Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with R

Exploring biblical terms starting with "R" reveals the profound themes of redemption, righteousness, resurrection, and the remnant God preserves for His purposes. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Rachel Jacob's beloved wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin, who died giving birth and was buried near Bethlehem, remembered for beauty and tragedy.

Rahab Jericho prostitute who hid Israelite spies, saved by scarlet cord, married Salmon, became ancestor of David and Jesus Christ.

Rebekah Isaac's wife chosen by divine guidance, mother of twin sons Esau and Jacob, involved in securing blessing for younger son.

Reuben Jacob's firstborn who lost birthright through sin with Bilhah, tried saving Joseph from brothers, gave name to tribe settled east of Jordan.

Ruth Moabite widow who chose Israel's God over her people, remained loyal to Naomi, married Boaz, became great-grandmother of King David.

Rehoboam Solomon's son whose harsh response to people caused kingdom's division, ruled Judah while ten tribes followed Jeroboam to form Israel.

Rizpah Saul's concubine who mourned her sons' execution by guarding their bodies from scavengers, moving David to honor Saul's house properly.

Central Theological Terms

Redemption God's act of buying back or delivering sinners from slavery to sin through Christ's blood, securing eternal salvation and freedom.

Redeemer One who purchases back or rescues another. Christ is believers' Redeemer; Boaz was Ruth's kinsman-redeemer foreshadowing Christ's work.

Regeneration Spiritual rebirth by Holy Spirit giving new life to spiritually dead sinners, creating new nature capable of righteousness and faith.

Repentance Turning from sin to God with sorrow and changed mind, essential for salvation, produces fruit worthy of transformed life.

Resurrection Rising from death to life. Christ's resurrection guarantees believers' future bodily resurrection and victory over death's power and sting.

Righteousness Right standing before God and right conduct flowing from it. Christ's righteousness imputed to believers who live righteously through Spirit.

Reconciliation Restoration of broken relationship between God and humanity through Christ's death, making peace where enmity previously existed.

Redemption, Kinsman Ancient practice where family member redeems relative's property or person, typifying Christ redeeming His people from sin's bondage.

Remnant Faithful minority preserved by God's grace through judgment, carrying forward His purposes when majority falls into apostasy and unbelief.

Revelation God's self-disclosure to humanity through creation, Scripture, and supremely through Jesus Christ, making known what humans cannot discover independently.

Reprobate One rejected by God after persistent rebellion, given over to depraved mind, failing to meet divine approval through continued sin.

Regenerate Born again through Holy Spirit's work, receiving new spiritual life and nature capable of pleasing God and bearing righteous fruit.

Ransom Price paid to free captives. Christ gave His life as ransom for many, purchasing sinners from slavery to sin and death.

Rapture Catching up of believers to meet Christ in the air at His return, transforming living saints and raising dead believers instantaneously.

Rebuke Sharp correction or reproof. God rebukes those He loves; believers rebuke sin privately before public discipline when necessary.

Refuge Place of safety and protection. God is believers' refuge and strength; cities of refuge protected those guilty of manslaughter.

Reign To rule as king. Christ reigns at Father's right hand; believers will reign with Him in His eternal kingdom forever.

Reject To refuse or cast away. Israel rejected God by demanding earthly king; God will not reject those who come to Him through Christ.

Rejoice To experience and express great joy. Believers rejoice always in the Lord; angels rejoice over one sinner who repents.

Remnant Theology Biblical pattern where God preserves faithful minority through judgment to accomplish His redemptive purposes across generations.

Renewal Making new again. Holy Spirit renews believers' minds daily; creation awaits renewal when Christ establishes new heaven and earth.

Renounce To reject or disown completely. Believers renounce hidden shameful ways, worldly wisdom, and former darkness to walk in light.

Restoration Bringing back to original condition. God promises Israel's restoration; believers experience spiritual restoration through Christ's finished work.

Retribution Divine judgment giving each person according to their deeds. Wicked receive retribution; righteous receive reward from just Judge.

Revelation of God God making Himself known through general revelation in creation and special revelation in Scripture and Christ, the living Word.

Reverence Deep respect and awe toward God. Believers should worship with reverence and fear; wives should reverence their husbands.

Revival Renewed spiritual vitality in God's people through repentance, prayer, and return to His Word, often accompanied by awakening among unbelievers.

Reward Recompense for faithfulness. God rewards those who diligently seek Him; believers receive eternal rewards for faithful service despite suffering.

Riches Material wealth or spiritual blessings. Unsearchable riches of Christ surpass earthly treasures; love of money roots all evil.

