Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for important terms beginning with the letter I, complete with Scripture references and insights to enrich your spiritual growth.
Idolatry
- Definition: Worship of idols or anything that replaces God as the focus of devotion.
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 20:3-5
- Simple Meaning: Idolatry warns against putting anything above God in our hearts.
Immanuel
- Definition: A Hebrew name meaning “God with us,” used to describe Jesus’ role as God incarnate.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 7:14
- Simple Meaning: Immanuel reminds us that God came to dwell among His people.
Inheritance
- Definition: A possession or blessing passed down, often representing God’s promises or spiritual rewards.
- Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:11
- Simple Meaning: Believers are heirs to God’s kingdom and His eternal promises.
Intercession
- Definition: Praying or pleading on behalf of another person.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 2:1
- Simple Meaning: Intercession encourages praying for others and supporting them spiritually.
Israel
- Definition: The nation chosen by God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; also refers to the spiritual people of God.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:28
- Simple Meaning: Israel represents God’s covenant people called to follow Him.
Isaiah
- Definition: A major prophet in the Old Testament who communicated God’s messages of judgment, hope, and salvation.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:6
- Simple Meaning: Isaiah proclaims the coming Messiah and God’s plan for redemption.
Israelite
- Definition: A member of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people in the Old Testament.
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:10
- Simple Meaning: Israelites were called to live according to God’s law and represent Him to the nations.
Itinerary
- Definition: While not a direct biblical term, it refers to the journeys or travels described in Scripture, such as the Exodus.
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 13:21-22
- Simple Meaning: Biblical itineraries show God’s guidance and provision during travel.
Idumea
- Definition: A region south of Judea mentioned in the Bible, inhabited by the Edomites.
- Scripture Reference: Luke 3:1
- Simple Meaning: Idumea situates historical events in their geographical and cultural context.
Immortality
- Definition: Eternal life or the state of never dying, a gift of God to believers through Christ.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:53-54
- Simple Meaning: Immortality represents victory over death through Jesus.
Infidelity
- Definition: Unfaithfulness, especially in marriage or covenant relationships; can also signify turning away from God.
- Scripture Reference: Hosea 4:1-2
- Simple Meaning: Infidelity warns of the consequences of breaking trust with God or others.
Inheritance of the Saints
- Definition: Spiritual blessings and rewards given to God’s faithful people.
- Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:18
- Simple Meaning: Believers share in God’s riches and eternal blessings through Christ.
Insight
- Definition: Spiritual understanding or wisdom granted by God to interpret His Word and His will.
- Scripture Reference: Proverbs 2:6
- Simple Meaning: Insight helps believers apply Scripture to their lives and grow in godliness.
Intention
- Definition: The purpose or motive behind actions, especially in obeying God.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 12:2
- Simple Meaning: God values the heart’s intention, not just outward actions.
Incense
- Definition: Aromatic substance burned in worship, symbolizing prayers rising to God.
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 30:7-8
- Simple Meaning: Incense represents devotion, prayer, and worship offered to God.
Infant
- Definition: A baby or very young child; in Scripture, often signifies innocence, dependence, and God’s care.
- Scripture Reference: Luke 18:16
- Simple Meaning: Infants demonstrate the humility and dependence we should have before God.
Invitation
- Definition: The call from God to accept salvation, follow Christ, or enter into a covenant relationship.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:14
- Simple Meaning: God invites everyone to come to Him and receive eternal life.
Imprecation
- Definition: A spoken curse or prayer for judgment against sin or enemies.
- Scripture Reference: Psalm 109:6
- Simple Meaning: Imprecations in Scripture reflect the seriousness of sin and God’s justice.
Illumination
- Definition: The work of the Holy Spirit to open the mind and heart to understand God’s Word.
- Scripture Reference: John 16:13
- Simple Meaning: Illumination helps believers grasp spiritual truth and apply it faithfully.
