jews were taken to Babylon.
- Ezekiel was a priest living in the kingdom of Judah when he and many other Jews were captured by the Babylonian army.
- For over twenty years, he and his wife lived in Babylon near a river, and the Jews came there to hear him speak messages from God.
- Among other things, Ezekiel prophesied about the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.
- He also prophesied about the future kingdom of the Messiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Christ, exile, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ezra
Facts:
Ezra was an Israelite priest and expert in Jewish law who recorded the history of the Israelites’ return to Jerusalem from Babylon where Israel had been held captive for 70 years.
- Ezra recorded this part of Israel’s history in the biblical book of Ezra. He may also have written the book of Nehemiah, since these two books had originally been one single book.
- When Ezra returned to Jerusalem he re-established the Law, since the Israelites had stopped obeying the Sabbath laws and had intermarried with women who practiced pagan religions.
- Ezra also helped rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians when they captured Jerusalem.
- There are two other men named Ezra mentioned in the Old Testament.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, exile, Jerusalem, law, Nehemiah, temple)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0250, H5830, H5831
Gabriel
Facts:
Gabriel is the name of one of God’s angels. He is mentioned by name several times, in both the Old and New Testaments.
- God sent Gabriel to tell the prophet Daniel the meaning of a vision he had seen.
- Another time, while Daniel was praying, the angel Gabriel flew to him and prophesied about what would happen in the future. Daniel described him as a “man.”
- In the New Testament it is recorded that Gabriel came to Zechariah to prophesy that his aged wife Elizabeth would have a son, John.
- Sixth months after that, Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her that God would miraculously enable her to conceive a child who would be the “Son of God.” Gabriel told Mary to name her son “Jesus.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: angel, Daniel, Elizabeth, John (the Baptist), Mary, prophet, Son of God, Zechariah (NT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gad
Facts:
Gad was Jacob’s seventh son. He was Zilpah’s first son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Gad” or “Gad” or “Gad.”
- The name Gad is similar to the Hebrew word for “good fortune.”
- The tribe of Gad settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. This was to the north of Reuben and south of half of the tribe of Manasseh. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Gad” refers to the land given to the tribe of Gad.
- Another man in the Bible named Gad was a prophet who confronted King David for his sin of taking a census of the Israelite people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Zilpah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1410, H1425, G10450
Galatia, Galatians
Facts:
In New Testament times, Galatia was a large Roman province located in the central part of what is now the country of Turkey.
- Part of Galatia bordered the Black Sea, which was to the north. It was also bordered by the provinces of Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Celicia, and Pamphylia.
- The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians who lived in the province of Galatia. This letter is the New Testament book called “Galatians.”
- One reason that Paul wrote his letter to the Galatians was to emphasize again the gospel of salvation by grace, not by works.
- The Jewish Christians there were incorrectly teaching the Gentile Christians there that it was necessary for believers to keep certain Jewish laws.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Asia, believe, Cilicia, good news, Paul, works)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Galilee, Galilean
Facts:
Galilee was the most northern region of Israel, just north of Samaria. A “Galilean” was a person who lived in Galilee or who lived in Galilee.
- Galilee, Samaria, and Judea were the three main provinces of Israel during New Testament times.
- Galilee is bordered on the east by a large lake called the “Sea of Galilee.”
- Jesus grew up and lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee.
- Most of the miracles and teachings of Jesus took place in the region of Galilee.
(See also: Nazareth, Samaria, Sea of Galilee)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 21:10 The prophet Isaiah said the Messiah would live in Galilee, comfort broken-hearted people, and proclaim freedom to captives and release to prisoners.
- 26:1 After overcoming Satan’s temptations, Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to the region of Galilee where he lived.
- 39:6 Finally, the people said, “We know that you were with Jesus because you both are from Galilee.”
- 41:6 Then the angel told the women, “Go and tell the disciples, ‘Jesus has risen from the dead and he will go to Galilee ahead of you.’”
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1551, G10560, G10570
Gath, Gittite
Facts:
Gath was one of the five major cities of the Philistines. It was located north of Ekron and east of Ashdod and Ashkelon.
- The Philistine warrior Goliath was from the city of Gath.
- During the time of Samuel, the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant from Israel and took it to their pagan temple at Ashdod. It was then moved to Gath and later to Ekron. But God punished the people of those cities with disease, so they sent it back to Israel again.
- When David was escaping from King Saul, he fled to Gath and lived there awhile with his two wives and with six hundred men who were his loyal followers.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gaza, Goliath, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gaza
Facts:
During Bible times, Gaza was a prosperous Philistine city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 38 kilometers south of Ashdod. It was one of the Philistines’ five major cities.
- Because of its location, Gaza was a key seaport where commercial activities took place between many different people groups and nations.
- Today, the city of Gaza is still an important seaport in the Gaza Strip, which is a region of land located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea bordered by Israel on the north and east, and by Egypt on the south.
- Gaza was the city that the Philistines took Samson to after they had captured him.
- Philip the evangelist was walking along the desert road to Gaza when he met an Ethiopian eunuch.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ashdod, Philip, Philistines, Ethiopia, Gath)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5804, H5841, G10480
Gerar
Facts:
Gerar was a city and region in the land of Canaan, located southwest of Hebron and northwest of Beersheba.
- King Abimelech was the ruler of Gerar when Abraham and Sarah settled there.
- The Philistines dominated the region of Gerar during the time that the Israelites were living in Canaan.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abimelech, Beersheba, Hebron, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Geshur, Geshurites
Definition:
During the time of King David, Geshur was a small kingdom located on the east side of the Sea of Galilee between the countries of Israel and Aram.
- King David married Maacah, the daughter of Geshur’s king, and she bore him a son, Absalom.
- After murdering his half-brother Amnon, Absalom fled northeast from Jerusalem to Geshur, a distance of about 140 kilometers. He stayed there three years.
(See also: Absalom, Amnon, Aram, Sea of Galilee)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gethsemane
Facts:
Gethsemane was a garden of olive trees east of Jerusalem beyond the Kidron valley and near the Mount of Olives.
- The garden of Gethsemane was a place where Jesus and his followers would go to be alone and rest, away from the crowds.
- It was in Gethsemane that Jesus prayed in deep sorrow, before being arrested there by Jewish leaders.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Judas Iscariot, Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gibeah
Facts:
Gibeah was a city located north of Jerusalem and south of Bethel.
- Gibeah was in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.
- It was the site of a huge battle between the Benjamites and Israel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Benjamin, Bethel, Jerusalem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1387, H1389, H1390, H1394
Gibeon, Gibeonite
Facts:
Gibeon was a city that was located about 13 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem. The people living in Gibeon were the Gibeonites.
- When the Gibeonites heard about how the Israelites had destroyed the cities of Jericho and Ai, they were afraid.
- So the Gibeonites came to the leaders of Israel at Gilgal and pretended to be people from a far-away country.
- The Israelite leaders were deceived and made an agreement with the Gibeonites that they would protect them and not destroy them.
(See also: Gilgal, Jericho, Jerusalem)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 15:6 But one of the Canaanite people groups, called the Gibeonites, lied to Joshua and said they were from a place far from Canaan.
- 15:7 Sometime later, the kings of another people group in Canaan, the Amorites, heard that the Gibeonites had made a peace treaty with the Israelites, so they combined their armies into one large army and attacked Gibeon.
- 15:8 So Joshua gathered the Israelite army and they marched all night to reach the Gibeonites.
Word Data:
Gideon
Facts:
Gideon was an Israelite man whom God raised up to deliver the Israelites from their enemies.
- During the time when Gideon lived, a people group called the Midianites kept attacking the Israelites and destroying their crops.
- Even though Gideon was afraid, God used him to lead the Israelites to fight against the Midianites and defeat them.
- Gideon also obeyed God by taking down altars to the false gods Baal and Asherah.
- He not only led the people in defeating their enemies but also encouraged them to obey and worship Yahweh, the one true God.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Baal, Asherah, deliver, Midian, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 16:5 The angel of Yahweh came to Gideon and said, “God is with you, mighty warrior. Go and save Israel from the Midianites.”
- 16:6 Gideon’s father had an altar dedicated to an idol. God told Gideon to tear down that altar.
- 16:8 There were so many of them (Midianites) that they could not be counted. Gideon called the Israelites together to fight them.
- 16:8 Gideon called the Israelites together to fight them. Gideon asked God for two signs so he could be sure that God would use him to save Israel.
- 16:10 32,000 Israelite soldiers came to Gideon, but God told him this was too many.
- 16:12 Then Gideon returned to his soldiers and gave each of them a horn, a clay pot, and a torch.
- 16:15 The people wanted to make Gideon their king.
- 16:16 Then Gideon used the gold to make a special garment like the high priest used to wear. But the people started worshiping it as if it were an idol.
Word Data:
Gilead, Gileadite
Definition:
Gilead was the name of a mountainous region east of the Jordan river where the Israelite tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh lived.
- This region was also referred to as the “hill country of Gilead” or “Mount Gilead.”
- “Gilead” was also the name of several men in the Old Testament. One of these men was the grandson of Manasseh. Another Gilead was the father of Jephthah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Gad, Jephthah, Manasseh, Reuben, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gilgal
Facts:
Gilgal was a town north of Jericho and was the first place that the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River to enter Canaan.
- At Gilgal, Joshua set up twelve stones taken from the dry river bed of the Jordan River that they had just crossed over.
- Gilgal was the city that Elijah and Elisha were leaving as they crossed the Jordan when Elijah was taken up to heaven.
- There were also several other places called “Gilgal” in the Old Testament.
- The word “gilgal” means “circle of stones,” perhaps referring to a place where a circular altar was built.
- In the Old Testament, this name almost always occurs as “the gilgal.” This may indicate that it was not a specific place name but rather was a description of a certain kind of place.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Elijah, Elisha, Jericho, Jordan River)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Girgashites
Facts:
The Girgashites were a people group living near the Sea of Galilee in the land of Canaan.
- They were descendants of Ham’s son Canaan and so were one of the many people groups who were also known as “Canaanites.”
- God promised the Israelites that he would help them defeat the Girgashites and other Canaanite people groups.
- Like all the Canaanite peoples, the Girgashites worshiped false gods and did immoral things as part of that worship.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Ham, Noah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Golgotha
Facts:
“Golgotha” was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. Its name comes from an Aramaic word that means “Skull” or “Place of the Skull.”
- Golgotha was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem, somewhere nearby. It was perhaps located on a slope of the Mount of Olives.
- In some older English versions of the Bible, Golgotha is translated as “Calvary,” which comes from the Latin word for “skull.”
- Many Bible versions use a word that looks or sounds similar to “Golgotha,” since its meaning is already explained in the Bible text.
(Translation Suggestion: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, Mount of Olives)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Goliath
Facts:
Goliath was a very tall and very large soldier in the army of the Philistines who was killed by David.
- Goliath was between two and three meters tall. He is often referred to as a giant because of his great size.
- Although Goliath had better weapons and was much bigger than David, God gave David the strength and ability to defeat Goliath.
- The Israelites were declared victorious over the Philistines as a result of David’s victory over Goliath.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Gomorrah
Facts:
Gomorrah was a city located in a fertile valley near Sodom, where Abraham’s nephew Lot chose to live.
- The exact location of Gomorrah and Sodom is unknown, but there are indications that they may have been located directly south of the Salt Sea, near the Valley of Siddim.
- There were many kings at war in the region where Sodom and Gomorrah were located.
- When Lot’s family was captured in a conflict between Sodom and other cities, Abraham and his men rescued them.
- Not long after that, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of the wickedness of the people who lived there.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Babylon, Lot, Salt Sea, Sodom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Goshen
Definition:
Goshen was the name of a fertile region of land located along the Nile River in the northern part of Egypt.
- When Joseph was a ruler in Egypt, his father and brothers and their families came to live in Goshen to escape a famine in Canaan.
- They and their descendants lived well in Goshen for over 400 years, but then they were forced into slavery by the Egyptian pharaoh.
- Finally God sent Moses to help the people of Israel leave the land of Goshen and escape this slavery.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Egypt, famine, Moses, Nile River)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Greece, Grecian
Facts:
During New Testament times, Greece was a province in the Roman Empire.
- Like the modern-day country of Greece, it was located on a peninsula that is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Ionian Sea.
- The apostle Paul visited several cities in Greece and established churches in the cities of Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi and probably others.
- People who are from Greece are called “Greeks” and their language is “Greek.” People from other Roman provinces also spoke Greek, including many Jews.
- Sometimes the term “Greek” is used to refer to a Gentile.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Corinth, Gentile, Greek, Hebrew, Philippi, Thessalonica)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Greek, Grecian, Hellenist
Facts:
The term “Greek” refers to the language spoken in the country of Greece, it is also a person from the country of Greece. Greek was also spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The adjective “Grecian” means “Greek-speaking.”
- Since most non-Jewish people in the Roman Empire spoke Greek, Gentiles are often referred to as “Greeks” in the New Testament, especially when contrasted with Jews.
- The phrase “Grecian Jews” or “Hellenists” referred to Jews who spoke Greek in contrast to the “Hebraic Jews” who spoke only Hebrew, or perhaps Aramaic. The term “Hellenists” comes from the pronunciation of the Greek word for a Greek-speaker.
- Other ways to translate “Grecian” could include, “Greek-speaking” or “culturally Greek” or “Greek.”
- When referring to non-Jews, “Greek” could be translated as “Gentile.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, Gentile, Greece, Hebrew, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3125, G16720, G16730, G16740, G16750, G16760
Habakkuk
Facts:
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who lived around the time that King Jehoiakim was reigning over Judah. The prophet Jeremiah was also alive during some of this time.
- This prophet wrote the book of Habakkuk around 600 BC when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and took many of the people of Judah into exile.
- Yahweh gave Habakkuk the prophecy about how the “Chaldeans” (Babylonians) would come and conquer the people of Judah.
- One of Habakkuk’s most well-known statements is: “the righteous person shall live by his faith.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hagar
Facts:
Hagar was an Egyptian woman who was Sarai’s personal slave.
- When Sarai was not able to bear children, she gave her servant Hagar to her husband Abram to have a child by him.
- Hagar conceived and gave birth to Abram’s son Ishmael.
- God watched over Hagar when she was in distress in the desert and promised to bless her descendants.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, descendant, Ishmael, Sarah, servant)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 5:1 So Abram’s wife, Sarai, said to him, “Since God has not allowed me to have children and now I am too old to have children, here is my servant, Hagar. Marry her also so she can have a child for me.”
- 5:2 Hagar had a baby boy, and Abram named him Ishmael.
Word Data:
Haggai
Facts:
Haggai was a prophet of Judah after the Jews returned home from being captives in Babylon.
- During the period when Haggai was prophesying, King Uzziah was reigning over Judah.
- The prophet Zechariah was also prophesying during this period.
- Haggai and Zechariah exhorted the Jews to rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ham
Facts:
Ham was the second of Noah’s three sons.
- During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Ham and his brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
- After the flood, there was an occasion where Ham was very dishonoring to his father, Noah. As a result, Noah cursed Ham’s son Canaan and all his descendants, who eventually became known as the Canaanites.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: ark, Canaan, dishonor, Noah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hamath, Hamathites, Lebo Hamath
Facts:
Hamath was an important city in northern Syria, north of the land of Canaan. The Hamathites were descendants of Noah’s son Canaan.
- The name “Lebo Hamath” probably refers to a mountain pass near the city of Hamath.
- Some versions translate “Lebo Hamath” as “entrance to Hamath.”
- King David defeated enemies of King Tou of Hamath, causing them to be on good terms.
- Hamath was one of Solomon’s storehouse cities where provisions were kept.
- The land of Hamath was where King Zedekiah was killed by King Nebuchadnezzar and where King Jehoahaz was captured by an Egyptian pharaoh.
- The term “Hamathite” could also be translated as “person from Hamath.”
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Canaan, Nebuchadnezzar, Syria, Zedekiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hamor
Facts:
Hamor was a Canaanite man living in the city of Shechem when Jacob and his family were living in nearby Succoth. He was a Hivite.
- Jacob bought a family burial ground from Hamor’s sons.
- While they were there, Hamor’s son Shechem raped Jacob’s daughter Dinah.
- Dinah’s brothers took revenge on Hamor’s family and killed all the men in the city of Shechem.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Hivite, Jacob, Shechem, Succoth)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hananiah
Facts:
Hananiah was the name of several different men in the Old Testament.
- One Hananiah was an Israelite captive in Babylon whose name was changed to “Shadrach.”
- He was given a position as a royal servant due to his excellent character and abilities.
- Once Hanahiah (Shadrach) and two other Israelite young men were thrown into a fire in a furnace because they refused to worship the Babylonian king. God showed his power by protecting them from being harmed.
- Another man named Hananiah was listed as a descendant of King Solomon.
- A different Hananiah was a false prophet during the time of the prophet Jeremiah.
- One man named Hananiah was a priest who helped lead a celebration during the time of Nehemiah.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, false prophet, Jeremiah, Mishael)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hannah
Facts:
Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. She was one of two wives of Elkanah.
- Hannah was not able to conceive a child, which was a great grief to her.
- At the temple, Hannah earnestly prayed for God to give her a son, promising to dedicate him to serving God.
- God granted her request and when the boy Samuel was old enough, she brought him to serve at the temple.
- God also gave Hannah other children after that.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: conceive, Samuel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Haran
Facts:
Haran was a younger brother of Abram and the father of Lot.
- Haran was also the name of the town where Abram and his family lived awhile on their journey from the city of Ur to the land of Canaan.
- A different man named Haran was a son of Caleb.
- A third man in the Bible named Haran was a descendant of Levi.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Caleb, Canaan, Levite, Lot, Terah, Ur)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hebron, Kiriath Arba
Facts:
Hebron was a city located in the high, rocky hills about 20 miles south of Jerusalem.
- The city was built around 2000 BC during the time of Abram. It was mentioned many times in the historical accounts given in the Old Testament.
- Hebron had a very important role in King David’s life. Several of his sons, including Absalom, were born there.
- The city was destroyed around AD 70 by the Romans.
- The city of Hebron was formerly called Kiriath Arba (see Joshua 14:15 and Joshua 15:54).
- The city of Hebron, formerly called Kiriath Arba, was probably founded by Arba, the father of Anak and may have been originally named Kiriath Arba to honor Arba because Joshua 14:15 records that Arba “was a great man among the Anakites.”
- The name “Hebron” is an English transliteration of the Hebrew word for Hebron.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Anak, Absalom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Herod, Herod Antipas
Facts:
During most of Jesus’ lifetime, Herod Antipas was the ruler of the part of the Roman Empire that included Galilee province.
- Like his father Herod the Great, Antipas was sometimes referred to as “King Herod” even though he was not really a king.
- Herod Antipas ruled about one-fourth of the provinces of Israel, so he was also called “Herod the tetrarch.” “Tetrarch” was a title for a person who ruled one-fourth of a country.
- Antipas is the “Herod” who gave the order for John the Baptist to be killed by beheading.
- It was also Herod Antipas who questioned Jesus before his crucifixion.
- The other Herods in the New Testament were Antipas’ son (Agrippa) and grandson (Agrippa 2) who ruled during the time of the apostles.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: crucify, Herod the Great, John (the Baptist), king, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: G22640, G22650, G22670
Herod, Herod the Great
Facts:
Herod the Great was ruling over Judea at the time Jesus was born. He was the first of several Edomite rulers named Herod who ruled over parts of the Roman Empire.
- His ancestors converted to Judaism and he was raised as a Jew.
