Ebony This tree grows in tropical countries. The ebony of Scripture, one of the most valuable of woods in the manufacture of fine articles, was imported probably from India.

Ed a witness. The name of the altar erected by the two and a-half tribes on the western side of Canaan. Josh. 22:34³⁴And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the Lord is God. (Joshua 22:34).

Edify build up. Rom. 14:19¹⁹Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19).

Egypt The well-known country on the north of Africa. It is principally referred to in the N.T. as the place where Israel was in bondage. When Herod was seeking the life of Jesus He was carried into Egypt, and thence He was called, as was Israel, as God’s Son. Matt. 2:13-19¹³And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. ¹⁴When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: ¹⁵And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. ¹⁶Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. ¹⁷Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, ¹⁸In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. ¹⁹But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (Matthew 2:13‑19). In Revelation 11:8⁸And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (Revelation 11:8) Jerusalem is called spiritually, Sodom and Egypt. Isa. 31:1¹Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the Lord! (Isaiah 31:1).

Eighth Symbol of a new beginning. 2 Peter 2:5⁵And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (2 Peter 2:5); Rev. 17:11¹¹And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (Revelation 17:11); Lev. 25:22²²And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store. (Leviticus 25:22).

Elah to be strong. He reigned two years over Israel. A bad king and a drunkard. He was conspired against and slain by his captain, Zimri. 1 Kings 16.

Elamites Inhabitants of Elam, a country lying south of Assyria proper, and N. of Persia. Acts 2:9⁹Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (Acts 2:9); Daniel 8:2²And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. (Daniel 8:2).

Elder(s) πρεσβύτερος. “An elder,” one advanced in life. It will be seen above in Acts 20 that in Ephesus the same persons are called elders and bishops, or overseers; and in Titus 1 we remark the same. Paul left Titus in Crete that he should ordain or choose “elders in every city ... if any be blameless ... for a bishop must be blameless” (verses 5-7). We also learn in 1 Timothy 5:17¹⁷Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17) that some elders ruled, or took the lead, and some laboured in word and doctrine. In Paul’s first missionary journey he chose elders in every church (Acts 14:23²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:23)). In Hebrews 13 the saints are exhorted to remember those who had had the rule over them (or were their leaders), who had spoken unto them the Word of God; they were to imitate their faith, and consider the end of their conversation. The saints were also to obey the leaders then among them, for they watched for their souls (verses 7,17).{See Offices and Gifts in the Church in Bible Subjects}

Election God’s elect were chosen in Christ before the world began. God’s purpose in eternity infallibly makes good in time and forever the salvation of the elect; while God’s eternal grace in Christ characterizes the blessed nature of that salvation. 2 Tim. 1:9⁹Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9). Saints know that they are God’s election (1 Thess. 1:4⁴Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)); but the truth itself, as also the knowledge of who are its subjects, should not be spoken of outside the household of faith. The gospel of free, full, unlimited grace to all should be presented to the sinner; while election and the sovereign favour of God are truths most comforting and consoling to the saint. Jesus, too, is Jehovah’s elect in the accomplishment of the Divine purposes on behalf of Israel and the earth (Isa. 42); elect also as a foundation-stone on which to rest, and corner-stone in which to glory. 1 Peter 2:4-7⁴To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ⁵Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ⁶Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. ⁷Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (1 Peter 2:4‑7). Israel is spoken of as God’s elect (Isa. 45:4⁴For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. (Isaiah 45:4)); so also angels (1 Tim. 5:21²¹I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. (1 Timothy 5:21)); but neither angels nor Israel are said to be chosen in Christ and before the world began. Eph. 1:4-5⁴According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ⁵Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:4‑5). Election is referred to individuals, not to the church collectively; hence in, 1 Peter 5:13,¹³The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. (1 Peter 5:13) which would seem to contradict the statement, it should be “She that is elected together with you,” evidently an individual sister. {See Predestinate}

Elephant This huge animal, so well-known in India and Africa, was not introduced into Israel till the wars of Antiochus of Syria with Egypt, and is not even named in Scripture, save in the margin of the passages here given. 1 Kings 10:22²²For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. (1 Kings 10:22); 2 Chron. 9:21²¹For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks. (2 Chronicles 9:21).

