Collection of Bible Symbols

 •  22 min. read  •  grade level: 12
 
ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED.|{}|
THE interpretation of the symbols here given will be found to throw considerable light upon many otherwise obscure passages in God's Word. We have sought to make the list as complete as possible, and believe that the general reader of Scripture will find it useful in numerous instances. It may be of advantage to some to refer to these symbols in their daily reading.
SYMBOL
MEANING.
REFERENCE.
Abominations
Every species of idolatrous worship,
1 Kings 11:5-7; Dan. 9:27;12:11; Ezek. 8
Adamant
Confirmed hardness of heart to God,
Ezek. 3:9; Zech. 7:12.
Adultery
Israel's unfaithfulness to Jehovah, in giving herself up to idolatry
Jer. 3:8,9; Ezek. 23:36,37.
Adder
Active, secret, and deadly evil
Psa. 140:3; Gen. 49:17; Prov. 23:32
Air
Moral influences acting upon man
Eph. 2:2; Rev. 9:2; 16:17
Altar, Brazen
Christ meeting the responsibility of the sinner in judgment
Ex. 27:1-8
Altar, Golden
Christ in the value of His person the ground and object of the saint's worship
Ex. 30:1-10
Almonds
Fruit produced by the Spirit in resurrection-life
Num. 17:8; Ex. 25:33, 34
Anchor
Confidence and security founded on what is divine
Heb. 6:19
Angel
A representative or messenger Expressive of office not of nature; the context determines which is meant.
Matt. 18:10; Rev. 2 and 3
Anoint
Consecration, appointment, power conferred
Lev. 8:10-20; Ex. 29:7; 2 Cor.1:21 1 John 2:27; Acts 10:13
Apples of Gold pictures of Silver
Fruit of Divine righteousness set in the beauty and stability of the atonement
Prov. 25:11
Apple Tree
Christ the Bridegroom in His own preciousness
Sol. 2:3; 8:5.
Arm
Divine strength. Human Power
Isa. 52:10; Psa. 10:15
Ark
Christ in His wondrous and adorable person as Man (the shittim wood), as God (the gold) Seat of Divine strength Figure of Israel’s relationship with God
Ex. 25:10-22 Psa. 132:8 Rev. 11:19
Arrows
Judgments or chastenings,
Job 6:4; Psa. 7:13
Ashes
Deep humiliation, and thorough self-judgment, Witness of the judgment of sin,
Job 40:6 Num. 19:9, 10
Ass
Man in nature and ungovernable,
Ex. 13:13; Job 11:12
Babylon
Seat and source of the future ecclesiastical apostasy,
Rev. 17:18
Babe
An unhealthy Christian state
1 Cor. 3:1; Heb. 6:12-14
Badgers' Skins
Defense against the various forms of evil from without
Ezek. 16:10; Ex. 26:14
Balance
Man Divinely measured. A time of famine
Dan. 5:27; Rev. 6:5, 6
Beard
Human energy displayed
2 Sam. 10:5; Lev. 14:9; Jer. 48:37
Bear
Powerful and destructive enemy. Persian Empire,
Prov. 17:12; Dan. 7:5
Beast
Acting without feeling of responsibility toward God, Imperial power acting without reference to God
Dan. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:32 Dan. 7
Bees
Numerous enemies The Assyrian in latter-day judgment upon Israel
Deut. 1:44; Psa. 118:12 Isa. 7:18
Bells
The declared testimony of the Holy Ghost to Christ's acceptance and work within the veil
Ex. 28:33, 34; 39:25, 26
Belly
The inward condition
Rom. 16:18; John 7:38; Rev. 10:9, 10
Billows
Overwhelming sorrows of a judicial character
Psa. 40:7; Jonah 2:3.
Birds
Speedy agents for good or evil. Spiritual wickedness
Isa. 31:5; Rev. 18:2.
Black
Mourning. Moral defilement
Jer. 4:28; Rev. 6:5; Sol. 1:5,6
Blind
Without spiritual perception
2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 3:17.
Blood
Dreadful slaughter, The pollutions of human nature Life forfeited by sin, but claimed by a holy God Complete apostasy from God and truth
Rev. 14:20 Ezek. 16:6 Lev. 17:10-14; 3:17 Rev. 16:3
Blue
Heavenly character. The leading color used in... the construction of the coverings, curtains, and veil of the Tabernacle
(Book of Exodus).
Book,...
Record of open judgment A register of Christian profession written in time Register of real believers written in eternity
Rev. 10:2 Rev. 3:5 Rev. 13:8
Bosom
Place of rest and deepest affection
John 1:18; Isa. 40:11; Luke 16:23
Bow
Distant conflict. Deceit and falsehood
Rev. 6:2; Jer. 9:3
Breasts
Fruitfulness
Gen. 49:25; Isa. 66:11
Breast
The affections of Christ
Lev. 7:31-34
Bread
Jesus incarnate
John 6
 
