– P –
Pacifism (nonviolence, passive, peacemaker)
Belief that violence, including war, is unwarranted and that peaceful resolution should always be sought
Isaiah 2:4. Peace which is to come
Hosea 2:18. Destroying all weapons
Romans 12:21. Conquering evil with good
1 Peter 3:9. Don’t return evil with evil.
Pagan (heathen, nations, unbeliever)
Someone who has religious practices outside of God’s divine revelation to Israel and in Christ
2 Kings 23:5. Cleaning up worship practices
Proverbs 5:10. Working in a pagan household
Zephaniah 1:4. Separating out faithful priests from pagan priests
1 Corinthians 12:2. Worshiping pagan gods
1 Timothy 5:8. Actions worse than pagans
Paid in full (complete, final, whole)
Paying a debt off once and for all
Leviticus 27:27. Getting a full refund
Ezra 6:8. Full payment made so that work is not interrupted
John 19:30. A finished payment of Jesus’ life
Romans 13:7. Paying what you owe
Philippians 4:18. Repaying kindness
1 John 2:2. Payment for the sins of the world
Pain (agony, hurt, suffering)
Physical or emotional suffering
Genesis 3:16. Pains of childbirth increased because of sin
Ecclesiastes 1:18. With knowledge comes heartache.
Isaiah 14:3. A promise of relief
Matthew 24:8. Pains of the end time
Hebrews 10:32. Keeping perspective on suffering
Hebrews 12:11. With discipline comes pain.
1 Peter 2:19. Pleasing God through enduring unjust pain
Revelation 21:4. The end of pain
Palace (citadel, stronghold, temple)
A large residential building that houses a ruler and accompanying administration
1 Kings 3:1. Building the citadel
2 Kings 20:18. Serving in a foreign palace
Daniel 1:4. A place of learning
Amos 3:11. Destruction of the stronghold
Matthew 26:3. Gathering at the palace
Panic (anxiety, fear, hysteria)
Sudden uncontrollable anxiety or fear
Exodus 14:24. Egyptians panic at God’s coming judgment.
2 Samuel 17:2. Tired and weak, susceptible to panic
Psalm 53:5. No reason for panic
Zechariah 14:13. Panic from the Lord
Mark 16:6. Initial panic when Jesus’ body is gone
1 Peter 5:7. Turning over anxiety to God
Parable(s) (allegory, fable, story)
A normal story which is used for the purpose of illustrating a religious truth
Matthew 13:10–23. Reason for speaking in parables
Matthew 13:36–43. Jesus explains a parable.
Matthew 21:33–46. Parable of the tenants
Matthew 22:1–14. Parable of the wedding banquet
Luke 10:25–37. The good Samaritan
Luke 15:11–32. Parable of the prodigal son
Parade(s) (caravan, march/marching, procession)
A public procession of people in a time of celebration or display of military strength
Joshua 6:15. Marching around the city walls
Judges 11:34. Dancing in the streets
2 Samuel 15:18. Marching past the king
Psalm 12:8. Parading around in wickedness
Isaiah 63:1. Announcing victory
Mark 11:1–11. A triumphal entry
Paradise (garden, glory, heaven)
A heavenly abode where God’s people ultimately dwell
Genesis 2:8. Paradise garden
Song of Songs 4:13. Bodies like paradise
Luke 23:43. Jesus promises paradise to a dying man.
2 Corinthians 12:3–4. Vision of paradise
Revelation 2:7. Promise of eating of a paradise tree
Parasite(s) (affliction, disease, sickness)
An organism that lives by feeding off the nutrients of a host
Isaiah 51:8. Worms that devour
Isaiah 66:24. Worms and corpses
Jonah 4:7. A worm destroys a plant.
Revelation 8:11. Water turned into wormwood
Parchment (skin, surface)
A prepared animal skin used as a writing surface
2 Timothy 4:13. Bring the parchments.
Pardon (absolve, forgive, mercy)
Forgiving or being forgiven of an offense before God or a fellow human
Exodus 34:9. Asking the Lord for pardon
Psalm 25:11. Forgiveness for the sake of the Lord’s name
Hosea 11:7. No pardon for rebellion
Micah 7:18. No one like God
Mark 11:25. Forgiving others
Luke 7:39–50. Grateful for forgiveness
Romans 4:8. No longer considered sinful
Romans 5:10. Restored relationship with God through Christ
2 Corinthians 2:5–11. Congregational forgiveness
Colossians 3:13. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Parent(s) (father, guardian, mother)
The biological (or legal) guardian of a child
Exodus 20:12. Commanded to honor parents
Psalm 27:10. God’s care when parents fail
Proverbs 10:1. Making parents happy
Proverbs 13:24. Disciplining a child
Joel 1:3. Generational message
2 Corinthians 12:14. Parents provide for their children.
Ephesians 6:1. Commanded to obey parents
Pariahs (lepers, outcast, rejects)
A person or group of people who have been rejected or exiled from society
2 Chronicles 26:21. Living in a separate house due to uncleanness
Matthew 8:2–3. Jesus heals an outcast.
Luke 10:29–37. The Samaritan outcast helps a man in need.
John 4:1–26. Societal outcasts
Parole (pardon, release)
Release of a prisoner before the full sentence has been carried out
Matthew 27:16–26. The prisoner Barabbas is freed.
Acts 16:25–35. Paul and Silas released from prison
Parousia (rapture, second coming)
Greek term for the return of Christ
Matthew 24:44. An unexpected time
John 14:3. Jesus promises to come again.
Acts 1:11. Returning in the same way that He left
Philippians 3:20. Eagerly awaiting Christ’s coming
1 Thessalonians 4:16. Coming from heaven with a command
Titus 2:12–13. Awaiting our hope
Hebrews 9:28. Appearing a second time to save those who wait
Hebrews 10:25. The day is drawing near.
James 5:8. The Lord is near.
2 Peter 3:10. Coming like a thief in the night
Revelation 1:7. Coming in the clouds
Revelation 22:20. I am coming soon.
Parsimonious (cheap, frugal, stingy)
An attitude of unwillingness to spend one’s own resources
Deuteronomy 15:9. Being careful to avoid stinginess
Deuteronomy 28:54. Frugality during a time of devastation
Proverbs 23:6. Avoiding those who are stingy
Proverbs 28:22. Warning against being cheap
Partiality (bias, favoritism, prejudice)
A predisposition to favoring something or someone over another
Genesis 37:4. Joseph is loved more than his brothers.
Deuteronomy 10:17. No need to play favorites or take bribes
Job 32:21. Promise to avoid partiality
Proverbs 24:23. Do not show partiality when judging.
Galatians 2:6. So-called important people
Ephesians 6:9. Treating all slaves with respect
1 Timothy 5:21. Called to impartiality
Participation (association, contribution, involvement)
One’s involvement in a particular action
Joshua 23:12–13. Associating with an enemy of God
1 Corinthians 10:21. Participating at two divergent tables
2 Corinthians 8:4. Begging to participate in the ministry
2 Corinthians 8:7. Encouraged to participate in God’s work
1 Timothy 5:22. Keep away from the sins of others.
Revelation 18:4. Avoiding sin
Partnership (associates, collaboration, relationship)
A relationship between two or more of commitment, collaboration, or covenant making
Psalm 94:20. Can God associate with wicked partners?
Proverbs 29:24. Ill fate of a thief’s partner
Luke 5:7. Business associates
1 Corinthians 1:9. Partnership with Christ
1 Corinthians 7:15. Dissolving a marriage
1 Corinthians 10:20. Partners with demons
Colossians 4:7. Sending a partner in my place
Hebrews 3:1. Partners in a heavenly calling
Partying (celebrating, excess, revelry)
A social practice of celebration
Judges 14:10. Throwing a wedding party
Job 1:4. Eating, drinking, and fellowship
Ecclesiastes 10:16. Early morning parties
Galatians 5:20–21. Living under the influence of the sinful nature
1 Peter 4:3. Wild parties
2 Peter 2:13. Sinfully taking pleasure in being known for wild parties
Passion(s) (enthusiasm, sensation, strong emotion)
Feelings which are consuming and difficult to control
Ecclesiastes 9:6. Losing the zest for life
Romans 1:26. Shameful passions which control
Romans 7:5. Sinful passions at work
Galatians 5:24. Crucifying passions of the flesh
Colossians 3:5. Putting worldly passions to death
1 Thessalonians 4:5. Blinded by passion
Revelation 14:8. Passionate sexual sins
Passion, the (death, suffering)
Events surrounding the suffering and death of Jesus
Matthew 26:57–68. Jesus sentenced to death
Matthew 27:28–29. The soldiers mock Jesus.
Matthew 27:35. Jesus crucified
Mark 14:36. Jesus prays in the garden.
Luke 23:35–37. The crowds mock Jesus as He is dying.
Passover (see Festival, Lord’s Supper)
Past (former, history, previous)
A period of time which has passed
Isaiah 43:18. Forgetting the past
Romans 3:25. God’s patience for sins in the past
Ephesians 3:9. Things hidden in the past
Colossians 1:26. Mystery of the past has been revealed.
Hebrews 10:32. Remember the origins of belief.
1 Peter 4:3. A past life
2 Peter 3:2. Remember God’s work in history.
Pastor (elder, bishop, overseer)
Someone who oversees the theology and teaching of a body of believers
Acts 20:28. Watching over God’s church
1 Timothy 3:2–7. Qualifications of a pastor
1 Timothy 4:14. Developing pastoral gifts
1 Timothy 5:17. Highly honoring spiritual leaders
Hebrews 13:17. Obeying church leaders
1 Peter 5:2. Shepherds of God’s flock
Pastoral letters (letter writing)
The three letters ascribed to Paul: 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus
1 Timothy 6:20. Called to guard the Good News
2 Timothy 4:2. Charged to spread the word of God
Titus 2:1. Teaching others how to live rightly
Pasture (field, grassland, meadow)
An open area of land used for keeping and feeding animals
Numbers 35:3. Pastureland of the Levites
Joshua 21:42. Food source for large cities
1 Chronicles 6:55. Given a territory and pastureland
Isaiah 5:17. A field of lambs
Ezekiel 34:14. Promise of a good pasture
Ezekiel 34:31. Sheep of God’s pasture
Path(s) (road, trail, way)
A road which one travels
Psalm 25:10. Paths of mercy
Proverbs 2:8. Walking on the path of justice
Proverbs 3:5–6. The Lord will make your path smooth.
