Habergeon coat of mail. Ex. 28:32.
Haft handle. Judg. 3:22.
Hagar, fugitive. Covenant of works or the law made with man in the flesh. Gal. 4. Name occurs about 14 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 16.
Hail Symbol of judgments direct from heaven. Rev. 11:19; 16:21.
Hailstones A symbol of sudden and severe judgment. Isa. 30:30; Ezek. 13:13; Josh. 10:11.
Hair, long A symbol of subjection. The woman’s glory. 1 Cor. 11:15; Rev. 9:8.
Hair, short A symbol of masculine energy and dignity. 1 Cor. 11:14; Num. 6:18-19.
Hale to haul, drag. Luke 12:58.
Haman honourable. Future Gentile enemy of Israel planning her destruction, and in the midst of his power and plans suddenly destroyed. Name occurs about 54 times, and only in the book of Esther. Esther 3.
Hand, right
1. A symbol of Christ’s personal place of power and favour. Mark 16:19.
2. A symbol of security, power and judgment. Psa. 16:8; Ex. 15:6; 21:8.
Hands A symbol of actions and service. Psa. 90:17; 73:13.
Hannah, grace, favour. Israel desolate and in sorrow turns to Jehovah, who then establishes her in the earth in glory and relationship to Himself. Name occurs 13 times, and only in first two chapters of 1 Samuel. 1 Sam. 1.
Hardly difficultly. Mark 10:23.
Hardness hardship. 2 Tim. 2:3.
Hare This was another of the unclean animals and hence prohibited for food. The Palestinian hare closely resembles our own. Lev. 11:6; Deut. 14:7.
Harlot A symbol of a corrupting religious system or people. Isa. 1:21; Ezek. 16; Hosea; Rev. 17:5; Jer. 3:1-10.
Harnessed armed. Ex. 13:18.
Hart This Mosaically clean animal was a species of deer and is noted for its swiftness, activity, affection, and earnest longings for water. There are some precious lessons drawn from the movements and habits of this graceful animal. Isa. 35:6; Psa. 42:1.
Harvest
1. Used symbolically of gathering in souls by the preaching of the gospel (Matt. 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35).
2. A symbol of discriminating and separating judgment. Matt. 13:30,39; Rev. 14:15; Joel 3:13.
3. A symbol of a special season of grace. Matt. 9:37-38; John 4:35.
Hawk This unclean species of bird is the common name for small birds of prey of which there are a considerable number in Israel. God gives the wisdom, or rather instinct, to these migratory birds to seek a warmer climate, so says Job. Lev. 11:16; Job 39:26.
Hay Cut or dried grass, as food for cattle was unknown among the Hebrews; it simply signifies full grown grass. Prov. 27:25.
Hazael God has looked upon. God raising up a scourge for His people in the north (the Assyrian of the Prophets) in the latter-day crisis of their history. Name occurs about 24 times, and only in the Old Testament. 1 Kings 19:15.
Head
1. Symbol of supremacy of persons or places. Col. 2:10; Rev. 17:9. Christ is Head of the church, Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18; and He is Head over all things to the church Eph. 1:22; Col. 2:10.
2. A symbol of seat of moral government, intelligence, and power. Isa. 7:8-9; 9:14-15; Gen. 49:26; Zech. 6:11; 1 Cor. 11:3-10. In Revelation 12:3 the “head” symbolizes a power or kingdom.
Heady headlong, rash. 2 Tim. 3:4.
Heart A symbol of the seat of the feelings, affections, and understanding. Prov. 6:18; Luke 6:45; Hos. 7:11; Luke 24:25; John 12:40; Rom. 6:17; Phil. 1:7; Col. 3:16.
Heathen The same word that is translated “nations” or “Gentiles,” irrespective of their being civilized or not. Matt. 6:7; Acts 4:25, etc. It One that is dealt with in discipline, in Matthew 18:17, is to be as one of the heathen — one outside the assembly.