One loaf, Christ for the communion of the Church—one being the expression of her unity
1 Cor. 10:17
Bread
Twelve loaves, Christ for the communion of Israel -twelve being the expression of her unity
Lev. 24:5-9
 
Refreshment
Gen. 14:18
Brass (Copper)
Grecian Empire, Strength and endurance Christ's ability in bearing the responsibility of the sinner, as in the brazen altar, Christ's ability in sustaining the responsibility of the saint, as in the brazen laver, Firmness of Divine judgment
Dan. 2:39 Psa. 107:16; Zech. 6:1; Mic. 4:13 Ex. 27:1-7 Ex. 38:8 Rev. 1:15
Breastplate
Moral condition a safeguard for the heart and conscience
Eph. 6:14; 1 Thess. 5:8
Bridle
Moral restraint upon nature
Psa. 32:9; James 3:2; Isa. 30:28
Brimstone
Utter ruin and intense anguish
Rev. 14:10; Job 18:15
Bullock
Christ a sacrifice offered to God in the strength and vigor of perfect manhood
Lev. 1:1-5; 16
Bulls
Cruel and powerful enemies
Psa. 22:12; Jer. 1:11
Buckler
Divine protection
Psa. 18:2, 30; Sol. 4:4
Camp
A religion which would attach man to earth; or, the union of human and Divine principles
Ex. 33:7; Heb. 13:13
Candle
Artificial light. Divine light and favor
Rev. 22:5; Job 29:3
Candlestick of pure Gold
The fullness of the Spirit's light resting upon believers, The perfect display of the moral glories of Christ as seen in His adorable person
Ex. 26:35 Num. 8:2-4
Carpenters
God's instruments of judgment upon the Gentile oppressors of His people, Israel
Zech. 1:20,21
Caterpillars
Devouring enemies
Jer. 51:14; Joel 1:4
Cedar
Earthly greatness Man displayed in his best and fairest forms
Ezek. 17; Amos 2:9. Lev. 14:4-6; Num. 19:6
Chariots
Imperial powers The governmental power and authority of Jehovah,
Zech. 6:1 Psa. 68:17; Isa. 66:15
Cherubim (Plural)
The moral supports of God's throne exercised administratively in government, as justice and judgment,
Exod, 37:7; 1 Kings 6:28; Ezek. 10:5; Psa. 91:1
Cisterns
Resources
Jer. 2:12; Isa. 36:16
City
Protection;
Prov. 18:11
 
Seat of the Roman Empire
Rev. 16:19
 
The Church, both in its glorified and apostate states,
Rev. 18; 21
Clay
Man as dead material the subject of the sovereign power of God
Rom. 9:21
 
No foot-hold in suffering
Psa. 40:2.
Clouds
Divine majesty
Dan. 7:13; Psa. 104:3; Rev. 1:7
 
The presence of Jehovah, but His glory veiled
Ex. 33:9, 10; 34:15-18; Luke 9:35; Lev. 16:2
Colors
Varied glories
Gen. 38:3; 1 Chron. 29:2; Isa. 54:11
Concision
Those who would saddle the law upon Christians
Phil. 3:2.
Cords
Divine restraint. Compellings of love
Psa. 2:3; Hos. 11:4
Corn, Old
Christ in glory the food of a heavenly people
Josh. 5:11
Crown
Delegated authority Victorious power
Ezek. 16:12 Rev. 9:7; 19:12.
 
