LABAN -- He lived in Padan-aram, brother of Rebekah, father of Leah and Rachel and father-in-law and uncle of Jacob. Jacob fled to him when he fled from his brother Esau. Upon falling in love with Rachel he agree to work for her father, Laban, for seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage. At the end of the seven years Laban insisted that Jacob accept Leah as his wife because she was the oldest. He then worked another seven years for Rachel. After twenty years and becoming a wealthy man Jacob returned to Canaan Genesis 24 , 25 , 27 -- 31 , 46
LABORER -- An unskilled worker. Most of the time they would performed such menial tasks as tilling the fields and gathering the crops in Bible times Ruth 2:2 ; Ps 90:10
LACHISH -- In southern Judah an Amorite city captured by Joshua Josh 10:31-35 and later besieged by King Sennacherib of Assyria II Kings 18:13-14 After the Babylonian Exile Lachish was reoccupied. Neh 11:30
LAKE OF FIRE -- The final punishment place. It is described as the "second death" Rev 20:14 and filled with burning brimstone Rev 19:20 Those consigned to the lake of fire include unbelieving sinners Rev 21:8, persons not named in the Book of Life Rev 20:15 and Satan Rev 20:10
LAMB -- A young sheep used for clothing Prov 27:26, food II Sam 12:4 and religious sacrifices Exod 12:5, 7 Symbolized the sufferings of Christ Isa 53:7 and the reign of the Messiah Isa 11:6
LAMB OF GOD -- Emphasizes the sacrificial nature of His life and His atoning death, a title of Christ. The prophet Isaiah Isa 53:7 foretold this aspect of His ministry . Jesus was greeted by John the Baptist with this title John 1:29 Jesus is worthy of eternal honor and praise as the Lamb of God Rev 5:12-13
LAME -- Due to an injury II Sam 4:4 or a birth defect Acts 3:2 inability to walk. Jesus Matt 11:5 and Peter Acts 3:2-7 healed people with disability.
LAMECH -- Methuselah's son and a man of faith who found comfort in the birth of his son, Noah Gen 5:25-31 Listed in the ancestry of Jesus Luke 3:36
LAMED -- Used as a heading over Ps 119:89-96 Of the Hebrewe alphabet the twelfth letter.
LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH -- Jeremiah chapter one, Jeremiah's deep anguish and grief at the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple by the pagan Babylonians. This short Old Testament book which is expressed in poetic form shows that. Pained a bleak picture of life in Jerusalem during the extended siege against the city is in Chapter 4.
LAND OF PROMISE -- The land inhabited by the Israelites or Canaan. Abraham's descendants were promised this land by God Gen 12:1-7 Centuries later when Joshua led the Israelites to take the land from the Canaanites was this promise fulfilled Josh 10-12
LANDMARK (BOUNDARY STONE, MARKER) -- Usually consisting of a pile of stones a marker was used as an indicated property lines. Landmarks were forbidden to be removed. Deut 19:14
LANTERN -- For outdoor use a torch covered with skin or transparent horn. Armed men with lanterns arrested Jesus on His crucifixion . John 18:3
LAODICEA -- In Asia Minor located on the Lycus River a major city. Addressed in the book of Revelation one of the seven churches was located in Laodicea Rev 1:11 Because of its complacency this church was rebuked. Rev 3:14-18
LAPIDOTH (LAPPIDOTH) -- Deborah the prophetess husband Judg 4:4
LAPWING (HOOPOE) -- Considered unclean by the Hebrews a small European bird that wintered in Palestine Lev 11:19: ; Deut 14:12, 18
LASCIVIOUSNESS (DEBAUCHERY, LICENTIOUSNESS) -- A sin characteristic of life apart form Christ, Uncontrolled or unbridled lust. I Pet 4:3 Victory it requires repentance according to Paul II Cor 12:21 and living in the spirit of Christ Gal 5:22-25
LASHARON -- Captured by Joshua a Canaanite town near Tabor Josh 12:1-18 The city of Lasha may be the same. Gen 10:19
LATCHET (THONGS) -- Fastened a sandal to the foot, a strap on the sandal Gen 14:23 To untie the latch of Christ's sandals John the Baptist declared he was unworthy. Mark 1:7
LATTER RAIN (SPRING RAIN) -- Allowing crops to reach full maturity before the harvest this rain fell in late in the growing season. Jer 3:3
LATTICE -- Let in night breezes and to provide privacy, a screened opening or porch on a house. II Kings 1:2 ; Judg 5:28
LAVER (BASIN) -- Priests could wash their hands and feet before offering animal sacrifices in this container placed near the altar out side the tabernacle. Exod 30:18-21
LAW, LAW OF MOSES -- Spelled out in the Ten Commandments and the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. the authoritative rule of conduct, The Lord revealed this code to Moses on Mt Sinai Deut 5:1-2 In the Law of Moses the moral law is external and unchallengeable Rom 7:7-12 Confirmed by Christ aster being fulfilled by the gospel Matt 5:17-18
LAWYER --A translation of the Greek NOMIKOS In the New Testament times a teacher of the law or interpreter in the synagogues and schools. Matt 22:34-40 Luke used t his term to designate the group called Scribes (Luke 7:30 ; 10:25 ; 11:45-46 ; 14:3 ; One Zenas in Titus 3:13 is called a lawer, probably a person who is knowledgeable in the law.
