Glossary of Symbols

The watcher-tree and sign of the chosen Levitical priesthood. Its early waking pictures watchfulness; Aaron’s fruitful rod marks the appointed priesthood, and almond cups carry the sanctuary lamps.
(Jer 1:11-12; Num 17:8; Ex 25:33-34) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The venerable One at the origin and advancement of days. Literally, the expression describes one advanced in days; within Daniel’s calendar vision, it presents Him seated at the head of the cycle—the day from which the month, year, and age advance. The expression occurs only in Daniel 7:9, 13, and 22.
Commonly taught: a divine title of the eternal God enthroned as Judge — His antiquity and pre-existence, with no calendar office.
(Dan 7:9, 13, 22; Ps 93:2; Isa 43:13) · see Clouds of Heaven

To mark a person or thing as God’s own and appoint it to a stated office or work. The oil may carry the visible mark; the Spirit may carry the power; the work declares what the appointment is for.
Commonly used for the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence, often without distinguishing appointment, sign, power, and office.
(Ex 28:41; 40:9; 1 Sam 16:13-14; 24:6; Isa 45:1, 4-5; Acts 10:38) · see The Anointing

A counterfeit congregation claiming covenant standing while gathered against the covenant's Lord. Korah’s company; the brood of vipers and children of the Devil, the father of lies; the assembly surrounding the Messiah; and those who say they are Jews but are not display the pattern. This is a spiritual identity defined by allegiance and rejection of Messiah, never by ancestry.
(Ps 22:16; Num 14:35; 16:3; Matt 3:7; 12:34; John 8:44; Acts 4:27; Rev 2:9; 3:9) · see What Is the Point?, ch. 25

The self-made kingdom that builds a name against heaven — an empire raised over many kingdoms, the covenant counterfeit.
(Gen 11:4; Jer 51:7; Rev 18:10) · see The Bow, ch. 44, and The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The firstfruits grain — humble, reaped in spring, and presented before the LORD. Its waved sheaf points to Christ risen as the firstfruits.
(Ex 9:31; Lev 23:10; Ruth 1:22; 2 Kgs 4:42; 1 Cor 15:20) · see Grass, ch. 42

A nation or kingdom organized under earthly rule, often shown in its wild or predatory character. Different beasts distinguish different kingdoms; clean and unclean beasts distinguish kinds of people.
(Dan 7:17; 8:20-21; Acts 10:12, 28) · see Trees, ch. 41

Receiving God’s testimony as true and governing, then acting upon it. Mere assent can acknowledge a fact; persistent refusal to obey exposes unbelief.
Commonly taught: personal trust in Christ, not mere assent — the instrument that receives salvation.
(Mark 1:27; John 3:36; 12:42-43; Rom 10:16; Heb 3:18-19; Jas 2:19-22) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

A kingdom’s covenant and the power joined by it. To break the bow is to unstring the kingdom and end its might.
(Gen 9:13, 16; Jer 49:35; Isa 22:3; Hos 1:5; 2:18; Ps 46:9; 78:57) · see The Bow, ch. 44

The curse-ground’s fruitless growth — worldly care and deceitful riches that choke the word, offer false protection, and end in fire.
(Gen 3:18; Matt 13:22; Judg 9:15; 2 Sam 23:6-7; Heb 6:8) · see The Parables of the Kingdom, ch. 2

The members of a nation — broken off, or grafted in, while the tree itself stands.
(Rom 11:17) · see Trees, ch. 41

The word of God. Unleavened bread is pure doctrine; leavened bread contains corrupting doctrine.
(Deut 8:3; Ex 12:15; Lev 2:11; Matt 4:4; 16:12; 1 Cor 5:7-8) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

The word worked from milk into sound judgment — teaching tested until one can refuse evil and choose good. Worked into the walk, it cleanses the feet; its counterfeit is smooth speech concealing war.
(Prov 30:33; Isa 7:15, 22; Job 29:6; John 13:5-10; 2 Sam 17:29; Ps 55:21) · see Butter, ch. 47

A ruling power irreversibly destroyed and sunk into the sea of peoples, never to rise; especially the fall of Babylon the Great.
(Ex 15:4-5; Jer 51:63-64; Matt 21:21; Luke 17:6; Acts 27:41; Rev 18:21) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

A towering power of great height and majesty. Assyria, the house of David, and the righteous may each bear the figure; the cedar signifies stature, not one fixed identity.
(Ezek 31:3; 17:22-24; Ps 92:12; Isa 2:13) · see Trees, ch. 41

The empty wicked husk separated from the grain, driven away, and burned. Unlike tares, chaff is what remains after the grain has matured.
(Ps 1:4; Matt 3:12) · see Grass, ch. 42

Clean means free from defilement and fit for permitted contact, approach, or use; to cleanse is to remove that defilement. Uncleanness may be physical, ceremonial, or moral and does not always imply guilt; sanctification concerns holy claim and use, not merely cleanliness.
Commonly treated as hygiene or obsolete ritual regulation, or collapsed into moral purity and holiness.
(Lev 10:10; 12:2; 15:18; Num 19:11; Ps 51:2, 10; Eph 5:26; 1 John 1:7, 9) · see Uncommon Sanctification, Justification, and Cleanliness

A person as the owner’s stamped image-bearer — refined like gold, bearing the sign, Name, and image of God or the beast, assigned a value, and sought when lost. The recovered coin pictures a repentant sinner; human valuation and God’s valuation are not the same.
Ancient witness: Tertullian (On Idolatry 15); Gregory the Great (Gospel Homily 34); Gregory of Nyssa (On Virginity 12).
(Ex 30:12-16; Lev 27:2; Luke 15:8-10; Matt 17:27; 22:20-21; Mark 12:41-44; 1 Pet 1:7; Rev 13:16; 14:1) · see The Coin, ch. 11

The binding word by which a head establishes and governs a relationship through law, promises, and judgments. Unlike a contract among autonomous equals, those who enter a covenant come under its head and terms. God expressly calls the Ten Commandments His covenant; it is spoken, commanded, written, entered, cut in blood, kept or broken, and renewed by writing its law upon the heart.
Commonly treated as a contract or agreement negotiated between parties, obscuring the covenant head who supplies its governing word and terms.
(Ex 24:7-8; Deut 4:13; 29:10-13; 2 Kgs 11:17; Jer 31:31-33; Heb 8:10) · see The Name, ch. 8, and Gospel, ch. 5

Concealed disobedience — deeds hidden from the light.
Opposite: Light.
(John 3:19-20) · see Light and Darkness, ch. 21

