068 Words and Expressions Explained

Words and Expressions Explained vAbib, Exodus 13:4.-The Jewish year, like our own, was one of twelve months (1 Chronicles 27:1-34), only about half of which, however, are named in the Old Testament; they are generally spoken of as the first, second, third month, etc. Abib was the seventh month of the civil year; but, consequent, upon the people’s redemption from Egypt, it appropriately became the first month of the ecclesiastical year (Exodus 12:2). It was called "Nisan" after the captivity from Babylon (Neb. 2:1). Abib corresponds to our month April. vAbjects, Psalms 35:15.- This word signifies slanderers: occurs but once in the Old Testament. vAcre, 1 Samuel 14:14.- Signifies as much as a yoke of oxen can plow in a day, hence not a term of exact land measurement. vAdar, Esther 3:7.- The sixth Jewish month, and twelfth of their ecclesiastical; only named in the post-captivity books. Adar corresponds partly to our months of February and March. vAdvisement, 1 Chronicles 12:19.- Means full and careful consideration. vAffinity, 1 Kings 3:1.-Relationship through marriage. vAge, Job 8:8.-Generation. In Isaiah 38:12, it should be dwelling or habitation. Generally used to express the duration of a man’s life, or a period of time. vAha! Psalms 70:3.-The language of insolent contempt and triumph. vAll-to, Judges 9:53.-Meaning completely or thoroughly. vAmen, Deuteronomy 27:1-26 -The Hebrew form for "truly" or "verily." An affirmative response, implying the soul’s assent to the truth of what is uttered. Used as a substantive, it signifies truth, as in Isaiah 65:16―" the God of truth." Used also in the Christian assembly (1 Corinthians 14:16). vAnakims, Joshua 11:21-22.-A giant race of Canaanites. Goliath-about nine feet high-was a descendant of Anak, the original head of these gigantic men. vApothecary, Exodus 30:35.-One who seasons. A compound of sacred and other perfumes. vAppertain, Numbers 16:32.-Belonging to. vArcturus, Job 9:9.-Name of a star in the northern hemisphere. vAriel, Isaiah 29:1-24 -Meaning Lion of God. Figuratively the strong city of Jerusalem. vArtificer, Genesis 4:22.-A skilful workman. vArtillery, 1 Samuel 20:40.-Weapons, as bows and arrows. vAway with, Isaiah 1:13.-Signifies I cannot endure it. vAzzah, Deuteronomy 2:23, or Gaza.-A capital city of the Philistines, and situated on the shores of the Mediterranean. vAssayed. 1 Samuel 17:39.-To attempt or try. vBaca, Psalms 84:6. Weeping, thus "the Valley of Baca" would be "the Valley of Weeping. vBakers’ Street, Jeremiah 37:21.-In the East persons of the same occupation generally resided in the same street, hence Bakers’ Street. vBeeves, Leviticus 22:19.-Signifies domestic animals. vBehemoth, Job 40:15.-A gigantic animal, generally understood as the huge Hippopotamus. vBelial, Deuteronomy 13:13. Worthless. Frequently used of wicked, worthless persons; "Wicked heart" (Deuteronomy 15:9), "Ungodly men" (2 Samuel 22:5), "evil disease" (Psalms 41:8), "wicked thing" (Psalms 101:3), "naughty person" (Proverbs 6:12), "wicked counselor" (Nahum 1:11), etc., are translations of the word Belial. vBestead, Isaiah 8:21.-Literally, distressed. vBeulah, Isaiah 62:4.-Meaning married, and thus expressing the relationship which Immanuel’s land sustains to Jehovah. vBewray, Isaiah 16:3.-Discover. See also Proverbs 27:16. vBlain, Exodus 9:9-10.-Ulcerous sores; one of the Egyptian plagues. vBlaspheme, 1 Kings 21:13.-In its theological signification this word denotes speaking against God or His Word, and is so used in the Holy Scriptures, as in Matthew 12:31-32, etc. vBoaz, 1 Kings 7:21.