Boyd's Bible Dictionary: P

(1 Kings 7:1-12); citadel (1 Kings 16:18); fortress (2 Kings 15:25); entire royal court (Dan. 1:4); capital city (Esther 9:12). In N. T. any stately residence (Matt. 26:3; Luke 11:21).

Palal

(judge). An assistant wall-builder (Neh. 3:25).

Palestina, Palestine

(land of sojourners). Philistia, land of the Philistines (Psa. 60:8; 83:7). Palestine (Ex. 15:14; Isa. 14:29,31). Palestine (Joel 3:4). Canaan (Gen. 12:5; Ex. 15:15); Holy Land (Zech. 2:12). The indefinitely bounded region promised to Abraham, lying between the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan River and Dead Sea. It also embraced the Hebrew settlements beyond Jordan (Gen. 15:18; 17:8; Num. 24:2-12; Deut. 1:7).

Pallu

(famous). Son of Reuben (Ex. 6:14).

Palluites

Descendants of Pallu

(Num. 26:5).

Palmer-worm

(pilgrim-worm). Cankerworm, or caterpillar (Joel 1:4; 2:25; Amos 4:9).

Palm-tree

(hand-leaved). The date-palm. Once grew luxuriantly in Palestine. Evergreen and stately, often rising to 100 feet (Ex. 15:27; Deut. 34:3; Judg. 1:16; 1 Kings 6:32; Song of Sol. 7:7).

Palsy

(paralysis). Partial or total death of muscle and nerve (1 Kings 13:4-6; Matt. 4:24; Luke 6:6).

Palti

(deliverance). The Benjamite spy. Son of Raphu (Num. 13:9).

Paltiel

(deliverance). A prince of Issachar. Son of Azzan (Num. 34:26).

Paltite

Designation of one of David’s guardsmen

(2 Sam. 23:26).

Pamphylia

(mixture of nations). A seacoast province of Asia Minor. Its chief town was Perga, where Paul preached (Acts 13:13; 14:24; 27:5).

Pan

(open). A flat plate for baking, and a deeper vessel for holding liquids (Lev. 2:5; 6:21).

Pannag

Disputed word

Probably a place (Ezek. 27:17).

Paper

[PAPYRUS

Paphos

(hot). Town on island of Cyprus, visited by Paul (Acts 13:6-13).

Papyrus

The writing-paper of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, made from the papyrus plant, a rush or flag growing in Egypt

(Job 40:21).

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Parable

(comparison). Allegorical representation of something real in nature or human affairs, whence a moral is drawn. A favorite method of Oriental teaching (2 Sam. 12:1-4; Isa. 5:1-7). Christ spoke over 30 parables (Matt. 13:3-8; 24-32), and elsewhere in Gospels.

Paradise

(pleasure ground). “Garden of Eden” and, figuratively, abode of happy souls—heaven (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7).

Parah

(place of heifers). City in Benjamin (Josh. 18:23).

Paran, El-paran

(places of caves). The “desert of wandering,” with Canaan on the north, desert of Sinai on the south, Etham on the west, and Arabah on the east (Gen. 21:14-21; Num. 10:12,33; 12:16; 13:3,26; 33:17-36).

Paran, Mount of

A mount of the Sinaitic range

(Deut. 33:2; Hab. 3:3).

Parbar

(suburb). A spot between the west wall of temple at Jerusalem and the city beyond (1 Chron. 26:18).

Parched Corn

Roasted grain

(Ruth 2:14).

Parched Ground

Supposedly the mirage frequently seen on desert tracts

(Isa. 35:7).

Parchment

(from Pergamum). Skin of sheep or goats prepared for writing on (2 Tim. 4:13).

Parlor

(speaking chamber). King’s audience-chamber (Judg. 3:20-25).

Parmashta

(stronger). A son of Haman (Esther 9:9).

Parmenas

(steadfast). One of the first seven deacons (Acts 6:5).

Parnach

(swift). A Zebulunite (Num. 34:25).

Parosh

(flea). His children returned (Ezra 2:3; Neh. 7:8).

Parshandatha

(prayer-given). Eldest son of Haman (Esther 9:7).

Parthians

Jews settled in Parthia, that undefined country north of Media and Persia

(Acts 2:9).

Partridge

(squatting). Three varieties found in Palestine. Their flesh and eggs esteemed as food (1 Sam. 26:20; Jer. 17:11).

Paruah

(blooming). Father of Solomon’s commissary in Issachar (1 Kings 4:17).

Parvaim

(eastern). Unknown place whence Solomon shipped gold (2 Chron. 3:6).

