Dalmanutha By comparing Mark 8:10 with Matthew 15:39 it appears that the “borders of Magdala” (or “Magadan,” as some MSS. read) and the “parts of Dalmanutha” were either the same district or very close to each other, on the west side of the lake. Dalmanutha is supposed to lie a little south of Magdala.
Dalmatia A mountainous district in Illyricum, on the east coast of the Adriatic, visited by Titus. Paul had preached in Illyricum. Rom. 15:19; 2 Tim. 4:10.
Damascus A city in or just outside the northern extremity of Israel, 33° 30' N. It is mentioned as early as Genesis 15:2, and became a place of extensive commerce. In the N. T. it is of interest in connection with Paul’s conversion, and as being the place where he first preached. Acts 9; 22:5-11; 26:12,20; 2 Cor. 11:32; Gal. 1:17. Damascus has still a long and wide thoroughfare that may well have been called “Straight Street” (Acts 9:11), now called “Street of Bazaars.” It is still a large city of some 210,000 inhabitants, of which 180,000 are Mohammedans: the poverty of the Christians and Jews is great. Its natural beauties are sadly contrasted with the dirt and contamination usual in a Turkish city.
Damnable ἀπώλεια. From “to destroy” (2 Peter 2:1), “destructive” heresies.
Daniel God my Judge. The Prophet is a figure the Lord as the revealer and interpreter of the ways of God; also as the future Jewish remnant, faithful to God and confessing national iniquity and sin. Name occurs about 80 times in the Scriptures. Dan. 1.
Dark Sayings of Old The true spiritual design of Israel’s early history. Psa. 78:2.
Darkness
1. The supernatural darkness at the crucifixion, as if nature itself shuddered at the spectacle of its Creator being nailed to a cross, and would cover His shame from the cruel gaze of His enemies. Matt. 27:45.
2. The great future judgment on the earth, when “the sun shall be turned into darkness,” a time of dense moral obscurity. Acts 2:20; Rev. 16:10.
3. The abode of the lost, in contrast with the light in which God dwells. Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30; 2 Peter 2:4,17; Jude 6,13.
4. The kingdom and power of Satan. Luke 22:53; Eph. 6:12; Col. 1:13.
5. The spiritual condition of fallen man is darkness. Matt. 4:16; Luke 1:79; John 3:19; Eph. 5:8.
6. The sad condition of one brought into the light, if he abides not in the light. Matt. 6:23; Luke 11:34-35. All these stand in strong contrast to the Lord as the true light, which coming into the world lighteth every man.
Darling The life or soul as being dear. Psa. 22:20; Psalm 35:17.
Darts A symbol of sharp and sudden temptations. Prov. 7:23; Eph. 6:16.
David beloved. Israel’s second king, and the only one born in Bethlehem, the Saviour’s birthplace, reigned forty years over all twelve tribles. He is God’s choice. Type of the Lord in millennial conflict and successful warfare. Although Saul was the first king, yet David is always regarded as the head and root of royalty in Israel, as being the object of Jehovah’s choice in contrast to Saul, man’s choice. Many times referred to in the N.T. but particularly to show that Christ was born of the seed of David, His genealogy being given in Matthew 1 and Luke 3 (see also John 7:42; Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim. 2:8). Christ was often spoken of as the “Son of David.” Matt. 9:27; 20:30-31; 21:9, Mark 10:47-48. He was David’s Lord as well as Son, Matt. 22:43; the root and the offspring of David. Rev. 22:16; 5:5. He also had the key of David, authority to open or shut. Rev. 3:7. He is the Messiah anointed for the Throne, then rejected as now, and also the early part of the millennial reign. Name occurs about 1120 times in the Scriptures. 1 Sam. 16.
Day Symbol of appointed time of activity. John 9:4; 1 Thess. 5:5,8.
Day of the Lord The time when Christ will come to the earth in judgment. 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10.
Day star The day star arises in the heart when the coming of Christ as the bright and morning star becomes by faith a bright hope in the soul. 2 Peter 1:19.
Daysman arbiter or umpire. Job 9:33.
Dayspring Christ as the dawn, the true light, come into the dark world. Luke 1:78.
