Boyd's Bible Dictionary: B
James P. Boyd
Table of Contents
Baal
(lord). (1) Baal, Bel, or Belus, supreme male god of Phoenicians and Canaanites, worshipped with self-torture and human offerings (Jer. 19:5). Even house-tops were temples (2 Kings 23:12, Jer. 32:29). Hebrews infected with the worship (Num. 22:41; 25:3-18; Deut. 4:16). Became the court religion (1 Kings 16:31-33. 18:19-28; 2 Kings 10:22; 17:16). Bel (Isa. 46:1). Baalim, plural form (Judg. 2:11; 10:10), and elsewhere. (2) A Reubenite (1 Chron. 5.5). (3) Grandson of Saul (1 Chron. 8:30; 9:36. (4) A town of Simeon; Bealoth and Baalath-beer (1 Chron. 4:33).
Baalah
(mistress). (1) For Kirjath-jearim (Josh. 15:9-10); Beale (2 Sam. 6:2); Kirjath-baal (Josh. 15:60; 18:14). (2) A town in south Judah (Josh. 15:29). Balah (Josh. 19:3); and Eilheh (1 Chron. 4:29).
Baalath
(mistress). A town in Dan (Josh. 19:44; 1 Kings 9:18; 2 Chron. 8:6).
Baalath-beer
(lord of the well). [BAAL.] (4) [BEALOTH.]
Baal-berith
(Baal of the covenant). Form of Baal worshipped ay the Shechemites (Judg. 8:33; 9:4).
Baale of Judah
Name for Kirjath-jearim. [BAALAH.]
Baal-gad
(troop of Baal). Northern limit of Joshua’s conquest (Josh. 11:17; 12:7; 13:5).
Baal-hamon
(lord of a multitude). Solomon had a vineyard there (Song of Sol. 8:11).
Baal-hanan
(lord of Hanan). (1) A king of Edom (Gen. 36:38-39; 1 Chron. 1:49-50). (2) Superintendent of David’s groves (1 Chron. 27:28).
Baal-hazor
(village of Baal). The shearing-place where Absalom killed Amnon (2 Sam. 13:23).
Baal-hermon
(lord of Hermon). A peak of Hermon (Judg. 3:3; 1 Chron. 5:23).
Baali
(my lord). My idol! A repudiated word of endearment (Hos. 2:16).
Baalim
[BAAL.]
Baalis
(son of exultation). A king of the Ammonites (Jer. 40:14).
Baal-meon
(lord of the house). A Reubenite town (Num. 32:38; 1 Chron. 5:8; Ezek. 25:9).
Baal-peor
(lord of the opening). The form of Baal worship in Peor (Num. 25:3-5,18). Israelites shared in it (Deut. 4:3; Josh. 22:17; Psa. 106:28; Hos. 9:10).
Baal-perazim
(lord of divisions). Scene of David’s victory over the Philistines (2 Sam. 5:20; 1 Chron. 14:11). Mount Perazim (lsa. 28:21).
Baal-shalisha
An unknown place (2 Kings 4:42).
Baal-tamar
(lord of palms). A place in Benjamin (Judg. 20:33).
Baal-zebub
(god of the fly). The form of Baal worshipped at Ekron (2 Kings 1:16).
Baal-zephon
(lord of the north). A place on western coast of Red Sea near where the Israelites crossed (Ex. 14:2; Num. 33:7).
Baana
(son of affliction). (1) Son of Solomon’s commissary in Jezreel (1 Kings 4:12). (2) Father of Zadok (Neh. 3:4).
Baanah
(son of affliction). (1) Co-murderer of Ish-bosheth, killed by David (2 Sam. 4:2-9). (2) Father of one of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:29; 1 Chron. 11:30). (3) (1 Kings 4:16); Baana (1 Kings 4:12). (4) One of the returned (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7).
Baarah
(brutish). Wife of Shaharaim (1 Chron. 8:8).
Baaseiah
(work of Jehovah). A Levite (1 Chron. 6:40).
Baasha
(bravery). Third king of Israel (1 Kings 15:27-34; 16). Warred continually with King Asa (1 Kings 15:33), and ruled wickedly for 24 years, B. C. 953 to 931. Family cut off according to prophecy (1 Kings 16:3-11).
Babel
(confusion). One of Nimrod’s cities in the plain of Shiner (Gen. 10:10). [BABYLON.]
Babel, Tower of
That brick structure, built in the plain of Shiner, and intended to prevent the very confusion and dispersion it brought about (Gen. 11:4-9).
Babylon
(Greek form of Babel). Capital city Babylonian empires. Situate on both sides of the Euphrates, 200 miles above its junction with the Tigris (Gen. 10:10; 11:4-9; Jer. 51:58; Isa. 45:1-3). Once the capital of Assyria (2 Chron. 33:11). Reached height of its splendor and strength under Nebuchadnezzar (Isa. 13:19; 14:4; 47:5; Jer. 51:41). Chief home of the captive Jews. Captured by Cyrus the Persian, through his leader Darius, B. C. 539, as prophesied (Jer. 51:31,39), and narrated (Dan. 5). Its decay dates from that date. In Rev. 14:8 and 17:18 Babylon represents the false Church remaining in the world for judgment after the Church of raptured believers is in heaven.
Babylonians
Inhabitants of Babylon (Ezra 4:9).
Babylonish Garment
(robe of Shinar). A richly embroidered robe worn in Babylon and prized by other peoples (Josh. 7:21).
Baca
(weeping). Perhaps a figurative “valley;” but if real, probably Gehenna (Psa. 84:6).
Bacchus
[DIONYSUS.]
Bachrites
Becherites (Num. 26:35).
Badgers’ Skins
(striped skins). The badger not found in Palestine. Seal, porpoise, or sheep skins may be meant (Ex. 25:5; 35:7).