- Caesar Augustus named him “King Herod” even though he was not a true king. He ruled over the Jews in Judea for 33 years.
- Herod the Great was known for the beautiful buildings he ordered to be built and for the rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
- This Herod was very cruel and had many people killed. When he heard that a “king of the Jews” had been born in Bethlehem, he had all the baby boys in that town killed.
- His sons Herod Antipas and Herod Philip and his grandson Herod Agrippa also became Roman rulers. His great-grandson Herod Agrippa II (called “King Agrippa”) ruled over the entire area of Judea.
(See How to Translate Names)
(See also: Herod Antipas, Judea, king, temple)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Herodias
Facts:
Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas in Judea during the time of John the Baptist.
- Herodias was originally the wife of Herod Antipas’s brother Philip, but later she unlawfully married Herod Antipas.
- John the Baptist rebuked Herod and Herodias for their unlawful marriage. Because of this, Herod put John in prison and because of Herodias eventually was beheaded.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Herod Antipas, John (the Baptist))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Heshbon
Facts:
In Bible times, Heshbon was a major city of Moab. It was the capital city of king Sihon before the Israelites conquered it and began living in it.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Moab, Sihon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hezekiah
Definition:
Hezekiah was the 13th king over the kingdom of Judah. He was a king who trusted and obeyed God.
- Unlike his father Ahaz, who had been an evil king, King Hezekiah was a good king who destroyed all the places of idol worship in Judah.
- One time when Hezekiah became very sick and almost died, he earnestly prayed that God would spare his life. God healed him and allowed him to live 15 more years.
- As a sign to Hezekiah that this would happen, God performed a miracle and caused the sun to move backwards in the sky.
- God also answered Hezekiah’s prayer to save his people from King Sennacherib of Assyria, who was attacking them.
(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, false god, Judah, Sennacherib)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2396, H3169, G14780
Hilkiah
Facts:
Hilkiah was the high priest during the reign of King Josiah.
- When the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law and ordered that it be brought to King Josiah.
- After the Book of the Law was read to him, Josiah was grieved and caused the people of Judah to worship Yahweh again and obey his laws.
- Another man named Hilkiah was the son of Eliakim and worked in the palace during the time of King Hezekiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Eliakim, Hezekiah, high priest, Josiah, Judah, law, worship, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hittite
Definition:
The Hittites were descendants of Ham through his son Canaan. They became a large empire located in what is now Turkey and northern Palestine.
- Abraham bought a piece of property from Ephron the Hittite so that he could bury his deceased wife Sarah in a cave there. Eventually Abraham and several of his descendants were also buried in that cave.
- Esau’s parents were grieved when he married two Hittite women.
- One of David’s mighty men was named Uriah the Hittite.
- Some of the foreign women that Solomon married were Hittites. These foreign women turned Solomon’s heart away from God because of the false gods they worshiped.
- The Hittites were often a threat to the Israelites, both physically and spiritually.
(See also: descendant, Esau, foreigner, Ham, mighty, Solomon, Uriah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hivite
Facts:
The Hivites were one of seven major people groups living in the land of Canaan.
- All these groups, including the Hivites, were descended from Canaan, who was Noah’s grandson.
- Shechem the Hivite raped Jacob’s daughter Dinah, and her brothers killed many Hivites in revenge.
- When Joshua led the Israelites to take over the land of Canaan, the Israelites were tricked into making a treaty with the Hivites instead of conquering them.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Hamor, Noah, Shechem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hosea
Facts:
Hosea was a prophet of Israel who lived and prophesied about 750 years before the time of Christ.
- His ministry lasted for many years through the reigns of several kings, such as Jeroboam, Zechariah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hoshea, Uzziah, and Hezekiah.
- Hosea was told by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer and to continue to love her, even though she was unfaithful to him.
- This was a picture of God’s love for his unfaithful people, Israel.
- Hosea prophesied against the people of Israel because of their sin, warning them to turn away from worshipping idols.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaz, Hezekiah, Hoshea, Jeroboam, Jotham, Uzziah, Zechariah (OT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Hoshea
Facts:
Hoshea was the name of a king of Israel and several other men in the Old Testament.
- Hoshea son of Alah was a king of Israel for nine years during part of the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
- Joshua son of Nun was formerly named Hoshea. Moses changed Hoshea’s name to Joshua before sending him and eleven other men to spy out the land of the Canaanites.
- After Moses died, Joshua led the people of Israel to take possession of the land of Canaan.
- A different man named Hoshea was a son of Azaziah and was one of the leaders of the Ephraimites.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaz, Canaan, Ephraim, Hezekiah, Joshua, Moses)
Bible References:
Word Data:
house of David
Facts:
The expression “house of David” refers to the family or descendants of King David.
- This could also be translated as “descendants of David” or “family of David” or “King David’s clan.”
- Because Jesus was descended from David, he was part of the “house of David.”
- Sometimes “house of David” or “household of David” refers to the people in David’s family who were still living.
- Other times this term is more general and refers to all his descendants, including those who had already died.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, descendant, house, Jesus, king)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1004, H1732, G11380, G36240
Iconium
Facts:
Iconium was a city in the south central part of what is now the country of Turkey.
- On Paul’s first missionary journey, he and Barnabas went to Iconium after the Jews forced them to leave the city of Antioch.
- Then the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles in Iconium also planned to stone Paul and his coworkers, but they escaped to the nearby city of Lystra.
- After that the people from both Antioch and Iconium came to Lystra and stirred up the people there to stone Paul.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Barnabas, Lystra, stone)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Isaac
Facts:
Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised to give them a son even though they were very old.
- The name “Isaac” means “he laughs.” When God told Abraham that Sarah would give birth to a son, Abraham laughed because they were both very old. Some time later, Sarah also laughed when she heard this news.
- But God fulfilled his promise and Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
- God told Abraham that the covenant he had made with Abraham would also be for Isaac and his descendants forever.
- When Isaac was a youth, God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac.
- Isaac’s son Jacob had twelve sons whose descendants later became the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, descendant, eternity, fulfill, Jacob, Sarah, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 5:4 “Your wife, Sarai, will have a son—he will be the son of promise. Name him Isaac.”
- 5:6 When Isaac was a young man, God tested Abraham’s faith by saying, “Take Isaac, your only son, and kill him as a sacrifice to me.”
- 5:9 God had provided the ram to be the sacrifice instead of Isaac.
- 6:1 When Abraham was very old and his son, Isaac, had grown to be a man, Abraham sent one of his servants back to the land where his relatives lived to find a wife for his son, Isaac.
- 6:5 Isaac prayed for Rebekah, and God allowed her to get pregnant with twins.
- 7:10 Then Isaac died, and Jacob and Esau buried him. The covenant promises God had promised to Abraham and then to Isaac now passed on to Jacob.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3327, H3446, G24640
Isaiah
Facts:
Isaiah was a prophet of God who prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
- He lived in Jerusalem during the time when the Assyrians were attacking the city, during the reign of Hezekiah.
- The Old Testament book of Isaiah is one of the major books of the Bible.
- Isaiah wrote many prophecies that came true while he was still living.
- Isaiah is especially known for the prophecies he wrote about the Messiah that came true 700 years later when Jesus was living on earth.
- Jesus and his disciples quoted Isaiah’s prophecies to teach people about the Messiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaz, Assyria, Christ, Hezekiah, Jotham, Judah, prophet, Uzziah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 21:9 The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin.
- 21:10 The prophet Isaiah said the Messiah would live in Galilee, comfort broken-hearted people, and proclaim freedom to captives and release to prisoners.
- 21:11 The prophet Isaiah also prophesied that the Messiah would be hated without reason and rejected.
- 21:12 Isaiah prophesied that people would spit on, mock, and beat the Messiah.
- 26:2 They handed him (Jesus) the scroll of the prophet Isaiah so that he would read from it. Jesus opened up the scroll and read part of it to the people.
- 45:8 When Philip approached the chariot, he heard the Ethiopian reading from what the prophet Isaiah wrote.
- 45:10 Philip explained to the Ethiopian that Isaiah was writing about Jesus.
Word Data:
Ishmael, Ishmaelite
Facts:
Ishmael was the son of Abraham and the Egyptian slave Hagar. There were several other men in the Old Testament named Ishmael.
- The name “Ishmael” means “God hears.”
- God promised to bless Abraham’s son Ishmael, but he was not the son with whom God had promised to establish his covenant.
- God protected Hagar and Ishmael when they were sent into the desert.
- While Ishmael was living in the desert of Paran, he married an Egyptian woman.
- Ishmael son of Nethaniah was an army officer from Judah who led a group of men to kill a governor who had been appointed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.
- There were also four other men named Ishmael in the Old Testament.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Babylon, covenant, desert, Egypt, Hagar, Isaac, Nebuchadnezzar, Paran, Sarah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 5:2 So Abram married Hagar. Hagar had a baby boy, and Abram named him Ishmael.
- 5:4 “I will make Ishmael a great nation, too, but my covenant will be with Isaac.”
Word Data:
Issachar
Facts:
Issachar was Jacob’s ninth son. He was Leah’s fifth son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Issachar” or “Issachar.”
- The meaning of the name is unknown, but it is similar to a Hebrew word meaning “reward, hire.”
- The tribe of Issachar settled in central Canaan, southwest of the Sea of Galilee. Issachar’s land was bordered by the lands of Naphtali, Zebulun, Manasseh, and Gad.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Leah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jacob, Israel
Facts:
Jacob was the younger twin son of Isaac by Rebekah. God changed his name to “Israel.” His descendants became the nation of Israel.
- Jacob is the last of the three patriarchs of the Israelite nation: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons because the twelve tribes of Israel.
- The name Jacob is similar to the Hebrew word meaning “heel.” As Jacob was being born, he was holding onto the heel of his twin brother Esau. In the Old Testament times, the heel was a body part associated both with attack and with the rear part of a person’s body. The Hebrew name Jacob was probably associated with the idea of attacking someone from behind.
- Many years later, God changed Jacob’s name to “Israel,” which probably means “He struggles with God.”
- Jacob married Laban’s two daughters, Leah and Rachel, as well as each of their servants, Zilpah and Bilhah. These four women mothered the twelve sons who became the ancestral fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- In the New Testament, a different man named Jacob is listed as being Joseph’s father in Matthew’s genealogy.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Israel, twelve tribes of Israel, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, Bilhah, deceive, Esau, Isaac, Rebekah, Laban)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 7:1 As the boys grew up, Rebekah loved Jacob, but Isaac loved Esau. Jacob loved to stay at home, but Esau loved to hunt.
- 7:7 Jacob lived there for many years, and during that time he married and had twelve sons and a daughter. God made him very wealthy.
- 7:8 After twenty years away from his home in Canaan, Jacob returned there with his family, his servants, and all his herds of animals.
- 7:10 The covenant promises God had promised to Abraham and then to Isaac now passed on to Jacob.
- 8:1 Many years later, when Jacob was an old man, he sent his favorite son, Joseph, to check on his brothers who were taking care of the herds.
Word Data:
James (brother of Jesus)
Facts:
James was a son of Mary and Joseph. He was one of Jesus’ younger half-brothers.
- Jesus’ other half-brothers were named Joseph, Judas, and Simon.
- During Jesus’ lifetime, James and his brothers did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
- Later, after Jesus was raised from the dead, James believed in him and became a leader of the church in Jerusalem.
- The New Testament book of James is a letter that James wrote to Christians who had fled to other countries to escape persecution.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, Christ, church, Judas the son of James, persecute)
Bible References:
Word Data:
James (son of Alphaeus)
Facts:
James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.
- His name is given in the lists of Jesus’ disciples in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- He is also mentioned in the book of Acts as one of the eleven disciples who were together praying in Jerusalem after Jesus went back up to heaven.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, disciple, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Zebedee), the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
James (son of Zebedee)
Facts:
James, a son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He had a younger brother named John who was also one of Jesus’ apostles.
- James and his brother John worked by fishing with their father Zebedee.
- James and John were nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder,” perhaps because they got angry quickly.
- Peter, James, and John were Jesus’ closest disciples and were with him for amazing events such as when Jesus was on a mountaintop with Elijah and Moses and when Jesus caused a dead little girl to come back to life.
- This is a different James than the one who wrote a book in the Bible. Some languages may have to write their names differently to make it clear that they were two different men.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, Elijah, James (brother of Jesus), James (son of Alphaeus), Moses)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Japheth
Facts:
Japheth was one of Noah’s three sons.
- During the worldwide flood that covered the whole earth, Japheth and his two brothers were with Noah in the ark, along with their wives.
- Noah’s sons are usually listed as, “Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” This indicates that Japheth was the youngest brother.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: ark, flood, Ham, Noah, Shem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jebus, Jebusite
Facts:
The Jebusites were a people group living in the land of Canaan. They were descended from Ham’s son Canaan.
- The Jebusites lived in the city of Jebus, and its name was later changed to Jerusalem when King David conquered it.
- Melchizedek, the king of Salem, was probably of Jebusite origin.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Ham, Jerusalem, Melchizedek)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jehoiachin
Facts:
Jehoiachin was a king who ruled over the kingdom of Judah.
- Jehoiachin became king when he was 18 years old. He only reigned three months, and after that he was captured by the Babylonian army and taken to Babylon.
- During his short reign, Jehoiachin did evil things like the ones his grandfather King Manasseh and his father King Jehoiakim had done.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Jehoiakim, Judah, Manasseh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3078, H3112, H3204, H3659
Jehoiada
Facts:
Jehoiada was a priest who helped hide and protect King Ahaziah’s son Joash until he was old enough to be declared king.
- Jehoiada arranged for hundreds of bodyguards to protect young Joash as he was proclaimed king by the people in the temple.
- Jehoiada led the people in getting rid of all the altars of the false god Baal.
- For the rest of his life, Jehoiada the priest advised King Joash to help him obey God and rule the people wisely.
- Another man named Jehoiada was the father of Benaiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaziah, Baal, Benaiah, Joash)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jehoiakim
Facts:
Jehoiakim was an evil king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah, beginning around 608 B.C. He was King Josiah’s son. His name was originally Eliakim.
- The Egyptian pharaoh Necho changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim and made him king of Judah.
- Necho forced Jehoiakim to pay high taxes to Egypt.
- When Judah was later invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar, Jehioakim was among those who were captured and taken to Babylon.
- Jehoiakim was an evil king who led Judah away from Yahweh. Jeremiah the prophet prophesied against him.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Eliakim, Jeremiah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jehoram, Joram
Facts:
“Jehoram” was the name of two kings in the Old Testament. Both kings were also known as “Joram.”
- One King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Judah for eight years. He was the son of King Jehoshaphat. This is the king that is most commonly known as Jehoram.
- The other King Jehoram ruled over the kingdom of Israel for twelve years. He was the son of King Ahab.
- King Jehoram of Judah reigned during the time that the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, Obadiah, and Ezekiel were prophesying in the kingdom of Judah.
- The King Jehoram also reigned during some of the time that his father King Jehoshaphat was reigning over Judah.
- Some translations may choose to consistently use the name “Jehoram” when this king of Israel is mentioned and the name “Joram” for the king of Judah.
- Another way to clearly identify each one would be to include the name of his father.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Obadiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3088, H3141, G24960
Jehoshaphat
Facts:
Jehoshaphat was the name of at least two men in the Old Testament.
- The best known man by this name was King Jehoshaphat who was the fourth king to rule over the kingdom of Judah.
- He restored peace between Judah and Israel and destroyed the altars of false gods.
- Another Jehoshaphat was a “recorder” for David and Solomon. His job included writing documents for the king to sign and recording the history of the important events that happened in the kingdom.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: altar, David, false god, Israel, Judah, priest, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jehu
Facts:
Jehu was the name of two men in the Old Testament.
- Jehu son of Hanani was a prophet during the reigns of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
- Jehu son (or descendant) of Jehoshaphat was a general in the Israelite army who was anointed king by order of the prophet Elisha.
- King Jehu killed two evil kings, King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah.
- King Jehu also killed all the relatives of the former King Ahab and had the evil queen Jezebel killed.
- King Jehu destroyed all the places of Baal worship in Samaria and killed all the prophets of Baal.
- King Jehu served the only true God, Yahweh, and was king over Israel for twenty-eight years.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Ahaziah, Baal, Elisha, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jezebel, Joram, Judah, Samaria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jephthah
Facts:
Jephthah was a warrior from Gilead who served as a judge over Israel.
- In Hebrews 11:32, Jephthah is praised as an important leader who delivered his people from their enemies.
- He rescued the Israelites from the Ammonites and led his people to defeat the Ephraimites.
- Jepthah however, made a foolish, hasty vow to God which resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ammon, deliver, Ephraim, judge, vow)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jeremiah
Facts:
Jeremiah was a prophet of God in the kingdom of Judah. The Old Testament book of Jeremiah contains his prophecies.
- Like most of the prophets, Jeremiah often had to warn the people of Israel that God was going to punish them for their sins.
- Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonians would capture Jerusalem, making some of the people of Judah angry. So they put him in a deep, dry well and left him there to die. But the king of Judah ordered his servants to rescue Jeremiah from the well.
- Jeremiah wrote that he wished his eyes could be a “fountain of tears,” to express his deep sadness over the rebellion and sufferings of his people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, Judah, prophet, rebel, suffer, well)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 19:17 Once, the prophet Jeremiah was put into a dry well and left there to die. He sank down into the mud that was in the bottom of the well, but then the king had mercy on him and ordered his servants to pull Jeremiah out of the well before he died.
- 21:5 Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised that he would make a New Covenant, but not like the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai.
Word Data:
Jericho
Facts:
Jericho was a powerful city in the land of Canaan. It was located just west of the Jordan River and just north of the Salt Sea.
- As all Canaanites did, the people of Jericho worshiped false gods.
- Jericho was the first city in the land of Canaan that God told the Israelites to conquer.
- When Joshua led the Israelites against Jericho, God did a great miracle to help them defeat the city.
(See also: Canaan, Jordan River, Joshua, miracle, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 15:1 Joshua sent two spies to the Canaanite city of Jericho.
- 15:3 After the people crossed the Jordan River, God told Joshua how to attack the powerful city of Jericho.
- 15:5 Then the walls around Jericho fell down! The Israelites destroyed everything in the city as God had commanded.
Word Data:
Jeroboam
Facts:
Jeroboam son of Nebat was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel around 900-910 BC. Another Jeroboam, son of King Jehoash, ruled over Israel about 120 years later.
- Yahweh gave Jeroboam son of Nebat a prophecy that he would become king after Solomon and that he would rule ten tribes of Israel.
- When Solomon died, the ten northern tribes of Israel rebelled against Solomon’s son Rehoboam and instead made Jeroboam their king, leaving Rehoboam as king of only the southern two tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
- Jeroboam became a wicked king who led the people away from worshiping Yahweh and instead set up idols for them to worship. All the other kings of Israel followed Jeroboam’s example and were evil like he was.
- Almost 120 years later, another King Jeroboam began ruling the northern kingdom of Israel. This Jeroboam was the son of King Jehoash and was wicked like all the previous kings of Israel had been.
- In spite of the Israelite’s wickedness, God had mercy on them and helped this King Jeroboam to gain land and establish boundaries for their territory.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: false god, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 18:8 The other ten tribes of the nation of Israel that rebelled against Rehoboam appointed a man named Jeroboam to be their king.
- 18:9 Jeroboam rebelled against God and caused the people to sin. He built two idols for his people to worship instead of worshiping God at the Temple in the kingdom of Judah.
Word Data:
Jerusalem
Facts:
Jerusalem was originally an ancient Canaanite city that later became the most important city in Israel. It is located about 34 kilometers west of the Salt Sea and just north of Bethlehem. It is still the capital city of Israel today.
