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.
Dumah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Dumah is a name used for an Ishmaelite tribe and region in Arabia, a town in Judah, and an oracle associated with Edom. The name is related to the idea of silence or stillness.
Dumb
Other - Both
Dumb describes an inability or unwillingness to speak, whether caused by physical infirmity, fear, judgment, or silence. Jesus repeatedly healed people who were unable to speak, sometimes in connection with the casting out of demons.
Dung
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Dung was used as manure and, where firewood was scarce, as fuel for heating and cooking. Scripture also uses it figuratively for rejection, worthlessness, and disgrace.
Dung-gate
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Dung-gate was a gate of ancient Jerusalem, associated with the removal of refuse and sweepings from the city. It was located in the southern or southwestern area of the city.
Dung-hill
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A dung-hill was a refuse heap. Sitting on one was a picture of extreme humiliation, poverty, or grief, from which God could raise up the afflicted.
Dungeon
Government & Society - Both
A dungeon was a particularly severe place of confinement, sometimes a deep cell or cistern. Biblical prisoners, including Joseph, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Paul’s companions, were held in such places or comparable prisons.
DUNGHILL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A dunghill is a heap or place of refuse. Sitting on one or being cast upon one represents extreme poverty, disgrace, humiliation, or wretchedness.
Dura
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Dura was the plain near Babylon where Nebuchadnezzar set up a great golden image and commanded his subjects to worship it. The location is associated with the events recorded in Daniel 3.
DURE
Christian Life - New Testament
Dure is an older English form meaning to endure or continue. In Matthew 13:21 it describes a person who does not endure persecution.
Dust
Objects & Symbols - Both
Dust consists of small particles of earth and is a biblical reminder of human frailty and mortality. Casting, sitting in, or sprinkling dust could express mourning, humiliation, abhorrence, or renunciation.
DUTY
Christian Life - Both
Duty is something owed or required. Scripture uses the term for temple service, moral obligations, marital responsibilities, and what one person owes another.
Dwarf
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
Dwarf is an older translation of a Hebrew term describing someone small, thin, or physically defective. Such a condition is mentioned among the bodily defects that prevented a descendant of Aaron from officiating at the altar, though he could eat holy food.
Dwell
Doctrine & Theology - Both
To dwell means to live, remain, or settle in a place. Scripture also speaks of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God’s word dwelling among or within His people.
Dwellings
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Biblical dwellings commonly used brick, stone, timber, plaster, and other local materials. Houses often included courtyards, galleries, flat roofs, upper rooms, inner chambers, and furnishings suited to family and guest life.
Dye
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Dye is the process of coloring materials such as wool, linen, or other cloth. Dyeing was an ancient craft, and Thyatira was known for this work in New Testament times.
DYSENTERY
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
Dysentery is an intestinal disease causing severe illness and often fever. In Acts 28:8 it afflicted the father of Publius on Malta.
Eagle
Objects & Symbols - Both
The eagle in Scripture represents a powerful bird known for speed, strength, high nests, keen sight, and soaring flight. The biblical term may sometimes include large vultures, and the bird is used both literally and symbolically.
EANES
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Eanes is a name in 1 Esdras. The Revised Version identifies it as Manes, with Harim given as a marginal equivalent.
Ear
Christian Life - Both
The ear is the physical organ of hearing and is often used figuratively for attention and spiritual understanding. To hear God means to receive His word obediently, while hardened or uncircumcised ears picture resistance to truth.
Earing
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Earing is an old word meaning plowing or tilling the ground. It occurs in older English Bible translations where newer translations generally use “plowing.”
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