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.
BROTH
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Broth means soup or liquid from cooked meat. Gideon placed the broth of a prepared kid in a pot, while Isaiah mentions broth among the practices of rebellious and defiled people.
Brother
Christian Life - Both
Brother ordinarily means a male sibling, but Scripture also uses it for a close relative, fellow Israelite, ally, fellow human being, colleague, or fellow believer. In Christian usage it expresses spiritual fellowship among those united in Christ.
BROTHER'S WIFE
Law & Covenant - Both
A brother’s wife held a special place in Israelite family law because of levirate marriage. If her husband died without children, his brother could marry her so that the deceased man’s family line and inheritance would continue.
BROTHERHOOD
Christian Life - Both
Brotherhood describes a close relationship among people regarded as brothers. The Old Testament emphasizes the brotherhood of Israelites, while the New Testament gives special prominence to the deeper fellowship of believers in Christ.
BROTHERLY
Christian Life - Both
Brotherly means showing the relationship, affection, or conduct of a brother. Scripture applies the idea to human alliances and especially to the brotherly love believers are to show one another.
BROW
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The brow is the forehead or a prominent projection. Scripture uses the word for a stubborn forehead and for the prominent edge or slope of a hill.
Bruit
Other - Old Testament
Bruit is an obsolete English word meaning a rumor, report, or public tidings. In the biblical passages where it appears, modern translations generally use “rumour” or “report.”
Bucket
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A bucket was a vessel used to draw water, probably a waterskin with supports for lifting it from a well. The term is also used figuratively for abundant provision or a plentiful flow.
BUCKLE
Objects & Symbols - Inter-testament
A buckle was a gold fastening used to secure a mantle or outer robe at the shoulder or chest. Jonathan Maccabeus received one from Alexander Balas as a mark of royal favor.
Buckler
Objects & Symbols - Both
A buckler was a shield used for personal or bodily protection, ranging from a small portable shield to a larger defensive shield. Scripture also uses the image of a buckler for God’s protection of those who trust Him.
BUFFET
Christian Life - New Testament
To buffet means to strike or beat with the fist, and therefore to suffer bodily mistreatment. Paul also uses the term figuratively for disciplining his body and bringing it under control.
BUILDER
Christian Life - Both
A builder constructs or establishes a structure, and Scripture also uses the image figuratively. God builds and restores His people and city; believers are built up in faith on Christ as the foundation.
Building
Temple & Tabernacle - Both
Building includes the construction of houses, cities, palaces, fortifications, and sacred structures. Scripture also uses building figuratively: believers are God’s building, Christ is the foundation and builder of His church, and the heavenly dwelling is a building from God.
Bukki
People & Groups - Old Testament
Bukki was the name of a Danite tribal leader who helped divide the land, and of a priest descended from Aaron through Eleazar. The priestly Bukki was an ancestor of Ezra.
Bukkiah
People & Groups - Old Testament
Bukkiah was a Levite descended from Heman and served as one of the temple musicians appointed for worship.
Bul
Festivals & Holy Days - Old Testament
Bul was the eighth month of the Hebrew religious year and the second month of the civil year. Its name is associated with rain and the beginning of the rainy season.
Bull, Bullock
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Bull and bullock are general terms for mature horned cattle, especially animals suitable for plowing or sacrifice. Scripture also uses “wild bull” for a swift or powerful wild animal, possibly a large antelope.
Bullock
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A bullock is an animal of the ox kind, sometimes referring to a bull, cow, or calf depending on the context. Bullocks were commonly used for food, agriculture, and sacrifices.
Bulrush
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Bulrush refers to a marsh plant or papyrus, especially the tall plant growing beside the Nile. Its stalks were used for ropes, clothing, utensils, writing material, and the basket in which Moses was placed.
BULWARK
Government & Society - Old Testament
A bulwark is a fortified wall, rampart, defense, or battlement. Scripture uses the term for protective fortifications around cities and strongholds.
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."
