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From: The Bible Handbook

Dalmanutha By comparing Mark 8:10¹⁰And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha. (Mark 8:10) with Matthew 15:39³⁹And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (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. 15:19¹⁹Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19); 2 Tim. 4:10¹⁰For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10).

Damascus A city in or just outside the northern extremity of Israel, 33° 30' N. It is mentioned as early as Genesis 15:2,²And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? (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; 26:12,20⁵As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished. ⁶And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. ⁷And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? ⁸And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. ⁹And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. ¹⁰And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. ¹¹And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. (Acts 22:5‑11)
¹²Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, (Acts 26:12)
²⁰But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20); 2 Cor. 11:32³²In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (2 Corinthians 11:32); Gal. 1:17¹⁷Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (Galatians 1:17). Damascus has still a long and wide thoroughfare that may well have been called “Straight Street” (Acts 9:11¹¹And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, (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 2:1¹But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)), “destructive” heresies.

Damnation {See Judgment}

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. 78:2²I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (Psalm 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. 27:45⁴⁵Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Matthew 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 2:20²⁰The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: (Acts 2:20); Rev. 16:10¹⁰And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, (Revelation 16:10).

3. The abode of the lost, in contrast with the light in which God dwells. Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30¹²But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)
¹³Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 22:13)
³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:30); 2 Peter 2:4,17⁴For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (2 Peter 2:4)
¹⁷These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. (2 Peter 2:17); Jude 6,13⁶And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. (Jude 6)
¹³Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 13).

4. The kingdom and power of Satan. Luke 22:53⁵³When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22:53); Eph. 6:12¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12); Col. 1:13¹³Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13).

5. The spiritual condition of fallen man is darkness. Matt. 4:16¹⁶The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. (Matthew 4:16); Luke 1:79⁷⁹To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79); John 3:19¹⁹And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19); Eph. 5:8⁸For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (Ephesians 5:8).

6. The sad condition of one brought into the light, if he abides not in the light. Matt. 6:23²³But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:23); Luke 11:34-35³⁴The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. ³⁵Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. (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. 22:20²⁰Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. (Psalm 22:20); Psalm 35:17¹⁷Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. (Psalm 35:17).

Darts A symbol of sharp and sudden temptations. Prov. 7:23²³Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. (Proverbs 7:23); Eph. 6:16¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 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 7:42⁴²Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? (John 7:42); Rom. 1:3³Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (Romans 1:3); 2 Tim. 2:8⁸Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: (2 Timothy 2:8)). Christ was often spoken of as the “Son of David.” Matt. 9:27; 20:30-31; 21:9,²⁷And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. (Matthew 9:27)
³⁰And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. ³¹And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. (Matthew 20:30‑31)
⁹And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9) Mark 10:47-48⁴⁷And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁸And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. (Mark 10:47‑48). He was David’s Lord as well as Son, Matt. 22:43⁴³He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, (Matthew 22:43); the root and the offspring of David. Rev. 22:16; 5:5¹⁶I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16)
⁵And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:5). He also had the key of David, authority to open or shut. Rev. 3:7⁷And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (Revelation 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 9:4⁴I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4); 1 Thess. 5:5,8⁵Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
⁸But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

Day of the Lord The time when Christ will come to the earth in judgment. 1 Thess. 5:2²For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2); 2 Peter 3:10¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (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 1:19¹⁹We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (2 Peter 1:19).

Daysman arbiter or umpire. Job 9:33³³Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. (Job 9:33).

Dayspring Christ as the dawn, the true light, come into the dark world. Luke 1:78⁷⁸Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, (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. 1:1¹Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (Philippians 1:1); 1 Tim. 3:8-13⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 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. 29:40⁴⁰And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering. (Exodus 29:40); Num. 15:4⁴Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the Lord bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil. (Numbers 15:4).

Death

1. The dissolution of soul and body, the wages of sin. Rom. 5:14¹⁴Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (Romans 5:14); 1 Cor. 15:22²²For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22).

2. The spiritual condition of fallen man. John 5:24²⁴Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24); Eph. 2:1¹And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1).

3. Symbol of alienation from God. Matt. 4:16¹⁶The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. (Matthew 4:16); 2 Cor. 1:10¹⁰Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; (2 Corinthians 1:10).

4. The working of the law in a renewed soul struggling for liberty. Rom. 7:10¹⁰And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. (Romans 7:10).

