Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with S

Exploring biblical terms starting with "S" reveals the profound themes of salvation, sanctification, sacrifice, and the sovereignty of God over all creation. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Saul (King) First king of Israel chosen for physical stature, initially humble but became disobedient, rejected by God, tormented by evil spirit, died in battle.

Saul of Tarsus (Paul) Pharisee who persecuted church until Damascus road conversion, became greatest apostle writing much of New Testament and evangelizing Gentiles.

Samuel Last judge and first major prophet, born to Hannah in answer to prayer, anointed both Saul and David as kings, established prophetic schools.

Samson Nazirite judge with supernatural strength who delivered Israel from Philistines despite moral failures, ultimately died destroying their temple.

Sarah (Sarai) Abraham's wife who laughed at promise of son in old age, bore Isaac at ninety, became mother of faith commended for obedience.

Solomon David's son who built Jerusalem temple, wisest man who wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, turned from God through foreign wives.

Simon Peter Fisherman Jesus renamed "rock," impulsive disciple who denied Christ yet became bold apostle, leader of early church, wrote two epistles.

Stephen First Christian martyr, one of seven deacons chosen for service, performed great wonders, gave powerful defense before stoning to death.

Silas (Silvanus) Prophet who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, co-wrote several epistles, imprisoned with Paul in Philippi where earthquake freed them.

Seth Adam and Eve's third son born after Abel's murder, through whom godly line continued to Noah and eventually to Christ.

Shem Noah's eldest son who covered father's nakedness, received blessing, became ancestor of Semitic peoples including Abraham and Israel.

Simeon Second son of Jacob and Leah, joined Levi avenging Dinah's rape, tribe later absorbed into Judah's territory without distinct inheritance.

Simeon (Righteous) Devout man awaiting Israel's consolation who recognized infant Jesus as Messiah in temple, prophesied sword piercing Mary's soul.

Sheba, Queen of Arabian monarch who tested Solomon's wisdom with hard questions, overwhelmed by his knowledge, brought lavish gifts acknowledging Israel's God.

Central Theological Terms

Salvation Deliverance from sin's penalty, power, and presence through Christ's sacrifice, free gift received by grace through faith alone in Jesus.

Sanctification Process of being set apart and made holy, begun at conversion, continued by Spirit, completed at glorification in Christ's likeness.

Sacrifice Offering presented to atone for sin or worship God. Old Testament sacrifices pointed to Christ's perfect once-for-all sacrifice ending all others.

Sabbath Seventh day of rest commanded in Old Covenant, pointing to spiritual rest believers enter through faith in Christ's completed work.

Sacrament Sacred ordinance instituted by Christ. Protestants recognize two: baptism and Lord's Supper as outward signs of inward grace and covenant membership.

Sacred Set apart for God's purposes, holy and consecrated. Temple, priests, and offerings were sacred; believers are sacred temples of Holy Spirit.

Saint Holy one set apart for God. All genuine believers are saints through Christ's righteousness, called to live holy lives worthy of their calling.

Sanctify To make holy or set apart for sacred use. God sanctifies believers through truth; they sanctify themselves through obedience and Spirit's power.

Sanctuary Holy place where God dwells, first tabernacle then temple, now believers' bodies individually and church corporately as Spirit's dwelling.

Satan Adversary and accuser, fallen angel who rebelled against God, deceives nations, tempts believers, ultimately defeated at Christ's return and judged eternally.

Savior One who delivers from danger or destruction. Jesus is only Savior providing salvation from sin, death, and hell through His atoning death.

Scripture God-breathed written Word, inspired and authoritative revelation given through human authors, profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.

Seal Mark of ownership and authenticity. Believers sealed with Holy Spirit as guarantee of inheritance, protected until redemption's day of completion.

Second Coming Christ's promised return in power and glory to judge living and dead, resurrect believers, destroy evil, establish eternal kingdom on earth.

Seed Physical offspring or spiritual descendants. Abraham's seed includes both natural Israel and faith's children; Christ is promised seed crushing serpent's head.

Seek God To pursue relationship with Lord through prayer, worship, and obedience. Those who diligently seek Him find Him and receive His reward.

Self-Control Mastery over sinful desires and impulses, fruit of Spirit enabling believers to discipline bodies and minds for godliness and effective ministry.

Separation Being set apart from sin and world unto God. Believers called to holy separation while remaining salt and light engaging culture redemptively.

Serpent Snake that deceived Eve in Eden, representing Satan who tempts humanity to sin. Bronze serpent lifted up prefigured Christ's crucifixion bringing healing.

Servant One who serves another. Christ took servant's form; believers are servants of righteousness and God, serving one another in love.

Service Act of serving God or others. Reasonable service is presenting bodies as living sacrifices; spiritual gifts equip believers for ministry service.