-In him is strength; one of the brazen pillars in Solomon’s Temple, alluded to in Revelation 3:12. vBoils, Job 2:7.-Severe and inflammatory swellings on various parts of the body. The "sore botch" of Deuteronomy 28:27; Deuteronomy 28:35, is the same as Job 2:7 and Exodus 9:9. vBonnets, Isaiah 3:20.-Female head-dresses of various kinds. Bonnet (Exodus 28:40), the priestly miter. vBravery, Isaiah 3:18.-Finery, characteristic of the maidens of Judah. vBow the knee, Genesis 41:43.-Marginal reading, tender father. vBorrowed of the Egyptians, Exodus 12:35.-The word "borrowed" means asked or demanded, and does not at all imply a return. vBranch and Rush, Isaiah 9:14; Isaiah 19:15.-The "great and small." vBrass, Deuteronomy 8:9.-This metal is a compound of copper and zinc, and was unknown previous to the 13th century. The Scripture "brass" was a native production, and would be more correctly translated "copper." vBreakings, Job 41:25.-Judgments. vBreaches, Judges 5:17.-Creeks or harbors. vBreaker, Micah 2:13.-The Messiah dealing with every hindrance and enemy opposed to the blessing and rest of His people. vBrigandine, Jeremiah 51:3.-A coat of mail or light armor. vBolled, Exodus 9:31.-So swollen as about to burst. vBruit, Jeremiah 10:22; Nab. 3:19.-Report or rumor. vButtocks, Isaiah 20:4; 2 Samuel 10:4.-Hind-parts. vCalves of the lips, Hosea 14:2.-Should be praises of the lips. vCaulkers, Ezekiel 27:9; Ezekiel 27:27.-Ship carpenters. vCaphtor, Jeremiah 47:4, etc.-The original location of the Philistines, who were descended from Mizraim (Egypt), Genesis 10:14. vCarriage, 1 Samuel 17:22; Judges 18:21.-The goods or baggage, 1:e., not what carried, but what was carried. See also Acts 21:55. vCauls, Isaiah 3:18.-Female head covering of net work, and of an ornamental character. vChains, Isaiah 3:19.-This word signifies ear-drops. vChambers of imagery, Ezekiel 8:12.-Egyptian idolatry occupying the rooms, and generally the interior of the temple. vChampaign, Deuteronomy 11:30.-That part of a country not intersected by hills, but open and easily traversed. Applied to any open field or plain. vChancellor, Ezra 4:8, 9, 57.-A Persian officer of high rank, and connected with the granting of the decrees of the realm. vChapiters, Exodus 36:38, etc.-The upper and ornamental parts of the columns or pillars of public buildings. vChapman, 2 Chronicles 9:14.-In England we would say a "hawker;" only in the East the employment was a respectable one. vChariot of Israel, 2 Kings 2:12.-The Divine defense and safeguard of Israel. vChemarim, Zephaniah 1:4,-The priests of Baal and of other idols. Translated idolatrous priests in2 Kings 23:5; Hosea 10:5; in these Scriptures the margin reads chemarim. vCherubim, Genesis 3:24, etc.-Ministers of the governmental and judicial power of Jehovah. vChief prince, Ezekiel 38:2-3; Ezekiel 39:1.-The Septuagint or Greek version of the Old Testament, reads correctly ’Prince of Rosh," 1:e., of Russia. It was only toward the close of the ninth century that Russia, as such, became known, or rather, that her history as a kingdom commenced, hence our translators took the word "rosh" as signifying the "chief," or great prince. vChild an hundred years old, Isaiah 65:20.-Refers to the great prolongation of life in the millennium. vChildren of the East, Judges 6:3; Judges 6:33.-Dwellers in the desert lying between Canaan and the river Euphrates. vChimney, Hosea 13:3.-Denotes any aperture covered over with interlaced lattice-work for the escape of smoke; it is the same word translated windows (Genesis 7:11; Genesis 8:2). vChittim, Daniel 11:30.