Bag
(swelling). The bag of 2 Kings 5:23; 12:10, was for holding money; that of Deuteronomy 25:13-15 for carrying weights. Sack was the Hebrew grain-bag (Gen. 42:25). The shepherd’s bag was for carrying feeble lambs (Zech. 11:15-17). The bag of Judas was probably a small chest (John 12:6; 13:29).
Bahurim
(low grounds). A village between the Jordan and Jerusalem (2 Sam. 3:16; 16:5; 17:18; 1 Kings 2:8).
Bajith
(house). Temple of the gods of Moab (Isa. 15:2).
Bakbakkar
(pleasing). A descendant of Asaph (1 Chron. 9:15).
Bakbuk
(bottle). His children returned (Ezra 2:51).
Bakbukiah
(destruction by Jehovah). A Levite porter (Neh. 11:17; 12:9,25).
Bake
Baking done at home and by the women (Lev. 26:26; 1 Sam. 8:13; 2 Sam. 13:8; Jer. 7:18). Perhaps public bakeries (Hos. 7:4-7).
Balaam
(glutton). Son of Beor, or Bosor (Deut. 23:4). A man of note and given to prophecy. Slain in battle by the Hebrews (Num. 22-24,31; Rev. 2:14).
Balac
(Rev. 2:14). [BALAK.]
Baladan
[MERODACH-BALADAN.]
Balah
(Josh. 19:3). Short form of Baalah.
Balak
(destroyer). The king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel (Num. 22-24; Josh. 24:9; Judg. 11:25). Balac (Rev. 2:14).
Balances
(two scales). Were in general use among the ancients for weighing gold and silver, and in traffic (Lev. 19:36; Mic. 6:11; Hos. 12:7).
Baldness
(ball-like). Priests forbidden to make themselves bald (Lev. 21:5; Deut. 14:1; Ezek. 44:20). “Bald-head” a cry of contempt (2 Kings 2:23); as indicating leprosy (Lev. 13:40-43). Voluntary baldness a sign of misery (Isa. 3:24; Ezek. 7:18); or else the conclusion of the Nazarite vow (Num. 6:9).
Balm
(balsam). The Balm of Gilead, or Mecca balsam, exudes an agreeable balsamic resin, highly prized in the East as an unguent and cosmetic, as the crushed leaves were for their odor (Gen. 37:25; 43:11; Jer. 8:22; 46:11; Ezek. 27:17).
Bamah
(high place). Applied to places of idolatrous worship (Ezek. 20:29).
Bamoth
(Num. 21:19). [BAMOTH-BAAL.]
Bamoth-baal
(heights of Baal). A sanctuary of Baal in Moab (Josh. 13:17). Bamoth (Num. 21:19).
Band
Tenth part of a Roman legion; called also “cohort” (Matt. 27:27; Acts 21:31).
Bani
(built). (1) One of David’s captains (2 Sam. 23:36). (2) A forefather of Ethan (1 Chron. 6:46). (3) A Judahite (1 Chron. 9:4). (4) “Children of Bani” returned (Ezra 2:10; 10:29-34; Neh. 10:14). (5) A son of Bani (Ezra 10:38). (6) Three others, Levites (Neh. 3:17; 8:7; 11:22).
Banner
[ENSIGN.]
Banquet
(sitting). A favorite part of social enjoyment and religious festivity among Hebrews. The posture was usually sitting (Gen. 21:8; 40:20). Morning banquets a mark of excess (Eccl. 10:16; Isa. 5:11). Banquet incidents were foods, wines, flowers, fine robes, music vocal and instrumental, dancing, jests, riddles and merriment (Prov. 9:2; 2 Sam. 19:35; Neh. 8:10; Eccl. 10:19; Isa. 5:12; 25:6; Matt. 22:11; Luke 15:25). [FEASTS.]
Baptism
(dipping, bathing). Christian baptism is the ordinance or rite commanded in which water is used to initiate the recipient into the house of God — the profession of Christianity. Baptism identifies the person with the one they are baptised to. The children of Israel were identified with Moses (1 Cor. 10:2), the repenting Jews with John (Matt. 3:6) and the one baptized unto Christ with Christ (Gal. 3:27). Christian baptism is by going under water and done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). The church itself was from on the day of Pentecost by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2; 1 Cor. 12:13).
Barabbas
(son of Abba). The prisoner at Jerusalem when Christ was condemned (Matt. 27:16-28; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18; John 18:40).
Barachel
(blessed of God). Father of Elihu (Job 32:2-6).
Barachias
(Matt. 23:35). [ZECHARIAS.]
Barak
(lightning). A Hebrew chieftain (Judg. 4).
Barbarian
(bearded). In N. T. sense one not a Greek (Acts 28:2; Rom. 1:14; 1 Cor. 14:11).
Barhumite
(2 Sam. 23:31); of BAHURIM.
Bariah
(fugitive). Son of Shemaiah (1 Chron. 3:22).
Bar-Jesus
(son of Jesus) (Acts 13:6). [ELYMAS.]
Bar-jona
(son of Jonah) (Matt. 16:17). [PETER.]
Barkos
(painter). “Children of Barkos” returned (Ezra 2:53; Neh. 7:55).
Barley
Much cultivated by the Hebrews (Ex. 9:31; Lev. 27:16; Deut. 8:8; Ruth 2:7). Used for bread chiefly among the poor (Judg. 7:13; 2 Kings 4:42; John 6:9-13); and for fodder (1 Kings 4:28). Barley harvest preceded wheat harvest (Ruth 1:22; 2:23; 2 Sam. 21:9-10).
Barnabas
(son of comfort). Joseph or Joses, a convert of Cyprus, and companion of Paul (Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11:25-26; 15:22-39).
Barsabas
[JOSEPH, JUDAS.]
Bartholomew
(son of Tolmai). One of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13); perhaps Nathanael in John 1:45.