Kingly dignity, There are four crowns set before the saints:
Rev. 4:4-10
Crown
First, the crown of gold common to the redeemed,
Rev. 4:10
 
Second, the crown of life for the martyr,
Rev. 2:10
 
Third, the crown of righteousness for the servant and witness Forth, the crown of glory for the shepherds' of God's flock
2 Tim. 4:8 1 Peter 5:4
Cup
The sinners' portion, Divine wrath, The believers' portion, Divine favor,
Psa. 75:8 Psa. 23:5
Curtains
The curtains of the Tabernacle were inside, and set forth Christ and His glories for us. The curtains of the court were outside, and set forth Christ and His glories to be displayed by us....
Ex. 26:1. 14 Ex. 27:9-16
Darts
Sharp and sudden temptations
Eph. 6:16
Death
Apostacy from God and truth Divine and judicial judgment upon man
Rev. 8:9 Rev. 2:53
Dog
An expression of utter contempt, Uncleanness Persons without conscience or feeling Satan
Matt. 15:27; Phil. 3:2 Prov. 26:11 Psa. 22:16 Psa. 22:20
Door
Divine opening and liberty for service Liberty for communion with Christ
1 Cor. 16:9; Rev. 3:8 Rev. 3:20
Dove
Beauty. Harmlessness. Spotlessness.
Psa. 68:13; Matt. 10:16; Sol. 6:9
Dragon
Cruel Egyptian power. Satan
Ezek. 29:2; Rev. 12:13
Drunkenness
Utter insensibility to judgment. Carnal excitement,
Isa. 29:9; Eph. 5:18
Dung
Utter contempt and abhorrence
Mal. 2:3; Phil. 3:8
Dust
Utmost depths of humiliation
Psa. 22:15; Dan. 12:2
SYMBOL.
MEANING.
REFERENCE.
Eagle
Emblem of strength, safety, tenderness, and care,
Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11
 
Sure and thorough judgment
Luke 17:37; Job 39:29, 30
 
King of Babylon. King of Egypt
Ezek. 17:3; Ezek. 17:7
Ears
Human attention Divine attention Devoted obedience
Matt. 12; Rev. 2:3. Ps. 24:25 Psa. 40:6
Earth
Prophetically, the Roman Empire
Rev. 10:2; 13:11
Earthquake
Prophetically, the convulsion of settled order of things
Isa. 29:6; Rev. 6:12; 16:18
Eating
Personal appropriation of Christ; entering by faith into the reality of His death
John 6:51:57
 
Communion and fellowship generally
1 Cor. 10:16; 5:11; Acts 11:3-9; Sol. 5:1; Matt. 26:26
 
The priests' eating of the sin and other offerings expressed their thorough identification with what those sacrifices respectively set forth
(See Exodus and Leviticus).
Eyes
Divine perception and intelligence Direction and guidance
2 Chron. 16: 9; Rev. 4:8 Num. 10:31; Psa. 123:2.
Face
Intelligence The Divine presence
Rev. 4:7; Ezek. 1:10 Ex. 33:13-23.
Fat
Fruitfulness, abundance, excellence
Psa. 63:5; Num. 13:20; Psa. 92:14; Ezek. 34:20.
Fat
Utter insensibility of heart and conscience towards God
Isa. 6:10; Psa. 119:70; Deut. 32:15.
 
The fat of the sacrifices set forth the holy energy and devotedness of will which led the Blessed One to death
Lev. 1 to 7
Feet,
Christian walk and ways Under the feet; thorough subjection
Eph. 6:15; John 13:1-10 1 Cor. 15:27; Eph. 1:22; Rom. 16:20
Fig Tree
A kingdom
Judg. 9:10-11
 
Israel nationally
Luke 21:29; 13:6, 7; Hos. 9:10
 
Security, prosperity, peace
Zech. 3:10; Mic. 4:4; 1 Kings 4:25.
Fire
Judgment
Matt. 25:41
 
Purification
Mal. 3:2
 
Action of the Word of God
Jer. 23:29
First Born
Dignity, not necessarily of birth
Ps. 89:27; Col. 1:15
Fish
The rulers of Egypt
Ezek. 29:4, 5
Flame
The severity of Divine judgment
Luke 16:24: Isa. 29:6
Flesh
The nature of man as such, or that principle of life and action in man which, in its very nature is opposed to God,
Gen. 6:3; Rom. 7:5; Gal. 5:16-19; Eph. 2:3
Flesh
Mere human life, without reference to its character,
Luke 3:6; Phil. 1:22; Matt. 24:22
Forehead marked
Specially set apart
Ezek. 9:4; Rev. 14:9;13:16
Fore-skin
Filthiness of the flesh
Deut. 10:16; Ex. 4:25; Hab. 2:16.
Forest
Kingdom
Ezek. 20:46; Jer. 21:14; Isa. 10:18, 19
Fornication
Illicit intercourse with the world
Rev. 2:20, 21;17:2; Ezek. 16:15
Foundation
Immovable security
2 Tim. 2:19; Isa. 28:16.
Fountains
Sources
Ps. 36:9; Rev. 8:10; 7:17; Isa. 41:18
Fowls
The great of the earth
Ezek. 31:6; Matt. 13:32
 
Thorough destruction
Isa. 18:6; Rev. 19:17, 18
Fox
Craft, cunning
Ezek. 13:4.
 
