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.
Drawer of water
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A drawer of water was a person assigned to draw and carry water from wells or cisterns. Joshua imposed this servile task on the Gibeonites after they obtained protection by covenant with Israel.
Dream
Prophecy - Both
Dreams are experiences during sleep that God sometimes used to communicate warnings, guidance, or prophecy. Scripture records such dreams in both the Old and New Testaments.
Dreams
Prophecy - Both
Dreams occur during sleep and are distinguished in Scripture from waking visions and prophecy. Though God used some dreams in biblical history, ordinary dreams and consulting dream interpreters were not to replace obedience to God’s revealed word.
Dredge
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Dredge refers to mixed grain, especially a mixture of oats and barley. It was used as provender or feed for animals.
Dregs
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Dregs are the sediment or lees that settle at the bottom of wine. Scripture uses the image of drinking dregs to portray the wicked receiving the full measure of God’s judgment.
Dress
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Dress in biblical times included inner tunics, outer robes, girdles, veils, and other garments made from materials such as wool, linen, hair, and skins. Clothing also expressed status, mourning, grief, humility, or readiness for work.
Drink
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The ordinary drinks of the biblical peoples included water, wine, strong drink, and vinegar. Scripture also uses drinking figuratively for receiving judgment, sharing in blessing, or believing in Christ.
Drink-offering
Worship & Prayer - Old Testament
A drink-offering was a measured offering of wine poured out in connection with sacrifices at the altar. It accompanied offerings on ordinary days, Sabbaths, and appointed feast days under the law of Moses.
Drink, strong
Sin & Judgment - Both
Strong drink was an intoxicating beverage other than ordinary grape wine, possibly made from grain, dates, honey, fruit, or other sources. Its abuse was condemned, and it was prohibited to priests while ministering and to Nazirites under their vow.
Dromedary
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A dromedary is a one-humped camel, noted in Scripture for speed and use in riding and carrying burdens. Camels were common among the patriarchs and other peoples of the biblical lands.
DROP, DROPPING
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
To drop means to fall or drip in drops, as honey, rain, or another liquid. Scripture also uses continual dripping from a leaking roof as a picture of persistent irritation.
Dropsy
Other - New Testament
Dropsy was a condition involving abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body. Jesus healed a man afflicted with it while attending a meal at a Pharisee’s house on the Sabbath.
Dross
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Dross is the refuse or impurity separated from precious metal during smelting. Scripture uses it figuratively for what is base, corrupt, or worthless.
Drought
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Drought is an extended period without sufficient rain, producing dry land, failed vegetation, and hardship. In Scripture, drought could be a natural affliction or a sign of divine judgment.
Drown
Sin & Judgment - Both
To drown is to perish by being overwhelmed with water. Drowning appears in Scripture as a form of death and as a warning concerning severe judgment on those who cause others to stumble.
DRUM
Worship & Prayer - Inter-testament
A drum was a hand-held frame instrument covered with skin, similar to a tambourine. It was commonly played at celebrations and joyful gatherings, often by women.
Drunk
Sin & Judgment - Both
To be drunk is to be intoxicated through excessive use of alcoholic drink. Scripture repeatedly condemns drunkenness as sinful and also uses the image figuratively for overwhelming sorrow or divine judgment.
Drusilla
People & Groups - New Testament
Drusilla was a Jewish woman of the Herodian family and the wife of the Roman governor Felix. She was present when Paul spoke with Felix about faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment.
Duke
People & Groups - Old Testament
Duke is an older translation of a term meaning a tribal chief, prince, or leader. In the Old Testament it is especially used for the chiefs of Edom and other tribal groups.
Dulcimer
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
The dulcimer was a musical instrument mentioned among the instruments used before Nebuchadnezzar’s image in Babylon. The original term is uncertain, but it was probably a bagpipe or similar pipe instrument.
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