The time of light, exposure, and accountable action. In prophetic counts, a day may also scale to a year or a thousand years, depending on context.
Opposite: Night.
(Gen 1:5; John 9:4; 1 Thess 5:5; Num 14:34; Ezek 4:6; 2 Pet 3:8) · see Light and Darkness, ch. 21

The word descending from heaven — silent, nightly, found in the morning: “my speech shall distil as the dew” (Deut 32:2). The manna falls upon the dew, and when the dew lifts, the word lies on the ground as daily bread; received without root, it evaporates when the sun grows hot.
Commonly taught: divine blessing or refreshment, often the Holy Spirit’s quiet renewing presence.
(Deut 32:2; Num 11:9; Ex 16:14; Deut 8:3; 1 Kgs 17:1; Hos 14:5; Isa 26:19) · see The Pearls of Wisdom, ch. 31

One who continues under the Master until His law is sealed within and His teaching bears obedient fruit. A disciple enters the Name, accepts the cost, and is perfected to be as his Master.
Commonly taught: a learner and follower of Jesus — any believer, entered by faith and baptism, growing lifelong in Christlikeness.
(Isa 8:16; Luke 6:40; Ex 23:21; Jer 31:33; John 8:31; Luke 14:26-33; Rev 14:1) · see The Disciple, ch. 9

A covenant severed and the wife sent from the house — exile and scattering. Scripture distinguishes treacherous divorce from separation out of a union God never joined.
Opposite: Marriage.
(Jer 3:8; Isa 50:1; Deut 24:1-4; Ezra 10:3; Mal 2:11-16) · see Marriage and Divorce, ch. 12

A wild beast representing a kingdom or its citizens, especially Rome in the crucifixion pattern. Gentile dogs eat crumbs from Israel’s table; Roman soldiers surrounded Jesus at the cross.
(Ps 22:16; Matt 15:26-27; 27:27-35; Mark 7:28; Rev 22:15) · see Trees, ch. 41

Jesus — the destination of the Way and the threshold into the covenant house. Blood and the word of God mark its posts; heaven’s gates also mark the constellations through which the New Moon appears each month.
(Gen 28:17; Ex 12:7; Deut 6:9; John 10:9; Rev 21:12-13) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7, and The Pearls of Wisdom, ch. 31

The devouring spiritual power behind earthly beasts and kingdoms, identified as the Devil and Satan and giving its power, throne, and authority to the beast.
(Pharaoh, Ezek 29:3; Babylon, Jer 51:34; Rev 12:9; 13:2) · see The Sign of Jonah, ch. 4

Where beginnings and returns come from — the front. Hebrew qedem joins “east” with “before” and “ancient”: Eden is planted eastward; the sanctuary’s front door is its east gate; God’s glory returns through that gate; and Christ’s coming moves from east to west. The compass direction is the literal image beneath the symbol.
Opposite: West.
(Gen 2:8; Ex 27:13-16; Ezek 43:1-4; 46:1-3; Matt 24:27) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

A covenant city in bondage under worldly rule. Revelation applies the spiritual name Egypt to the great city where the Lord was crucified: Jerusalem in bondage and covenant corruption.
Commonly taught: bondage to sin, and the world-system out of which God redeems.
Ancient witness: Victorinus of Pettau (on Revelation 11:8) — the earliest surviving Apocalypse commentary.
(Rev 11:8; 18:24; Matt 23:37; Gal 4:25; Isa 1:10) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

Babel’s confederate — allied with Shinar in the first war and judged under Babylon’s sentence. Its broken bow introduces Babylon’s fall.
(Gen 14:1, 9; Jer 49:35; 51:56) · see The Bow, ch. 44

Leaders and representatives of the assemblies, seated as a court around the throne — the constellations among the host of heaven and their stars.
(1 Kgs 22:19; Isa 24:23; Rev 4:4; Matt 19:28; Ps 89:5-7) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

The scattered firstborn whose seed becomes the fulness of the nations.
(Gen 48:19) · see Jacob, Israel & Ephraim, ch. 45

The lamp of the body, revealing the light within. A good eye gives; an evil eye withholds; God’s fiery eyes — His righteous watchers — range throughout the earth and shine like the stars in heaven.
(Matt 6:22-23; Prov 22:9; 23:6; Zech 4:10; Rev 1:14; 5:6) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

Trusting faithfulness — reliance on God’s unseen promise held steady and brought to life through obedience.
Commonly taught: confident trust in God and His promises — the sole instrument of justification.
(Hab 2:4; Heb 11:1, 8; Jas 2:17, 22; Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8-10) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

The Messiah, who bears the Father’s light faithfully through the night. The moon writes this witness in the sky.
(Ps 89:37; Rev 1:5; 3:14; Isa 55:4) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

God’s covenant people left without their Father — the remnant.
(Lam 5:3) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

Reverent awe that produces obedience: it turns a person from evil and toward the LORD’s commandments.
(Eccl 12:13) · see The Fear of the Lord, ch. 23

A person’s walk or conduct — the way that must remain clean.
(John 13:10) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43

Self-made righteousness — a covering of one’s own cut, all show and no substance; the cursed fig tree bore leaves but no fruit.
(Gen 3:7; Matt 21:19) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43

The world — sown with the word and reaped at the harvest. Its edge feeds the poor and stranger, and its hidden treasure is found beneath the surface.
(Matt 13:38; Lev 19:9-10) · see Grass, ch. 42

God’s all-consuming presence, which reveals, refines, or destroys according to what encounters it. The same fire sustains the bush, refines silver, preserves the covered, and consumes uncovered wickedness.
(Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29; Ex 3:2; Dan 3:25-27; Mal 3:3; 1 Cor 3:15) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

The divider between the restless sea of peoples below and the gathered heavenly waters above; the place where the ruling lights are set.
(Gen 1:6-8, 14-17; Ps 148:4; Rev 17:15) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

A person in the sea of nations, clean or unclean, gathered and sorted at the harvest. Fishers of men draw the catch from the sea in the net.
(Hab 1:14; Matt 4:19; 13:47-48) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

A great ruler among the sea of peoples — the personal head who can stand for the kingdom, state, and administration acting through him. Pharaoh stands for Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar for Babylon, and Caesar for Rome: the ruler swallows through the body he heads, and is forced to give back what he swallowed.
Commonly taught: God’s appointed rescue-instrument, a type of the three days in the tomb.
Ancient witness: Targum Jonathan (Isaiah 27:1); Exodus Rabbah 9:4.
(Ezek 29:3; 32:2; Jer 51:34, 44; Dan 7:17, 23; John 19:15-16) · see The Sign of Jonah, ch. 4

