Sacred Scripture
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Judas Thaddeus (GIUDA TADDEO)
JUDAS THADDEUS. - Apostle, distinguished in the lists from the namesake traitor by the designation "J. [brother] of James" (in Lk. 6:16 in… -
Judea (GIUDEA)
JUDEA. - An appellation (Gr. Ἰουδαία, Lat. Iudaea) used absolutely or with γῆ (Jn. 3:22) or χώρα (Mk. 1:5), in use from the earliest… -
Judges (GIUDICI)
JUDGES. - Designation of the leaders of Israel (Hebr. Ἰόρβες, plur. Ἰόρβεξῶ; cf. the sūfētes of the Carthaginians: Liv., 28, 27, 2; 30, 7,… -
Judith (Heb. Yēhūdhith, Vulg. Iudith) (GIUDITTA (EBR. JĒHŪDHITH, VOLG. IUDITH))
JUDITH (Heb. Yēhūdhith, Vulg. Iudith). - A pious and heroic widow who freed Bethulia; the name Jēhūdhith had already been borne by the wife… -
Julius (GIULIO)
JULIUS. - Centurione al quale fu affidato Paolo, prigioniero, nel viaggio da Cesarea a Roma (Act. 27, 1-28, 16).G. treated Paul with great… -
Justus of Tiberias (GIUSTO DI TIBERIADE)
JUSTUS OF TIBERIAS. - Jewish patriot and historian of the 1st century A.D. Of J.'s life only as much is known as his adversary Flavius… -
Kaulen, Franz Philipp
KAULEN, FRANZ PHILIPP. - German Catholic exegete, of broad theological, philological and historical culture, rigorously conservative, b. at… -
Keil, Karl Friedrich
KEIL, KARL FRIEDRICH. - Protestant-Lutheran exegete, of conservative tendency, an enemy of criticism, b. at Lauterbach, near Oelsnitz… -
Kemef (Hebrew Kéméf) (CHAMOS (EBR. KÉMÉF))
KEMEF (Hebrew Kéméf). - National and principal god of the Moabites (Judg. 11:24; 1 Kings 11:7, 33; 2 Kings 23:13), who were therefore… -
Kennicott, Benjamin (KENNIKOTT, BENJAMIN)
KENNICOTT, BENJAMIN. - English critic of the Hebrew biblical text, b. at Totnes (Devonshire) on 4 April 1718, d. at Oxford on 18 Sept.… -
Kimhām (Hebrew Kimhām, Septuagint Chamari) (CHAMAAM (EBR. KIMHÂM, SETTANTA ΧΑΜΆΡΙ))
KIMHĀM (Hebrew Kimhām, Septuagint Chamari). - Son of Barzillai (v.) of Gilead (II Sam. 19:37-40; I Kings 2:7). After Absalom's defeat he… -
Kingdom of God (REGNO DI DIO)
KINGDOM OF GOD. - A biblical expression that has a twofold sense, abstract and concrete: the dominion or lordship of God, and the territory… -
Kistemaker, Johann Hyazinth
KISTEMAKER, JOHANN HYAZINTH. - Professor of classical languages at the Gymnasium and later also at the University of Münster (Westphalia),… -
Kittel, Gerhard
KITTEL, GERHARD. - Protestant biblical theologian, b. at Breslau on 23 Sept. 1888, d. at Tübingen on 11 July 1948. He studied theology and… -
Kittim (Kittijīm, in Jer. 2, 10) (KITTĪM (KITTIJĪM, IN IER. 2, 10))
KITTIM (Kittijīm, in Jer. 2, 10). - Gentilic name of the inhabitants of Cyprus ([v.], cf. Is. 23:1, 12; Ex. 27:6 and probably Jer. 2:10),… -
Knabenbauer, Josef
KNABENBAUER, JOSEF. - Exegete, b. March 19, 1839 at Deggendorf (Bavaria), d. Nov. 12, 1911 at Maastricht. On Sept. 27, 1857 he entered the… -
König, Eduard
KÖNIG, EDUARD. - Learned philologist and exegete of the Old Testament, b. at Reichenbach on 15 Nov. 1846, d. at Bonn on 12 Feb. 1936. A… -
Korah (CORE (EBR. QÔRAH = «CALVIZIE»))