Pasach

(cut off) An Asherite (1 Chron. 7:33).

Pasdammim

(blood-border). Spot of battles between Israel and Philistia (1 Chron. 11:13). Ephesdammim (1 Sam. 17:1).

Paseah

(lame). (1) A Judahite (1 Chron. 4:12). (2) His sons returned (Ezra 2:49).

Pashur

( freedom). (1) Head of a priestly family (1 Chron. 9:12; Neh. 11:12; Jer. 21:1). (2) Priestly governor of the house of the Lord (1 Chron. 24:14; Jer. 20:1).

Passion

(suffering). Last sufferings of Christ (Acts 1:3). Kindred feelings (Acts 14:15; James 5:17).

Passover

(passing over). First of three great Jewish feasts, instituted in honor of the “passing over” of the Hebrew households by the destroying angel (Ex. 12; 13:3-10; 23:14-19; Lev. 23:4-14). Called the “feast of unleavened bread.” The Christian Passover is “The Lord’s Supper,” eucharist (Matt. 27:62; Luke 22:1-20; John 19:42).

Pastor

(shepherd). Figuratively, one who keeps Christ’s flocks (Eph. 4:11).

Patara

(trodden). City on southwest coast of Lycia (Acts 21:1-2).

Pate

(flat). Top of the head (Psa. 7:16).

Pathros

(southern). An ancient division of Upper Egypt occupied by the Pathrusim (Isa. 11:11; Jer. 44:1-15; Ezek. 29:14).

Pathrusim

(Gen. 10:14; 1 Chron. 1:11-12). [PATHROS.]

Patmos

The rocky island in the Aegean Sea, to which John was banished

(Rev. 1:9).

Patriarch

(father). Father of the family and chief of its descendants. The Hebrew form of government till Moses established the theocracy (Acts 2:29; 7:8-9; Heb. 7:4).

Patrobas

(paternal). A Roman Christian (Rom. 16:14).

Pau

(bleating). Capital of Hadar, king of Edom (Gen. 36:39). Pai (1 Chron. 1:50).

Paul

(small). In Hebrew, Saul. Born at Tarsus in Cilicia, of Benjamite parents, about the beginning of 1st century; a Pharisee in faith; a tentmaker by trade (Phil. 3:5; Acts 18:3; 21:39; 23:6). Studied law with Gamaliel at Jerusalem; persecuted early Christians; converted near Damascus (Acts 5:34; 7:58; 9:1-22). Commissioned an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:13-20). Carried the gospel to Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Author of fourteen epistles, amplifying the Christian faith. Supposedly a martyr at Rome, A. D. 68.

Pavement

(beaten floor). [GABBATHA.]

Pavilion

(butterfly tent). Movable tent or dwelling. Applied to tabernacle, booth, den, and so forth (1 Kings 20:12; Psa. 18:11; 27:5; Jer. 43:10).

Peacock

(eye feathered cock). An import from Tarshish (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:21). The peacock of Job 39:13 should be ostrich.

Pearls

(little pears). Stony secretions of the pearl-oyster. Reckoned as gems and highly prized as ornaments. Source of frequent metaphor (Matt. 13:45; 1 Tim. 2:9; Rev. 17:4; 21:21). Pearl (Job 28:18), should be crystal.

Pedahel

(saved). A chief of Naphtali (Num. 34:28).

Pedahzur

(rock-saved). Father of Gamaliel (Num. 1:10).

Pedaiah

(God-saved). (1) Grandfather of King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36). (2) Father of Zerubbabel (1 Chron. 3:18-19). (3) A Manassite (1 Chron. 27:20). (4) Returned captives (Neh. 3:25; 8:4; 9:7; 13:13).

Pekah

(open-eyed). Murderer and successor of Pekahiah, king of Israel, B. C. 758-738. Conspired with Damascus against Judah, and perished in a conspiracy (2 Kings 15:25-31; 16; 2 Chron. 28).

Pekahiah

(God opens). Son and successor of Menahem on the throne of Israel, B. C. 760-758. Murdered and succeeded by his general Pekah (2 Kings 15:22-26).

Pekod

The Chaldeans are so called

(Jer. 50:21; Ezek. 23:23).

Pelaiah

(distinguished). (1) A Judahite (1 Chron. 3:24). (2) A co-covenanter (Neh. 8:7; 10:10).

Pelaliah

(judged). A returned priest (Neh. 11:12).

Pelatiah

(saved). (1) Grandson of Zerubbabel (1 Chron. 3:21). (2) A Simeonite warrior (1 Chron. 4:42). (3) A co-covenanter (Neh. 10:22). (4) One struck dead for defying Ezekiel (Ezek. 11:1-13).

