M

From: Bible Dictionary

Macedonia The northern part of Greece, from whence sprang the third great empire of Daniel. It was the first district in Europe in which the gospel was preached by Paul. Acts 16:9⁹And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. (Acts 16:9); Rom. 15:26²⁶For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26); 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 8:1¹⁶And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judea. (2 Corinthians 1:16)
¹³I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 2:13)
¹Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2 Corinthians 8:1); 1 Thess. 4:10¹⁰And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; (1 Thessalonians 4:10); 1 Tim. 1:3,³As 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) etc.

Madian, Land of Same as Midian, named after the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah. His descendants are supposed to have dwelt on the eastern border of Edom, but were not stationary, being nomads. Acts 7:29²⁹Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. (Acts 7:29).

Magdala On the west of the Lake of Gennesaret, a little north of its center. It is memorable on account of Mary Magdalene, or “of Magdala.” It now consists of about 20 huts, and is called Mejdel. Matt. 15:39³⁹And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala. (Matthew 15:39).

Magdalene Simply one belonging to the city of Magdala. Matt. 27:56⁵⁶Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. (Matthew 27:56).

Magistrate(s)

1. στρατηγός, strictly “a Roman leader of an army,” but applied to a magistrate or ruler, especially governors of colonies. Acts 16:20-38²⁰And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, ²¹And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²²And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. ²³And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: ²⁴Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. ²⁵And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. ²⁶And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. ²⁷And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. ²⁸But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. ²⁹Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, ³⁰And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. ³²And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. ³³And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. ³⁴And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. ³⁵And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. ³⁶And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. ³⁷But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. ³⁸And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. (Acts 16:20‑38).

2. άοχή, ἄοχων, any “chief,” or head man. Luke 12:11,58¹¹And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: (Luke 12:11)
⁵⁸When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. (Luke 12:58).

Magnifical magnificent. 1 Chron. 22:5⁵And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:5).

Maher-shalal-hash-baz hastening to the spoil. A prophetic sign of the approaching and desolating ravages of the Assyrian — the great enemy of Israel in the past and future periods of her history. Name occurs but twice, and only in the reference chapter. Isa. 8.

Mahlon sick. Israel out of her land, sick unto death. Hos. 5:13¹³When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. (Hosea 5:13). Name occurs 4 times, and only in the book of Ruth. Ruth 1.

Malchus Servant of the high priest, whose ear Peter cut off. The Lord’s healing it miraculously was a testimony at the moment of His arrest to His supernatural power and to His submission. John 18:10¹⁰Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. (John 18:10).

Mallow A plant difficult to identify, but was one eaten by the poorest of the people.

Mammon Riches are personified as a master: “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt. 6:24²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24); Luke 16:9,11,13⁹And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (Luke 16:9)
¹¹If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:11)
¹³No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13).

Manaen A prophet or teacher at Antioch. He had been “brought up with Herod the tetrarch” (doubtless Herod Antipas), “Herod’s foster-brother” (margin). Acts 13:1¹Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (Acts 13:1).

Manasseh (forgetting), reigned fifty-five years over Judah. This long-lived monarch, spite of faithful warnings and earnest remonstrances, did more evil than any of his predecessors. He filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the temple with the vilest forms of idolatry; he instigated Judah to work wickedness of a character worse than the very heathen, and thus greatly hastened the ruin of all Israel. In his old age he turned to the Lord. 2 Chron. 33.

Mandrake or “Love Apple.” It is still partaken of in the East, and is supposed to promote generation. Gen. 30:14¹⁴And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. (Genesis 30:14).

Manna was “Angel’s Food” divinely supplied to Israel in the wilderness; its taste and colour are referred to in Scripture. A symbol of a humbled Christ for our wilderness circumstances. John 6; Ex. 16.

Manna, Hidden Symbol of secret spiritual sustenance. Rev. 2:17¹⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17).

Mansion abode. John 14:2²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2).

Mara bitter. Israel’s future return to her land accomplished in bitterness and sorrow. There is but one occurrence of the name in Scripture. Ruth 1:20²⁰And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20).

Maran-atha {See Anathema.}

Marisk marsh. Ezek. 47:11¹¹But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. (Ezekiel 47:11).