Righteous Judgment God's perfectly fair evaluation of all actions, thoughts, and motives according to His holy standard on the final day.

Rock Symbol of strength and stability. God is believers' Rock; Christ is spiritual Rock from whom living water flows; church built on this confession.

Places and Regions

Ramah Town in Benjamin where Samuel was born and buried, also where Rachel's weeping for exiled children was prophetically heard.

Red Sea Body of water God parted for Israel's escape from Egypt, drowning Pharaoh's army, demonstrating His power over nature and enemies.

Rome Capital of vast empire ruling during Christ's earthly ministry, where Paul was imprisoned and from which he wrote several epistles.

River Jordan Major waterway flowing from Sea of Galilee to Dead Sea where Israel crossed into Promised Land and Jesus was baptized.

Rabbah Capital city of Ammonites besieged by David's army while he sinned with Bathsheba, later conquered and plundered by Israel.

Ramoth-Gilead Levitical city of refuge east of Jordan where Ahab died in battle despite disguising himself to avoid prophesied doom.

Riblah Syrian city where Pharaoh Necho imprisoned Jehoahaz and where Nebuchadnezzar executed Zedekiah's sons before blinding him.

River Euphrates One of four Eden rivers and eastern boundary of Promised Land, symbol of Babylon where Jewish exiles lived seventy years.

River Nile Egypt's lifeblood turned to blood in first plague, where Moses was hidden in basket, representing Egypt's power and provision.

Rabbath-Ammon Another name for Rabbah, Ammonite capital conquered by Joab, where David took the king's crown weighing talent of gold.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Rainbow Colorful arc appearing in clouds as God's covenant sign promising never again to destroy earth with flood waters.

Ram Male sheep used in sacrifices. Abraham sacrificed ram instead of Isaac; rams' horns blown at Jericho; ram caught in thicket by horns.

Ram's Horn Trumpet or shofar blown for worship, warnings, and celebrations. Priests blew rams' horns circling Jericho before walls fell.

Raven Black bird God sent to feed Elijah by brook, first bird Noah released from ark that didn't return showing no dry land yet.

Rod Staff representing authority or discipline. Aaron's rod budded confirming his priesthood; Moses' rod became snake and parted Red Sea.

Rod of Iron Symbol of Messiah's firm rule over nations. Christ will shepherd nations with iron rod, breaking rebellion like pottery shatters.

Robe Outer garment indicating status. Joseph's coat of many colors; Christ's seamless robe; white robes of redeemed saints in heaven.

Rock of Ages Title for God as eternal, unchanging foundation and refuge. Moses struck rock bringing water; Christ is spiritual Rock sustaining believers.

Roll Ancient scroll containing written text. Jeremiah's roll burned by Jehoiakim; Ezekiel ate scroll that tasted sweet as honey yet bitter.

Roof Flat top of houses used for sleeping, prayer, and storage. Friends lowered paralytic through roof to Jesus; Rahab hid spies under flax on roof.

Root of Jesse Messianic title for Christ descending from Jesse, David's father, prophesied shoot from Jesse's stump bringing salvation to nations.

Rope Cord used for various purposes. Rahab's scarlet cord enabled spies' escape from Jericho; Paul escaped Damascus in a basket; measuring lines divided land in prophetic visions.

Rose Beautiful flower mentioned poetically. Messianic prophecy speaks of desert blooming like rose; Beloved compared to rose of Sharon in Song of Songs.

Ruby Precious red stone. Wisdom's value exceeds rubies; virtuous woman's worth far above rubies; rubies adorned high priest's breastplate.

Additional Theological Concepts

Ransom Theory Early understanding that Christ's death paid ransom to Satan, later refined to emphasize payment satisfying God's justice for sin.

Rapture Timing Theological debate about whether Christ removes church before, during, or after tribulation, affecting interpretations of prophetic passages.

Rational Worship Presenting bodies as living sacrifices, which is believers' reasonable service and spiritual worship pleasing to God through obedience.

Reading Scripture Public and private engagement with God's Word essential for spiritual growth, commanded in synagogues and early church gatherings.

Reaping and Sowing Spiritual principle that whatever people sow they will reap, whether good or evil, in character development and eternal consequences.

Reason Together God's invitation to Israel to discuss their relationship and His gracious offer that sins scarlet red become white as snow through repentance.

Rebellion Defiant resistance against God's authority. Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft; Lucifer's rebellion caused his expulsion from heaven.

Rebirth Being born again through water and Spirit, entering God's kingdom by receiving new spiritual life from above through faith.

Receiving Christ Welcoming Jesus as Savior and Lord, trusting His sacrifice, becoming God's child with right to eternal inheritance through faith.

