Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with C
Discovering biblical terms starting with "C" reveals fundamental Christian doctrines, key people, and significant places. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.
Central Theological Terms
Calvary
Latin name for Golgotha, the place of Jesus' crucifixion meaning "place of the skull." Where humanity's redemption was accomplished.
Canaan
The Promised Land God gave to Abraham's descendants, flowing with milk and honey, representing God's faithfulness.
Canon
The authoritative collection of books recognized as Scripture, inspired by God and accepted by the church.
Centurion
Roman military officer commanding 100 soldiers. Several centurions in the Gospels showed remarkable faith in Jesus.
Cherubim
High-ranking angels with multiple wings who guard God's holiness, stationed at Eden's entrance and above the Ark.
Christ
Greek word meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to Hebrew "Messiah." Jesus is the promised Christ, God's anointed Savior.
Christian
Follower of Christ. Believers were first called Christians at Antioch, identifying them with their Lord.
Church
Assembly of believers called out from the world. Can refer to the universal body of Christ or local congregations.
Circumcision
Removal of foreskin as a sign of God's covenant with Abraham. Symbolizes spiritual circumcision of the heart in the New Testament.
Commandments
Divine laws given by God. The Ten Commandments summarize moral law; Jesus summarized them as loving God and neighbor.
Communion
Fellowship with God and believers. Also refers to the Lord's Supper, where believers remember Christ's sacrifice through bread and wine.
Confession
Acknowledging sin before God or declaring faith publicly. Confession brings forgiveness and demonstrates genuine faith.
Consecration
Setting apart for God's holy purposes. Priests, objects, and believers are consecrated for divine service.
Conversion
Turning from sin to God, involving repentance and faith. Marks the beginning of new life in Christ.
Covenant
Binding agreement between God and His people. Major covenants include those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant in Christ.
Creation
God's act of bringing the universe into existence from nothing, demonstrating His power, wisdom, and sovereignty.
Cross
Instrument of Roman execution where Jesus died. Symbolizes sacrificial love, redemption, and the Christian's call to self-denial.
Crown
Symbol of royalty, victory, or reward. Jesus wore a crown of thorns; believers will receive crowns of righteousness.
Crucifixion
Method of execution by nailing or binding to a cross. Jesus' crucifixion provided atonement for humanity's sin.
Cup
Container for drinking, often symbolizing one's destiny or portion. Jesus' cup represented bearing God's wrath for sin.
Major Biblical Figures
Cain
Adam and Eve's firstborn who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy, becoming the first murderer and wanderer.
Caleb
Faithful spy who trusted God's promise to give Israel the land. Received Hebron as inheritance for his wholehearted devotion.
Caiaphas
High priest who orchestrated Jesus' arrest and trial, prophesying unknowingly that Jesus would die for the nation.
Cornelius
Roman centurion and first Gentile convert, whose conversion showed God accepts people from every nation who fear Him.
Cyrus
Persian king who conquered Babylon and allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about him.
Cephas
Aramaic name meaning "rock," given by Jesus to Simon Peter, emphasizing his foundational role in the church.
Chloe
Corinthian woman whose household informed Paul about divisions in the Corinthian church.
Claudius
Roman emperor who expelled Jews from Rome, mentioned in Acts regarding Aquila and Priscilla.
Cleopas
Disciple who met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus but didn't recognize Him initially.
Crispus
Corinthian synagogue ruler converted under Paul's ministry and baptized by Paul himself.
Places and Cities
Caesarea
Roman provincial capital where Peter preached to Cornelius and Paul was imprisoned before going to Rome.
Caesarea Philippi
Northern city where Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus predicted His church and His death.
Cana
Galilean village where Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast.
Capernaum
Fishing town on the Sea of Galilee that served as Jesus' ministry headquarters, called "His own city."
Carmel, Mount
Mountain where Elijah challenged Baal's prophets, demonstrating God's power through fire from heaven.
Chaldea
Region of southern Babylonia, birthplace of Abraham. Chaldeans conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC.
Colossae
City in Asia Minor where Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians, addressing false teaching about Christ.
Corinth
Wealthy, immoral Greek port city where Paul established a church and wrote two canonical letters.
Cyprus
Mediterranean island, home of Barnabas, visited by Paul on his first missionary journey.
Cyrene
North African city; Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' cross to Golgotha.
Biblical Objects and Symbols
Calf, Golden
Idol made by Aaron at Israel's demand while Moses received the Law, representing false worship and impatience.
Cedar
Valuable timber from Lebanon used in temple construction, symbolizing strength, majesty, and durability.
Censer
Container for burning incense, used by priests in worship, representing prayers rising to God.
Chalice
Cup used for drinking, especially in communion services to hold wine representing Christ's blood.
Chaff
Worthless husks separated from grain, representing the wicked who will be blown away in judgment.