Destroying waters — peoples in motion: a nation invading, or the Lord’s own host sweeping the enemy away.
(Isa 8:7; Jer 47:2; Dan 9:26) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

One who hears God’s word and will not do it — the lawless, not the unintelligent.
Opposite: Wise.
(Ps 14:1; Matt 7:26) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

Obstructing flesh that covers a covenant member and prevents its proper work. Heart, ear, lips, and fruit are uncircumcised while flesh blocks humility, hearing, speech, or fruitfulness.
(Gen 17:14; Lev 19:23; 26:41; Deut 10:16; 30:6; Jer 4:4; 6:10; Ex 6:12; Acts 7:51; Col 2:11) · see The Foreskin, ch. 46

Covenant unfaithfulness — joining oneself to other gods or kingdoms outside the union God established. The physical sin supplies the image.
(Ex 34:15-16; Hos 1:2; Jer 3:9; Rev 17:2) · see Marriage and Divorce, ch. 12

The four spirits of heaven — God’s executing agents, shown as the four horsemen. The same fourfold outgoing pattern appears in the river dividing from Eden.
(Gen 2:10; Zech 6:5; Rev 6:1-8; 22:1) · see The Four Winds, ch. 34

The works produced by a person or people, revealing the tree and supplying the basis for judgment.
(Matt 7:17; 21:43) · see Trees, ch. 41

A planted grouping of trees — nations or peoples arranged together under a gardener’s rule.
Commonly taught: paradise and fellowship with God — Eden lost and restored.
(Ezek 31:9) · see Trees, ch. 41

Righteousness — the righteous acts of the saints; garments can be soiled by blood and sin.
Opposite: Nakedness.
(Isa 59:3; Zech 3:3-4; Rev 3:4; 19:8, ASV) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43

A valley-trial carried through to a destructive verdict. At Jerusalem’s boundary, the Valley of Hinnom—where counterfeit worship sacrificed children and which God renamed the Valley of Slaughter—pictures the judgment that destroys both body and soul. Distinct from Sheol, which holds the dead.
(Josh 15:8; 18:16; 2 Kgs 23:10; Jer 7:31-32; 19:2-6; Matt 10:28; Isa 66:24; Mark 9:43-48) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

The rage of the wicked at the righteous, especially when they see the kingdom from which they are excluded. Their grief, hatred, gnashing, and destruction follow the pattern of the Psalms and Stephen’s accusers.
Commonly taught: the anguish of the damned under conscious, everlasting torment.
(Ps 112:10; Ps 37:12; Luke 13:28; Acts 7:54; Matt 8:12) · see The Weeping and the Gnashing

The gospel of the coming kingdom, in which the law goes forth from Zion — proclaimed beforehand to Abraham and at Mount Sinai, and renewed under Jesus' rule.
Commonly taught: the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
(Gen 12:3; Isa 52:7; 2:3; Jer 31:33; Gal 3:8; Heb 4:2) · see Gospel, ch. 5

Favor that moves first and then teaches its recipient to reject ungodliness and live rightly. Counterfeit grace turns favor into permission to remain lawless.
Commonly taught: God’s unmerited favor by which sinners are saved, often summarized without grace’s continuing work as teacher.
(Rom 5:8; Titus 2:11-12; Ex 34:6) · see Grace, Mercy & the Gift, ch. 24

The wild branch — the stranger, the Gentile — received into the covenant tree, or repentant Israel accepted back.
(Rom 11:17, 23) · see Trees, ch. 41

A people’s works ripened into persons as the vineyard’s yield. Pressed grapes produce covenant wine or the blood of judgment according to whether the vintage is good or wild.
(Isa 5:2-7; Hos 9:10; Mic 7:1-2; Isa 65:8; Gen 49:11; Rev 14:18-20) · see The Parable of the Vineyard

Mortal people or flesh, growing across the field until they wither or are gathered at harvest.
(Isa 40:6-8; Matt 13:38) · see Grass, ch. 42

A covenant city or people unfaithful to its Husband while retaining the outward form of covenant. In Revelation, the Harlot is the great city that rules over kings — spiritually named Sodom and Egypt, branded on her forehead with the name of the beast she rides, Babylon — literally Jerusalem, where Jesus and the prophets were killed.
Opposite: Virgin.
Commonly taught: spiritual adultery; in Revelation, an apostate religious world-system — Rome, not Jerusalem.
(Rev 17:18; 11:8; Ezek 23:19) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The end of the age, when the field of mankind is reaped — the wheat gathered, the chaff burned.
(Joel 3:13; Matt 13:39) · see Grass, ch. 42

To un-choose — to repudiate a covenant partner or claim in favor of another. Scripture enacts hate through refusal, disfavor, or sending away, not merely through feelings of hostility.
Opposite: Love.
Commonly taught: an emotion — hostility, bitterness — softened in the famous texts to “love less.”
(Gen 29:30-31; Prov 1:29; Hos 9:15; Luke 14:26) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

Jerusalem — the navel and heart of the land.
Commonly taught: the grave or Hades, where Christ lay three days.
(Matt 12:40; Ezek 5:5; 38:12) · see The Sign of Jonah, ch. 4, and The Ship

The jurisdiction where God’s will is already done — both the visible sky and the seat of rule. Scripture’s saving movement comes downward from heaven to earth.
(Ps 115:16; Isa 66:1; Matt 6:10; John 3:13; Rev 21:2-3) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

An ambiguous English translation label with no single scriptural referent. Its meaning must be taken from the underlying Hebrew or Greek word.
Alias: hell translating Sheol → Sheol.
Alias: hell translating Hades → Sheol.
Alias: hell translating Gehenna → Gehenna / Valley of Hinnom.
Alias: hell translating tartaroō → Tartarus.
Commonly taught: the place of eternal conscious punishment and separation from God.
(Ps 16:10; Acts 2:27; Matt 10:28; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

Salvation covering the head: Christ, the Head. It is God’s own armor lent to His people, protecting the same place where true or counterfeit allegiance is marked.
(Isa 59:16-17; Eph 6:11, 17; Ps 140:7; 1 Cor 11:3; 1 Thess 5:8; Rev 22:4) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43

The Way of holiness — the prepared road home, made straight and smooth, where the wicked do not walk.
(Isa 35:8; 40:3-4) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7

Set apart from the common; for created things, claimed by God for an appointed purpose.
(Ex 13:2; Lev 10:10; 20:26; Deut 7:6) · see Uncommon Sanctification, Justification, and Cleanliness

The mount of an executing spirit; the conqueror who wins the nations by the covenant bow.
(Rev 6:2) · see The Four Winds, ch. 34