Reckoning Counting or considering something true. Believers reckon themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Recognize To identify or acknowledge someone or something. Believers recognize false teachers by their fruits; Christ will recognize His own at judgment.

Reconciliation Ministry God's work through believers as ambassadors proclaiming message that He has reconciled world to Himself through Christ's substitutionary death.

Red Dragon Symbol in Revelation representing Satan pursuing woman clothed with sun, cast down to earth after war in heaven with Michael.

Red Horse Second seal's rider in Revelation taking peace from earth, causing people to kill one another during tribulation judgments.

Redeemed Assembly Church purchased by Christ's blood, called out from world to be holy nation and royal priesthood proclaiming His excellencies.

Redeemer Lives Job's triumphant confession that his Redeemer lives and will stand on earth at last, vindicating Job despite his suffering.

Redemption of Body Future resurrection and glorification of believers' physical bodies, adoption's completion when creation is liberated from corruption's bondage.

Refiner's Fire God's purifying judgment removing impurities from His people like metalworker refines precious metals, producing holiness through trials.

Refining Process Spiritual purification through trials testing faith's genuineness, removing dross while strengthening character and dependence on God.

Refreshing from God Times of spiritual renewal and rest God provides His people, anticipated at Christ's return when all things will be restored.

Refuge, Cities of Six Levitical cities where those guilty of unintentional manslaughter could flee for protection from avenger of blood until fair trial.

Regeneration, Baptismal Erroneous teaching that baptism itself regenerates, whereas Scripture teaches Holy Spirit regenerates those who believe, with baptism following as witness.

Rehoboam's Folly Young king's rejection of elders' counsel to show mercy, choosing harsh rule causing ten tribes' rebellion and permanent kingdom division.

Rejected Stone Messianic prophecy that stone builders rejected became cornerstone, fulfilled when religious leaders rejected Christ who became foundation of church.

Rejoice Always Paul's command to maintain joy regardless of circumstances because believers' standing in Christ transcends temporal troubles and provides eternal hope.

Rejoice with Trembling Balanced worship combining joy in God's grace with reverent fear of His holiness, majesty, and righteous judgment of sin.

Release, Year of Jubilee, Year of the fiftieth year after seven sabbatical cycles when Hebrew slaves gained freedom and debts were canceled, foreshadowing greater release Christ brings from sin's bondage.

Religion, Pure James's definition as caring for orphans and widows while keeping oneself unstained by world, demonstrating genuine faith through compassionate action.

Rely on God Trusting completely in Lord's strength rather than human wisdom or power, leaning not on own understanding but acknowledging Him.

Remain Faithful Persevering in faith and obedience despite opposition or hardship, enduring to end to receive crown of life promised to overcomers.

Remission of Sins Sending away or canceling sin's penalty through Christ's blood shed for many, providing complete forgiveness for all who believe.

Remove Mountains Faith's power to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks; Christ taught faith can command mountains to move and they will obey.

Rend Your Hearts Joel's call to genuine repentance involving inner transformation rather than merely external displays of grief by tearing garments.

Renew Your Mind Transforming thought patterns to align with God's truth rather than conforming to world's thinking, enabling discernment of His perfect will.

Renewed Day by Day Inner spiritual renewal occurring despite outward physical decay, keeping believers focused on eternal realities transcending temporary afflictions.

Renewing of Spirit Holy Spirit's ongoing work recreating believers into Christ's image, sanctifying progressively through truth and producing spiritual fruit.

Renounce Secret Ways Rejecting hidden shameful practices and walking in light's openness, commending truth to everyone's conscience before God.

Rent Veil Temple curtain torn top to bottom at Christ's death, symbolizing direct access to God's presence now available through Jesus' sacrifice.

Repay No Evil Command to overcome evil with good rather than seeking revenge, leaving vengeance to God who promises to repay appropriately.

Repent and Believe Jesus' core message that entering God's kingdom requires turning from sin and trusting gospel's good news about His saving work.

Repent or Perish Jesus' warning that without repentance all will likewise perish, emphasizing urgency of turning from sin to avoid judgment.

Repentance unto Life God-granted change of heart and mind that leads away from death toward eternal life through faith in Christ's redemptive work.

Repetitious Prayer Empty, meaningless prayers using many words hoping to be heard for quantity rather than sincere heart attitude, condemned by Jesus.

Reproach Shame or disgrace. Christ bore believers' reproach; Moses chose suffering with God's people over Egypt's treasures, esteeming reproach for Christ.

Reproach of Christ Shame and suffering associated with identifying with Jesus, willingly endured by faithful believers treasuring eternal reward over earthly comfort.

