– M –
Magi (astrologers, interpreters, wise men)
A class of wise men or astrologers who interpret dreams and messages
Daniel 1:20. Wise and insightful
Daniel 2:10–12. Interpreters, not manufacturers
Daniel 5:15. Limited capabilities
Matthew 2:1–12. Following the astral sign
Acts 13:6. Astrologer and prophet?
Magic (divination, sorcery, tricks)
Magic attempts to gain information from the gods and manipulate an outcome
Leviticus 19:31. Magic is unclean.
Deuteronomy 18:10. Magic forbidden
1 Samuel 28:11–12. Calling up the dead
2 Kings 9:22. Folly of witchcraft
Daniel 1:20. Earthly wisdom
Ephesians 6:11. Armor of God protects us.
Revelation 22:15. Magic involves deception
Magicians (enchanter, sorcerer, witch)
Workers of magic, including sorcerers and witches
Exodus 22:18. Destroying evil artisans
1 Samuel 28:11–12. The medium at Endor
Ezekiel 13:17–23. False prophets
Daniel 1:20. Earthly wisdom
Acts 8:9–11. Simon the magician
2 Timothy 3:8. Magicians of Egypt
Revelation 21:8. Judgment upon magicians
Magnificat (magnify, praise, song)
Mary’s song in Luke 1, following the Latin translation of “praise”
Luke 1:46–55. Mary’s praise-filled song
Majesty (beauty, dignity, royal)
God’s dignity, glory, and power are often associated with His majesty
Exodus 15:7. God’s majestic power
Deuteronomy 33:26. Israel’s unique God
Job 13:11. God’s terrifying majesty
Psalm 93:1. Clothed in majesty
Isaiah 35:2. God’s majestic glory
Lamentations 1:6. Majesty departed from Jerusalem
2 Peter 1:16. The majesty of Christ
Majority (group, large party, superiority)
A dominant or superior group
Exodus 23:2. Avoiding peer pressure
2 Chronicles 30:18. A majority group
Matthew 26:55. Masses come for Jesus.
Acts 21:34. Mob mentality
Acts 27:12. Groups of merchants
1 Corinthians 11:17–34. Haves exclude the have nots.
2 Corinthians 2:6. Majority excommunicates someone
Makeup (cosmetics, face, mask)
Cosmetic products used to enhance one’s appearance
Genesis 37:25. Cosmetic ingredients
Ruth 3:3. Freshening up
2 Samuel 12:20. Ointments
2 Kings 9:30. Eye shadow
Esther 2:9, 12. Extensive beauty treatment
Isaiah 3:24. Replacing self-indulgence with judgment
Jeremiah 4:30. Vain efforts toward beauty
Male (boy, human, man)
God’s creation of humanity is reflected in the distinct creation of both male and female.
Genesis 1:27. Maleness created by God
Genesis 3:6. Man’s culpability in the fall
Exodus 12:29. Loss of first-born males
Mark 10:7. Uniting male and female
Galatians 3:28. Unity in Christ
Titus 2:2. Instructions for mature men
Titus 2:6–8. Instructions for young men
Malice (enmity, evil, spite)
A quality or foundation of a person’s actions which are evil, vengeful, or overtly sinful
Genesis 50:20. What humans meant for evil, God meant for good.
Psalm 41:5. Malice of enemies
Ezekiel 25:15. Revenge
Matthew 16:1. Maliciously testing Jesus
Titus 2:3. Show your dedication to God.
James 1:21. Accepting the saving word
1 Peter 2:1. Putting away malice
Mammon (see Money)
Management (administration, leadership, overseeing)
A position of stewardship wherein the manager is entrusted with responsibility and duties
Nehemiah 3:1–32. Nehemiah delegates work
Proverbs 6:6–8. Self-motivation
Jeremiah 22:13. Bad leadership
Mark 10:42. Absolute power
Luke 7:3. Concern for those you manage
1 Corinthians 12:28. Appointed by God
1 Timothy 3:4–5. Qualified leaders
Mandate (authorization, command, sanction)
An official authorization or command to act a certain way
Genesis 1:28. God’s mandate to humanity
Exodus 20:1–17. The Ten Commandments
John 15:17. Mandate to love one another
Romans 16:25–26. God’s order for the nations
2 Corinthians 8:8. Love better than commands
2 Thessalonians 3:6. Do not associate with undisciplined believers.
1 Timothy 4:10–11. Command to teach truth
Mandrake(s) (flower, plant, love-plant)
A native plant in the Mediterranean known for its pungent fragrances and narcotic properties, particularly as an aphrodisiac
Genesis 30:14–16. Infertility remedy
Song of Songs 7:13. Fragrant flower
Manipulate (exploit, influence, control)
Controlling a situation, people, or persons unfairly and usually with an aim toward personal gain
Genesis 39:16–18. Lying about exploitation
Isaiah 36:15. Do not be fooled.