Peleg

(division). Son of Eber. His family remained in Mesopotamia (Gen. 10:25; 11:16-19).

Pelet

(freedom). (1) A Judahite (1 Chron. 2:47). (2) An adherent of David (1 Chron. 12:3).

Peleth

(freedom). (1) Father of the rebellious On (Num. 16:1). (2) Son of Jonathan (1 Chron. 2:33).

Pelethites

(runners). Retainers and messengers of David (2 Sam. 8:18; 15:18; 20:7).

Pelican

(axe-bill). A voracious water-bird, large and strong-billed. The female is supplied with a pouch for supplying itself and young with water and food. Symbol of desolation. Original sometimes translated “cormorant” (Lev. 11:18; Deut. 14:17; Psa. 102:6; Isa. 34:11).

Pelonite

Designation of two of David’s warriors

(1 Chron. 11:27,36).

Pen

(feather). Anciently, a metal graver for tracing on hard substances; the stylus, of pointed metal or bone, for writing in wax; the reed pen and hair pencil for writing on parchment and linen (Judg. 5:14; Job 19:24; Jer. 17:1).

Peniel

(face of God). Place beyond Jordan where Jacob wrestled with the angel (Gen. 32:30). Penuel (Judg. 8:17; 1 Kings 12:25).

Peninnah

(pearl). A wife of Elkanah (1 Sam. 1:1-4).

Penny

(cattle). The Roman silver denarius, worth 15 to 17 cents. The Greek silver drachma was a corresponding coin (Matt. 20:2; 22:19-21; Mark 6:37; Luke 20:24; Rev. 6:6).

Pentateuch

(five fold book). Greek name for the first five O. T. books, or books of Moses. Called Torah, “the law,” by Hebrews.

Pentecost

(fiftieth day). The Hebrew harvest-home festival, celebrated on fiftieth day from the Passover, or on the date of the giving of the law at Sinai (Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:15-22; Num. 28). Christ died on the day of the Passover. Fifty days later, after His resurrection and ascension to glory, on the day of Pentecost, the Church was formed by the descent and indwelling of believers by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-14).

Penuel

(1) [PENIEL.] (2) A Judahite (1 Chron. 4:4). (3) A Benjamite (1 Chron. 8:25).

Peor

(cleft). (1) The mountain in Moab to which Balak brought Balaam (Num. 23:28; 25:18; 31:16). (2) [BAAL-PEOR.]

Perazim

(breach). A figurative mountain (Isa. 28:21).

Peresh

(dung). Son of Machir, wife, Maacah, of the tribe of Manasseh (1 Chron. 7:16).

Perez

(rent). An important Judahite family (1 Chron. 27:23; Neh. 11:4-6) A twin son of Judah by Tamar (Gen. 38:29).

Perez-uzzah

(breaking of Uzzah). Where Uzzah died (2 Sam. 6:6-8). Perez-uzza (1 Chron. 13:9-11).

Perfume

(thorough-fume). Perfumes largely used by Hebrews in religious rites and for toilet purposes (Ex. 30:35; Prov. 27:9).

Perga

(earthy). A city of Pamphylia (Acts 13:13).

Pergamos

(heights). Pergamum in R. V. A city of Mysia, in Asia Minor, celebrated for its library, which was transferred to Alexandria. Seat of one of the “seven churches” (Rev. 1:11; 2:12-17).

Perida

(kernels). His children returned (Neh. 7:57).

Perizzites

(villagers). Original village-dwellers in Canaan (Gen. 13:7; Josh. 17:15).

Persia

(land of Perses). Originally the country around the head of the Persian Gulf; afterward the great empire, including all western Asia, and parts of Europe and Africa. Reached its height under Cyrus, B. C. 486-485. Conquered by Alexander, B. C. 330 (Ezek. 38:5; 2 Chron. 36:20-23; Ezra 1:8).

Persis

(Persian). A Christian woman at Rome (Rom. 16:12).

Peruda

Name of one of Solomon’s servants

(Ezra 2:55). [PERIDA.]

Pestilence

(the plague). In Hebrew, all distempers and calamities (Ex. 9:14; 11:1; 1 Kings 8:37).

Peter

(stone, rock). Simon, or Simeon; son of Jonas (Matt. 16:17; Acts 15:14). A fisherman, resident at Capernaum (Matt. 8:14); called (Matt. 4:18-20); name changed to Peter (John 1:42). Founder of Christian Church among the Jews (Acts 2); spokesman of the apostles (Acts 10); author of two epistles; a probable martyr at Rome. His first epistle is dated from Babylon; his second is his valedictory. Both are advisory and exhortatory.