Mark, Marcus) He is described as “John, whose surname was Mark,” also as “sister’s son to Barnabas.” His mother’s name was Mary, to whose house at Jerusalem Peter resorted when miraculously delivered from prison, and where he may have been the means of the conversion of Mark, for he calls him his “son.” 1 Pet. 5:13¹³The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. (1 Peter 5:13). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but forsook them at Perga. On Barnabas wishing to take him again, Paul thought it not good to take one who had previously left the work; so Paul and Barnabas separated. Paul and Mark were afterward reconciled; he was with Paul at Rome, and was commended to the Colossians, (Col. 4:10¹⁰Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) (Colossians 4:10)); was with Peter at Babylon; and Paul, when a prisoner a second time, asked for him to be brought, for he was serviceable for the ministry. Mark was used of God to write the Gospel which bears his name. Acts 12:12,25; 15:37,39¹²And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. (Acts 12:12)
²⁵And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. (Acts 12:25)
³⁷And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. (Acts 15:37)
³⁹And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; (Acts 15:39); 2 Tim. 4:11¹¹Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. (2 Timothy 4:11).

Marriage The institution of God at the creation for the union of man and woman. Gen. 2:24²⁴Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24). “Marriage is honourable in all” (Heb. 13:4⁴Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)); and it is taken as a symbol of the union between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:32³²This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:32)); and of the marriage of the Lamb still to come. Rev. 19:7⁷Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7). In the resurrection of the saints, there is no marriage; in this respect they will be like the angels. Matt. 22:30³⁰For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. (Matthew 22:30). In times of distress it may be better to abstain from marriage if any have the power. 1 Cor. 7:8-9⁸I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. ⁹But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. (1 Corinthians 7:8‑9). Forbidding to marry is one of the doctrines of demons. 1 Tim. 4:1-3¹Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ²Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; ³Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1‑3). It sets aside God’s ordinance, and has led to much crime.

Marriage Feast The Lord’s first miracle was to turn water into wine at a marriage feast. John 2:1-2¹And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: ²And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. (John 2:1‑2). Also used as a symbol of the Gospel feast, provided first for Israel, and then going out to al. Matt. 22:1-10¹And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, ²The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, ³And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. ⁴Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. ⁵But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: ⁶And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. ⁷But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. ⁸Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. ⁹Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. ¹⁰So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. (Matthew 22:1‑10). The marriage supper of the Lamb is also named. Rev. 19:9⁹And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9). Of the ceremonies attending a marriage we really know very little. The bride of the Lamb will be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousnesses of the saints. Rev. 19:8⁸And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:8). By Matthew 22 it appears that a garment was provided for each of the guests, which doubtless represents Christ Himself. Matthew 25 shows that the virgins went forth with their lamps to meet the bridegroom, as has been seen in modern times in the East; and the same cry has been heard at midnight, “Behold, the bridegroom.” It is typical of the saints going forth in spirit to meet the Saviour.

Mars’ Hill {See Areopagus.}

Martha Martha was probably the widow of Simon the leper, for she appears to be head of the favoured family at Bethany, which Jesus loved, and to which He resorted. Luke 10:38,40-41³⁸Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (Luke 10:38)
⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. ⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (Luke 10:40‑41); John 11:1-39; 12:2¹Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. ²(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) ³Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. ⁴When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. ⁵Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. ⁶When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. ⁷Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again. ⁸His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? ⁹Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. ¹⁰But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. ¹¹These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. ¹²Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. ¹³Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. ¹⁴Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. ¹⁵And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. ¹⁶Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. ¹⁷Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. ¹⁸Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: ¹⁹And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. ²⁰Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. ²¹Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. ²²But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. ²³Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. ²⁴Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. ²⁵Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: ²⁶And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ²⁷She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. ²⁸And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. ²⁹As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. ³⁰Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. ³¹The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. ³²Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. ³³When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, ³⁴And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. ³⁵Jesus wept. ³⁶Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! ³⁷And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? ³⁸Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. ³⁹Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (John 11:1‑39)
²There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. (John 12:2); see Matt. 26:6-13⁶Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, ⁷There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. ⁸But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? ⁹For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. ¹⁰When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. ¹¹For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. ¹²For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. ¹³Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26:6‑13); Mark 14:3-9³And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. ⁴And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? ⁵For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. ⁶And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. ⁷For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. ⁸She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. ⁹Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. (Mark 14:3‑9); John 12:1-11¹Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. ²There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. ³Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. ⁴Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, ⁵Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? ⁶This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. ⁷Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. ⁸For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. ⁹Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; ¹¹Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. (John 12:1‑11). Having such a guest at her house she naturally wished to entertain Him well; but when she wished the aid of her sister, the Lord had to remind her that Mary had chosen the better part of being, in this instance, a receiver rather than a giver. The death and resurrection of Lazarus brought her into a truer appreciation of the character of her Lord as the Christ, the Son of God. At the supper made for Him six days before the Passover, Martha still served, but there is no gentle rebuke now, Lazarus sitting at table with Him was a living witness of the power of the One she entertained. Tradition says that Martha and Lazarus went to Marseilles and long served the Lord.

