– F –

Faction(s) (groups, parties, sections)

Group forming cohesive, often contentious, minority within a larger group

1 Kings 16:21. Two factions

1 Corinthians 11:19. The need for factions

2 Corinthians 12:20. Factions among the Corinthian church

Galatians 5:19–20. Factions—a product of the corrupt nature

Facts (details, information, specifics)

Information presented as objectively real

1 Samuel 23:23. Come back with the facts.

Acts 19:35–36. Undeniable facts?

Acts 21:34. Difficult fact-finding

Romans 4:19. Abraham knew the facts.

1 Corinthians 10:7, 14. Look at the facts.

Failure (catastrophe, fiasco, sin)

Not having achieved one’s desired end or ends; one that fails

Judges 2:1–5. Consequences of Israel’s failure

Acts 5:35–36. Theudas’s failure

Romans 5:15–17. One person’s failure affects all.

Romans 11:11–12. Israel’s failure

Fainthearted (cowardly, nervous, timid)

Deficient in conviction or courage; timid

Deuteronomy 20:3–8. Don’t be fainthearted.

Joshua 2. The fainthearted in Jericho

Judges 7:3. An out for the fainthearted

Isaiah 7:3–4. A command to avoid faintheartedness

Jeremiah 49:23. Fainthearted Hamath and Arpad

Fairness (equality, impartiality, justice)

Exhibiting a disposition free of favoritism or bias; impartiality

Psalm 98:8–9. Judging with fairness

Psalm 99:4. God established fairness

Proverbs 1:1–3. Acquiring fairness

Proverbs 29:14. Judging the poor with fairness

Isaiah 32:1. Ruling with fairness

Faith (assurance, confidence, conviction, trust)

Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing

Genesis 15:6. The faith of Abram

1 Samuel 2:12. No faith

1 Samuel 23:16. Strengthening David’s faith

Matthew 8:10. Amazing faith

Matthew 8:23–27. Little faith during a storm

Matthew 11:6. Keeping the faith

Luke 8:48. The faith that leads to healing

Hebrews 11:1. A definition of faith

Faithfulness (constancy, loyalty, steadfastness)

Exhibiting a steadfast adherence to a faith or cause

Genesis 32:9–10. God’s faithfulness

Joshua 24:14. Serve God with faithfulness.

1 Chronicles 9:26. Resume of faithfulness

Psalm 36:5. Praising God’s faithfulness

Psalm 100:5. Enduring faithfulness

Isaiah 11:5. Messianic faithfulness

Fall (autumn, sin)

The season of autumn; the loss of innocence after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden; also, to experience defeat or ruin

Genesis 3. The fall

Deuteronomy 11:14. Rain in the fall

2 Kings 17. The fall of Samaria

2 Kings 25. The fall of Jerusalem

Psalm 66:8–9. Not allowed to fall

Romans 11:12. The fall of the Jewish people

False god(s) (see Idol[s])

False messiah(s) (antichrist, false leaders)

Anyone falsely claiming to be the Messiah

Matthew 24:23–24. False messiahs

2 Thessalonians 2:9. A false messiah

1 John 2:22. The false reject God.

Revelation 13:13. Power of a false messiah

False prophet(s) (false messengers)

Spokesmen or messengers who claimed to speak for God but were not sent by God

Numbers 31:16. Balaam the false prophet

1 Kings 22. Four hundred false prophets

Nehemiah 6:14. False female prophet

Isaiah 44:25. Signs of false prophets

Jeremiah 6:13–14. Message of false prophets

Jeremiah 14:14. Lies of false prophets

Ezekiel 13:8–9. God acts against false prophets.

Matthew 7:15–16. Beware of false prophets.

False teacher(s) (false doctrine, heresy)

Teachers who teach heresy, rather than truth

1 Timothy 1:3–4. Teaching a false doctrine

1 Timothy 6:3–4. The conceit of false teaching

2 Timothy 4:3. The desire to hear false teaching

Titus 1:10–11. False teachers ruin families.

2 Peter 2:1–3. False teachers

2 John 7–11. Don’t even greet a false teacher.

False witness(es) (liar)

A person or persons who provide false testimony; liar

Exodus 20:16. Don’t be a false witness.

Deuteronomy 19:18–19. Punish a false witness.

1 Kings 21:8–10. Finding false witnesses

Psalm 27:12. False witnesses

Proverbs 6:16, 19. God hates false testimony.

Proverbs 12:17. Deceitful witness

Falsehood (see Lying)

Fame (prominence, notoriety, recognition)

Great renown; public estimation

Deuteronomy 26:18–19. God will provide fame in exchange for obedience.

Joshua 6:27. Joshua’s fame

1 Samuel 18:6–7. David’s fame eclipses Saul’s.

1 Kings 4:30–31. Solomon’s fame

1 Chronicles 14:17. David’s fame

2 Chronicles 26:15. Uzziah’s fame

Isaiah 66:19. God’s fame

Familiarity (acquaintance, informality, intimacy)

Enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest

Numbers 11:4–6. Desire for familiar foods

Psalm 139:3. God is familiar with our ways.

