Free Online Bible Dictionaries

Religious study can be a daunting task. At times, learning the religious icons, prophets, rules, stories, canons, and lineages of various people may seem impossible. However, a free online Bible dictionary can help.

Evaluating Bible Dictionaries

A good Bible dictionary should allow you to search several different ways to get the best results. This may include choosing which testament or version of the Bible you wish to search. Searching by a large topic or keyword (such as animals or kings) can help you find information if you are not certain of the specifics.

Other features to look for when evaluating a free online Bible dictionary include:

• Sound clips
• Pronunciation guides
• Translations
• Word histories
• Crosslinks
• Diagrams or pictures
• Related study guides
• Theological articles
• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you are choosing to use an online Bible dictionary for academic research, be aware that numerous viewpoints and interpretations of the same passages can be found. Therefore, it is important you review each website carefully to find the one that fits your needs.

Use yourDictionary to Find Biblical Information

For those who need a short definition of words they come across in their Bible studies, using yourDictionary.com may be the fastest solution. Simply type the word, name, or place into the box. A search for "Bethlehem" results in two definitions, with one that acknowledges it as the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

Additionally, use yourDictionary to hear the proper pronunciation of Biblical names and places. After you find an unknown word, turn your speakers on and select "hear it." This eliminates questions and confusion regarding pronunciation of various Biblical terms.

Christian Bible Dictionaries

When referencing "The Bible," most people are referring to the Christian version, with the Old and New Testament. Use the following websites to find information regarding Biblical facts:

• Postmodern Bible Dictionary - While this dictionary is not as extensive as others, it provides a good explanation of terms. Definitions often include pictures and applicable sound bytes. Searching is done by letter. A search for "Beersheba" results in several paragraphs of information, accompanied by two photographs. Crosslinks are included in the explanation.
• Dictionary of Theology - Scroll through the alphabet to find the term you need. Clicking on "forgiveness" results in a short explanation, with several Bible verses mentioned. Verses are linked to the actual text. Use other features of this website to find out more about various Christian movements, doctrines, and more.
• ChurchRodent: Rich Tatum's Glossary of Christian History - Scroll to find the person, place, event, or word you need to learn about. Clicking on "Augsburg Confession" leads you to a short paragraph and a few related links. This site features links to Christian blogs and has several ads to the right of the definitions.
• Crosswalk - Reach six different dictionaries through one website. Select the dictionary you need, then search by exact word or "find similar." Otherwise, you can choose to search alphabetically. Each result also features a code to find the word in one of the other six dictionaries, should it appear in them. While this is a great all-in-one resource, you may end up not finding certain general terms, like "forgiveness." The six dictionaries are:
  • Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
  • Easton's Bible Dictionary
  • Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
  • Jack Van Impe's Dictionary of Prophecy Terms
  • King James Dictionary
  • Smith's Bible Dictionary
• ChristianAnswers.net Web Bible Encyclopedia - Search by section (foods, places, prophets, etc), by keyword, or alphabetical listing. For example, clicking on "Azazel" results in several paragraphs of information. Crosslinks to other terminology is within the article, and several viewpoints of the definition are given. This site is easy to read, with no distractions.

Specialized Online Bible Dictionaries

Using free online Bible dictionaries gives comprehensive information, but specialized dictionaries may be useful in certain circumstances as well. For example:

• A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology - Select the first letter of the word you need, or scroll until you find it. This websites provides short (one to two sentences) definitions of words related to the Orthodox religion. A search for "cathedral" results in the language from which it originated (Greek), a short definition, and a longer sentence of explanation.
• Judaism, Christianity, Islam Glossary Index - Use this dictionary to find words relating to the three named major religions. Search by word or letter. Results are fairly short but informative. The "Apostles' Creed" results in a one sentence definition, with crosslinks included.
• Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words - Search by keyword, letter section, alphabetically, or scroll through all the words. "Kingdom" results in a very extensive explanation several paragraphs long. The first two paragraphs are definition and explanation, while subsequent ones relate to key verses in the Bible. While informative, no links are provided for other terms or to the verses referenced.
• The United Methodist Church Glossary of Terms - Use this glossary to find terms defined how the Methodist Church uses them. Search by keyword or letter. Looking for "psalm" results in the true definition ("a Hebrew hymn of praise") followed by what it means to Christians. It is short but to the point.

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