KORAH. - The best known of the biblical figures of this name, the first of whom is a son of Esau (Gen. 36:5, 14), is a contemporary of… -
Kortleitner, Franz Naver
KORTLEITNER, FRANZ NAVER. - In the world Josef, exegete, b. at Bressanone on 21 Jan. 1863, d. at Innsbruck on 2 Oct. 1939. He entered the… -
Kugler, Franz Xaver
KUGLER, FRANZ XAVER. - Jesuit, astronomer and Assyriologist, b. 27 Nov. 1862 at Königsbach (Palatinate), d. 25 Jan. 1925 at Lucerne. A… -
Laban
LABAN. - Brother of Rebecca (v.) and uncle of Jacob (v.). He lived with his family of Thareite descent in Haran (v.), in Mesopotamia, where… -
Lachish (LACHIS)
LACHISH. - An important city of southern Palestine, which was, in various periods, a strategic location and stronghold. Holy Scripture… -
Lachmann, Karl
LACHMANN, KARL. - German Protestant philologist (1793-1851), professor in Berlin, famous not only for his works in German studies and… -
Lagarde (Bötticher), Paul Anton de
LAGARDE (BÖTTICHER), PAUL ANTON de. - German Protestant Orientalist who wished to be considered a theologian, b. in Berlin on 2 Nov. 1827,… -
Lagrange, Marie-Joseph
LAGRANGE, MARIE-JOSEPH. - Dominican exegete, in the world Albert, b. at Bourg-en-Bresse on 7 March 1855, d. at St-Maximin (Provence) on 10… -
La Haye, Jean de (Sapin)
LA HAYE, JEAN de (SAPIN). - Franciscan theologian, b. 20 March 1593 and d. 15 Oct. 1661 in Paris. He professed the Franciscan Rule in… -
Lamb (AGNELLO)
LAMB. - Born of the ram and the ewe, whose symbolism presents itself so immediately to the mind no, morning and evening, called 'olat… -
Lamech
LAMECH - Scroll of the book of L. (with the two fragments so far able to be detached) found together with other Hebrew manuscripts in the… -
Lamentations (LAMENTAZIONI)
LAMENTATIONS. - Five poems about the destruction of Jerusalem, to which the Septuagint prefixed the title ἐφῆναι, which also passed into… -
Lampronti, Isacco di Samuele
LAMPRONTI, ISACCO di SAMUELE. - Rabbi and physician, b. in Ferrara in 1679, d. there in 1756. He was a disciple of the rabbis Recanati and… -
Lamuel (Heb. Lēmū'ēl and Lēmō'ēl; Septuagint: Ὑπὸ Θεοῦ = Lēmō'ēl) (LAMUEL (EBR. LĒMŪ'EL E LĒMŌ'EL; SETTANTA: ὙΠῸ ΘΕΟΥ͂ = LĒMŌ'EL))
LAMUEL (Heb. Lēmū'ēl and Lēmō'ēl; Septuagint: Ὑπὸ Θεοῦ = Lēmō'ēl). - King of Massa (cf. Greek, Targum, Syriac, according to the more common… -
Lamy, Thomas-Joseph
LAMY, THOMAS-JOSEPH. - Exegete and Orientalist, b. at Ohey (Belgium) on 27 January 1827, d. at Louvain on 30 July 1907. He taught biblical… -
Laodiceans, Epistle to the (LAODICESI, EPISTOLA AI)
LAODICEANS, Epistle to the. - An apocryphal writing that has been placed under the name of St. Paul by virtue of Col. 4:16. As a basis for… -
Lapidation (LAPIDAZIONE)
LAPIDATION. - Among the Hebrews, it was the ordinary capital punishment, which was applied when a different torture was not specified. In… -
Latin Versions of the Bible (LATINE VERSIONI DELLA BIBBIA)
LATIN VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE. - Before the Jeromean Vulgate (v.), Latin versions were in use, partially preserved, in the Christian… -
