Bible Dictionary: Terms Beginning with M

Exploring biblical terms starting with "M" reveals God's mercy, the Messiah's mission, and the mandate to make disciples. Here's your comprehensive guide to essential biblical vocabulary.

Major Biblical Figures

Melchizedek

Mysterious king of Salem and priest of God Most High who blessed Abraham, prefiguring Christ's eternal priesthood.

Moses

Greatest Old Testament prophet who led Israel from Egyptian slavery, received the Law at Sinai, and mediated God's covenant.

Mary (mother of Jesus)

Virgin chosen by God to bear the Messiah, faithful disciple who pondered God's work in her heart throughout Jesus' life.

Mary Magdalene

Devoted follower of Jesus from whom He cast seven demons, first witness of the resurrection who announced it to the apostles.

Mary of Bethany

Sister of Martha and Lazarus who sat at Jesus' feet learning, anointed Him for burial with expensive perfume.

Martha

Mary and Lazarus' sister who served Jesus but was gently rebuked for anxious distraction over hospitality rather than devotion.

Matthew

Tax collector called by Jesus to be apostle, wrote the first Gospel emphasizing Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah-King.

Matthias

Disciple chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles after Jesus' ascension.

Melchizedek

King-priest who blessed Abraham and received tithes, type of Christ's superior priesthood according to Hebrews.

Methuselah

Oldest person in Scripture, living 969 years, grandfather of Noah whose name possibly meant "when he dies, it shall come."

Micah

Prophet who ministered to Judah and Israel, announcing judgment but also promising the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.

Michael

Archangel, chief prince who protects Israel, contends with Satan, and leads angelic armies in spiritual warfare.

Miriam

Moses and Aaron's sister who led women in worship after Red Sea crossing, later struck with leprosy for challenging Moses' authority.

Mordecai

Esther's cousin who raised her and whose refusal to bow to Haman led to the exposure of genocide plot against Jews.

Moses

Deliverer of Israel from Egypt, mediator of the old covenant, prophet pointing to the greater prophet Jesus Christ.

Central Theological Terms

Magnificat

Mary's song of praise to God upon visiting Elizabeth, celebrating God's mercy and fulfillment of promises to Israel.

Majesty

Supreme greatness and dignity. God possesses absolute majesty; Jesus is the majesty on high to whom glory belongs.

Mammon

Wealth or material possessions personified as false god competing for devotion. Cannot serve both God and mammon.

Manger

Feeding trough for animals where Mary laid baby Jesus, symbolizing His humble birth and identification with the lowly.

Manna

Bread-like substance God provided daily in the wilderness, symbolizing God's provision and prefiguring Christ, the true bread from heaven.

Maranatha

Aramaic expression meaning "Our Lord, come!" expressing believers' eager anticipation of Christ's return.

Mark (sign)

Visible indication or seal. Cain received a mark of protection; believers receive the Holy Spirit as mark of ownership.

Mark of the Beast

Symbol of allegiance to antichrist required for buying and selling, contrasted with God's seal on believers' foreheads.

Marriage

Covenant union between man and woman established by God, representing Christ's relationship with the church.

Martyr

Witness who dies for faith. Stephen was first Christian martyr; countless believers have given their lives testifying to Christ.

Master

Owner or teacher with authority over servants or students. Jesus is Master and Lord whom believers serve.

Mediator

One who stands between parties reconciling them. Christ is the one mediator between God and humanity, establishing new covenant.

Meek/Meekness

Gentle strength under control, humility without weakness. Moses was meekest man; Jesus was meek; the meek inherit the earth.

Melchizedek

Priest-king prefiguring Christ's eternal priesthood superior to Aaron's, receiving tithes from Abraham and blessing him.

Mercy

Compassionate treatment withholding deserved punishment. God is rich in mercy; believers should show mercy and obtain mercy.

Mercy Seat

Golden covering on the Ark where God's presence dwelt and blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement, symbolizing propitiation.

Messiah

Hebrew term meaning "Anointed One," fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the promised King-Priest-Prophet delivering God's people.

Millennium

Thousand-year reign of Christ on earth prophesied in Revelation, variously interpreted as literal future or symbolic church age.

Minister

Servant carrying out duties. Christ came to minister, not be served; believers minister through spiritual gifts and service.

Ministry

Service performed for God and others. Jesus had earthly ministry; believers continue His ministry through the church.