Reprobate Mind Depraved thinking God gives people over to after persistent rejection of truth, resulting in moral corruption and inability to discern righteousness.

Reputation Public esteem or standing. Elders must have good reputation outside church; Christ made Himself of no reputation, taking servant's form.

Requirement of Law Righteous standard God's law demands, fulfilled in believers who walk by Spirit rather than by flesh's sinful desires.

Rescue from Evil Deliverance from Satan's power and sin's dominion through Christ who gave Himself rescuing believers from present evil age's corruption.

Resist the Devil Active opposition to Satan's temptations and lies through faith in God's truth, causing devil to flee from steadfast believers.

Respect of Persons Showing partiality or favoritism based on external factors, explicitly forbidden among believers who should treat all people with equal dignity.

Rest for Souls Peace and spiritual refreshment Jesus promises those who come to Him with heavy burdens, taking His easy yoke and learning from Him.

Rest, Sabbath Seventh-day rest commanded in Old Covenant, pointing forward to eternal rest believers enter through faith in Christ's finished work.

Restitution Repaying or restoring what was wrongfully taken or damaged, required in Old Testament law and demonstrated by Zacchaeus after conversion.

Restoration of All Things Prophesied renewal when Christ returns, establishing new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells and creation is liberated from corruption.

Restoration of Israel Prophetic promise that God will regather dispersed Jews to their land, restore their kingdom, and pour out His Spirit upon them.

Restorer of Breach Isaiah's description of those who repair broken walls and restore streets, rebuilding what was destroyed through faithfulness to God's ways.

Restrainer Mysterious force holding back lawlessness and antichrist's revelation until appointed time, possibly Holy Spirit or human government.

Resurrection Body Glorified, immortal, imperishable physical body believers receive at resurrection, like Christ's risen body yet perfected beyond current limitations.

Resurrection Life Spiritual vitality believers experience now through union with risen Christ, demonstrating future bodily resurrection's power in present transformation.

Resurrection Power Same divine energy that raised Christ from death, working in believers to accomplish immeasurably more than they ask or imagine.

Retribution, Divine God's just repayment giving people according to their deeds, whether good or evil, at final judgment or through temporal consequences.

Return of Christ Jesus' promised second coming in power and glory to judge world, resurrect believers, establish His kingdom and reign forever.

Reveal To make known what was hidden. God reveals mysteries to prophets; Christ revealed Father; Holy Spirit reveals spiritual truths to believers.

Revelation, Book of Final New Testament book recording John's apocalyptic vision of end times, Christ's return, final judgment, and new heaven and earth.

Revelation, Progressive God's gradual unfolding of redemptive truth throughout Scripture's history, culminating in Christ's complete and final revelation of Father.

Reveling Wild partying and drunken carousing listed among works of flesh believers must put to death, incompatible with Spirit-filled living.

Revenge Personal retaliation for wrongs suffered, forbidden to believers who must leave vengeance to God who promises to repay perfectly and justly.

Reverence for God Proper fear and respect for holy God's majesty, prompting worship with gratitude and godly fear, acknowledging His consuming fire nature.

Revile To verbally abuse or insult. Believers blessed when reviled for Christ's sake; Christ didn't revile back when suffering but trusted God.

Revival, Spiritual Renewed passion for God among His people through repentance, prayer, and Word study, often resulting in evangelistic fruit and cultural transformation.

Reward in Heaven Eternal treasures stored up for faithful believers who suffer for Christ's sake, exceeding any earthly compensation or temporary pleasure.

Reward of Faith Blessing promised those who diligently seek God, receiving salvation and eternal inheritance through trusting Christ's finished redemptive work.

Rich Fool Jesus' parable about man who stored earthly treasures but wasn't rich toward God, whose soul was required unexpectedly that very night.

Rich Young Ruler Wealthy man who asked Jesus about eternal life but went away sad when challenged to sell possessions and follow Christ.

Riches of Glory Abundant spiritual wealth God lavishes on believers including Christ dwelling in hearts, hope of glory, and inheritance among saints.

Riches of Grace Immeasurable abundance of God's unmerited favor shown in kindness toward believers through Christ Jesus for all eternity.

Right Hand of God Position of supreme authority and honor where Christ sits after completing salvation, interceding for believers and awaiting enemy's subjugation.

Right Path Way of righteousness and wisdom contrasted with wicked's crooked path, leading to life rather than destruction through obedience.

Righteous Branch Messianic prophecy of descendant from David's line who will reign wisely, executing justice and righteousness, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Righteous Judge God or Christ as perfectly fair evaluator of all people's actions, motives, and hearts on judgment day, rendering just verdict.