The succession of gentile world-kingdoms, shattered by the stone-kingdom of God.
(Dan 2:32-45) · see Mountain, ch. 39

The law’s discipline and correction, received and kept by the wise but despised by fools.
(Prov 1:7; 23:23) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

The crushing strength of Daniel’s fourth kingdom, historically identified here as Rome — the empire ruling when Christ came.
(Dan 2:40; 8:20-21) · see The Sign of Jonah, ch. 4

A set-apart people rising from the sea of nations, waiting for God’s law and preserved while surrounding kingdoms fall.
(Gen 10:5; Job 22:30; Isa 11:11; 42:4; 51:5; Rev 16:20) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

The covenant Name given to Jacob and borne at several scales: the man, his descendants, the nation, or the faithful people who prevail with God. Context determines the sense; blood alone does not settle it.
(Gen 32:28; Rom 9:6) · see Jacob, Israel & Ephraim, ch. 45

The hireling who owns the field: strong as the donkey to carry, humble enough to bow, settled in tents, discerning the appointed times, rich enough to feed a king, and willing to walk into the valley when Israel must be saved. In the heavenly camp he is Virgo in the east — the place of beginnings and returns — and is identified with sapphire, the full moon.
(Gen 30:16-18; 49:14-15; Num 2:3-5; Deut 33:18-19; Judg 5:15; 1 Kgs 4:7, 17; 1 Chr 12:32, 40) · see Sun, Moon, and Stars, ch. 29, and the Issachar symbol study at TimeTested.Bible

The crooked, supplanting covenant man or people before God gives the transformed Name Israel.
(Gen 27:36; Jer 17:9) · see Jacob, Israel & Ephraim, ch. 45

One belonging to Judah, used at several scales: the tribe itself, Israel collectively, the ethnic people, or the faithful inward subset whose praise comes from God. Context determines the sense.
(2 Kgs 16:6; Gen 29:35; Esth 2:5; Rom 2:28-29; 3:9; 9:6; Rev 3:9; Zech 8:23) · see Jacob, Israel & Ephraim, ch. 45

The act of governing, administering, and discerning right from wrong; also the ruling made or executed. Condemnation is only one aspect, and good judgment follows God’s law and statutes.
(Deut 10:18; Ps 119:160; Matt 23:23; 1 Sam 8:20; Isa 33:22; Dan 7:22) · see Justice and Judgment, ch. 18

Righteousness applied to right a neighbor who has been wronged — the right Way to live. English translations often render the same Hebrew righteousness word as justice in such contexts.
(Gen 18:19/Jer 22:3; Ps 89:14/97:2) · see Justice and Judgment, ch. 18

To judge, declare, or demonstrate a person, word, deed, or cause right against a charge; the opposite is to condemn. God justifies the sinner through forgiveness in Christ, not by declaring wrongdoing right.
Commonly taught: God’s once-for-all declaration that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to a believer through faith apart from works.
(Deut 25:1; Prov 17:15; Matt 11:19; Luke 7:29; Rom 3:24-26; 4:4-8; 8:33; Jas 2:21-25) · see Uncommon Sanctification, Justification, and Cleanliness, and The End of the Law for Paul’s law, works, wages, and debt vocabulary

Covenant relationship recognized and proven by faithful obedience, extending from marital intimacy to acknowledgment by one’s covenant Lord. Knowing is not mere mental assent or awareness.
Opposite: Stranger.
(Gen 4:1; Hos 4:6; Matt 7:23; 1 John 2:3-4) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

Jesus Christ — the unblemished Passover sacrifice, slain to redeem His people and now reigning.
(Ex 12:5; Isa 53:7; John 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Pet 1:18-19; Rev 5:6-13)

The commandment.
(Prov 6:23) · see Light and Darkness, ch. 21

Corrupt teaching or conduct that works unseen until it permeates the whole body, like sour leaven spreading through bread.
(Lev 2:11; Matt 16:12; 1 Cor 5:7-8) · see Grass, ch. 42

The King’s jubilee release from bondage to sin into God’s household, inheritance, and faithful service. It changes masters rather than abolishing all authority; liberty is neither a license to sin nor freedom from the law’s obligations.
(Lev 25:10; Isa 61:1; Jas 1:25; 2 Pet 2:19) · see Liberty, ch. 19

Covenant existence — the life lived walking in the Way according to God’s law.
Commonly taught: Christ Himself, and the eternal life imparted to believers.
(Deut 30:19-20; Lev 18:5; John 14:6; Matt 7:14) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7

The law lived visibly as an example — obedient actions others can see.
Opposite: Darkness.
(Prov 6:23; Matt 5:16) · see Light and Darkness, ch. 21

A royal and devouring ruler or empire. Wicked rulers, Assyria, and Babylon bear the predatory figure; its rightful holder is the Lion of Judah.
(Prov 28:15; Zeph 3:3; Jer 50:17; Ezek 19; Rev 5:5) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7 — derived in the digital edition’s symbol study at TimeTested.Bible

A nation or organized people — the living counterpart of a beast or animal.
(Dan 7:3, 17; Rev 8:9; 16:3) · see The Bow, ch. 44

The Spirit and word of God going out to give life.
(Jer 2:13; John 7:38) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

The scattered house of Israel mingled with the nations, sought and regathered; more generally, any unrepentant sinner.
(Matt 15:24) · see Jacob, Israel & Ephraim, ch. 45

Self-giving, faithful obedience to God’s law in one’s dealings with God and others. Without obedience, there is no love.
Opposite: Hate.
(John 14:15; 1 Cor 13:3; 1 John 4:8-10; 5:3; 2 John 4-6; Rom 13:10) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

The covenant union of God and His people — a one-flesh bond in which the wife receives the Husband’s Name and comes under His covering.
Opposite: Divorce.
(Gen 2:24; Ezek 16:8; Eph 5:31-32; Rev 19:7) · see Marriage and Divorce, ch. 12

The word obeyed to completeness. Milk is the word received; meat is the same word carried through to complete obedience, exercising the senses to discern.
(John 4:34; 6:55; 7:17; Matt 12:50; Luke 8:21; Ps 40:8; Job 34:3; Heb 5:14; Matt 24:45) · see Introduction, ch. 1

Covenant loyalty expressed through compassion, forgiveness, and faithful dealing. Mercy received creates an obligation to show mercy, and Scripture joins pardon with confession and forsaking.
Commonly taught: compassion that withholds deserved punishment, often summarized without the covenant obligations surrounding it.
(Deut 7:9; Prov 28:13; Matt 18:27-35; 5:7) · see Grace, Mercy & the Gift, ch. 24

