Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for essential Bible terms beginning with the letter P, along with Scripture references and simple meanings to help deepen your understanding of God’s Word.
Passover
Definition: A Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:11–14
Simple Meaning: Celebrates God’s protection and salvation.
Patience
Definition: The ability to endure trials, delays, or suffering with trust in God.
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22
Simple Meaning: Patience is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in believers.
Peace
Definition: Wholeness, harmony, and calmness rooted in God’s presence.
Scripture Reference: John 14:27
Simple Meaning: Jesus gives true peace that the world cannot offer.
Pentecost
Definition: The day the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers after Jesus’ ascension.
Scripture Reference: Acts 2:1–4
Simple Meaning: Marks the birth of the early Church through the Spirit’s power.
Persecution
Definition: Hostility or suffering endured because of faith.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:10–12
Simple Meaning: God strengthens believers who suffer for righteousness.
Perseverance
Definition: Steadfast endurance in faith despite challenges.
Scripture Reference: James 1:12
Simple Meaning: Perseverance grows spiritual maturity.
Pharisee
Definition: A Jewish religious leader known for strict adherence to the law.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:27
Simple Meaning: Represents legalism without inner transformation.
Praise
Definition: Expressing admiration and gratitude to God.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 150:6
Simple Meaning: Praise is joyful worship directed toward God.
Prayer
Definition: Communicating with God through words, worship, or silence.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6
Simple Meaning: Prayer draws us closer to God’s heart.
Priest
Definition: One who mediates between God and people.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 5:1
Simple Meaning: In Christ, all believers become a royal priesthood.
Promise
Definition: A declaration from God that is guaranteed and trustworthy.
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 1:4
Simple Meaning: God’s promises never fail.
Prophecy
Definition: A divine message from God, often revealing truth, warning, or future events.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 14:3
Simple Meaning: Prophecy builds up and guides God’s people.
Prophet
Definition: A messenger chosen by God to speak His words.
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 1:5
Simple Meaning: Prophets reveal God’s will to His people.
Proverbs
Definition: Wise sayings found especially in the biblical Book of Proverbs.
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 1:1–7
Simple Meaning: Provide daily guidance for wise living.
Psalms
Definition: A collection of sacred songs and prayers in the Bible.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 1:1
Simple Meaning: Expresses every emotion while drawing hearts toward God.
Purity
Definition: Moral and spiritual cleanliness before God.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:8
Simple Meaning: Purity reflects a heart aligned with God’s will.
Passion (Suffering of Christ)
Definition: The suffering Jesus endured leading up to His crucifixion.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:5
Simple Meaning: Shows the depth of Christ’s love for humanity.
Patriarch
Definition: The founding fathers of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 12:1–3
Simple Meaning: Their lives mark the roots of God’s covenant people.
Pearl
Definition: A precious gem symbolizing great value.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:45–46
Simple Meaning: God’s kingdom is worth everything.
Peril
Definition: Danger or risk often mentioned in spiritual testing.
Scripture Reference: Romans 8:35
Simple Meaning: Nothing can separate believers from God’s love.
Perfume / Fragrance
Definition: Sweet-scented oil used in worship or anointing.
Scripture Reference: John 12:3
Simple Meaning: Symbolizes worship and devotion to Jesus.
Philistine
Definition: An ancient enemy nation of Israel.
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 17:4
Simple Meaning: Known for opposing God’s people.
Pillar
Definition: A column used for support, symbolizing stability or divine guidance.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 13:21
Simple Meaning: God guided Israel through pillars of cloud and fire.
Place of Refuge
Definition: A safe haven God provides.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 46:1
Simple Meaning: God is our shelter in trouble.
Plague
Definition: A severe affliction often used as divine judgment.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 7–12
Simple Meaning: Demonstrates God’s authority and power.
Portion
Definition: One’s share, inheritance, or blessing from God.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 73:26
Simple Meaning: God Himself is our ultimate portion.
Potter
Definition: A craftsman shaping clay, often used symbolically for God’s sovereignty.
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 64:8
Simple Meaning: God shapes our lives with purpose.
Praise Offering
Definition: Worship given to God from a thankful heart.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:15
Simple Meaning: Expresses gratitude and honor to the Lord.
