– C –

Calendar (almanac, dates, time)

A system for reckoning time

Exodus 23:15. In the month of Abib

Leviticus 23:27. A date to mark

Numbers 1:1. Keeping track of time

Numbers 9:2–3. On the fourteenth day

Numbers 33:3. On the fifteenth day

Calf worship (idols)

Using calf-shaped idols in worship

Exodus 32. Gold calf

Deuteronomy 9:16–21. Moses recaps the calf incident.

Nehemiah 9:17–18. God didn’t abandon his people, even when they made the gold calf.

1 Kings 12:28–31. Jeroboam encourages calf worship.

Psalm 106:19. Worshiping the calf

Called/Calling (election, ministry, occupation)

The selection of a leader for a purpose; those who are the elect or chosen by God

Matthew 4:18–20. Calling the first disciples

Romans 1:6–7. Called to belong to Jesus

Romans 8:28–30. Those who are called

Hebrews 3:1. Heavenly calling

2 Peter 1:10. Make your calling secure.

Camel(s) (domestic animals, herds)

Domesticated, humped ruminant mammal

Genesis 12:16. Plenty of camels for Abram

Genesis 24:17–19. Rebekah provides water for Abraham’s camels.

Genesis 32:13–15. Jacob gives camels to appease Esau.

Leviticus 11:4. Don’t eat camels.

Judges 7:12. Many camels

Jeremiah 2:23. Judah is like a young camel.

Mark 10:25. Camel through a needle

Candle(s) (light, wax, tallow, wick)

Cylindrical mass of tallow or wax used to provide light

Isaiah 42:3. Flickering candle

Isaiah 43:17. Snuffed like a candle wick

Matthew 12:20. Jesus—the chosen servant

Cannibalism (curse, siege behavior)

Eating the flesh of another human being

Leviticus 26:29. The covenant curse of cannibalism

Deuteronomy 28:53. Cannibalism as a result of the curse

2 Kings 6:28–29. Cannibalism during a famine

Jeremiah 19:9. Fulfillment of a covenant curse

Lamentations 4:10. Cannibalism in the midst of a siege

John 6:51–52. Jesus accused of cannibalism

Canon (Bible, books, Scriptures)

The books of the Bible officially accepted as Scripture

Deuteronomy 4:2. Commandment to avoid adding to Scriptures

Deuteronomy 31:26. Law—part of the canon

Mark 12:26. Jesus discusses the book of the law

2 Peter 3:16. Paul’s letters accepted as part of the Scriptures.

Capability (see Ability[ies]), Talent)

Capital punishment (execution)

Killing a person by judicial process

Genesis 26:11. Penalty for touching Isaac or Rebekah

Genesis 40:19. Chief baker to be hanged

Exodus 21:12. Capital offenses

Leviticus 20:9. Curse leads to death.

Deuteronomy 13:9. Punishment for idolatry

Esther 7:8–10. Haman is put to death.

Daniel 3:6. Penalty for refusal to bow to the statue set up by Nebuchadnezzar

Capital(s) (headquarters, hub, main city)

The town or city that is the official seat of government; also the upper part of a pillar

Genesis 36:32, 35. Edom capitals

Joshua 13:9–10. Capital of Heshbon

1 Chronicles 1:50. A capital city of Edom

Isaiah 7:8–9a. Capital cities of Israel and Judah

Captive (hostage, prisoner, slave)

One forcibly confined, enslaved, or taken prisoner as a result of war

Deuteronomy 21:10. Rules about taking captives

Judges 18:30. Priests until captivity

1 Samuel 30. The captives of Ziklag

2 Kings 6:22. Handling the captives during a siege

2 Kings 24:15. Capturing Jehoiakin

2 Corinthians 10:5. Taking thoughts captive

Ephesians 4:7–8. Rescuing captives of sin

Caravan(s) (convoy, group, parade)

A group of travelers journeying together

Genesis 37:25. Caravan of Ishmaelites

1 Kings 10:2. Queen of Sheba’s caravan

Isaiah 21:13. Caravan of Arabians

Isaiah 30:6. Caravan through the Negev

Luke 2:43–44. Jesus travels in Passover caravan

Careers (see Trade, Work)

Carnal (earthly, self-centered thoughts, sexual desires)

Relating to the physical or sexual appetite

Romans 7:14. Spiritual versus carnal

Romans 8:7. Hostile toward God

Romans 15:27. Using earthly materials

1 Corinthians 3:1. Not spiritual but carnal

Carnivorous animals (bears, lions, vultures, wolves)

Flesh-eating predators

Genesis 31:39. Flocks killed by wild animals

Leviticus 7:24. Law against eating an animal killed by another

Leviticus 26:22. The curse of the carnivores

1 Samuel 17:34–35. Rescuing the flock from carnivores

Job 39:30. Carnivorous birds

Carpenter (wood worker)

A worker who makes finished wooden products

Exodus 38:22–23. Bezalel

2 Samuel 5:11. Hired carpenters

2 Kings 12:11–12. Contributions to pay carpenters

Isaiah 41:7. Encouraging carpenters

Isaiah 44:13. Work of carpenters

Matthew 13:55. Jesus and Joseph

Catastrophe (calamity, disaster, tragedy)

A great and sudden calamity

Genesis 19:29. Catastrophe at Sodom and Gomorrah

Jeremiah 11:23. Catastrophe God allows

Revelation 8:13. Catastrophe, catastrophe, catastrophe

Revelation 9:12. More and more catastrophes

Revelation 11:14. Second and third catastrophes

Cattle/Cow (bulls, oxen, steers)

Mammals of the genus Bos

Genesis 13:5. Lot’s cattle

Genesis 24:35. Abraham’s cattle

Exodus 9:1–7. Plague on cattle

Leviticus 1:2. Offering of cattle

Deuteronomy 2:35. Cattle as spoils of war

Psalm 50:10. All cattle belong to God

Jeremiah 5:17. Cattle taken as a result of Judah’s disobedience

Caught in the act (accused, convicted)

Individuals caught in the middle of a wrongdoing

Deuteronomy 22:22. The adulterers

Joshua 7. Achan

Psalm 10:2. The wicked

Mark 14:72. Peter

John 8:1–11. Woman caught in adultery

Cause and effect (cycles, triggers)

The cycle of events or actions and the effects produced by them

Deuteronomy 28:1. Cause: obedience; effect: blessing

Deuteronomy 28:15. Cause: disobedience; effect: curses

Judges 4. Cause: Israel’s sin; effect: conquered by the Canaanites

Judges 9. Cause: Abimelech’s murders; effect: punishment from God and ambushes

Isaiah 3. Cause: arrogance/oppression of the women of Zion; effect: punishment from God

Cautions (see Admonitions, Warning[s])

Cave (cavern, grotto, tomb)

Hollow or natural passage into the earth

Genesis 19:30. Taking shelter in a cave

Genesis 23:7–19. Abraham buries Sarah in a cave.

Joshua 10:16–27. Hiding in a cave

Judges 15:8. Samson in a cave

1 Samuel 22:1. Escape to a cave

Cedars of Lebanon (trees)

Trees indigenous to the mountains of Lebanon

Judges 9:15. An allegory involving the cedars of Lebanon

1 Kings 5:6. Cedars used in building the temple

1 Kings 10:27. Plentiful cedars

2 Kings 19:23. Sennacherib threatens deforestation

Psalm 92:12. The righteous are like the cedars.

Psalm 104:16. The Lord’s trees

Isaiah 2:12–13. A prophecy against the cedars of Lebanon

Celebrate (commemorate, honor, remember)

To observe special days or events with ceremonies of respect

Exodus 5:1. A festival to celebrate

Exodus 12. Celebrate Passover

Exodus 23:14. Celebrate three times a year

Leviticus 23:39. Celebrate for seven days.

Numbers 9:4–5. Celebration in the desert

Matthew 26:18. Jesus celebrates Passover

Celibacy (see Abstinence)

Censer (incense)

Vessel for burning incense

Leviticus 10:1. Censers of Nadab and Abihu

Numbers 16. Challenge with censers

1 Kings 7:50. Temple furnishings

2 Kings 25:15. Babylonians loot the censers.

Census (poll, population count, survey)

An official enumeration of a population, often for taxation or military purposes

Exodus 30:11–12. Ransom after a census

Numbers 1. Moses takes a census.

