Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with T

Exploring biblical terms starting with "T" reveals the profound themes of truth, testimony, temple worship, and the transformation God works in believers' lives. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Timothy Paul's beloved spiritual son and faithful ministry companion, pastor of Ephesian church, recipient of two pastoral epistles addressing church leadership and doctrine.

Titus Gentile convert who became Paul's trusted co-worker, delivered difficult letter to Corinth, left in Crete to appoint elders and organize churches properly.

Thomas Apostle called Didymus meaning twin, courageously willing to die with Jesus, doubted resurrection until seeing risen Christ, confessed Him as Lord and God.

Tabitha (Dorcas) Beloved disciple in Joppa full of good works and charity, raised from death by Peter, exemplifying godly woman serving the poor faithfully.

Terah Abraham's father who left Ur traveling toward Canaan but settled in Haran where he died, worshiped other gods before God called Abraham.

Thaddaeus (Judas not Iscariot) One of twelve apostles also called Judas son of James, asked Jesus why He would manifest to disciples but not to world.

Theophilus "Lover of God" to whom Luke addressed both Gospel and Acts, possibly Roman official or representative believer, identity remains uncertain historically.

Tychicus Beloved brother and faithful minister who accompanied Paul, delivered several epistles including Ephesians and Colossians, encouraged churches with news.

Tyrannus Owner of hall in Ephesus where Paul taught daily for two years, reaching all Asia's residents with gospel during extended effective ministry.

Central Theological Terms

Truth Reality conforming to fact and God's nature. Jesus is truth incarnate; Spirit guides into all truth; believers walk in truth sanctified by it.

Trinity Doctrine that one God exists eternally as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—equal in essence, power, and glory, unified in purpose.

Testimony Witness or evidence given. Jesus is faithful witness; believers testify of Christ's work; testimony of two establishes truth in legal matters.

Temple Sacred building where God's presence dwelt, first built by Solomon, destroyed twice, rebuilt by Herod, now believers individually and corporately are Spirit's temple.

Temptation Enticement to sin from Satan, world, or flesh. Christ was tempted yet remained sinless; God provides escape from every temptation believers face.

Ten Commandments Moral law God gave Moses on stone tablets at Sinai, summarized in loving God supremely and neighbor as self, foundation of covenant relationship.

Transfiguration Jesus' supernatural transformation on mountain where Moses and Elijah appeared, divine glory revealed to Peter, James, and John, Father's voice affirming Son.

Transgression Violation of known law or command, stepping over established boundary. Adam's transgression brought death; Christ's obedience brought justification for many.

Tribulation Severe trial or suffering. Believers enter God's kingdom through tribulation; Great Tribulation precedes Christ's return bringing unprecedented worldwide distress.

Trust Confident reliance on God's character and promises. Those trusting Lord will never be disappointed; trust with whole heart not leaning on own understanding.

Type Old Testament person, event, or institution prefiguring New Testament reality. Adam typifies Christ; Passover lamb typifies Christ's sacrifice; tabernacle typifies heaven.

Trespass Sin or offense against God or others. Christ died for our trespasses; forgive others' trespasses as God forgave ours through Christ's blood.

Throne Seat of royal authority. God's throne established in heaven; Christ sits on Father's throne; believers will sit with Him on His throne judging.

Tithe Tenth portion given to God acknowledging His ownership. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek; Israelites tithed supporting Levites; giving now cheerful not compulsory percentage.

Tongue Physical organ of speech or language spoken. Tongue is small member causing great damage; gift of tongues is known languages or prayer language debated.

Transfigure To change form or appearance. Christ transfigured showing divine glory; believers transformed into His image from glory to glory by Spirit.

Tree of Life Garden of Eden tree granting immortality, access lost through sin, restored in new Jerusalem, symbolizing eternal life through Christ's redemption.

Tree of Knowledge Garden tree of knowing good and evil, forbidden fruit bringing death through disobedience, testing human submission to God's authority and wisdom.

Tribulation, Great Final seven-year period of intense worldwide suffering before Christ's return, Daniel's seventieth week, time of Jacob's trouble, unprecedented distress on earth.

Trumpet Horn instrument announcing important events. Trumpets heralded feasts, warnings, and God's presence; last trumpet signals resurrection and Christ's return at rapture.

