Bible Glossary: Words Starting with “F”

Watercolor illustration featuring a large letter F and the word Faith, with a cross on the left and a person wearing a white hat praying with hands together on the right. Warm, earthy tones dominate the artwork.

Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find biblically grounded definitions for important terms beginning with the letter F, complete with Scripture references and explanations to enrich your study and spiritual growth.

Faith

  • Definition: Trust and confidence in God, His promises, and His Word.
  • Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:1
  • Simple Meaning: Faith is believing in God and relying on Him even when we cannot see the outcome.

Famine

  • Definition: A severe shortage of food, sometimes used in Scripture as a symbol of judgment or testing.
  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 41:56
  • Simple Meaning: Famine reminds us of human dependence on God for provision.

Father

  • Definition: God is often called Father, representing His care, authority, and relationship with His people.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:9
  • Simple Meaning: God as Father emphasizes His love, guidance, and protection.

Fear of the Lord

  • Definition: Reverent awe and respect for God, recognizing His power, holiness, and authority.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 9:10
  • Simple Meaning: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and faithful living.

Fellowship

  • Definition: Sharing spiritual life, communion, and unity among believers.
  • Scripture Reference: Acts 2:42
  • Simple Meaning: Fellowship strengthens believers through mutual encouragement, worship, and service.

Fig Tree

  • Definition: A tree often mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing Israel, spiritual fruitfulness, or judgment.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:19
  • Simple Meaning: The fig tree teaches lessons about obedience, faith, and God’s timing.

Fire

  • Definition: Fire is used both literally and symbolically in the Bible, representing God’s presence, purification, judgment, or the Holy Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:2; Acts 2:3
  • Simple Meaning: Fire illustrates God’s power, holiness, and transformative work in our lives.

Firstfruits

  • Definition: The initial yield of a harvest offered to God as a sign of gratitude and dedication.
  • Scripture Reference: Exodus 23:19
  • Simple Meaning: Firstfruits symbolize giving God the best and trusting Him for provision.

Forgiveness

  • Definition: The act of pardoning someone who has sinned, reflecting God’s mercy and grace.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:32
  • Simple Meaning: Forgiveness restores relationships and mirrors God’s love toward us.

Fortress

  • Definition: A stronghold or place of protection, often used metaphorically for God’s protection.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 18:2
  • Simple Meaning: God is our refuge and defense in times of trouble.

Fruit of the Spirit

  • Definition: The qualities produced in believers by the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and patience.
  • Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22-23
  • Simple Meaning: The fruit of the Spirit reflects God’s character working in our lives.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

  • Definition: The realization of God’s promises and predictions in Scripture.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:17
  • Simple Meaning: God’s faithfulness is demonstrated through the fulfillment of His Word.

Faithful

  • Definition: Loyal, steadfast, and reliable in devotion to God and His commands.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 4:2
  • Simple Meaning: Faithfulness honors God and strengthens our spiritual journey.

Fast / Fasting

  • Definition: Voluntarily abstaining from food or certain activities as a spiritual discipline.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:16-18
  • Simple Meaning: Fasting focuses believers on prayer, dependence on God, and spiritual growth.

Friend of God

  • Definition: A person who lives in close fellowship and obedience to God.
  • Scripture Reference: James 2:23
  • Simple Meaning: God calls us into a relationship of trust and intimacy as His friends.

Faithfulness of God

  • Definition: God’s unwavering reliability and trustworthiness in fulfilling His promises.
  • Scripture Reference: Lamentations 3:22-23
  • Simple Meaning: God’s faithfulness gives believers hope and confidence in every circumstance.

False Prophet

  • Definition: Someone claiming God’s message but spreading lies or leading others astray.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 24:24
  • Simple Meaning: False prophets warn believers to discern God’s truth from deception.

Family of God

  • Definition: Believers who are united spiritually through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:14-17
  • Simple Meaning: Followers of Christ are called to love and support one another as family.

Faithful Servant

  • Definition: A believer who diligently follows God’s commands and faithfully serves Him.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:21
  • Simple Meaning: Faithful service honors God and bears eternal rewards.

Fruitful

  • Definition: Producing spiritual results or positive outcomes through obedience to God.
  • Scripture Reference: John 15:5
  • Simple Meaning: Fruitfulness is living in a way that glorifies God and blesses others.

Fool / Foolishness

  • Definition: Acting against God’s wisdom or moral guidance; rejecting His Word.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 1:7
  • Simple Meaning: Foolishness leads to harm, while wisdom brings life.

Flood

  • Definition: A literal or symbolic inundation representing judgment or God’s intervention.
  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 7:17-24
  • Simple Meaning: The flood demonstrates God’s justice, mercy, and covenantal promises.

Favor / Favored

  • Definition: Receiving God’s kindness, blessing, or approval.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 1:28
  • Simple Meaning: Being favored by God involves both privilege and responsibility.

