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.
Attai
People & Groups - Old Testament
Attai was the name of several biblical men, including a descendant of Sheshan, a Gadite soldier who joined David, and a son of Rehoboam.
ATTAIN
Other - Both
In Scripture, attain means to obtain, reach, arrive at, or become able to accomplish something. It may describe reaching a place, possessing a condition, or pursuing righteousness and spiritual maturity.
Attalia
Places & Geography - New Testament
Attalia was a coastal city of Pamphylia in Asia Minor. Paul and Barnabas visited it during their first missionary journey before sailing to Antioch.
ATTITUDES
Worship & Prayer - Both
Biblical attitudes include bodily postures expressing prayer, worship, respect, or submission, such as standing, kneeling, bowing, and falling facedown. These outward actions could honor God, rulers, angels, or other persons of authority.
AUDIENCE
Other - Both
Audience means the presence or hearing of others, especially when they listen attentively. Biblical expressions such as “in the audience of” or “give audience” refer to speaking before people who hear and pay attention.
AUGUR'S OAK
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
The “augur’s oak” probably refers to a tree associated with a diviner or one who practiced augury. It may have been a tree consulted by the Canaanites, possibly near Shechem, rather than the name of a known place.
AUGURY
Sin & Judgment - Both
Augury is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future through omens, such as birds, arrows, dreams, celestial signs, or other events. Israel’s law rejected such divination and directed God’s people to seek Him rather than pagan signs.
Augustus
Government & Society - New Testament
Augustus was the first Roman emperor, reigning when Jesus Christ was born. His decree for a registration brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in fulfillment of prophecy.
Augustus band
Government & Society - New Testament
The Augustus band was a military cohort connected with the Roman army. It accompanied Paul on the voyage from Caesarea toward Rome, and may have consisted of troops stationed in Caesarea.
AUSTERE
Other - New Testament
Austere means harsh, severe, or rough. In Jesus’ parable of the pounds, the term describes the false and fearful view of the master held by the unfaithful servant.
AUTHOR
Jesus Christ - New Testament
“Author” may mean the cause or originator of something. In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as the leader and pioneer of faith and as the one who brings salvation to His people through suffering.
AUTHORITY IN RELIGION
Doctrine & Theology - Both
Authority in religion concerns the right to declare truth, command obedience, and guide worship and conduct. Biblically, ultimate authority belongs to God, while Christ, Scripture, and God-appointed servants exercise authority under Him.
AUTRANITIS
Places & Geography - Inter-testament
Autranitis is a name used by Josephus for Hauran, a region east of the Jordan. The term identifies the area rather than a distinct biblical doctrine or person.
Ava
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Ava was a place in the Assyrian empire from which colonists were brought to Samaria. It may be the same place called Ivah in other passages.
AVAIL
Salvation - Both
To avail is to be effective, sufficient, or helpful. Scripture contrasts outward religious acts that cannot save by themselves with faith working through love and with prayer that is effective before God.
AVARAN
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Avaran was a surname of Eleazar, the third son of Mattathias. The name’s meaning is uncertain; it may refer to piercing, his appearance, or the heroic act associated with his death in battle.
Aven
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Aven means vanity or nothingness. It is used as a term of contempt for idolatrous centers, including Beth-aven, and also refers to places associated with Heliopolis in Egypt and Syria.
Avenger of blood
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The avenger of blood was the nearest male relative of a murdered person. Under Israelite law he could pursue a willful murderer, while cities of refuge protected someone who had caused death unintentionally until a lawful judgment was made.
AVERSE
Other - Old Testament
Averse means turned away or retreating. In the cited passage it describes peaceful wanderers who are treated as enemies and driven away.
Avim
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Avim were an ancient people living in villages or encampments along the southwest coast. They were displaced by the Caphtorim and are also called Avites.
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