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.
BOUNDS
Places & Geography - Both
A boundary, limit, or marked territory. Scripture uses the term for geographical borders, appointed limits, and the boundaries established by God for nations and human life.
Bow
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A bow was used for hunting and warfare, with arrows carried in a quiver. Scripture also uses the bow as a figure of strength or victory, and sometimes of deceit when arrows are shot deceptively.
Bowels
Christian Life - Both
Literally, the bowels are the internal organs or abdomen. Figuratively, the term refers to deep compassion, affection, mercy, sympathy, or inward distress; the New Testament often renders it “tender mercies.”
Bowing
Worship & Prayer - Both
Bowing is a bodily act of respect, submission, or worship. Scripture records people bowing before rulers and one another, before idols, and before God in reverence.
Bowl
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A bowl was a dish or basin used for food, liquids, offerings, or other household purposes. In the tabernacle and temple it also referred to the ornamental cups of the lampstand and vessels associated with worship.
BOWMAN
Government & Society - Old Testament
An archer or bowman. Israel used archers in warfare, though surrounding peoples such as the Philistines and Assyrians were often noted for superior skill with the bow.
BOWSHOT
Measures & Money - Old Testament
A distance measured by the stretch or flight of a bow. In Genesis 21:16 it describes how far Hagar sat from Ishmael in the wilderness.
Box
Objects & Symbols - Both
A box was a small flask or cruse used to hold costly perfume or ointment. In the Gospel accounts, the alabaster container of ointment was broken open when a woman anointed Jesus.
Box-tree
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The box-tree, or boxwood, was an evergreen tree or shrub valued for its hard, durable wood. It is mentioned in prophetic descriptions of Lebanon and the restoration of God’s people, though its precise identification is uncertain.
Boxtree
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Boxtree refers to an evergreen tree or shrub with hard wood, mentioned in Isaiah. Some understand the biblical tree as boxwood, while others have suggested a species of cedar.
BOY
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
A male child or youth, though the term can also describe a servant. In ancient Jewish family life the boy received early religious instruction and gradually assumed legal and social responsibilities.
Bozes
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bozes was one of two sharp rocks between the passes approached by Jonathan and his armor-bearer when they attacked the Philistine garrison.
BOZEZ
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The northern of two cliffs beside the gorge of Michmash. Its sunlit appearance probably gave it the name “shining,” and it was visible during Jonathan's attack on the Philistines.
Bozkath
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bozkath was a town in the lowland region of Judah, listed among the cities of Judah. It was the birthplace of Adaiah, mother of King Josiah; its exact site is unknown.
Bozrah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Bozrah was the name of an important city of Edom and also of a city in Moab. The Edomite Bozrah was associated with royal power and later prophetic declarations of judgment.
Bracelet
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
Bracelets were ornamental bands or chains worn by both women and men, sometimes on the arms, wrists, or ankles. They could also serve as royal insignia, jewelry offered to God, or a cord associated with a signet.
Bramble
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Bramble is a general biblical term for thorny shrubs, thistles, or prickly growth. Such plants often represent barrenness, desolation, trouble, or people who cause difficulty.
Branch
Prophecy - Both
A branch is a part of a tree, but Scripture also uses it symbolically for royal descendants, prosperity, and especially the promised Messiah from Jesse’s line. Jesus likewise called His disciples branches abiding in the true vine.
BRAND
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
A burning stick, firebrand, or piece of wood used to feed or spread a fire. The word may also describe a flaming object used figuratively in images of danger and destruction.
Brass
Objects & Symbols - Both
Biblical “brass” generally refers to copper or bronze rather than the modern alloy of copper and zinc. It was used for weapons, fetters, instruments, money, and sacred objects; the brazen serpent became a sign associated with healing and was later destroyed when treated as an idol.
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