- The name “Jerusalem” is first mentioned in the book of Joshua. Other Old Testament names for this city include “Salem” “city of Jebus,” and “Zion.” Both “Jerusalem” and “Salem,” have the root meaning of “peace.”
- Jerusalem was originally a Jebusite fortress called “Zion” which King David captured and made into his capital city.
- It was in Jerusalem that David’s son Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, which was the mountain where Abraham had offered his son Isaac to God. The temple was rebuilt there after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.
- Because the temple was in Jerusalem, the major Jewish festivals were celebrated there.
- People normally referred to going “up” to Jerusalem since it is located in the mountains.
(See also: Babylon, Christ, David, Jebusites, Jesus, Solomon, temple, Zion)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:5 David conquered Jerusalem and made it his capital city.
- 18:2 In Jerusalem, Solomon built the Temple for which his father David had planned and gathered materials.
- 20:7 They (Babylonians) captured the city of Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and took away all the treasures of the city and the Temple.
- 20:12 So, after seventy years in exile, a small group of Jews returned to the city of Jerusalem in Judah.
- 38:1 About three years after Jesus first began preaching and teaching publicly, Jesus told his disciples that he wanted to celebrate this Passover with them in Jerusalem, and that he would be killed there.
- 38:2 After Jesus and the disciples arrived in Jerusalem, Judas went to the Jewish leaders and offered to betray Jesus to them in exchange for money.
- 42:8 “It was also written in the scriptures that my disciples will proclaim that everyone should repent in order to receive forgiveness for their sins. They will do this starting in Jerusalem, and then go to all people groups everywhere.”
- 42:11 Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, he told his disciples, “Stay in Jerusalem until you receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3389, H3390, G24140, G24150, G24190
Jesse
Facts:
Jesse was the father of King David and the grandson of Ruth and Boaz.
- Jesse was from the tribe of Judah.
- He was an “Ephrathite,” which means he was from the region of Ephrathah. The town of Bethlehem was located in the region of Ephrathah.
- The prophet Isaiah prophesied about a “shoot” or “branch” that would come from the “root of Jesse” and bear fruit. This refers to Jesus, who was a descendant of Jesse.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, descendant, Jesus, king, prophet, Ruth, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jethro, Reuel
Facts:
The names “Jethro” and “Reuel” both refer to the father of Moses’ wife, Zipporah. There were also two other men named “Reuel” in the Old Testament.
- When Moses was a shepherd in the land of Midian, he married the daughter of a Midianite man named Reuel.
- Later on Reuel is referred to as “Jethro, the priest of Midian.” It could be that “Reuel” was his clan name.
- When God spoke to Moses from a flaming bush, Moses was tending Jethro’s sheep,
- Some time later, after God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt, Jethro came out to the Israelites in the wilderness and gave Moses good advice about judging the affairs of the people.
- He believed in God when he heard about all the miracles God had done for the Israelites in Egypt.
- One of Esau’s sons was named Reuel.
- Another man named Reuel is mentioned in the genealogy of the Israelites who returned to resettle in Judah after their captivity in Babylon had ended.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: captive, clan, desert, Egypt, Esau, miracle, Moses, desert)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jezebel
Facts:
Jezebel was the wicked wife of King Ahab of Israel.
- Jezebel influenced Ahab and the rest of Israel to worship idols.
- She also killed many of God’s prophets.
- Jezebel caused an innocent man named Naboth to be killed so that Ahab could steal Naboth’s vineyard.
- Jezebel was finally killed due to all the evil things she had done. Elijah prophesied about how she would die and it happened exactly as he had predicted.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Elijah, false god)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jezreel, Jezreelite
Definition:
Jezreel was an important Israelite city in the territory of the Issachar tribe, located southwest of the Salt Sea.
- The city of Jezreel is one of the western points in the Plain of Megiddo, which is also called the “Valley of Jezreel.”
- Several kings of Israel had their palaces in the city of Jezreel.
- Naboth’s vineyard was located near King Ahab’s palace in Jezreel. The prophet Elijah prophesied against Ahab there.
- Ahab’s evil wife Jezebel was killed in Jezreel.
- Many other significant events happened in this city, including several battles.
(See also: Ahab, Elijah, Issachar, Jezebel, palace, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3157, H3158, H3159
Joab
Definition:
Joab was an important military leader for King David throughout David’s entire reign.
- Before David became king, Joab had already been one of his loyal followers.
- Later, during David’s reign as king over Israel, Joab became the commander of King David’s army.
- Joab was also King David’s nephew, since his mother was one of David’s sisters.
- When David’s son Absalom betrayed him by trying to take over his kingship, Joab killed Absalom in order to protect the king.
- Joab was a very aggressive fighter and killed many people who were enemies of Israel.
(See also: Absalom, David)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Joash
Facts:
Joash was the name of several men in the Old Testament.
- One Joash was the father of the Israelite deliverer Gideon.
- Another man named Joash was a descendant of Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin.
- The most well-known Joash became king of Judah at the age of seven. He was the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, who had been murdered.
- When Joash was a very young child, his aunt saved him from being killed by hiding him away until he was old enough to be crowned king.
- King Joash was a good king who at first obeyed God. But he did not remove the high places, and the Israelites started worshiping idols again.
- King Joash ruled Judah during some of the years that King Jehoash was ruling Israel. They were two distinct kings.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaziah, altar, Benjamin, false god, Gideon, high places, false god)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Job
Facts:
Job was a man who is described in the Bible as blameless and righteous before God. He is best known for persevering in his faith in God through times of terrible suffering.
- Job lived in the land of Uz, which was located somewhere east of the land of Canaan, possibly near the region of the Edomites.
- It is thought that he lived during the time of Esau and Jacob because one of Job’s friends was a “Temanite,” which was a people group named after Esau’s grandson.
- The Old Testament book of Job tells about how Job and others responded to his suffering. It also gives God’s viewpoint as the sovereign creator and ruler of the universe.
- After all the disasters, God eventually healed Job and gave him more children and wealth.
- The book of Job says that he was very old when he died.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Esau, flood, JacobNoah, people group)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Joel
Facts:
Joel was a prophet who probably lived during the reign of King Joash of Judah. There were also several other men in the Old Testament named Joel.
- The book of Joel is one of twelve short prophetic books in the last section of the Old Testament.
- The only personal information we have about the prophet Joel is that his father’s name was Pethuel.
- In his sermon at Pentecost, the apostle Peter quoted from the book of Joel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Joash, Judah, Pentecost)
Bible References:
Word Data:
John (the apostle)
Facts:
John was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and one of Jesus’ closest friends.
- John and his brother James were sons of a fisherman named Zebedee.
- In the gospel that he wrote about Jesus’ life, John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This seems to indicate that John was an especially close friend of Jesus.
- The Apostle John wrote five New Testament books: the gospel of John, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and three letters written to other believers.
- Note that the Apostle John was a different person than John the Baptist.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, reveal, James (son of Zebedee), John (the Baptist), Zebedee)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 36:1 One day, Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John with him. (The disciple named John was not the same person who baptized Jesus.) They went up on a high mountain by themselves.
- 44:1 One day, Peter and John were going to the Temple. As they approached the Temple gate, they saw a crippled man who was begging for money.
- 44:6 The leaders of the Temple were very upset by what Peter and John were saying. So they arrested them and put them into prison.
- 44:7 The next day, the Jewish leaders brought Peter and John to the high priest and the other religious leaders. They asked Peter and John, “By what power did you heal this crippled man?”
- 44:9 The leaders were shocked that Peter and John spoke so boldly because they could see that these men were ordinary men who were uneducated. But then they remembered that these men had been with Jesus. After they threatened Peter and John, they let them go.
Word Data:
John (the Baptist)
Facts:
John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Since “John” was a common name, he is often called “John the Baptist” to distinguish him from the other people named John, such as the Apostle John.
- John was the prophet whom God sent to prepare people to believe in and follow the Messiah.
- John told people to confess their sins, turn to God, and stop sinning, so that they would be ready to receive the Messiah.
- John baptized many people in water as a sign that they were sorry for their sins and were turning away from them.
- John was called “John the Baptist” because he baptized many people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: baptize, Zechariah (NT))
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 22:2 The angel said to Zechariah, “Your wife will have a son. You will name him John. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and will prepare the people for Messiah!”
- 22:7 After Elizabeth gave birth to her baby boy, Zechariah and Elizabeth named the baby John, as the angel had commanded.
- 24:1 John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, grew up and became a prophet. He lived in the wilderness, ate wild honey and locusts, and wore clothes made from camel hair.
- 24:2 Many people came out to the wilderness to listen to John. He preached to them, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near!”
- 24:6 The next day, Jesus came to be baptized by John. When John saw him, he said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world.”
Word Data:
John Mark
Facts:
John Mark, also known as “Mark,” was one of the men who traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys. He is most likely the author of the Gospel of Mark.
- John Mark accompanied his cousin Barnabas and Paul on their first missionary journey.
- When Peter was put in prison in Jerusalem, the believers there were praying for him at John Mark’s mother’s house.
- Mark was not an apostle, but was taught by both Paul and Peter and worked together with them in ministry.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Barnabas, Paul)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jonah
Definition:
Jonah was a Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament.
- The book of Jonah tells the story of what happened when God sent Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh.
- Jonah refused to go to Nineveh and instead got on a ship headed for a Tarshish.
- God caused a huge storm to overwhelm that ship.
- Jonah told the men sailing the ship that he was running away from God, and he suggested that they throw him into the sea. When they did that, the storm stopped and the sailors offered a sacrifice to Yahweh.
- Jonah was swallowed by a huge fish, and he was inside the belly of that fish for three days and nights.
- After that, Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to the people there, and the people stopped acting so violently toward others.
- Jonah became angry at God for not destroying Nineveh, and God used a plant and a worm to teach Jonah a lesson about compassion.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: disobey, Nineveh, turn)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jonathan
Facts:
Jonathan was the name of at least ten men in the Old Testament. The name means “Yahweh has given.”
- David’s best friend, Jonathan, is the most well-known Jonathan in the Bible with this name. This Jonathan was King Saul’s oldest son.
- Other Jonathans mentioned in the Old Testament include a descendant of Moses; a nephew of King David; several priests, including a son of Abiathar; and an Old Testament scribe in whose house the prophet Jeremiah was imprisoned.
(See also: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abiathar, David, Moses, Jeremiah, priest, Saul (OT), scribe)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Joppa
Facts:
In biblical times, the city of Joppa was an important commercial seaport located on the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Plain of Sharon.
- The ancient site of Joppa was located in the same place as the present-day city of Jaffa, which has now become incorporated into the city of Tel Aviv.
- In the Old Testament, Joppa was the city where Jonah got on a boat that was going to Tarshish.
- In the New Testament, a Christian woman named Tabitha died in Joppa, and Peter raised her back to life.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: the sea, Jerusalem, Sharon, Tarshish)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Joram
Facts:
Joram son of Ahab was a king of Israel. He was also sometimes referred to as “Jehoram.”
- King Joram of Israel reigned at the same time as King Jehoram of Judah.
- Joram was an evil king who worshiped false gods and caused Israel to sin.
- King Joram of Israel also reigned during the time of the prophets Elijah and Obadiah.
- Another man named Joram was the son of King Tou of Hamath when David was king.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, David, Elijah, Hamath, Jehoram, kingdom of Israel, Judah, Obadiah, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3088, H3141, G24960
Jordan River, Jordan
Facts:
The Jordan River is a river that flows from north to south, and forms the eastern boundary of the land that was called Canaan.
- Today, the Jordan River separates Israel on its west from Jordan on its east.
- The Jordan River flows through the Sea of Galilee and then empties into the Dead Sea.
- When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, they had to cross the Jordan River. It was too deep to cross normally, but God miraculously stopped the river from flowing so they could walk across the river bed.
- Often in the Bible the Jordan River is referred to as “the Jordan.”
(See also: Canaan, Salt Sea, Sea of Galilee)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 15:2 The Israelites had to cross the Jordan River to enter into the Promised Land.
- 15:3 After the people crossed the Jordan River, God told Joshua how to attack the powerful city of Jericho.
- 19:14 Elisha told him (Naaman) to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River.
Word Data:
Joseph (NT)
Facts:
Joseph was Jesus’ earthly father and raised him as his son. He was a righteous man who worked as a carpenter.
- Joseph became engaged to a Jewish girl named Mary, while they were engaged God chose her to become the mother of Jesus the Messiah.
- An angel told Joseph that the Holy Spirit had miraculously caused Mary to be pregnant, and that Mary’s baby was the Son of God.
- After Jesus was born, an angel warned Joseph to take the baby and Mary to Egypt in order to escape from Herod.
- Joseph and his family later lived in the city of Nazareth of Galilee, where he earned a living doing carpentry work.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Christ, Galilee, Jesus, Nazareth, Son of God, virgin)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 22:4 She (Mary) was a virgin and was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.
- 23:1 Joseph, the man Mary was engaged to, was a righteous man. When he heard that Mary was pregnant, he knew it was not his baby. He did not want to shame her, so he planned to quietly divorce her.
- 23:2 The angel said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her body is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. Name him Jesus (which means, ‘Yahweh saves’), because he will save the people from their sins.”
- 23:3 So Joseph married Mary and took her home as his wife, but he did not sleep with her until she had given birth.
- 23:4 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem.
- 26:4 Jesus said, “The words I just read to you are happening right now.” All the people were amazed. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they said.
Word Data:
Joseph (OT)
Facts:
Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son. He was Rachel’s first son. The descendants of his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh became two of the tribes of Israel.
- The Hebrew name Joseph is similar to both the Hebrew word meaning “to add, increase” and the Hebrew word meaning “to gather, take away.”
- A large portion of the book of Genesis is dedicated to the story of Joseph, how he remained faithful to God throughout his many difficulties and forgave his brothers who had sold him to be a slave in Egypt.
- Eventually God raised Joseph to the second highest place of power in Egypt and used him to save the people of Egypt and the surrounding nations in a time when there was little food. Joseph helped save his own family from starving and brought them to live with him in Egypt.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Ephraim, Manasseh, Jacob, Rachel)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 8:2 Joseph’s brothers hated him because their father loved him most and because Joseph had dreamed that he would be their ruler.
- 8:4 The slave traders took Joseph to Egypt.
- 8:5 Even in prison, Joseph remained faithful to God, and God blessed him.
- 8:7 God had given Joseph the ability to interpret dreams, so Pharaoh had Joseph brought to him from the prison.
- 8:9 Joseph told the people to store up large amounts of food during the seven years of good harvests.
- 9:2 The Egyptians no longer remembered Joseph and all he had done to help them.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3084, H3130, G25000, G25010
Joshua
Facts:
There were several Israelite men named Joshua in the Bible. The most well-known is Joshua son of Nun who was Moses’ helper and who later became an important leader of God’s people.
- Joshua was one of the twelve spies whom Moses sent to explore the Promised Land.
- Along with Caleb, Joshua urged the Israelite people to obey God’s command to enter the Promised Land and defeat the Canaanites.
- Many years later, after Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.
- In the first and most famous battle against the Canaanites, Joshua led the Israelites to defeat the city of Jericho.
- The Old Testament book of Joshua tells how Joshua led the Israelites in taking control of the Promised Land and how he assigned each tribe of Israel a part of the land to live on.
- Joshua son of Jozadak is mentioned in the books of Haggai and Zechariah; he was a high priest who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
- There are several other men named Joshua mentioned in the genealogies and elsewhere in the Bible.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Haggai, Jericho, Moses, Promised Land, Zechariah (OT))
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 14:4 When the Israelites reached the edge of Canaan, Moses chose twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel. He gave the men instructions to go and spy on the land to see what it was like.
- 14:6 Immediately Caleb and Joshua, the other two spies, said, “It is true that the people of Canaan are tall and strong, but we can certainly defeat them!”
- 14:8 “Except for Joshua and Caleb, everyone who is twenty years old or older will die there and never enter the Promised Land.”
- 14:14 Moses was now very old, so God chose Joshua to help him lead the people.
- 14:15 Joshua was a good leader because he trusted and obeyed God.
- 15:3 After the people crossed the Jordan River, God told Joshua how to attack the powerful city of Jericho.
Word Data:
Josiah
Facts:
Josiah was a godly king who reigned over the kingdom of Judah for thirty-one years. He led the people of Judah to repent and worship Yahweh.
- After his father King Amon was killed, Josiah became king over Judah at eight years of age.
- In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah ordered Hilkiah the high priest to rebuild the temple of the Lord. While this was being done, the books of the Law were found.
- When the books of the Law were read to Josiah, he was grieved at how his people were disobeying God. He ordered that all the places of idol worship be destroyed and that the priests of the false gods be killed.
- He also ordered the people to start celebrating the Passover feast again.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: false god, Judah, law, Passover, temple)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Jotham
Definition:
In the Old Testament, there were three men with the name Jotham.
- One man named Jotham was the youngest son of Gideon. Jotham helped defeat his older brother Abimelech, who had killed all the rest of their brothers.
- Another man named Jotham was a king over Judah for sixteen years following the death of his father Uzziah (Azariah).
- Like his father, King Jotham obeyed God and was a good king.
- However, by not removing the places of idol worship he caused the people of Judah to later turn away from God again.
- Jotham is also one of the ancestors listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew.
(See also: Abimelech, Ahaz, Gideon, Uzziah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Judah
Facts:
Judah was Jacob’s fourth son. He was Leah’s fourth son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Judah” or “Judah.”
- His name sounds similar to the Hebrew word meaning “praise.”
- The tribe of Judah settled in the southern part of Canaan, including the mountainous area to the south of the city of Jerusalem. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Judah” refers to the land given to the tribe of Judah.
- In the Old Testament, the name Judah is sometimes used to refer to the whole southern kingdom of Israel (similar to how the name Ephraim is sometimes used to refer to the whole northern kingdom).
- King David, King Solomon, and all the kings of the southern kingdom were descendants of Judah. Jesus, too, was a descendant of Judah.
- The words “Jew” and “Judea” come from the name “Judah.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Judah (kingdom), Jew, Judea, Jacob, Leah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Judah, kingdom of Judah
Facts:
The tribe of Judah was the largest of the twelve tribes of Israel. The kingdom of Judah was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
- After King Solomon died, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. The kingdom of Judah was the southern kingdom, located west of the Salt Sea.
- The capital city of the kingdom of Judah was Jerusalem.
- Eight kings of Judah obeyed Yahweh and led the people to worship him. The other kings of Judah were evil and led the people to worship idols.
- Over 120 years after Assyria defeated Israel (the northern kingdom), Judah was conquered by the nation of Babylon. The Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives.
(See also: Judah, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 18:7 Only two tribes remained faithful to him (Rehoboam). These two tribes became the kingdom of Judah.
- 18:10 The kingdoms of Judah and Israel became enemies and often fought against each other.
- 18:13 The kings of Judah were descendants of David. Some of these kings were good men who ruled justly and worshiped God. But most of Judah’s kings were evil, corrupt, and they worshiped idols.
- 20:1 The kingdoms of Israel and Judah both sinned against God.
- 20:5 The people in the kingdom of Judah saw how God had punished the people of the kingdom of Israel for not believing and obeying him. But they still worshiped idols, including the gods of the Canaanites.
- 20:6 About 100 years after the Assyrians destroyed the kingdom of Israel, God sent Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians, to attack the kingdom of Judah.
- 20:9 Nebuchadnezzar and his army took almost all of the people of the kingdom of Judah to Babylon, leaving only the poorest people behind to plant the fields.
