Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with C

Discovering biblical terms starting with "C" reveals fundamental Christian doctrines, key people, and significant places. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Central Theological Terms

Calvary

Latin name for Golgotha, the place of Jesus' crucifixion meaning "place of the skull." Where humanity's redemption was accomplished.

Canaan

The Promised Land God gave to Abraham's descendants, flowing with milk and honey, representing God's faithfulness.

Canon

The authoritative collection of books recognized as Scripture, inspired by God and accepted by the church.

Centurion

Roman military officer commanding 100 soldiers. Several centurions in the Gospels showed remarkable faith in Jesus.

Cherubim

High-ranking angels with multiple wings who guard God's holiness, stationed at Eden's entrance and above the Ark.

Christ

Greek word meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to Hebrew "Messiah." Jesus is the promised Christ, God's anointed Savior.

Christian

Follower of Christ. Believers were first called Christians at Antioch, identifying them with their Lord.

Church

Assembly of believers called out from the world. Can refer to the universal body of Christ or local congregations.

Circumcision

Removal of foreskin as a sign of God's covenant with Abraham. Symbolizes spiritual circumcision of the heart in the New Testament.

Commandments

Divine laws given by God. The Ten Commandments summarize moral law; Jesus summarized them as loving God and neighbor.

Communion

Fellowship with God and believers. Also refers to the Lord's Supper, where believers remember Christ's sacrifice through bread and wine.

Confession

Acknowledging sin before God or declaring faith publicly. Confession brings forgiveness and demonstrates genuine faith.

Consecration

Setting apart for God's holy purposes. Priests, objects, and believers are consecrated for divine service.

Conversion

Turning from sin to God, involving repentance and faith. Marks the beginning of new life in Christ.

Covenant

Binding agreement between God and His people. Major covenants include those with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant in Christ.

Creation

God's act of bringing the universe into existence from nothing, demonstrating His power, wisdom, and sovereignty.

Cross

Instrument of Roman execution where Jesus died. Symbolizes sacrificial love, redemption, and the Christian's call to self-denial.

Crown

Symbol of royalty, victory, or reward. Jesus wore a crown of thorns; believers will receive crowns of righteousness.

Crucifixion

Method of execution by nailing or binding to a cross. Jesus' crucifixion provided atonement for humanity's sin.

Cup

Container for drinking, often symbolizing one's destiny or portion. Jesus' cup represented bearing God's wrath for sin.

Major Biblical Figures

Cain

Adam and Eve's firstborn who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy, becoming the first murderer and wanderer.

Caleb

Faithful spy who trusted God's promise to give Israel the land. Received Hebron as inheritance for his wholehearted devotion.

Caiaphas

High priest who orchestrated Jesus' arrest and trial, prophesying unknowingly that Jesus would die for the nation.

Cornelius

Roman centurion and first Gentile convert, whose conversion showed God accepts people from every nation who fear Him.

Cyrus

Persian king who conquered Babylon and allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about him.

Cephas

Aramaic name meaning "rock," given by Jesus to Simon Peter, emphasizing his foundational role in the church.

Chloe

Corinthian woman whose household informed Paul about divisions in the Corinthian church.

Claudius

Roman emperor who expelled Jews from Rome, mentioned in Acts regarding Aquila and Priscilla.

Cleopas

Disciple who met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus but didn't recognize Him initially.

Crispus

Corinthian synagogue ruler converted under Paul's ministry and baptized by Paul himself.

Places and Cities

Caesarea

Roman provincial capital where Peter preached to Cornelius and Paul was imprisoned before going to Rome.

Caesarea Philippi

Northern city where Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, and Jesus predicted His church and His death.

Cana

Galilean village where Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast.

Capernaum

Fishing town on the Sea of Galilee that served as Jesus' ministry headquarters, called "His own city."

Carmel, Mount

Mountain where Elijah challenged Baal's prophets, demonstrating God's power through fire from heaven.

Chaldea

Region of southern Babylonia, birthplace of Abraham. Chaldeans conquered Jerusalem in 586 BC.

Colossae

City in Asia Minor where Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians, addressing false teaching about Christ.

Corinth

Wealthy, immoral Greek port city where Paul established a church and wrote two canonical letters.

Cyprus

Mediterranean island, home of Barnabas, visited by Paul on his first missionary journey.

Cyrene

North African city; Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' cross to Golgotha.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Calf, Golden

Idol made by Aaron at Israel's demand while Moses received the Law, representing false worship and impatience.

Cedar

Valuable timber from Lebanon used in temple construction, symbolizing strength, majesty, and durability.

Censer

Container for burning incense, used by priests in worship, representing prayers rising to God.

Chalice

Cup used for drinking, especially in communion services to hold wine representing Christ's blood.

Chaff

Worthless husks separated from grain, representing the wicked who will be blown away in judgment.

