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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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Fever returning after apparent healing indicates incomplete recovery or a new illness, reminding us that physical ailments may recur and require ongoing trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom regarding health.

Figs are mentioned throughout Scripture as a common fruit of the ancient Near East, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and God's provision. They appear in narratives demonstrating wisdom, generosity, and divine care for His people.

The fig tree in Scripture symbolizes Israel's spiritual condition and serves as a parable of God's patience with unfruitfulness and His call to repentance. Jesus uses the fig tree to illustrate divine judgment and the signs of His return.

In Jeremiah's vision, the fig tree symbolizes God's judgment and distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The good figs represent those faithful to God, while the bad figs represent those who reject Him.

The fight of faith refers to the spiritual struggle believers face in maintaining trust in God's promises amid opposition and adversity. It emphasizes perseverance in belief despite circumstances that challenge our confidence in God's Word.

File Return refers to the restoration or return of something lost or taken, exemplified throughout Scripture as God's faithfulness to restore His people and their inheritance.

Fine refers to things of high quality, purity, or value in Scripture, often describing precious materials, refined character, or God's exacting standards.

The finger of God in Scripture refers to God's direct action and power at work in the world, most notably in the plagues of Egypt and in Jesus's ministry of casting out demons. This phrase emphasizes God's personal involvement and divine authority.

Fingerbreadth Return refers to the precise, imminent return of Christ described in Scripture as occurring suddenly and without warning, emphasizing the closeness and immediacy of His coming.

The fir tree in Scripture symbolizes strength, durability, and God's provision, often used in construction of sacred spaces and representing endurance through trials.

Fire in Scripture represents both God's purifying judgment and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. Jesus spoke of bringing fire to the earth as a symbol of division and refining faith.

The firebrand return refers to God's judgment against His people through invading nations, often depicted as fire consuming the land. This biblical concept warns of consequences for unfaithfulness and apostasy.

The firepan was a bronze vessel used by Israelite priests to carry hot coals from the altar, symbolizing God's holy presence and the seriousness of approaching Him. Its misuse in unauthorized worship resulted in severe judgment, illustrating the importance of following God's prescribed ways.

A firkin is an ancient unit of liquid measure mentioned in Scripture, typically holding about 9 gallons and used for storing wine, water, or oil in biblical times.

The firmament is the expanse God created to separate the waters and provide the structure for the heavens and celestial bodies. It demonstrates God's power and organization in creation.

First Born, the

The firstborn held special significance in biblical culture, possessing spiritual prominence, inheritance rights, and often divine selection. God's sovereignty frequently overrode cultural expectations, choosing younger sons for His purposes.

First fruits refers to the practice of offering the initial portion of harvests and income to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His provision. This practice demonstrates faith, gratitude, and the principle that God deserves the first and best of what we receive.

First Fruits, the

The firstfruits were the initial portions of harvest and livestock given to God as an acknowledgment of His provision and lordship. This practice demonstrated faith, gratitude, and the principle that God deserves the best of what He provides.

The firstborn held special significance in Israel's covenant community, consecrated to the Lord and set apart for His service. God established the Levites as a substitute for all the firstborn males of Israel.

Fish were created by God as part of His provision for humanity and are mentioned throughout Scripture in both literal and symbolic contexts. They serve as examples of God's care and provision, as well as miraculous signs of His power.

The Fish Gate was a gate in Jerusalem's wall, likely located on the north side, through which fish from the Sea of Galilee were brought into the city for sale and consumption.

Fish spear return refers to the miraculous catch of fish and Peter's confession of Jesus as Lord, demonstrating Christ's authority over creation and His call to discipleship.

Scripture records Jesus calling fishermen to become His disciples, transforming them into fishers of men who would spread the Gospel. Their immediate obedience demonstrates the transformative power of Christ's call.

Fish held both practical and spiritual significance in Scripture, serving as food for Israel and as instruments through which Jesus demonstrated His power and provision.

The 'fishhook return' refers to God's judgment upon those who reject Him, drawing them back to face consequences for their rebellion, as illustrated through biblical imagery of hooks and judgment.

