Tabering tapping. Nah. 2:7.
Tabernacle The tabernacle is often spoken of in the Epistle to the Hebrews (Heb. 8-9), the temporary character of which coincides with the character of the epistle, the saints being viewed as on earth; and this stands in greater contrast to the many “eternal” things treated of in the epistle. The Lord was the minister of the “true” tabernacle, and high priest of good things to come by a “greater and more perfect” tabernacle. Heb. 8:2; 9:11. The saints were further led away from the earthly tabernacle by the solemn warning: “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” Heb. 13:10; Christ was to supersede it all. Paul and Peter both beautifully apply the term “tabernacle” to their bodies, as only a temporary residence here. It is a symbol of temporary habitation. 2 Cor. 5:1,4; 2 Peter 1:13.
Tabernacles, Feast of {See Feasts.}
Tabitha A disciple at Joppa, who was full of good works and almsdeeds, and made garments for the poor. She fell sick and died; but as Peter prayed over her, life returned. Dorcas is the Greek for Tabitha, which means “a gazelle.” Acts 9:36-42.
Table tablet. Luke 1:63.
Table A symbol of communion, fellowship. Luke 22:30; 1 Cor. 10:21; Psa. 23:5; Lev. 24:6.
Tail A symbol of false prophets and false teaching. Isa. 9:14-15; Rev. 12:4.
Talent {See Money in Bible Subjects}
Talents A symbol of gifts for public service. Matt. 25:14-30.
Talitha “a damsel,” This is said to be a corrupt form of a Hebrew or Syriac word. The Syriac Testament has the same word in Luke 8:54. Mark 5:41.
Tares ζιζάυιον “darnel.” A noxious weed, which grows up tall and resembles wheat until the ear begins to be filled. The Arabs still call it “Zawan.” It is plentiful in Israel, and a source of anxiety to the growers of wheat. The seeds of this wheat-like grass are poisonous to man and beast and hurtful to all cereals. The women and children often pull up the darnel before the wheat is cut, others separate it after the wheat is cut, but before it is threshed. It is symbolical of Satan’s counterfeits brought into the kingdom. A symbol of religious but unsaved professors. Matt. 13:24-30.
Tarsus The capital of Cilicia in Asia Minor. It was “no mean city” of a Roman province. It was where Paul was born, and was at that time celebrated as a seat of learning. Paul visited Tarsus after his conversion, but we do not know the result. It has still some thousands of inhabitants. Acts 9:11,30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3.
Taxed, Taxing The Romans at times took a census simply of the people, and at other times they made a register of every one’s estate, dignity, age, employment, and office. The census in Luke is supposed to have been a census of persons only (carried out among the Jews in their own way as to house and lineage), and the one in Acts to have been a full census of property, etc. which led to rebellion. Luke 2:1-3,5; Acts 5:37.
Teacher διδάσκαλος. 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11. These are not often named; there were some at Antioch, Acts 13:1. Paul was appointed “a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity,” 1 Tim. 2:7. The Hebrew saints were chided because when they ought to have been teachers, they needed to be taught again the first principles — the A B C — of the oracles of God, Heb. 5:12. James cautioned his brethren against being many teachers: they should receive the greater judgment, “for we all often offend,” James 3:2. {See “Offices and Gifts in the Church”.}
Teeth
1. A symbol of cruelty.
2. A symbol of mischievous power. Dan. 7:5,7,19; Psa. 58:6.
Temperance self-control. Acts 24:25; Gal. 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6.
Tempest
1. A symbol of afflictions.
2. A symbol of judgment. Job 9:17; Psa. 11:6.
Temple
1. ίερόυ, from “sacred,” used for the courts of the temple. It embraced the place where the people came to worship, and where the Lord taught, Mark 12:35; Luke 20:1; John 8:20, etc.; also where they bought and sold, Matt. 21:12.
2. ναός, from “to dwell, inhabit,” and hence the house itself. It was here that Zacharias was visited by the angel (Luke 1:9,21-22), and is referred to in Matthew 23:16-17, 21. Matthew 27:5 presents a difficulty, because Judas is represented as casting the pieces of silver in the house itself, to which none had admission but the priests. Apparently he was repulsed by the chief priests and elders, and in his remorse may have thrown the money inside the holy place. Our Lord used the same word when He spake of His body, John 2:19. It is also used when the church is declared to be “the temple of God,” 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; the individual saint also is a “temple of the Holy Ghost,” 1 Cor. 6:19. The same word is employed for the place wherein Antichrist will sit, 2 Thess. 2:4. In the Revelation this same word is used in every mention of the temple. In Luke 11:51 it is literally “between the altar and the house.”