Bartimaeus
(son of Timaeus). A blind beggar of Jericho (Mark 10:46-52).
Baruch
(blessed). (1) Jeremiah’s friend, amanuensis and fellow prisoner (Jer. 36:4-32; 32:12; 43:3-7). (2) Nehemiah’s assistant (Neh. 3:20). (3) A co-covenanter (Neh. 10:6). (4) A Judahite (Neh. 11:5).
Barzillai
(strong). (1) A Gileadite (2 Sam. 17:27; 19:32-39). (2) Father-in-law of Michal (2 Sam. 21:8). (3) Son-in-law of Barzillai (Ezra 2:61; Neh. 7:63).
Bashan
(thin soil). A country east of Jordan between Gilead on the south and Hermon on the north (Deut. 3:10-13; Josh. 12:4-5; 13:12-30). Conquered by the Israelites (Num. 21:33), and allotted to the half tribe of Manasseh (Josh. 13:29-30).
Bashan-havoth-jair
(Bashan of the villages of Jair). Name given to Argob in Bashan (Deut. 3:14). Havoth-Jair (Num. 32:41).
Bashemath
(pleasing). Wife of Esau (Gen. 26:34; 36:3-4,13). Mahalath (Gen. 28:9).
Basin
One of the smaller vessels of the tabernacle, for holding the blood of the sacrificial victims. A larger vessel in John 13:5.
Basket
Mostly of wicker, and variously used for bread (Gen. 40:16-19; Ex. 29:2-3,23; Lev. 8:2; Matt. 14:20; 15:37); first fruits (Deut. 26:2-4); fruits (Jer. 24:1-2); bulky articles (2 Kings 10:7; Psa. 81:6).
Basmath
(pleasing). Daughter of Solomon (1 Kings 4:15).
Bastard
Not applied to one born out of wedlock, but to issue within the prohibited degrees (Deut. 23:2).
Bat
An unclean beast. Same as our bat (Lev. 11:19; Deut. 14:18; Isa. 2:20).
Bath
A Jewish liquid measure, varying from 4.75 to 6.5 gallons.
Bath, Bathing
Part of the Jewish ritual of purification (Lev. 14:8; 15:5,16; 17:15; 22:6; Num. 19:7; 2 Sam. 11:2-4; 2 Kings 5:10). Customary after mourning (Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 12:20). Public bathing pools usually sheltered by porticos (2 Kings 20:20; Neh. 3:15; Isa. 22:11; John 5:2; 9:7).
Bath-rabbim
(daughter of many). A gate of ancient Heshbon (Song of Sol. 7:4).
Bathsheba
(daughter of the oath). Wife of David, and mother of Solomon (2 Sam. 11; 1 Kings 1:15; 2:13-22). Bathshua (1 Chron. 3:5).
Bath-shua
Battering Ram
A heavy beam of hard wood, with the end sometimes shaped like a ram, used for battering down the gates and walls of a city (Ezek. 4:2; 21:22).
Battle-axe
[ARMS.]
Battlement
The barrier around the flat-roofed houses of the East (Deut. 22:8; Jer. 5:10).
Bavai
A builder (Neh. 3:18).
Bay-tree
(Psa. 37:35). The laurel, or sweet-bay (Laurus nobilis).
Bazlith
(stripping). His descendants returned (Neh. 7:54; Ezra 2:52).
Bazluth
[BAZLITH.]
Bdellium
(del’i-um, a plant and its gum). A fragrant gum resin. But in Genesis 2:12 and Numbers 11:7, a precious stone.
Beacon
(signal). A lighted signal for warning (Isa. 30:17).
Bealiah
(Jehovah is Baal). A friend of David (1 Chron. 12:5).
Bealoth
(mistresses). A town of south Judah (Josh. 15:24).
Beans
Much cultivated in Palestine, as food for man and beast (2 Sam. 17:28; Ezek. 4:9).
Bear
Found in Syria and the mountains of Lebanon (2 Sam. 17:8; 2 Kings 2:24; Prov. 17:12).
Beard
(barbed). Badge of manhood. Tearing, cutting, or neglecting, a sign of mourning (Ezra 9:3, Isa. 15:2; 50:6; Jer. 41:5; 48:37). To insult it a gross outrage (2 Sam. 10:4). Taken hold of in salutation (2 Sam. 20:9). Removed in leprosy (Lev. 14:9).
Bebai
(fatherly). (1) Head of a returned family (Ezra 2:11; Neh. 7:16; 10:15). (2) Father of Zechariah (Ezra 8:11).
Becher
(first born). (1) Second son of Benjamin (Gen. 46:21; 1 Chron. 7:6). (2) An Ephraimite (Num. 26:35). Bered (1 Chron. 7:20).
Bechorath
(first fruits). An ancestor of Saul (1 Sam. 9:1).
Bed
The Jewish bed consisted of a mattress and coverings (Gen. 47:31; 1 Sam. 19:13; Matt. 9:6). Placed on the floor, or on a bench (2 Kings 1:4; 20:2; Psa. 132:3; Amos 3:12); and later became ornamental and canopied (Amos 6:4; Esther 1:6). For bed-chamber furnishings see 2 Kings 4:10.
Bedad
(alone). Father of Hadad, king of Edom (Gen. 36:35; 1 Chron. 1:46).
Bedan
(according to judgment). (1) A judge of Israel (1 Sam. 12:11). (2) A son of Gilead (1 Chron. 7:17).
Bedeiah
A son of Bani (Ezra 10:35).
Bee
Honey bees and honey abounded in Palestine (Deut. 1:44; 1 Kings 14:3; Psa. 81:16; Isa. 7:15,18).
Beeliada
(Baal knows). A son of David (1 Chron. 14:7); Eliada (2 Sam. 5:16 and 1 Chron. 3:8).
Beelzebub, properly Beelzebul
(lord of the house). N. T. form of Baalzebub, “lord of the fly.” It personified Satan, and the general sovereignty of evil spirits (Matt. 10:25; 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15).
