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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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Siloam was a pool in Jerusalem with significant spiritual importance, most notably as the place where Jesus healed a man born blind, demonstrating His power and authority as the Light of the world.

Silver in Scripture represents both material wealth and spiritual value, used for tabernacle furnishings, temple construction, and as a medium of exchange in biblical commerce.

A silversmith was a skilled craftsman who worked with silver to create vessels, idols, and other items for commerce and religious use. In Acts 19, Demetrius the silversmith opposed Paul's ministry because the gospel threatened his profitable business of making shrines.

Simeon was a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem who recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah when He was presented at the temple. His testimony demonstrates the blessing of waiting faithfully on God's promises.

Simeon, the Tribe Of

Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah, and his tribe received an inheritance within Judah's territory in the Promised Land. The tribe of Simeon gradually diminished in prominence and was eventually absorbed into the territory of Judah.

Similitude refers to God's use of likenesses, comparisons, and symbolic representations to communicate divine truth to His people. Scripture employs similitudes as a teaching method to reveal God's character and will in comprehensible forms.

Simon appears multiple times in the New Testament, referring to Jesus's brother, a leper, a Pharisee, and the man who carried Jesus's cross. Each encounter reveals important truths about faith, humility, and discipleship.

Simony is the sin of attempting to buy or sell spiritual gifts or ecclesiastical offices, named after Simon the sorcerer who tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles.

Biblical simplicity refers to guileless sincerity, childlike faith, and single-minded devotion to God and His truth. It stands opposite to worldly complexity, deceit, and divided loyalties.

Simri was a Levite gatekeeper in David's time, son of Hosah, chosen by lot for service at the temple. He represents faithful service in God's house among the many priests and Levites.

Sin is rebellion against God's holy character and commands, affecting all humanity through Adam's transgression. The Bible calls us to hate sin, confess it, and pursue righteousness through Christ.

Sin is the transgression of God's law that separates us from Him and requires confession and repentance. The biblical record shows that acknowledging our sinful nature and seeking God's mercy is essential to restoration.

Sin is rebellion against God's character and law, deserving judgment. Understanding sin's nature and consequences drives us to repentance and faith in Christ.

Sin money refers to financial gain obtained through sinful means or activities contrary to God's law, which believers are called to reject and handle according to biblical principles of righteousness.

The sin offering was a sacrificial system in the Old Testament designed to atone for unintentional sins and ceremonial defilement, pointing ultimately to Christ's sacrifice. It required the shedding of blood and demonstrated the serious nature of sin and God's provision for forgiveness.

Sincerity is the quality of being genuine, honest, and without deception in faith and conduct. Scripture calls believers to sincerity as a mark of authentic Christian character and devotion to God.

Sinews are the connective tissues that bind bones together, used biblically as a metaphor for strength, structure, and God's sovereign power in creation and restoration.

Sinim refers to a distant eastern nation mentioned in Isaiah 49:12, generally understood by scholars to refer to China or a far eastern people. This reference demonstrates God's sovereignty over all nations and His plan of redemption extending to the ends of the earth.

The Sinites were a Canaanite people descended from Canaan, son of Ham, mentioned in the Table of Nations as part of the early ethnic divisions of humanity following the flood.

While Christians are called to pursue holiness and avoid sin, Scripture teaches that sinlessness in this life is impossible for believers; true sinlessness is a future reality achieved only through Christ's redemptive work.

National sins are corporate transgressions committed by a people or nation that incur God's judgment. Scripture reveals that nations are morally accountable to God and face consequences for rejecting His law and purposes.

Sion is a mountain in Moab east of the Jordan River, also known as Mount Hermon, representing God's presence and the boundaries of the Promised Land.

Siphmoth was a town in southern Judah where David sent a portion of the spoils from his victory over the Amalekites. It appears only once in Scripture as one of the cities that received David's gifts.

Sippai was a giant from Gath who was slain by Hubbah (or Sibbecai) during David's reign. He represents God's faithfulness in granting victory over seemingly insurmountable enemies.

Sirah was a well in ancient Israel near Hebron, significant in the account of Abner's death during the civil war between David and Saul's house.