Acts 2:28. The path of life
2 Peter 2:15. Leaving the straight path
Jude 11. Following the wrong path
Patience (forbearance, mercy, restraint)
Forbearance or restraint in a situation which would otherwise warrant action
Exodus 34:6. God is patient and willing to forgive.
1 Corinthians 13:7. Love is patient.
Galatians 5:22. Fruit of the spirit
Ephesians 4:2. Being patient with others
Hebrews 6:13–15. Waiting patiently for God’s promises
James 5:10. Patience in the midst of suffering
2 Peter 3:9. The Lord’s slowness to return is patience.
Patriarch (father, leader, ancestor, paterfamilias)
Denotes the male head of a family
Joshua 14:1. The heads of Israel’s tribes
Acts 2:29. The patriarch David
Acts 5:30. The God of our ancestors
Romans 9:5. Christ is descended from the patriarchs.
Hebrews 7:4. Abraham, father of God’s chosen people
Patricide (murder, killing)
The killing of one’s father
Exodus 20:12. Honor your father and mother.
Exodus 20:13. Murder forbidden
Isaiah 37:38. Sennacherib murdered by his sons
Patriotism (jingoism, loyal, nationalism)
Extreme and often defensive loyalty to one’s country
2 Samuel 10:12. Strong on behalf of our people
2 Kings 7:9. Spreading the news
Psalm 122:6–7. Prayer for the peace of Jerusalem
Isaiah 62:1. Speaking on behalf of country
Hebrews 11:24–26. Faithful to his own people
Patrolling (guard, monitor, watch)
Keeping guard or watching over something or someone
Genesis 3:24. Patrolling the tree of life
Exodus 12:42. God’s watch over His people
Nehemiah 7:3. Standing guard
Zechariah 1:10. God’s command to patrol the earth
Zechariah 6:7. Strong horses patrol the earth.
Patronage (benefaction, gift, grace)
Support given by patron to a client
Acts 16:14–15. Lydia becomes Paul’s patron.
Philippians 4:16. Providing for Paul’s needs
Philippians 4:18. Paul receives gifts.
Pattern (example, image, model)
An example which others follow
Genesis 1:26. Humans patterned after God’s image
Exodus 25:9. Following the pattern
2 Kings 16:10. A model of the altar
2 Timothy 1:13. Pattern of accurate teaching
Hebrews 8:5. Temple as a pattern of what is heaven
Payments (earnings, wages, reimbursements)
The action of paying or being paid in return for goods sold or services rendered
Exodus 21:11. Buying freedom
Isaiah 65:7. Repaying the sins of ancestors
Romans 6:23. Payment for sin is death.
1 Peter 1:18–19. Good and bad payments
1 John 2:2. Payment for the sins of the world
1 John 4:10. God’s Son was a payment for sins.
Peace (completeness, soundness, well-being)
Refers to wellness, safety, or spiritual soundness
Numbers 6:24–26. A prayer of peace
Proverbs 3:1–2. The peace of sound teaching
Matthew 5:9. Blessed are the peacemakers.
John 14:27. Offer of God’s peace
1 Corinthians 14:33. The God of peace
Galatians 5:22. Produced by the spiritual nature
Philippians 4:7. God’s peace guarding thoughts
Colossians 1:20. Peace through the cross
Hebrews 12:14. Living at peace with others
Peace talks (conference, discussion)
Diplomatic conversations aimed at ending or avoiding conflict
Genesis 13:8. Making peace in the family
Genesis 37:4. Strained relationship
Deuteronomy 20:10–11. Offering peace before war
Judges 11:13. Attempts at diplomacy
1 Samuel 29:7. Avoiding displeasing an enemy
Matthew 5:9. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Pearl of great price (precious gem, kingdom of God)
A highly valued gem; Jesus compared the value of the pearl with the kingdom of God
Job 28:18. Wisdom more valuable than pearls
Matthew 7:6. Pearls and pigs
Matthew 13:45–46. Finding a valuable pearl
1 Timothy 2:9. Outward adornment
Peer pressure (acceptance, approval, pressure)
Social pressure exerted by one’s peer group to take certain actions, adopt values, or conform in some way in order to gain acceptance
Exodus 23:2. Never follow the crowd.
Psalm 1:1–2. Leaving behind the advice of the wicked
Proverbs 1:10–19. Avoiding the path of sinners
1 Corinthians 15:33–34. Influence of bad company
Galatians 1:10. Seek only God’s approval.
Galatians 2:11–13. Social pressures
Hebrews 10:24. Good peer pressure
Penalty (judgment, punishment, retribution)
A punishment imposed for the breach of an accepted code of conduct
Leviticus 22:16. Paying the penalty for misdeeds
Numbers 35:31. Death penalty
Proverbs 13:13. Price of despising God’s words
2 Thessalonians 1:9. An eternal penalty
1 John 4:18. Punishment and fear
Penitence (guilt, repentance, sorrow)
Experiencing and admitting regret for one’s actions
2 Kings 22:19. A change of heart
Job 42:5–6. Job repents for questioning God.
Psalm 78:34. Turning to God
Luke 5:32. Calling sinners to change
2 Corinthians 7:10. Changing the way one thinks and acts
2 Peter 3:9. God wants all to repent.
Revelation 2:5. Turning to righteous ways
Pentecost (fiftieth, Festival of Weeks/Harvest)
The day when the Spirit descended on God’s people
Acts 2:1. Festival gathering at Jerusalem
Acts 20:16. Trying to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost
1 Corinthians 16:8. Paul mentions Pentecost.
People(s) (humans, nations)
Generally used to denote nationality, people(s) can refer to tribes, nations, or groups.
Genesis 1:27. Creation of people
Genesis 7:21. Destruction of peoples
Genesis 18:18. All nations blessed through Abraham
Exodus 32:10. Promise of a great nation
Job 12:23. God rules over nations.
Isaiah 49:6. Light unto the nations
Amos 9:7. God cares for all nations.
1 Peter 2:9. A chosen people
2 John 7. Deceptive people
Perception (awareness, realization, understanding)
One’s ability to use the human senses to understand something
Judges 6:22. Realization of God’s messenger
Mark 4:12. Failed perception
John 4:19. Perceiving a prophet
Acts 17:22. Perceived religiosity
Ephesians 3:4. You can perceive my insight when you read this.
Perfection (betterment, improvement, refinement)
The biblical ideal of becoming increasingly conformed into the image of God
Deuteronomy 32:4. God’s faithful actions
Psalm 18:32. A straight way
Matthew 5:48. Be perfect as God is perfect.
Matthew 19:21. Difficulty of attaining perfection
1 Peter 1:18–19. A perfect sacrifice
1 John 1:8–10. Falsely claiming perfection
Performing (amusing, delighting, entertaining)
Entertaining others with song, dance, humor, and so forth
Judges 16:25. Comedic relief
1 Samuel 10:5. Performing music
Mark 6:22. A stunning performance
Luke 15:25. Party performance
Perfume(s) (aroma, fragrance, smell)
A fragrant substance used variously for its pleasing aroma
Exodus 30:25. Holy perfume
Ruth 3:3. Freshening up
2 Chronicles 16:14. Preparing for the deceased
Psalm 133:2. Anointed with pleasant oil
Proverbs 27:9. Warming the heart
John 12:3. Pure (expensive) nard
Perjury (deception, falsehood, lying)
Violating an oath or vow by swearing to something untrue
Jeremiah 5:2. Lying about an oath
Jeremiah 7:9. Bad behavior
Hosea 10:4. Many bad actions
Malachi 3:5. Providing false witness
1 Timothy 1:10. Lying under oath
Permanence (abiding, endurance, stability)
The state of being lasting or abiding
Genesis 17:8. A permanent possession
Exodus 12:14. A permanent law
Numbers 25:13. Permanent positions
1 Corinthians 9:25. A permanent crown
1 Corinthians 13:8–12. Permanence of love
Hebrews 7:24. A permanent priesthood
Hebrews 13:14. An abiding city
Permission (approval, authorization, consent)
Giving one’s consent for carrying something out
Ezra 5:13. Permission to rebuild the temple
Psalm 24:3–4. Permission to enter God’s presence
Matthew 10:29. God’s sovereignty over all things great and small
John 19:38. Permission to move Jesus’ body
Acts 21:40. Permission to speak
Hebrews 6:3. God permitting
Persecution (martyrdom, oppression, suffering)
Physical or verbal maltreatment for believing in the Christian message
Mark 10:30. Life now and then
John 15:20. Persecution promised
Romans 8:35. Unable to separate us from the love of Christ
2 Corinthians 12:10. Strength in weakness
Galatians 6:17. Scars of persecution which demonstrate allegiance
2 Thessalonians 1:4. Persecution which brought growth
2 Timothy 3:11. Rescued from persecutions
Perseverance (commitment, endurance, patience)
Steadfastness and endurance in living out Christian faith
Matthew 24:13. Persevering to the end
Romans 8:25. Eagerly awaiting coming hope
Romans 12:12. Patience in times of trouble
Ephesians 6:18. Persevering in prayer
Hebrews 12:1. Running the race of faith
James 5:11. Blessed because of perseverance
1 John 2:19. Those who fail to persevere
Persians (Aryan, nations, peoples)
A tribe of people who eventually settled on the eastern side of the Persian Gulf
2 Chronicles 36:23. Cyrus’s policy of tolerance for captured people
Ezra 1:7. A Persian king
Nehemiah 12:22. Darius the Persian
Esther 1:19. Ruling over the Persians
Daniel 6:28. Prospering under Persian reign
Persistence (perseverance)
Firm and repeated action, often in spite of opposition
Nehemiah 4:6. Working with determination
Jeremiah 7:13. Ignoring persistent talk
Romans 2:7. Persisting in goodness
1 Timothy 4:16. Persisting in faithful life
1 Timothy 5:20. Fate of those who persistent in sin
Personified aspects of God (embodiment, incarnation, representation)
Descriptions of God’s essence in ways that make sense to human beings
Genesis 3:8. God walking
Genesis 32:30. Seeing the face of God
Exodus 8:19. The hand of God
Proverbs 1:20. Wisdom
Amos 9:8. The eyes of the Lord
John 1:1. The Logos (the Word)
1 Corinthians 1:24. Christ, the wisdom of God
Perspective (opinion, position, view)
A point of view
1 Corinthians 10:18. Judging from a human viewpoint
1 Corinthians 15:34. Returning to the right viewpoint
Persuasion (coaxing, convincing, enticing)
The rhetorical skill of convincing others of a particular action or viewpoint
Psalm 141:4. Avoiding evil persuasions
Matthew 27:20. Crowd control
Luke 16:31. Persuasion impossible
Acts 17:4. Effective ministry
1 Corinthians 2:4. Avoiding fancy rhetoric
2 Corinthians 5:11. Persuading others
Perversion (immorality, wickedness)
Sexual misconduct which is condemned by God and not befitting of God’s people
Leviticus 18:17. Sex with multiple family members forbidden
Leviticus 19:29. Offering a daughter as a prostitute
Habakkuk 1:4. Justice perverted
Romans 6:19. Forsaking perversion
2 Corinthians 12:21. Grieved over perversion
Galatians 5:19. Corrupt nature
Ephesians 5:5. No inheritance in God’s kingdom
Colossians 3:5. Put worldly ways to death.
