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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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Seekers are those who earnestly pursue God with their whole heart, demonstrating that genuine seeking results in finding Him and receiving His blessings. Scripture affirms that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Seeking God is the fundamental pursuit of the believer, involving a wholehearted desire to know Him, worship Him, and align oneself with His will. Scripture emphasizes that those who genuinely seek the Lord will find Him and experience His blessing.

Segub refers to two biblical figures: the son of Hiel who died during the rebuilding of Jericho, and a descendant of Judah through Hezron. Both names appear in genealogical records demonstrating God's sovereignty over families and His judgment on disobedience.

Seir refers to a mountain range in Edom and the descendants of Seir the Horite who inhabited that region during the time of the patriarchs.

Seirath was a place near Gilgal in ancient Israel where Ehud escaped after assassinating King Eglon of Moab. This location marks a significant moment in Israel's deliverance from foreign oppression.

Sela was a fortified city in Edom captured by King Amaziah of Judah. The name may mean 'rock' or 'cliff,' reflecting its geographical position.

Sela-Hammahlekoth

Sela-Hammahlekoth was a rock formation in the Judean wilderness where David escaped from Saul's pursuing forces. The name means 'rock of divisions' or 'rock of escape,' marking a pivotal moment in David's flight.

Seled was a son of Nadab in the lineage of Judah, mentioned in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles. He appears to have died without children, making him a minor figure in Israel's ancestral history.

Seleucia was an ancient port city in Syria from which Paul and Barnabas departed on their first missionary journey. It served as the launching point for spreading the Gospel to Cyprus and beyond.

Self-Condemnation

Self-condemnation occurs when we judge ourselves guilty and pronounce judgment against ourselves, often revealing our own awareness of wrongdoing. Scripture shows that those who condemn themselves through their actions testify against their own hearts.

Self-control is the Christ-empowered ability to restrain our desires and actions according to God's will, exemplified by David's refusal to harm King Saul despite having the opportunity. This fruit of the Spirit demonstrates our trust in God's justice and timing rather than our own impulses.

Self-Crimination

Self-incrimination in Scripture refers to confessing one's own guilt or wrongdoing, which the Bible addresses through the principle of honest testimony and the consequences of concealing sin. The passage in Numbers 5 deals with a woman suspected of adultery who must testify truthfully before God regarding her innocence or guilt.

Self-deception is the dangerous spiritual condition of fooling ourselves about our true spiritual state, particularly regarding our obedience to God's Word. Scripture warns that self-deception leads to spiritual ruin and must be countered by honest self-examination in light of God's truth.

Scripture teaches that Christians should be prepared to give a reason for their faith and defend their beliefs with gentleness and respect, following Christ's example of calm testimony before accusers.

Self-delusion is a dangerous spiritual condition where individuals deceive themselves about their true spiritual state, abilities, or circumstances, often leading to judgment. Scripture warns that those who trust in their own perceptions rather than God's truth face serious consequences.

Self-denial is the biblical call to surrender personal desires, possessions, and ambitions to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It requires taking up our cross daily and recognizing that losing our life for Christ's sake is the way to truly find it.

Self-Exaltation

Self-exaltation is the sin of pride and boasting in one's own accomplishments rather than giving glory to God. Scripture consistently warns against this attitude and promises humiliation to those who exalt themselves.

Self-Examination

Self-examination is a spiritual discipline whereby believers honestly assess their hearts, motives, and conduct against Scripture to maintain fellowship with God and grow in holiness. It involves allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal sin, pride, and areas needing repentance.

Self-Righteousness

Self-righteousness is the spiritual condition of believing oneself morally superior or acceptable to God based on external works or personal merit, rather than recognizing dependence on God's grace. Scripture warns that this attitude blinds believers to their true spiritual condition and distances them from God.

Self-will is the stubborn assertion of personal desires contrary to God's direction, leading to spiritual rebellion and destructive consequences. Scripture calls believers to surrender their will to God's sovereign plan.

Self-Will and Stubbornness

Self-will and stubbornness represent a resistance to God's direction and authority, often rooted in pride and rebellion. Scripture consistently warns against this sin and calls believers to submit their will to God's purposes.

Selfishness is the sinful pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others and God, contrary to the Christ-centered life of sacrificial love. Scripture calls believers to put others' interests ahead of their own as a reflection of the gospel.