Numbers 4:1–2. Census of the Levites

Numbers 26:52–53. Census of the Levites

2 Samuel 24. A bad census

Centurion (Roman soldier)

Commander in the Roman army with authority over 100 soldiers

Matthew 8:5–13. A centurion believes

Matthew 27:54. The centurion at the cross

Mark 15:44–45. The centurion’s report

Acts 10. Cornelius the centurion

Acts 22:25. Paul appeals to a centurion.

Ceremony (observance, ritual, service)

A formal act as prescribed by a ritual or custom

Genesis 50:10. Ceremony for Jacob

Exodus 12:25. Passover ceremony

Numbers 9:14. Passover ceremony

Acts 21:24. Purification ceremony

Acts 24:18. Paul talks of the purification ceremony.

Chaff (leftovers, hay, straw, winnowing)

Finely cut straw or hay used as fodder

Job 13:25. Dry chaff

Job 21:18. Swept away like chaff

Psalm 1:4. Wicked are like chaff.

Psalm 35:5. Enemies treated like chaff

Isaiah 17:13. Chased away like chaff

Chain(s) (bonds, fetters, links, shackles)

Connecting links used for binding or for ornamentation

Exodus 28. Chains for the high priest

Judges 8:26. Chains on camels

Judges 16:21. Chaining Samson

1 Kings 6:21. Chains at the temple

Isaiah 28:22. Chains in Jerusalem

Mark 5:4. Chains of a demon-controlled man

Challenge (confront, dare, test)

A call to engage in a contest, fight, or competition

Numbers 16. Korah challenges Moses and loses.

1 Samuel 17:8–11. Goliath challenges Israel.

1 Kings 18. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal.

Job 38. God challenges Job.

Jeremiah 49:19. God challenges Edom.

Change (alteration, conversion, transformation)

To cause to be different; to have a different form or appearance

Numbers 23:19. God never changes.

1 Kings 8:48–49. A change of heart

1 Kings 13:33. Jeroboam didn’t change.

Psalm 7:12. Change or be shot.

Jeremiah 7:3. Judah—change!

Chaos (confusion, disorder)

Condition or place of great disorder or confusion

Exodus 8:24. Chaos in Egypt

Isaiah 34:11. Chaos in Edom

Habakkuk 3:2. Mercy in chaos

Acts 21:30. Chaos in Jerusalem

Character (personality, qualities, temperament)

The combination of qualities that distinguish a person

Ruth 2:1. Boaz’s outstanding character

Proverbs 31:10. Wife of strong character

Romans 5:3–4. Endurance produces character.

2 Corinthians 5:12. Prouder of appearance than of character

Ephesians 5:13–14. Light exposes true character.

Chariot (conveyance, transport)

Two-wheeled, horse-drawn conveyance used in war or for ceremony

Genesis 41:43. Joseph’s chariot

Exodus 14:5–31. Pharaoh pursues Israel with chariots.

Judges 4:15. Sisera and his chariots

2 Samuel 10:18. The Arameans and their chariots

2 Samuel 15:1. Absalom’s chariot

1 Kings 4:26. Solomon’s chariots

1 Kings 18:44–45. Ahab’s chariot

Chastity (see Purity)

Cheating (deception, dishonesty, trickery)

Deceiving by trickery

Genesis 27. Esau is cheated out of his birthright.

Genesis 30:27–43. Laban tries to cheat Jacob out of his wages.

Malachi 3:8–9. Cheating God by withholding tithes

Mark 7:20–23. Cheating makes a person unclean.

Cheerfulness (brightness, exuberance, jollity)

Having good spirits; being merry

1 Kings 8:66. Cheerful hearts at the temple dedication

Esther 8:16. Cheerfulness after deliverance

Proverbs 15:13, 15. Cheerful face and heart

Proverbs 16:15. Cheerful king

Ecclesiastes 3:12. Be cheerful.

2 Corinthians 9:7. Cheerful givers

Chemistry (science)

The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reaction of matter

Exodus 30:34–35. Instructions on mixing incense

Job 38:29–30. Formation of ice

John 1:3. Chemistry possible because of God’s creation

Cherubim (angels, living creatures)

Winged celestial beings

Genesis 3:24. Cherubim guard the Garden of Eden

Numbers 7:89. Cherubim on the ark

2 Samuel 6:2. God enthroned between cherubim

1 Kings 6:23. Cherubim in the temple

Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel’s vision of cherubim

Child abuse (mistreatment)

The mistreatment of children

Genesis 37. Abusing Joseph

Exodus 1:15–16. Murdering children

Joel 3:3. Children not cherished

Child sacrifice (human sacrifice)

Killing children to appease a god

Genesis 22. Isaac’s sacrifice as test for Abraham

Leviticus 18:21. Never sacrifice children.

Leviticus 20:2–5. Death punishment for sacrificing children

2 Kings 23:10. Stopping child sacrifices

Jeremiah 32:35. Sites for child sacrifices

Childbirth (having children, reproduction)

The process of giving birth

Genesis 35:16–18. Rachel dies in childbirth.

Exodus 1:15–16. Orders to kill during childbirth

Leviticus 12:1. Childbirth makes a woman ritually unclean.

Isaiah 21:3. Fall of Babylon is like childbirth.

Luke 2:2–7. Birth of Jesus

Romans 8:22. Creation groans like a woman in childbirth.

Childless (barren, infertile)

Unable to have children

Genesis 16:1. Sarai was childless.

Genesis 25:21. Praying for a childless wife

1 Samuel 2:5. The prayer of a formerly childless woman

1 Samuel 15:33. Agag’s mother soon to be childless

2 Samuel 6:23. Michal is childless

Psalm 113:9. Turning a childless woman into a joyful mother

Isaiah 54:1. Song of a childless woman

Children (blessings from God, daughter, son, youth)

A son or daughter; an offspring

Genesis 29:31. Children for the unloved wife

Genesis 30:1–2. Desperate for children

Deuteronomy 6:6–7. Teach God’s laws to children.

1 Samuel 2:20. Children dedicated to the Lord

Psalm 127:3–5. Children as an inheritance

Jeremiah 38:23. Children exiled to Babylon

Matthew 11:16–17. Jesus compares adults to children.

Matthew 19:13–15. Jesus blesses children.

Choice(s) (alternatives, options, selections)

The act of choosing

Exodus 17:8–9. Choosing fighting men

Numbers 14:3–4. The Israelites rebel and want to choose another leader.

Deuteronomy 1:13. Choosing good leaders

Joshua 24:15. Choose who you will serve.

1 Chronicles 21:11–12. Choosing between punishments

Choir (chorale, music, singers)

Organized company of singers

1 Chronicles 15:16. David chooses a choir.

2 Chronicles 5:13. The choir at the temple dedication

2 Chronicles 29:28. The choir at the temple rededication

Nehemiah 12:28–29. Choirs at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem

Psalm 68:26. Thanking God with choirs

Choir directors (leaders, singers)

People chosen to lead a choir

1 Chronicles 15:22. Chenaniah is chosen to direct.

Psalm 4, direction. Notes for the choir director

Psalm 59, direction. Notes for the choir director

Psalm 60, direction. Notes for the choir director

Christ (Messiah, Suffering Servant the Chosen One)

Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah—the Savior foretold in the Old Testament

Matthew 1:1. History of the Christ

Matthew 11:2–3. Jesus—the chosen servant

Matthew 24:24. False Christs

Matthew 26:67–68. The Christ mocked

John 1:41. Christ found

Acts 16:18. Speaking in the name of the Christ

Christianity (Christian faith, the church, the Way)

Belief system based on the teachings of Jesus; embracing the belief that Jesus is the Son of God who died for the sins of all and was resurrected

Acts 11:26. First mention of Christians

Acts 26:10. Paul—the enemy of Christianity at one point

Acts 26:27. Can Paul persuade Agrippa to become a Christian?

