[1] 1:1 revelation An opening up (making known) of truth that was hidden.

[2] 1:4 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[3] 1:4 Asia The geographical area, sometimes called Asia Minor, that is now the western part of modern Turkey.

[4] 1:4 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[5] 1:6 kingdom See "God's kingdom."

[6] 1:6 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[7] 1:6 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[8] 1:7 pierced When Jesus was killed, he was stabbed with a spear in the side. See Jn. 19:34.

[9] 1:8 Alpha . Omega The first and last letters in the Greek alphabet, meaning the beginning and the end.

[10] 1:9 believer Where this word is marked, it is literally "brother," a term used by followers of Jesus Christ to refer to fellow members of God's family.

[11] 1:9 Patmos A small island in the Aegean Sea, near the coast of modern Turkey.

[12] 1:9 message See "Good News."

[13] 1:10 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[14] 1:13 Son of Man The name that Jesus most often used for himself. The phrase in Hebrew or Aramaic means "human being" or "mankind," but in Dan. 7:13-14 it is used of a future savior and king, and this was later understood to be the Messiah, the one God would send to save his people.

[15] 1:18 Hades The Greek word for "Sheol," the home of the dead. It is often used as a metaphor for death.

[16] 2:1 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[17] 2:2 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[18] 2:6 Nicolaitans A religious group that followed wrong ideas. Also in verse 15.

[19] 2:7 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[20] 2:7 tree of life The tree whose fruit gives people the power to live forever. See Gen. 2:9; 3:22 and Rev. 22:1-2.

[21] 2:7 paradise A wonderful place of blessing, where God's people go when they die.

[22] 2:8 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[23] 2:9 group Literally, "synagogue."

[24] 2:9 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[25] 2:10 crown Literally, "wreath," a ring of leaves or branches that was placed on the head of the winners of athletic contests to honor them. It is a symbol of victory and reward.

[26] 2:11 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[27] 2:12 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[28] 2:13 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[29] 2:13 faithful witness A person who speaks God's message truthfully, even in times of danger.

[30] 2:14 Balaam A non-Israelite prophet in the Old Testament who was hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse his enemy Israel. Read Num. 22-24.

[31] 2:14 Israel The Israelite nation, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also called "Israel."

[32] 2:14 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[33] 2:17 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[34] 2:17 manna The special food provided by God that the Israelites gathered daily from the ground during the 40 years they wandered through the desert. See Ex. 16:4-36.

[35] 2:18 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[36] 2:20 prophet Jezebel was a false prophet. She claimed to speak for God, but she didn't really speak God's truth.

[37] 2:20 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[38] 2:22 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[39] 2:24 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[40] 2:27 These verses are almost the same as Ps. 2:8-9.

[41] 2:29 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[42] 3:1 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[43] 3:6 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[44] 3:7 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[45] 3:7 David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.

[46] 3:9 group Literally, "synagogue."

[47] 3:9 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[48] 3:11 crown Literally, "wreath," a ring of leaves or branches that was placed on the head of the winners of athletic contests to honor them. It is a symbol of victory and reward.

[49] 3:12 pillar One of the tall, carved stones used to hold up the roof of a building.

[50] 3:12 new Jerusalem The spiritual city where God's people live with him.

[51] 3:13 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[52] 3:14 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[53] 3:14 Amen Used here, as a name for Jesus, it means to agree strongly that something is true.

[54] 3:22 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[55] 4:2 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[56] 4:4 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[57] 4:9 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[58] 5:1 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[59] 5:1 seal A small stone or ring with a picture carved in it that was pressed into wet clay or hot wax to hold down the loose end of a scroll. It left a special mark, also called a seal, that was like a signature to keep anyone from opening the scroll except the right person.

[60] 5:5 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[61] 5:5 Lion Used here to refer to Jesus.

[62] 5:5 David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.

[63] 5:6 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[64] 5:8 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[65] 5:8 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[66] 5:12 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[67] 5:14 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[68] 6:1 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[69] 6:1 seal A small stone or ring with a picture carved in it that was pressed into wet clay or hot wax to hold down the loose end of a scroll. It left a special mark, also called a seal, that was like a signature to keep anyone from opening the scroll except the right person.

[70] 6:2 crown Literally, "wreath," a ring of leaves or branches that was placed on the head of the winners of athletic contests to honor them. It is a symbol of victory and reward.

[71] 6:6 quart Literally, "choinix," the amount of the daily ration of grain for a soldier. Equals about 1 liter.