Word Data:
Judas Iscariot
Facts:
Judas Iscariot was one of Jesus’ apostles. He was the one who betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders.
- The name “Iscariot” may mean “from Kerioth,” perhaps indicating that Judas grew up in that city.
- Judas Iscariot managed the apostles’ money and regularly stole some of it to use for himself.
- Judas betrayed Jesus by telling the religious leaders where Jesus was so they could arrest him.
- After the religious leaders condemned Jesus to die, Judas regretted that he had betrayed Jesus, so he gave the betrayal money back to the Jewish leaders and then killed himself.
- One of the other apostles of Jesus was Judas son of James. He was not the same person as Judas Iscariot.
- One of Jesus’ brothers was named Judas. He was later known as “Jude.” He was not the same person as Judas Iscariot.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, betray, Jewish leaders, Judas the son of James)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 38:2 One of Jesus’ disciples was a man named Judas. … After Jesus and the disciples arrived in Jerusalem, Judas went to the Jewish leaders and offered to betray Jesus to them in exchange for money.
- 38:3 The Jewish leaders, led by the high priest, paid Judas thirty silver coins to betray Jesus.
- 38:14 Judas came with the Jewish leaders, soldiers, and a large crowd. They were all carrying swords and clubs. Judas came to Jesus and said, “Greetings, teacher,” and kissed him.
- 39:8 Meanwhile, Judas, the betrayer, saw that the Jewish leaders had condemned Jesus to die. He became full of sorrow and went away and killed himself.
Word Data:
Judas son of James
Facts:
Judas son of James was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Note that he was not the same man as Judas Iscariot.
- Often in the Bible, men with the same name were distinguished by mentioning whose son they were. Here, Judas was identified as the “son of James.”
- Another man named Judas was Jesus’ brother. He was also known as “Jude.”
- The New Testament book called “Jude” was probably written by Jesus’ brother Judas, since the author identified himself as the “brother of James.” James was another brother of Jesus.
- It is also possible that the book of Jude was written by Jesus’ disciple, Judas, the son of James.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: James (son of Zebedee), Judas Iscariot, son, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Judea, Judah
Facts:
The term “Judea” refers to an area of land in ancient Israel. It is sometimes used in a narrow sense and other times in a broad sense.
- Sometimes “Judea” is used in a narrow sense to refer only to the province located in the southern part of ancient Israel just west of the Dead Sea. Some translations call this province “Judah.”
- Other times “Judea” has a broad sense and refers to all the provinces of ancient Israel, including Galilee, Samaria, Perea, Idumea and Judea (Judah).
- If translators want to make the distinction clear, the broad sense of Judea could be translated as “Judea Country” and the narrow sense could be translated as “Judea Province,” or “Judah Province” since this is the part of ancient Israel where the tribe of Judah had originally lived.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Galilee, Edom, Judah, Judah, Samaria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, Meribah Kadesh
Facts:
The names Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea, and Meribah Kadesh all refer to an important city in Israel’s history which was located in the southern part of Israel, near the region of Edom.
- The city of Kadesh was an oasis, a place where there was water and fertile soil in the middle of a desert named Zin.
- Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan from Kadesh Barnea.
- Israel also encamped at Kadesh during the wandering in the wilderness.
- Kadesh Barnea was where Miriam died.
- It was at Meribah Kadesh where Moses disobeyed God and hit a rock to get water for the Israelites, instead of speaking to it as God had told him to do.
- The name “kadesh” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “holy” or “set apart.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: desert, Edom, holy)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4809, H6946, H6947
Kedar
Facts:
Kedar was Ishmael’s second son. It was also an important city, which was probably named after the man.
- The city of Kedar is located in the northern part of Arabia near the southern border of Palestine. In Bible times, it was known for its greatness and beauty.
- The descendants of Kedar formed a large people group that is also called “Kedar.”
- The phrase “dark tents of Kedar” refers to the black goathair tents the people of Kedar lived in.
- These people raised sheep and goats. They also used camels for transporting things.
- In the Bible, the phrase “the glory of Kedar” refers to the greatness of that city and its people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Arabia, goat, Ishmael, sacrifice)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Kedesh
Facts:
Kedesh was a Canaanite city that was taken over by the Israelites when they entered the land of Canaan.
- This city was located in the northern part of Israel, in the portion of land that was given to the tribe of Naphtali.
- Kedesh was one of the cities that was chosen as a place where the Levite priests could live, since they did not have any land of their own.
- It was also set apart as a “city of refuge.”
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Hebron, Levite, Naphtali, priest, refuge, Shechem, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Kerethites
Facts:
The Kerethites were a people group who were probably part of the Philistines. Some versions write this name as “Cherethites.”
- The “Kerethites and Pelethites” were a special group of soldiers from King David’s army who were especially devoted to him as his bodyguards.
- Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a member of David’s administrative corps, was the leader of the Kerethites and Pelethites.
- The Kerethites remained with David when he had to flee Jerusalem because of Absalom’s revolt.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Absalom, Benaiah, David, Philistines)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Kidron Valley
Facts:
The Kidron Valley is a deep valley just outside the city of Jerusalem, between its eastern wall and the Mount of Olives.
- The valley is over 1,000 meters deep and about 32 kilometers long.
- When King David was fleeing from his son Absalom, he went through the Kidron Valley to get to the Mount of Olives.
- King Josiah and King Asa of Judah ordered that the high places and altars of false gods be smashed and burned; the ashes were thrown into the Kidron Valley.
- During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Kidron Valley was where the priests threw everything impure that they removed from the temple.
- The evil queen Athaliah was killed in this valley because of the wicked things she had done.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Absalom, Asa, Athaliah, David, false god, Hezekiah, high places, Josiah, Judah, Mount of Olives)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5674, H6939, G27480, G54930
kingdom of Israel
Facts:
What had been the northern part of the nation of Israel became the kingdom of Israel when the twelve tribes of Israel were divided into two kingdoms after Solomon died.
- The kingdom of Israel in the north had ten tribes, and the kingdom of Judah in the south had two tribes.
- The capital city of the kingdom of Israel was Samaria. It was about 50 km from Jerusalem, the capital city of the kingdom of Judah.
- All the kings of the kingdom of Israel were evil. They influenced the people to to serve idols and false gods.
- God sent the Assyrians to attack the kingdom of Israel. Many Israelites were captured and taken away to live in Assyria.
- The Assyrians brought foreigners to live among the remaining people of the kingdom of Israel. These foreigners intermarried with the Israelites, and their descendants became the Samaritan people.
(See also: Assyria, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, kingdom, Samaria)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 18:8 The other ten tribes of the nation of Israel that rebelled against Rehoboam appointed a man named Jeroboam to be their king. They set up their kingdom in the northern part of the land and were called the kingdom of Israel.
- 18:10 The kingdoms of Judah and Israel became enemies and often fought against each other.
- 18:11 In the new kingdom of Israel, all the kings were evil.
- 20:1 The kingdoms of Israel and Judah both sinned against God.
- 20:2 The kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrian Empire, a powerful, cruel nation. The Assyrians killed many people in the kingdom of Israel, took away everything of value, and burned much of the country.
- 20:4 Then the Assyrians brought foreigners to live in the land where the kingdom of Israel had been. The foreigners rebuilt the destroyed cities and married the Israelites who were left there. The descendants of the Israelites who married foreigners were called Samaritans.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3478, H4410, H4467, H4468
Korah, Korahite
Definition:
Korah was the name of three men in the Old Testament.
- Korah was a descendant of Levi and so served in the tabernacle as a priest. He became jealous of Moses and Aaron and led a group of men to rebel against them.
- One of the sons of Esau was named Korah. He became a leader in his community.
- A third man named Korah is listed as a descendant of Judah.
(See also: Aaron, authority, Caleb, descendant, Esau, Judah, priest)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Laban
Facts:
In the Old Testament, Laban was the uncle and father-in-law of Jacob.
- Jacob lived with Laban’s household in Padan Aram and managed his sheep and goats as a condition of marriage to Laban’s daughters.
- Jacob’s preference was for Laban’s daughter Rachel to be his wife.
- Laban deceived Jacob and made him marry his oldest daughter Leah first before giving Rachel to him as his wife.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Jacob, Nahor, Leah, Rachel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Lamech
Facts:
Lamech was the name of two men mentioned in the book of Genesis.
- The first Lamech mentioned was a descendant of Cain. He boasted to his two wives that he had killed a man for injuring him.
- The second Lamech was a descendant of Seth. He was also the father of Noah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cain, Noah, Seth)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Lazarus
Facts:
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were special friends of Jesus. Jesus often stayed with them in their home in Bethany.
- Lazarus is best known for the fact that Jesus raised him from the dead after he had been buried in a tomb for several days.
- The Jewish leaders were angry at Jesus and jealous that he had done this miracle, and they tried to find a way to kill both Jesus and Lazarus.
- Jesus also told a parable about a poor beggar and a rich man in which the beggar was a different man named “Lazarus.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: beg, Jewish leaders, Martha, Mary, raise)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 37:1 One day, Jesus received a message that Lazarus was very sick. Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, were close friends of Jesus.
- 37:2 Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, and I must wake him.”
- 37:3 Jesus’ disciples replied, “Master, if Lazarus is sleeping, then he will get better.” Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.”
- 37:4 When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ hometown, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
- 37:6 Jesus asked them, “Where have you put Lazarus?”
- 37:9 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”
- 37:10 So Lazarus came out! He was still wrapped in grave clothes.
- 37:11 But the religious leaders of the Jews were jealous, so they gathered together to plan how they could kill Jesus and Lazarus.
Word Data:
Leah
Facts:
Leah was one of Jacob’s wives. She was the older sister of Rachel and the mother of six of Jacob’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. She was also the mother of Jacob’s daughter Dinah.
- The book of Genesis tells the story of how Leah’s father Laban tricked Jacob into marrying her before marrying Rachel.
- God abundantly blessed Leah by giving her many children, even though her husband Jacob loved Rachel more than her.
- Leah is the ancestral mother of both King David and Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Jacob, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Laban, Rachel, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Lebanon
Facts:
Lebanon is a beautiful mountainous region located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel. In Bible times this region was thickly wooded with fir trees, such as cedar and cypress.
- King Solomon sent workers to Lebanon to harvest cedar trees for use in building God’s temple.
- Ancient Lebanon was inhabited by Phoenician people, who were skilled builders of ships that were used for a successful trading industry.
- The cities of Tyre and Sidon were located in Lebanon. It was in these cities that a valuable purple dye was first used.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: cedar, cypress, fir, Phoenicia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Levi, Levite
Definition:
Levi was Jacob’s third son. He was Leah’s third son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Levi” or the “Levites.”
- The name Levi is similar to the Hebrew word for “join to.”
- Unlike the other tribes, the tribe of Levi did not inherit a unified area of land in Canaan. Instead, they inherited various cities scattered throughout the regions belonging to the other tribes.
- The tribe of Levi was responsible for taking care of the tabernacle (and later, the temple) and conducting religious rituals, including offering sacrifices and prayers for the Israelite people.
- In the Old Testament, it is not always clear whether the term “Levite” refers generally to a descendant of Levi or specifically to a person who served in the temple helping the priests.
- The Old Testament law prescribed that all priests were to be chosen from the tribe of Levi. The Levite priests were set apart and dedicated for the special work of serving God in the temple.
- Two other men named “Levi” were ancestors of Jesus. Their names are listed in the genealogy in the gospel of Luke.
- Jesus’ disciple Matthew was also called Levi.
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, priest, sacrifice, temple, Jacob, Leah, Matthew)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3878, H3879, H3881, G30170, G30180, G30190, G30200
Leviathan
Facts:
The term “Leviathan” refers to a very large, extinct animal mentioned in the earliest writings of the Old Testament, the books of Job, Psalms, and Isaiah.
- Leviathan is described as a large, snake-like creature, strong and fierce and able to make the water around it “boil.” The descriptions of it were similar to that of a dinosaur.
- Isaiah the prophet refered to Leviathan as “the gliding serpent”.
- Job wrote from firsthand knowledge of Leviathan, so the animal was most likely alive during his lifetime.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Isaiah, Job, serpent)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Lot
Facts:
Lot was Abraham’s nephew.
- He was the son of Abraham’s brother Haran.
- Lot traveled with Abraham to the land of Canaan and settled in the city of Sodom.
- Lot was the ancestor of the Moabites and Ammonites.
- When enemy kings attacked Sodom and captured Lot, Abraham came with several hundred men to rescue Lot and recover his belongings.
- The people living in the city of Sodom were very wicked, so God destroyed that city. But he first told Lot and his family to leave the city so that that they could escape.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Ammon, Haran, Moab, Sodom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Luke
Facts:
Luke wrote two books of the New Testament: the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts.
- In his letter to the Colossians, Paul refers to Luke as a doctor. Paul also mentions Luke in two of his other letters.
- It is thought that Luke was a Greek and a Gentile who came to know Christ. In his gospel, Luke includes several accounts that highlight Jesus’ love for all peoples, both Jews and Gentiles.
- Luke accompanied Paul on two of his missionary journeys and helped him in his work.
- In some early church writings, it is said that Luke was born in the city of Antioch in Syria.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Antioch, Paul, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Lystra
Facts:
Lystra was a city in ancient Asia Minor that Paul visited on one of his missionary journeys. It was located in the region of Lycaonia, which is now in the modern-day country of Turkey.
- Paul and his companions escaped to Derbe and Lystra when they were threatened by the Jews in Iconium.
- In Lystra, Paul met Timothy, who became a fellow evangelist and church planter.
- After Paul healed a crippled man in Lystra, the people there tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, but the apostles rebuked them and stopped them from doing that.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: evangelist, Iconium, Timothy)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Maacah
Facts:
Maacah (or Maakah) was one of the sons of Abraham’s brother Nahor. Other people in the Old Testament also had this name.
- The city of Maacah or Beth Maacah was located in the far north of Israel, in the region occupied by the tribe of Naphtali.
- It was an important city and was attacked by enemies on several occasions.
- Maacah was the name of several women, including the mother of David’s son Absalom.
- King Asa removed his grandmother Maacah from being queen because she had promoted Asherah worship.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Asa, Asherah, Nahor, Naphtali, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Macedonia
Facts:
In New Testament times, Macedonia was a Roman province located just north of ancient Greece.
- Some important Macedonian cities mentioned in the Bible were Berea, Philippi and Thessalonica.
- Through a vision, God told Paul to preach the gospel to the people in Macedonia.
- Paul and his coworkers went to Macedonia and taught the people there about Jesus and helped the new believers to grow in their faith.
- In the Bible there are letters that Paul wrote to the believers in the Macedonian cities of Philippi and Thessalonica.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: believe, Berea, faith, good news, Greece, Philippi, Thessalonica)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Maker
Facts:
In general, a “maker” is someone who creates or makes things.
- In the Bible, the term “Maker” is sometimes used as a name or title for Yahweh, because he created everything.
- Usually this term is combined with “his” or “my” or “your.”
Translation Suggestions:
- The term “Maker” can be translated as “the Creator” or “God who creates” or “the One who made everything.”
- The phrase “his Maker” could also be translated as “the One who created him” or “God, who created him.”
- The phrases “your Maker” and “my Maker” could be translated in a similar way.
(See also: How to Translate Names)
(See also: create, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3335, H6213, H6466
Malachi
Facts:
Malachi was one of God’s prophets to the kingdom of Judah. He lived around 500 years before Christ was on earth.
- Malachi prophesied during the period when Israel’s temple was being rebuilt after returning from the Babylonian captivity.
- Ezra and Nehemiah lived around the same time as Malachi.
- The book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
- Like all the Old Testament prophets, Malachi urged the people to repent of their sins and to turn back to worshiping Yahweh.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, captive, Ezra, Judah, Nehemiah, prophet, repent, turn)
Bible References:
Word Data:
man of God
Facts:
The expression “man of God” is a respectful way of referring to a prophet of Yahweh. It is also used to refer to an angel of Yahweh.
- When referring to a prophet, this could also be translated as “man who belongs to God” or “man whom God has chosen” or “man who serves God.”
- When referring to an angel this could also be translated as “messenger of God” or “your angel” or “heavenly being from God who looks like a man.”
(See also: angel, honor, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0376, H0430, G04440, G23160
Manasseh
Facts:
Manasseh was the older son of Joseph. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The name Manasseh is similar to the the Hebrew word meaning “to forget.”
- The tribe of Manasseh was often called the “half-tribe of Manasseh” because only part of the tribe settled in the land of Canaan, on the west side of the Jordan River. The other part of the tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan.
- One of the kings of Judah was also named Manasseh. King Manasseh was an evil king who sacrificed his own children as burnt offerings to false gods.
- God punished King Manasseh by allowing him to be captured by an enemy army. Manasseh turned back to God and destroyed the altars where idols were worshiped.
- Three other men named Manasseh are mentioned in the Old Testament. One of them was the grandfather of some Danites who were priests for false gods. The other two were men who lived during the time of Ezra and were required to divorce their pagan wives, who had influenced them to worship false gods.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Joseph, Ephraim, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4519, H4520, G31280
Martha
Facts:
Martha was a woman from Bethany who followed Jesus.
- Martha had a sister named Mary and a brother named Lazarus, who also followed Jesus.
- One time when Jesus was visiting them in their home, Martha was distracted by meal preparation while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus teach.
- When Lazarus died, Martha told Jesus that she believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Lazarus, Mary (sister of Martha))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mary (sister of Martha)
Facts:
Mary was a women from Bethany who followed Jesus.
- Mary had a sister named Martha and a brother named Lazarus who also followed Jesus.
- One time Jesus said that Mary had chosen what was best when she chose to listen to him teach rather than being anxious about preparing him a meal as Martha was.
- Jesus brought Mary’s brother Lazarus back to life.
- Sometime after that, while Jesus was eating in someone’s home in Bethany, Mary poured expensive perfume on his feet in order to worship him.
- Jesus praised her for doing this and said that she was preparing his body for burial.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethany, frankincense, Lazarus, Martha)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mary Magdalene
Facts:
Mary Magdalene was one of several women who believed in Jesus and followed him in his ministry. She was known as the one whom Jesus had healed from seven demons who had controlled her.
- Mary Magdalene and some other women helped support Jesus and his apostles by giving to them.
- She is also mentioned as one of the women who were the first to see Jesus after he rose from the dead.
- As Mary Magdalene stood outside the empty tomb, she saw Jesus standing there and he told her to go tell the other disciples that he was alive again.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: demon, demon-possessed)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Facts:
Mary was a young woman living in the city of Nazareth who was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph. God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
- The Holy Spirit miraculously caused Mary to become pregnant while she was a virgin.
- An angel told Mary that the baby to be born to her was the Son of God and that she must name him Jesus.
- Mary loved God and praised him for being gracious to her.
- Joseph married Mary, but she remained a virgin until after the baby was born.
- Mary thought deeply about the amazing things that the shepherds and wise men said about the baby Jesus.
- Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to be dedicated at the temple. Later they took him to Egypt to escape King Herod’s plot to kill the baby. Eventually they moved back to Nazareth.
- When Jesus was an adult, Mary was with him when he changed water to wine at a wedding in Cana.
- The gospels also mention that Mary was at the cross when Jesus was dying. He told his disciple John to take care of her like his own mother.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cana, Egypt, Herod the Great, Jesus, Joseph (NT), Son of God, virgin)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 22:4 When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, the same angel appeared to Elizabeth’s relative, whose name was Mary. She was a virgin and was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. The angel said, “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You are to name him Jesus and he will be the Messiah.”
