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.
Water of jealousy
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The water of jealousy was the water used in the Mosaic procedure for testing a wife suspected of unfaithfulness. It accompanied an oath and curse before the Lord; the water itself was not treated as a natural poison.
Water of purification
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The water of purification was used in ceremonial cleansing, including the consecration of the Levites. It symbolized the purity required of those who serve God.
Water of separation
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The water of separation was mixed with the ashes of a red heifer to cleanse persons defiled by contact with a dead body. It belonged to Israel’s ceremonial purification under the Mosaic law.
WATERCOURSE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A watercourse is a channel, streambed, river, or conduit through which water flows. Scripture uses the term for natural channels as well as constructed passages carrying water.
WATERFALL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A waterfall is a falling or cascading body of water. In Psalm 42, the term describes the overwhelming sound and force of the waters.
WATERPOT
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
A waterpot was an earthen jar used to carry or store water. Larger vessels were also used for water connected with Jewish ceremonial purification.
WATERS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
“Waters” may refer literally to rivers, seas, or sources of water, and figuratively to distress, overwhelming power, fear, transience, refreshment, peace, or abundant outpouring.
WATERSPOUT
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Waterspout” may describe a waterfall or cataract, though the underlying biblical term is uncertain. In another passage it may refer to sea monsters or the deep waters.
Waterspouts
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Waterspouts” in Psalm 42:7 may refer to waterfalls or cataracts. The image describes overwhelming waters and serves poetically to express deep distress and the floodlike force of God’s judgments or circumstances.
Wave Offering
Worship & Prayer - Old Testament
A wave offering was a portion of an offering ceremonially waved before the Lord. In peace offerings the breast was waved and then given to the priests, signifying presentation to God and fellowship in the covenant meal.
Wave offerings
Worship & Prayer - Old Testament
Wave offerings were portions of sacrifices or firstfruits presented to God by being waved before him. After this dedication, specified portions belonged to the priests; the rite especially accompanied peace offerings and harvest offerings.
WAW
Original Language - Old Testament
Waw is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, transliterated as “w” or sometimes “v.” It was also used as the numeral six.
Wax
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Wax is mentioned chiefly as a substance that melts under heat. Scripture uses melting wax as a picture of trembling, dissolution, or the passing away of opposition before God’s presence.
WAY, LITTLE
Measures & Money - Old Testament
“A little way” translates an undefined Hebrew measure of distance. It indicates some distance or a short journey, but the exact length cannot be determined.
WAYFARING MAN
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A wayfaring man is a traveler or passing stranger journeying along a road. The expression occurs in narratives and prophetic passages describing people on a journey.
WAYMARK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A waymark is a sign, guidepost, or other marker placed along a road to indicate the route. Jeremiah uses the image in calling Israel to mark the way back.
WEALTH, WEALTHY
Christian Life - Both
Wealth is not presented as sinful in itself, but Scripture warns that riches can produce pride, selfishness, oppression, and false self-reliance. Wealth should be received humbly and used faithfully as God’s entrusted provision.
Wean
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
To wean is to bring a child to the end of nursing and early maternal care. In ancient Israel this commonly occurred at about three years of age and could be marked by a family feast.
Weapons
Objects & Symbols - Both
Weapons are instruments used for attack or defense, including swords, spears, shields, and other arms. Scripture also uses weapons figuratively for spiritual conflict and the believer’s armor.
Weasel
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The weasel is listed among the unclean creeping animals in Leviticus 11:29. The Hebrew word may instead refer to a mole-rat or similar burrowing creature, so the precise identification is uncertain.
Select Pages
© 2026 AVisitWithJesus
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