-The historical fulfillment of the first part of this chapter (Daniel 11:1-35) prove that Rome is the power here meant. vCholer, Daniel 8:7; Daniel 11:11 -This Greek word signifies great rage and anger. vCharger, Numbers 7:13.-A salver, or large dish. vChurl, Isaiah 32:5; Isaiah 32:7.-A niggardly person; also, surly and ill-tempered, as Nabal (1 Samuel 25:1-44). vCleave is used in exactly opposite meanings, as to cut or divide in Psalms 141:7, and to a close and inseparable union, as in Genesis 2:24. vCoal, quench my, 2 Samuel 14:7.-Ruin me in my circumstances and prosperity. vCoasts, Judges 18:2.-Borders of territory, whether of sea or land. vCockle, Job 31:40.-An exceedingly poisonous plant. vConvocation, Exodus 12:16.-This Latin word signifies a religious gathering duly called and constituted. vConverts, Isaiah 1:27.-The remnants of Israel and Judah returned to their city and God. The root idea in this word, and in that of "conversion," is "turned," or a radical change in life and character. vCotes, 2 Chronicles 32:28.-Chambers or other enclosures for the protection of sheep; see also 1 Samuel 24:3. vCoulter, 1 Samuel 13:20-21.-An implement of husbandry, generally regarded as a plowshare. vCountervail, Esther 7:4.-Could not avail against the king, or damage him in any way. vCovenant of Salt, Numbers 18:19, etc.-An agreement or league of a perpetual and enduring character; yet practiced to a large extent in eastern countries, where, if a visitor eats salt in your house, he has thereby secured your help and protection, and for the time under your special safeguard. vCovereth his Feet, Judges 3:24.-See margin; also 1 Samuel 24:3. vCrisping Pins, Isaiah 3:22. -Small bags or purses; translated bags in 2 Kings 5:23. vCunning, Exodus 26:8, etc.-Clever or skilful; not to be understood in a bad sense, as with us. vCush, Isaiah 11:11.-That part of Africa known as Ethiopia. vDarling, Psalms 22:20.-The life or soul as being dear; see also Psalms 35:17. vDark Sayings of Old, Psalms 78:2.-The true spiritual design of Israel’s early history. vDaysman, Job 9:33.-Arbiter or umpire. vDeal of flour, Numbers 15:4, etc.-A part or portion of flour. vDenounce, Deuteronomy 30:18.-Announce or declare. vDesert of the sea, Isaiah 21:1.-Babylon and its utter desolation. vDesired, 2 Chronicles 21:20.-Lamented or mourned for;2 Chronicles 21:18-19 clearly enough show this to be the force of the word desired as here used. vDote, Jeremiah 50:36.-Stupid; but in Ezekiel 23:1-49 where the word doted occurs six times, it implies intense and all-absorbing affection. vDoves’ dung, 2 Kings 6:25.-Valuable for vegetation; also a vegetable resembling pigeons’ dung, and largely used for food. vDukes, Genesis 36:1-43 -Patriarchal chiefs or rulers, not as with us a title of nobility. vDumah, Isaiah 21:11.-Edom or ldumea. vEthiopia, beyond the rivers of, Isaiah 18:1.-Rather, Cush, 1:e., beyond the rivers Nile and Euphrates, as the descendants of " Cush " (Genesis 10:1-32) settled on the borders of both rivers. vEaring time, Exodus 34:21, etc.-Seed-time. vEars Tingle, 1 Samuel 3:11.-Horror and astonishment. vEast and West, Isaiah 45:6.-The whole earth. vEd, Joshua 22:34.-A witness. The name of the altar erected by the two Tribes and a-half on the western side of Canaan. vEmerods, Deuteronomy 28:27.-Hemorrhoids or piles. vEnds of the Earth, Psalms 72:8.-Most distant parts of the globe. vEnlightening the Eyes, Psalms 19:8.-Imparting Divine light. Intelligence, perception; see also 1 Samuel 14:27. vEthanim, 1 Kings 8:2.-Flowing or streaming rivers. The seventh Jewish ecclesiastical month and first of the civil year, corresponding to our September and October. vEunuchs, Isaiah 56:4.