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.
FIERY HEAT
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Fiery heat refers to the severe burning or fever mentioned among the afflictions in Deuteronomy’s warnings for disobedience.
Fig
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The fig is a valuable fruit of Palestine, eaten fresh or pressed into cakes and sometimes used medicinally. Fig trees symbolized peace and prosperity, and Jesus’ teaching and actions used the tree as a sign of fruitfulness and true profession.
Fig, Fig Tree
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The fig tree was common in Palestine and produced fruit before its leaves. Sitting under one’s own fig tree became a biblical picture of peace and prosperity; its fruit was an important article of food.
FILLET
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
A fillet was a cord, band, rail, or connecting rod. In the tabernacle it joined or supported pillars and was made of silver or gold according to its use.
Fillets
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
Fillets were rods or joining pieces that connected the tops of the Tabernacle court pillars and supported the hanging curtains. The term also referred to a measuring line used around the pillars of Solomon’s Temple.
Finer
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A finer was a worker who refined or worked silver and gold. The related biblical terms are also translated “founder” or “goldsmith.”
Fining pot
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A fining pot was a crucible or melting pot used for refining metal. Scripture also uses it figuratively for testing and proving character.
FINISH
Jesus Christ - Both
To finish means to end, complete, accomplish, or bring something to its appointed conclusion. Jesus’ declaration “It is finished” expresses the completion of His work on the cross.
FINISHER
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Finisher means one who completes or perfects. Hebrews applies the title to Jesus, the Leader and Perfecter of faith, who endured the cross and brought faith to its highest fulfillment.
Fir
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
“Fir” is the traditional translation of a Hebrew term for a lofty tree, probably referring to a cypress or pine rather than the true fir. Its wood was used for instruments, doors, ceilings, ships, floors, and spear shafts.
Fire
Doctrine & Theology - Both
Fire served for cooking, warmth, lighting, sacrifice, refining, warfare, and destruction. Biblically it also symbolizes God’s presence, holiness, power, judgment, purification, the Holy Spirit, severe trial, and eternal punishment.
Firebrand
Objects & Symbols - Both
A firebrand is a burning stick, torch, or flaming dart. Figuratively, it can describe an angry or destructive person, or someone mercifully rescued from destruction.
Firepan
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
A firepan was a metal vessel for carrying live coals, burning incense, or receiving the burned ends of lamp wicks. Different firepans served the altar, incense service, and Tabernacle or Temple lamps.
FIRES
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Fires may refer to literal flames. In Ezekiel they are associated with burning fuel, while an older rendering of Isaiah 24:15 probably means “east” or the region of light.
Firkin
Measures & Money - New Testament
A firkin was an ancient liquid measure used for the water pots at Cana. It was approximately equivalent to the Hebrew bath and held about nine gallons.
Firmament
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The firmament is the expanse or wide arch of heaven described in Genesis as separating the waters above from those below and bearing the heavenly lights. The term reflects biblical descriptive language rather than a technical scientific description.
FIRST
Other - Both
First may indicate priority in time, order, rank, or importance. Scripture applies it to beginnings, firstborn rights, supreme commandments, and God and Christ as the First and the Last.
FIRST-BEGOTTEN
Jesus Christ - New Testament
First-begotten or firstborn denotes the first child literally, but also priority, privilege, authority, and supremacy. Applied to Christ, it signifies His preeminence over creation and His victory as firstborn from the dead.
First-born
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
The first-born was the eldest son or first male offspring of an animal. The first-born son ordinarily received special family privileges, including a double inheritance, while the first-born of Egypt were struck in the final plague.
First-born, Redemption of
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The redemption of the first-born was the required payment or substitution by which Israelite first-born sons and unclean animals were released from special consecration to God. Clean first-born animals were given for sacrifice, while other animals were redeemed or sold.
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