Pessimism (despair, despondency, hopelessness)
The propensity to focus disproportionately on negative aspects of things
Exodus 16:3. Doubting God’s provision
Numbers 14:36–38. Doubting God
Job 3:25. Overtaken with fear
Job 9:25. Death is approaching.
Ecclesiastes 1:2. Meaningless life
Pestilence (epidemic, plague)
A plague which causes physical affliction or death
Deuteronomy 32:24. Judgment
Psalm 91:3. Delivered from death
Jeremiah 21:6. To the death
Ezekiel 5:12. Pestilence in the latter days
Revelation 6:8. Famine and pestilence
Petition (intercession, prayer, requests)
A prayer in which one presents requests to God
Nehemiah 1:11. A leader prays.
Psalm 4:1. Calling out to God
Luke 1:13. God hears the prayer of Zechariah.
1 Timothy 2:1. Interceding for others
Hebrews 5:7. God heard Jesus’ prayers.
Pharaoh(s) (king, ruler, sovereign)
The sovereign ruler of Egypt
Genesis 12:15–20. Abram before Pharaoh
Genesis 37:36. Joseph sold to Pharaoh
Exodus 1:22. Ethnic cleansing
Exodus 5:1. Moses before Pharaoh
Exodus 11:9–10. A hardened heart
Pharisee(s) (pious, separatist, zealous)
One of several Jewish sects known for precise and minute interpretation of God’s law
Matthew 3:7. Pharisees and Sadducees
Matthew 5:20. Scribes and Pharisees
Matthew 23:13. Preventing others from entering kingdom of heaven
Luke 5:17. Experts in the law of Moses
Acts 23:6. Paul was a Pharisee.
Philadelphians (people)
Inhabitants of the Roman province of Philadelphia located in Asiatic Turkey
Revelation 3:7–13. Letter to a faithful church
Philanthropy (beneficence, generosity, welfare)
Promotion of the welfare of others through giving of time, money, and services
Leviticus 25:35–43. Caring for your own people
Psalm 41:1. Blessing on philanthropists
Proverbs 3:27–28. Not holding back
Isaiah 58:7–12. Caring for the hungry
Matthew 5:42. Giving to those who ask
Galatians 2:10. Eager philanthropist
1 Timothy 5:8. Failure to take care of others
James 2:15–16. Meeting physical needs
1 John 3:17. Helping other believers
Philistine(s) (enemy, Goliath, sea people)
A longstanding enemy of Israel living in Philistia (modern Lebanon) off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Genesis 10:14. Origin of Philistines
Judges 3:2–3. Used to punish Israel
Judges 10:6–7. Israel judged for adopting Philistine gods
1 Samuel 5:1–6:21. Philistines and the ark
1 Samuel 13:19–22. Philistine war strategy
1 Samuel 17:1–51. David kills the Philistine
2 Kings 18:8. Philistines subdued
Philosophy (belief, reason, thinking)
Refers in Scripture to erroneous teachings that run contrary to God’s truth
Isaiah 29:14. Wisdom and intelligence taken away
Acts 17:18. Paul talks with philosophers.
1 Corinthians 1:19–20. Wisdom turned into nonsense
Colossians 2:8. Careful of misleading philosophy
Phoenicians (Canaanites, people)
People who lived on the Mediterranean coastal plain
Matthew 15:21. Coastal cities of Phoenicia
Mark 7:26. Syrophoenician woman
Acts 11:19. Scattering throughout Phoenician territory
Acts 15:3. Traveling as missionaries among Phoenician territory
Phony (dishonest, false, hypocritical)
Disingenuous or misleading behavior
Daniel 2:9. Giving a phony explanation
Matthew 23:5–7. Extreme phoniness
2 Timothy 3:13. Phony preachers
1 Peter 2:1. Getting rid of hypocrisy
Phylactery (amulet, box, means of protection)
Small leather box which contained small strips of parchment containing key teachings for God’s people
Deuteronomy 6:4–9. Wearing God’s words as a reminder
Deuteronomy 11:18–21. Recording words as a reminder
Matthew 23:5. Phylacteries for all to see
Physician (diviner, doctor, caregiver)
Someone who is trained in the practice of medicine
Genesis 50:2. Doctors and morticians
2 Chronicles 16:12. Trusting doctors rather than God
Job 13:4. Worthless physicians
Jeremiah 8:11. Careless care
Matthew 9:12. Healthy people do not need a doctor.
Mark 5:25–26. Failed care
Colossians 4:14. Luke, the physician
Physics (discipline, knowledge, science)
The scientific discipline concerned with the nature of matter and energy
Proverbs 16:33. Seemingly random outcomes controlled by God
Acts 17:28. In Him we live and move and have our being.
Colossians 1:16. All things created by God
Colossians 1:17. Christ holds all things together.
Hebrews 1:3. Upholding all things by His word
Piety (devotion, godliness, holiness)
The quality of being religiously devout
2 Corinthians 7:1. Fear of the Lord
1 Timothy 5:4. Showing piety at home
2 Timothy 3:5. Appearance of piety
Titus 1:1. Leading others in piety
2 Peter 1:3. Power for piety
2 Peter 3:11. Holy, godly lives
Pig(s) (hog, swine, unclean)
A domesticated animal raised for its meat, ceremonially unclean in Old Testament
Leviticus 11:7. Eating pigs forbidden
Matthew 7:6. Folly of throwing pearls to pigs
Matthew 8:30–31. Demons sent into pigs
Luke 15:15–16. Eating with the pigs
Acts 10:9–16. Peter’s vision and the cleanliness of all animals
Pilgrimage (expedition, journey, mission)
A journey to an important place of religious or social significance
Genesis 17:8. Land of pilgrimage
Genesis 47:9. Earthly pilgrimage
Luke 2:41. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Acts 8:27–28. Returning from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Hebrews 11:13. No permanent home on earth
1 Peter 2:11. Temporary residents
Pillar(s) (column, post, support)
A tall vertical structure used in architecture for supporting a building
Genesis 19:26. Pillar of salt
Exodus 13:21. Pillars to guide the people in the wilderness
Numbers 12:5. Pillar of smoke indicating God’s presence
Judges 16:25–30. Samson pushes the pillars.
1 Kings 7:2. Pillars of cedar
Job 9:6. Only God shakes the pillars of the earth.
Proverbs 9:1. Seven pillars in a house of wisdom
Galatians 2:9. Human pillars of the church
1 Timothy 3:15. Church is a pillar of truth.
Revelation 3:12. People as pillars in God’s temple
Pistachio(s) (food, nut, seed)
The delectable green seed of an Asiatic tree
Genesis 43:11. Fine products brought as a gift
Pit(s) (cistern, hole, well)
A deep hole, either occurring naturally or dug artificially
Psalm 30:3. Called back from the pit
Psalm 40:2. Called back to fullness of life
Proverbs 1:12. The grave as a pit
Matthew 12:11. Rescuing an animal from a pit
Revelation 9:1–2. Bottomless pit
Pitfall(s) (danger, hazard, risk)
An unsuspected or uncalculated danger
Deuteronomy 7:16. Pitfall of worshiping foreign gods
Judges 8:27. Following after an idol
Psalm 141:9. Distanced from troublemakers
Proverbs 29:6. Sin is like bait in trap.
Lamentations 3:47. Problems approaching us
2 Corinthians 11:29. Apostolic empathy
Galatians 6:1. Helping others avoid and escape pitfalls
1 Timothy 6:9. Pitfalls of wealth
James 1:14. Desires which lure and tempt
Plague(s) (affliction, disease, pestilence)
A sickness or infestation of epidemic proportions
Exodus 7:14–25. The first of ten plagues on Egypt
Numbers 11:33. Judgment from God
2 Samuel 24:21. Stopping of a plague
1 Kings 8:37–38. Troubling disaster
Psalm 91:10. Safety from plagues
Revelation 16:21. Plagues of oversized hail
Plan(s) (goal, intention, providence)
Planning may be used in reference to both human and divine thinking
Genesis 50:20. God’s plan to bring about good
Nehemiah 4:15. God frustrates the plans of humanity.