Chain

Symbol of bondage or imprisonment. Paul was often in chains; Satan will be bound with chains in Revelation.

Chariot

War vehicle drawn by horses, representing military power. God's presence is described with chariots of fire.

Cloak

Outer garment providing warmth and protection, sometimes used as security for debts or shared with the needy.

Cloud

Sign of God's presence guiding Israel through the wilderness. Jesus will return in clouds with glory.

Coat of Many Colors

Special garment Jacob gave Joseph, symbolizing favoritism that sparked his brothers' jealousy.

Coin

Money in various forms. Jesus used a coin to teach about taxes and God's image in humanity.

Cornerstone

Foundation stone determining building alignment. Christ is the cornerstone of the church, rejected by builders.

Crown of Thorns

Mock crown placed on Jesus during His torture, ironically proclaiming His true kingship through suffering.

Cymbal

Musical instrument used in worship. Paul says without love, we're just clanging cymbals.

Additional Theological Concepts

Call/Calling

God's summons to salvation and specific service. Believers are called to holiness, ministry, and eternal glory.

Captivity

State of being imprisoned or enslaved. Israel's Babylonian captivity lasted 70 years; sin holds people captive.

Carnal

Relating to the flesh or worldly desires opposed to spiritual life. Carnality hinders Christian growth.

Chastening

God's loving discipline of His children to correct behavior and produce righteousness.

Charity

Old English word for Christian love (agape), emphasizing selfless concern for others' welfare.

Chaste

Pure, morally virtuous, especially regarding sexual conduct. Believers should be chaste in heart and behavior.

Christ-likeness

Conformity to Jesus' character and conduct, the goal of Christian sanctification through the Spirit's work.

Circumcision of Heart

Spiritual purification and devotion to God, contrasted with mere physical ritual without heart change.

Cleansing

Purification from sin and defilement through Christ's blood, making believers holy before God.

Comforter

Title for the Holy Spirit, who consoles, encourages, and strengthens believers in trials.

Commission

Authoritative command to fulfill a task. The Great Commission sends believers to make disciples worldwide.

Compassion

Deep sympathy and merciful concern for others' suffering. Jesus showed compassion to crowds and individuals.

Concubine

Secondary wife with lower status than primary wives, common in ancient patriarchal societies.

Condemnation

Judgment declaring guilt and pronouncing punishment. Christ removes condemnation for those in Him.

Conduct

Manner of living and behaving. Believers should conduct themselves worthy of the gospel.

Confess

To acknowledge openly, whether admitting sin or declaring faith in Christ publicly.

Confidence

Bold trust and assurance in God's character, promises, and purposes despite circumstances.

Conform

To become similar in form or character. Christians shouldn't conform to the world but to Christ's image.

Congregation

Assembly of people gathered for worship. Israel and the church are both called God's congregation.

Conscience

Inner moral awareness distinguishing right from wrong, which believers should keep clear through obedience.

Contempt

Scornful disregard or disdain. Showing contempt for God's Word brings judgment.

Contrite

Genuinely sorrowful for sin with humble repentance. God dwells with the contrite in spirit.

Conviction

Deep awareness of sin and need for repentance produced by the Holy Spirit, leading to salvation.

Cornerstone

Chief foundation stone. Christ is the church's cornerstone; rejecting Him brings stumbling.

Corruption

Moral decay, perversion, or physical deterioration. Sin brings corruption; resurrection brings incorruption.

Counsel

Advice, guidance, or plan. God's counsel stands forever; believers seek wise counsel.

Countenance

Facial expression reflecting inner state. Moses' face shone after meeting God; believers reflect Christ's glory.

Courage

Strength of heart to face danger or difficulty. God repeatedly commands His people, "Be courageous!"

Covet

To desire wrongly what belongs to another, forbidden in the Ten Commandments and destructive to contentment.

Groups and Peoples

Canaanites

Original inhabitants of the Promised Land whose idolatry and immorality led God to judge them through Israel.

Chaldeans

Babylonian people who conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled Jews to Babylon.

Corinthians

Believers in Corinth who received two of Paul's letters addressing division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion.

Colossians

Christians in Colossae who received Paul's letter emphasizing Christ's supremacy over false philosophies.

Prophets and Leaders

Cyrus

Persian emperor who ended Babylonian captivity and sent Jews home to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.

Cain

First human child born who murdered his brother Abel from jealousy, becoming earth's first murderer.

Caleb

One of two faithful spies who trusted God's promise and later inherited Hebron at age 85.

Biblical Practices

Casting Lots

Ancient method of making decisions by throwing objects, used before Pentecost. God directed outcomes for His purposes.

Census

Official population count. Caesar Augustus ordered the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for Jesus' birth.

Circumcision

Covenant sign given to Abraham, performed on eighth day. Represented separation to God and faith commitment.