LAYING ON OF HANDS -- A ordination or ritual blessing for service. He ritually transferred the sins of the people to the animal by placing his hands on the scapegoat a ritual used by the hight priest on the Day of Atonement. Lev 16:21 Patriarchs placed their hands on their descendants to convey special blessings and to confirm birthrights Gen 48:14, 18 To confirm their calling as missionaries and to set them apart for this service the church at Antioch laid hands on Barnabas and Paul Acts 13:2-3
LAZARUS -- Lazarus lived in Bethany, a few miles form Jerusalem, with his sisters Mary and Martha. The three of them had Jesus as a guest a lot and they were dear to him. Lazarus ' sisters sent for Jesus when Lazarus was very ill but Jesus came four days later, to find that Lazarus was dead, Jesus delayed his coming so he could show the power of God by raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus attended Simon's banquet after his resurrection. John 11 , 12
LEAD -- Cast into weights a heavy metal Zech 5:8 For refining gold and silver was also a useful agents. Num 31:22-23 Figuratively the word is used for the cleansing of Israel Jer 6:29
LEAGUE (COMPACT TREATY) -- For providing protection against enemies and fostering common interests, an alliance of nations. II Sam 5:3 Compact NIV I Kings 5:12 It was prohibited to leagues with the Canaanites and other pagan nations. Exod 23:31-33
LEAH -- The older sister to Rachel, elder daughter of Laban, Jacob's first wife, who was given in the place of Rachel. She was the mother of the sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon and a daughter, Dinah. Out of twelve, six of the tribes of Israel were named for her sons. Leah was buried in the cave of Machpelah, in the patriarch's burial grounds. She died before Jacob returned to Egypt Genesis 29-- 31 ; 33 -- 35 ; 45 , 46 , 49
LEANNOTH -- Of uncertain meaning in the title of Ps 88, a musical term
LEATHER -- Used for clothing Lev 13:48 tent coverings Exod 26:14 sandals Ezek 16:10 water and wine containers, Matt 9:17 treated animal skins
LEAVEN (YEAST) -- In making bread or wine a fermentation agent Hos 7:4 To warn against the teachings of the Sadducees and the Pharisees Jesus used the term. Matt 16:11-12
LEBANON -- In northern Palestine a rugged mountainous region. From Lebanon Cedar and fir trees were used in the construction of the temple in Jerusalem under Solomon I Kings 5:6-10 ; 7:2
LEEK -- An onion like plant. The Israelites had enjoyed it in Egypt and longed for it in the wilderness. Num 11:5
LEES (DREGS) -- In the process of wine making it is the wast which settled to the bottom of the container Isa 25:6 Figuratively indifference or laziness the term is used for Jer 48:11 ; Zeph 1:12
| LEGION | (1.) | Used in a large number, angels available to Jesus Matt 26:53 or demons inhabiting a demoniac Luke 8:30 |
| (2.) | Consisting of several thousand foot soldiers plus cavalrymen, A Roman military division John 18:3-12 |
LEHI -- Using a jawbone of a donkey a site in the hill country of Judah where Samson killed 1,000 Philistines Judg 15:9-15
LEMUEL -- In the book of Proverbs an unknown king mentioned. Prov 31:1
LENTIL -- In the pea family a plant used in Jacob's stew or pottage. For a bowl of this stew Esau sold his birthright to Jacob. Gen 25:29-34
LEOPARD -- In the cat family a wild animal noted for its speed and fierceness Jer 5:6 Leopards will lie down with goats Isa 11:6
LEPROSY -- Dreaded skin diseases, a variety or them. Anyone who was a leper to cry "unclean" so people could avoid them and required them to live in isolation from others. Lev 13:45-46 Jesus sent lepers to the priest for verification and purification after He healed them. Luke 17:11-15
| LEVI | (1) | Jacob and Leah's third son. He died in Egypt at the age of one hundred and thirty-seven leaving three sons. The Tribe of Levi is named after him. This tribe was the one that furnished men for the priesthood. The book of Leviticus describes their ministry. Genesis 29 , 34 , 35 , 46 , 49 ; Exodus 1 , 6 ; Numbers 3 , 16 , 26 ; I Chronicles 2 , 6 |
| (2) | Another name for Matthew |
LEVIATHAN -- A sea monster. Believed to be the crocodile by some scholars Job 41:1 Describe one of Israel's enemies figuratively probably Egypt Isa 27:1