Beer
(a well). (1) A halting place of the Israelites (Num. 21:16-18). (2) Place to which Jotham fled (Judg. 9:21).
Beera
(a well). Son of Zophar (1 Chron. 7:37).
Beerah
(well). A Reubenite (1 Chron. 5:6).
Beer-elim
(well of Elim) (Isa. 15:8). [BEER.]
Beeri
(my well). (1) Father-in-law of Esau (Gen. 26:34). (2) Father of Hosea (Hos. 1:1).
Beer-Lahai-roi
(well of the living). Hagar’s well (Gen. 16:6-14; 24:62; 25:11).
Beeroth
(wells). (1) A Hivite city (Josh. 9:17). (2) A halting place of the Israelites (Deut. 10:6). Benejaakan (Num. 33:31).
Beer-sheba
(well of the oath). An old place in southern Palestine; so named by Abraham (Gen. 21:31-33); or Isaac (Gen. 26:32-33).
Beesh-terah
(house of Ashterah). A city of Manasseh (Josh. 21:27).
Beetle
(biting animal). A species of locust is evidently meant (Lev. 11:21-22).
Beeves
Same as cattle, when limited to the bovine species (Lev. 22:19).
Beggar
(asker). Pauperism was discouraged (Lev. 19:10; 25:5-6; Deut. 24:19). Poor invited to feasts (Deut. 14:29; 26:12). Beggars abhorred (Psa. 109:10). In N. T. times beggars had a fixed place to beg (Mark 10:46; Acts 3:2; Luke 16:20).
Behemoth
(water-ox). From the poet’s description a hippopotamus is meant (Job 40:15-24).
Bekah
A half shekel, valued at about thirty-three cents.
Bel
[BAAL.]
Bela
(destroying). (1) A city of the plain; afterward called Zoar (Gen. 14:2; 19:22). (2) A king of Edom (Gen. 36:31-33; 1 Chron. 1:43). (3) Eldest son of Benjamin (Gen. 46:21); and founder of the Belaites (Num. 26:38; 1 Chron. 7:6; 8:1). (4) Son of Azaz (1 Chron. 5:8).
Belah
[BELA, 3.]
Belaites
(Num. 26:38). [BELA, 3.]
Belial
(lawlessness). A vile, worthless person, reckless of God and man (Deut. 13:13; Judg. 19:22; 1 Sam. 2:12). Hence, Satan (2 Cor. 6:15).
Bellows
(bag, blow-skin), though crude, did not differ in principle and use from ours (Jer. 6:29).
Bells
(bellowers). Bells of gold were appended to priestly robes (Ex. 28:33-35). Attached to anklets (Isa. 3:16-18). Horses ornamented with bells (Zech. 14:20).
Belshazzar
(prince of Bel). Last king of Babylon; ruling at time of the great feast and handwriting on the wall, B. C. 539 (Dan. 5).
Belte-shazzar
(protected by Bel). Name given to Daniel by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:7).
Ben
(son). A Levite, and porter, appointed to carry the ark (1 Chron. 15:18).
Benaiah
(son of the Lord). (1) Son of Jehoiada (1 Chron. 27:5); captain in David’s bodyguard (2 Sam. 8:18); and commander-in-chief of Solomon’s army (1 Kings 1:36; 2:34-46). (2) One of David’s mighty men (2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chron. 11:31); and chief of eleventh monthly course (1 Chron. 27:14). (3) A priest and trumpeter (1 Chron. 15:18,20; 16:5). (4) A priest (1 Chron. 15:24; 16:6). (5) A Levite (2 Chron. 20:14). (6) A Levite (2 Chron. 31:13). (7) Prince of a family of Simeon (1 Chron. 4:36). (8) Four of the returned (Ezra 10:25,30,35,43). (9) Father of Pelatiah (Ezek. 11:1,13).
Ben-ammi
(son of my people). Grandson of Lot, and progenitor of the Ammonites (Gen. 19:38).
Bene-berak
(sons of lightning). A city of Dan (Josh. 19:45).
Bene-jaakan
(sons of Jaakan). A desert tribe (Num. 33:31-32). [BEEROTH.] Akan (Gen. 36:27).
Bene-kedem
“People of the East” (Gen. 29:1; Judg. 6:3,33; 7:12; 8:10; Job 1:3).
Ben-hadad
(son of Hadad). (1) King of Syria, B. C. 950, called Benhadad I. Conqueror of northern Israel (1 Kings 15:18). (2) Benhadad II., son and successor of former (1 Kings 20:1). Defeated by Jehoram (2 Kings 6:8-33). Murdered by his servants (2 Kings 8:1-15); B. C. 890. (3) Benhadad III., son and successor of Hazael on Syrian throne, about B. C. 840. Defeated by King Joash (2 Kings 13:3-24).
Ben-hail
(son of strength). A prince in Judah (2 Chron. 17:7).
Ben-hanan
(son of grace). Son of Shimon (1 Chron. 4:20).
Beninu
(our son). A co-covenanter (Neh. 10:13).
Benjamin
(son of the right hand). (1) Youngest of Jacob’s children. First named Benoni, afterward Benjamin (Gen. 35:16-18). Beloved by Jacob (Gen. 42); visited Egypt (Gen. 43); tribe distinguished as Jacob prophesied (Gen. 49:27; 1 Sam. 20:20,36; 2 Sam. 1:22; Judg. 20:16; 1 Chron. 8:40). Their allotment described (Josh. 18:11-28). Tribe awfully visited (Judg. 20-21). (2) Head of a Benjamite family (1 Chron. 7:10). (3) A returned captive (Ezra 10:32).
Beno
(his son). A Levite (1 Chron. 24:26-27).
Ben-oni
(son of my sorrow), (Gen. 35:18). [BENJAMIN.]