Truth, Spirit of Holy Spirit who guides believers into all truth, reveals Jesus, convicts world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, teaches and reminds of Christ's words.

Places and Regions

Tarsus Chief city of Cilicia in Asia Minor, Paul's birthplace, important commercial and educational center, granting Paul Roman citizenship by birth.

Tarshish Distant maritime location possibly Spain where Jonah fled from God's call, source of valuable imports including gold, silver, ivory, and precious stones.

Thessalonica Major Macedonian city where Paul established church, wrote two epistles addressing Christ's return, believers there suffered persecution but remained faithful.

Thyatira Asian city where Lydia came from, one of seven churches in Revelation rebuked for tolerating false prophetess Jezebel teaching sexual immorality.

Tiberias City on Sea of Galilee's western shore built by Herod Antipas, named for Roman emperor Tiberius, site of post-resurrection appearance to disciples.

Tyre Ancient Phoenician seaport famous for commerce and purple dye, denounced by prophets for pride, Jesus visited region where Syrophoenician woman sought healing.

Tabor, Mount Mountain in Galilee traditionally identified as transfiguration site, also where Deborah and Barak gathered troops defeating Sisera's Canaanite army.

Tekoa Judean town near Bethlehem, home of wise woman David summoned, birthplace of prophet Amos who tended sheep before prophesying against northern kingdom.

Troas Seaport in northwest Asia Minor where Paul received Macedonian vision, later raised Eutychus from death after falling from window during lengthy sermon.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Tabernacle Portable tent sanctuary where God dwelt among Israelites during wilderness wandering, detailed pattern given to Moses on Sinai, later replaced by temple.

Tablets of Stone Two stone tablets inscribed by God's finger containing Ten Commandments, broken by Moses seeing golden calf, replaced with second set stored in ark.

Talent Large weight unit and monetary value, approximately seventy-five pounds, used in parable teaching faithful stewardship of God-given resources and abilities until Christ returns.

Tares Weeds resembling wheat in Jesus' parable, representing false believers among true, allowed to grow together until harvest when angels separate them permanently.

Taxing (Census) Government enrollment for taxation purposes, Caesar Augustus's decree brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for Jesus' birth fulfilling Micah's prophecy concerning Messiah.

Tent Portable dwelling used by nomadic peoples. Abraham lived in tents; Paul made tents; earthly bodies are temporary tents replaced by eternal heavenly dwelling.

Teraphim Household idols or images used for divination, Rachel stole her father's, condemned in Scripture as forbidden objects replacing trust in living God.

Threshing Floor Flat area where grain separated from chaff by beating and wind, David bought Araunah's threshing floor for altar, became temple site Solomon later built.

Throne of David Royal seat representing messianic kingdom God promised David's descendant would occupy forever, fulfilled in Christ who reigns eternally from heaven.

Throne of Grace God's throne where believers approach boldly through Christ's blood obtaining mercy and grace to help in time of need without fear.

Timbrel Hand-held percussion instrument like tambourine used in worship and celebration, Miriam played timbrel leading women praising God after Red Sea crossing.

Tower of Babel Structure prideful humanity built reaching toward heaven, God confused languages scattering people, demonstrating futility of human effort to reach Him independently.

Treasure Valuable possessions stored up. Kingdom of heaven is treasure hidden in field; store treasures in heaven not earth; heart follows treasure's location.

Tunic Inner garment worn next to skin, Joseph's colorful tunic stirred brothers' jealousy, soldiers cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic at crucifixion fulfilling prophecy.

Turban Head covering worn especially by priests, high priest's golden plate inscribed "Holy to the Lord" attached to turban symbolizing consecration to God.

Turtledove Bird used in sacrifices especially by poor, Mary and Joseph offered turtledoves after Jesus' birth, symbol of purity, peace, and acceptable offering.

Additional Theological Concepts

Tabernacle of David Tent David erected for ark in Jerusalem with continuous worship, prophetically referring to restored worship in millennial kingdom through Christ's reign.

Tabernacle of Moses Wilderness sanctuary God commanded Moses to build according to heavenly pattern, containing holy place and most holy place where God's glory dwelt.

Tabernacles, Feast of Seven-day autumn festival commemorating wilderness wandering, living in temporary shelters, celebrating harvest, prophetically picturing millennial kingdom rest.