Romans 9:1. The truth of a Christian

Romans 12:6. Agreeing with the Christian faith

1 Peter 4:16. Pride in being a Christian

Christmas (Advent, birth of Jesus, holiday)

Holiday that celebrates the birth of the Savior, Jesus

Isaiah 7:14. Prophecy of Christmas to come

Micah 5:2. Setting of the first Christmas

Matthew 1:18. The Holy Spirit’s part in Christmas

Luke 1:25–38. The promise of Christmas

Luke 2:1–20. The birth that started Christmas

Church (believers, community, congregation)

Christians all over the world; the body of Christ; also a building where a congregation meets

Matthew 16:18. Building the church

Acts 2. Birth of the church

Acts 5:11. Fear sweeps the church

Acts 8:1. Persecuted church

Romans 16:1. A deacon of the church

1 Corinthians 7:17. Guidelines for the church

1 Corinthians 10:32. Don’t mislead church members.

Church discipline (admonishing, reproving)

Following biblical guidelines in order to reprove those within the community

Matthew 18:15–17. A model for church discipline

1 Corinthians 5:11. Paul calls for discipline.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10. Conduct that calls for church discipline

2 Corinthians 2:6–7. Don’t over-discipline.

Ephesians 4:25. Speak the truth in church discipline.

Cinnamon (spice)

Dried bark of tropical trees that is ground to make a spice

Exodus 30:23. Cinnamon in oil

Proverbs 7:17. A bed perfumed with cinnamon

Song of Songs 4:13–14. A love like a paradise with cinnamon

Revelation 18:12–13. No one to buy cinnamon

Circumcision (rite of inclusion, symbol of God’s promise)

The surgical removal of the foreskin of the male reproductive organ

Genesis 17:9–14. Covenant of circumcision

Exodus 4:25. Moses’ son circumcised

John 7:22–23. Jesus discusses circumcision.

Acts 7:8. Continuing circumcision

Romans 2:25–29. Value of circumcision

Circumstances (conditions, situations, status)

Determining or modifying factors; the results of events

1 Chronicles 29:29–30. Circumstances of David

Romans 4:10. The circumstances of faith

1 Corinthians 7:15. The circumstances that break a marriage vow

Philippians 4:11. Contentment regardless of the circumstances

Colossians 4:8. Reporting on circumstances

Cistern (container, reservoir, tank)

Receptacle for holding water

Genesis 37:21–22. Joseph thrown into a cistern

Leviticus 11:35–36. Clean cistern

1 Samuel 19:22. Saul searches for David at the cistern in Secu

2 Kings 18:31. Sennacherib uses the analogy of a cistern to mock Hezekiah.

Proverbs 5:15. Drink from your own cistern.

Jeremiah 38. Jeremiah is imprisoned in a cistern.

Cities of refuge (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan, Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron)

Six designated cities where those who commit accidental manslaughter can escape those seeking revenge

Numbers 35:6–34. Cities of refuge

Deuteronomy 4:41–42. Cities of refuge east of the Jordan

Deuteronomy 19:1–10. Places of refuge

Joshua 20. Cities chosen as places of refuge

Citizen (inhabitant, national, resident)

Person entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation

Acts 16:37. Paul is a Roman citizen.

Acts 21:39. Citizen of Tarsus

Ephesians 2:19. Citizens together

Philippians 3:20. Citizens of heaven

Citizenship (nationality, residency)

The status of a citizen with rights and privileges

Acts 22:28. The price of citizenship

Ephesians 2:12. Excluded from citizenship

City walls (fortification, reinforcement, strengthening)

Fortifications used to protect a city and its citizens from danger

Joshua 2:15. A house in the wall

Joshua 6. Wall of Jericho falls

1 Samuel 31:12. Wall of Beth Shan

2 Kings 14:13. Wall of Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1:3. Wall of Jerusalem destroyed

Nehemiah 6:15. Wall of Jerusalem rebuilt

City(ies) (capital, metropolis, municipality)

Center of population, commerce, and culture; a large town

Genesis 4:17. Cain’s city

Genesis 33:18. The city of Shechem

Joshua 6:3. The city of Jericho

Joshua 8:1. The city of Ai

Judges 1:16. The City of Palms (Jericho)

1 Samuel 15:5. The city of Amalek

2 Samuel 5:7. The City of David

Isaiah 62:12. The City Not Deserted

Revelation 21:10. The holy city of Jerusalem

Civil disobedience (insurrection, revolt, rebellion)

Refusing to obey laws without resorting to violence

Exodus 1:16–17. Civil disobedience of the midwives

Esther 4. Civil disobedience of Esther

Daniel 6. Civil disobedience of Daniel

Matthew 12:1–2. Civil “disobedience” of Jesus’ disciples

Matthew 12:9–10. Jesus disobeys the rules.

Acts 5:29. Civil disobedience of the apostles

Civil war (war)

War between regions of the same country

Judges 20. War between Israel and Benjamin

2 Samuel 1–4. War between David’s house and Saul’s

1 Kings 12:1–24. Jeroboam versus Rehoboam

1 Kings 15:16–17. Asa, king of Judah, versus Baasha, king of Israel

Civility (courtesy, graciousness, politeness)

Courteous behavior

Genesis 18. Civility of Abraham

Genesis 24. Civility of Abraham’s servant and Rebekah

Ruth 2. Civility of Boaz

1 Samuel 25. Civility of Abigail

Luke 17:11–19. Civility of a leper

Clans (kin, family, tribe)

Tribal divisions

Genesis 24:37–38. Abraham’s clan

Exodus 6. Clan divisions of the Levites

Leviticus 25:10. Returning to the clan

Joshua 7:14. Presenting clans for judgment

Clapping (applauding, praising, sign of joy or derision)

The act or sound of clapping the hands

Psalm 47:1. Clap your hands

Psalm 98:8. Rivers clapping

Isaiah 55:12. Trees clapping

Lamentations 2:15. Derisive clapping

Clay (earth, soil, mud)

Material used to make pottery, bricks, and tiles; it hardens when fired

Leviticus 6:28. Break the clay pot

Leviticus 14:5, 50. Cleansing and clay bowls

Job 10:9. Made from clay

Isaiah 45:9. Inquiries from clay

Isaiah 64:8. We are the clay.

Clean/Cleanliness (ritually pure, unsoiled)

Ceremonially or morally able to approach God or to be used in the worship of God, based on prescribed rules and regulations having been met

Genesis 7:2. Clean animals on the ark

Leviticus 6:10–11. A clean place

Leviticus 7:19. If you’re clean, you can eat.

Leviticus 13. Declared clean of a skin disease

Psalm 24:3–4. Clean hands

Psalm 51:7. Clean with hyssop

Matthew 8:2–3. Be clean!

Cleanse (clean, purify, wash)

To restore someone to ritual purity; to purge the sin of someone

Leviticus 16:30. Cleansed on the day of Atonement

Psalm 51:2. Cleanse me from sin.

Jeremiah 33:8. God cleanses sin.

Ezekiel 36:25. A promise of cleansing

Matthew 10:8. Commissioned to cleanse

Hebrews 10:22. Cleansed from guilt

Clergy (see Levites; Priest)

Clothing (attire, garments)

Garments worn by people

Genesis 24:53. A gift of fine clothing

Genesis 45:21–22. Joseph provides clothing.

Leviticus 13:47–50. Clothing and mildew

Leviticus 19:19. Clothing regulation

Deuteronomy 22:5. Gender-related clothing

Clothing mishaps (crime of fashion, mistake, slip up)

Clothing choices which reflect poor planning and/or immodest values

Genesis 3:7. Makeshift clothing

Proverbs 23:20–21. Picking out clothes when drunk

Nahum 3:5. Threat of exposure

Matthew 22:10–12. Not dressed for the occasion

Mark 1:6. A strange look

1 Timothy 2:9. Appropriate and modest clothing

Cloud (cumulonimbus, nimbus, pillar of cloud)

A body of water droplets visible in the atmosphere miles above sea level; also a manifestation God used when leading Israel out of Egypt

Exodus 13:21. Pillar of cloud

Exodus 19:9. Coming in a cloud

Luke 21:27. Jesus will return in a cloud.