Heaven
1. Symbol of the highest seat of authority – a scene of authority and light. Matt. 24:29; Rev. 8:10.
2. The abode of God (Matt. 5:34; 6:9; Acts 7:49).
3. The abode of the angels (Matt. 22:30; Gal. 1:8).
4. The city of which the saints are now citizens (Phil. 3:20).
5. Paul was caught up into the “third heavens” (2 Cor. 12:2).
6. The wide universe of space (Acts 7:42).
7. The atmosphere (Matt. 8.20; Mark 4:4,32).
8. A part to which Satan has access (Rev. 12:7-9).
9. We look for new heavens and a new earth, in which will dwell righteousness (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1).
Hebrew Language The learned seem agreed that the Hebrew language had undergone a change during and after the captivity, and that a corrupt Aramaic dialect had taken its place. This was the language of the Jews in Israel in the time of the Lord, though it is called Hebrew. Luke 23:38; John 5:2; 19:13,17,20; Acts 21:40; 22:2; 26:14: Rev. 9:11; 16:16.
Hebrews The name is supposed to come from Eber or Heber, of whom Abraham was a descendant. See Luke 3:34-35. Thus Abraham is called “the Hebrew” (Gen. 14:13), and hence the name is applied to the children of Israel in their natural descent, in distinction from their being God’s people. Paul called himself a Hebrew of the Hebrews, signifying the pure descent, without any mixture of Gentile or proselyte blood. Acts 6:1; 2 Cor. 11:22; Phil. 3:5.
Heifer This animal was simply a young cow. In the special provision for wilderness defilement a red heifer was to be sacrificed as a sin-offering. Gen. 15:9; Num. 19. The untamed character and unbroken will of these well-fed animals are beautifully alluded to in the Prophets, and their mournful lowing, as figuring the desolation and distress of Moab (Isa. 15:5), is told us in the grandest of all the Prophets.
Hell
1. γέεννα, Gehenna. Symbol of power of Satan. Gehenna is a corruption of two Hebrew words, signifying “valley of Hinnom,” also called Tophet, the place near Jerusalem where the Jews sacrificed their children by fire to heathen gods, and which was afterward defiled (2 Kings 23:10). A continual fire (Isa. 30:33), made it a fit type of the place of eternal torment (Matt. 5:22,29-30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5; James 3:6).
2. ᾃδης, Hades. The place of departed spirits. Symbol of lowest power of death. Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Luke 16:23, Acts 2:27,31; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 20:13-14.
3. ταρταρόω, to cast into Tarturus — a term used by the heathen writers for the “deepest abyss of the infernal regions,” a place of the densest darkness (2 Peter 2:4: see also 2 Peter 2:17 and Jude 13).
Helmet A symbol of Divine certainty of salvation. Eph. 6:17; 1 Thess. 5:8. {See Armour}
Helps ἀντίληψις. 1 Cor. 12:28. Paul refers to “every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.” 1 Cor. 16:16. He also exhorted one to “help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Phil. 4:3. Paul called Priscilla, Aquila, and Urbane his fellowlabourers, and not simply “helpers.” Rom. 16:3,9. Surely there are many “helpers” in the church of God, who in various ways do acceptable work for the Lord.
Helve handle. Deut. 19:5.
Hemlock An exceedingly bitter and poisonous plant. Hos. 10:4.
Herbs A symbol of the moral judgment of evil according to God. Ex. 12:8; Deut. 11:10.
Hereafter henceforth John 1:51.
Heresy, Heretic The word αιρεσις is translated “heresy,” Acts 24:14; 1 Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20; 2 Peter 2:1; and “sect,” Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; 28:22. The word signifies “a choice,” making a choice different from others, leading to separation, as the “sect of the Sadducees,” Pharisees, etc. and applied to Christians as “the sect of the Nazarenes.” But the “choice” is generally associated with some doctrine or practice different from what prevails; thus the way Paul worshipped God was called “heresy” by the Jews, Acts 24:14; and now those who depart from the true faith with peculiar doctrines of their own are “heretics,” Titus 3:10; and what they hold is “heresy,” and they become “a sect.”
Hermogenes A convert of the Roman province of Asia, who is named with Phygellus as “[having] turned away” from Paul, not necessarily as apostates, but as giving up Paul’s gospel and the special heavenly teaching committed to him. 2 Tim. 1:15.