LEVIRATE MARRIAGE -- If she had no male heir the marriage of a man to the widow of a deceased relative. Provide an estated for the deceased relative and to provide for widows Deut 25:5-10 A Levitate marriage was the union of Boaz and Ruth Ruth 3-4
LEVITES -- The twelve tribes of Israel, Members of one of the twelve tribes Descendants of Levi, third son of Jacob and Leah Gen 29:34 Responsible for taking care of the tabernacle and assisting the priest in their ceremonial duties Num 3:5-10 Rather than a specific part of the land the Levies were assigned forty eight towns in various tribal territories. Josh 21:1-8
LEVITICAL CITIES -- Instead of one specific territory forty eight cities were assigned to the tribe of Levi. Num 35:2-7 This was arranged to give the priestly class access to the spiritual needs of the other tribes. Six of these cities were cites of refuge to protect those who accidentally killed persons from avenging relatives Josh 20:1-6
LEVITICUS, BOOK OF --Filled with instructions about dietary laws, personal purification, ceremonial offerings, regulations for worship, and sanctification of the priests, and Old Testament book. The book's theme is that of holiness, because God is a holy God. He demands a separated and holy people who are totally committed to Him. The emphasis of the first pare to the book, is holiness is obtained through rituals of acceptable sacrifice. Lev 1:1-17:16 The theme of the book's second major section is rituals of sanctification Lev 18:1-27:34The Lord revealed to Moses during the Hebrew's wandering years in the wilderness of Sinai these instructions in holiness and appropriate worship.
LIAR -- One who speaks the untruths. The father of lies is Satan John 8:44 and liars are his agents Acts 5:3 Lying is associated with perversion of truth and idolatry Rom 1:18, 25
LIBERALITY -- Spirit of helpfulness generous toward those in need. Such a spirit validates our faith when we minister in it. Gal 6:10 Like wise those who are generous will be treated with generosity Luke 6:38
LIBERTINES (FREEDMEN) -- In 63 B.C. Pompey carried Jews to Rome as captives and later freed. Libertines were members of the Jerusalem synagogue who opposed Stephen. Acts 6:9
LIBYA/PHUT/LUBIM -- For the continent of Africa west of Egypt the Greek name for it. Acts 2:10 On the day of Pentecost the people from Libya were in Jerusalem Acts 2:10 The man was from Cyrene, Libya's chief city that carried Jesus' cross Matt 27:32 Other name for the city in the Old Testament was Phut Ezek 27:10 and Lubim Nah 3:9
LICE -- The third plague sent by God to persuade the pharaoh to allow the Israelis to leave Egypt Exod 8:16-18 Small biting insects, perhaps mosquitoes, gnats, or sand ticks.
LIEUTENANT (SATRAP) -- General title for the governor of a Persian province Esther 3:12, A rank for a military officer Ezra 8:36
LIGHT -- To bring light into existence was God's first act of creation. Gen 1:3-5 Figuratively the word light is to represent truth and goodness Ps 119:105 Light dispel darkness of wickedness and ignorance. Matt 4:16 ; 5:15
LIGN ALOES -- Perfume was made from this tree Num 24:6
LIGURE (JACINTH) -- In the high priest's breastplate a precious stone Exod 28:19
LILY -- Any flower resembling the lily this general term is used. Song of Sol 5:13 ; Matt 6:28
LIME -- Used for cement and plaster work, powdered limestone. Isa 33:12
LINE (CORD) -- Using a cord a method of measuring land Josh 2:18 Amos told Amaziah the priest that it would include division of his land by line for his punishment from the Lord Amos 7:17
LINEN -- Cloth that is made from flax. "Fine linen" was wore by the rich. I Chron 15:27
LINTEL -- Over a door a beam of woood Amos 9:1 To avoid the angel of death in Egypt the Hebrews were commanded to place blood from a sacrificial lamb over the lintels of their doors. Exod 12:22-23
LINUS -- Paul sent to Timothy greetings from a Christian at Rome II Tim 4:21
LION -- It preyed upon sheep a large catlike animal I Sam 17:34-36 The king of Persia would throw those who offended him into a den of loins Dan 6:7-28
LIPS -- Associated with speaking a part of the human face. As "uncircumcised lips" is how Moses described his poor speaking skills. Exod 6:12 , 30 Mourning or a gesture of shame was covering of the lips Mic 3:7
LIQUOR -- Associated with both festive occasions Luke 15:23, 32 and drunkenness Rom 13:13 a fermented beverage.
