– A –

Abandoned (forsaken, friendless, left alone, orphaned, rejected)

When you are left to your own resources or devices and feel as if no one cares about you; when you withdraw your support from a person or a cause

Deuteronomy 4:31. He will never abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6. He goes ahead of you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:5. He will never abandon you.

Joshua 24:20. A warning against abandoning the Lord

Psalm 27:10. A place to go, even if those closest to you abandon you

Abase/Abasement (humbled, rejecting prestige, giving up pride)

A lowering of rank; voluntarily humbling yourself for the sake of someone greater

Genesis 18:1–2. Abraham’s abasement

Ezra 9:5. Ezra’s self-abasement

Philippians 4:12. Paul knew how to abase himself.

Abhorrence (disgust, hatred, repugnance)

A feeling of disgust or repugnance for a person or object

Leviticus 26:11. God will not abhor His people.

1 Chronicles 21:6. Joab’s abhorrence for David’s command

Job 19:19. Job’s friends’ abhorrence for him

Psalm 119:163. Lying is an abhorrence to God.

Isaiah 66:24. What happens to the disobedient

Ability(ies) (gift, talent)

The quality of being able to do something

Exodus 28:3. God gives people abilities.

Deuteronomy 8:17–18. Don’t count on your abilities; count on God.

1 Chronicles 26:8. Our abilities help us serve.

Proverbs 18:20. Abilities help provide for your life

Daniel 5:12. Some abilities are special.

Matthew 25:15. Given money according to abilities

Abolish (destroy, do away with, end, set aside)

When you annul or end something, i.e., a law, a kingdom

Isaiah 2:18. God promises one day to abolish idols.

Daniel 11:31. A prophecy of the future describes the end of daily sacrifices.

Hosea 2:18. God will one day abolish war.

Micah 5:14. God will abolish sites dedicated to idols.

Matthew 5:17. What Jesus did not come to do

Abomination (disgusting, unclean, unholy)

An item of disgust

Genesis 43:32. Some food is an abomination to others.

Exodus 8:26. An abomination to the Egyptians

Leviticus 11:10. What not to eat

Daniel 9:27. Abomination of a future ruler

Matthew 24:15. Jesus confirms Daniel’s message.

Abortion (killing, life, murder)

The termination of a pregnancy that results in the death of the fetus

Genesis 1:26. Made in God’s image

Genesis 4:8–10. Innocent blood calls to God.

Exodus 1:16. Murder is the same before or after birth.

Exodus 21:22. It is a crime to destroy life before birth.

2 Chronicles 28:3. God judges nations that kill children.

Psalm 139:13–16. Alive and loved in the womb

Isaiah 49:1, 5. Called and known by God

Jeremiah 1:5. God forms the child.

Abound (abundant, increase)

To flourish; to increase in number

Genesis 1:20. Let the creatures increase.

Psalm 4:7. Joy comes when resources abound.

Psalm 72:7. Increase of peace

2 Corinthians 9:8. Grace abounds.

Philippians 1:9. Let love abound.

Abrahamic covenant (promise)

A series of promises God made with Abraham and his descendants

Genesis 12:2. First promise

Genesis 12:7. Second promise

Genesis 13:15. Third promise

Genesis 15:4–5. Fourth promise

Genesis 17:2–8. Fifth promise

Genesis 18:10. Sixth promise

Absent (away, dead, not present)

The state of being away from a group; dead or imprisoned

Proverbs 10:19. Sin is not absent.

2 Corinthians 10:11. Paul’s defends his actions when present and absent.

2 Corinthians 13:2. Warnings during absence

Philippians 2:12. Paul reminds the Philippians to remain obedient—not just when Paul is present.

Colossians 2:5. Absent in body, present in spirit

Absolute (unlimited, unrestricted)

Not limited or restricted

Psalm 147:5. Unlimited understanding

Song of Solomon 7:6. Absolute beauty

Ezekiel 43:12. Absolute holiness

Matthew 20:25. Absolute power

John 5:22. Absolute authority to judge

Absolutes (moral thinking, complete in itself, perfect, set apart, ultimate)

A belief system that adheres to a moral code; the ultimate basis of thought; something completely independent of something else

Genesis 18:19. Do what is right.

Deuteronomy 5:20. There is truth.

John 14:6. Jesus is truth.

1 Timothy 5:1–2. Morally pure

1 John 4:8. God is love.

Absolution (seek or grant forgiveness, make peace)

To absolve a wrongdoing; seeking forgiveness through an offering made

Exodus 29:14. Seek absolution with an offering

Exodus 30:10. Aaron seeks absolution for Israel’s sins.

Leviticus 4:3. Absolution for a priest

Numbers 19:17. Red cow as absolution for sin

1 Samuel 15:25. Saul begs Samuel for absolution.

Abstinence (avoidance of indulging, resistance)

To abstain from sex, drinking, or drugs

Exodus 19:15. Abstinence is a must when preparing to go before the Lord.

Numbers 6:3. Nazirites must abstain from wine.

1 Samuel 1:14. Eli warns Hannah to abstain from drinking.

Song of Solomon 3:5. Keep away from premarital sex.

Acts 15:20. Warnings from the apostles

Abundance (plentiful)

Something that is great in number; an increase

Genesis 41:29. Abundant harvest in Egypt

Deuteronomy 33:19. Abundance God promises

1 Chronicles 29:16. Offering abundance to God

Psalm 49:6. Wealth in plenty

John 10:10. The abundant life

Abuse (mistreatment)

Hurting or injuring someone with words or actions

Deuteronomy 28:33. Promise of abuse to come

Proverbs 9:7. When offering correction

Proverbs 22:10. How to stop abuse

Amos 4:1. Amos rebukes abusive women.

1 Corinthians 4:12. What to do when verbally abused

Abyss (bottomless pit)

The pit reserved for Satan and demons

Luke 8:31. Where demons are sent

Revelation 9:1. Key to the abyss

Revelation 9:1–11. A vision of dark times to come

Revelation 11:7. The beast from the bottomless pit

Revelation 17:1–8. The beast from the bottomless pit

Revelation 20:1–3. The power of one angel over the abyss

Acacia (tree)

A tree the wood of which was often used in building

Exodus 25:10. Making the ark of the covenant

Exodus 26:37. Making the tabernacle

Exodus 30:1. God’s plan for the altar of incense

Exodus 35:24. Contributions for the tabernacle

Exodus 36:20. Building the tabernacle

Exodus 37:1. Craftsmen shape the acacia.

Deuteronomy 10:3. Moses remembers

Isaiah 41:19. A promise of restoration

Acceptable (adequate, pleasing, satisfactory)

Worthy of being accepted

Exodus 5:8. Unacceptable in brick making

Exodus 30:15. Acceptable lives

Judges 6:17. Gideon inquires about his acceptability.

1 Samuel 18:26. An acceptable son-in-law

1 Chronicles 6:49. Acceptable to God

2 Chronicles 36:21. Acceptable land

Psalm 19:4. Acceptable words

Acceptance (approval, inclusion, recognition)

Having favor or approval; coming to a point of belief

Leviticus 23:11. Waiting for acceptance

Isaiah 60:7. Acceptance at God’s altar

Romans 11:15. Acceptance of Gentiles

1 Timothy 1:15. A statement worthy of acceptance

1 Timothy 4:8–9. Paul urges Timothy to accept the truth of godly living.

Access (admission, approach, entrance)

A way of approaching

2 Kings 25:19. Access to the king

Esther 1:3. Access to Xerxes

Jeremiah 52:25. Taking the people with access to the king

Amos 5:12. Denial of access

Zechariah 3:7. Free access

Accident(s) (calamity, collision, mishap, mistake)

An unexpected event that causes problems

Exodus 21:13. A place to go in case of an accidental slaying

Joshua 20:6. A place to go in the event of an accidental slaying

1 Samuel 6:9. God’s doing or an accident?

2 Kings 1:2. A terrible accident

1 Corinthians 4:9. How bearers of the gospel sometimes feel

Acclaim/Accolades (approval, applause, fame, praise)

Public praise

1 Chronicles 29:2. Solomon’s acclaim

Psalm 89:15. People are blessed who acclaim the Lord.

