Bible Dictionary

ANAKITES “long neck”. People of tall stature, who inhabited Canaan. The expeditionaries sent by the Israelites to explore the land they were to occupy came alarmed when they saw these giants, who in Hebrew were

ANANIAS (Greek form of Hebrew “hananya”, “God is merciful”). Names of several people, especially: (a) Member of the primitive community of Jerusalem, died suddenly with his wife Sapphira for having withheld a part of the

ANATHEMA This is an untranslated Greek word in most passages (Rom. 9:3; 1 Cor. 12:3; 16:22; Gal. 1:8, 9). In Acts. 23:14 is translated “curse.” The solemn passage of 1 Cor. 16:22 says: “Whoever does

ANATOT “answers”. (a) Benjamite, son of Becher (1 Chron. 7:8). (b) One of the chiefs of the people who sealed the covenant of Nehemiah (Neh. 10:19). (c) A city assigned to the priests in the

ANCHOR The anchors used by the ancients somewhat resembled modern ones in shape, as can be seen on some coins. When Paul was heading to Rome, he needed four anchors to secure the ship (Acts

ANDREW “manly”. Born in Bethsaida, brother of Simón Pedro, and fisherman. He became part of the twelve apostles. He had been a disciple of John, but upon hearing him say “Behold the Lamb of God!”,

ANDRONICUS “conqueror of men.” Christian of Rome, “relative and companion in captivity” of Paul, like Junias, and “highly esteemed among the apostles”; Christian before Paul himself; He sends him greetings (Rom. 16:7).

ANGEL The words “malac” (Heb.) and “angelos” (Gr.) mean “messenger.” Thus intelligent spiritual beings are designated, slightly superior to man (cp. Ps. 8:6; Heb. 2:7), who are constantly mentioned in the Scriptures as messengers of

ANGEL (Metaphorically) The term angel is used metaphorically of a mystical representative. When Peter was released from prison and knocked on the door, those who had been praying for his release said, “He will be

ANGEL OF THE LORD Every angel that God sends to carry out his orders could be called the angel of the Lord (2 Sam. 24:16; 1 Kings 19:5, 7). But the mysterious being called “the