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 16:9; Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 8:1; 1 Thess. 4:10; 1 Tim. 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 7:29.
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. 15:39.
Magdalene Simply one belonging to the city of Magdala. Matt. 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 16:20-38.
2. άοχή, ἄοχων, any “chief,” or head man. Luke 12:11,58.
Magnifical magnificent. 1 Chron. 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. 5:13. 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 18:10.
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. 6:24; Luke 16:9,11,13.
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 13:1.
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. 30:14.
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. 2:17.
Mansion abode. 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 1:20.
Marisk marsh. Ezek. 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. 5:13. 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. 4:10); 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; 15:37,39; 2 Tim. 4:11.
Marriage The institution of God at the creation for the union of man and woman. Gen. 2:24. “Marriage is honourable in all” (Heb. 13:4); and it is taken as a symbol of the union between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:32); and of the marriage of the Lamb still to come. Rev. 19:7. In the resurrection of the saints, there is no marriage; in this respect they will be like the angels. Matt. 22:30. In times of distress it may be better to abstain from marriage if any have the power. 1 Cor. 7:8-9. Forbidding to marry is one of the doctrines of demons. 1 Tim. 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 2:1-2. Also used as a symbol of the Gospel feast, provided first for Israel, and then going out to al. Matt. 22:1-10. The marriage supper of the Lamb is also named. Rev. 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. 19:8. 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.
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 10:38,40-41; John 11:1-39; 12:2; see Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; 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; 3:14. If a witness was put to death for Christ’s sake he became a martyr. Many of the “cloud of witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) had been martyrs. Two only are so-called in the N.T. Stephen, Acts 7:54-60; 22:20; Antipas, Rev. 2:13. “Martyrs of Jesus” are mentioned also in the charge against Papal Rome. Rev. 17:6.
Master
1. διδάσκαλος, “teacher, instructor.” A term often applied to the Lord by the Jews. Matt. 8:19; Mark 4:38; Luke 3:12; John 1:38; James 3:1, etc.
2. κύριος “lord, master.” A word implying authority. Matt. 6:24; 15:27; Mark 13:35; Acts 16:16,19; Rom. 14:4; Eph. 6:5,9; Col. 3:22; 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. 26:25,49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; John 4:31; 9:2; 11:8. The Lord told the apostles not to be called Rabbi. Matt. 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; 17:13.
5. δεσπότης, “sovereign, lord,” “the owner” of slaves. 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 2:9; 1 Peter 2:18.
6. καθηγητής “guide, teacher.” A title not to be accepted by the disciples. Matt. 23:8,10.
7. κυβερνήτης, “pilot or master of a ship.” Acts 27:11. Translated “shipmaster” in Rev. 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; 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; 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 1:23,26.
Maul hammer. Prov. 25:18.
Maw stomach. Deut. 18:3.
Measured A symbol of appropriation or possession. Zech. 2:2; Ezek. 40; Rev. 11:1; 21:15.
Meat food of any sort. Luke 3:11. A symbol of Christ as the nourishment of the new nature. Matt. 24:45; John 6:27,55; 1 Cor. 10:3.
Meat, strong Symbol of higher truths of Christianity. Heb. 5:12,14.
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 2:9.
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. 3:18-20. Christ Jesus is the one Mediator between the Saviour God and men (1 Tim. 2:5); He is also Mediator of the new covenant. Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. All blessings from God come to us mediatorily in Christ.
Meet worthy, suitable. Matt. 3:8.
Melchisedec, Melchizedek king of righteousness. The king and priest who blessed Abraham (Gen. 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; 7:1-21. 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 28:1.
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 14:12.
Mercy Refers to God’s saving grace. All mankind was concluded to be guilty by God that He might have mercy upon all. Rom. 11:32. The saved are “vessels of mercy.” Rom. 9:23. We need mercy to the end; “grace” collectively, and “mercy” individually. 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; 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. 25:21-22; Lev. 16; Rom. 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; 7:2.
Mess portion. Gen. 43:34 .
Messias The same as Messiah, which only occurs in Daniel 9:25-26 in connection with the seventy weeks. The name is interpreted in 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; 4:25.
Mete to measure. Matt. 7:2.
Meteyard measuring rod. Lev. 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 9; Rev. 12:7.
Milch milk-giving. Gen. 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 20:15,17; 2 Tim. 4:20.
Milk Except in 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 2:2. 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. 3:2). The Hebrews also could not be fed with solid food: they needed to be taught again the A, B, C of Christianity. Heb. 5:12-13.
Millet Another of the Palestinian cereals, and is eaten both prepared and unprepared.
Mincing taking short steps affectedly. Isa. 3:16.
Mind, to to intend. Acts 20:13.
Minish diminish. Ex. 5:19.
Minister διάκουος, “deacon,” minister. Paul says he was made a minister of the gospel, and of the church. Col. 1:23,25; Eph. 3:7; cf. Acts 26:16. He calls Tychicus a “faithful minister,” Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7. Timotheus was a “minister of God.” 1 Thess. 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. 13:4.)
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. 12:28. {See “Miracles”}
Mire
1. A symbol of pollutions of the world. 2 Peter 2:22.
2. A symbol of utter moral degradation. Isa. 10:6; Job 30:19.
Mite {See Money in Bible Subjects}
Mitylene The chief city of Lesbos, an island in the Aegean Sea, near Pergamos. Acts 20:14.
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 21:16.
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. 2:20; Lev. 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 7:43; see 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 17:24. The Lord called them “thieves.” Matt. 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-15.
Moon Various signs are foretold as affecting the moon in a future day. Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:25; Acts 2:20; Rev. 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. 6:10; Rev. 8:12; 12:1; see also 1 Cor. 15:41.
Moon, New A symbol of Israel’s re-appearance in the latter day. Psa. 81:3; Ezek. 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. 3:5.
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 5:45;
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. 3:7-11;
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. 3:13-18;
5. the song of Moses (triumph over evil by God’s judgment) will again be sung, Rev. 15:3.
Mote anything small. Matt. 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 12:33; Job 13:28.
Mother A symbol of the source of religious corruption or blessing. Gal. 4:22-31; Rev. 2:20-23; 17:5.
Motions impulses. Rom. 7:5.
Mountain A symbol of stability and greatness, political and moral. Dan. 2:35; Jer. 51:25; Psa. 125:1-2; Rev. 6:14; 8:8; 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, the field mouse is referred to as being one of the most destructive animals to growing crops. Lev. 11:29; Isa. 66:17.
Mulberry Trees of 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. 19:19), 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. 13:29; Esther 8:10.
Munition fortress. Isa. 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; 13:31.
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. 2:11; John 19:39. Wine “mingled with myrrh” was offered to the Lord at His crucifixion. 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. 30:23. 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. 1:8. 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. 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10.
2. The mystery of blindness happening to Israel for the blessing of the Gentiles, Rom. 11:25.
3. The mystery of the church, Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:3-4,9; Col. 1:26-27.
4. The mystery of the unity of Christ and the church, Eph. 5:32.
5. The mystery of iniquity at present at work, 2 Thess. 2:7.
6. The mystery of godliness or piety, 1 Tim. 3:16.
7. The mystery of papal Rome, Rev. 17:5,7.
We also read of the mystery of the gospel, Eph. 6:19); of God’s will, Eph. 1:9; of Christ, and of God, Col. 2:2; 4:3; of the faith, 1 Tim. 3:9; of the seven stars, Rev. 1:20. The mystery of God shall be finished, Rev. 10:7.