Take Up Cross Jesus' call to self-denial and willingness to suffer for His sake, bearing reproach, dying to self-will, following Him regardless of cost.

Teaching Instruction in God's truth. Jesus taught with authority; apostles devoted themselves to teaching; elders must be able to teach sound doctrine faithfully.

Temple Veil Thick curtain separating holy place from most holy place, torn top to bottom at Christ's death, symbolizing direct access to God through Jesus.

Tempt God Testing God's patience or power demanding proof, forbidden in Scripture, Israel tempted God in wilderness through unbelief despite repeated miraculous provisions.

Temptation of Christ Satan's threefold wilderness testing of Jesus after baptism through appeals to appetite, pride, and power, overcome through Scripture quotations demonstrating obedience.

Tent of Meeting Tabernacle where God met with Moses and Israel, place of divine revelation and worship, cloud covered it signifying God's glorious presence dwelling there.

Testament Covenant or will. Old Testament is first covenant through Moses; New Testament is second covenant through Christ's blood establishing better promises.

Testify To bear witness or give evidence. Apostles testified of resurrection; Holy Spirit testifies with believers' spirits; testimony of Jesus is prophecy's spirit.

Testing of Faith Trials proving genuineness of trust in God, producing endurance and maturity, refining like fire purifies gold, demonstrating faith's reality through perseverance.

Thanksgiving Grateful acknowledgment of God's goodness and blessings. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; give thanks in everything; Paul began letters with thanksgiving prayers.

Theocracy Government where God rules directly through appointed representatives. Israel was theocracy under judges until demanding earthly king rejecting God's direct rule.

Theology Systematic study of God's nature, attributes, and works based on Scripture's revelation, organizing biblical truth into coherent understanding of divine reality.

Throne Judgment Final judgment where unbelievers stand before God's great white throne, books opened, judged according to works, cast into lake of fire eternally.

Time of Jacob's Trouble Prophetic period of unprecedented distress for Israel during tribulation, preceding national salvation when they recognize Jesus as Messiah at His return.

Times of Refreshing Periods of spiritual renewal God sends from His presence, anticipated fully when Christ returns restoring all things as prophets foretold from ancient times.

Times of the Gentiles Period from Babylon's conquest until Christ's return when Gentile nations dominate Jerusalem and Israel, ending when Messiah establishes His earthly kingdom.

Tithe of Tithe Tenth of Levites' tithe given to priests, teaching that even those receiving offerings must honor God with portion of what they receive through others' generosity.

Tongues, Gift of Supernatural ability to speak unlearned languages or prayer language, sign gift given at Pentecost, debated whether continuing today or ceased with apostles.

Tongues of Fire Flame-like manifestations resting on disciples at Pentecost when Holy Spirit came, symbolizing purification and empowerment for witness to all nations.

Total Depravity Doctrine that sin affects every part of human nature—mind, will, emotions—rendering people spiritually dead, unable to choose God without His prior enabling grace.

Transfiguration, Mount of High mountain, traditionally Tabor or Hermon, where Jesus' glory revealed to inner circle of disciples, Moses and Elijah appeared discussing His coming death.

Transformation Radical change in character and nature. Believers transformed by mind's renewal; transformed into Christ's image from glory to glory through Spirit's work progressively.

Transgress To violate or overstep established law or boundary. Adam transgressed bringing condemnation; where sin abounded grace super-abounded through Christ's obedience.

Treasure in Heaven Eternal rewards stored up through faithful earthly service, sacrificial giving, and righteous living, imperishable wealth awaiting believers in glory with Christ.

Tree, Cursed Anyone hung on tree was cursed by law, Christ became curse for believers bearing their sin on cross, redeeming from law's curse.

Trespass Offering Guilt offering for specific sins requiring restitution plus twenty percent, teaching that sin has consequences requiring both vertical reconciliation with God and horizontal with people.

Trial Testing or court proceeding. Trials test faith's genuineness producing endurance; Christ endured illegal trials before crucifixion demonstrating injustice and willingness to suffer.

Tribe Division of Israel descended from Jacob's twelve sons, each receiving territorial inheritance except Levi who received cities, Joseph's portion divided between Ephraim and Manasseh.

