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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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Phut was a son of Ham and ancestor of an African nation, representing one of the divisions of post-flood humanity.

Phuvah was a son of Issachar and grandson of Jacob, whose descendants formed one of the tribal families of Israel.

Phygellus was an Asian Christian who, along with Hermogenes, turned away from the Apostle Paul during his final imprisonment in Rome, serving as a sobering example of spiritual abandonment and unfaithfulness.

Phylacteries were small boxes containing Scripture passages worn by Jewish men on the forehead and arm as a literal observance of God's command to remember His Word. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for wearing them ostentatiously while neglecting the law's true intent.

The Bible acknowledges physicians and medical care as legitimate, while ultimately recognizing God as the true healer. Physical healing through medical means is presented as compatible with faith in God's sovereignty.

Physiognomy refers to the practice of judging character or spiritual condition by physical appearance. Scripture warns against this practice, as God looks upon the heart rather than outward appearance.

The human body is a divinely designed physical structure that reflects God's creative wisdom and serves as the vehicle through which we live out our faith and glorify Him.

Pi-Beseth was an ancient Egyptian city mentioned in Ezekiel's prophecy against Egypt, serving as a reference point for God's judgment on the nations.

Pi-Hahiroth was a location in Egypt near the Red Sea where the Israelites camped before crossing, and where Pharaoh's army pursued them. It marks a crucial moment in God's deliverance of His people from Egyptian bondage.

Scripture addresses the proper use of pictures and images, warning against idolatry while affirming legitimate artistic expression. The Bible distinguishes between creating likenesses for worship versus creating them for other purposes.

Pigeons held significant religious and economic importance in Old Testament sacrifice and were used by poor families as affordable offerings to the Lord.

Pilate, Pontius

Pontius Pilate was the Roman prefect of Judea who presided over Jesus's trial and authorized His crucifixion, despite recognizing His innocence. His account appears throughout the Gospels as a pivotal figure in redemptive history.

Pildash was a son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, mentioned in the genealogical records of Genesis. He represents one of the descendants of Nahor through his concubine Reumah.

Pileha was a leader among the Jewish people who sealed the covenant of faithfulness to God's law during Nehemiah's reformation in Jerusalem.

Pilgrims and Strangers

Scripture portrays believers as pilgrims and strangers in this world, whose true citizenship and home are in heaven. This perspective shapes how Christians live with detachment from worldly pursuits and anticipation of eternal glory.

Pillars in Scripture served both structural and spiritual purposes, supporting temples and buildings while symbolizing strength, stability, and God's enduring support of His people.

Pillars in Scripture represent both physical structures in worship and metaphorical supports of faith and truth. They symbolize strength, permanence, and God's enduring presence throughout biblical history.

Pillows in Scripture serve both practical purposes for rest and symbolic meanings related to deception and comfort. They appear in contexts ranging from Jacob's worship to David's protection.

Pilots were skilled navigators who guided ships through dangerous waters, serving as a metaphor in Scripture for spiritual leadership and guidance.

Piltai was a priest during the time of Nehemiah who served in Jerusalem after the return from exile. He is mentioned as one of the priestly leaders in the genealogical records of that era.

Pine trees in Scripture symbolize strength, beauty, and God's provision, appearing in contexts of restoration and the future glory of God's kingdom.

The pinnacle of the temple represents a high, exposed place where Jesus was tempted by Satan to prove His divine power. This account reveals the nature of spiritual temptation and Christ's unwavering reliance on God's Word.

Pinon was a chief of Edom listed among the descendants of Esau, representing one of the tribal leaders in ancient Edomite society.

Pipes were ancient wind instruments used in biblical times for music and celebration. They appear in Scripture as symbols of joy, worship, and festive occasions.

Piram was a king of Japhia who joined a coalition of five Amorite kings against Joshua and Israel, and was defeated and executed during the conquest of Canaan.

Pirathon was a town in the hill country of Ephraim in ancient Israel, notable as the home of the judge Abdon and the mighty man Benaiah.

