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.
Apparel
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Apparel includes the garments and ornaments worn in biblical times, such as tunics, mantles, robes, turbans, and costly festive clothing. Scripture also uses clothing figuratively for honor, mourning, humility, or spiritual character.
Appeal
Government & Society - Both
An appeal is a request to transfer a legal case or question to a higher authority. Biblical examples include Israelite judicial arrangements and Paul’s appeal as a Roman citizen to Caesar.
APPEAR
Other - Both
To appear means to become visible or manifest. In Scripture it may describe God’s self-revelation, visions, angels, natural phenomena, the risen Christ’s appearances, or the future manifestation of Christ and judgment.
APPEARANCE
Other - Both
Appearance refers to outward form, visible semblance, or the way something looks. Scripture warns that outward appearance may be misleading and should not replace righteous judgment.
APPEARING
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Appearing is a technical term for the manifestation or return of Jesus Christ. It points especially to His future coming in glory and the completion of His saving work.
APPEASE
Christian Life - Both
To appease means to make peace, calm anger, or end strife. In Scripture it may describe Jacob seeking to win Esau’s favor, a gentle person quieting conflict, or a disturbance being restrained.
APPETITE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Appetite is the desire or longing connected with bodily life and the soul. Biblical usage includes hunger and thirst, but can also refer more broadly to desire, greed, lust, or longing for revenge.
Apphia
People & Groups - New Testament
Apphia was a Christian associated with Philemon’s household at Colossae. She was probably Philemon’s wife and was greeted with him and Archippus in Paul’s letter.
APPHUS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Apphus was the additional name of Jonathan, the fifth son of Mattathias and one of the Maccabean leaders. The exact meaning of the name remains uncertain.
Appii Forum
Places & Geography - New Testament
Appii Forum was a station on the Appian Way south of Rome. Some Roman Christians met Paul there as he traveled toward Rome under guard.
Appius, Market Of
Places & Geography - New Testament
The Market of Appius is the Revised Version form of Appii Forum, a station on the Appian Way where Roman believers met Paul on his journey to Rome.
Apple
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The biblical apple was a fragrant fruit or tree, possibly an apricot, quince, citron, or another local species rather than the modern apple. Scripture praises its beauty, fragrance, and refreshing fruit, and uses “apple of the eye” for the pupil.
Apple Tree, Apple
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The apple tree mentioned in Scripture was a valued and fragrant tree, though its precise identification is uncertain. Proposed possibilities include the apricot, quince, citron, or another fruit tree common in ancient Palestine.
APPLES OF SODOM
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The apples of Sodom is a traditional name for attractive fruit associated with the region near the Dead Sea that supposedly turned to smoke or ashes when picked. The identification is uncertain, and the “vine of Sodom” in Deuteronomy is generally understood figuratively.
APPLY
Christian Life - Old Testament
To apply, in the Old Testament usage, means to direct or incline the heart toward wisdom, instruction, understanding, or knowledge. It describes purposeful attention and devotion to learning what is right.
APPOINT
Doctrine & Theology - Both
To appoint means to designate, select, assign, place in charge, send, or command. Scripture frequently presents God as directing people, offices, events, and circumstances for particular purposes.
APPREHEND
Other - New Testament
To apprehend may mean to arrest or seize someone. It can also mean to grasp, lay hold of, attain, or comprehend, as in Paul’s desire to lay hold of what Christ had appointed for him.
APPROVE
Christian Life - Both
To approve means either to regard favorably or, in New Testament usage, to test and prove something genuine. A person or work that stands the test is described as approved before God.
Apron
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
An apron is a garment or half-girdle worn around the waist. The term describes the fig-leaf coverings made by Adam and Eve and workmen’s garments associated with Paul’s ministry.
APT
Christian Life - Both
Apt means fitted or ready for a particular need or situation. In biblical translation it describes readiness for war and a person’s suitability to teach.
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