Isaiah 24:14. The Lord’s acclaim

Luke 4:15. Approving Jesus

Accommodate/Accommodation(s) (lodging)

Something that meets a need; providing room for someone

Genesis 24:23. Abraham’s servant seeks the right accommodations.

Genesis 26:22. God accommodates Isaac and Abimelech.

Genesis 34:21. The men of Shechem are fooled by the accommodating Israelites.

Isaiah 26:15. Stretching the borders

Accomplishment(s) (achievement, success, triumph)

Something completed successfully

1 Kings 10:6–7. The queen of Sheba praises Solomon’s accomplishments.

2 Kings 10:34. Jehu’s heroic acts

Ecclesiastes 2:11. Nothing gained from accomplishments

Ecclesiastes 9:1. People and accomplishments are in God’s hands.

2 Corinthians 10:16. Not boasting in another man’s accomplishments

Galatians 6:4. Proud of accomplishments

Accountability (answering to, liability, responsibility)

Taking account of one’s actions; answerable to another party for one’s actions

Ezekiel 3:18. Held accountable for failure to warn

Ezekiel 33:6. Watchman accountable

Daniel 6:2. Satraps accountable

Matthew 23:35. Pharisees and teachers of the law held accountable

Matthew 23:36. Others held accountable

Accountants (auditors, bookkeepers)

Those who keep or audit records

Esther 6:1. A king consults his staff about the records.

Matthew 18:24. Servants give an account.

Matthew 25:19. Settling accounts

Accuracy (correctness, exactness, precision)

Being careful or exact; not making mistakes

Deuteronomy 25:15. Use accurate weights

Proverbs 11:1. Accuracy is pleasing to God.

Proverbs 22:21. Give an accurate report.

Acts 18:25. Accurate teaching

Acts 23:15. Faking a need for accuracy

Accusation (allegation, charge, indictment)

A charge of wrongdoing

Ezra 4:6. Enemies’ accusations against the Israelites

Psalm 52:4. An enemy who loves to accuse

Matthew 18:16. What to do when accused

Matthew 27:37. An accusation against Jesus

John 18:29. Pilate demands to know the Jews’ accusation of Jesus.

Acts 22:30. The Jews’ accusation of Paul

Accuser (allegation, charge, indictment)

Someone who accuses someone of wrongdoing or shortcoming

Job 1:6. Satan accuses Job.

Job 31:35. Job defends himself against his accuser.

Psalm 109:6. What to do when accused

Isaiah 50:8. Vindication before accusers

Zechariah 3:1. Satan seeks to accuse Joshua the priest.

Achievements (accomplishments, feats, triumphs)

Results gained by effort; great or heroic deeds

1 Kings 15:23. Asa’s achievements

1 Kings 16:5. Baasha’s achievements

2 Kings 10:34. Jehu’s achievements

Proverbs 31:31. Reward for achievements

Ecclesiastes 4:4. Meaningless achievements

Acknowledgment (credit, greeting, recognition)

Admitting the rightness of or praising the actions of someone

Deuteronomy 33:9. Lack of acknowledgment from the tribe of Levi

1 Samuel 11:14. Acknowledgment of Saul as king

Hosea 4:1. Failure to acknowledge God

Hosea 6:6. God wants to be acknowledged.

Titus 1:1. Paul acknowledges the truth.

Philemon 6. Acknowledgment of good

Acquiescing (agreeing, complying, yielding)

To agree with or yield to someone without protest

2 Samuel 12:12–13. David acquiesces to Nathan’s accusation.

Matthew 5:40. Jesus preaches acquiescence.

Matthew 26:42. Jesus acquiesces to the Father’s plan.

Acquittal (discharge, exoneration, freedom, release)

Setting free from the charge of an offense

Exodus 23:7. No acquittal for the guilty

Isaiah 53:11. We are acquitted, thanks to God’s righteous servant.

Jeremiah 26:16. Jeremiah is acquitted.

Micah 6:11. No acquittal for a dishonest man.

Romans 3:27. We are acquitted by faith.

Acrostic (poem)

A poem with lines the first letters of which form a word or name or follow a pattern (i.e., the Hebrew alphabet)

Psalm 25. An acrostic prayer for mercy

Psalm 34. An acrostic of praise to God for His help

Psalm 37. An acrostic of wisdom

Psalm 119. An acrostic on the value of God’s Word

Psalm 145. An acrostic of praise for God’s character and deeds

Proverbs 31:10–31. An acrostic to a virtuous woman

Action(s) (achievement, battle, deed, work)

Performing an act or engaging in battle; usually a plea for God’s assistance or for people to obey God in some way

1 Kings 8:31–32. A call to take action against the guilty

Ezra 10:4. A call to righteous action

Ezekiel 8:18. God will act against idol worshipers.

Daniel 11:28. A prophecy of a future war

Luke 12:35. Be ready when Jesus returns.

1 Peter 1:13. Peter urges believers to be ready to act according to their faith.

Adapting (changing, conforming, modifying)

To change one’s behavior according to a situation, climate, or to obey a rule; a hereditary change

Genesis 3:17–19. Because of the curse, Adam and Eve’s descendants will be forced to adapt.

Leviticus 25:1–2. Festival adaptations

Deuteronomy 18:19. God warns against changing in the way of the Canaanites.

Judges 2:10–12. An evil adaptation

Adequacy (competence, satisfactoriness, sufficiency)

Sufficiency to meet a need

Deuteronomy 1:15. The adequacy of officials

1 Samuel 6:4. Adequate compensation

Ecclesiastes 5:18. Tools for an adequate life

1 Corinthians 2:3–4. Paul is totally inadequate?

2 Corinthians 2:16. Who is adequate?

Adhesive (glue)

A substance providing adhesion

Genesis 11:3. Tar used as mortar

Exodus 2:3. To seal a water vessel

Daniel 2:43. Lack of adhesion

Administration (government, management, organization)

Management of business affairs; the activity of a sovereign state in the exercise of its powers or duties

1 Kings 4:1–28. Solomon’s administration

Nehemiah 2:16. Nehemiah bypasses the administration.

1 Corinthians 12:28. The gift of administration

2 Corinthians 9:12. The administration of this service

Ephesians 3:2–3. Administration of God’s grace

Admirable (estimable, venerable, worthy)

Something or someone deserving admiration

Genesis 32:10. Jacob doubts that he’s worth admiring.

Esther 1:19. Vashti is replaced by someone more admirable.

Psalm 106:2. The Lord is admirable.

Matthew 6:16. Is fasting admirable?

Philippians 4:8. Think about what is admirable.

Admonish (caution, rebuke, reprimand)

Gently reprove

Psalm 81:8. God admonishes His people.

Romans 15:14. Admonish one another.

Colossians 3:16. Admonish one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:12. Respect those who admonish you.

2 Thessalonians 3:15. Respect those who admonish you.

Admonitions (advice, reproofs, warnings)

Advice or warning

Malachi 2:1. Admonition for priests

1 Corinthians 10:11. Paul’s admonition

Ephesians 6:4. Warning for fathers

Titus 3:10. Reject a divisive man.

Adolescence (childhood, puberty, youth)

The period of development from puberty to maturity

Genesis 21:8–10. Problems during Isaac’s adolescence

Genesis 37:3. Joseph reaps trouble with his brothers during his adolescence.

2 Kings 2:23. Elisha jeered by adolescents.

Ecclesiastes 12:1. Adolescence is a time to remember God.

Luke 2:52. Jesus’ adolescence

1 Corinthians 10:1–11. What Paul gave up as he grew older

Adoption (acceptance, embracing)

Taking someone into your family

Romans 8:15. God’s adopted children

Romans 8:23. Waiting for adoption

Romans 9:4. Adoption as sons

Galatians 4:4–5. What Jesus did to bring about our adoption

Ephesians 1:5. Jesus freely chose to adopt us.