Galatians 2:4. False Christians
Ephesians 6:9. Warning against manipulating a slave
1 Thessalonians 4:6. The Lord will punish exploitation.
2 Peter 2:3. Trickery
1 John 5:19. World controlled by evil one
Manna (bread, food, sustenance)
The sustenance which God supplied to Israel during their wandering in the desert
Exodus 16:4. God-given food
Numbers 11:6. Complaining about God’s provision
Joshua 5:12. Manna stopped in Canaan
Matthew 4:3–4. Resisting temptation and living on God’s words
John 6:48–49. Bread of life, bread of death
Hebrews 9:4. Manna stored in the ark
Revelation 2:17. Spiritual sustenance
Manners (actions, conduct, habits)
One’s public behavior or habits
Exodus 23:9. Treating foreigners well
Proverbs 3:27–28. Not holding back
Matthew 25:35. Caring for others
Luke 10:5–9. A courteous guest
Romans 12:13. Sharing
Galatians 6:10. Caring for God’s family
1 Thessalonians 2:7–8. Being gentle
Manslaughter (death, homicide, killing)
The crime of killing someone in an instance that is not deemed to be murder
Exodus 17:3. Exaggerated complaints of thirst
Exodus 21:22–25. Eye for an eye
Exodus 21:29. Culpable for an animal’s actions
Numbers 35. Cities of refuge
Numbers 35:27. Avenging manslaughter
Deuteronomy 4:42. Unintentional killing
2 Samuel 1:1–16. Assisted suicide
Manufacture (build, make, produce)
The skill of building or producing items using natural substances
Exodus 35:35. Skilled artisans
Isaiah 44:13. Manufacturing idols
Mark 6:3. Carpentry
Mark 14:58. Manufacturing another kind of temple
Acts 18:3. Tent making
Acts 19:24–25. Idol makers
Hebrews 3:3. Jesus, the builder
Map (chart, plan, guide)
A visual representation of an area which marks out features such as cities and roads
Numbers 32:13. Lost because of sin
Job 19:23. Written directions
Ezekiel 4:1. Clay tablet
Marathon (long-distance, race, running)
Primarily metaphorical in the NT referring to running in the Greek games
Ecclesiastes 9:11. Life as a race
1 Corinthians 9:24–27. Running to win
Philippians 2:16. Unwasted effort
Philippians 3:14. Running for the prize
2 Timothy 4:7. Finishing the race
Hebrews 12:1. Great examples in the race
March/Marching (advance, stride, tramp)
To walk in rhythm and in physical formation with others
Numbers 32:17. Battle formation
Joshua 6:3. Marching around the city walls
Nehemiah 12:31. Celebration march
Jeremiah 46:9. Marching warriors
Nahum 2:5. Stumbling
Habakkuk 1:6. Judgment comes marching
Revelation 20:9. Satan’s last march
Market (agora, assembly, marketplace)
A place for purchasing life’s necessities, public gathering, and social interaction
Matthew 20:3. Idle standing
Matthew 23:7. Pride in the market
Mark 6:56. Sick and beggars
Mark 7:4. Flaunting social standing
Luke 7:32. Children shouting
Acts 16:19. Place for being tried for (in)justice
Acts 17:17. Place for public discussion
Marriage (matrimony, union, wedlock)
The union before God of man to woman
Genesis 2:18–24. First marriage
Proverbs 5:18–20. The joys of marital fidelity
Jeremiah 2:1–3. Israel, God’s bride
Mark 12:25. No marriage in heaven
1 Corinthians 7:10–16. One unbelieving spouse
Colossians 3:18–19. Marital behavior
Revelation 19:7–8. The marriage of the lamb
Marriages in trouble (conflict, divorce, immorality)
Marriages which are “at risk” due to one or both partners giving up on each other, setting aside the bond of the covenant of marriage
Genesis 15:2. Dealing with childlessness
1 Chronicles 15:29. Michal despises David.
Job 2:9–10. Religious disagreement
Jeremiah 44:16–19. Mutual rebellion
Hosea 3:1. Loving an unfaithful wife
Matthew 5:31–32. Instructions regarding divorce
Matthew 19:3–9. When to divorce
Martyr (sufferer, testimony, witness)
One who bears witness for a cause; someone who testifies (in court), is persecuted, or is killed
1 Samuel 22:17–18. Priests murdered
Matthew 14:1–12. John the Baptist
Acts 7:1–60. Stephen is stoned.
Acts 12:2. James killed by the king
Acts 21:13. Prepared for martyrdom
Hebrews 11:35. Gaining eternal life
Revelation 20:4. Martyred saints
Martyrdom (martyr, persecution, suffering)
Suffering for a cause or purpose
Matthew 10:21. Trouble coming
Luke 12:4–5. Not fearing death
Acts 20:24. Witnessing to the Good News
Romans 8:17. Heirs with God
Galatians 5:11. Persecuted for the cross
Colossians 1:24. Filling up what is lacking
Revelation 2:13. Living in a divided kingdom
Masonry (building, stonework)
The craft of working with stone
Exodus 1:11. Building cities
Joshua 10:18. Covering a cave
2 Samuel 5:11. Skilled builders
1 Kings 5:17–18. Building the temple
1 Corinthians 3:11. Christ the foundation
1 Peter 2:6. God as a mason
Massacre (annihilation, mass killing, slaughter)
The slaughtering of human life as an act of judgment, vengeance, or warfare
Genesis 7:23. The flood devastates.
Exodus 14:27. Egyptians drown.
Exodus 32:28. Punishment for idolatry
Joshua 6:15–21. God orders destruction.
2 Samuel 18:7. David defeats Israel’s army.
2 Chronicles 21:4. Consolidating power
2 Chronicles 21:17. Judgment
Master(s) (Lord, ruler, teacher)
An overseer who possesses the power to command
Exodus 1:11. Brutal masters
Luke 16:13. Cannot serve two masters
John 15:20. Servant is not greater than master.
Romans 6:16. Mastered by sin or obedience
Ephesians 6:9. One ultimate master
Colossians 3:22. Obeying masters
Revelation 6:10. The holy Master
Matchmaking (arranged marriage, playing cupid)
The act of arranging a relationship
Genesis 2:23–24. Suitable for one another
Genesis 21:21. Chosen by the mother
Genesis 24:58. A woman’s consent
Genesis 38:6. Chosen by the father
Judges 14:2. Parents’ role
Ruth 3:1–2. Mother-in-law as matchmaker
Hosea 1:2–3. An unlikely match
Materialism (money, riches, vanity)
The valuing of material possessions in disproportion to valuing the things of God
1 Kings 3:11–13. Asking for the right things
Psalm 49:10. Riches will be left behind.
Psalm 62:10. Warnings against misuse of wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:13. Riches lead to downfall.
