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.
Dishon
People & Groups - Old Testament
Dishon is a name associated with an Edomite or Horite lineage and is related to the meaning “antelope.” The name appears in genealogical lists of Seir and Edom.
DISHONESTY
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
Dishonesty means shameful or deceitful conduct. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 the term refers to hidden things of shame that are rejected by faithful ministry.
DISORDERLY
Christian Life - New Testament
Disorderly describes conduct that is unruly, undisciplined, or out of rank. The New Testament applies it to believers whose lives brought reproach on the gospel and who refused proper order.
Dispensation
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Dispensation means an administration or stewardship entrusted to someone. In Scripture it refers especially to Paul’s stewardship of preaching the gospel and to God’s ordering of His purposes in history.
Dispersion
People & Groups - Both
The Dispersion refers to the scattering of peoples, especially the Jews living outside the land of Israel. Jewish communities spread through the ancient world, and God used this network of synagogues and settlements in the spread of the gospel.
Dispersion, The Jews Of The
People & Groups - New Testament
The Jews of the Dispersion were Jewish communities living outside Palestine after the exile and during the Second Temple period. They were found throughout Babylon, Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, and became important hearers of apostolic preaching.
DISPOSITION
Law & Covenant - New Testament
Disposition in Acts 7:53 means administration or appointment. Israel received the law as it was ordained or arranged through angels.
DISPUTATION
Christian Life - New Testament
Disputation refers to questioning, discussion, or argument rather than necessarily hostile quarrelling. Biblical usage includes discussing disputed matters and reasoning about doubts.
Distaff
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A distaff was an implement used in spinning thread. Proverbs mentions it together with the spindle as part of the work of a diligent and capable woman.
DISTIL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
To distil, in biblical usage, means to fall in drops like dew or rain. The word does not refer to the later technical process of distillation.
DISTINCTLY
Scripture - Old Testament
Distinctly means clearly or with interpretation. In Nehemiah 8:8, the Law was read plainly, apparently with explanation or translation so the people could understand it.
DITCH
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A ditch may mean a trench, channel, reservoir, cistern, pit, or hole. Biblical translations distinguish these meanings according to the context.
DIVIDE
Scripture - Both
To divide may mean to separate, distribute, or cut. In 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing” is better understood as handling or teaching the word of truth correctly.
Divination
Sin & Judgment - Both
Divination is the attempt to obtain hidden knowledge, especially about the future, through omens, magic, spirits, or ritual practices. Scripture generally condemns such practices and directs God’s people to seek His revealed will instead.
DIVISION
People & Groups - Both
Division may refer to separate tribal or priestly groups, including the rotating courses serving at the temple. In the New Testament it can also mean dissension or schism.
Divorce
Christian Life - Both
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. Moses regulated it, but Jesus taught that God’s purpose for marriage is lifelong faithfulness and restricted divorce to the case of sexual immorality.
DIVORCE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Jewish Life & Customs - New Testament
Jesus taught that marriage is intended to be a lasting union and condemned putting away a spouse to marry another, identifying it as adultery. Matthew records an exception concerning fornication.
DIVORCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
Under the Mosaic law, a husband could divorce his wife through a formal certificate, while the legislation sought to restrain arbitrary dismissal and protect the woman. Jesus later addressed divorce in light of God’s original purpose for marriage.
Dizahab
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Dizahab was a place mentioned in the opening of Deuteronomy as a location in the wilderness east of the Jordan. It is commonly identified with a site near the western shore of the Gulf of Aqabah.
Doctor
People & Groups - New Testament
A doctor in the biblical context was a teacher, especially a teacher of the law. Jewish doctors taught and answered questions in synagogues and other public settings.
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