1670 symbols
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  1000 God  »  1600 Scripture as the word of God  »  1670 symbols

Objects, actions or creatures that have a deeper significance and are so understood by those who see them or use them.

Symbolic objects

The rainbow: a symbol of God's covenant

See also Genesis 9:13; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3

A stairway: a symbol of the way to God

Genesis 28:11-13; John 1:51

Thunder, lightning, cloud and smoke: symbols of God's majesty

Exodus 19:16-18; Exodus 24:17; Psalm 97:2,4; Revelation 4:5; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:19

Thunder: a symbol of God's voice

Psalm 29:3; Psalm 68:33

Trumpets: a symbol of God speaking

Exodus 19:19; Revelation 8:6

The pillar of cloud and fire: a symbol of guidance

Exodus 13:21

A throne: a symbol of God's glory

Isaiah 6:1; Ezekiel 1:26; Revelation 4:2; Revelation 22:3

Dry bones: a symbol of spiritual death

Ezekiel 37:1-2,11

White hair: a symbol of wisdom

Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14

The wind: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

John 3:8; Acts 2:2

Fire: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:3

Stars and lampstands: symbols of God's ministers

Revelation 1:20

A signet ring: a symbol of authority

Esther 8:10; Haggai 2:23

Arrows: symbols of God's judgments

Psalm 38:2; Psalm 120:4

A sceptre: a symbol of God's rule

Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 19:15

The capstone: a symbol of pre-eminence

Matthew 21:42 pp Mark 12:10-11 pp Luke 20:17; Psalm 118:22

A rock: a symbol of stability

Psalm 18:2; Psalm 40:2

The human body: a symbol of interdependence

1 Corinthians 12:27

Grass: a symbol of human frailty

Psalm 90:5-6; 1 Peter 1:24

Symbolic creatures

The serpent: a symbol of Satan's subtlety

Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:1-3

Locusts: a symbol of God's judgment

Exodus 10:12; Joel 1:4; Revelation 9:3

Beasts: symbols of earthly kingdoms

Daniel 7:2-7,17; Daniel 8:20-22

A dove: a symbol of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:16 pp Mark 1:10 pp Luke 3:22

A lamb: a symbol of Jesus Christ's sacrifice

Revelation 5:6

Symbolic actions

Breaking a jar: a symbol of the destruction of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 19:10-11

The cursing of a fig-tree: a symbol of judgment

Matthew 21:18-19 pp Mark 11:12-14

Washing hands: a symbol of innocence

Matthew 27:24

Being thirsty: a symbol of spiritual need

Psalm 63:1; John 7:37

Baptism: a symbol of salvation in Jesus Christ

Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21

The Lord's Supper: a symbol of union with Christ

Matthew 26:26-29 pp Mark 14:22-24 pp Luke 22:19-20 pp 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Anointing: a symbol of empowering by God's Spirit

1 Samuel 16:13; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1

Harvesting: a symbol of judgment day

Joel 3:12-13; Matthew 13:29-30; Revelation 14:15

Tearing garments: a symbol of anger and sorrow

Genesis 37:29,34; Joshua 7:6

Spitting: a symbol of contempt

Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67 pp Mark 14:65

Shaking off dust: a symbol of rejection

Matthew 10:14 pp Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51

Sitting in sackcloth and ashes: a symbol of repentance

Psalm 69:11; Isaiah 22:12; Jonah 3:5-6; Matthew 11:21

Lifting of hands: a symbol of prayer

Psalm 63:4; 1 Timothy 2:8

Covering the head: a symbol of submission

1 Corinthians 11:3-10

Symbols expressing God's nature and character

God's face: a symbol of his presence

Numbers 6:25-26; Psalm 34:16

God's arm or hand: a symbol of his power

Psalm 21:8; Psalm 89:13

God's eyes: a symbol of his awareness

Proverbs 15:3; 1 Peter 3:12

God's ear: a symbol of God listening

Psalm 31:2; Isaiah 59:1

See also

1210  God, human descriptions
1448  signs
1650  numbers, significance
3120  Holy Spirit, descriptions
5865  gestures
6732  repentance
7271  Zion, as symbol
7903  baptism
7933  Lord's Supper
9210  judgment, God's



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