Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with L

Exploring biblical terms starting with "L" reveals God's law, love, and the light of life found in Christ. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Laban

Rebekah's brother and Jacob's uncle who gave him Leah and Rachel as wives but deceived him repeatedly about wages.

Lamech

Name of two men: Cain's descendant who boasted of violence, and Noah's father who prophesied about his son's significance.

Lazarus

Brother of Mary and Martha whom Jesus raised from death after four days, demonstrating His power over death.

Leah

Jacob's first wife, Laban's older daughter, who bore six sons and a daughter, mother of Judah through whom Messiah came.

Levi

Jacob's third son whose descendants became Israel's priestly tribe, serving in the tabernacle and temple without land inheritance.

Lot

Abraham's nephew who chose to live in Sodom, barely escaped its destruction, and whose daughters bore Moab and Ammon through incest.

Luke

Gentile physician and companion of Paul who wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts, providing detailed historical accounts.

Lydia

Businesswoman from Thyatira who sold purple cloth, converted at Philippi, and hosted Paul's team in her home.

Central Theological Terms

Lamb

Young sheep used for sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin through His sacrificial death.

Lamb of God

Title for Jesus emphasizing His role as perfect sacrifice for sin, fulfilling Old Testament sacrificial system.

Lament

Expression of grief, sorrow, or mourning. Lamentations is Jeremiah's lament over Jerusalem's destruction; believers lament sin and suffering.

Last Days

Period from Christ's first coming to His return, characterized by gospel proclamation, persecution, and spiritual warfare before final judgment.

Last Judgment

Final evaluation of all humanity when Christ judges the living and dead, determining eternal destinies based on faith or rejection.

Last Supper

Final Passover meal Jesus shared with disciples before His crucifixion, instituting communion as remembrance of His sacrifice.

Law

God's revealed will and commandments, particularly the Mosaic law given at Sinai. Christ fulfilled the law; believers fulfill it through love.

Law of Moses

Commandments, statutes, and ordinances God gave Israel through Moses, governing religious, civil, and moral life.

Laying On of Hands

Act of blessing, healing, ordaining, or imparting the Holy Spirit through physical touch, practiced throughout Scripture.

Leaven

Yeast causing dough to rise, symbolizing sin's pervasive influence or the kingdom's growth, depending on context.

Legion

A Roman legion was a military unit of approximately 5,000 soldiers (sometimes reaching up to 6,000 in later periods); 'Legion' is also the name of a demon-possessed man healed by Jesus who had many demons.

Levite

Descendant of Levi serving in tabernacle and temple worship, assisting priests with various religious duties without land inheritance.

Life

Physical existence; also spiritual vitality and eternal relationship with God through Christ who is the life.

Life Eternal

Unending existence in fellowship with God, beginning at salvation and continuing forever in glorified state without death or sin.

Light

Physical illumination; God's holy nature; Christ as the world's light; believers as lights reflecting God's truth in darkness.

Lion

Powerful predator representing strength and royalty. Christ is the Lion of Judah; Satan prowls like a roaring lion seeking prey.

Living Water

Jesus' metaphor for the Holy Spirit satisfying spiritual thirst, providing eternal life to those who believe.

Locusts

Swarming insects devastating crops, representing judgment. John the Baptist ate locusts; Joel prophesied locust plagues.

Lord

Master or ruler possessing authority. Jesus is Lord over all; confession "Jesus is Lord" signifies submission to His authority.

Lord of Hosts

Title emphasizing God's command over heavenly armies, demonstrating His supreme power and sovereignty over all creation.

Lord's Day

Christian designation for Sunday, the day Jesus rose from death, when believers gather for worship and communion.

Lord's Prayer

Model prayer Jesus taught disciples, addressing God as Father and covering worship, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance.

Lord's Supper

Communion meal remembering Christ's death through bread and wine symbolizing His body and blood sacrificed for believers.