Elias, Elijah Another form of the name of Elijah. He is referred to in the N.T.

a. in reference to John the Baptist (Matt. 11:14,¹⁴And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. (Matthew 11:14) etc.);

b. he appeared as prophet with Moses on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:3-4,³And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. ⁴Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Matthew 17:3‑4) etc.);

c. some judged the Lord to be Elias (Matt. 16:14,¹⁴And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (Matthew 16:14) etc.);

d. Elijah, at the time of a famine was sent only to a Gentile widow (Luke 4:25-26²⁵But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; ²⁶But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. (Luke 4:25‑26));

e. James and John sought to follow Elijah in calling down fire from heaven, but were rebuked by their Master (Luke 9:54⁵⁴And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (Luke 9:54));

f. Elijah thought he alone remained faithful, but God had His unknown ones (Rom. 11:2²God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, (Romans 11:2));

g. he is held up as an example, though a man of like passions with ourselves, of offering effectual prayer (James 5:17¹⁷Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (James 5:17)).

Eliezer God the helper. Figures the Holy Spirit leading home the bride through the desert, to Christ risen and in heaven, as Eliezer conducted Rebekah to Isaac, received from the dead in a figure (Heb. 11:19¹⁹Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. (Hebrews 11:19)) and dwelling in Canaan — type of heaven. Name occurs but once in Scripture (Gen. 15:2²And 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)), but it is the same who is repeatedly referred to as the “Servant,” in Genesis 24.

Elihu my God is Jehovah. The Holy Spirit the alone interpreter of God’s moral ways and dealings with man. Name occurs about 7 times, and only in the book of Job. Job 32.

Elijah [whose] God [is] Jehovah. The man, Elijah is a figure of that portion of the Church changed and caught up to meet Christ without seeing death, as Moses figures the dead saints raised, hence Moses and Elias in the Mount of Glory (Luke 9:28-35²⁸And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. ²⁹And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. ³⁰And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: ³¹Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. ³²But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. ³³And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. ³⁴While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. ³⁵And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Luke 9:28‑35)); also speaks of ministry of power and judgment to apostate Israel in coming days. Name occurs about 100 times in the Scriptures. 2 Kings 2.

Elimelech God is King. The Elimelech is a figure of God, Israel’s husband and King, when in her land. Name occurs 6 times, and only in the book of Ruth. Ruth 1.

Elisabeth The wife of Zacharias the priest, and mother of John the Baptist. She being filled with the Holy Spirit hailed her cousin Mary as the mother of her Lord. Luke 1:5-57⁵There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. ⁶And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. ⁸And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, ⁹According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. ¹¹And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹²And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. ¹³But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. ¹⁴And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. ¹⁶And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. ¹⁷And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. ¹⁸And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. ¹⁹And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. ²⁰And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. ²¹And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. ²²And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. ²³And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. ²⁴And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, ²⁵Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. ²⁶And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, ²⁷To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. ²⁸And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ²⁹And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. ³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. ³²He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: ³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. ³⁴Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? ³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ³⁶And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. ³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible. ³⁸And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. ³⁹And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; ⁴⁰And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. ⁴¹And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: ⁴²And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. ⁴³And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. ⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. ⁵⁰And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. ⁵¹He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ⁵²He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. ⁵³He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. ⁵⁴He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; ⁵⁵As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. ⁵⁶And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. ⁵⁷Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. (Luke 1:5‑57).

Elisha God’s Salvation. The man, Elisha, is a figure of the future ministry of grace to guilty Israel succeeding that of judgment. Name occurs about 60 times, and only in the Old Testament. 1 Kings 19.