Mark 4:19. Desiring things
Luke 12:21. Rich in wealth, poor in relationship with God
1 Timothy 6:17. Confidence in God’s riches
Mathematics (counting, math, numbers)
The science of working with numbers
Genesis 15:5. Promise of innumerable offspring
Leviticus 25:8. Multiplication
Numbers 23:10. Growing population
Deuteronomy 1:11. Proverbial multiplication
Matthew 10:30. Tedious arithmetic
Luke 12:52. A divided family
John 19:23. Applied mathematics
Matricide (death, kill, mother)
Killing of one’s mother
Exodus 21:15. Hitting one’s mother
Leviticus 20:9. Cursing one’s mother
2 Chronicles 15:12–13. Killing all non-believers
1 Timothy 1:9. Laws for killers of mothers
Maturity (developed, responsible, sophisticated)
Growing to adulthood; growing in one’s spiritual life and disciplines
1 Corinthians 2:6. Mature wisdom
1 Corinthians 13:11. Put aside childish things.
1 Corinthians 14:20. Childish in evil, mature in thinking
Ephesians 4:11–13. God-given means to grow to maturity
Hebrews 5:14. Discerning good and evil
James 1:4. Maturity through testing
Meaning of life (basis, purpose, reason)
The reason(s) human beings were created by God
Deuteronomy 6:13. Fearing and serving God
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Reflection on life
Matthew 5:16. Demonstrating God’s goodness
Matthew 22:37–38. Greatest commandment
Mark 1:38. Spreading the Good News
John 10:10. Abundant life
1 Corinthians 10:31. All things for God’s glory
Meaninglessness (futility, uselessness, vanity)
Having a false or absent purpose, hope, or direction in life
1 Samuel 12:21. Following empty things
Proverbs 30:8. Avoiding vanity
Ecclesiastes 1:14. Reflecting on vanity
Ecclesiastes 2:1. Failed attempts at light-heartedness
Isaiah 49:4. Failed attempts
1 Corinthians 15:17. Meaningless without Christ
1 Peter 1:18–19. Freed from meaninglessness
Measurement (assessment, evaluation, quantification)
The calculation of a distance, quantity; evaluation of person or persons
Exodus 16:18. Measuring manna
Leviticus 19:35. Measuring fairly
Psalm 39:4. Measuring one’s life
Isaiah 40:12–13. A measurement of God’s greatness
Jeremiah 33:22. Metaphorically unmeasurable
Matthew 7:2. Measuring others carefully
Revelation 21:15–17. The new creation
Meat (animal, flesh)
The flesh of an animal, used for food and sacrifices
Genesis 25:28. Wild game
Exodus 12:8. Flame-roasted Passover lamb
Exodus 16:3. Israel desires to eat meat.
Deuteronomy 12:15. Eating meat is condoned.
Deuteronomy 14:8. Keeping kosher
2 Chronicles 4:6. Meat used in priestly service
Romans 14:21. Avoiding meat for a weaker person
Meat of the Word (solid food, steak)
A metaphor for Christian maturity and the need to be fed in proportion to that maturity
1 Corinthians 3:1–2. Basic teaching instead of advanced teaching
Hebrews 5:12. Advanced truths
Hebrews 5:14. Solid food is for the mature
Mediator/Mediation (advocate, intercessor, reconciliation)
Intervention between two persons/groups for the purpose of bringing about reconciliation which was not otherwise possible
Exodus 28:1. Priests
Exodus 32:30–32. Moses
John 1:17. Kindness and truth mediated
2 Corinthians 5:18. Restored so that we can restore
Ephesians 2:12–17. Brought near by the cross
1 Timothy 2:5. One mediator between God and humanity
Hebrews 9:15. Mediating the new covenant
Medicine (balm, treatment, remedy)
A product or mixture used in aiding wellness or curing ailments
Genesis 37:25. Imported medicine
Genesis 43:11. A fine gift
Proverbs 17:22. A joyful heart
Ezekiel 27:17. Valuable commodity
Matthew 10:8. Curing diseases
Luke 8:43. Failed medication
Luke 9:1. Divine medicine given to apostles
Meditate/Meditation (cogitation, contemplation, reflection)
Thinking deeply or focusing one’s mind on something
Joshua 1:8. Meditating on God’s law
Psalm 1:2. Reflecting day and night on the Lord’s teachings
Psalm 77:12. Considering God’s deeds
Psalm 119:148. Reflecting during the night
Matthew 26:36. Jesus meditates and prays on his final night.
Philippians 4:8. Thinking about good things
2 Timothy 2:7. Thinking with God’s help
Medium(s) (fortune teller, necromancer, spiritualist)
Someone who seeks knowledge regarding the present and future circumstances through consultation with a deceased person
Leviticus 19:31. Warning against seeing mediums
Leviticus 20:6. Judgment against those who use mediums
2 Kings 23:24. Getting rid of mediums
1 Chronicles 10:13. Death for using a medium
Isaiah 8:19. Asking God for help
Isaiah 19:3. Desperate measures
Jeremiah 29:8. The tricks of mediums
Meekness (gentle, humble, lowly)
Approaching others with a spirit of humility and gentleness without the use of coercion to attain a desired end
Psalm 37:11. Blessing of the meek
Zechariah 9:9. The humble Messiah
Matthew 5:5. The meek shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 11:29. Learning humility from Jesus
Ephesians 4:2. Dealing with others
2 Timothy 2:25. A meek rebuke
1 Peter 3:15. Be prepared with a gentle defense.
Melancholia (depression, gloomy, sadness)
A deep sadness or gloom which one experiences
1 Samuel 1:8. Having no children
Ezra 3:12. Weeping for God’s temple
Ecclesiastes 7:3. Sorrow is sometimes better than laughter.
Luke 18:23. Learning of a difficult task
John 16:20. Sorrow turned to joy
2 Timothy 1:4. Longing to see a friend
Revelation 21:4. God will wipe every tear.
Membership (belonging, group)
The reality of being a part of a larger group or community than oneself
Genesis 15:3. Choosing membership
Romans 11:1. Tribal membership
1 Corinthians 1:10. Appeal for unity among members
1 Corinthians 5:9–13. Some are to be excluded
1 Corinthians 12:27. Membership in the body of Christ
Ephesians 2:19. Members of God’s family
1 Timothy 5:8. Household membership
Memorable entrances (making an entrance, putting on a show)
An unusual, unexpected, or fanciful entrance which generates excitement
1 Samuel 18:6. Of damsels and tambourines
1 Chronicles 15:28. Rejoicing over the ark
Matthew 21:9–10. A triumphant entry
Luke 2:1–20. Angels celebrate Christ’s incarnation.