Righteous Nation People living according to God's standards, blessed when they walk in His ways, experiencing prosperity and divine protection from enemies.

Righteous Requirement Law's holy standard demanding perfect obedience, fulfilled by Christ and applied to believers who walk by Spirit's power not fleshly effort.

Righteousness of Christ Perfect obedience and sinlessness of Jesus imputed to believers through faith, covering their sins and providing right standing before holy God.

Righteousness of Faith Right standing before God received through believing rather than works, gift of grace apart from law's requirements or human merit.

Righteousness of God Divine attribute of perfect moral purity and justice, also righteousness from God given to believers apart from law through faith.

Rightly Dividing Correctly handling and interpreting Scripture's truth, distinguishing proper applications of different dispensations, covenants, and audiences addressed.

Ring Circular ornament worn as jewelry or seal. Father placed ring on prodigal son signifying restored sonship; signet rings authenticated official documents.

Rise Again Resurrection from death. Christ predicted He would rise on third day; believers will rise at His return receiving immortal bodies.

Rising Sun Messianic title from Zechariah's prophecy, Jesus as dawn from on high visiting to give light to those sitting in darkness and death's shadow.

River of Life Water flowing from God's throne in new Jerusalem giving eternal life, representing Holy Spirit's continuous supply of spiritual vitality to saints.

Rivers of Living Water Jesus' promise that believers would experience Spirit flowing from innermost being like rivers, satisfying thirst and blessing others abundantly.

Road to Damascus Journey where Saul encountered risen Christ in blinding light, converting Christianity's chief persecutor into its greatest apostle and missionary.

Road to Emmaus Journey where two disciples met risen Jesus who explained Scripture concerning Himself, recognized Him in bread-breaking then disappeared.

Roar Like Lion Description of devil prowling seeking whom he may devour; also God's powerful voice in judgment causing earth to tremble.

Robbery Theft by force or violence. Christ didn't consider equality with God something to grasp through robbery, but humbled Himself becoming servant.

Robe of Righteousness Garment of salvation covering believers' spiritual nakedness and shame, Christ's perfect righteousness clothing those who trust in Him.

Rock of Offense Christ as stumbling stone to unbelievers who reject Him, causing their fall, while believers find Him precious cornerstone and firm foundation.

Rock of Salvation God as immovable foundation and deliverer, unchanging refuge providing security and rescue from enemies threatening believers' souls and lives.

Rod of Correction Physical discipline administered in love to train children in wisdom, contrasted with modern permissiveness producing foolishness and rebellion.

Rod of God's Anger Instrument of divine judgment, sometimes nations like Assyria used to punish Israel's sin before themselves facing God's righteous wrath.

Roll Away Stone Angel's action removing tomb's barrier revealing Christ's resurrection, also believers' responsibility removing obstacles hindering others from seeing Jesus.

Roman Citizenship Legal status Paul possessed by birth, granting rights and protections he used strategically advancing gospel and appealing to Caesar.

Roman Empire Vast kingdom ruling during Christ's earthly ministry, providing roads and peace facilitating gospel's spread while eventually persecuting Christians violently.

Roman Soldiers Military personnel who crucified Christ, guarded tomb, and later arrested and imprisoned apostles, some converting to Christianity through witness.

Root of Bitterness Resentment or unforgiveness that defiles many if not dealt with, poisoning relationships and preventing people from experiencing God's grace fully.

Rooted in Christ Being firmly established and grounded in relationship with Jesus, drawing spiritual nourishment from Him enabling growth and fruitfulness.

Rooted in Love Being established in God's love through Spirit's power, enabling comprehension of Christ's love surpassing knowledge and fullness of God.

Royal Law Command to love neighbor as yourself, called royal because it summarizes law's relational requirements and comes from kingdom's King.

Royal Priesthood Believers' identity as kings and priests unto God, offering spiritual sacrifices and declaring His praises as chosen holy nation.

Ruler of Darkness Satan as prince of this world's evil spiritual forces, controlling unbelievers through deception until Christ's light sets captives free.

Ruler of Synagogue Jewish official responsible for synagogue's order and activities, like Jairus who sought Jesus' help for dying daughter and witnessed her resurrection.

Run Race Metaphor for Christian life requiring discipline, endurance, and focus on Christ the prize, throwing off sin's encumbrances and persevering faithfully.

Run with Patience Steadfast endurance in faith's marathon, looking to Jesus rather than giving up when facing trials, trusting Him who endured cross for joy.

Ruth's Loyalty Extraordinary devotion Moabite widow showed Naomi choosing Israel's God over her people, becoming example