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.
DARKLY
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
To see darkly means to perceive only partially or obscurely, as in a dim or puzzling reflection. Paul contrasts present, incomplete knowledge with the clear, face-to-face knowledge believers will have in eternity.
Darkness
Sin & Judgment - Both
Darkness may describe the absence of light, but Scripture also uses it as a sign of divine judgment, suffering, ignorance, death, sin, or the hidden majesty of God. Darkness accompanied both the Egyptian plague and Christ’s crucifixion.
Darkon
People & Groups - Old Testament
Darkon was the ancestor of a family of Solomon’s servants who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. His descendants are listed among the post-exilic temple servants.
Darling
Death & Afterlife - Old Testament
“Darling” translates a word meaning “only one” or “dear life.” In the Psalms it is a poetic expression for a person’s life or soul.
Dart
Objects & Symbols - Both
A dart was a pointed missile weapon, such as a light spear or arrow. Scripture also uses darts figuratively for the painful consequences of sin and for fierce temptations to evil.
DASH
Sin & Judgment - Both
To dash means to strike or throw down violently, often with the purpose of breaking or destroying. In Psalm 91, however, it refers to accidentally striking one’s foot against a stone.
Date
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A date is the fruit of the date palm, a common and valuable tree in biblical Palestine. Palm branches and their produce were associated with ordinary life and with Israel’s festivals.
Dates
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Dates refers to produce from the palm tree, though the cited passage may use the word for honey or date syrup. Date palms were important fruit-bearing trees in the biblical lands.
Dathan
People & Groups - Old Testament
Dathan was a Reubenite leader who joined Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He and Abiram were judged when the earth opened and swallowed them, their households, and their possessions.
DATHEMA
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Dathema was a stronghold in Gilead where Jewish people sought refuge from hostile forces during the Maccabean struggles. Judas and Jonathan delivered them from danger.
DAUB
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
To daub means to cover or smear with a substance. Scripture uses the word for coating the ark with bitumen and for the deceptive whitewashing of a weak wall by false prophets.
Daughter
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Daughter ordinarily means a female child, but Scripture also uses it for a granddaughter, female descendant, women or inhabitants of a place, dependent towns, branches, and those sharing a characteristic or identity.
David
People & Groups - Both
David was Israel’s second king, a shepherd from Bethlehem whom God chose and anointed. He defeated Goliath, united the kingdom, established Jerusalem as his royal city, and became the ancestor of the promised Messiah.
David, City of
Places & Geography - Both
The City of David refers either to the fortress of Zion in Jerusalem, which David captured and made his royal residence, or to Bethlehem, David’s birthplace and early home.
DAVID, ROOT OF
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The Root of David is a title applied to Jesus Christ in Revelation. It identifies Him as the promised descendant and royal heir of David, while also emphasizing His messianic authority.
Day
Measures & Money - Both
A day may mean daylight, a twenty-four-hour period, an age, a season, or a divinely appointed time. Biblical reckoning commonly began the day at sunset, while daylight was divided into hours from sunrise to sunset.
DAY AND NIGHT
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The biblical day and night together form a complete cycle of time. In Israelite reckoning, a day was commonly counted from evening to evening, while daylight and nighttime were also divided into watches and natural periods.
DAY BEFORE THE SABBATH
Festivals & Holy Days - Both
The day before the Sabbath was the day of preparation. People prepared food, completed necessary work, cleansed themselves, arranged their homes, and made ready for the Sabbath or a festival Sabbath.
DAY OF THE LORD (YAHWEH)
Prophecy - Both
The Day of the Lord is the appointed day of God’s decisive judgment and salvation. In the New Testament it centers on the glorious return of Jesus Christ, bringing terror to unbelievers but hope, resurrection, and victory to believers.
DAY-STAR
Jesus Christ - Both
The day-star is the morning star, the herald of dawn. In 2 Peter 1:19 the image points to Christ’s illuminating presence, while Isaiah uses the expression in a passage concerning the king of Babylon.
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