Psalm 33:10. Plans of the nations frustrated
Proverbs 16:3. Trusting efforts to God
Jeremiah 29:11. Assurance of life in God’s plan
Acts 2:23. God’s definite plan for Jesus
Ephesians 1:10. Culmination of history in Christ
Ephesians 3:9. Plan of mystery which was hidden until now
Planet(s) (body, moon, star)
A celestial body which orbits around a star
Isaiah 14:12. Venus, the morning star
Amos 5:26. Idol gods dedicated to Saturn
Plant(s) (flower, greenery, vegetation)
Creation of God as a source of food, clothing, tools, and constructed into a writing surface
Genesis 1:11. Vegetation created
Genesis 30:14. Mandrakes
Exodus 12:22. Hyssop plant
1 Kings 19:4–5. Broom plant
Song of Songs 2:1. Roses and lilies
Matthew 6:28–29. Majesty of plants’ decorum
Mark 4:31. A tiny mustard seed
John 19:29. A long reed
Plea(s) (prayers, requests, supplication)
An emotional and often urgent request made to God
1 Kings 8:30. Pleas for mercy
Job 13:6. Pleading for God’s attention
Psalm 6:9. God hears the pleas of His people.
Psalm 17:1. A plea for justice
Isaiah 1:23. Ignoring the pleas of widows
Luke 5:12. Pleading for healing
2 Corinthians 8:4. Begging to participate in God’s gracious work
Pleasure (delight, happiness, joy)
A deep feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment
Psalm 5:4. God does not take pleasure in wickedness.
Psalm 32:11. Gladness in the Lord
Psalm 37:4. Delighted in the Lord
Isaiah 57:8. Idol pleasures
Romans 7:22. Delighting in God’s law
1 Corinthians 10:31. Living for God’s glory
Philippians 1:25. Growing in joyful faith
James 4:3. Seeking pleasure the wrong way
Pledge (oath, promise, vow)
A promise made or security put up for a debt
Genesis 38:17–20. Pledging payment
Deuteronomy 24:10–12. Reasonable actions for receiving pledged payment
1 Samuel 18:3. Pledge of loyalty
2 Chronicles 29:10. Pledge unto the Lord
2 Corinthians 1:22. Spirit given as a guarantee
2 Timothy 1:14. Guarding the trusted deposit
Pleiades (constellation, sky, stars)
A well-known cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation
Job 9:9. God’s creation of the heavenly bodies
Job 38:31. Human power compared with God’s
Amos 5:8. God’s power emphasized through creation
Plenty (affluence, prosperity, wealth)
Generally used to refer to the condition of having a sufficient or large quantity of something
Genesis 1:28–31. Many options for food
Proverbs 19:10. Fools do not live in luxury.
Philippians 4:12. Living in plenty and want
Plumb line (measurement, rod, tool)
A tool that checks the straightness of a wall
2 Kings 21:13. Tool used for making measurements
Isaiah 28:17. Measuring line
Isaiah 34:11. Measuring out destruction
Amos 7:7–8. Checking the “straightness” of God’s people
Zechariah 4:10. Indication of judgment
Poetry (poems, rhymes, verse)
Measured language of emotion
Psalm 23:1. Comparative poetry
Psalm 78:1. Parallelism
Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31. Repetition of a phrase
Psalm 119:1. An acrostic poem
Proverbs 15:2. Truth seen from two perspectives
Song of Songs 4:1. Simile
Luke 1:68–79. Magnificat
Ephesians 5:14. An early poem
Ephesians 5:18–19. Reciting psalms and hymns
Poison (pollutant, toxin, venom)
A toxic substance which injures or kills a living organism
Numbers 21:4–9. Poisonous snakes
Deuteronomy 32:24. Judgment and poisonous animals
2 Kings 4:39. Poisonous gourd
Job 6:3–4. Poisonous arrows
Psalm 58:4. Snake venom
Hosea 10:4. Reference to hemlock
Romans 3:13. Dangerous people
James 3:8. Poisonous tongue
Politics (civics, government, state)
Activities associated with governing of a state or country
Proverbs 24:21–22. Fearing the king
Luke 20:25. Giving what is due
Acts 19:39. Settling a matter in a legal assembly
Romans 13:1–7. Christians and government
Romans 16:23. Greetings from the city treasurer
1 Timothy 2:1–2. Praying for leaders
Titus 3:1. Submitting to government
1 Peter 2:13–14. Living under civil authorities
Pollution (contaminate, defile, impure)
Corruption and things that defile
Genesis 1:28. Charged to steward creation well
Numbers 35:33. Actions which pollute the land
Psalm 106:38. Polluted with blood
1 Corinthians 10:26. The earth is the Lord’s.
Polyandry (adultery, multiple husbands)
A specific subset of polygamy referring to a woman with more than one husband at a single time
Genesis 12:18–19. Polyandry avoided
Romans 7:3. Polyandry condemned
Polygamy (adultery, multiple wives)
The practice of having more than one spouse at a time
Genesis 4:19. Lamech marries two women.
Genesis 16:1–2. Women in Abram’s life
Exodus 21:10. Regulating a polygamous marriage
Deuteronomy 17:16–17. Adding of many wives forbidden
1 Kings 11:3. Solomon’s harem
Matthew 19:4–6. No longer two, but one
1 Timothy 3:2–3. Polygamy forbidden for church leaders
Pool(s) (cistern, reservoir, water)
Reservoirs that collect water
2 Samuel 2:13. Pool of Gibeon
1 Kings 22:38. Bathing in the pool of Samaria
2 Kings 18:17. Israel’s enemy camps out near a water supply.
Nehemiah 2:14. A king’s private water supply
Ecclesiastes 2:6. Irrigation
John 9:7. Healing near the Siloam pool
James 3:12. Salt water and fresh water
Poor, the (needy, oppressed, poverty-stricken)
Those who are economically disadvantaged and cannot meet financial or material needs
Leviticus 19:9–10. Leaving something for the poor
Deuteronomy 10:17–18. God cares for the poor.
Deuteronomy 15:11. Generosity commanded
Psalm 140:12. Promise of God’s defense
Ezekiel 18:17. Character of the godly
Amos 2:6–7. A heinous crime against the poor
Matthew 26:11. There will always be poor among you.
Mark 10:21. Treasure in heaven versus treasures on earth
Luke 6:20. Blessed are the poor.
Romans 15:26. Collection for poor believers
James 2:5. God’s preference for the poor
James 2:15–16. Caring for physical needs
Popularity (admired, liked, supported)
The degree to which a person is admired or supported
2 Samuel 3:36. Approval of the king’s actions
2 Samuel 15:1–6. Gaining popular appeal
Matthew 21:45–46. Fearing popular opinion
2 Corinthians 6:8–9. Popular treated poorly
Galatians 1:10. Seeking only God’s approval
Colossians 3:22. Avoid mere people-pleasing
Pork (meat, pig, unclean)
The flesh of a pig
Deuteronomy 14:8. Touching dead pigs forbidden
Isaiah 65:4. Eating pork and other unclean foods
Acts 10:9–16. Peter’s vision and the cleanliness of all animals
Pornography (filth, porn, smut)
Visual material containing explicit sexual images
Job 31:1. Looking at a virgin with lust
Proverbs 6:25. Desiring beauty in the heart
Matthew 5:27–28. Looking at a woman with lust
Mark 7:21–23. Sins which come from within
Romans 13:13–14. Forsaking desires of the sinful nature
1 Corinthians 6:9–10. Wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 10:8. Avoid sexual sin
Galatians 5:19–20. Effects of the corrupt nature
1 Thessalonians 4:3–8. God’s will to stay away from sexual sin
1 John 2:15–17. Evil desires of the world are passing away.
Portion (inheritance, lot, share)
A designated allotment or share
Genesis 43:34. Portions of food
Exodus 29:28. Portion given to priests
Numbers 5:26. Portions handled by the priest
2 Corinthians 6:15. Do believers share portion with unbelievers?
Revelation 22:19. Threat of a portion taken away
Position (level, place, status)
A social, political, or religious location of status or prominence
Genesis 40:21. Restored to a position of prominence
Esther 1:19. Replacing a royal position
Psalm 62:4. Forcing a king from his position
Acts 1:25. Judas abandoned his position.
Romans 8:34. Place of interceding
James 4:10. Humble will be exalted.
1 Peter 3:22. Christ has the highest position.
Jude 6. Angels who lost their position of authority
Possessions (custody, things, ownership)
The act of having or taking into control
Numbers 18:20. God is His people’s possession.
Deuteronomy 1:8. The land God promised His people
Ezekiel 45:7. Land as a possession
Matthew 19:21. Selling of possessions
Luke 14:33. Called to give up everything
Acts 5:1–2. Withholding possessions
2 Corinthians 12:14. Not needing possessions
Possessiveness (demanding, desirous, jealous)
The quality of demanding someone’s absolute attention or allegiance
Exodus 20:5. God does not tolerate rival worship.
Joshua 24:19. God’s jealousy for true followers
Zechariah 8:2. God’s possessiveness of Zion
Postmodern thinking (postmodern)
Attempts to offer a totalizing explanation of the world
Judges 17:6. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
John 14:6. Anti-foundationalism subverted
John 18:38. What is truth?
