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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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The Bible addresses both divinely commanded warfare and human-initiated persecution, showing God's justice against evil while condemning unjust violence and hatred toward His people.

Massah ('testing') was the place where Israel tested God's faithfulness by complaining about lack of water in the wilderness. This incident reveals both human doubt and God's patient provision.

A master is one who has authority and is obeyed by servants or disciples. In Scripture, the term describes both earthly authority figures and Jesus Christ as the ultimate Master.

A master workman is one who skillfully builds or constructs with excellence, whether in physical labor or spiritual work. The term emphasizes competence, diligence, and faithful stewardship in one's calling.

The Bible addresses the relationship between servants and masters, emphasizing godly service, fair treatment, and mutual respect rooted in Christian conviction.

Materialism is the false belief that only physical matter exists and that spiritual realities are illusions. The Bible firmly rejects materialism, affirming both the physical and spiritual dimensions of reality, and warning against prioritizing earthly possessions over eternal values.

Matred was the mother of Mehetabel, who became the wife of Hadad, a king of Edom. She appears in the genealogical records of Edom during the patriarchal period.

Matri was a Benjamite whose family was selected by lot during Saul's coronation, representing God's sovereign choice in leadership. This account demonstrates how God directed Israel's selection of its first king through the casting of lots.

Mattan was a priest of Baal who was executed during King Joash's reign when Judah returned to the worship of the true God. His death marked the removal of false religious leadership from the kingdom.

Mattanah was a station where the Israelites camped during their wilderness wandering, notable for the well that God miraculously provided there.

Mattaniah was a name borne by several individuals in Old Testament Israel, most notably a Levite musician and temple servant during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah. The name means 'gift of the Lord' and appears multiple times among those who served in worship and returned from exile.

Mattatha was an ancestor of Jesus Christ listed in Luke's genealogy, representing the line of David through which the promised Messiah came.

Mattathah was a man of Judah who had married a foreign wife during the post-exilic period and was required to put her away according to Ezra's reform.

Mattathias was an ancestor of Jesus Christ in the earthly lineage traced through Mary. He appears in Luke's genealogy as part of the unbroken line from Adam to Jesus.

Mattenai was the name of at least two men in post-exilic Israel who were associated with priestly duties and the restoration community.

Matthan was a member of Jesus's ancestral line, the father of Jacob in Matthew's genealogy. He represents one of many faithful ancestors whose obedience contributed to God's redemptive plan.

Matthat was an ancestor of Jesus Christ mentioned in Luke's genealogy, appearing twice in the lineage leading to Jesus through Mary's line.

Matthew was a tax collector chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, and he became the author of the Gospel bearing his name. His calling demonstrates Jesus's redemptive power to transform sinners into devoted followers and kingdom workers.

Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot as the twelfth apostle after Jesus's ascension. His selection demonstrates the early church's commitment to maintaining apostolic leadership and seeking God's will through prayer and casting lots.

Mattithiah was a Levite in Old Testament Israel who served in various capacities including as a gatekeeper, musician, and worship leader during the reign of King David. He appears multiple times in the Chronicles as a faithful servant in the temple worship.

A mattock was an ancient tool used for breaking up hard ground and rock, essential for agricultural and construction work in biblical times.

A maul is a heavy hammer or club used for splitting wood and other construction purposes. Scripture warns against using such weapons to harm others.

Mazzaroth refers to the zodiacal constellations or signs of the heavens, mentioned once in Scripture as part of God's creation and sovereign ordering of the cosmos.

Me-Jarkon was a city in the territory of Dan, located in ancient Israel near the Mediterranean coast. It served as a boundary marker for the tribal lands during the conquest of Canaan.

Meah was a tower in Jerusalem's wall, likely near the northeastern section of the city. It served as a defensive structure and is mentioned in Nehemiah's account of the wall's reconstruction.

Biblical measures refer to the various units of length, weight, and capacity used throughout Scripture to convey God's precise order and control over creation. Understanding these measurements helps us appreciate the accuracy of God's Word and His sovereign design.

Meat offerings (also called grain offerings) were bloodless sacrifices of fine flour, oil, and frankincense presented to the Lord under the Old Covenant law. They symbolized devotion, thanksgiving, and sustenance offered wholly to God.

Mebunnai was one of David's mighty men, a valiant warrior listed among his elite military commanders during his reign over Israel.

A mechanic is a skilled craftsperson who builds, repairs, and maintains structures and equipment. The Bible affirms the dignity and importance of such skilled work as reflecting God's creative design.

Medad was one of seventy elders chosen by Moses to help judge Israel, who prophesied in the camp when the Spirit of God came upon him. His example demonstrates God's sovereign gifting of the Holy Spirit beyond institutional boundaries.

Medan was a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah, representing one of the tribal peoples descended from Abraham after Sarah's death.

Medeba was a city in Moab east of the Jordan River that became significant in Israel's history, particularly during King David's wars against the Ammonites.

The Medes were an ancient people whose kingdom, combined with Persia, formed a major world power during the Old Testament era. They are prominently featured in the book of Esther as part of the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus.

The Bible acknowledges both the reality of disease and the existence of healing remedies, reflecting God's provision for human wellness. Scripture encourages us to seek healing while recognizing that ultimate health comes from the Lord.

Biblical meditation involves focused reflection on God's Word and character, distinct from Eastern mysticism. It is a spiritual discipline that strengthens faith and aligns our thoughts with God's truth.

Medo-Persian Kingdom

The Medo-Persian Empire was the second great world power that succeeded Babylon, ruling over the Jewish people and allowing them to return from exile and rebuild the temple. God sovereignly used this pagan kingdom to fulfill His purposes for His people.

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit characterized by humble strength and gentle submission to God's will, not weakness but power under control. It reflects Christ's example and is essential for spiritual maturity and effective Christian witness.

Megiddo was a strategic fortified city in ancient Israel, located in the Valley of Jezreel, significant for both military conflicts and as a royal administrative center during the monarchy.

Mehetabeel was the wife of Shemaiah, a priest in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah's rebuilding of the city walls.

Mehetabel was the wife of King Hadad of Edom, mentioned in the genealogical records of Edom's rulers. She is noted only briefly in Scripture as part of Edom's royal lineage.

Mehida was a family of temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. His descendants are listed among those who rebuilt Jerusalem.

Mehir was the son of Chelub in the tribe of Judah, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He represents one of many individuals in Israel's family lineage whose name is preserved in Scripture.

Meholathite refers to a person from Meholah, a town in ancient Israel. This designation appears in connection with individuals in the Davidic narrative.

Mehujael was a descendant of Cain in the antediluvian world, appearing in the genealogy leading to Lamech. He represents part of the lineage of fallen humanity before the flood.

Mehuman was one of the seven eunuchs who served in the palace of King Ahasuerus during the Persian Empire, tasked with attending to the king's personal needs and executing his commands.

The Mehunim were a family of temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. They are listed among those who helped rebuild the Jerusalem temple.

Mekonah was a village in Judah where descendants of Benjamin settled after the Babylonian exile. It appears in the list of towns inhabited by returning exiles during Nehemiah's time.

Melatiah was a Gibeonite who participated in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership, demonstrating faithful service in God's community project.

Melchi was an ancestor of Jesus Christ in the genealogy recorded by Luke, appearing twice in Jesus's family line through different branches.

Melchishua was a son of King Saul of Israel who died alongside his father and brothers in battle against the Philistines.