Miracle

Supernatural act revealing God's power and purposes, authenticating messengers and messages, demonstrating divine authority.

Mission

Purpose or task assigned by authority. Jesus' mission was seeking and saving the lost; believers continue this mission.

Mite

Smallest Jewish coin. Poor widow's two mites given sacrificially moved Jesus more than large gifts from abundance.

Mocker

One who scorns and ridicules, particularly religious truth. Mockers follow lusts; believers shouldn't walk in mockers' counsel.

Money

Medium of exchange. Love of money is root of evil; cannot serve God and money; Jesus wasn't money-focused.

Monotheism

Belief in one God, central to biblical faith. "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one."

Mortal

Subject to death. All humans are mortal due to sin; believers will put on immortality at resurrection.

Mortality

State of being subject to death. Mortality resulted from sin; Christ's resurrection conquers mortality, granting immortality.

Mount of Olives

Hill east of Jerusalem where Jesus often prayed, ascended to heaven, and will return according to prophecy.

Mount Sinai

Mountain where God gave Moses the Law amid fire, earthquake, and trumpet blast, establishing covenant with Israel.

Mourn

To grieve or lament. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted; believers mourn over sin.

Multitude

Large crowd or assembly. Jesus taught multitudes, fed multitudes, and John saw multitudes in heaven no one could number.

Murder

Unlawful killing of another person, forbidden in the sixth commandment. Hatred is murder of the heart; Satan was murderer from beginning.

Mustard Seed

Tiny seed producing large plant, Jesus' parable illustrating the kingdom's growth from small beginnings to great size.

Mystery

Divine truth hidden until revealed. Gospel mystery hidden for ages now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Myrrh

Aromatic resin used in anointing oil, perfume, and embalming. Wise men brought myrrh to Jesus; used at His burial.

Places and Regions

Macedonia

Northern Greek province where Paul established churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea during missionary journeys.

Machpelah

Cave Abraham purchased as burial site for Sarah, later burying place for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob.

Magdala

Town on Sea of Galilee's western shore, home of Mary Magdalene, in the region where Jesus ministered extensively.

Mahajaim

City east of Jordan where Jacob met angels; later became a city of refuge and David's refuge during Absalom's rebellion.

Makkedah

Canaanite city where Joshua trapped five kings in a cave and executed them during the conquest of Canaan.

Mamre

Place near Hebron where Abraham lived and built an altar; location where God appeared promising Isaac's birth.

Marah

Wilderness location where bitter water became sweet when Moses threw in a tree, early test of Israel's faith.

Mars Hill

Areopagus in Athens where Paul preached to philosophers about the "unknown god," presenting the gospel to Greek intellectuals.

Mecca

Not mentioned in Scripture but important context: Arabian city south of biblical lands, later central to Islam.

Medes

People of Media (modern Iran) who allied with Persia, conquered Babylon, allowing Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem.

Megiddo

Strategic city controlling important trade route, site of many battles, associated with Armageddon in Revelation.

Melita (Malta)

Island where Paul was shipwrecked, bitten by viper without harm, and healed the governor's father.

Memphis

Ancient Egyptian capital called Noph in Scripture, representing Egypt's power and culture opposing God's purposes.

Mesopotamia

Region between Tigris and Euphrates rivers, cradle of civilization, including Ur, Babel, Nineveh, and Babylon.

Midian

Region southeast of Canaan where Moses fled and lived forty years before returning to deliver Israel from Egypt.

Miletus

Port city where Paul met with Ephesian elders, giving farewell address warning of false teachers infiltrating the church.

Mizpah

City where Samuel judged Israel and Saul was proclaimed king; site of covenant renewal and gathering for battle.

Moab

Nation descended from Lot east of the Dead Sea, often hostile to Israel though Ruth was a faithful Moabitess.

Moriah

Mountain where Abraham offered Isaac and later where Solomon built the temple, central to worship and sacrifice.

Mysia

Region in northwest Asia Minor through which Paul traveled seeking the Spirit's guidance about where to preach.

Biblical Objects and Symbols

Mantle

Cloak or outer garment. Elijah's mantle passed to Elisha symbolizing prophetic succession; represents ministry and anointing.

Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin

Mysterious words written on Belshazzar's wall, interpreted by Daniel as God's judgment: kingdom weighed, found wanting, divided.

Millstone

Heavy circular stone for grinding grain. Better to have millstone around neck than cause little ones to stumble.

