Fables Only used in the N.T. in a bad sense; they should be avoided, or refused, for fables are put in contrast with “the truth.” Fables are supposed events, and though ostensibly compiled to instruct, they at best are only human wisdom, which has no place in the church of God. 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:4; Titus 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16.
Face
1. A symbol of intelligence. Rev. 4:7; Ezek. 1:10.
2. A symbol of the Divine presence. Ex. 33:13-23.
Fair Havens A harbor on the south of Crete. It is shut in on the west by a bold headland, and on the south it is sheltered by an island, forming thus a safe anchorage; but being open to the east it is “not commodious” to winter in. Acts 27:8.
Faith πίστις. From the same root as “to believe.” There are various characters of faith:
1. The assent to what is stated, or belief of what is known to exist, called a dead faith, and such as the demons have. Matt. 8:29; 13:21; James 2:18-20.
2. Saving Faith. This is confidence in God founded on the Word: faith in a Person: it is the gift of God. John 3:36; Rom. 4:3; 10:9-10. There is no virtue in the faith itself, but it links the soul with the infinite God.
3. Salvation is received on the principle of faith in contrast to the principle of works under the law. Rom. 1:16-17; 3:28, etc.
4. The walk of faith. 2 Cor. 5:7; Matt. 9:29; 21:21. The power and action of which is witnessed to in O.T. saints. Heb. 11.
5. “The Faith” is at times referred to as “the truth” — that which has been recorded, and which we have believed, and for which we should earnestly contend. Jude 3.
Fallow deer This clean animal is noted for its agility, gracefulness, and beauty. It figures largely in Eastern song. 1 King 4:23; Deut. 14:5.
Family πατριά from “father.” The word is translated “lineage” (Luke 2:4); “kindred” (Acts 3:25); “family” in Ephesians 3:15, where it is, not “the whole” family, but “every” family in heaven and earth are named. God has different families.
Fan A winnowing fan, or fork, with several prongs, by which the corn and crushed straw are thrown into the air, and the wind carries away the straw and chaff. Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17. Used as a symbol of God’s discriminating judgment.
Farthing {See Money in Bible Subjects}
Fasting Our Lord fasted forty days (Matt. 4:2), and He declared that His disciples would fast when He, the bridegroom, had left them. Matt. 9:15. He also told His disciples that there was a power available only by prayer and fasting. Matt. 17:21. Barnabas and Paul were sent on their missionary journey with prayer and fasting. Acts 13:3. Elders also were appointed with prayer and fasting. Acts 14:23. The “Fast” alluded to in Acts 27:9 is held to be connected with the Day of Atonement on the 10th of the 7th month (Lev. 23:27-29) which would be the time of the equinox, when sailing in the Mediterranean was dangerous.
Fat.
1. A symbol of ruitfulness, abundance, excellence. Psa. 63:5; Num. 13:20; Psa. 92:14; Ezek. 34:20.
2. A symbol of utter insensibility of heart and conscience towards God. Isa. 6:10; Psa. 119:70; Deut. 32:15.
3. The fat of the sacrifices set forth the holy energy and devotedness of will which led the Blessed One to death. Lev. 1 to 7.
Father πατήρ.
1. God
a. as the Father in distinction from the Son and the Holy Spirit. John 6:27.
b. as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. John 17:1-25.
c. as the Father of the saints after the resurrection (John 20:17, etc.), though named before to the disciples. Matt. 5:16,45,48, etc.
d. as the Father of all mankind. Acts 17:28-29.
2. Man
a. as the father of children. Eph. 6:4.
b. as an early progenitor, as Abraham (Acts 7:2), and as the patriarchs in general are repeatedly called the fathers.” Matt. 23:30.
c. Abraham the father of all them that believe, because of the same faith. Rom. 4:11.
d. Fathers in distinction from babes and young men in the divine life. John 2:13-14).
e. Father in the sense of having been the means of a person’s conversion.(1 Cor. 4:15.
f. Any one on earth who assumes to control with authority our faith and practice. Matt. 23:9.
3. Satan, the father of the wicked, because of their moral likeness to him. John 8:44.
Fathom {See Long Measure in “Measures of Capacity” in Bible Subjects}
Fats vats. Joel 2:24; 3:13.