Semachiah was a Levite gatekeeper in the temple during King David's reign, listed among the sons of Shemaiah who served in the priestly duties at the house of the Lord.

Semei was an ancestor of Jesus Christ listed in Luke's genealogy, representing one of many faithful witnesses in the line leading to the Messiah.

Senaah was a family group among the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. Their name appears in the genealogical records of those who rebuilt the temple and city.

The Senate in Scripture refers to governing councils of elders and leaders who administered justice and civil affairs. Biblical senates functioned as advisory bodies to rulers and judges in ancient Israel and the early church.

Seneh was a rocky crag or cliff in ancient Israel, notable as a geographical landmark during King Saul's reign. It served as a strategic location during military operations against the Philistines.

Sennacherib was the king of Assyria who threatened Jerusalem, but God miraculously delivered the city by destroying his army. His failed siege demonstrates God's power to protect His people and fulfill His promises.

Sensuality refers to excessive indulgence in physical pleasures and bodily desires that distract from spiritual priorities. Scripture warns against prioritizing fleshly gratification over eternal values and godly living.

Senuah was a leader in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period who served as an overseer of the Levites. He is mentioned in Nehemiah's account of those who resettled the holy city.

Seorim was one of the twenty-four divisions of priests established by David for service in the temple. He represented the tenth course of priests who took turns serving in God's house.

Sephar was an eastern boundary marker in the Table of Nations, representing the geographical limits of human settlement in the ancient world after the Flood.

Sepharad is a biblical location mentioned in Obadiah's prophecy concerning the exiles of Israel. It represents a place of exile where dispersed Israelites would be restored.

Sepharvaim was an ancient city whose inhabitants were resettled in Samaria by the Assyrian king, and later its name was invoked by Assyrian messengers to intimidate Judah during Hezekiah's reign.

The Sepharvites were an ancient people group who practiced idolatrous worship, specifically burning their children as offerings to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech. They are mentioned in Scripture as an example of pagan religious practices condemned by God.

Serah was a daughter of Asher in the tribal lineage of Israel, mentioned in genealogical records as a woman of the Israelite community during the wilderness period.

Seraiah was a prominent name borne by several biblical figures, most notably King David's scribe and a Jewish official during the Babylonian exile. These men served in positions of significant responsibility and trust.

Seraphim are heavenly beings described in Isaiah's vision as six-winged creatures surrounding God's throne, calling out His holiness and participating in His worship.

Sered was a son of Zebulun and founder of a tribal family in Israel. His descendants formed one of the clans that comprised the tribe of Zebulun.

A sergeant was a Roman officer responsible for maintaining order and executing commands within the military hierarchy. In Acts 16, sergeants (lictors) carried out the arrest and imprisonment of Paul and Silas.

Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus who became a believer in Jesus Christ through the apostle Paul's ministry, demonstrating God's power to save even those in positions of worldly authority.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and His teaching through parables demonstrate the central role of preaching God's Word in Kingdom proclamation. The Parable of the Sower illustrates how receptive hearts receive and retain spiritual truth.

Serpents in Scripture symbolize both physical creatures and spiritual deception, with Satan portrayed as the serpent who deceived humanity in Eden and continues to oppose God's people throughout history.

Serpents in Scripture represent both literal creatures and spiritual symbols of deception, danger, and Satan's opposition to God's people. Understanding biblical references to serpents helps us recognize spiritual threats and exercise biblical wisdom.

Serug was a patriarch in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, living during the patriarchal age and fathering Nahor in the line leading to Abraham.

Servanthood in Scripture reflects both the fallen nature of human slavery and the redemptive model of Christ's self-sacrificial service. True servants of God demonstrate faithfulness, obedience, and willingness to serve others for Christ's sake.

Scripture portrays servanthood as both a practical reality and a spiritual posture reflecting Christ's humility and devotion to God's purposes. The Bible teaches that faithful service, whether in employment or spiritual calling, is rendered ultimately to the Lord.

Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, born after Abel's death, through whom the godly line continued to Noah and ultimately to Jesus Christ.

Sethur was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan before Israel's conquest. He represented the tribe of Asher in this crucial reconnaissance mission.

The number seven holds profound spiritual significance throughout Scripture, representing completion, perfection, and God's divine order. In Leviticus 23, seven structures the sacred calendar, demonstrating God's sovereignty over time and His people's worship rhythms.