-Persons incapacitated for marrying, and forbidden to enter the congregation of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1). In the east generally employed as guardians of the bed-chamber. vExact upon him, Psalms 89:22.-Shall not vex or persecute him. vFairs, Ezekiel 27:1-36 -Six times repeated in the chapter. Established emporiums for the sale and barter of all kinds of goods. vFallow ground, Jeremiah 4:3, etc.-Uncultivated ground. vFats, Joel 2:24.-Special vessels for pressing out the juice of the grape. vFelloes, 1 Kings 7:33.-The whole circumference of a wheel. vFellow, Exodus 2:13, etc.-Neighbor or companion. For the latter, compare Psalms 45:7, with Hebrews 1:9; so also, Zechariah 13:7. In these three Scriptures the word should be companions or associates. Scripture does not use the word in a contemptuous sense as we do; hence delete the italicized word "fellow" in Genesis 19:9; Matthew 26:61; Acts 24:5. vFillet, Exodus 27:1-21, etc.-Silver fastenings, whereby the pillars of the tabernacle supporting the curtains were secured. vFiner, Proverbs 25:4.-A worker in precious metals; hence goldsmith,Isaiah 41:7. vFirmament, Genesis 1:17, etc.-Expanse or sky-covering over our heads. In Isaiah 40:19, and Numbers 16:38-39, it is spoken of as that which covers or spreads. vFirst-born, Psalms 89:27.-A title of dignity; not necessarily one of birth. vFish-gate, Nehemiah 3:3, etc.-So termed because the fish for the city of Jerusalem was sold there. vFitches, Isaiah 28:25; Isaiah 28:27.-A vegetable used for food and medicine, and resembling our English pea. vFord, Genesis 32:22 etc.-The word simply denotes a passage across either land or water. vFootman, 1 Samuel 22:17.-A guard or foot soldier. vFray, Deuteronomy 28:26 etc.-To send away by fright, or to frighten. vGathering of the people be, Genesis 49:10.-Reads: gathering of the peoples be; Gentiles as well as Jews will be gathered to Christ. vGeneration, who shall declare? Isaiah 53:8.-"Manner of life who would declare?" vGentiles, Isaiah 11:10 etc.-All were spoken of as Gentiles who were not Jews. vGalley, Isaiah 33:21.-A large decked boat propelled by oars. vGlory, afterward receive me to, Psalms 73:24.-Should be, after the glory receive me, Israel being received to fullness of Divine favor after the glory has been set up; while Christians are received before it is established over the earth. vGlede, Deuteronomy 14:13. Vulture, as translated in Leviticus 11:14. vGlory of this latter house, Haggai 2:9.-Literally "Latter glory of this house." The contrast is not between the house or temple then and the future one; but between the glory then and the glory to come. vGin, Isaiah 8:14.-A trap for catching birds. vGoads, Judges 3:31, etc.-Poles armed with iron spikes to urge on the oxen; about 8 feet in length. vGo to, Genesis 11:7.-An ejaculation, not meaning "go away" but rather come. vGods, Dent. 32:17:.-Idols; used also of angels (Psalms 97:7) and of persons in authority (Exodus 22:28). vGog and Magog, Ezekiel 38:1-23; Ezekiel 39:1-29 -"Gog a symbolic designation for the future head of all the Russias; "magog," also symbolic, his land. The term in the apocalypse is a moral and not a geographical one (Revelation 20:8). vGrave made with the wicked, Isaiah 53:9.-Literally "grave appointed with the wicked;" that was man’s appointment, but God ordered otherwise (John 19:38-42). vGreat Sea, Joshua 9:1, etc.-Or Mediterranean Sea. vGraven on the Palms of the hands, Isaiah 49:16.-Beautifully explained by the eastern custom of engraving, by puncturing on the palms any person or place much loved, and thus having a continual remembrance of the object before one. vGrisled, Zechariah 6:3; Zechariah 6:6.