Topics

General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

S 518 topics

Sardites, Family of

The Sardites were a family descended from Sard, son of Judah, and are mentioned in the census of Israel taken in the wilderness. They represent one of the tribal divisions recorded during Israel's wilderness wandering.

Sardius is a precious stone of deep red color mentioned in Scripture as part of God's glory and the priestly garments. It symbolizes redemption and the majesty of God's throne.

Sardonyx is a precious stone mentioned in Revelation as part of the foundation of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing God's glory and the beauty of His eternal kingdom.

Sargon II was an Assyrian king whose military campaigns and policies are mentioned in Scripture, particularly regarding his siege of Ashdod. His historical significance lies in demonstrating God's sovereignty over ancient Near Eastern powers.

Sarid was a border town in the territory of Zebulun during the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Sarsechim was a Babylonian official who participated in the siege of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar II. His name appears in the biblical record as a witness to God's judgment on Judah.

Satan is a real spiritual enemy and deceiver who opposes God's kingdom, but he is ultimately defeated and limited by Christ's power.

Satire in Scripture uses irony, sarcasm, and mockery to expose folly and advance God's truth, as seen in Hannah's song of rejoicing over God's reversal of human circumstances.

Satyrs are demonic or unclean creatures mentioned in Scripture, often associated with desolate places and idolatrous worship. They represent the spiritual darkness and chaos that exist apart from God's order.

Saul was an ancient king of Edom who reigned before any king ruled over Israel. He is briefly mentioned in genealogical records as a significant ruler in Edomite history.

A saw is a tool used for cutting wood and stone, mentioned in Scripture as both a practical instrument and a metaphor for God's judgment. It appears in historical accounts of construction and in references to persecution.

Scabs in Scripture primarily refer to skin diseases described in Levitical law, serving as markers of ceremonial uncleanness and physical ailments requiring priestly examination and quarantine.

Scales in Scripture symbolize blindness and spiritual obstruction, most notably in Acts 9:18 where scales fell from Saul's eyes upon his conversion, representing the removal of spiritual darkness.

A scall was a diseased condition of the scalp in ancient Israel that required priestly examination and quarantine. It was one of several skin conditions addressed in the Levitical laws of ceremonial cleanliness.

Scape Goat, the

The scapegoat was a sacrificial animal in Israel's Day of Atonement ceremony that symbolically carried away the sins of the people into the wilderness. This Old Testament practice prefigured Christ's work as our ultimate sin-bearer.

The scapebird was a live bird used in the Levitical cleansing ritual for those healed from leprosy, symbolizing the removal of impurity and restoration to the community.

The scapegoat was a central element of Israel's Day of Atonement ritual, symbolizing the removal of sin from God's people. This Old Testament practice foreshadows Christ's work as our ultimate sin-bearer.

The scepter is a symbol of royal authority and rule throughout Scripture, ultimately pointing to Christ's eternal kingdom and dominion over all creation.

Sceva was a Jewish chief priest whose seven sons attempted to cast out demons by invoking Jesus's name without genuine faith, resulting in a dramatic supernatural encounter that demonstrated the power of Christ's authority.

Schism refers to divisions and splits within the church body, which Scripture condemns as contrary to Christ's design for unity. The Bible calls believers to maintain fellowship and resolve conflicts rather than create lasting separations.

Biblical education centers on teaching God's Word to the next generation, emphasizing both formal instruction and daily spiritual formation within the home and community.

Science is the study of God's creation and reflects His wisdom and power, yet human wisdom apart from God's revelation is ultimately futile and limited.

The Bible affirms God's creative design and order in the natural world, inviting us to study His creation while recognizing His sovereignty over all knowledge and understanding.

Scoffing is the sin of mocking God, His Word, and His ways, often characterized by pride and rebellion. Scripture warns that scoffers face serious consequences while calling believers to reject this destructive attitude.

Scorning and Mocking

Scorning and mocking are serious sins that mock God, demean others, and corrupt community. Scripture consistently warns believers to avoid scorners and to abstain from mocking speech.

