What was a seer in the Bible?
A seer is a person who “sees.” In the Bible, a seer is another name for a prophet (see 1 Samuel 9:9). But, more specifically, a seer was a prophet who saw visions—pictures or scenes seen in the mind’s eye, in dreams, or even with one’s natural eye. God spoke to His people through prophets…
What is the meaning of diakonia in the Bible?
Diakonia (Greek) is a noun used 32 times in the New Testament and variously translated as “ministry,” “service,” “relief,” or “support.” It is used in Luke 10:40 of Martha’s meal preparations for the Lord, while Mary sat at His feet and listened to Him. It is used in Acts 6:1 regarding the serving of food…
What does the Greek New Testament mean by kerygma?
The Greek word kerygma means “proclamation.” In the New Testament, the term is often associated with preaching the Christian message, especially the fundamentals of the gospel. In the New Testament, John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Jesus the Messiah, “preaching in the wilderness of Judea” (Matthew 3:1). When Jesus read…
What does it mean to vex / be vexed?
The word vex means “to disturb, trouble, or provoke.” To be vexed is to be frustrated, annoyed, or exasperated. A vexed person feels some serious irritation. To vex someone is to drive him from patience to impatience or to harass or goad her to the limit of endurance. In the Bible, there are some examples…
What is the meaning of the term Shiloh?
The word Shiloh appears 33 times in the Old Testament, and all but one usage refer to a city in Ephraim, about 24 miles north of Jerusalem. Joshua, Eli, and Samuel were all associated with Shiloh, and the tabernacle was located there for a long time. One verse in the Bible mentions Shiloh as part…
What is a vagabond in the Bible?
A vagabond is a wanderer, often a fugitive or an exile, who has no fixed place of dwelling. The first use of the word vagabond in the Bible is in Genesis 4:12 when God pronounced a curse upon Cain for the murder of his brother, Abel: “A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in…
What does diadem mean in the Bible?
A diadem is a headpiece symbolizing royalty or authority and is usually worn by a king or queen. A synonym for diadem is crown, and that is the word found in most modern Bible translations. The word diadem is first used in the Bible in Exodus 29:6 as part of God’s instructions for Aaron’s clothing.…
What is the meaning of hosanna?
Hosanna is a word used in some songs of praise, particularly on Palm Sunday. It is of Hebrew origin and was part of the shout of the multitudes as Jesus entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew…
What is the meaning of perfection in the Bible?
The meaning of perfection in the Bible relates to a state of completeness or absolute wholeness. Biblical perfection involves freedom from fault, defect, or shortcoming. In the New Testament, a Greek term for “perfection” can also mean “maturity.” The Bible expresses perfection in at least three different contexts: the perfection of God, the perfection of…
What was a Roman centurion?
During the New Testament era, a Roman centurion was a professional military officer commanding a platoon of troops called a “century.” This could be anywhere from nearly one hundred to several hundred men. Each Roman legion was composed of nearly 5,000 men, divided into multiple cohorts, each cohort composed of multiple centuries. As a result,…