John 2:13–17. Clearing the temple
Acts 2:2–4. Coming of the Spirit
Acts 12:16. An unexpected visitor
Memorial (monument, remembrance, statue)
A monument, statue, or other means of reminder which honors someone no longer present
Genesis 31:44–45. Reminder of an agreement
Genesis 35:20. Rachel’s gravestone
1 Samuel 15:12. Honoring the king
2 Samuel 18:18. Preserving a family name
Isaiah 56:5. Promise of a lasting name
Matthew 23:29. Monuments of folly
1 Corinthians 11:24. Lord’s Supper as memorial
Memorize (commit to memory, learn, remember)
The discipline of committing something to memory
Deuteronomy 6:4. Memorizing the Shema
Deuteronomy 11:19. Knowing God’s commands
Judges 2:12. Forgetting God
Ezra 7:10. Diligent study
Nehemiah 8:13. Studying God’s teaching
Ecclesiastes 12:12. Growing weary
Men (humanity, male, mankind)
Generically, humankind; specifically, the male gender and particularly adults
Genesis 1:27. Maleness created by God
Genesis 17:23. Men were to be circumcised.
Leviticus 6:9. Males and the priesthood
1 Corinthians 16:13. Act like men.
1 Timothy 2:8. The praying man
1 Timothy 3:1–7. Aspiring to be an overseer
1 Peter 3:7. Husbands are to honor their wives.
Menopause (see Menstruation)
Menstruation (menstrual cycle, period)
The once-monthly flow of blood and discharge from the lining of the uterus in a woman
Genesis 31:34–35. Rachel sits on idols during menstruation.
Leviticus 12:2. Menstruation represented loss of (potential for) life.
Leviticus 15:19–24. Sitting on things makes unclean
Leviticus 20:18. Sex during menstruation
Ezekiel 36:17. Unclean
Mark 5:25–34. Chronic bleeding
Mental health (health, [in]sanity, wellness)
The condition or stability of one’s mind in relation to lucidity, sanity, and society
1 Samuel 21:13. Pretending to be insane
Psalm 38:3. Unhealthy on account of sin
Proverbs 3:1–2. Sound teaching brings peace of mind.
Hosea 9:7. Misjudging spiritual people
Mark 5:15. Sanity after demon possession
Acts 26:24–25. Too much education
2 Corinthians 5:13. Being sane for the sake of others
Mercenary(ies) (hired, professional, soldier)
A person interested in personal gain at the expense of ethics
Judges 11:3. Jephthah’s gang
2 Samuel 11:1. David’s mercenaries go to war.
2 Samuel 15:18. Bodyguards
2 Chronicles 25:5–6. Amaziah hires Israelites.
1 Corinthians 9:7. Motivation for working
Mercy (compassion, forgiveness, peace)
God’s compassionate disposition toward those whom He wills
Exodus 25:17–21. The mercy seat for the ark
Deuteronomy 30:3. Mercy upon the exiled
Matthew 9:13. God desires mercy.
Romans 3:25. Christ the throne of mercy
Ephesians 2:4. The richness of God’s mercy
James 2:13. Mercy for the merciful
Jude 22–23. Showing mercy to doubters
Message (gospel, word)
Metonymy for the gospel of salvation in Christ
Acts 13:26. The message of salvation
1 Corinthians 1:18. Power to those being saved
1 Corinthians 2:4. How to deliver the message
2 Corinthians 5:19. The message of reconciliation
2 Timothy 4:17. Strengthened to share the Good News
1 John 1:5. God is light.
1 John 3:11. Love one another.
Messenger (courier, go-between, prophet)
One who brings a message
Genesis 32:6. Bringing information
Haggai 1:13. Prophets are God’s messengers.
Malachi 2:7. Priests as God’s messenger
Matthew 11:10. John the Baptist, God’s promised messenger
2 Corinthians 12:7. Paul’s thorn in the flesh
Galatians 4:14. Welcoming God’s messenger
2 Timothy 1:11. Appointed by God
Messiah (anointed one, deliverer, savior)
An anointed one, especially God’s anointed Messiah in the Second Temple period; the Christ
Matthew 11:2–5. Are you the Messiah?
Mark 14:61–62. Jesus affirms that He is the Messiah
John 4:25. Messianic expectation
Acts 2:36. Crucified Messiah
1 Corinthians 15:1–7. Messiah died for sins.
Hebrews 9:28. The Messiah’s second coming
1 John 5:1. New birth
Metal worker(s) (artisan, idol maker, silversmith)
An artisan skilled in preparing and working with metal
Exodus 35:35. Skills given by God
Numbers 16:38. Fashioning a new cover for the altar
1 Kings 7:23. Temple furnishings
2 Kings 24:16. Weapon makers
Jeremiah 6:29. Metal working metaphor
Habakkuk 2:18. Making worthless idols
Acts 19:24. Silversmith
Metaphor(s) (figure of speech, symbol, trope)
Metaphors communicate something that is unknown by using an image or idea that is already known.
Psalm 23:1. God is a shepherd
Psalm 94:22. God is a rock
Matthew 5:13. Salt of the earth
John 6:35. Bread of life
John 8:12. Light of the world
John 15:5. The true vine
1 Thessalonians 5:3. Labor pains
Meteorology (atmosphere, storm, weather)
The study of atmospheric conditions
Jonah 1:4–16. Futile to ask the gods concerning weather
Matthew 8:24. A sudden, unexpected storm
Matthew 16:2–3. Red night, sailor’s delight
Luke 12:56. Predicting the weather
Acts 27:9–10. Dangerous time for sailing
Middle age (best days, prime)
Period of time between young adult life and later life
1 Samuel 2:33. Judgment upon descendants in their prime
Job 29:4. The prime of life
Psalm 102:24. An early death
Isaiah 38:10. Robbed of life
Midnight (dark, late hour, night)
A late hour of the night when it is still dark
Exodus 11:4. Judgment executed
Judges 7:19. Changing of the guard
Judges 16:3. In bed with a prostitute
Ruth 3:8. Chill of the night
Psalm 119:62. Nocturnal meditation
Acts 16:25. Late night singing
Acts 20:7. Filibuster
Midwife(ves) (assistant, helper, woman)
An assistant trained in aiding in process of childbirth
Genesis 35:17. Comforting in the midst of pain
Genesis 38:28. Keeping track of twins at birth for the birthright
Exodus 1:15–22. Midwives obey God and not an evil king.