Crafty Herod
Luke 13:32
Frankincense
The moral perfectness of Christ displayed in what He was and in what He did
Lev. 2,—6
 
All went up to God as a sweet savor
Lev. 2:2
Furnace
Deep trial and suffering
Deut. 4:20; Isa. 48:10
 
Divine judgment
Matt. 13:42, 50; Rev. 1:15
Garden of God
The kingdoms and powers of the world
Ezek. 31:8, 9
Garments
Practical holiness
Rev. 3:4: 16:16; Ex. 28:40-43
Gate
Place of government
Gen. 19:1; Rev. 21:12, 13
 
Open gate denotes security
Isa. 60:11; Rev. 21:25
Girdle
Prepared and ready for service
Rev. 15:6; Psa. 109:19; Ex. 29:9
Goats' Hair
Practical separation from evil
Ex. 25:4; 26:7; 35:6
Goat
Alexander, the Macedonian king
Dan. 8:21
 
The living wicked at Christ's return
Matt. 25:32,33
 
The great sin offering
Lev. 16
Gog and Magog
Historically, the future Russian Prince and his land; Thus literally to be understood
Ezek. 38; 39
Gog and Magog
The wicked on the earth at the close of the millennial reign; thus symbolically to he understood
Rev. 20:8
Gold
Divine glory, Divine righteousness, Divine nature of the Lord
Ex. 25; 26; 28
Grapes, ripe
Apostates ready for judgment
Rev. 14:18
 
Moral fruit for God
Isa. 5:1-7
Grasshoppers
Insignificance
Num. 13:33; Isa. 40:22
Grass
Prosperity of a temporary character
James 1:10, 11; Rev. 8:7; Isa. 40:6, 7; 1 Peter 1:24
Hailstones,
Sudden and severe judgment
Isa. 30:30; Ezek. 13:13; Josh. 10:11
Hair, long
Subjection. The woman's glory
1 Cor. 11:15; Rev. 9:8
Hair, short
Masculine energy and dignity
1 Cor. 11:14; Num. 6:18, 19
Hands
Actions and service
Psa. 90:17; 73:13
Hand, right
Christ's personal place of power and favor Security. Power and judgment
Mark 16:19 Psa. 16:8; Ex. 15:6; 21:8
Harlot
A corrupting religious system or people
Ezek. 16; Hosea; Rev. 17:5; Jer. 3:1-10
Harvest
Discriminating and separating judgment A special season of grace
Matt. 13:30; Rev. 14:15; Joel 3:13 Matt. 9:37, 38; John 4:35
Head
Seat of moral government, intelligence, and power
Isa. 7:8, 9; 9:14, 15; Gen. 59:26; Zech. 6:11; 1 Cor. 11:3-10
Heart
Seat of the feelings, affections, and understanding,
Prov. 6:18; Luke 6:45; Hos. 7:11; Luke 24:25; John 12:40; Col. 3:16
Heaven
Scene of authority and light
Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:13; 8:10
Helmet
Divine certainty of salvation
Eph. 6:17; 1 Thess. 5:8
Herbs
The moral judgment of evil according to God
Ex. 12:8; Deut. 11:10
Hill
Seat of royal government Perpetuity
Psa. 2:6; 15:1; 24:3 Deut. 33:15; Job 13:7
Hinds
Agility, fearlessness, liberty, affection,...
2 Sam. 22:34; Psa. 18:33; Hab. 3:19; Prov. 5:19; Sol. 2:7; 3:5
Honey
Mere natural affection; forbidden to be offered in the sacrifices
Lev. 2:11
Honey
Sweetness
Psa. 119:3; Rev. 10:10
Hooks of Gold and Silver
Divine security, founded on the righteousness of God (Gold) and the blood of Christ ( Silver)
Ex. 26;—33
Horns
Kings or royal powers
Dan. 7:8; Rev. 13:17
 