Isaiah 53:3. Familiar with suffering

Acts 26:26. Agrippa’s familiarity

Romans 7:1. Familiar with Moses’ teachings (the law)

Family (kin, relations, relatives)

Parents and offspring; people sharing a common ancestry; believers united by the Holy Spirit

Genesis 7:1. Noah’s family

Exodus 12:3. One Passover lamb per family

Leviticus 27:22. Family property

Psalm 68:6. God makes families.

Proverbs 27:27. Promise of provision for a family

Galatians 6:10. Family of believers

1 Peter 4:17. Judgment starts with the family of God.

Famine (deprivation, scarcity, starvation)

Drastic wide-reaching food shortage

Genesis 12:10. Abram faces a famine.

Genesis 41. Pharaoh dreams of a famine.

Deuteronomy 32:24. Starved by famines

Ruth 1:1. Fleeing to Moab due to a famine

2 Samuel 24:13. David’s choice: fleeing, famine, or plague

1 Kings 8:37–38. Famine in the land; prayers for mercy

2 Kings 6:24–25. A severe famine

Romans 8:35. Even famine can’t separate us.

Revelation 6:7–8. Wars and famines to come

Fanatic (extremist, zealot)

Person marked by extreme unreasoning enthusiasm as for a cause

John 2:16–17. After driving out the moneychangers, Jesus’ zeal might have seemed like fanaticism to some.

Acts 26:9–11. Paul’s fanaticism against Christianity

Romans 10:2. Devoted but misguided

Galatians 4:17–18. Avoid fanatics.

Farmer (cultivator, grower, planter)

One who works on or operates a farm; one who cultivates crops

Genesis 4:2–3. Cain—the first recorded farmer

Isaiah 28:24. Questions about farmers

Jeremiah 14:4. Disappointed farmers

Amos 5:16. Mourning farmers

Zechariah 13:4–5. False prophets will admit to being farmers.

Mark 4:3–20. Parable of the farmer sowing seeds

James 5:7. Have the patience of farmers.

Fashion (make, form, style)

The make or form of something; a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way; a prevailing custom, usage, or style

Exodus 28:15. Fashioning a breastpiece for a high priest

Job 10:8. Would He destroy what He fashioned?

Psalm 33:15. God fashions each heart.

Isaiah 40:19. Fashioning silver chains for an idol

Isaiah 45:18. He who fashioned the earth

Fasting (abstain)

Partial or total abstinence from food as to show humility and submission before God

2 Samuel 12:15–17. David fasts and pleads for his child’s life.

2 Chronicles 20:3. Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast.

Ezra 8:21. Ezra proclaims a fast.

Esther 4:15–16. Esther proclaims a fast.

Matthew 6:16–18. Jesus preaches about fasting.

Matthew 9:14–15. Does Jesus fast?

Father (God, man with children)

Man who has offspring; also, a name for God or a respected leader

Genesis 2:24. Leaving father and mother

Genesis 17:5. The father of many nations

Ruth 4:18–22. David’s forefathers

Matthew 6:9. God the Father in heaven

Romans 8:15. Abba Father

Ephesians 1:2. God our Father

Father-in-law (the father of one’s spouse)

The father of a man’s wife

Genesis 30:25–31:55. Jacob is cheated by his father-in-law

Genesis 38. Tamar and her father-in-law, Judah

Genesis 41:50. Joseph’s priestly father-in-law

Exodus 18. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro

1 Samuel 18:19–21. David’s father-in-law, Saul

John 18:12–13. Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas

Fault (blemish, error, mistake)

Character weakness or defect

Genesis 16:5. Abram’s fault

Exodus 5:15–16. Pharaoh’s fault

1 Samuel 29:3. No fault in David

Job 15:14. Faultess mortal?

Colossians 1:22. Entering God’s presence without fault

Jude 24. Standing without fault

Faultfinding (blaming, nagging, nitpicking)

Petty or nagging criticism; carping

Job 40:2. Will you find fault with God?

Romans 9:19. Why does God still find fault?

2 Corinthians 6:3. You can’t fault us.

James 1:5. God doesn’t find fault.

Jude 16. Complaining and finding fault

Faultless (see Fault)

Favor (approval, esteem, partiality)

The state of being held in high regard

Genesis 30:6. Favor with God

Genesis 32:5. Trying to win Esau’s favor

Numbers 6:22–26. The blessing of God’s favor

Deuteronomy 33:23. Naphtali enjoys God’s favor.

Zechariah 11:7. Favor and Unity

Matthew 22:15–16. Jesus’ favor

Luke 1:28. Highly favored

Luke 2:40. Jesus has God’s favor.