Lot

Object cast to determine God's will before Pentecost; also Abraham's nephew who escaped Sodom's destruction.

Love

Selfless commitment seeking another's good. God is love; the greatest commandment is loving God and neighbor; love fulfills the law.

Loving-kindness

God's loyal covenant love combining mercy, faithfulness, and steadfast devotion to His people despite their unfaithfulness.

Lucifer

Latin name meaning "light-bearer" or "morning star," applied to the king of Babylon in Isaiah, traditionally associated with Satan's fall.

Lust

Intense wrongful desire, especially sexual craving. Lust of the flesh wars against the Spirit; believers must flee youthful lusts.

Places and Regions

Lachish

Fortified city in Judah's lowlands, second in importance to Jerusalem, conquered by Joshua and later besieged by Assyria and Babylon.

Laodicea

Wealthy city in Asia Minor whose lukewarm church Jesus rebuked for spiritual complacency despite material prosperity.

Lebanon

Mountain range north of Israel famous for cedar trees used in Solomon's temple construction and symbolizing majesty.

Lystra

City in Asia Minor where Paul healed a lame man, was stoned and left for dead, yet returned to strengthen disciples.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Ladder

Structure for climbing. Jacob saw a ladder reaching heaven with angels ascending and descending, representing access to God.

Lamp

Oil-burning light source. God's Word is a lamp to our feet; wise virgins kept lamps ready; the Lamb is heaven's lamp.

Lampstand

Stand holding lamps, particularly the seven-branched golden lampstand in the tabernacle representing Israel and later the seven churches.

Lance

Long spear or javelin used in warfare, representing military power and conflict in biblical battles.

Landmark

Boundary marker between properties. Moving landmarks to steal land was forbidden, representing justice and integrity.

Latchet

Strap fastening a sandal. John the Baptist declared himself unworthy to loose Jesus' shoe latchets, showing humility.

Lattice

Decorative window screen providing privacy while allowing air flow. Sisera's mother looked through lattices awaiting his return.

Laver

Bronze basin in the tabernacle courtyard where priests washed hands and feet before serving, symbolizing cleansing from defilement.

Leprosy

Skin disease causing isolation from community, representing sin's defiling power. Jesus healed lepers, demonstrating His cleansing power.

Letter

Written communication or Scripture itself. Paul wrote letters to churches; the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

Linen

Fabric from flax plant, used for priestly garments and burial cloths, symbolizing purity and righteousness.

Lion of Judah

Messianic title from Jacob's blessing, representing Christ's royal authority and conquering power from David's line.

Locust

Swarming insect causing devastation, representing judgment. John the Baptist ate locusts in the wilderness with honey.

Loins

Waist area; source of strength and procreation. Girding loins meant preparing for action; truth girds believers' loins.

Lot

Small object cast to determine decisions, like dice. Sailors cast lots finding Jonah; soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments.

Additional Theological Concepts

Labor

Work or toil. Humanity labors due to the curse; believers labor in gospel work; rest remains for God's people.

Ladder of Jacob

Vision of ladder connecting earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending, prefiguring Christ as the way to God.

Lake of Fire

Final destination of Satan, demons, and unbelievers, described as eternal punishment and the second death.

Lamentation

Sorrowful cry or dirge mourning tragedy. Jeremiah's Lamentations mourns Jerusalem's destruction; believers lament over sin.

Landmark, Ancient

Boundary stones marking property lines, protected by law. Removing them represented theft and injustice toward neighbors.

Last Adam

Title for Christ who, unlike the first Adam, obeyed perfectly and brought life rather than death to His descendants.

Last Trumpet

Final trumpet blast at Christ's return signaling resurrection and transformation of believers into glorified bodies.

Latter Rain

Spring rain in Israel ensuring good harvest, symbolizing Holy Spirit's final outpouring before Christ's return.

Laver of Regeneration

New birth through the Holy Spirit's washing, cleansing believers from sin and making them new creations in Christ.