Power, strength, glory
Psa. 75:10; 132:17; 1 Sam. 2:1; Rev. 5:6
Horse
Successful power in war and conquest,......
Zech. 6; Rev. 6
Hunger and Thirst
Intense spiritual desires,............
Matt. 5:6; John 6:35
Hyssop
Man in his worst estate,.........
Lev. 14; Num. 19:6; 1 Kings 4:33
Idolatry
Any object of life or center for the heart short of God
1 John 5:21; Col. 3:5; Phil. 3:19; 1 Cor. 10:14
Image
One who represents another,.........
Gen. 1:26; Col. 1:15; Acts 19:35
Incense
Christ in the value and fragrance of His person offered to God
Lev. 16:13
 
Prayers of future suffering saints
Rev. 5:8.
Indignation, The
The future brief but awful period of Israel's suffering at the hands of Jehovah
Isa. 10:25; 26:20
Iron
Strength
Dan. 3:40; 7:7; Job 40:18
Iron
Irresistible power
Psa. 2:9
 
Hardened conscience
1 Tim. 4:2; Rev. 9:9
Jasper
Divine glory displayed
Rev. 4:3; 21:11, 18
Jewels
Our preciousness to God. Marks of Divine favor
Mal. 3:17; Ezek. 16:17; Isa. 61:10
Key
The right to exercise Divine authority and government
Isa. 22:22; Rev. 1:18;3:7; Matt. 16:19
Kidneys
The inward feelings and affections
Lev. 3-9
Kings
Royal dignity of saints
Rev. 1:6; 5:10
Kiss
Familiar yet holy expression of love
1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Peter 5:14
 
Divine expression of love
Luke 15:20
Knee bowed
Subjection. Reverence
Phil. 2:10; Eph. 3:14
Ladder
Communication between heaven and earth
Gen. 28:12.
Lamb
Gentle, meek, tender, unresisting
Luke 10:3; Acts 8:32; Isa. 11:6; 40:11
 
The word occurs nearly thirty times in the Revelation but is there associated with strength, glory, and worship
 
Lamb
The great Passover sacrifice
Ex. 12
 
The daily morning and evening sacrifice
Num. 27:4
Lamp
Prophetic light
Gen. 15:17
 
Governmental light
1 Kings 15:4
 
Religious profession in possession of light and privilege—The Spirit's perfect light in the sanctuary -the presence of God
Matt. 25:7 Lev. 24:2-4
Laver
No measurements are given of the laver, wherein the priests daily washed their hands and feet. God's remedy for cleansing the daily defilements of His people is not blood but water-i.e., the constant application of the Word of God to the thoughts, words, and actions of the believer. Christ is the laver; the Word of God is the water.
Eph. 5:26
Lead
Judgment of evil and evil men
Ex. 15:10; Zech. 5:7,8
Leaf
Religious profession Millennial blessing and healing
Psa. 1:3; Matt. 21:19 Rev. 22:2; Ezek. 47:12
Leaven
Moral and doctrinal evil
1 Cor. 5:5-8; Gal. 5:9; Matt. 16:6
Legs
Strength and stability
Dan. 2:33; Sol. 5:15; Psa. 147:10
Leopard
Grecian Empire in its rapid conquests
Dan. 7:6
Leprosy
Uncleanness in heart and life
Lev. 13:14
Lightning
Obedience connected with the judicial power of God
Ezek. 1:13, 14; Nah. 2:4
Lily
Loveliness and virgin purity
Matt. 6:28; Sol. 2:1, 2
Linen
Personal purity
Lev. 13:16; Rev. 15:6; 19:8-14
Lion
Majesty. Royal power Babylonian Empire in its imperial greatness
Gen. 49:9; Rev. 5:5; Ezek. 1:10 Dan. 7:4
Loaves, Two
Church presented to God in her actual state at Pentecost, hence the presence of leaven ( evil) in these loaves
Lev. 23:17
Locust
Utter and wide-spread destruction
Joel 1.4; 2: 25; Psa. 78:46; Rev. 9:3-7
Loins, girt
Inward strength; bracing up of the inner man,...
1 Peter 1:13; Luke 12:35; Eph. 6:14.
Manna
A humbled Christ for our wilderness circumstances,
John 6; Ex. 16
Measured
Appropriation or possession
Zech. 2:2; Ezek. 40; Rev. 11:1; 21:15
Meat
Christ as the nourishment of the new nature
1 Cor. 10:3; John 6:27,55
Mercy-seat
The throne of God, where in righteousness and grace, because of the sprinkled blood, Jehovah could meet His guilty people
Ex. 25:21, 22; Lev. 16; Rom. 3:25.
 
Christ is the true mercy-seat.
 
