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.
CRIER
Government & Society - Both
A crier was a public announcer who called out messages, commands, or important news. Biblical imagery also uses the idea of a voice crying aloud, as with Wisdom and John the Baptist.
Crimson
Objects & Symbols - Both
Crimson is a deep red color. The dictionary sources direct this entry to the broader biblical subject of colors.
CRIPPLE
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
A cripple was a person unable to walk normally because of a physical disability. Acts 14 describes a man at Lystra who had been lame from birth and was healed through Paul’s ministry.
Crisping Pins
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
“Crisping pins” refers to a female ornament mentioned in Isaiah 3:22. The term may describe a satchel, pouch, girdle, veil, or similar accessory; the exact object is uncertain.
Crisping-pin
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A crisping-pin was probably a small pouch, purse, or casket used as a woman’s ornament. The Revised Version renders the related term “satchel,” and the same Hebrew word can mean “bag.”
Crispus
People & Groups - New Testament
Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue at Corinth who believed in the Lord with his household. Paul baptized him, making him one of the few Corinthian converts Paul personally baptized.
CRITICISM OF THE BIBLE
Scripture - Both
Biblical criticism is the careful examination of Scripture’s text, language, sources, authorship, date, composition, and historical setting. Textual criticism compares manuscripts and versions to establish the wording, while higher criticism studies literary and historical questions and must guard against unsupported assumptions.
CROOK-BACKED
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Crook-backed describes an angular curvature or deformity of the spine. Such a condition disqualified a descendant of Aaron from serving as a priest, though he could still share in the priestly provisions.
CROOKED
Sin & Judgment - Both
Crooked describes something bent, twisted, or deformed. Figuratively, it refers to deceitful conduct, moral perversity, trials, or difficulties that God can remove.
CROP
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
As a noun, crop refers to the craw of a bird, which was removed before a bird was offered as a burnt sacrifice. As a verb, it means to cut off, cut down, or pluck.
Cross
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The cross was the instrument of Christ’s crucifixion and became the central sign of His atoning death. Jesus also used it figuratively for the suffering and self-denial His followers must accept.
CROSSWAY
Places & Geography - Old Testament
A crossway is a place where a road forks or divides. Obadiah warns Edom not to stand at the crossway to intercept Israelites escaping from judgment.
Crown
Objects & Symbols - Both
A crown was a head ornament signifying royalty, honor, consecration, victory, or reward. Scripture also uses crowns symbolically for Christ’s authority and for the enduring reward promised to faithful believers.
Crown of thorns
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The crown of thorns was a wreath of thorny branches placed on Jesus by Roman soldiers in mockery of His kingship. The exact plant used cannot be determined with certainty.
Crucifixion
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Crucifixion was a shameful and painful form of execution used by ancient peoples, especially the Romans. Jesus was crucified between criminals, fulfilling Scripture and enduring the curse associated with hanging on a tree.
CRUMB
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
A crumb is a small fragment or scrap of food. The term appears in the New Testament in accounts involving Lazarus and the crumbs desired by the Canaanite woman’s daughter.
Cruse
Objects & Symbols - Both
A cruse was a small flask, jar, or dish used to hold water, oil, honey, or ointment. Depending on the passage, the word may refer to an earthen vessel, bottle, platter, or alabaster flask.
CRY, CRYING
Worship & Prayer - Both
To cry may mean to call aloud, shout, groan, plead for help, or express joy or grief. Scripture frequently uses crying as an appeal to God in distress, while also describing public proclamation and praise.
Crystal
Objects & Symbols - Both
Crystal in Scripture denotes a bright, transparent substance, probably rock crystal or crystallized quartz. It is used to describe dazzling heavenly appearances and the purity or brilliance of God’s glory.
CUB
People & Groups - Old Testament
Cub is the name found in Ezekiel 30:5, but the text is probably corrupt. The parallel ancient reading suggests that the intended name was Lub, referring to Libya.
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