Ben-zoheth
(son of Zoheth). A descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 4:20).
Beon
(Num. 32:3). [BAAL-MEON.]
Beor
(burning). (1) Father of Bela, an early king of Edom (Gen. 36:32). (2) Father of Balsam (Num. 22:5; 24:3,15; 31:8; Deut. 23:4; Josh. 13:22; 24:9; Mic. 6:5). Bosor in N. T.
Bera
(son of evil). A king of Sodom (Gen. 14:2-22).
Berachah
(blessing). (1) A Benjamite (1 Chron. 12:3). (2) The valley in which Jehoshaphat celebrated his victory (2 Chron. 20:26).
Berachiah
(God has blessed). Father of Asaph (1 Chron. 6:39).
Beraiah
(created by God). A Benjamite (1 Chron. 8:21).
Berea
(watered). (1) A city of Macedonia (Acts 17:1-15).
Berechiah
(blessed of Jehovah). (1) A descendant of David (1 Chron. 3:20). (2) A Levite (1 Chron. 9:16). (3) Father of Asaph (1 Chron. 15:17). (4) A doorkeeper for the Ark (1 Chron. 15:23). (5) An Ephraimite (2 Chron. 28:12). (6) Father of a builder (Neh. 3:4,30; 6:18). (7) Father of Zechariah (Zech. 1:1-7).
Bered
(hail). (1) A place in south Palestine (Gen. 16:14). (2) An Ephraimite (1 Chron. 7:20).
Berenice
[BERNICE.]
Beri
(well). An Asherite (1 Chron. 7:36).
Beriah
(evil). (1) A descendant of Asher (Gen. 46:17; Num. 26:44-45; 1 Chron. 7:30-31). (2) An Ephraimite (1 Chron. 7:23). (3) A chief of Benjamin (1 Chron. 8:13,16). (4) A Levite (1 Chron. 23:10-11).
Beriites
(Num. 26:44). Descendants of Beriah (1).
Berites
A people in north Palestine (2 Sam. 20:14).
Berith
(covenant), (Judg. 9:46). [BAAL-BEEITH.]
Bernice
(bringing rectory). Eldest daughter of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1), and sister of the younger Agrippi (Acts 25:13-23; 26:30).
Berodach-baladan
(2 Kings 20:12). [MERODACH-BALADAN.]
Berothah
(of a well). A boundary town of north Palestine (Ezek. 47:16).
Berothai
(my wells). A city of north Palestine (2 Sam. 8:8).
Berothite
(1 Chron. 11:39), of Beeroth.
Beryl
(beril) (jewel). The first stone in fourth row of a high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:20).
Besai
(sword). His children returned (Ezra 2:49; Neh. 7:52).
Besodeiah
(in the Lord’s secret). Father of an architect (Neh. 3:6).
Besom
(broom). Twig broom for sweeping (Isa. 14:23).
Besor
(cool). A brook in south Judah (1 Sam. 30:9-21).
Betah
(confidence). A city of Zoba (2 Sam. 8:8). Tibhath (1 Chron. 18:8).
Beten
(raised). Border city of Asher (Josh. 19:25).
Beth
(house). Used in combinations.
Beth-abara
(house at the ford). A place beyond, or at, Jordan where John baptized Christ (John 1:28).
Beth-anath
(house of reply). City of Naphtali (Judg. 1:33).
Beth-anoth
(house of reply). A mountain town of Judah (Josh. 15:59).
Bethany
(house of affliction). A village on the slope of Olivet close to Bethphage (Matt. 21:17; Mark 11; Luke 19:29; John 11:18). Now Lazarieh.
Beth-arabah
(house of the desert). A city of Judah and Benjamin (Josh. 15:61; 18:22).
Beth-aram, properly BETHHARAN
(house of height). A town of Gad (Josh. 13:27).
Beth-arbel
(house of ambush). Scene of the massacre by Shalman (Hos. 10:14).
Beth-aven
(house of idols). A place in Benjamin (Josh. 7:2; 18:12; 1 Sam. 13:5; 14:23). Stands for Bethel (Hos. 4:15; 5:8; 10:5).
Beth-azmaveth
(house of Azmaveth). A town of Benjamin (Neh. 7:28); Azmaveth and Bethsamos, elsewhere.
Beth-baal-meon
(house of Baal-meon). A place in Reuben (Josh. 13:17). Beon (Num. 32:3); Baal-meon (Num. 32:38).
Beth-barah
(house of the ford) (Judg. 7:24). [BETH-ABAEA.]
Beth-birei
(house of my creation). A town in south Simeon (1 Chron. 4:31). Beth-lebaoth (Josh. 19:6).
Beth-car
(house of the lamb). A place where the Israelites’ pursuit ended (1 Sam. 7:11).
Beth-dagon
(house of Dagon). (1) Town in Judah (Josh. 15:41). (2) Town in Asher (Josh. 19:27).
Beth-diblathaim
(house of dried figs). A town of Moab (Jer. 48:22). [ALMON-DIBLATHAIM.]
Beth-el
(house of God). (1) City of Palestine, 12 mi. N. of Jerusalem (Gen. 12:8; 13:3-4); scene of Jacob’s vision, then called Luz (Gen. 28:11-19; 31:13; 35:1-8; Judg. 1:23); residence of “sons of the prophets” and priests (2 Kings 2:2-3; 17:27-28. Now Beitin. (2) A town in south Judah (Josh. 12:16; 1 Sam. 30:27); Chesil (Josh. 15:30); Rethul (Josh. 19:4); and Bethuel (1 Chron. 4:30). (3) Mount Bethel, near Bethel (Josh. 16.1; 1 Sam. 13:2).
Beth-emek
(house of the valley). A boundary of Asher (Josh. 19:27).
Bether
Figurative mountains (Song of Sol. 2:17).
Bethesda
(house of mercy). A pool near the sheep-gate, Jerusalem (John 5:2).