Pethahiah

(freed). (1) Head of the 19th priestly course (1 Chron. 24:16). (2) Returned captives (Ezra 10:23; Neh. 9:5; 11:24).

Pethor

(prophet). Balaam’s residence in Mesopotamia (Num. 22:5, Deut. 23:4).

Pethuel

(vision). Father of Joel (Joel 1:1).

Petra

(rock). Edom. Modernly, Arabia Petraea.

Peulthai

(wages). Eighth son of Obed-edom. The Korathite, gate keeper(1 Chron. 26:5).

Phalec

(Luke 3:35). [PELEG.]

Phallu

(Gen. 46:9). [PALLU.]

Phalti

(deliverance). The man to whom Saul gave Michal, his daughter and David’s wife (1 Sam. 25:44). Phaltiel (2 Sam. 3:15-16).

Phaltiel

(2 Sam. 3:15). [PHALTI.]

Phanuel

(face of God). Father of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36).

Pharaoh

(sun-king). General name of Egyptian kings. Only a few are definitely named in the Bible. Different ones alluded to are (Gen. 12:15; 41; Ex. 1:8; 5:1; 1 Chron. 4:18; 1 Kings 11:18-22; 9:16; 2 Kings 18:21); Pharaoh-nechoh (2 Kings 23:29); Pharaoh-hophra (Jer. 37:5-8).

Pharaoh’s Daughter

(1) Guardian of Moses (Ex. 2:5-10). (2) Wife of Mered (1 Chron. 4:18). (3) Wife of Solomon (1 Kings 3:1).

Phares

(Matt. 1:3; Luke 3:33). [PHAREZ.]

Pharez

(breach). A Judahite (Gen. 38:29; 46:12). Father of Pharzites (Num. 26:20). Perez (Neh. 11:4,6). Phares (Matt. 1:3; Luke 3:33).

Pharisee

(set apart). A Jewish seat, strictly orthodox in religion, and politically opposed to foreign supremacy (Matt. 23:23-33; Luke 18:9-14).

Pharosh

(Ezra 8:3). [PAROSH.]

Pharpar

(swift). A river of Damascus (2 Kings 5:12).

Pharzites

Descendants of Pharez

(Num. 26:20).

Phaseah

(Neh. 7:51). [PASEAH.]

Phebe

(shining). A servant of the church at Cenchrea (Rom. 16:1-2).

Phenice

(1) (Acts 11:19; 15:3). [PHOENICIA.] (2) Phoenix in R. V. A seaport of Crete (Acts 27:12).

Phicol

(strong). Chief of Abimelech’s army (Gen. 21:22; 26:26).

Philadelphia

(brotherly love). A city of Lydia in Asia Minor, and seat of one of the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:11; 3:7-13).

Philemon

(friendship). A Christian convert at Colosse in Phrygia, to whom Paul wrote an epistle during his captivity at Rome, in favor of Onesimus, Philemon’s servant. Eighteenth N. T. book.

Philetus

(amiable). The convert whom Paul denounced for error (2 Tim. 2:17).

Philip

(lover of horses). (1) The apostle of Bethsaida, of whom little is known (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 6:5-9; Acts 1:13). (2) The evangelist and deacon, resident at Caesarea, and preacher throughout Samaria (Acts 6:5; 8:5-13; 21:8-10). (3) The tetrarch. [HEROD.] (4) Husband of Herodias (Matt. 14:3). [HEROD.]

Philippi

(city of Philip). City in Macedonia, founded by Philip II., 12 miles from the port of Neapolis. Through Paul’s preaching souls were saved, resulting in a vigorous church there (Acts 16; 20:1-6).

Philippians

Dwellers in Philippi

Paul’s epistle to the Christians there was written from Rome, A. D. 62 or 63. In it he sends thanks for gifts, praises their Christian walk and firmness, warns against Judaizing tendencies, and exhorts to steadfast faith.

Philistia

(land of sojourners). The plain and coast country on the southwest of Palestine, which imparted its name to Palestine (Ex. 15:14; Isa. 14:29-31; Psa. 60:8; 87:4; 108:9). [PALESTINE.]

Philistines

(villagers). Dwellers in Philistia. Origin disputed, but associated with Cretans; also with the Caphtorim of Egypt (Jer. 47:4; Amos 9:7). Permanent settlers in time of Abraham (Gen. 21:32). Wealthy, energetic, and warlike, with many strong cities. Land not conquered by Joshua. Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron, their chief strongholds. Subdued by David (2 Sam. 5:17-25); but became practically independent under the kings. Disappeared as a distinct people after the time of the Maccabees.

