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.
Saul
People & Groups - Old Testament
Saul was the first king of Israel, chosen and anointed through Samuel. Though initially successful against Israel’s enemies, his disobedience and jealousy led to his rejection; he died in battle against the Philistines.
SAVARAN
People & Groups - Inter-testament
A variant spelling of Avaran, a name preserved in the inter-testamental historical records.
SAVE
Other - Both
In older biblical English, “save” often means “except” or “apart from.” It is a general English rendering rather than the translation of one particular Hebrew or Greek word.
Saviour
Jesus Christ - Both
Saviour means one who delivers from evil or danger. In its highest biblical sense, Jesus Christ is the Saviour who redeems sinners and applies salvation to them through the Holy Spirit.
SAVOR
Worship & Prayer - Both
Savor may mean taste, flavor, or smell, especially the pleasant fragrance of sacrifices. Figuratively, Scripture uses it for reputation and for the influence of Christ and His servants, which is received differently by different people.
Saw
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
A saw was a tool with a toothed blade, used for cutting wood and possibly other materials. Biblical references also mention sawn stones and the use of saws or similar instruments in warfare.
SAYEST
Other - New Testament
“Thou sayest” is a New Testament idiom meaning “you are right” or “yes,” especially in replies to questions about Jesus’ identity. In some passages it is rendered “I am.”
SCAB, SCABBED
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
A scab or scabbed condition is a skin disease marked by hard, crusted patches. Under the law, some cases caused ceremonial uncleanness, while milder localized cases required priestly examination.
SCAFFOLD
Temple & Tabernacle - Old Testament
The scaffold was the raised platform on which Solomon knelt during the dedication of the temple. It is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 6:13.
SCALL
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
Scall refers to bald or scaly patches of eruption on the skin, mentioned in the laws concerning examination of disease in Leviticus 13–14.
Scapegoat
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The scapegoat was the goat sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement after Israel’s sins were symbolically placed upon it. It represented the removal of the people’s iniquities from the camp.
Scarlet
Objects & Symbols - Both
Scarlet was a vivid, durable red dye used in priestly garments and other significant objects. Scripture also uses scarlet figuratively for conspicuous sin and records that Jesus was mockingly clothed in a scarlet robe.
Sceptre
Objects & Symbols - Both
A sceptre was a rod or staff used as a symbol of royal authority. In Scripture it represents a ruler’s power and, in prophecy, the enduring rule associated with Judah and the Messiah.
Sceva
People & Groups - New Testament
Sceva was a Jewish chief priest or member of a high-priestly family in Ephesus. His seven sons attempted to expel an evil spirit in Jesus’ name without faith or authority and were overpowered by the possessed man.
Schism
Christian Life - New Testament
A schism is a division within a community that disrupts unity and cooperation. The New Testament warns against such internal separation among members of Christ’s body.
Schoolmaster
Law & Covenant - New Testament
Schoolmaster translates the Greek term for a household guardian who supervised a child until maturity. Paul uses the figure for the law, which directed and restrained Israel until faith in Christ came.
Schools
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
Schools in Jewish life developed especially after the exile and were commonly connected with synagogues. Instruction centered on Scripture, the Hebrew language, and moral training, with higher schools devoted to the study of the Law.
Schools of the Prophets
Prophecy - Old Testament
The schools of the prophets were communities or groups associated with prophetic training and instruction in Israel. They are mentioned in connection with Samuel and with the prophetic ministry of Elijah and Elisha.
SCIENCE
Scripture - Both
In older translations, “science” generally means knowledge or learning. Daniel uses it for learned understanding, while 1 Timothy warns against falsely claimed knowledge opposed to the gospel.
Scorpion
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A scorpion is a venomous creature common in dry regions such as the wilderness of Sinai and parts of Palestine. Scripture also uses it as a picture of severe oppression, danger, and spiritual opposition.
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