[72] 6:8 Hades The Greek word for "Sheol," the home of the dead. It is often used as a metaphor for death.

[73] 6:9 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[74] 6:9 message See "Good News."

[75] 6:12 sackcloth Here, literally "sackcloth of hair." This was a rough, dark cloth made from the hair of goats or camels that people sometimes wore as a symbol of mourning or sadness.

[76] 6:14 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[77] 7:2 seal A small stone or ring with a picture carved in it that was pressed into wet clay or hot wax to hold down the loose end of a scroll. It left a special mark, also called a seal, that was like a signature to keep anyone from opening the scroll except the right person.

[78] 7:4 Israel First, Israel was the people descended from Jacob (see "Israel" in the Word List), but the name is also used to mean all of God's people.

[79] 7:9 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[80] 7:11 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[81] 7:12 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[82] 7:12 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[83] 7:14 washed their robes Meaning that they believed in Jesus so that their sins could be forgiven.

[84] 8:1 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[85] 8:1 seal A small stone or ring with a picture carved in it that was pressed into wet clay or hot wax to hold down the loose end of a scroll. It left a special mark, also called a seal, that was like a signature to keep anyone from opening the scroll except the right person.

[86] 8:3 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[87] 8:3 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[88] 8:3 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[89] 8:11 Bitterness Literally, "Wormwood," a very bitter plant; here, it is a symbol of bitter sorrow.

[90] 9:3 locusts Insects like grasshoppers that could destroy a large crop very quickly. See Ex. 10. The law of Moses said that locusts could be eaten. See Lev. 11:21-22.

[91] 9:11 Abaddon In the Old Testament this was a name for the place of death. See Job 26:6 and Ps. 88:11.

[92] 9:11 Apollyon A name that means "Destroyer."

[93] 9:13 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[94] 9:17 vision Something like a dream used by God to speak to people.

[95] 9:20 demon An evil spirit from the devil.

[96] 9:20 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[97] 10:2 scroll A long roll of paper or leather used for writing on.

[98] 10:7 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[99] 10:7 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[100] 10:11 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[101] 11:1 temple God's house-the place where God's people worship and serve him. Here, John sees it pictured as the special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Also in verse 19.

[102] 11:1 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[103] 11:3 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[104] 11:3 sackcloth A rough cloth made from animal hair that people sometimes wore to show sadness.

[105] 11:8 Sodom A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Gomorrah, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[106] 11:13 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[107] 11:15 Christ Literally, "Anointed," a title that comes from the Old Testament ceremony in which perfumed oil was poured or rubbed on someone being appointed to a high office, especially that of prophet, priest, or king, to show that this person was chosen by God for that role. The Hebrew word is "Messiah," a title used for Old Testament kings and for the one God would send as prophet, priest, and king to bring people back to a good relationship with him.

[108] 11:16 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[109] 11:18 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[110] 11:18 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[111] 11:19 Box of the Agreement Or traditionally, "Ark of the Covenant." The special box kept in the Most Holy Place of the Israelite Holy Tent and, later, the Jerusalem Temple. It contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them, which were evidence or "proof " of the agreement between God and his people. In some passages it is literally, "Box of the Testimony." See Ex. 25:10-22; 1 Kings 8:1-9.

[112] 12:7 Michael The archangel-leader of God's angels. See Jude 9.

[113] 12:10 Christ Literally, "Anointed," a title that comes from the Old Testament ceremony in which perfumed oil was poured or rubbed on someone being appointed to a high office, especially that of prophet, priest, or king, to show that this person was chosen by God for that role. The Hebrew word is "Messiah," a title used for Old Testament kings and for the one God would send as prophet, priest, and king to bring people back to a good relationship with him.

[114] 12:11 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[115] 12:14 dragon Here and in verse 15 literally, "snake." See verse 9 above.

[116] 13:7 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[117] 13:8 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[118] 13:13 miracles False miracles-amazing acts done by the power of the devil.

[119] 13:14 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[120] 14:1 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[121] 14:1 Mount Zion Another name for Jerusalem, here meaning the spiritual city where God's people live with him.

[122] 14:3 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[123] 14:6 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[124] 14:9 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[125] 14:10 torture To hurt or cause someone pain, often to force them to say something against their will.

[126] 14:10 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[127] 14:12 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[128] 14:13 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[129] 14:14 Son of Man The name that Jesus most often used for himself. The phrase in Hebrew or Aramaic means "human being" or "mankind," but in Dan. 7:13-14 it is used of a future savior and king, and this was later understood to be the Messiah, the one God would send to save his people.