Seven Number representing completion and perfection throughout Scripture. Seven days of creation, seven seals, seven churches, seven spirits before throne.

Shekinah Visible manifestation of God's glorious presence as cloud filling tabernacle and temple, guiding Israel through wilderness, revealing His dwelling among people.

Shepherd One who tends sheep, metaphor for spiritual leaders. Christ is Good Shepherd who lays down life for sheep; elders shepherd God's flock.

Shield Defensive armor protecting warrior. God is believers' shield providing protection; faith is shield extinguishing enemy's flaming arrows in spiritual warfare.

Sign Miraculous evidence confirming divine message or messenger. Jesus performed signs proving His identity; signs follow those who believe the gospel.

Sin Transgression of God's law, rebellion against His authority, falling short of His glory, requiring Christ's atoning sacrifice for forgiveness and cleansing.

Sin Nature Inherited corrupt disposition toward evil from Adam's fall, enslaving humanity until regeneration provides new nature capable of righteousness through Spirit.

Sinai Mountain where God gave Moses the law amid thunder and fire, establishing Old Covenant with Israel through dramatic theophany demonstrating holiness.

Sodom Wicked city destroyed by fire and brimstone for extreme sin especially sexual perversion, example of God's righteous judgment on unrepentant evil.

Son of God Title emphasizing Christ's deity and unique relationship with Father, eternally begotten not created, equal with God sharing divine nature fully.

Son of Man Title Jesus used for Himself emphasizing humanity and messianic identity from Daniel's prophecy, coming in clouds with power and glory.

Soul Immaterial part of human comprising mind, will, and emotions, living principle distinguishing humans from animals, survives physical death eternally.

Sovereign Supreme ruler exercising absolute authority. God is sovereign over all creation, history, and salvation, accomplishing His perfect will without hindrance.

Sovereignty of God Divine attribute of absolute rule and control over everything, ordaining whatsoever comes to pass while remaining holy and just in all ways.

Spirit Immaterial substance or being. Human spirit gives life to body; Holy Spirit is third person of Trinity dwelling in believers producing godliness.

Spiritual Death Separation from God through sin rendering humanity dead in trespasses, unable to please God or respond to truth until Spirit brings life.

Spiritual Gifts Special abilities Holy Spirit distributes to believers for building up church body, including teaching, prophecy, healing, tongues, interpretation, administration, mercy.

Steadfast Firmly fixed and unmovable. Believers should be steadfast in faith, unmovable in conviction, always abounding in Lord's work knowing labor not vain.

Steward Manager of another's property or household. Believers are stewards of God's mysteries, gifts, and resources, accountable for faithful administration.

Strength Physical or spiritual power. God is believers' strength and fortress; those who wait on Lord renew strength, mounting up with eagles' wings.

Submit To yield to authority or leadership. Wives submit to husbands; believers submit to God, elders, governing authorities, and one another in love.

Substitution Christ taking sinners' place bearing punishment they deserved, fundamental doctrine explaining how His death satisfies God's justice for believers' sins.

Suffering Pain or distress endured. Christ learned obedience through suffering; believers share His sufferings, producing character and preparing for future glory.

Sword of Spirit God's Word as offensive weapon in spiritual warfare, living and active, sharper than two-edged sword, piercing soul and spirit, judging heart's thoughts.

Places and Regions

Samaria Capital city Omri built for northern kingdom Israel, region between Judea and Galilee inhabited by mixed-race Samaritans despised by Jews.

Shiloh Town in Ephraim where tabernacle rested from Joshua until Eli's time, destroyed by Philistines, prophetically referring to Messiah bringing peace.

Shechem Important city where Abraham built altar, Jacob bought land, Joseph buried, Joshua gathered tribes for covenant renewal before his death.

Sidon Ancient Phoenician coastal city famous for commerce and idolatry, home to widow who hosted Elijah, judgment pronounced by prophets against it.

Sinai Peninsula Wilderness region between Egypt and Canaan where Israel wandered forty years, location of sacred mountain where God gave the law.

Sodom and Gomorrah Twin cities of the plain destroyed by fire from heaven for extreme wickedness, examples of God's judgment on unrepentant sexual immorality.

Syria Northern territory frequently at war with Israel, Naaman came from Syria for healing, Paul converted on road to Syrian capital Damascus.

Sea of Galilee Freshwater lake in northern Israel where Jesus called fishermen disciples, calmed storm, walked on water, performed numerous miracles along shores.

Sharon Fertile coastal plain between Mediterranean and hill country, known for beauty and pastures, rose of Sharon symbolizes beloved in Song of Songs.

Sheba Distant southern Arabian kingdom ruled by queen who visited Solomon, also Ethiopian region associated with trading gold, spices, and precious stones.