Favoritism (bias, partiality, preference)

A display of partiality toward a favored person or group

Genesis 25:27–28. Isaac and Rebekah show favoritism.

Exodus 23:2–3. Don’t show favoritism.

Leviticus 19:15. Don’t play favorites in situations requiring justice.

Acts 10:34. God doesn’t play favorites.

Romans 2:11. Again, God doesn’t play favorites.

Ephesians 6:9. Be like your Master in heaven: don’t play favorites.

Fear(s) (anxiety, concern, worry)

A feeling of agitation or anxiety caused by present or imminent danger; also, to be in awe of, revere

Genesis 9:1–2. Fear of man

Genesis 22:12. Fear God.

Genesis 31:42. The Fear of Isaac

Exodus 19:16. Shaking with fear

Leviticus 25:17. The only kind of fear to have

2 Chronicles 20:29–30. The fear of the Lord falls on other nations.

Psalm 55:4–5. Fear and trembling

Feast(s) (banquet, holiday)

A large, elaborate meal for many guests; a periodic religious festival

Genesis 21:8. Abraham holds a feast.

Leviticus 23:2. Required feasts

2 Samuel 3:20–21. David holds a feast.

2 Kings 6:22–23. A feast for enemies

Proverbs 17:1. Dry bread is better than a feast.

Jeremiah 51:37–39. A feast for Babylon

Feelings (manner, point of view, thoughts)

Susceptibility to emotional response; sensibilities

Numbers 5:12–15. Feelings of jealousy

Psalm 17:10. The wicked and their feelings

Proverbs 29:11. A fool and his feelings

Habakkuk 3:16. A rotten feeling

John 12:27. Jesus—too troubled to express His feelings

2 Corinthians 7:13–15. Titus’s feelings

Feet (measurement, movement, steps)

The lower extremities of the vertebrate legs; also, a unit of measurement

Genesis 6:15. How many feet?

Genesis 18:3–4. Washing feet

Genesis 49:33. Pulled in his feet

Exodus 12:11. Sandals on your feet

Exodus 26:7–8. Tent measurements in feet

Ruth 3:6–7. Uncovering Boaz’s feet

2 Samuel 19:24. Untended feet

2 Samuel 22:37. A wide path for David’s feet

Fellowship (companionship, friendship, partnership)

Relating to God and with fellow believers

Exodus 20:24. Fellowship offerings

2 Chronicles 31:2. Priests assigned to the fellowship offerings

1 Corinthians 1:9. Called into fellowship

Galatians 2:9. Right hand of fellowship

Philippians 2:1–2. Fellowship of the Spirit

Female (girl, woman)

A member of the sex that produces ova or bears young

Genesis 1:27. Created male and female

Genesis 15:9. Sacrificing a female animal

Genesis 21:28–30. Using female lambs as a sign

Judges 21:10–11. Claim these females.

Luke 22:56. A female slave confronts Peter

Acts 16:16. A demon-possessed female slave

Fermentation (making alcohol)

Chemical reaction that turns a complex organic compound into a simple substance, i.e., alcohol is converted by yeast

Leviticus 10:9. Priests to avoid fermented drinks while on duty

Numbers 28:7. Fermented drink offering

Deuteronomy 14:26. Fermented drink

Deuteronomy 29:6. No wine in the wilderness

Isaiah 63:2. Wine-making metaphor

Fertility (childbearing, fruitfulness, productiveness)

The quality or state of being fertile; birthrate of a population; also, capable of bearing or producing crops abundantly

Genesis 1:22. Birds, be fertile.

Genesis 29:31–35. Leah’s fertility

Genesis 30:14–15. Fertility superstition: mandrakes will cause pregnancy

Genesis 35:9, 11. The command to be fertile

1 Kings 14:23. Worshiping a fertility goddess

Festival (assembly, celebration, feast)

Required holiday or celebration where Israel commemorated an event or a person

Exodus 5:1. A festival in God’s honor

Exodus 12:14–17. Festival of Unleavened Bread

Exodus 12:21–27. Passover

Leviticus 23:5. Passover festival date

Leviticus 23:33–34. Festival of Booths

Leviticus 25:3–5. Festival for the land

Fever(s) (temperature)

Abnormally high body temperatures; a disease characterized by a high fever

Leviticus 26:14–15. Fever as a result of disobedience

Deuteronomy 28:20–22. Curses and fevers

Job 30:30. Job’s fever

Matthew 8:14–15. Curing a fever

John 4:46–53. Curing another fever

Field(s) (land, pasture)

A broad, level, open expanse of land

Genesis 4:8. Killing fields

Genesis 23. Abraham buys Machpelah’s field.

2 Samuel 2:15–17. Field of Enemies

2 Samuel 14:28–30. Destroying Joab’s barley field

Jeremiah 4:3. Unplowed fields

Jeremiah 32. Jeremiah buys a field.