Chain
Symbol of bondage or imprisonment. Paul was often in chains; Satan will be bound with chains in Revelation.
Chariot
War vehicle drawn by horses, representing military power. God's presence is described with chariots of fire.
Cloak
Outer garment providing warmth and protection, sometimes used as security for debts or shared with the needy.
Cloud
Sign of God's presence guiding Israel through the wilderness. Jesus will return in clouds with glory.
Coat of Many Colors
Special garment Jacob gave Joseph, symbolizing favoritism that sparked his brothers' jealousy.
Coin
Money in various forms. Jesus used a coin to teach about taxes and God's image in humanity.
Cornerstone
Foundation stone determining building alignment. Christ is the cornerstone of the church, rejected by builders.
Crown of Thorns
Mock crown placed on Jesus during His torture, ironically proclaiming His true kingship through suffering.
Cymbal
Musical instrument used in worship. Paul says without love, we're just clanging cymbals.
Additional Theological Concepts
Call/Calling
God's summons to salvation and specific service. Believers are called to holiness, ministry, and eternal glory.
Captivity
State of being imprisoned or enslaved. Israel's Babylonian captivity lasted 70 years; sin holds people captive.
Carnal
Relating to the flesh or worldly desires opposed to spiritual life. Carnality hinders Christian growth.
Chastening
God's loving discipline of His children to correct behavior and produce righteousness.
Charity
Old English word for Christian love (agape), emphasizing selfless concern for others' welfare.
Chaste
Pure, morally virtuous, especially regarding sexual conduct. Believers should be chaste in heart and behavior.
Christ-likeness
Conformity to Jesus' character and conduct, the goal of Christian sanctification through the Spirit's work.
Circumcision of Heart
Spiritual purification and devotion to God, contrasted with mere physical ritual without heart change.
Cleansing
Purification from sin and defilement through Christ's blood, making believers holy before God.
Comforter
Title for the Holy Spirit, who consoles, encourages, and strengthens believers in trials.
Commission
Authoritative command to fulfill a task. The Great Commission sends believers to make disciples worldwide.
Compassion
Deep sympathy and merciful concern for others' suffering. Jesus showed compassion to crowds and individuals.
Concubine
Secondary wife with lower status than primary wives, common in ancient patriarchal societies.
Condemnation
Judgment declaring guilt and pronouncing punishment. Christ removes condemnation for those in Him.
Conduct
Manner of living and behaving. Believers should conduct themselves worthy of the gospel.
Confess
To acknowledge openly, whether admitting sin or declaring faith in Christ publicly.
Confidence
Bold trust and assurance in God's character, promises, and purposes despite circumstances.
Conform
To become similar in form or character. Christians shouldn't conform to the world but to Christ's image.
Congregation
Assembly of people gathered for worship. Israel and the church are both called God's congregation.
Conscience
Inner moral awareness distinguishing right from wrong, which believers should keep clear through obedience.
Contempt
Scornful disregard or disdain. Showing contempt for God's Word brings judgment.
Contrite
Genuinely sorrowful for sin with humble repentance. God dwells with the contrite in spirit.
Conviction
Deep awareness of sin and need for repentance produced by the Holy Spirit, leading to salvation.
Cornerstone
Chief foundation stone. Christ is the church's cornerstone; rejecting Him brings stumbling.
Corruption
Moral decay, perversion, or physical deterioration. Sin brings corruption; resurrection brings incorruption.
Counsel
Advice, guidance, or plan. God's counsel stands forever; believers seek wise counsel.
Countenance
Facial expression reflecting inner state. Moses' face shone after meeting God; believers reflect Christ's glory.
Courage
Strength of heart to face danger or difficulty. God repeatedly commands His people, "Be courageous!"
Covet
To desire wrongly what belongs to another, forbidden in the Ten Commandments and destructive to contentment.
Groups and Peoples
Canaanites
Original inhabitants of the Promised Land whose idolatry and immorality led God to judge them through Israel.
Chaldeans
Babylonian people who conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled Jews to Babylon.
Corinthians
Believers in Corinth who received two of Paul's letters addressing division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion.
Colossians
Christians in Colossae who received Paul's letter emphasizing Christ's supremacy over false philosophies.
Prophets and Leaders
Cyrus
Persian emperor who ended Babylonian captivity and sent Jews home to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.
Cain
First human child born who murdered his brother Abel from jealousy, becoming earth's first murderer.
Caleb
One of two faithful spies who trusted God's promise and later inherited Hebron at age 85.
Biblical Practices
Casting Lots
Ancient method of making decisions by throwing objects, used before Pentecost. God directed outcomes for His purposes.
Census
Official population count. Caesar Augustus ordered the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for Jesus' birth.
Circumcision
Covenant sign given to Abraham, performed on eighth day. Represented separation to God and faith commitment.