Category: Bible Terms

Definitions to key words found in the Bible and words that relate to faith and Bible reading.

Bible Term: Circumcise

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

To circumcise is to remove the prepuce or foreskin off of a penis. In the Old Testament times, it was used as a holy ritual to consecrate or set apart those who followed God. It was established as a command for the nation of Israel.

(Some cultures practice female circumcision, though this isn’t commanded in the Bible).

The practice did not continue after the death and resurrection of Jesus, as circumcision was no longer deemed necessary. (Even so, some Jewish converts to Christianity, wrongly tried to impose it on others.)

The sacrament of baptism (which is for both genders and all nationalities) is the New Testament replacement for circumcision.

Key verse about Circumcise: This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised (Genesis 17:10, NIV)

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Church

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

When people think of church, they generally think of a building, as in “go to church.” Other times it is a reference to a denomination, such as the Baptist church or the Catholic church. Although commonly used and understood, this is not what the Bible means by the church.

In a local or micro sense, the church is understood to mean a group of people who meet together, such as “the church that meets in your home” (Philemon 1:2 or Colossians 4:15).

It a global or macro sense, Church simply refers to all who follow Jesus (Matthew 16:18). As such, there is only one Church. This is sometimes called the universal church.

Key verse about Church: And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18, NIV)

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Christian

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

Christian means different things to different people. Because of this divergence in understanding, there is much confusion, and even animosity, about what it means to be a Christian. As such, some true Christians even try to avoid this confusing label.

In its original sense and usage, a Christian is one who follows Jesus and seeks to live according to his teachings and ways. Becoming a Christian is an easy step to take, but it also entails a lifetime of pursuit.

The purpose of Jesus’ coming to earth was to die in our place for the wrongs we have done. In essence, he paid our fine and did our time, so that we don’t have to.

If we accept this gift, or act, of Jesus, it makes us right with God the Father, who is perfect, thereby allowing us a new life now and to be with him for all eternity.

It’s easy to accept this gift (it’s free) and start on a journey with Jesus. Jesus simply said, “Come, follow me,” (Mark 1:17).

If you have taken that step, congratulations, your journey has begun, an exciting trip that will last the rest of your life.

Key verse about Christian: and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26, NIV).

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Christmas

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

Christmas, initially a religious holiday, is celebrated on December 25 to remember the birth of Jesus.

Although Christmas has become a cultural holiday, its true meaning has nothing to do with Christmas trees, Santa, sleighs, chimneys, snow, and our many traditions.

Gift giving does have ties to Jesus’ birth, as his coming to earth is seen as a gift to all humanity.

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Christ

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 31, 2014

Christ is often used interchangeably as a name for Jesus. Sometimes the two are used together, as in Jesus Christ or Jesus, the Christ.

When stated as Jesus, the Christ, this renders Christ as a title. Literally, Christ means the anointed or Messiah.

Key verse about Christ: The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ) (John 1:41, NIV).

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Born Again

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2014

In a physical sense, we are born once through our parents. Spiritually, we are born again (or reborn) by the Holy Spirit, through Jesus.

Although used frequently in some circles, the phrase born again only occurs a few times in the Bible: John 3:3-4, John 3:7, 1 Peter 1:3, and 1 Peter 1:23.

[See saved and salvation.]

Key verse about Born Again: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23, NIV).

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Books of Paul

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2014

The Apostle Paul wrote about half of the books of the New Testament. Although a definitive list cannot be confirmed, the following books are generally accepted to have been written by Paul:

Paul was also called Saul (Acts 13:9). You can read about him in Acts 9 through 28. The dramatic story about how he became a follower of Jesus is found in Acts 9:1-31.

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Books of Moses

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2014

The authorship of the first five books of the Bible is attributed to Moses.

He recorded the oral accounts passed on from prior generations to write Genesis, while he is the central figure (aside from God) for the events in the other four books. These five books, sometimes called the Pentateuch or Torah (the law), are:

Genesis, which covers the beginning of the world (creation) and the formation of the nation of Israel.
Exodus is about the nation of Israel escaping their captivity in Egypt and fleeing; it is their exodus from Egypt.
Leviticus is a record of rules and regulations for the right living of God’s chosen people.
Numbers is an account of Israel’s wanderings in the desert and contains two censuses (that is, numberings) of the people.
Deuteronomy is the book of laws, not in a narrow sense, but in a narrative form as presented by Moses.

Key verse about the Books of Moses: “After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: ‘Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it’.” (Acts 13:15, NLT).

Also see the Law of Moses.

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Books of the Bible

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2014

The Bible is a collection of books, written by various authors over a period of several hundred years. Think of the Bible as a diverse anthology of godly communication.

It contains historic accounts, poetry, letters of instruction and encouragement, messages from God sent through his emissaries (prophets), and prophecies of future events.

Altogether, the Bible contains 66 books*. They’re grouped into two sections. The Old Testament contains 39 books* that precede and anticipate Jesus. The New Testament contains 27 books that cover Jesus’ life and the work of his followers after his death.

* see Apocrypha for more information

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Blessing

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 30, 2014

In modern usage, a blessing is thought of as a prayer, as in saying a blessing before a meal.

In the Bible and in religious contexts, a blessing, or to bless someone, takes on greater significance. Blessing someone is wishing, bestowing, bequeathing, or praying for good will, prosperity, or God’s mercy. A blessing is given to a lesser person by a greater person (Hebrews 7:7).

A secondary definition of blessing is “to honor as holy” or “to glorify.” In this respect, we can “bless God” or “bless the Lord.” Not all translations of the Bible use this phrasing; in this context, often praise or exalt are used instead of bless

For additional insight, consider that the opposite of bless is curse.

Key verse about Blessing: ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die’ (Genesis 27:7, NIV).

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