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.
Samos
Places & Geography - New Testament
Samos was an island in the Aegean Sea between Ephesus and Miletus. Paul passed near or touched it while returning from his third missionary journey.
Samothrace
Places & Geography - New Testament
Samothrace was a mountainous island in the northern Aegean Sea, south of Thrace and northwest of Troas. Paul sailed past it on his journey from Troas to Neapolis.
Samothracia
Places & Geography - New Testament
Samothracia is the Greek name for Samothrace, an island in the Aegean Sea that Paul passed during his first missionary journey and possibly on his return voyage.
SAMPSAMES
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
A place mentioned in 1 Maccabees 15:23, usually identified with Samsun on the Black Sea coast. Some traditions identify it with Lampsacus.
Samson
People & Groups - Old Testament
Samson was a judge of Israel and a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth. Empowered by the Spirit, he fought the Philistines, but his moral weakness led to captivity; in faith, he finally gave his life in judgment against them.
Samuel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Samuel was a prophet, judge, and Nazirite who served Israel during the transition from the judges to the monarchy. He called the people to repentance, anointed Saul and David, and faithfully proclaimed God’s word.
Samuel, Books of
Scripture - Old Testament
The Books of Samuel record the lives and reigns of Samuel, Saul, and David, tracing Israel’s transition from the period of the judges to a united kingdom under David. In the Hebrew canon they were originally one book.
Sanballat
People & Groups - Old Testament
Sanballat was a prominent opponent of Nehemiah’s work to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. He held authority in Samaria and was later connected by marriage with the family of the Jerusalem high priest.
Sanctification
Doctrine & Theology - Both
Sanctification is God’s work of setting people apart for Himself and making them holy. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are progressively changed in faith and obedience, though perfect holiness is not attained in this life.
Sanctuary
Temple & Tabernacle - Both
A sanctuary is a holy place set apart for God’s presence and worship, including the tabernacle, temple, or holy place. Scripture also uses the term for God’s heavenly dwelling and teaches that God and the Lamb are the temple in the final state.
SAND
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Sand is formed chiefly by the grinding action of waves and is common along shores and dunes. In Scripture it symbolizes an innumerable multitude, great weight, or instability, depending on the context.
SAND FLIES
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Sand flies are identified in some translations with the small insects called lice or gnats in Exodus 8:16. The precise identification of the biblical insect is uncertain.
Sandal
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A sandal was a simple sole fastened to the foot by leather straps. Sandals were common in biblical lands, removed indoors or at holy places, and unfastening another person’s sandal was a task expressing humility or inferior status.
Sandals
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Sandals were common biblical footwear consisting of a sole secured by straps. They were worn outdoors, removed during meals or in sacred settings, and are mentioned in instructions concerning travel and ministry.
Sanhedrim
Government & Society - New Testament
Sanhedrim is an older form of Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council and court in Jerusalem during the period surrounding the New Testament. It included chief priests, elders, and scribes and examined Jesus, the apostles, Stephen, and Paul.
Sanhedrin
Government & Society - New Testament
The Sanhedrin was the chief Jewish tribunal in Jerusalem, consisting of priests, elders, and scribes. In the time of Jesus it exercised important religious, civil, and judicial authority under Roman rule.
Sansannah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Sansannah was a town in the Negeb of Judah, also associated with Hazar-susah and Hazar-susim. Its precise location has not been established.
Saph
People & Groups - Old Testament
Saph was a Philistine champion from the race of the giants. He was killed by Sibbecai, one of David’s warriors, and is called Sippai in Chronicles.
SAPHETH
People & Groups - Inter-testament
A variant spelling of Saphuthi, a name preserved in the biblical textual tradition.
Saphir
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Saphir was a town addressed by the prophet Micah. Its name means beautiful or fair, but its exact location is uncertain.
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