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General biblical topics and themes — 4,980 entries

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Sodi was one of the twelve Israelite spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan before the conquest. He represented the tribe of Zebulun in this reconnaissance mission.

Sodom was an ancient city whose wickedness provoked God's judgment, yet Abraham's intercession revealed God's character as both just and merciful. The account demonstrates God's patience with sin and His willingness to spare cities for the sake of the righteous.

Scripture identifies sodomites as those engaged in sexual immorality, particularly same-sex relations, which God condemns as sinful. The term appears in both Old and New Testaments as part of God's clear moral law.

Scripture consistently condemns sodomy as a grave sin that violates God's design for human sexuality. The Bible calls believers to repentance and holiness in this area.

Soldering in Scripture refers to the joining of metal pieces, used metaphorically in Isaiah to describe God's strengthening work in His people.

Scripture addresses the conduct and treatment of soldiers, from their spiritual responsibilities to their role in Christ's crucifixion, revealing God's standards for those in military service.

Solomon was Israel's third king, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building of the temple, yet his later life was marked by spiritual decline and idolatry. His reign represents both the heights of God's blessing and the dangers of turning from faithful obedience.

Solomon's Porch

Solomon's Porch was a covered colonnade on the east side of the Jerusalem temple where Jesus and the apostles taught and healed. It served as an important gathering place for believers in the early church.

In Scripture, 'son' refers to male offspring and carries significant theological meaning, especially regarding God's relationship with His people and the ultimate identity of Jesus Christ as God's Son.

A son-in-law is a man married to one's daughter, representing family relationships and obligations within biblical kinship structures.

Song is a biblical expression of worship, praise, and instruction that glorifies God and edifies believers. Throughout Scripture, singing plays a vital role in corporate and personal devotion to the Lord.

Sopater was a believer from Berea who accompanied the Apostle Paul during his missionary journey to Jerusalem. He is mentioned briefly in Acts as part of Paul's traveling companions.

Sophereth was a servant of Solomon whose descendants returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. She represents the faithful remnant who maintained their identity and returned to rebuild Jerusalem.

Sorcery is the practice of attempting to manipulate supernatural forces through magic, divination, or occult means, which Scripture consistently condemns as incompatible with faith in God. The Bible forbids sorcery as a form of rebellion against God's authority and a violation of His exclusive claim on our worship and trust.

Sorek, Valley of

The Valley of Sorek was a fertile region in ancient Palestine where Samson met Delilah, leading to his eventual downfall. This location represents a place of spiritual compromise and vulnerability.

Sorrel is a reddish-brown horse mentioned in Scripture as part of Zechariah's symbolic vision. This color appears in biblical imagery to convey specific spiritual meanings.

Sorrow is a deep emotional pain that all believers experience, yet God meets us in our grief and offers comfort and deliverance. Scripture shows both the reality of human suffering and God's compassionate response to those who cry out to Him.

Sosipater was a Christian companion of the Apostle Paul who sent greetings in his letter to the Romans. Little is known about him beyond this brief mention, but he was evidently a valued member of Paul's missionary circle.

Sosthenes was a ruler of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth who was beaten by an angry mob, and later became a Christian companion of the Apostle Paul.

Sotai was one of the temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from exile in Babylon with Zerubbabel. He is mentioned among those who helped rebuild the temple and restore worship in Jerusalem.

Sounding in Navigation

Sounding in navigation refers to the practice of measuring water depth using a weighted line, as exemplified during Paul's voyage to Rome. This biblical example demonstrates God's providence in preserving His servants through practical seamanship.

The sower represents a faithful believer who plants God's Word in the world, with results depending on the condition of hearts that receive it. Scripture emphasizes that what we sow—whether righteousness or sin—we will reap.

Spain represents a distant frontier for gospel expansion in Paul's missionary vision, reflecting the apostolic priority to take the message of Christ to unreached territories.

The span refers to the measurement of the breastpiece of the high priest's garment, representing precise obedience to God's detailed instructions for worship.

