Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with A

Understanding biblical terminology can deepen your appreciation of Scripture and enhance your study of God's Word. Here's a comprehensive guide to important biblical terms starting with the letter A.

People and Patriarchs

Aaron

The older brother of Moses and first high priest of Israel. He served as Moses' spokesman before Pharaoh and established the Levitical priesthood.

Abel

The second son of Adam and Eve, murdered by his brother Cain. His sacrifice was accepted by God because it was offered in faith.

Abraham

Originally Abram, the father of faith and patriarch of Israel. God made a covenant with him, promising descendants as numerous as the stars.

Adam

The first human created by God, formed from the dust of the ground. His disobedience brought sin and death into the world.

Agrippa

Name of two Roman rulers mentioned in Acts. Paul presented his defense before Herod Agrippa II.

Amos

A shepherd and prophet who spoke against social injustice and religious hypocrisy in Israel during the 8th century BC.

Theological Terms

Abba

Aramaic word meaning "father" or "daddy," expressing intimate relationship with God. Used by Jesus and taught to believers through the Holy Spirit.

Abomination

Something detestable to God, often referring to idolatry or violations of His law.

Abyss

A deep, bottomless pit associated with the realm of the dead or demonic confinement.

Adoption

The spiritual act by which God makes believers His children, granting them full rights as heirs.

Advocate

One who comes alongside to help and defend. Describes both the Holy Spirit and Jesus as our intercessor before God.

Affliction

Suffering or distress that God uses to refine faith and build character in believers.

Agape

Greek word for selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love—the love God has for humanity and Christians should show others.

Almighty

Title emphasizing God's unlimited power and sovereignty over all creation (El Shaddai in Hebrew).

Alpha and Omega

First and last letters of the Greek alphabet, indicating God is the beginning and end of all things.

Amen

Hebrew word meaning "truly" or "so be it," used to affirm truth and conclude prayers.

Anathema

Something or someone cursed or devoted to destruction; used to describe things separated from God's blessing.

Angel

Spiritual being created by God to serve as messenger and minister, carrying out divine commands.

Anoint/Anointing

Pouring oil on someone to set them apart for God's service. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed. Also symbolizes the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

Antichrist

Opponent of Christ who denies Jesus and leads people from truth. Can refer generally to Christ's enemies or specifically to an end-times figure.

Apocalypse

Greek word meaning "unveiling" or "revelation," referring to the disclosure of hidden divine truths about the end times.

Apocrypha

Books written between the Old and New Testaments, included in some Christian Bibles but not considered canonical by Protestants.

Apostasy

Abandonment or renunciation of religious faith, turning away from previously held beliefs.

Apostle

"One who is sent"—Jesus' twelve disciples and others commissioned to spread the gospel with special authority.

Aramaic

Semitic language spoken by Jesus and common in Palestine during the first century.

Archangel

High-ranking angel. Michael is specifically called an archangel in Scripture.

Ark of the Covenant

Sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and manna, representing God's presence among His people.

Armageddon

The prophesied location of the final battle between good and evil in the end times.

Ascension

Jesus' return to heaven forty days after His resurrection, witnessed by His disciples.

Atonement

Reconciliation between God and humanity through sacrifice. Jesus' death provides complete atonement for believers.

Places and Locations

Assyria

Ancient empire that conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, scattering the ten tribes.

Athens

Greek city where Paul preached to philosophers and delivered his famous Mars Hill sermon.

Religious Practices

Altar

Structure for offering sacrifices to God. Altars served as places of worship and covenant remembrance throughout Scripture.

Alleluia

Hebrew expression meaning "Praise the Lord," frequently used in worship and throughout the Psalms.

Concepts and Doctrines

Adultery

Sexual relations outside of marriage, condemned throughout Scripture as a violation of God's design for covenant faithfulness.

Adversary

An opponent or enemy. Often used as a title for Satan, who opposes God and His people.

Advent

The coming or arrival of Christ, referring to both His first coming at Christmas and His promised second coming.

Allegory

Literary device using symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper spiritual truths.

Alms

Money or goods given to the poor as an act of charity and obedience to God.

Ammonian

Descendant of Ammon (Lot's son); the Ammonites were frequent enemies of Israel.

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human characteristics to God to help humans understand divine actions and emotions.

Theological and Spiritual Terms

Absolution

The formal declaration of forgiveness of sins, ultimately granted by God through Christ's sacrifice.

Accursed

Devoted to destruction or under divine judgment. Something separated from God's blessing and condemned.

Acrostic

A literary device where each line or section begins with successive letters of the alphabet. Psalm 119 is a famous acrostic poem.

Adulteress

A woman who commits adultery. Jesus showed mercy to an adulteress, challenging the self-righteous while calling her to sin no more.

Advent Season

The four-week period before Christmas when Christians prepare to celebrate Christ's birth and anticipate His return.

Alabaster

A soft, translucent stone used to make vessels for expensive perfumes and ointments. A woman anointed Jesus with perfume from an alabaster jar.

Allegiance

Loyalty and devotion owed to God above all earthly powers and relationships.

Allelujah

Alternative spelling of Alleluia, meaning "Praise the Lord."

Almsgiver

One who regularly gives charitable donations to help the poor and needy.