Shunem Village in Issachar where wealthy woman hosted Elisha who raised her son from death, also where Abishag who cared for David originated.

Succoth First place Israelites camped after Exodus from Egypt; separately, a Transjordan city where Jacob built shelters after meeting Esau and reconciling peacefully.

Susa (Shushan) Persian capital where Esther became queen and courageously saved Jewish people from Haman's genocide plot through her influential position.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Sackcloth Coarse dark fabric worn during mourning or repentance, symbol of grief and humility before God, often accompanied by sitting in ashes.

Scarlet Deep red color used in tabernacle curtains, high priest's garments, also scarlet cord saving Rahab, sins that become white through God's forgiveness.

Scepter Royal staff symbolizing authority and rule. Scepter shall not depart from Judah; Christ receives scepter of righteousness ruling His eternal kingdom.

Scorpion Venomous desert creature with painful sting. Jesus gave disciples power over scorpions; father won't give scorpion when child asks for egg.

Scroll Rolled parchment containing written text. Law written on scrolls; Ezekiel ate scroll; seven-sealed scroll in Revelation only Lamb could open.

Sea, Molten Massive bronze basin in temple courtyard holding water for priests' ceremonial washing, supported by twelve bronze oxen representing Israel's tribes.

Seal, Signet Ring or stamp creating impression in wax authenticating documents. Believers sealed by Holy Spirit; book sealed until end times; Satan sealed in abyss.

Serpent, Bronze Copper snake Moses lifted on pole in wilderness so Israelites bitten by serpents would live by looking, prefiguring Christ lifted up bringing salvation.

Shekel Hebrew weight and currency unit. Temple tax was half-shekel; Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver; David bought threshing floor for silver shekels.

Shield of Faith Spiritual armor piece extinguishing Satan's fiery darts of accusation, doubt, and temptation through trust in God's promises and Christ's finished work.

Silver Precious metal used for currency, temple furnishings, and redemption price. Joseph sold for silver; Judas's betrayal price; silver refined sevenfold represents purified Word.

Staff Walking stick or shepherd's rod symbolizing support and authority. Moses' staff performed miracles; shepherd's staff comforts sheep; Christ is believers' support.

Star Celestial body created on fourth day. Star guided magi to Christ; Abraham's descendants numerous as stars; Christ is bright morning star; believers shine like stars.

Stone Rock material used for building, monuments, and weapons. Christ is living stone and cornerstone; believers are living stones built into spiritual house.

Sword Weapon for warfare and execution. Cherubim's flaming sword guarded Eden; Christ brings sword of division; His mouth has sharp two-edged sword pronouncing judgment.

Additional Theological Concepts

Sabbath Day Seventh day rest commanded in Decalogue, observed Saturday by Jews, pointing to Christ who is believers' Sabbath rest from works-righteousness.

Sabbath Rest Ceasing from own works entering God's rest through faith, typified by weekly Sabbath, ultimately fulfilled in eternal rest awaiting God's people.

Sabbath Year Every seventh year when land lay fallow and Hebrew slaves freed, demonstrating trust in God's provision and care for creation's rhythms.

Sacramental View Belief that baptism and communion convey grace automatically, disputed by evangelicals who see them as symbols and memorials rather than grace-conferring means.

Sacred Assembly Holy gathering of God's people for worship, prescribed for feasts and Sabbaths, continues in church assembling for corporate worship and edification.

Sacrifice of Praise Offering thanksgiving to God through Jesus continually, fruit of lips confessing His name, spiritual sacrifice replacing Old Testament animal offerings.

Sacrificial System Old Covenant worship centered on animal sacrifices atoning for sin temporarily, teaching severity of sin and pointing to Christ's perfect final sacrifice.

Sadducees Jewish religious party rejecting resurrection, angels, and spirits, accepting only written Torah, opposing Jesus, disappeared after temple's AD 70 destruction.

Saints in Light Believers qualified by Father to share inheritance in light's kingdom, delivered from darkness's domain, transferred into beloved Son's kingdom.

Salt of Earth Jesus' description of disciples as preserving and flavoring influence in corrupt world, losing effectiveness if becoming saltless through compromise.

Salvation by Grace Deliverance from sin freely given by God's unmerited favor through faith in Christ, not earned by human works or merit.

Salvation Full Complete deliverance including justification (penalty removed), sanctification (power broken), and glorification (presence eliminated), spanning past, present, and future.

Salvation, Plan of God's eternal purpose to redeem fallen humanity through Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection, revealing His wisdom, grace, justice, and love.

Sanctified Wholly Being completely set apart for God in spirit, soul, and body, progressively conformed to Christ's image through Spirit's sanctifying work until glorification.

Sanctification, Positional Believer's standing as holy in God's sight through union with Christ, declared holy at conversion regardless of experiential spiritual mat