Acts 1:9. A cloud at Jesus’ ascension

Cobra (snake)

Venomous hooded snake native to Asia and Africa

Psalm 58:4–5. Like cobras

Psalm 91:13. Stepping on cobras

Isaiah 11:8. Sign of peace: an infant near a cobra’s hole

Code of Hammurabi (laws)

Ancient codes of law ratified by Hammurabi, a Babylonian king; similarities between the code and biblical commandments have been found.

Exodus 21:18–19. The code: accidental injuries

Exodus 21:23–25. The code: an eye for an eye

Matthew 5:38–39. Jesus responds to the code

Coin(s) (currency, denarii, drachma, silver)

Pieces of metal with specific weights used as currency

Matthew 17:24–27. Coin in a fish’s mouth

Matthew 26:14–16. Judas betrays Jesus for 30 coins.

Mark 12:42. A widow’s coins

Luke 10:35. The good Samaritan’s coins

Luke 15:8–10. Parable of the lost coin

John 2:15. Scattered coins

Collaboration (see Cooperation)

Collateral (guarantee, security)

Property used as security for a loan

Exodus 22:26–27. Clothing as collateral

Deuteronomy 24:10–13. Rules about collateral

Deuteronomy 24:17. Don’t take collateral from widows.

Collateral damage (casualties, damages)

Unintentional damage as a result of a situation (usually in a military setting)

Judges 11:29–40. The harm of a vow

Judges 21. Death of women as a result of war with Benjamin

2 Samuel 4:4. Crippled as a result of bad news

Color(s) (hue, shade)

Specific colors mentioned in the Bible, some of which are symbolic

Exodus 24:9–10. Sapphire blue

Exodus 26. Colors used for the tabernacle

Exodus 28:15. Breastplate colors

1 Chronicles 29:2. Colors in the temple

Ezekiel 17:2–3. Riddle of the colorful eagle

Comfort (reassurance, relieve, soothe)

To soothe in a time of affliction

Ruth 2:13. The comfort of Boaz

Psalm 71:21. Built up and comforted

Isaiah 12:1. Comforted by God

Isaiah 28:12. A place of comfort

Isaiah 40:1–2. Comfort my people

Isaiah 61:2. The comfort of God’s chosen servant

2 Corinthians 1:3–7. The God of comfort

Comforter(s) (advocate, helper, Holy Spirit)

One who offers comfort; a name for God or the Holy Spirit

Ecclesiastes 4:1. No comforter

Jeremiah 8:18. A Comforter in sorrow

Lamentations 1:16. A distant comforter

John 14:26. A comforting helper

Commandment(s) (law, regulation, Ten Commandments)

A law or order; one of the Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:1–17. The Ten Commandments

Joshua 22:5. Follow the commands.

Matthew 22:37–40. The greatest commandment

Luke 23:56. Obeying the Sabbath commandment

Romans 7:7–13. What the commandments show

Ephesians 6:2–3. A commandment with a promise

Commemorate (see Memorial)

Commerce (business, selling, trade)

The buying and selling of goods

Genesis 23. Abraham buys a tomb.

Ruth 4. Boaz conducts business.

2 Samuel 24:19–25. David buys a threshing floor.

1 Kings 10:22. The king’s commerce

Ezekiel 27:17, 33. Tarshish commerce

Commission (assign, hire, order)

Granting power or authority to carry out a task

Numbers 27:18–20. Joshua is commissioned.

Deuteronomy 3:28. Reminded to commission

Matthew 28:19. The Great Commission

Acts 26:12. Paul’s old commission

Colossians 1:25–26. Paul’s new commission

Commitment (pledge, promise, vow)

Something pledged, for instance, an engagement or a vow; being bound to someone emotionally or intellectually

Joshua 24:27. A stone of commitment

Jeremiah 30:22. A statement of commitment

Jeremiah 31:36–37. God’s commitment to his people

John 6:66. Lack of commitment

Romans 12:1–2. Actions of commitment

Committees (board, team, working group)

A group of people delegated for a particular function

Numbers 16. A rebellious committee

Acts 6. Committee to help Greek widows

Acts 15. Decided by committee

Acts 25:12. Festus’s advisory committee

Common sense (good judgment)

Having or exhibiting native good judgment

Job 12:24. Common sense taken away

Proverbs 12:15, 21. Common sense proverbs

Proverbs 15:5. How to show good sense

Proverbs 17:18. Lacking common sense

Proverbs 19:8. It’s common sense to love yourself.

Micah 6:8. A common sense approach to life

Romans 1:20. Belief in God is simply common sense.

Common-law wife (see Concubine[s])

Communication (announcement, message, speech)

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information

Genesis 34:6. Communicating to settle a problem

Exodus 20:22. What Moses was to communicate to the Israelites

Deuteronomy 6:7. Communicating God’s laws

Matthew 6:9–15. Communicating with God

2 Timothy 4:2. Communicate the gospel

Communion (see Lord’s Supper)

Community (body, fellowship, group)

A group of people living in the same locality

Exodus 12:3–11. Tell the whole community.

Exodus 16:1. Moving a community

Exodus 35:20–21. Community contributions

2 Chronicles 31:18. Those the community depend on

Jeremiah 30:20. An established community

Companionship (see Friendship; Husband[s]; Wife[ves])

Comparison(s) (assessment, contrast, evaluation)

Comparing or evaluating; estimating the similarities or differences

Job 28:17–18. No comparison

Job 39:13. Wings of an ostrich can’t compare with a stork.

Psalm 86:8. God is incomparable.

Psalm 89:6. God is incomparable.

Proverbs 8:11. Nothing compares with wisdom.

Romans 5:15–16. No comparison between grace and sin

Compassion (concern, kindness, sympathy)

Deep awareness of the suffering of another

Exodus 33:19. God’s compassion

Deuteronomy 13:17. God will have compassion.

Judges 2:18. Moved to compassion

1 Kings 3:26. A mother’s compassion

Matthew 9:36. Jesus’ compassion

Compatibility (attuned, like-mindedness, well-suited)

The capability of existing together in harmony

1 Samuel 13:14. A heart compatible with God’s

2 Corinthians 6:15. Incompatibility

1 Thessalonians 5:13. Peace: the secret to compatibility

1 Peter 3:8. How to be compatible

Compensation (see Wages)

Competition (contest, rivalry, struggle, war)

A contest between rivals

Genesis 30. Competition for having children

1 Kings 18:22–24. Competition on Carmel

Jeremiah 12:5. How can you compete?

1 Corinthians 9:24–27. Compete to win.

Complacency (self-satisfaction)

Contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned

Proverbs 1:32. Complacency of fools

Isaiah 32:9, 11. Complacent women

Ezekiel 30:9. Frightened out of complacency

Amos 6:1. Complacency in Zion

Zephaniah 1:12–13. Consequences for complacency

Complaining (see Grumbling)

Complete (finished, full, total, whole)

Having all the necessary parts, components, or steps; bringing to a finish

Deuteronomy 16:15. Complete joy

Esther 2:12. Completing a beauty treatment

Zechariah 4:9. Zerubbabel will complete the temple.

Luke 6:49. Complete destruction

Luke 14:28. Be sure you can complete a task.

John 15:11. Having Jesus’ complete joy

Acts 20:24. Paul wants to complete his mission.

Compliment (admiration, affirmation, praise)

An expression of praise, admiration, or gratitude

Genesis 12:10–11. Abraham compliments Sarai.

Ruth 2:11–12. Boaz compliments Ruth.

1 Kings 10:1–9. The queen of Sheba compliments Solomon.

Song of Songs 1:10, 16. Compliment for a bride and groom

Luke 7:9. Jesus compliments the faith of a centurion.

Composure (calm, poise, self-possession)

A calm or tranquil state of mind

1 Samuel 25:17–19. Abigail keeps her composure in the face of death threats.

Proverbs 15:1. Why it’s best to keep one’s composure

Isaiah 7:3–4. Isaiah tells Ahaz to keep his composure.