- 22:5 The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of God will overshadow you. So the baby will be holy, the Son of God.” Mary believed and accepted what the angel said.
- 22:6 Soon after the angel spoke to Mary, she went and visited Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s baby jumped inside her.
- 23:2 The angel said, “Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her body is from the Holy Spirit.”
- 23:4 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem.
- 49:1 An angel told a virgin named Mary that she would give birth to God’s Son. So while she was still a virgin, she gave birth to a son and named him Jesus.
Word Data:
Matthew, Levi
Facts:
Matthew was one of the twelve men that Jesus chose to be his apostles. He was also known as Levi, son of Alpheus.
- Levi (Matthew) was a tax-collector from Capernaum before he met Jesus.
- Matthew wrote the gospel that bears his name.
- There are several other men named Levi in the Bible.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, Levite, tax collector)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Facts:
Media was an ancient empire located east of Assyria and Babylonia, and north of Elam and Persia. The people who lived in the empire of Media were called “Medes.”
- The Media empire covered parts of what are present-day Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The Medes were closely associated with the Persians and the two empires joined forces to conquer the Babylonian empire.
- Babylonia was invaded by Darius the Mede during the time that the prophet Daniel was living there.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, Daniel, Darius, Elam, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4074, H4075, H4076, H4077, G33700
Melchizedek
Facts:
During the time when Abram lived, Melchizedek was the king of the city of Salem (later “Jerusalem”)
- Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness” and his title “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
- He was also called a “priest of God Most High.”
- Melchizedek is first mentioned in the Bible when he served Abram bread and wine after Abram rescued his nephew Lot from powerful kings. Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of the plunder from his victory.
- In the New Testament, Melchizedek is described as someone who had no father or mother. He was called a priest and king who will reign forever.
- The New Testament also says that Jesus is a priest according to the priestly “order of Melchizedek.” Jesus was not descended from Levi as the Israelite priests were. His priesthood is directly from God, as Melchizedek’s was.
- Based on these descriptions of him in the Bible, Melchizedek was a human priest who was also chosen by God to represent or point forward to Jesus, the eternal king of peace and righteousness and our great high priest.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, everlasting, high priest, Jerusalem, Levite, priest, righteous)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Memphis
Definition:
Memphis was an ancient capital city in Egypt, along the Nile River.
- Memphis was located in Lower Egypt, just south of the Nile River delta, where the soil was very fertile and crops were plentiful.
- Its fertile soil and important location between Upper and Lower Egypt caused Memphis to become a major city of trade and commerce.
(Translation suggestions: Translating Names)
(See also: Egypt, Nile River)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Meshech
Facts:
Meshech is the name of two men in the Old Testament.
- One Meshech was a son of Japheth.
- The other Meshech was a grandson of Shem.
- Meshech was also the name of a region of land, which was probably named after one of these men.
- The region of Meshech may have been located in part of what is now the country of Turkey.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Japheth, Noah, Shem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mesopotamia, Aram Naharaim
Facts:
Mesopotamia is the area of land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Its location is in the region of the modern day country of Iraq.
- In the Old Testament, this region was called “Aram Naharaim.”
- The word “Mesopotamia” means “between rivers.” The phrase “Aram Naharaim” means “Aram of two rivers.”
- Abraham lived in the Mesopotamian cities of Ur and Haran before moving on to the land of Canaan.
- Babylon was another important city in Mesopotamia.
- The region called “Chaldea” was also part of Mesopotamia.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, Babylon, Chaldea, Euphrates River)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Micah
Facts:
Micah was a prophet of Judah around 700 years before Christ, when the prophet Isaiah was also ministering to Judah. Another man named Micah lived during the time of the judges.
- The book of Micah is near the end of the Old Testament.
- Micah prophesied about the destruction of Samaria by the Assyrians.
- Micah rebuked the people of Judah for disobeying God and warned them that their enemies would attack them.
- His prophecy ends with a message of hope in God, who is faithful and saves his people.
- In the book of Judges, the story is told of a man named Micah living in Ephraim who made an idol out of silver. A young Levite priest who came to live with him stole the idol and other things, and took off with a group of Danites. Eventually the Danites and the priest settled in the city of Laish and they set up that same silver idol to worship.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Assyria, Dan, Ephraim, false god, Isaiah, Judah, judge, Levite, priest, prophet, Samaria, silver)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Michael
Facts:
Michael is the chief of all God’s holy, obedient angels. He is the only angel who is specifically referred to as the “archangel” of God.
- The term “archangel” literally means “chief angel” or “ruling angel.”
- Michael is a warrior who fights against God’s enemies and protects God’s people.
- He led the Israelites in fighting against the Persian army. In the end times he will lead the armies of Israel in the final battle against the forces of evil, as foretold in Daniel.
- There are also several men in the Bible with the name Michael. Several men are identified as being the “son of Michael”
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: angel, Daniel, messenger, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Midian, Midianite
Facts:
Midian was a son of Abraham and his wife Keturah. It is also the name of a people group and region located in the northern Arabian Desert to the south of the land of Canaan. The people of that group were called “Midianites.”
- When Moses first left Egypt, he went to the region of Midian where he met the daughters of Jethro and helped them water their flocks. Later Moses married one of Jethro’s daughters.
- Joseph was taken to Egypt by a group of Midianite slave traders.
- Many years later the Midianites attacked and raided the Israelites in the land of Canaan. Gideon led the Israelites in defeating them.
- Many of the modern-day Arabian tribes are descendants of this group.
(See also Arabia, Egypt, flock, Gideon, Jethro, Moses)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 16:3 But then the people forgot about God and started worshiping idols again. So God allowed the Midianites, a nearby enemy people group, to defeat them.
- 16:4 The Israelites were so scared, they hid in caves so the Midianites would not find them.
- 16:11 The man’s friend said, “This dream means that Gideon’s army will defeat the Midianite army!”
- 16:14 God confused the Midianites, so that they started attacking and killing each other.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4080, H4084, H4092
Miriam
Facts:
Miriam was the older sister of Aaron and Moses.
- When she was young, Miriam was instructed by her mother to watch over her baby brother Moses who was in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. When the pharaoh’s daughter found the baby and needed someone to take care of him for her, Miriam brought her mother to do it.
- Miriam led the Israelites in a dance of joy and thanksgiving after they had escaped from the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea.
- Years later as the Israelites were wandering in the desert, Miram and Aaron began speaking badly about Moses because he had married a Cushite woman.
- Because of her rebellion in speaking against Moses, God caused Miriam to become sick with leprosy. But later God healed her when Moses interceded for her.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Aaron, Cush, intercede, Moses, Nile River, Pharaoh, rebel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mishael
Facts:
Mishael is the name of three men in the Old Testament.
- One man named Mishael was a cousin of Aaron. When two of Aaron’s sons were killed by God after they offered incense in a away that did not follow what God had told them to do, Mishael and his brother were given the task of carrying the dead bodies outside the Israelite camp.
- Another man named Mishael stood beside Ezra when he publicly read the rediscovered law.
- During the time when the people of Israel were in exile in Babylon, a young man named Mishael was also captured and forced to live in Babylon. The Babylonians gave him the name, “Meshach.” He, along with his companions, Azariah (Shadrach) and Hananiah (Abednego), refused to worship the king’s statue and were thrown into a fiery furnace.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Aaron, Azariah, Babylon, Daniel, Hananiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Mizpah
Facts:
Mizpah is the name of several towns mentioned in the Old Testament. It means “look-out point” or “watchtower.”
- When David was being pursued by Saul, he left his parents in Mizpah, under the protection of the king of Moab.
- One city called Mizpah was located on the border between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. It was a major military center.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: David, Judah, kingdom of Israel, Moab, Saul (OT))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Moab, Moabite
Facts:
The term “Moab” refers to a people group that lived to the east of the Salt Sea. The book of Genesis describes this people group as the descendents of a man named “Moab,” who was the son of Lot’s elder daughter.
- In the book of Ruth, Elimelek and his family went to live in Moab because of the famine around Bethlehem.
- Ruth is called a “Moabite woman” because she was born in the country of Moab and was from that people group.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethlehem, Judea, Lot, Ruth, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Molech, Moloch
Facts:
Molech was the name of one of the false gods that the Canaanites worshiped. Other spellings are “Moloch” and “Molek.”
- People who worshiped Molech sacrificed their children to him by means of fire.
- Some of the Israelites also worshiped Molech instead of the one true God, Yahweh. They followed the evil practices of Molech worshipers, including sacrificing their children.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, evil, false god, God, false god, sacrifice, true, worship, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4428, H4432, G34340
Mordecai
Facts:
Mordecai was a Jewish man living in the country of Persia. He was the guardian of his cousin Esther, who later became the wife of the Persian king, Ahasuerus.
- While working at the royal palace, Mordecai overheard men plotting together to kill King Ahasuerus. He reported this and the king’s life was saved.
- Some time later, Mordecai also found out about a plan to kill all the Jews in the kingdom of Persia. He advised Esther to appeal to the king to save her people.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahasuerus, Babylon, Esther, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Moses
Facts:
Moses was a prophet and leader of the Israelite people for over 40 years. He was the leader of the Israelite people when they came out of Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus.
- When Moses was a baby, Moses’ parents put him in a basket in the reeds of the Nile River to hide him from the Egyptian Pharaoh. Moses’ sister Miriam watched over him there. Moses’ life was spared when the pharaoh’s daughter found him and took him to the palace to raise him as her son.
- God chose Moses to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.
- After the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and while they were wandering in the desert, God gave Moses two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them.
- Near the end of his life, Moses saw the Promised Land, but didn’t get to live in it because he disobeyed God.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Miriam, Promised Land, Ten Commandments)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 9:12 One day while Moses was taking care of his sheep, he saw a bush that was on fire.
- 12:5 Moses told the Israelites, “Stop being afraid! God will fight for you today and save you.”
- 12:7 God told Moses to raise his hand over the sea and divide the waters.
- 12:12 When the Israelites saw that the Egyptians were dead, they trusted in God and believed that Moses was a prophet of God.
- 13:7 Then God wrote these Ten Commandments on two stone tablets and gave them to Moses.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4872, H4873, G34750
Mount Hermon
Facts:
Mount Hermon is the name of the tallest mountain in Israel at the southern tip of the Lebanon mountain range.
- It is located north of the Sea of Galilee, at the northern border between Israel and Syria.
- Other names given to Mount Hermon by other people groups were “Mount Sirion” and “Mount Senir.”
- Mount Hermon has three major peaks. The tallest peak is around 2,800 meters high.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Israel, Sea of Galilee, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2022, H2768, H2769, H8149
Mount of Olives
Definition:
The Mount of Olives is a mountain or large hill located near the east side of the city of Jerusalem. It is about 787 meters high.
- In the Old Testament, this mountain is sometimes referred to as “the mountain that is east of Jerusalem.”
- The New Testament records several occasions when Jesus and his disciples went to the Mount of Olives to pray and rest.
- Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, which is located on the Mount of Olives.
- This could also be translated as “Olive Hill” or “Olive Tree Mountain.”
(See also: Translate Names)
(See also: Gethsemane, olive)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2022, H2132, G37350, G16360
Naaman
Facts:
In the Old Testament, Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram.
- Naaman had a terrible skin disease called leprosy that could not be cured.
- A Jewish slave in Naaman’s household told him to go ask the prophet Elisha to heal him.
- Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River. When Naaman obeyed, God healed him of his disease.
- As a result, Naaman came to believe in the only true God, Yahweh.
- Two other men named Naaman were descendants of Jacob’s son Benjamin.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, Jordan River, leprosy, prophet)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 19:14 One of the miracles happened to Naaman, an enemy commander, who had a horrible skin disease.
- 19:15 At first Naaman was angry and would not do it because it seemed foolish. But later he changed his mind and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River.
- 26:6 “He (Elisha) only healed the skin disease of Naaman, a commander of Israel’s enemies.”
Word Data:
Nahor
Facts:
Nahor was the name of two relatives of Abraham, his grandfather and his brother.
- Abraham’s brother Nahor was the grandfather of Isaac’s wife Rebekah.
- The phrase “city of Nahor” could mean “the city named Nahor” or “the city where Nahor had lived” or “Nahor’s city.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Rebekah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Nahum
Facts:
Nahum was a prophet who preached during the time when the evil King Manasseh was ruling over Judah.
- Nahum was from the town of Elkosh, which was about 20 miles from Jerusalem.
- The Old Testament book of Nahum records his prophecies about the destruction of the Assyrian city of Nineveh.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Assyria, Manasseh, prophet, Nineveh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Naphtali
Facts:
Naphtali was Jacob’s sixth son. He was Bilhah’s second son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Naphtali” or “Naphtali” or “Naphtalites.”
- The name Naphtali is similar to the Hebrew word meaning “to twist, wrestle.”
- The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern part of Canaan, between the tribes of Manassah and Asher. Its eastern border was on the western shoreline of the Sea of Chinnereth. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Naphtali” refers to the land given to the tribe of Naphtali.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Bilhah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Nathan
Facts:
Nathan was a faithful prophet of God who lived while David was king over Israel.
- God sent Nathan to confront David after David sinned grievously against Uriah.
- Nathan rebuked David in spite of the fact that David was the king.
- David repented of his sin after Nathan confronted him.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: David, faithful, prophet, Uriah)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:7 God sent the prophet Nathan to David with this message, “Because you are a man of war, you will not build this Temple for me.”
- 17:13 God was very angry about what David had done, so he sent the prophet Nathan to tell David how evil his sin was.
Word Data:
Nazareth, Nazarene
Facts:
Nazareth is a town in the region of Galilee in northern Israel. It is about 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem, and it takes about three to five days to travel there on foot.
- Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth, and this is where they raised Jesus. That is why Jesus was known as “the Nazarene.”
- Many of the Jews living in Nazareth did not respect Jesus’ teaching because he had grown up among them, and they thought he was just an ordinary person.
- Once, when Jesus was teaching in Nazareths synagogue, the Jews there tried to kill him because he claimed to be the Messiah and had rebuked them for rejecting him.
- The remark Nathaniel made when he heard that Jesus was from Nazareth indicated that this city was not thought of very highly.
(See also: Christ, Galilee, Joseph (NT), Mary)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 23:4 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem.
- 26:2 Jesus went to the town of Nazareth where he had lived during his childhood.
- 26:7 The people of Nazareth dragged Jesus out of the place of worship and brought him to the edge of a cliff to throw him off of it in order to kill him.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: G34780, G34790, G34800
Nebuchadnezzar
Facts:
Nebuchadnezzar was a king of the Babylonian Empire whose powerful army conquered many people groups and nations.
- Under Nebuchadnezzar’s leadership, the Babylonian army attacked and conquered the kingdom of Judah, and took most of the people of Judah to Babylon as captives. The captives were forced to live there for a period of 70 years known as the “Babylonian Exile.”
- One of the exiles, Daniel, interpreted some of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams.
- Three other captured Israelites, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to bow down to a gigantic gold statue that Nebuchadnezzar had made.
- King Nebuchadnezzar was very arrogant and worshiped false gods. When he conquered Judah, he stole many gold and silver objects from the temple in Jerusalem.
- Because Nebuchadnezzar was proud and refused to turn away from worshiping false gods, Yahweh caused him to be destitute for seven years, living like an animal. After the seven years, God restored Nebuchadnezzar when he humbled himself and praised the one true God, Yahweh.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: arrogant, Azariah, Babylon, Hananiah, Mishael)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 20:6 About 100 years after the Assyrians destroyed the kingdom of Israel, God sent Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians, to attack the kingdom of Judah.
- 20:6 The king of Judah agreed to be Nebuchadnezzar’s servant and pay him a lot of money every year.
- 20:8 To punish the king of Judah for rebelling, Nebuchadnezzar’s soldiers killed the king’s sons in front of him and then made him blind.
- 20:9 Nebuchadnezzar and his army took almost all of the people of the kingdom of Judah to Babylon, leaving only the poorest people behind to plant the fields.
Word Data:
Negev
Facts:
The Negev is a desert region in the southern part of Israel, southwest of the Salt Sea.
- The original word means “the South,” and some English versions translate it this way.
- It could be that the “South” is not located where the Negev Desert is today.
- When Abraham lived in the city of Kadesh, he was in the Negev or southern region.
- Isaac was living in the Negev when Rebekah traveled to meet him and become his wife.
- The Jewish tribes of Judah and Simeon lived in this southern region.
- The largest city in the Negev region was Beersheba.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Beersheba, Israel, Judah, Kadesh, Salt Sea, Simeon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Nehemiah
Facts:
Nehemiah was an Israelite forced to move to the Babylonian empire when the people of Israel and Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians.
- While he was the cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem.
- Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
- For twelve years Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem before returning to the king’s palace.
- The Old Testament book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah’s work in rebuilding the walls and his governing of the people in Jerusalem.
- There were also other men named Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Usually the name of the father was added, to distinguish which Nehemiah was being talked about.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Artaxerxes, Babylon, Jerusalem, son)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Nile River, River of Egypt, the Nile
Facts:
The Nile is a very long and wide river in northeastern Africa. It is especially well known as the main river of Egypt.
- The Nile River flows north through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Crops grow well in the fertile land on either side of the Nile River.
- Most Egyptians live near the Nile River since it is an important source of water for food crops.
- The Israelites lived in the land of Goshen, which was very fertile because it was located along the Nile River.
- When Moses was a baby, his parents placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile to hide him from Pharaoh’s men.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Egypt, Goshen, Moses)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 8:4 Egypt was a large, powerful country located along the Nile River.
- 9:4 Pharaoh saw that the Israelites were having many babies, so he ordered his people to kill all Israelite baby boys by throwing them into the Nile River.
- 9:6 When the boy’s parents could no longer hide him, they put him in a floating basket among the reeds along the edge of the Nile River in order to save him from being killed.
- 10:3 God turned the Nile River into blood, but Pharaoh still would not let the Israelites go.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0216, H2975, H4714, H5104
Nineveh, Ninevite
Facts:
Nineveh was the capital city of Assyrian empire. A “Ninevite” was a person who lived in Nineveh.
- God sent the prophet Jonah to warn the Ninevites to turn from their wicked ways. The people stopped acting so violently and God did not destroy them at that time.
- The prophets Nahum and Zephaniah both prophesied that God would destroy Nineveh as judgment for their sin.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Assyria, Jonah, repent, turn)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5210, G35350, G35360
Noah
Facts:
Noah was a man who lived over 4,000 years ago, at the time when God sent a worldwide flood to destroy all the evil people in the world. God told Noah to build a gigantic ark in which he and his family could live while the flood waters covered the earth.
- Noah was a righteous man who obeyed God in everything.
- When God told Noah how to build the gigantic ark, Noah built it exactly the way God told him to.
- Inside the ark, Noah and his family were kept safe, and later their children and grandchildren filled the earth with people again.
- Everyone born since the time of the flood is a descendant of Noah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: descendant, ark)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 3:2 But Noah found favor with God.
- 3:4 Noah obeyed God. He and his three sons built the boat just the way God had told them.
- 3:13 Two months later God said to Noah, “You and your family and all the animals may leave the boat now. Have many children and grandchildren and fill the earth.” So Noah and his family came out of the boat.
Word Data:
Obadiah
Facts:
Obadiah was an Old Testament prophet who prophesied against the people of Edom, who were the descendants of Esau. There were also many other men named Obadiah in the Old Testament.
- The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and tells a prophecy that Obadiah received through a vision from God.
- It is not clear when Obadiah lived and prophesied. It may have been during the paeriods that Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash, and Athaliah, reigned in Judah. The prophets Daniel, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah would also have been prophesying during part of this time.
