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.
DAY, LAST
Death & Afterlife - Both
The last day refers especially to the time of resurrection and judgment at the end of the age. In John 7:37 it also denotes the closing day of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Day’s journey
Measures & Money - Both
A day’s journey was the distance ordinarily traveled in one day, commonly estimated at about twenty-five to thirty miles by camel or horseback. Biblical references use the expression as a practical measure of travel time.
Daysman
Doctrine & Theology - Old Testament
A daysman was an umpire or arbitrator who stood between two parties and judged their dispute. In Job, the term expresses the longing for someone able to mediate between Job and God.
Dayspring
Prophecy - Both
Dayspring means dawn or sunrise. In Luke’s prophecy it pictures the light from on high visiting those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, pointing to God’s saving visitation.
Daystar
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The daystar is the morning star that precedes sunrise. Scripture uses it as a figure for Christ’s light and His manifestation to believers.
Deacon
Christian Life - New Testament
A deacon is a servant or minister appointed for practical service in the church. The office is associated with caring for church needs, distributing aid, maintaining order, and supporting the apostles’ ministry of the word.
Deaconess
Christian Life - New Testament
A deaconess was a Christian woman engaged in ministry and service among women and the church community. Phoebe is described as a servant of the church at Cenchreae, though the precise form of the office is debated.
DEAD
Death & Afterlife - Both
The dead are those whose physical life has ended, whether an individual corpse or the departed collectively. Scripture also uses “dead” figuratively for people spiritually separated from God, while believers may be described as dead to sin or the law.
Dead Sea
Places & Geography - Both
The Dead Sea is the inland body of water called in Scripture the Salt Sea, the Sea of the Arabah, and the East Sea. It lies east of Jerusalem, receives the Jordan, and has exceptionally saline, buoyant waters.
DEAD SEA, THE
Places & Geography - Both
The Dead Sea is the deep inland lake east of Jerusalem and the Jordan, called in Scripture the Salt Sea, the Sea of the Arabah, and the Eastern Sea. Its exceptionally low elevation and mineral-rich waters distinguish it from other biblical lakes.
DEADLY
Sin & Judgment - Both
Deadly means causing or bringing death. Scripture uses it of mortal enemies, fatal disease, a death-stroke, poison, and the destructive power of an uncontrolled tongue.
DEAF
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Deaf refers physically to inability to hear, but Scripture also uses it figuratively for refusing or being unable to receive God’s message. God’s power can open deaf ears and bring understanding.
DEAL
Measures & Money - Both
Deal can mean a portion or measured amount, as in the tenth part of an offering. As a verb, it may mean to distribute, act, or conduct oneself toward another.
Deal, Tenth
Measures & Money - Old Testament
A tenth deal was a dry measure used in the biblical system of offerings and provisions. It is identified with the omer, a measure used for grain and other food substances.
Dearth
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Dearth is a serious scarcity of food or provisions, usually caused by famine. Scripture records dearths during the periods of the patriarchs, judges, kings, and the early church.
Death
Death & Afterlife - Both
Death is the termination of bodily life and, in Scripture, the consequence of sin. The Bible also speaks of spiritual death, the second death of final judgment, and Christ’s victory over death through His resurrection.
Debir
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Debir was the name of a city in the hill country of Judah, another place near the boundary of Judah, and the king of Eglon. The principal city was also called Kirjath-sepher and was captured by Othniel.
Deborah
People & Groups - Old Testament
Deborah was Rebekah’s nurse and was buried near Bethel. The other Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel with Barak to victory over Sisera and Jabin, and helped inspire the song of triumph in Judges 5.
Debt
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Debt is money or goods owed to another. Israel’s law encouraged helping the poor through lending, restricted interest, and provided for release from certain debts in the sabbatical year.
Debtor
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A debtor is a person who owes money or goods to another. Biblical laws regulated pledges, repayment, debt release, and the responsibility of a surety.
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