Temptation Used in the sense of
a. To make trial, test, prove, as when God “tempted” Abraham, Gen. 22:1; translated “try” in Hebrews 11:17. See also Rev. 2:2,10; 3:10.
b. “To tempt to evil,” as when the Lord was tempted by the devil, Matt. 4:1, etc.; as also the saints and all mankind are tempted, 1 Cor. 7:5; 1 Thess. 3:5.
c. “To tempt with an evil purpose,” as when the scribes and Pharisees sought to catch our Lord in His replies, Matt. 16:1; 19:3, etc..
d. “Putting to the proof,” as when Peter said to Sapphira, “How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?” Acts 5:9; see also Acts 15:10; 1 Cor. 10:9; Heb. 3:9.
e. Another form of temptation is when it comes from within, when one is driven away of his own lusts, James 1:13-14. The Lord was tempted in all points like as we are, except this, from within, Heb. 4:15. This form of temptation is from indwelling sin, temptations do not give a bad conscience if they are resisted, as they were by the Lord. He succours those that are tempted, Heb. 2:18. Satan is emphatically the Tempter, Matt. 4:3; 1 Thess. 3:5.
Ten Symbol of full responsibility. Matt. 25:1; Rev. 17:12,16.
Tetrarch τετράρχης, strictly a Roman who governed the fourth part of a divided province, but also used for the governor of a small state. Herod Antipas was tetrarch of Galilee. Matt. 14:1; Luke 3:1,19; 9:7; Acts 13:1. Herod Philip was tetrarch of Ituaear and Trachonitis; Lysanius of Abilene.
The Apple Tree figures the Bridegroom in the Canticles. The fruit was rich, juicy, and beautiful. The “apple” of Scripture must not be confounded with the well-known fruit of that name so familiar to us.
Theatre A place used for public games, etc. but which was available for any public assembly. Acts 19:29,31. They were of a circular form with tiers of seats, and were open to the heavens.
TheophilusThe Christian to whom Luke addressed his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, of whom nothing more is known. Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1. The term “most excellent” is the same as applied to governors of provinces. See Acts 23:26; 26:25.
Thessalonica A city in the S.E. of Macedonia. It was so named by Cassander, in honour of Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great. It was visited by Paul on his second and third missionary journeys, and to the Thessalonians two epistles are addressed. Acts 17:1,11,13; 27:2; Phil. 4:16; 2 Tim. 4:10. It is now called Salonika, and, next to Constantinople, is one of the most important cities in European Turkey.
Theudas One who set himself up to be somebody and drew people after him; he was slain and his followers scattered. Cited as a proof that what is not of God comes to naught. Acts 5:36.
Thighs A symbol of strength. Dan. 2:32; Gen. 32:25; Psa. 45:3.
Thomas One of the twelve apostles, also called Didymus, a twin. It was he who said to the Lord, “We know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?” To which Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Thomas also declared that he would not believe that the Lord had risen until he had seen and felt the marks of His wounds; but when he saw the Lord he at once confessed Him as “My Lord and my God.” He was not with the other disciples when the Lord breathed on them and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost,” and seems to be type of the future remnant who will not believe till they see the Lord. Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; John 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-29; 21:2; Acts 1:13.
Thorn There are several varieties of thorns in Israel, some of which grow into trees. Matt. 7:16; 13:7,22; 27:29, etc. In reference to the “crown of thorns,” there is a species called by the Arabs nebk or nabka, which has soft and pliant branches, easily twisted, but with sharp spines that would give much pain. The word for the “thorn in the flesh” given to Paul is used for anything sharp, as a pointed stick, or spine of a thorn. Apparently its effect was something that made him appear contemptible to the gainsayers, 2 Cor. 10:10.
1. A symbol of what is generally unprofitable. Heb. 6:8; Matt. 13:7.
2. A symbol of God’s instruments in chastening His people, of painful discipline. 2 Cor. 12:7; Num. 33:55.
Thought literally anxious thought. Matt. 6:25-34.
Thousands of Thousands A symbol of countless myriads. Rev. 5:11; Dan. 7:10.
Three Symbol of adequate testimony. Luke 13:7; 1 John 5:7-8.
Threshing Corn is threshed in the East either by oxen treading over it (which is spoken of in 1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18), or by a small flat cart, in the bottom of which spikes are placed. These tear the straw into pieces ready for the cattle as food, the corn falling beneath the straw. He that thresheth does it in hope of obtaining the corn, 1 Cor. 9:10; as the apostle hoped to reap the fruit of his labours. See Gal. 6:9.