The halving of the night (Hebrew chatsot, the night divided) — the appointed hour of visitation, when judgment falls on the oppressor and the captive goes free in one stroke. It is also the one hour the sky itself announces: the full moon alone stands at its height at the night’s halving, so the night of fulness publishes the very hour the bridegroom’s cry names.
Commonly taught: a literal hour carrying darkest-before-dawn and suddenness themes — no fixed meaning, and no connection to the moon.
(Ex 11:4; 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Judg 16:3; Job 34:20; Ps 119:62; Matt 25:6; Acts 16:25-26) · see Return on the Full Moon, ch. 32

The word received before interpretation — proper food for babes, but meant to be worked, tested, and outgrown. Churned milk becomes butter, and butter is considered meat.
(1 Pet 2:2; 1 Cor 3:1-2; Isa 28:9; 7:15; Prov 30:33; Heb 5:12-13) · see Introduction, ch. 1

A short time expression pointing to the sudden destruction of Babylon the Great, aligned with the resurrection, gathering, and protection through judgment. In prophecy, unusually brief intervals may point directly or by type, shadow, or similitude to that appointed moment.
(Isa 47:9; Job 34:20; 1 Cor 15:52; Rev 18:8, 10, 17, 19) · see The Moment — a digital-edition chapter at TimeTested.Bible

The faithful witness — the reflecting, submissive side of a relationship. It pictures the Son submitting to and reflecting the Father, the wife submitting to her husband, and the Church submitting to Christ as Christ submits to the Father.
Commonly taught: the Church reflecting Christ’s light as the moon reflects the sun.
Ancient witness: Origen (Homilies on Genesis 1); Ambrose (Hexaemeron IV.8); Augustine (Exposition on Psalm 11).
(Ps 89:37; Rev 1:5; John 5:19, 30; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22-24) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

A kingdom, nation, or high place — the seat of ruling authority.
Opposite: Valley.
(Jer 51:25; Dan 2:35) · see Mountain, ch. 39

Without covenant covering — exposed in one’s sin.
Opposite: Garment.
(Ezek 16:8; Gen 3:7) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43

The covenant identity of a house, consisting of its Head’s Word, covenant law, and fruitful priesthood. Substituting any one creates a counterfeit Name; rejecting, replacing, or removing any one takes the Name in vain.
Commonly taught: the person’s character, authority, and reputation.
(2 Sam 6:2; 7:2, 13; 1 Kgs 8:20-21; Heb 9:4; Deut 8:3; 4:13; Num 17:5, 8; Ex 20:7; Isa 4:1) · see The Name, ch. 8

The enclosure by which a power takes the living from the sea of peoples — of every kind, alive — for the sorting of the harvest: vessels or furnace, never ransomed. Armies are God’s net, carrying the catch to judgment; the gospel is the kingdom’s; the wicked hide theirs, and their own foot is taken in it. Hebrew writes the dragnet and the devoted thing with one word: what the net brings up is wholly consecrated or wholly destroyed.
(Hab 1:14-17; Ezek 32:3; 17:20; Matt 13:47-50; Ezek 47:10) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

A renewed Word, covenant, and priesthood — known, received, and kept only by the one who bears the renewed Name.
Commonly taught: a new God-given identity and character bestowed on the overcomer.
(Gen 32:28; Isa 62:2-5; 65:15; Rev 2:17) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

The renewed moon — the phase of the moon that marks the start of the month: the full moon in the east gate and sign of the appointed times.
Commonly taught: the dark conjunction or first visible crescent that begins the month.
(Ps 81:3; Job 10:17; Ps 89:36-37; 1 Sam 20:5, 18; Isa 66:23; Ezek 46:1-3; Amos 8:5; Col 2:16-17) · see The Pearls of Wisdom, ch. 31, and Time Tested Tradition, When Does the Month Start?

The absence of Day and Light — visible obedience — marked by sleep or death and by sinful deeds concealed in darkness. At the largest scale, it is the period from the fall of man until the Kingdom of God begins on earth.
Opposite: Day.
(Gen 1:5; 1 Thess 5:5-7) · see Light and Darkness, ch. 21

A great city of the sea — Gentile people who repent and rise in judgment against those who reject Jesus.
(Matt 12:41) · see The Sign of Jonah, ch. 4

The hidden quarter and the direction from which concealed invaders emerge. The north country gathers the nations that spoil Babylon; the enemy seeks his seat in its hidden recesses. It is also the direction of God’s mountain.
(Jer 1:14; 50:9, 41; 51:48; Ps 48:2; Isa 14:13; Rev 17:16-18) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35, and Lucifer’s Declared Plan, ch. 30

The tested, pressed fruit of the Spirit, stored as evidence of faithful obedience and burned to give a visible example that lights the Way.
Commonly taught: the Holy Spirit — anointing, consecration, and empowering.
Ancient witness: Chrysostom (Homily 78 on Matthew); Hilary (on Matthew 25, gathered in the Catena Aurea).
(Ex 25:6; 27:20; Ps 119:11, 151, 172; 141:5; Prov 6:23; 7:1-3; 21:20; 23:23; 27:5-9; Jer 31:33; Ezek 36:27; Zech 4:6-14; Matt 25:3-9; 5:16; John 12:50; 1 John 2:4) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20, and The Anointing

Israel, the covenant people.
(Jer 11:16; Hos 9:10) · see Trees, ch. 41

The open hand — the palm that covered Moses in the cleft, that Zion is graven upon beside her walls named Salvation, that the virtuous woman stretches out to the poor, that prayer spreads toward heaven. Often translated “hand,” but Hebrew separates kaph, the hand laid open — to cover, carry, offer — from yad, the hand of power; Isaiah 62:3 holds both in one verse. The palm tree is a symbol of its own.
(Ex 33:22; Isa 49:16; 62:3; Prov 31:20; Ps 139:5) · see The Pearl, ch. 31

The righteous — “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree… planted in the house of the LORD” — carved beside the cherubim on the temple’s walls and doors, and in the hands of the white-robed multitude before the throne. Its branches are kappot — bent palms, the frond named for the open palm of the hand (Leviticus 23:40).
(Ps 92:12-13; 1 Kings 6:29; Ezek 41:18; Lev 23:40; John 12:13; Rev 7:9)

Covenant wholeness restored through righteousness — completion, restoration, and repayment rather than merely a truce or feeling. Counterfeit peace announces wholeness over an unkept covenant.
Opposite: Sword.
(Isa 32:17; Ps 119:165; Isa 48:18; Num 25:12; Ezek 34:25; 37:26; Isa 52:7; Eph 2:14; Jer 6:14; John 14:27; Heb 7:2) · see Gospel, ch. 5

