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.
Bamothbaal
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bamothbaal was a Moabite sanctuary or high place dedicated to Baal, probably the same place called Bamoth in the account of Israel’s journey.
Band
Government & Society - Both
Band can mean a cord, bond, chain, or fastening, and can also mean a company of people or soldiers. In the New Testament it commonly refers to a Roman cohort.
Bands
Objects & Symbols - Both
Bands may refer to cords, chains, bonds, staffs, or groups of people. Scripture uses the image for captivity, brotherhood, love, unity, and the companies of soldiers.
Bani
People & Groups - Old Testament
Bani was the name of several Israelites, including a Gadite warrior, Levites, postexilic families, builders, teachers, and leaders who participated in covenant reforms.
BANK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A bank may mean the edge of a river, an overflowed riverbank, a siege mound, or a military embankment or palisade. Biblical usage therefore includes both natural river margins and structures raised during warfare.
Banner
Objects & Symbols - Both
A banner was a flag or standard used to identify tribes, rally soldiers, or signal an assembly. Scripture also uses it figuratively for God’s protection, presence, and victory.
Banquet
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
A banquet was a formal feast for invited guests, often held in the evening and accompanied by music, wine, honor, and celebration. Scripture also records religious, wedding, royal, and sometimes excessive banquets.
Banquets
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Banquets were social and religious feasts involving food, wine, music, and celebration. They accompanied festivals, sacrifices, weddings, birthdays, and other important occasions, but could also become occasions of excess.
Baptism
Salvation - New Testament
Baptism is the Christian rite of admission into Christ’s church and a public profession of faith and discipleship. It signifies cleansing, union with Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
BAPTISM (NON-IMMERSIONIST VIEW)
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Christian baptism is the initiatory rite of the church, using water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This entry emphasizes that Scripture permits immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, and rejects the claim that immersion alone is valid.
Baptism for the dead
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
“Baptism for the dead” appears only in 1 Corinthians 15:29, in Paul’s argument for the resurrection. Its exact meaning is uncertain; it may refer to a vicarious practice or to baptism undertaken in hope of resurrection.
Baptism of Christ
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The baptism of Christ was His submission to John’s baptism as the appointed Messiah. Though sinless, Jesus publicly identified Himself with His people and began His obedient ministry, fulfilling all righteousness.
BAPTISM OF FIRE
Holy Spirit - New Testament
The baptism of fire refers to Christ’s work through the Holy Spirit as a purifying and refining power. It portrays the cleansing of sin, the burning away of spiritual dross, and the kindling of holy love and zeal for service.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Holy Spirit - New Testament
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the promised outpouring of the Spirit fulfilled especially at Pentecost and extended to Gentile believers in the household of Cornelius. It equipped Christ’s witnesses, united believers, and marked the church’s mission to the nations.
Baptism, Christian
Salvation - New Testament
Christian baptism is the ordinance instituted by Christ in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It marks admission to the church and publicly represents faith, cleansing, and new life in Christ.
Baptism, John’s
Salvation - New Testament
John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance preparing Israel for the Messiah. It was distinct from Christian baptism, and some who had received it were later baptized in the name of Jesus.
BAPTISMAL REGENERATION
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Baptismal regeneration is the doctrine that regeneration is connected with Christian baptism. The supplied discussion contrasts views: some regard baptism chiefly as a sign received by faith, while others teach that God ordinarily gives new life through the sacrament, without making its outward performance a magical substitute for faith.
Bar
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A bar was a wooden, bronze, or iron rod used to secure a door or strengthen a city’s defenses. Scripture also uses the word for barriers, fortifications, and a rock or shore of the sea.
Bar-jesus
People & Groups - New Testament
Bar-jesus was the Jewish name of Elymas, a sorcerer and false prophet at Paphos in Cyprus. He opposed Paul’s preaching and was temporarily struck blind by divine judgment.
Bar-jona
People & Groups - New Testament
Bar-jona means “son of Jonah” and was the patronymic name Jesus used for the apostle Peter.
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