Isaac
- Definition: Son of Abraham and Sarah, born as the child of promise, offered by Abraham in a test of faith.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:1-18
- Simple Meaning: Isaac’s story illustrates God’s faithfulness and provision in fulfilling promises.
Ishmael
- Definition: Son of Abraham and Hagar, ancestor of the Ishmaelites, blessed by God despite being outside the covenant line.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 17:20
- Simple Meaning: Ishmael shows God’s mercy extends to all, even in complex family dynamics.
Image of God
- Definition: Humanity’s inherent likeness to God, reflecting His character, creativity, and dominion.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:26-27
- Simple Meaning: Being made in God’s image calls us to honor Him through our lives.
Incarnation
- Definition: God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ to dwell among humanity.
- Scripture Reference: John 1:14
- Simple Meaning: The Incarnation reveals God’s love in bridging the divine-human gap.
Integrity
- Definition: Moral uprightness and wholeness in character, living truthfully before God and others.
- Scripture Reference: Psalm 25:21
- Simple Meaning: Integrity builds trust and pleases God in every action.
Isaac’s Well
- Definition: Sites of conflict and covenant renewal where Isaac dug wells, symbolizing peace and provision.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 26:18-22
- Simple Meaning: Isaac’s wells represent God’s abundant blessings amid strife.
Iscariot
- Definition: Surname of Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:14-16
- Simple Meaning: Iscariot warns of the dangers of greed and disloyalty.
Ivory
- Definition: Precious material from elephant tusks, symbolizing wealth, luxury, and sometimes vanity.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 22:39
- Simple Meaning: Ivory highlights the fleeting nature of earthly riches.
Idumeans
- Definition: Descendants of Esau (Edomites), often in conflict with Israel, representing opposition to God’s people.
- cripture Reference: Mark 3:8
- Simple Meaning: Idumeans contextualize ancient rivalries and God’s sovereignty.
Imperishable
- Definition: Eternal and incorruptible quality of the spiritual body and God’s kingdom.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:42
- Simple Meaning: Imperishable hope assures believers of resurrection and lasting reward.
Imitate Christ
- Definition: To follow Jesus’ example in character, attitude, and actions.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:1
- Simple Meaning: Believers are called to live as Jesus lived, in love and obedience.
Impartial
- Definition: Without favoritism or bias, reflecting God’s just character.
- Scripture Reference: James 2:1
- Simple Meaning: God’s people must treat all persons fairly, without partiality.
Imprisonment for Faith
- Definition: Being jailed or bound because of loyalty to God and His Word.
- Scripture Reference: Acts 16:23–25
- Simple Meaning: God can use even prisons as places of praise and witness.
Increase of Faith
- Definition: Growth in trust and confidence in God through His Word and trials.
- Scripture Reference: Luke 17:5
- Simple Meaning: Faith grows as we depend on God in every circumstance.
Indwelling Spirit
- Definition: The Holy Spirit living within believers, making them God’s temple.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 6:19
- Simple Meaning: God Himself lives in His people to guide and empower them.
Iniquity
- Definition: Deep moral crookedness or guilt; sin in its twisted form.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:5
- Simple Meaning: Jesus bore our iniquities so we could be forgiven and healed.
Inspiration of Scripture
- ]Definition: God’s Spirit guiding biblical authors so that Scripture is truly God’s Word.
- Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 1:21
- Simple Meaning: The Bible is trustworthy because its ultimate author is God.
Iron Sharpens Iron
- Definition: Picture of believers strengthening one another through honest interaction.
- Scripture Reference: Proverbs 27:17
- Simple Meaning: God uses godly friendships to shape our character.
Iota
- Definition: Very small letter or mark, stressing that every detail of God’s law matters.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:18
- Simple Meaning: Not even the tiniest part of God’s Word will fail.
Island(s) of the Sea
- Definition: Distant coastlands and islands included in God’s plan of salvation.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 42:4
- Simple Meaning: God’s salvation reaches even the farthest peoples of the earth.
