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.
Canon
Scripture - Both
Canon means a rule or standard. Applied to Scripture, it denotes the authoritative books recognized as the divinely inspired rule of faith and practice.
Canon Of Scripture, The
Scripture - Both
The canon of Scripture is the collection of Old and New Testament books received as the authoritative written rule of Christian faith and conduct.
CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
Scripture - New Testament
The canon of the New Testament is the recognized collection of its twenty-seven books. The church’s recognition of these writings developed gradually as apostolic teaching was preserved, read in congregations, defended against error, and received as authoritative Scripture.
Canopy
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A canopy is a covering or enclosed shelter. Scripture uses the term for a bridal chamber or covering, and for a bed canopy in Judith.
Canticles
Scripture - Old Testament
Canticles, or the Song of Songs, is the biblical song attributed to Solomon. It presents a poetic love story and has been read literally, allegorically, or typologically.
CAPERBERRY
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The caperberry is the fruit of the thorny caper plant, which grows in Palestine. Ecclesiastes 12:5 may refer to its failure or bursting, though the identification of the Hebrew term remains uncertain.
Capernaum
Places & Geography - New Testament
Capernaum was a city on the Sea of Galilee that became Jesus’ principal Galilean center. It witnessed many teachings and miracles but was condemned for unbelief.
Caphar
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Caphar was a term for a village or small settlement, appearing in several place-names, including Capernaum.
CAPHARSALAMA
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Capharsalama was the site of an indecisive battle between Judas Maccabeus and Nicanor. It was somewhere near Jerusalem, though its exact location is uncertain.
Caphtor
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Caphtor was the original homeland of the Philistines, though its exact location is uncertain and has been associated with Crete or Egypt.
Caphtor, Caphtorim
People & Groups - Old Testament
Caphtor and the Caphtorim refer to the region and people connected with the Philistines’ early homeland.
Cappadocia
Places & Geography - New Testament
Cappadocia was a large province of eastern Asia Minor. Jews from there were present at Pentecost, and Christian communities later flourished there.
Cappadocia, Cappadocians
Places & Geography - New Testament
Cappadocia was an elevated province of Asia Minor, known for its grain, grazing, and capital at Caesarea. Cappadocians heard the gospel at Pentecost.
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.
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