-Party-colored, see also Genesis 31:10; Genesis 31:12. vGutters, Genesis 30:41.-Water-troughs. In 2 Samuel 5:8, the word would have a wider meaning, probably the aqueduct. vHabergeon,Nehemiah 4:16.-A Coat of Mail, especially for the protection of the neck and shoulders. vHap, Ruth 2:3.-"Her hap," 1:e., fortune. vHarnessed, Exodus 13:18.-By five in a rank, see margin which gives the correct reading. vHead sick and Heart faint, Isaiah 1:5.-King and Priest. Descriptive condition of the then civil and ecclesiastical state of Israel. vHead and tail, Isaiah 9:14.-King and False Prophet. vHeadbands, Isaiah 3:20.-Rather girdles. vHephzibah, Isaiah 62:4.-Means my delight is in her; expression of Jehovah’s delight in Israel in the coming days of glory. vHerd, Genesis 18:7, etc.-Sheep, and generally small cattle were ordinarily termed the "flock," while bullocks and larger cattle were termed the herd. vHireling, Job 14:6, etc.-A mere paid servant. vHolpen, Psalms 83:8.-Helped. vHigh Places, were altars, etc., erected on hills and mountainous parts, where Jehovah was worshipped before the erection of the temple (Judges 6:25-26; Genesis 22:2, etc.). Afterward they became consecrated to idolatry of the grossest kind, as the books of Kings abundantly testify. The people were prohibited from worshipping on these "high places" on their entrance into the land (Deuteronomy 12:3). vIchabod, 1 Samuel 4:21. The glory has departed. The ark - the proper glory of Israel - being in the hands of the Philistines. vIdumea, Isaiah 34:5.-The country of Edom. vImmanuel, Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 8:8.-God with us. Fulfilled in, and applied to Christ (Matthew 1:23). vIndignation, the, Isaiah 10:1-34; Isaiah 28:1-29 -Apart from the general use of the word, it is technically applied as the expression of God’s special period of, and appointed wrath against His guilty people in the coming days. vInn, Genesis 42:27, etc.-The word often denotes a resting place merely, and not as it is generally regarded in the western world. vIslands, Isaiah 11:11, etc.―Western parts, bordering upon the Mediterranean or Great Sea. vJachin, 1 Kings 7:25.-Established; name of the right-hand brazen pillar of Solomon’s temple, referred to in Revelation 3:12. vJah, Psalms 68:4, etc.-An abbreviated form of Jehovah, and signifying Majesty. vJavan, Isaiah 66:19.-Ancient name of Greece. vJebus, Judges 19:10.-Ancient name for Jerusalem. vJegar-Sahadutha, Genesis 31:47.-Heap of witness, an Aramean word so called by Laban, but Jacob called it "Galeed," a Hebrew word, also signifying heap of witness. vJehovah-Jireh, Genesis 22:1-24 - The Lord will provide. vJehovah-Nissi, Exodus 17:1-16 -The Lord my banner. vJehovah-Rophecha, Exodus 15:26.-The Lord that healeth thee. vJehovah-Shalom, Judges 6:24.-The Lord send peace. vJehovah-Shammah, Ezekiel 48:35.-The Lord is there. vJehovah-Tsidkenu, Jeremiah 23:6.-The Lord our righteousness. vJeshurun, Deuteronomy 32:15.-Meaning righteous. Applied to Israel, "God’s justified or righteous people." vJewry, Daniel 5:13.-The land of Judea. vJezreel, Hosea 2:22.-God shall plant, 1:e., restored Israel. vJubilee, Leviticus 25:8-15, etc.-Every fiftieth year, termed from its character, "the year of liberty" (Ezekiel 46:17). vJustle, Nahum 2:4.-Jostle or clash. vJustify many, Isaiah 53:11.-Reads instruct many, as in Matthew 5:1-48; Matthew 7:1-29. the life-work of Jesus. vKerchiefs, Ezekiel 13:18-21.-Female veils or coverings for the head. vLancets, 1 Kings 18:28.-Short spears or lances. vLap, I shook my, Nehemiah 5:13.-An ancient and eastern expression of judgment. vLarge Place, Psalms 18:19, etc.-Enlargement or place of liberty. vLattice, Judges 5:28, etc.