Mire
Pollutions of the world Utter moral degradation
2 Peter 2:22. Isa. 10:6; Job 30:19.
Milk
Elementary truth for babes in Christ
1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12
Moon
Derived light and authority New MOON—Israel's re-appearance in the latter day
Sol. 6:10; Rev. 8:12; 12:1 Psa. 81:3; Ezek. 46:1
Mother
Source of religious corruption or blessing
Gal. 4:22-31; Rev. 2:20-23; 17:5
Mountain
Stability and greatness, political and moral
Dan. 2:35; Jer. 51:25; Psa. 125:1, 2
Mustard Seed
What in itself is small and insignificant
Matt. 17:20; 13:31
Nail
Steadfast, firmly established
Isa. 22:23-25; Zech. 10:4; Ezra 9:8
Naked
Spiritual destitution. Without Christ
Rev. 3:17,18; 2 Cor. 5:3
Net
Cunning contrivance
Psa. 9:15; Prov. 1:17; Hab. 1:16
Nurse
Affection and tenderness
1 Thess. 2:7; Num. 11:12
Oak
Might and prosperity,............
Isa. 1:30; 6:13; 2:13; Amos 2:9
Oil
Holy Spirit
Matt. 25:4; Lev. 2
 
"Mingled with oil"-sets forth the Conception of Jesus by the Holy Ghost
Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35
 
Anointed with oil-sets forth the truth of Acts 10:28,
Luke 3:21-23
Olive Tree
Fruitfulness and testimony for God
Rom. 11; Judg. 9:8, 9; Jer. 11:16
Ostrich
Parental forgetfulness. Cruelty
Job 39:13-17; Lam. 4:3
Oven
Thorough, severe, and unsparing judgment
Mal. 4:1; Psa. 21:9
Owl
Solitariness in suffering
Psa. 102:6; Mic. 1:8
Ox
Patience and strength for labor
1 Tim. 5:18; Psa. 144:14; 1 Cor. 9:9
Palm Tree
The growth and flourishing state of the righteous
Sol. 7:7,8; Psa. 92:12
 
Sign of victory
Rev. 7:9; John 12:13
Paradise
Heaven, or the immediate presence of God
Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:14
Pearl, One
The Church in unity, beauty, costliness
Matt. 13:46; Rev. 21:21
Pillar
Ability to support, uphold, or maintain
1 Tim. 3:15; Gal. 2:9; Rev. 3:12
Pins, hooks, cords, &c.
Used in the construction of the Tabernacle. The believer upheld and maintained by Divine power variously employed. "Kept by the power of God,"
1 Peter 1:5
Plow
Spiritual labor
1 Cor. 9:10; Luke 9:62
Plumbline
Exact measurement
Amos 7:7, 8
Pomegranates
Fruit of a heavenly character
Ex. 28:33, 34; Sol. 6:11; 8:2
Potter
Divine sovereignty exercised in grace or judgment
Jer. 18:1-10; Psa. 2:9; Rom. 9:21
Pounds
Talents or gifts for public service
Luke 19
Pricks
Sharp troubles
Acts 9:5; Num. 33:55
Purple
Royal or imperial color
John 19:2; Rev. 18:16; Ex. 25:4
Race
Energy in Christian life and service
1 Cor. 9:24; Heb. 12:1
Rain
Blessing from heaven. Refreshing and fruitful
Psa. 84:6; Heb. 6:7; Deut. 32:2
Ram
Consecration. Median and Persian power
Lev. 8:22; Dan. 8
Rams' Horns
Man's weakness consecrated to the service of God,
Josh. 6
Rams' Skins dyed Red
Absolute devotedness and consecration to God
Ex. 25:5;26:14
Red
Judgment; bloodshed
Isa. 63:2; Zech. 1:8
Reed
Inconstancy; weakness,......
Isa. 36:6; Matt. 11:7; 2 Kings 18:21
Reins
Inward thoughts and feelings,.........
Psa. 26:2; Rev. 2:23; Jer. 20:12
Ring
Honor. Royal authority. Love and relationship
Gen. 41:42; Esther 3:8; Luke 15:22
River
Channel of spiritual blessing
John 7:38; Psa. 65:9; Rev. 22:1, 2
Roast
Thoroughness of the judgment of God
Ex. 12; 2 Chron. 35:13
Robe, best
Christ risen, our righteousness in the Divine presence
Luke 15:22
Rock
Firm, immovable foundation
Psa. 32:2; Matt. 7:24, 25;16:18
Rod
Power displayed in chastening or judgment
Psa. 2:9; Isa. 10:5; 1 Cor. 4:21
 
