Laban white. A man worldly-wise in external relationship to God’s people, and using religion as a stepping-stone for self and family aggrandizement. Name occurs about 54 times, and only in the book of Genesis. Gen. 24.
Ladder A symbol of communication between heaven and earth. Gen. 28:12.
Lama, Lamma An Aramaic word signifying “why.” Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34.
Lamb A lamb, according to Scripture, might be either the young of the sheep or goats. Ex. 12:5; Lev. 23:19. It was the paschal offering, Ex. 12; daily sacrifice — morning and evening, Ex. 29:38-39; weekly sacrifice, Num. 28:9; monthly sacrifices, Num. 28:11; yearly sacrifices, Lev. 23, etc.; also offered on special occasions. Luke 10:3; Acts 8:32; Isa. 11.6. Symbol of Christ as a rejected sufferer. John 1:29. The word occurs nearly thirty times in the Revelation but is there associated with strength, glory, and worship. Rev. 5:6,12. Symbol of the younger members of Christ’s flock. John 21:15; Isa. 40:11.
Lamech strong. Lust, self-will, and cruelty of the last days in connection with Israel. Name occurs 5 times, and only in the reference chapter. Gen. 4.
Lamp λαμπάς. Matthew 25 shows that this is the common lamp in which oil was used. It is translated “torch” in John 18:3, and “light” in Acts 20:8. Rev. 4:5; 8:10.
1. Symbol of a light-bearer, individual or collective. Matt. 25:1; Rev. 1:20.
2. A symbol of prophetic light. Gen. 15:17.
3. A symbol of governmental light. 1 Kings 15:4.
4. A symbol of religious profession in possession of light and privilege. Matt. 25:7.
5. A symbol of the Spirit’s perfect light in the sanctuary — the presence of God. Lev. 24:2-4.
Laodicea In Phrygia, or Caria, in the west of Asia Minor. It was formally called Diospolis, but was re-built by Antiochus Theos, and named after his wife Laodice. Col. 2:1; 4:13,15-16; Rev. 1:11; 3:14. It was completely destroyed by an earthquake, but the inhabitants were wealthy enough to rebuild the city, without asking aid from the state (see Rev. 3:17). A traveller says: “Nothing can exceed the desolation and melancholy appearance of the site of Laodicea.” A village among the extensive ruins is named Eski-hissar. {See Ephesus.}
Lapwing This was another of the unclean, therefore prohibited birds. From the translation of the word it is now generally regarded as the “hoopoe.” This fine bird has a beautiful crest and commands attention from its singular appearance and peculiar gestures. It is a common enough bird both in the eastern and western hemispheres. Lev. 11:19; Deut. 14:18.
Lasea A city of Crete, near the port of “The Fair Havens.” Some ruins still bear the name. Acts 27:8.
Latche lace, thong. Mark 1:7.
Latin The language spoken by the Romans, and in which some of the classics were written: the language in which papal Rome conducts its services. Luke 23:38; John 19:20.
Laud praise. Rom. 15:11.
Laver No measurements are given of the laver, wherein the priests daily washed their hands and feet. God’s remedy for cleansing the daily defilements of His people is not blood but water — i.e. the constant application of the Word of God to the thoughts, words, and actions of the believer. Christ is the laver; the Word of God is the water. Eph. 5:26.
Law Often used in the N.T. as the principle of works in contrast to that of grace, with or without immediate allusion to the Mosaic law. Rom. 2:12-27; 3:19-31. It is also used as the principle on which things act: as “the law of faith,” Rom. 3:27; the “law of righteousness,” Rom. 9:31; “the law of the Spirit of life” and the “law of sin and death,” Rom. 8:2, etc..