- Obadiah may also have lived at a later time period, during the reign of King Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity.
- Other men named Obadiah included a descendant of Saul, a Gadite who became one of David’s men, a palace administrator for King Ahab, an official of King Jehoshaphat, a man who helped with repairs to the temple during the time of King Josiah, and a Levite who was also a gatekeeper during the time of Nehemiah.
- It could be that the writer of the book of Obadiah was one of these men.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Babylon, David, Edom, Esau, Ezekiel, Daniel, Gad, Jehoshaphat, Josiah, Levite, Saul (OT), Zedekiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Og
Facts:
Og is the name of a man who was an Amorite king who ruled over the land of Bashan.
- The Israelites conquered Og and his people and land.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Amorite, Bashan)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Omri
Facts:
Omri was an army commander who became the sixth king of Israel.
- King Omri reigned for twelve years in the city of Tirzah.
- Like all the kings of Israel before him, Omri was a very evil king who led the people of Israel into more idol worship.
- Omri was also the father of King Ahab.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Israel, Jeroboam, Tirzah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Paddan Aram
Facts:
Paddan Aram was the name of a region where Abraham’s family lived before moving to the land of Canaan. It means “plain of Aram.”
- When Abraham left Haran in Paddan Aram to travel to the land of Canaan, most of the rest of his family stayed behind in Haran.
- Many years later, Abraham’s servant went to Paddan Aram to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives there and found Rebekah, grand-daughter of Bethuel.
- Isaac and Rebekah’s son Jacob also traveled to Paddan Aram and married two daughters of Rebekah’s brother Laban who was living in Haran.
- Aram, Paddan-Aram, and Aram-Nahariam were all part of the same region that is now where the modern-day country of Syria is located.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Aram, Bethuel, Canaan, Haran, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Paran
Facts:
Paran was a desert or wilderness area east of Egypt and south of the land of Canaan. There was also a Mount Paran, which may have been another name for Mount Sinai.
- The slave Hagar and her son Ishmael went to live in the wilderness of Paran after Sarah ordered Abraham to send them away.
- When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they passed through the wilderness of Paran.
- It was from Kadesh-Barnea in the wilderness of Paran that Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan and bring back a report.
- The wilderness of Zin was north of Paran and the wilderness of Sin was south of Paran.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, desert, Egypt, Kadesh, Sinai)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Paul, Saul
Facts:
Paul was a leader of the early church who was sent by Jesus to take the good news to many other people groups.
- Paul was a Jew who was born in the Roman city of Tarsus, and was therefore also a Roman citizen.
- Paul was originally called by his Jewish name, Saul.
- Saul became a Jewish religious leader and arrested Jews who became Christians because he thought they were dishonoring God by believing in Jesus.
- Jesus revealed himself to Saul in a blinding light and told him to stop hurting Christians.
- Saul believed in Jesus and began teaching his fellow Jews about him.
- Later, God sent Saul to teach non-Jewish people about Jesus and started churches in different cities and provinces of the Roman empire. At this time he started being called by the Roman name “Paul.”
- Paul also wrote letters to encourage and teach Christians in the churches in these cities. Several of these letters are in the New Testament.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: christian, jewish leaders, rome)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 45:6 A young man named Saul agreed with the people who killed Stephen and guarded their robes while they threw stones at him.
- 46:1 Saul was the young man who guarded the robes of the men who killed Stephen. He did not believe in Jesus, so he persecuted the believers.
- 46:2 While Saul was on his way to Damascus, a bright light from heaven shone all around him, and he fell to the ground. Saul heard someone say, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?”
- 46:5 So Ananias went to Saul, placed his hands on him, and said, “Jesus who appeared to you on your way here, sent me to you so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Saul immediately was able to see again, and Ananias baptized him.
- 46:6 Right away, Saul began preaching to the Jews in Damascus, saying, “Jesus is the Son of God!”
- 46:9 Barnabas and Saul went there (Antioch) to teach these new believers more about Jesus and to strengthen the church.
- 47:1 As Saul traveled throughout the Roman Empire, he began to use his Roman name, “Paul.”
- 47:14 Paul and other Christian leaders traveled to many cities, preaching and teaching people the good news about Jesus.
Word Data:
Peor, Mount Peor, Baal Peor
Definition:
The terms “Peor” and “Mount Peor” refer to a mountain located northeast of the Salt Sea, in the region of Moab.
- The name “Beth Peor” was the name of a city, probably located on that mountain or near it. This was where Moses died after God showed him the Promised Land.
- “Baal Peor” was a false god of the Moabites that they worshiped at Mount Peor. The Israelites also started worshiping this idol and God punished them for it.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Baal, false god, Moab, Salt Sea, worship)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1047, H1187, H6465
Perizzite
Facts:
The Perizzites were one of several people groups in the land of Canaan. Little is known about this group as to who their ancestors were or what part of Canaan they lived in.
- The Perizzites are mentioned most frequently in the Old Testament Book of Judges, where it is recorded that the Perizzites intermarried with the Israelites and influenced them to worship false gods.
- Note that the clan of Perez, called the “Perezites,” was a different people group from the Perizzites. It may be necessary to spell the names very differently to make this clear.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, false god)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Persia, Persians
Definition:
Persia was a country that also became a powerful empire founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC. The country of Persia was located southeast of Babylonia and Assyria in a region that is now the modern-day country of Iran.
- The people of Persia were called “Persians.”
- Under King Cyrus’ decree, the Jews were freed from their captivity in Babylon and allowed to go home, and the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, with funds provided by the Persian Empire.
- King Artaxerxes was the ruler of the Persian Empire when Ezra and Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
- Esther became a queen of the Persian empire when she married King Ahasuerus.
(See also: Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H6539, H6540, H6542, H6543
Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas
Facts:
Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was an important leader of the early Church.
- Before Jesus called him to be his disciple, Peter’s name was Simon.
- Later, Jesus also named him “Cephas,” which means “stone” or “rock” in the Aramaic language. The name Peter also means “stone” or “rock” in the Greek language.
- God worked through Peter to heal people and to preach the good news about Jesus.
- Two books in the New Testament are letters that Peter wrote to encourage and teach fellow believers.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: disciple, apostle)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 28:9 Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything and followed you. What will be our reward?”
- 29:1 One day Peter asked Jesus, “Master, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? As many as seven times?”
- 31:5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Master, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus told Peter, “Come!”
- 36:1 One day, Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John with him.
- 38:9 Peter replied, “Even if all the others abandon you, I will not!” Then Jesus said to Peter, “Satan wants to have all of you, but I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith will not fail. Even so, tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny that you even know me three times.”
- 38:15 As the soldiers arrested Jesus, Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.
- 43:11 Peter answered them, “Every one of you should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that God will forgive your sins.”
- 44:8 Peter answered them, “This man stands before you healed by the power of Jesus the Messiah.”
Word Data:
- Strong’s: G27860, G40740, G46130
Pharaoh, king of Egypt
Facts:
In ancient times, the kings who ruled over the country of Egypt were called pharaohs.
- Altogether, over 300 pharaohs ruled Egypt for more than 2,000 years.
- These Egyptians kings were very powerful and wealthy.
- Several of these pharaohs are mentioned in the Bible.
- Often this title is used as a name rather than as a title. In these cases, it is capitalized and written as “Pharaoh.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: egypt, king)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 8:6 One night, the Pharaoh, which is what the Egyptians called their kings, had two dreams that disturbed him greatly.
- 8:8 Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he appointed him to be the second most powerful man in all of Egypt!
- 9:2 So the Pharaoh who was ruling over Egypt at that time made the Israelites slaves to the Egyptians.
- 9:13 “I will send you to Pharaoh so that you can bring the Israelites out of their slavery in Egypt.”
- 10:2 Through these plagues, God showed __Pharaoh __ that he is more powerful than Pharaoh and all of Egypt’s gods.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H4428, H4714, H6547, G53280
Philip, the apostle
Facts:
Philip the apostle was one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. He was from the town of Bethsaida.
- Philip brought Nathanael to meet Jesus.
- Jesus questioned Philip about how to provide food for a crowd of over 5,000 people.
- At the last Passover supper that Jesus ate with his disciples, he talked to them about God, his Father. Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father.
- Some languages may prefer to spell this Philip’s name in a different way from the other Philip (the evangelist) to avoid confusion.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Philip)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Philip, the evangelist
Facts:
In the early Christian church in Jerusalem, Philip was one of seven leaders chosen to care for the poor and needy Christians, especially the widows.
- God used Philip to share the gospel with people in many different towns in the provinces of Judea and Galilee, including an Ethiopian man he met on the desert road to Gaza from Jerusalem.
- Years later Philip was living in Caesarea when Paul and his companions stayed at his house on their way back to Jerusalem.
- Most Bible scholars think that Philip the evangelist was not the same man as Jesus’ apostle by that name. Some languages may prefer to use slightly different spellings for the names of these two men to make it clear they are different men.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Philip)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Philippi, Philippians
Facts:
Philippi was a major city and Roman colony located in Macedonia in the northern part of ancient Greece. People in Philippi were called Philippians.
- Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi to preach about Jesus to the people there.
- While in Philippi, Paul and Silas were arrested, but God miraculously freed them.
- The New Testament book of Philippians is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in the church at Philippi.
- Note that this is a different city from Caesarea Philippi which was located in northeastern Israel near Mount Hermon.
(See also: Caesarea, Christian, church, Macedonia, Paul, Silas)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 47:1 One day, Paul and his friend Silas went to the town of Philippi to proclaim the good news about Jesus.
- 47:13 The next day the leaders of the city released Paul and Silas from prison and asked them to leave Philippi.
Word Data:
Philistia
Definition:
Philistia is the name of a large region in the land of Canaan, located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
- The region was located along the very fertile coastal plain reaching from Joppa in the north to Gaza in the south. It was about 64 km long and 16 km wide.
- Philistia was occupied by the “Philistines,” a powerful people group who were frequent enemies of the Israelites.
(See also: Philistines, Gaza, Joppa)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0776 H6429 H6430
Philistines
Facts:
The Philistines were a people group who occupied a region known as Philistia along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Their name means “people of the sea.”
- There were five main Philistine cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.
- The city of Ashdod was in the northern part of Philistia, and the city of Gaza was in the southern part.
- The Philistines are probably best known for the many years they were at war against the Israelites.
- The judge Samson was a famous warrior against the Philistines, using supernatural strength from God.
- King David often led battles against the Philistines, including the time as a youth when he defeated the Philistine warrior, Goliath.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ashdod, Ashkelon, David, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Goliath, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Phinehas
Facts:
Phineas was the name of two men in the Old Testament.
- One of Aaron’s grandsons was a priest named Phinehas, who strongly opposed the worship of false gods in Israel.
- Phineas saved the Israelites from a plague that Yahweh had sent to punish them for marrying Midianite women and worshiping their false gods.
- On several occasions Phinehas went with the Israelite army to destroy the Midianites.
- The other Phinehas mentioned in the Old Testament was one of the evil sons of Eli the priest during the time of the prophet Samuel.
- Phinehas and his brother Hophni were both killed when the Philistines attacked Israel and stole the Ark of the Covenant.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: ark of the covenant, Jordan River, Midian, Philistines, Samuel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Phoenicia, Syrophoenician
Facts:
In ancient times, Phoenicia was a wealthy nation located in Canaan along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel.
- Phoenicia occupied an area of land that was in the western region of what is the present-day country of Lebanon.
- In New Testament times, the capital of Phoenicia was Tyre. Another important Phoenician city was Sidon. Phoenicia was near Syria, so people from that area were called “Syrophoenician.”
- Phoenicians were well-known for their woodworking skills using their country’s plentiful cedar trees, for their production of a costly purple dye, and for their ability to travel and trade by sea. They were also highly skilled boat builders.
- One of the earliest alphabets was created by the Phoenician people. Their alphabet was widely used because of their contact with many people groups through trading.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: cedar, purple, Sidon, Tyre)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3667, G49490, G54030
Pilate
Facts:
Pilate was the governor of the Roman province of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death.
- Because Pilate was the governor, he had the authority to put criminals to death.
- The Jewish religious leaders wanted Pilate to crucify Jesus, so they lied and said that Jesus was a criminal.
- Pilate realized that Jesus was not guilty, but he was afraid of the crowd and wanted to please them, so he ordered his soldiers to crucify Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: crucify, governor, guilt, Judea, Rome)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 39:9 Early the next morning, the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They hoped that Pilate would condemn Jesus as guilty and sentenced him to be killed. Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
- 39:10 Pilate said, “What is truth?”
- 39:11 After speaking with Jesus, Pilate went out to the crowd and said, “I find no guilt in this man.” But the Jewish leaders and the crowd shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate replied, “He is not guilty.” But they shouted even louder. Then Pilate said a third time, “He is not guilty!”
- 39:12 Pilate became afraid that the crowd would begin to riot, so he ordered his soldiers to crucify Jesus.
- 40:2 Pilate commanded that a sign be put above Jesus’ head that read, “King of the Jews.”
- 41:2 Pilate said, “Take some soldiers and make the tomb as secure as you can.”
Word Data:
Pontus
Facts:
Pontus was a Roman province during the time of the Roman Empire and the early Church. It was located along the southern coast of the Black Sea, in the northern part of what is now the country of Turkey.
- As recorded in the book of Acts, people from the province of Pontus were in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit first came to the apostles on the Day of Pentecost.
- A believer named Aquila was from Pontus.
- When Peter was writing to Christians who were scattered into different regions, Pontus was one of the regions he mentioned.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aquila, Pentecost)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Potiphar
Facts:
Potiphar was an important official for the pharaoh of Egypt during the time that Joseph was sold as a slave to some Ishmaelites.
- Potiphar bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites and appointed him to be in charge of his household.
- When Joseph was falsely accused of doing wrong, Potiphar had Joseph put in prison.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Egypt, Joseph (OT), Pharaoh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Priscilla, Prisca
Facts:
Priscilla and her husband Aquila were Jewish Christians who worked with the apostle Paul in his missionary work.
- Priscilla and Aquila had left Rome because the emperor had forced the Christians to leave there.
- Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They were tentmakers and Paul joined them in this work.
- When Paul left Corinth to go to Syria, Priscilla and Aquila went with him.
- From Syria, the three of them went to Ephesus. When Paul left Ephesus, Priscilla and Aquila stayed behind and continued the work of preaching the gospel there.
- They especially taught a man named Apollos in Ephesus who believed in Jesus and was a gifted speaker and teacher.
- Priscilla's name is shortened to “Prisca” in Romans 16:3.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: believe, Christian, Corinth, Ephesus, Paul, Rome, Syria)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rabbah
Definition:
Rabbah was the most important city of the Ammonite people.
- In battles against the Ammonites, the Israelites often attacked Rabbah.
- Israel’s King David captured Rabbah as one of his last conquests.
- The modern-day city Amman Jordan is now where Rabbah used to be located.
(See also: Ammon, David)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rachel
Facts:
Rachel was one of Jacob’s wives. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, whose descendants became three of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Rachel and her sister Leah were the daughters of Laban, Jacob’s uncle.
- For many years, Rachel was not able to have any children. Then God enabled her to give birth to Joseph.
- Years later, Rachel died as she gave birth to Benjamin. Jacob buried her near Bethlehem.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethlehem, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Joseph (OT), twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rahab
Facts:
Rahab was a woman who lived in Jericho when Israel attacked the city. She was a prostitute.
- Rahab hid the two Israelites who came to spy on Jericho before the Israelites attacked it. She helped the spies escape back to the Israelite camp.
- Rahab became a believer in Yahweh.
- She and her family came to live with the Israelites after the Israelites destroyed Jericho and spared Rahab and her family.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Israel, Jericho, prostitute)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 15:1 In that city there lived a prostitute named Rahab who hid the spies and later helped them to escape. She did this because she believed God. They promised to protect Rahab and her family when the Israelites would destroy Jericho.
- 15:5 The Israelites destroyed everything in the city as God had commanded. Rahab and her family were the only people in the city that they did not kill. They became part of the Israelites.
Word Data:
Ramah
Facts:
Ramah was an ancient Israelite city located about 8 km from Jerusalem. It was in the region where the tribe of Benjamin lived.
- Ramah was where Rachel died after giving birth to Benjamin.
- When the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, they were first brought to Ramah before being moved to Babylon.
- Ramah was the home of Samuel’s mother and father.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Benjamin, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Ramoth
Facts:
Ramoth was an important city in the mountains of Gilead near the Jordan River. It was also called Ramoth Gilead.
- Ramoth belonged to the Israelite tribe of Gad and was designated as a city of refuge.
- King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah waged war against the king of Aram at Ramoth. Ahab was killed in that battle.
- Sometime later, King Ahaziah and King Joram tried to take the city of Ramoth from the king of Aram.
- Ramoth Gilead was where Jehu was anointed king over Israel.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Gad, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Joram, Jordan River, Judah, refuge)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H7216, H7418, H7433
Rapha, Raphaites, the Valley of the Raphaites
Facts:
The term “Rapha” is the name for a group of inhabitants who lived in a location on the eastern side of the Jordan river. It is also used to refer to dead people or their spirits. The “Rapha” are called “Raphaites” or “Rephaim.”
- There was a valley named after this people group, “the valley of the Raphaites,” which is mentioned six times in the Old Testament.
- “Rapha” is an English transliteration of a Hebrew word. It is difficult to determine with certainty what the word “Rapha” means and consequently what type of beings the word “Rapha” refers to, whether a group of living people, spirits, or quasi-divine beings. For this reason many English translations have chosen to transliterate the original language (Hebrew) word as “Rephaites” or “Rephaim.” You may desire to do the same thing in your translation.
- In Job 26:5, Psalm 88:10, Proverbs 2:18, Proverbs 9:18, Proverbs 21:16, Isaiah 14:9, Isaiah 26:14, and Isaiah 26:19 the term “Raphaites” refers to people who are dead or to their “spirits.”
- In all other occurrences in the Old Testament the term “Raphaites” refers to the people group who were human beings who were alive and made up a specific people group.
- The people group the Ammonites called the Raphaites by the name “Zamzummites” (See Deuteronomy 2:20).
- The term “Rapha” refers to the living people group in every occurrence in the Old Testament except in 1 Chronicles 8:2 and 8:37. In each of these two verses it refers to the name of a man (a different man in each verse).
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names, Copy or Borrow Words)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rapha, Rephaites, Rephaim,
Facts:
The term “Rapha” is the name for a group of inhabitants who lived in a location on the Eastern side of the Jordan river. The “Rapha” are called “Rephaites” or “Rephaim”
- There was a valley named after this people group, “the valley of the Rephaites,” which is mentioned six times in the Old Testament.
- “Rapha” is an English transliteration of a Hebrew word. It is difficult to determine with certainty what the word “Rapha” means and consequently what type of beings the word “Rapha” refers to. The term “Rapha” could refer to a group of living people, spirits, or quasi-divine beings. For this reason many English translations have chosen to transliterate the original language (Hebrew) word as “Rephaites” or “Rephaim.” You may desire to do the same thing in your translation.
- The people group the Ammonites called the Rephaites by the name “Zamzummites” (See Deuteronomy 2:20).
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names, Copy or Borrow Words)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rebekah
Facts:
Rebekah was a grand-daughter of Abraham’s brother Nahor.
- God chose Rebekah to be the wife of Abraham’s son Isaac.
- Rebekah left the region of Aram Naharaim where she lived and went with Abraham’s servant to the region of the Negev where Isaac was living.