Fear φόβος, from “to flee,” “be afraid,” as Adam was when he had sinned (Gen. 3:8), but “fear hath torment,” and “perfect love casteth out fear.” 1 John 4:18; see also Luke 1:74. There is also reverential fear, the fear of God, which the wicked know nothing of (Rom. 3:18), but which characterizes the Christian. 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:21. εύλάβεια, piety, or godly fear, occurs in Hebrews 5:7 in reference to the Lord, and is translated “godly fear” in Hebrews 12:28.
Fearful δειλός, “the fearful,” (Rev.21:8), those afraid to confess Christ, are classed with gross sinners.
Feast Besides the common application of the word, it is applied to the appointed festivals of the Jews: of these there are named in the N.T.
1. The Passover (Matt. 26:2), in commemoration of God’s passing over the Israelites when He slew the Egyptians.
2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread, associated with the Passover. Luke 22:1; see also 1 Cor. 5:8).
3. The Feast of Tabernacles. John 7:2.
4. Feast of Pentecost. Acts 2:1.
5. Feast of Dedication. John 10:22; {see also Jewish Calendars and Its Antitypes in “Seasons and Divisions of the Year” in Bible Subjects}.
6. “Feasts of Charity.” Jude 12.; social feasts held among the saints, but which were apt to lead to abuses. See 1 Cor. 11:21-22; 2 Peter 2:13.
Feet
1. A symbol of Christian walk and ways. Eph. 6:15; John 13:1-10.
2. Under the feet. A symbol of thorough subjection. 1 Cor. 15:25-27; Eph. 1:22; Rom. 16:20.
Felix Procurator of Judea, appointed by Claudius, about A.D. 53; superseded by Portius Festus in A. D. 60. Felix had been a slave, and ruled as one, most deplorably; but he escaped the punishment he deserved by the intercession of his brother, Pallas, with Nero. He married Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa I. whom he induced to leave her husband, Aziz, king of Emesa. Though he had trembled at Paul’s preaching, his mean character is exhibited in expecting to be bribed to release him, and by leaving him bound to please the Jews. cts 23:24,26; 24:3-27; 25:14).
Fellowship κοινωνία, having things in common. It is translated “communion” in 1 Corinthians 10:16, communion of the body and of the blood of Christ in the Lord’s supper, answering to the peace-offering, of which part was burned, part eaten by the priest, and part by the offerer. Lev. 7:11-17,28-36. “The communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14; see also Phil. 2:1. Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, and with one another. 1 John 1:3,7; 1 Cor. 1:9. The objects before us are the same as before the Father and the Lord: this separates us from fellowship with darkness, and its unfruitful works. 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:11.
Ferret This unclean animal is only mentioned once in Scripture, and is believed to denote some species of lizard. Lev. 11:30.
Fervent burning. 2 Peter 3:10,12.
Festus, Portius Appointed procurator of Judea by Nero in A.D. 60. Acts 24:27; 25:1-24; 26:24-25,32.
Fig Tree
1. A symbol of a kingdom. Judg. 9:10-11.
2. A symbol of Israel nationally. Luke 21:29; 13:6-7; Hos. 9:10.
3. A symbol of security, prosperity, peace. Zech. 3:10; Mic. 4:4; 1 Kings 4:25.
Figs A medicinal plant were prepared as a plaster or poultice for the cure of Hezekiah’s boil (Isa. 38:21). This is still in many cases an efficacious remedy in abscesses, gum-boils, etc. Figs are the first fruit mentioned in Scripture; the figure of plenty (Zech. 3:10), and a symbol of the Hebrew-politico commonwealth. Matt. 24:32.
Fig-tree A tree very common in Israel, its fruit appears before its leaves are developed. It is a type of Israel in the remnant returned from captivity, planted in God’s vineyard, which for three years brought forth no fruit: it was spared another year, but without effect. The fig-tree that was cursed was also a type of Israel. Mark 11:13,20-21; Luke 13:6-7.
Figure
1. Τύπος, from “to strike.” Type, figure. Acts 7.43; Rom. 5:14.
2. ἀντίτυπον, antitype, what answers to the type, figure. Heb. 9:24; 1 Pet. 3:21.
3. παραβολή, a comparison, similitude. Heb. 9:9; 11:19.
4. μετασχηματίξω, “to transfigure, transform,” metamorphose (1 Cor. 4:6): translated “transform” in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Fine refine. Job 28:1.
Fir Probably no wood was more variously used than “Fir.” This tree, formerly very common in Israel, is now but rarely found throughout the country.