Beth-ezel
(neighbor’s house). A place in Philistia (Mic. 1:11).
Beth-gader
(house of a wall). A doubtful place or person (1 Chron. 2:51).
Beth-gamul
(camel-house). A town of Moab (Jer. 48:23).
Beth-gilgal
(Neh. 12:29). [GILGAL.]
Beth-haccerem
(house of the vine). A beacon station near Tekoa (Neh. 3:14; Jer. 6:1).
Beth-haran
(Num. 32:36). [BETH-ARAM.]
Beth-hogla, and Hoglah
(partridge-house). A place in boundary of Judah and Benjamin (Josh. 15:6; 18:19-21).
Beth-horon
(cave-house). A town of Benjamin (Josh. 16:3,5; 1 Kings 9:17; 1 Chron. 7:24).
Beth-jeshimoth and Jesimoth
(house of deserts). A town of Moab, allotted to Reuben (Num. 33:49; Josh. 12:3; 13:20).
Beth-labaoth
(house of lionesses) (Josh. 19:6). [BETH-BIREI.]
Beth-lehem, Bethlehem
(house of bread). (1) A town of Palestine, six miles S. of Jerusalem. First called Ephrath or Ephratah (Gen. 35:16-19; 48:7). Called Bethlehem-judah after the conquest (Judg. 17:7). Home of Ruth (Ruth 1:19). Birthplace of David (1 Sam. 17:12). Here Christ was born (Matt. 2:1-2; Luke 2:15-18). (2) A town in Zebulun (Josh. 19:15).
Bethmaachah
(2 Sam. 20:14-15). Same as Abel, Abel-maim, and Abel-beth-maachah.
Beth-marcaboth
(house of chariots). A town of Simeon (Josh. 19:5; 1 Chron. 4:31). Mad-mannah (Josh. 15:31).
Beth-meon
(Jer. 48:23). Contraction of Beth-baal-meon.
Beth-nimrah
(house of leopards). A fenced city of Gad (Num. 32:36). Nimrah (Num. 32:3).
Beth-palet
(house of expulsion). A town in south Judah (Josh. 15:27). Bethphelet (Neh. 11:26).
Beth-pazzez
(house of dispersion). A town of Issachar (Josh. 19:21).
Beth-peor
(house of Peor). A spot opposite Jericho, dedicated to Baal-peor (Deut. 3:29; 4:46; Josh. 13:20).
Bethphage
(house of figs). A place on Olivet, close to Bethany (Matt. 21:1; Luke 19:29; Mark 11:1).
Beth-phelet
(Neh. 11:26). [BETH-PALET.]
Beth-rapha
(house of health). Son of Eshton (1 Chron. 4:12).
Beth-rehob
(house of Rehob). A province of Aram, or Syria (2 Sam. 10:6). Rehob (2 Sam. 10:8).
Bethsaida
(fishing-house). A fishing-village on Sea of Galilee, and west of Jordan. Birthplace of Andrew, Peter and Philip (Matt. 11:21; John 1:44; 12:21). Bethsaida, where the five thousand were fed (Mark 6:31-53; Luke 9:10-17), appears to have been on eastward side of Jordan.
Beth-shean, Beth-san, Beth-shan
(house of rest). A city of Manasseh (Josh. 17:11; Judg. 1:27; 1 Chron. 7:29); Bethshan (1 Sam. 31:10-12). A commissary district of Solomon (1 Kings 4:12). Now Beisan.
Beth-shemesh
(house of the sun). (1) A Levitical town of N. Judah (Josh. 15:10; 21:16). Now Ainshems. (2) A border city of Issachar (Josh. 19:22). (3) A fenced city of Naphtali (Josh. 19:38; Judg. 1:33). (4) Probably Heliopolis, Egypt (Jer. 43:13).
Beth-shittah
(house of the acacia). The place where Gideon’s pursuit ended (Judg. 7:22).
Beth-tappuah
(house of apples). A town of Judah, near Hebron. Now Teffuh (Josh. 15:53).
Bethuel
(filiation of God). (1) Father of Laban and Rebekah (Gen. 22:22-23; 24:15,24,47; 28:2-5. (2) [BETHUL.]
Bethul
(dweller in God). A town of Simeon (Josh. 19:4); Chesil (Josh. 15:30); Bethael (1 Chron. 4:30).
Beth-zur
(house of rock). Now Beit Sur, 4 mi. N. of Hebron (Josh. 15:58; 2 Chron. 11:7).
Betonim
(bellies). A town of Gad (Josh. 13:26).
Betroth
(in promise). To pledge troth, that is, engage to marry. A betrothed woman was regarded as the lawful wife of her spouse, and he could not break off the match without a divorce, while she, if unfaithful, would be considered an adulteress.
Beulah
(married). The land of Israel when the Jewish Church is again in its true relation to God (Isa. 62:4).
Bezai
(conqueror). His children returned (Ezra 2:17; Neh. 7:23).
Bezaleel
(in the shadow of God). (1) A Tabernacle architect (Ex. 31:1-6). (2) A returned Jew (Ezra 10:30).
Bezek
(lightning). (1) A place in Judah (Judg. 1:1-5). (2) Where Saul numbered Israel (1 Sam. 11:8).
Bezer
(ore). (1) A city of refuge east of Jordan (Deut. 4:43; Josh. 20:8). (2) An Asherite (1 Chron. 7:37).
Bible
(the book). The term applied, not further back than the fifth century, to that collection of biblia, or holy books, which comprises the Old and New Testaments.
Bichri
(first-born). A Benjamite (2 Sam. 20:1).
Bidkar
(stabber). One of Jehu’s captains (2 Kings 9:25).
Bier
(that bears). The frame on which a dead body was carried to the grave (Luke 7:14; 2 Chron. 16:14).