Matthew 27:6–10. Field of blood

Fig tree (shrub, tree)

Tree or shrub that produces the common fig

Genesis 3:7. First clothes made from the leaves of a fig tree

1 Samuel 25:18. Fruit of the fig tree

Jeremiah 24. Figs as a metaphor

Hosea 2:12. Destroyed fig trees: punishment for God’s unfaithful wife

Joel 1:7, 12. Other prophecies of destroyed fig trees

Micah 4:4. Prophecy of peace: sitting under fig trees

Matthew 21:18–22. Jesus curses the fig tree.

Fight (see Battle[s])

Figures of speech (hyperbole, metaphor, simile)

Expressions in which words are used in a nonliteral way (metaphor or simile) or in which certain phrases are repeated through a device like anaphora (repeating the same word at the beginning of each sentence) or epistrophe (repetition of a word or expression at the end of each sentence or phrase)

Psalm 7:14. Metaphor

Psalm 10:9. Simile

Psalm 118. Epistrophe

Matthew 5:3–11. Anaphora

John 10:6. Jesus uses a figure of speech.

John 16:29–30. Without figures of speech

Financial planning (investing, planning, using wisely)

Money management

Exodus 22:25. Don’t charge interest on loans.

Ecclesiastes 2:8–9. Building a nest egg

Ecclesiastes 2:20–21. Estate planning woes

Luke 12:13–15. Jesus’ advice about financial planning

2 Corinthians 9:6–7. Give wisely and cheerfully.

Finger(s) (digits, hand)

One of the five digits of the hand

Genesis 41:42. A sign of Joseph’s authority: a signet ring on Joseph’s finger

Exodus 29:12. Aaron and sons’ commissioning: blood on the finger

2 Samuel 21:20. Six-fingered man

Psalm 8:3–4. God’s fingers

Psalm 144:1. He trained my fingers.

Isaiah 2:8. Idols Israel’s fingers molded

Matthew 23:1–4. Pharisees don’t lift a finger to help.

Finishing well (ending)

Coming to the end of one’s task or life in a God-pleasing way

Deuteronomy 34:10–12. A life well spent

2 Kings 23:25. Josiah works to finish well.

Philippians 1:6. God wants you to finish well.

2 Timothy 4:6–8. Finishing well

Revelation 7:9–10, 13–14. People who finished well

Fire (blaze, flames, inferno)

Chemical change that produces heat and light and is composed by flame

Exodus 3:2. Fire on a bush

Exodus 13:21–22. Column of fire

Leviticus 1:10–13. An offering made by fire

Leviticus 10:1–2. Unauthorized fire leads to death by fire.

Psalm 50:3. A devouring fire

Proverbs 26:20. No wood, no fire; no gossip, no quarrel

Daniel 3:22. An extremely hot fire

Firstborn (born first)

First in order of birth, whether people or animals

Genesis 4:4. Abel offers firstborn animals.

Genesis 27:32. Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau

Exodus 11–12. Death of the firstborn

Exodus 22:29–30. God wants the firstborn.

Luke 2:6–7. Mary’s firstborn son

Romans 8:29. Firstborn among many

Firstfruits (first, best, more to come)

The firstborn child or the best part of a crop offered to God

Exodus 23:16, 19. Firstfruits

Exodus 34:22, 26. Bring the first and the best.

Leviticus 2:12. Firstfruit offerings are not burned on the altar.

Numbers 18:12. Firstfruit offerings are gifts for the priests and Levites.

2 Chronicles 31:5. A tithe of firstfruit offerings

Fish (go fishing, big fish)

Any of the cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates

Genesis 1:26. Humans to rule over the fish of the sea

Exodus 7:20–21. Plague of blood affected the fish.

Nehemiah 13:16. Selling fish on the Sabbath

Job 12:7–8. Fish as teachers

Jonah 1:17–2:10. Big fish swallows Jonah.

Matthew 14:13–21. Jesus feeds over 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish.

John 21:1–11. The miraculous catch of fish

Fisherman (occupation)

One who fishes as an occupation

Isaiah 19:8. Mourning fishermen

Ezekiel 29:4. God as a fisherman, trawling for Egypt

Matthew 4:18, 21. Fishermen at the Sea of Galilee

Luke 5:1–11. Fishermen on task

Fishing for people (conquer, witnessing)

Metaphor for sharing the Good News of Jesus with people and also for enemy nations sent to conquer Israel

Jeremiah 16:16. Enemies fishing for Israel

Matthew 4:19. Fishing for people

Matthew 13:47–50. Parable of the fishing net: throwing back the wicked

Luke 5:10. Catching people

Flattery (adulation, sycophancy)

Excessive or insincere praise

Job 32:21–22. Job avoids flattery.

