Understanding key biblical terms helps believers grow in wisdom, deepen their faith, and interpret Scripture with clarity. This glossary gathers essential words beginning with “R”, offering simple definitions, related Bible verses, and spiritual insights to support your study and walk with God.
Bible Glossary — R
Ransom
Definition: The price paid to redeem or rescue someone from bondage.
Scripture: Mark 10:45
Insight: Jesus gave His life as a ransom for many, revealing God’s sacrificial love.
Reconciliation
Definition: The restoring of a broken relationship, especially between God and humanity.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18
Insight: Through Christ, believers are reconciled to God and called to extend reconciliation to others.
Redemption
Definition: God’s act of delivering people from sin through Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:7
Insight: Redemption highlights both God’s justice and His deep mercy.
Refuge
Definition: A place of safety, protection, and comfort in God.
Scripture: Psalm 46:1
Insight: Believers can run to God as their secure refuge in times of trouble.
Repent / Repentance
Definition: A sincere turning away from sin and turning back to God.
Scripture: Acts 3:19
Insight: Repentance brings spiritual renewal and restoration.
Resurrection
Definition: Rising from the dead; most importantly, Jesus rising on the third day.
Scripture: John 11:25
Insight: The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope and eternal life.
Righteous / Righteousness
Definition: Moral purity and being in right standing with God.
Scripture: Matthew 5:6
Insight: Righteousness is received by faith and expressed through obedience.
River of Life
Definition: A symbol of God’s eternal blessing and life flowing from His presence.
Scripture: Revelation 22:1
Insight: Represents the fullness and purity of God’s eternal kingdom.
Rock (God as Rock)
Definition: A metaphor for God’s strength, stability, and faithfulness.
Scripture: Psalm 18:2
Insight: God is a firm foundation when life feels unstable.
Rooted in Christ
Definition: Being deeply grounded in Jesus so that faith grows strong.
Scripture: Colossians 2:7
Insight: Rooted believers remain steady through trials and spiritual challenges.
Royal Priesthood
Definition: A title given to believers who are chosen to worship and serve God.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9
Insight: Christians are called to represent God and carry His light into the world.
Revelation
Definition: God revealing His truth—through Scripture, creation, or the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Revelation 1:1
Insight: Revelation shows God’s plan and invites believers to deeper understanding.
Remnant
Definition: A small group of faithful believers preserved by God.
Scripture: Romans 11:5
Insight: God always keeps a faithful remnant to carry out His purpose.
Restore / Restoration
Definition: God’s work of renewing, healing, and rebuilding what is broken.
Scripture: Psalm 23:3
Insight: God restores hearts, relationships, and hope.
Reverence
Definition: Deep respect and awe for God’s holiness.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:28
Insight: Reverence shapes worship and daily obedience.
Rebirth / Regeneration
Definition: The spiritual transformation and new life given by the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Titus 3:5
Insight: Regeneration is the beginning of a believer’s new identity in Christ.
Reap / Reaping
Definition: Receiving the results of one’s actions—good or bad.
Scripture: Galatians 6:7
Insight: God’s justice ensures that what is sown will be reaped in due time.
Riches
Definition: Material wealth or spiritual blessings.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 10:22
Simple Meaning: God’s blessing brings true prosperity, not just material wealth.
Righteous Branch
Definition: A prophetic term for the Messiah who brings justice.
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 23:5
Simple Meaning: Jesus fulfills God’s promise as the righteous king.
Rock of Ages
Definition: A metaphor for God’s eternal strength and salvation.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 26:4
Simple Meaning: God is our unchanging refuge in all generations.
Reward / Rewards
Definition: Blessings given by God for faithfulness and obedience.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:20
Simple Meaning: God honors those who seek His kingdom and righteousness.
Righteous Judgment
Definition: God’s fair and holy evaluation of deeds.
Scripture Reference: John 5:30
Simple Meaning: God judges righteously and with perfect justice.
Rest
Definition: Spiritual and physical peace found in God.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:28–29
Simple Meaning: God invites His people to rest in Him, relieving burdens.
Ransomed / Ransomed by Christ
Definition: Freed from sin and death through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:20
Simple Meaning: Believers are bought at a price and belong to God.
Righteous Living
Definition: Living in a way that aligns with God’s will and Word.
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:1–2
Simple Meaning: Daily obedience and devotion reflect God’s character.
Rejoice / Rejoicing
Definition: Expressing gladness and praise to God.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4
Simple Meaning: Joy in the Lord strengthens faith and inspires hope.
Robe of Righteousness
Definition: The garment of salvation provided by God through faith.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 61:10
Simple Meaning: God clothes us in His righteousness, covering our sin.
Redeemer
Definition: God’s deliverer who buys back His people from bondage.
Scripture Reference: Job 19:25
Simple Meaning: Christ is our living Redeemer, securing eternal freedom.
Renewal
Definition: God’s refreshing of the mind, spirit, and strength.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:31
Simple Meaning: Waiting on God brings continual renewal for the weary.
Robbers
Definition: Thieves who steal spiritual or material blessings.
Scripture Reference: John 10:10
Simple Meaning: Jesus protects His flock from the thief’s destructive intent.
Ruler
Definition: A leader under God’s authority, accountable to Him.
Scripture Reference: Romans 13:1
Simple Meaning: All rulers are established by God for order and justice.
Ruin
Definition: Destruction from sin or rebellion against God.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 14:34
Simple Meaning: Righteousness exalts a nation; sin brings inevitable ruin.
Radiance
Definition: God’s glory shining through believers’ lives.
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:18
Simple Meaning: Transformed faces reflect the Lord’s radiant glory.
Rav rav
Definition: Hebrew for “many” or “multitude,” often of nations.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 11:12
Simple Meaning: God gathers all peoples into His kingdom.
Rebuke
Definition: Loving correction to turn someone from sin.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 27:5
Simple Meaning: Open rebuke from a friend is better than hidden love.
Rend
Definition: To tear garments or hearts in repentance.
Scripture Reference: Joel 2:13
Simple Meaning: God desires torn hearts over torn clothes.
Ridge
Definition: A high backbone of land, symbolizing God’s elevated paths.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 58:14
Simple Meaning: Walking in God’s ways lifts us above earthly struggles.
Riot
Definition: Uncontrolled disorder opposing God’s peace.
Scripture Reference: Acts 19:29
Simple Meaning: God calls us to orderly lives amid chaos.
Rivulet
Definition: A small stream of living water from God.
Scripture Reference: John 7:38
Simple Meaning: Believers release rivers of living water within.
Roe
Definition: Graceful deer, picturing swift pursuit of God.
Scripture Reference: Song of Solomon 2:9
Simple Meaning: Love for Christ makes us nimble and alert.
Rostrum
Definition: A platform for bold proclamation of truth.
Scripture Reference: Acts 17:22
Simple Meaning: Paul preached fearlessly from any high place.
Rune
Definition: Ancient mark or sign, like God’s mysterious symbols.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 13:18
Simple Meaning: God reveals hidden wisdom to the discerning.
Rust
Definition: Corrosion of earthly treasures that fades.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:19
Simple Meaning: Heavenly investments endure beyond decay.
Rhema
Definition: Spoken word of God bringing personal revelation.
Scripture Reference: Romans 10:17
Simple Meaning: Faith grows through hearing God’s living voice.
Rampart
Definition: Defensive wall of God’s protection.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 91:4
Simple Meaning: God’s truth shields like an impenetrable barrier.
Relent
Definition: God turning from judgment in mercy.
Scripture Reference: Jonah 3:10
Simple Meaning: Repentance moves God’s heart to compassion.