Herod, {See Herod the Great in “Chronology Between Old and New Testament” in Bible Chronology}
Herod Antipas {See Herod Antipas in “History of the Jews” in Bible Chronology}
Herodians These can hardly be called a Jewish sect, but were rather political partisans. As their name implies, they followed the leading of Herod. He tried to seduce the people into heathen practices and pastimes; urged entire submission to the Romans, and the payment of the tribute. This the Pharisees strongly opposed on the supposed ground of Deuteronomy 17:15.
How manifest therefore was the hatred to the Lord when those who were thus so hostile to each other’s principles could unite in order to tempt our Lord as to the tribute money (Matt. 22:15-22). Had He said that the tribute ought not to he paid, the Herodians would have accused him of sedition; and had He said it was right to pay the tribute the Pharisees would have said it was inconsistent with His claim to be Messiah, the Deliverer from the Gentile yoke. The Lord’s marvellous answer confounded them both.
There was nothing to prevent persons being both Sadducees and Herodians, and this will account for the “leaven of Herod” in Mark 8:15, being apparently called the “leaven of the Sadducees” in Matthew 16:6.
Herodias {See references to Herodias under Agrippa and Herod Antipas in “History of the Jews” in Bible Chronology}
Heron This unclean bird is but one of a species common enough in Israel and Syria generally. In both of the passages referred to — the only ones where the heron is named — it is said, “the heron after her kind,” showing that a species is meant and not a particular bird merely. Lev. 11:19; Deut. 14:18.
Hezekiah (strength of the Lord), reigned twenty-nine years over Judah. This godly and devout king was next to Solomon, the most honoured of all the Judean monarchs; his zeal and earnestness were remarkable. 2 Chron. 32.
Hierapolis A city near to Colosse and Laodicea in Asia Minor. It is now called Pambouk Kalesi, in which there are many ruins. Col. 4:13.
Hill
1. A symbol of seat of royal government. Psa. 2:6; 15:1; 24:3.
2. A symbol of perpetuity. Deut. 33:15; Job 15:7.
Hind(s) This beautiful animal is the female deer, while the “hart” is the male stag. The intense love of liberty, and other characteristics of this animal are accurately depicted in the Word of God. Gen. 49:21. A symbol of agility, fearlessness, liberty, affection. 2 Sam. 22:34; Psa. 18:33; Hab. 3:19; Prov. 5:19; Song of Sol. 2:7; 3:5.
Hiram noble. This Tyrian king, in the days of David and Solomon also termed “Huram,” represents the Gentiles willingly lending their aid and treasures in building up the Temple in the coming days of the kingdom. Name occurs about 28 times, and only in the Old Testament. 1 Kings 5.
Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost Commonly spoken of as the third Person of the Trinity, perhaps because He is named last of the three in Matthew 28:19, and because He is represented as being “sent” by God the Father, and by the Lord Jesus. John 14:26; 15:26. His personality and divine authority are proved by many passages. Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:3; Paul and Timothy were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia, and He suffered them not to go into Bithynia. Acts 16:6-7. The saints are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 2:22; 1 Cor. 3:16. It is the Holy Spirit that quickens those that are saved, John 6:63; seals them, Eph. 1:13; indwells them, and thus unites them into the one body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12:13. He is their Comforter or Advocate on earth (as Christ is in heaven), John 14:16,26. Though the Holy Spirit had influenced God’s people of old, He could not come as a Person until Christ had ascended. John 16:7. Besides His work in and with the saints, His presence on earth is a demonstration to the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. John 16:8-11.
Holyday Any day kept as a feast by the Jews. Col. 2:16. The same word is often translated “feast,” as in Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6.
Honest
1. καλὀς. This word is in no wise restricted to what is now ordinarily understood by being honest; it is translated more than fifty times “good.” Luke 8:15; Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21; 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:12.
2. σεμνός, venerable. Phil. 4:8.
Honey A symbol of natural affection, of sweetness of nature. Forbidden to be offered in the sacrifices. Lev. 2:11; Psa. 119:103; Rev. 10:10.
Hooks of Gold and Silver A symbol of Divine security, founded on the righteousness of God – Gold, and the blood of Christ – Silver. Ex. 26-33.