Ananias

Name of three New Testament figures: a disciple who helped Paul, a high priest, and a man who lied to the Holy Spirit and died.

Anathematize

To formally curse or excommunicate someone from the faith community.

Ancient of Days

A title for God in Daniel's vision, emphasizing His eternal existence and wisdom.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Altar of Incense

Golden altar in the tabernacle where priests burned fragrant incense, symbolizing prayers rising to God.

Amulet

A charm worn for protection, condemned in Scripture as a form of superstition and false trust.

Anchor

Symbol of hope and steadfastness. Hebrews describes hope as an anchor for the soul.

Apron

Simple garment worn by workers. Paul made tents and aprons were used in healing miracles in Acts.

Armor of God

Spiritual equipment described in Ephesians for believers to withstand evil: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.

Ashes

Symbol of mourning, repentance, and humility. Job sat in ashes; people wore sackcloth and ashes when grieving.

Asherah

Canaanite goddess whose worship God condemned. Wooden poles representing her were erected near pagan altars.

More People and Groups

Abigail

Wise woman who became David's wife after her foolish husband Nabal died. Her discretion prevented bloodshed.

Abimelech

Name of several Old Testament figures, including Philistine kings and Gideon's son who murdered his brothers.

Absalom

David's rebellious son who led a coup against his father but was killed when his hair caught in a tree.

Achan

Israelite who took forbidden plunder from Jericho, bringing God's judgment on Israel until his sin was revealed and punished.

Agabus

Christian prophet who predicted famine and Paul's arrest in Jerusalem.

Ahab

Wicked king of Israel married to Jezebel, opposed by the prophet Elijah for promoting Baal worship.

Ahaz

Judean king who introduced pagan practices and faced invasion for his unfaithfulness to God.

Ahasuerus

Persian king (likely Xerxes I) who married Esther and allowed Jews to defend themselves against genocide.

Ammonites

Descendants of Lot's son who became enemies of Israel, frequently condemned by the prophets.

Amorites

Ancient Canaanite people whose land God promised to Abraham's descendants.

Ananias and Sapphira

Married couple who lied about their offering to the early church and died as judgment for deceiving the Holy Spirit.

Andrew

One of Jesus' twelve apostles, Simon Peter's brother, who brought others to Christ.

Anna

Elderly prophetess who recognized baby Jesus as the Messiah when He was presented at the temple.

Annas

Former high priest and father-in-law of the current high priest Caiaphas, interrogated Jesus during his trial before crucifixion..

Antiochus Epiphanes

Greek ruler who desecrated the Jerusalem temple, sparking the Maccabean revolt between the testaments.

Apollos

Eloquent preacher from Alexandria who learned from Aquila and Priscilla and became a powerful evangelist.

Aquila and Priscilla

Tentmaker couple who worked with Paul, taught Apollos, and hosted a church in their home.

Archelaus

Son of Herod the Great who ruled Judea so cruelly that Joseph avoided the region when returning from Egypt.

Aristarchus

Paul's companion who traveled with him and was imprisoned with him in Rome.

Artaxerxes

Persian king who allowed Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city.

Asa

Godly king of Judah who removed idols and sought the Lord, though he relied on foreign alliances late in life.

Asaph

Levite musician and psalmist who wrote several psalms and led worship in David's time.

Athaliah

Wicked queen of Judah who murdered royal heirs but failed to kill young Joash, who eventually replaced her.

Additional Theological Concepts

Abaddon

Hebrew name meaning "destruction," used for the realm of the dead and as a name for the angel of the abyss.

Abide

To remain, dwell, or continue steadfastly. Jesus calls believers to abide in Him as branches abide in the vine.

Abundance

Overflowing supply or richness. Jesus promised abundant life, referring to spiritual fullness rather than material wealth.

Acceptance

Being received favorably by God through faith in Christ, not through human merit or works.

Accuser

Title for Satan, who accuses believers before God day and night but is overcome by Christ's blood.

Acknowledge

To recognize, confess, or admit truth. Proverbs instructs us to acknowledge God in all our ways.

Admonish

To warn, counsel, or urge someone toward right behavior with care and concern.

Adversity

Hardship or misfortune that tests faith and produces perseverance in believers.

Affection

Deep feeling of love or attachment. Believers are called to set their affections on things above.

Alienation

Separation or estrangement. Sin alienates humanity from God, but Christ reconciles us.

Allegiance

Total loyalty and commitment that believers owe exclusively to God and His kingdom.

Ambassador

Representative of a kingdom. Paul describes believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing His interests.

Anoint

To consecrate or set apart with oil for special service to God.

Places and Regions

Ai

Canaanite city defeated by Joshua after Israel dealt with Achan's sin.

Alexandria

Major Egyptian city, home to a large Jewish population and where the Septuagint was translated.

Antioch

Important early Christian center where believers were first called Christians and from which Paul launched missionary journeys.

Arabia

Desert region east and south of Palestine, where Paul spent time after his conversion.

Aram

Ancient Syria, whose people frequently warred with Israel.

Ararat

Mountain region where Noah's ark came to rest after the flood.

Asia

Roman province in western modern-day Turkey, home to the seven churches of Revelation.

Assyria

Powerful empire that destroyed the northern kingdom and scattered the ten tribes.

Athens

Greek city where Paul preached about the "unknown god" to philosophers.