1 John 1:6. Importance of living rightly
Postponing (defer, delay, procrastination)
Delaying the execution of a task to a later time
Psalm 40:17. Asking God to come without delay
James 1:19. Delaying anger
2 Peter 3:9. Postponing judgment
Potential (latent, probable, undeveloped)
Showing the capacity for growth in the future
Exodus 18:21. Choosing capable men
Matthew 16:18. Peter’s leadership potential
Mark 1:17. Utilizing potential
1 Corinthians 15:9. Recognizing potential
Potter, the (artist, clay worker)
One who works with clay to form pottery
Isaiah 29:16. Potter better than clay
Isaiah 41:25. Controlled like an artisan with art
Isaiah 64:8. The work of the Lord’s hands
Jeremiah 18:6. Like clay in the potter’s hands
Romans 9:21–22. Potter’s choice
Poured out (scatter, shed, spill)
The action of pouring or emptying a vessel; can refer to death
Exodus 4:9. Water of the Nile poured out
Exodus 29:7. Oil of anointing
Leviticus 8:15. Blood poured out on altar
Isaiah 44:3. Promise of Spirit poured out
Joel 2:29. Pouring out the Spirit
Mark 14:24. Blood poured out for many
Acts 2:17. God poured out His Spirit.
Acts 10:45. Spirit poured out on Gentiles
Philippians 2:17. Impending death
2 Timothy 4:6. A sacrifice unto God
Revelation 16:2–17. Pouring out bowls of wrath
Poverty (destitution, hardship, poor)
A position or situation of economic destitution
Deuteronomy 24:19–22. Leaving food for the poor
Psalm 73:12–14. Oppressed by the wealthy
Jeremiah 7:6. Treating poverty-stricken with dignity
Luke 2:24. Offering a sacrifice out of poverty
Luke 4:18. Preaching Good News to the poor
Acts 4:34–35. Elimination of poverty
Romans 12:13. Providing for others
2 Corinthians 6:10. Poor, but making many rich
2 Corinthians 8:1–2. Poverty inspires generosity.
Power (authority, might, strength)
Authority or ability to do something
Psalm 62:11. Power belongs to God.
Psalm 111:6. Power of God’s works
Jeremiah 32:27. Nothing too hard for God
Matthew 9:6. Power to forgive sins
Acts 1:8. Power from the Holy Spirit
Romans 1:4. Power demonstrated in resurrection
Romans 1:16. Power of the Good News
Ephesians 3:16. Power through God’s Spirit
Colossians 1:16. Powers of this world
Hebrews 4:12. Power of God’s word
1 Peter 1:5. Guarded by God’s power
Powerless (defenseless, useless, weak)
A state of having no power or means of influence
2 Chronicles 20:12. Powerless before an enemy
Job 14:10. Powerless after death
Isaiah 16:14. Powerlessness of oppressors
1 Corinthians 1:25. Human strength powerless against God
2 Corinthians 10:10. Powerless in person
Galatians 4:9. Powerless principles of the world
Pragmatism (immediacy, practical, simplicity)
A philosophical approach to truth and life based upon the immediacy of the results
Hosea 6:6. Avoid mere pragmatism.
Romans 10:17. Faith comes through Christ’s message.
1 Corinthians 14:20. Maturity in Christian thinking
2 Timothy 2:7. Difficult teaching
Praise (bless, thank, worship)
An act that acknowledges, blesses, or thanks someone for who they are or what they have done
Genesis 49:8. Praise of family
Exodus 15:1–2. Moses praises the Lord for victory in Egypt.
Nehemiah 9:5. Encouraging others to praise God
Psalm 18:3. Praising God for His deliverance
Psalm 150:1. Praising God in His temple
Proverbs 31:28. Noble character praised
Acts 16:25. Singing praise while in prison
Ephesians 1:5–6. Praise and glory to the Son
Philippians 4:8. Focusing on praiseworthy things
Hebrews 13:15. Bringing a sacrifice of praise
1 Peter 1:7. Trials that result in praise
Revelation 19:5. Call to praise God
Prayer (intercession, supplication)
To present requests to God, honor God, confess to God, or thank God for who He is and what He has done
Psalm 4:1. Answer when I call.
Proverbs 15:29. Far from the wicked, near the righteous
Matthew 6:9–13. The Lord’s prayer
Luke 6:12. Spending a whole night in prayer
Ephesians 1:16–17. Prayer for other believers
Ephesians 6:18. Praying in the Spirit
Philippians 4:6. Don’t worry, be prayerful.
Colossians 4:2. Exhorted to pray
James 5:17. Power of prayer
1 Peter 3:12. Hearing the prayers of the approved
Revelation 5:8. Prayers of God’s people
Preach (address, proclaim, speak)
The public announcing of the message of the Good News about Jesus
Mark 1:14. Jesus preaching the Good News
Luke 1:19. Preaching the Good News of Christ’s incarnation
Luke 3:18. Sharing encouraging words
Luke 4:43. Sharing the message with many
Acts 5:42. Long ministry hours
2 Corinthians 4:5. Preaching Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:15. Preaching for the right reasons
1 Peter 3:18. The message we preach
Revelation 10:7. Good News made known
Preacher (minister, priest, teacher)
A church leader who authoritatively teaches the Word of God
Luke 3:3. Traveling preacher
Acts 2:14–31. First Christian sermon
Galatians 1:8. Beware of false preachers.
1 Timothy 2:7. Appointed as a preacher
Titus 1:5–16. Qualifications of teaching elders
James 3:1. Teachers judged more severely
2 Peter 1:16. Eyewitnesses to Jesus
Precious (beloved, honorable, valuable)
Something considered valuable or honorable
Exodus 28:17. Precious stones
Psalm 35:17. Rescuing a precious life
Psalm 36:7. Precious mercy
Isaiah 43:4. A precious people
1 Peter 1:7. Faith
1 Peter 1:19. The blood of Christ
1 Peter 2:4. Rejected by humans, precious to God
1 Peter 3:4. Gentle and quiet spirit
Predator(s) (animal, beast, killer)
An organism that preys on something else
Isaiah 31:4. Predators not afraid
Jeremiah 12:9. Birds of prey
Habakkuk 1:8. Enemies prey like eagles
Acts 11:6. Animals of prey in a vision
Predestine/Predestination (choose, foreordain, plan)
To appoint or determine ahead of time
Genesis 12:3. Blessing through Abram’s family
Psalm 139:16. A life known from birth
Matthew 11:27. Revelation through the Son
Acts 4:27–28. God’s plan
Acts 13:48. Appointed for belief
Romans 8:28–30. Predestined to be conformed to Christ
Romans 9:11. God’s plan
Ephesians 1:4. Chosen in Christ before creation
Ephesians 1:5. Predestined for adoption in Christ
Ephesians 1:11. Obtaining an inheritance
Ephesians 2:10. Works prepared for us to do
Ephesians 3:11. God’s plan for history
Prediction (anticipate, forecast, projection)
A projected outcome or event
Leviticus 19:26. Consulting fortunetellers forbidden
Deuteronomy 18:9–14. Sin of predicting the future
1 Samuel 6:1–2. Consulting fortunetellers
1 Samuel 28:8. Seeking the future from the dead
Ezekiel 21:21. Various divination practices
Preeminence (excellence, greatness, superiority)
A position of supremacy or distinction above other persons, objects, or gods
Exodus 20:3. No other gods
John 17:24. Glory prior to the world’s creation
Acts 4:12. No other name
Colossians 1:15–16. Hymn to the preeminent Christ
Hebrews 1:2–3. Preeminence of Christ
Preexistence (Christ, logos, wisdom)
Having a heavenly existence predating earthly, historical existence
John 1:1–4. The Word (Jesus) was with God in the beginning.
1 Corinthians 8:6. Christ as an agent in creation
1 Corinthians 15:47. Christ’s descent from heaven
Galatians 4:4. Sent at the right time
Philippians 2:6–11. Jesus became like humans.
Colossians 1:15–20. Existence before all things
Hebrews 1:1–3. Christ, the image of God
Pregnancy (gestation, with child)
A woman’s condition of having life—a child—growing within her
Genesis 3:16. Labor pains increased
Genesis 21:1–7. Pregnant in old age
Genesis 25:21. Praying for pregnancy
Psalm 139:13–15. Poetic description of God’s care for a child
Jeremiah 1:4–5. Appointed before pregnancy
Matthew 1:23. A pregnant virgin
John 16:21. Labor pains end.
Galatians 4:27. Spiritual children
Hebrews 11:11. Faith to become a father
Prejudice (discrimination, intolerance, prejudgment)
A preconceived opinion which is not necessarily based upon reality
Matthew 15:21–28. Overcoming prejudiced policies
Acts 9:26. Prejudiced against a new convert
Acts 10:34–35. Nationalism overcome
Acts 14:2. Poisoning minds
2 Corinthians 7:2. Treating others well
1 John 4:5. Worldly mindset
Revelation 5:9. God saves people from every nation.
Premarital sex (immorality, infidelity, sin)
Sexual relationship which occurs prior to marriage
Genesis 2:24. Two will become one flesh.