Fishpool Return refers to the biblical principle of returning to one's calling and purpose, often illustrated through fishing metaphors in Scripture where believers are called to be 'fishers of men' and must remain faithful to their divine assignment.

Fitches (also called vetches) were small seeds used in biblical agriculture, mentioned as part of the varied crops God provided for human sustenance and animal feed.

Flag Return refers to the restoration of Israel to their land and God's covenant promises, a central theme in biblical prophecy and eschatology.

Flagons were large vessels used in biblical times to store and pour wine, symbolizing abundance and God's provision. Understanding their use illuminates ancient cultural practices and metaphorical references in Scripture.

Flattery is insincere praise intended to manipulate or deceive others, which Scripture consistently warns against as sinful and spiritually dangerous. Believers are called to speak truth in love rather than use deceptive words for personal gain.

Flax was a valuable crop in biblical times used for making linen cloth and oil, representing God's provision and the fruits of faithful labor.

Flea return refers to the biblical principle that sin, temptation, or spiritual compromise often resurfaces if not dealt with thoroughly. Jesus taught that removing one evil without filling the void with God's presence invites greater spiritual danger.

The flesh refers to our sinful nature and physical desires that oppose God's Spirit, while also describing Christ's incarnate body given for our salvation.

A fleshhook was an ancient priestly tool used to retrieve portions of sacrificial meat from the boiling pot during Old Testament temple worship. It appears in Scripture as an example of proper priestly duties and the consequences of their corruption.

The plague of flies demonstrates God's power over creation and His judgment against Egypt's rebellion. This account reveals God's patience with pharaoh while executing His will to free Israel.

Flint return refers to returning to a place of hardness or spiritual dullness, based on the metaphor of flint as an unyielding substance in Scripture. It warns against hardening one's heart against God's Word and presence.

The Flood was God's judgment on humanity's sin, destroying all life except Noah's family and the animals in the ark. Jesus used this historical event as a warning about His future judgment.

Flowers returning symbolizes God's renewal and faithfulness, reminding us that His mercies are new every morning and His promises endure through seasons of hardship.

The flute, an ancient wind instrument, appears in Scripture as a symbol of rejoicing, lamentation, and cultural celebration among God's people. While not extensively detailed in biblical teaching, flutes represent the breadth of human expression within God's created order.

Food in Scripture reveals God's provision and hospitality as expressions of love and community. Biblical accounts demonstrate how sharing meals reflects spiritual values and God's care for His people.

A fool in Scripture is one who rejects wisdom, God's Word, and righteous instruction, resulting in destructive choices and spiritual emptiness. The Bible consistently contrasts the fool's path with the wise person's pursuit of understanding and obedience to God.

Jesus teaches about spiritual foolishness through the parable of the ten virgins, contrasting those who prepare for His return with those who neglect to do so.

The return of Jesus Christ to earth is a foundational Christian doctrine affirming His literal, physical, and future return to establish His kingdom and complete redemption history.

Footman refers to a runner or messenger on foot in biblical times, often used metaphorically for spiritual readiness and the speed of God's Word. The term appears in passages about running races and spiritual endurance.

Footstool, Figurative

The footstool is a figurative expression in Scripture representing subjection, humility, or the final defeat of enemies under God's authority. It emphasizes God's sovereign power and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

Foreigner, Figurative

The Bible uses 'foreigner' language figuratively to describe believers as spiritual aliens and pilgrims in this world, emphasizing their ultimate citizenship in God's kingdom.

The forerunner return refers to the anticipated return of Elijah or an Elijah-like figure before Christ's second coming, as prophesied in Malachi and referenced in the New Testament.

Forests in Scripture represent God's provision for human needs and His stewardship of creation. The Bible records instances where forests supplied timber for building God's house and other essential purposes.

Forgery—creating false documents or misrepresenting authorship—is condemned in Scripture as a form of deception and dishonesty. Christians are called to truth-telling and integrity in all dealings.

Forgetting God is a serious spiritual danger that occurs when believers neglect their dependence on Him, become self-reliant, or drift from remembrance of His works and character. Scripture warns that such forgetfulness leads to spiritual decline and separation from God's blessing.