The full moon — one complete light marking an appointed month and meeting at the east gate. The city’s twelve pearl-gates correspond to the twelve months and bear the tribes' names.
Commonly taught: the kingdom worth everything, or the Church purchased by Christ.
(Prov 3:15; 31:10; Ps 81:3; Prov 7:20; Job 26:9; Ps 104:19; Rev 21:21) · see The Pearls of Wisdom, ch. 31

Those bowed and empty-handed before God, able to receive what the self-sufficient refuse. The poor, meek, and needy hear the gospel and inherit the kingdom.
Opposite: Rich.
(Ps 37:11/Matt 5:5; Isa 61:1/Luke 4:18; Isa 66:2; Jas 2:5; Ps 72:12-13) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

The faithful few preserved and gathered from what remains — like gleanings left at the field’s edge and gold separated from dross.
(Ruth 2; 1 Kgs 19:18; Zech 13:8-9; Rom 11:5) · see The Remnant, ch. 15

The self-sufficient who believe they need nothing and therefore cannot receive. True wealth is riches toward God: tested faith and righteous covering.
Opposite: Poor.
(Rev 3:17-18; Rev 2:9; Prov 13:7; Luke 12:21) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

Right-living. God is Right-Living by definition; for those under His authority, righteousness is His commandments lived out.
Opposite: Sin.
Commonly taught: primarily right standing before God — Christ’s imputed righteousness received by faith apart from works — with right-living as its subsequent fruit and evidence.
Ancient witness: Chrysostom (Homily 15 on Matthew); the Septuagint (Deuteronomy 6:25).
(Deut 32:4; 6:25; Ps 119:172; 145:17; Luke 17:7-10; Rom 4:4-8; Phil 3:9; Heb 11:8; 1 John 3:7) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6, for the dependent definitions; The End of the Law for Paul’s wage, debt, law, and obedience vocabulary; and Garments & Armor, ch. 43, for righteousness given and worn

Jesus Christ, the covenant Head and bedrock beneath His house and kingdom — the foundation, refuge, and source upon whom His people stand.
Opposite: Sand.
(Deut 32:4; Ps 40:2; Isa 32:2; Matt 7:24-25; 1 Cor 10:4) · see Mountain, ch. 39

A countless multitude and, when used as a foundation, the instability of building upon the crowd rather than the covenant Rock — people not bound together by a covenant.
Opposite: Rock.
(Gen 22:17; Hos 1:10; Rev 20:8; Matt 7:26) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

A complete seven crowned by rest — the week itself, and the unit at every scale the law counts: the land’s seventh year, the seven sevens to Jubilee. Hebrew counts "seven sabbaths" (shabbatot) where Deuteronomy counts the same span as "seven weeks" (shavuot); Greek calls the week the sabbath — "twice in the sabbath" (dis tou sabbatou) is twice a week, and every "first day of the week" is "one of the sabbaths" (mia sabbatōn). The rest is the completing member of the whole unit.
Commonly taught: the seventh-day rest itself — the day, not the seven it completes; where the text counts sabbaths, translators quietly substitute "weeks."
Ancient witness: the Septuagint (Leviticus 23:15); Talmud (Menachot 65a); Didache 8.
(Lev 23:15 with Deut 16:9; Lev 25:2-8; Luke 18:12; Matt 28:1; Heb 4:9) · see The Sabbath, ch. 32

The marked member of the sabbath-unit — the day of the sabbath, as the renewed-moon day is the day of the month; Ezekiel 46:1 sets the two genitives side by side. When the law means the resting member itself it doubles the word — shabbat shabbaton, "the sabbath of rest" — wherever that rest falls: the seventh day, the Day of Atonement, the land’s seventh year. Greek writes the same construction: "the day of the sabbaths" (hē hēmera tōn sabbatōn).
(Ex 20:8; Ezek 46:1; Ex 31:15; Lev 23:32; Luke 4:16) · see The Sabbath, ch. 32

To remove from common status and place under an owner’s claim for an appointed purpose; also, to acknowledge and treat as holy. God sanctifies by claiming; people sanctify God and His Name by honoring Him as holy.
Commonly taught: progressive inward renewal by which believers die to sin and grow in righteousness.
(Ex 13:2; Num 8:17; Isa 8:13; Ezek 36:23; John 10:36; 17:19; 1 Cor 7:14; 1 Thess 4:3-7; 2 Tim 2:21; Heb 10:10, 29) · see Uncommon Sanctification, Justification, and Cleanliness

The full moon in its enthroned and bridal form — the clear sapphire likeness at the place of God’s throne, whose rare “clearness” (tohar, Exodus 24:10) is the very word for the throne-glory that can be made to cease (Psalm 89:44): a brightness worn, not owned. Identified with Issachar.
Commonly taught: the blue of heaven itself — the sky as pavement and throne-likeness, divine glory; no lunar identification.
(Ex 24:10; Job 37:18, 21; Ps 89:36-37, 44; Song 5:10, 14; 6:9-10; Isa 54:5, 11; Lam 4:7-8; Ezek 1:26; 10:1; Rev 4:6; 21:9, 19, 21) · see Issachar and The Pearls of Wisdom, ch. 31

Covenant blood displayed outwardly — and counterfeited by those who wear the form without the substance.
(Isa 1:18; Josh 2:18; Heb 9:19; Rev 17:4) · see Garments & Armor, ch. 43 — derived in the digital edition’s symbol study at TimeTested.Bible

Peoples and nations in an unrooted mass. Below the firmament they are restless; gathered above, they become the still waters of heaven, the sea of glass.
(Rev 17:15; Gen 1:6-8; Ps 148:4; Rev 4:6; 15:2) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

The Name impressed upon its owner, marking covenant identity and allegiance in the forehead. God’s seal joins ownership with departure from iniquity; the counterfeit claims the same place.
(Ex 28:36-38; 13:9; Ezek 9:4-6; 2 Tim 2:19; Rev 7:3; 14:1; 22:4; 13:16) · see The Seal, ch. 10

A generative word or life planted to reproduce after its kind. In the sower it is God’s word; in the wheat and tares it is children; the promised Seed is Messiah; and one planted person may grow into a house, people, or nation-tree.
(Gen 1:11-12; 3:15; Isa 51:2; Matt 13:19, 31-32, 38; John 12:24; Gal 3:16) · see The Parables of the Kingdom, ch. 2, Trees, ch. 41, and Grass, ch. 42

The deceiver; the one who strips the covenant covering.
(Gen 3:1) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40 — derived in the digital edition’s symbol study at TimeTested.Bible