Deacon διάκονος.The seven chosen in Acts 6 to care for the poor, and to “serve tables,” probably take charge of the funds — though not there called “deacons,” led to such persons being appointed in the church under that name. Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8-13. Those chosen must be morally qualified to “use the office well.” {See Offices and Gifts in the Church in Bible Subjects}
Deal a part or portion. Ex. 29:40; Num. 15:4.
Death
1. The dissolution of soul and body, the wages of sin. Rom. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:22.
2. The spiritual condition of fallen man. John 5:24; Eph. 2:1.
3. Symbol of alienation from God. Matt. 4:16; 2 Cor. 1:10.
4. The working of the law in a renewed soul struggling for liberty. Rom. 7:10.
5. The standing of the Christian as to the law, sin, and the elements of the world, by dying with Christ. Rom. 6:8; Col. 2:20.
6. Death personified, the last enemy to be destroyed. 1 Cor. 15:26.
7. The death of the Christian is often called “falling asleep.” Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 15:6,18; 1 Thess. 4:13,15.
8. A symbol of apostasy from God and truth. Rev. 8:9.
9. A symbol of Divine and judicial judgment upon man. Rev. 2:23.
10. The second death — the eternal doom of the wicked, and the casting into the lake of fire of Death and Hades. Rev. 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8.
Decapolis District of “ten cities.” Matt. 4:25; Mark 5:20; 7:31. A district in Syria, the limits of which are unknown; the ten cities are held to be Canatha, Hippos, Abila, Gadara, Capitolias, Dium, Pella, Gerasa, Philadelphia, on the east, and Scythopolis on the west of the Jordan. (See map illustrating the Journeyings of Christ.)
Decently becomingly. 1 Cor. 14:40.
Dedication, Feast of the We do not read of this in the O.T. but it doubtless refers to the dedication of the altar after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes, about B.C. 166. John 10:22. {See Feast of Dedication in “Chronology Between Old and New Testament” in Bible Chronology}
Deep Besides the ordinary meaning of “profound” (John 4:11; 1 Cor. 2:10), and for “the sea” (Luke 5:4; 2 Cor. 11:25), the word ἄβυσσος is translated “deep” (Luke 8:31; Rom. 10:7), and “bottomless pit” (Rev. 9:1-2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3). The abode of evil spirits, not the same as the “lake of fire.” Rev. 19:20; 20:10. It is the place in which Satan will be confined during the thousand years of the millennium.
Deliciously luxuriously. Rev. 18:7.
Delilah languishing. The beguiling power of the world over the Christian. Name occurs 6 times, and only in the reference chapter. Judg. 16.
Demas A convert of, and fellow-labourer with Paul, but on Paul’s second imprisonment, he had to write that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world. Col. 4:14; Philem. 24; 2 Tim. 4:10.
Demetrius
1. The silversmith of Ephesus, who sought to excite his fellow-workmen when their trade was in danger. Acts 19:24.
2. A disciple of whom John could say that he had a good report by all, and by the truth itself. 3 John 12.
Denounce announce or declare. Deut. 30:18.
Deputy άνθύπατος. A governor of a Roman province with consular powers, a Proconsul. Acts 13:7-8,12; 18:12; 19:38.
Derbe A city in the plain of Lycaonia, near Lystra in Asia Minor. Acts 14:6,20; 16:1.
Desert of the sea Figure of Babylon and its utter desolation. Isa. 21:1.
Desired lamented or mourned for. 2 Chron. 21:20. 2 Chronicles 21:18-19 clearly enough show this to be the force of the word desired as here used.
Despite, do to insult. Heb. 10:29.
Destruction
1. ἀπώλεια, from “to destroy,” overthrow, ruin. Matt. 7:13; Rom. 9:22; Phil. 3:19; 2 Peter 2:1; 3:16. Also translated “perdition, perish, die, waste, pernicious ways, damnation.”
2. ὄλεθρος, “destruction.” 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Thess. 5:3; 2 Thess. 1:9; 1 Tim. 6:9.
3. καθαίρεσις from “to take down or away,” “destroy.” 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10. Translated “pulling down.” 2 Cor. 10:4.
4. σύντριμμα, from “to break, break in pieces.” Rom. 3:16. In none of the above Greek words, nor in the passages, is there the thought of “annihilation,” or ceasing to exist.