Isaiah 26:3. The secret to keeping one’s composure

Comprehension (see Understanding)

Compromise (conciliation, give and take, negotiate)

A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions; a settlement to something pejorative or detrimental

Genesis 13:8–9. Abram and Lot compromise

Luke 12:58. Compromise before court

2 Corinthians 4:2. Paul refuses to compromise.

James 4:4. Compromising behavior

1 John 2:15. John warns against compromising.

Compulsive behavior (habits, obsession, uncontrollable)

Behavior patterns governed by compulsion

Mark 5:5. Compulsive behavior of a demon-possessed man

Romans 7:18–20. Compulsive sin

2 Corinthians 12:6–9. Paul’s compulsion

Comrades (see Friendship)

Conceit (see Pride)

Concubine(s) (common-law wives, secondary wives)

A woman contracted to a man as a secondary wife

Genesis 22:24. Nahor’s concubine

Genesis 35:22. Jacob’s (Israel’s) concubine

Judges 8:30–31. Gideon’s concubine

2 Samuel 3:7. Saul’s concubine

1 Kings 11:3. Solomon’s concubines

1 Chronicles 1:32. Abraham’s concubine

Condemn/Condemnation (criticize, denounce, disapprove)

To express strong disapproval of; to find someone guilty

Job 9:20. Self-condemnation

Job 40:8. Condemning God

Psalm 109:31. Condemned to death

Matthew 12:42. Condemned by the queen from the south

Romans 3:8. They are condemned.

Romans 8:1. No condemnation

Condition (circumstance, situation, state)

State of being

Genesis 34:15. On one condition

1 Samuel 11:2. Compromising condition

Proverbs 27:23. Condition of a flock

Matthew 12:45. A bad condition

John 5:6. Do you want to change your condition?

Condolences (commiseration, pity)

A formal declaration of sympathy with a person who has experienced grief or misfortune

2 Samuel 10:1–2. David’s condolences

2 Kings 20:12. King Merodach’s condolences

Job 2:11. Condolences of Job’s friends

John 11:19. Condolences upon the death of Lazarus

Conduct (behavior, manner, ways)

To comport oneself in a specific way

Esther 1:17–18. The queen’s conduct

Job 21:31. Conduct of the wicked

Proverbs 20:11. A child’s conduct

Jeremiah 4:18. Israel’s conduct

Jeremiah 32:19. God sees the conduct of Adam’s descendants.

Confession (admission of guilt, acknowledgment)

To admit a wrongdoing; to acknowledge faith

Leviticus 5:5. If you’re guilty, confess.

Numbers 5:5–7. Confess your sin.

Nehemiah 1:6. Nehemiah confesses.

Romans 10:9. Confession of faith

Philippians 2:10–11. Confession about Jesus

1 John 1:9. Confess sins.

Confidence (assurance, belief)

Trust or faith in a person or thing

2 Kings 18:19. Hezekiah’s confidence questioned

Nehemiah 6:16. Self-confidence of enemies

Psalm 71:5. My confidence

Proverbs 3:26. Your confidence

Micah 7:5. An expression of woe

2 Corinthians 3:4. Confidence from Christ

Confirmation (authentication, proof, verification)

Something that confirms or verifies

Genesis 17:2. God provides confirmation.

Deuteronomy 29:13. Confirming that God is God

1 Kings 1:14. Confirmation from the prophet Nathan

Daniel 9:27. Confirmation of the Messiah

Acts 15:27. Confirmation by Judas and Silas

Conflict (argument, disagreement, quarrel)

Open or prolonged fighting; a battle or war

2 Samuel 2:14–17. Conflict between Abner and Joab

Habakkuk 1:3. Conflict abounds.

2 Corinthians 7:5. Conflicts

Galatians 5:17. Conflict between the corrupt nature and the spiritual nature

Philippians 4:2. Conflict between Euodia and Syntyche

3 John 9–10. Conflict between John and Diotrephes

Conformity (agreement, conventionality, submission)

Action or behavior that corresponds with customs, rules, or styles

Romans 12:2. Avoid conformity.

Ephesians 2:1–2. You once conformed.

Colossians 2:8, 20. Encouraged to conform

1 Peter 1:14. An apostle’s advice about conformity

Confrontation (argument, conflict, disagreement)

A meeting face-to-face in order to confront someone; discord or a clash of opinions

Exodus 8:20–21. Confronting Pharaoh

1 Samuel 12:7. Samuel confronts the people of Israel.

Job 38:1–2. God confronts Job.

Psalm 17:13. A wish for confrontation

Matthew 18:15–17. Rules for confrontation

Confusion (bewilderment, perplexity, misunderstanding)

The state of being confused; a disturbed mental state

Genesis 11:6–7. Language confusion

Exodus 14:24. An army in confusion

Deuteronomy 28:28. Confusion God allows

Joshua 10:10. Confusion at Gibeon

1 Samuel 14:20. Confusion among the Philistines

Congregation (flock, parishioners, worshipers)

A body of assembled people, especially for religious worship

Leviticus 4:13–14. Shared guilt of a congregation

Leviticus 8:3. Gathering the congregation

Psalm 22:22. Praise within the congregation

Acts 13:43. Dismissing the congregation

Hebrews 2:11–12. Jesus repeats the call to praise God within the congregation.

Conqueror(s) (defeater, overcomer, subjugator, vanquisher)

One who overcomes by force of arms

2 Kings 25. Arrival of the conquerors

Isaiah 14:12. Fall of a conqueror

Isaiah 49:24. Prisoners of conquerors

Micah 1:15. God will send a conqueror.

Romans 8:37. More than conquerors

Conquest (capture, invasion, takeover)

The act of conquering

Judges 3:8. Conquest of Cushan

Judges 6:2–4. Conquest of Midian

Amos 6:13. Conquest of Lo Debar

Revelation 6:2. A rider bent on conquest

Conscience (ethics, principles, scruples)

Awareness of a moral or ethical aspect to one’s conduct

Genesis 20:5–6. Abimelech’s conscience

1 Samuel 24:4–5. David’s conscience

1 Samuel 25:30–31. Abigail reminds David of his conscience.

Job 27:6. Not accused by conscience

1 Corinthians 4:4. A clear conscience

Consecrate (make holy, sanctify, set apart)

To declare or set apart as sacred

Exodus 19:10. Set yourselves apart.

Exodus 28:38. Consecrated gifts

Exodus 29:27. Set this apart.

Leviticus 8:11. Consecrated altar and utensils

Leviticus 16:19. Consecrated altar and utensils

Numbers 6:11. Consecrated head

Consensus (agreement, harmony)

A view or stance reached by the whole group

Deuteronomy 27:15. Group consensus

1 Samuel 8:4–5. Consensus of the people

2 Chronicles 18:12. A consensus demanded

Nehemiah 10:30. Reaching a consensus about intermarriage

1 Corinthians 1:10. A consensus encouraged

Consent (assent, blessing, permission)

To give assent as to the proposal of another

Genesis 34:8. Hamor seeks Jacob’s consent to a marriage between Shechem and Dinah.

Job 39:9. Will the wild ox consent?

Hosea 8:4. Israel fails to seek God’s consent.

1 Corinthians 7:5. Mutual consent

Philemon 14. Seeking Philemon’s consent

Conservation (maintenance, preservation)

The controlled use of and systemic protection of natural resources, particularly forests

Genesis 2:15. Adam appointed as conservator of Eden

Leviticus 19:23–25. Controlled use of fruit trees

Deuteronomy 20:19. Conservation law in a time of war

Consideration (contemplation, deliberation, thought)

Careful thought

1 Samuel 26:21. Saul considers his behavior.

1 Kings 16:31. Ahab’s lack of careful consideration

Job 1:8. For Satan’s consideration: Job

Psalm 119:59. Considering one’s life

Matthew 1:20. Joseph considers the matter of Mary’s pregnancy.

Consistency (constancy, dependability, steadiness)

Agreement or coherence; reliability or uniformity of results or events

Nehemiah 5:9. Nehemiah pleads for consistent behavior.

Luke 16:13. Inconsistent service

Romans 14:22. Just be consistent.

1 Corinthians 10:21. Can’t be consistent

Conspiracy(ies) (plot, scheme, secret plan)

Agreeing with someone to perform an illegal or subversive act

2 Samuel 15:12. Absalom’s conspiracy

2 Kings 15:15. Shallum’s conspiracy

Esther 2:21. The conspiracy of Bigthan and Teresh

Psalm 64:2. Hide me from conspiracies.

Isaiah 8:11–12. Don’t call everything a conspiracy.