Sirion is another name for Mount Hermon, the highest mountain in the Anti-Lebanon range, known for its snow-capped peaks and spiritual significance in Scripture.

Sisamai was a descendant of Judah in the genealogical line recorded in 1 Chronicles 2. He appears in the family records as a son of Eleasah.

Sisera was a Canaanite military commander whose defeat by Deborah and Barak demonstrated God's power to save His people through unlikely vessels. His death at the hands of Jael, a woman, fulfilled God's plan and became a song of praise celebrating divine deliverance.

Sitnah was a well dug by Isaac's servants in the Valley of Gerar, which became a point of contention with the Philistines who claimed it as their own.

Sivan is the third month of the Hebrew calendar, significant in biblical history as the month when God gave the Law at Mount Sinai and when the feast of Pentecost was celebrated. It holds important commemorative value in Scripture.

Skepticism is an attitude of doubt toward God's existence, character, or promises, often rooted in pride and unbelief. Scripture calls believers to faith rather than skepticism, while acknowledging that even genuine disciples may struggle with doubt.

Skin in Scripture refers to both the physical covering of the body and materials used in Old Testament worship and offerings. It represents humanity's need for covering and protection, ultimately pointing to Christ's redemptive work.

Slander is bearing false witness against others through malicious speech, which Scripture explicitly condemns as sin. God's Word calls believers to guard their tongues and pursue truthfulness in all communication.

Sleep is a natural gift from God that refreshes us physically and spiritually, yet Scripture warns against laziness and encourages trust in God's provision during our rest.

Slime in Scripture refers to bitumen or tar-like substances used in construction and preservation throughout biblical history. This humble material demonstrates God's provision of natural resources for human need.

A sling was an ancient weapon consisting of a pouch with two cords used to hurl stones with great force and accuracy. It was commonly used by shepherds and warriors in biblical times, most famously by David against Goliath.

Slothfulness is spiritual laziness and negligence that leads to poverty, ruin, and missed opportunities for growth. Scripture consistently warns against idleness and calls believers to diligent, purposeful living.

The biblical smith represents skilled craftsmen empowered by God's Spirit to create functional and beautiful works. Bezalel exemplifies how God gifts individuals with supernatural wisdom and ability for His service.

Smoke, Figurative

Smoke in Scripture often represents God's presence, judgment, and the transient nature of human plans and possessions. Understanding these figurative uses helps believers recognize God's holiness and the temporary nature of earthly concerns.

Smyrna was an ancient city in Asia Minor and one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation, known for its faithful witness despite persecution and poverty.

Snails are mentioned in Scripture as unclean animals and as a metaphor for the dissolution of the wicked, illustrating God's judgment against those who oppose Him.

A snare is a trap or device used to catch animals, often employed metaphorically in Scripture to represent spiritual danger and temptation. The Bible warns believers to be aware of snares that threaten their faith and walk with God.

Snow in Scripture symbolizes purity, cleansing, and God's power over creation. It represents both the transformative work of God's grace and the majesty of His natural creation.

Snuffdishes were small vessels used in the tabernacle to hold the remnants of burnt offerings and maintain the altar lamps. These functional items reflected the careful, orderly worship prescribed by God.

Snuffers were small utensils used in the tabernacle and temple to trim the wicks of oil lamps and extinguish them. These functional items reveal God's attention to detail in worship and the importance of maintaining His house.

So refers to Egypt in biblical history, particularly as a nation that Israel sometimes looked to for political alliance rather than trusting God. The reference in 2 Kings 17:4 describes Israel's king sending messengers to So, king of Egypt, seeking help against Assyria.

Soap in Scripture serves as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and purification from sin. Though rarely mentioned literally, it illustrates God's desire to wash away our transgressions.

Sobriety in Scripture refers to mental clarity, self-control, and sound judgment—both regarding substance use and spiritual vigilance. It is presented as essential for Christian living, leadership, and spiritual readiness.

Socho was a town in ancient Judah, mentioned in connection with Mered's family lineage. It represents one of many geographical locations in Israel's tribal territories.

Socoh was a city in the hill country of Judah assigned to the tribe of Judah during the conquest of Canaan. It served as one of several fortified cities in ancient Israel's territory.