Tribulation Saints Believers martyred during final seven years before Christ's return, refusing antichrist's mark, maintaining faithful testimony despite intense persecution and death.

Trinity, Economic Roles different persons of Trinity fulfill in salvation: Father elects, Son redeems, Spirit applies, while remaining co-equal in essence and glory eternally.

Trinity, Ontological Essential unity and equality of Father, Son, and Spirit as one God in three distinct persons sharing identical divine nature, attributes, and perfections.

Triumph Victory celebration. Christ triumphed over principalities and powers at cross; God leads believers in triumph causing knowledge of Him to spread everywhere.

Trouble Distress or affliction. In world believers have trouble but take courage; Christ overcame world; God delivers righteous from trouble delivering them completely.

True Vine Jesus' self-designation as source of spiritual life, believers are branches bearing fruit only through abiding connection with Him by faith and obedience.

Trust in Lord Complete confident reliance on God's character, promises, and power. Those trusting Lord are like Mount Zion, unmovable, established forever in security.

Truth and Grace Dual characteristics of Christ's ministry—speaking truth without compromise while extending grace to sinners, balanced approach avoiding legalism and license both.

Truth, Walking in Living consistently with God's revealed Word, aligning belief with behavior, demonstrated obedience to Scripture rather than mere intellectual agreement with doctrine.

Turn from Sin Repentance's active element of abandoning sinful practices and patterns, not merely feeling sorry but changing direction toward God and righteousness through Spirit's power.

Twelve Apostles Specially chosen disciples Jesus sent as authoritative witnesses of resurrection, foundation of church, judging twelve tribes in millennial kingdom alongside Christ.

Twelve Tribes Israel's divisions descended from Jacob's sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), Benjamin.

Two Witnesses Prophets in Revelation prophesying 1,260 days during tribulation with supernatural powers, killed by beast, resurrected after three and a half days, ascending to heaven.

Type and Antitype Old Testament pattern (type) foreshadowing New Testament fulfillment (antitype), revealing God's unified redemptive plan throughout Scripture's progressive revelation.

More Key Figures

Tamar (Judah's daughter-in-law) Widow who disguised herself as prostitute to obtain offspring from Judah after his sons died, bore twins Perez and Zerah, included in Messiah's genealogy.

Tamar (David's daughter) Beautiful daughter violated by half-brother Amnon, Absalom avenged her by killing Amnon, tragic incident leading to rebellion against David's throne.

Tertius Scribe who wrote Romans as Paul dictated, inserted personal greeting, example of early Christian scribal practice in composing apostolic letters and epistles.

Tertullus Professional orator hired by high priest to accuse Paul before Felix, delivered eloquent yet false charges, Paul defended himself against accusations personally.

Thaddaeus Apostle also called Lebbaeus and Judas son of James, one of twelve chosen by Jesus, questioned why Christ would reveal Himself to disciples only.

Theudas False messiah mentioned by Gamaliel who led rebellion claiming to be somebody great, four hundred followers scattered when he was killed by Romans.

Thomas Didymus Apostle whose twin name means twin, expressed willingness to die with Jesus, doubted resurrection until seeing Christ, confessed "My Lord and my God."

Tiberius Caesar Roman emperor during Christ's ministry, fifteenth year of reign when John Baptist began preaching, Caesar to whom Jesus said render what is his.

Tiglath-Pileser An Assyrian king, invaded Israel during Pekah's reign (734-732 BC) and deported tribes from northern regions. Later, King Ahaz of Judah paid tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III and requested his military protection against an alliance of Pekah of Israel and Rezin of Damascus who were attacking Judah. Tiglath-Pileser responded by invading both Israel and Damascus, further conquering Israeli territory and carrying away more people into exile.

Timaeus Father of blind beggar Bartimaeus whom Jesus healed near Jericho, man called out persistently for mercy despite crowd's rebuke, received sight and followed.

Timon One of seven men chosen as first deacons to serve tables and distribute food to widows, ensuring apostles could focus on prayer and ministry.

Titus Justus Gentile worshiper of God in Corinth whose house adjoined synagogue, opened home for Paul's ministry after Jews rejected gospel message and opposed apostle.