Martyr The word signifies “witness,” as it is very often translated in the N.T. and is applied to Christ as “the faithful and true witness.” Rev. 1:5; 3:14⁵And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)
¹⁴And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; (Revelation 3:14). If a witness was put to death for Christ’s sake he became a martyr. Many of the “cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)) had been martyrs. Two only are so-called in the N.T. Stephen, Acts 7:54-60; 22:20⁵⁴When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. ⁵⁵But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, ⁵⁶And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ⁵⁷Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, ⁵⁸And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. ⁵⁹And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ⁶⁰And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54‑60)
²⁰And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. (Acts 22:20); Antipas, Rev. 2:13¹³I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (Revelation 2:13). “Martyrs of Jesus” are mentioned also in the charge against Papal Rome. Rev. 17:6⁶And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (Revelation 17:6).

Master

1. διδάσκαλος, “teacher, instructor.” A term often applied to the Lord by the Jews. Matt. 8:19¹⁹And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (Matthew 8:19); Mark 4:38³⁸And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:38); Luke 3:12¹²Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? (Luke 3:12); John 1:38³⁸Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (John 1:38); James 3:1,¹My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (James 3:1) etc.

2. κύριος “lord, master.” A word implying authority. Matt. 6:24; 15:27²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
²⁷And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. (Matthew 15:27); Mark 13:35³⁵Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: (Mark 13:35); Acts 16:16,19¹⁶And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: (Acts 16:16)
¹⁹And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, (Acts 16:19); Rom. 14:4⁴Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4); Eph. 6:5,9⁵Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; (Ephesians 6:5)
⁹And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:9); Col. 3:22; 4:1²²Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: (Colossians 3:22)
¹Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1).

3. ῥαββί, “rabbi, chief, master.” a title given to the Jewish doctors. The disciples often addressed the Lord thus, and it was employed by Judas when he betrayed Him with a kiss. Matt. 26:25,49²⁵Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. (Matthew 26:25)
⁴⁹And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. (Matthew 26:49); Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:45⁵And Peter answered and said to 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. (Mark 9:5)
²¹And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. (Mark 11:21)
⁴⁵And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. (Mark 14:45); John 4:31; 9:2; 11:8³¹In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (John 4:31)
²And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? (John 9:2)
⁸His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? (John 11:8). The Lord told the apostles not to be called Rabbi. Matt. 23:7-8⁷And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. ⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. (Matthew 23:7‑8).

4. ἐπιοτάτης, “one set over,” as a magistrate. It is used by the apostles and by the ten lepers in addressing the Lord. Luke 5:5; 8:24,45; 9:33,49; 17:13⁵And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5)
²⁴And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24)
⁴⁵And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? (Luke 8:45)
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. (Luke 9:33)
⁴⁹And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. (Luke 9:49)
¹³And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (Luke 17:13).

5. δεσπότης, “sovereign, lord,” “the owner” of slaves. 1 Tim. 6:1-2¹Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. ²And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:1‑2); 2 Tim. 2:21²¹If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21); Titus 2:9⁹Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (Titus 2:9); 1 Peter 2:18¹⁸Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:18).

6. καθηγητής “guide, teacher.” A title not to be accepted by the disciples. Matt. 23:8,10⁸But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. (Matthew 23:8)
¹⁰Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. (Matthew 23:10).

7. κυβερνήτης, “pilot or master of a ship.” Acts 27:11¹¹Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. (Acts 27:11). Translated “shipmaster” in Rev. 18:17¹⁷For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (Revelation 18:17).

