Gabbatha The Hebrew name of the place of judgment at Jerusalem, called the Pavement (probably tessellated), because it was paved with stones, as the Greek word implies; but the Hebrew word signifies “high or elevated.” John 19:13. {See Pavement}
Gabriel An angel, who said, “I ... stand in the presence of God.” He was sent to both Zacharias and to Mary to announce the conception of John the Baptist and of the Lord Jesus. Luke 1:19,26. (see Dan. 8:16; 9:21).
Gadarenes, Gergesenes, Gerasenes (the Greek MSS. have these three names), Matt. 8:28; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26,37. The inhabitants of the country on the east of the Sea of Galilee, where the Lord cured a man possessed by demons. On losing their swine, the inhabitants besought the Lord to leave the place. In the district there are places that exactly correspond with the details of the gospel narrative.
Gaius
1. A convert of Macedonia. Acts 19:29.
2. A convert of Derbe. Acts 20:4.
3. A Christian whom Paul had baptized; he calls him his “host” and “of the whole church.” Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14.
4. A convert, to whom the third Epistle by John is addressed. 3 John 1.
Galatia A central province in Asia Minor, having Bithynia on the north, and Lycaonia on the south. The district was not always of the same extent: Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia may have formed part of Galatia in the time of the Acts. Paul speaks of “the churches” of Galatia, but where these assemblies were situated is not known. Acts 16:6; 18:23; 1 Cor. 16:1; Gal. 1:2; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Peter 1:1.
Galbanum An aromatic plant is a Persian plant, and formed one of the ingredients of the sacred incense.
Galileans These are named only in Acts 5:37, being the followers of one Judas a Galilean, who declared that tribute was due to God only, and ought not to be paid to the Romans. This he did in “the days of the taxing,” or when a census was taken in A.D. 6, when Archelaus was banished. Though Judas perished, his followers were dispersed and secretly propagated his opinions.
We thus see how needful it was at that time to teach submission to the powers that be, as God did by Paul in Romans 13:1-7, where the words occur, “pay ye tribute also.” (See also 1 Peter 2:13-17.)
Galilee A large district towards the north of Israel on the west of the Jordan and the lake, having Samaria on its south. After the captivity, many from various nations settled in Galilee, which accounts for its being called “Galilee of the Gentiles,” (Matt. 4:15), though many Jews were there also. In Galilee much of the time of the Lord’s ministry was spent (Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:39), and there many of His miracles were performed, which called forth the doom of those that rejected Him. Galilee had many towns and villages, and was thickly populated.
Gall and Wormwood are the names of two poisonous plants; the latter was eaten, and the former yielded a drink, while both are used as the expression of Divine judgment. Jer. 8:14, etc.
Gall χολή, A word used for what is extremely bitter, as gall, bile, etc. Matt. 27:34. It was given by the Romans to criminals about to be crucified to stupefy them, that they might suffer the less: our Lord refused it. In Mark 15:23 it is called “myrrh,” which is also very nauseous. Peter declared Simon to be in “the gall of bitterness,” as expressive of the extreme offensiveness of Simon’s spirit to a spiritual mind. Acts 8:23.
Gallio A Roman pro-consul of the province of Achaia. Paul was accused before him at Corinth of “[persuading] men to worship God contrary to the law”; but he refused to entertain the accusation, and drove them away. Acts 18:12-17.
Gamaliel A doctor of the law of great repute, at whose feet Paul had been brought up. He gave the wise counsel when the apostles were arrested, that if their mission were not of God it would come to nothing; and if it were of God they could not overthrow it. He is reported by the Jews to have died a Pharisee, but ecclesiastical traditions claim him as a Christian. Acts 5:34; 22:3.
Garden of God A symbol of the kingdoms and powers of the world. Ezek. 31:8-9.
Garlic A well-known Egyptian vegetable.
Garments There are but few references in the N.T. to define articles of clothing. In Matthew 5:40 and Luke 6:29, a “coat” and “cloak” are referred to: ἰμάτιον is the “cloak,” a loose outer garment, and the “coat” is χιτών, a vest or tunic. The disciples were not to take two of these when they were sent out. Matt. 10:10; Mark 6:9; Luke 9:3. It was a χιτών of the Lord’s that was woven from top to bottom without seam, John 19:23; and it was such that Dorcas made, Acts 9:39, as well as “garments,” ἰμάτιον. By John 19:23 it appears that besides the “coat,” each of the four soldiers had a part of the Lord’s raiment, and these are supposed to have been the turban or handkerchief worn round the head; the girdle; the sandals; and the outer cloak; these with the tunic constitute the usual dress of the people at this day. A symbol of practical holiness. Rev. 3:4: 16:15; Jude 23; Ex. 28:40-43. Symbol of outward character. Jude 23; Rev. 3:4; 16:15.
