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.
BODY OF DEATH
Salvation - New Testament
Paul's figure for the moral bondage of the unredeemed person under sin and the law. Deliverance from this “body of death” comes through Jesus Christ rather than through human strength.
BODY OF HEAVEN
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
An older rendering of the Hebrew expression meaning the very heaven or the clear sky. It describes the unclouded expanse seen in Moses' vision beneath God's feet.
BODY, SPIRITUAL
Death & Afterlife - New Testament
The resurrection body, suited to life in the realm of the Spirit rather than governed by ordinary earthly passions and limitations. It is a real body, patterned after the risen and glorified body of Christ.
Bohan
People & Groups - Old Testament
Bohan was a Reubenite whose name marked a boundary stone between Judah and Benjamin. The biblical text does not otherwise preserve a genealogy for him.
Bohan, Stone Of
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
The stone of Bohan was a boundary marker separating the territories of Judah and Benjamin near the valley of Achor.
Boil
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A boil was an aggravated ulcer or painful skin eruption. Severe boils are recorded among the plagues of Egypt, in the judgments of Deuteronomy, and in Job’s affliction.
BOLDNESS
Christian Life - New Testament
Confidence, fearlessness, and freedom of speech. Christian boldness comes through discipleship and faith, enabling believers to witness plainly despite persecution and to approach God with confidence.
Bolled
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Bolled” describes flax that was swollen or podded for seed. The term is also understood as referring to flax in bloom during the plague of hail in Egypt.
Bolster
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Bolster refers in older English usage to a pillow, quilt, or support near the head. In the biblical passages, the underlying idea is chiefly the place or covering at a sleeper’s head.
BOLT
Objects & Symbols - Both
A wooden or iron fastening used to secure doors, gates, and prison entrances. Some bolts were drawn from within, while others could be opened from outside with a key.
Bond
Christian Life - Both
A bond may be a binding obligation, imprisonment, or affliction. Scripture also uses the term positively for the bond of peace and the bond of perfect love among believers.
Bondage
Salvation - Both
Bondage describes slavery, national oppression, or captivity, such as Israel’s condition in Egypt and later under Babylon and Persia. In the New Testament it also pictures slavery to fear, sin, corruption, or legalistic religious observance.
BONDMAID
Government & Society - Both
A female slave or bondservant. The term refers in the Old Testament to Hebrew or foreign slave girls and in Galatians to Hagar, Abraham's Egyptian slave woman.
BONDMAN
Government & Society - Both
A male slave or bondservant, whether foreign or Hebrew. The term also describes Israel's bondage in Egypt and exile, and in Revelation contrasts a slave with a free person.
BONDSERVANT
Government & Society - Both
A slave or bondservant. In biblical usage it may describe an actual slave under Israelite law or, in the New Testament, a person obligated to serve another.
Bonnet
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
A bonnet was a priestly head covering, a white linen turban worn by the ordinary priests. Related head-tires were also worn by women and other persons in biblical society.
Book
Scripture - Both
A book in Scripture is a written record, commonly preserved on a scroll or other material. The Bible also speaks of symbolic books, including the book of the covenant, the book of judgment, and the book of life.
BOOK OF LIFE
Death & Afterlife - Both
God's record of those under His care and, in the New Testament, the register of those who inherit eternal life. To be written in it signifies belonging to God's people; to be blotted out signifies exclusion from His favor.
BOOT
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A shoe or sandal worn by a warrior. Isaiah 9:5 refers to the boot of the armed soldier, portraying the equipment and tumult of war.
Booth
Festivals & Holy Days - Both
A booth was a temporary hut made from branches or other materials. Such shelters were used by travelers, soldiers, shepherds, and harvesters, and especially during the Feast of Booths to remember Israel’s wilderness dwelling.
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