- For a long time Rebekah did not have any children, but finally God blessed her with twin boys, Esau and Jacob.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Aram, Esau, Isaac, Jacob, Nahor, Negev)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 6:2 After a very long journey to the land where Abraham’s relatives lived, God led the servant to Rebekah. She was the granddaughter of Abraham’s brother.
- 6:6 God told Rebekah, “There are two nations inside of you.”
- 7:1 As the boys grew up, Rebekah loved Jacob, but Isaac loved Esau.
- 7:3 Isaac wanted to give his blessing to Esau. But before he did, Rebekah and Jacob tricked him by having Jacob pretend to be Esau.
- 7:6 But Rebekah heard of Esau’s plan. So she sent Jacob far away to live with her relatives.
Word Data:
Rehoboam
Facts:
Rehoboam was one of the sons of King Solomon, and he became the king of the nation of Israel after Solomon died.
- At the beginning of his reign, Rehoboam was severe with his people, so ten of the tribes of Israel rebelled against him and formed the “kingdom of Israel” in the north.
- Rehoboam continued as king of the southern kingdom of Judah, which consisted of the remaining two tribes, Judah and Benjamin.
- Rehoboam was a wicked king who did not obey Yahweh, but worshiped false gods.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: kingdom of Israel, Judah, Solomon)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 18:5 After Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, became king. Rehoboam was a foolish man.
- 18:6 Rehoboam answered foolishly and told them, “You thought my father Solomon made you work hard, but I will make you work harder than he did, and I will punish you more harshly than he did.”
- 18:7 Ten of the tribes of the nation of Israel rebelled against Rehoboam. Only two tribes remained faithful to him.
Word Data:
Reuben
Facts:
Reuben was Jacob’s first son. He was Leah’s first son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the tribe of Reuben or the Reubenites.
- In Hebrew, the name Reuben means “Look, a son!”
- The tribe of Reuben settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River along with the tribe of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Leah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H7205, H7206, G45020
Rimmon
Facts:
Rimmon was the name of a man and of several places mentioned in the Bible. It was also the name of a false god.
- A man named Rimmon was a Benjamite from the city of Beeroth in Zebulun. This man’s sons murdered Ishbosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan.
- Rimmon was a town in the southern part of Judah, in the region occupied by the tribe of Benjamin.
- The “rock of Rimmon” was a place of safety where the Benjamites went to escape from being killed in a battle.
- Rimmon Perez was an unknown location in the Judean wilderness.
- The Syrian commander Naaman spoke of the temple of the false god Rimmon, where the king of Syria worshiped.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Benjamin, Judea, Naaman, Syria, Zebulun)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Rome, Roman
Facts:
In New Testament times, the city of Rome was the center of the Roman Empire. It is now the capital city of the modern-day country of Italy.
- The Roman Empire ruled over all the regions around the Mediterranean Sea, including Israel.
- The term “Roman” referred to anything relating to the regions that the government in Rome controlled, including Roman citizens and Roman officials.
- The apostle Paul was taken to the city of Rome as a prisoner because he preached the good news about Jesus.
- The New Testament book of “Romans” is a letter that Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome.
(See also: good news, the sea, Pilate, Paul)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 23:4 When the time was near for Mary to give birth, the Roman government told everyone to go for a census to the town where their ancestors had lived.
- 32:6 Then Jesus asked the demon, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, because we are many.” (A “legion” was a group of several thousand soldiers in the Roman army.)
- 39:9 Early the next morning, the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, hoping to have Jesus killed.
- 39:12 The Roman soldiers whipped Jesus and put a royal robe and a crown made of thorns on him. Then they mocked him by saying, “Look, the King of the Jews!”
Word Data:
Ruth
Facts:
Ruth was a Moabite woman who lived during the time when judges were leading Israel. In Moab, she married an Israelite man named Mahlon after his family had moved there because of a famine in Israel. Mahlon died, and some time after that she left Moab with her mother-in-law Naomi to return to the city of Bethlehem in Israel.
- Ruth was loyal to Naomi and worked hard to provide food for her.
- She also committed herself to serving the one true God of Israel.
- Ruth married an Israelite man named Boaz and gave birth to a son named Obed. Obed became the grandfather of King David, and King David was an ancestor of Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethlehem, Boaz, David, judge)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Salt Sea, Dead Sea
Facts:
The Salt Sea (also called the Dead Sea) was located between southern Israel on its west and Moab on its east.
- The Jordan River flows south into the Salt Sea.
- Because it is smaller than most seas, it could be called “Salt Lake.”
- This sea has such a high concentration of minerals (or “salts”) that nothing can live in its waters. Its lack of plants and animals is the cause of the name “Dead Sea.”
- In the Old Testament, this sea is also called the “Sea of Arabah” and the “Sea of Negev” because of its location near the regions of Arabah and Negev.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ammon, Arabah, Jordan River, Moab, Negev)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Samaria, Samaritan
Facts:
Samaria was the name of a city and its surrounding region in the northern part of Israel. The region was located between the Plain of Sharon on its west and the Jordan River on its east.
- In the Old Testament, Samaria was the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. Later the region surrounding it was also called Samaria.
- When the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, they captured the city of Samaria and forced most of the northern Israelites to leave the region, moving them far away to different cities in Assyria.
- The Assyrians also brought many foreigners into the region of Samaria to replace the Israelites who had been moved.
- Some of the Israelites who remained in that region married the foreigners who had moved there, and their descendants were called Samaritans.
- The Jews despised the Samaritans because they were only partly Jewish and because their ancestors had worshiped pagan gods.
- In New Testament times, the region of Samaria was bordered by the region of Galilee on its north and the region of Judea on its south.
(See also: Assyria, Galilee, Judea, Sharon, kingdom of Israel)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 20:4 Then the Assyrians brought foreigners to live in the land where the kingdom of Israel had been. The foreigners rebuilt the destroyed cities and married the Israelites who were left there. The descendants of the Israelites who married foreigners were called Samaritans.
- 27:8 “The next person to walk down that road was a Samaritan. (Samaritans were the descendants of Jews who had married people from other nations. Samaritans and Jews hated each other.)”
- 27:9 “The Samaritan then lifted the man onto his own donkey and took him to a roadside inn where he took care of him.”
- 45:7 He (Philip) went to Samaria where he preached about Jesus and many people were saved.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H8111, H8115, H8118, G45400, G45410, G45420
Samson
Facts:
Samson was one of the judges, or deliverers, of Israel. He was from the tribe of Dan.
- God gave Samson superhuman strength, which he used to fight against Israel’s enemies, the Philistines.
- Samson was put under a vow to never cut his hair and to never drink wine or any other fermented drink. As long as he kept this vow, God continued to give him strength.
- He finally broke his vow and allowed his hair to be cut, enabling the Philistines to capture him.
- While Samson was in captivity, God enabled him to regain his strength and gave him the opportunity to destroy the temple of the false god Dagon, along with many Philistines.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: deliver, Philistines, twelve tribes of Israel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Samuel
Facts:
Samuel was a prophet and the last judge of Israel. He anointed both Saul and David as kings over Israel.
- Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah in the town of Ramah.
- Hannah had been barren, so she had prayed earnestly that God would give her a son. Samuel was the answer to that prayer.
- Hannah promised that if, in answer to her desperate prayer that God would give her a male child, her request was granted, she would dedicate her son to Yahweh.
- To fulfill her promise to God, when Samuel was a young boy, Hannah sent him to live with and help Eli the priest in the temple.
- God raised up Samuel to be a great prophet.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Hannah, judge, prophet, Yahweh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Sarah, Sarai
Facts:
- Sarah was Abraham’s wife.
- Her name was originally “Sarai,” but God changed it to “Sarah.”
- Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the son God had promised to give her and Abraham.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Isaac)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 5:1 So Abram’s wife, Sarai, said to him, “Since God has not allowed me to have children and now I am too old to have children, here is my servant, Hagar. Marry her also so she can have a child for me.”
- 5:4 “Your wife, Sarai, will have a son—he will be the son of promise.”
- 5:4 God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, which means “princess.”
- 5:5 About a year later, when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90, Sarah gave birth to Abraham’s son. They named him Isaac as God had told them to do.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H8283, H8297, G45640
Saul (OT)
Facts:
Saul was an Israelite man whom God chose to become the first king of Israel.
- Saul was tall and handsome, and a powerful soldier. He was the kind of man that the Israelites wanted to be their king.
- Although he served God at first, Saul later became proud and disobeyed God. As a result, God appointed David to take Saul’s place as king and allowed Saul to be killed in battle.
- In the New Testament, there was a Jew named Saul who was also known as Paul and who became an apostle of Jesus Christ.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: king)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:1 Saul was the first king of Israel. He was tall and handsome, just like the people wanted. Saul was a good king for the first few years that he ruled over Israel. But then he became a wicked man who did not obey God, so God chose a different man who would one day be king in his place.
- 17:4 Saul became jealous of the people’s love for David. Saul tried many times to kill him, so David hid from Saul.
- 17:5 Eventually, Saul died in battle, and David became king of Israel.
Word Data:
Sea of Galilee, Sea of Kinnereth, lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias
Facts:
The “Sea of Galilee” is a lake in eastern Israel. In the Old Testament it was called the “Sea of Kinnereth.”
- The water of this lake flows south through the Jordan River down to the Salt Sea.
- Capernaum, Bethsaida, Gennesaret, and Tiberias were some of the towns located on the Sea of Galilee during New Testament times.
- Many events of Jesus’ life took place on or near the Sea of Galilee.
- The Sea of Galilee was also referred to as the “Sea of Tiberias” and the “lake of Gennesaret.”
- This term could also be translated as “lake in the region of Galilee” or “Lake Galilee” or “lake near Tiberias (Gennesaret).”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Capernaum, Galilee, Jordan River, Salt Sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3220, H3672, G10560, G10820, G22810, G30410, G50850
sea of reeds, Sea of Reeds, Red Sea
Facts:
The “Sea of Reeds” was the name of a body of water located between Egypt and Arabia. It is now called the “Red Sea.”
- The Red Sea is long and narrow. It is larger than a lake or river, but much smaller than an ocean.
- The Israelites had to cross the Red Sea when they were fleeing from Egypt. God performed a miracle and caused the waters of the sea to divide so that the people could walk across on dry land.
- The land of Canaan was north of this sea.
- This could also be translated as “Reed Sea.”
(See also: Arabia. Canaan, Egypt)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 12:4 When the Israelites saw the Egyptian army coming, they realized they were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea.
- 12:5 Then God told Moses, “Tell the people to move toward the Red Sea.”
- 13:1 After God led the Israelites through the Red Sea, he led them through the wilderness to a mountain called Sinai.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H3220, H5488, G20630, G22810
Seir, sons of Seir, Mount Seir, mountains of Seir, land of Seir
Facts:
Seir is the name of a man who was a descendant of Esau. The Bible calls Seir's descendants “the sons of Seir.”
- In the Bible region where the descendants of Seir lived is sometimes called “the land of Seir” and sometimes called “Seir.”
- The Bible calls a mountain range in Edom “the mountains of Seir.”
- The Bible calls a mountain in the land of Judah “Mount Seir.”
- The context and/or the modifying word or words will indicate whether “Seir” refers to the person, his descendants, the land of Seir, the mountain Seir, or the mountain range by that name.
- The phrase “the sons of Seir” in 2 Chronicles 25:11,14, refers to the Edomites and the word “Seir” in Ezekiel 25:8 also refers to the Edomites.
- In the Bible the term “Seir” is sometimes used with the same meaning as “Edom.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Edom)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Sennacherib
Facts:
Sennacherib was a powerful king of Assyria who caused Nineveh to become a rich, important city.
- King Sennacherib is known for his wars against Babylon and the kingdom of Judah.
- He was a very arrogant king and he ridiculed Yahweh.
- Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem during the time of King Hezekiah.
- Yahweh caused Sennacherib’s army to be destroyed.
- The Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles record some of the events of Sennacherib’s reign.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Assyria, Babylon, Hezekiah, Judah, mock, Nineveh)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Seth
Facts:
In the book of Genesis, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve.
- Eve said that Seth was given to her in place of her son Abel, who was murdered by his brother Cain.
- Noah was one of Seth’s descendants, so everyone who has lived since the time of the Flood is also a descendant of Seth.
- Seth and his family were the first people to “call on the name of the Lord.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abel, Cain, call, descendant, ancestor, flood, Noah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Sharon, Plain of Sharon
Facts:
Sharon was the name of a flat, fertile area of land along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Mount Carmel. It is also known as the “Plain of Sharon.”
- Several cities mentioned in the Bible were located on the Plain of Sharon, including Joppa, Lydda, and Caesarea.
- This could be translated as “the plain called Sharon” or “Sharon Plain.”
- People who lived in the region of Sharon were called “Sharonites.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Caesarea, Carmel, Joppa, the sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Sheba
Facts:
In ancient times, Sheba was an ancient civilization or region of land that was located somewhere in southern Arabia.
- The region or country of Sheba was probably located near what are now the present-day countries of Yemen and Ethiopia.
- Its inhabitants were probably descendants of Ham.
- The Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon when she heard the fame of his riches and wisdom.
- There were also several men named “Sheba” listed in genealogies in the Old Testament. It is possible that the name of the region of Sheba came from one of these men.
- The city of Beersheba was shortened to Sheba one time in the Old Testament.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Arabia, Beersheba, Ethiopia, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Shechem
Facts:
Shechem was a town in Canaan located about 40 miles north of Jerusalem. Shechem was also the name of a man in the Old Testament.
- The town of Shechem was where Jacob settled after being reconciled to his brother Esau.
- Jacob bought land from the sons of Hamor the Hivite in Shechem. This land later became his family burial ground and the place where his sons buried him.
- Hamor’s son Shechem raped Jacob’s daughter Dinah, resulting in Jacob’s sons killing all the men in the town of Shechem.
(Translation suggestions: Hamor)
(See also: Canaan, Esau, Hamor, Hivite, Jacob)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Shem
Facts:
Shem was one of Noah’s three sons, all of whom went with him into the ark during the worldwide flood described in the book of Genesis.
- Shem was the ancestor of Abraham and his descendants.
- The descendants of Shem were known as “Semites”; they spoke “Semitic” languages such as Hebrew and Arabic.
- The Bible indicates that Shem lived nearly 600 years.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Arabia, ark, flood, Noah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Shiloh
Facts:
Shiloh was a walled Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua.
- The city of Shiloh was located west of the Jordan River and northeast of the city of Bethel.
- During the time that Joshua was leading Israel, the city of Shiloh was a meeting place for the people of Israel.
- The twelve tribes of Israel met together at Shiloh to hear Joshua tell them which portion of the land of Canaan had been assigned to each of them.
- Before any temple was built in Jerusalem, Shiloh was the place where the Israelites came to sacrifice to God.
- When Samuel was a young boy, his mother Hannah took him to live in Shiloh to be trained by the priest Eli to serve Yahweh.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bethel, dedicate, Hannah, Jerusalem, Jordan River, priest, sacrifice, Samuel, temple)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Shimei
Definition:
Shimei was the name of several men in the Old Testament.
- Shimei son of Gera was a Benjamite who cursed King David and threw stones at him as he was fleeing Jerusalem to escape being killed by his son Absalom.
- There were also several Levite priests in the Old Testament who were named Shimei.
(See also: Absalom, Benjamin, Levite, priest)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Shinar
Facts:
Shinar means “country of two rivers” and was the name of a plain or region in southern Mesopotamia.
- Shinar later became known as “Chaldea” and then, “Babylonia.”
- Ancient peoples living in the city of Babel in the Plain of Shinar built a tall tower to try to make themselves great.
- Generations later, the Jewish patriarch Abraham lived in the city of Ur in this region, which by that time was called “Chaldea.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Babel, Babylon, Chaldea, Mesopotamia, patriarchs, Ur)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Sidon, Sidonians
Facts:
Sidon was the oldest son of Canaan. There is also a Canaanite city called Sidon, probably named after Canaan’s son.
- The city of Sidon was located northwest of Israel on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is part of the present-day country of Lebanon.
- The “Sidonians” were a Phoenician people group who lived in ancient Sidon and the region surrounding it.
- In the Bible, Sidon is closely associated with the city of Tyre, and both cities were known for their wealth and for immoral behavior of their people.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, Noah, Phoenicia, the sea, Tyre)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H6721, H6722, G46050, G46060
Sihon
Sihon is the name of a man who was an Amorite king who ruled over the land of Heshbon.
- The Israelites conquered Sihon and his people and land.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Amorite, Heshbon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Silas, Silvanus
Facts:
Silas was a leader among the believers in Jerusalem.
- The elders of the church in Jerusalem appointed Silas to go with Paul and Barnabas to take a letter to the city of Antioch.
- Silas later traveled with Paul to other cities to teach people about Jesus.
- Paul and Silas were put in jail in the city of Philippi. They sang praises to God while they were there and God released them from the jail. The jailer became a Christian as a result of their testimony.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Antioch, Barnabas, Jerusalem, Paul, Philippi, prison, testimony)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 47:1 One day, Paul and his friend Silas went to the town of Philippi to proclaim the good news about Jesus.
- 47:2 She (Lydia) invited Paul and Silas to stay at her house, so they stayed with her and her family.
- 47:3 Paul and Silas often met with people at the place of prayer.
- 47:7 So the owners of the slave girl took Paul and Silas to the Roman authorities, who beat them and threw them into jail.
- 47:8 They put Paul and Silas in the most secure part of the prison and even locked up their feet.
- 47:11 The jailer trembled as he came to Paul and Silas and asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
- 47:13 The next day the leaders of the city released Paul and Silas from prison and asked them to leave Philippi. Paul and Silas visited Lydia and some other friends and then left the city.
Word Data:
Simeon
Facts:
Simeon was Jacob’s second son. He was Leah’s second son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Simeon.”
- The name Simeon is similar to the Hebrew word meaning “to hear.”
- The tribe of Simeon occupied part of the southernmost territory in the promised land of Canaan. Its land was entirely surrounded by the land that belonged to Judah. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Simeon” refers to the land given to the tribe of Simeon.
- When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate him to God, an elderly man named Simeon praised God for allowing him to see the Messiah.
- Another man named Simeon is mentioned in Luke’s geneology of Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Leah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H8095, H8099, G48260
Simon the Zealot
Facts:
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
- Simon is mentioned three times in the listing of Jesus’ disciples, but little else is known about him.
- Simon was one of the Eleven who met to pray together in Jerusalem after Jesus went back up into heaven.
- The term “zealot” may mean that Simon was a member of “the Zealots,” a Jewish religious party that was very zealous in upholding the Law of Moses while strongly opposing the Roman government.
- Or, “zealot” may simply mean “the zealous one,” referring to Simon’s religious zeal.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, disciple, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: G22080, G25810, G46130
Sinai, Horeb
Facts:
Mount Sinai, also called Mount Horeb, is a mountain that was probably located in the southern part of what is now called the Sinai Peninsula, but the exact location of this mountain is not known.
- It is the place where God revealed his covenant to the Israelites and gave Moses the stone tablets on which he had written the ten commandments.
- It is also called the “mountain of God.”
- It was also the place where God later told Moses to strike a rock to provide water for the Israelites as they were wandering in the desert.
- It was the place where Moses saw the burning bush when he was tending sheep.
- It is possible that “Horeb” was the actual name of the mountain and that “Mount Sinai” simply means “mountain of Sinai,” referring to the fact that Mount Horeb was located in the desert of Sinai.
(See also: desert, Ten Commandments covenant, Israel, Moses, Sinai)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 13:1 After God led the Israelites through the Red Sea, he led them through the wilderness to a mountain called Sinai.