Philologus

(learned). A Roman Christian saluted by Paul (Rom. 16:15).

Philosophy

(loving wisdom). The prominent Grecian schools of philosophy in N. T. times were the Stoic and Epicurean (Acts 17:18). But the most formidable enemy of early Christian thought was the tendency of the learned to engraft the speculations of Eastern Gnosticism and Greek philosophy upon the evolving doctrines of Christianity (1 Cor. 1:18-27; 1 Tim. 6:20; Col. 2:8).

Phinehas

(brazen mouth). (1) Chief of the Korhite Levites, and high priest (Ex. 6:25; Num. 25:6-15; Josh. 22:30-32). (2) Wicked son of Eli (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:34; 4:4-19; 14:3). (3) A Levite (Ezra 8:33).

Phlegon

(burning). A Roman Christian saluted by Paul (Rom. 16:14).

Phoebe

[PHEBE

Phoenicia

(land of palm-trees). Phenicia (Acts 21:2). Phenice (Acts 11:19; 15:3). In O. T. referred to as Tyre and Sidon, or coasts of Tyre and Sidon. The small coast country north of Palestine, noted for its commercial enterprise, learning, and skill in arts. Included in the Land of Promise but never conquered (Josh. 13:4-6). David and Solomon employed its sailors and artisans (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 5).

Phoenicians

Dwellers in Phoenicia

In intimate commercial, political, and even religious relations with Hebrews (1 Kings 16:31-33; 18:40; 1 Chron. 14:1; Isa. 23; Ezek. 27:2-8).

Phrygia

(barren). An undefined section of Asia Minor, out of which several Roman provinces were formed (Acts 2:10; 16:6; 18:23).

Phurah

(bough). Armor-bearer of Gideon (Judg. 7:10-11).

Phurim

(Esther 11:1). [PURIM.]

Phut, Put

(bow). Son of Ham (Gen. 10:6; 1 Chron. 1:8). Name is rendered Libya and Libyans, people of north Africa (Jer. 46:9; Ezek. 30:5; 38:5).

Phuvah

(mouth). Son of Issachar (Gen. 46:13). Pua (Num. 26:23). Puah (1 Chron. 7:1).

Phygellus

(fugitive). A Christian of Asia who turned away from the Apostle Paul (2 Tim. 1:15).

Phylactery

(safeguard). [FRONTLET.]

Pi-beseth

(house of Bast). City of Lower Egypt, on Pelusiac branch of the Nile. Bubastis of the Greeks, noted for its temple of Bast, goddess of fire (Ezek. 30:17).

Picture

(painting) (Ezek. 23:14; Prov. 25:11). Sculptures, reliefs, or cornices, meant. Movable or hanging pictures not favored by Hebrews.

Piece

(part). In O. T., “pieces of gold,’” pieces of silver,” may well be read shekels’ weight, or shekels, of gold or silver (Gen. 20:16; 2 Kings 5:5). In N. T., “pieces” (Matt. 26:15; 27:3-9), are unknown. In Luke 15:8, for “pieces” read drachmas.

Pigeon

(chirping bird). [DOVE.]

Pi-hahiroth

(place of sedges). Last Israelite encampment before crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 14:2,9; Num. 33:7-8).

Pilate

(spear-armed). Pontius Pilate (Matt. 27:2). Sixth Roman procurator of Judea, A. D. 26-36. Official residence at Caesarea, with judicial visits to other places. Christ was brought before him at Jerusalem for judgment. He found no guilt, but lost his moral courage in the presence of this mob. Eventually banished to Gaul (Luke 23:1-7; John 18:27-40; 19).

Pildash

(flame). Son of Nahor. Abraham’s brother by his wife Milcah (Gen. 22:22).

Pileha

(worship). A co-covenanter (Neh. 10:24).

Pillar

(pile). Prominent in Oriental architecture, monumental evidences, and scripture metaphor (Gen. 28:18; 35:20; Ex. 13:21; Josh. 24:26; Judg. 16:25-30; 1 Tim. 3:15; Rev. 3:12).

Pilled

(peeled). Peeled, stripped, plundered (Gen. 30:37-38; Isa. 18:2).

Piltai

(saved). A priest (Neh. 12:17).

Pine

(pitch). Disputed rendering. Probably plane-tree is meant (Isa. 41:19; 60:13).

Pinnacle

(feather, edge). Not a pinnacle, or summit, but the pinnacle, or wing, of the temple (Matt. 4:5; Luke 4:9).