5. The standing of the Christian as to the law, sin, and the elements of the world, by dying with Christ. Rom. 6:8⁸Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:8); Col. 2:20²⁰Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Colossians 2:20).

6. Death personified, the last enemy to be destroyed. 1 Cor. 15:26²⁶The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26).

7. The death of the Christian is often called “falling asleep.” Acts 7:60⁶⁰And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60); 1 Cor. 15:6,18⁶After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:6)
¹⁸Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (1 Corinthians 15:18); 1 Thess. 4:13,15¹³But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
¹⁵For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

8. A symbol of apostasy from God and truth. Rev. 8:9⁹And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. (Revelation 8:9).

9. A symbol of Divine and judicial judgment upon man. Rev. 2:23²³And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 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; 21:8¹¹He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
⁶Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)
¹⁴And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14)
⁸But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8).

Decapolis District of “ten cities.” Matt. 4:25²⁵And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. (Matthew 4:25); Mark 5:20; 7:31²⁰And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel. (Mark 5:20)
³¹And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. (Mark 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 10:22²²And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. (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 4:11¹¹The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (John 4:11); 1 Cor. 2:10¹⁰But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)), and for “the sea” (Luke 5:4⁴Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (Luke 5:4); 2 Cor. 11:25²⁵Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (2 Corinthians 11:25)), the word ἄβυσσος is translated “deep” (Luke 8:31³¹And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. (Luke 8:31); Rom. 10:7⁷Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) (Romans 10:7)), and “bottomless pit” (Rev. 9:1-2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3¹And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. ²And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. (Revelation 9:1‑2)
¹¹And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. (Revelation 9:11)
⁷And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (Revelation 11:7)
⁸The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (Revelation 17:8)
¹And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (Revelation 20:1)
³And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Revelation 20:3)). The abode of evil spirits, not the same as the “lake of fire.” Rev. 19:20; 20:10²⁰And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20)
¹⁰And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10). It is the place in which Satan will be confined during the thousand years of the millennium.

Deliciously luxuriously. Rev. 18:7⁷How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (Revelation 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. 4:14¹⁴Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. (Colossians 4:14); Philem. 24²⁴Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlaborers. (Philemon 24); 2 Tim. 4:10¹⁰For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10).

Demetrius

1. The silversmith of Ephesus, who sought to excite his fellow-workmen when their trade was in danger. Acts 19:24²⁴For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; (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 12¹²Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. (3 John 12).

Denounce announce or declare. Deut. 30:18¹⁸I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:18).

Deputy άνθύπατος. A governor of a Roman province with consular powers, a Proconsul. Acts 13:7-8,12; 18:12; 19:38⁷Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. ⁸But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. (Acts 13:7‑8)
¹²Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. (Acts 13:12)
¹²And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, (Acts 18:12)
³⁸Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. (Acts 19:38).

Derbe A city in the plain of Lycaonia, near Lystra in Asia Minor. Acts 14:6,20; 16:1⁶They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: (Acts 14:6)
²⁰Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:20)
¹Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: (Acts 16:1).

Desert of the sea Figure of Babylon and its utter desolation. Isa. 21:1¹The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land. (Isaiah 21:1).

Desired lamented or mourned for. 2 Chron. 21:20²⁰Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings. (2 Chronicles 21:20). 2 Chronicles 21:18-19¹⁸And after all this the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease. ¹⁹And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. (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. 10:29²⁹Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29).

Destruction

1. ἀπώλεια, from “to destroy,” overthrow, ruin. Matt. 7:13¹³Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Matthew 7:13); Rom. 9:22²²What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: (Romans 9:22); Phil. 3:19¹⁹Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (Philippians 3:19); 2 Peter 2:1; 3:16¹But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)
¹⁶As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16). Also translated “perdition, perish, die, waste, pernicious ways, damnation.”

2. ὄλεθρος, “destruction.” 1 Cor. 5:5⁵To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5); 1 Thess. 5:3³For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3); 2 Thess. 1:9⁹Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:9); 1 Tim. 6:9⁹But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9).

3. καθαίρεσις from “to take down or away,” “destroy.” 2 Cor. 10:8; 13:10⁸For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: (2 Corinthians 10:8)
¹⁰Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. (2 Corinthians 13:10). Translated “pulling down.” 2 Cor. 10:4⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:4).