Lawyer(s) These were teachers of the law; and though the title may have had a different origin from that of “scribe,” the two names seem to point to the same office — those who taught the law — though the lawyers may have studied the minutiae of the law, and may have assisted the Sanhedrim in difficult cases, as some suppose. The Lord denounced the lawyers with dreadful woes, in the same way as He had the scribes and Pharisees. Luke 11:45-52. Alas, alas! to whom could the people turn when the leading men of the nation and the teachers were thus corrupt? The blessed One who denounced all these was happily there to bless them had they but listened to Him.
Lead A symbol of judgment of evil and evil men. Ex. 15:10; Zech. 5:7-8.
Leaf
1. A symbol of religious profession. Psa. 1:3; Matt. 21:19.
2. A symbol of millennial blessing and healing. Rev. 22:2; Ezek. 47:12.
Leah wearied. The Gentile bride first possessed by Christ, although Rachel (the Jew) was first loved and sought. Name occurs about 34 times, and only in the Old Testament. Gen. 29.
Leasing lying. Psa. 4:2; 5:6.
Leaven Used for fermenting bread, but if left too long it turns to corruption. It is always used in Scripture as a type of evil. Matt. 13:33 and Luke 13:21 have often been thought to be exceptions, but it is not so. {See “Parables”} It is applied to the evils of the Sadducees and Pharisees, etc. Matt. 16:6,11; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1. “The old leaven” of the flesh and its corruptions, and “of malice” is contrasted with “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Cor. 5:7-8. A symbol of active, spreading of moral and doctrinal evil. 1 Cor. 5:5-8; Gal. 5:9; Matt. 16:6.
Leek is another Egyptian vegetable, also largely cultivated in Israel.
Lees, on the matured. Isa. 25:6.
Legs A symbol of strength and stability. Dan. 2:33; Song of Sol. 5:15; Psa. 147:10.
Lentil is a well-known cereal in Israel, and of which a very wholesome “pottage” is still made. Gen. 25:34.
Leopard πάρδαλις. The well-known spotted animal. Isa. 11:6; Dan. 7:6; Rev. 13:2. The same word is used in the LXX in Jeremiah 13:23, where the “spots” are named. It is an apt symbol of the conquests of Alexander the Great, Dan. 7:6, in the rapidity of his movements and sudden and unexpected nature of his attacks. The cat-like cunning of this animal in watching for its prey, its swiftness and cruelty, are finely depicted in the Prophets. It is characterized by swiftness, lying in wait, and tearing its prey even when it does not need to feed on it, Jer. 5:6; Hos. 13:7; Hab. 1:8; which things will characterize the Roman empire as a beast in a future day. The skin of this beautiful animal is highly prized and is the emblem of royalty in Africa till this day.
Leprosy A dreadful and incurable disease, apt type of the loathsomeness of sin. It was cured by our Lord when on earth. There are lepers still near Jerusalem. Matt. 8:3; Mark 1:42; Luke 5:12-13. A symbol of uncleanness in heart and life. Lev. 13-14.
Let to hinder. 2 Thess. 2:7.
Levi The son of Alphaeus, another name of the apostle Matthew. Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27,29.
Leviathan The graphic description of this huge amphibious animal in the book of Job leaves no doubt that the crocodile is meant. It inhabits chiefly the rivers and banks of Africa, especially of the Nile, but has been found in the “Nhar Zurka,” a river flowing through Samaria. The cruelty, strength, and other characteristics of this dreadful creature affords the Psalmist and the Prophets frequent illustrations in speaking of the great powers of Egypt, Assyria, etc. Job 41:1; Psa. 74:14.
Libertines Supposed to refer to persons who, after being taken prisoners by Rome, had been set at liberty. Acts 6:9.
Lice This insect is only mentioned as amongst the plagues on Egypt. In a warm country and to a cleanly people like the Egyptians this third infliction of Divine judgment must have caused them exquisite pain and distress. Ex. 8:16.