Ezekiel 16:4. Birth without a midwife
Migration (moving, relocation, settling)
Moving from one place of habitation to another
Genesis 11:2. Settling in a new area
Genesis 12:1. Abram called to leave his land (and therefore his local gods)
Exodus 12:50–51. Out of Egypt
Numbers 32:13. Constantly moving
Jeremiah 8:7. Missing the signs of migration
Acts 7:2–4. Reflection on Abraham’s migration
Mildew (fungus, mold, unclean)
A type of fungus which grows on damp organic materials
Leviticus 13:49–59. Mildew makes things ceremonially unclean
Leviticus 14:34–39. Mildew in the home
Leviticus 14:54–57. Instructions for dealing with mildew
Deuteronomy 28:22. The Lord judges the land.
2 Chronicles 6:28. Famine conditions
Amos 4:9. Crop killer
Haggai 2:17. Judgment
Military (army, service, soldiers)
Personnel related to warfare who are trained in the art of war
Numbers 1:47–49. Priests excluded from military service
Judges 1:19. Winning some battles, losing others
Judges 3:1–2. Learning about war
Psalm 68:17. The army of God
Isaiah 31:1–3. Trusting in God for strength
Acts 21:34. Military compound
2 Timothy 2:1–4. Soldiers of Christ
Milk (basics, drink, nourishment)
Literally, the filling and fattening milk of an animal for drinking; metaphorically, wealth and luxury or basic teachings or instructions which are essential for growing to maturity
Judges 4:19. Kindness
Isaiah 7:22. Decadence
Isaiah 55:1. Metaphor for God’s law
Isaiah 60:16. Sign of prosperity
Ezekiel 25:4. Meal drink
Hebrews 5:12. Elementary truths
1 Peter 2:2. Desiring God
Milk and honey (food, luxury, wealth)
A symbol of the fecundity of the Promised Land
Exodus 3:8. Land of vitality
Exodus 13:5. Promised Land
Leviticus 20:24. Reassigning the land
Numbers 16:13. Egypt
Deuteronomy 6:3. Instructions for living well in the land of milk and honey
Jeremiah 11:5. Promise renewed
Ezekiel 20:15. The most beautiful land
Millennial rule of Christ (kingdom rule, millennium, reign)
A period of rule, whether literally one thousand years or symbolically, wherein Christ will rule and reign over all things
Revelation 20:2. Satan bound
Revelation 20:3, 7. Satan set free for a while
Revelation 20:4. Christ and the saints ruling
Revelation 20:5. Resurrection of the dead
Revelation 20:6. Blessing being counted among Christ’s priests
Millennium (see Millennial Rule of Christ)
Millstone(s) (equipment, stone, tool)
A large stone used for grinding grain in the process of preparing food
Exodus 11:5. Often worked by slaves
Deuteronomy 24:6. Means for preparing food
Judges 9:53. Used as a weapon
Jeremiah 25:10. Symbol of well-being and health
Matthew 18:6. Used as a weight to drown someone
Matthew 24:41. Job of women
Revelation 18:22. Sign of impending death
Mind (soul, intellect, heart)
The intangible part of a human being that reasons, imagines, and experiences emotion
Psalm 139:1–4. God examines our minds
Romans 8:6–9. Hostile to God
Romans 11:34. The Lord’s unsearchable mind
1 Corinthians 2:16. We have the mind of Christ.
Philippians 4:8. Worthy of our thought
Hebrews 12:2. Fixing our thoughts on Jesus
1 Peter 1:13. Prepared to act
Mineral(s) (gems, precious stones, rocks)
A carbon-based substance obtained through mining the earth, typically precious stones
Exodus 39:10–13. Precious stones
Job 28:1–2. Taken from the ground
Proverbs 3:15. Wisdom over jewels
Jeremiah 17:1. Diamonds
Ezekiel 28:13. Precious stones in God’s garden
Revelation 4:3. Emerald
Revelation 21:18–20. The new Jerusalem
Mining (extracting, digging, harvesting)
Finding and extracting materials from the earth
Genesis 2:11. A land where there is gold
Job 28:2. Taken from the ground
Job 28:4. Working in a mineshaft
Job 28:10. Looking for precious things
Minister (clergy, pastor, servant)
One who serves others, especially in a religious setting
Psalm 104:4. Angels are servants of God.
Jeremiah 33:21. Priests
Acts 6:2–3. Meeting physical needs
Ephesians 4:12. Purpose of ministers
1 Thessalonians 3:2. Servant of the Good News
Hebrews 8:2. Christ as minister
Ministry (healing, preaching, teaching)
Performing works of service to God’s people through teaching, preaching, prayer, and caring for physical needs
Luke 3:23. Beginning ministry in your 30s
2 Corinthians 5:18. Ministry of reconciliation
2 Corinthians 9:12. Caring for needs
Ephesians 4:12. Building up the body of Christ
Colossians 4:17. Complete the ministry
2 Timothy 4:5. Devoted to ministry
Hebrews 8:6. Jesus’ priestly ministry
Miracles of Jesus (miraculous, sign, wonder)
A supernatural or inexplicable event meant to demonstrate who Jesus is and encourage faith in Jesus
Matthew 9:33. Healing a mute
Matthew 16:7–10. Miraculous feeding
Mark 6:5. Deciding to move on
Luke 7:21–23. Curing various ailments
Luke 8:22–25. Calming the storm
John 2:11. Demonstrated Jesus’ glory
John 20:30–31. Recorded so that we will believe Jesus is Messiah
Miracles of others (miraculous, sign, wonder)
A supernatural or inexplicable event, typically done in God’s power and for the purpose of confirming the message of salvation
Exodus 4:17. Moses performs signs.
Joshua 3:5. Purity before miracles
Daniel 2:28–30. A dream and its interpretation revealed to Daniel.
Matthew 7:22. Miracles performed by unbelievers
Matthew 10:1. Disciples given authority
Romans 15:18–19. Means of spreading the Good News
2 Thessalonians 2:9. False signs and wonders
Mischief (bad behavior, disobedient, playful)
Misbehavior which begins playfully and develops to destructive disobedience
Genesis 37:23–24. Bad brothers
Deuteronomy 8:5. God disciplines just as parents discipline.
Psalm 7:14. A vivid picture of developing mischief
Proverbs 17:4. A mischievous tongue
Proverbs 23:13. Discipline a child.
Jeremiah 31:20. A pleasant child?
Miserly behavior (see Hoard/Hoarding)
Mislead (deceive, lie, misguide)
Consciously lying or deceiving others by presenting false information or withholding information
Joshua 24:27. God is not deceived.