Psalm 5:9. Flattery of the wicked

Daniel 11:32. Flattery of a conqueror

1 Thessalonians 2:5. Paul never used flattery.

Jude 16. Flattery of the sinful

Flesh (body, nature)

The soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate; also, a metaphor for human existence

Genesis 2:21–24. Flesh of his flesh

Genesis 6:3. Flesh and blood

Leviticus 13. Disease of the flesh

Job 41:23. The flesh of Leviathan

Luke 24:38–39. Jesus in the flesh

1 Corinthians 15:50. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

Flies (insects)

Any of the two-winged insects of the Diptera order

Exodus 8:20–32. Plague of flies

Psalm 105:31. Recalling the plague of flies

Ecclesiastes 10:1. Dead flies

Isaiah 7:18–19. Whistling for flies

Isaiah 51:6. Dying like flies

Flirt (play, seduction)

To make playfully romantic sexual overtures without serious intent

Song of Songs 1. Flirting with the groom

Isaiah 3:16. Flirting of the women of Zion

Ezekiel 23. Metaphor of a flirting, adulterous nation

James 4:4. Flirting with the world

Flock(s) (animals, Christians)

Group of animals that live, travel, or feed together; also, a metaphor for Israel or a group of Christians in the same church

Genesis 27:9. Rebekah sends Jacob to the flock.

Deuteronomy 16:2. An animal from the flock

1 Samuel 17:15. David tended the family flock.

Psalm 79:13. God’s flock

Isaiah 40:10–11. He takes care of his flock.

Matthew 26:31. Scattered flock

Luke 12:32. Little flock

1 Peter 5:2–3. Be examples for the flock.

Flogging (punishment, whipping)

A severe beating with a whip or a rod

Deuteronomy 25:3. Flogging limit

Psalm 89:32. Punished with flogging

Matthew 10:17. Flogging in the synagogue

Matthew 27:26. Jesus was flogged.

Acts 22:24. Paul was flogged.

2 Corinthians 11:23–24. Catalogue of flogging

Hebrews 11:36. Flogged for the faith

Flood (deluge, inundation, torrent)

An overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry

Genesis 6–8. The great flood

Genesis 49:4. Reuben is like a flood.

Joshua 4:18. Seasonal flood level of the Jordan

Job 20:28. The wicked punished with a flood

Proverbs 15:28. A flood of stupidity

Malachi 3:10. A flood of blessings

Matthew 24:37–29. Caught unawares by the flood

Flow (current, pour)

To move or run smoothly with unbroken continuity

Exodus 14:26. Flow of the Red Sea

Numbers 24:7. Prophecy of plenty: flowing water

Nehemiah 9:15. Water flowing from a rock

Psalm 147:18. God causes water to flow.

Proverbs 5:16. Water flow—metaphor for promiscuity

Ecclesiastes 1:7. Water cycle starts with flowing water.

Flower(s) (blossom, bloom, lily, rose)

The reproductive structure of some seed-bearing plants

Exodus 25:31–34. Flower-shaped cups of the lamp stand

Psalm 103:15–16. Like a flower

Isaiah 28:1. Like a withered flower

Nahum 1:4. The flowers of Lebanon

Matthew 6:28–29. God cares for flowers and people.

James 1:10–11. Rich people and flowers

Focus (center, concentration, hub)

Center of interest or activity

Psalm 86:11. Focus my heart.

Isaiah 26:3. A mind focused on God is kept in perfect peace.

Romans 12:17. Focus your thoughts.

Colossians 3:1. Focus on things above.

1 Timothy 4:16. Focus on what you do.

Hebrews 12:2. Focus on Jesus.

Follow through/Follow up (going along with, continuing on with)

The instance of following up, as to review new developments

Matthew 18:15–16. How to follow up on a confrontation

Romans 1:8–13. Paul’s follow-up to ministry

2 Corinthians 2:1–4. Paul’s follow-up to a painful letter

Galatians 5:16. You won’t have to follow through.

Philippians 2:25–28. Ephaphroditus’s follow-up visit

Follower (disciple)

One who subscribes to the teachings and methods of another

Numbers 16. Korah and his followers

Psalm 106:17–18. Abiram’s followers

Matthew 23:15. Followers of the Pharisees and scribes

Acts 9. A murderer of followers becomes a follower of Christ

Acts 24:14. A follower of the way

2 Corinthians 12:2. A follower of Christ

Folly (foolishness, madness, stupidity)

A lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight

1 Samuel 25:25. Folly goes with him.

Job 42:8. Folly of Job’s friends

Psalm 38:5. My folly

Psalm 69:5. God sees all folly.

Proverbs 5:23. Folly can lead to death.

Food (sustenance, Word of God)

Material (plants or animals) that contains or consists of essential body nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, etc.

Genesis 1:29. Green plants for food

Genesis 3:17–19. Food by the sweat of your brow

Genesis 41:29–31. Plenty of food before the famine

Leviticus 26:26. One of the curses of disobedience: destroyed food supply

Mark 6:41. Jesus gives thanks for the food before performing a miracle.

Food preparation (baking, cooking, frying)

Any of the various ways that food is prepared

Genesis 18:7. Servant prepares food for visiting angels.