Adoration (adulation, love, worship)

The act of worshiping or honoring God; the act of regarding someone with love and devotion

1 Chronicles 29:11. David’s adoration of God

Psalm 45:11. Adore your king—the Lord

Psalm 139:14. Worship in adoration

Song of Solomon 1:4. Adoration of the bridegroom

Adornment (clothing, embellishment, raiment)

To clothe or adorn a person or thing

Job 40:10. God challenges Job to adorn himself.

Psalm 144:12. Children are adornments.

Proverbs 1:9. Wisdom as an adornment

Isaiah 60:13. Adorning the sanctuary

Adulterer(s) (adultery, sinner, unfaithful)

One who commits adultery

Leviticus 20:10. What the law says about adulterers

Job 24:15. Adultery under cover of night

Proverbs 5:3–4. An adulterous woman

John 8:3–4. Woman caught in adultery

Romans 7:3. Who is an adulterer?

Hebrews 13:4. Judging the adulterer

Adultery (disloyalty, infidelity, sexual sin)

A relationship between a married person and a person to whom he or she is not married

Exodus 20:14. One of the Ten Commandments

2 Samuel 11:2–5. David and Bathsheba

Psalm 50:18. God rebukes the wicked.

Proverbs 6:32. The destruction of adultery

Proverbs 30:20. The way of an adulterous woman

Jeremiah 3:8. The adultery of Israel and Judah

Advantage (benefit, gain, profit)

Benefiting or profiting, sometimes at the expense of another

Exodus 22:22. Avoid taking advantage of widows and orphans.

Leviticus 25:14. Sellers to avoid taking advantage

Leviticus 25:17. Fear God, instead of taking advantage.

Nehemiah 5:15. Using power to take unfair advantage of others

Job 24:21. Men who take advantage

Proverbs 16:26. Hunger works to your advantage.

Advent (arrival, beginning, coming)

A coming or arrival; the four Sundays before Christmas commemorating Jesus’ arrival

Isaiah 7:14. The Savior will be born of a virgin.

Isaiah 9:6. A child will come—the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 53:2–4. A Savior born to die

Micah 5:2. The Savior will be born in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:10. Angels announce Jesus’ advent.

Adversity (calamity, hardship, trouble)

Hardship or affliction

Deuteronomy 29:21. Separated for adversity

2 Samuel 4:9. Redeemed from adversity

2 Samuel 12:11. Adversity is the result of adultery.

Proverbs 17:17. A friend in adversity

Isaiah 30:20. Bread of adversity

Advice (counsel, guidance, recommendation)

An opinion given about what could be done to solve a problem

Exodus 18:19. Jethro’s advice for Moses

Numbers 24:14. Balaam’s advice for Balak

Judges 20:7. A Levite seeks advice.

2 Samuel 15:31. Ahithophel’s advice

1 Kings 12:6. Rehoboam seeks advice.

2 Kings 1:3. Consequences of seeking the wrong advice

Advocate (backer, helper, supporter)

Someone who pleads the case of someone else.

1 Samuel 24:15. God as David’s advocate

Job 16:19. Job’s advocate

John 14:26. The Holy Spirit as Advocate

1 John 2:1. Our Advocate—Jesus

Affectation (artifice, mannerism, pretentiousness)

A pretense; artificial behavior

Isaiah 29:13. Wrong worship is really an affectation.

Jeremiah 3:10. Judah’s return is an affectation.

Matthew 6:1–2. Good deeds as affectations

Matthew 23:5. Affectations of the Pharisees

Affection (fondness, love)

Tender feeling toward someone

Deuteronomy 7:7. The Lord’s affection

Esther 2:9. Esther wins the king’s affection.

2 Corinthians 9:14. Affection of the Christian community

2 Timothy 3:2–4. In the last days, some people will lack affection for others.

2 Peter 1:5–7. Add affection.

Affirmation (avowal, encouragement)

The act of affirming someone; a positive statement or judgment; a solemn declaration

2 Kings 23:3. The people affirm God’s Word.

Romans 3:8. The wrong thing to affirm

1 Corinthians 15:31. Paul’s affirmation

1 Timothy 1:7. What false teachers affirm

James 1:25. Where affirmation can be found

Affliction (see Disease; Sickness)

Affluence (see Prosperity; Wealth)

Agape (communion, love)

Greek word for “unconditional love”

John 15:13. The greatest love

John 21:15–16. Jesus asks about Peter’s love

1 Corinthians 11:21, 33. The love feast

2 Peter 2:13. False teachers wrongly take part in the love feasts.

1 John 2:5. Agape perfected

Age (era, epoch, time; mature, old)

The length of one’s existence; a period of time in history

Genesis 15:15. God promises that Abraham would live to an old age.

Genesis 25:7–8. God keeps his promise.

Leviticus 19:32. Respect the aged.

Judges 2:8. Joshua dies of old age.

1 Samuel 2:32. Living to old age is a privilege that God can revoke.

Esther 9:28. Purim to be celebrated through the ages

Psalm 71:18. Praising God in one’s old age

Luke 1:36. An elderly woman is pregnant.

Titus 1:2–3. A message for every era

Agony (anguish, pain, suffering)

Intense mental or physical pain

Nehemiah 9:36–37. The Levites express the agony of their people.

Psalm 116:3–5. A psalmist praises God for deliverance from agony.

Jeremiah 51:54. A prophecy about the future suffering of the Babylonians

Matthew 24:30. Agony at the second coming

Matthew 27:45–46. The Savior in agony on the cross

Revelation 12:1–2. Prophecy of the end times

Agreement (accord, harmony, union)

A union of opinions; acting with one accord; a legally binding contract

Genesis 21:27. Abraham’s agreement with Abimelech

Genesis 31:43–44. Laban and Jacob agree to part peacefully.

Deuteronomy 32:31. Even enemies should agree that God is dependable.

Joshua 24:24–25. The people of Israel agree to serve God.

Ruth 3:13. Naomi cautions waiting for Boaz to agree to become Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer.

Matthew 1:19. Engagement is an agreement as binding as a marriage.

Agriculture (cultivation, farming, gardening)

The act of farming

Genesis 26:12. Isaac’s crops blessed by God

Genesis 41:5–7. Pharaoh’s dream about a rich harvest before a famine

Exodus 9:31–32. Crops in Egypt destroyed by the plague of hail

Exodus 23:16. Harvest festival

Leviticus 19:9–10. Grain to be left in fields for the poor

Air (atmosphere, sky, space)

The atmosphere; mixture of nitrogen and oxygen

Genesis 1:6–8. God creates the sky.

Genesis 2:7. The first breath in man’s lungs came from God.

Job 38:29. God reminds Job that he created all things.

Psalm 144:4. The fleeting life of a human compared to air

2 Corinthians 2:14. Christians are like a fragrance in the air

Alarm(s) (fear, danger signal, warning)

A warning of danger; a sudden fear

Nehemiah 4:18. Alarm system used when rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem

Hosea 5:8–9. Prophecy of future alarm

Joel 2:1. Alarms will sound on the day of the Lord.

Amos 3:6. God responsible for the sound of alarms

2 Corinthians 7:11. Alarm due to godly sorrow

Alcohol (liquor, wine)

Intoxicating liquor

Proverbs 20:1. The influence of alcohol

Proverbs 31:6–7. Drinking to forget

Isaiah 5:22. Sorrow for those who indulge in alcohol

1 Timothy 3:8. Deacons to avoid alcohol addiction

Titus 2:3. Older women to avoid drunkenness

Alcoholic (drunkard)

Person who suffers from alcoholism

Genesis 9:20–21. Noah’s drunkenness causes problems.