Throne Heaven is God’s throne. Matt. 5:34; 23:22; Acts 7:49. The Lord Jesus is sitting upon the throne of God — upon His Father’s throne, Heb. 8:1; 12:2. The twelve apostles will sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30. The Lord Jesus will have a throne, and the faithful are to sit with Him on His throne (marvellous grace!) Rev. 3:21. In the Revelation the throne of God is repeatedly spoken of, and around the throne the four and twenty elders sit upon thrones (not “seats,” as in the A.V.), Rev. 4:4; 11:16. Satan gives a throne (seat in the A.V.) to the Roman beast, Rev. 13:2. The Great White Throne of judgment will be set to declare the final doom of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11). A symbol of a seat of established authority. Isa. 66:1; Matt. 25:31; Rev. 4.
Thunder Symbol of God’s voice in judgment. Rev. 10:3-4; Psa. 29:3.
Thyatira Situated in Lydia in the west of Asia Minor, a day’s journey S.E. of Pergamos. Acts 16:14; Rev. 1:11; 2:18,24. It is still a town called Ak-hissar, where are many ruins. {See Ephesus.}
Thyine Wood θύἴνος. It is only mentioned in Revelation 18:12, and was at one time the most valuable of woods. A close-grained wood giving a fragrant smell especially when burnt. It was also used for decorative purposes. It has been identified as the “citron,” a native of Africa, and a wood greatly prized by the Romans.
Tiberias A city on the west shore of the Lake of Gennesaret, a little south of the center. It was founded by Herod Antipas, and named after the emperor Tiberius (the lake sometimes being called by the same name). It became the capital of the province of Galilee. It was classed by the Jews, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed, as one of their four holy cities, renowned as seats of learned men. John 6:1,23. It is now called Tubariyeh, and has a population of about 3,000.
Timon One of the seven chosen to attend to the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem. Acts 6:5.
Timothy, Timotheus A young disciple whom Paul met at Lystra or Derbe, though apparently he had been converted previously through Paul’s ministry, for he calls him his child. Though his mother and grandmother were devout Jewesses, his father was a Greek, and Paul, wishing to take Timothy with him, circumcised him, that the Jews should have no valid ground of objection against him. He was frequently with Paul in his journeys, as recorded in the Acts, and fulfilled commissions for the apostle. Paul associates Timothy with himself in several of his epistles, and writes two epistles directly to him. He declared that he had no one like-minded but Timothy, and his love for him was great. We gather from the instructions Paul gives him, as to bishops (overseers) and deacons, that he was a sort of delegate to lay his hands on such. Timothy had his share of suffering and imprisonment, for we read in Hebrews 13:23 that he was set at liberty. Tradition records that he died a martyr. Acts 16:1; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Phil. 2:19; etc.
Tire head-dress. Ezek. 24:17.
Tire, to to adorn. 2 Kings 9:30.
Tithe Under the law the tenth part of the increase of the flock and of the fruits of the ground was devoted to the service of the sanctuary, Lev. 27:30; but giving tithes was practiced earlier than the law. Gen. 14:20; 28:20-22; Matt. 23:23; Luke 18:12; Heb. 7:5-6,8-9.
Titus A Gentile convert who, though he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, was not circumcised. He was associated with Paul in his dealing with the Corinthians, and he styles him partner, or companion, and fellow helper. He was Paul’s “own son after the common faith,” and was left by the apostle in Crete with authority to establish elders in every city. Paul wrote an epistle to him on the subject of maintenance of order in the church. 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6,13-14; 8:6,16,23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1,3; 2 Tim. 4:10; Titus 1:4.
Tongue(s) The gift of speaking “in other tongues” was given to the apostles at Pentecost, somewhat over-riding in grace the confusion of tongues in Genesis 11:7. It was a sign to the gathered multitude, Acts 2:4-11. At the conversion of Cornelius the Gentiles also spake with tongues, and magnified God, Acts 10:45-46. There was also the gift of tongues at Ephesus, and in the assembly at Corinth, 1 Cor. 14. These tongues were to cease, 1 Cor. 13: 8, while all the gifts needful for the spread of the gospel, and the perfecting of the saints remain, Eph. 4:11-13.