Tobiah Ammonite enemy who opposed Nehemiah's wall rebuilding, mocked efforts, conspired with Sanballat plotting violence, later given chamber in temple courts inappropriately.

Tola Judge who arose after Abimelech judging Israel twenty-three years, from Issachar's tribe, lived in Ephraim's hill country, delivered Israel from oppression.

Trophimus Gentile Christian from Ephesus who traveled with Paul, Jews falsely accused Paul of bringing him into temple, left sick in Miletus showing apostles couldn't heal at will.

Tubal-Cain Instructor of bronze and iron workers, Lamech's son through Zillah, Cain's descendant representing technological advancement in increasingly violent antediluvian civilization.

Tychicus Beloved brother and faithful minister from Asia who delivered Ephesians and Colossians, reported on Paul's circumstances, encouraged churches with apostolic news.

Tyrannus Owner of lecture hall in Ephesus where Paul taught daily during midday rest period for two years, all Asia heard gospel through this strategic ministry.

Biblical Practices and Events

Teaching Ministry Instruction in God's Word central to church life, spiritual gift equipping saints, elder qualification, essential for spiritual growth, combating false doctrine, building mature disciples.

Temple Cleansing Jesus' driving out money changers and merchants from Father's house, declaring it prayer house not den of thieves, demonstrating zeal and messianic authority boldly.

Temple Tax Half-shekel annual contribution all Jewish males paid for sanctuary maintenance, Jesus miraculously provided through fish's mouth, affirming submission while proving Sonship.

Temptation, Resisting Overcoming enticement to sin through Scripture, prayer, fleeing, putting on God's armor, relying on Spirit's power, following Christ's example of obedience.

Tent-Making Paul's trade supporting himself during ministry so as not to burden churches, working with hands providing model of diligent labor alongside spiritual service.

Testing Spirits Examining teachings and prophetic utterances against Scripture to discern truth from error, essential practice since many false prophets and spirits operate in world.

Testimony, Giving Sharing personal account of God's work in life, powerful evangelistic tool, overcoming Satan through blood of Lamb and word of testimony, confessing Christ publicly.

Thanksgiving Offering Voluntary sacrifice expressing gratitude to God for blessings received, brought with unleavened cakes and bread, accompanied by fellowship meal celebrating His goodness.

Theophany Pre-incarnate appearance of God in visible form, often as angel of Lord, revealing Himself to patriarchs and prophets before Christ's permanent incarnation.

Throne Room Vision Prophetic glimpses of God's heavenly throne surrounded by angelic beings, revealing His sovereign rule, holiness, and glory, recorded by Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John.

Tithing Practice Giving tenth to God acknowledging His ownership, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, Israelite requirement supporting Levites and temple, New Testament principle of generous cheerful giving.

Tongues, Interpretation of Spiritual gift enabling understanding of unknown languages spoken through tongues gift, necessary for edification when tongues spoken in church assembly or public gathering.

Tradition of Elders Human additions to God's law that Pharisees elevated to divine authority status, Jesus condemned traditions that nullified God's commands through human regulations.

Transfiguration Event Supernatural revelation of Christ's divine glory on mountain before Peter, James, and John, confirming His identity, previewing coming kingdom's glory for witnesses.

Triumphal Entry Jesus' riding donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, crowds shouting "Hosanna," fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of humble king coming bringing salvation to Zion.

True Worship Spirit and truth worship Jesus described to Samaritan woman, not tied to location but to genuine heart attitude and biblical understanding of God's character.

Trumpet Feast Day of blowing trumpets on first day of seventh month, memorial celebration, holy convocation, Rosh Hashanah, prophetically connected to Christ's return and resurrection.

Trumpets, Feast of Annual celebration with trumpet blasts on Tishri's first day, calling Israel to repentance, prophetically picturing Christ's return when trumpet summons believers to heaven.

Trust and Obey Combined requirement for pleasing God—faith in His promises and active obedience to His commands, inseparable elements of genuine saving relationship with Lord.

Truth Encounter Meeting or confronting reality of God's Word, Jesus as truth incarnate, Holy Spirit leading into all truth, transformation through truth's renewing power.

Turning Point Critical moment of decision or change in biblical narrative, like Israel's golden calf, David's adultery, Peter's denial, Paul's conversion, altering trajectory dramatically and permanently.