Mirror

Polished metal reflecting images. We see dimly as in mirror now but will see face to face in glory.

Mortar

Container for grinding; also mixture binding bricks. Israelites made bricks with mortar in Egypt; life is ground in mortar.

Moth

Insect eating fabric, representing corruption and decay. Don't store treasures where moth destroys; wicked's riches consumed like moth.

Mountain

Elevated land where God often revealed Himself. Sermon on the Mount, Mount of Transfiguration, commands delivered on mountains.

Mustard Seed

Smallest seed producing large plant, illustrating faith's power and the kingdom's growth from humble beginnings.

Additional Theological Concepts

Magnificence

Splendor and grandeur. Solomon's temple displayed magnificence; Christ's coming glory will display ultimate magnificence.

Magnify

To make great or praise highly. Mary magnified the Lord; believers magnify God through worship and obedient lives.

Maiden

Young unmarried woman or virgin. Ten maidens awaited the bridegroom; the Shulammite was a maiden in Song of Songs.

Majesty of God

Divine grandeur, supreme authority, and awesome glory belonging exclusively to God Most High.

Malice

Desire to harm others, ill will toward neighbors. Believers must put away malice, speaking truth in love.

Man of God

Prophet or godly person devoted to serving God. Moses, Elijah, and Timothy were called men of God.

Man of Sin

Antichrist figure who opposes God, exalts himself above worship, and deceives many before Christ's return.

Manifest

To make visible or evident. God manifested in flesh; Christ's glory will be manifested; believers' sonship will be manifested.

Manifestation

Visible display or revelation of something hidden. Each receives manifestation of Spirit for common good.

Manna from Heaven

Daily bread God provided Israel in wilderness, type of Christ who gives eternal life to those believing.

Marriage Supper

Celebration of Christ's union with His bride the church, prophesied wedding feast at His return.

Marvelous

Extraordinary and wonderful. God's works are marvelous; salvation is marvelous in our eyes; His counsel is marvelous.

Maschil

Hebrew term in psalm titles possibly meaning instructional psalm or contemplative song requiring insight.

Mediatorial Work

Christ's ongoing intercession as high priest, standing between God and humanity, applying His atonement.

Meditation

Focused reflection on God's Word and ways. Blessed is the one who meditates on God's law day and night.

Memorial

Reminder of significant event or person. Passover is memorial; communion is memorial of Christ's death.

Merciful

Showing compassion and forgiveness. God is merciful; blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

Mercy of God

Divine compassion withholding deserved judgment, the foundation of salvation offered freely to all who believe.

Meribah

Place where Moses struck rock to provide water, wrongly taking credit and losing privilege of entering Canaan.

Meshach

Hebrew exile who refused idol worship, survived fiery furnace with companions, remained faithful to God.

Message

Communication or proclamation. Prophets delivered God's messages; apostles preached the gospel message; Scripture is God's written message.

Messenger

One sent to deliver communication. Angels are messengers; prophets were God's messengers; John was messenger preparing Christ's way.

Messianic Prophecy

Old Testament predictions about the coming Messiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ through birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.

Methuselah

Longest-lived person at 969 years, grandfather of Noah, whose death possibly triggered the flood's beginning.

Micaiah

Prophet who spoke true word of God to Ahab predicting defeat while false prophets promised victory.

Midwife

Woman assisting in childbirth. Hebrew midwives feared God and refused Pharaoh's order to kill male infants.

Mighty God

Title for the Messiah in Isaiah's prophecy, affirming Jesus' deity and sovereign power over all creation.

Mighty Men

David's elite warriors who performed extraordinary feats of courage and strength in battle serving their king.

Milk

Nourishing liquid representing elementary spiritual truth. New believers need milk before solid food of deeper teaching.

Milk and Honey

Description of Canaan's abundance and blessing, symbolizing God's provision and the goodness of promised inheritance.

Millennial Kingdom

Prophesied thousand-year reign of Christ on earth when righteousness prevails and creation is restored.

Mind

Intellect, thoughts, and reasoning capacity. Love God with all your mind; be transformed by mind's renewal.

Mind of Christ

Thinking pattern of humility, obedience, and love believers should adopt through Scripture and Spirit's work.

Ministry of Reconciliation

Believers' calling to proclaim the gospel, urging people to be reconciled to God through Christ's atonement.

