Bible Dictionary

ABNER “father of light.” Son of Ner, Saul’s uncle, he was the king’s cousin (1 Sam. 14:51). He was the general of Saul’s army when David killed Goliath, and he introduced David to Saul (1

ABOMINATION This word is used in the OT in reference to any iniquity as considered by God. It also designates what was not appropriate for the service of God, such as animals with defects presented

ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION This expression is found in Dn. 11:31; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; Mr. 13:14. It is therefore related to the great tribulation mentioned by the Lord in the Gospel passages. Daniel’s prophecy had a

ABORTION The laws of the Ancient East (Babylonian and Assyrian) punished when a pregnant woman was mistreated, distinguishing various shades of punishment, depending on the consequences suffered by the injured woman. The Code of Hammurabi

ABRAHAM (ABRAM) = «Father of elevation». His name was altered by God, who called him ABRAHAM. There is no known etymological explanation for the change from Abram to Abraham. The text comments on this change

ABRAHAM’S SIDE Expression used by the Lord Jesus himself in Luke. 16:22, designating the abode of the rescued souls after death, that is, Paradise. The Jews thought about the happiness of the welcome that Abraham,

ABSALOM “father of peace.” Third son of David. He was notable for his beauty and for the abundance of his hair (2 Sam. 1:25, 26). Amnon, another son of David, fell in love with his

ABYSS Greek, “abyssos” = “bottomless.” Term used in the LXX version to translate the Hebrew word meaning “depth.” In the Old Testament it means the universal sea that enveloped everything that existed, heaven and earth.

ACACIA There are several types that grow in Egypt and Palestine, the most common being “Acacia seyal”. Its wood was extensively used in the construction of the tabernacle, and also the ark, the table of

ACACIA “acacias.” (a) Important Israelite camp in the fields of Moab, east of the Jordan, opposite Jericho (Num. 22:1; 25:1). After the defeat of Sihon and Og, the Israelites transported the camp from Pisgah to