Bible Glossary: Words Starting with “Q”

Welcome to FaithTime’s Bible Glossary. Here you’ll find clear, biblically grounded explanations for essential Bible terms beginning with the letter Q, complete with Scripture references and simple insights to deepen your understanding of God’s Word.

A large ornate letter Q with quam dilecta inside is surrounded by bread, a wafer, wheat stalks, and a basket of grains, set against a warm, desert-like background with stars and a crescent moon.

Quail

Definition: A small bird God provided for Israel in the wilderness as food.

Scripture Reference: Exodus 16:13

Simple Meaning: A reminder that God provides even when His people doubt.

Quake

Definition: To tremble or shake, often in response to God’s presence.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 114:7

Simple Meaning: Creation responds to God’s power with awe.

Quarrel

Definition: A dispute or conflict between individuals.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:13

Simple Meaning: Christians are called to forgive quickly and avoid grudges.

Quarter

Definition: One of four divisions; sometimes used for directions or regions.

Scripture Reference: Revelation 20:8

Simple Meaning: Represents the full spread of nations and the world.

Queen

Definition: A female royal leader with influence and authority.

Scripture Reference: Esther 1:9

Simple Meaning: God can use individuals in positions of influence for His purposes.

Queen Mother

Definition: The mother of a reigning king, often holding significant power.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 15:13

Simple Meaning: Shows the cultural and political influence of family roles.

Queen of Sheba

Definition: A ruler who visited Solomon to test his wisdom.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 10:1–3

Simple Meaning: Reveals how God’s wisdom attracts the nations.

Quest

Definition: A search or pursuit for truth, wisdom, or understanding.

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 2:4–5

Simple Meaning: Seeking God leads to spiritual insight and discernment.

Question

Definition: An inquiry for knowledge or clarification.

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:46

Simple Meaning: Asking sincere questions helps deepen faith.

Quick

Definition: Alive, active, or spiritually awakened.

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

Simple Meaning: God’s Word is living, powerful, and speaks today.

Quickened

Definition: Made alive spiritually through God’s power.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:5

Simple Meaning: Christ brings spiritual life to those once dead in sin.

Quiet

Definition: Calmness and stillness in God’s presence.

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 30:15

Simple Meaning: Quietness before God brings strength.

Quiet Time

Definition: Personal devotional time with God through prayer and Scripture.

Scripture Reference: Mark 1:35

Simple Meaning: Daily time with God deepens spiritual roots.

Quiet Spirit

Definition: A gentle and peaceful character valued by God.

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 3:4

Simple Meaning: Inner peace reflects Christlike maturity.

Quiver

Definition: A container for holding arrows; metaphorically refers to children.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 127:4–5

Simple Meaning: Children are blessings and part of God’s heritage.

Quench

Definition: To extinguish or suppress; often refers to resisting the Holy Spirit.

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Simple Meaning: Stay open to the Spirit’s guidance.

Quenchable

Definition: Something that can be put out or weakened.

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 42:3

Simple Meaning: God tenderly restores the weak instead of crushing them.

Quench Not the Spirit

Definition: A command urging believers not to hinder the Holy Spirit’s work.

Scripture Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Simple Meaning: Stay spiritually responsive and obedient.

Quotation

Definition: Words cited from Scripture or another source.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 4:4

Simple Meaning: Jesus used Scripture as truth and authority.

Quotation of Prophecy

Definition: A quote of Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 1:22–23

Simple Meaning: Jesus fulfilled God’s promises made long ago.

Quorum

Definition: The minimum number of leaders needed for official decisions.

Scripture Reference: Implied in Titus 1:5

Simple Meaning: Scripture emphasizes order, leadership, and accountability.

Quasi-Judicial

Definition: Actions resembling judgment or evaluation, often involving priests or leaders.

Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 17:8–9

Simple Meaning: God appointed leaders to resolve disputes with wisdom.

Quail in Fear

Definition: To tremble or shrink back in fear.

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:39

Simple Meaning: Believers are called to courage, not retreat.

Quarrelsome

Definition: Prone to arguments or disputes.

Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 2:24

Simple Meaning: God’s servants must be gentle, not argumentative.

Qualification

Definition: Traits or requirements for spiritual leadership.

Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 3:1–7

Simple Meaning: Leaders must reflect Christlike character and integrity.

