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.
EARLY
Worship & Prayer - Both
Early usually refers to dawn or the first part of the day, but may also describe the beginning of a season or something done speedily. Scripture frequently presents early morning as a fitting time for prayer.
Earnest
Salvation - New Testament
An earnest is a pledge or advance portion that guarantees a promised future possession. The Holy Spirit is called the earnest of believers’ inheritance, assuring them of the full redemption and heavenly blessing to come.
EARRING
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Earrings were ornamental pendants worn by men and women in the ancient Near East. They could be made of gold and precious stones and may sometimes have served as amulets.
Earrings
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
Earrings were ornaments worn by women and men, commonly made of gold. In some biblical contexts they were associated with charms or idolatrous objects and were surrendered when Jacob’s household put away its foreign gods.
Earth
Places & Geography - Both
Earth may mean the soil or ground, the inhabited world, a particular land, or the planet created by God. Scripture contrasts the earth with the heavens and sometimes uses earthly things figuratively in contrast with heavenly realities.
EARTH, CORNERS OF THE
Places & Geography - Both
The corners or ends of the earth are biblical expressions for its farthest borders or extremities in the four directions. They describe the extent of the inhabited land, not literal corners.
EARTH, VAULT, OF THE
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The vault of the earth refers to a firmly founded structure, usually understood as the arched heavens above the earth. The expression emphasizes stability more than precise shape.
EARTHEN VESSELS
Objects & Symbols - Both
Earthen vessels were clay containers used for cooking, boiling, preserving documents, and carrying food. Scripture also uses them as symbols of human frailty and of destruction.
Earthenware
Objects & Symbols - Both
Earthenware is pottery made from baked clay. Such vessels were common household and ceremonial objects in the biblical world.
EARTHLY
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Earthly means belonging to the earth or present human existence. Depending on context, it may simply contrast earthly and heavenly things, or describe values and wisdom limited in opposition to the spiritual.
Earthquake
Objects & Symbols - Both
An earthquake is a shaking or convulsion of the ground. In Scripture earthquakes may display God’s power and presence, accompany judgment, or mark significant events such as Christ’s death, resurrection, and the release of Paul and Silas.
EASE
Christian Life - Both
Ease means tranquility, security, comfort, or freedom from trouble. Scripture also warns against being at ease in a careless or morally indifferent state.
East
Places & Geography - Both
East is the direction of sunrise and the region lying before a person facing that direction. In biblical usage it may refer generally to lands east of Israel, including Arabia, Mesopotamia, and Babylonia.
EAST COUNTRY
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The East Country means the land of sunrise. Together with the country of sunset, it poetically represents the whole earth.
East gate
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The East Gate is identified in the source tradition with a gate associated with the Potter’s Field and the valley of Hinnom. It is connected with Jerusalem’s gates and surrounding geography.
East sea
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The East Sea is the Dead Sea, lying east of the land of Israel. It is distinguished from the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the western boundary and was called the Great Sea.
East wind
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The east wind came from the dry desert regions east of Palestine. Its heat and lack of moisture could wither crops, and Scripture sometimes uses it as an image of destructive judgment.
East, Children of the
People & Groups - Both
The Children of the East were peoples living east of Israel, especially nomadic groups associated with Arabia, the Syrian desert, Midian, Kedar, and related tribes. They lived in tents and were known for herding, warfare, and, in some passages, wisdom.
Easter
Festivals & Holy Days - New Testament
Easter is a later Christian term for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. In the King James Version it appears once for the Greek word meaning Passover, but the biblical text itself calls that feast Passover.
Eating
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Eating in biblical times included fellowship meals, hospitality, fasting, and dietary distinctions. Scripture also uses eating figuratively, and Jesus described eating and drinking in John 6 as a figure for believing in Him.
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