Matthew One of the twelve apostles, also called Levi. He was one of the collectors for those who farmed the Roman taxes. When called by Jesus he immediately left his office, and made a feast for the Lord. Beyond this we do not read anything of him except in connection with the other apostles. He wrote the Gospel bearing his name, in which he styles himself Matthew the publican or tax gatherer. Matt. 9:9; 10:3⁹And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9)
³Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus; (Matthew 10:3); Mark 3:18¹⁸And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite, (Mark 3:18); Luke 6:15¹⁵Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon called Zelotes, (Luke 6:15); Acts 1:13¹³And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (Acts 1:13).

Matthias One of those selected as having been associated with the apostles from the baptism of John, to fill the place of Judas Iscariot, and upon whom the lot fell. We read no more of Matthias. Acts 1:23,26²³And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (Acts 1:23)
²⁶And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26).

Maul hammer. Prov. 25:18¹⁸A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. (Proverbs 25:18).

Maw stomach. Deut. 18:3³And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. (Deuteronomy 18:3).

Measured A symbol of appropriation or possession. Zech. 2:2²Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. (Zechariah 2:2); Ezek. 40; Rev. 11:1; 21:15¹And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. (Revelation 11:1)
¹⁵And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. (Revelation 21:15).

Meat food of any sort. Luke 3:11¹¹He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. (Luke 3:11). A symbol of Christ as the nourishment of the new nature. Matt. 24:45⁴⁵Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? (Matthew 24:45); John 6:27,55²⁷Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27)
⁵⁵For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. (John 6:55); 1 Cor. 10:3³And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (1 Corinthians 10:3).

Meat, strong Symbol of higher truths of Christianity. Heb. 5:12,14¹²For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:12)
¹⁴But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14).

Medes Originally the inhabitants of Media, a large district to the north of Persia, and east of Assyria. Jews from Media were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost — remarkable as being the most distant place mentioned to which the ten tribes were carried. Acts 2:9⁹Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (Acts 2:9).

Mediator “one who mediates between two.” The law was given by a mediator (Moses); but “a mediator is not of one, but God is one,” and God Himself gave to Abraham by promise. Gal. 3:18-20¹⁸For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. ¹⁹Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ²⁰Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. (Galatians 3:18‑20). Christ Jesus is the one Mediator between the Saviour God and men (1 Tim. 2:5⁵For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:5)); He is also Mediator of the new covenant. Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24⁶But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. (Hebrews 8:6)
¹⁵And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)
²⁴And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24). All blessings from God come to us mediatorily in Christ.

Meet worthy, suitable. Matt. 3:8⁸Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (Matthew 3:8).

Melchisedec, Melchizedek king of righteousness. The king and priest who blessed Abraham (Gen. 14:18-20¹⁸And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. ¹⁹And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: ²⁰And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:18‑20)), is in the New Testament a type of Christ as King of Peace in the millennium, and as Priest after a different order from Aaron. The Melchisedec priesthood differed from the Aaronic in that it did not descend from father to son (“without father, without mother”), and that it had no succession; abideth “a priest forever.” We do not read of Melchisedec offering sacrifices, but of his blessing Abraham. So Christ in the millennium will be the king and the “blessing” Priest. Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:1-21⁶As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:6)
¹⁰Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:10)
²⁰Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 6:20)
¹For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; ²To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; ³Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. ⁴Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. ⁵And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: ⁶But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. ⁷And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. ⁸And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. ⁹And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. ¹⁰For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. ¹¹If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? ¹²For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. ¹³For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. ¹⁴For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. ¹⁵And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, ¹⁶Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. ¹⁷For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. ¹⁸For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. ¹⁹For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. ²⁰And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: ²¹(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) (Hebrews 7:1‑21). Name occurs about 11 Times in the Scriptures. (Gen. 14)

Melita The well-known island in the Mediterranean, where Paul was shipwrecked, now called Malta. Acts 28:1¹And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. (Acts 28:1).

Menahem comforter. He reigned ten years over Israel. Another bad king, and, withal, exceedingly cruel. 2 Kings 15.

Mephibosheth Signification doubtful. Illustration of the kindness of God displayed to a poor sinner. Name occurs about 14 times, and only in Second Samuel. 2 Sam. 9.

Mercurius The herald of the gods in the Roman mythology, the same as Hermes of the Greeks. At Lystra the heathen supposed Paul to be Mercurius, and wanted to offer a sacrifice to him; but afterward, at the instigation of the Jews, they helped to stone him, and he was left for dead. Acts 14:12¹²And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. (Acts 14:12).