Psalm 119:118. Lies mislead from God’s laws.
Isaiah 3:12. Bad leadership
Micah 3:5. Lying prophets
Ephesians 5:6. Judgment upon deceivers
2 Timothy 3:6. Deception in the last days
Hebrews 6:18. God cannot lie.
Misogyny (hate, woman hater)
The hatred and abuse of women
Genesis 19:5–8. Lot sinfully offering his daughters
Genesis 29:31. Leah was unloved.
Deuteronomy 22:13–14. Lying about a woman’s character
Deuteronomy 22:16. Disapproving of the bride
James 1:27. Taking care of widows
Misrepresent (see Mislead)
Mission (charge, commission, task)
The important task of sharing and spreading the message of the lordship of Jesus Christ to all peoples, tongues, and tribes
Isaiah 55:11. God’s word will not return void
Matthew 28:18–20. Great Commission
John 15:16. Appointed to produce fruit
Acts 2:47. Growing numbers
Romans 1:5. Aim of missions
Romans 1:14. Obliged mission
Romans 15:30–31. Praying for other missionaries
Missionary(ies) (apostle, minister, servant)
Those called and commissioned to do the work of spreading the gospel throughout the world
Acts 8:4. Preaching the Word
Acts 13:2. Saul/Paul set apart for mission work
Acts 21:8. Housing church leaders
1 Corinthians 9:1–12. Rights of God’s servants
Galatians 2:8–9. Division of labor
Ephesians 4:11. Gifts from God to the church
2 Timothy 4:5. Charge to work as a missionary
Mistaken identity (false identity, lying, perception)
The situation when one is mistaken for someone they are not
Genesis 20:5. Lying about identity
Genesis 29:23. Jacob is given Leah, instead of Rachel
Esther 2:10. Queen Esther hides her nationality
Mark 8:27–28. “Who do people say that I am?”
John 18:37. Political king vs. King of kings
Acts 13:6. False prophet
Acts 14:12. Barnabas and Paul mistaken for Greek gods
Mistakes (error, fault, oversight)
Actions or judgments which are wrong
Leviticus 5:18. Unintentional mistakes
Numbers 15:25. Forgiveness for mistakes
1 Samuel 26:21. Admitting mistakes
Job 19:4. Unrecognized mistake
Ecclesiastes 5:6. Do not call a promise a mistake.
Matthew 22:29. Not knowing the Scriptures or God’s power
James 3:2. Speaking mistakes
Mistrust (suspicious, skeptical, weary of)
Expressing suspicion or lack of confidence in someone or something
Exodus 16:2–3. Longing for old ways rather than trusting God
Psalm 44:6. Not trusting in military strength
Proverbs 3:5. Put your trust in the Lord
Jeremiah 9:4. Mistrusting close companions in dire times
Micah 7:5. Not trusting others
John 2:24. Mistrusting human nature
Romans 4:20. Trusting in God’s promise
Misunderstanding (false impression, misinterpret, misconstrue)
Failure to correctly understand someone based upon a misinterpretation or a false inference of what was said or written
1 Samuel 1:14. Misunderstood for a drunkard
Psalm 56:5. Misunderstanding and twisting words
1 Corinthians 12:1. Misunderstanding spiritual gifts
1 Thessalonians 3:10. Desire to see those who have misunderstood aspects of faith
1 Thessalonians 4:13. Misunderstanding death
2 Peter 3:16. Paul’s letters are difficult.
Moabites (Lot, Moab, Semitic)
A Semitic tribe who initially settled on the southeastern border of the Dead Sea, generally hostile toward Israel
Genesis 19:37. Moab and the Moabites
Numbers 22:2–4. Tensions between Moab and Israel
Judges 11:18. The borders of Moab
1 Chronicles 18:2. David defeats Moab.
Isaiah 15:1. Predicting judgment
Jeremiah 27:3. Message sent to Moab
Mockery (contempt, derision, ridicule)
Teasing, ridiculing, or acting in a manner which is either uncharitable or uninformed
1 Kings 18:27. Mocking false gods
2 Kings 19:16. Mocking God
2 Chronicles 36:16. The perils of mocking God’s messengers
Psalm 89:50. Request for God to hear
Matthew 20:19. Mocking Jesus
Galatians 6:7. God is not mocked.
Hebrews 11:36. Suffering persecution
Model (example, leadership, pattern)
A person, place, or thing commended as an example to imitate or follow
2 Kings 16:3. Living like an evil king
John 13:15. Following the example of Jesus
1 Corinthians 10:11. Examples in the Old Testament
Philippians 3:17. Imitate me.
1 Timothy 4:12. Model behavior
James 5:10. Suffering like the prophets
1 Peter 2:21. Following Christ’s example
Moderation (restraint, self-control, temperance)
Not given to excess or extremes in attitudes, actions, or opinions
Proverbs 25:16. Avoiding too much food
Proverbs 25:17. Bugging neighbors
Ezekiel 16:49. Ignoring the poor and needy
Romans 15:1. The strong and the weak
1 Corinthians 10:23. Using discernment
1 Timothy 3:3. Qualifications of a leader
1 Peter 4:4. Avoiding wild living
Modesty (humility, reserved, timid)
The behavior or quality of acting in moderation, timidity, or humility
Genesis 3:7. Covering nakedness
Genesis 24:65. A modest woman
Jeremiah 13:26. Threat of immodesty
Romans 12:3. Sober self-assessment
Philippians 2:3. Thinking of and caring for others first
1 Timothy 2:9–10. Dressing modestly
1 Peter 5:5. Serving with humility, rejecting arrogance
Monarchy (government, kingdom, royalty)
A government ruled by a monarch such as king, queen, or emperor
Deuteronomy 33:5. The Lord is king over Israel.
1 Samuel 8:5. Israel asks Samuel for a king.
2 Samuel 2:4. David anointed king
Luke 23:14. Brought before the government
Romans 13:1. Monarchy established by God
Revelation 19:16. King of kings
Money (cash, fortune, treasure)
Commodity used as a medium of exchange or a designation of value
Numbers 31:25–54. Portion of what we have should be given to God.
Proverbs 15:27. Money gotten dishonestly causes pain.
Isaiah 55:2. Spend your resources on what is truly valuable.
