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.
Captain
Government & Society - Both
A captain was a military commander or civil officer. Scripture also uses the title for temple guards and, figuratively, Christ as the author of salvation.
Captive
Government & Society - Both
A captive is a person taken and deported in war, often subjected to slavery or harsh treatment. Scripture also uses captivity figuratively for bondage to sin or error.
Captivities Of The Jews
Government & Society - Old Testament
The captivities of the Jews were the Assyrian deportation of Israel and the Babylonian deportations of Judah, followed by partial returns under Persian rule.
Captivity
Government & Society - Old Testament
The captivity describes the forced removal of Israel by Assyria and Judah by Babylon. Cyrus later permitted many Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem.
CARAVAN
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A caravan was a traveling company of merchants, animals, and goods crossing the ancient trade routes. Job compares unreliable friends to a caravan misled by a stream that dries up when travelers most need water.
Carbuncle
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Carbuncle denotes a brilliant precious stone mentioned in the high priest’s breastplate and prophetic descriptions. The exact stone is uncertain and may include emerald or garnet.
Carcas
People & Groups - Old Testament
Carcas was one of the seven chamberlains of King Ahasuerus. He was ordered to summon Queen Vashti.
Carcase
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A carcase is the dead body of an animal or person. Under Mosaic law, contact with certain carcasses caused ceremonial uncleanness.
Carchemish
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Carchemish was an ancient Hittite city on the Euphrates. Pharaoh Necho and Nebuchadnezzar fought there, with Babylon’s victory establishing its regional dominance.
Careah
People & Groups - Old Testament
Careah was the father of Johanan and is another spelling of Kareah, a name connected with Judah’s later history.
CAREM
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Carem was a city of Judah named in the Greek version of Joshua 15:59. It may be another form of Beth-haccherem, but its identification is uncertain.
Caria
Places & Geography - New Testament
Caria was a rugged region of southwestern Asia Minor, including cities such as Miletus and Cnidus. It later formed part of the Roman province of Asia.
CARITES
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Carites were a body of troops or royal guards mentioned in connection with the overthrow of Athaliah and the coronation of Joash. A related reading appears in 2 Samuel 20:23.
Carmel
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Carmel was both a fertile mountain range by the Mediterranean and a town of Judah. Elijah confronted Baal’s prophets on the mountain, and David’s wife Abigail came from the town.
CARMELITE
People & Groups - Old Testament
A Carmelite was a native or inhabitant of Carmel in Judah. The term describes Nabal, Abigail’s first husband, and Hezro, one of David’s mighty men.
CARMELITESS
People & Groups - Old Testament
Carmelitess was the designation given to Abigail, the wife of Nabal and later of David, because she came from Carmel in Judah.
Carmi
People & Groups - Old Testament
Carmi was the name of several men, including a son of Reuben, a Judahite, and the father of Achan, whose sin troubled Israel.
CARNAIM
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Carnaim was a fortified city east of the Jordan captured by Judas Maccabeus. It was apparently associated with Ashteroth Karnaim and contained a temple of Atargatis.
Carnal
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Carnal means governed by the flesh rather than by God’s Spirit. It can describe sinful human desires, outward ceremonial practices, or merely human weapons and resources.
CAROUSINGS
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
Carousings are drinking parties or banquets characterized by excess and fleshly indulgence. Peter lists them among the former Gentile practices from which Christians were to turn away.
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