Mercy Refers to God’s saving grace. All mankind was concluded to be guilty by God that He might have mercy upon all. Rom. 11:32³²For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. (Romans 11:32). The saved are “vessels of mercy.” Rom. 9:23²³And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, (Romans 9:23). We need mercy to the end; “grace” collectively, and “mercy” individually. 1 Tim. 1:2²Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:2); 2 Tim. 1:2²To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:2); Titus 1:4⁴To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 1:4); etc.

Mercy-seat A symbol of the throne of God, where in righteousness and grace, because of the sprinkled blood, Jehovah could meet His guilty people. Christ is the true mercy-seat. Ex. 25:21-22²¹And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. ²²And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 25:21‑22); Lev. 16; Rom. 3:25²⁵Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25). {See Propitiation.}

Mesopotamia The region lying between the rivers Euphrates and the Tigris. It is where Nahor and Abraham lived, and from whence Jews came to the feasts at Jerusalem in the days of the apostles. It was merged in the Babylonian Empire. Acts 2:9; 7:2⁹Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (Acts 2:9)
²And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, (Acts 7:2).

Mess portion. Gen. 43:34³⁴And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him. (Genesis 43:34) .

Messias The same as Messiah, which only occurs in Daniel 9:25-26²⁵Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. ²⁶And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (Daniel 9:25‑26) in connection with the seventy weeks. The name is interpreted in John 1:41⁴¹He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1:41) to mean “the Christ,” and in the margin, “the Anointed,” which is the meaning of both “Messiah” and “Christ.” He is God’s anointed One to carry out on earth the counsels of eternity respecting His ancient people Israel. John 1:41; 4:25⁴¹He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (John 1:41)
²⁵The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (John 4:25).

Mete to measure. Matt. 7:2²For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:2).

Meteyard measuring rod. Lev. 19:35³⁵Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. (Leviticus 19:35).

Michael The Archangel, the only one read of in Scripture. He contended with Satan for the body of Moses, but railed not against him. Michael and his angels will carry on war with Satan and his angels, and will prevail, and Satan will have no further access to heaven. Jude 9⁹Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 9); Rev. 12:7⁷And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (Revelation 12:7).

Milch milk-giving. Gen. 32:15¹⁵Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. (Genesis 32:15).

Mile {See Long Measure in “Measures of Capacity” in Bible Subjects}

Miletum, Miletus A city in the S.W. of Asia Minor, about 36 miles south of Ephesus, near the seacoast. It was here that Paul held the important interview with the Ephesian elders. Acts 20:15,17¹⁵And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. (Acts 20:15)
¹⁷And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17); 2 Tim. 4:20²⁰Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20).

Milk Except in 1 Corinthians 9:7,⁷Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (1 Corinthians 9:7) milk is always in the N.T. used figuratively for the simple truths of the Word suitable for new-born babes. 1 Peter 2:2²As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2). The Corinthian saints had been fed with milk, and not with meat, for they were not able to bear it: why is stated in the context (1 Cor. 3:2²I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (1 Corinthians 3:2)). The Hebrews also could not be fed with solid food: they needed to be taught again the A, B, C of Christianity. Heb. 5:12-13¹²For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. ¹³For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:12‑13).

Millet Another of the Palestinian cereals, and is eaten both prepared and unprepared.

Mincing taking short steps affectedly. Isa. 3:16¹⁶Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: (Isaiah 3:16).

Mind, to to intend. Acts 20:13¹³And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. (Acts 20:13).

Minish diminish. Ex. 5:19¹⁹And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. (Exodus 5:19).

Minister διάκουος, “deacon,” minister. Paul says he was made a minister of the gospel, and of the church. Col. 1:23,25²³If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:23)
²⁵Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:25); Eph. 3:7⁷Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7); cf. Acts 26:16¹⁶But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; (Acts 26:16). He calls Tychicus a “faithful minister,” Eph. 6:21²¹But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: (Ephesians 6:21); Col. 4:7⁷All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: (Colossians 4:7). Timotheus was a “minister of God.” 1 Thess. 3:2²And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Phebe was “minister” of the church which is in Cenchrea. Rom. 16:1 JnD. It does not appear that the word is used in the above and other passages in any official sense, but is applied to any who were true servants of Christ working for Him in the church. (The same word refers to magistrates in Rom. 13:4⁴For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:4).)