An object or activity shaped like the substance casting it, marking the reach and boundary of that substance’s covering. The appointed times and holy assemblies are the Shadow of Christ’s substance; the Shadow of Death is its opposite.
Opposite: Shadow of Death.
(Ps 91:1; Num 14:9; Col 2:16-17; Heb 8:5; 10:1; Lev 23:2-4) · see Shadow, ch. 17

A shadow is an image, outline, or boundary of its subject. The Shadow of Death marks the boundary of Death’s mountain-kingdom. A valley is the low passage between two mountain-kingdoms; in Psalm 23, the Shepherd leads His people through that border from Death’s kingdom of darkness into Christ’s kingdom of light and life. It is the inverse of the Shadow of Life—the Shadow of Christ.
Opposite: the Shadow of Christ.
(Ps 23:4; 1 Sam 17:3; Dan 2:35, 44; Ps 107:10, 14; Isa 9:2; Luke 1:78-79; Col 1:13) · see Shadow, ch. 17, and Mountain, ch. 39

The covenant people — His flock — who hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow.
(Ps 95:7; Ezek 34:30-31; John 10:3-4, 14-16, 27) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

The demanding place — from sha’al, to demand: mortality’s claim on all flesh, swallowing righteous and wicked alike, personified with a mouth, gates, and bars. Its dead sleep in silence until it is made to give them back; then it is itself destroyed — “O grave, I will be thy destruction.” It is distinct from Gehenna, the judgment.
(Gen 37:35; Ps 16:10; Eccl 9:5; Isa 5:14; Hos 13:14; Rev 20:13-14) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

An organized kingdom, city, or state riding upon the sea of peoples. Its rulers steer and inhabitants crew it; Christ can rule the waters without a vessel, but when He boards one it comes under its true Head.
Commonly taught: the Church, a vessel carrying believers safely through the world.
(Ezek 27:2-36; Isa 23:1-18; Acts 27:22, 31, 37, 41-44; Rev 18:9-19; Jonah 1:4-16) · see The Ship

A marked witness by which God makes His word known: either a prophetic word, scene, or lived similitude given in advance, whose fulfillment testifies; or a visible covenant token that bears continuing witness to an established word. Neither sense requires a wonder performed on demand.
Commonly taught: a miraculous act pointing to God’s power and Christ’s identity.
Ancient witness: Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha 9); Ramban (on Genesis 12:6).
(Gen 9:12-16; 17:11; Ex 31:13, 17; Isa 7:14; Ezek 24:24; Luke 11:30) · see Signs and Similitudes, ch. 3

The transgression of the law — Scripture’s own definition: “sin is the transgression of the law”; where no law is, there is no transgression, and by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Opposite: Righteousness.
(1 John 3:4; Rom 4:15; 3:20; 7:7) · see Grace, Mercy & the Gift, ch. 24

A spiritual name of Jerusalem — the prophets address her rulers so to their faces: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom… ye people of Gomorrah”; Ezekiel calls Sodom her sister and Jerusalem the worse; and Revelation writes the name on “the great city… where also our Lord was crucified.”
(Isa 1:10; Ezek 16:46-48; Rev 11:8) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The righteous, who rule the night with the Son — “they that be wise shall shine… as the stars for ever”; the twelve stars are the twelve tribes, gathered into the twelve constellations, the Mazzaroth.
(Dan 12:3; Ps 136:9; Gen 37:9; Rev 12:1; Job 38:32) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

A person as a building member of a house or kingdom. Jesus is the rejected living Stone made the chief cornerstone; His people are living stones built under and aligned to Him. The Stone cut without hands is Christ as Head of the kingdom that grows into the Mountain filling the earth.
(Isa 28:16; Ps 118:22; Dan 2:34-35, 44-45; Matt 21:42; Eph 2:20-22; 1 Pet 2:4-7) · see Mountain, ch. 39

The nations in turmoil — the raging sea, stilled at Christ’s word, “Peace, be still”.
Commonly taught: divine judgment, and the trials of life which Christ has power to calm.
(Ps 65:7; Isa 17:12-13; Mark 4:39; Luke 21:25) · see Sea & Waters, ch. 40

A non-citizen of God’s commonwealth — one outside the covenant, drawn in, or, once in, made a stranger to the world.
Opposite: Knowing.
(Eph 2:12, 19) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

The Father, the source of light, from which every lesser light is drawn; the righteous shall shine as the sun in His kingdom.
(Ps 84:11; Gen 37:9; Matt 13:43) · see Sun, Moon & Stars, ch. 29

An unclean Beast — a people or kingdom displaying the outward covenant sign without the inward work, like a parted hoof without chewing the cud. Swine trample what is holy and return to uncleanness after washing. Gathered as a religious body, they are the Synagogue of Satan: those who say they are Jews and are not.
(Lev 11:7; Isa 66:5, 17; Matt 7:6; 23:27-28; Rom 2:28-29; 2 Pet 2:22; Rev 2:9; 3:9) · see The Other White Meat, ch. 48

The Word of God wielded by the Spirit to discern and execute judgment; also war and the governing force that carries judgment out. It proceeds from Christ’s mouth, takes peace from the earth, and guards the way.
Opposite in its war sense: Peace.
(Isa 49:2; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16; 2:16; 6:4; 19:15, 21; Rom 13:4; Gen 3:24) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7; and The Four Winds, ch. 34

The prophet that teacheth lies — Isaiah’s own decode, with head and tail already defined by the covenant: obedience makes Israel “the head, and not the tail,” and the curse inverts it. The dragon fells a third of the stars with its tail — the led destroyed by the misleading — and the trumpet armies' serpent-tails “had heads”: the liar enthroned. Moses is told to seize the serpent exactly there.
(Isa 9:15-16; Deut 28:13, 44; Rev 12:4; 9:19; Ex 4:4) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The counterfeit sown among the wheat by the enemy — a weed that mimics the true grain until the harvest, then is bound in bundles and burned; the children of the wicked one, distinct from the winnowed chaff.
Opposite: Wheat.
(Matt 13:25-30, 38-40) · see Grass, ch. 42

To cast sinning angels into Tartarus: confinement in chains of darkness while they await judgment. The word does not name the grave of the human dead or Gehenna’s destructive verdict.
(2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6) · see Heaven and Hell, ch. 16

The stronghold raised by a Name around its house — refuge, watchtower, and lighthouse in one: high to see danger, giving light to guide the house, and covered to shelter those who come inside. A strong tower is an intact Name protecting its people; an unfinished tower is a Name begun without depth to endure its cost; a fallen tower is a covenant stronghold broken, emptied, or judged.
(Prov 18:10; Ex 13:21; Isa 4:5-6; Hab 2:1; Gen 11:1-8; Luke 14:28-30; Matt 13:20-21; Luke 13:4-5) · see The Tower

