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.
FLAT NOSE
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A flat nose, probably a severely depressed or malformed nose, was listed among bodily blemishes disqualifying a descendant of Aaron from serving at the altar.
Flax
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Flax was a cultivated plant whose fibers were processed into linen, cords, bands, and clothing. It was grown in Egypt and Palestine, and its stalks were dried and prepared for manufacture.
Flea
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A small insect mentioned when David compared himself to a flea before Saul, emphasizing his insignificance and the disproportionate pursuit against him. In Scripture, the flea represents something tiny and seemingly unworthy of pursuit.
Fleece
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The wool of a sheep, whether still attached to the animal or already shorn. Gideon used a fleece in a sign involving dew before acting against Midian.
Flesh
Doctrine & Theology - Both
In Scripture, flesh may mean the physical substance or whole body of humans and animals, humanity generally, or family relationship. In the New Testament it can also describe human weakness and the sinful nature opposed to the Spirit, while Christ’s incarnation is described as the Word becoming flesh.
Flesh-hook
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
A many-pronged fork used by priests to remove portions of sacrificial meat from the altar. It was one of the utensils associated with Israel’s sacrificial service.
Flint
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A very hard stone found abundantly in the lands of the Bible and used for sharp knives. Scripture also uses flint figuratively for firmness, resoluteness, and hardness of face.
Flood
Places & Geography - Both
The term may refer to Noah’s great deluge, the waters of the Red Sea, or various rivers and torrents such as the Euphrates and Jordan. Figuratively, floods can picture overwhelming danger, ungodliness, or destruction.
Floor
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A level surface in or near a house, or a place used for threshing grain. Biblical references include ordinary floors and the threshing-floor where grain was separated from its husks.
Flour
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Grain ground into meal and used in bread, cakes, and other foods. Fine flour was also presented with certain sacrifices, including offerings made under the Mosaic law.
FLOURISH
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
To flourish means to bud, bloom, grow, prosper, or become fresh and vigorous. Scripture uses the image for plants, people, righteousness, and renewed care or affection.
Flowers
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Flowers are mentioned as signs of beauty and as part of gardens and fragrant places. Their brief life provides a biblical image of the temporary nature of human life and earthly glory.
Flute
Worship & Prayer - Both
A pipe-like musical instrument, probably made from reeds or other materials. Flutes were used in public celebrations and were played by mourners at the death of a ruler’s daughter.
Flux, Bloody
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
A severe intestinal illness, identified in the source as dysentery. Publius’s father was healed of this sickness when Paul prayed and laid hands on him at Malta.
Fly
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
The Bible mentions flies as troublesome insects and as one of the plagues sent upon Egypt. A fly also appears as a symbol of a grievous pest and is associated with the name Baal-zebub.
Fly, Flies
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A general term for insects of the fly kind. Biblical references to flies include troublesome pests and insects connected with judgment or decay.
Foam
Sin & Judgment - Both
Foam may describe froth on water or at the mouth. Scripture uses it figuratively for helplessness and shame, and literally of the boy who suffered convulsions from an unclean spirit.
Fodder
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Fodder was a mixture of grains and other plants prepared as food for cattle. Biblical references also use the related term for provender given to animals.
Fold
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
An enclosure where sheep or other flocks rested together. Sheepfolds appear in descriptions of pastoral life and are also used as images of places occupied by flocks after human settlements are desolated.
FOLK
People & Groups - Both
Folk means people, a nation, or a group. In the New Testament it can also refer to sick or weak persons who need healing.
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