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.
PASS, PASSAGE, PASSENGER
Other - Both
To pass may mean to cross, travel through, continue, cease, exceed, or transgress. A passage may be a ford or mountain pass, while a passenger is one who passes through or by.
Passage
Places & Geography - Old Testament
In Scripture, a passage may refer to a river ford, mountain gorge, or route through a region. The term is used especially of crossings or difficult ways near the Jordan and in the mountains.
Passion
Jesus Christ - New Testament
Passion means suffering. In Acts 1:3 it refers particularly to the sufferings endured by Jesus before His resurrection.
PASSION, PASSIONS
Sin & Judgment - Both
“Passion” can mean Christ’s suffering, ordinary human feeling, or strong and sinful desire. Biblical usage therefore ranges from the sufferings of Jesus to emotions and uncontrolled lusts.
Passover
Festivals & Holy Days - Both
The Passover was Israel’s chief annual festival, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and His sparing of their firstborn. It centered on the sacrifice and eating of a lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs; the feast also points to Christ’s saving sacrifice.
PASTOR
Christian Life - Both
A pastor is literally a shepherd or feeder of sheep. Figuratively, the term refers to a minister entrusted with caring for and guiding a Christian congregation.
PASTORAL EPISTLES
Christian Life - New Testament
The Pastoral Epistles are 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. These letters address ministers serving churches and give instruction concerning Christian doctrine, godly conduct, church order, leadership, and opposition to false teaching.
Patara
Places & Geography - New Testament
Patara was a harbor city of Lycia on the southwest coast of Asia Minor. Paul and his companions stopped there during his return from a missionary journey, and Paul sailed from Patara toward Phoenicia.
PATE
Agriculture & Daily Life - Old Testament
“Pate” is an older English word for the crown or top of the head. In Psalm 7:16 it is used poetically in parallel with “head.”
Pathros
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Pathros was the biblical name for Upper Egypt, or the southern region of Egypt. It is mentioned in prophetic passages and as a place where Jewish communities lived after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Pathrusim
People & Groups - Old Testament
The Pathrusim were a branch of the Egyptians descended from Mizraim and associated with the region of Pathros, generally identified with Upper Egypt.
Patmos
Places & Geography - New Testament
Patmos was a small, rugged island in the Aegean Sea. John was there for his testimony concerning Christ when he received the visions recorded in Revelation.
Patriarch
People & Groups - Both
A patriarch was the head or ancestor of a family or tribe. The title is especially associated with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the sons of Jacob, and David, and with family heads in Israel.
PATRIMONY
Law & Covenant - Both
Patrimony is an inheritance or property received from one’s fathers. In Scripture it may refer to family property, a Levite’s private support, Israel’s inherited land, or the spiritual inheritance granted by God.
Patrobas
People & Groups - New Testament
Patrobas was a Christian in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings in his letter to the Romans.
PATROCLUS
People & Groups - Inter-testament
Patroclus was the father of Nicanor, a Syrian general mentioned in 2 Maccabees.
PATTERN
Temple & Tabernacle - Both
A pattern is a model, design, copy, or guiding conception for something to be made. In Scripture it may refer to the divinely given design of the tabernacle or temple, or to a moral example to follow.
Pau
Places & Geography - Old Testament
Pau, also called Pai, was an Edomite city ruled by Hadar. Its exact location is unknown.
Paul
People & Groups - New Testament
Paul, formerly called Saul, was an apostle of Jesus Christ and a major preacher of the gospel to the Gentiles. Born in Tarsus and trained in Judaism, he was converted while persecuting Christians and later carried the gospel through much of the Roman world.
PAULUS, SERGIUS
People & Groups - New Testament
Sergius Paulus was the Roman proconsul of Cyprus when Paul and Barnabas preached at Paphos. After witnessing God’s judgment on Elymas and hearing the gospel, he believed.
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