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.
Potsherd
Objects & Symbols - Both
A potsherd is a broken fragment of earthenware. Scripture uses it as an image of weakness, humiliation, or a worthless vessel.
Pottage
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Pottage was a dish of boiled food, especially a stew such as the lentil dish prepared in Jacob’s household. The term generally denotes cooked food made by boiling.
Potters field
Places & Geography - New Testament
The Potters Field was the burial ground purchased with the money associated with Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. It was also called the Field of Blood.
Potters Field, The
Places & Geography - New Testament
The Potters Field was a piece of ground bought by the priests with the thirty pieces of silver connected with Judas. It was used as a burial place for those not belonging to Jerusalem.
Pottery
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Pottery is the ancient craft of shaping clay on a wheel, smoothing and glazing it, and firing it in a furnace. Scripture frequently uses the potter and clay to illustrate God’s authority over His creatures.
Pound
Measures & Money - Both
A pound could denote a weight or a sum of money. Biblical usage includes the Hebrew maneh, the Roman pound of fragrant material, and the mina used in Jesus’ parable of the talents or stewardship.
POVERTY
Christian Life - Both
Poverty is lack of the necessities of life, ranging from a scant livelihood to extreme destitution. Scripture commands compassion and practical care for the poor, while also using poverty as a picture of spiritual need before God.
POWDERS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The powders of the merchant were probably fragrant powders, perfumes, or powdered sweet-smelling wood used with myrrh and frankincense.
POWER
God - Both
Power means might, strength, authority, or ability. Scripture attributes supreme power to God, identifies the gospel and the Holy Spirit as powerful in redemption, and calls Jesus’ miracles mighty works.
PRAETORIAN GUARD
Government & Society - New Testament
The praetorian guard or court was connected with the imperial authority before which Paul’s case was heard during his Roman imprisonment. His faithful witness made the gospel known among those associated with this governing body.
Praetorium
Government & Society - New Testament
The praetorium was originally a military headquarters and later the official residence or judgment place of a Roman governor. Jesus was brought before the praetorium, and Paul’s imprisonment brought him into contact with the praetorian guard.
PRAISE
Worship & Prayer - Both
Praise is the sincere acknowledgment of worth, especially the worshipful declaration of God’s holiness, works, mercy, and saving love. It may be expressed inwardly, publicly, through prayer, testimony, music, song, and obedient living.
Praltite, The
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Paltite was Helez, one of David’s mighty men. He is listed among David’s warriors in the account of his reign.
Prayer
Worship & Prayer - Both
Prayer is direct address to God in worship, confession, thanksgiving, petition, and intercession. Scripture calls for sincere, humble, reverent prayer offered in faith and, in Christian prayer, in the name of Christ and through the Spirit.
PRAYERS OF CHRIST
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The prayers of Christ reveal His communion with the Father, submission to God’s will, intercession for His people, and trust amid suffering. They include the high-priestly prayer, Gethsemane, and His prayers from the cross.
PRECEPT
Law & Covenant - Both
A precept is an authoritative rule or command, especially a divine instruction setting forth human obligation before God.
PRECIOUS
Salvation - Both
Precious means costly or of great material value, and also of great moral or spiritual worth. Scripture speaks of precious promises, precious faith, and Christ’s precious blood by which believers are redeemed.
Predestination
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Predestination is God’s gracious purpose concerning salvation, by which believers are chosen and appointed in Christ according to His will. Scripture presents this doctrine alongside God’s sovereignty, grace, human responsibility, and the call to faith.
PREEMINENCE
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Preeminence means superiority or being first in rank or excellence. Christ has preeminence in all things, while Scripture warns against people who love to hold the highest place.
PREFER
Other - Both
To prefer may mean to choose one person or thing before another, distinguish it, remove it, or regard it as one’s own, depending on the biblical context.
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