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.
Anoint
Law & Covenant - Both
To anoint means to apply oil, often as an act of consecration, honor, refreshment, healing, or preparation for burial. Kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed, and Jesus is the promised Anointed One, the Messiah.
Anointing
Law & Covenant - Both
Anointing may refer to the ordinary use of oil for personal care, hospitality, healing, or burial, or to religious consecration. In Scripture, anointing persons or sacred objects signifies dedication, and the Messiah is anointed by the Holy Spirit.
ANON
Other - New Testament
Anon is an old English word meaning immediately, at once, or without delay. It translates expressions used especially in the Gospels.
ANSWER
Other - Both
In Scripture, answer may mean a reply, response, declaration, proclamation, defense, or revelation from God. It can also describe words spoken in response to unspoken thoughts or circumstances.
ANSWERABLE
Other - Old Testament
Answerable is used in the older sense of corresponding to or being in harmony with something. In the Bible it occurs only in Old Testament passages concerning measurements or arrangements.
Ant
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The ant is commended in Proverbs as a small creature that works diligently and prepares food in season. Its example teaches wisdom, foresight, and industrious provision.
ANTEDILUVIAN PATRIARCHS
People & Groups - Old Testament
The antediluvian patriarchs are the ten generations listed in Genesis 5 from Adam to Noah, who lived before the Flood. Their genealogical ages and the differences among ancient textual traditions have long been discussed.
ANTEDILUVIANS
People & Groups - Old Testament
Antediluvians are the people who lived before the Flood of Noah. Genesis records their genealogical line and remarkable ages, while also describing the increasing wickedness of humanity before judgment.
ANTELOPE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The antelope mentioned in Scripture is a wild, swift animal, probably a gazelle or Arabian oryx. It appears in descriptions of clean animals and of people weakened or trapped like an animal in a net.
ANTHEDON
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Anthedon was a city of Palestine rebuilt during the period of Roman rule, along with several other cities of the region.
ANTHOTHIJAH
People & Groups - Old Testament
Anthothijah was a son of Shasak from the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed in 1 Chronicles.
ANTHROPOMORPHISM
God - Both
Anthropomorphism is the use of human forms, actions, or emotions to speak about God, such as references to His hand, eyes, or ears. Scripture uses such language to make divine works intelligible without implying that God is limited as humans are.
Antichrist
Prophecy - New Testament
Antichrist means an opponent or rival of Christ. John uses the term for those who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, while related biblical passages describe broader powers, teachers, or rulers opposed to Christ and His kingdom.
Antioch
Places & Geography - New Testament
Antioch was the name of important cities in Syria and Pisidia. Syrian Antioch became a major center of early Christianity, where believers were first called Christians and missionaries were sent to the Gentiles; Paul also preached in Pisidian Antioch.
ANTIOCH, IN SYRIA
Places & Geography - New Testament
Antioch in Syria was a major city on the Orontes and an important center of the Roman East. The church there became a leading base for Gentile Christianity and missionary work, and believers were first called Christians there.
ANTIOCH, OF PISIDIA
Places & Geography - New Testament
Antioch of Pisidia was a strategic city in Asia Minor and a Roman colony in the region of Galatia. Paul preached there during his missionary journeys, and opposition to his message eventually drove him onward.
ANTIOCHIS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Antiochis was a concubine of Antiochus Epiphanes who received the Cilician cities of Tarsus and Mallus. Their revolt against this arrangement is recorded in 2 Maccabees.
Antiochus
Government & Society - Inter-testament
Antiochus was the name of several Syrian kings during the period between the Testaments. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is especially notable for persecuting the Jews, desecrating the temple, and provoking the Maccabean revolt.
ANTIOCHUS I
Government & Society - Inter-testament
Antiochus I, surnamed Soter, was the son of Seleucus Nicator and ruler of the Syrian kingdom from 281 to 261 BC. He fought in Asia Minor and received the title “Deliverer” after victories over the Gauls.
ANTIOCHUS II
Government & Society - Inter-testament
Antiochus II, surnamed Theos, ruled Syria from 261 to 246 BC. His political marriage to Berenice of Egypt and later recall of Laodice led to violent dynastic conflict.
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