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.
Winefat
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
A winefat was the lower vat or receiving basin of a wine-press, where juice flowed from the upper trough after the grapes were crushed. The term can also refer to the entire pressing apparatus.
Winepress
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A winepress was usually formed from two vats cut into rock: grapes were trodden in the higher vat, and the juice flowed into the lower vat. Ancient winepresses remain among the notable remains of early life in Palestine.
WINGS
Objects & Symbols - Both
Wings commonly symbolize shelter, strength, speed, endurance, and loving protection. Biblical poetry uses the wings of birds to portray God’s care, renewed strength, refuge, and the swift passing of riches.
Winnow
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
To winnow is to separate grain from chaff by throwing it into the wind or using a fan. The heavier grain falls while the lighter chaff is blown away, providing a picture of judgment and separation.
Winnowing
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Winnowing is the agricultural process of separating grain from chaff by wind or a fan. Scripture uses this familiar work as an image of purification, judgment, and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.
WINTER
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Winter is the cold and rainy season, also associated in some passages with autumn harvest conditions. The New Testament uses the term for remaining through the winter.
WINTER-HOUSE
Places & Geography - Old Testament
A winter-house was a residence or chamber used during the cold season. King Jehoiakim’s winter-house included a brazier or fire for warmth.
WISDOM OF GOD
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
“Wisdom of God” in Luke 11:49 is best understood as a written or traditional declaration presenting God’s wisdom as speaking and announcing the sending and persecution of prophets and apostles.
Wisdom Of Jesus, Son Of Sirach
Scripture - Inter-testament
The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach, also called Ecclesiasticus, is a Jewish wisdom book preserved among the Apocrypha. It contains instruction concerning godly conduct, wisdom, worship, and practical life.
Wisdom, The, Of Solomon
Scripture - Inter-testament
The Wisdom of Solomon is a Jewish wisdom book of the Apocrypha, composed in Greek before the time of Christ. It praises wisdom, contrasts righteousness with sensual wickedness, and traces God’s wisdom through sacred history.
Wise men
People & Groups - Both
Wise men may mean learned advisers or, in some passages, specialists in magic, astrology, and divination. Daniel’s wisdom came from God, while the magi who visited Jesus came from the East seeking the newborn King.
Wise, wisdom
Doctrine & Theology - Both
Biblical wisdom is chiefly moral and spiritual rather than merely intellectual. True wisdom comes from God, leads to righteousness and reverence, and is fulfilled in Christ, who is called the wisdom and power of God.
WISH
Christian Life - Both
A wish is a desire, request, petition, or heartfelt longing. Biblical usage may refer to an expressed desire, a plea to God, or something imagined and strongly desired.
Witch
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
A witch or sorceress was a practitioner of forbidden magic or enchantment. The Mosaic law condemned such practices because they sought supernatural power apart from the Lord.
Witch, Witchcrafts
Sin & Judgment - Both
Witchcrafts are practices of magic, enchantment, or occult power. Scripture condemns them as rebellion against God and associates them with idolatry, deception, and spiritual opposition to the Lord.
Witchcraft
Sin & Judgment - Both
Witchcraft refers to occult practices such as sorcery, necromancy, or seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden spirits. Scripture condemns these practices and directs people to seek God rather than divination or familiar spirits.
WITHERED
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Wither means to dry up, shrink, or lose vitality. Scripture uses it both for physical weakness and figuratively for spiritual decline, moral barrenness, or a life lacking nourishment from God.
WITHES, WITHS, GREEN
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Green withes were fresh, moist cords or probably gut bowstrings used by Delilah to bind Samson. Their freshness made them suitable for binding while still flexible and strong.
Witness
Law & Covenant - Both
A witness is a person or object that testifies to a fact, agreement, or accusation. Biblical law generally required two or more witnesses in serious cases, condemned false testimony, and required truthful testimony when one possessed relevant knowledge.
Witness of the Spirit
Holy Spirit - New Testament
The witness of the Spirit is the Holy Spirit’s inward assurance that believers are children of God. This testimony accompanies faith in Christ and is seen in filial confidence, comfort, conviction, prayer, and a desire for holy love.
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