Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for essential Bible terms beginning with the letter T, along with Scripture references and simple insights to help grow your knowledge and spiritual life.
Tabernacle
Definition: The portable dwelling place for God’s presence during Israel’s wilderness journey.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 25:8
Simple Meaning: The tabernacle symbolizes God dwelling among His people.
Tabor (Mount Tabor)
Definition: A mountain in Israel, site of significant biblical events, including the Transfiguration.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:1
Simple Meaning: Tabor represents divine revelation and God’s glory.
Tithe
Definition: A tenth of one’s income or produce given to God.
Scripture Reference: Malachi 3:10
Simple Meaning: Tithing reflects trust, obedience, and devotion to God.
Transfiguration
Definition: The moment Jesus’ divine glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:2
Simple Meaning: Shows Jesus’ divine nature and foreshadows His glory.
Temptation
Definition: The enticement to sin or turn away from God.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:13
Simple Meaning: God provides strength to resist temptation and remain faithful.
Throne of God
Definition: The seat of God’s sovereign authority and judgment.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 4:2
Simple Meaning: God rules all creation from His throne in justice and holiness.
Tabernacle of David
Definition: Refers to the tent or worship center established by King David.
Scripture Reference: Acts 15:16
Simple Meaning: Symbolizes God’s desire for joyful, Spirit-led worship.
Tribulation
Definition: A period of severe trials or persecution.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:21
Simple Meaning: Tribulations test faith and prepare believers for God’s kingdom.
Trust / Trusting in God
Definition: Reliance on God’s character, promises, and provision.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5
Simple Meaning: Trusting God brings peace and guidance in life.
Tower of Babel
Definition: A city and tower built to challenge God, resulting in confused languages.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 11:4–9
Simple Meaning: Human pride is opposed by God; He desires humility and obedience.
Teacher / Teachers
Definition: Those called to instruct others in God’s Word.
Scripture Reference: James 3:1
Simple Meaning: Teachers guide believers in understanding and applying Scripture.
Tabernacle Services
Definition: The rituals and offerings conducted in the tabernacle.
Scripture Reference: Leviticus 1:1–17
Simple Meaning: They symbolize worship, atonement, and God’s holiness.
Thief / Thieves
Definition: Those who steal or act dishonestly; often used metaphorically.
Scripture Reference: John 10:10
Simple Meaning: Jesus contrasts the thief’s harm with His gift of abundant life.
Timothy
Definition: A young disciple and companion of Paul, recipient of pastoral guidance.
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 1:2
Simple Meaning: Timothy represents faithful discipleship and spiritual mentorship.
Tabernacle Curtain
Definition: The veil separating the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle or temple.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 26:33
Simple Meaning: The curtain symbolizes God’s holiness and access to His presence.
Testimony
Definition: A personal declaration of faith and God’s work in one’s life.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 12:11
Simple Meaning: Testimonies strengthen faith and encourage others.
Tongues
Definition: A spiritual gift involving speaking in languages unknown to the speaker.
Scripture Reference: Acts 2:4
Simple Meaning: God empowers believers for worship and proclamation.
Treasure in Heaven
Definition: Spiritual rewards stored with God for faithfulness.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:20
Simple Meaning: Focus on eternal rewards rather than earthly wealth.
Tempted / Temptation of Jesus
Definition: The trials Jesus faced in the wilderness from Satan.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:1–11
Simple Meaning: Jesus provides an example of resisting temptation through God’s Word.
Tower
Definition: A high structure symbolizing strength, vigilance, or pride.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 18:10
Simple Meaning: God can be our strong tower and refuge, but human pride leads to downfall.
Truth
Definition: God’s reality, faithfulness, and revealed Word.
Scripture Reference: John 14:6
Simple Meaning: Living in God’s truth guides believers to righteousness and freedom.
Tribute
Definition: Payment or offering showing respect, loyalty, or obedience.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:21
Simple Meaning: Honoring God includes recognizing His authority in all areas.
Tabernacle of Witness
Definition: Another term emphasizing God’s dwelling among His people as testimony.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 40:34–35
Simple Meaning: God’s presence validates His promises and covenant.