Grace bestowed
Psa. 23:4; Heb. 9:4
 
A tribe or people
Psa. 74:2
Rose
The Spouse in her fragrance and beauty
Sol. 2:1
Salt
Preservation. Sound words. Perpetuity and incorruption
Matt. 5:13; Col. 4:6; Mark 9:49
Sand
Countless multitudes
Gen. 22:17; 32:12; Psa. 139:18
Sapphire
Glory of the throne of God
Ex. 24:10; Ezek. 1:26
Scarlet
Earthly glory
Rev. 17:3, 4; 18:16; Num. 4:8
Scepter
Sign of royal authority. Tribal character of Israel
Esther; Amos 1;5, 8; Gen. 49:10
Scorpions
The instruments of mental distress and anguish
Rev. 9:3, 5, 10
Scourge, Overflowing
King of the north—great political enemy of the Jews and leader of the peoples attacking Palestine in the last days
Isa. 28:15, 18
Sea
Peoples in a state of anarchy and confusion
Rev. 8:8; 13:1; Matt. 13:1
 
Restlessness of mere nature
Isa. 57:20
Seal
Confirmation. Security
2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Cor. 9:2; Eph. 4:30
 
Marked for blessing and preservation
Rev. 7; 9:4
Selah
Pause; consider. Occurs about 70 times in the book of Psalms; also three times in the prophet Habakkuk 3.
 
Serpent
Satanic and mere worldly wisdom. Subtlety
2 Cor. 11:3; Isa. 27:1; Gen. 49:17
Shepherd
Civil and ecclesiastical rulers and guides
Nah. 3:18; Ezek. 34
Shield
Protection and defense
Gen. 15:1; Psa. 3:3; Eph. 6:16
Ships
Commerce
Gen. 49:13; Rev. 8:9;18:19
Shittim Wood
The holy humanity of our Lord Jesus
See book of Exodus
Shoes
Christian walk and wilderness traveling
Ex. 12:11; Eph. 6:15
Shoes off
Reverence
Ex. 3:5.
Shoulder
Ability; strength to bear or carry burdens
Isa. 22:22; Luke 15:5
Silver
Price of Redemption—the precious blood of Christ
Ex. 30:12 -16
Skin
Outward appearance revealing inward condition
Lev. 13
Sleep
Death as to the body; it is never used of the soul
1 Cor. 11:30; John 11:11; 1 Thess. 4:4
Smoke
Blinding and darkening judgment
Isa. 14:31; Rev. 9:2, 3, 17, 18
Snow
Purity
Rev. 1:14; Lam. 4:7; Psa. 51:7.
Sockets of Silver and of Brass
Founded, established, secured on the ground of the blood of Christ (silver), and the divine ability of Christ in meeting the judgment of God (brass).
See book of Exodus.
Sparrow
The commonest of creatures objects of Divine care
Psa. 84:3; Matt. 10:29, 31
Spices
Divine graces. Moral graces
Ex. 30:23-38; Sol. 4:14
Spue
Loathing and utter rejection
Rev. 3:16; Lev. 18:28.
Staff
Sign of wilderness journeying
Psa. 23:4; Mark 6:8; Heb. 11:21
 
Emblem of power and of judgment
Isa. 14:5; Isa. 10:5
Stars
Subordinate lights and rulers
Rev. 8:12; 12.1; Dan. 8 10
Staves of Shittim Wood and Gold
Christ in the dignity of his person (wood as man and gold as God) sustaining us in our wilderness path
Ex. 25;27
Sun
Supreme glory, light, and authority
Rev. 1:16; 8:12; 12:1; Mal. 4:12
Supper
Last meal before midnight; grace or judgment
Luke 14:16-24; Rev. 3:20; 19:9, 17
Swallow
Restlessness
Psa. 84:3; Prov. 26:2
Swine
Uncleanness in nature and practice
2 Peter 2:22; Isa. 66:3,17; Deut. 14:8
Sword
Keen searching judgment of the Word of God
Heb. 4:12.
 
