Bible Dictionary
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
Wafers
Worship & Prayer - Old Testament
Wafers were thin cakes used in several grain and peace offerings. They were commonly made without leaven and formed part of the prescribed offerings and priestly ceremonies.
Wages
Government & Society - Both
Wages are compensation for labor, paid in money, provisions, or goods. Biblical law required employers to pay workers fairly and promptly, and strongly condemned withholding or exploiting a laborer’s hire.
Wagon
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A wagon was a wheeled vehicle used chiefly for peaceful transport of people or goods, commonly drawn by oxen. A related term could also describe a war chariot in a prophetic passage.
Wailing-place, Jews’
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
The Jews’ Wailing-place was a section of the western wall of the temple area where Jews gathered to mourn the destruction and desolation of Jerusalem’s sanctuary. It was associated with prayer, lament, and remembrance.
WAIT
Christian Life - Both
“Wait” may mean to lie in ambush, serve or attend, or remain patiently expectant. Spiritually, waiting on God expresses faith, perseverance, attentive hope, and expectation of His salvation or promises.
WALK
Christian Life - Both
Besides ordinary movement, “walk” commonly describes one’s conduct or spiritual life. To walk in the light, by faith, or by the Spirit means to live according to God’s truth and power.
Wall
Government & Society - Both
Walls enclosed and protected cities, houses, and sacred buildings. They represented strength and security, while Scripture also uses walls figuratively for divine protection and the final glory of the holy city.
Walls
Government & Society - Both
Walls were constructed boundaries of stone or other materials used to enclose cities, buildings, and compounds. In biblical settings they provided defense, separation, and protection.
Wandering
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Israelites’ wandering refers especially to their forty years in the wilderness after their unbelieving refusal to enter Canaan. Their journeys and camping places are recorded in Numbers 33 as they were led toward the Promised Land.
Wandering In The Wilderness
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The wilderness of the wandering was the region in which Israel lived and traveled after leaving Egypt and before entering Canaan. Their prolonged stay followed rebellion at Kadesh and lasted until the unbelieving generation had died.
WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The wanderings of Israel were the forty-year journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after the Exodus and before entering the Promised Land. Their route included regions such as Sinai, Paran, Kadesh, and the Arabah.
War
Government & Society - Both
War is armed conflict between peoples or nations. Scripture records Israel’s wars, judgments upon wicked nations, defensive struggles, and internal conflicts, while also using warfare as a figure for the Christian’s spiritual struggle.
Ward
Government & Society - Both
A ward could mean a prison or guarded place, a guard or body of soldiers, a watch station, or an assigned duty. The word therefore describes both confinement and various forms of watchful service.
WARES
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Wares” means merchandise, goods, possessions, or articles offered for sale or trade. Biblical uses may refer to purchased goods, manufactured items, cargo, or commercial property.
WARP
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The warp consists of the long threads fixed lengthwise in a loom, through which the crosswise woof is woven. The term occurs in the laws concerning cloth affected by disease.
Wars of the Lord, The Book of the
Scripture - Old Testament
The Book of the Wars of the Lord is an otherwise unknown book cited in Numbers 21:14. It apparently recorded victories or events connected with Israel’s wars, but its contents have not survived.
Washing
Jewish Life & Customs - New Testament
Washing can refer to ordinary cleansing or to ceremonial handwashing. In the New Testament, Jesus criticized traditions that treated ritual washing as a greater authority than God’s commands.
WASHING OF FEET
Christian Life - Both
Washing the feet was a customary act of refreshment and hospitality after travel, usually performed by the guest or a servant. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to teach humility, loving service, and freedom from pride.
Washing The Hands And Feet
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Washing the hands and feet was a customary act of cleanliness, refreshment, and hospitality. Washing hands before eating became a detailed religious tradition among the Pharisees, while washing feet remained a common courtesy toward guests.
WASHPOT
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A washpot was a vessel used for washing. In the image “Moab is my washpot,” Moab is portrayed as subject to contemptuous service under the conqueror.
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