Haggai 2:8. Silver and gold belong to God.
Matthew 6:19. Never put money above God.
Hebrews 13:5. Be satisfied with what God gives.
James 5:1–6. Money is gone when we die.
Monotheism (God, Trinity)
A belief in one God
Deuteronomy 6:4–5. Monotheistic mantra
1 Samuel 26:19. Turning from God
Isaiah 45:21. All other gods are false and cannot save.
Acts 17:22–31. The true God created all things.
Romans 1:24–31. Serving the true God
1 Corinthians 8:4–6. But for us, there is one God!
Ephesians 4:5–6. Creator and sustainer of all things
Monotony (dullness, routine, tedium)
Tedious repetition of an action with very little variety or interest
Numbers 11:4–6. Sick of the same food
Proverbs 14:14. Boredom apart from God
Ecclesiastes 1:4. Monotonous life
Ecclesiastes 1:9. Cycles of life
Luke 15:11–16. Sinfully seeking release from monotonous home life
Mood(s) (disposition, spirit, temper)
A negative temperament or attitude which results in angry or emotional behavior
1 Samuel 16:23. Mood-soothing music
1 Kings 20:43. The king’s bad mood
Nehemiah 5:6. Righteous anger
Psalm 13:2. Dealing with anxiety
Isaiah 65:14. Cheer and sadness from God
Matthew 27:3–5. Remorse
James 1:19–20. Slow to anger
Moon (orb, satellite)
The natural satellite which orbits the earth and is visible primarily at night
Genesis 1:14–16. Night light
Deuteronomy 4:19. Idolatrous worship
2 Kings 23:5. Worshiping the moon god
Psalm 72:5. A measure of permanence
Ezekiel 32:7. Darkened moon a sign of coming judgment
Colossians 2:16. Moon festivals
Revelation 21:23. New Jerusalem does not need the moon’s light.
Morale (confidence, discipline, enthusiasm)
The level of certainty or confidence of a particular person or group
Deuteronomy 20:5–9. Keeping morale high
1 Samuel 22:2. Leading the distressed
Nehemiah 4:6. Workers’ morale
Job 8:13–14. Hopeless without God
Jeremiah 38:1–6. Discouraging soldiers
2 Corinthians 1:7. Solidarity in suffering
Philippians 3:3–4. Confidence in God
Morality (ethics, righteous, virtues)
Guidelines for discerning what is right and wrong, good and evil
Genesis 2:16–17. Knowledge of good and evil
Leviticus 11:44–45. God’s holiness as our basis for holiness
Romans 13:14. Called to live like Christ
1 Corinthians 15:33. Corrupting company
1 Timothy 5:1–2. Instructions for correcting morality within Christian community
1 Peter 3:10–11. Turning from evil
Morning (AM, dawn, first light)
The period of time from midnight through noon; daybreak, light
Genesis 1:5. Method of counting time
Exodus 7:15. Early activities of the day
Ruth 2:7. Daybreak
Psalm 30:5. God’s joy comes swiftly in the morning.
Psalm 88:13. Morning prayer
Matthew 27:1. Carrying out evil plans
Luke 24:22–23. Jesus’ tomb is empty in the morning!
Morning star (Christ, light, royal)
A name figuratively given to Jesus Christ, the Promised One
Numbers 24:17. The promise of the morning star
Matthew 2:2. A symbol of royalty
2 Peter 1:19. Waiting for the morning star
Revelation 2:26–29. Gift of God
Revelation 22:16. Christ is the morning star.
Mortality (death, impermanence, loss of life)
The situation or status of being subject to death
Genesis 3:22. Death introduced to humanity
Psalm 62:9. Vanity of all life
Ecclesiastes 8:8. Unavoidable death
Romans 8:36. Christians called to suffer and die
2 Corinthians 4:7. Although we are mortal, we contain a treasure
Philippians 3:10. Becoming like Christ in His death
Hebrews 9:15. Death of Christ
Most Holy Place (consecrated, holy of holies, separate)
The second interior portion of the tabernacle where the ark of the covenant was kept
Exodus 26:33. Separates the ark from the rest of the tabernacle
1 Kings 6:16. Building the temple
2 Chronicles 3:10. Beautiful golden sculptures
Matthew 27:50–51. The torn veil at Jesus’ death
Hebrews 9:12. The priestly sacrifice of Jesus
Mother(s) (female, mom, parent)
Used in reference to a woman and the organic connection she has with progeny
Genesis 3:20. Archetypal motherhood
Deuteronomy 5:16. Commanded to honor mothers
Joshua 2:12–13. Arranging for family protection
Job 31:15. God’s action in the womb
Proverbs 1:8. Do not neglect your mother’s teachings.
Matthew 1:16. Mary the mother of Jesus
1 Thessalonians 2:7. Being gentle like a mother
Mother-in-law (family, relation, relative)
The mother of one’s husband or wife through marriage
Deuteronomy 27:23. Sexual immorality forbidden
Ruth 1:15–18. Ruth’s loyalty to her mother-in-law
Micah 7:6. Trouble in the family
Matthew 8:14. The apostle Peter’s mother-in-law
Matthew 10:35. Loyalty to Jesus before loyalty to family
Motive (grounds, rationale, reason)
A (concealed) rationale for one’s actions
Proverbs 16:2. God knows true motivations.
Jeremiah 20:12. God sees the motives of conquest.
John 7:18. A teacher without dishonest motives
1 Corinthians 4:5. Revealing what is hidden
Philippians 1:18. Preaching a good message with bad motivation
Colossians 3:22. Honoring earthly masters
1 Thessalonians 2:4. God tests our motives.
Mount Horeb (mountain, Mount Sinai)
The general name for the desert mountain range in which Mount Sinai sits
Exodus 17:6. Water from the rock at Mount Horeb
Exodus 33:6. Consecrated after Mount Horeb
Deuteronomy 1:2. Traveling between distances
Deuteronomy 1:19. Desert terrain
Deuteronomy 4:10. Never forget what God did at Mount Horeb.