1. A symbol of speech.
2. A symbol of remorse and torment.
3. A symbol of mere profession. Prov. 12:18; Luke 16:24; 1 John 3:18.
Topaz τοπάζιον Supposed to be a transparent stone of greenish-yellow colour. Rev. 21:20. Occurs in the LXX in Exodus 28:17; 36:17; Job 28:19; Psalm 118:127(119:127); Ezekiel 28:13. {See “Chalcedony.”}
Tortoise The amphibious animal known as the tortoise is common in Israel, and its flesh and eggs are equally sought after for food. It is generally understood that some species of “lizard” is meant in the passage in Leviticus. Lev. 11:29.
Tower A symbol of safety. Psa. 61:3; Prov. 18:10; 2 Sam. 22:51.
Town clerk γοαμματεύς, from γοάμμα, “a scribe,” secretary, recorder. Acts 19:35.
Trachonitis The N.E. portion of the province of Philip, about 33° N. and 36° 30' E. Luke 3:1. It is now called El-Lejeh.
Trance State of being beyond one’s self, “ecstasy.” Acts 10:10; 11:5; 22:17.
Transfigured, Transformed
1. μετασχηματίζω, “to change in fashion or form,” spoken of Satan and his ministers who transform themselves so as to deceive, 2 Cor. 11:13-15.
2. μεταμορφόω, used for the Lord being “transfigured,” Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2; and for the Christian being “transformed” by the renewing of his mind (Rom. 12:2), and “changed” by beholding the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3:18.
Travail A symbol of anguish of spirit and great anxiety. Jer. 4:31; Rom. 8:22; Gal. 4:19.
Travel travail. Lam. 3:5.
Trees Symbol of eminent men or systems. Matt. 13:32; Ezek. 31:5,9; Rev. 8:7; Dan. 4.
Tribulation, Great In Matthew 24:21 a great tribulation is spoken of, such as had not been, nor ever shall be, which by the context refers to the Jews. See Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1; yet Gentiles will be affected by it, for in Revelation 7:14, a great multitude of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues have come out of the great tribulation that will then have come upon the world. There is a threat of “great tribulation” in the address to the church in Thyatira, Rev. 2:22, doubtless general, not the same as “the great tribulation,” which is specific, and immediately precedes the Lord’s appearing.
Tribute
1. The tax payable to Rome by the Jews. Matt. 17:24; 22:17,19; Luke 20:22; 23:2; Rom. 13:6-7.
2. Two drachma, valued about 1S. 3½d. the tribute for the temple, Matt. 17:24, to pay which the Lord wrought a miracle.
Troas On the coast of Mysia, a little south of 40° N. called on the map Alexandria Troas. It was the port from which Paul sailed when he first visited Europe. It is now called Eski-Stamboul, where are many ruins. Acts 16:8,11; 20:5-6; 2 Cor. 2:12; 2 Tim. 4:13.
Trogyllium A town on the western coast of Asia Minor between Ephesus and Miletus in the Aegean Sea. Acts 20:15.
Trophimus A Gentile convert who at times accompanied Paul. On the occasion of the great tumult at Jerusalem, when Paul was arrested, the Jews falsely charged him with having taken Trophimus into the temple. When Paul wrote his second Epistle to Timothy, he had left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim. 4:20.
Trow judge. Luke 17:9.
Trumpet A symbol of loud and public summons. Zech. 9:14; Rev. 8:2; Jer. 51:27; Joel 2:1,15; Isa. 27:13. The trump of 1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52, will sound for Christians only.
Tryphena and Tryphosa Paul sends salutations to these women with the honourable description, “who labour in the Lord.” Rom. 16:12.
Turtle turtle dove. Jer. 8:7.
Turtledoves A species of pigeon. They were so common in Israel that the poor could offer a pair of them for a sacrifice, and such were offered when the Lord was presented in the temple. Luke 2:24.
Tutor guardian. Gal. 4:2.
Twelve Symbol of administrative perfection. Matt. 19:28; Rev. 12:1.
Two Symbol of testimony. Mark 6:7; Rev. 11:4.
Tychicus A companion of Paul, whom he styles “a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord,” and who was sent on various commissions by the apostle. Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12.
Tyre often associated with Sidon. Luke 6:17; 10:13-14; Acts 21:3,7. In O.T. times an ancient and renowned seaport in Phoenice, about 33° 15' N. It was fearfully denounced by the prophets, and has suffered many sieges. A prophecy said, “I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. ... thou shalt be no more: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord God,” Ezek. 26:4,21. All travellers tell of the complete destruction of old Tyre. New Tyre is represented by a miserable village; an earthquake has shattered the larger houses, and they are now deserted. Its name is now Sur or Soor.