1 Samuel 1:13–14. Eli mistakenly believes that Hannah is drunk.

1 Samuel 25:36. Nabal gets drunk.

Proverbs 26:9. A proverb about an alcoholic

Isaiah 5:11. The sad life of an alcoholic

Alien(s) (see Foreigner[s])

Alive (animate, breathing, living)

Having life

Genesis 6:19–20. God’s instructions for keeping animals alive during the flood

Genesis 43:7–8. Joseph’s brothers report on Joseph’s inquiries about their father.

Numbers 16:31–33. Korah and other rebels swallowed up alive.

Joshua 14:10–11. Caleb marvels how God kept him alive while many others died in the wilderness.

Mark 16:14. Jesus appears to his disciples to show that he is alive.

Romans 6:13. From death to life

Romans 8:10. Spirits are alive.

Allegories (fables, metaphors, parables, stories)

Using characters or events to represent ideas or principles

2 Samuel 12:1–4. Nathan uses a story to rebuke David’s adultery.

Ezekiel 23. An allegory for Samaria and Jerusalem

Hosea 1:2. Hosea’s marriage is a living allegory.

John 16:21–25. Jesus uses an allegory to explain his understanding of the disciples’ upcoming grief and joy.

Galatians 4:21–31. Paul uses an allegory to explain the difference between enslavement to the law and the freedom of grace.

Alliance (association, coalition, union)

An association of nations or groups

Psalm 83:5–7. A psalm pleading for God’s help against an alliance of enemy nations

Isaiah 7:2. Aramean alliance

Jeremiah 50:9–10. An alliance against Babylon

Daniel 11:6. Daniel’s vision of an alliance

Almighty, the (all-powerful, invincible, omnipotent)

A name for God

Genesis 17:1. God names himself to Abraham.

Genesis 35:11. God names himself to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 3:23–24. Moses discusses God.

2 Samuel 7:18–19. David talks to the Almighty.

Job 13:3. Job argues his case before the Almighty.

Alms (charity, gifts)

Money or goods given to the poor

Luke 11:41. Alms to the poor

Luke 12:33. Jesus preaches about giving.

Acts 3:2–3. A lame man asks for alms.

Acts 10:1–2. Cornelius, a centurion, gave alms to the poor.

Acts 24:17. Paul gives alms to the poor.

Alone (lonely, solitary, unaccompanied)

Apart from others

Genesis 2:18. Not good for man to be alone

Genesis 32:24. Jacob alone before he met with God

Exodus 18:14. Moses alone had the responsibility for judging the disputes of the people.

Ruth 1:3–5. Naomi alone

Ecclesiastes 4:8. Sadness of being alone

Alpha and Omega (beginning and end)

The Greek letters of the alphabet ( the beginning and end respectively) used as a name for God

Revelation 1:8. Jesus is the beginning and the end.

Revelation 1:10–11. John hears from the Alpha and the Omega.

Revelation 21:6. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega.

Revelation 22:13. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega.

Altar(s) (table of worship)

A structure, usually a table, used in the worship of God

Genesis 8:20. Noah’s altar

Genesis 12:7. Abram’s altar

Genesis 26:25. Isaac’s altar

Exodus 20:24–26. God’s requirements for building an altar

Exodus 27:1–8. The altar for the tabernacle

Lamentations 2:7. God rejects an altar.

Amazement (astonishment, surprise, wonder)

Great wonder or astonishment

Genesis 43:33. Joseph’s brothers show amazement at Joseph’s knowledge of them.

Daniel 3:24. Nebuchadnezzar is amazed that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego lived after being tossed into the furnace.

Matthew 8:10. Jesus is amazed at the faith of a centurion.

Matthew 27:14. Jesus amazes Pilate.

Luke 24:41. The disciples are amazed that Jesus is alive.

Ambidextrous (right-handed or left-handed)

Able to use both hands equally well

1 Chronicles 12:1–2. Ambidextrous warriors

Psalm 74:11. Psalmist urges God to use both hands to help.

Psalm 89:25. Ambidextrous metaphor to show God’s promotion of David

Micah 7:3. Both hands involved in wrongdoing

Matthew 6:3. Jesus uses a hand metaphor.

Ambiguity (haziness, uncertainty, vagueness)

Uncertainty as to interpretation

Numbers 23:25–27. Balaam is ambiguous about cursing the Israelites.

Job 31. Job tries to process what he sees as God’s ambiguous punishment.

Daniel 5. Belshazzar was puzzled when a mysterious hand wrote an ambiguous message on the wall.

Habakkuk 2:2. God desires clarity, rather than ambiguity.

Luke 9:45. The disciples find Jesus’ words ambiguous.

Ambition (aim, goal, objective)

Desire for rank, fame, or power; desire to achieve a particular result

2 Samuel 15:9–11. Absalom’s ambition—to usurp the kingdom from David

1 Kings 1:7–8. Adonijah’s ambition—to become king after David

Romans 15:20. Paul’s ambition—to preach the gospel

Galatians 5:19–21. Selfish ambition is part of the corrupt nature.

Philippians 2:3. Be humble not selfishly ambitious.

Ambivalence (hesitance, indecision, in two minds)

Having contradictory feelings toward a person or object

Joshua 24:14–15. Joshua refuses to be ambivalent about God.

2 Samuel 13–14. David’s ambivalence in regard to Absalom

1 Kings 18:21. Israelites criticized for ambivalence

Matthew 6:24. Jesus cautions against ambivalence.

James 1:8. Doubts show ambivalence.

Ambush (ensnare, trap, waylay)

A sneak attack

Joshua 8. Ambush at Ai

Judges 9:25. Abimelech ambushed

Judges 20. Benjamites ambushed during the war between Israel and the tribe of Benjamin

1 Samuel 15:5. Saul and troops ambush the Amalekites.

1 Peter 5:8. Satan seeks to ambush believers.

Amen (agree)

A solemn ratification or statement of assertion; in other words, “let it be done”

Numbers 5:21–22. Say amen to an oath

Deuteronomy 27:16. Agreeing to a curse

Nehemiah 5:13. Giving an amen to a promise

Psalm 41:13. An eternal amen

Jeremiah 28:5–6. A false prophet’s amen

Amends (atonement, compensation, reparation)

To compensate for a loss

2 Samuel 21:1–14. David seeks to make amends to the Gibeonites.

2 Kings 8:1–6. A king makes amends to a woman of Shunem.

Nehemiah 5:1–13. Amends made to the poor

Job 20:4–29. Amends of the wicked

Proverbs 14:9. Fools mock making amends for sin.

Luke 19:1–10. Zacchaeus makes amends.

Amillennialism (end times, second coming)

The thousand-year reign of Christ

2 Samuel 7. God promises David that his kingdom would last forever.

2 Samuel 23:5. A lasting promise

Psalm 89:3–4. Praising God for the promise of an unending kingdom

Daniel 12. An angel interprets Daniel’s vision of the end times.

Revelation 20:1–7. Christ’s thousand-year reign

Amputation (deducting, cutting off, excluding)

Removing, excluding, or cutting off a limb or a person

Isaiah 38:12. When faced with a life-threatening illness, Hezekiah feels amputated.

Jeremiah 48:25. Figurative amputation of Moab

Matthew 5:29–30. Amputation to avoid sin

Matthew 18:8. Amputation to save faith

Acts 3:23. Amputated from the community

Analogy (likeness, similarity, parallel)

Comparison based on the similarity of two or more objects

Genesis 13:16. Descendants like the dust

1 Samuel 17:36. Analogy of the lion and bear

Psalm 80. Analogy of the vine

Proverbs 9. Wisdom analogy

John 15:1–8. Jesus’ analogy of the vine

Anarchy (chaos, disorder, rebellion)

State of lawlessness or political disorder

Judges 10:6. Anarchy of Israel

1 Kings 11:26–40. Anarchy of Jeroboam

Isaiah 3. Anarchy in a time of judgment

Galatians 5:13. Antidote for anarchy

2 Peter 2:10. Anarchy of false teachers

1 John 3:4. Anarchy of sin

Anatomy (composition, framework, makeup)

Structural makeup of an organism

Genesis 2:7. What we’re made of

Job 39:13. Anatomy of an ostrich versus the anatomy of a stork

Job 40:15–18. Anatomy of the behemoth

Psalm 139:13, 15. God knows our anatomy.