Pinon

(darkness). A duke of Edom (Gen. 36:41; 1 Chron. 1:52).

Pipe

Flute

Type of perforated wind instruments, as the harp was of stringed instruments (1 Sam. 10:5; 1 Kings 1:40; Isa. 5:12).

Piram

(fleet). An Amorite king of Jaruth (Josh. 10:3).

Pirathon

(princely). Now Ferata, six miles southwest of Shechem (Judg. 12:13-15; 2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chron. 11:3).

Pirathonite

Dweller in Pirathon

(Judg. 12:13,15; 1 Chron. 27:14).

Pisgah

(hill). The elevation, in Moab, whence Moses viewed the Promised Land (Num. 21:20; Deut. 3:27; 4:49; 34:1).

Pisidia

(pitchy). A province of Asia Minor, with Antioch as its capital. Twice visited by Paul (Acts 13:14; 14:21-24).

Pison

(flowing). One of the four rivers of Eden. Unlocated (Gen. 2:11).

Pispah

(swelling). An Asherite (1 Chron. 7:38).

Pit

(well). Cistern or well (Gen. 37:20); grave (Psa. 28:1); game-trap (Ezek. 19:8); device (Psa. 119:85; Prov. 26:27).

Pitch

(pine-resin). The pitch of scripture was asphalt or bitumen, found in Dead Sea regions. Used for mortar, cement, caulk, and so forth (Gen. 6:14; 11:3; Ex. 2:3; Isa. 34:9).

Pitcher

(goblet, wine-vessel). A large earthen water-jar with one or two handles (Gen. 24:15-20; Mark 14:13; Luke 22:10).

Pithom

(house of Tum). A store-city of Egypt, built by the Israelites (Ex. 1:11).

Pithon

(harmless). Eldest son of Micah, grandson of Jonathan, the son of Saul (1 Chron. 8:35; 9:41).

Plague

(blow). Pestilential disease (Lev. 13:2-8; 26:25). Any calamitous visitation (Mark 5:29; Luke 7:21). The judgments of God on Egypt are called plagues. They were (1) Nile changed to blood (Ex. 7:14-25). (2) Visitation of frogs (Ex. 8:1-15). (3) Lice (Ex. 8:16-19). (4) Flies (Ex. 8:20-32). (5) Murrain (Ex. 9:1-7). (6) Boils (Ex. 9:8-12). (7) Hail (Ex. 9:13-35). (8) Locusts (Ex. 10:1-20). (9) Darkness (Ex. 10:21-28). (10) Smiting of the firstborn (Ex. 12:29-30).

Plain

(flat). Hebrew words so rendered have various significations. Plain (Gen. 11:2); meadow (Judg. 11:33); oak-grove (Gen. 13:18).

Plaiting

(folding). Folding or pleating, as of the hair (1 Peter 3:3).

Planet

(wanderer). The reference is evidently to the signs of the zodiac, as (2 Kings 23:5 marg.).

Plaster

(forming on). Used by Hebrews as wall and stone coating (Lev. 14:42; Deut. 27:2,4; Dan. 5:5).

Pledge

(holding before). [EARNEST.] [LOAN.]

Pleiades or Pleiades

(daughters of Pleione). The “seven stars.” A group of stars in the constellation Taurus (Job 9:9; 38:31; Amos 5:8).

Plow

(plowland). In early times, a crude implement made of a forked stick, one branch of which was shod, or shared, with iron. Drawn by oxen, camels, and asses (Gen. 45:6; Deut. 22:10; Job 1:14).

Pochereth

(beguiling). His children returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:57; Neh. 7:59).

Poetry

(made up). Hebrew literature largely poetical, and of lyrical style. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon are distinctively poetical.

Poll

(head). The head (Num. 3:47). To cut the hair (2 Sam. 14:26).

Pollux

[CASTOR and POLLUX

Pomegranate

(many-seeded fruit). A low, straight-stemmed tree, native of Persia, Syria, and Arabia, bearing an orange-like fruit (Num. 13:23; Deut. 8:8; Song of Sol. 4:3; 6:7; 8:2).

Pommels

(knobs). Globular ornaments on the capitals of pillars (2 Chron. 4:12-13). Called “bowls” (1 Kings 7:41).

Ponds

(confined). Egyptian ponds were pools left by subsidence of the Nile waters (Ex. 7:19). Fishponds (Isa. 19:10).

Pontius Pilate

[PILATE

Pontus

(the sea). Northeastern province of Asia Minor, bordering on the Pontus Euxinus, Euxine Sea. Empire of Mithridates, defeated by Pompey, B. C. 66. Many Jews settled there (Acts 2:9; 18:2; 1 Peter 1:1).

