Bible Dictionary
Explore biblical people, places, events, objects, ideas, and other terms. Search the dictionary directly, browse alphabetically, or narrow the list by category or Testament.
FIRES
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
Fires may refer to literal flames. In Ezekiel they are associated with burning fuel, while an older rendering of Isaiah 24:15 probably means “east” or the region of light.
Firkin
Measures & Money - New Testament
A firkin was an ancient liquid measure used for the water pots at Cana. It was approximately equivalent to the Hebrew bath and held about nine gallons.
Firmament
Places & Geography - Old Testament
The firmament is the expanse or wide arch of heaven described in Genesis as separating the waters above from those below and bearing the heavenly lights. The term reflects biblical descriptive language rather than a technical scientific description.
FIRST
Other - Both
First may indicate priority in time, order, rank, or importance. Scripture applies it to beginnings, firstborn rights, supreme commandments, and God and Christ as the First and the Last.
FIRST-BEGOTTEN
Jesus Christ - New Testament
First-begotten or firstborn denotes the first child literally, but also priority, privilege, authority, and supremacy. Applied to Christ, it signifies His preeminence over creation and His victory as firstborn from the dead.
First-born
Jewish Life & Customs - Both
The first-born was the eldest son or first male offspring of an animal. The first-born son ordinarily received special family privileges, including a double inheritance, while the first-born of Egypt were struck in the final plague.
First-born, Redemption of
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The redemption of the first-born was the required payment or substitution by which Israelite first-born sons and unclean animals were released from special consecration to God. Clean first-born animals were given for sacrifice, while other animals were redeemed or sold.
First-born, Sanctification of the
Law & Covenant - Old Testament
The sanctification of the first-born was the dedication of the first male child or animal to God. The first-born represented the family, while the first-born of clean animals was offered in sacrifice.
First-fruits
Law & Covenant - Both
First-fruits were the first or choicest produce of the land, offered to God in gratitude and acknowledgment that the harvest came from Him. They included grain, fruit, dough, and other products, and were connected with Israel’s appointed feasts.
Firstborn
Jewish Life & Customs - Old Testament
The firstborn, especially the eldest son, held a privileged place in the family and ordinarily received a double portion of the inheritance. Under the law, Israelite firstborn sons and male animals were devoted to God and subject to redemption or offering.
Firstfruits
Law & Covenant - Both
Firstfruits are the first or choicest products of a harvest offered to God in acknowledgment of His provision and ownership.
Fish
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Fish were abundant in the waters of Palestine and were an important food and trade resource. The law permitted fish with fins and scales, while Jesus used fishing and fish in several miracles and illustrations of the kingdom.
Fish-hooks
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Fish-hooks were implements used to catch fish. Biblical references use them literally and also as images of capture or judgment.
Fish-pools
Places & Geography - Both
Fish-pools were pools or reservoirs, some of which may have been stocked with fish. The biblical term translated “fish-pools” is rendered simply “pools” in later versions.
Fisher
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
A fisher is one who catches fish. Jesus used the occupation figuratively when He called His disciples to become “fishers of men,” gathering people for the kingdom.
FISHER'S COAT
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
Fisher’s coat is an older rendering of the upper garment Peter put on before coming ashore in John 21. The passage does not identify it as a special garment worn only by fishermen.
FISHHOOK
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
A fishhook was an ancient implement for catching fish with line and bait. Scripture mentions hooks in descriptions of fishing and uses one in Jesus’ instruction to Peter.
FISHING
Agriculture & Daily Life - Both
Fishing in biblical lands was done with hooks, spears, and especially nets cast from shore or boats. Several Gospel disciples earned their livelihood as fishermen before following Jesus.
Fishing, the art of
Agriculture & Daily Life - New Testament
Fishing in biblical Palestine used casting nets, dragnets, and hooks, especially in the Sea of Galilee and other waters. Several of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen, and fishing became an image for gathering people into the kingdom.
FISHPOOLS
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Fishpools” is generally considered a mistaken translation in the cited passages. The Hebrew references ordinary pools or, in Isaiah 19:10, laborers and their work rather than ponds for fish.
Select Pages
© 2026 AVisitWithJesus
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