- 13:3 Three days later, after the people had prepared themselves spiritually, God came down on top of Mount Sinai with thunder, lightning, smoke, and a loud trumpet blast.
- 13:11 For many days, Moses was on top of Mount Sinai talking with God.
- 15:13 Then Joshua reminded the people of their obligation to obey the covenant that God had made with the Israelites at Sinai.
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2722, H5514, G37350, G46140
Sodom
Definition:
Sodom was a city in the southern part of Canaan where Abraham’s nephew Lot lived with his wife and children.
- The land of the region surrounding Sodom was very well watered and fertile, so Lot chose to live there when he first settled in Canaan.
- The exact location of this city is not known because Sodom and the nearby city of Gomorrah were completely destroyed by God as punishment for the evil things the people there were doing.
- The most significant sin that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were practicing was homosexuality.
(See also: Canaan, Gomorrah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Solomon
Facts:
Solomon was one of King David’s sons. His mother was Bathsheba.
- When Solomon became king, God told him to ask for anything he wanted. So Solomon asked for wisdom to rule the people justly and well. God was pleased with Solomon’s request and gave him both wisdom and much wealth.
- Solomon is also well known for having a magnificent temple built in Jerusalem.
- Although Solomon ruled wisely in the first years of his reign, later on he foolishly married many foreign women and started worshiping their gods.
- Because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness, after his death God divided the Israelites into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. These kingdoms often fought against each other.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Bathsheba, David, Israel, Judah, kingdom of Israel, temple)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:14 Later, David and Bathsheba had another son, and they named him Solomon.
- 18:1 After many years, David died, and his son Solomon began to rule. God spoke to Solomon and asked him what he wanted most. When Solomon asked for wisdom, God was pleased and made him the wisest man in the world. Solomon learned many things and was a very wise judge. God also made him very wealthy.
- 18:2 In Jerusalem, Solomon built the Temple for which his father David had planned and gathered materials.
- 18:3 But Solomon loved women from other countries.…When Solomon was old, he also worshiped their gods.
- 18:4 God was angry with Solomon and, as a punishment for Solomon’s unfaithfulness, he promised to divide the nation of Israel into two kingdoms after Solomon’s death.
Word Data:
Stephen
Facts:
Stephen is most remembered as the first Christian martyr, that is, the first person to be killed because of his faith in Jesus. The facts about his life and death are recorded in the book of Acts.
- Stephen was appointed by the early Church in Jerusalem to serve the Christians as a deacon by providing food for widows and other Christians in need.
- Certain Jews falsely accused Stephen of speaking against God and against the laws of Moses.
- Stephen boldly spoke the truth about Jesus the Messiah, beginning with the history of God’s dealings with the people of Israel.
- The Jewish leaders were furious and executed Stephen by stoning him to death outside the city.
- His execution was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul.
- Stephen is also well-known for his last words before he died, “Lord, please do not hold this sin against them,” which showed the love he had for others.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: appoint, deacon, Jerusalem, Paul, stone, true)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Succoth
Definition:
Succoth was the name of two Old Testament cities. The word, “succoth” (or “sukkoth”) means “shelters.”
- The first city called Succoth was located on the east side of the Jordan River.
- Jacob stayed at Succoth with his family and flocks, building shelters for them there.
- Hundreds of years later, Gideon and his exhausted men stopped at Succoth as they were chasing the Midanites, but the people there refused to give them any food.
- The second Succoth was located on the northern border of Egypt and was a place where the Israelites stopped after they crossed the Red Sea as they were escaping from slavery in Egypt.
Bible References:
Word Data:
Syria, Ashur
Facts:
Syria is a country located northeast of Israel. During the time of the New Testament, it was a province under the rule of the Roman Empire.
- In the Old Testament time period, the Syrians were strong military enemies of the Israelites.
- Naaman was a commander of the Syrian army who was cured of leprosy by the prophet Elisha.
- Many inhabitants of Syria are descendants of Aram, who was descended from Noah’s son Shem.
- Damascus, the capital city of Syria, was mentioned many times in the Bible.
- Saul went to the city of Damascus with plans to persecute Christians there, but Jesus stopped him.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Aram, commander, Damascus, descendant, Elisha, leprosy, Naaman, persecute, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0758, H0804, G49470, G49480
Tamar
Facts:
Tamar is the name of several different women in the Old Testament. There are also several cities or other places that are named Tamar in the Old Testament.
- Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah. After Tamar became a widow, Judah fathered a son with Tamar, who continued the family name of her dead husband. The son's name was Perez, who became an ancestor of King David and of Jesus Christ.
- One of King David’s daughters was named Tamar; she was the sister of Absalom. Her half-brother Amnon raped her and left her desolate.
- Absalom also had a daughter named Tamar.
- A city called “Hazezon Tamar” was the same as the city of Engedi on the western shore of the Salt Sea. There is also a “Baal Tamar,” and general references to a place called “Tamar” which may have been different from the cities.
(See also: Absalom, ancestor, Amnon, David, ancestor, Judah, Salt Sea)
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H1193, H2688, H8412, H8559
Tarshish
Facts:
In biblical times, Tarshish was a port city situated on the Mediterranean Sea. The specific location of the city is unknown. Also, the Old Testament mentions two different men named Tarshish.
- The city of Tarshish was a prosperous port city with ships that carried products to buy, sell, or trade. The Bible states that King Solomon kept a fleet of ships stationed at Tarshish.
- The Old Testament prophet Jonah boarded a ship bound for the city of Tarshish instead of obeying God’s command to go preach to Nineveh.
- One of Japheth’s grandsons was named Tarshish.
- Tarshish was also the name of one of the wise men of King Ahashuerus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Esther, Japheth, Jonah, Nineveh, Phoenicia, wise men)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Tarsus
Facts:
Tarsus was a prosperous city in the Roman province of Cilicia, in what is now south central Turkey.
- Tarsus was located along a major river and near the Mediterranean Sea, so it was part of an important trade route.
- At one time it was the capital of Cilicia.
- In the New Testament, Tarsus was best known as the hometown of Paul the apostle.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cilicia, Paul, province, the sea)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Terah
Facts:
Terah was a descendant of Noah’s son Shem. He was the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.
- Terah left his home in Ur in order to go to the land of Canaan with his son Abram, his nephew Lot, and Abram’s wife Sarai.
- On the way to Canaan, Terah and his family lived for years in the city of Haran in Mesopotamia. Terah died in Haran at the age of 205.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Canaan, Haran, Lot, Mesopotamia, Nahor, Sarah, Shem, Ur)
Bible References:
Genesis 11:31-32
Word Data:
the sea, the Great Sea, the western sea, Mediterranean Sea
Facts:
In the Bible, the “Great Sea” or “western sea” refers to what is now called the “Mediterranean Sea,” which was the largest body of water known to the people of Bible times.
- The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by: Israel (east), Europe (north and west), and Africa (south).
- This sea was very important in ancient times for trade and travel since it bordered so many countries. Cities and people groups located on the coast of this sea were very prosperous because of how easy it was to access goods from other countries by boat.
- Since the Great Sea was located to the west of Israel, it was sometimes referred to as the “western sea.”
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Israel, people group, prosper)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H0314, H1419, H3220
Thessalonica, Thessalonian
Facts:
In New Testament times, Thessalonica was the capital city of Macedonia in the ancient Roman empire. The people living in that city were called the “Thessalonians.”
- The city of Thessalonica was an important seaport and was also located along a major road that connected Rome to the eastern part of the Roman empire.
- Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey and as a result, a church was established there. Later, Paul also visited this city on his third missionary journey.
- Paul wrote two letters to the Christians in Thessalonica. These letters (1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians) are included in the New Testament.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Macedonia, Paul, Rome)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Thomas
Facts:
Thomas was one of twelve men whom Jesus chose to be his disciples and later, apostles. He was also known as “Didymus,” which means “twin.”
- Near the end of Jesus’ life, he told his disciples that he was going away to be with the Father and would prepare a place for them to be with him. Thomas asked Jesus how they could know the way to get there when they didn’t even know where he was going.
- After Jesus died and came back to life, Thomas said he would not believe that Jesus was really alive again unless he could see and feel the scars where Jesus had been wounded.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: apostle, disciple, God the Father, the twelve)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Timothy
Facts:
Timothy was a young man from Lystra. He later joined Paul on several missionary trips and helped shepherd new communities of believers.
- Timothy’s father was a Greek, but both his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice were Jews and believers in Christ.
- The elders and Paul formally appointed Timothy for the ministry by placing their hands on him and praying for him.
- Two books in the New Testament (I Timothy and 2 Timothy) are letters written by Paul that provide guidance to Timothy as a young leader of local churches.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: appoint, believe, church, Greek, minister)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Tirzah
Facts:
Tirzah was an important Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites. It was also the name of a daughter of Gilead, a descendant of Manasseh.
- The city Tirzah was located in the region occupied by the tribe of Manasseh. It is thought that the city was about 10 miles north of the city of Shechem.
- Years later, Tirzah became a temporary capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, during the reigns of four kings of Israel.
- Tirzah was also the name of one of Manasseh’s granddaughters. They asked to be given a portion of the land since their father had died and he had no sons to inherit it as would normally be the custom.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, inherit, kingdom of Israel, Manasseh, Shechem)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Titus
Facts:
Titus was a Gentile. He was trained by Paul to be a leader in the early churches.
- A letter written to Titus by Paul is one of the books of the New Testament.
- In this letter Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders for the churches on the island of Crete.
- In some of his other letters to Christians, Paul mentions Titus as someone who encouraged him and brought him joy.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: appoint, believe, church, circumcise, Crete, elder, encourage, instruct, minister)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Troas
Facts:
The city of Troas was a seaport located on the northwest coast of the ancient Roman province of Asia.
- Paul visited Troas at least three times during his trips to different regions to preach the gospel.
- On one occasion in Troas, Paul preached long into the night and a young man named Eutychus fell asleep while he was listening. Because he had been sitting in an open window, Eutychus fell down a long way and died. Through God’s power, Paul raised this young man back to life.
- When Paul was in Rome, he asked Timothy to bring him his scrolls and his cloak, which he had left behind in Troas.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Asia, preach, province, raise, Rome, scroll, Timothy)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Tubal
Facts:
There were several men in the Old Testament who had the name “Tubal.”
- One man named Tubal was one of the sons of Japheth.
- A man named “Tubal-Cain” was a son of Lamech and descendant of Cain.
- Tubal was also the name of a people group mentioned by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Cain, descendant, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Japheth, Lamech, people group, prophet)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Tychicus
Facts:
Tychicus was one of Paul’s fellow ministers of the gospel.
- Tychicus accompanied Paul on at least one of his missionary journeys to Asia.
- Paul described him as “beloved” and “faithful.”
- Tychicus carried Paul’s letters to Ephesus and Colosse.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Asia, beloved, Colossae, Ephesus, faithful, good news, minister)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Tyre, Tyrians
Facts:
Tyre was an ancient Canaanite city located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in a region that is now part of the modern-day country of Lebanon. Its people were called “Tyrians.”
- Part of the city was located on an island in the sea, about one kilometer from the mainland.
- Because of its location and its valuable natural resources, such as cedar trees, Tyre had a prosperous trading industry and was very wealthy.
- King Hiram of Tyre sent wood from cedar trees and skilled laborers to help build a palace for King David.
- Years later, Hiram also sent King Solomon wood and skilled laborers to help build the temple. Solomon paid him with large amounts of wheat and olive oil.
- Tyre was often associated with the nearby ancient city of Sidon. These were the most important cities of the region of Canaan called Phoenicia.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Canaan, cedar, Israel, the sea, Phoenicia, Sidon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H6865, H6876, G51830, G51840
Ur
Facts:
Ur was an important city along the Euphrates River in the ancient region of Chaldea, which was part of Mesopotamia. This region was located in what is now the modern-day country of Iraq.
- Abraham was from the city of Ur and it was from there that God called him to leave to go to the land of Canaan.
- Haran, the brother of Abraham and father of Lot, died in Ur. This was probably a factor that influenced Lot to leave Ur with Abraham.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Abraham, Canaan, Chaldea, Euphrates River, Haran, Lot, Mesopotamia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Uriah
Facts:
Uriah was a righteous man and one of King David’s best soldiers. He is often referred to as “Uriah the Hittite.”
- Uriah had a very beautiful wife named Bathsheba.
- David committed adultery with Uriah’s wife, and she became pregnant with David’s child.
- To cover up this sin, David caused Uriah to be killed in battle. Then David married Bathsheba.
- Another man named Uriah was a priest during the time of King Ahaz.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Ahaz, Bathsheba, David, Hittite)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 17:12 Bathsheba’s husband, a man named Uriah, was one of David’s best soldiers. David called Uriah back from the battle and told him to go be with his wife. But Uriah refused to go home while the rest of the soldiers were in battle. So David sent Uriah back to the battle and told the general to place him where the enemy was strongest so that he would be killed.
- 17:13 After Uriah was killed, David married Bathsheba.
Word Data:
Uzziah, Azariah
Facts:
Uzziah became king of Judah at the age of 16 and reigned 52 years, which was an unusually long reign. Uzziah was also known as “Azariah.”
- King Uzziah was well-known for his organized and skilled military. He had towers built to protect the city and had specially-designed weapons of war mounted on them to hurl arrows and large stones.
- As long as Uzziah served the Lord, he prospered. Toward the end of his reign, however, he became proud and he disobeyed the Lord by burning incense in the temple, which only the priest was permitted to do.
- Because of this sin, Uzziah became sick with leprosy and had to live separately from other people until the end of his reign.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Judah, king, leprosy, reign, watchtower)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H5818, H5838, H5839
Vashti
Facts:
In the Old Testament book of Esther, Vashti was the wife of Ahasuerus, king of Persia.
- King Ahasuerus sent Queen Vashti away when she refused to obey his order to come to his dinner party and show off her beauty to his drunken guests.
- As a result, a search went out for a new queen and eventually Esther was chosen to be the king’s new wife.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahasuerus, Esther, Persia)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zacchaeus
Facts:
Zacchaeus was a tax collector from Jericho who climbed a tree in order to be able to see Jesus who was surrounded by a large crowd of people.
- Zacchaeus was completely changed when he believed in Jesus.
- He repented of his sin of cheating people and promised to give half his possessions to the poor.
- He also promised that he would pay people back four times the amount that he had overcharged them for their taxes.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: believe, promise, repent, sin, tax, tax collector)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zadok
Facts:
Zadok was the name of an important high priest in Israel during the reign of King David.
- When Absalom rebelled against King David, Zadok supported David and helped bring the ark of the covenant back into Jerusalem.
- Years later, he also took part in the ceremony to anoint David’s son Solomon as king.
- Two different men by the name of Zadok helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s time.
- Zadok was also the name of King Jotham’s grandfather.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: ark of the covenant, David, Jotham, Nehemiah, reign, Solomon)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zebedee
Facts:
Zebedee was a fisherman from Galilee who is known because of his sons, James and John, who were Jesus’ disciples. They are often identified in the New Testament as the “sons of Zebedee.”
- Zebedee’s sons were also fishermen and worked with him to catch fish.
- James and John quit their fishing work with their father Zebedee and left to go follow Jesus.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: disciple, fishermen, James (son of Zebedee), John (the apostle))
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zebulun
Facts:
Zebulun was Jacob’s tenth son. He was Leah’s sixth son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.
- The tribe descended from him was known as the “tribe of Zebulun” or “Zebulun.”
- The meaning of the name Zebulun is unknown, but it is similar to a Hebrew word probably meaning “to honor” or “to dwell.”
- The tribe of Zebulun settled in northwest Canaan, bordered by the lands of Naphtali, Issachar, Manasseh, and Asher.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Leah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2074, H2075, G21940
Zechariah (NT)
Facts:
In the New Testament, Zechariah was a Jewish priest who became the father of John the Baptist.
- Zechariah loved God and obeyed him.
- For many years Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, prayed earnestly to have a child, but did not have one. Then when they were very old, God answered their prayers and gave them a son.
- Zechariah prophesied that his son John would be the prophet who would announce and prepare the way for the Messiah.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Christ, Elizabeth, prophet)
Bible References:
Examples from the Bible stories:
- 22:1 Suddenly an angel came with a message from God to an old priest named Zechariah. Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were godly people, but she had not been able to have any children.
- 22:2 The angel said to Zechariah, “Your wife will have a son. You will name him John.”
- 22:3 Immediately, Zechariah was unable to speak.
- 22:7 Then God allowed Zechariah to speak again.
Word Data:
Zechariah (OT)
Facts:
Zechariah was a prophet who prophesied during the reign of King Darius I of Persia. The Old Testament book of Zechariah contains his prophecies, which urged the returning exiles to rebuild the temple.
- The prophet Zechariah lived during the same time period as Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerrubbabel and Haggai. He was also mentioned by Jesus as the last of the prophets who were murdered during Old Testament times.
- Another man named Zechariah was a gatekeeper at the tent of meeting during the time of David.
- One of King Jehoshaphat’s sons who was named Zechariah was murdered by his brother Jehoram.
- Zechariah was the name of a priest who was stoned by the people of Israel when he rebuked them for their idol worship.
- King Zechariah was the son of Jeroboam and he reigned over Israel for only six months before being murdered.
(Translation Suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Darius, Ezra, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zedekiah
Facts:
Zedekiah, son of Josiah, was the last king of Judah (597-587 B.C.). There are also several other men named Zedekiah in the Old Testament.
- King Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king of Judah after capturing King Jehoiachin and taking him away to Babylon. Zedekiah later rebelled and as a result Nebuchadnezzar captured him and destroyed all of Jerusalem.
- Zedekiah, son of Kenaanah, was a false prophet during the time of King Ahab of Israel.
- A man named Zedekiah was one of those who signed an agreement to the Lord during the time of Nehemiah.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Ahab, Babylon, Ezekiel, kingdom of Israel, Jehoiachin, Jeremiah, Josiah, Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zephaniah
Facts:
Zephaniah, son of Cushi, was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem and prophesied during the reign of King Josiah. He lived during the same time period as Jeremiah.
- He rebuked the people of Judah for worshipping false gods. His prophecies are written in the book of Zephaniah in the Old Testament.
- There were several other men in the Old Testament named Zephaniah, most of whom were priests.
(Translation suggestions: Translate Names)
(See also: Jeremiah, Josiah, priest)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zerubbabel
Facts:
Zerubbabel was the name of two Israelite men in the Old Testament.
- One of these was a descendant of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.
- A different Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, was the head of the tribe of Judah during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, when Cyrus king of Persia released the Israelites from their captivity in Babylon.
- Zerubbabel and the high priest Joshua were among those who helped rebuild the temple and altar of God.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Babylon, captive, Cyrus, Ezra, high priest, Jehoiakim, Joshua, Judah, Nehemiah, Persia, Zedekiah)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H2216, H2217, G22160
Zilpah
Facts:
Zilpah was one of Jacob’s wives. She was the mother of Jacob’s two sons Gad and Asher.
- Laban gave Zilpah to Leah as a servant when Leah married Jacob.
- When Leah stopped having children, she gave Zilpah to Jacob as a wife to bear more children for her.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Jacob, Leah, Gad, Asher)
Bible References:
Word Data:
Zoar
Facts:
Zoar was a small city where Lot fled when God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.
- It was formerly known as “Bela” but was renamed “Zoar” when Lot asked God to spare this “small” city.
- Zoar is thought to have been located in the plain of the Jordan River or at the southern end of the Dead Sea.
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)
(See also: Lot, Sodom, Gomorrah)
Bible References:
Word Data: