Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for important terms beginning with the letter J, complete with Scripture references and insights to enrich your spiritual growth.
Jacob
- Definition: The son of Isaac and Rebekah, later named Israel; father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:28
- Simple Meaning: Jacob’s life illustrates God’s covenant faithfulness and the transformation of character through struggle.
Jabbok
- Definition: A river in the territory of Gilead where Jacob wrestled with God.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 32:22-32
- Simple Meaning: The Jabbok represents a place of spiritual struggle and divine blessing.
Jairus
- Definition: A synagogue leader whose daughter was raised from the dead by Jesus.
- Scripture Reference: Mark 5:22-24
- Simple Meaning: Jairus’ story illustrates faith in Jesus’ power to bring life and hope.
James
- Definition: The brother of Jesus and leader in the early church; author of the Epistle of James.
- Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4
- Simple Meaning: James emphasizes practical faith expressed through actions.
Japheth
- Definition: One of Noah’s sons, traditionally considered ancestor of many Gentile nations.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 10:2
- Simple Meaning: Japheth symbolizes the spread of God’s creation and nations.
Jebel
- Definition: Arabic for “mountain,” often used in Scripture to describe elevated places.
- Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 4:49
- Simple Meaning: Mountains in the Bible often signify God’s presence and revelation.
Jeremiah
- Definition: A major prophet who warned Judah of judgment, called for repentance, and spoke of hope and restoration.
- Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 1:5
- Simple Meaning: Jeremiah’s life shows obedience to God despite opposition and the importance of speaking God’s truth.
Jericho
- Definition: A fortified city in Canaan, famous for the miraculous collapse of its walls when Israel obeyed God.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 6:20
- Simple Meaning: Jericho demonstrates God’s power and the reward of faith and obedience.
Jerusalem
- Definition: The holy city central to Jewish worship, the site of the Temple, and significant in the life of Jesus.
- Scripture Reference: Psalm 122:6
- Simple Meaning: Jerusalem symbolizes God’s presence, worship, and redemption plan.
Jesus
- Definition: The Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of humanity.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:21
- Simple Meaning: Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, offering salvation, redemption, and eternal life.
Jezebel
- Definition: A queen in Israel known for idolatry and opposition to God’s prophets.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 18:13
- Simple Meaning: Jezebel represents rebellion against God and the dangers of ungodly influence.
Joab
- Definition: Commander of King David’s army, known for loyalty and controversial actions.
- Scripture Reference: 2 Samuel 2:13-32
- Simple Meaning: Joab’s story teaches lessons about loyalty, strategy, and the consequences of actions.
Job
- Definition: A righteous man who endured immense suffering and remained faithful to God.
- Scripture Reference: Job 1:1
- Simple Meaning: Job illustrates patience, faith, and God’s sovereignty amid trials.
Joel
- Definition: A prophet who spoke of the coming Day of the Lord and called for repentance.
- Scripture Reference: Joel 2:28-29
- Simple Meaning: Joel emphasizes God’s judgment, mercy, and the outpouring of the Spirit.
John the Baptist
- Definition: A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing people.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:1-3
- Simple Meaning: John exemplifies faithfulness and the call to prepare hearts for God’s work.
John (Apostle)
- Definition: One of Jesus’ closest disciples, author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
- Scripture Reference: John 21:24
- Simple Meaning: John highlights love, truth, and the divinity of Christ in his writings.
Jonah
- Definition: A prophet sent to Nineveh who initially resisted God’s command but ultimately obeyed.
- Scripture Reference: Jonah 1:1-3
- Simple Meaning: Jonah demonstrates God’s mercy and the importance of obedience.
Jordan
- Definition: A river in Israel; crossing it symbolized entering the Promised Land.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 3:15-17
- Simple Meaning: The Jordan represents transition, God’s guidance, and fulfillment of promises.
Joseph (Son of Jacob)
- Definition: Sold into slavery by his brothers, became a powerful leader in Egypt.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 50:20
- Simple Meaning: Joseph’s life shows God’s providence and the ability to bring good from adversity.
Joshua
- Definition: Successor of Moses who led Israel into the Promised Land.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:9
- Simple Meaning: Joshua exemplifies courage, faith, and obedience in following God’s commands.
Jubilee
- Definition: A special year in Israel (every 50 years) of rest, freedom, and return of property.
- Scripture Reference: Leviticus 25:10
- Simple Meaning: Jubilee represents God’s provision, justice, and restoration.
Judah
- Definition: One of Jacob’s sons and the tribe that became the Southern Kingdom of Israel.
- Scripture Reference: Genesis 49:10
- Simple Meaning: Judah’s lineage leads to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Judgment
- Definition: God’s righteous evaluation and decision concerning sin and righteousness.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 14:12
- Simple Meaning: Judgment emphasizes accountability and God’s justice.