Light The nature of God – God is light. 1 John 1:5. He dwells in unapproachable light. 1 Tim. 6:16. The Lord Jesus was the true light that came into the world. John 1:4-9. The saints are the light of the world. Matt. 5:14; 1 Thess. 5:5. We are to let our light so shine that God may be glorified. Matt. 5:16: see also Eph. 5:13.
Lightning A symbol of obedience connected with the judicial power of God. Ezek. 1:13-14; Nah. 2:4.
Liking condition. Job 39:4.
Lily of Israel, of which there are several species, has been pronounced by travelers to be exquisitely beautiful. This fair and lovely flower is frequently referred to in the Scriptures. The lilium both colored and white. Travelers relate that a large lily of great beauty and of splendid color grows near Lake Merom, and is known as the Huleh Lily. Matt. 6:28; Luke 12:27. A symbol of loveliness and virgin purity. Matt. 6:28; Song of Sol. 2:1-2.
Linen
1. Βύσσινος, βύσσος. Translated “fine linen,” but is supposed to refer rather to byss, “cotton.” Luke 16:19; Rev. 18:12,16; 19:8,14.
2. σινδών, “linen,” Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53; and “linen cloth,” Matt. 27:59; Mark 14:51-52, a kind of “linen” in which the dead were wrapped.
3. λίνον, made of flax, Rev. 15:6. It is translated “flax” in Matt. 12:20.
4. A symbol of practical righteousness, assumed or real. Rev. 18:16.
5. A symbol of personal purity. Lev. 16:4; Rev. 15:6; 19:8-14.
Lion The well-known wild animal of Asia and Africa. It was anciently common enough in Israel, thou in Syria it is now extinct. No wild animal is so often mentioned in Scripture as the “lion” and its majesty, strength, courage, roar, and other features are frequently spoken of in the Word. Gen. 49:9; Psa. 22:21. Satan because of his ferocity, the Babylonian Empire because of its strength and grandeur, and Christ because of His majesty and royal power are each represented by the lion.
1. A symbol of royalty and strength. The first living creature of Rev. 4:7, representing one of the attributes of God the Almighty, was “like a lion.” The tribe of Judah was like a lion, Rev. 5:5, “who shall rouse him up?” Gen. 49:9. Paul was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, the Roman emperor (2 Tim. 4:17, see Rev. 13:2). Satan is compared to a roaring lion, 1 Peter 5:8, showing that he thinks to terrify and make sure of his prey (see Amos 3:4,8; Rev. 10:3).
2. A symbol of the Babylonian Empire in its imperial greatness. Dan. 7:4.
List to will. Matt. 17:12.
Lively living. 1 Pet. 1:3; 2:5.
Lizard This unclean reptile is only mentioned once in the Word of God. As there are many species of the lizard family abounding in the ruins and desolate places of the Holy Land the name is to be regarded here as a generic one, hence, all reptiles of the serpent kind were prohibited to Israel. Lev. 11:30.
Loaves, Two. A symbol of the Church presented to God in her actual state at Pentecost, hence the presence of leaven (evil) in these loaves. Lev. 23:17.
Locust The locust family is numerous and is a most frightful scourge in Eastern lands. Joel 1:4. They march in exact order and such are their numbers that no means or power known can arrest their devastating career. They turn in a few hours the most delightful and fruitful gardens into a desert. Locusts are also a symbol of a host sent in judgment and are remarkable for their devastations. Joel 1:4; 2:25; Psa. 78:46; Nah. 3:15-17; Rev. 9:3,7. The angel of the bottomless pit is their king (verse 11). The locust was the food of John the Baptist. Matt. 3:4; Mark 1:6. {See Husks.}
Loins gird(ed) A symbol of inward strength; bracing up of the inner man. Luke 12:35; Eph. 6:14; 1 Peter 1:13.
Lord
1. κύριος is the word most commonly employed, sometimes simply as a term of respect as between a servant and his master, and is translated “sir,” Matt. 13:27; but it also occurs in the highest sense (mostly without the article) referring to Jehovah, Matt. 1:20,22,24, etc. It is also constantly used, with the article, as a title of Christ, the Lord, Acts 21:14; 1 Cor. 4:19. The word is also translated “master,” as in Matthew 6:24; 15:27.