-A window made of net work. vLeasing, Psalms 4:2.-This old English word signifies lying, or generally what is false. vLeft-handed, Judges 3:15.-Both-handed, 1:e., capable of using either hand. vLeviathan, Job 41:1 -A huge aquatic animal. vLieutenants, Ezra 8:36.-Persian deputy governors. vLifted up his hand, 1 King 11:26, 27,-Or rebelled. vLittle way, a, Genesis 35:16.-This was about four miles in length. vLine of Samaria, 2 Kings 21:13.-The same lot or judgment which befel Samaria is appointed to Jerusalem; see whole verse and context. vLooking glasses, Exodus 38:8.-Plates of finely polished metal reflectors. vLo-ammi, Hosea 1:9.-Not my people. The present rejection of Israel by Jehovah. vLo-ruhamah, Hosea 1:6.-Not having obtained mercy. Israel at present outside the pale of national mercy. vLORD, Genesis 4:1-26, etc.-Jehovah. When "Lord " thus printed, as in Psalms 8:1-9, etc., it is used in the sense of Master, Proprietor. vLubims, 2 Chronicles 12:3, etc.-Or Africans. vLust, Psalms 78:18.-Strong desire for anything. vLucifer, Isaiah 14:12.-Morning, Star. Title of the King of Babylon, who is a figure of the future head of the revived Roman power. vLudim, Genesis 10:13.-Probably Egyptians. vMantles, Isaiah 3:22.-This word signifies to wap, hence wappers would correctly convey the meaning. vMade a Road, 1 Samuel 27:10.-A military attack for purpose of plunder or spoil. vMandrakes, Genesis 30:14.-Has been termed love apple, and supposed to assist in the propagation of the species; it is still grown in various parts of Syria; its odor is most offensive to Europeans, although prized by the natives for its taste and smell. vMany, Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:33; Daniel 12:3.-Reads the Many, a special class distinguished from the mass of the nation. vMatrix, Exodus 13:12, etc.-The Womb. vMete-yard, Leviticus 19:35.-A measuring rod. vMattock, Isaiah 7:25, etc.-An instrument used in agricultural and other work. vMazzaroth, Job 38:32.-The marginal reading gives the twelve signs, 1:e., of the zodiac. vMene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin, Daniel 5:25.-Literally it reads "Numbered, Numbered, Weighed, Divided." The words were in Hebrew characters. The kingdom was numbered and ended; was weighed and found light; was divided and given to the Persians. vMeshech, Ezekiel 38:2-3; Ezekiel 39:1.-Moscow, the metropolis of European Russia till beginning of this century. vMessiah, Daniel 9:25, etc.-A Hebrew word meaning "Anointed," the corresponding Greek word "Christ " also means anointed. vMinished, Psalms 107:39.-Diminished or reduced in number. vMinni, Jeremiah 51:27.-Understood to be "Armenia" or part of it. vMizraim, Genesis 10:6.-The word as here used is in the dual form, referring to lower and upper Egypt, and is the word generally used in the Hebrew Scriptures, and translated in all versions, "Egypt." vMufflers, Isaiah 3:19. Veils for the face, still used by eastern women. vMunition, Isaiah 29:7.-A fortress or place of defense. vMurrain, Exodus 9:3.-This fifth plague was one of death, as the word "murrain" signifies, and was inflicted upon all the Egyptian cattle and beasts of burden. vNecromancer, Deuteronomy 18:11 -One who impiously inquires as to the state of the dead. vNeesings, Job 41:18.-"Sneezings " would sufficiently express the thought to us. vNehushtan, 2 Kings 18:4.-"Piece of brass," significantly applied to the "brazen serpent," which had been worshipped till the days of the godly King Hezekiah. vNethinims, Ezra 2:43, etc.-"Dedicated persons." A portion of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:1-27) set apart to perform the meanest services for Israel. vOracle, 2 Samuel 16:23.