Elm Tree is elsewhere translated “teil tree,” under the spreading branches of which idolatrous rites were performed. Hosea 4:13¹³They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery. (Hosea 4:13). Average lifespan of 335 years.

Elymas Said to be an Arabic word signifying sorcerer, by which he was perhaps better known than by his name Bar-Jesus, that is, son of Jesus or Joshua. He opposed Paul, and was struck with blindness. 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).

Emerald σμάραγδος. A beautiful green gem in prismatic crystals. Rev. 4:3; 21:19³And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. (Revelation 4:3)
¹⁹And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; (Revelation 21:19). It occurs in the LXX in Exodus 28:9,17; 36:13,17; 39:6,10⁹And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: (Exodus 28:9)
¹⁷And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. (Exodus 28:17)
¹³And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle. (Exodus 36:13)
¹⁷And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second. (Exodus 36:17)
⁶And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. (Exodus 39:6)
¹⁰And they set in it four rows of stones: the first row was a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this was the first row. (Exodus 39:10); Ezekiel 28:13¹³Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (Ezekiel 28:13). {See Chalcedony}

Emerods hemorrhoids or piles. Deut. 28:27²⁷The Lord will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed. (Deuteronomy 28:27).

Emmanuel The word is interpreted “God with us,” that is, in the Person of the Lord Jesus. Matt. 1:23²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23). This passage alone suffices to declare His Godhead.

Emmaus A village about 7½ miles from Jerusalem, but in what direction is not known. It was the village to which the Lord walked in company with two of his disciples, from whose sight He vanished after breaking the bread. Luke 24:13¹³And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. (Luke 24:13).

Endamage damage. Ezra 4:13¹³Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. (Ezra 4:13).

Endeavour be diligent. Eph. 4:3³Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3).

Ends of the Earth most distant parts of the globe. Psa. 72:8⁸He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. (Psalm 72:8).

Enlightening the Eyes imparting Divine light. Intelligence, perception. Psa. 19:8⁸The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:8); see also 1 Samuel 14:27²⁷But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. (1 Samuel 14:27).

Enoch dedicated. Referred to in the N.T. as one who was by faith translated without dying (type of the rapture of the church), and who before that event had the testimony that he pleased God. Heb. 11:5⁵By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5); Jude 14¹⁴And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, (Jude 14). There can be no doubt that Jude refers to an unrecorded prophecy by Enoch, and did not copy from the apocryphal book bearing Enoch’s name. A figure of the church taken to heaven after her walk and testimony for God on earth and before the world is judged, as typified in the flood. Name (not to be confounded with the son of Cain, Gen. 4) occurs about 9 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 5.

Ensample example. 1 Cor. 10:11¹¹Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Corinthians 10:11).

Ensue to pursue. 1 Peter 3:11¹¹Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. (1 Peter 3:11).

Entreat treat. Matt. 22:6⁶And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. (Matthew 22:6).

Epaphras One of the saints at Colosse, where he was a faithful minister of Christ. At Rome Paul speaks of him in the Epistle to the Colossians as “our dear fellowservant,” but in Philemon he calls him my “fellowprisoner.” Col. 1:7; 4:12⁷As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; (Colossians 1:7)
¹²Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12); Philem. 23²³There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; (Philemon 23).

Epaphroditus A “brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier” of Paul. He was sent by the saints at Philippi with subsidies to Paul, and probably remained with him some time, where he was sick nigh unto death. Phil. 2:25; 4:18²⁵Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. (Philippians 2:25)
¹⁸But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18).