Freedom in Christ

  • Definition: Spiritual liberty from sin and condemnation through faith in Jesus.
  • Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:1
  • Simple Meaning: Believers are free to live under God’s grace rather than the law of sin.

Faith Over Fear

  • Definition: Choosing trust in God rather than being controlled by worry or anxiety.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 41:10
  • Simple Meaning: God calls us to rely on Him in every challenge.

Fall (The)

  • Definition: Humanity’s first sin through Adam and Eve, introducing death and separation from God.
  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 3:6
  • Simple Meaning: The Fall shows sin’s consequences but points to God’s redemptive plan

Faithless

  • Definition: Lacking trust in God, often leading to doubt or disobedience.
  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:17
  • Simple Meaning: Faithlessness hinders God’s work; true faith invites His power.

Flesh

  • Definition: Human nature prone to sin, contrasted with life led by the Spirit.
  • Scripture Reference: Romans 8:5-6
  • Simple Meaning: The flesh pulls us toward selfishness; the Spirit leads to godliness.

Flock

  • Definition: Believers as sheep under Christ the Shepherd’s care and guidance.
  • Scripture Reference: John 10:14-16
  • Simple Meaning: God protects and leads His flock with tender authority.

Fornication

  • Definition: Sexual immorality outside God’s design for marriage.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:18
  • Simple Meaning: Fornication harms the body and spirit; purity honors God.

Foundation

  • Definition: The bedrock truth of Christ and apostolic teaching for faith.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 3:11
  • Simple Meaning: A strong foundation in Christ withstands life’s storms.

Fountain

  • Definition: A source of living water symbolizing God’s eternal life and refreshment.
  • Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 2:13
  • Simple Meaning: God is our endless source of spiritual renewal.

Free Will

  • Definition: God-given ability to choose obedience or rebellion toward Him.
  • Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 30:19
  • Simple Meaning: Free will calls us to choose life and blessing in God.

Fret

  • Definition: To worry or be anxious, often warned against in trusting God.
  • Scripture Reference: Psalm 37:1
  • Simple Meaning: Fretting steals peace; trust in God brings rest.

Frontlets

  • Definition: Symbolic bindings on foreheads and hands representing devotion to God’s commands.
  • Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:8
  • Simple Meaning: Frontlets remind us to live God’s Word visibly and wholeheartedly.

Froward

  • Definition: Perverse or stubbornly disobedient to God’s ways.
  • Scripture Reference: Proverbs 4:24
  • Simple Meaning: A froward heart leads astray; uprightness guides to life.

Fullness

  • Definition: God’s complete presence and blessings filling believers through Christ.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 3:19
  • Simple Meaning: Fullness in God satisfies every longing of the soul.

Fury

  • Definition: God’s righteous anger against sin and injustice.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 59:18
  • Simple Meaning: God’s fury upholds justice, calling us to repentance.

Fathom

  • Definition: To understand or measure the depth of God’s wisdom or love.
  • Scripture Reference: Ephesians 3:18
  • Simple Meaning: God’s love surpasses human comprehension, inviting deeper trust.

Felix

  • Definition: Roman governor who heard Paul but delayed true repentance.
  • Scripture Reference: Acts 24:25
  • Simple Meaning: Felix warns against postponing response to God’s truth.

Fig

  • Definition: Fruit symbolizing spiritual health or judgment on unfruitfulness.
  • Scripture Reference: Luke 13:6-7
  • Simple Meaning: God seeks fruitfulness from every planted life.

Flagon

  • Definition: Vessel for wine, representing earthly comforts or spiritual refreshment.
  • Scripture Reference: Song of Solomon 2:5
  • Simple Meaning: True satisfaction comes from God’s sustaining love.

Flax

  • Definition: Plant used for linen, symbolizing gentle yet strong faith.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 42:3
  • Simple Meaning: God preserves even the weakest flickering faith.

Fleece

  • Definition: Gideon’s test of God’s will through dew on wool.
  • Scripture Reference: Judges 6:37
  • Simple Meaning: Fleece teaches seeking clear confirmation from God

Fleshhook

  • Definition: Tool for temple sacrifices, symbolizing division for holy service.
  • Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 2:14
  • Simple Meaning: God claims portions for His sacred purposes.

Footstool

  • Definition: Earth as God’s resting place, symbolizing His supreme authority.
  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 66:1
  • Simple Meaning: Heaven is God’s throne; humility honors His reign.

Frankincense

  • Definition: Aromatic resin offered in worship, symbolizing prayer ascending to God.
  • Scripture Reference: Revelation 8:3-4
  • Simple Meaning: Frankincense pictures believers’ prayers rising as sweet aroma.

Furlong

  • Definition: Measure of distance, showing nearness of God’s kingdom.
  • Scripture Reference: Revelation 21:16
  • Simple Meaning: God’s holy city measures perfectly by divine standard.