Gate
1. A symbol of a place of government and authority. Matt. 16:18; Gen. 19:1; Rev. 21:12-13.
2. Open gate denotes security. Isa. 60:11; Rev. 21:25.
Gaza A village situated near the Mediterranean, about 31° 30' N. now called Ghuzzeh. Water may still be seen near the road in the neighborhood of which the Ethiopian was baptized: it is a district “without villages or fixed habitation.” Acts 8:26.
Gehazi valley of vision. Divine discovery of and Divine judgment upon sin in those externally near to God. Name occurs about 12 Times, and only in second book of Kings. 2 Kings 4.
Generation
1. γενεά, used
a. from father to son (Matt. 1:17);
b. for a race then existing (Matt. 11:16);
c. for the continuance of the race of unbelieving Jews (Matt. 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32).
2. γέννημα, “offspring,” where there is moral likeness: as “generation of vipers.” Matt. 3:7; 12:34; 23:33; Luke 3:7.
3. γένεσις, “birth generation, descent.” Matt. 1:1.
4. γένος, “species, family,” etc. 1 Peter 2:9.
Gennesaret, Land of, A district of Galilee, lying to the N.W. of the Lake, a most fertile plain of about a mile wide, and three miles long. Springs run through it into the lake. Matt. 14:34; Mark 6:53.
Gentile
1. ἔθνος, having the meaning of “nation, people,” any nation in contradistinction from the Jews (Matt. 10:5,18, etc.), though the same word is used in Luke 7:5; John 11:48 for the Jewish “nation” as a nation, and in 1 Peter 2:9 for the people of God, holy “nation.”
2. Ελλην, better translated “Greek” (as it is mostly), in distinction from the Jews. John 7:35; Rom. 2:9-10; 3:9; 1 Cor. 10:32; 12:13. Not to be confounded with “Ελληνιστής”, which refers to Hellenists, Greek-speaking Jews. Acts 6:1; 9:29. In Acts 11:20 most editors read, “Greeks.”
Gershom, a stranger there. Christ having been rejected by Israel, is at present unknown by, and a stranger to, the ancient people (name not to be confounded with son of Levi, Num. 3). Occurs about 5 times, and only in the Old Testament. (Ex. 2:22)
Gethsemane A garden on the slope of the Mount of Olives, to which our Lord often resorted with His disciples. The brook Cedron had to be crossed to reach the spot from Jerusalem. Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32. It was the place of the Lord’s agony, where He was “exceeding sorrowful unto death.” Mark 14:34 JND. His “agony” being such that the ground was moistened with His sweat as drops of blood! Here He was betrayed and taken prisoner. An enclosed space, in which are eight old olive trees, is shown to travellers as the garden of Gethsemane; but there is no certainty that this is the right spot. Titus cut down all the trees round Jerusalem at its siege.
Gin trap. Job 18:9.
Girdle Symbol of for strength and activity, of being prepared and ready for service. Rev. 1:13; 15:6; Isa. 22:21; Psa. 109:19; Ex. 29:9.
Glass Symbol of transparent purity. Rev. 15:2; 21:18,21. Glass was known to the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians, though it was then not so clear as at present. 1 Corinthians 13:12 seems to point to a semi-transparent glass, because of the word “through.” “We see through a glass, darkly.” The word here, and in James 1:23 is ἔσοπτρον and is also applied to mirrors, and this agrees with James. Mirrors were then made of polished metal. In Revelation 4:6; 15:2; 21:18,21 another word is used (ὕαλος, ὑάλινος); and there we have “sea of glass,” “clear or pure glass,” transparent glass, evidently referring to a sort of crystal, more or less transparent. This signifies fixed, accomplished holiness in all its brightness.
Glede This unclean bird is probably of the vulture species. Deut. 14:13. In the only other passage where the original word occurs it is translated “vulture.” Lev. 11:14.