Tamar
Definition: Daughter-in-law of Judah, involved in a significant biblical lineage.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 38:6–30
Simple Meaning: God works through imperfect people to fulfill His plan.
Twelve Tribes of Israel
Definition: The descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons, forming the nation of Israel.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 49:28
Simple Meaning: Represents God’s chosen people and covenant promises.
Terror / Fear of the Lord
Definition: Reverent awe and respect for God.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 9:10
Simple Meaning: True wisdom begins with honoring God and His authority.
Teman
Definition: Edomite region symbolizing wisdom tested by God’s judgment.
Scripture Reference: Obadiah 1:9
Simple Meaning: Teman shows human wisdom fails before divine counsel.
Teraphim
Definition: Household idols used for divination, stolen by Rachel.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 31:19
Simple Meaning: Teraphim warn against mixing idolatry with true worship.
Thaddaeus
Definition: One of Jesus’ twelve apostles, also called Judas son of James.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:3
Simple Meaning: Thaddaeus shows God uses faithful unknowns in His plan.
Thebez
Definition: City where Abimelech died under a millstone judgment.
Scripture Reference: Judges 9:53
Simple Meaning: Thebez pictures God using ordinary means for justice.
Tibni
Definition: Rival king whose brief rebellion failed against God’s choice.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 16:22
Simple Meaning: Tibni reveals God establishes His anointed over pretenders.
Tophel
Definition: Wilderness camp during Israel’s journey to Promised Land.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 1:1
Simple Meaning: Tophel marks preparation before covenant renewal.
Tappuah
Definition: Border city symbolizing fruitful inheritance boundaries.
Scripture Reference: Joshua 15:34
Simple Meaning: Tappuah pictures God-given land producing abundance.
Tirzah
Definition: Beautiful city, first northern kingdom capital before Samaria.
Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 14:17
Simple Meaning: Tirzah shows temporary glory yields to God’s eternal plan.
Tochen
Definition: Judahite town meaning “grinding,” symbolizing daily provision.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 4:32
Simple Meaning: Tochen teaches God sustains through routine faithfulness.
Tubal
Definition: Son of Japheth whose descendants traded slaves and metals.
Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 27:13
Simple Meaning: Tubal warns nations profiting from injustice face judgment.
Tahpanhes
Definition: Egyptian city where fleeing Jews rejected God’s prophets.
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 43:7
Simple Meaning: Tahpanhes shows false refuge cannot escape divine judgment.
Takoa
Definition: Wise woman’s hometown sent to counsel David’s grief.
Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 14:2
Simple Meaning: Takoa reveals God uses simple people for royal wisdom.
Talmai
Definition: Anakim giant whose land Caleb conquered by faith.
Scripture Reference: Joshua 15:14
Simple Meaning: Talmai proves faith defeats intimidating giants.
Tarshish
Definition: Distant maritime trading center symbolizing escape from God.
Scripture Reference: Jonah 1:3
Simple Meaning: Tarshish warns no distance hides from God’s call.
Tekoa
Definition: Prophet Amos’ hometown, watchmen’s warning post.
Scripture Reference: Amos 1:1
Simple Meaning: Tekoa teaches God raises voices from ordinary places.
Tema
Definition: Arabian caravan oasis longing for good news.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 21:14
Simple Meaning: Tema pictures desert hearts awaiting Messiah’s refreshment.
Terah
Definition: Abraham’s father whose family journey began God’s covenant.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 11:31
Simple Meaning: Terah shows God begins great promises through ordinary families.
Tibhath
Definition: Syrian city plundered to furnish temple bronze.
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 18:8
Simple Meaning: Tibhath reveals God redeems enemy spoils for worship.
Tiglath-Pileser
Definition: Assyrian king used by God to judge Israel’s idolatry.
Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 15:29
Simple Meaning: Tiglath-Pileser proves pagan rulers serve divine purposes.
Timnah
Definition: Border town where Samson met his Philistine wife.
Scripture Reference: Judges 14:1
Simple Meaning: Timnah warns unwise alliances provoke God’s judgment.