4. σύντριμμα, from “to break, break in pieces.” Rom. 3:16¹⁶Destruction and misery are in their ways: (Romans 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 6:70,⁷⁰Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? (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. 13:39³⁹The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:39)), and endeavours to ensnare with his devices all God’s children. Christ annulled his power for believers (Heb. 2:14¹⁴Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)), and the promise is given that if they resist him he will flee from them (James 4:7⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)). The place of endless torment was prepared for him and his angels (Matt. 25:41⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41)), into which he will be finally cast (Rev. 20:10¹⁰And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)). The Greek word is translated “false accuser” in 2 Timothy 3:3³Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (2 Timothy 3:3); Titus 2:3³The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; (Titus 2:3); and “slanderer” in 1 Tim. 3:11¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 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. 4:1¹Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1). In the temples of the heathen were tables of demons, because the sacrifices were really offered to demons. 1 Cor. 10:20-21²⁰But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. ²¹Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 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. 8:31³¹So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (Matthew 8:31); Luke 8:30, 31³⁰And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. ³¹And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. (Luke 8:30‑31)). They are said to believe, no doubt referring to the facts of Scripture (James 2:19¹⁹Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)); and they feared that the Lord (whom they call Son of God) would torment them before the time (Matt. 8:29²⁹And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? (Matthew 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 8:29²⁹(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) (Luke 8:29); Acts 19:16¹⁶And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (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 19:24-37²⁴For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; ²⁵Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. ²⁶Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: ²⁷So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. ²⁸And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. ²⁹And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. ³⁰And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. ³¹And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. ³²Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. ³³And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. ³⁴But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. ³⁵And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? ³⁶Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. ³⁷For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. (Acts 19:24‑37).

Didymus {See Thomas}

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. 22:4⁴Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. (Matthew 22:4); [in Luke 14:16¹⁶Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: (Luke 14:16) the same feast is called “supper”]. Luke 11:37-38; 14:12³⁷And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. ³⁸And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. (Luke 11:37‑38)
¹²Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. (Luke 14:12); John 21:12,15¹²Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. (John 21:12)
¹⁵So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. (John 21:15).

Dionysius Member of the great council of Areopagus at Athens, who believed the word preached by Paul and clave unto him. Acts 17:34³⁴Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (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 9⁹I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (3 John 9).

Disannul to annul. Gal. 3:15,17¹⁵Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. (Galatians 3:15)
¹⁷And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (Galatians 3:17).

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. 9:14,¹⁴Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? (Matthew 9:14) etc.

2. the followers of the Pharisees, Matt. 22:16¹⁶And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. (Matthew 22:16); Mark 2:18¹⁸And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? (Mark 2:18).

3. the twelve apostles, Matt. 10:1; 11:1¹And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1)
¹And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (Matthew 11:1); Luke 6:13; 9:1,¹³And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; (Luke 6:13)
¹Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1) etc.

4. the followers of Christ generally, John 6:60-61,66⁶⁰Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? ⁶¹When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? (John 6:60‑61)
⁶⁶From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66); Acts 1:15,¹⁵And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) (Acts 1:15) etc. The title belonged in an emphatic way to those who were real followers of the Lord Jesus, John 15:8⁸Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (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. 9:17¹⁷For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (1 Corinthians 9:17); Eph. 3:2²If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: (Ephesians 3:2); Col. 1:25²⁵Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25). The dispensation of the fullness of times is future, when God will gather together all things in Christ. Eph. 1:10¹⁰That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10).

Diversities of Tongues These were common in the church at Corinth, Ephesus, etc. but ceased at an early date. 1 Cor. 12:28²⁸And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28).

Divination The damsel was “possessed with a spirit of Pithon” (margin). Acts 16:16¹⁶And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: (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 19:19¹⁹Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (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 13:8⁸But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. (Acts 13:8) Elymas is described as a “sorcerer,” or magician. In the O.T. such were not allowed to live. Lev. 20:27²⁷A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 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. 19:3-9³The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? ⁴And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, ⁵And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? ⁶Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. ⁷They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? ⁸He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. ⁹And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. (Matthew 19:3‑9); Mark 10:2²And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. (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.

Doctors of the Law {See Lawyers}

Doctrine teaching. Matt. 7:28²⁸And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: (Matthew 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.