Law and Grace

Contrasting systems: law demands perfect obedience bringing condemnation; grace offers salvation through faith bringing justification.

Law of Christ

Principle of love fulfilling all law, summarized in loving God supremely and neighbors as ourselves.

Law of Liberty

Perfect law of freedom bringing liberty through obedience, contrasted with bondage under sin and legalism.

Law Written on Heart

New covenant promise where God writes His law internally, producing genuine obedience from transformed hearts.

Lawgiver

One establishing laws. God is the ultimate lawgiver; Moses mediated God's law; Christ is prophet, priest, and king.

Lawless One

Antichrist or man of sin appearing before Christ's return, opposing God and exalting himself above all worship.

Lawlessness

Rebellion against God's authority and standards. Sin is lawlessness; the mystery of lawlessness already works secretly.

Laying Up Treasure

Storing riches either in heaven through righteous living or on earth through materialism and selfishness.

Laziness

Sluggishness in work or duty. Proverbs warns against laziness; believers shouldn't be lazy but fervent in spirit.

Leaders

Those guiding and directing others. Believers should obey and submit to spiritual leaders who watch over their souls.

Leasing

Falsehood or lies in older English translations. How long will people love vanity and seek after leasing?

Lebonah

Town north of Shiloh, landmark indicating location of ancient tabernacle before Jerusalem became worship center.

Legion of Demons

Multitude of evil spirits possessing the Gadarene man whom Jesus delivered, sending demons into swine.

Length of Days

Long life promised as blessing for honoring parents and walking in wisdom and righteousness.

Leopard

Spotted wild cat representing speed and ferocity. In millennium, leopard will lie with young goat peacefully.

Letter and Spirit

Contrast between dead legalism following rules versus living obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Levitical Cities

Forty-eight towns throughout Israel given to Levites for dwelling since they received no land inheritance.

Levitical Priesthood

Aaronic priests from Levi's tribe mediating between God and Israel through sacrifices, replaced by Christ's priesthood.

Libertine

One living without moral restraint. Libertines opposed Stephen; some abused grace as license for immorality.

Liberty

Freedom from bondage. Christ brings liberty from sin's slavery; believers have liberty but shouldn't use it for evil.

Lie

False statement intended to deceive. Satan is the father of lies; believers must not lie but speak truth.

Life Abundant

Jesus' promise of rich, full life in relationship with Him, contrasted with thief's destruction and death.

Life-giving Spirit

Christ as the last Adam became life-giving spirit, imparting spiritual life to dead souls through resurrection power.

Lifted Up

Jesus' crucifixion foreshadowed by bronze serpent lifted up; also His exaltation after humiliation, drawing all people.

Light of Life

Christ as source of spiritual illumination giving understanding, direction, and eternal life to those walking in His light.

Light of the World

Jesus' self-description as source of spiritual truth and salvation, calling believers to reflect His light to others.

Lightning

Bright electrical discharge accompanying storms, symbolizing God's power, judgment, and Christ's sudden return.

Likeness of God

Humanity's creation bearing God's image in rationality, morality, and relationality, marred by sin but restored in Christ.

Lily

Flower representing beauty and God's provision. Solomon's wisdom exceeded lilies' glory; believers are lilies among thorns.

Line

Measuring cord or standard. God measures with lines of judgment and righteousness; believers maintain godly standards.

Lineage

Ancestral descent or genealogy. Jesus' lineage through David proves His right to Israel's throne as Messiah.

Linen, Fine

Expensive white fabric worn by priests and the wealthy, symbolizing righteousness and purity in Scripture.

Lion's Den

Pit where Daniel was thrown for praying, miraculously preserved by God who shut lions' mouths.

Lips

Part of mouth associated with speech. Guard your lips; offer lips as calves of sacrifice through praise.

Little Faith

Jesus' gentle rebuke to disciples anxious about provision, having small trust in God's faithful care.

Little Horn

Daniel's vision of antichrist figure arising from fourth kingdom, speaking against God and persecuting saints temporarily.

