Dictionary of Bible Themes Objects, actions or creatures that have a deeper significance and are so understood by those who see them or use them. See also Symbolic objects Genesis 9:13The rainbow: a symbol of God's covenant Ezekiel 1:28Revelation 4:3 Genesis 28:11-13 John 1:51 A stairway: a symbol of the way to God Exodus 19:16-18; 24:17Psalms 97:2,4 Thunder, lightning, cloud and smoke: symbols of God's majesty Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19Psalms 29:3; 68:33 Thunder: a symbol of God's voice Exodus 19:19Revelation 8:6 Trumpets: a symbol of God speaking Exodus 13:21The pillar of cloud and fire: a symbol of guidance Isaiah 6:1Ezekiel 1:26 A throne: a symbol of God's glory Revelation 4:2; 22:3Ezekiel 37:1-2,11 Dry bones: a symbol of spiritual death Daniel 7:9Revelation 1:14 White hair: a symbol of wisdom John 3:8Acts 2:2 The wind: a symbol of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:3Fire: a symbol of the Holy Spirit Revelation 1:20Stars and lampstands: symbols of God's ministers Esther 8:10Haggai 2:23 A signet ring: a symbol of authority Psalms 38:2; 120:4Arrows: symbols of God's judgments Psalms 2:9Revelation 2:27; 19:15 A sceptre: a symbol of God's rule Matthew 21:42The capstone: a symbol of pre-eminence Psalms 118:22pp Mk 12:10-11 pp Lk 20:17 Psalms 18:2; 40:2A rock: a symbol of stability 1 Corinthians 12:27The human body: a symbol of interdependence Psalms 90:5-61 Peter 1:24 Grass: a symbol of human frailty Genesis 3:1Symbolic creatures Revelation 12:9; 20:1-3The serpent: a symbol of Satan's subtlety Exodus 10:12Joel 1:4 Locusts: a symbol of God's judgment Revelation 9:3Daniel 7:2-7,17; 8:20-22 Beasts: symbols of earthly kingdoms Matthew 3:16A dove: a symbol of the Holy Spirit pp Mk 1:10 Revelation 5:6pp Lk 3:22 A lamb: a symbol of Jesus Christ's sacrifice Jeremiah 19:10-11Symbolic actions Breaking a jar: a symbol of the destruction of Jerusalem Matthew 21:18-19The cursing of a fig-tree: a symbol of judgment Matthew 27:24pp Mk 11:12-14 Washing hands: a symbol of innocence Psalms 63:1John 7:37 Being thirsty: a symbol of spiritual need Acts 22:16Romans 6:3-4 Baptism: a symbol of salvation in Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3:21Matthew 26:26-29 The Lord's Supper: a symbol of union with Christ pp Mk 14:22-24 pp Lk 22:19-20 1 Samuel 16:13pp 1Co 11:23-26 Luke 4:18Anointing: a symbol of empowering by God's Spirit Isaiah 61:1Joel 3:12-13 Matthew 13:29-30 Harvesting: a symbol of judgment day Revelation 14:15Genesis 37:29,34 Joshua 7:6 Tearing garments: a symbol of anger and sorrow Isaiah 50:6Matthew 26:67 Spitting: a symbol of contempt Matthew 10:14pp Mk 14:65 Shaking off dust: a symbol of rejection Acts 13:51pp Lk 9:5 Psalms 69:11Isaiah 22:12 Sitting in sackcloth and ashes: a symbol of repentance Jonah 3:5-6Matthew 11:21 Psalms 63:4 1 Timothy 2:8 Lifting of hands: a symbol of prayer 1 Corinthians 11:3-10Covering the head: a symbol of submission Numbers 6:25-26Symbols expressing God's nature and character Psalms 34:16God's face: a symbol of his presence Psalms 21:8; 89:13God's arm or hand: a symbol of his power Proverbs 15:31 Peter 3:12 God's eyes: a symbol of his awareness Psalms 31:2Isaiah 59:1 God's ear: a symbol of God listening See also 1210 God, human descriptions1448 signs 1651 numbers, 1-2 3120 Holy Spirit, descriptions 5865 gestures 6732 repentance 7302 altar 7903 baptism 7933 Lord's Supper 9210 judgment, God's |
    |