Glory δόξα, “esteem, honour, excellency of mind, body,” etc. It is applied to natural things, as the glory of the sun, moon, and stars, 1 Cor. 15:41; Psa. 19:1; to man as “the image and glory of God,” 1 Cor. 11:7; and through grace, believers are received to the glory of God. Rom. 15:7; 2 Cor. 4:15. The Lord Jesus fully manifested the glory of God. John 1:14; 2:11. He speaks of the glory He had from eternity with the Father, and of His acquired glory which He will graciously share with His joint heirs. John 17:5,22,24. The Lord Jesus will be hailed as King of kings and Lord of lords. 1 Peter 4:13; Rev. 17:14; 19:16. He is the Lord of glory. James 2:1. Glory really belongs to God. He is the God of glory. Acts 7:2; 2 Cor. 4:6,15. In Him shine, in infinite perfection, the divine attributes: it is in the acknowledgment of this, and that from Him come all their blessings, that Christians joyfully ascribe to Him Praise and Honour, Glory and Power forever and ever. Rom. 11:36; 16:27; Gal. 1:5; 1 Tim. 1:17. The same is ascribed to the Lord Jesus by every creature. Rev. 5; Phil. 2:10-11. The visible manifestation of glory seems connected with light. God dwells “in ... light, which no man can approach unto.” 1 Tim. 6:16; Matt. 17:2. In the vision of the new Jerusalem the “glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Rev. 21:23. We are saved by grace, Eph. 2:8; we hope for glory, Rom. 5:2. Glory is the outshining of God’s grace, effected by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming. Our bodies, freed from every trace of mortality and corruption, will be glorified like His body of glory. Phil. 3:21. The church will very soon possess the glory of God, Rev. 21:11, the hope of which she even now rejoices in. Rom. 5:2. Christ will be the measure of glory then, as He is the measure of grace now. For this glorious manifestation of the sons of God all creation eagerly awaiteth, because that glory will liberate the groaning creation. Rom. 8:19-22.
Gnat The reference is to the smallest of insects which is contrasted with the largest Palestinian animal the camel. The words in the text “strain at,” should be “strain out.” Matt. 23:24.
Go beyond overreach. 1 Thess. 4:6.
Goat This clean animal was pre-eminently the sin-offering victim. In patriarchal times especially the goat formed an important and valuable item of wealth. Its flesh could be eaten for food, its milk was greatly prized, and its skin used for numerous purposes. Lev. 16:8,10,26; Num. 15:24-29. The habits and qualities of this well-known animal, both wild and domesticated, are frequently referred to in the Sacred Writings.
1. It is the symbol of the strong and compact Macedonian power, of Alexander the Macedonian king (Dan. 8:5,21), and of the great and mighty (Ezek. 39:18).
2. A symbol of the living wicked at Christ’s return. Matt. 25:32-33
3. A symbol of the great sin offering. Lev. 16.
Goats’ Hair A symbol of practical separation from evil. Ex. 25:4; 26:7; 35:6.
God θεός. The great self-existent Being, known by His works, even His eternal power and divinity (θειότης). Rom. 1:20; Psa. 19:1. He is the Lord God Almighty (Rev. 4:8, etc.), and the Lord of Sabaoth (Rom. 9:29; James 5:4). He was revealed in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was “God ... manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16); and in the communications He has been pleased to make in His Word of Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three Persons but one God. “God is love” (1 John 4:8; see also John 3:16), “God is light” (1 John 1:5); and the gracious name by which He is specially revealed to His saints in the N.T. is that of Father. John 20:17. The principal of God’s attributes and characteristics named in Scripture are —
1. His eternity Isa. 57:15; 1 Tim. 1:17.
2. Immortality 1 Tim. 6:16; Psa. 90:2.
3. Omnipotence Job 11:7; Rom. 1:20; cf. 1 Tim. 6:15, only Potentate.
4. Invisibility 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16.
5. Omnipresence Psa. 139:7-10; Jer. 23:23-24.
6. Omniscience 1 Chron. 28:9; Jer. 1:5; Rom. 8:29-30; Heb. 4:13.
7. Incorruptibility Rom. 1:23; James 1:13.
8. Immutability Mal. 3:6, James 1:17.
9. Wisdom Psa. 104:24; Rom. 11: 33-36.
10. Holiness Amos 4:2; Luke 1: 49.
11. Justice Rom. 2:6-7; 2 Tim. 4:8.
12. Grace and Mercy Luke 1:50; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:4.
13. Long-suffering Num. 14:18; Rom. 2:4.
14. Faithfulness Psa. 92:2; 1 Cor. 1:9.
How blessed to be able to say, with the Psalmist, “This God is our God for ever and ever” (Psa. 48:14).
