Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with B
Exploring biblical terms that start with "B" opens up rich understanding of Scripture's key concepts, people, and places. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.
Major Biblical Figures
Barnabas
Meaning "son of encouragement," he was a generous early Christian who vouched for Paul and traveled with him on missionary journeys before partnering with Mark.
Bartholomew
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, possibly the same person as Nathanael, about whom Jesus said, "Here is a true Israelite."
Barabbas
Criminal released instead of Jesus during the trial before Pilate, demonstrating how Christ died in place of the guilty.
Balaam
Prophet hired to curse Israel but compelled by God to bless them instead. Later compromised by leading Israel into sin.
Bathsheba
Woman who committed adultery with David, later became Solomon's mother and a woman in Christ's genealogy.
Belshazzar
Babylonian king who saw mysterious handwriting on the wall predicting his kingdom's fall the night before Persia conquered Babylon.
Benjamin
Jacob's youngest son and Rachel's second child. His descendants became one of Israel's twelve tribes.
Boaz
Wealthy landowner who showed kindness to Ruth and became her kinsman-redeemer, an ancestor of David and Jesus.
Theological and Spiritual Terms
Baptism
Ritual washing symbolizing purification, death to sin, and new life in Christ. John baptized with water; Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
Beatitudes
Jesus' blessings pronounced in the Sermon on the Mount, describing characteristics of kingdom citizens: "Blessed are the poor in spirit..."
Believe/Belief
To trust, have faith, or place confidence in God and His promises. Saving faith involves trusting Christ for salvation.
Beloved
Deeply loved one. God calls believers His beloved children; Christ is God's beloved Son.
Benediction
Blessing or good word pronounced over people, often used to conclude worship services.
Beseech
To beg, plead, or earnestly request. Paul often beseeches believers to live worthy of their calling.
Betroth/Betrothal
Formal engagement or promise of marriage, considered as binding as marriage itself in biblical culture.
Birthright
Special privileges belonging to the firstborn son, including double inheritance and family leadership. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.
Blasphemy
Speaking against God with contempt or claiming divine attributes for oneself. Considered a serious sin punishable by death under Mosaic law.
Bless/Blessing
To confer favor, goodness, or divine approval. God blesses His people; believers bless God through praise and worship.
Blood
Represents life itself. Animal blood was shed for Old Testament sacrifices; Christ's blood provides eternal redemption.
Born Again
Spiritual regeneration through the Holy Spirit, resulting in new life in Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again."
Bread of Life
Jesus' self-description, indicating He provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life to those who come to Him.
Breastplate
Part of the priestly garments and spiritual armor, representing righteousness protecting the heart.
Bride/Bridegroom
Metaphor for the relationship between Christ (bridegroom) and the church (bride), emphasizing covenant love and faithfulness.
Brotherhood
Fellowship and unity among believers who share spiritual kinship through Christ.
Burden
Weight or load, either literal or figurative. Jesus invites the burdened to find rest in Him, promising His yoke is easy.
Places and Regions
Babylon
Ancient Mesopotamian city and empire that conquered Judah and exiled the Jews. Symbolizes worldly power opposed to God.
Bethany
Village near Jerusalem, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where Jesus often stayed and performed miracles.
Bethel
Meaning "house of God," the place where Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven and later became an important worship site.
Bethlehem
"House of bread," King David's birthplace and where Jesus was born, fulfilling prophecy.
Bethphage
Village on the Mount of Olives where Jesus began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Bethsaida
Fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip.
Beth-shemesh
Israelite city where the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines.
Religious Objects and Symbols
Balm
Healing ointment or resin, often from Gilead, used medicinally and symbolizing spiritual healing.
Banner
Flag or standard carried into battle, representing God's protection and presence with His people.
Basin
Bowl used for washing, notably when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating humble service.
Beast
In prophecy, represents kingdoms or rulers opposed to God, particularly in Daniel and Revelation.
Book of Life
Heavenly record containing names of those destined for eternal life with God.
Branch
Messianic title referring to the descendant of David who would reign righteously—fulfilled in Jesus.
Brazen Serpent
Bronze snake Moses lifted up in the wilderness for healing, which Jesus used as a picture of His crucifixion.
Breastplate of Judgment
Part of high priest's garments containing twelve stones representing Israel's tribes, worn when seeking God's will.
Burnt Offering
Sacrifice completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
More Key Figures
Barak
Military leader who, with the prophetess Deborah, defeated the Canaanite army under Sisera.
Baruch
Jeremiah's faithful scribe who recorded the prophet's messages and suffered persecution with him.
Bashan
Fertile region east of the Jordan, known for its cattle and oak trees.
Bildad
One of Job's three friends who offered flawed counsel, emphasizing retribution theology.
Bilhah
Rachel's maidservant who bore Dan and Naphtali to Jacob, becoming mothers of two tribes.
Bithynia
Roman province in northern Asia Minor where the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching.
Additional Theological Concepts
Backsliding
Falling away from faith or returning to sinful patterns after previously following God faithfully.
Banquet
Feast or celebration, often used metaphorically for the joyous fellowship of God's kingdom.
Bearer
One who carries something. John the Baptist was sent to bear witness to the light of Christ.
Begotten
Generated or brought into being. Jesus is God's "only begotten Son," emphasizing His unique divine nature.
Behold
To look at, observe, or pay attention. Often introduces something important in Scripture: "Behold, the Lamb of God!"
Belial
Hebrew term meaning "worthlessness" or "wickedness," sometimes used as a name for Satan.
Betray/Betrayal
To hand over treacherously. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Betroth
To promise in marriage, representing the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Bind/Binding
To tie or restrict. Also refers to spiritual authority to forbid or permit, as Jesus gave His disciples.
Bishop
Overseer or shepherd of a local church, responsible for teaching, protecting, and guiding the congregation.
Blemish
Defect or imperfection. Sacrificial animals had to be without blemish, pointing to Christ's sinless perfection.
Bond/Bondage
State of slavery or captivity. Sin holds people in bondage; Christ sets captives free.
Book
Scroll or written record. God's Word is the ultimate book; heaven contains books of remembrance and judgment.
Bountiful
Generous and abundant. God gives bountifully to those who ask in faith.
Bow
To bend the knee in worship, submission, or reverence. Every knee will bow before Christ.
Branch
Descendant or offspring, specifically referring to the Messiah as the branch of David's line.
Bread
Staple food representing sustenance. Jesus is the bread of life; believers share bread in communion.
Brethren
Brothers, referring to fellow believers in the family of God.
Bridegroom
Husband-to-be, representing Christ's relationship to His church.
Biblical Practices and Customs
Baptize
To immerse in water as a sign of purification, repentance, and identification with Christ's death and resurrection.
Bless
To invoke God's favor, speak well of, or consecrate something for holy purposes.
Blood Covenant
Sacred agreement sealed by blood sacrifice, establishing permanent relationship and obligations.
Burial
Placing the dead in tombs or graves. Jesus' burial fulfilled prophecy and preceded His resurrection.
Prophets and Teachers
Balaam
Mesopotamian diviner who blessed Israel despite being hired to curse them, but later led them into sin.
Baruch
Faithful scribe who recorded and preserved Jeremiah's prophecies during Jerusalem's darkest days.
Groups and Peoples
Babylonians
People of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and exiled Judah in 586 BC.
Benjamites
Tribe descended from Benjamin, including notable figures like Saul, Esther, and Paul.
Bereans
Jews from Berea commended for examining Scripture daily to verify Paul's teaching.