Bigtha, Bigthan, Bigthana
(gift of God). A chamberlain of King Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10). Bigthan (Esther 2: 21); Bigthana (Esther 6:2).
Bigvai
(happy). (1) His children returned (Ezra 2:14; 8:14; Neh. 7:19). (2) A chief under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7; 10:16).
Bildad
(son of strife). The Shuhite friend of Job (Job 2:11; 8; 18; 25)
Bileam
(foreigners). A town of Manasseh (1 Chron. 6:70).
Bilgah
(first-born). (1) Head of the fifteenth temple course (1 Chron. 24:14). (2) A returned priest (Neh. 12:5,18). Bilgai (Neh. 10:8).
Bilgai
(Neh. 10:8). [BILGAH]
Bilhah
(timid). (1) Mother of Dan and Naphtali (Gen. 29:29; 30:3-8; 35:25; 46:25; 1 Chron. 7:13). (2) A town of Simeon (1 Chron. 4:29).
Bilhan
(modest). (1) A Horite chief (Gen. 36:27). (2) A Benjamite (1 Chron. 7:10).
Bilshan
(eloquent). A returned captive (Ezra 2:2; Neh. 7:7).
Bimhal
(circumcised). A son of Japhlet (1 Chron. 7:33).
Binea
(fountain). A descendant of Saul (1 Chron. 8:37).
Binnui
(building). Name of five returned captives (Ezra 8:33; 10:30,38; Neh. 7:15; 10:9).
Birds
Many birds of Palestine similar to our own. The “speckled bird” (Jer. 12:9) means a vulture. Birds were snared (Psa. 124:7; Prov. 7:23; Amos 3:5). Used for curing leprosy (Lev. 14:2-7). List of birds not to be eaten (Lev. 11:13-19; Deut. 14:11-19).
Birsha
(son of godliness). A king of Gomorrah (Gen. 14:2).
Birthdays
Observed among ancients by feasts (Gen. 40:20; Job 1:4; Hos. 7:5; Matt. 14:6-10).
Birthright
Among Jews the first-born son enjoyed the right of consecration (Ex. 22:29); great dignity (Gen. 49:3); a double portion of the paternal estate (Deut. 21:17); right to royal succession (2 Chron. 21:3).
Birzavith
An Asherite (1 Chron. 7:31).
Bishop
(looking upon, or over). Greek episkopos, overseer. An officer of the Apostolic church, identical with presbyter, or elder (Acts 20:17-18; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 5:17; Titus 1:5-8; 1 Peter 5; 1 Thess. 5:12; James 5:14).
Bishopric
The jurisdiction and charge of a bishop (Acts 1:20; 1 Tim. 3:1).
Bithiah
(daughter of the Lord) Daughter of a Pharaoh (1 Chron. 4:18).
Bithron
(ravine). A place east of Jordan (2 Sam. 2:29).
Bithynia
A province of Asia Minor, bordering on the Euxine (Black) sea and west of Pontus (Acts 16:7; 1 Peter 1:1). Capital, Nice or Nicaea.
Bitter Herbs
A part of the passover feast (Ex. 12:8).
Bittern
A bird of the heron family, solitary in its habits, and noted for its melancholy night booming (Isa. 14:23; 34:11; Zeph. 2:14).
Bizjothjah
(contempt). A town of south Judah (Josh. 15:28).
Biztha
(eunuch). A eunuch (Esther 1:10).
Blains
(boils). The ulcerous inflammations which constituted the sixth Egyptian plague (Ex. 9:9-11; Deut. 28:27,35).
Blasphemy
(injurious speaking). Speaking evil of God (Lev. 24:11; Psa. 74:18; Isa. 52:5; Matt. 12:32; Acts 18:6; Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:8). Royalty could be blasphemed (1 Kings 21:10). Punished by stoning (Lev. 24:11-14).
Blastus
(that buds). Chamberlain of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20).
Blemish
(wound, stain). For ceremonial blemishes (Lev. 21:18-20; 22:20-24).
Blindness
Blind treated with compassion (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). A punishment (Judg. 16:21; 1 Sam. 11:2; 2 Kings 25:7).
Blood
The vital fluid (Gen. 9:4). Forbidden as food (Ex. 29:12; Lev. 7:26; 17:11-13). For N. T. atoning blood (Heb. 9-10; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 7:27; 1 John 1:7).
Boanerges
(sons of thunder). A name given by Christ to James and John, sons of Zebedee (Mark 3:17).
Boar
Found wild in the thickets of Jordan and on the Lebanon ranges (Psa. 80:13).
Boaz
(lovely). (1) The Bethlehemite who married Ruth (Book of Ruth; Matt. 1:5). (2) A brazen pillar in the porch of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chron. 3:17; Jer. 52:21).
Bocheru
(young). Son of Azel (1 Chron. 8:38).
Bochim
(weepers). A place near Gilgal (Judg. 2:1-5).
Booth
(hut). Temporary structures, usually of boughs (Gen. 33:17; Lev. 23:42).
Booty
(dealt out). Spoils of war, regulated as (Nunn. 31:26-47; 1 Sam. 30:24-25).
Booz
(Matt. 1:5; Luke 3:32). [BOAZ.]
Boscath
(2 Kings 22:1). [BOZKATH.]
Bosom
(buzum). To lean on, implied great intimacy (John 13:23). Figuratively, Paradise (Luke 16:23; 23:43).
Bosor
Greek form of Beor (2 Peter 2:15).
Bosses
(humps). Knobs on shields and bucklers ( Job 15:26).
Botch
[BLAIN.]
Bottle
(little boot). Primitive bottles, either of skin or earthenware (Gen. 21:14; Jer. 19:1; Matt. 9:17); of different sizes and shapes. Tear bottles used (Psa. 56:8).
Bohan
(thumb). A Reubenite (Josh. 15:6; 18:17).
Boil
Burning inflammation (Lev. 13:23).
Bondage
[SLAVE.]
