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.
Suretyship
Christian Life - Old Testament
Suretyship is the practice of becoming responsible for another person’s debt or promised performance. Proverbs strongly warns against entering such obligations rashly or without wisdom.
SURNAME
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
A surname is an additional name or title. Family surnames were not customary among the Hebrews, but biblical people could receive honorary, descriptive, or distinguishing names such as Peter, Mark, Justus, and Boanerges.
Susa
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Susa, also called Shushan, was an important city of ancient Persia. It is mentioned in the additions to Esther and was a royal center in the Persian period.
Susanchites
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Susanchites were inhabitants of Susa or the surrounding region of Susiana. They joined other officials in opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.
Susanna
People & Groups - New Testament
Susanna was a woman who, with other faithful women, supported Jesus and his disciples from her resources. Her name means “lily.”
Susi
People & Groups - Old Testament
Susi was the father of Gaddi, the representative of Manasseh among the twelve spies sent to inspect Canaan.
Swallow
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
The swallow is a swift, migratory bird known for its tireless flight, nesting near human dwellings, and distinctive call. Scripture mentions it as a picture of freedom, movement, and a bird finding a home near God’s altar.
Swan
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Swan” is an older translation of a bird named among those forbidden as food. Modern translations generally identify the Hebrew term as the horned owl or another water bird rather than an actual swan.
Swearing
Christian Life - Both
Swearing refers to making an oath or solemn declaration. Scripture distinguishes truthful, lawful oaths from false swearing, perjury, and careless or sinful speech.
Sweat, Bloody
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Jesus’ sweat in Gethsemane is described as being like great drops or clots of blood falling to the ground. The passage presents the intense physical manifestation of his anguish before the crucifixion.
SWELL
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
“Swell” may describe the swelling of the abdomen in the ordeal of the water of jealousy. It also describes the feet of Israelites that did not swell during their wilderness journeys, a sign of God’s protection.
Swelling
Places & Geography - Both
The “swelling” or pride of Jordan refers to the dense, luxuriant thickets along the Jordan River, which provided cover for lions and other wild animals. The New Testament also uses swelling figuratively for pride and self-conceit.
SWIFT BEASTS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Swift beasts” is an older rendering of terms referring either to dromedaries or swift riding animals. In another passage the related word denotes a swift horse or steed.
Swine
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Swine, including the wild boar, were considered unclean and were forbidden as food under the Mosaic law. In the New Testament they appear in the accounts of the Gadarene demons and the prodigal son, and as a figure of moral uncleanness.
SWOLLEN
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
“Swollen” describes the inflammation expected after Paul was bitten by a viper on Malta. The islanders expected this visible effect, but Paul suffered no harm.
Sword
Objects & Symbols - Both
The sword was a common weapon worn at the belt and carried in a sheath. Scripture also uses it as a symbol of judgment, violence, hostile speech, and the penetrating word of God.
Sycamine tree
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
The sycamine tree mentioned by Jesus is generally identified with the mulberry tree. It was a familiar tree of Palestine and Syria, distinct from the sycamore-fig.
Sycamore
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
The biblical sycamore was the sycomore or fig-mulberry, a broad, shade-giving tree whose fruit grew from the trunk. Zacchaeus climbed one to see Jesus, and Amos gathered or cultivated its fruit.
Sychar
Places & Geography - New Testament
Sychar was a Samaritan town near Jacob’s well, where Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman. It is commonly associated with a site near Shechem, though its precise identification has been debated.
Sychem
Places & Geography - New Testament
Sychem is the Greek form of Shechem. It is mentioned in Stephen’s speech as the place where the patriarchs were buried.
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