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.
White
Objects & Symbols - Both
White commonly symbolizes purity, cleansing, victory, and heavenly glory in Scripture. Christ appeared in brilliant white at the transfiguration, and the redeemed are described as clothed in white.
WICKEDNESS
Sin & Judgment - Both
Wickedness is persistent evil in thought, intention, and conduct, including injustice, deceit, pride, lust, and disregard for righteousness. Scripture presents it as sin arising from the heart and leading toward judgment.
Widow
Christian Life - Both
A widow is a woman whose husband has died. Scripture repeatedly places widows under God’s special care and commands his people to protect, honor, and provide for them, including needy widows in the early church.
Widows
Christian Life - Both
Widows were regarded as especially vulnerable and were to receive justice, kindness, and material support. Israel’s law provided access to gleanings and tithes, while the early church organized regular care for needy widows.
Wife
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
A wife is a married woman within the covenant of marriage. Scripture teaches duties of love, fidelity, respect, and mutual care between wives and husbands, while recognizing marriage as God’s ordinance from creation.
WILD OX
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The wild ox is a powerful and fierce animal identified with the biblical re’em, formerly translated “unicorn” in some versions. It symbolizes strength, power, and the ability to overcome enemies.
Wilderness
Places & Geography - Both
A wilderness is an uncultivated or sparsely settled region used chiefly for grazing, ranging from dry waste to pastureland. Biblical wildernesses include areas around Sinai, Judah, Beersheba, Shur, Paran, and Moab.
Wilderness Of The Wandering
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Wilderness of the Wandering was the central region of the Sinai peninsula where Israel remained for most of the forty years between Egypt and Canaan. The prolonged wandering followed the nation’s unbelief and rebellion at Kadesh.
WILL-WORSHIP
Worship & Prayer - New Testament
Will-worship is religious devotion originating in human choice rather than God’s command. It may appear wise or rigorous, but Scripture regards it as self-imposed worship lacking true power against sin.
WILLOW TREE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The willow tree is a water-associated tree identified with the Hebrew term in Ezekiel 17:5. The translation is supported by comparison with related Semitic words for willow.
Willows
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Willows were waterside trees found beside rivers, streams, and pools. Several related species may be intended in different passages, including the trees beside Babylon’s waters and those associated with Israel’s festivals and restoration.
Willows, The Brook Of The
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Brook of the Willows was a stream marking part of Moab’s southern boundary. It is commonly identified with the brook or valley of Zered, though the precise location is not certain.
Wills
Government & Society - Old Testament
A will is a testamentary arrangement for disposing of property after death. Israelite inheritance law limited the transfer of family land, especially because of redemption rights and restoration in the Jubilee year.
Wimple
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A wimple was an older term for a shawl, mantle, hood, or veil. The precise garment is uncertain, but the word describes a woman’s outer covering or wrap.
WIND
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Wind is moving air, including ordinary breezes, seasonal winds, storms, and desert blasts. Scripture also uses it as a picture of God’s power, judgment, uncertainty, transience, and the work of the Spirit.
Window
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A window was an opening in a house for light and air, commonly closed with latticework rather than glass. Windows could provide escape routes, overlook streets or courtyards, and symbolize openings in heaven.
Winds
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The Bible speaks of winds from the four quarters and describes their differing effects: the east wind was dry and forceful, the south wind hot, and the west wind associated with moisture. All winds remain under God’s rule.
Wine
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Wine is the fermented or freshly pressed juice of grapes, used for food, hospitality, worship, and celebration. Scripture also warns against drunkenness and records restrictions on its use by Nazirites and priests during service.
Wine-press
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A wine-press consisted of an upper basin where grapes were trodden and a lower vat that received the juice. Scripture uses the treading of the winepress as a figure for the execution of divine judgment.
WINEBIBBER
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
A winebibber is a habitual wine-drinker. Jesus was falsely accused of being one because He ate and drank with people, in contrast to John the Baptist’s more secluded manner of life.
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