Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for important terms beginning with the letter N, along with Scripture references and spiritual insights to help you grow in understanding.
Nazarene
Definition: A title for Jesus referring to His hometown, Nazareth.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:23
Simple Meaning: A fulfillment of prophecy identifying Jesus’ origins.
Nazareth
Definition: The Galilean town where Jesus grew up.
Scripture Reference: Luke 4:16
Simple Meaning: A humble place chosen by God for Christ’s early life.
Nazirite
Definition: Someone who took a vow of dedication to God, marked by abstinence from wine, uncut hair, and avoiding the dead.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 6:1–21
Simple Meaning: A symbol of special devotion and purity before God.
Naomi
Definition: Ruth’s mother-in-law, who experienced deep loss and later God’s restoration.
Scripture Reference: Ruth 1–4
Simple Meaning: Naomi shows God’s ability to turn sorrow into joy.
Nathan
Definition: A prophet who confronted King David about his sin.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 12:1–14
Simple Meaning: Nathan teaches courage, truth, and repentance.
Nativity
Definition: The birth of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:1–20
Simple Meaning: God enters the world as a humble child.
Nehemiah
Definition: A leader who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls and restored order among God’s people.
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 2–6
Simple Meaning: Faith, leadership, and perseverance can rebuild what’s broken.
Nephilim
Definition: A group of powerful or giant-like figures mentioned before the flood.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 6:4
Simple Meaning: A mysterious group symbolizing mankind’s corruption.
New Birth
Definition: Spiritual transformation through faith in Jesus; being “born again.”
Scripture Reference: John 3:3
Simple Meaning: True life begins when the Spirit renews the heart.
New Covenant
Definition: The covenant Jesus established through His sacrifice, bringing forgiveness and new hearts.
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 31:31–34
Simple Meaning: God’s grace made relationship with Him personal and accessible.
New Creation
Definition: A believer made spiritually new through Christ.
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Simple Meaning: Faith in Jesus changes a person from the inside out.
New Heaven and New Earth
Definition: The future restored world free from sin, pain, and death.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 21:1
Simple Meaning: God will renew all creation perfectly.
New Jerusalem
Definition: The heavenly city prepared by God for His people.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 21:2
Simple Meaning: A symbol of eternal life, peace, and God’s presence.
New Testament
Definition: The 27 books documenting Jesus’ life, teachings, and the early church.
Scripture Reference: Luke 22:20 (symbolic of covenant)
Simple Meaning: It reveals the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus.
Nicodemus
Definition: A Pharisee who privately met Jesus and later defended Him.
Scripture Reference: John 3:1–21
Simple Meaning: Represents a heart seeking truth and new understanding.
Nineveh
Definition: A wicked city that repented after Jonah’s message.
Scripture Reference: Jonah 3
Simple Meaning: Even the most sinful people can receive God’s mercy.
Noah
Definition: A righteous man who built the ark and survived the flood.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 6–9
Simple Meaning: Noah’s obedience preserved humanity and showed God’s grace.
Noble (Bereans)
Definition: A description of the Bereans who examined Scripture carefully when hearing Paul’s teaching.
Scripture Reference: Acts 17:11
Simple Meaning: Noble faith is built on studying and verifying God’s Word.
Nabal
Definition: A wealthy but foolish man who rejected David’s request for help.
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 25
Simple Meaning: Foolish pride leads to destruction, but God protects the humble.
Naboth
Definition: A righteous man unjustly killed so King Ahab could seize his vineyard.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 21
Simple Meaning: Naboth represents integrity amid corruption.
Nain
Definition: A town where Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead.
Scripture Reference: Luke 7:11–17
Simple Meaning: Jesus brings hope to the hopeless.
Naphtali
Definition: One of Jacob’s sons; ancestor of the tribe of Naphtali.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 30:7–8
Simple Meaning: A tribe characterized by courage and blessing.
Nebuchadnezzar
Definition: The Babylonian king who conquered Judah and later acknowledged God’s power.
Scripture Reference: Daniel 4
Simple Meaning: God can humble even the most powerful rulers.
Nebo (Mount Nebo)
Definition: The mountain from which Moses saw the Promised Land.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 34:1–4
Simple Meaning: A moment of both completion and transition in God’s plan.
Needle’s Eye
Definition: A metaphor Jesus used to illustrate the difficulty for the rich to enter God’s kingdom.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:24
Simple Meaning: Trusting wealth instead of God creates spiritual barriers.
Nero
Definition: A Roman emperor known for persecuting Christians.
Scripture Reference: Historical background; implied context in 1 Peter
Simple Meaning: Nero symbolizes early believers’ suffering and endurance.
Net (Fishing Net)
Definition: A tool used for fishing; metaphor for evangelism.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:19
Simple Meaning: Believers are called to “catch” people for God through the gospel.