War and bloodshed. Judgment
Rev. 6:4; Rev. 19:15
 
Magisterial authority and power
Rom. 13:4
SYMBOL
MEANING
REFERENCE
Table
Communion. Fellowship
1 Cor. 10:21; Psa. 23:5; Lev. 24:6
Tail
False prophets and false teaching
Isa. 9:14, 15; Rev. 12:4
Talents
Gifts for public service
Matt. 25:14-30
Tares
Religious but unsaved professors
Matt. 13
Teeth
Cruelty. Mischievous power
Dan. 7:5, 7, 19; Psa. 58:6
Tempest
Afflictions. Judgment
Job 9:17; Psa. 11:6
Thighs
Strength
Dan. 2:32; Gen. 32:25; Psa. 45:3
Thorns
Generally what is unprofitable
Heb. 6:8; Matt. 13:7
 
God's instruments in chastening His people
2 Cor. 12:7; Num. 33:55
Thousands of Thousands
Countless myriads
Rev. 5:11; Dan. 7:10
Throne
Seat of established authority
Isa. 66:1; Matt. 25:31; Rev. 4
Tongue
Speech. Remorse and torment. Mere profession
Prov. 12:18; Luke 16:24; 1 John 3:18
Tower
Safety
Psa. 61:3; Prov. 18:10; 2 Sam. 22:51
Travail
Anguish of spirit and great anxiety
Jer. 4:31; Gal. 4:19
Trees
Eminent persons
Ezek. 31:5, 9; Rev. 8:7; Dan. 4
Trumpet
Loud and public summons
1 Zech. 9:14; Rev. 8:2; Jer. 51:27; Joel 3:15; Isa. 27:13
 
The trump of 1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52, will sound for Christians only.
 
Unicorn
Great strength. The agonies of death
Num. 23:22; Psa. 22:21
Vail of the Ta- bernacle, with its Colors, Cherubim, and Material
Christ in absolute purity, in His varied glories and character heavenly and earthly as a man
Ex. 26:31; Heb. 10:20
Vine
Israel—the responsible fruit-bearing system on earth
Psa. 80; Jer. 2:21
 
Christ on earth morally replacing Israel
John 15:5
Vipers
Poisonous doctrines and ways
Matt. 3:7; 12:34; Job 15:16
Virgins
Separation from the world, its idolatry and ways
Rev. 14:4; 2 Cor. 11:2
Vulture
Quickness of sight; keen vision
Job 28:7
Walls
Divine and also human security
Isa. 26:1; Rev. 21:14, 18; Deut. 1:28
Water
The weakness of man
Psa. 22:14; 2 Sam. 14:14
Water
The sanctifying and cleansing character of the Word of God
Eph. 5:26; John 15:3
Waters
Nations acting under certain influences
Rev. 8:11; 16:4, 5; 17:15
Waves
Judgments divinely inflicted
Psa. 42:7; Jonah 2:3; Psa. 88:7
Well
Source of blessing and refreshment
Psa. 84:6; John 4:14; Gen. 49:22
Wheat
Genuine profession
Jer. 23:28; Matt. 13:24-30
Wheels
Course of providential government on earth
Ezek. 1:10; Dan. 7:9
Whirlwind
Manifestation of Divine power
Zech. 9:14; Isa. 66:15
White
Purity
Rev. 1:14; 3:4; 14:14: Mark 16:5
Whoredoms
Religious corruptions. Spiritual idolatry
Ezek. 16; Rev. 17
Widow
Desolateness
Rev. 18:7; Isa. 1:23; 47:8
Wilderness
An afflicted and desolate condition
Rev. 12:6; 17:3
Wind
Unseen, yet powerful operations of the Spirit of God
John 3:8; Acts 2:2
 
Instability
Eph. 4:14; James 1:6.
 
False and vain expectations
Hos. 12:1; Isa. 26:18.
 
Divine manifestation in judgment or in grace
Isa. 57:13; Dan. 2:35; Ezek. 37:9.
Wine
The mere excitement of nature. Joy. Judgment,
Eph. 5:18; Judg. 9:13; Jer. 25:15; Lev. 10:9
Wings
Protection. Shelter. Rapidity of action
Psa. 91:4; 36:7; Luke 13:34; Ezek. 1; Rev. 9:9; 12:14
Wolves
Enemies of God and destroyers of His people
John 10:12; Acts 20:29; Matt. 7:15
Woman
Weakness and imperfection
Isa. 3:12; 19:16
 
The false church as well as the true bride; Israel also, or any religious system
Matt. 13:33; Gal. 4:22-24; Rev. 2:20
Word, the
The expression of what Christ is personally and essentially
John 8:25; 1:1, 2
Worm
Abject and contemptible creature. Eternal misery
Job 25:6; Psa. 22:6; Mark 9:44, 46, 48
Wrinkle
Care and old age
Eph. 5:27; Job 16:8
Yoke
Restraint
Deut. 28; Matt. 11:29,30