A rooted covenant life known by its fruit, growing in scale from one planted seed or person into a house, lineage, people, or nation. The mature branches are members and may shelter others; the fruit becomes seed for further growth.
(Ps 1:3; Isa 51:2; Ezek 17:22-24; Dan 4:22; Matt 13:31-32; Luke 6:43-45; Rom 11:17) · see Trees, ch. 41

God’s law — the standard.
Commonly taught: Christ Himself, and God’s word — the gospel that sets free.
Ancient witness: Talmud (Berakhot 5b).
(Ps 119:142; 2 John 4) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7

The tassels bound to the corners of the garment; looking upon them reminds the wearer of all the LORD’s commandments, to do them.
(Num 15:38-39) · see Wings, ch. 13

Discernment of good from evil, gained by departing from evil — “a good understanding have all they that do his commandments”.
(Job 28:28; Ps 111:10) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

The low and humbled passage between mountain-kingdoms: the Way of descent, service, and obedience even unto death by which one leaves one rule and ascends another. A valley lifted or filled pictures resurrection, exaltation, and the preparation of the Way into the Mountain of God.
Opposite: Mountain.
Commonly taught: the low seasons of trial and death, set against the mountaintop.
(1 Sam 17:3, 8-9; Isa 40:3-4; Ezek 37:1-14; Luke 3:4-5; Phil 2:5-9) · see Mountain, ch. 39, and Shadow, ch. 17 — derived in the digital edition’s symbol study at TimeTested.Bible

The espoused — betrothed to one husband with the wedding still ahead: covenant standing, not attainment; the law counts a betrothed virgin already a wife, the prophets call the ten-tribe house re-espoused after her divorce “the virgin of Israel,” and virgins plural are the bride’s companions who follow her in.
Opposite: Harlot.
(Deut 22:23-24; Joel 1:8; Jer 31:4, 21; Amos 5:2; Ps 45:14-15; 2 Cor 11:2; Matt 25:1) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

The words of the one who speaks; the Shepherd’s voice is His words.
(John 10:27) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6

Covenant conduct — the walk.
Commonly taught: Jesus Himself as the one way to the Father; the narrow way against the broad.
Ancient witness: Didache 1; Epistle of Barnabas 18; Talmud (Bava Metzia 30b).
(Jer 6:16; Matt 7:14) · see The Way, the Truth & the Life, ch. 7

Salvation — the covenant's enclosure: “thou shalt call thy walls Salvation”; God Himself “a wall of fire round about.” The counterfeit is self-built — wealth’s high wall “in his own conceit,” and the whitewashed wall of false peace that the storm flattens.
(Isa 60:18; Zech 2:5; Prov 18:11; Ezek 13:10-15) · see The Parable of the Vineyard

A unit of seven, not necessarily seven days. Scripture applies a week to days or years according to the scale being counted.
(Gen 29:27-28; Lev 23:15-16; 25:8; Dan 9:24-25) · see Daniel Unsealed, ch. 36

Where a course ends — behind, the destination. The Hebrew for west is “sea” (yam): Scripture’s compass faces east, placing the western sea at the back as the “hinder sea.” The related after/back/end word-family can therefore mark what is last, latter, or westernmost; and east and west together span complete separation.
Opposite: East.
Ancient witness: Sifre Deuteronomy 357; Rashi (on Deuteronomy 34:2).
(Deut 11:24; Zech 14:8; Joel 2:20; Jer 50:12; Ps 103:12) · see The Fall of Babylon, ch. 35

The children of the kingdom — the good grain gathered into the barn at the harvest.
Opposite: Tares.
(Matt 13:38; 3:12) · see Grass, ch. 42

God’s covenant people cut off from their Husband.
(Lam 1:1; Isa 54:5) · see Orphans, Widows & the Fatherless, ch. 14

Spirit — ruach.
(Zech 6:5) · see The Four Winds, ch. 34

The vineyard’s reckoning — where the fruit that a people has borne is pressed out and rendered to the Owner, in one of two vintages: presses that “burst out with new wine” when the grapes are good; the growers themselves trodden — “the great winepress of the wrath of God” — and blood for wine, when the vintage is wickedness.
(Isa 5:2, 7; Prov 3:10; Joel 2:24; 3:13; Lam 1:15; Isa 63:3; Rev 14:19-20) · see The Parable of the Vineyard

The covenant edge — wing, skirt, border, corner — where the reminder of the law is bound and refuge is found.
(Ezek 16:8) · see Wings, ch. 13

The fear of the LORD lived out — the doing of the commandments; “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”.
(Prov 9:10; Ps 111:10; Deut 4:6) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

One who hears God’s word and does it, who fears the LORD.
Opposite: Fool.
(Matt 7:24; Ps 111:10) · see The Fool and the Wise, ch. 20

A work is a deed, not a synonym for obedience. It becomes obedience when it fulfills a legitimate command and disobedience when it conflicts with God’s command; context separately identifies wages, duty, or faith made visible.
Commonly taught: human obedience and effort set against faith in Paul’s salvation texts, with good works following salvation as evidence.
(Ex 18:20; Ps 111:7; Mic 6:16; Luke 17:7-10; Rom 4:4-5; Jas 2:21-22) · see Love, Knowing, Faith & Belief, ch. 6, for faith and works, and The End of the Law for Paul’s works, wages, and duty vocabulary

Deeds performed under an obligation imposed by law or decree. Context identifies whose law and which duty; fulfilling it may be obedience, but it does not put the lawgiver in debt or earn any benefit.
Commonly taught: deeds required by the Mosaic law, generally treated as human obedience set against faith.
(Rom 3:20, 28; 9:32 KJV/TR; Gal 2:16; 3:2, 5, 10) · see The End of the Law

To bow down and serve — homage in the body, allegiance in the life; the fear of the LORD made visible, kept at His appointed times, on His terms. Not the song service: Scripture separates worship from singing in single scenes.
(Ex 20:5; Matt 4:10/Deut 6:13; 2 Chr 20:18-19; Rev 14:7) · see Worship, ch. 22

A turning — shanah, written on the root to change, repeat, return: one complete cycle of time, at whatever scale the count is running — Jeremiah’s seventy “years” close only as seventy jubilees, and a thousand years pass as a day.
(Jer 25:11-12; Dan 9:2, 24; Ps 90:4) · see Daniel Unsealed, ch. 36