Genesis 19:3. Lot prepares a meal.

Genesis 27:30–31. Esau prepares a meal.

Leviticus 7:9. Various ways to prepare a grain offering

Joshua 5:11. Roasting—one way of preparing food

Judges 6:19. Gideon prepares a meal.

John 12:2. A prepared meal at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Foolishness (folly)

Lacking good judgment

Ecclesiastes 2:12–13. An advantage over foolishness

Ecclesiastes 7:25. The foolishness of wickedness

Ecclesiastes 10:13. Foolish talk from a fool

Isaiah 9:17. Foolishness of those who reject God

Mark 7:20–22. Foolishness starts within.

Foot washing (cleansing the feet)

Washing the grime off a person’s feet—a task usually performed by servants in Bible times

Genesis 19:2. Lot offers to wash the feet of visiting angels.

Genesis 24:32. Washing the feet of Abraham’s servant

Exodus 30:17–21. Bronze basin for foot washing

1 Samuel 25:41. Foot washing as a metaphor for an acceptance of a marriage proposal

John 12:3. Washing Jesus’ feet

John 13:1–20. Jesus washes His disciples’ feet.

Forbearance (patience, restraint, self-control)

Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation

1 Samuel 25:23–31. Abigail encourages forbearance.

Proverbs 25:15. A ruler’s forbearance

Romans 2:3–4. God’s forbearance

Romans 3:25–26. God’s forbearance

Forbidden (banned, illegal, prohibited)

An act or item one is commanded to avoid

Genesis 2:15–17. The forbidden fruit

Leviticus 4. When you do what’s forbidden . . .

Deuteronomy 2:37. Forbidden to go to the Ammonites

Ezra 7:24. Forbidden to demand tolls or fees from temple workers

Lamentations 1:10. Forbidden to enter the congregation

1 Peter 4:3. Forbidden worship

Forefather (ancestor)

A person from whom one is descended

Numbers 26:58. Amram’s forefather

Joshua 19:47. Dan the forefather

1 Chronicles 24:19. Aaron, the priests’ forefather

Romans 4:1. Our forefather Abraham

Foreigner(s) (alien, stranger)

One who is from outside a particular group or community; an outsider

Genesis 17:12. Circumcise every male child, even those of foreigners.

Exodus 2:22. His name is Foreigner.

Exodus 12:43–44. Foreigners excluded from the Passover

Exodus 22:21. Never oppress foreigners.

Leviticus 24:21–22. Same rule for Israelites or foreigners

Deuteronomy 23:20. Foreigners can be charged interest.

Ruth 2:10. “I’m only a foreigner.”

Foreknowledge (awareness)

Awareness of something before its existence or occurrence

Acts 2:23. God’s set purpose and foreknowledge

Romans 8:29. Foreknowledge and predestination

Romans 11:2. Foreknowledge and predestination

1 Peter 1:1–2. God’s foreknowledge

Forerunner (forbear, precursor, predecessor)

One that precedes, as in time

Malachi 4:5–6. Elijah was the forerunner of John the Baptist

Matthew 3:1–4. John the Baptist: the forerunner of Jesus

Romans 8:29. Jesus is our forerunner.

Hebrews 6:19–20. Our forerunner behind the veil

Forget (fail to remember)

Unable to remember something

Genesis 41:51. He Helps Me Forget—Manasseh, son of Joseph

Deuteronomy 4:9–10. Don’t forget, Israel.

Deuteronomy 8:11. Don’t forget God.

Deuteronomy 14:27. Don’t forget the Levites.

Psalm 10:12. Don’t forget, God.

Psalm 45:10. Forget your people.

Psalm 119:16. I never forget your Word.

Forgiveness (absolution, clemency, pardon)

The act of forgiving

Psalm 130. Forgiveness from God

Proverbs 14:9. Forgiveness among decent people

Mark 1:4. Forgiveness of sins

Luke 1:77. Saved through forgiveness of sins

Luke 4:18–19. Jesus proclaims the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 7:47. Forgiving a sinful woman

Fornication (sexual sin)

Sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other

Isaiah 23:17. Tyre’s fornication

John 8:41. Not born of fornication

2 Corinthians 12:21. Repenting of fornication

Galatians 5:19. Fornication: a work of the flesh

Ephesians 5:3. Fornication should not be named among you.

Forsake (abandon, give up, renounce)

To give up something held dear

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. He won’t forsake you.

Joshua 1:5. Joshua would not be forsaken.

2 Kings 21:14. A forsaken remnant

Psalm 27:9–10. Forsaken by parents, but taken by God

Psalm 37:28. Saints are not forsaken.

Psalm 71:18. Even when I’m old and gray, please don’t forsake me.

Proverbs 4:2. Don’t forsake my teaching.