Psalm 106:19. Idolatry on the mountain
Mount of Olives (hill, mountain, range)
A small range of mountains which overlooks Jerusalem from the East
2 Samuel 15:30. King David on Mount of Olives
2 Samuel 15:32. A place of worship
Zechariah 14:4. Prediction of a great earthquake
Matthew 24:3. A place of revelation
Acts 1:12. Half a mile from Jerusalem
Mount Sinai (see Mount Horeb)
Mountain(s) (height, hill, summit)
A natural elevation of the earth’s surface
Exodus 19:16. God’s presence on the mountain
Judges 6:2. Places of refuge
Isaiah 14:13. Where the (false) gods assemble
Matthew 5:1–2. Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 17:1. Jesus transfigured on the mountain
Matthew 17:20. Faith can move mountains.
Mountain of the Lord (mountain, sacrifice)
Originally the mountain which Abraham ascended to sacrifice Isaac where God provided a sacrifice
Genesis 22:14. The place where God provided a sacrifice
Numbers 10:33. Traveling from the mountain of the Lord
Isaiah 2:3. God’s temple
Zechariah 8:3. The holy mountain at Jerusalem
Mourn/Mourning (weeping, grieving)
To express grief over a loss
Genesis 21:16. Sobbing over a child
2 Samuel 15:30. Covering the head to mourn
2 Kings 22:19. Tearing of clothes
Ecclesiastes 3:4. A time for all things
Matthew 5:4. Mourners will be comforted.
Philippians 3:18. Weeping over enemies of Christ
Moving (active, mobile, on the move)
The process of changing one’s place of residence
Genesis 3:23. Sent out from the Garden
Genesis 12:1. Abraham called to leave his home
Exodus 12:31–32. Leaving Egypt
Ruth 1:16. Asking to stay
Acts 1:8. Worldwide witnesses
Romans 15:28. Paul the mobile missionary
Ephesians 5:31. Moving together in marriage
Mugging (assault, beat up, robbery)
Attacking and/or robbing someone
Proverbs 22:22–23. God pleads the case of the robbed.
Isaiah 10:1–2. Woes against the unjust
Isaiah 61:8. God hates robbery.
Hosea 7:1. Robbing others in public
Matthew 27:38. Jesus crucified with criminals
Luke 10:25–37. The parable of the good Samaritan
2 Corinthians 11:26. Traveling bandits
Multitude (crowd, host, masses)
A large or gathered group of people
Genesis 16:10. Promise of multitudes for offspring
Daniel 11:10. Commanding large forces
Mark 15:11–15. Mob mentality
Acts 5:16. Crowds come to be healed by Jesus.
Acts 21:35. Violent crowds
Revelation 7:9. A multi-ethnic crowd
Revelation 19:1. The multitudes praising God
Mummy (desiccated body, preserved)
Preserving a body after death
Genesis 50:26. Joseph’s preserved body
Luke 23:53. The tomb of Jesus
Murder (assassinate, homicide, kill)
The premeditated killing of another human being
Genesis 9:6. Humans are made in the image of God.
Deuteronomy 17:6–12. Sentencing a murderer to death
Proverbs 28:17. Folly of murder
Matthew 14:1–12. Killing John the Baptist
Acts 5:30. Murdered Jesus brought back to life
James 4:2. Murdering to steal
Murmuring (complain, grumble, moan)
Private or suppressed expressions of dissatisfaction and complaints
Numbers 14:27. Putting up with complaints
Joshua 9:18. Complaining about leaders
Isaiah 29:24. Rebuking murmuring
Luke 5:30. Complaining about Jesus
1 Corinthians 10:10. Condemning complaining
Philippians 2:14. Living without conflict
Jude 16. Sinful people
Music (composition, melody, song)
An instrumental and/or lyrical composition comprised of both rhythmic and melodic elements
Genesis 4:21. First harp and flute
1 Samuel 16:14–23. David’s music comforts Saul.
1 Chronicles 15:16–24. The important role of music
Proverbs 25:20. Dreadful music
Isaiah 42:10. Sing a new song to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16. Songs of instruction
Revelation 5:11–12. Song of the angels
Musician(s) (artist, instrumentalist, performer)
One who is skilled in the performance of music
Judges 5:11. The musicians gather.
1 Chronicles 6:32. Royal musicians
1 Chronicles 15:16–24. Many, many musicians
Nehemiah 12:47. Paid musicians
Nehemiah 13:10–11. Musicians not being paid
Revelation 18:22. Musicians silenced in Babylon.
Mute (silent, speechless, taciturn)
One who is incapable of or is refraining from oral communication
Exodus 4:11. God is in control.
Proverbs 31:8. Speaking on behalf of the mute
Ezekiel 33:22. The Lord makes the mute speak.
Matthew 15:31. Mute people talking
Luke 11:14. A silent demon
1 Corinthians 12:2. Mute idols
2 Peter 2:16. A mute donkey speaks.
Mutiny (insurrection, rebellion, uprising)
A rebellion against a ruling party
Deuteronomy 13:5. Prophets who preach rebellion
Esther 6:2. Rebelling against a king
Matthew 26:5. Avoiding a riot
Acts 5:37. Rebellion squashed, followers scattered
Acts 17:5. A city riot
Acts 21:38. Stirring up a revolution
2 Thessalonians 2:3. A coming mutiny
Myrrh (gum, perfume, spice)
An expensive, fragrant resin obtained from trees found in Africa and Arabia
Genesis 43:11. High-quality products
Esther 2:12. Spa treatment
Proverbs 7:17. A fragrant bed
Song of Songs 1:13. Intimate fragrances
Matthew 2:11. A gift for Jesus
Mark 15:23. A vinegar-like drink
John 19:39. Embalming fluid
Mystery (hidden, puzzle, secret)
Anything which is hidden or secret
Ecclesiastes 7:24. Mysterious wisdom
1 Corinthians 13:2. Understanding mysteries but failing to love
1 Corinthians 15:51. Paul speaks a mystery.
Ephesians 3:9–11. God’s plan for the fullness of time
Ephesians 5:31–32. The mystery of marriage
Colossians 1:25–27. Christ in you
2 Thessalonians 2:7. The mystery of sinful nature
Myth(s) (fable, legend, story)
A false story or idea which is widely held
1 Timothy 1:4. Questing God’s plan
1 Timothy 4:7. Avoiding godless myths
2 Timothy 4:4. Abandoning the truth
Titus 1:14. Commanded to avoid myths
2 Peter 1:16. A power message not based on myths