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.
Lantern
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
A lantern was a covered source of light carried by the group that came to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane. The term could describe a torch or other portable light.
Laodicea
Places & Geography - New Testament
Laodicea was a wealthy city in the Lycus valley of Asia Minor and one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. Its church was rebuked for spiritual lukewarmness, self-sufficiency, and failure to recognize its true need.
Laodicea, Epistle from
Scripture - New Testament
The “epistle from Laodicea” mentioned in Colossians was a letter associated with the church at Laodicea. The source suggests it may have been the circular letter commonly connected with Ephesus, but its identity is not certain.
Laodiceans
People & Groups - New Testament
The Laodiceans were the inhabitants and Christian congregation of Laodicea. They are mentioned in Paul’s correspondence and addressed by Christ in Revelation.
LAODICEANS, EPISTLE TO THE
Scripture - New Testament
The Epistle to the Laodiceans is the letter Paul mentions in Colossians 4:16. The source discusses the possibility that it was a lost letter or the circular epistle later known as Ephesians, while rejecting the later apocryphal letter as spurious.
LAP
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The lap is the fold or bosom of a person’s garment, often used symbolically in gestures or statements of consequence. The verb “lap,” however, refers to animals noisily licking up water.
Lapidoth
People & Groups - Old Testament
Lapidoth is named as the husband of Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel. The name is associated with “torches,” though the expression has also been understood figuratively.
LAPPIDOTH
People & Groups - Old Testament
Lappidoth was the husband of Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel. The name may mean “flames” or “torches,” though proposed symbolic interpretations are uncertain.
Lapping
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Lapping describes Gideon’s selected soldiers drinking water by bringing it to their mouths with their hands, like dogs. Their manner of drinking was used to distinguish the three hundred whom God chose.
Lapwing
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Lapwing” is an older English rendering of the unclean bird now generally identified as the hoopoe. It appears in the dietary lists of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Lasaea
Places & Geography - New Testament
Lasaea was a city on the southern coast of Crete, near Fair Havens. Paul’s ship passed near it during his voyage to Rome.
Lasea
Places & Geography - New Testament
Lasea was a city on the south coast of Crete, about five miles east of Fair Havens. Its ruins have been identified near the harbor mentioned in Paul’s voyage.
Lasha
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Lasha was a place named on the southern boundary of the Canaanites. Its exact location is uncertain, though ancient writers associated it with the hot springs of Callirrhoe east of the Dead Sea.
Lasharon
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Lasharon was a Canaanite town whose king was defeated by Joshua. Its location is uncertain.
LASSHARON
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Lassharon was a royal Canaanite city captured by Joshua, mentioned with Aphek. Its identification is uncertain and may refer to a city or a ruler in Sharon.
LAST TIME, TIMES
Prophecy - New Testament
The last time or last times refers to the final period of the present age in relation to God’s redemptive purposes. The New Testament presents this period as beginning with Christ’s coming and awaiting completion at His return.
LASTHENES
Government & Society - Inter-testament
Lasthenes was a high official under Demetrius II, probably serving as a chief minister. His titles of “kinsman” and “father” appear to have been court designations rather than descriptions of family relationship.
Latchet
Objects & Symbols - Both
A latchet was a leather thong used to fasten a sandal. Untying another person’s sandal was regarded as a low and menial service, and John the Baptist used the image to express his humility before Christ.
Latin
Original Language - New Testament
Latin was the official language of the Roman government and was used on the inscription placed above Jesus’ cross. In the New Testament it appears alongside Greek and Aramaic in the public notice of Jesus’ charge.
Latin Versions
Scripture - New Testament
The Latin versions are translations of the Bible into Latin. The dictionary source directs this subject to the Latin Vulgate.
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