2. δεσπότης, “sovereign lord,” “master,” as of a slave. Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Jude 4; Rev. 6:10. Translated “master,” 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 2:9; 1 Pet. 2:18. Especially applicable to Christ, even in respect of the wicked. 2 Pet. 2:1.
Lot covering, protection.
1. He is spoken of as a righteous man, who was daily vexed by the ungodliness of those among whom he dwelt. His deliverance as a just man is recorded, 2 Peter 2:7; and the destruction of his city is held up as a type of the sudden judgment that will be executed when “the Son of Man is revealed.” The lingerer is told to “Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17:28-32.
2. An illustration of the wretched principle “making the best of both worlds.” Name occurs about 36 times in the Scriptures. Gen. 13.
3. The lot was used for disposing of the Lord’s garments. Matt. 27:35; Mark 15:24 etc.. It was employed also in the choice of an apostle to fill the place of Judas, Acts 1:26, but we do not read of the lot being resorted to after the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Love
1. ἀγαπάω, ἀγάπη. The nature of God – “God is love.” 1 John 4:8,16. It is characteristic of the Christian: “Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. It is manifested in his loving God and all Christians. 1 John 5:1-2.
2. φιλέω represents a different phase of love – attachment. It is employed for the Father’s love to Christ, John 5:20; and for Christ’s love to His saints. Rev. 3:19. It is the word Peter uses when the Lord is testing him in John 21:15-17. The Lord used the same word the third time that He said, “Lovest thou Me?” It occurs in 1 Cor. 16:22: “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
Lucius
1. A teacher, or prophet, of Cyrene. Acts 13:1.
2. A kinsman of Paul whose salutation is sent to Rome. Rom. 16:21.
Lucre gain. Tit. 1:11.
Luke Paul’s fellow-labourer. Paul also styles him “the beloved physician.” He is supposed to have been a Gentile. When we remember that Luke is the writer of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles, it seems remarkable that his name should so seldom be mentioned. In the Gospel he never pointedly alludes to himself; he was present at many of the scenes recorded in the Acts, and in chapter 16 he says “we endeavoured to go into Macedonia.” He was with Paul at Philippi and other places, went with him to Jerusalem, and also travelled with him to Rome. When Paul wrote the second Epistle to Timothy, Luke was still with the apostle. Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11, and called Lucas in Philem. 24.
Lunatics Literally “those affected by, or at, the changes of the moon.” It may refer to those of unsound mind, or to persons afflicted with epilepsy, which sometimes recurs at the changes of the moon. Matt. 4:24; 17:15.
Lust to desire. Gal. 5:17.
Lycaonia A district in Asia Minor, lying between Cappadocia and Pisidia, Galatia and Cilicia. Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe were its principal towns. The crowds spoke in the provincial Greek dialect of the place. Acts 14:6,11.
Lycia A small district in the south of Asia Minor, on the Mediterranean, Long. 30° E. Myra was its capital. Acts 27:5.
Lydda In the plains of Sharon, twelve miles from Joppa, on the south-east. Here Peter cured Aeneas of the palsy. In the fourth century it had its bishop, and there are still the remains of a church. The name is the same as the Hebrew Lod, and the present village is called Lud. Acts 9:32-38.
Lydia A woman of Thyatira, “a seller of purple,” whom Paul met at Philippi, in Macedonia. She believed and was baptized, and her household. She constrained Paul to take up his abode with her. Acts 16:14,40.
Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilene. Luke 3:1.
Lystra A city, near Derbe, in Lycaonia in Asia Minor. It was here that the heathen wished to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, but afterward, being influenced by the Jews, they stoned Paul and left him for dead. Acts 14:6,8,21; 16:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:11.