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.
Asp
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The asp was a poisonous serpent mentioned in Scripture, probably referring generally to a venomous snake and possibly to the Egyptian cobra. It is used both literally and as an image of danger and deceit.
Aspalathus
Agriculture & Daily Life - Inter-testament
Aspalathus was an aromatic, probably prickly plant mentioned in Ecclesiasticus as producing a sweet fragrance. Its exact identification is uncertain.
Aspatha
People & Groups - Old Testament
Aspatha was one of the ten sons of Haman who were killed by the Jews in the days of Esther.
Asphar
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Asphar was a pool in the wilderness of Tekoa where Jonathan and his followers encamped during the Maccabean struggles. Its precise location is uncertain.
ASPHAR, THE POOL
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
The Pool of Asphar was a pool or cistern in the wilderness near Tekoa where Jonathan and Simon encamped while fleeing Bacchides. Its exact identification is uncertain.
Asriel
People & Groups - Old Testament
Asriel was a descendant of Manasseh and the ancestor of the Asrielite family. His descendants received an inheritance within Manasseh.
Ass
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The ass was a common beast of burden, riding, farming, and trade in biblical lands. Scripture also uses the domestic and wild ass as figures of peace, humility, burden-bearing, and untamed independence; Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a colt.
ASSASSINATION
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Assassination is the deliberate killing of a person, especially through planned violence or ambush. Biblical law treats the unlawful taking of human life as a grave offense because humanity bears God’s image, while distinguishing deliberate killing from accidental death.
ASSASSINS
People & Groups - New Testament
The assassins, or Sicarii, were dagger-bearing Jewish extremists who attacked Roman sympathizers and others during the years before and during the Jewish revolt. Their name comes from the Latin word for dagger, and Claudius Lysias mistook Paul for their leader.
ASSAULT
Government & Society - Both
Assault means a hostile attack or sudden violent onset against a person or place. Scripture uses the term for attacks on individuals, a household, or a city under siege.
ASSAY
Other - Both
To assay means to attempt, try, or make an effort, often unsuccessfully. It may describe David trying Saul’s armor, Paul attempting to enter a region, or someone daring to perform a forbidden act.
ASSEMBLIES, MASTERS OF
Scripture - Old Testament
“Assemblies, masters of” is a difficult expression in Ecclesiastes. It probably refers to those skilled in collecting and arranging wise sayings into ordered collections, though other interpretations have been proposed.
ASSEMBLY
People & Groups - Both
An assembly is a gathering of people called together for a purpose, whether civic, social, or religious. In the New Testament it can also refer to the church, the congregation of those called to Christ.
ASSENT
Other - Both
Assent means agreement or consent. In older English Bible usage it represents words translated more literally in later versions as “voice,” “mouth,” or “agree.”
ASSESSOR
Government & Society - Both
An assessor is an assistant to a king or judge, and later a person who determines taxes or property assessments. Biblical officials responsible for tribute and Roman tax collection performed related administrative functions.
Asshur
People & Groups - Old Testament
Asshur was a son of Shem and the name associated with Assyria. It also denotes the ancient Assyrian people and land, centered originally around the city of Ashur.
ASSHURIM
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Asshurim were descendants of Dedan, who was a son of Jokshan and grandson of Abraham through Keturah. They are listed among the peoples descended from Abraham’s later family.
ASSIGN
Government & Society - Old Testament
To assign means to give, apportion, designate, or station someone in a particular place or responsibility. Scripture uses it both for setting apart cities of refuge and for placing Uriah in a dangerous position in battle.
Assir
People & Groups - Old Testament
Assir, meaning “captive,” is the name of several biblical persons, including Levites of the family of Korah and a person associated with Jeconiah’s captivity.
ASSOCIATE
Other - Old Testament
Associate is an older translation of a difficult Hebrew expression in Isaiah 8:9. The passage is variously understood as calling the nations to make an uproar, break, or gather together.
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