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.
Abednego
People & Groups - Old Testament
Abednego was the Chaldean name given to Azariah, one of Daniel’s three companions. With Shadrach and Meshach, he was miraculously preserved when thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship the king’s image.
Abel
People & Groups - Both
Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, a keeper of sheep, whose offering was accepted by God because it was offered in faith. His brother Cain murdered him, making Abel the first martyr; the New Testament calls him righteous.
ABEL-BETH-MAACAH
Places & Geography - Old Testament
A northern city near Dan and the sources of the Jordan. It was besieged by Joab, attacked by Ben-hadad, and later captured by Tiglath-pileser.
Abel-beth-maachah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-beth-maachah was an important fortified city in the far north of Israel, near Dan and Ijon. It was besieged or captured during conflicts involving Joab, Ben-hadad, and Tiglath-pileser, and was also called Abel-maim.
Abel-cheramim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-cheramim, meaning “meadow of vineyards,” was a village or district associated with the Ammonites. Jephthah pursued the Ammonite forces to this place during his campaign; its exact site is unknown.
Abel-meholah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-meholah, meaning “meadow of dancing,” was a fertile region and settlement in the Jordan Valley. It was associated with the prophet Elisha, whom Elijah found plowing there, and was included in one of Solomon’s administrative districts.
Abel-mizraim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-mizraim was the name given to the threshing floor of Atad, east of the Jordan, where Joseph and the Egyptians mourned Jacob for seventy days. The name means “meadow of Egypt” and reflects the mourning held there by the Egyptian funeral party.
Abel-shittim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-shittim, also called Shittim, was Israel’s final encampment east of the Jordan in the plains of Moab, opposite Jericho. From there Joshua sent spies, and Israel prepared to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land.
Abel, Stone Of
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
The Stone of Abel was the great stone in the field of Joshua at Beth-shemesh where the ark of the covenant was placed after the Philistines returned it. The location is mentioned in 1 Samuel 6:18.
Abelbethmaachah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abelbethmaachah was an important town in the extreme north of Palestine. It was attacked by Joab and later fell to invading Syrian and Assyrian kings; it is another form of Abel-beth-maachah.
Abelmaim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abelmaim, meaning “Abel on the waters,” was another name for Abel-beth-maachah. It was a northern town associated with the waters of the region and was attacked during the reign of King Asa.
Abelmeholah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-meholah was a place in the northern Jordan Valley, whose name means “meadow of the dance.” The Midianite army fled there after Gideon’s victory, and Elisha was found plowing there when Elijah called him to prophetic service.
Abelmizraim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-mizraim means “meadow of Egypt.” It was the name given by the Canaanites to the threshing floor of Atad, where Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians mourned for Jacob.
Abelshittim
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abel-shittim means “meadow of the acacias.” Located in the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, it was Israel’s final encampment before crossing the Jordan and is also commonly called Shittim.
Abez
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abez was a town belonging to the tribe of Issachar, listed between Kishion and Remeth. It stood near the northern part of the plain of Esdraelon and may be identified with the ruins of el-Beida.
ABHOR
Sin & Judgment - Both
To reject, despise, detest, or regard as loathsome. Scripture uses the term for both human contempt and things offensive before God.
Abi
People & Groups - Old Testament
Abi was the mother of King Hezekiah of Judah. Her name is also recorded in variant forms such as Abia, Abiah, and Abijah.
Abi-albon
People & Groups - Old Testament
Abi-albon, called Abiel in another list, was an Arbathite and one of the mighty men in David’s bodyguard. His name is traditionally understood as meaning “father of strength” or “valiant.”
Abia
People & Groups - Both
Abia is the Greek form of Abijah or Abijam and means “my father is the Lord.” The name also identifies the head of the eighth priestly course established for service at the altar.
Abia, Abiah, Or Abijah
People & Groups - Both
Abia, Abiah, and Abijah are variant forms of the same biblical name; Abia is also related to the form Abijam. These forms occur in genealogical and priestly contexts.
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