Acts 15:20. Abstaining from sexual sin
1 Corinthians 6:16. Theological problem of extra-marital sex
1 Corinthians 7:1–2. Marriage as a solution for solving sexual temptations
Ephesians 5:3. Inappropriate among God’s people
1 Thessalonians 4:1–8. God’s will for sex and marriage
1 Timothy 4:1–5. Sinful behavior
Premeditation (forethought, plan, plan ahead)
The action of planning out one’s future actions
Genesis 50:20. Evil plan thwarted
Exodus 21:14. Planning murder
1 Samuel 18:25. Planning evil
2 Samuel 11:14–15. Uriah’s death letter
Esther 3:6. Planning a pogrom
Psalm 21:11. Failed attempts
Matthew 26:1–5. Plotting Jesus’ death
Acts 20:3. Plot to kill Paul
Preparation (Passover, Sabbath)
Used of the day of preparation for the Sabbath and once a year for Passover
Matthew 27:62. Day of Preparation
Mark 15:42. Friday as a day of preparation for Sabbath
John 19:14. Preparation for Passover
Presence (company, face)
The status of being present in a place or thing
Genesis 27:7. Blessing in God’s presence
Exodus 33:14. Promise of God’s presence
Leviticus 22:3. Excluded from God’s presence
1 Chronicles 16:11. Seeking the Lord’s presence
Psalm 21:6. Joy of God’s presence
Psalm 105:4. Always seek the Lord’s presence
Isaiah 64:1. God’s awesome presence
Jonah 1:3. Fleeing from the Lord
John 17:5. Glory in His presence
1 Corinthians 1:29. No boasting in God’s presence
Jude 24. Before God without fault
Revelation 3:5. Acknowledged before God
Present (donation, gift, offering)
A gift or donation given to someone
Genesis 24:53. Betrothal gifts
Genesis 25:6. Long-distance gift-giving
Genesis 43:25. Preparing gifts
Exodus 35:21. Using gifts to build the tabernacle
1 Samuel 30:26. Loot
Jeremiah 40:5. Gift for departing visitor
Micah 1:14. Farewell gifts
Hebrews 8:3. Presenting gifts to God
Pressure (compulsion, coerce, force)
The use of social, political, or other means to compel someone to do something Psalm 69:1. High pressure situation
Matthew 14:6–11. Social pressure
John 9:4. Pressures increasing
Acts 20:16. Pressure to reach Jerusalem
2 Timothy 4:5. Working well under pressure
Hebrews 11:24. Refusing a position of status
Prestige (honor, status, wealth)
Respect or admiration felt for someone or something based upon their accomplishments
Job 29:7–10. Respect
Psalm 148:13. Above all others
Proverbs 25:6–7. Desiring prestige
Luke 14:8–11. A place of honor
Acts 10:25–26. Prestige mistaken
1 Timothy 5:17. Prestigious leaders
Presumption (assumption, guess, prejudgment)
The action of assuming the correctness or truthfulness of something without hearing all the facts
Numbers 26:60–61. Presumption in offering unauthorized fire
Ephesians 3:2. Assuming that you have heard
Ephesians 4:21. No need for presumption
1 Timothy 5:21. Impartiality
Pretense (acting, faking, pretending)
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true
Genesis 12:10–20. False pretense discovered
2 Samuel 13:5. Pretending to be sick
2 Samuel 14:2. Pretending to be sad
1 Kings 14:6. Pretending to be someone
Jeremiah 3:10. Returning only in pretense
Mark 12:38–40. Prayer of false pretense
Philippians 1:18. Preaching under false pretense
Prevention (hinder, impede, stop)
The stopping or hindering of an action
Genesis 38:9. Preventing a family line
1 Samuel 26:19. Preventing the Lord’s inheritance
Nehemiah 4:15. Plans which God prevented
Psalm 106:23. Preventing pogrom
Ecclesiastes 8:8. No stopping death
Acts 8:36. What prevents baptism?
Romans 1:13. Prevented from visiting
Hebrews 7:23. Prevented by death from continuing office
Preview(s) (advance, sneak peek)
A glimpse of a future reality in the present
Daniel 2:36–45. A future kingdom
Mark 9:2–8. Transfiguration
Luke 16:22–24. Lazarus’s experience before being raised
2 Corinthians 12:2. Caught up into third heaven
Revelation 1:1. Things that must take place soon
Pride (arrogance, conceit)
The attitude that is opposite of humility
Genesis 3:5. Pride in desiring God’s knowledge
Proverbs 8:13. The Lord hates pride.
Proverbs 16:18. Pride precedes disaster.
Isaiah 14:12–14. Pride before a fall
Mark 7:22. Sins which come from within
Romans 3:27. No bragging in efforts
1 Corinthians 13:4. Love is not prideful.
1 Timothy 6:3–4. Prideful rejection of truth
James 4:16. Prideful bragging
1 Peter 5:5. God opposes the proud.
1 John 2:16. Pride in possessions
Priest (bishop, clergy, minister)
One who serves as a mediator between God and humanity by performing sacrifices
Genesis 14:18. Priest of the Most High God
Exodus 19:6. A kingdom of priests
Exodus 28:1. Aaron’s family to serve as priests
Nehemiah 8:1–8. Teaching responsibilities
Matthew 8:4. Jesus and the priest
Acts 14:13. Pagan priests
Hebrews 7:23–24. A priest forever
Hebrews 10:19–22. A superior priest
Revelation 1:5–6. Made priests by God
Priesthood (mediator, priest)
Carrying out the office or duties of priesthood
Exodus 40:15. Aaron’s sons anointed as priests
Hebrews 7:11–12. Another kind of priesthood
1 Peter 2:5, 9. Built into a holy priesthood
Primogeniture (birthright, firstborn)
Refers to the rights of the firstborn
Genesis 25:31. Rights of the firstborn
Deuteronomy 21:16–17. Honoring the firstborn
Psalm 89:27. Made the firstborn
Romans 8:29. Firstborn among many children
Colossians 1:15. Firstborn of all creation
Revelation 1:4–5. Jesus, the firstborn of the dead
Prince(s) (governors, sovereign, rulers)
A leader, chief, or official
Numbers 22:14. Foreign princes
Isaiah 9:6. Prince of peace
Ezekiel 37:24–25. Prince of the people
Daniel 9:25. A prince to come
Hosea 8:10. Suffering under princes
Luke 11:15. Prince of demons
Ephesians 2:1–3. Prince of the power of the air
Priority (importance, preeminence, primacy)
Something which is understood or treated as more important than other things
Numbers 18:29. The Lord gets priority with gifts.
Proverbs 24:27. Priorities straight
Matthew 6:19–21. Earthly and heavenly priorities
Mark 16:15. Making the Good News a priority
Luke 18:18–23. One thing still needed
Acts 5:29. Obeying God
1 Corinthians 15:3. Teachings of priority
Galatians 5:6. Faith working through love
1 Timothy 6:10. Money changes priorities.
Prison (bondage, jail, lockup)
A place of bondage for someone accused of wrongdoing
Genesis 39:20–23. Good terms with the warden
2 Chronicles 16:10. Imprisoning a prophet
Isaiah 42:7. Hope for prisoners
Jeremiah 32:2. Locking up the prophet
Matthew 14:3. Arresting John
Acts 4:3. Holding cell
Acts 5:19. Prison break
Acts 12:3–6. Guard duty
Hebrews 13:3. Remembering the imprisoned
1 Peter 3:19. Christ preaches victory.
Revelation 2:10. Suffering for Christ
Revelation 20:7. Satan temporarily freed from prison
Prison letters (communication, epistles, letters)
Letters written from prison
Philippians 1:13–14. Result of imprisonment
Colossians 4:18. Remembering that Paul is in prison
Philemon 9. A prisoner on behalf of Jesus
Prison occupations (jobs, profession, situation)
Actions performed by someone who is held or works in a prison
Genesis 39:22. Joseph placed in charge
Genesis 41:10. Chief baker
Matthew 11:2. Sending messengers
Acts 16:25. Praying and singing
Philippians 1:13. Bearing witness to Christ
Privilege (blessed, happy)
A position of special status or favoritism given to a person or group
Matthew 16:17. Privileged information
Philippians 1:29. Privilege of belief and suffering
Revelation 1:3. Privilege of literacy
Revelation 2:7. Privilege to eat from the tree of life
Revelation 19:8. A beautiful garment
Prize, the (award, laurel, wreath)
An award given for victory in a contest
1 Corinthians 9:24. Running to win
Philippians 3:14. Running toward the goal
Colossians 2:18. Deserving of a prize
1 Thessalonians 2:19. People as a prize
2 Timothy 2:5. Playing by the rules
2 Timothy 4:8. Prize from God
Problem(s) (difficulty, trouble, worry)
A situation which presents difficulty or trouble
Leviticus 26:16. Suffering from eye problems
Deuteronomy 1:12. Requiring help during problems
Judges 9:23. Causing political problems
Ezra 2:63. Settling a problem with divination
Daniel 5:12. Problem solvers
Acts 6:3. Trusted to solve a problem
Romans 9:6. God’s word has not failed, has it?
2 Corinthians 12:7. Thorn in the flesh
Philippians 4:14. Sharing in problems
Procedure (method, plan, strategy)
An established and commended method for accomplishing a task
Leviticus 5:10. Procedures for sacrifice
Leviticus 9:16. Following procedure
1 Chronicles 24:19. Rules to follow
Matthew 18:15–20. Correcting another believer
Matthew 26:26–29. Instructions for Lord’s Supper
Hebrews 13:9. Not following the rules
Proclamation (announcement, decree, edict)
An official, public announcement of great importance
Leviticus 23:21. Announcing a holy day
2 Chronicles 24:9. Ordering contributions
2 Chronicles 36:22. Cyrus’s decree
Ezra 10:7. Major proclamation
Esther 3:14. Announcing a special day
Jeremiah 34:8. Proclamation of liberty
Jonah 3:7–8. Announcing impending judgment
Luke 4:18–19. Proclaiming Good News
1 Corinthians 11:26. Lord’s death proclaimed
1 Peter 3:19. Proclaiming victory over spirits in prison
Procrastination (delay, hinder, postpone)
To delay or postpone an action
Exodus 22:29. Withholding things
Judges 19:5–6. Delaying departure
2 Chronicles 24:5. Taking time to obey
Jeremiah 7:13. Failure to listen to the Lord
Haggai 1:3–4. Waiting to rebuild the temple
Matthew 8:21–22. Excuses for delay
Luke 14:16–21. Excuses
Procreation (breed, produce offspring, reproduce)
The production of offspring
Genesis 1:28. Be fruitful and multiply.
Genesis 4:25. A promised child
Genesis 38:8–9. Failing to procreate
1 Samuel 1:19. Remembered by the Lord
Hosea 1:3. Hosea starts a family with a prostitute.