New Moon
Definition: The beginning of the lunar month, often associated with offerings and gatherings.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 28:11–15
Simple Meaning: A regular time of worship and renewal.
Night Watch
Definition: The divided time periods of guarding or keeping vigil at night.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 63:6
Simple Meaning: Times of quiet reflection and dependence on God.
Nimrod
Definition: A mighty hunter and early ruler mentioned in Genesis.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 10:8–12
Simple Meaning: Represents human ambition and earthly power.
Noonday
Definition: The brightest part of the day, often used metaphorically for clarity or blessing.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 37:6
Simple Meaning: God brings righteousness into the open like the noonday sun.
Numbering of the People
Definition: Census-taking in Israel, sometimes done rightly but sometimes sinfully depending on motives.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 21:1–7
Simple Meaning: God examines the heart behind our actions.
Nymphas
Definition: A believer who hosted a church in his or her home.
Scripture Reference: Colossians 4:15
Simple Meaning: Hospitality played a key role in early Christian gatherings.
Nadab
Definition: Eldest son of Aaron who offered unauthorized fire and was consumed by God’s judgment.
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 10:1-2
Simple Meaning: Nadab warns against careless worship and disrespect for God’s holiness.
Nasi
Definition: Tribal leader or prince in Israel, responsible for offerings and representation.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 1:4-16
Simple Meaning: Nasis highlight organized leadership under God’s authority.
Naaman
Definition: Syrian army commander healed of leprosy by obeying Elisha’s word.
Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Simple Meaning: Naaman teaches humility and faith lead to healing.
Nabal’s Wife
Definition: Abigail, wise and discerning woman who averted disaster through quick action.
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 25:23-31
Simple Meaning: Abigail models godly wisdom in crisis situations.
Nard
Definition: Costly fragrant ointment used to anoint Jesus in devotion.
Scripture Reference: Mark 14:3
Simple Meaning: Nard symbolizes extravagant worship poured out on Christ.
Nazarites (Famous)
Definition: Notable Nazirites like Samson who took vows for God’s special service.
Scripture Reference: Judges 13:5
Simple Meaning: Shows God empowers dedicated lives for His purposes.
Nehemiah’s Prayer
Definition: A model of confession, repentance, and bold request to God.
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 1:5-11
Simple Meaning: Teaches approaching God with humility and faith.
Nicanor
Definition: One of the seven deacons chosen to serve the early church’s needs.
Scripture Reference: Acts 6:5
Simple Meaning: Nicanor represents practical service in growing ministry.
Nile
Definition: Egypt’s life-giving river, site of God’s plagues and Moses’ rescue.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 2:3-5
Simple Meaning: The Nile illustrates God’s sovereignty over human powers.
Nacon
Definition: Threshing floor where Uzzah died touching the ark improperly.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 6:6
Simple Meaning: Nacon teaches reverence for God’s holiness in worship.
Nahor
Definition: Abraham’s brother whose family preserved the faithful line.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 11:26
Simple Meaning: Nahor shows God’s providence through extended family.
Nebo
Definition: Moabite mountain from which Balaam blessed Israel instead of cursing.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 23:14
Simple Meaning: Nebo reveals God turning enemies’ plans to blessing.
Nergal
Definition: Assyrian god of war and plague worshiped by exiled Israelites.
Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 17:30
Simple Meaning: Nergal pictures false gods that cannot deliver.
Nimrah
Definition: Moabite city conquered, showing God’s land victories.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 32:3
Simple Meaning: Nimrah teaches inheritance comes through divine conquest.
Noph
Definition: Egyptian city (Memphis) judged for idolatry and oppression.
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 46:19
Simple Meaning: Noph warns nations trusting false security face ruin.
Nun
Definition: Father of Joshua, representing faithful generational transfer.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 33:11
Simple Meaning: Nun shows godly parenting raises conquest leaders.
Nophah
Definition: Moabite town whose flame prophecy pictures judgment fire.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 21:30
Simple Meaning: Nophah symbolizes God’s consuming wrath on rebellion.
Nahum
Definition: A minor prophet who proclaimed God’s judgment on Nineveh.
Scripture Reference: Nahum 1:1
Simple Meaning: Shows that God is patient, but He ultimately judges evil.
Nail (Piercing)
Definition: The spikes driven through Jesus’ hands and feet at the crucifixion.
Scripture Reference: John 20:25
Simple Meaning: Reminds us of the cost of our salvation in Christ’s suffering.
Nain Widow
Definition: The grieving mother whose only son Jesus raised from the dead.
Scripture Reference: Luke 7:12–15
Simple Meaning: Shows Jesus’ compassion for personal sorrow and His power over death.
