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.
Stacte
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
Stacte was a fragrant liquid or gum that formed one ingredient of the holy incense. It may have been drops of myrrh or another aromatic resin.
STAFF
Objects & Symbols - Both
A staff is a walking stick, shepherd’s rod, support, or symbol of authority. Scripture also uses the term for the poles carried with the ark and other holy furnishings, and figuratively for essential support.
STALK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stalk is the standing stem of a plant or grain. Scripture uses the image to contrast a worthless sowing with the absence of a fruitful harvest.
STALL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A stall was a place where horses or cattle were tied, sheltered, and supplied with fodder. Animals were commonly kept in rooms or simple shelters rather than in modern separated stalls.
STAMMERER
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stammerer is one whose speech is inarticulate or difficult to understand. In prophetic passages, related language may also describe speech that sounds foreign, strange, or mocking.
Standards
Government & Society - Both
Standards were military banners or emblems used to identify and guide armies. Ancient Assyrian and Egyptian standards often displayed animals, deities, royal symbols, or other sacred emblems.
STAR OF THE MAGI
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The Star of the Magi was the sign that led the wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. The Gospel emphasizes its divine guidance to the infant King rather than explaining its astronomical nature.
Star Of The Wise Men
Objects & Symbols - New Testament
The star of the wise men was the heavenly sign that guided the Magi to Jerusalem and Bethlehem to worship the newborn Jesus.
Star, Morning
Jesus Christ - New Testament
The “morning star” is a figurative title of Jesus Christ, expressing his glory, royal authority, and hope for his faithful people. Christ promises to share his glory and kingdom with those who overcome.
Stargazers
Sin & Judgment - Old Testament
Stargazers were astrologers who claimed to foretell events by observing the stars and their movements. Scripture presents such practices as unreliable and contrary to trust in God.
Stars
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stars are lights of the heavens, used to mark seasons and times. In Scripture they may also symbolize rulers, God’s people, the Messiah, angels, or heavenly signs, and their worship is condemned as idolatry.
STATELY
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Stately means magnificent, honorable, or imposing. In Ezekiel it describes a splendid or luxurious bed associated with wealth and display.
Stater
Measures & Money - New Testament
A stater was a Greek coin or monetary weight mentioned in Jesus’ instruction to Peter concerning the temple tax. It equaled four drachmas, or two didrachmas, and was commonly identified with a shekel.
STAVES
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The staves were wooden poles used to carry the ark and other holy furnishings of the tabernacle. They were made of acacia wood and covered with gold or bronze according to the object they served.
STAY
Other - Both
Stay may mean to remain, rest, cease, restrain, or support. In biblical usage it can describe remaining in place, stopping an action, or relying upon something for strength and security.
Stealing
Sin & Judgment - Both
Stealing is the unlawful taking of another person’s property. Scripture treats it as a serious wrong and includes it among offenses requiring judgment and punishment.
STEDFASTNESS
Christian Life - New Testament
Steadfastness is firmness and stability in faith. Christians are urged to maintain a solid, enduring commitment to Christ and not be carried away from the truth.
Steel
Objects & Symbols - Old Testament
In several passages translated “steel,” the original term more properly refers to copper or bronze. The biblical text does not clearly establish the use of modern steel by the ancient Israelites.
Stephanas
People & Groups - New Testament
Stephanas was a Christian believer in Corinth whose household was among the first converted in Achaia and baptized by Paul. He and his household devoted themselves to serving the saints.
Stephen
People & Groups - New Testament
Stephen was one of the seven appointed to serve the Jerusalem church and became a powerful preacher of Christ. He was the first Christian martyr, praying for his persecutors as he was stoned.
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