Little Ones

Children or vulnerable believers needing protection. Jesus warned against causing little ones to stumble.

Living God

True God who exists eternally, contrasted with dead idols, actively involved in creation and redemption.

Living Hope

Confident expectation based on Christ's resurrection, producing perseverance and joy despite present sufferings.

Living Sacrifice

Believers' presentation of bodies to God for service, reasonable worship contrasted with dead animal sacrifices.

Living Stone

Christ as cornerstone rejected by builders but chosen by God; believers are living stones built into spiritual house.

Living Word

Christ as eternal Word made flesh; also Scripture as God's living, active, powerful communication transforming lives.

Loaves and Fishes

Five loaves and two fish Jesus multiplied feeding 5,000, demonstrating His creative power and provision.

Lodge

To spend the night or dwell temporarily. Ruth lodged where Naomi went; believers are pilgrims lodging briefly on earth.

Loftiness

Pride or arrogance. God will bring down human loftiness and be exalted alone in that day.

Long-suffering

Patient endurance of wrongs without retaliation. God is long-suffering toward sinners; believers should practice long-suffering toward all.

Look

To direct eyes or attention. Look to Jesus; looking back disqualifies for kingdom service; look for blessed hope.

Loose

To untie, release, or permit. What you loose on earth is loosed in heaven; Jesus loosed those bound by Satan.

Lord God Almighty

Title emphasizing God's supreme power and sovereign control over all creation and history.

Lord's Anointed

King or priest set apart by God for special service, particularly referring to David and ultimately Christ.

Lordship of Christ

Jesus' absolute authority over believers' lives requiring complete submission and obedience to His will.

Lost Sheep

Parable of God's pursuing love seeking the one lost sheep, representing sinners needing redemption and restoration.

Lots, Casting

Ancient practice of using objects to determine God's will, superseded by Holy Spirit's direct guidance after Pentecost.

Lower Parts

Depths of earth or Hades, where Christ descended after death before resurrection, proclaiming victory over death.

Lowly

Humble in spirit and station. God dwells with the lowly; Jesus was lowly in heart; blessed are the lowly.

Lucre

Money or material gain. Filthy lucre describes shameful pursuit of wealth; leaders shouldn't serve for dishonest gain.

Luke's Gospel

Third Gospel emphasizing Jesus' humanity, compassion for outcasts, and universal scope of salvation for all peoples.

Lukewarm

Neither hot nor cold, describing Laodicea's complacent spiritual condition that Jesus found repulsive and warned against.

Lunatic

Term in older translations for those possessed or mentally afflicted whom Jesus healed, demonstrating power over spiritual and physical afflictions.

Lying

Speaking falsehood to deceive. Lying tongue is abomination to God; Satan is father of lies; believers must speak truth.

Lying Spirit

Demon sent by God to deceive Ahab's prophets, demonstrating God's sovereignty even over evil for His purposes.

Lyre

Stringed musical instrument used in worship. David played lyre soothing Saul; heaven's worship includes lyres.

More Key Figures

Laadah

Judahite mentioned in genealogies, descendant of Shelah and ancestor of families in Mareshah.

Laadan

Ephramite ancestor of Joshua; also a Levite from Gershon's family serving in temple during David's reign.

Lael

Father of Eliasaph, leader of the Gershonite Levites during Israel's wilderness wanderings under Moses.

Lahad

Judahite mentioned in genealogies, descendant of families settling in Judah's territory after conquest.

Lahmi

Brother of Goliath the Gittite, killed by Elhanan in battle against the Philistines during David's reign.

Laish

Father of Paltiel to whom Saul gave David's wife Michal during their estrangement.

Lamech (Noah's father)

Righteous man who prophesied his son Noah would bring relief from the ground's curse, living 777 years.

Lamech (Cain's descendant)

Violent man who took two wives, boasted of killing a man for wounding him, epitomizing ungodly civilization.