Mint

Herb Pharisees tithed while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, demonstrating legalism over genuine righteousness.

Miraculous Gifts

Supernatural abilities like healing, prophecy, and tongues given by the Spirit for the church's edification.

Mizpeh

Same as Mizpah, watchtower city where Israel gathered for significant covenants, battles, and leadership transitions.

Mock

To ridicule or treat with contempt. Soldiers mocked Jesus; mockers scoff at God; believers endure mocking for faith.

Moderation

Self-restraint and temperance in all things. Let your moderation be known to all; avoid extremes in conduct.

Molten Sea

Enormous bronze basin in Solomon's temple holding water for priestly washing, supported by twelve bronze bulls.

Money Changers

Merchants in temple courts exchanging foreign currency whom Jesus drove out, cleansing His Father's house.

Monotheism

Belief that only one God exists, fundamental to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, contrasted with polytheism.

Moon

Celestial body created by God to govern night, mark seasons, and demonstrate His creative power and faithfulness.

More Abundantly

Jesus' promise to give life abundantly, richly, overflowing beyond mere existence to fullness of joy and purpose.

Morning Star

Venus, brightest object in dawn sky; title for Christ as the herald of eternal day dispelling darkness.

Mortal Body

Physical body subject to death and decay, contrasted with resurrection body that is immortal and incorruptible.

Mosaic Covenant

Agreement God made with Israel through Moses at Sinai, establishing law, priesthood, and sacrificial system.

Mosaic Law

Commandments given through Moses including moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations governing Israel's life.

Most High

Title emphasizing God's supreme authority and transcendence above all creation and competing deities.

Mother

Female parent who bears and raises children. Honor your mother; mother of Jesus; church as mother of believers.

Mount of Transfiguration

Unidentified mountain where Jesus was transfigured in glory before Peter, James, and John, confirmed by Moses and Elijah.

Mount Zion

Jerusalem's hill, site of David's city and temple, symbolizing God's presence and the heavenly city.

Mountain of God

Sinai/Horeb where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Law; any place of divine revelation.

Mourn for Sin

Godly sorrow over personal and corporate sin, bringing repentance and turning to God for forgiveness.

Mourning

Expression of grief over death, loss, or sin. Time to mourn; mourning turns to joy; God comforts mourners.

Mouth

Organ of speech. Out of mouth's abundance heart speaks; guard your mouth; confess with your mouth.

Multitude of Sins

Great number of transgressions. Love covers multitude of sins; He forgives multitude of sins.

Mystery of Christ

Gospel truth hidden in ages past, now revealed: Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews through faith in Christ.

Mystery of Godliness

The incarnation—God manifested in flesh, vindicated in Spirit, seen by angels, preached among nations, believed on, received in glory.

Mystery of Iniquity

Lawlessness already secretly working in the world, restrained until antichrist is revealed before Christ's return.

Mystery of the Kingdom

Hidden truths about God's reign revealed through parables and Jesus' teaching to those with spiritual understanding.

Mystic

One seeking direct spiritual experience; not a biblical term but some Scripture describes mystical encounters with God.

More Key Figures

Maacah

Name of several people including Absalom's mother, King Rehoboam's favorite wife, and mother of King Asa.

Maaseiah

Common name including priests, officials, and Levites throughout Israel's history, meaning "work of the Lord."

Machir

Manasseh's son whose descendants conquered Gilead; also man who showed kindness to Mephibosheth and supported David.

Madai

Son of Japheth, ancestor of the Medes who later conquered Babylon and allowed Jews to return home.

Magog

Son of Japheth; also land associated with Gog in Ezekiel's prophecy of end-times invasion of Israel.

Mahalath

Esau's wife, Ishmael's daughter; also musical term in psalm titles possibly indicating tune or mode.

Mahli

Levite from Merari's family whose descendants served in tabernacle and temple worship under various kings.

Mahlon

Elimelech and Naomi's son who married Ruth but died in Moab, leaving Ruth to return with Naomi to Bethlehem.

Malachi

Last Old Testament prophet who called Israel to covenant faithfulness and prophesied Elijah's return before Messiah.

Malcam (Milcom)

Ammonite god whose worship Solomon tolerated and Josiah destroyed, representing idolatry's continual threat to Israel.

Malchus

High priest's servant whose ear Peter cut off but Jesus healed, demonstrating mercy even in arrest.