Bolled
(budded). Podded, as flax (Ex. 9:31).
Book
(beech). Letters were at first engraved on stone, brick, or metal (Deut. 27:2-3; Job 19:24); later, on papyrus, bark of trees, tablets of wax, cloth of linen or cotton, the latter in long rolls, or “scrolls,” which were the books of the Hebrews.
Bow
The Eastern mode of salutation by kneeling on one knee and bending the head forward (Gen. 37:10; 1 Kings 1:53; 2:19).
Bowels
Used figuratively for the emotions (Col. 3:12; 1 John 3:17).
Box-tree
The evergreen, whose wood is so prized by engravers (Isa. 41:19; 60:13).
Bozez
(height). Sharp rocks mentioned (1 Sam. 14:4-5).
Bozkath
(craggy). A lowland city of Judah (Josh. 15:39; 2 Kings 22:1).
Bozrah
(strong-hold). (1) Ancient capital of Edom (Gen. 36:33; Isa. 34:6; 63:1; Jer. 49:13,22). (2) A city of Moab (Jer. 48:24).
Bracelet
A wrist and arm ornament worn by both sexes (Gen. 24:30; Ezek. 16:11). A badge of royalty, and worn above elbow (2 Sam. 1:10).
Bramble
(blackberry). [THORNS.]
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc, not known to the Jews. The brass of Scripture was probably copper, or a copper alloy (Gen. 4:22; Deut. 8:9; Judg. 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; 1 Sam. 17:5; Job 28:2; 1 Cor. 13:1).
Brazen Serpent
[SERPENT.]
Breaches
(broken). Creeks, bays, and river-mouths; havens in case of storm (Judg. 5:17; Josh. 19:29).
Bread
(brewed, baked). Early used (Gen. 18:5-6; Ex. 12:34; Jer. 7:18). Made of wheat, barley, rye, fitches, and spelt, in loaves or rolls, leavened or unleavened; the kneading being in troughs, bowls, or on flat plates, and the baking in portable ovens of earthenware, or upon heated stones, or on the coals.
Breastplate
The breastplate of the high priest (Ex. 28:15), was of embroidered stuff, some 10 inches square; its upper corners fastened with gold or lace to the ephod, its lower to the girdle (Ex. 28:28). Adorned with 12 precious stones (Ex. 28:12-29).
Breeches
(broken, that is crotched). Drawers or light trousers worn by priests, reaching from loins to thighs (Ex. 28:42).
Brick
(fragment). Bricks were made of clay, mixed with straw, usually larger than our bricks, and burned in a kiln or dried in the sun (Gen. 11:3; Ex. 1:14; 5:7, 2 Sam. 12:31; Jer. 43:9).
Bride, Bridegroom
[MARRIAGE.]
Brigandine
(brawl) (Jer. 46:4); elsewhere as habergeon.
Brimstone
(burn-stone). Sulfur (Gen. 19:24), of frequent figurative use (Job 18:15; Psa. 11:6; Isa. 34:9; Rev. 21:8).
Buckler
(cheek). The small round shield used to catch blows. [ARMOR.]
Bukki
(void). (1) A prince of Dan (Num. 34:22). (2) Fifth from Aaron in line of high priests (1 Chron. 6:5,51).
Bukkiah
(wasting). A Temple musician (1 Chron. 25:4,13).
Bul
(rain). Marchesvan or Bul, the second month of the Hebrew civil and eighth of the sacred year, corresponding to parts of October and November (1 Kings 6:38).
Bulbul
The Persian nightingale, common in the Jordan valley; also the titmouse, in the Latin version.
Bull, Bullock
(bellow). A term used generically for ox, cattle (Psa. 22:12). Bullock (Isa. 65:25); cow (Ezek. 4:15); oxen (Gen. 12:16). The “wild bull” (Isa. 51:20), and the “wild ox” (Deut. 14:5), mean probably the oryx.
Bulrush
(large rush). The bulrush (Ex. 2:3-5) is supposed to be the papyrus, from which paper was made (Job 8:11).
Bunah
(discretion). A descendant of Judah (1 Chron. 2:25).
Bunni
(built). (1) A Levite (Neh. 9:4). (2) A co-covenanter with Nehemiah (Neh. 10:15). (3) A Levite (Neh. 11:15).
Burial, Bury
(mounding). Place, a cave or hewn rock (Gen. 23:4; 25:9; 50:5-13; Matt. 27:60). Body washed (Acts 9:37); swathed and spiced (Matt. 27:59; Mark 15:46; 16:1). Head covered separately (2 Chron. 16:14; John 19:40); pallbearers and mourners, relatives and friends (2 Sam. 3:31; Luke 7:12); sometimes hired mourners (Jer. 9:17; Ezek. 24:17; Matt. 9:23).
Burnt offering
The offering which was wholly consumed by fire. For ceremonies (Lev. 8; 9; 14; 29).
Bush
Supposedly the dwarf acacia (Ex. 3:2-6). In Deuteronomy 33:16, Mark 12:26, Luke 20:37, the reference is to the locality.
Bushel
(little box). Hebrew seah, twenty pints.
Butler
(bottler). Officer of a royal household in charge of the wines and drinking vessels (Gen. 40:1-13; 41:9); “cup-bearer” (Neh. 1:11; 1 Kings 10:5).
Butter
(cow-cheese). A curd, or curded milk, evidently meant (Gen. 18:8; Job 29:6; Judg. 5:25).
Butterfly
Nine Hebrew words confusedly translated locust and associated insects. Butterfly a natural incident to caterpillar life.
Buz
(despised). (1) Progenitor of Elihu (Gen. 22:21). (2) A Gadite (1 Chron. 5:14). (3) Land of Buz (Jer. 25:23).
Buzite
Elihu so called (Job 32:2,6). [ELIHU, 1.]
Buzi
(despised). Father of Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:3).
Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.