Hope The desire and expectation of what we do not yet fully possess; it is begotten by God in the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13; 1 Pet. 1:21. It is sure and steadfast, and gives full assurance. Heb. 6:11,18-19. It embraces the coming of the Lord, salvation, eternal life, and glory. Rom. 5:2; Col. 1:27; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7. Jesus Christ Himself is our hope. 1 Tim. 1:1.
Hophni and Phinehas champion and mouth of brass. A degraded and corrupt priesthood, causing “the way of truth to be evil spoken of.” Names occur about 7 times, and only in the Old Testament. 1 Sam. 1:3.
Horn(s) A symbol of power, and often kingly power. Psa. 75:10; 132:17; 1 Sam. 2:1; Dan. 7:8; Luke 1:69; Rev. 13:1. The Lamb had seven horns, perfect power. Rev. 5:6. Satan and the Roman beast have ten horns, which “are ten kings.” Rev. 12:3; 17:3,7,12,16.
Hornet This is amongst the largest and certainly the most dangerous of insects when irritated. Their sting is most painful, and, as they swarm in large numbers, occasionally attacking man and beast, madness and death often ensue. They are, in the earlier stages of Israel’s history spoken of as the instruments of Divine judgment upon the Canaanites. Deut. 7:20; Ex. 23:28.
Horse This useful animal was not used as a beast of burden or applied to agricultural purposes as with us. Deut. 17:16; Zech. 1:8. The Jews were forbidden to multiply them (Deut. 17:16) as calculated to withdraw the heart from Jehovah. Egypt was famous for its cavalry. The horse is a symbol of imperial power in warfare, and the ass of peace. Zech. 6; Rev. 6:2,4-5,8. The Scripture references to the qualities of the horse are very numerous.
Hosanna The word is the same in the Greek, and is a compound of two Hebrew words which occur in Psalm 118:25, and are there translated “save now.” The sense is “Bestow blessing on the Son of David: bestow blessing in the highest.” Matt. 21:9,15; Mark 11:9-10; John 12:13.
Hoshea help, deliverance. He reigned nine years over Israel. A wicked king, but sinned not like his fathers; a wily diplomatist. 2 Kings 17.
Hough to hamstring. Josh. 11:6.
House Symbol of organized habitation. 2 Cor. 5:1; 1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Peter 2:5. Very little is known of the form of houses in the time of the Lord. It is supposed that then, as now, the rule was to have a court in the center with a fountain, trees, etc. A verandah ran round this, where at all times shade could be enjoyed. Under the verandah was a raised part, on which to sit. In this court visitors were received. Around the court were doors to all the other apartments, and to rooms above. The rooms had windows with lattice work to admit the air without the inmates being seen. The front wall of the house was a blank, except the door, and windows high up. It was from such a window Eutychus fell. Acts 20:9. {See Church}
Household Besides the ordinary signification of this word it is applied to the “household of faith,” and the “household of God.” Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19.
Hunger and Thirst A symbol of intense spiritual desires. Matt. 5:6; John 6:35.
Husks are the pods of the locust tree (cevatonia siliqua), the food of horses and swine. Occasionally the poorest of the people have fed upon them, but only under circumstances approaching to a famine. Luke 15:16. It is called St. John’s Bread, from the tradition that John the Baptist ate it.
Hymenaeus One who had made shipwreck of the faith, and who had erred concerning the truth saying that the resurrection was passed already, and who stumbled others. Paul delivered Hymenaeus and Alexander to Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme. 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17.
Hymns Songs of praise. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16. The same word is used in the LXX in Nehemiah 12:46; Psalm 40:3, and in some of the titles of the Psalms. “Hymns” may be more immediately “songs of praise” as distinguished from “spiritual songs.”
Hyssop A fragrant shrub, sometimes growing out of a wall. 1 Kings 4:33. It bears white or blue flowers. It was used in the sacrifices to sprinkle the blood with. Heb. 9:19. Hyssop occurs in John 19:29 instead of the “reed” in Matthew 27:48 and Mark 15:36, on which the sponge was placed to give our Lord the vinegar; so that some of the shrubs must have had long stems. It was employed in the purification of the Leper. Lev. 14. A symbol of man in his worst estate. Lev. 14; Num. 19:6; 1 Kings 4:33