Fortress (bastion, fortification, stronghold)

A fortified place, particularly a military stronghold

2 Samuel 5:7, 9. The fortress Zion

2 Samuel 12:26–27. The fortress of Rabbah

2 Kings 15:23–25. Capture of a royal fortress

Nehemiah 1:1–2. The fortress at Susa

Psalm 18:2. The ultimate fortress: God

Fortune (destiny, luck, wealth)

The chance happening of fortunate or adverse effects; extensive amounts of material possessions or financial wealth

Genesis 30:11. What good fortune!

Isaiah 65:11. God of good fortune

Hosea 12:8. Ephraim’s fortune

Fortune-telling (see Divination)

Forty (number)

The cardinal number equal to 4 times 10

Genesis 7:4. Forty days and nights of rain

Genesis 8:6–7. Forty days later

Exodus 16:35. Forty years of manna

Exodus 24:18. Forty days and nights on Mount Sinai

Exodus 26:19–21. Forty silver sockets (tabernacle furnishings)

Numbers 14:34. Forty years of wandering

Matthew 4:1–2. Forty days of fasting

Foul language (see Profanity)

Foundational truths (basic beliefs)

Truths that are the basis for Christianity

Matthew 7:24–29. Building on a foundation of truth

John 3:16. Truth to build on: Jesus died for you.

John 14:16. Truth to build on: The Holy Spirit is with you forever.

Acts 10:34. Truth to grow on: God doesn’t play favorites.

Romans 1:4. Truth to build on: Jesus is the Son of God who rose from the dead.

Romans 10:9–10. Truth to build on: God’s approval comes through Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:14. Truth to build on: Jesus will return to earth.

Fountain (cascade, spray, spout)

An artificially created jet or stream of water

Nehemiah 2:13–14. Fountain Gate

Psalm 36:9. God: The fountain of life

Proverbs 16:22. Understanding: A fountain of life

Proverbs 18:4. The fountain of wisdom

Jeremiah 2:13. God: The fountain of life-giving water

Jeremiah 9:1. A fountain of tears

Revelation 21:6. The fountain of the water of life

Four horsemen (apocalypse, end times)

The four horsemen described in the book of Revelation

Zechariah 1:8–11. The four horsemen patrol.

Zechariah 6:1–7. The four horsemen patrol.

Revelation 6:1–8. The four horsemen ride.

Fox(es) (the animal, deceitful person)

Carnivorous mammals of the genus Vulpes, and related to dogs and wolves

Judges 15:4–5. Foxes and fire

Nehemiah 4:3. Sarcastic comments about a fox and the wall of Jerusalem

Song of Songs 2:15. Catch the little foxes.

Ezekiel 13:4. Prophets like foxes

Luke 13:31–32. Herod the fox

Fragrance (aroma, perfume, scent)

The state or quality of having a pleasing odor

Song of Songs 1:2–3, 12. The fragrance of cologne and perfume

Song of Songs 2:13. The fragrance of the grapevine

Song of Songs 4:10–11. A fragrant bride

Song of Songs 7:8, 13. Pleasing fragrances

John 12:3. The fragrance of nard

2 Corinthians 2:14–16. The fragrance of the believer

Frankincense (oil, perfume)

Aromatic gum resin obtained from African and Asian trees

Exodus 30:34–35. Pure frankincense

Numbers 5:15. Frankincense for jealousy test

Matthew 2:11. Frankincense: a gift for a king

Revelation 18:11–13. Cargo of frankincense

Freedom (choice, independence, liberty)

Liberty of a person from slavery, detention, or oppression

Genesis 27:40. Esau will eventually gain his freedom.

Exodus 21:2. Freedom from slavery in the seventh year

Acts 7:25. Freedom for Israel from God

Romans 8:20–21. Freedom of God’s children

1 Corinthians 8:9. Don’t use freedom to cause a person to sin.

Galatians 4:5. Jesus paid for our freedom.

Freewill (autonomy, freedom)

Offerings made voluntarily

Exodus 35:29. Freewill offerings

Leviticus 7:16. Freewill offerings eaten

Leviticus 22:21. Bring freewill offerings to the Lord.

Leviticus 23:37–38. In addition to freewill offerings

Deuteronomy 12:6. The freedom to bring freewill offerings

Friction (resistance, tension)

The rubbing of one object or surface against another; also, conflict

Genesis 27:40–41. Jacob’s trickery and Isaac’s blessing create friction.

1 Samuel 17:26–29. Friction between David and Eliab

1 Timothy 6:4–5. Constant friction

Friend (acquaintance, companion, comrade)

A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts

Genesis 26:26. Abimelech’s friend

Exodus 33:11. God’s friend, Moses

Deuteronomy 13:6. Tempted by your best friend?

Job 2:11. Job’s friends come to comfort him.