Godhead θεότης. Not simply divine in character, but the Godhead in an absolute sense (Col. 2:9): here only. In Romans 1:20 it is θεότης, divinity.
Gog and Magog Two nations which Satan, after he is released from his 1,000 years’ imprisonment, will gather together to war against the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Jerusalem). Rev. 20:8. Fire will come from God and devour them (see Ezek. 38, 39). Doubtless nations to the north and north-east of Israel are alluded to, Russia being the head of them.
1. Historically, the future Russian Prince and his land; thus literally to be understood. Ezek. 38; 39.
2. The wicked on the earth at the close of the millennial reign; thus symbolically to be understood. Rev. 20:8.
Gold
1. A symbol of Divine glory.
2. A symbol of Divine righteousness. Heb. 9:4; Rev. 3:18; 1 Kings 6:22.
3. A symbol of the Divine nature of the Lord. Ex. 25; 26; 28.
Good substance. 1 John 3:17.
Goodman master. Matt. 20:11.
Gopher Wood was used in the construction of Noah’s Ark. Both the “cypress” and the “cedar” were anciently used in ship building, but whether either was the “gopher wood” of Genesis 6 cannot with certainty be determined. Gen. 6:14.
Gospel εύαγγέλιον, “a good message, or good news.” The term is applied to the good news God sent His people in the Old Testament. Heb. 4:2. In the N.T. it more especially refers to the good news in connection with the Lord Jesus. At first this took the form of the “gospel of the kingdom.” Matt. 4:23; 9:35, etc. Then “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), and by Paul especially “the glad tidings of the glory,” (Christ being in the glory who put away our sins) (2 Cor. 4:4 JND), which Paul calls “my gospel.” 2 Tim. 2:8. It not only speaks of salvation, great as that is, but it separates the believer from earth and associates him with Christ in the glory. In a future day “the everlasting gospel” will be proclaimed which has always been the same: Fear God, give glory to Him, and worship Him as Creator. Rev. 14:6.
Gourd of Jonah was a plant peculiarly fitted to afford shade and shelter under a burning Eastern sky. It was and is still used in the construction of arbours.
Government κυβέρνησις. This gift seems to refer to ruling in the church. 1 Cor. 12:28; see Rom. 12:8. {See Elders}
Governor .1 ήλεμών, “a Roman leader, governor, prince.” Applied to Pontius Pilate, Matt. 27:2-27; Luke 3:1; to Felix the governor, Acts 23:24-36; and to Cyrenius, governor of Syria. Luke 2:2. 2. ἐθνάρχης, “governor of a people.” The Romans gave such the title of Pretor, Procurator or Ethnarch. 2 Cor. 11:32.
Grapes, ripe
1. A symbol of apostates ready for judgment. Rev. 14:18.
2. A symbol of moral fruit for God. Isa. 5:1-7.
Grass. The grasses of Israel are more numerous than in any other country.
1. A symbol of prosperity of a temporary character, of what is transitory and perishable. James 1:10-11; Rev. 8:7; Isa. 40:6-7; 1 Peter 1:24.
2. Symbol of human frailty. James 1:10-11; 1 Peter 1:24; Isa. 40:7.
Grass, Green Symbol of earthly prosperity. Rev. 8:7; 9:4.
Grasshopper(s) This troublesome insect and Eastern scourge is a species of locust, but permitted as food to the Jews. The immense swarms and destructive character of these insects to vegetation are described with remarkable minuteness and graphically portrayed in the prophet Joel. Eccl. 12:5. A symbol of insignificance. Num. 13:33; Isa. 40:22. Teaching and lessons of great interest are drawn from the ways and habits of this very common little creature in Israel and the East.
Greaves leg armour. 1 Sam. 17:6.
Grecian Ελληνιστής Greek-speaking Jews, and should not be confounded with Gentile Greeks (Acts 6:1, 9:29; 11:20), but in the last passage the Editors read “Greeks.”
Greece (Acts 20:2) {See Achaia}
Greek Language This was the language most commonly spoken at the time of the Lord on earth, through the flourishing of the Greek empire, prior to the Roman, and which made it the most suitable language in which the New Testament should be written. Luke 23:38; John 19:20; Acts 21:37; Rev. 9:11.
Greyhound This word only occurs once in the Bible and the margin which explains the meaning of the word as “girt in the loins,” also says it is the “horse.” A fleet animal is no doubt referred to. Prov. 30:31.
Grisled grey, spotted. Zech. 6:3.
Grudge to murmur. James 5:9.
Guilty of worthy of. Matt. 26:66.