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.
SPOON
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
A spoon in the tabernacle context was a small golden vessel or censer used to hold incense. The tribal leaders presented such vessels during the dedication of the tabernacle.
Spouse
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Spouse means a husband or wife; in the cited biblical usage it especially refers to a bride or wife. Scripture also uses marriage imagery to portray covenant love.
Spring
Places & Geography - Both
A spring is a natural source of flowing water, distinguished in biblical usage from a dug well. Springs were important landmarks and sources of life in the land.
Stachys
People & Groups - New Testament
Stachys was a Christian in Rome whom Paul greeted as his beloved fellow believer.
STACK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stack is a gathered heap or shock of grain. In Exodus, the term refers to grain that has been cut and arranged in the field.
Stacte
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
Stacte was a fragrant liquid or gum that formed one ingredient of the holy incense. It may have been drops of myrrh or another aromatic resin.
STAFF
Objects & Symbols - Both
A staff is a walking stick, shepherd’s rod, support, or symbol of authority. Scripture also uses the term for the poles carried with the ark and other holy furnishings, and figuratively for essential support.
STALK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stalk is the standing stem of a plant or grain. Scripture uses the image to contrast a worthless sowing with the absence of a fruitful harvest.
STALL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A stall was a place where horses or cattle were tied, sheltered, and supplied with fodder. Animals were commonly kept in rooms or simple shelters rather than in modern separated stalls.
STAMMERER
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stammerer is one whose speech is inarticulate or difficult to understand. In prophetic passages, related language may also describe speech that sounds foreign, strange, or mocking.
Standards
Government & Society - Both
Standards were military banners or emblems used to identify and guide armies. Ancient Assyrian and Egyptian standards often displayed animals, deities, royal symbols, or other sacred emblems.
STAR OF THE MAGI
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The Star of the Magi was the sign that led the wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. The Gospel emphasizes its divine guidance to the infant King rather than explaining its astronomical nature.
Star Of The Wise Men
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
The star of the wise men was the heavenly sign that guided the Magi to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus.
Star, Morning
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The “morning star” is a figurative title of Jesus Christ, expressing his glory, royal authority, and hope for his faithful people. Christ promises to share his glory and kingdom with those who overcome.
Stargazers
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Stargazers were astrologers who claimed to foretell events by observing the stars and their movements. Scripture presents such practices as unreliable and contrary to trust in God.
Stars
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stars are lights of the heavens, used to mark seasons and times. In Scripture they may also symbolize rulers, God’s people, the Messiah, angels, or heavenly signs, and their worship is condemned as idolatry.
STATELY
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Stately means magnificent, honorable, or imposing. In Ezekiel it describes a splendid or luxurious bed associated with wealth and display.
Stater
Measures & Money - New Testament
A stater was a Greek coin or monetary weight mentioned in Jesus’ instruction to Peter concerning the temple tax. It equaled four drachmas, or two didrachmas, and was commonly identified with a shekel.
STAVES
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The staves were wooden poles used to carry the ark and other holy furnishings of the tabernacle. They were made of acacia wood and covered with gold or bronze according to the object they served.
STAY
Other - Both
Stay may mean to remain, rest, cease, restrain, or support. In biblical usage it can describe remaining in place, stopping an action, or relying upon something for strength and security.
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