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.
STEWARD
Christian Life - Both
A steward is a trusted manager responsible for a household, property, people, or public resources. In the New Testament, Christian leaders and believers are described as stewards who must faithfully administer the gospel and God’s grace.
STILL
Other - Old Testament
Still means quiet, inactive, or at rest; “be still” may call for the cessation of conflict. “Still waters” describes refreshing waters where sheep may rest, while the “still small voice” refers to a gentle whisper.
STING
Sin & Judgment - Both
A sting is a sharp point or instrument that wounds by piercing. Scripture uses the image for the sting of animals and figuratively for death, whose power is connected with sin and whose fear is overcome through Christ.
STIR, STIR UP
Christian Life - Both
To stir or stir up means to awaken, trouble, excite, move, or urge into action. The New Testament uses the expression both for reviving spiritual zeal and for provoking confusion or hostility.
STOCK
Other - Both
Stock may mean the stem or trunk of a tree, a family line, or an instrument of punishment. In some biblical passages it is associated with idolatrous wooden objects; elsewhere it denotes ancestry or confinement.
Stocks
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stocks were wooden instruments used to restrain prisoners, usually by fastening the feet and sometimes the neck and arms. They were used as a form of imprisonment and punishment in biblical times.
Stoics
Other - New Testament
The Stoics were a Greek philosophical school founded by Zeno that taught living according to reason and the order of nature, with endurance of pain and hardship. Paul encountered Stoic philosophers in Athens and proclaimed the true God and resurrection.
STOMACH
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
The stomach is the sac-like part of the digestive tract where food begins to be prepared for nourishment. Scripture also uses related language figuratively for pride, courage, or strong feeling.
Stomacher
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A stomacher was an article of women’s clothing, probably worn around or over the breast. The precise meaning of the Hebrew term in Isaiah 3:24 is uncertain.
Stone
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stones were used for buildings, memorials, boundary or covenant signs, and graves. Figuratively, Scripture uses stone for hardness of heart, firmness, believers as living stones, and Christ as the chief cornerstone.
STONE-SQUARERS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Stone-squarers were workers associated with preparing stones for construction. In 1 Kings, the Revised Version identifies the term more specifically as the Gebalites.
STONE, STONES
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stones are rocks or pieces of stone used in buildings, memorials, altars, weapons, precious objects, and signs. Scripture also uses stone figuratively for hardness, heaviness, dumbness, judgment, and the exalted cornerstone.
Stones
Objects & Symbols - Both
Stones could mark important events, confirm agreements, cover graves, or symbolize strength and hardness. Believers are called living stones built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone.
Stones, Precious
Objects & Symbols - Both
Precious stones were highly valued for beauty, durability, and worth. They adorned the high priest’s breastplate and are used figuratively for splendor, purity, wealth, and the glory of God’s people and heavenly city.
Stoning
Sin & Judgment - Both
Stoning was a form of execution or punishment prescribed for certain offenses under the Mosaic law. It was also carried out against individuals such as Achan, Naboth, Stephen, and, unsuccessfully, Paul.
STOOL
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A stool was a seat or unusual two-stone arrangement mentioned in connection with childbirth. In another passage, a word translated “stool” in the King James Version is more accurately rendered “seat.”
STORE-CITIES
Government & Society - Old Testament
Store-cities were fortified centers used as depots for provisions and magazines for arms. Pharaoh compelled the Israelites to build such cities, including Pithom and Raamses.
STOREHOUSES
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Storehouses were buildings or rooms used to keep grain, provisions, treasures, or other supplies. Biblical translations use the term for barns, treasure chambers, temple store rooms, and royal or national supply depots.
STORIES
Places & Geography - Old Testament
“Stories” is an older rendering for chambers or levels in a structure. In the Bible it may refer to heavenly chambers, divisions of the ark, or multiple levels of the temple.
Stork
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The stork is a migratory bird listed among the birds forbidden as food under the law of Moses. Scripture also draws attention to its regular migrations and the reputed affection of the bird for its young.
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