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.
Gopher
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Gopher wood was the material from which God commanded Noah to build the ark. Scripture does not identify the tree with certainty; cypress and other kinds of prepared wood have been suggested.
GOPHER WOOD
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Gopher wood was the material God commanded Noah to use in building the ark. The precise kind of wood is unknown, though a durable or resinous wood has often been suggested.
GORE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
To gore means to thrust or wound with the horns, especially as an ox might attack a person. Biblical law addressed liability when an ox gored someone, and the verb can also describe forceful conflict.
GORGET
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Gorget is an obsolete translation for part of Goliath’s armor. The Hebrew word more properly means a javelin, as rendered in later English versions.
GORGIAS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Gorgias was a general serving Antiochus Epiphanes who commanded forces against Judas Maccabeus. He suffered defeat near Emmaus and later held a garrison at Jamnia.
Goshen
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Goshen was the Egyptian district where Jacob’s family settled and lived until the Exodus. The name also refers to a district and a town in Canaan mentioned in Joshua.
Gospel
Salvation - Both
The gospel is the good news of salvation and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The term also describes the Christian message and, by extension, each of the four New Testament accounts of Christ’s life.
Gospels
Scripture - New Testament
The Gospels are the four New Testament books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that record the person, teaching, works, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Together they proclaim Him as the Savior and Son of God.
GOSPELS, THE SYNOPTIC
Scripture - New Testament
The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They present a closely related account of Jesus’ ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection, while differing in arrangement, emphasis, and selected material.
Gourd
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The gourd in Jonah provided temporary shade but withered quickly, illustrating the prophet’s misplaced concern. The “wild gourds” in 2 Kings were likely a poisonous cucumber-like plant accidentally gathered for food.
GOURD, WILD
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The wild gourd was a poisonous fruit gathered accidentally into a prophet’s stew. It is commonly identified with a bitter plant such as the colocynth, whose fruit resembles a small gourd.
GOVERNMENT
Government & Society - Both
Government among the Hebrews developed from patriarchal and tribal leadership through judges and monarchy, and later existed under foreign empires. Kings administered justice, directed warfare, collected revenues, and represented the nation in public affairs.
Government of God
God - Both
The government of God refers to His sovereign rule and providential ordering of all things. It includes His wise preservation, direction, and governance of creation and human affairs.
Governments
Christian Life - New Testament
“Governments” in 1 Corinthians 12:28 refers to an ability or ministry of guidance and administration in the church. The term pictures the skill of directing a community or vessel rightly.
Governor
Government & Society - Both
A governor is a ruler, officer, provincial administrator, military leader, steward, or presiding official, depending on the biblical context. The term is used for various leaders in Israel, foreign empires, and the Roman administration.
Gozan
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Gozan was a region in Assyria, associated with the Habor River, to which Israelites were deported after the fall of Samaria. It is also mentioned in accounts of Assyrian threats against Judah.
Grace
Salvation - Both
Grace is God’s undeserved favor and active kindness toward sinners and His people. It is also used of spiritual gifts, strength for Christian service, and the gospel of salvation through Christ rather than human works.
Grace, means of
Worship & Prayer - Both
The “means of grace” is a later Christian expression for the ordinary channels through which God blesses and strengthens believers, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer. It may also include hearing Scripture, meditation, and Christian fellowship.
GRACIOUS
God - Both
Gracious means showing favor, kindness, or compassion to one in an inferior position. Scripture chiefly applies the word to God’s merciful and generous dealings, though it can also describe an attractive or courteous person.
Graft
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
Grafting is the process of joining a branch to a plant so that it grows from the established stock. Paul uses the practice, especially with olive trees, to illustrate Gentiles being joined to God’s people through faith.
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