Matthew 1:25. Miraculous procreative act
John 16:21. Painful time of birth
Productivity (effectiveness, efficiency, vocation)
One’s effectiveness and efficiency in accomplishing tasks
Genesis 3:17–18. Land’s productivity slowed
Psalm 68:6. Productive lives
Proverbs 16:3. Entrusting work to God
1 Corinthians 10:31. Working for God’s glory
1 Corinthians 14:14. Unproductive mind
1 Corinthians 16:9. Opportunity for effective work
Titus 3:14. Examples of productive lives
Philemon 6. Effective faith sharing
2 Peter 1:8. Increasing knowledge and productivity
Profanity (curse, obscenity, swearing)
Language which is obscene and impulsive
Exodus 20:7. Using God’s name carelessly
Psalm 109:17. Uttering curses on others
Isaiah 32:6. Speaking foolishly
Ezekiel 36:23. Revealing the holy name that has been dishonored
James 2:7. Saying a curse in the name of Jesus
James 3:8. Impossibility of taming the tongue
Revelation 13:6. Insulting God
Profess (confess, praise, promise)
The affirmation of an idea or allegiance
John 9:38. Profession of faith
1 Timothy 2:10. Professing godliness
1 Timothy 6:21. Professing knowledge
Titus 1:16. Claiming to know God
Profit (advantage, earnings, proceeds)
A benefit derived, either monetary or otherwise
Leviticus 25:36. Collecting profit from God’s people
Proverbs 31:18. Working hard and earning money
Matthew 16:26. What profit is it?
Acts 19:24. Economic downturn
1 Corinthians 13:3. Profitable only through love
1 Timothy 6:5–6. Ministry and money
James 4:13–14. Folly of planning profit
Jude 11. Only seeking a profit
Progress (advance, development, improvement)
Movement or advancement toward a desired goal
Ezra 5:8. Building progress
Ezra 6:14. Message of progress
Nehemiah 4:7. Progress on the wall
Acts 13:49. Word of the Lord making progress
Galatians 3:28. Social progress
Philippians 1:25. Making progress in Christian faith
1 Timothy 4:15. Demonstrating progress
Promiscuity (immorality, sin, wantonness)
Refers to relationships characterized by immorality and indiscriminate sexual sin
Leviticus 18:30. Following God’s standards
Romans 13:13. Living lives of holiness
Galatians 5:19. Effects of the corrupt nature
1 Thessalonians 4:3. Devoted to God
Hebrews 13:4. Judged by God
Jude 7. Recalling God’s past judgment
Promise(s) (assurance, commitment, pledge)
An assurance of continuing or future action on behalf of someone
Genesis 12:1–2. Promise given to Abraham
Deuteronomy 9:5. Confirming God’s promise
Joel 2:28. Promise of the Spirit in the latter days
Matthew 28:20. Jesus’ promise to be with His people
Romans 15:8. Christ’s fulfillment of promises
2 Corinthians 1:20. Christ’s role in promise keeping
Galatians 4:28. Children of promise
Ephesians 1:13–14. Promised Holy Spirit
Hebrews 7:22. Guarantee of a better promise
James 1:12. Promised crown of life
2 Peter 3:4. Is the Lord slow in keeping His promise?
2 Peter 3:13. Promise of new heaven and earth
1 John 2:25. Promise of eternal life
Promised Land (Canaan, inheritance)
Canaan prior to the Israelites conquering under the leadership of Joshua
Genesis 12:1–2. “Go to the land that I will show you.”
Exodus 3:8. Land flowing with milk and honey
Numbers 10:29. Place of promise
Psalm 137:4. Exile in a foreign land
Jeremiah 16:15. Promise of restoration to the land
Romans 4:13. Promise of inheriting the world
Hebrews 11:9. Country promised by God
Promotion (advancement, development, improvement)
The advancement of one’s personal or professional life
Genesis 41:40. From prison to power
Esther 3:1. Promotion after consolidating power
Daniel 3:30. Promoted for withstanding under pressure
Proof/Prove (authentication, evidence, verification)
An argument or evidence used to help establish truth
Exodus 3:12. Proof of being sent from God
Psalm 86:17. Asking for proof
Proverbs 30:5. God’s word proven true
Matthew 3:8. Proof of repentance
Matthew 25:23. Proven responsibility
Luke 1:18–19. Proof from God’s messenger
Acts 25:7. Unproved accusations
Acts 26:20. Proof of changed lives
2 Corinthians 12:12. Proof of apostleship
2 Corinthians 13:3. Proof of a God-given message
Colossians 1:10. Proving you belong to the Lord
2 Thessalonians 3:17. Proof of authorship
Hebrews 6:11. Demonstrating work ethic
Property (belongings, inheritance, possessions)
An item (or piece of land) that belongs to someone
Genesis 23:4. Asking for land
Numbers 18:20. Levites have God as a possession.
Numbers 27:8–10. Passing along family property
Luke 16:1–2. Wasting property
Luke 19:8. Donating property to the poor
Acts 2:45. Christians sharing property
Acts 5:1–2. Holding back property
2 Corinthians 11:20. Property seizure
Prophecy (noun) (information, speech)
Authoritative speech from God mediated through a prophet, sometimes includes visions of the future
Daniel 9:24. Seal up the prophecy.
Matthew 13:14. Prophecy comes alive.
1 Corinthians 12:8, 10. Speaking what God has revealed
1 Corinthians 14:6. Need to explain prophecy
1 Thessalonians 5:20–21. Testing prophecy
1 Timothy 4:14. Gifts given through prophecy
2 Peter 1:20–21. Origin of prophecy and interpretation
Revelation 1:3. Blessed to hear prophecy
Revelation 22:19. Warning against taking away from God’s prophecy
Prophesy (verb) (forecasting, foretelling, speaking)
To speak prophetic truth from God
1 Samuel 19:20–24. Anointed with a message
Jeremiah 14:14–16. False prophecies silenced
Jeremiah 26:12. Sent to prophesy
Ezekiel 11:4. Given permission to prophesy
Joel 2:28–29. Many will prophesy.
Matthew 15:7. Correct prophecy
1 Peter 1:10. Longstanding message
Revelation 11:3. Allowing a distressing message
Prophet(s) (seer, speaker, spokesman)
Someone who prophesies (used for a male)
Genesis 20:7. The first prophet of the Lord
Deuteronomy 13:1–3. Characteristics of a false prophet
Deuteronomy 18:15. Moses promises a future prophet.
Matthew 5:17. The Prophets
Matthew 7:15. False prophets
Luke 1:76. Prophet precursor
Ephesians 3:5. Mystery of the prophets revealed
Hebrews 1:1. God speaks through the prophets.
2 Peter 2:16. Balaam and his donkey
Prophetess(es) (seer, speaker, spokeswoman)
Someone who prophesies (sometimes used when the prophet is a female)
Exodus 15:20. Celebration led by Miriam
Judges 4:4. The prophetess Deborah
2 Kings 22:14. Priest and prophetess
Nehemiah 6:14. Multiple female prophets
Isaiah 8:3. Isaiah’s wife
Ezekiel 13:17. False prophetesses
Luke 2:36. A long-living prophetess
Acts 21:9. Philip’s daughters
Revelation 2:20. Misleading prophetess
Propitiation (atonement, sacrifice)
The action of making atonement or appeasing God’s wrath
Romans 3:23–25. Christ our propitiation
Hebrews 2:17. Faithful High Priest
1 John 2:2. Payment for sins
1 John 4:10. Expression of God’s love
Propitious (auspicious, disposition, favorable)
A disposition or attitude of favor towards someone
Exodus 23:3. Avoiding auspicious behavior in court
1 Samuel 2:26. Favored by God
Psalm 26:1. Asking for favorable disposition
Matthew 22:16. Manner of favor
Romans 8:31. God is for us.
Galatians 2:20. Christ’s life for believers
Propriety (correctness, decentness, respectable)
Conforming to attitudes or behaviors befitting of one’s social group and dynamic
Romans 13:13. Living in the light of day
1 Corinthians 14:40. Proper and orderly worship
1 Timothy 2:10. Proper behavior for women
1 Timothy 4:12. Setting an example of purity
Titus 2:3. Righteous living
James 1:21. Practicing moral behavior
1 Peter 2:12. Living among unbelievers
Proselyte (catechumen, convert)
A Gentile who converts to Judaism
Exodus 12:48. Foreigners becoming like Jews
Exodus 20:10. Instructions for foreigners
1 Chronicles 22:2. Foreigners living in Israel
Isaiah 56:3. United with the Lord
Jeremiah 3:17. Nations gather in Jerusalem.
Matthew 23:15. Peril of making proselytes
Acts 6:5. Converts to Judaism
Acts 8:27. An Ethiopian proselyte
Acts 10:1–2. Devoted to God
Acts 13:43. Meeting in the synagogue
Prosperity (honor, peace, wealth)
The condition of being financially or spiritually blessed
Genesis 39:2. Prospering in Egypt
Deuteronomy 8:10. Prospering in the Promised Land
Job 24:24. Fleeting prosperity
Psalm 90:17. Asking for success
Daniel 4:27. Prolonging prosperity
Zechariah 1:17. Coming prosperity
Philippians 4:12. Living in poverty or prosperity
3 John 2–4. Spiritual prospering
Prostitute (harlot, immoral, whore)
Someone who exchanges sex for money or goods
Genesis 38:24. Acting like a prostitute
Leviticus 19:29. Never allow your daughter to become a prostitute.