1 Corinthians 12:12–31. Anatomy of the body of Christ

Ancestor(s) (antecedent, forebear, forefather)

One from whom a person is descended

Genesis 10:21. Shem as ancestor

Joshua 17. Land allotments in Canaan according to ancestry

Matthew 1:6–17. David was an ancestor of Jesus.

Hebrews 7:9–10. Abraham was an ancestor of the tribe of Levi.

James 2:21. James writes of his ancestor Abraham.

Anchor(s) (affix, fasten, secure)

A principal support; something that holds an object firmly; a device on a ship that serves to hold the ship firmly

Deuteronomy 11:18. Anchor God’s Word firmly to your heart.

Acts 27:13. Weighing anchor off Crete

2 Corinthians 4:18. Anchor your eyes to the unseen.

Hebrews 3:1. Anchor your gaze on Jesus.

Hebrews 6:19. Faith in Christ is an anchor for our lives.

Ancient of Days (God)

A name for God

Daniel 7:9. Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:13. Appearing before the Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:22. Judgment of the Ancient of Days

Anesthesia (God)

Loss of consciousness; drug used to put the body to sleep

Genesis 2:21. The first need for anesthesia

Genesis 15:12. Deep sleep of Abram

Matthew 27:34. Gall used as an anesthetic

Angels (archangels, cherubim, messengers)

Spiritual beings created by God often used as messengers; the word angel means “messenger”

Genesis 3:24. Angels guard the tree of life.

Exodus 25:18. Cherubim sculpture on the ark of the covenant.

Ezekiel 1:4–21. Ezekiel sees cherubim.

Luke 1:26–38. An angel appears to Mary.

Luke 2:8–15. Angels announce the good news.

Revelation 8. John sees angels in his vision of heaven.

Anger (annoyance, fury, rage)

To make angry or become angry

Genesis 4:6–7. God urges Cain to master his anger.

Numbers 14:18. God is slow to anger.

Proverbs 15:1. Antidote for anger

Proverbs 27:4. Cruel anger, but jealousy worse?

Ephesians 4:26. Rules for anger

Anguish (agony, pain, suffering)

In extreme pain, agony, or distress

Exodus 15:14. Prediction of anguish

1 Samuel 1:16. Hannah wants Eli to know that she’s in anguish.

Job 3:26. Job’s anguish

Jeremiah 4:19. Jeremiah is in anguish at the coming destruction of Jerusalem.

Matthew 26:37. The Savior in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane

Animals (creature, fauna, mammal)

Any of the organisms classified as single-celled or multi-celled and differing from plants; members of the animal kingdom

Genesis 1:24–25. God creates animals.

Genesis 3:1. The craftiest animal

Genesis 7:14–16. Animals saved during the flood.

Numbers 18:15. Priests and Levites own firstborn animals.

1 Kings 4:33. King Solomon classifies plants and animals.

Animism (belief system, philosophy, worship)

The belief that all created things (including animals, rocks, and rivers) have souls and can be worshiped

Exodus 12:12. The last plague is a strike against Egyptian animism.

Exodus 20:3–4. God condemns animism.

Deuteronomy 17:2–3. Moses warns the Israelites against animism.

1 Kings 20:23. The Arameans believe their god is stronger than the God of Israel.

1 Corinthians 8:5–6. Paul discusses animism in his letter.

Annals (chronologies, histories, records)

A chronological record of the kings of Israel

1 Kings 14:19. Jeroboam’s reign

1 Kings 15:31. Nadab’s reign

1 Kings 16:5. Baasha’s reign

1 Kings 16:27. Omri’s reign

2 Kings 1:18. Ahaziah’s reign

Anniversary(ies) (date, celebration, yearly event)

The annual recurrence of a notable event

Exodus 12:14. Israelites to celebrate the anniversary of Passover

Leviticus 16:34. Anniversary of atonement

Deuteronomy 16:5–6. More instructions on the Passover anniversary

Joshua 5:10. A sacred anniversary

Esther 9:20–21. Purim anniversary

Hosea 2:11. God threatens to end some anniversary celebrations.

Announcement(s) (declaration, proclamation, statement)

A public notification

Leviticus 23:4. Festival announcements

Judges 13:2–20. Announcement of Samson’s birth

Isaiah 48:12–22. An announcement of freedom

Luke 1:5–22. An angel announces the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah.

Luke 1:26–38. Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus.

Annul (cancel, invalidate, nullify, withdraw)

To make legally invalid

Numbers 30:13. A husband can nullify a wife’s vow.

Deuteronomy 22:13–19. No annulment or divorce possible in this situation.

Matthew 1:19. Joseph considers an annulment.

Mark 7:13. Pharisees’ actions nullify the Word of God.

Romans 3:31. Is the law nullified?

Anoint (daub, oil, rub)

To apply oil in a sacred rite

Exodus 28:41. Aaron and sons to be anointed as priests

Exodus 29:7. Method of anointing

1 Samuel 10:1. Saul anointed as Israel’s king

1 Samuel 16:12–13. David anointed as king

2 Kings 9:3. A hurried anointing

Anonymity (mystery, obscurity)

One who is anonymous; remaining nameless

Psalm 100. Anonymous psalm

Acts 17:23. An anonymous god

Galatians 1:22. Paul is anonymous to the churches in Judea.

Hebrews. Anonymous epistle writer

Revelation 19:11–12. Rider has a name no one knows.

Answer(s) (reply, respond, response)

Something spoken or written in response to a question

Genesis 41:16. Through Joseph, God answers Pharaoh’s request.

Numbers 22:8. Balaam answers Balak’s request.

1 Samuel 14:41. Saul complains that God hasn’t answered.

1 Samuel 28:6. God refuses to answer Saul.

Jeremiah 33:3. God promises to answer.

Ant(s) (social insect)

A hymenopteran insect of the Formicidae family

Proverbs 6:6. The lesson of the ant

Proverbs 30:25. The wise ant

Anthems (see Music)

Anti-Semitism (hatred)

Hostility or hatred toward the Jews

Exodus 1. Egyptians oppress the Israelites.

Numbers 22. Balak wants the Jews cursed.

Judges 6. Israelites overpowered by the Midians

Esther 3:5–6. Haman’s hatred

Nehemiah 4. Anti-Semitism of Sanballat and others

Anthropomorphism (human characteristics, humanization)

Attributing human traits or actions to nonhuman things

Exodus 15:8. The nostrils of God

Job 38:35. Communicating with lightning

Isaiah 55:12. Nature worships God.

Habakkuk 2:11. Stones and beams speak of crime.

Luke 19:39–40. Stones will worship if people don’t.

Antichrist (beast, man of lawlessness)

The great antagonist who will be opposed by Christ in the end times; those who claim to be the Messiah, but aren’t

Matthew 24:5. Antichrists’ claims

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4. Antichrist will oppose anything worshiped.

1 John 2:18. Antichrists here already

1 John 4:3. Spirit of the antichrist

2 John 7. Mark of the antichrist

Antinomianism (against the law, lawlessness)

A heretical belief that a Christian is above the law because of Jesus’ death on the cross

Romans 3:31. Paul denounces antinomianism.

Romans 6. Not controlled by laws? Unthinkable!

Romans 7. The purpose of the law

Romans 13:8. How to fulfill the law

Jude 4. Jude condemns lawless behavior.

Anxiety (apprehension, fear, worry)

A fearful concern

Deuteronomy 28:65. Anxiety due to being cursed

Psalm 94:19. Soothing anxiety

Ecclesiastes 11:10. Banish anxiety

Ezekiel 4:16. Famine anxiety

1 Peter 5:7. Give God your anxiety.

Apathy (ennui, indifference, lack of interest)

Lack of interest or feeling

Proverbs 21:13. Don’t be apathetic to the poor.