Fire
1. A symbol of Judgment. Matt. 25:41.
2. A symbol of purification. Mal. 3:2.
3. Symbol of testing judgment. 1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 3:18; Jer. 23:29.
First Born A symbol of dignity, not necessarily order of birth. Psa. 89:27; Col. 1:15.
First-begotten, First-born, πρωτότοκος, from “first” and “to bring forth.” “First” in respect to time (Matt. 1:25; Luke 2:7; Heb. 11:28). “First” in the sense of pre-eminence, the Lord is “the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23); the “firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29); the “first born of every creature,” and “the firstborn from the dead,” and “of the dead” (Psa. Col. 1:15,18; Rev. 1:5).
First-fruits, ἀπαρχή, First of the ripe fruits. It is applied to the first-fruit of the good olive tree that was on the earth (Rom. 11:16). The saints are as the first-fruits of God’s creatures (James 1:18); and the first-fruits of the apostle Paul’s labours (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:15). The saints have the first-fruits of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:23). Christ risen is the first-fruits of those who sleep (1 Cor. 15:20,23). The 144,000 of Revelation 14 are, amid the judgments, as “the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb” (Rev. 14:4).
Fish A symbol of the rulers of Egypt. Ezek. 29:4-5.
Fitches Produce a pungent condiment, highly valued in Egypt and Israel.
Five Symbol of responsibility, weakness. Matt. 25:2; Luke 16:28; 1 Cor. 14:19.
Flame A symbol of the severity of Divine judgment. Luke 16:24; Isa. 29:6.
Flax λίνον. The well-known plant from which linen is made. Its fibers also supplied the wick for lamps. Matt. 12:20. Christ in grace would not quench the smoking flax until the time of judgment on Israel. It was extensively cultivated all over the East before the introduction of cotton. Egypt especially is noted for its flax crops; so also Israel.
Flea This little insect swarms in countless numbers, and is of course in all warm countries exceedingly troublesome. It is used in these, the only two passages where the word occurs, as the expression of insignificance. 1 Sam. 24:14; 26:20.
Flesh σάρξ. This term is applied to mere human life, irrespective of its character or the condition in which it may be found. Luke 3:6; Phil. 1:22; Matt. 24:22. In its doctrinal signification, however, as employed by Paul in his epistles to the Romans and Galatians, it applies to that principle of life in man which is alienated from God, incurable and unmendably bad. Gen. 6:3; Rom. 7:5; Gal. 5:16-19; Eph. 2:3. The flesh and Spirit are repeatedly contrasted by the apostle in their character, tendencies, and results. The flesh and its works, and the Spirit and its fruits, are eternally opposed. John 3:6; Gal. 5:19-24. The works of the flesh far outnumber the fruit of the Spirit, for which see Galatians 5:19-21, in which seventeen “works” are named; and verses 22 and 23, in which nine kinds of “fruit” are mentioned. The word is used in a variety of senses: a few references only are named.
a. The material of the body, differing in men, beasts, fishes, birds. 1 Cor. 15:39; Luke 24:39; Rev. 19:18,21.
b. The human body. Matt. 26:41; Eph. 5:29; Col. 2:5; and in reference to the Lord, Acts 2:31; Eph. 2:15; Heb. 10:20.
c. Man, manhood, mankind (Matt. 24:22; Rom. 3:20; 1 Peter 1:24; and of the Lord, Col. 1:22; Heb. 5:7).
d. Relationship, descent (Rom. 9:3,5,8; 11:14; 2 Cor. 11:18; and of the Lord, Rom. 1:3).
e. A kindred word to σάρξ is σαρκικός (often changed by the editors into σάρκινος) “after the nature of flesh,” sometimes referring to the physical flesh, and sometimes to the moral nature of the flesh. It is translated “Fleshly,” 2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Peter 2:11; “Fleshy,”2 Cor. 3:3; “Carnal,” Rom. 7:14; 1 Cor. 3:1,3-4; 2 Cor. 10:4; Heb. 7:16; and “carnal things,” Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11.
Flood Symbol of desolating agencies. Luke 6:48; Rev. 12:15-16; Ps. 90:5.
Fly In these and other Scriptures there is no particular species of fly pointed out. Their number and variety are almost legion in Bible lands. Ex. 8:21-31; Eccl. 10:1.
