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.
FORFEIT
Sin & Judgment - Both
To forfeit means to lose something because of transgression or failure to observe a rule. Jesus warns that a person may forfeit his life or self by gaining the world while losing his soul.
FORGIVENESS
Salvation - Both
Forgiveness is God’s gracious removal of guilt and estrangement through repentance and faith, grounded in Christ’s atoning work. Believers are likewise commanded to release offenses and maintain a forgiving spirit toward others.
Forgiveness of sin
Salvation - Both
Forgiveness of sin is God’s gracious removal of guilt and condemnation, freeing the repentant sinner from the penalty of sin. It is offered through the gospel on account of the work of Jesus Christ and belongs properly to God’s saving grace.
FORK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A fork was a three-pronged agricultural implement, probably used for handling grain or other material. The term occurs once and may possibly describe a weapon.
FORMER
Other - Both
Former means preceding in time, order, or position. As a noun it can also mean a maker or framer, while some passages use it geographically for the eastern or earlier sea.
Fornication
Sin & Judgment - Both
Fornication refers to sexual immorality, which the Mosaic law firmly condemned. Scripture also frequently uses the term figuratively for Israel’s unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and apostasy.
FORTH
Other - Both
Forth expresses movement forward, outward, or beyond a boundary. It commonly appears with verbs such as come forth, bring forth, break forth, stand forth, and spread forth.
Fortifications
Government & Society - Old Testament
Fortifications are defensive works such as walls, towers, gates, and other structures built to protect a city or stronghold. Fenced cities and fortified places were common features of ancient warfare.
Fortunatus
People & Groups - New Testament
Fortunatus was a Christian from Corinth who visited Paul at Ephesus with Stephanas and Achaicus. Their presence refreshed Paul and represented the fellowship of the Corinthian church.
FORUM
Places & Geography - New Testament
Forum is an older name for the Market of Appius, a stopping place on the Roman road where believers met Paul during his journey to Rome.
FOUL
Sin & Judgment - Both
Foul means defiled, impure, wicked, muddied, or polluted. It can describe unclean spirits, contaminated waters, stormy weather, or a face marked by intense weeping.
FOUNDATION
Doctrine & Theology - Both
A foundation is the supporting base of a building. Figuratively, Christ is the church’s foundation, while apostles and prophets are associated with its foundational testimony, and repentance is a basic Christian teaching.
FOUNDER
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A founder is a worker who casts or refines metal. Biblical references describe craftsmen making molten images or working precious metals; some translations use “goldsmith” or “refiner.”
Fountain
Objects & Symbols - Both
A fountain is a natural spring or source of flowing water, especially valuable in the dry lands of the Bible. Scripture also uses fountain imagery for God, purification, wisdom, prosperity, and everlasting life.
Fountain of the Virgin
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Fountain of the Virgin was a perennial spring near Jerusalem that supplied the Pool of Siloam through a rock-cut tunnel. Its flow was intermittent and made it an important source of water for the city.
FOURFOLD
Law & Covenant - Both
Fourfold means four times the amount. In the cited passages it describes an extreme restitution for theft, while other laws required double restitution, an added fifth, or equal repayment.
FOURSQUARE
Objects & Symbols - Both
Foursquare means equal in length and breadth, forming a square or having four equal sides. Scripture applies the shape to altars, sacred furnishings, courts, and the New Jerusalem.
Fowl
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
“Fowl” is an older biblical term for birds of various kinds, including birds used as food and birds of prey. Birds appear in laws concerning clean and unclean animals and in Jesus’ illustrations of God’s providential care.
Fowler
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A fowler was a professional birdcatcher who used nets, traps, snares, and other methods to capture birds for food, sacrifice, or other uses. The snare of the fowler illustrates the hidden plans of the wicked and God’s deliverance from them.
Fox
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The fox, and possibly the jackal in some Old Testament passages, was a common wild animal of the region. Scripture associates it with ruined places, damage to vineyards, cunning, and the smallness of Herod’s apparent power.
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