Jonah 1. Jonah’s apathy

Romans 12:11. Don’t be apathetic; serve God instead.

Hebrews 12:25. Apathy of the Israelites

Revelation 3:14–22. Apathy of the Laodiceans

Aphorisms (adages, principles, proverbs, sayings)

Concise statements of truth or sentiment

Proverbs 3:15. Aphorism about wisdom

Proverbs 11:3. Aphorism about integrity

Proverbs 12:1. Aphorism about discipline

Proverbs 25:11. Aphorism about words

1 Corinthians 13:1. Paul’s use of an aphorism

Apocalypse (catastrophe, disaster, Judgment Day)

A prophesied battle during end times when God destroys the power of evil

Daniel 10:1. Daniel’s vision of the apocalypse

Daniel 12:1. A time of trouble

Revelation 6. Riders of the apocalypse

Revelation 19:14–16. The rider who will conquer

Revelation 19:19–20. Apocalyptic war

Apocalyptic literature (Daniel, Zechariah, Revelation)

Revelatory books describing end times activity and also with a view to encourage God’s people

Ezekiel 38–39. Ezekiel’s prophecy

Daniel 8–12. Daniel sees the end.

Joel. Joel’s vision of judgment

Zechariah 1:7–6:8. Zechariah sees the end.

The book of Revelation. John’s vision

Apocrypha (3 and 4 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, I and II Maccabees)

Books not adopted as part of the biblical canon

Numbers 21:14–15. The Book of the Wars of the Lord

Joshua 10:13. The book of Jasha

2 Chronicles 12:14–15. Book of Shemaiah

Nehemiah 12:23. The Book of Chronicles

Jude 14–15. The Book of Enoch

Apologetics (convincing argument, defense)

Systematic argument in defense of a doctrine

Romans 3:5. Paul’s apologetic

Titus 3:3–8. Apologetic on everlasting life

Hebrews 6:16–18. Convincing argument

1 Peter 1:10–12. The apologetic of the prophets

Apostasy (falling away)

Renunciation of faith

Mark 4:17. Falling away from the faith

Luke 7:23. Those who avoid apostasy are blessed.

1 Timothy 4:1–4. Believers who fall away

2 Timothy 3:1–9. People of apostasy

Hebrews 6:4–6. Deserters of Christ

2 Peter 3:17. Don’t fall away.

Apostle (disciple, messenger, missionary)

One sent on a mission, particularly to carry the Gospel of Christ; one of Jesus’ twelve disciples sent with authority after the death and resurrection of Christ

Matthew 10:1–4. Jesus chooses the apostles.

Acts 1:26. Matthias replaces Judas.

Acts 2:14. Peter and the apostles

Romans 1:1. Paul the apostle

Ephesians 1:1. Apostle by God’s will

Appearance (form, exterior, look)

External manifestation of a being or object

1 Samuel 16:7. God cares about the heart, rather than the appearance.

2 Samuel 14:25. Absalom’s unblemished appearance

Isaiah 53:2. The suffering servant’s unassuming appearance

Ezekiel 40:3. Bronze appearance of the man at the temple

Joel 2:4. The soldiers of Joel’s vision

Appeasement (conciliation, peace making, sacrificing)

To bring to a state of peace; buy off an aggressor through a sacrifice

Judges 3:15. Tribute money as an appeasement

Proverbs 16:14. Appeasing a king’s wrath

Micah 6:7. Is God appeased by sacrifices?

Acts 16:39. Appeasement of the officials of Philippi

1 Thessalonians 5:9. The ultimate appeasement of God’s anger

Appetite (craving, desire, hunger)

A strong wish or urge, especially for food and drink

Numbers 11:5–6. Israelites complain about appetite loss.

Proverbs 13:4. Appeasing an appetite through work

Proverbs 13:25. Appetites of the wicked

Ecclesiastes 6:7. An appetite never satisfied

Isaiah 5:14. Appetite of the grave

Appoint (assign, choose, select)

Select or designate to fill a position

Genesis 41:34. Joseph suggests the appointment of supervisors in Egypt.

Numbers 3:10. Aaron and sons appointed as priests

Deuteronomy 16:18. Appointment of judges

1 Kings 14:14. Appointment of a king

1 Chronicles 15:16. Appointment of musicians

Appraising (assessing, evaluating, judging)

Estimating the quality of something

Genesis 30:33. Jacob submits to a wage appraisal

Leviticus 27:11–12. Priest’s appraisement

Leviticus 27:14. House appraisal

Leviticus 27:18. Field appraisal

1 Kings 20:22. Appraising an army

Appreciation (approval, gratitude, recognition)

Recognition of the quality or value of people and things

2 Chronicles 17:5. Appreciation for Jehoshaphat

Job 12:5. No appreciation for misfortune?

Acts 24:3. Paul’s appreciation for Felix, the Roman governor

1 Corinthians 16:18. Show appreciation for those who comfort others.

1 Thessalonians 5:12. Appreciation for leaders

Apprentice (beginner, novice, trainee)

One legally contracted to work in return for instruction

Exodus 24:13–14. Joshua—Moses’ apprentice

2 Kings 2:2–3. Elisha’s brief apprenticeship

Daniel 1:4–6. Daniel’s apprenticeship

Matthew 10:42. A true apprentice

2 Timothy 3:10. Timothy—an apprentice of Paul

Appropriation (authorized usage, taking possession of)

Setting apart for a specific use

Exodus 3:22. Appropriation of Egyptian wealth

Exodus 13:1–2. Appropriation of firstborn

Exodus 29:27–28. Appropriation of a ram

Exodus 32:2–4. Appropriation of gold for a golden calf

Leviticus 24:9. Bread of the presence appropriated for priests

Approval (acceptance, consent, endorsement)

Official sanction; favorable regard

Genesis 6:8. God approves of Noah.

Genesis 15:6. God’s approval of Abram

Deuteronomy 6:25. How to gain the Lord’s approval

Matthew 5:6. Thirsting for God’s approval

Romans 5:1–2. Why we have God’s approval

2 Timothy 2:22. Seek activities that have God’s approval.

2 Timothy 3:16. Training for a life with God’s approval

Approximating (estimating, figuring, guessing)

Estimating based on previous information or no information

Matthew 16:2–3. Approximating the weather

Matthew 24:36. No one can approximate the return of Christ.

Matthew 27:46. Approximate time Jesus fulfilled yet another Scripture

Luke 14:28. Approximating the cost

John 6:5–7. Philip approximates the cost of food for over 5,000 people.

Arab (Middle Eastern)

A member of the Semitic people inhabiting Arabia

Genesis 25:13–18. Arab ancestors

1 Kings 10:14–15. Gold from Arabian kings

Nehemiah 2:19. Ridicule of Geshem

Isaiah 13:20. Prophecy against Babylon

Aramaic (language)

Semitic language begun by the Arameans

2 Kings 18:26. Speaking in Aramaic

Ezra 4:7. Enemies of Judah write in Aramaic

Daniel 2:4. Language of the astrologers in Persia

Mark 14:36. Jesus speaks in Aramaic.

Mark 15:34. Jesus cries out in Aramaic from the cross.

John 5:2. Bethesda—an Aramaic word

Arbitration (adjudication, mediation, negotiation)

The process of settling or judging a matter between two parties in dispute through the use of an arbitrator

1 Kings 3:16–28. Solomon’s arbitration

Job 9:33–34. Job seeks arbitration.

Isaiah 47:3. God will not arbitrate.

Ezekiel 44:24. Priests act in matters of arbitration.

Luke 12:13–14. Jesus asked to be an arbitrator.

