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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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M 342 topics

Maktesh refers to a geographical depression or mortar-shaped valley mentioned in biblical texts, likely located in the Judean hills near Jerusalem. This geological feature serves as a landmark in Scripture and symbolizes God's sovereignty over the physical world.

Malachi 3:7-15 confronts Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, particularly their failure to tithe and honor God, while calling them to repentance and renewed covenant commitment.

Malcham (also spelled Molech) was a pagan deity worshipped through child sacrifice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, explicitly condemned in Scripture as an abomination against God.

Malchiah (or Malchijah) was a common name in biblical Israel, borne by several figures including priests, Levites, and leaders who served during the restoration period and earlier eras. These individuals are primarily known through genealogical records and their roles in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and maintaining temple worship.

Malchiel was a grandson of Asher in Israel's tribal genealogy, representing the continuation of God's covenant promises through the twelve tribes.

Malchiram was a son of King Jehoiachin of Judah, listed among the royal descendants during the Babylonian exile. His inclusion in genealogical records demonstrates God's preservation of the Davidic line despite judgment.

Malchus was the servant of the high priest whose ear was cut off during Jesus's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and whom Jesus healed as an act of mercy and compassion.

Malefactors were criminals crucified alongside Jesus Christ, demonstrating His willing submission to death among the guilty and offering redemption even to the condemned.

Malfeasance in Office

Malfeasance in office occurs when those entrusted with authority abuse their position for personal gain or neglect their duties. Jesus taught that such unfaithfulness will be judged by God.

Malice is the deliberate desire to harm others, which Scripture condemns as incompatible with God's character and Christian love. Believers are called to reject malice and instead pursue justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

Malingering is the feigning of illness or inability to escape danger or responsibility. Scripture warns against deception and calls believers to honesty and integrity in all circumstances.

The return of Christ, known as the Parousia or Second Coming, is the future event when Jesus will return to earth in glory to judge all people and establish His eternal kingdom. This foundational Christian doctrine assures believers of Christ's promised return and motivates holy living.

The return of the Messiah is the future, literal, and bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth, a foundational Christian doctrine affirmed throughout Scripture. This event concludes human history and initiates Christ's eternal kingdom.

Malluch was a Levite who returned from Babylonian exile and helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls and worship practices. He represents the faithful remnant that God preserved to restore His temple and people.

Mammon refers to wealth or material possessions viewed as a spiritual power that competes with God for human allegiance. Jesus taught that devotion to money is fundamentally incompatible with wholehearted devotion to Him.

Mamre was a significant location in Canaan where Abraham built an altar and encountered God multiple times, representing a place of covenant renewal and divine communion.

Man is created in God's image and likeness, bearing divine responsibility for stewardship over creation. Though fallen in sin, believers are called to reflect Christ's character and transformation.

Manaen was a childhood friend and court official of Herod Antipas who became a prophet and teacher in the early church at Antioch. His story illustrates how God calls believers from all social stations to serve Him.

Manahath was a town in Benjamin where some exiles were resettled, representing God's sovereignty over displacement and restoration of His people.

Manasseh was Judah's longest-reigning king who began with grave idolatry and evil but experienced dramatic repentance and restoration after divine judgment. His life demonstrates both the depths of human wickedness and the boundless mercy of God.

Manasseh, the Tribe Of

The tribe of Manasseh was one of the largest and most militarily significant tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's firstborn son. Known for their warriors and territorial possessions both east and west of the Jordan River, they played an important role in Israel's history and defense.

The mandrake was an ancient plant valued for its supposed fertility-enhancing properties, appearing in Scripture as an object of desire in family relations. Rachel sought mandrakes to conceive, revealing both the desperation of the barren and the limits of human remedies apart from God's sovereignty.

A maneh was an ancient Hebrew unit of weight and currency used during the Old Testament period, equivalent to approximately 50 shekels or about 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg).

The manger represents Christ's humble incarnation and demonstrates God's plan to enter human history in lowliness rather than earthly grandeur. This modest beginning foreshadows Christ's sacrificial purpose and challenges our expectations of how God works.

Manna was the supernatural bread God provided to sustain Israel in the wilderness, serving as a historical prefigurement of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger.