Malluch

Common name including Levites, priests, and laymen who returned from exile and participated in covenant renewal.

Mamre

Amorite ally of Abraham who lived near Hebron where God appeared promising Isaac's birth to Sarah.

Manaen

Christian prophet or teacher at Antioch raised with Herod the tetrarch, showing gospel's reach into all levels.

Manasseh (Joseph's son)

Older son of Joseph who received the lesser blessing from Jacob, ancestor of a half-tribe settling both sides of Jordan.

Manasseh (king)

Most wicked king of Judah who promoted idolatry and shed innocent blood but repented after Babylonian captivity.

Manoah

Father of Samson, a Danite to whom angel appeared announcing his wife would bear a Nazirite son.

Maoch

Father of Achish, Philistine king of Gath who twice provided refuge to David fleeing from Saul.

Mara

Name meaning "bitter" that Naomi called herself after losing husband and sons in Moab, expressing her grief.

Marcus

Latin name for John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas, later wrote the second Gospel.

Marduk

Chief god of Babylon, mentioned indirectly as Bel or Merodach, representing idolatry opposing the true God.

Mark (John Mark)

Cousin of Barnabas who wrote second Gospel, initially deserted Paul but later reconciled and proved useful.

Marsena

One of seven Persian princes advising King Ahasuerus regarding Queen Vashti's disobedience.

Mary (various)

Common name including Jesus' mother, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, and several others mentioned in the Gospels.

Mash

Son of Aram and descendant of Shem, ancestor of an Aramean tribe in northern Mesopotamia.

Massa

Son of Ishmael whose descendants became an Arabian tribe, possibly connected with Lemuel of Proverbs 31.

Matred

Mother-in-law of Hadar, an Edomite king mentioned in genealogies of Esau's descendants in Genesis.

Matri

Benjamite family from which King Saul descended, mentioned when Saul was chosen as Israel's first king.

Mattan

Name of two men: priest of Baal killed during Jehoiada's reforms, and father of a prince opposing Jeremiah.

Mattaniah

Original name of King Zedekiah before Nebuchadnezzar renamed him; also several Levites serving in various capacities.

Mattatha

Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy between the exile and Jesus' birth.

Mattathias

Ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy; also priest who sparked the Maccabean revolt (not in Protestant canon).

Mattenai

Name of several men who divorced foreign wives during Ezra's reforms and priests serving during Nehemiah's time.

Matthan

Grandfather of Joseph (Jesus' legal father) mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Christ.

Matthat

Name of two ancestors of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy at different points in the lineage.

Matthew (Levi)

Tax collector called by Jesus to be apostle, wrote first Gospel emphasizing Jesus as Israel's Messiah-King.

Matthias

Disciple chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles after Jesus' ascension and before Pentecost.

Mattithiah

Levite gatekeeper during David's reign; also several men who divorced foreign wives and helped read the law.

Medad

Elder who prophesied in the camp without coming to the tabernacle, affirmed by Moses despite Joshua's objection.

Medan

Son of Abraham by Keturah, ancestor of an Arabian tribe settling east of Israel.

Mehetabel

Wife of King Hadar of Edom; also man who falsely advised Nehemiah to hide in the temple.

Mehida

Head of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.

Mehir

Judahite mentioned in genealogies, descendant of Caleb settling in Judah's territory.

Mehujael

Descendant of Cain mentioned in genealogies before the flood, ancestor of Lamech the violent.

Mehuman

One of seven eunuchs serving King Ahasuerus who were ordered to bring Queen Vashti before the king.

Melatiah

Gibeonite who helped repair Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership after returning from exile.

Melchi

Name of two ancestors of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy at different periods in the lineage.

Melchiah

Alternate spelling of Malchijah, name of several priests, officials, and men who helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

Melchishua

Son of King Saul killed alongside his father and brothers by the Philistines at Mount Gilboa.

Melea

Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy between the exile and Jesus' birth.

Melech

Descendant of King Saul through Jonathan, mentioned in genealogies of Benjamin's tribe.

Melzar

Babylonian official who oversaw Daniel and his friends' diet during their training period.

Menahem

Cruel king of Israel who murdered his predecessor, paid tribute to Assyria, and did evil continually.

Menna

Ancestor of Jesus mentioned in Luke's genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage through Mary back to Adam.

Mephibosheth

Jonathan's crippled son whom David showed kindness for Jonathan's sake, restoring Saul's land to him.

