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.
BIRDS, UNCLEAN
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
Birds prohibited as food under the dietary laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The lists include birds of prey, carrion-eaters, and certain water birds, though the identity of several Hebrew names is uncertain.
Birsha
People & Groups - Old Testament
Birsha was the king of Gomorrah who joined the alliance against Chedorlaomer and was defeated in Abraham’s rescue campaign.
Birth
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Birth was a time of rejoicing and involved customs such as washing, swaddling, circumcision of sons, and a mother’s period of purification. Natural birth also provides the biblical picture of spiritual new birth.
Birth-day
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Birth-day means the anniversary of a person’s birth. Scripture records royal birthday celebrations, including Pharaoh’s feast and Herod’s banquet at which John the Baptist was killed.
BIRTH-STOOL
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A birth stool or seat used by Hebrew women in Egypt. The Hebrew term has a dual form, perhaps referring to a construction of two parts like the two discs of a potter's wheel.
Birthday
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Birthdays were observed in the ancient world, especially by kings and rulers, with feasts and ceremonies. Scripture mentions celebrations connected with Pharaoh and Herod.
Birthright
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
The birthright was the special inheritance and authority ordinarily belonging to the firstborn son, including a double portion and family leadership. It could be forfeited or transferred, as in the cases of Esau and Reuben.
BIRZAITH
Places & Geography - Old Testament
A town in Asher, apparently founded by Malchiel. It may correspond to Bir ez-Zait near Tyre, though the identification is not certain.
Birzavith
People & Groups - Old Testament
Birzavith was a name occurring in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher.
Bishop
People & Groups - New Testament
A bishop, or overseer, was a leader responsible for watching over and caring for a Christian congregation. In the New Testament the terms bishop and elder appear to refer to the same office.
Bishopric
People & Groups - New Testament
Bishopric means the office or sphere of oversight associated with a bishop. The term is used in Scripture for an overseership or position of responsibility.
BISHOPRICK
Government & Society - New Testament
An office of oversight or supervision. In Acts 1:20 the term refers to the office or place of service associated with a bishop or overseer.
Bit
Objects & Symbols - Both
A bit was a metal device placed in a horse’s mouth to restrain and guide it. Scripture uses it as an illustration of control over the animal and, figuratively, the tongue.
Bith-ron
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bith-ron was a broken or divided district east of the Jordan, probably characterized by ravines and a gorge. Abner passed through this region on his way to Mahanaim.
Bithiah
People & Groups - Old Testament
Bithiah, meaning “daughter of the Lord,” was a daughter of Pharaoh who married Mered, a descendant of Judah.
Bithron
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bithron was a craggy gorge or district in the Jordan valley east of the river. Abner traveled through it while going toward Mahanaim.
Bithynia
Places & Geography - New Testament
Bithynia was a Roman province in northwestern Asia Minor. Paul was prevented by the Spirit from entering it, while Christian congregations existed there early in the church’s history.
Bitter
Sin & Judgment - Both
Bitter and bitterness can describe affliction, misery, servitude, or deep wickedness. Bitter herbs were eaten with the Passover meal to recall Israel’s bitter bondage in Egypt.
Bitter Herbs
Festivals & Holy Days - Old Testament
Bitter herbs were eaten with the Passover lamb and unleavened bread. They recalled Israel’s bitter slavery in Egypt and may have included lettuce, endive, cress, or other available plants.
Bittern
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The bittern is a solitary marsh bird associated in prophetic passages with ruined and desolate places. Its deep, booming call helped make it a fitting image of desolation.
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