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.
8295 entries found
Tares
Agriculture & Daily Life • New Testament
The tares in Jesus’ parable were weeds resembling wheat, commonly identified with darnel. They were left until harvest so the wheat would not be uprooted with them.
Target
Objects & Symbols • Old Testament
In older English versions, “target” can represent a Hebrew term referring to a javelin or spear. The Revised Version generally translates the word as “javelin,” rather than a small shield.
Targum
Scripture • Inter-testament
A Targum is an Aramaic translation or explanatory paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures, prepared for Jewish hearers who no longer fully understood Hebrew. Targums were used especially in synagogue reading and instruction.
TARPELITES
People & Groups • Old Testament
The Tarpelites were a people listed among the groups opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Their precise identity is uncertain, with several proposed connections to peoples or scribal groups.
Tarpelites, The
People & Groups • Old Testament
The Tarpelites were among the Assyrian colonists settled in the cities of Samaria after the northern kingdom of Israel was deported. Their precise identity is uncertain.
Tarshish
Places & Geography • Old Testament
Tarshish can refer to a descendant of Javan, a distant maritime region or port associated with sea trade, a family name, or a precious stone. The term is also used for large oceangoing ships.
Tarsus
Places & Geography • Both
Tarsus was the chief city of Cilicia and the birthplace of the apostle Paul. It was a prosperous commercial and educational center situated on the river Cydnus.
Tartak
Sin & Judgment • Old Testament
Tartak was an otherwise unknown idol worshiped by the Avvite colonists whom the Assyrians settled in Samaria after the exile of Israel.
Tartan
Government & Society • Old Testament
Tartan was an Assyrian official title for the commander-in-chief, not necessarily a personal name. Officers bearing this title were sent against Jerusalem and Ashdod.
TASKMASTER
Government & Society • Old Testament
Taskmasters were officials appointed over the Israelites in Egypt to impose forced labor and burdens. Their oppression helped reduce Israel to a condition of slavery under Pharaoh.
TASSEL
Law & Covenant • Old Testament
Tassels were cords or fringes attached to the corners of an Israelite’s outer garment. The Lord commanded them as a visible reminder to remember and obey His commandments.
TASTE
Christian Life • Both
Taste may refer literally to sampling food or perceiving flavor. Figuratively, it means to experience or perceive, as when Scripture speaks of tasting that the Lord is good, tasting death, or tasting the heavenly gift.
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