Merab

Saul's older daughter promised to David but given to another, demonstrating Saul's faithless treatment of David.

Meraioth

Name of several priests in various periods, including ancestors of Ezra and priests serving after the exile.

Merari

Levi's third son whose descendants carried the tabernacle's structural framework during wilderness journeys.

Mered

Judahite who married Bithiah, pharaoh's daughter who had converted, mentioned in Judah's genealogies.

Meremoth

Priest who helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls and weighed the temple treasures brought from Babylonian exile.

Meres

One of seven Persian princes advising King Ahasuerus regarding Queen Vashti's refusal to appear.

Merib-baal

Another name for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son whom David showed covenant faithfulness.

Merodach

Babylonian god, another name for Marduk, mentioned in prophecies against Babylon's idolatry.

Merodach-baladan

Babylonian king who sent envoys to Hezekiah, whose foolish display of treasures Isaiah condemned.

Mesha

King of Moab who rebelled against Israel; also a Benjamite and other individuals mentioned in genealogies.

Meshach

Hebrew exile renamed by Babylonians who refused idol worship and survived the fiery furnace with companions.

Meshech

Son of Japheth whose descendants settled in regions associated with Asia Minor or areas north of Israel.

Meshelemiah

Levite gatekeeper during David's reign who organized divisions of gatekeepers serving the temple.

Meshezabel

Name of several men including ancestors of those repairing Jerusalem's walls and signers of the covenant.

Meshillemith

Priest whose descendants returned from exile and served in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

Meshullam

Common name including priests, officials, builders, and leaders throughout Israel's history meaning "friend" or "ally."

Mesopotamia

Region between Tigris and Euphrates rivers where Abraham originated and Jacob fled, cradle of ancient civilization.

Methusael

Descendant of Cain mentioned in genealogies before the flood, grandfather of Lamech.

Methushael

Alternate spelling of Methusael in some translations, descendant of Cain before the flood.

Meunim

People defeated by Israelites, possibly from Ma'an in Arabia, mentioned in Chronicles and Ezra.

Mezahab

Grandfather of Mehetabel who married King Hadar of Edom, mentioned in Edomite genealogies.

Miamin

Name of priests and laymen who returned from exile, divorced foreign wives, and signed the covenant.

Mibhar

One of David's mighty men, a warrior who performed exploits of courage serving the king.

Mibsam

Name of Ishmael's son and a Simeonite, ancestors of tribes and families in their respective lines.

Mibzar

Edomite chief descended from Esau, mentioned in genealogies of tribal leaders in Mount Seir.

Micah (prophet)

Prophet from Judah who announced judgment on both kingdoms but promised Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.

Micah (various)

Name of several individuals including an Ephraimite with idols and Levites serving in various capacities.

Micaiah

Prophet who spoke God's true word to Ahab predicting defeat while false prophets promised victory.

Michael the Archangel

Chief angel who protects Israel, contends with Satan, and leads angelic armies in spiritual warfare.

Michah

Alternate spelling of Micah, name of several individuals in Chronicles and genealogical records.

Michal

Saul's younger daughter who loved and married David but later despised him for dancing before the Ark.

Michmas

Town in Benjamin where Jonathan and his armor-bearer defeated a Philistine garrison through faith and courage.

Michmethah

Landmark on the boundary between Ephraim and Manasseh in the distribution of tribal territories.

Michri

Benjamite ancestor of Elah who lived in Jerusalem after returning from Babylonian exile.

Michtam

Musical term in several psalm titles, possibly meaning "golden psalm" or indicating a specific melody or style.

Midian

Son of Abraham by Keturah; also the region where Moses lived forty years and the people descended from him.

Migdal-el

Fortified city in Naphtali's territory, mentioned in Joshua's distribution of the land among tribes.

Migdol

Town in Egypt near the Red Sea where Israelites camped before crossing and where Jeremiah prophesied.

Mijamin

Priest who returned from exile, signed the covenant, and served in temple worship after restoration.

Mikloth

Benjamite living in Jerusalem; also military commander serving under Dodai during David's reign.

Mikneiah

Levite musician who played the harp when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem during David's reign.

Milalai

Priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall, playing musical instruments in the procession.

Milcah

Name of two women: Nahor's wife (Abraham's sister-in-law) and one of Zelophehad's daughters who received inheritance.