Mint An aromatic plant is largely cultivated in Israel, and is much used as a perfume, and also as a condiment.

Miracles, Gifts of Healing Gifts for the early church, but which have long since passed away. 1 Cor. 12:28²⁸And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28). {See “Miracles”}

Mire

1. A symbol of pollutions of the world. 2 Peter 2:22²²But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:22).

2. A symbol of utter moral degradation. Isa. 10:6⁶I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. (Isaiah 10:6); Job 30:19¹⁹He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. (Job 30:19).

Mite {See Money in Bible Subjects}

Mitylene The chief city of Lesbos, an island in the Aegean Sea, near Pergamos. Acts 20:14¹⁴And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. (Acts 20:14).

Mnason A native of Cyprus, an old disciple who travelled with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem, and with whom he and those with him lodged. Acts 21:16¹⁶There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. (Acts 21:16).

Mole This unclean animal is different in size and in some other respects from the English mole. Burying grounds and desolate places are the habitations of the Palestinian animal, hence the appropriateness of the Isaiah passage. Isa. 2:20²⁰In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; (Isaiah 2:20); Lev. 11:30³⁰And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. (Leviticus 11:30).

Moloch The same as the Molech of the O.T. the god of the Ammonites, to whom children were offered in sacrifice. Acts 7:43⁴³Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. (Acts 7:43); see Amos 5:26²⁶But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. (Amos 5:26).

Money-changers These sat in the temple to exchange Roman or foreign coins for the Jewish half-shekel, called “tribute” in Matthew 17:24²⁴And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (Matthew 17:24). The Lord called them “thieves.” Matt. 21:12¹²And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, (Matthew 21:12); Mark 11:15¹⁵And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; (Mark 11:15); John 2:14-15¹⁴And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: ¹⁵And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (John 2:14‑15).

Moon Various signs are foretold as affecting the moon in a future day. Matt. 24:29²⁹Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: (Matthew 24:29); Mark 13:24²⁴But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, (Mark 13:24); Luke 21:25²⁵And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25); Acts 2:20²⁰The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: (Acts 2:20); Rev. 6:12¹²And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; (Revelation 6:12). The moon is used symbolically of some great but derivative and subordinate power, less than the sun, and greater than the stars. Song of Sol. 6:10¹⁰Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? (Song of Solomon 6:10); Rev. 8:12; 12:1¹²And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. (Revelation 8:12)
¹And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: (Revelation 12:1); see also 1 Cor. 15:41⁴¹There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. (1 Corinthians 15:41).

Moon, New A symbol of Israel’s re-appearance in the latter day. Psa. 81:3³Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. (Psalm 81:3); Ezek. 46:1¹Thus saith the Lord God; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. (Ezekiel 46:1).

Mordecai worshippers of Mars. Christ exercising the power and glory conferred upon Him in connection with His earthly people in the last days. Name occurs about 58 times, and only in the book of Esther. Esther 2.

Mortify put to death. Col. 3:5⁵Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:5).

Moses drawn out of the water. A type of Christ, the future deliverer of His earthly people from their sins, and from their enemies. Name occurs about 805 times in the Scriptures. Ex. 2. This name occurs in the New Testament as –

1. the embodiment of the law; “There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust,” John 5:45⁴⁵Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (John 5:45);

2. in contrast to Jesus Christ, ohn 1:17);

3. to show that the glory that accompanied Moses and the giving of the law is far exceeded by the ministry of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3:7-11⁷But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: ⁸How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? ⁹For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. ¹⁰For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. ¹¹For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. (2 Corinthians 3:7‑11);

4. the vail that Moses wore is still on the heart of Israel, whereas the Christian has an unveiled face to behold the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3:13-18¹³And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: ¹⁴But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. ¹⁵But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. ¹⁶Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. ¹⁷Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:13‑18);

5. the song of Moses (triumph over evil by God’s judgment) will again be sung, Rev. 15:3³And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3).

Mote anything small. Matt. 7:3³And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew 7:3).

