Category: Names and Characters

Bilhah is a biblical figure, identified as Rachel’s handmaid in the Book of Genesis. She was given to Jacob as a concubine, and bore him two sons, Dan and Naphtali, serving as a surrogate to fulfill Rachel’s desire for children. Scripture 28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter…

In the Bible, an “effa” is a unit of measurement used for dry volume, equivalent to approximately 22 liters or 5.8 gallons. It is mentioned in passages such as Exodus 16:36 and Zechariah 5:6, where it is used to quantify grain and other agricultural products. Scripture 36 (Now an omer is the tenth part of…

The Girgashites are one of the seven nations mentioned in the Bible that the Israelites encountered in the Promised Land. They are often associated with the Canaanites and are listed in texts such as Deuteronomy 7:1 as inhabitants that God commanded the Israelites to conquer. Scripture 15 Canaan fathered Sidon his firstborn and Heth, 16…

In the Bible, Isai (or Jesse) refers to the father of King David, as mentioned in the Old Testament. He is notable for being part of the lineage from which the Messiah would come, as foretold in scriptures like Isaiah 11:1. Scripture 1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning…

Jehoiakim, whose name means “Yahweh will establish,” was a king of Judah who reigned from 609 to 598 BC. He is often portrayed negatively in the Bible for his disobedience to God and for his role in the events leading to the Babylonian exile. Scripture 34 And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah…

In the Bible, Keila is a city mentioned in the context of King David’s life, specifically in 1 Samuel 23:1-5, where David seeks refuge from Saul and saves the city from the Philistines. The name “Keila” means “a fortress” or “a stronghold,” reflecting its geographical significance and role in providing protection. Scripture 6 When Abiathar…

In the Bible, the name Matteo is the Italian form of Matthew, which means “gift of God.” Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting his importance as a figure in the New Testament. Scripture 9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called…

In the Bible, when names are mentioned twice, it often signifies a special emphasis, urgency, or a deep personal relationship. For instance, Jesus calling Peter “Simon, Simon” (Luke 22:31) highlights the importance of the message being conveyed. Scripture 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And…

In the Bible, Potiphar is identified as an Egyptian officer and captain of Pharaoh’s guard, who bought Joseph as a slave. He is notable for his role in the story of Joseph, particularly for his wife’s attempts to seduce Joseph, which ultimately led to Joseph’s imprisonment. Scripture 36 Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in…

In the Bible, Shadrach is one of the three Hebrew boys taken into Babylonian captivity, alongside Meshach and Abednego. His name means “command of Aku,” which refers to the moon god in Babylonian culture, reflecting the influence of Babylonian naming practices. Scripture 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of…