Ephesus The capital of proconsular Asia, a large and luxurious city lying near the sea on the west of Asia Minor, renowned for its commerce, and its heathen temple which drew many pilgrims to the place. In the Revelation Ephesus is the first named of the seven churches in Asia. The seven cities, after which the churches are named, all lie toward the west of Asia Minor. They are named in the order in which they may be said to be situated: beginning at Ephesus, proceed northward to Smyrna and Pergamos; then south-east to Thyatira, and proceeding southward takes in the rest. They lie far from Israel, but near to Europe; and it is in the latter that God caused Christianity to take deeper root, whence it has spread throughout the world. As far as we know, Paul did not visit any of the seven churches except Ephesus. He remained there two years, and it is added, “so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10¹⁰And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:10)). Ephesus being the capital of the district, was naturally visited by many from the other towns. Demetrius declared that throughout almost all Asia Paul had turned away much people from the worship of the gods. Acts 18:19,21,24; 19:1,17,26; 20:16-17¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. (Acts 18:19)
²¹But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. (Acts 18:21)
²⁴And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. (Acts 18:24)
¹And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, (Acts 19:1)
¹⁷And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:17)
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: (Acts 19:26)
¹⁶For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. ¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:16‑17); 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8³²If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. (1 Corinthians 15:32)
⁸But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. (1 Corinthians 16:8); Eph. 1:1¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1); 1 Tim. 1:3³As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3); 2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12¹⁸The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. (2 Timothy 1:18)
¹²And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. (2 Timothy 4:12); Rev. 1:11; 2:1¹¹Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11)
¹Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (Revelation 2:1). There is now, besides extensive ruins and a railway station, only a Turkish village, called Ayasolook.

Ephraim

1. A city near to the wilderness, to which the Lord retired when they sought his life after the raising of Lazarus. It is probably Taiyibeh, about 17 miles N.N.E. of Jerusalem on the mountains. John 11:54⁵⁴Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. (John 11:54).

2. double fruit. Fruitfulness of the Lord in His present rejection by the world and Israel; illustrated in Hebrews 2. Name personally and of the people occurs about 140 times, and only in the Old Testament. Gen. 41:52⁵²And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. (Genesis 41:52).

Epicureans Greek philosophers, who held that physical indulgence constituted true happiness. Acts 17:18¹⁸Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18). It is from them that the English word “epicure” is derived.

Erastus

1. Chamberlain or treasurer of the city of Corinth who sent his salutation to Rome. Rom. 16:23²³Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. (Romans 16:23).

2. A fellow-worker with Paul. Acts 19:22²²So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. (Acts 19:22); 2 Tim. 4:20,²⁰Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20)

Esau hairy. Name of the person and people occurs more than 100 times in the Scriptures; Edom, however, not here included, is the usual way in which the descendants and country of Esau are spoken of in the Bible. Gen. 25. A figure of apostate Gentile power in opposition to God and His earthly people. Referred to in the N.T –

a. as an instance of God’s sovereignty (Rom. 9:13¹³As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. (Romans 9:13));

b. as a profane person (βέβηλος), who not valuing God’s gift of birthright, sold it for one morsel of food (Heb. 12:16¹⁶Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. (Hebrews 12:16)); nevertheless Isaac was by faith able to bless him concerning things to come Heb. 11:20²⁰By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. (Hebrews 11:20); see Gen. 27: 39-40.

Eschew avoid. 1 Pet. 3:11¹¹Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. (1 Peter 3:11).

Essenes These are not named in the New Testament, but it is generally believed that they are more than once alluded to. They were distinct from the Pharisees and Sadducees, and led more secluded lives and did not set themselves up to be teachers of the law. They denied the resurrection of the body, but held with the immortality of the soul, the existence of angels, and a state of future rewards and punishments. They were also fatalists.
As far as is known they lived moral lives, but were much given to asceticism. Some married and lived in the towns; but others refrained from marriage and lived in secluded places. They refused all pleasant food, and lived on the barest quantity of the simplest provisions. They had sets of rules, which all were sworn to observe. They professed to have a sort of knowledge of the angels and to approach to them by their holy lives.
The principal passage, believed by many to allude to the Essenes, is in Colossians 2, where “voluntary humility,” “neglecting the body,” “intruding into things not seen,” being “vainly puffed up by their fleshly mind,” are thought to refer to them: while the rules named, “touch not, taste not, handle not,” strictly applied to theirs.
The folly of expecting any such perfection in the flesh is exposed by the apostle.

