A Visit With Jesus: 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.

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664 entries found

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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Bravery

Jewish Life & Customs • Old Testament

“Bravery” in Isaiah 3:18 is an old English term meaning beauty, adornment, splendor, or elegance. It refers to the decorative ornaments of the daughters of Zion, not to courage.

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BRAWLER

Christian Life • New Testament

A quarrelsome or contentious person. Scripture warns against brawling conduct, especially in domestic life and among those who serve as leaders in the church.

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BRAY

Agriculture & Daily Life • Both

To make the harsh cry of a donkey, or to pound something thoroughly in a mortar. Scripture uses both senses literally and as figures for lamentation, mockery, or severe but ineffective discipline.

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Brazen Serpent

Salvation • Both

The brazen serpent was the copper or bronze serpent Moses lifted on a pole in the wilderness. Those who looked upon it in faith were healed from the serpent bites; Jesus used it as a figure of His being lifted up for salvation.

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Breach

Other • Both

A breach is a break, gap, fracture, or opening, whether in a wall, building, body, relationship, or covenant. Scripture also uses the term for a harbor or opening in a shoreline and for the need of restoration.

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Bread

Agriculture & Daily Life • Both

Bread was the chief staple food of biblical peoples, commonly made from wheat or barley and baked as thin cakes. It was also used in offerings, including the showbread, and figuratively represents daily provision, sorrow, wickedness, fellowship, and God’s sustaining care.

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BREADTH

Measures & Money • Both

The measure of how wide or spacious something is. Scripture applies breadth to the ark, tabernacle, temple, heavenly city, God's law, the human heart, and the immeasurable love of God.

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BREAK

Other • Both

To break, destroy, burst, open, scatter, profane, or violate, depending on context. Scripture also uses the word for breaking bread in Christian fellowship and for breaking faith or covenant.

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BREAST

Agriculture & Daily Life • Both

The front part of the human body or the corresponding area of an animal. Scripture uses the breast literally, for sacrificial portions, nursing, affection, sorrow, and symbolic descriptions of nations.

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Breastplate

Temple & Tabernacle • Both

A breastplate could be protective armor or the sacred garment worn by Israel’s high priest. The priestly breastplate bore twelve precious stones engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes and was called the breastplate of judgment.

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BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST

Temple & Tabernacle • Old Testament

The sacred pouch worn over the high priest's heart, containing twelve precious stones representing Israel's tribes. It was fastened to the ephod and associated with the Urim and Thummim for priestly judgment and decision.

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Bible Dictionary

This dictionary brings together information about the people, places, events, objects, words, and ideas encountered in Scripture.

Each article begins with material prepared for A Visit With Jesus. Where available, entries also include biblical usage, historical background, original-language information, Scripture references, related dictionary terms, and links to related Bible figures.

Many articles also preserve entries from classic Bible dictionaries, including Easton's, Smith's, and the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. These historical sources are presented separately within the full article.

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