Ezekiel 16:41. Spiritual prostitution
Hosea 1:2. Hosea’s wife
Matthew 21:31–32. Faith of prostitutes
1 Corinthians 6:15–16. Do not unite with a prostitute.
Hebrews 11:31. Rahab
James 2:25. Vindicated by God
Revelation 17:1. Notorious prostitute
Prostitution (harlotry, sexual immorality, whoredom)
The practice of engaging in sexual actions in exchange for payment
Deuteronomy 23:17–18. Prostitution forbidden
Proverbs 6:26. Low cost
Ezekiel 23:25. Coming judgment for prostitution
Hosea 4:12. Led by a spirit of prostitution
Hosea 4:14. Foolishly following prostitutes
1 Corinthians 6:18–20. Honoring God with one’s body
Prostrate (bow, horizontal, sprawling)
A physical posture of prayer or worship where one lies face down on the ground
Genesis 17:3. Abram before God
Genesis 24:26. Face to the ground
Exodus 4:31. Supplication to the Lord
Joshua 5:14. Posture of worship
Matthew 26:39. Jesus prostrate before the Father
Luke 5:12. Asking for a miracle
Acts 9:4–5. Prostrate before the Lord
1 Corinthians 14:25. Confessing God’s presence
Protection (defense, preservation, security)
Defending or shielding from harm
Genesis 39:20–21. God’s protection of Joseph
Exodus 12:13. Protection during Passover
1 Samuel 30:23. Protection from military might
Psalm 16:1. Plea for protection
Psalm 25:21. Protected by honesty and integrity
Psalm 31:23. The Lord protects faithful people.
Psalm 116:6. Help for the helpless
Proverbs 4:6. Protection through wisdom
John 17:15. Protection from the evil one
2 Corinthians 11:2. Protective leaders
2 Timothy 1:12. Protecting what has been entrusted
2 Peter 2:5. Noah protected by God
1 John 5:18. Protected from sin
Protesting (complaint, dissent, objection)
An action expressing one’s disapproval or objection to a prior course of action or idea
Exodus 4:1. Protesting God’s command
Judges 8:1. Protesting a man’s actions
Matthew 20:1–15. Salary protest
John 7:50–51. Nicodemus protests the actions of the Sanhedrin.
Acts 13:51. Apostolic protest
Protocol (convention, formality, procedure)
An official procedure or policy used in carrying out certain actions
Exodus 12:24. Permanent Passover protocol
Exodus 26:1–37. Instructions for building the tabernacle
Leviticus 20:23. Forsaking bad actions
Luke 10:5. Guest protocol
John 18:39. Political custom
Acts 17:2. Paul’s protocol
Acts 25:16. Roman customs
Proverb(s) (adage, wisdom, saying)
A terse wise saying
1 Samuel 10:12. Pithy saying
1 Kings 20:11. A saying before war
Proverbs 1:1. Proverbs of Solomon
Ecclesiastes 12:9. Careful arrangement of words
Luke 4:23. Quoting a proverb
John 16:25. Illustrative examples
Provision (equipping, providing, supply)
Providing or supplying something for use
Genesis 42:25. Trip provisions
1 Kings 4:7. Provisions for the king
Psalm 18:39. Provision of strength
Ezekiel 45:25. Provision for sin offerings
Luke 12:24. God’s care for His people
Ephesians 4:11–12. Provision for Christ’s church
Hebrews 11:39–40. Provision in Christ
Provoking (arouse, evoke, irritate)
The action of exciting, arousing, or producing emotion
Deuteronomy 4:25–26. Provoking the Lord to anger
Judges 2:12. Worshiping other gods
1 Kings 14:15. Judah’s sin provokes God.
Acts 17:16. Stirred up
Galatians 5:26. Do not provoke others.
Colossians 3:21. Do not provoke children.
Prudence (common sense, judgment, wisdom)
The quality of showing care or foresight for one’s future
Proverbs 8:12. Wisdom and prudence dwell together.
Proverbs 15:5. Heeding correction
Jeremiah 49:7. Prudence failed
Hosea 14:9. Understanding the ways of God
Amos 5:13. Silence during an evil time
Matthew 10:16. Careful among the world
Ephesians 1:8. Prudence poured out
Ephesians 5:15. Walking with wisdom
Prune (clip, cut, trim)
To trim dead or overgrown branches to allow for greater success of the plant
Leviticus 25:3–4. Pruning a vineyard
Isaiah 2:4. Pruning shears
Isaiah 5:6. An unkempt wasteland
Isaiah 18:5. Pruning grape shoots
Joel 3:10. Destroying tools
John 15:2–6. Pruning off the bad branches
Romans 11:17–24. Gentiles grafted in
Psalm(s) (hymn, make music, sing)
A song or hymn to God
Psalm 8:1. Praising God’s majestic name
Psalm 18:1–2. God, our protector
Psalms 19:1–2. Praising God for creation
Psalm 46:1–2. Refuge and strength
Psalm 110:1. Taking the highest position
Luke 20:42. References to Psalms
Acts 4:25. Remembering a psalm
1 Corinthians 14:26. Used in community gatherings
Ephesians 5:18–19. Making music in your hearts
Colossians 3:16. Teaching and instruction
Psaltery (harp, instrument, strings)
A stringed musical instrument probably resembling a small harp or a lyre
Psalm 33:2. Instrument of praise
Psalm 81:2. Playing music
Psalm 144:9. Singing praises to God
Daniel 3:5. Call to worship
Psychology (mind, persona, thinking)
The study of the human mind and brain functions, particularly those which effect behavior
Jeremiah 17:9. Deceitfulness of the human mind
Daniel 4:36. Mind returns.
Romans 12:2. Transformed by the renewal of your mind
1 Corinthians 2:16. We have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:23. Strange behavior for outsiders
2 Corinthians 2:13. No peace of mind
Colossians 3:2. Minding heavenly matters
Ptolemies (Egypt, Macedonians, Ptolemy)
Ptolemy’s land apportioned to him after the death of Alexander the Great
Daniel 11:4. Prophecy of Alexander the Great and Ptolemy
Acts 21:17. City of Ptolemais
Public opinion (average, normal)
A view which is prevalent or accepted by the public
Proverbs 18:2. Folly of merely expressing opinions
Matthew 6:1. Not motivated by public opinion
Mark 12:41. Only concerned with being seen
Mark 15:13–14. Public opinion of Jesus
Mark 15:43. Respected public official
Acts 17:17. Public discussions
Acts 18:28. Swaying public opinion
Publican (contractor, official, tax collector)
Someone who works for a government collecting taxes
Matthew 5:46. Selfish
Matthew 9:9. Matthew, the tax collector, called to follow Jesus
Matthew 9:11. Spending time with Jesus
Matthew 18:17. Outcasts from society
Matthew 21:32. Tax collectors turn to God.
Luke 3:12. Repentant tax collectors
Luke 7:34. Associated with sinners
Luke 18:13–14. Justified before God
Pulpit (platform, podium, soapbox)
A raised platform from which someone delivers a speech or sermon
Nehemiah 8:4. Ezra’s raised platform
Punishment(s) (chastisement, discipline, penalty)
A judgment and/or infliction of discipline in order to correct one’s actions
Genesis 9:5–6. Death penalty
Numbers 11:1. Punished by fire
Numbers 16:31–33. Swallowed up into the earth
Psalm 51:4. Acknowledging sin, accepting punishment
Psalm 99:8. God forgives and punishes.
Luke 1:18–20. Zechariah made a mute
Acts 5:1–11. Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 12:18–19. Punished for allowing prisoners to escape
Galatians 1:4. Christ took our punishment.
1 Thessalonians 4:6. The Lord punishes.
Purge (exclude, expel, remove)
To remove a person or persons from fellowship with a group
Deuteronomy 13:5. False prophets or dreamers
Deuteronomy 17:12. Opposing a priest
Deuteronomy 19:13. Purging murderers
2 Chronicles 34:3. Removing the land of illegal places of worship
Ezekiel 20:38. Removing rebels
Hebrews 9:14. Purging our consciences
Purify (cleanse, consecrate, purge)
Ritual purification; personal holiness
Psalm 51:7. Request for cleansing from sin
Luke 11:39. Purifying outside and inside
John 11:55. Preparing for Passover
Acts 21:24. Ceremony of purification
Titus 2:14. Cleansed as Christ’s people
Hebrews 1:3. Cleansed from sin
Hebrews 9:14. Cleansed by Christ’s blood
James 4:8. Called to purify life and mind
1 Peter 1:22. Purified through the truth
1 John 3:3. Maintaining holiness
Purim (lots, Pur)
Jewish festival; means “lot(s)” and refers to Haman’s casting of lots
Esther 3:7. Throwing lots
Esther 9:24. Used to divine a day
Esther 9:26–27. Instituting a festival
Purity (clean, moral, virtuous)
Indicates a heart condition of devotion to God
Genesis 35:2. Purified from foreign gods
Exodus 19:14. Preparing for worship
Proverbs 22:11. Purity of heart
Matthew 5:8. Blessed are the pure.
2 Corinthians 6:6. Evidence of the Holy Spirit
1 Timothy 1:5. Love from a pure heart
1 Timothy 4:12. Setting an example in purity
1 Timothy 5:2. Remaining morally pure
2 Timothy 2:22. Worshiping with a pure heart
Hebrews 13:4. Purity in marriage
Purpose(s) (basis, goal, motivation)
The reason or basis for which life, death, and existence in general occur
Genesis 50:20. God’s purpose carried out
Psalm 16:11. Joy in God’s presence
Isaiah 43:7. Created for God’s glory
Mark 12:30. Loving God wholly
John 10:10. Abundant life
Romans 5:2–3. Confidence in the Lord
1 Corinthians 10:31. Living for God’s glory
Ephesians 1:11–12. Purpose in Christ
1 Thessalonians 1:3. Enduring faith and love
Purse (bag, carrier, money)
A bag or special pocket to carry money or documents
Proverbs 1:14. Sharing from the same purse
Isaiah 46:6. Bags of money
Matthew 10:9. Means of carrying money
Luke 10:4. Instructions for disciples, no hindrances
Luke 22:35–36. Obeying Jesus’ command
Pursuit (chase, persecute, pursue)
Striving after someone or something
Genesis 31:23. Pursuing family
Exodus 14:4. The Lord initiates pursuit.
1 Samuel 14:22. Military pursuit
Psalm 7:1. Save me from pursuers.
Proverbs 11:19. Folly of pursuing evil
Romans 14:19. Pursuing peace
1 Corinthians 14:1. Desiring spiritual gifts, especially prophecy
1 Timothy 6:11. Pursuing a God-approved lifestyle