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.
Theocracy
Government & Society - Old Testament
Theocracy describes government under the direct rule and authority of God. Israel’s covenant constitution presented the LORD as its true King, with rulers, priests, and prophets responsible to declare and carry out his will.
THEODOTUS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
The name Theodotus refers to two persons in the books of the Maccabees: an ambassador sent to Judas Maccabeus to negotiate peace, and a man involved in a plot against Ptolemy Philopator.
Theophilus
People & Groups - New Testament
Theophilus was the person to whom Luke addressed both his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke calls him “most excellent,” suggesting a person of rank, but Scripture gives no further certain information about him.
Thessalonians, Epistles to the
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
The Epistles to the Thessalonians are two letters written by Paul to the church at Thessalonica. They encourage holy living and faithful endurance, and address questions concerning Christ’s return and the day of the Lord.
Thessalonians, First Epistle To The
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
First Thessalonians was written by Paul to encourage the newly established church at Thessalonica. It commends their faith, urges purity and steadfastness, and teaches concerning the return of Christ and the resurrection of believers.
Thessalonians, Second Epistle To The
Doctrine & Theology - New Testament
Second Thessalonians was written by Paul to correct misunderstandings about the day of Christ and to address disorderly conduct among some believers. It encourages perseverance and explains that certain events precede the Lord’s coming.
THESSALONIANS, THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE
Scripture - New Testament
First Thessalonians is Paul’s letter to the young church at Thessalonica, commending its faith and love while addressing holiness, honest labor, mutual care, and the hope of Christ’s return. It especially comforts believers concerning Christians who have died and affirms their participation in Christ’s coming.
THESSALONIANS, THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE
Scripture - New Testament
Second Thessalonians is Paul’s follow-up letter addressing persecution, the coming of Christ, the falling away, and the revelation of the man of sin. It also corrects disorderly excitement about the Lord’s day and urges believers to live quietly and work faithfully.
Thessalonica
Places & Geography - New Testament
Thessalonica was a prominent city and Roman center in Macedonia. Paul preached there during his second missionary journey, establishing a church before opposition led him to depart for Berea.
Theudas
People & Groups - New Testament
Theudas was an insurgent leader whose failed revolt was cited by Gamaliel before the Jewish council as an example of movements that collapse when they are merely human in origin.
Thick clay
Prophecy - Old Testament
“Thick clay” in Habakkuk 2:6 is better understood as “pledges.” The expression portrays a conqueror who accumulates wealth taken from others, like a rapacious creditor demanding security.
Thieves, The two
Salvation - New Testament
The two thieves were criminals crucified alongside Jesus. One mocked him, while the other confessed his guilt, acknowledged Jesus’ innocence, and asked to be remembered when Jesus came into his kingdom.
Thimnathah
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Thimnathah was a town in the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. It is identified with Timnah and is distinguished from the place associated with Samson’s wife.
THIRD
Prophecy - Old Testament
Third denotes the third position or division. In Isaiah 19:24, Israel is described as the third alongside Egypt and Assyria, expressing a prophetic vision of Israel’s place in God’s wider purpose among the nations.
THIRST
Salvation - Both
Thirst is the natural craving for water or drink, but Scripture also uses it for deep spiritual longing. The soul thirsts for God, and Jesus promises living water and lasting satisfaction to those who come to Him.
Thistle
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Thistle denotes various thorny or prickly plants mentioned in Scripture, especially weeds that grow in cultivated ground or represent desolation. The term includes plants translated “brier,” “brambles,” or “thorns.”
Thomas
People & Groups - New Testament
Thomas, whose name means “twin” and who was also called Didymus, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Though initially hesitant to believe the resurrection, he confessed the risen Jesus as “My Lord and my God.”
Thorn
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A thorn is a sharp-spined or prickly plant. Scripture uses several Hebrew and Greek terms for different thorny shrubs, including plants associated by some with the crown placed on Jesus’ head.
Thorn in the flesh
Christian Life - New Testament
Paul described his persistent “thorn in the flesh” as a painful affliction or weakness permitted to trouble him. Its exact nature is not revealed; through it, Paul learned to rely on God’s sufficient grace and strength.
Thorns
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Thorns are prickly shrubs and plants common in Palestine, and the Bible uses several terms for different varieties. They also appear symbolically in Scripture, including in the crown mockingly placed on Jesus before His crucifixion.
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