Archaeology (science)

The study of material remains from past life and culture

Isaiah 58:12. Ancient ruins restored

Isaiah 61:4. Renewing the ancient ruins

Jeremiah 49:13. Ruins of Bozrah

Ezekiel 26:20. Among the ancient ruins

Zephaniah 2:9. Just like Gomorrah

Archangels (angel)

High-ranking angels

Daniel 10:20–21. Archangels in battle

Daniel 11:1. Helping an archangel

Daniel 12:1. Michael will act during the end times.

1 Thessalonians 4:16. Voice of the archangel

Jude 9. Michael the archangel

Archery (bow and arrow)

Skill of shooting with a bow and arrow

Genesis 21:20. Ishmael skilled at archery

2 Samuel 22:33–35. God helps with archery

Psalm 46:9. End of archery?

Jeremiah 51:3. Archers against Babylon

Architecture (building, structural design)

The art and science of designing and erecting buildings; buildings and other large structures

Genesis 11:5. Tower of Babel

1 Kings 6:2. Solomon’s temple

Ezra 6:16. Zerubbabel’s temple

Acts 3:10–11. Temple architecture

Acts 17:19. City court of Athens

Arid (dry, parched, waterless)

Lacking moisture

Deuteronomy 8:15. God led Israel through arid lands.

Psalm 107:35. What God does to arid places

Isaiah 58:11. Guidance in arid places

Joel 3:18. Arid valleys watered

Matthew 12:43. An evil spirit’s journey

Ark (ark of the covenant, Noah’s ark)

The sacred chest of the Israelites; large boat Noah built to save his family and animals from the Flood

Genesis 6–8. Noah’s ark

Exodus 25:10–22. Ark of the covenant

Exodus 40:21. Ark of the covenant placed in the tabernacle

Joshua 3:14. Carrying the ark of the covenant through the Jordan

Joshua 6:2–4. The ark goes into war.

Armageddon (final battle)

The final battle between good and evil

Daniel 12:1. Armageddon—time of trouble

Revelation 16:16. The place called Armageddon

Revelation 19:19. War with the beast

Armor (breastplate, chain mail, protective covering)

Defensive covering worn to protect the body against weapons

1 Samuel 17:5. Goliath’s armor

1 Samuel 17:38–39. Saul’s armor is not a good fit for David.

1 Samuel 31:10. Philistines dishonor Saul by displaying his armor.

1 Kings 22:34. Ahab wounded even while wearing armor.

2 Chronicles 26:14. Armor of Uzziah’s army

Armor of God (breastplate, sword of the Spirit, truth)

Metaphor Paul used for the tools of spiritual warfare

Ephesians 6:11. Put armor on.

Ephesians 6:14. Belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness

Ephesians 6:15. Shoes of the Good News

Ephesians 6:16. Shield of faith

Ephesians 6:17. Helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit

Army(ies) (armed forces, military, soldiers)

Large body of people organized and trained for land battle

Exodus 14:4. Pharaoh’s army will pursue the Israelites during the Exodus

Exodus 17:13. Joshua’s army beats the Amalekites

Numbers 2. Armies of the tribes of Israel

Joshua 5:13–14. Commander of the Lord’s army

Judges 4. Sisera’s army defeated by God

Aroma(s) (fragrance, odor, smell)

A pleasant odor

Genesis 8:20–21. Soothing aroma

Exodus 29:41. Aroma that pleases God

Leviticus 6:15. The aroma of a grain offering

Leviticus 23:13. Firstfruits aroma

Numbers 28:1–2. Offering a soothing aroma

2 Corinthians 2:15. Aroma of Christ

Aromatherapy (fragrances, oils)

A term coined in 1928 by Henri Maurice Gattefosse to define the essential oils used to promote healing

Exodus 30:34–36. Fragrant spices

Psalm 51:7. Hyssop

Proverbs 7:17. Myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon

Matthew 2:11. Frankincense and myrrh

John 12:3. Nard

John 19:39. Myrrh and aloe

Arrogance (see Pride)

Arrow(s) (barbed word, dart, projectile)

Thin shaft with a pointed head used for fighting or hunting; metaphor for malicious comments

1 Samuel 20:35–36. Arrows as a signal

2 Kings 13:17. Arrow of the Lord’s victory

Job 20:23–24. Arrow of suffering

Psalm 91:5–6. Don’t fear the arrows.

Jeremiah 9:8. Tongues like arrows

Arson (combustible, fire-starting, inflammable)

Willfully setting fire to one’s own or someone else’s property

Joshua 8:19. Arson at Ai

Joshua 11:13. Hazor razed

Judges 15:4–5. Foxes used in arson

2 Kings 25:8–10. Setting Jerusalem on fire

Isaiah 1:7. A prophecy of arson

Art (drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture)

Human effort to imitate or supplement the works of nature; producing or arranging sounds, colors, forms to affect the sense of beauty

1 Kings 6:29. Art in the temple

Psalm 74:6. Vandals destroy art.

Isaiah 29:16. Pottery

Ezekiel 8:10. Ezekiel’s vision of bad art

Ezekiel 4:1–3. Instructive art

Ascension (ascending, climbing, rising)

The act or process of ascending; the bodily rising of Jesus into heaven after His resurrection

Judges 13:20. Ascension of the Messenger of the Lord

Psalm 47:5. God has ascended.

Mark 16:19. Jesus returning to heaven

Acts 1:3–11. Jesus ascends.

Ephesians 4:7–10. Christ’s triumphal ascension

Asceticism (plainness, severity, starkness)

Self-denial and austerity

Matthew 9:14. Jesus challenged about non-ascetic lifestyle

Colossians 2:21–23. Asceticism rebuked

1 Timothy 4:1–4. Warning Timothy about asceticism

Ashamed (embarrassed, humiliated, mortified)

A feeling of shame, guilt, or inadequacy

2 Samuel 19:3. Troops ashamed of David’s mourning

2 Kings 8:10–11. Hazael ashamed

Ezra 8:22. Ezra ashamed

Isaiah 24:23. Shame of the moon and sun

Mark 8:38. Ashamed of Jesus?

Romans 1:16. Not ashamed of the gospel

2 Timothy 2:15. How to avoid shame

Asherah (goddess, Ishtar, queen of heaven)

Canaanite goddess often paired with Baal

1 Kings 18. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

2 Kings 23:4. Ridding the temple of the worship of Asherah

2 Chronicles 15:16. Removing the aspects of Asherah worship

Jeremiah 7:18. Worshiping Asherah

Jeremiah 44:17–18. Consequences of Asherah worship

Asherah pole (grove, tree)

Sacred tree honoring Asherah, the Canaanite goddess

Exodus 34:13. God warns the Israelites to tear down Asherah poles in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 16:21–22. Avoid Asherah poles.

Judges 6:25–26. Asherah pole to be cut

1 Kings 14:15. Ahijah the prophet condemns the use of Asherah poles.

1 Kings 16:33. Ahab’s Asherah poles

Asia Minor (southwestern Asia, peninsula, Roman province)

Peninsula also known as Anatolia (part of modern-day Turkey); Roman province

Acts 6:9. Stephen faces opposition from men of Asia Minor.

Acts 9:30. Saul (Paul) is sent to his hometown of Tarsus in Asia Minor.

Acts 16:6. Paul prevented from going to Asia Minor.

Acts 19:10. Paul preaches in Asia Minor.

Acts 20:16. Paul bypasses Asia Minor.

Ask/Seek/Knock (make request, pray, seek)

Phrase uttered by Jesus containing metaphors for communicating with God

2 Chronicles 7:14. Seek him.

Matthew 7:7–8. Ask, seek, and knock.

John 14:12–14. Ask in Jesus’ name.

John 15:7. Yours for the asking

John 15:16. Chosen to ask

Revelation 3:20. Jesus knocks.