Jeremiah 11:9. Conspiracy in Judah

Constellation(s) (stars)

Arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or a design

Job 9:9. Creator of the constellations

Job 38:31–32. Connector of the constellations

Amos 5:8. God made the constellations.

Contamination (contagion, infectivity, pollution)

The state of being contaminated or made impure

Leviticus 13:49–59. Contamination in clothing

2 Corinthians 6:17. Avoid that which contaminates.

2 Corinthians 7:1. Cleanse self from contaminants

James 1:27. Avoid contamination by the world.

Contemplate (see Meditate/Meditation)

Contempt (condescension, derision, disdain)

Disparaging or haughty disdain

Leviticus 22:9. Treated with contempt

Numbers 14:11, 23. Israel’s contempt for God

Numbers 16:30. Consequences of treating God with contempt

Deuteronomy 17:12. Consequences of treating leaders with contempt

Psalm 31:18. Contempt of the wicked.

Proverbs 18:3. Contempt comes with the territory

Contentment (ease, satisfaction)

The state of being satisfied; content

Joshua 7:7. Joshua bewails a lack of contentment.

Proverbs 19:23. Fear of the Lord brings contentment.

Ecclesiastes 4:8. Not content with wealth

Philippians 4:11–12. Paul’s contentment

Hebrews 13:5. Be content

Contract (binding agreement, pact, treaty)

An agreement between two or more parties enforceable by law

Genesis 21:27. Abraham contracts with Abimelech.

Genesis 26:26–31. Isaac contracts with Abimelech.

1 Kings 5:8–11. Solomon’s contract with Hiram

Isaiah 16:14. Moab’s contracts

Isaiah 21:16. Kedar’s contracts

Contrast (difference, disparity, dissimilarity)

To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences

Proverbs 15:13. Joyful heart and heartache

Proverbs 15:20. Wise and foolish sons

Proverbs 16:8. Honest acquisition versus unjust gain

Proverbs 17:1. Dry bread versus a family feast

John 1:5; 3:19. Light and dark

Contrite/Contrition (remorseful, repentant, sorrow)

Sincere remorse for wrongdoing

Psalm 51:17. Contrite heart

Isaiah 57:14–15. Metaphor for contrition

Isaiah 66:2. God notices contrition.

Controversy (argument, debate, disagreement)

A public dispute

Exodus 4:24–25. Controversy over circumcision

Joshua 9:15–16, 18. A controversial decision

1 Samuel 25:10–11. Nabal’s controversial decision

2 Samuel 6:20. Michal’s controversial stance

Acts 10–11. Peter stirs up controversy by visiting Gentiles.

Conversation (discussion, talk)

A spoken exchange of thoughts and opinions

Exodus 13:9–10. Passover: part of your conversation

Numbers 12:8. God and Moses conversed.

1 Samuel 19:7. Conversation between Saul and Jonathan

Jeremiah 38:24, 27. Secret conversation

Colossians 4:6. Season your conversation.

Conversion (born again, change, renewal)

Adopting a new religion, faith, or belief

Acts 2:41. Three thousand converted

Acts 8:26–39. An Ethiopian’s conversion

Acts 9. Saul’s conversion

Acts 10. Cornelius and his household are converted.

Acts 13:16. Paul addresses converts to Judaism.

Acts 16:29–33. A Philippian jailer’s conversion

Acts 17:4, 17. Converted to Judaism

Conviction (awareness, knowledge of guilt, certainty)

An awareness that one is guilty of a crime; the state of being convinced; finding someone guilty of a crime

Proverbs 24:25. Convicting the guilty

John 8:46. Can anyone convict Jesus?

John 16:8–9. Holy Spirit convicts

1 Thessalonians 1:5. Deep conviction

Jude 15. The Lord convicts

Convince (encourage, persuade, talk into)

To bring to firm belief by the use of an argument or evidence

Acts 16:15. Lydia convinces Paul.

Acts 19:8. Speaking boldly to convince

Acts 28:23. Trying to convince the Jews

2 Timothy 1:5, 12. Paul is convinced.

Hebrews 6:9. Better things in store: we are convinced.

Convocation (holy assembly)

An assembly of the clergy and laity

Leviticus 23:4, 37. Assigned holy assemblies

Numbers 10:7. Fanfare at the convocation

Numbers 29:1, 7, 35. Hold these convocations.

Deuteronomy 9:10. Recalling the convocation at Mount Sinai

Cooking (food preparation)

Preparing food

Genesis 18:7. A meal cooked for special guests

Genesis 25:29–30. Jacob cooks

Genesis 27:14. Rebekah cooks a meal to deceive Isaac.

Jeremiah 1:13. Jeremiah’s vision of a boiling pot

Ezekiel 4:9. Cooking as an example

Ezekiel 24:3–5. Cooking metaphor

Cooperation (assistance, collaboration, support)

Working together toward a common end

Exodus 36. Cooperating to build the tabernacle and its utensils

2 Chronicles 24. Cooperating to repair the temple

Nehemiah 2:17–18. Calling for cooperation to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem

Ecclesiastes 4:9. Better to cooperate

3 John 8. We must cooperate.

Copper (ore, tools, utensils, weapons)

Malleable metallic element used for making utensils and weapons

Deuteronomy 8:9. Mining for copper

Job 28:1–2. Melting rocks for copper

Ezekiel 22:17–18, 20. Smelted copper

Ezekiel 24:11. Copper pot

Matthew 10:9. Copper coins

Corban (gift, offering)

Greek word that means “given”; a vow declaring an item as dedicated to God

Exodus 20:12. Why corban violates this commandment

Numbers 30:1–2. Justification for corban

Mark 7:11–12. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees about corban items.

Cornerstone (bridging stone, Jesus)

Stone at the corner of a building that unites two intersecting walls; a metaphor for Jesus

Job 38:6–7. Cornerstone of creation

Isaiah 28:16. A precious cornerstone

Jeremiah 51:26. No cornerstones to be found

Zechariah 10:4. Judah’s cornerstone

Ephesians 2:20–21. Jesus is the cornerstone.

1 Peter 2:6–8. The stone rejected becomes the cornerstone.

Coronation (crowning)

The act of crowning a sovereign

1 Samuel 10. Saul’s coronation

2 Samuel 5:3–4. David’s coronation

1 Kings 1:38–40. Solomon’s coronation

2 Kings 11:12. Joash’s coronation

1 Chronicles 12:38–39. Feast in celebration of David’s coronation

Corporal punishment (discipline, spanking)

Pain used as a disciplinary measure

Proverbs 13:24. Refusing to spank

Proverbs 22:15. Spanking and foolishness

Proverbs 23:13–14. Spanking and discipline

Proverbs 29:15. Wisdom through spanking

Corpse (cadaver)

A dead body

Leviticus 22:4. Skin disease and touching a corpse

Judges 14:9. Honey from a lion’s corpse

2 Kings 9:37. Jezebel’s corpse

Isaiah 14:19. Corpse metaphor of rejection

Isaiah 26:19. Corpses will rise.

Isaiah 34:2–3. The stench of corpses

Isaiah 37:36. Many, many corpses

Jeremiah 34:19–20. Corpses for food for wild animals

John 11:39. The corpse of Lazarus

Correction (discipline, modification)

Disciplinary measures or punishment intended to rehabilitate or improve

Leviticus 26:23–24. God’s corrective measures

Job 36:10. Corrective warnings

Proverbs 5:12. Despising correction

Proverbs 10:17. Ignoring correction

Proverbs 12:1. Loving correction

Correspondence (communication, letters, messages)

Communication by the exchange of letters

2 Kings 20:12. Letters from Babylon

Ezra 4:6–22. Letters to and from Artaxerxes

Jeremiah 29:1. Jeremiah’s letter to the captives in Babylon

Romans 1:1. Letter from Paul to the Roman believers

1 Corinthians 1:1. Letter from Paul to the Corinthian believers

Galatians 1:1–2. Letter from Paul to the believers in Galatia

Corruption (bribery, death, dishonesty, distortion)

The state of being corrupt

2 Kings 23:13. The Hill of Corruption

Ezra 9:11. Corrupting the land

Isaiah 1:4. A corrupt nation

Hosea 9:9. Deep into corruption

Cosmetics (eye shadow, makeup, women)

Preparations designed to beautify the body

2 Kings 9:30. Jezebel applies eye shadow.

Jeremiah 4:30. Judah’s cosmetics

Ezekiel 23:40. Metaphorical makeup

1 Peter 3:3. Beauty does not come from makeup

Cost(s) (charge, price, rate)

An amount paid or requirement in payment of a debt or purchase

Joshua 6:26. Frightening cost in the curse on Jericho

2 Samuel 24:24. David insists on paying the cost of the threshing floor.

1 Chronicles 12:19. A high cost

Proverbs 7:23. The cost of following the adulterous woman

Isaiah 55:1. No cost

Luke 14:28, 33. Count the cost of following Jesus.