-An authoritative, because Divine, revelation; also the most holy place. 1 Kings 6:5, etc. vOrion, Job 9:9, etc.-A southern constellation seen in winter. vOuches, Exodus 28:1-43; Exodus 39:1-43-Sockets, probably in the form of rings for fastening the shoulder pieces, precious stones and breast-plate of the High Priest. vOverflowing Scourge, Isaiah 28:15.-Restored Israel’s great enemy in the future day, spoken of by the prophets as the "Assyrian" and "King of the North." vPannag, Ezekiel 27:17.-An untranslated word referring to a herb or spice. vPate, Psalms 7:16.-Crown of the head. vPilled, Genesis 30:37-38.-Peeled or stripped off the bark. vPlot, 2 Kings 9:26.-Place or portion of ground. vPleiades, Job 9:9, etc.-In Amos 5:8 the word is rendered the seven stars. A cluster of stars which, when seen, intimate the return of spring; thus the word is derived from pleein, to sail, because in those ancient times, when navigation was much more difficult than now, spring weather would be a favorable opportunity. vPotsherds, Isaiah 45:9; Psalms 22:15.-Broken earthenware. vPottage, 2 Kings 4:38-40.-Flesh, vegetables, and other ingredients boiled together. vPrevent, Psalms 79:8, etc.-Anticipate or go before; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:15; thus the Scriptural use of the word and common usage are diametrically opposite. vPrinted, Job 19:23.-Inscribed. The art of printing is said to have been known to the people of Sinim (China) five centuries before the Christian era. Its use in Europe is comparatively of recent date - the fifteenth century - and greatly contributed to the work of the Reformation. vPur, Purim, Esther 3:7, etc.-Words of Persian signification, meaning Lot, Lots. A Jewish feast in remembrance of their deliverance from Haman’s wicked efforts to destroy them, observed on the 14th and 15th of the month, Aaar or March. vRahab, Psalms 87:4, etc.-Descriptive of Egypt, and also of its king (Ezekiel 29:3); the words "great dragon" are the signification of "Rahab," which, however, must not be confounded with the "Rahab" or Racal) of Jericho; they are really different words. vRentest thy face, Jeremiah 4:30.-Distend the eyes. vSalem, Genesis 14:18,-Peace. The name given to Jerusalem in the days of Abram. vScepter, Genesis 49:10.-The tribal character of Israel; used elsewhere for righteous government, as in Psalms 45:6, etc. vScum, Ezekiel 24:6; Ezekiel 24:11-12.-The worst, the very wicked. vSeed, seeds, Genesis 22:1-24, compare with Galatians 3:1-29 -It is an interesting thought that when "seed," irrespective of number, is used, it refers to Christ, but when not so used it refers to Israel. vSeer, 1 Samuel 9:9.-The prophets were originally termed seers, because they alone unfolded the future. vSeethe, 2 Kings 4:38, etc.-Boil. vSelah, Habakkuk 3:1-19-Pause, Consider, occurs three times in Habakkuk 3:1-19, and about seventy times in the book of Psalms. vSeraphim, Isaiah 6:1-13 -Attendants upon and proclaimers of the holiness of Jehovah and of His throne. Seraph is singular, and "Seraphim" is plural. vServitor, 2 Kings 4:43.-A servant. vSeveral House, 2 Kings 15:5.- Dwelling alone. vSheep-gate, Nehemiah 3:1; Nehemiah 3:32, etc.-The gate through which the animals entered Jerusalem required for sacrifice. vSherd, Isaiah 30:14.-A small piece or portion. vSheriffs, Daniel 3:2-3.-Chaldean officers whose precise functions, cannot with certainty be determined. vSheshach, Jeremiah 25:26, etc.-Babylon. vShiloh, Genesis 49:10.-To whom the Government belongs, 1:e., to the Messiah. vShinar, Isaiah 11:11.-Babylonia vShoe over Edom will I cast, Psalms 60:8.