LITTER -- On pokes upon which people were carried on a portable chair. Protection from the rain and sun was provided by a covering Isa 66:20
LIZARD -- The Mosaic law regarded this reptile as unclean. Lev 11:30 In Palestine numerous species of lizards are found.
LO-AMMI -- Meaning "not my people" A symbolic name given by Hosea to his second son to signify God's rejection of rebellious Israel Hos 1:8-9
LOAN -- When money is borrowed which had to be repaid with interest. The person would pledged them self or his children to secure a loan. II Kings 4:1 ; Amos 8:6 Loans to the poor were not to accrue interest according to Mosaic law. Exod 22:25
LOCUST -- A plant earing migratory insect similar to the grasshopper. A plague upon the Egyptians to convince the pharaoh to free the Israelite people was swarms of locusts. Exod 10:1-4
LOD/LYDDA -- Shemed, a descendant of Benjamin built this town near Joppa I Chron 8:12 A lame man was healed by Peter here. Acts 9:32-35
LOFT (UPPER ROOM, UPPER CHAMBER) --
LOG -- Equal to about one-twelfth of a hin a unit of measuring liquid. Lev 14:10 (HIN -- Equal to about one and one-half gallons a unit of measurement. Exod 29:40)
LOGOS -- Means both "the Word" and "reason" from a Greek term. Jesus came into the world as the Word of God incarnate or as the Logos in human form John 1:1-3 ; Col 1:15-17
LOINS -- Just below the stomach the midsection of the human body. To give greater freedom of movement the Jewish people wrapped their loins when working or traveling. II Kings 4:29 Peter used it figuratively to counsel readiness for "Christs" return I Pet 1:13
LOIS -- With Timothy , her daughter, Eunice, the three lived in Lystra. Lois was the grandmother of Timothy, and Timothy who accompanied with Paul on his journeys. II Timothy 1:5
LONGSUFFERING (PATIENT) -- Patience or forbearance: an attribute of God's nature Exod 34:6 To bring people to repentance was the intend of God's suffering II Pet 3:9
LOOPS -- Together in a continuous unit fasteners which joined the curtains of the tabernacle together. Exod 26:3-11
LORD -- Used as a translation of the divine name Yahweh, which the Hebrews would not say out of reverence. A rendering of various Hebrew words which all refer to the same God of Israel, Jesus, and persons in authority such as kings. Gen 12:8 ; Exod 3:15-16
LORD'S DAY -- The Christian day of worship, first day of the week, Sunday. Rev 1:10 After Christ's resurrection on the first day Christians adopted Sunday as their normal day of worship even that the Jewish day of rest and worship fell on Saturday, the last day of the week. Acts 20:7 The Roman emperor Constantine instituted the day as a Christian holiday in A.D. 321, well after it was established as a Christian custom of worshiping on Sunday.
LORD'S PRAYER -- Jesus' disciples requested that Jesus teach them how to pray and this was Jesus' response to their request Luke 11:1 The prayer teaches us to approach to ask Him to meet our physical needs and then to seek His forgiveness and protection Matt 6:11-13
LORD'S SUPPER -- Jesus observed as a passover ritual to symbolize His approaching death with Jesus' final meal with His disciples. Luke 22:15-16
LO-RUHAMAH -- For the prophet Hosea's daughter, meaning "unloved" a symbolic name. God's displeasure with rebellious Israel is expressed with this word. Hos 1:6
LOT -- Lot was the son of Abraham's brother Harlan, with his sons being Ammon and Moah. Lot was born in Ur of Chaldea, where Abraham lived. When Abraham was directed by God, Lot's uncle to move his home to Canaan, Lot and his household move with him. Upon their arrival their herdsman quarreled over the pasture so the two decided to separate with Lot choosing to live in Sodom, a city in the plain which was more fertile. Abraham lived in the less desirable land in tents. Abraham had to come to Lot rescue when Lot was taken captive. With the destruction of Sodom Lot and his family was forced to fee with him and his daughters being save but his wife became a pillar of salt when she looked back. Genesis 11:27--14:16 ; 19
LOTS, CASTING OF -- Much like our modern practice of 'drawing straws" it is a decision making by casting small stones our of a container Josh 18:6 It was believed through this method God made His will known Prov 16:33 By casting lots Matthias was chosen as an apostle to succeed Judas. Acts 1:26
LOT'S WIFE -- Abraham's nephew's wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back on Sodom. Gen 19:26 To warn of the dangers of delay and disobedience Jesus used her experience. Luke 17:32