Milcom

Ammonite god, alternate name for Molech, whose worship Solomon tolerated and later kings abolished.

Miniamin

Name of priests and Levites serving in various capacities during different periods of Israel's history.

Miriam

Moses and Aaron's sister who led women in worship after Red Sea crossing but was struck with leprosy for rebellion.

Mirmah

A Benjamite mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 8:10 as a son of Shaharaim; Elpaal, another son of Shaharaim, had descendants who settled in various territories.

Mishal

Levitical city assigned from Asher's territory for the Levites' inheritance and dwelling place.

Mishael

Name of three men including Daniel's companion renamed Meshach and a Levite assisting Ezra in reading the law.

Misham

Benjamite mentioned in genealogies as a builder of cities in Benjamin's tribal territory.

Mishma

Name of Ishmael's son and a Simeonite, ancestors of clans within their respective tribes.

Mishmannah

Gadite warrior who joined David at Ziklag, one of the mighty men serving before David became king.

Mishraites

Clan from Kiriath-jearim mentioned in Judah's genealogies, possibly connected with Caleb's descendants.

Mispar

Leader who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, also called Mispereth in Nehemiah.

Mispereth

Alternate name for Mispar, leader returning from exile, mentioned in Nehemiah's account.

Mithredath

Persian treasurer who returned temple vessels to Zerubbabel; also a Persian official opposing Jerusalem's rebuilding.

Mizpar

Alternate spelling of Mispar in some translations, leader returning from Babylonian captivity.

Mizzah

Edomite chief descended from Esau through Reuel, mentioned in genealogies of Edomite leadership.

Mnason

Early disciple from Cyprus who hosted Paul and companions when they visited Jerusalem.

Moladah

Town in southern Judah near Beersheba, mentioned in tribal allotments and post-exilic settlements.

Molech (Moloch)

Ammonite god to whom children were sacrificed, worship strongly condemned and eventually destroyed by Josiah.

Molid

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

Mordecai

Esther's cousin who raised her and whose faithfulness led to exposing Haman's genocide plot and saving Jews.

Moresheth

Hometown of prophet Micah in Judah's lowlands, full name Moresheth-gath.

Mosera (Moserah)

Place where Aaron died and was buried during Israel's wilderness wanderings, near Mount Hor.

Moses

Greatest Old Testament prophet who led Israel from Egypt, mediated the covenant, and wrote the Pentateuch.

Moza

Name of two men: descendant of Caleb and descendant of King Saul through Jonathan.

Muppim

Son of Benjamin and grandson of Jacob, ancestor of a Benjamite clan, also called Shuppim.

Mushi

Son of Merari and grandson of Levi, ancestor of Levitical families serving in tabernacle and temple.

Groups and Peoples

Macedonians

People of Macedonia who received Paul's gospel gladly, including Philippians, Thessalonians, and Bereans.

Magicians

Egyptian sorcerers who opposed Moses through occult power; also Babylonian wise men consulting with Daniel.

Manassites

Descendants of Joseph's son Manasseh whose half-tribe settled on both sides of the Jordan River.

Medes

People of Media who allied with Persia, conquered Babylon, and allowed Jews to return home to rebuild.

Midianites

Descendants of Abraham through Keturah who became traders and sometimes enemies of Israel.

Moabites

Descendants of Lot through incest who often opposed Israel but from whom Ruth came, ancestor of David.

Moors

Not specifically mentioned but North African peoples occasionally referenced as Ethiopians or related groups in classical contexts.

Biblical Practices and Events

Making Disciples

Jesus' command to teach and baptize converts, reproducing faith and obedience in successive generations worldwide.

Marriage Customs

Biblical practices including betrothal, bride price, wedding feast, and consummation establishing covenant union.

Martyrdom

Dying for faith in Christ, beginning with Stephen and continuing throughout church history as witness to truth.

Measuring the Temple

Prophetic act symbolizing God's protection of His people and judgment on those outside true worship.

Memorial Stones

Rocks set up to remember significant events like Jordan crossing, covenant renewals, and divine interventions.

Messianic Age

Period inaugurated by Christ's first coming, continuing through church age, culminating in His return and eternal reign.

Mosaic Sacrifices

Old Testament offerings including burnt, grain, peace, sin, and trespass offerings pointing to Christ's sacrifice.

Mount Sinai Experience

God's dramatic revelation giving the law amid fire, smoke, earthquake, and trumpet, terrifying the people.