Devil
1. διάβολος, from “to strike through,” and figuratively to stab with accusation; accuser. Except in John 6:70, where Judas is said to be a devil, this word refers to the great evil spirit — a real person — whose name is Satan. He tempted our parents in the garden of Eden, and has been and is the great enemy of God, of His people, and of all mankind. He tempted the Lord; is the constant tempter of mankind generally; and seeks to corrupt the kingdom of Christ. He sowed the tares among the wheat (Matt. 13:39), and endeavours to ensnare with his devices all God’s children. Christ annulled his power for believers (Heb. 2:14), and the promise is given that if they resist him he will flee from them (James 4:7). The place of endless torment was prepared for him and his angels (Matt. 25:41), into which he will be finally cast (Rev. 20:10). The Greek word is translated “false accuser” in 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3; and “slanderer” in 1 Tim. 3:11.
2. δαιμόνιον, δαίμων, always translated “devil,” but should have been “demon,” in distinction from Satan, though the demons are his agents: wicked spirits, of whom Beelzebub was the prince. In the latter day some give heed to the teaching of demons. 1 Tim. 4:1. In the temples of the heathen were tables of demons, because the sacrifices were really offered to demons. 1 Cor. 10:20-21. They were the wicked spirits who possessed mankind, as in the following:
3. δαιμονίζομαι “possessed by demons.” The instances recorded prove that they were real beings, though spirits, for they spake, and answered the Lord, though the voice used may have been that of the possessed (Matt. 8:31; Luke 8:30, 31). They are said to believe, no doubt referring to the facts of Scripture (James 2:19); and they feared that the Lord (whom they call Son of God) would torment them before the time (Matt. 8:29). They were powerful, and could only be driven out by One stronger than Satan — either by the Person of the Lord Himself or by those empowered by Him. Luke 8:29; Acts 19:16.
Diana The Latin name of the Greek goddess, “Αρτεμις,” who, the Ephesians said, was worshipped by all Asia and the world. Acts 19:24-37.
Dinner ἄριστον, “early meal.” It was used for “breakfast,” or any morning meal. It appears to be used in the N.T. for any meal (Matt. 22:4; [in Luke 14:16 the same feast is called “supper”]. Luke 11:37-38; 14:12; John 21:12,15.
Dionysius Member of the great council of Areopagus at Athens, who believed the word preached by Paul and clave unto him. Acts 17:34.
Diotrephes A professing Christian who loved to have the pre-eminence, and who forbade any to receive the brethren, casting out of the church those that did. The apostle John said he would deal with him if he came where he was. 3 John 9.
Disannul to annul. Gal. 3:15,17.
Disciple μαθητής. From μαθέω to learn, and hence “a learner” or “follower of a teacher.” It is applied to
1. the followers of John the Baptist, Matt. 9:14, etc.
2. the followers of the Pharisees, Matt. 22:16; Mark 2:18.
3. the twelve apostles, Matt. 10:1; 11:1; Luke 6:13; 9:1, etc.
4. the followers of Christ generally, John 6:60-61,66; Acts 1:15, etc. The title belonged in an emphatic way to those who were real followers of the Lord Jesus, John 15:8.
Dispensation οἰκονομία, “administration of affairs,” what God dispenses to an individual or to a people. It was a dispensation of law until John; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, and a dispensation of the gospel of the glory and of grace was committed to Paul. 1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; Col. 1:25. The dispensation of the fullness of times is future, when God will gather together all things in Christ. Eph. 1:10.
Diversities of Tongues These were common in the church at Corinth, Ephesus, etc. but ceased at an early date. 1 Cor. 12:28.
Divination The damsel was “possessed with a spirit of Pithon” (margin). Acts 16:16. This has been described as “the famous dragon who guarded the oracle of Delphi.” The woman brought gain to her masters by soothsaying, foretelling events, etc. but she was aided in this by a spirit or demon, which Paul cast out, and her powers of deception were gone. In Acts 19:19 there were those who practiced “curious arts,” inquiring into hidden things, for which they had books, like astrologers. In Acts 8 Simon “used sorcery or magic arts”; and in Acts 13:8 Elymas is described as a “sorcerer,” or magician. In the O.T. such were not allowed to live. Lev. 20:27. They were the mere tools of Satan to deceive the people, as are those who now practice spiritualism.