Pool

(hole). Artificial reservoir for water. Very necessary in the East and sometimes built very elaborately and expensively (Eccl. 2:6; Isa. 42:15).

Poor

(bare). Poor especially cared for under Jewish dispensation (Ex. 23:6; Lev. 19:9-10; Deut. 15:7). Spirit continued (Luke 3:11; 14:13; Acts 6:1).

Poplar

(butterfly-leaf). The white poplar supposed to be meant (Gen. 30:37; Hos. 4:13).

Poratha

(favored). A son of Haman (Esther 9:8).

Porch

(door). In oriental architecture, veranda, colonnade, vestibule (Judg. 3:23; 1 Chron. 28:11; John 10:23). Any passage from street to inner hall (Matt. 26:71).

Porcius Festus

(Acts 24:27). [FESTUS.]

Porters

(gate-keepers). Keepers of city, temple, palace, and private gates and doors. The temple had 4000 of them, in classified service (2 Sam. 18:26; 2 Kings 7:10; 1 Chron. 23:5; 26:1-19; 2 Chron. 31:14).

Posts

(placed). Runners, messengers, on foot, on horses, or on dromedaries (Esther 8:10-14; Job 9:25; Jer. 51:31).

Pot

(drinking-vessel). Pots of various designs, sizes, and uses. Made of clay or metal (Lev. 6:28; 1 Sam. 2:14; 2 Kings 4:2; Jer. 35:5; Ezek. 4:9).

Potiphar

(belonging to the sun). Captain of Pharaoh’s guard (Gen. 37:36; 39).

Poti-pherah

(belonging to the sun). A priest of On, in Egypt, and father-in-law of Joseph (Gen. 41:45; 46:20).

Potsherd

(pot-fragment). A piece of broken pottery (Prov. 26:23).

Pottage

(pot-cooked). A thick stew of meat or vegetables, or both (Gen. 25:29; 2 Kings 4:39).

Potter’s Field

The burial-ground for strangers, outside of Jerusalem, bought with the betrayal money

(Matt. 27:7). [ACELDAMA.]

Pottery

(pot-ware). A very ancient art and carried to great perfection. Vessels variously molded, and often elaborately decorated. The ceramic art furnishes many valuable contributions to ancient history (Gen. 24:14; 1 Chron. 4:23; Isa. 41:25; Jer. 18:3).

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Pound

(weight). A weight; the maneh (1 Kings 10:17; Ezra 2:69; Neh. 7:71). One sixtieth of a Grecian talent (Luke 19:13-27).

Praetorium

(governor’s headquarters). The court, hearing-hall, and judgment-hall, of a Roman governor, wherever he might be (Matt. 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28; Acts 23:35; Phil. 1:13).

Prayer

(seeking favor). Reverent petition to a divinity a universal custom. The Jews had three daily periods of prayer: 9 A. M., 12 A. M., 3 P. M. (Psa. 55:17; Dan. 6:10).

Present

[GIFT

Pricks

[GOADS

Priest

(presbyter, elder). Representative of man in things appertaining to God. Assistants of Moses as mediator (Ex. 24:5). Function of priesthood conferred on Levites (Ex. 28). Priests divided into regular courses (1 Chron. 24:1-19; 2 Chron. 23:8; Luke 1:5).

Prince

(first). In Bible sense, patriarch, head of a family or chief of a tribe; governor or magistrate (1 Kings 20:14); satrap or ruler (Dan. 6:1).

Principality

Territory of a prince

Seemingly an order of angels (Eph. 1:21; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10).

Prisca

(ancient) (2 Tim. 4:19). [PRISCILLA.]

Priscilla

(little Prisca). Wife of Aquila (Acts 18:2,18,26; Rom. 16:3).

Prison

(seizing). Ward or lock-up (Lev. 24:12; Num. 15:34); well or pit (Gen. 37:24; Jer. 38:6-11); part of a palace (2 Chron. 16:10; Jer. 32:2; Acts 23:10,35).

Prochorus

(choir leader). One of the first seven deacons (Acts 6:5).

Proconsul

(for a consul). A Roman official, beneath a consul, who exercised authority in a province. Appointed by the senate (Acts 13:7; 19:38).

Procurator

(caring for). A Roman provincial of officer, governor, or viceroy, appointed by the emperor (Matt. 27; Acts 23:24; 26:30).

Prognosticator

(knowing before). Conjurer and fortune-teller, aided by the heavenly bodies (Isa. 47:13).

