Branch
As trees denote, in figurative language, great men and princes, so branches, boughs, and plants denote their offspring. Christ is called "the Branch," the "rod out of the stem o...
Dictionary
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
A Dictionary of the Holy Bible, American Tract Society, c. 1859, edited by W. W. Rand.
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Brass
Is frequently mentioned in the English Bible, Ge 4:22De 8:9; but there is little doubt that copper is intended, brass being a mixed metal-two-thirds copper and one-third zinc-fo...
Brazen Serpent
An image in brass prepared by Moses, resembling the fiery serpents so destructive to Israel in the desert, and set up in the midst of the camp in the view of all, that whosoever...
Bread
A word which in Scripture is often put for food in general, Ge 3:19 18:5 28:20 Ex 2:20Le 11:3. Manna is called bread from heaven, Ex 16:4. Bread, in the proper and literal sense...
Breastplate
A piece of embroidery, about ten inches square, Ex 28:15-30, of very rich work, which the high priest wore on his breast. It was made of two pieces of the same rich embroidered ...
Bricks
Were usually made of clay, dried and hardened in the sun, Ge 11:3, though brick-kilns were sometimes used, 2Sa 12:31Na 3:14. The tower of Babel was constructed of brick, cemente...
Bride And Bridegroom
SeeMARRIAGEandSOLOMON’S SONG.
Brigandine
A coat of mail, Jer 46:4; 51:3.
Brimstone
A mineral substance, highly inflammable, and burning with a suffocating smell. Sodom and the other cities of the plain were destroyed "by brimstone and fire," Ge 19:24; and this...
Brook
SeeRIVER.
Brother
Signifies in Scripture the son of the same parent or parents, Mt 1:2Lu 6:14; a cousin or near kinsman, Ge 13:8 14:16 Joh 7:3Ac 1:14; one of the same stock or country, Mt 5:47Ac ...
Bruit
Rumor or report, Jer 10:22Na 3:19.
Bul
Occurring only in 1Ki 6:38, applied to the eighth month, usually called Marchesvan, which see. Solomon’s temple was finished in Bul.
Bulls
Of Bashan, pasturing in a fertile region and with but few keepers, became strong and fierce, and might "compass about" and intruder, and trample him under foot. They are symbols...
Bulrush
Or papyrus, a reed growing on the banks of the Nile, in marshy ground, Job 8:11, to the height of twelve or fifteen feet, Isa 35:7. The stalks are pliable, and capable of being ...
Burden
A weight or load, on body or soul; often used figuratively, to denote afflictions, failings, sins, Ps 38:4 55:22 Ga 6:2; services under law, Mt 23:4; official responsibilities, ...
Burial
The Hebrews were at all times very careful in the burial of their dead, Ge 25:9 35:29. To be deprived of burial was thought one of the greatest marks of dishonor, or cause of un...
Burnt-Offerings
SeeSACRIFICE.
Bushel
Used in the New Testament to express the Greek modius, which was about a peck by our measure.
Butter
The Hebrew word usually rendered butter denotes, properly, sour or curdled milk, Ge 18:8; Jud 5:25; Job 20:17. This last is a favorite beverage in the East to the present day. B...
Buz
Son of Nahor and Milcah, and ancestor of the Buzites, who lived in Mesopotamia or Ram, and afterwards perhaps in Arabia Deserta, Ge 22:21; Job 32:2; Jer 25:23.