[130] 14:14 sickle A tool with a curved blade for harvesting grain and other crops.

[131] 14:18 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[132] 14:20 200 miles Literally, "1600 stadia," a little more than 300 km.

[133] 15:2 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[134] 15:3 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[135] 15:3 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[136] 15:5 holy place of God's presence Literally, "tent of the testimony." In the Old Testament this was a name for the Holy Tent, the portable building where God lived among his people. Inside this tent were the Ten Commandments written on flat stones, which were the "testimony" or "proof" of God's agreement with his people. See Ex. 25:8-22.

[137] 15:8 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[138] 16:2 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[139] 16:6 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[140] 16:6 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[141] 16:7 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[142] 16:9 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[143] 16:13 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God's truth.

[144] 16:14 demon An evil spirit from the devil.

[145] 16:14 miracles False miracles-amazing acts done by the power of the devil.

[146] 16:21 100 pounds Literally, "talanton" or "talent." A talent was about 27 to 36 kg (60 to 80 pounds).

[147] 17:3 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[148] 17:6 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[149] 17:14 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[150] 18:1 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[151] 18:2 demon An evil spirit from the devil.

[152] 18:3 merchant A person who earns a living by buying and selling things.

[153] 18:13 incense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God.

[154] 18:13 frankincense Special dried tree sap that was burned to make a sweet-smelling smoke and offered as a gift to God. See "incense."

[155] 18:13 myrrh Sweet-smelling sap from the bark of trees or other plants that was used for perfume and also to prepare bodies for burial. Mixed with wine, it was probably used to relieve pain (Mk. 15:23).

[156] 18:20 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[157] 18:20 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[158] 18:20 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[159] 18:21 millstone A large, round stone used for grinding grain.

[160] 18:23 bridegroom A man who is getting married.

[161] 19:1 Hallelujah This means "Praise God!" Also in verses 3, 4, 6.

[162] 19:1 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[163] 19:4 elders (in Revelation) The 24 elders in Revelation could be the great leaders of God's people under both the Old Testament and New Testament periods, combining the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and Jesus' twelve apostles. Or, they could be angels as leaders of heavenly worship, corresponding to the 24 groups of priests in charge of worship in the Old Testament.

[164] 19:4 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[165] 19:7 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[166] 19:8 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[167] 19:10 prophecy A message or teaching from God. Also, the ability and authority from God to speak for him.

[168] 19:20 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God's truth.

[169] 19:20 miracles False miracles-amazing acts done by the power of the devil.

[170] 19:20 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[171] 20:4 message See "Good News."

[172] 20:4 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[173] 20:5 resurrection Being raised from death to live again.

[174] 20:6 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God. See "holy."

[175] 20:7 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[176] 20:10 false prophet A person who claims to speak for God but does not really speak God's truth.

[177] 20:10 torture To hurt or cause someone pain, often to force them to say something against their will.

[178] 20:13 Hades The Greek word for "Sheol," the home of the dead. It is often used as a metaphor for death.

[179] 21:2 new Jerusalem The spiritual city where God's people live with him.

[180] 21:6 Alpha . Omega The first and last letters in the Greek alphabet, meaning the beginning and the end.

[181] 21:8 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[182] 21:9 Lamb A symbolic name for Jesus Christ. It means that he was an offering for sin like the lambs that were offered as a sacrifice to God in the Old Testament.

[183] 21:10 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[184] 21:11 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[185] 21:12 Israel First, Israel was the people descended from Jacob (see "Israel" in the Word List), but the name is also used to mean all of God's people.

[186] 21:14 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[187] 21:16 stadia One stadion was one-eighth of a Roman mile or 192 meters.

[188] 21:17 cubits A cubit is the length of a man's arm from the elbow to the tip of the little finger, about half a meter.

[189] 22:2 tree of life The tree whose fruit gives people the power to live forever. See Gen. 2:9; 3:22 and Rev. 22:1-2.

[190] 22:6 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[191] 22:7 prophecy A message or teaching from God. Also, the ability and authority from God to speak for him.

[192] 22:11 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[193] 22:13 Alpha . Omega The first and last letters in the Greek alphabet, meaning the beginning and the end.

[194] 22:14 washed their robes Meaning that they believed in Jesus so that their sins could be forgiven.

[195] 22:16 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[196] 22:16 David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.

[197] 22:20 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[198] 22:21 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.