Biblical manners reflect self-control and respect, particularly in how we conduct ourselves at the table and in social settings. Proverbs emphasizes that disciplined behavior demonstrates wisdom and honors God.

Manoah's return to his wife after encountering the Angel of the Lord demonstrates faithful obedience and the importance of sharing spiritual experiences with one's spouse.

Mansion, Figurative

Jesus promised His followers that He goes to prepare dwelling places (mansions) in His Father's house, a figurative description of eternal heavenly residence for believers. This assurance comforts Christians regarding their future inheritance in God's kingdom.

A mantle was an outer garment or cloak worn by prophets and leaders in biblical times, often symbolizing authority, office, or God's empowering presence. The passing of Elijah's mantle to Elisha represents the transfer of prophetic authority and spiritual responsibility from one generation to the next.

Manure serves as a biblical metaphor for spiritual worthlessness and the need for repentance, illustrating how those who fail to produce spiritual fruit become useless to God's kingdom.

Maon was a wilderness region in Judah where David fled to escape King Saul's pursuit. This desolate area served as a refuge during one of the most difficult periods of David's life.

Marah was a wilderness encampment where the Israelites encountered bitter water and learned to trust God's provision and healing. This incident demonstrated both human complaint and God's compassionate response to His people's needs.

Maralah was a border town in the territory of Zebulun during Israel's settlement of Canaan, marking geographical boundaries established by God's covenant promises.

Marble Return is not a biblical concept or doctrine found in Scripture. This entry clarifies why this topic should not be part of Christian teaching or practice.

Mareshah was an ancient Judahite city in the Shephelah where King Asa of Judah defeated the Ethiopian army of Zerah, demonstrating God's deliverance through faith. This victory illustrates the principle that trust in God brings military and spiritual victory.

Scripture depicts mariners as those who work upon the sea, subject to God's sovereign power over nature and dependent upon His deliverance in times of danger.

Mark (also called John Mark) was a companion of Paul and Barnabas in early missionary work, though he initially abandoned them, later reconciling with Paul. His Gospel account provides the earliest written record of Jesus's ministry.

Biblical markets were centers of commerce where goods were traded and people conducted business, reflecting God's design for human exchange and provision. Scripture illustrates both the legitimate exchange of goods and warnings against greed and dishonest dealings.

Maroth (meaning 'bitterness') was a town in Judah whose inhabitants wavered in faith during Micah's prophecy of judgment. The prophet used their name symbolically to demonstrate how God's judgment would bring bitterness to those who rejected His word.

Marriage is a covenant relationship established by God as the foundational human bond, requiring public witness and formal commitment. Scripture presents marriage as both a practical legal arrangement and a sacred union deserving honor and faithfulness.

Mars' Hill in Athens was where Paul proclaimed the gospel to Greek philosophers, demonstrating how to communicate God's truth to those with different worldviews. This encounter shows the power of Scripture and reasoning to confront idolatry and point people to Christ.

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus who learned to balance faithful service with devotion to Christ. Her story teaches believers about priorities in the Christian life.

Martyrdom is the ultimate sacrifice of one's life for the faith in Christ, willingly endured by believers who refuse to deny Jesus despite persecution and death.

Mary appears several times in the New Testament as a faithful servant and supporter of the early church, particularly known as the mother of John Mark and a woman who labored in the Lord's work.

Mash was a son of Aram and grandson of Shem, representing one of the ancient peoples descended from Noah. He is mentioned briefly in the genealogical records of Genesis.

Mashal was a Levitical city in the territory of Asher, assigned to the descendants of Gershom according to the Mosaic allocation of cities for the Levites.

Masking refers to concealing one's true identity or intentions, which Scripture addresses as deceptive practice contrary to God's call for honesty and transparency.

Masons were skilled stone workers employed in biblical times to construct buildings, walls, and temples. They played essential roles in major construction projects throughout Israel's history.

Masrekah was an ancient city that served as the dwelling place of Samlah, one of the early kings of Edom. It appears only briefly in the genealogical records of Genesis and Chronicles.

Massa was a son of Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar, and represents one of the twelve tribal peoples descended from Ishmael in the Arabian Peninsula.