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.
Ramiah
People & Groups - Old Testament
Ramiah was an Israelite of the sons of Parosh who had taken a foreign wife after the return from exile.
Ramoth
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Ramoth means “heights.” It was a Levitical city in Issachar, probably identical with Jarmuth and Remeth.
Ramoth-gilead
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Ramoth-gilead was a fortified city and city of refuge east of the Jordan in Gilead. It was the scene of battles with Syria and the place where Jehu was anointed king of Israel.
Ramothgilead
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Ramothgilead is another spelling of Ramoth-gilead, a major city of Gilead, a Levitical city, and a city of refuge east of the Jordan.
Rams Horns
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Rams’ horns were used as trumpets, or shawfar-like instruments, in Israel’s worship and appointed ceremonies, including the Jubilee and the proclamation of victory.
RAMS' SKINS
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
Rams’ skins were sheep hides, commonly tanned with the wool left on. They were useful as coverings and were prescribed as one of the materials for the tabernacle.
Ranges
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Ranges” refers either to a cooking arrangement for several pots or to ranks of soldiers guarding the king. In the account of Athaliah, the guards escorted her between the ranks.
RANKS
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
Ranks are separate groups or rows in which people sit. The arrangement resembled distinct plots or garden beds, as when Jesus organized the crowd before feeding them.
Ransom
Salvation - Both
A ransom is a price paid to secure release from bondage, penalty, or captivity. In the gospel, Christ gave his life as a ransom for many, fulfilling the sacrificial pattern of the Old Testament.
Rapha
People & Groups - Old Testament
Rapha means “tall.” The name refers to a Benjamite and is also found in passages where the term “giant” is used.
RAPHA, RAPHAH
People & Groups - Old Testament
Rapha, or Raphah, appears in passages concerning Philistine champions and may preserve the name of an ancestral giant or a group associated with Gath. Raphah is also the name of a descendant of Saul.
Raphael
Angels & Spiritual Beings - Inter-testament
Raphael means “God has healed.” In Jewish and inter-testamental tradition he is an angel associated with healing and with presenting prayers before God.
Raphon
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Raphon was a place in Gilead where Judas Maccabeus defeated the forces of Timotheus. It may have been the same as the city called Raphana by Pliny.
Raphu
People & Groups - Old Testament
Raphu was a Benjamite and the father of Palti, one of the twelve spies sent to examine Canaan.
Raven
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The raven is a black bird forbidden as food under the Mosaic law. God used ravens to provide bread and flesh for Elijah, and Scripture presents them as examples of his care for creation.
RAZIS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Razis was a respected Jewish elder in Jerusalem during the Maccabean period. When threatened with capture for opposing Hellenism, he killed himself; the account presents his death in a manner consistent with the period’s strong national and religious zeal.
Razor
Objects & Symbols - Both
A razor was used for shaving hair. Nazarites were forbidden to use one during their vow, while Levites were shaved with a razor at their consecration.
READING
Scripture - Both
Reading in Scripture commonly refers to reading God’s Law, the Prophets, or apostolic writings aloud to the gathered community. It may also describe private reading.
READY
Other - Both
Ready can mean apt, skillful, prepared, or prompt. Biblical usage applies the word to people, speech, questions, and preparations for action.
Reaia
People & Groups - Old Testament
Reaia was a Reubenite, son of Micah, and is apparently the same person as Reaiah.
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