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.
Race
Christian Life - New Testament
Race is used figuratively for the course of Christian perseverance and faithful service. Believers are urged to run with endurance, keeping their eyes on the appointed goal.
Rachab
People & Groups - New Testament
Rachab is the Greek form of Rahab, the woman of Jericho who received the Israelite spies and was included in the genealogy of Jesus.
Rachal
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Rachal was a town in southern Judah to which David sent gifts from the spoil taken from the Amalekites. Its precise location is uncertain.
Rachel
People & Groups - Both
Rachel was Jacob’s beloved wife and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She died giving birth to Benjamin, and her mourning became a prophetic picture of Israel’s grief, later applied to the sorrow surrounding Bethlehem.
RACHEL'S TOMB
Places & Geography - Both
Rachel’s Tomb is the memorial associated with Rachel’s burial near Bethlehem according to Genesis. The site has long been honored by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, although the precise location has also been disputed.
Raddai
People & Groups - Old Testament
Raddai was the fifth son of Jesse and one of David’s brothers. He is named in the genealogy of David’s family.
RADIANT
Christian Life - Old Testament
Radiant means shining or brightened. In Scripture it describes the joyful brightness of those who look to the Lord and are enlightened by him.
RAG
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A rag is a torn or worn-out piece of clothing. Scripture uses rags literally and also pictures human righteousness as filthy, inadequate clothing.
Ragau
People & Groups - New Testament
Ragau is the Greek form of Reu, a descendant of Shem and an ancestor of Jesus listed in Luke’s genealogy.
Rages
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Rages was an important city in northeastern Media. Its ruins were located near the site later known as Ray or Rhey, southeast of modern Tehran.
Raguel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Raguel means “friend of God” and is another form of Reuel. The name is associated with the father-in-law of Moses, probably the same man known as Jethro.
Raguel, Or Reuel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Raguel, or Reuel, means “friend of God.” The name is used for several Old Testament persons, including Moses’ father-in-law and a son of Esau.
Rahab
People & Groups - Both
Rahab was a poetic name for Egypt, symbolizing pride and power. It was also the name of the woman of Jericho who protected Joshua’s spies, was spared with her family, and became an ancestor of Christ.
Rahab, Or Rachab
People & Groups - Both
Rahab was a woman of Jericho who hid Joshua’s spies and helped them escape. She and her household were spared when Jericho fell, and she later became the wife of Salmon and an ancestor of Jesus.
Raham
People & Groups - Old Testament
Raham was a descendant of Caleb, son of Shema and father of Jorkeam.
Rahel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Rahel is the older Authorized Version form of Rachel, the name of Jacob’s wife and Joseph’s mother.
RAIMENT, SOFT
Jewish Life & Customs - New Testament
Soft raiment means elegant or luxurious clothing, such as garments worn by courtiers in royal households. Jesus contrasted this with John the Baptist’s plain and prophetic manner of life.
Rain
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Rain was essential to life and agriculture in biblical Palestine. Scripture distinguishes the early autumn rains, the winter rains, and the latter spring rains, and also uses rain as a picture of God’s blessing.
Rainbow
Objects & Symbols - Both
The rainbow was appointed by God as the sign of his covenant with Noah that a flood would never again destroy all flesh. In later visions it is associated with God’s glory, mercy, and faithfulness.
RAINFALL IN JERUSALEM IN INCHES
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Jerusalem has a marked rainy season, generally from October through May, with dry summers. The former and latter rains were important for sowing and ripening crops and were viewed as blessings from God.
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