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.
Schoolmaster
Law & Covenant - New Testament
Schoolmaster translates the Greek term for a household guardian who supervised a child until maturity. Paul uses the figure for the law, which directed and restrained Israel until faith in Christ came.
Schools
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Schools in Jewish life developed especially after the exile and were commonly connected with synagogues. Instruction centered on Scripture, the Hebrew language, and moral training, with higher schools devoted to the study of the Law.
Schools of the Prophets
Prophecy - Old Testament
The schools of the prophets were communities or groups associated with prophetic training and instruction in Israel. They are mentioned in connection with Samuel and with the prophetic ministry of Elijah and Elisha.
SCIENCE
Scripture - Both
In older translations, “science” generally means knowledge or learning. Daniel uses it for learned understanding, while 1 Timothy warns against falsely claimed knowledge opposed to the gospel.
Scorpion
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A scorpion is a venomous creature common in dry regions such as the wilderness of Sinai and parts of Palestine. Scripture also uses it as a picture of severe oppression, danger, and spiritual opposition.
Scorpions
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Scorpions are venomous creatures mentioned with serpents in descriptions of the wilderness. They also symbolize wicked or threatening people and, figuratively, harsh punishment or danger.
Scourging
Government & Society - Both
Scourging was a severe punishment administered with rods, sticks, or leather thongs. Jewish law limited the number of stripes, while Roman scourging was inflicted on Jesus and on others who were not protected by citizenship.
SCRABBLE
Other - Old Testament
To scrabble means to make marks or scrawl. In 1 Samuel 21:13 it describes David’s actions when he pretended to be mad, though some understand the original word as meaning that he drummed on the doors.
Scribes
People & Groups - Both
Scribes were professional writers, officials, and later specialists in studying, copying, interpreting, and teaching the Law. In the New Testament many were associated with the Pharisees and were criticized for allowing human traditions to obscure God’s commands.
Scrip
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A scrip was a small leather bag or wallet used by shepherds and travelers to carry food and other necessities. Jesus instructed His disciples in certain missions not to take such a bag.
Scripture
Scripture - Both
Scripture means the sacred writings regarded as God’s inspired revelation. In the New Testament the term ordinarily refers to the Old Testament, though apostolic writings are also recognized as Scripture.
SCUM
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
Scum is the residue or dirt adhering to a cooking pot. In Ezekiel 24 it pictures the stubborn uncleanness that judgment would not remove.
SCURVY
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
Scurvy originally referred broadly to a scaly skin condition that could be scraped away, such as dandruff. The biblical source also discusses Gareb as a hill near Jerusalem and as the name of one of David’s warriors.
Scythian
People & Groups - New Testament
The Scythians were nomadic peoples from regions north of the Black and Caspian Seas and farther into Asia. In the New Testament the name could also represent people regarded by Greeks and Romans as uncivilized, yet all such distinctions were secondary to faith in Christ.
Scythopolis
Places & Geography - Both
Scythopolis was the Greek name for Beth-shean, an ancient city in the Jordan Valley.
Sea
Places & Geography - Both
In Scripture, sea may refer to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, a river, or waters generally. It can also be used symbolically for the nations or the turbulent movements of the world.
Sea of glass
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
The sea of glass is a symbolic vision in Revelation, appearing before God’s throne and associated with fire. It portrays a majestic, calm, and heavenly scene before God’s presence.
Sea of Jazer
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The Sea of Jazer is mentioned in Jeremiah 48:32, though the wording may result from a textual scribal error. Its identification as a definite lake is therefore uncertain.
SEA-MEW
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The sea-mew is the sea-gull, a bird found along the Mediterranean coast and around the Sea of Galilee. It is identified by some modern translations with the bird listed among the forbidden birds in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Sea, Molten
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The molten sea was Solomon’s enormous copper basin in the temple courtyard, used for priestly washing. It stood on twelve oxen and was later removed and dismantled during the decline and destruction of the kingdom.
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