Pisgah was a mountain peak in Moab from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death, serving as a poignant memorial to God's faithfulness and the limits of human leadership.

Pisidia was a region in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where the apostle Paul preached the gospel during his first missionary journey. Paul's ministry there demonstrated the power of God's Word to transform lives and establish churches despite Jewish opposition.

The Pison is one of four rivers that flowed from the Garden of Eden, mentioned in Genesis 2:11 as encircling the land of Havilah where gold and other precious materials were found.

Pispah was a son of Japhlet in the tribe of Asher during Old Testament times. He is mentioned only once in the genealogical records of Israel.

A pit in Scripture often represents danger, captivity, or the grave, serving as a metaphor for spiritual peril and God's deliverance. The term appears throughout Scripture as both literal and figurative.

Pitch is a dark, sticky substance used in Scripture as a waterproofing sealant and symbol of God's judgment. It appears in biblical narratives involving preservation and divine protection.

Pitchers in Scripture served both practical and symbolic purposes, from household vessels to instruments used in spiritual warfare. The account of Gideon's army demonstrates how God can use simple, everyday items to accomplish His purposes.

Pithom was an ancient Egyptian city where the Israelites were forced to labor as slaves during their bondage in Egypt. It stands as a historical monument to God's people's suffering before their miraculous deliverance.

Pithon was a son of Micah in the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogical records of Israel. He represents one of many individuals whose lineage is preserved in Scripture to document the faithful line of God's people.

Pity is compassionate concern for others' suffering, a virtue exemplified by God and expected of believers. Scripture calls us to show mercy while maintaining biblical justice and righteousness.

Plagues are divine judgments sent by God to punish sin and call people to repentance, yet they also reveal God's sovereignty and power over creation. Throughout Scripture, plagues serve as both warnings and demonstrations of God's authority.

Plague or Pestilence, the

Plague and pestilence are divine judgments sent by God upon sinful nations and individuals, yet believers are promised protection through faith and obedience to God's Word.

A plane is a woodworking tool used to smooth and shape wood surfaces. Scripture mentions it in the context of craftsmanship and idolatry.

Plaster in Scripture refers to a coating material used in construction and ceremonial contexts, symbolizing both practical building needs and spiritual cleansing. It appears in regulations for disease prevention and as a medium for God's written Word.

Pleading refers to making an earnest appeal or petition, often before authority figures or God, demonstrated throughout Scripture in legal proceedings and personal confession.

The Bible warns that worldly pleasures pursued apart from God are ultimately empty and destructive, while true satisfaction comes only through faith in Christ and obedience to God's Word.

A pledge is a personal possession given as security for a debt or promise, regulated by God's law to protect the borrower's dignity and livelihood. Scripture establishes strict guidelines for taking and returning pledges.

The Pleiades is a star cluster mentioned in Scripture as a testament to God's creative power and sovereignty over the heavens.

Ploughing in Scripture represents both the literal agricultural work necessary for survival and a spiritual metaphor for steadfast commitment to God's kingdom. The Bible uses ploughing imagery to teach lessons about diligence, perseverance, and the consequences of our choices.

The plow was an essential agricultural tool in biblical times, used to prepare soil for planting and symbolizing hard work, persecution, and commitment to God's kingdom.

Plowshares represent tools of peaceful agriculture and symbolize the transformation of weapons into implements of peace in God's kingdom. Scripture contrasts plowshares with instruments of war, depicting the future reign of Christ when nations will abandon conflict.

A plummet is a weighted tool used to measure straightness and alignment, appearing in Scripture as a symbol of God's precise judgment and standards. It represents divine assessment of whether people and nations align with God's righteous requirements.

Pochereth was a servant of Solomon whose descendants returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. His name appears in the lists of those who helped rebuild Jerusalem.

Poets in Scripture are individuals gifted with eloquent language and artistic expression, often used by God to communicate truth and wisdom. While poetry itself is neutral, Scripture evaluates poets by whether their words align with God's truth or lead people astray.