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.
Demetrius
People & Groups - New Testament
Demetrius was both an Ephesian silversmith who opposed Paul because the gospel threatened the sale of shrines to Artemis, and a Christian commended by John for his good reputation.
Demon
Angels & Spiritual Beings - Both
A demon is a spiritual being hostile to God and associated with evil, uncleanness, and affliction. Scripture portrays demons as recognizing God’s power while awaiting judgment.
Demoniacs
Angels & Spiritual Beings - New Testament
Demoniacs were people described in the New Testament as suffering under the influence or possession of demons. Their conditions could involve bodily affliction, mental disturbance, or supernatural behavior, and Jesus frequently delivered such people.
DEMOPHON
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Demophon was a Syrian general in Palestine under Antiochus V. He continued hostile actions against the Jews after agreements had been made between Lysias and Judas Maccabeus.
Den
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A den is a lair, cave, pit, or hidden recess used by wild animals, fugitives, or criminals. Daniel was famously cast into a den of lions as punishment under the rule of Darius.
Denarius
Measures & Money - New Testament
The denarius was a Roman silver coin commonly used in the time of Jesus and the apostles. It represented approximately a day’s wage for a laborer and was used in Jesus’ teaching about wages and taxation.
DENOUNCE
Prophecy - Old Testament
To denounce, in Deuteronomy 30:18, means to declare or solemnly make known. Moses formally announced the consequences that would come upon Israel for turning away from God.
DENY
Christian Life - Both
To deny means to disown, reject, refuse, or speak against. Scripture uses it both of rejecting a truth, as in denying the resurrection, and of denying oneself in order to follow Christ.
DEPOSIT
Christian Life - New Testament
A deposit is something entrusted to another for safekeeping. The New Testament applies the idea both to the Christian faith committed to believers and to a person’s entrusting of life and future to God.
Deputy
Government & Society - Both
Deputy is an older translation for an official or governor. In the New Testament it commonly refers to a Roman proconsul who exercised judicial and administrative authority over a province.
Derbe
Places & Geography - New Testament
Derbe was a city in the eastern part of Lycaonia visited by Paul on his missionary journeys. Paul preached there and made many disciples; Gaius of Derbe later traveled with him.
DESCRY
Places & Geography - Old Testament
To descry, in older English, means to explore or examine. In Judges 1:23 it describes the house of Joseph sending men to spy out Bethel.
Desert
Places & Geography - Both
In the Bible, a desert or wilderness is generally an uncultivated, sparsely inhabited region that could still provide seasonal pasture. The wilderness was also a setting of testing, judgment, solitude, and divine provision.
DESIRE
Christian Life - Both
To desire means to long for, ask for, seek, or require something. Desire may be good or evil depending on its object and motive, and Scripture often distinguishes holy longing from sinful craving.
Desire of all nations
Jesus Christ - Old Testament
“The desire of all nations” occurs in Haggai’s prophecy and has traditionally been understood by Christians as a title pointing to the Messiah. The passage also speaks of the nations’ desirable treasures being brought to God’s house.
DESOLATE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Desolate means lonely, forsaken, laid waste, comfortless, barren, or without inhabitants. Scripture uses the word for individuals, cities, lands, and conditions of spiritual or emotional abandonment.
Desolation, Abomination of
Prophecy - Both
The abomination of desolation is a defiling sacrilege associated with Daniel’s prophecy and later applied by Jesus to the profanation of the holy place. It signifies a conspicuous sign of idolatrous opposition and approaching judgment.
DESPAIR
Christian Life - New Testament
Despair is the condition of being overwhelmed by trouble or seeing no apparent way forward. Paul describes believers as afflicted and perplexed, yet not driven into utter despair.
DESSAU
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Dessau is the Revised Version form of Lessau, a name found in the Apocryphal historical writings.
Destroyer
Angels & Spiritual Beings - Both
The Destroyer is a supernatural agent associated with carrying out divine judgment. Scripture uses the term for the agent who struck Egypt’s firstborn and for an angel connected with other judgments and plagues.
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