Moth The clothes’ moth is the only one mentioned in Scripture and true to the derivation of the word it denotes the instability of man and the temporary tenure of all earthly possessions. This insect, especially in its larva state, is peculiarly destructive to clothing — a terrible trial in the East, where rich and very costly apparel are highly prized and carefully stored away. Luke 12:33³³Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. (Luke 12:33); Job 13:28²⁸And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten. (Job 13:28).

Mother A symbol of the source of religious corruption or blessing. Gal. 4:22-31²²For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. ²³But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. ²⁴Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. ²⁵For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. ²⁶But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ²⁷For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. ²⁸Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. ²⁹But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. ³⁰Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. ³¹So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:22‑31); Rev. 2:20-23; 17:5²⁰Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. ²¹And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. ²²Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. ²³And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Revelation 2:20‑23)
⁵And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (Revelation 17:5).

Motions impulses. Rom. 7:5⁵For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (Romans 7:5).

Mountain A symbol of stability and greatness, political and moral. Dan. 2:35³⁵Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. (Daniel 2:35); Jer. 51:25²⁵Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain. (Jeremiah 51:25); Psa. 125:1-2¹<<A Song of degrees.>> They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. ²As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. (Psalm 125:1‑2); Rev. 6:14; 8:8; 16:20¹⁴And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (Revelation 6:14)
⁸And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; (Revelation 8:8)
²⁰And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:20).

Mouse Of the unclean animal known by this name there are several species. In these passages therefore the term is a generic one; but in 1 Sam. 6:5,⁵Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land. (1 Samuel 6:5) the field mouse is referred to as being one of the most destructive animals to growing crops. Lev. 11:29²⁹These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind, (Leviticus 11:29); Isa. 66:17¹⁷They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 66:17).

Mulberry Trees of 2 Samuel 5:23-24²³And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. ²⁴And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. (2 Samuel 5:23‑24) cannot be identified, but the reference in the text is evidently to a grove of trees whose tall branches would convey the rustling sound intended by Jehovah.

Mule This domestic animal was the offspring of the horse and ass, but as the Israelites were not allowed to cross the breeds (Lev. 19:19¹⁹Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee. (Leviticus 19:19)), the mule was imported into the country and was ridden by kings and distinguished persons. The mule is a strong, stubborn, patient, hardy, sure-footed animal. 2 Sam. 13:29²⁹And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. (2 Samuel 13:29); Esther 8:10¹⁰And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: (Esther 8:10).

Munition fortress. Isa. 29:7⁷And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. (Isaiah 29:7).

Mustard is only mentioned in the New Testament, and is found both cultivated and wild in Isreal.

Mustard-seed σίναπι. What plant is referred to is not definitely known. The Sinapis Nigra has a very small seed, and grows to ten feet high. A symbol of what in itself is small and insignificant. Matt. 17:20; 13:31²⁰And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20)
³¹Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: (Matthew 13:31).

Myrrh σμύρνα. A kind of gum obtained from trees growing in the East, very bitter, but of a peculiar pungent fragrance. It was one of the presents brought by the Magi at the birth of Christ, and was also used at His burial. Matt. 2:11¹¹And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11); John 19:39³⁹And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. (John 19:39). Wine “mingled with myrrh” was offered to the Lord at His crucifixion. Mark 15:23²³And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. (Mark 15:23). Given, it is said, to lessen the consciousness of pain. The Lord refused to drink it. He would not accept mitigation from man.

Myrrh or Laudanum A well-known fragrant perfume; a sacred one, Ex. 30:23²³Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, (Exodus 30:23). A medicinal plant occurs in the Old Testament in Genesis 37:25, 43:11; and is not the perfume known as Myrrh. In these two passages the word denotes the gum of the “Cistus Plant,” known to us as Laudanum, the medical virtues of which are known to all. One of the love-perfumes of the Canticles.

Myrtle is one of the most beautiful trees in Israel. Zech. 1:8⁸I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. (Zechariah 1:8). The leaves, bark, and root are used in tanning Russia leather, and impart to it that peculiar smell characteristic of that kind and quality.

Mystery “a hidden secret.” There are several named in the N.T. but they are now revealed to the saints.

1. The Lord explained to His disciples the mysteries of the kingdom. Matt. 13:11¹¹He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:11); Mark 4:11¹¹And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: (Mark 4:11); Luke 8:10¹⁰And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. (Luke 8:10).

2. The mystery of blindness happening to Israel for the blessing of the Gentiles, Rom. 11:25²⁵For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25).