
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
Punon
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Punon was a desert campsite of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, after they left Mount Hor. It is associated with the region later known for copper mining.
Pur, Purim
Festivals & Holy Days - Old Testament
Pur, meaning lot, gave its name to Purim, the Jewish festival commemorating deliverance from Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews. The feast was observed on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar.
PURAH
People & Groups - Old Testament
Purah was Gideon’s young servant and armor-bearer who accompanied him into the camp of Midian.
PURCHASE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
In older English, purchase could mean to acquire by any means, not only by paying money. Later translations often render the biblical terms as obtain, gain, or acquire.
Purification
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
Purification was the ritual restoration of a person or object considered ceremonially unclean. It commonly involved washing or sprinkling with water and, in serious cases, prescribed sacrifices, especially under the Levitical law.
Purim
Festivals & Holy Days - Old Testament
Purim was the annual Jewish festival celebrating deliverance from the threatened massacre planned by Haman. It was observed for two days, on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar, with rejoicing and the reading of Esther.
PURITY
Christian Life - Both
Purity includes physical, ceremonial, mental, moral, and spiritual cleanness. Scripture connects clean conduct and a pure heart with faithful worship, and calls God’s people to holiness in body, thought, family life, and conduct.
PURLOINING
Sin & Judgment - New Testament
Purloining means secretly taking or stealing something for oneself. Titus applies the term to servants who must not misuse or withhold what belongs to their masters.
Purosh
People & Groups - Old Testament
Purosh was a family or clan descended from Parosh that returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel and Ezra. Members helped rebuild Jerusalem and joined in the covenant renewed under Nehemiah.
PURPLE
Objects & Symbols - Both
Purple was a costly dye and fabric associated with the tabernacle, temple furnishings, royalty, wealth, and honor. It was also used mockingly for Jesus by Roman soldiers before His crucifixion.
PURPOSE, OF GOD
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
The purpose of God is His intelligent and gracious design concerning His works and His dealings with humanity. It refers to God’s settled aim, including His plan of salvation and the destiny of those called according to His will.
Purse
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A purse was a bag or money-belt used to carry coins and, sometimes, weights or other small articles. Jesus instructed His disciples at different times concerning whether to carry money on their journeys.
PURTENANCE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Purtenance means the inward parts or belongings of something. In Exodus it refers to the internal portions of a sacrificial animal roasted with it.
Put
People & Groups - Old Testament
Put was both a son of Ham and the name of a people or land associated with Africa and the forces of Egypt and Tyre. Put’s warriors are mentioned as shield-bearers and soldiers.
Put, Phut
People & Groups - Old Testament
Put, or Phut, was one of Ham’s sons and also the name of a people or land whose warriors served among foreign armies. It is commonly associated with a region of Africa.
Puteoli
Places & Geography - New Testament
Puteoli was a major seaport on the Bay of Naples where Paul landed on his journey to Rome. He stayed there seven days with local believers before continuing along the Appian Way.
PUTHITES
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Puthites were one of the families connected with Kiriath-jearim and descended from Caleb.
Putiel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Putiel was the father of the wife of Eleazar, Aaron’s son, and therefore the grandfather of Phinehas. He is mentioned in the genealogy of the priestly family.
Pygarg
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The pygarg was a clean animal permitted for Israelite food under the Law. Its exact identification is uncertain; it was probably a species of antelope or similar horned animal.
PYRAMID
Objects & Symbols - Inter-testament
A pyramid was a monumental tomb structure. Simon Maccabeus built pyramids at Modin as part of a memorial for his parents and brothers.
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