LOVE -- Benevolent , unselfish concern for other persons I Cor 13: 4-7 To love God and others are the two most important commands of Jesus Matt 22:37-40 The supreme expression of love was Christ's sacrificial death. John 13:1 ; 15:13
LOVE, FEAST -- Meals served by the early churches in connection with the Lord's supper to promote Christian fellowship and brotherly love Acts 2:42 , 46 ; I Cor 10:16-17 For their sinful behavior and selfish indulgence at such love feasts Paul condemned some of the Corinthian Christians. I Cor 11:20-22
LOVINGKINDNESS --He extends freely to His people his gentle and steadfast love and mercy. Pss 63:3 ; 69:16 ; 103:4-12
LUCIFER (MORNING STAR, DAY STAR) -- The prophet Isaiah used this name for the pompous king of Babylonia. Isaiah 14:12 This passage describes the fall of Satan as some scholars believe. Luke 10:18
LUCIUS -- Kinsman of Paul and a Jewish Christian who greeted believers at Rome. Rom 16:21 Some believe that he is the same person as Lucius of Antioch Acts 13:1
LUCRE (GAIN) -- Wealth of material, represented by goods or money I Sam 8:3 ; Titus 1:7
LUDIM (LUDITES, LUD) A son of Ham, people descended from Mizraim Gen 10:13 , 22 Lud: NRSV Ludites: NIV
LUKE/LUCAS -- For a person who wrote one of the Gospels and traveled with Paul as his personal physician, long associate and co-worker there is very little known about Luke. He was the only Gentile who wrote and had his writing place in the Bible. Colossians 4:11. As a doctor, a man of learning this would of made him the most literary of the disciples. It was reported that Eugenius said that Luke was a native of Antioch. Ramsey, one of the greatest modern Pauline scholars believes he was of Philippi. By profession Luke was a Physician, a man of culture, scientist educating, a master of Hebraic, and classical Greek. In the bible his first appears is the one who brought Paul from Taus to Philippi and a leader it the Philippians church for about the first six years of it's opening. Then he rejoined Paul in Acts 16:10 ; 16:40 ; 20:6. Then he was with Paul until Paul's death. An ancient source says he labored in Greece and died at the age of eighty-four and believed to be buried in Padus. The Magnificent and Benedict-us are still used in church liturgy today that he recorded. The full and earnest account that Luke gives of Christ's sacrificial death is for his symbol of a winged ox.
LUKE, GOSPEL OF -- Written by Luke, a Gentile physician one of the four Gospels of the New Testament. Luke portray Jesus as the Savior of all people, Jews and Gentiles. Luke shows that Jesus associated with everyone, sinners Luke 5:30 ; 15:2 the outcasts and poor Luke 6:20-23 ; 16:19-31 and Samaritans Luke 17:11-19 The book of Acts that Luke wrote as a sequel to his Gospel continued with his theme of Christ as the universal Savior. Acts continues by telling us how the gospel eventually spread from Jerusalem, the hub of Judaism, to Rome, the capital city and nerve center of the Roman Empire.
LUKEWARM -- A term for indifference or complacency where you are neither hot nor cold. The church at Laodicea members were criticized for their tepid spirituality. Rev 3:16
LUST -- Usually associated with the sex drive, Evil desire. Unbridled lust leads to sin which then produces death. Eph 2:3 ; Jas 1:14-15 Many have preached for believers to flee worldly lust Titus 2:12 repent and follow righteousness Gal 5:16 ; II Tim 2:22
LYCAONIA -- In southern Asia Minor a Roman province. Paul preached in this region and cities of Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium. Acts 14:1-6
LYCIA -- A province which juts into the Mediterranean Sea of Asia Minor. Paul made stops in Lycia's major cities, Patara, and Myra Acts 21:1
LYDIA -- Her home was in Thyatira in Asia Minor and she was a devout gentile business woman. Conducting her business at Philippi of a seller of purple-dyed material she and her household was converted by the preaching of Paul and baptized together. During his sojourn in Philippi Paul and his companions were invited to be her guests. Acts 16: 14 , 40
LYSANIAS -- When John the Baptist began his ministry, Herod was ruler over Galilee, with Iysanias the governor of Abilene, a region in Syria. Luke 3:1
LYSTRA -- In central Asia Minor a city in the province of Lycaonia Paul healed a lame man,. preached, and unbelieving Jews stoned him. Acts 14:6-20