Proverbs 17:17–18. What a friend does

Proverbs 18:24. A loving friend

Proverbs 27:6. Wounds by a friend

Colossians 4:14. Paul’s friend, Dr. Luke

James 2:23. Abraham, the friend of God

Friendship (relationship)

The relationship between friends

Deuteronomy 23:3, 6. Never offer friendship

1 Samuel 20:42. David and Jonathan’s friendship

2 Samuel 16:17–18. No loyalty in friendship

Psalm 109:4–5. When friendship goes bad

John 11:1–12:11. Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

John 15:13–15. Jesus’ friendship with his disciples and other believers

Frog(s) (amphibian)

Any of the numerous tailless amphibians of the order Anura

Exodus 8:1–15. The second plague: frogs

Psalm 78:45. Rehashing the plague of frogs

Psalm 105:30. Frogs in Egypt

Revelation 16:13. Like frogs

Frugality (see Stewardship)

Fruit (fruit of the vine, results)

The ripened ovary or ovaries of a seed-bearing plant; also, the result of an activity

Genesis 1:11–12. The creation of fruit

Genesis 2:9, 16–17. Fruit of the garden

Genesis 3. Fruit that leads to a fall

Leviticus 19:23–25. Fruit trees

Proverbs 11:30. Fruit of the righteous

Matthew 7:17–20. Good and bad fruit

Luke 3:9. Produce good fruit or be cut down.

Fruit of the Spirit (characteristics)

The characteristics developed by the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 6:6–7. Fruit you can see

Galatians 5:22–23. Fruit of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:2. Show the fruit of the Spirit

Ephesians 5:9. Fruit in goodness, righteousness, and truth

Colossians 3:12. God’s people have this kind of fruit.

Fuel (add to, encourage, fire)

Something consumed to produce energy

Isaiah 9:5. Boots and garments as fuel

Isaiah 9:19. People like fuel

Isaiah 44:15. Trees used as fuel

Ezekiel 4:12. Excrement for fuel

Ezekiel 15:1–4. Vine as fuel

Fugitive (deserter, escapee, renegade)

Running away or fleeing as from the law

Genesis 4:12–14. Cain the fugitive

Judges 12:5. Fugitives from Ephraim

Proverbs 28:17. A fugitive with a murder charge

Isaiah 15:9. Fugitives from Moab

Jeremiah 50:28. Fugitives and refugees from Babylon

Ezekiel 24:25–26. A fugitive messenger

Fulfillment (accomplishment, completion, satisfaction)

An action that brings something to an end or completes it

2 Chronicles 36:21. Fulfillment of God’s words spoken through Jeremiah

Psalm 119:123. The fulfillment of God’s promise

Daniel 11:14. Fulfillment of Daniel’s vision

Luke 22:15–16. The Passover fulfilled

Luke 22:37. A prophecy to be fulfilled

Full (filled, packed)

Containing all that is possible; complete in every particular

Genesis 6:11–13. Full of violence

Genesis 41:1. Two full years of imprisonment for Joseph

Exodus 16:20. Manna full of worms

Deuteronomy 23:24. Eat until you’re full.

Acts 11:24. Full of the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:9–10. Full of the Holy Spirit versus full of dirty tricks

1 Peter 3:10. A full life

Fundraising (collecting, soliticiting)

Collecting money for a cause

Romans 15:26–28. The fundraiser for the poor

1 Corinthians 16:1–3. Paul’s fundraising suggestions

2 Corinthians 8:10–12. Matching donations for the fundraiser

2 Corinthians 9:1–3. Workers to help with the fundraising

Funeral (ceremony, interment, memorial)

Ceremonies held in connection with the burial or cremation of a dead person

Genesis 50:11. Jacob (Israel’s) funeral

2 Samuel 3:33–34. Abner’s funeral

2 Chronicles 35:25. Song at Josiah’s funeral

Jeremiah 34:4–5. Funeral fires

Ezekiel 19:1. Funeral song for princes

Ezekiel 27. Funeral song about Tyre

Amos 8:10. Festivals into funerals

Furniture (equipment, furnishings)

The movable articles in a room or an establishment that make it fit for living or working

Genesis 48:2. Jacob’s bed

Exodus 27. Furnishings for the tabernacle

Exodus 30:1–10. More furnishings

Exodus 31:7. Furniture of the tabernacle

2 Samuel 9:7. David’s table

Matthew 21:12. Jesus turns over the furniture of the moneychangers.

Futility (ineffectuality, pointlessness, uselessness)

No useful result

Job 7. The futility of life

Job 9:1–3. Arguing with God is futile. (Part 1)

Job 38–41. Arguing with God is futile. (Part 2)

Psalm 89:47. Created for futility?

Ephesians 4:17. Futility of their thinking

Future (forthcoming, impending, upcoming)

The indefinite time yet to come

Genesis 44:15. Joseph knows the future?

Exodus 12:17. Future generations

Deuteronomy 6:20. In the future

2 Samuel 7:19. The future of David’s dynasty

Psalm 31:15. The future of David’s dynasty

Proverbs 23:18. There is a future.

Jeremiah 29:11. Plans for a hope-filled future