Quenching Dart

Definition: A flaming arrow extinguished by faith.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:16

Simple Meaning: Faith protects us from spiritual attacks.

Quarry

Definition: A place where stones are cut or extracted.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 6:7

Simple Meaning: Used to show the care and detail in building God’s house.

Quarters

Definition: Living places or regions where people settle.

Scripture Reference: Acts 28:7

Simple Meaning: Hospitality and generosity often appear in Scripture’s settings.

Quicksand

Definition: A dangerous, sinking ground; metaphor for instability.

Scripture Reference: Acts 27:17

Simple Meaning: Represents uncertainty and the need for God’s steady guidance.

Quieted Heart

Definition: A heart calmed by God’s presence and truth.

Scripture Reference: Zephaniah 3:17

Simple Meaning: God gives peace even in chaos.

Quicksilver

Definition: A shiny, flowing metal symbolizing fleeting or unstable value.

Scripture Reference: None direct; echoes Proverbs 23:5 (riches vanish).

Simple Meaning: Earthly treasures slip away—store up eternal rewards.

Quintessence

Definition: The pure essence or perfection of something divine.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 119:160 (God’s Word is truth’s essence).

Simple Meaning: God’s truth captures the heart of all wisdom.

Quagmire

Definition: A boggy trap of sin or moral sinking.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 69:2 (sinking in deep mire).

Simple Meaning: Sin pulls us down—cry to God for rescue.

Querulous

Definition: Habitually complaining or discontented.

Scripture Reference: Numbers 11:1 (Israel grumbled against God).

Simple Meaning: Grumbling hardens hearts—choose gratitude instead.

Quiescent

Definition: In a state of rest or inactivity, as in God’s watchful silence.

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 57:11 (God’s long-suffering quiet).

Simple Meaning: God’s silence builds faith, not abandonment.

Quotidian

Definition: Everyday or ordinary routines under God’s care.

Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:11 (daily bread prayer).

Simple Meaning: God sustains our daily lives faithfully.

Quixotic

Definition: Idealistic pursuit of noble, God-inspired goals.

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 2:17–18 (rebuilding walls despite odds).

Simple Meaning: Bold faith turns impossible dreams into reality.

Qumran

Definition: Ancient site near the Dead Sea where biblical scrolls were preserved.

Scripture Reference: Echoes preservation in Isaiah 40:8 (Word endures).

Simple Meaning: God protects His Word through history.

Quirk

Definition: A peculiar trait or habit, often overcome by grace.

Scripture Reference: Romans 7:18–19 (struggle with fleshly quirks).

Simple Meaning: God’s power transforms our weaknesses.

Quasar

Definition: A distant, powerful light; metaphor for God’s far-reaching glory.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 19:1 (heavens declare God’s glory).

Simple Meaning: Creation’s wonders point to the Creator’s might.

Quell

Definition: To subdue or calm turmoil, as God does with storms.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 65:7

Simple Meaning: God brings peace to life’s raging chaos.

Quenchless

Definition: Unextinguishable fire, symbolizing eternal judgment.

Scripture Reference: Mark 9:43–44

Simple Meaning: Hell’s fire warns of sin’s unending consequence.

Quire

Definition: A bundle of scrolls or pages, representing gathered writings.

Scripture Reference: Revelation 5:1 (scroll with seven seals)

Simple Meaning: God’s Word unfolds in divine order.

Quittance

Definition: Release from debt or obligation through forgiveness.

Scripture Reference: Colossians 2:14

Simple Meaning: Christ cancels our sin debt completely.

Quodlibet

Definition: A subtle theological question or debate.

Scripture Reference: Acts 17:2–3 (Paul reasons from Scriptures)

Simple Meaning: Wrestling with truth sharpens faith.

Quondam

Definition: Former or past state, like life before salvation.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:2

Simple Meaning: We leave old ways for new life in Christ.

Quoteworthy

Definition: Words worth repeating, like God’s promises.

Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:8

Simple Meaning: Meditate on Scripture for success.

Quarryman

Definition: Stonecutter, symbolizing skilled builders for God.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 5:18

Simple Meaning: God equips workers for His temple.

Quag

Definition: A swampy marsh, picturing moral peril.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 40:2 (mire of clay)

Simple Meaning: God lifts us from sin’s sticky traps.