Scorpions in Scripture represent both physical dangers in the wilderness and spiritual symbols of demonic opposition and harm. Jesus granted believers authority over scorpions as a sign of His protective power.

Scorpions in Scripture represent both literal desert creatures and spiritual symbols of evil, opposition, and divine protection. Jesus gave believers authority over scorpions as a sign of spiritual power.

Scourging was a form of physical punishment used in biblical times, both as judicial discipline and persecution. Scripture addresses both the practice and its limits, with particular significance in Christ's suffering.

Scribes were official secretaries and record-keepers in ancient Israel who served kings and religious authorities, later becoming teachers of the law during Jesus's time. In the New Testament, scribes often opposed Jesus's teachings and played a role in His trial.

Scribes were educated officials in ancient Israel who recorded laws, genealogies, and official documents, and later became teachers of Jewish law. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently condemned the scribes for their hypocrisy and legalistic teaching.

Scripture is God's authoritative, inspired Word that serves as the foundation for Christian faith and practice. It is the supreme standard by which all doctrine and life must be measured.

Scriptures, the

The Scriptures are God's inspired, authoritative Word given to reveal His character, redemptive plan, and will for believers' lives. They are the foundation of Christian faith and practice, sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth.

Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, is mentioned in Scripture as a physical blemish that disqualified priests from temple service, illustrating God's standards for holiness and the importance of physical and spiritual wholeness.

The Scythians were a nomadic people from Central Asia mentioned in Scripture as an example of those outside God's covenant community who would be reconciled through Christ. Paul references them to illustrate the universal scope of the gospel.

The sea is God's creation, subject to His sovereign control and used throughout Scripture as a setting for demonstrating His power and majesty over nature and human fear.

The sea in Scripture represents both God's creative power and majesty, and serves as a symbol of chaos, judgment, and the vastness of God's knowledge. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation.

Seals were protective coverings made from animal skins used in the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle. They served a practical purpose in preserving and protecting the sacred furnishings during transport and storage.

Sealing of the Holy Spirit

The sealing of the Holy Spirit is God's mark of ownership and guarantee of salvation upon believers in Christ. This divine seal assures Christians of their security in God and their future inheritance.

Seals in Scripture serve both practical and spiritual purposes—authenticating documents and transactions in the Old Testament, and symbolizing God's ownership and guarantee of salvation in the New Testament.

Seasons are divinely appointed cycles of time that govern the rhythms of creation and human life. God established seasons as markers for His purposes and as demonstrations of His faithful governance over all things.

Seba was an ancient nation or region, likely in Africa, known for its wealth and significance in biblical prophecy. It appears in genealogical records and messianic passages.

Sebat (also spelled Shebat) is the eleventh month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to January-February in the modern calendar. It appears in Scripture as the month when Zechariah received his significant vision of the Lord.

Second Coming of Christ, the

The Second Coming of Christ refers to Jesus's future return to earth in glory to judge all people and consummate His kingdom. This foundational Christian hope motivates holy living and confident faith in God's sovereign plan.

The second death is the final judgment and eternal separation from God experienced by those who reject Christ, contrasted with the first death of the physical body. It is described in Revelation as being cast into the lake of fire.

Secrets reveal the hidden thoughts and motives of our hearts, which are fully known to God alone. Scripture teaches that what we do in secret will be revealed, and that God sees and judges the intentions of all people.

A secretary was an official scribe or administrative officer in ancient Israel who handled governmental records, correspondence, and important documents. This role required trustworthiness and competence in managing the king's business and temple affairs.

Secundus was a Christian from Thessalonica who accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journey to Jerusalem. He is mentioned briefly in Acts as part of Paul's traveling company during the collection for the Jerusalem church.

Sedition refers to incitement against lawful authority and was a charge leveled against early Christians. Scripture warns against rebellion while affirming submission to government.

Seduction refers to the act of leading someone into sin, particularly sexual sin, through deception or manipulation. The Bible condemns seduction as a violation of God's design for sexuality and warns believers to guard against those who would lead them astray.

Seeds represent both the physical means of reproduction in creation and a powerful spiritual metaphor for sowing God's Word and reaping spiritual consequences.