Estate state. Col. 4:8⁸Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; (Colossians 4:8).

Esther star. Esther in the book of Esther is a figure of the earthly and Jewish bride of the Lord in millennial glory and dignity. Psa. 45. Name occurs about 58 times, and only in the book of Esther. Esther 2.

Eternal Life ζωή αἰώνιος. This is the gift of God (1 John 5:11¹¹And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11)), and of Christ (John 10:28²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)). It is by faith in the Son (John 6:47⁴⁷Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. (John 6:47)), and for which Christ had to become a man and die (John 3:14; 6:54¹⁴And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (John 3:14)
⁵⁴Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:54)); it is possessed in the Son (1 John 5:11¹¹And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11)). It is another life outside of life in Adam down here. God would have His saints know that they have eternal life now (1 John 5:13¹³These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)), and enjoy it in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be enjoyed in its fullest sense only when mortality is swallowed up of life.

Eternal

1. άἷδιος, “always,” eternal. Rom. 1:20²⁰For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20); Jude 6⁶And 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).

2. αίών, “always being.” Eph. 3:11¹¹According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (Ephesians 3:11); 1 Tim. 1:17¹⁷Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17).

3. αἰώνιος, same as αἰών, without beginning or end. This word occurs very frequently and is often translated “everlasting.” It is applied to God (Rom. 16:26²⁶But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (Romans 16:26)); and to the Holy Spirit (Heb. 9:14¹⁴How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)). Also to “life” many times (Matt. 25:46,⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46) etc.); “redemption” (Heb. 9:12¹²Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)); “salvation” (Heb. 5:9⁹And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9)); “glory” (2 Tim. 2:10¹⁰Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10)). Also to “judgment” (Heb. 6:2²Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:2)); “fire” (Jude 7⁷Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)); “punishment” (Matt. 25:46⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)); “destruction” (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)). There are no stronger words in the Greek language than the above to imply “never ending, endless, eternal.”

Ethanim flowing or streaming rivers. The seventh Jewish ecclesiastical month and first of the civil year, corresponding to our September and October. 1 Kings 8:2²And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. (1 Kings 8:2).

Ethiopia, beyond the rivers of Rather, Cush, i.e. beyond the rivers Nile and Euphrates (Isa. 18:1¹Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: (Isaiah 18:1)), as the descendants of “Cush” (Gen. 10) settled on the borders of both rivers.

Eunuch

1. Persons who often held high offices in eastern countries, as the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:27-39²⁷And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, ²⁸Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. ²⁹Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. ³⁰And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? ³¹And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. ³²The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: ³³In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. ³⁴And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? ³⁵Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. ³⁶And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? ³⁷And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. ³⁸And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. ³⁹And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:27‑39); see also Matt. 19:12¹²For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. (Matthew 19:12).

2. Persons incapacitated for marrying, and forbidden to enter the congregation of the Lord. Isa. 56:4⁴For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; (Isaiah 56:4); Deut. 23:1¹He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 23:1). In the east generally employed as guardians of the bed-chamber.

Euodias A Christian woman of Philippi, whom Paul exhorted to be of “the same mind in the Lord” with Syntyche. They had laboured much with him in the gospel. Phil. 4:2²I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2).

Euphrates The well-known river on which the city of Babylon was built; it formed the boundary that separated the nations of the East from the promised land. It has two sources in the far north, which unite and form a broad and deep river; it runs nearly south, and is eventually joined by the river Tigris, and empties itself into the Persian Gulf. Rev. 9:14; 16:12¹⁴Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. (Revelation 9:14)
¹²And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (Revelation 16:12).

Euroclydon Most Editors read Eurakulon, which implies a north easterly wind. Acts 27:14¹⁴But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. (Acts 27:14).

Eutychus The youth who when asleep fell from the third floor of a house at Troas, while Paul was preaching, and who was restored by the apostle Acts 20:9,⁹And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. (Acts 20:9)