Divorce, bill of divorcement The power of a man to put away his wife for any cause, had been permitted by Moses; but the Lord declared that for adultery alone should a woman be put away. Matt. 19:3-9; Mark 10:2. A writing of divorcement had wisely been added, for the very drawing up of this and having it witnessed was a check upon the hasty passions of man.
Doctrine teaching. Matt. 7:28.
Dog These in the East are chiefly scavengers who devour the rubbish, and have no home, though puppies are often taken into the houses of the peasants, and fondled and fed. This will account for the Syrophenician woman saying that the dogs (the diminutive of the word being here used) under the table eat the children’s crumbs.
1. A symbol of contempt and cruelty. The Jews still speak of “Gentile dogs,” and Mahomedans of “Christian dogs.” Matt. 15:27; Mark 7:27-28; Phil. 3:2.
2. Symbol of the those who are unclean and morally impure. Prov. 26:11; Matt. 7:6; Rev. 22:15.
3. A symbol of persons without conscience or feeling. Psa. 22:16; Phil. 3:2.
4. A symbol of Satan. Psa. 22:20.
Door
1. The door is symbolical of the true entrance, in contrast to those who enter by climbing up some other way. The Lord entered by God’s appointed door (presentation in the temple and circumcision) into the Jewish sheepfold. He Himself is the door of the sheep (John 10:1-9), by which all must enter to be saved.
2. An open door represents the way being free for the spread of the gospel. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8.
3. A closed door is symbolical of the close of the present dispensation (Matt. 25:10). The Judge standing at the door (James 5:9), tells us that the Lord is at hand to set things right, and to vindicate those of whom He approves. He is still in grace knocking at the hearts of those who compose the Laodicean church (Rev. 3:20).
Dote stupid. Jer. 50:36. But in Ezekiel 23, where the word doted occurs six times, it implies intense and all-absorbing affection.
Dove περιστερά. This was one of the clean birds, and could be offered in sacrifice by even the poorest of the people. Such were sold in the temple for offerings. Matt. 21:12; Mark 11:15, etc. The Scripture references are equally abundant in Old and New Testaments, and represent certain gracious qualities. Gen. 8:9; Song of Sol. 2:14. It is also the symbol of peace and harmlessness. Matt. 3:16; 10:16; Song of Sol. 6:9. When the Holy Spirit descended and rested upon the Lord it was in “bodily shape like a dove.” Luke 3:22; John 1:32. Compare the Holy Spirit like tongues of fire, as a symbol of testimony in Acts 2:3.
Doves’ dung Valuable for vegetation; also a vegetable resembling pigeons’ dung, and largely used for food. 2 Kings 6:25.
Dragon
1.Whatever animal may be meant in these and other passages it is difficult to say, but certainly it is the selected symbol denoting cruelty, desolation, and utter loneliness. Mic. 1:8; Job 30:29.
2. A symbol of Satan, the “great red dragon” Ezek. 29:3; Rev. 12; 13:2,4,11; 16:3; 20:2.
Dromedary An exceedingly swift animal of the camel species. Wherever the word occurs in Scripture a swift, speedy animal is meant, and one smaller than the ordinary camel. Isa. 60:6; Jer. 2:23.
Drunkenness
1. Symbol of evil indulgence and frenzy with utter insensibility to judgment. 1 Thess. 5:7; Rev. 17:6.
2. A symbol of carnal excitement. Isa. 29:9; Eph. 5:18.
Drusilla The daughter of Herod Agrippa I. was married to Aziz, king of Emesa, but was induced by Felix, the procurator, to live with him. She and her son perished in the eruption of Vesuvius, A.D. 79. Acts 24:24.
Duke(s) Patriarchal chiefs or rulers, not as with us a title of nobility. Gen. 36:15.
Dumah Edom or Idumea. Isa. 21:11.
Dung A symbol of utter contempt and abhorrence. Mal. 2:3; Phil. 3:8.
Dureth endure. Matt. 13:21.
Dust A symbol of utmost depths of humiliation. Psa. 22:15; Dan. 12:2.