Assassination (elimination, killing, murder)

Murder of a prominent person

Judges 3:12–30. Assassination of Eglon

2 Samuel 3:27. Assassination of Abner

2 Samuel 4:5–6. Assassination of Ishbosheth

2 Kings 11:1–3. Joash saved from assassination

2 Kings 12:19–20. Joash assassinated by servants

2 Chronicles 32:21. Sennacherib assassinated

Assembly (assemblage, gathering, meeting)

A group gathered for a common purpose (i.e., sacred or social)

Genesis 49:5–6. An assembly to avoid

Exodus 12:16. Passover assembly

Leviticus 4:14. Sacrifice of the assembly

Leviticus 23:7. Festival assembly

Numbers 29:35. Assembly on the eighth day

Assertive individuals (forceful, pushy, self-confident)

Aggressively self-assured people who didn’t end well

Genesis 49:3–4. Reuben

1 Samuel 17. Goliath

1 Kings 1:5–53. Adonijah

1 Kings 21. Jezebel

2 Kings 19. Sennacherib

Assets (belongings, possessions, resources)

Useful or valuable qualities or people; valuable items owned

Genesis 13:2. Abram’s assets

Exodus 19:5. Israel is an asset.

2 Kings 20:12–21. Hezekiah foolishly shows his assets.

Proverbs 31:10–11. A wife who is an asset to her husband

1 Corinthians 11:15. Hair as an asset

Assistance (aid, help, support)

Aiding or helping

Numbers 8:26. Assisting Levites

2 Chronicles 8:14. System of assistance

Ezra 8:36. Official assistance

Job 29:12. The assistance of Job

Romans 15:24. Paul’s need for assistance

Assurance (confidence, guarantee, pledge)

A statement that inspires confidence

Esther 9:30. Mordecai’s assurance

Ephesians 1:14. Holy Spirit: a believer’s assurance

1 Timothy 3:13. Assured faith

Hebrews 10:22. Approach with assurance

Hebrews 11:1. Assurance of faith

Assyrians (conquerors, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Tiglath Pileser)

Ancient empire who conquered the Israelites; name comes from Asshur, a city-state

2 Kings 15:29. Territories captured by Assyria

2 Kings 17:3. Israel defeated by Assyria again

Isaiah 10:24. Isaiah’s prophecy: don’t fear the Assyrians.

Isaiah 19:23. Assyrians and Egyptians will worship together.

Ezekiel 23. An alliance with Assyria angers God.

Astrology (reading the stars, zodiac signs)

Study of the positions of the celestial bodies and the belief that they influence human matters

Deuteronomy 4:19. Don’t worship or serve the celestial bodies.

Isaiah 47:13–14. Consequences of astrology

Jeremiah 10:2. Don’t be caught up in astrology.

Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar’s astrologers fail him.

Daniel 4. Nebuchadnezzar’s astrologers again fail him.

Astronomy (stars, planets)

Scientific study of stars and planets

Job 26:7. God made astronomy possible.

Job 38:31–33. Laws of the sky

Psalm 8:3–4. Star gazing

Psalm 19:1–6. Display of the sky

Isaiah 13:10. Disaster in the sky

Atheism (agnosticism, skepticism, unbelief)

Disbelief in the existence of God

Psalm 14. There is no God?

Psalm 53. Godless fools

Romans 1:19–20. No excuse for unbelief

2 Timothy 3:1–9. Unbelief in the last days

Athletes (competitors, contestants, participants)

Persons with the natural abilities to participate in physical exercise

Judges 20:16. Athletic soldiers of the tribe of Benjamin

1 Samuel 17. David’s athletic prowess matched with the strength of God

1 Corinthians 9:24–26. Athletic advice

Philippians 3:12–14. Athletic metaphor for the Christian life

2 Timothy 2:5. Athletes who win

Hebrews 12:1. Christians as athletes

Atonement (amends, appeasement, reparation)

Reconciliation between God and man brought about by the continual sacrifice of animals in Old Testament times and once and for all by Jesus Christ

Exodus 30:10. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur today)

Leviticus 4:3–21. Atonement for wrongs

Leviticus 23:27. A special day for atonement

Numbers 29:7–11. Atonement offerings

Hebrews 9:23–28. Christ’s once-for-all atonement

Attitudes (feelings, mindsets, outlooks, thoughts)

A state of mind or a feeling

Genesis 31. Laban’s attitude change toward Jacob

Ezra 6:22. Changing a king’s attitude

Daniel 3. A change in attitude

Philippians 2:5–11. Have the attitude of Jesus.

Attributes of God (characteristics, qualities, traits)

Qualities or characteristics inherent in God as revealed by God

Exodus 3:15. God is eternal.

Exodus 15:7. God’s anger

Exodus 33:19. God’s mercy

Exodus 34:6–7. God reveals His attributes to Moses.

Deuteronomy 7:9. God’s faithfulness

Matthew 9:35–38. Jesus’ compassion

1 John 4:7–21. God’s love

Aurora Borealis (lights, northern lights)

Bands of light visible in the northern skies

Job 37:22. A golden light

Job 38:19. Where does light live?

Authenticity (genuineness, legitimacy, validity)

The quality of being authentic, genuine, or trustworthy

Isaiah 29:13. Lack of authenticity in worship

Matthew 11:18–19. Jesus’ authenticity

2 Corinthians 6:8–9. Paul’s authenticity

Philippians 2:20. Timothy—a model of authenticity

1 Peter 1:7. Trials help develop authentic faith.

Authority (clout, influence, power)

The power to enforce laws, judge, or exact obedience

Numbers 27:20–21. Moses passes some of his authority to Joshua.

Esther 9:29. Esther and Mordecai’s authority

Isaiah 22:20–21. God gives authority.

Matthew 7:28–29. Jesus’ authority

Matthew 10:1. Jesus gives authority.

Authorization (approval, endorsement, permission)

The act of authorizing or sanctioning

Genesis 41:44. Nothing to be done without Joseph’s authorization

Ezra 3:7. Authorized to rebuild the temple

Ezra 4. The Israelites’ authorization to rebuild the temple is stripped away.

Nehemiah 2. Nehemiah gains the king’s authorization to travel to Jerusalem.

Acts 15:24. Lacking authorization

Autumn (fall)

The season of the year between summer and winter

Deuteronomy 11:14. God promises rain in autumn.

Jeremiah 5:24. What the rebellious don’t notice about autumn

Joel 2:23. Give thanks for autumn rain

James 5:7. Waiting patiently for autumn rain

Avenger (nemesis, punisher, righter of wrongs)

One who takes vengeance or inflicts punishment

Numbers 35:12. Avengers halted at cities of refuge

Deuteronomy 19:5–6. Avenger of blood

Joshua 20:5. Avengers cannot harm.

2 Samuel 14. The woman of Tekoa pleads against revenge.

Psalm 8:2. Protection from the avenger

Awaken (rouse, stir, wake up)

To cause to wake up; to resurrect from death; to acknowledge an act of God

Psalm 57:8. David awakens to praise.

Psalm 80:2. Awaken and help.

Song of Songs 2:7. Don’t awaken love.

Romans 13:11. Time to awaken

Ephesians 5:13–14. Awaken and rise.

Awareness (alertness, consciousness, responsiveness)

Having cognizance or knowledge

Genesis 19:30–38. Lot’s lack of awareness

Genesis 28:10–22. Jacob now aware of God’s presence

Exodus 34:29. No awareness of glory

Nehemiah 4:15. Awareness of plot

Matthew 16:8. Jesus’ awareness of his disciples’ lack of faith

Awe (admiration, astonishment, fear, wonder)

A mixed emotion of reverence, respect, and dread

1 Samuel 12:18. In awe of God

1 Kings 3:28. In awe of Solomon

Job 25:2. Bildad speaks of awe.

Psalm 119:120. In awe of God’s laws

Jeremiah 2:19. No awe of God

Ax (tool)

The quality of being authentic, genuine, or trustworthy

Deuteronomy 19:5. Accident with an ax

Judges 9:47–49. Abimelech urges ax usage.

2 Kings 6:1–7. Elisha makes an ax head float.

Ecclesiastes 10:10. As sharp as an ax?

Luke 3:9. John the Baptist uses an ax metaphor to warn the people of Israel.