Counsel (advice, direction, guidance)

Advice given as a result of consultation; a plan of action or behavior

2 Samuel 15:31. Unwise counsel

2 Chronicles 18:4. Seeking God’s counsel

2 Chronicles 22:5. Following bad counsel

2 Chronicles 25:16. Consequences of avoiding wise counsel

Job 12:13. Wise counsel comes from God.

Job 38:2. Who darkens God’s counsel?

Counselor (advocate, Holy Spirit, lawyer)

Person who counsels; another name for the Holy Spirit

2 Samuel 15:12. David’s counselor

1 Chronicles 26:14. A chosen counselor

1 Chronicles 27:32. A chosen counselor

John 14:16, 26. Sending the Counselor

John 15:26. When the Counselor comes

Coups (overthrow, rebellion, takeover)

Brilliantly executed stratagem; the prize is usually a kingdom

2 Samuel 15–18. Absalom’s failed coup

2 Kings 9–10. Jehu’s successful coup

2 Kings 11–12. Jehoiada’s coup

2 Chronicles 22:10–23:21. Jehoiada’s coup on behalf of Joash

Courage (bravery, confidence, valor)

Quality of mind that enables one to face danger or fear with resolution

Joshua 1:1–9. God tells Joshua to have courage.

2 Samuel 4:1. Ishbosheth loses courage.

Ezekiel 22:14. Will Jerusalem have courage?

1 Corinthians 16:13. Be courageous.

Hebrews 3:6. Be courageous.

Courts (judges, temple courts)

Open ground partially enclosed by walls; person or body of persons whose task is to hear and render decisions on cases submitted

Exodus 21:22. The court decides.

2 Kings 23:11. In the temple courtyard

1 Chronicles 26:18. Temple courts

Job 11:10. God’s court

Matthew 5:25. Settle before going to court.

James 2:6. Dragged into court

Courtship (love)

The period of courting

Genesis 29. Jacob courts Rachel.

Judges 14:1–2. How Samson courted

Ruth 3. Courtship of Ruth and Boaz

Song of Songs 4:1. Courting phrases

Covenant (agreement, contract, promise)

A binding agreement based on obligations; usually between God and people

Exodus 6:2–4. God remembers His covenant with the patriarchs.

Exodus 34:10. A covenant made

Leviticus 2:13. Salt of God’s covenant

Deuteronomy 7:12. If Israel is faithful, God will keep His covenant.

2 Kings 23:3. A covenant renewed

1 Chronicles 16:15. A covenant forever

Covet (crave, desire, yearn for)

Blameworthy desire for what someone else has

Exodus 20:17. You shall not covet.

Deuteronomy 7:25. Don’t covet idols of other nations.

Romans 7:7. Paul reviews the commandment against coveting.

Romans 13:9. Instead of coveting, love.

James 4:2. Coveting and murder

Cowards (fearful, deserters)

Those who show cowardice

Genesis 3. Adam shows cowardice.

Genesis 12:10–13. Abram shows cowardice.

Joshua 7:4–5. Cowardice at Ai

1 Samuel 17:11. Saul and his army

Psalm 78:9. Cowardice of the men of Ephraim

Matthew 8:25–26. Cowardice during a storm

John 9:21–22. Cowardice of the parents of the man born blind

Craftsman (artisan, skilled worker)

A man who practices a craft with great skill

Genesis 4:22. Tubalcain—a tool maker

Exodus 35:30–35. Bezalel—master artist

1 Kings 7:14. Hiram—skilled craftsman

1 Chronicles 4:14. Valley of Craftsmen

Proverbs 8:29–30. Wisdom—a master craftsman

1 Corinthians 3:10. Paul—a skilled craftsman at sharing the gospel

Craftsmanship (artistry, skill)

Work produced by skilled labor

Genesis 1:31. God is pleased with His craftsmanship.

Exodus 36:8–9. Craftsmanship at work

1 Chronicles 22:15–16. Craftsmanship encouraged

2 Chronicles 4:18. Craftsmanship for the temple

Hosea 13:2. Craftsmanship for idols

Cravings (hunger, passion, thirst)

To have an intense desire for something

Numbers 11:4. Craving for food other than manna

Job 20:20. The wicked have no respite from cravings.

Psalm 106:14. Unreasonable desire

Proverbs 10:3. Unreasonable desire

1 John 2:16. Some cravings come from the world.

Creation (conception, formation, establishment)

The world and all the creatures and things in it; the act of making the world

Genesis 1–2. The creation story

Job 38:4–5. God created the earth.

Matthew 13:34–35. Truth hidden since creation

Romans 1:20. God’s qualities seen since the creation of the world

Romans 8:19–23. All creation waits for the second coming.

2 Corinthians 5:17. A new creation

Ephesians 1:4. Chosen before creation

Creativity (imagination, inventiveness, vision)

The ability to create

Genesis 1–2. God is creative.

Exodus 31:1–5. Bezalel is creative.

Deuteronomy 4:32. Heavens show God’s creativity.

Psalm 33:3. Be creative in praise.

Hebrews 13:21. God equips us to be creative.

Creator (Author, God, Maker of heaven and earth)

One who creates; usually used in reference to God

Genesis 14:19, 22. God the Creator

Ecclesiastes 12. Remember your Creator.

Isaiah 27:11. For the rebellious, the Creator is pitiless.

Isaiah 40:28. Untiring Creator

Matthew 19:4–5. Male and female made by the Creator

Creature(s) (being, mortal, person)

Something created

Genesis 1:28. Rule over every living creature.

Genesis 6:17–20. Creatures saved in the flood

Genesis 9:2. Creatures under the control of people

Leviticus 11. Creatures under the control of people

Psalm 136:25. God gives food to his creatures.

Ezekiel 1. Ezekiel’s vision of the four living creatures

Credentials (qualifications, testimonial)

That which entitles one to confidence, credit, or authority

Exodus 34:6–7. God’s credentials

Ruth 2:1. Boaz’s credentials

Matthew 16:13–16. Jesus’ credentials

John 16:13–15. Holy Spirit’s credentials

Philippians 3:4–6. Paul’s ministry credentials

Credibility (authority, reliability, trustworthiness)

The quality or capability of eliciting belief

Deuteronomy 19:15. Two witnesses required for credibility.

John 5:34–36. Jesus does not rely on humans for credibility.

John 8. Jesus’ credibility questioned

Acts 2:12–41. The credibility of the apostles and Christ

2 Corinthians 6. Paul’s credibility as a minister

Credit (acknowledgment, recognition)

Official certification or recognition; approval for an act; influence based on the good opinion of others

Genesis 15:6. Belief credited to Abram.

Esther 2:22. Esther credits Mordecai for the discovery of a plot against Xerxes.

Luke 6:32. No credit given for loving those who love you

Romans 4:24. Faith credited to us

1 Peter 2:20. Credit deserved?

Creed (article of faith)

A formal statement of religious belief

Deuteronomy 6:4–9. The Shema

1 Kings 18:39. Declaring that God is God.

Acts 16:31. A simple creed

1 Corinthians 15:3–8. Paul’s creed

Philippians 2:6–11. Creed affirming Jesus is God

Cremation (death custom)

Incinerating a corpse

Genesis 38:24. Cremation as an execution

Leviticus 20:14. Cremate them.

Numbers 16:35. God chooses to cremate.