Foal The Mosaic law was most careful in caring for the young of animals generally, which the “foal,” the young of the “horse” and of the “ass” shared. Gen. 32:15; Zech. 9:9.
Forehead marked Symbol of open alliance or specially set apart. Ezek. 9:4; Rev. 13:16, 14:9.
Foreskin A symbol of filthiness of the flesh. Deut. 10:16; Ex. 4:25; Hab. 2:16.
Forest A symbol of a kingdom. Ezek. 20:46; Jer. 21:14; Isa. 10:18-19.
Forgiveness The Scriptures do not speak of past, present, and future forgiveness. “Having forgiven you all trespasses” (Col. 2:13) refers to all they had done. All our sins (believers) were necessarily future when laid by God on Jesus and full atonement made, but atonement and forgiveness are distinct truths, although closely connected. Forgiveness means the complete remission of all sin and trespass up to the moment of believing, on Jesus and resting on His finished work. After sins and failure are upon confession forgiven. 1 John 1:9. Forgiveness of sins is Divine, eternal, full, and founded solely on the shed blood of Jesus. Heb. 9:22; Rom. 3:25; Col. 1:14; Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7. Belief in the Lord Jesus is essential to forgiveness. Acts 10:43; John 8:24. There is another kind of forgiveness which is neither for God nor eternity, but administrative in its character and for earth, as in John 20:21-23, and certainly not priestly absolution.
1. ἄφεσις, from “to dismiss,” deliverance, remission, often translated remission.
2. χαρίζομαι, “to give, grant, forgive,” We are to forgive one another. Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13. When an erring one is restored the church forgives him. 2 Cor. 2:7,10.
Fornication A symbol of illicit intercourse with the world. Rev. 2:20-21; 17:2; Ezek. 16:15.
Fortunatus A Corinthian convert who was with Paul at Ephesus when he wrote his first Epistle to the Corinthians, and returned to Corinth with the epistle. 1 Cor. 16:17.
Foundation A symbol of immovable security. 2 Tim. 2:19; Isa. 28:16.
Fountains A symbol of sources. Psa. 36:9; Rev. 8:10; 7:17; Isa. 41:18.
Four Symbol of perfection in nature or for earth. Rev. 4:6; 7:1.
Fowls
1. A symbol of the great of the earth. Ezek. 31:6; Matt. 13:32.
2. A symbol of thorough destruction. Isa. 18:6; Rev. 19:17-18.
Fox This nocturnal and gregarious animal is undoubtedly the “jackal” in most of the passages where the word “fox” occurs. Judg. 15:4; Ezek. 13:4. Remarkable for its burrowing habits: “the foxes have holes,” Matt. 8:20; Luke 9:58. They are still plentiful in the East and assemble during the night in large packs and are exceedingly troublesome to the gardens and vineyards and to domestic cattle and fowls. Cunning, cruelty, and destructiveness are the characteristics of this animal as pointed out in the Word of God. It is a symbol of a crafty enemy. Song of Sol. 2:15; Luke 13:32. Herod Antipas exactly delineated this character.
Frankincense It was brought from the East by the Magi who came to worship the Lord, and it was imported by the merchants to Babylon the Great. It is a sort of resin obtained from an incision in the bark of the arbor thuris: it has a rich perfume, is nearly white, glittering, brittle, and bitter to the taste. Matt. 2:11; Rev. 18:13. A symbol of the moral perfectness of Christ displayed in what He was and in what He did. Lev. 2-6. A symbol of all that went up to God as a sweet savour. Lev. 2:2.
Fray to frighten. Zech. 1:21.
Fretting corroding. Lev. 13:51-52.
Frog This amphibious reptile is several times mentioned in Scripture but always, save in the Apocalypse, in connection with Egypt. The “frog” abounds in the rivers and marshy places in Syria but especially in Egypt. Ex. 8:2; Rev. 16:13. Symbolical of the unclean spirits proceeding out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, described as spirits of demons, working wonders, who will gather together the kings of the world to the great final battle.
Froward perverse. 1 Pet. 2:18.
Furlong {See Long Measure in “Measures of Capacity” in Bible Subjects}
Furnace
1. A symbol of deep trial and suffering. Deut. 4:20; Isa. 48:10.
2. A symbol of divine judgment. Matt. 13:42,50; Rev. 1:15.
Furniture equipment. Gen. 31:34.