Prophet

(speaking beforehand). Who tells the future under God’s inspiration. The prophetic order embraced political, as well as spiritual, advisers and warners. The books of seventeen—four greater and thirteen lesser prophets—are comprised in the O. T. Christ is the preeminent and eternal prophet (Luke 24:27,44).

Proselyte

(come to). A convert to the Jewish faith. “Stranger” in O. T. (Deut. 10:18-19; Matt. 23:15; Acts 13:43).

Proverb

(for a word). Wise utterance; enigma (Num. 21:27). The proverbs, collected and poetically arranged by Solomon, or by his authority, constitute the twentieth O. T. book.

Psalms

(play a stringed instrument). In Hebrew, “Praises.” The collection of one hundred and fifty lyrics which compose the nineteenth O. T. book. The liturgical hymnbook of the Hebrews, and accepted by early Christians. Authorship of seventy of them ascribed to David. The most perfect specimens of Hebrew poetry extant.

Psaltery

(play on a stringed instrument). A stringed instrument to accompany the voice, and supposed to resemble a guitar (2 Sam. 6:5; 2 Chron. 9:11). The original frequently translated “viol” (Isa. 5:12; 14:11).

Ptolemaeus, Ptolemy

(1) The Ptolemies were a race of Egyptian kings sprung from Ptolemy Soter, who inherited that portion of the conquests of Alexander the Great. They are supposed to be alluded to in the visions of Daniel. Ptolemy I., Soter, B. C. 323-285 (Dan. 11:5). Ptolemy II., Philadelphus, B. C. 285-247 (Dan. 11:6). Ptolemy III., Euergetes, B. C. 247-222 (Dan. 11:7-9). Ptolemy IV., Philopator, B. C. 222-205 (Dan. 11:10-12). Ptolemy V., Epiphanes, B. C. 205-181 (Dan. 11:13-17). Ptolemy VI., Philometor, B. C. 181-146 (Dan. 11:25-30). Their kingdom fell under Rome. (2) Father of Lysimachus, Greek translator of Esther (Esther 11:1).

Ptolemais

(Acts 21:7). [ACCHO.]

Pua

(Num. 26:23). [PHUVAH.]

Puah

(mouth). (1) Father of Tola, a judge of Israel (Judg. 10:1). (2) An Egyptian midwife (Ex. 1:15).

Publican

(people’s servant). Gatherer of public revenue; tax-collector, abhorred by Jews (Matt. 18:17; Luke 3:12-13; 19:2).

Publius

(common). Governor of the island of Melita (Acts 28:7-8).

Pudens

(modest). A Roman Christian who saluted Timothy (2 Tim. 4:21). Only time mentioned.

Puhites

A Judahite family

(1 Chron. 2:53).

Pul

(lord). (1) A possible African region (Isa. 66:19). (2) A king of Assyria (2 Kings 15:19-20; 1 Chron. 5:26).

Pulse

(pottage). Peas, beans, lentils, and so forth, and, in a Hebrew sense, perhaps the cereals (Dan. 1:12-16).

Punishment

(pain). Capital punishment was by hanging (2 Sam. 21:6); stoning (Ex. 17:4; John 10:31); burning (Gen. 38:24); shooting (Ex. 19:13); the sword (1 Kings 2:25); drowning (Matt. 18:6); sawing (2 Sam. 12:31); crucifixion. The death penalty was inflicted for parental reviling, blasphemy, adultery, rape, idolatry, perjury. Secondary punishments were generally those of retaliation, an “eye for an eye,” etc. (Ex. 21:23-25; Deut. 19:18-21).

Punites

Descendants of Phuvah, or Pua of the tribe of Issachar

(Num. 26:23).

Punon

(darkness). A desert encampment (Num. 33:42).

Purification

(cleansing). A ritualistic form and sanitary precaution among Hebrews (Lev. 14:4-32; Mark 7:3-4; John 11:55).

Purim

(lots). The Jewish festival commemorative of the preservation (deliverance) of the Jews in Persia. Celebrated yearly on 14th and 15th of the month Adar (Esther 3:7; 9:20-32).

Put

(1 Chron. 1:8). [PHUT.]

Puteoli

(sulfurous wells). Now Pozzuoli, seaport of Campania, on Bay of Naples (Acts 28:13).

Putiel

(afflicted). Father-in-law of Eleazar the priest, and mother of Phinehas (Ex. 6:25).

Pygarg

(white-rumped). A species of antelope (Deut. 14:5).

Pyrrhus

Father of Sopater, in R

V. (Acts 20:4) A companion of Paul.

Python

(serpent). Pythian Apollo (Acts 16:16 marg.).

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