Joshua 7:25. Cremation of Achan and his family

1 Samuel 31:11–12. Cremation of Saul and his sons

Amos 2:1. Anger of God due to cremation

Crime solvers (detective, police)

Those who took an active part in solving crime or administering justice

Joshua 7. Joshua

1 Samuel 15. Samuel

1 Kings 3:16–28. Solomon

1 Kings 21. God

Acts 5:1–11. Peter

Crime(s) (law breaking, felony, offense, sin)

An act committed in violation of a law

Genesis 31:36. What is Jacob’s crime?

Deuteronomy 19:16. Witnesses to a crime

1 Samuel 20:1. What is David’s crime?

Psalm 69:27. The crimes of the persecutor

Ecclesiastes 8:11–12. Encouraged to commit crimes?

Matthew 27:23. What is Jesus’ crime?

Criminal(s) (felon, offender, sinner)

One who commits a crime

Exodus 2:11–15. Moses

2 Samuel 11. David

Matthew 27:38. Jesus is crucified with two criminals.

John 18:30. The Jews insist that Jesus is a criminal.

1 Peter 4:15–16. No suffering for being a criminal.

Crises (disasters, predicaments)

Crucial or decisive points or situations; an emotionally stressful event or a traumatic change in a person’s life

Numbers 14. Crisis point after the return of the twelve spies

1 Samuel 25. Crisis averted in David’s life

1 Kings 19. Elijah in crisis

Psalm 77. A soul in crisis

1 Corinthians 7:26. Corinthian crisis

Criticism (censure, condemnation, disapproval)

Critical comment or judgment

Genesis 37:10. Joseph is criticized for his dream.

Numbers 12:1–2, 8. Miriam and Aaron’s criticism

Numbers 21:4–5. The criticism of the people of Israel

2 Samuel 6:20. Michal’s criticism

Romans 14:3–4. Don’t criticize.

2 Corinthians 8:20. Avoiding criticism

Crocodile (see Leviathan)

Crooked (bent, curved, twisted)

Marked by bends, curves, or angles

2 Samuel 22:27. How God reveals himself to the crooked

Psalm 125:5. When people become crooked

Proverbs 2:12, 14–15. Crooked paths

Proverbs 8:8. There is nothing crooked in wisdom.

Isaiah 59:8. Crooked paths of rebellious people

Luke 3:5. Crooked ways made straight

Cross, the (crucifixion of Christ)

The instrument upon which Jesus was crucified; the central point of Christianity

Mark 8:34. Pick up your cross.

Mark 15:29–30. Come down from the cross!

1 Corinthians 1:17–18. Message of the cross

Galatians 5:11. Offense of the cross

Galatians 6:12–14. Boasting in the cross

Colossians 2:14. What Christ did on the cross

Hebrews 12:2. Enduring death on the cross

Crowds (groups, multitude, people, populace)

Large groups of people

Matthew 4:25. Large crowds follow Jesus.

Matthew 7:28. Jesus amazes the crowds.

Luke 3:7. Crowds of vipers?

John 7:12. Crowds are split about Jesus.

Acts 5:15–16. Crowds desire healing from Peter

Acts 8:6. Crowds listen to Philip.

Crown (honor, Christian’s prize, wreath)

The symbol of a king or queen’s honor or office; metaphor for royalty

2 Samuel 1:10. Saul’s crown

2 Samuel 12:29–30. Crown of the king of Rabbah

Esther 1:10–11. Vashti’s crown

Proverbs 12:4. The crown of a husband

John 19:2. The crown of thorns

1 Corinthians 9:25. The believer’s crown

James 1:12. The crown of life

Crucifixion (cross, death)

Execution on a cross; the metaphor for the death of the old nature

Matthew 27:31–56. Jesus crucified

Mark 15:20–41. Mocked then crucified

Luke 23:33–49. Crucified at the place called The Skull

John 19:4–17. The people want Jesus crucified.

Acts 2:36. The crucified Lord

Romans 6:6. We also were crucified.

Galatians 2:19. I have been crucified.

Cubit (measurement)

Measurement equal to the length of the forearm—from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow (about 17 to 22 inches)

Genesis 6:16. Measurements for the ark

Exodus 25:10. A chest two and a half cubits long

Exodus 26:13. Cubits of the tent curtains

1 Kings 7:23–24. Cubits used in making the temple furnishings

Ezekiel 40:5. Cubits of the temple wall

Cults (factions, sects)

Religious sects considered to be extremists

Matthew 24:24. The false messiahs

Acts 15. The Judaizers

1 Timothy 6:20–21. Gnostics

Culture (civilization, social mores)

The behavior patterns, beliefs, and institutions of society

Genesis 17:9–13. Circumcision is a necessity in the Jewish culture.

Deuteronomy 18:9. Don’t adapt the culture of the other nations.

Matthew 5:10. Countercultural thinking of Jesus.

Matthew 6:2. Hypocrites hope to be seen in the synagogues

Luke 2:41. Passover—a part of the culture

John 4:9. Samaritans ostracized

Cumin (spice)

A Mediterranean herb of the parsley family

Isaiah 28:24–25, 27. Beating black cumin

Matthew 23:23. Tithing cumin

Cuneiform (writing)

Wedge-shaped characters used by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians from 3500 BC until AD 75

Ezra 1:8. List written in cuneiform

Esther 10:1–2. Recorded in cuneiform

Daniel 1:4. Daniel would have learned cuneiform.

Daniel 4:1. Nebuchadnezzar would have used cuneiform.

Cupbearer (butler, wine steward)

One who fills and distributes wine in a royal household

Genesis 40. Pharaoh’s cupbearer

2 Chronicles 9:3–4. Solomon had cupbearers.

Nehemiah 2:1. Nehemiah was a cupbearer.

Cups (fortune-telling, goblets, metaphorical)

Various types of cups used throughout the Bible

Genesis 44. Joseph’s silver cup

Esther 1:7. Golden cups

Matthew 20:22. Jesus’ cup of suffering

1 Corinthians 10:16. Cup of blessing

1 Corinthians 11:25. Cup of the new promise

Curds (cheese)

Coagulating part of the milk used in cheese making

Genesis 18:8. Abraham serves curds.

Deuteronomy 32:14. A description of God’s care for his people

2 Samuel 17:28–29. A description of God’s care for his people

Isaiah 7:15, 22. Curds and honey

Ezekiel 34:3. Bad shepherds eat the curds, but neglect the flock

Curiosity (inquisitiveness, interest)

A desire to know or learn

Genesis 3:6. Eve’s curiosity led to sin.

Genesis 18:16–33. Abraham is curious about God’s plans for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Genesis 32:29. Jacob is curious about the man with whom he wrestled.

1 Samuel 6:19. Curiosity led to death.

John 21:21. Peter is curious about John’s future.

Currency (see Coin[s]; Money)

Curse(s) (misfortune)

The misfortune that came as the result of disobedience to one of God’s commandments

Genesis 3:14. The snake is cursed.

Exodus 22:28. Never curse a leader.

Numbers 22. Balak tells Balaam to curse the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 28:15–68. Curses to come with sin

2 Kings 2:24. Elisha calls a curse upon mocking youths.

Nehemiah 10:29. An oath with a curse

Curtain(s) (drapery)

Material which served as coverings and sectioning aids in the temple and tabernacle

Exodus 27:9–10. Curtains for the tabernacle court

Exodus 35:17. Curtains made by craftsmen

Leviticus 16:2. Curtains hide the ark of the covenant

Numbers 4:25–26. Gershonites in charge of the curtains

Matthew 27:51. Temple curtain tears at Jesus’ death.

Hebrews 6:19–20. Jesus went behind the curtain for us.

Customs (mores, society, traditions)

Practices followed by a people group

Leviticus 20:23. Customs of other nations

2 Kings 17:34. Following other customs

John 19:40. Burial customs

Acts 6:14. Stephen is accused of wanting customs changed.

Acts 21:21. Has Paul abandoned Jewish customs?

Cyrus cylinder (clay cylinder, cuneiform text)

Document written by Cyrus the Great, the Persian king (now housed in the British Museum)

2 Chronicles 36:22–23. Scripture confirmed in the Cyrus cylinder

Ezra 6:10. Scripture inscribed on the Cyrus cylinder

Isaiah 44:23–45:8. Scripture confirmed on the Cyrus cylinder