Priesthood
Definition: The calling of believers to serve and represent God.
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:9
Simple Meaning: Every believer is chosen to minister to others.
Prodigal
Definition: Wasteful or reckless, famously used in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
Scripture Reference: Luke 15:11–24
Simple Meaning: God welcomes repentant hearts with open arms.
Propitiation
Definition: The act of atoning for sin through a sacrifice.
Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:2
Simple Meaning: Jesus paid the price to restore us to God.
Provision
Definition: God’s care and supply for His people.
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:19
Simple Meaning: God meets every need.
Purification
Definition: The process of being cleansed spiritually.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 51:7
Simple Meaning: God renews and restores our hearts.
Punishment
Definition: Consequences for sin or wrongdoing.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:6
Simple Meaning: God disciplines in love to bring growth.
Parable
Definition: A simple story Jesus used to teach spiritual truths through everyday examples.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:34
Simple Meaning: Parables reveal kingdom mysteries to seeking hearts.
Paradise
Definition: A place of blessing and rest for the righteous, often referring to heaven.
Scripture Reference: Luke 23:43
Simple Meaning: Paradise promises eternal joy with God.
Paul
Definition: Apostle to the Gentiles, formerly Saul, author of many New Testament letters.
Scripture Reference: Acts 9:15
Simple Meaning: Paul shows God’s transforming grace for former enemies.
Pentateuch
Definition: The first five books of the Bible, also called the Law of Moses.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 31:9
Simple Meaning: Foundation of God’s covenant and instructions for Israel.
Pergamos
Definition: A church in Asia Minor commended for faithfulness amid persecution.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 2:12-13
Simple Meaning: Pergamos encourages holding fast in hostile environments.
Persia
Definition: Ancient empire that ruled during Israel’s exile and return.
Scripture Reference: Ezra 1:1-4
Simple Meaning: Persia illustrates God’s sovereignty over pagan rulers.
Peter
Definition: Leader among the apostles, once impulsive but strengthened for service.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:18
Simple Meaning: Peter models restoration after failure.
Phinehas
Definition: Aaron’s grandson who zealously defended God’s holiness.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 25:7-13
Simple Meaning: Phinehas shows bold faithfulness averts judgment.
Pisgah
Definition: Mountain peak from which Moses viewed the Promised Land.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 34:1
Simple Meaning: Pisgah represents seeing God’s promises by faith.
Pontius Pilate
Definition: Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:24
Simple Meaning: Pilate reveals human authority yielding to God’s plan.
Palm Branches
Definition: Leaves from palm trees used in celebrations of victory and welcome.
Scripture Reference: John 12:13
Simple Meaning: Symbolize triumphant entry and honor for the King.
Paraclete
Definition: The Holy Spirit as Comforter, Advocate, and Helper sent by Jesus.
Scripture Reference: John 14:16
Simple Meaning: The Spirit stands with believers in every need.
Passover Lamb
Definition: The unblemished lamb sacrificed during Passover, foreshadowing Christ.
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 5:7
Simple Meaning: Jesus is our perfect sacrifice for sin.
Path
Definition: The way of righteousness or life guided by God’s Word.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:105
Simple Meaning: God’s Word lights our steps through darkness.
Patmos
Definition: Island where John received the Revelation from Jesus.
Scripture Reference: Revelation 1:9
Simple Meaning: God speaks powerfully in isolation.
Pavement
Definition: Stone area where Pilate judged Jesus, called Gabbatha.
Scripture Reference: John 19:13
Simple Meaning: Even judgment seats fulfill God’s purposes.
Pentecostal
Definition: Relating to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Scripture Reference: Acts 2:17
Simple Meaning: Empowers believers for bold witness.
Perfect
Definition: Complete, mature, and blameless in God’s sight through Christ.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:48
Simple Meaning: God calls us to holiness by His grace.
Perizzite
Definition: One of the Canaanite peoples Israel was to conquer.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 13:7
Simple Meaning: Represents enemies overcome by faith.
Pillar of Salt
Definition: Lot’s wife turned to salt for looking back during escape.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 19:26
Simple Meaning: Warns against longing for sinful past.