Justice
- Definition: Acting in accordance with God’s law and righteousness; ensuring fairness and integrity.
- Scripture Reference: Micah 6:8
- Simple Meaning: God calls His people to live justly and reflect His character in society.
Jotham
- Definition: A king of Judah known for righteousness and building projects.
- Scripture Reference: 2 Chronicles 27:2-6
- Simple Meaning: Jotham’s reign illustrates obedience to God and wise leadership.
Jezreel
- Definition: A valley and prophetic symbol of God’s judgment and future restoration.
- Scripture Reference: Hosea 1:4
- Simple Meaning: Jezreel reminds believers of both God’s justice and mercy.
Jehovah
- Definition: A name for God emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature (often rendered Yahweh).
- Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:14
- Simple Meaning: Jehovah reveals God’s unchanging identity as “I AM” to His people.
Jephthah
- Definition: A judge of Israel who led victory over the Ammonites but made a tragic vow.
- Scripture Reference: Judges 11:29-40
- Simple Meaning: Jephthah’s story warns of rash promises while showing God’s use of unlikely leaders.
Jeroboam
- Definition: First king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who introduced idolatry to secure his rule.
- Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 12:26-30
- Simple Meaning: Jeroboam illustrates the dangers of political compromise with faith.
Jeshua
- Definition: A form of the name Joshua, referring to leaders like the high priest who rebuilt the temple.
- Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 12:1
- Simple Meaning: Jeshua symbolizes restoration and renewed worship after exile.
Jew
- Definition: A descendant of Judah or member of the southern kingdom; later, any Israelite.
- Scripture Reference: Esther 2:5
- Simple Meaning: Jews represent God’s preserved remnant through history.
Jewel
- Definition: Precious stones symbolizing value, beauty, or God’s treasures among His people.
- Scripture Reference: Malachi 3:17
- Simple Meaning: Jewels depict believers as God’s prized possession in His kingdom.
Joy
- Definition: Deep gladness rooted in God’s presence, not circumstances.
- Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8:10
- Simple Meaning: Joy strengthens believers as the fruit of the Spirit.
Jude
- Definition: Brother of James and author of the short epistle warning against false teachers.
- Scripture Reference: Jude 1:3
- Simple Meaning: Jude calls for contending earnestly for the faith.
Judge
- Definition: Leaders raised by God in Israel to deliver from oppression before the monarchy.
- Scripture Reference: Judges 2:16-19
- Simple Meaning: Judges show God’s deliverance amid cycles of sin and repentance.
Justification
- Definition: God declaring sinners righteous through faith in Christ.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 5:1
- Simple Meaning: Justification brings peace with God and assurance of salvation.
Janoah
- Definition: Northern border town conquered during Israel’s campaigns.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 16:6
- Simple Meaning: Janoah shows God defines inheritance boundaries precisely.
Jazer
- Definition: Gilead city given to Levites, known for pasture lands.
- Scripture Reference: Numbers 32:1
- Simple Meaning: Jazer pictures God provides for spiritual shepherds’ needs.
Jebus
- Definition: Original name of Jerusalem before David’s conquest.
- Scripture Reference: Judges 19:10
- Simple Meaning: Jebus becomes Jerusalem when faith claims enemy strongholds.
Jemimah
- Definition: Job’s restored daughter, symbolizing beauty after suffering.
- Scripture Reference: Job 42:14
- Simple Meaning: Jemimah reveals God doubles blessings after trials.
Jeshimon
- Definition: Wilderness where Israel camped and David fled Saul.
- Scripture Reference: Numbers 21:20
- Simple Meaning: Jeshimon teaches God meets us in desolate places.
Jokneam
- Definition: Canaanite royal city defeated by Joshua’s obedience.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 12:22
- Simple Meaning: Jokneam proves no fortress withstands God’s command.
Jot
- Definition: Smallest Hebrew letter, symbolizing Scripture’s perfect detail.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:18
- Simple Meaning: Jot shows God’s Word endures without smallest change.
Judea
- Definition: Southern region where Jesus ministered and churches formed.
- Scripture Reference: Acts 1:8
- Simple Meaning: Judea spreads gospel from Jerusalem to regions beyond.
Junias
- Definition: Early church leader noted for outstanding apostolic work.
- Scripture Reference: Romans 16:7
- Simple Meaning: Junias models faithful service recognized by apostles.
Juttah
- Definition: Levitical city of refuge in Judah’s hill country.
- Scripture Reference: Joshua 21:16
- Simple Meaning: Juttah provides sanctuary for unintentional bloodshed.
