Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with B

Exploring biblical terms that start with "B" opens up rich understanding of Scripture's key concepts, people, and places. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Barnabas

Meaning "son of encouragement," he was a generous early Christian who vouched for Paul and traveled with him on missionary journeys before partnering with Mark.

Bartholomew

One of Jesus' twelve apostles, possibly the same person as Nathanael, about whom Jesus said, "Here is a true Israelite."

Barabbas

Criminal released instead of Jesus during the trial before Pilate, demonstrating how Christ died in place of the guilty.

Balaam

Prophet hired to curse Israel but compelled by God to bless them instead. Later compromised by leading Israel into sin.

Bathsheba

Woman who committed adultery with David, later became Solomon's mother and a woman in Christ's genealogy.

Belshazzar

Babylonian king who saw mysterious handwriting on the wall predicting his kingdom's fall the night before Persia conquered Babylon.

Benjamin

Jacob's youngest son and Rachel's second child. His descendants became one of Israel's twelve tribes.

Boaz

Wealthy landowner who showed kindness to Ruth and became her kinsman-redeemer, an ancestor of David and Jesus.

Theological and Spiritual Terms

Baptism

Ritual washing symbolizing purification, death to sin, and new life in Christ. John baptized with water; Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

Beatitudes

Jesus' blessings pronounced in the Sermon on the Mount, describing characteristics of kingdom citizens: "Blessed are the poor in spirit..."

Believe/Belief

To trust, have faith, or place confidence in God and His promises. Saving faith involves trusting Christ for salvation.

Beloved

Deeply loved one. God calls believers His beloved children; Christ is God's beloved Son.

Benediction

Blessing or good word pronounced over people, often used to conclude worship services.

Beseech

To beg, plead, or earnestly request. Paul often beseeches believers to live worthy of their calling.

Betroth/Betrothal

Formal engagement or promise of marriage, considered as binding as marriage itself in biblical culture.

Birthright

Special privileges belonging to the firstborn son, including double inheritance and family leadership. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob.

Blasphemy

Speaking against God with contempt or claiming divine attributes for oneself. Considered a serious sin punishable by death under Mosaic law.

Bless/Blessing

To confer favor, goodness, or divine approval. God blesses His people; believers bless God through praise and worship.

Blood

Represents life itself. Animal blood was shed for Old Testament sacrifices; Christ's blood provides eternal redemption.

Born Again

Spiritual regeneration through the Holy Spirit, resulting in new life in Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again."

Bread of Life

Jesus' self-description, indicating He provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life to those who come to Him.

Breastplate

Part of the priestly garments and spiritual armor, representing righteousness protecting the heart.

Bride/Bridegroom

Metaphor for the relationship between Christ (bridegroom) and the church (bride), emphasizing covenant love and faithfulness.

Brotherhood

Fellowship and unity among believers who share spiritual kinship through Christ.

Burden

Weight or load, either literal or figurative. Jesus invites the burdened to find rest in Him, promising His yoke is easy.

Places and Regions

Babylon

Ancient Mesopotamian city and empire that conquered Judah and exiled the Jews. Symbolizes worldly power opposed to God.

Bethany

Village near Jerusalem, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where Jesus often stayed and performed miracles.

Bethel

Meaning "house of God," the place where Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven and later became an important worship site.

Bethlehem

"House of bread," King David's birthplace and where Jesus was born, fulfilling prophecy.

Bethphage

Village on the Mount of Olives where Jesus began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Bethsaida

Fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip.

Beth-shemesh

Israelite city where the Ark of the Covenant was returned by the Philistines.

Religious Objects and Symbols

Balm

Healing ointment or resin, often from Gilead, used medicinally and symbolizing spiritual healing.

Banner

Flag or standard carried into battle, representing God's protection and presence with His people.

Basin

Bowl used for washing, notably when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating humble service.

Beast

In prophecy, represents kingdoms or rulers opposed to God, particularly in Daniel and Revelation.

Book of Life

Heavenly record containing names of those destined for eternal life with God.

Branch

Messianic title referring to the descendant of David who would reign righteously—fulfilled in Jesus.

Brazen Serpent

Bronze snake Moses lifted up in the wilderness for healing, which Jesus used as a picture of His crucifixion.

Breastplate of Judgment

Part of high priest's garments containing twelve stones representing Israel's tribes, worn when seeking God's will.

Burnt Offering

Sacrifice completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

More Key Figures

Barak

Military leader who, with the prophetess Deborah, defeated the Canaanite army under Sisera.

Baruch

Jeremiah's faithful scribe who recorded the prophet's messages and suffered persecution with him.

Bashan

Fertile region east of the Jordan, known for its cattle and oak trees.

Bildad

One of Job's three friends who offered flawed counsel, emphasizing retribution theology.

Bilhah

Rachel's maidservant who bore Dan and Naphtali to Jacob, becoming mothers of two tribes.

Bithynia

Roman province in northern Asia Minor where the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching.

Additional Theological Concepts

Backsliding

Falling away from faith or returning to sinful patterns after previously following God faithfully.

Banquet

Feast or celebration, often used metaphorically for the joyous fellowship of God's kingdom.

Bearer

One who carries something. John the Baptist was sent to bear witness to the light of Christ.

Begotten

Generated or brought into being. Jesus is God's "only begotten Son," emphasizing His unique divine nature.

Behold

To look at, observe, or pay attention. Often introduces something important in Scripture: "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

Belial

Hebrew term meaning "worthlessness" or "wickedness," sometimes used as a name for Satan.

Betray/Betrayal

To hand over treacherously. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Betroth

To promise in marriage, representing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Bind/Binding

To tie or restrict. Also refers to spiritual authority to forbid or permit, as Jesus gave His disciples.

Bishop

Overseer or shepherd of a local church, responsible for teaching, protecting, and guiding the congregation.

Blemish

Defect or imperfection. Sacrificial animals had to be without blemish, pointing to Christ's sinless perfection.

Bond/Bondage

State of slavery or captivity. Sin holds people in bondage; Christ sets captives free.

Book

Scroll or written record. God's Word is the ultimate book; heaven contains books of remembrance and judgment.

Bountiful

Generous and abundant. God gives bountifully to those who ask in faith.

Bow

To bend the knee in worship, submission, or reverence. Every knee will bow before Christ.

Branch

Descendant or offspring, specifically referring to the Messiah as the branch of David's line.

Bread

Staple food representing sustenance. Jesus is the bread of life; believers share bread in communion.

Brethren

Brothers, referring to fellow believers in the family of God.

Bridegroom

Husband-to-be, representing Christ's relationship to His church.

Biblical Practices and Customs

Baptize

To immerse in water as a sign of purification, repentance, and identification with Christ's death and resurrection.

Bless

To invoke God's favor, speak well of, or consecrate something for holy purposes.

Blood Covenant

Sacred agreement sealed by blood sacrifice, establishing permanent relationship and obligations.

Burial

Placing the dead in tombs or graves. Jesus' burial fulfilled prophecy and preceded His resurrection.

Prophets and Teachers

Balaam

Mesopotamian diviner who blessed Israel despite being hired to curse them, but later led them into sin.

Baruch

Faithful scribe who recorded and preserved Jeremiah's prophecies during Jerusalem's darkest days.

Groups and Peoples

Babylonians

People of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and exiled Judah in 586 BC.

Benjamites

Tribe descended from Benjamin, including notable figures like Saul, Esther, and Paul.

Bereans

Jews from Berea commended for examining Scripture daily to verify Paul's teaching.