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.
INFLAMMATION
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Inflammation refers chiefly to a burning fever or similar illness in Deuteronomy 28:22. In Leviticus 13:28, the term is better understood as a scar.
Inheritance
Law & Covenant - Both
Inheritance is property or a portion received from another. In the Old Testament it especially includes Israel’s God-given land, while the New Testament applies the term spiritually to the promised portion received through Christ.
INIQUITY
Sin & Judgment - Both
Iniquity is moral crookedness, perversity, or deviation from what is right. The word may also refer to the guilt incurred by sin or the punishment that follows it.
INJURIOUS
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
Injurious describes conduct that is harmful, insulting, insolent, or abusive toward others. Paul used the term of his former opposition to the Christian faith.
INK-HORN
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
An ink-horn was a writing case or container for ink and writing tools. Ezekiel describes a writer carrying such a case at his side or in his girdle.
Ink, Inkhorn
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
An ink or inkhorn was a container used by writers for carrying ink. It is associated with the writing practices of biblical times.
Inkhorn
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
An inkhorn was a small vessel or cup for holding ink, commonly carried in a writer’s girdle. The term appears in Ezekiel’s vision of the man clothed in linen.
Inn
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
An inn in biblical usage could mean a night resting place, a caravan stopping place, or a guest chamber rather than a modern hotel. The New Testament also mentions public lodging places for travelers.
INNOCENTS, MASSACRE OF THE
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The Massacre of the Innocents was Herod’s slaughter of boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its region, in an attempt to destroy the newborn Christ. Matthew presents the event as part of the danger surrounding Jesus’ early life.
INORDINATE
Sin & Judgment - Both
Inordinate means immoderate, excessive, or improperly regulated. In biblical usage it describes uncontrolled lust or passion.
INQUIRE
Worship & Prayer - Both
To inquire is to ask, seek information, or seek God’s direction. Scripture may use the word for consulting the Lord through prayer, priest, prophet, or oracle, but also for forbidden divination.
INQUISITION
Government & Society - Both
Inquisition is careful and diligent investigation to discover the truth, especially by examining witnesses or circumstances. It may occur in a court or without official authority.
INSCRIPTION
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
An inscription is writing placed upon an object. The New Testament mentions the inscription on an altar in Athens: “To an Unknown God.”
INSECTS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Insects mentioned in Scripture include ants, bees, locusts, flies, gnats, fleas, moths, lice, and various worms. Biblical names do not always correspond precisely to modern species.
Inspiration
Scripture - Both
Inspiration is God’s supernatural work in giving the Holy Scriptures through human writers. Scripture is described as God-breathed and therefore authoritative and profitable for teaching, correction, and righteousness.
Instant, Instantly
Other - New Testament
In the Authorized Version, instant or instantly often means urgent or urgently. It can describe earnest persistence, pressing appeal, or fervent action.
INSTRUMENT
Objects & Symbols - Both
An instrument may be a utensil used in sanctuary service, a weapon, or a musical instrument. Paul also calls the members of the body instruments to be presented in service to righteousness.
INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC
Worship & Prayer - Old Testament
Instruments of music, possibly triangles or three-stringed instruments, were used by women in celebrating David’s victories. The precise identity of the Hebrew term is uncertain.
INSURRECTION
Government & Society - Both
Insurrection is an organized uprising or revolt against authority. The term is used of rebellion in the Gospels and of accusations of stirring up disorder in Acts.
INTEGRITY
Christian Life - Both
Integrity is sincerity, soundness, truthfulness, and uprightness of heart. It describes a life marked by honest intentions and faithful conduct before God and people.
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