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.
Abiud
People & Groups - New Testament
Abiud was a descendant of Zerubbabel named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew’s Gospel.
ABJECT
Government & Society - Old Testament
A person of very low or despised social standing, described as one of the “smitten ones” or rabble.
Abjects
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
“Abjects” refers to people who attack or slander another person, especially through hostile speech. The term is used in the setting of opposition against the psalmist.
ABLE
Christian Life - New Testament
To have power, strength, capacity, or sufficient qualification to do something. The word may refer to ability, permission, or the absence of obstacles.
Ablution
Worship & Prayer - Both
Ablution is ceremonial washing for purification or preparation for worship. Scripture describes washing the hands, feet, or whole body in connection with priestly service, ritual uncleanness, and other religious observances.
Abner
People & Groups - Old Testament
Abner was the son of Ner, cousin of Saul, and commander of Saul’s army. After Saul’s death he supported Ish-bosheth, but later sought to unite Israel under David before Joab killed him.
ABOLISH
Salvation - New Testament
To make void, bring to nothing, or render inoperative. Christ abolished the dividing hostility between Jew and Gentile and brought life and immortality to light, while the final destruction of death remains promised.
Abomination
Sin & Judgment - Both
An abomination is something detestable, especially an idol, forbidden practice, immoral act, or impure sacrifice opposed to God’s commands. Scripture also uses the term for things abhorrent to particular peoples or cultures.
Abomination Of Desolation
Prophecy - Both
The abomination of desolation is a detestable, idolatrous profanation associated with the desolation of the holy place. Daniel uses the expression prophetically, and Jesus applies it to the coming judgment associated with Jerusalem’s destruction.
ABOMINATION, BIRDS OF
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
Birds listed in Leviticus and Deuteronomy as forbidden for food under Israel’s ceremonial law, including birds of prey, carrion eaters, and several other specified species.
ABOUT
Other - Both
“About” commonly means around or concerning. In the New Testament it can also indicate something about to happen or immediately impending.
Abraham
People & Groups - Both
Abraham, originally called Abram, was called by God from Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan. God made a covenant with him, promised a great people through his descendants, and used him as the patriarch through whom blessing would come to the nations.
Abraham’s bosom
Death & Afterlife - New Testament
To be in Abraham’s bosom describes a place or condition of comfort and fellowship with Abraham after death. In Jesus’ parable, it represents the blessed state of Lazarus in contrast with the misery of the rich man.
Abram
People & Groups - Both
Abram was the earlier name of Abraham, the patriarch whom God called from his homeland and later renamed as a sign connected with the covenant promise.
ABRECH
People & Groups - Old Testament
Abrech was the Egyptian salutation or title used when Joseph was publicly honored as second to Pharaoh. Its precise meaning is uncertain.
ABROAD
Other - Both
“Abroad” is an older expression meaning outside, widely, or throughout. In biblical translations it describes reports, teachings, or people being widely spread.
Abronah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Abronah was one of Israel’s stopping places during the wilderness journey from Sinai toward Canaan. It lay shortly before Ezion-geber.
Absalom
People & Groups - Old Testament
Absalom was a son of David who rebelled against his father and briefly seized Jerusalem. His revolt ended when he was killed after becoming caught in a tree during battle.
Absaloms Pillar, Or Place
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Absalom’s pillar or place was a monument Absalom built for himself in the King’s Valley near Jerusalem. It was intended as a memorial and burial place, though the later monument associated with his name may not be the original structure.
ABSOLUTION
Salvation - New Testament
Absolution is an ecclesiastical term for declaring or applying God’s forgiveness of sins. Christian traditions differ on whether this act is only declarative or also conveys the promised grace.
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."