-A significant action expressing the thorough subjection of the country of Edom. vSilk, Ezekiel 16:10-13.-Probably very fine linen. Silk was first manufactured in China, and introduced into the East by Alexander the Great, after the overthrow of the Persian power. vSilverlings, Isaiah 7:23.-Pieces of silver. vSinim,Isaiah 49:12.-China. There is but little doubt that the very ancient and interesting kingdom of China is referred to in the above passage. There are great numbers of Jews located in that country. vSister, Genesis 12:13, etc.-A term not exclusively confined to members of one family, but applied to near female relatives. vSith, Ezekiel 35:6.-Because or since. vSivan,Esther 8:9.-Ninth month of the Jewish civil year, and third of their ecclesiastical; corresponding to part of our June and July. vSluices, Isaiah 19:10.-Ponds or enclosures for catching fish. vSmite mine hands together, Ezekiel 21:17.-This action significantly betokens indignation. vSmith, 1 Samuel 13:19, etc.-A worker in metals. vSnow water, Job 9:30.-Regarded as possessing peculiar cleansing properties. vSod Pottage, Genesis 25:29.-Boiled pottage. vSons of God, Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7.-Angelic beings. "Son of God" occurs but once in the Old Testament (Daniel 3:25). vSprinkle many nations, Isaiah 52:15.-The Messiah in grace reaching the Gentiles in fullest blessing. vStreets, Psalms 144:13.-Large open spaces. vStomacher, Isaiah 3:24.-A garment worn round the chest. vTablets, Isaiah 3:20.- Perfume boxes or scent bottles. vTaches, Exodus 26:1-37, etc.-Or hooks. vTale of the bricks, Exodus 5:8.-Full measure. vTaught the men, Judges 8:16.-Chastised the men. vTempt, Genesis 22:1, etc.-Means to try or prove. vThrum, Isaiah 38:12.-End of a web; see margin. vThrones were cast down, Daniel 7:9.-Read, Thrones were set up. vTime, Times, and half-a-time, Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7, etc.-(Time) a year; (times) two years; (half-a-time) six months. Thus, three years and a half, or 1260 days or 42 months (Revelation 12:1-17; Revelation 13:1-18.); all these refer to the same future period. vTires, Isaiah 3:18, etc.-A female covering for the head wreathed in folds. vTirshatha, Nehemiah 7:65, etc.-A Persian title, meaning "August," only conferred on persons of distinction. vTo wit, Genesis 24:21, etc.-To see or understand. See also 2 Corinthians 8:1 vTubal, Ezekiel 38:2-3; Ezekiel 39:1.-The modern "Tobolsk," and capital city of Asiatic Russia. vUnicorns, Psalms 22:21.-Wild horned animals. vUrim and Thummim, Exodus 28:30, etc.-Precious stones put in the breast-plate worn by the high priest before Jehovah. The words literally signify "lights" and "perfections." vVail, Ruth 3:15; Isaiah 3:23.-A cloak or mantle. vVagabond, Psalms 109:10.-This Latin word signifies a wanderer. vValley of Decision, Joel 3:14.-The gathering of the north-eastern powers for judgment at the commencement of the millennial reign of Christ. vVerily, Verily, Genesis 42:21; Psalms 111:7.-Truly Truly. vVestry, 2 Kings 10:22.-Chamber containing the robes and vestments of the idolatrous priests. vVolume, Psalms 40:7. Written scroll rolled up. vWall they digged down, Genesis 49:6.- Houghed or slaughtered the oxen. vWeeks, Daniel 9:24.-The Hebrew word simply denotes sevens;-of days, weeks, months, or years can alone be learned from the context of each passage. Here it is weeks of years-70 weeks or 490 years. vWilderness, Exodus 14:1-31, etc.-The word does not necessarily mean a desert, but rather a pastoral tract of country, not agricultural. vWimples, Isaiah 3:22.-Cloaks or shawls. vWoeto the Land, Isaiah 18:1.-He to the Land.