Bible Glossary: Words Starting with “H”

Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for important terms starting with the letter H, complete with Scripture references and insights to enrich your study and spiritual life.

A watercolor illustration with the word Hope in large white letters, surrounded by a wooden cross, a scroll, and an anchor, all on a brown and gold background. A star shines near the text.

Habakkuk

  • Definition: A prophet in the Old Testament who questioned God about justice and received answers emphasizing faith and trust.
  • Scripture Reference: Habakkuk 2:4
  • Simple Meaning: Habakkuk teaches that the righteous live by faith and trust in God’s plan.

Hagar

  • Definition: The Egyptian servant of Sarah who bore Abraham’s first son, Ishmael.
  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 16:1-16
  • Simple Meaning: Hagar’s story highlights God’s care for the marginalized and His faithfulness to His promises.

Halo

  • Definition: Though not a biblical term, in Christian art, a halo represents divine light or holiness surrounding a person.
  • Scripture Reference: Symbolic concept, reflecting God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-35).
  • Simple Meaning: A halo symbolizes sanctity and the reflection of God’s presence.

Hand of God

  • Definition: A biblical phrase representing God’s power, guidance, and intervention in human affairs.
  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 15:6
  • Simple Meaning: The Hand of God shows His authority and active role in the world.

Hardness of Heart

  • Definition: Spiritual stubbornness or resistance to God’s will.
  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 7:3
  • Simple Meaning: Hardness of heart prevents people from responding to God with obedience.

Harp

  • Definition: A stringed musical instrument frequently mentioned in Scripture, often associated with worship and praise.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 16:23
  • Simple Meaning: Harps were used to glorify God and comfort His people.

Harvest

  • Definition: A season of gathering crops, often symbolizing judgment, reward, or spiritual growth.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 9:37-38
  • Simple Meaning: Harvest represents both physical provision and God’s spiritual work in lives.

Heaven

  • Definition: The dwelling place of God, angels, and the redeemed, representing eternal life and divine presence.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:9
  • Simple Meaning: Heaven is God’s eternal kingdom, the ultimate home for believers.

Heavenly Father

  • Definition: A title for God emphasizing His loving, caring, and protective nature.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:26
  • Simple Meaning: God is our caring Father who provides and watches over us.

Hebrews

  • Definition: A New Testament book that explains Christ’s supremacy, priesthood, and fulfillment of the Old Testament covenant.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:1
  • Simple Meaning: Hebrews encourages faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s promises.

Hell

  • Definition: A place or state of eternal separation from God, often associated with punishment for the wicked.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:28
  • Simple Meaning: Hell warns of the consequences of rejecting God.

Herod

  • Definition: Refers to several rulers in the New Testament, most notably Herod the Great and Herod Antipas, involved in events surrounding Jesus’ birth and ministry.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-16
  • Simple Meaning: Herod’s story shows human ambition and opposition to God’s plan.

Holy

  • Definition: Set apart, sacred, and pure; a description of God and what is dedicated to Him.
  • Scripture Reference: Leviticus 19:2
  • Simple Meaning: To be holy is to live according to God’s standards and purposes.

Holy Spirit

  • Definition: The third Person of the Trinity, active in convicting, teaching, empowering, and guiding believers.
  • Scripture Reference: John 14:26
  • Simple Meaning: The Holy Spirit equips believers for godly living and ministry.

Hope

  • Definition: Confident expectation in God’s promises and future fulfillment.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 15:13
  • Simple Meaning: Hope encourages believers to trust God even in difficult times.

Hosanna

  • Definition: A cry of praise or plea for salvation, often shouted during Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:9
  • Simple Meaning: Hosanna expresses honor, adoration, and a call for God’s deliverance.

Host of Heaven

  • Definition: Refers to God’s angels, stars, or heavenly armies.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 103:21
  • Simple Meaning: The phrase emphasizes God’s majesty, power, and cosmic order.

Humility

  • Definition: The quality of being humble, recognizing dependence on God rather than self.
  • Scripture Reference: James 4:6
  • Simple Meaning: Humility honors God and reflects a Christlike character.

Humble

  • Definition: To lower oneself in service, submission, or attitude toward God and others.
  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:3-4
  • Simple Meaning: Being humble means valuing others and submitting to God’s will.

Hymn

  • Definition: A song of praise or worship directed to God.
  • Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:16
  • Simple Meaning: Hymns express devotion, gratitude, and adoration for God.

Hypocrisy

  • Definition: Pretending to be righteous or faithful while concealing true motives or sin.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:27-28
  • Simple Meaning: Hypocrisy warns against insincere faith and deceitful behavior.