Bible Dictionary
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
Serpent
Objects & Symbols - Both
The serpent is a creature frequently mentioned in Scripture and often used as a symbol of danger, deceit, or evil. The serpent in Eden became an instrument of temptation, while the lifted bronze serpent became a sign of healing.
SERPENT WORSHIP
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Serpent worship refers to the proposed veneration of serpents as religious objects. Scripture records that Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent when it had become an object of idolatrous honor, but the claim that Israel practiced a formal serpent cult is uncertain.
SERPENT, CROOKED
Prophecy - Old Testament
The crooked or swift serpent is poetic imagery associated with a constellation or a winding celestial figure. The passages in Job and Isaiah use the image in descriptions of God’s power over the heavens and chaos.
Serpent, Fiery
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
The fiery serpents were venomous snakes sent among Israel in the wilderness as judgment for their complaints. God provided healing for those who looked at the bronze serpent Moses raised on a standard.
Serug
People & Groups - Both
Serug was a descendant of Shem, the son of Reu, and the great-grandfather of Abraham. He is also called Saruch in Luke’s genealogy.
Servant
Christian Life - Both
A servant may be a slave, household attendant, official, or devoted follower. Scripture also uses the term for those who faithfully obey God or Christ and for people enslaved to sin.
SERVICE
Christian Life - Both
Service includes ordinary labor, work, slavery, governmental duty, ministry, and worship. In Scripture it especially describes service to God, priestly and Levitical duties, Christian ministry, and acts of charitable or public assistance.
Servitor
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Servitor is an older English rendering of a Hebrew word meaning servant or minister. In 2 Kings 4:43 it probably refers to Gehazi, Elisha’s personal attendant.
SET
Other - Both
“Set” is a broad English translation used for many Hebrew and Greek words. Depending on context, it may mean place, appoint, establish, direct, cause to stand or sit, fix, begin, honor, or separate.
Seth
People & Groups - Old Testament
Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, given in place of Abel after Cain killed him. Seth became the father of Enosh and continued the family line associated with faith in God.
Sethur
People & Groups - Old Testament
Sethur was an Asherite spy sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan with the other representatives of Israel.
SETTING
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
Settings were the mountings or enclosures in which the precious stones of the high priest’s breastplate were placed. The same term can describe the enclosing work around the stones.
Seven
Objects & Symbols - Both
Seven is a prominent biblical number associated with completion, rest, sacred time, consecration, and fullness. It appears in the Sabbath, religious festivals, priestly rites, prophetic visions, and many other biblical settings.
SEVENEH
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Seveneh was the town at the First Cataract of the Nile, corresponding to modern Aswan in Egypt. It marked the southern limit mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecies and later hosted a Jewish community and temple.
SEVENTY DISCIPLES
People & Groups - New Testament
The Seventy Disciples were additional followers whom Jesus appointed and sent ahead during His ministry, as recorded in Luke 10. Their temporary mission proclaimed the kingdom and prepared people for Jesus’ work.
Seventy weeks
Prophecy - Both
The seventy weeks are Daniel’s prophetic period of seventy weeks of years, commonly understood as 490 years. Traditional interpretation connects the prophecy with the coming and work of the Messiah.
SEVENTY YEARS
Prophecy - Old Testament
The seventy years were the period Jeremiah assigned to Judah’s Babylonian exile. The period is associated with the deportation of Judah and the later decree of Cyrus permitting the exiles to return.
SEVER
Sin & Judgment - Both
To sever means to set apart, divide, or separate. In biblical usage it may describe ordinary separation, a special distinction made by God, or the final judicial division of the righteous and wicked.
Shaalabbin
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Shaalabbin was a town in the territory of Dan, also called Shaalbim or Shaaraim. It was among the places from which Solomon received supplies.
SHAALBIM
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Shaalbim was a town associated with Dan and later with the administrative district of Solomon. It was probably the same place as Shaalabbin or Shaalbon, though its exact location is uncertain.
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