Lappidoth

Husband of Deborah the prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory over Canaanite oppression.

Lazarus (parable)

Poor man in Jesus' parable who went to Abraham's bosom while the rich man went to torment, teaching about eternal destiny.

Lebaeus

Surname of apostle Judas (not Iscariot), also called Thaddaeus, one of the twelve disciples.

Lecah

Judahite mentioned in genealogies, possibly a person or place name associated with Judah's descendants.

Lehabim

Descendants of Mizraim (Egypt), possibly Libyans, mentioned in Table of Nations after the flood.

Lemuel

King to whom his mother gave wise sayings recorded in Proverbs 31, including the virtuous woman passage.

Letushim

Descendants of Dedan, Abraham's grandson through Keturah, settling in Arabian territories.

Leummim

Descendants of Dedan mentioned alongside Letushim as Arabian tribes descended from Abraham through Keturah.

Levi (apostle)

Tax collector called by Jesus to be disciple, also called Matthew, who wrote the first Gospel.

Libni

Levite from Gershon's family, ancestor of a clan serving in tabernacle and temple worship.

Likhi

Manassite mentioned in genealogies of the half-tribe settling west of the Jordan River.

Linus

Christian in Rome who sent greetings through Paul's letter to Timothy, possibly an early church leader.

Lo-ammi

Symbolic name meaning "not my people" given to Hosea's son, representing Israel's broken covenant relationship.

Lo-ruhamah

Symbolic name meaning "no mercy" given to Hosea's daughter, representing God's withdrawn compassion from Israel.

Lois

Timothy's grandmother commended for sincere faith passed to her daughter Eunice and grandson Timothy.

Lotan

Son of Seir the Horite, ancestor of Edomite clans dwelling in Mount Seir before Esau's descendants.

Lucius

Name of two men: Christian teacher at Antioch and a relative of Paul sending greetings from Corinth.

Lud

Son of Shem whose descendants settled in regions associated with Lydia in Asia Minor.

Ludim

Descendants of Mizraim (Egypt), possibly referring to Lydians or North African peoples.

Luhith

Town in Moab mentioned in prophecies against Moab, site of a steep ascent where fugitives wept fleeing destruction.

Luz

Original name of Bethel before Jacob's encounter with God there; also a Canaanite city spared by Israel.

Groups and Peoples

Laodiceans

Christians in wealthy Laodicea rebuked for lukewarm faith, spiritual blindness, and complacency despite material prosperity.

Levites

Tribe of Levi set apart for religious service, assisting priests in worship, teaching law, and maintaining sanctuary.

Libyans (Lubim)

North African people allied with Egypt, mentioned as mercenaries in various armies opposing Israel.

Ludim

People descended from Mizraim, possibly Lydians in Asia Minor or North African tribe related to Egyptians.

Lyconians

People of Lycaonia where Paul preached; they spoke their own language and tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.

Lydians

People of Lydia in Asia Minor, prosperous region including Sardis, Thyatira, and Philadelphia addressed in Revelation.

Biblical Practices and Events

Laying On of Hands

Physical act conveying blessing, healing, ordination, or Holy Spirit reception, practiced by Jesus, apostles, and church leaders.

Leaping

Jumping for joy or physical healing. Lame man leaped praising God after Peter healed him at temple gate.

Lending

Providing loans to those in need. God blesses lending to the poor; Israelites were to lend freely without interest to brothers.

Levitical Law

Ceremonial and ritual regulations given through Moses governing worship, sacrifice, cleanliness, and priestly service.

Libation

Drink offering poured out to God, accompanying sacrifices, symbolizing life poured out in devotion and service.

Lighting Lamps

Daily duty of priests maintaining the golden lampstand, ensuring light burned continually before God's presence.

Lord's Passover

Annual feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt when death passed over homes marked with lamb's blood.

Love Feast

Early church meal accompanying communion, expressing fellowship and unity, later separated due to abuses.