Sparrows appear in Scripture as humble creatures whose worth and safety rest entirely in God's care, illustrating His tender concern for the insignificant.

The spear was a common weapon in biblical times, used in warfare and hunting, and serves as a symbol of human strength and God's sovereignty over all instruments of violence.

Spermatorrhea refers to the involuntary emission of seminal fluid, addressed in Old Testament law as a condition requiring ceremonial cleansing. This natural bodily function was treated with the same purification protocols as other bodily emissions.

Spices were valuable, aromatic substances used in biblical times for trade, worship, medicine, and burial practices, often symbolizing wealth and honor. They appear throughout Scripture as gifts, temple offerings, and expressions of devotion to God.

Spiders in Scripture symbolize fragility, wickedness, and the futility of trusting in anything other than God.

Spies were used throughout biblical history to gather intelligence about enemies and their territories. Scripture records both the use of spies in warfare and warnings against deception.

Spikenard is a precious aromatic plant mentioned in Scripture as a symbol of devotion, worship, and the fragrance of Christ. Its costliness and rarity made it a fitting offering of love and honor.

A spindle was a rod used in spinning thread from fiber, symbolizing industrious work and provision. Biblical references connect it to diligent labor and feminine virtue.

Spinning was an essential domestic craft in biblical times, primarily performed by women to produce thread and yarn for clothing and textiles. Scripture presents spinning as honest work that reflects diligence and faithfulness.

The spirit refers to the immaterial part of human nature—the inner person that can be renewed and strengthened by God's Holy Spirit. Biblical spirituality centers on the transformation of our inner being toward godliness.

True spirituality is not about worldly pursuits but about setting our hearts and minds on Christ and His kingdom. It involves loving God with all our being and seeking His righteousness above all else.

Spitting in Scripture represents deep contempt, shame, and degradation, used both as a form of punishment and as an act of severe disrespect toward God and man.

Spoils of war were goods and valuables taken from defeated enemies, which God's law regulated through prescribed distribution among warriors, the congregation, and the Lord's service. This system reflected God's sovereignty over victory and established principles for righteous stewardship of what He provided.

A sponge was used to offer Jesus vinegar while He hung on the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy about His suffering.

Spoons were essential utensils used in Old Testament worship, particularly for handling incense and offerings in the tabernacle and temple service.

Sprinkling in Scripture refers to the ritualistic application of water or blood for cleansing and consecration, symbolizing purification from sin and dedication to God.

Stability of Character

Stability of character is the spiritual maturity and steadfastness that comes from consistently applying God's Word to life. It reflects a believer's commitment to enduring faith and faithful obedience regardless of circumstances.

Stachys was a early Christian believer in Rome whom Paul greeted as a beloved brother in Christ. Though little is known about his life, his mention in Scripture affirms the importance of faithful believers in the local church.

Stacte was an aromatic resin used as one of the four ingredients in the holy incense burned in the tabernacle. It symbolizes the sweet fragrance of worship and intercession before God.

Stairs of David

The Stairs of David were a notable architectural feature in Jerusalem, likely located on the eastern slope of the City of David, serving as an important pathway during the post-exilic reconstruction period.

A stall refers to an enclosure for livestock, symbolizing provision and contentment in Scripture. The concept illustrates how simple faithfulness to God surpasses material abundance without His presence.

Stammering or speech impediment is addressed in Scripture as a condition that God can overcome, and it illustrates how the Lord empowers the weak for His purposes.

A standard is a visible banner or symbol used to gather, unite, and identify a people or cause. Throughout Scripture, standards represent God's purposes, His people's identity, and the call to rally together under His authority.

Stars are celestial bodies created by God that declare His glory and power, and will play a significant role in future end-times events.

Stars are celestial bodies created by God to mark time, provide light, and declare His glory. In Scripture, stars symbolize God's sovereignty, the vastness of His promises, and occasionally represent spiritual realities or divine judgment.

Statecraft involves the wise governance and administration of nations, requiring leaders to seek God's wisdom and maintain moral integrity. Biblical examples show how godly principles should inform political leadership and decision-making.