Law of Jealousy (GELOSIA, LEGGE DI)
LAW OF JEALOUSY. - According to the law contained in Num. 5:11 ff., a husband who harbors suspicions regarding his wife's fidelity,… -
Lazarus, The Beggar (LAZZARO, IL MENDICO)
LAZARUS, The Beggar. - He is mentioned by Jesus in the parable of Lk. 16:19-31. Tertullian, St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, St. Irenaeus, St.… -
Leah (Heb. Lē'ah, Gr. Acix) (LIA (EBR. LĒ'AH, GR. ACIX))
LEAH (Heb. Lē'ah, Gr. Acix). - Daughter of Laban and elder sister of Rachel (v.). She was given by her father in marriage to Jacob, in… -
Lebna (Heb. Libhná; Gr. Lechna, Lochna) (LEBNA (EBR. LIBHNÁH; GR. ΛΕΧΝΆ, ΛΟΧΝΆ))
LEBNA (Heb. Libhná; Gr. Lechna, Lochna). - A city of Palestine situated between Maceda and Lachish (Josh. 10:29-31). Taken by Joshua (Josh.… -
Le Camus, Émile-Paul (LE CAMUS, EMILE-PAUL)
LE CAMUS, ÉMILE-PAUL. - Biblical scholar, b. at Malvirade, near Castelnaudary, on 24 Aug. 1839, d. there on 28 Sept. 1906. Le C., one of… -
Legate (LEGATO)
LEGATE. - This is the title attributed, in various legal systems, to one who exercises the functions of a representative, with or without… -
Le Hir, Arthur-Marie
LE HIR, ARTHUR-MARIE. - Exegete and Hebraist, b. at Malvaise (Finistère) on 5 Dec. 1811, d. at Paris on 18 Jan. 1868. He studied at the… -
Lelong, Jacques
LELONG, JACQUES. - Oratorian, biblical scholar and bibliographer, b. in Paris on 19 April 1664 and d. there on 13 August 1721. Librarian of… -
Lentulus, Letter of (LENTULO, LETTERA DI)
LENTULUS, Letter of. - Apocryphal, so called from its supposed sender, which describes the physical beauty of Jesus Christ, who would have… -
León, Luís de
LEÓN, Luís de. - Augustinian, poet, writer, theologian and exegete, b. at Belmonte (Cuenca) in 1527 and d. at Madrigal on 23 Aug. 1591.… -
Leontopoli
LEONTOPOLI. - The locality called L. by Flavius Josephus corresponds to present-day Tell el-Jehādijjeh, about 30 km. from Cairo and 20 from… -
Lesêtre, Henri (LESÈTRE, HENRI)
LESÊTRE, HENRI. - Biblicist, b. at Bourges on 11 February 1848, d. at Paris on 26 March 1914. He studied at the Seminary of St-Sulpice,… -
Leusden, Johannes
LEUSDEN, JOHANNES. - Dutch Orientalist, b. 26 April 1624, d. 30 September 1699 in Utrecht, where he was professor of Hebrew. He was not an… -
Leviathan (Heb. Livjāthān) (LEVIATHAN (EBR. LIVOJĀTHĀN))
LEVIATHAN (Heb. Livjāthān). - A fabulous aquatic monster, akin to the tannin, or tannim, to which it is joined by parallel synonymy in Is.… -
Levi (Heb. Lēvī) (LEVI (EBR. LÉVI))
LEVI (Heb. Lēvī). - I. Third of the sons whom Jacob had by Leah. In Gen. 29:34 the name is explained by the mother's phrase: "Now this time… -
Levirate (LEVIRATO)
LEVIRATE. - The duty to marry the widow of one's own brother, who has died without children. The custom is common to many primitive… -
Levita, Elia
LEVITA, ELIA. - Hebrew grammarian, b. at Neustadt an der Aisch in 1469, d. at Venice on 28 January 1549. His Hebrew name was 'Ēljāhū ben… -
Levites (Heb. Lēwī, pl. Lēwījīm; Gr. Lēwījī, pl. -ai) (LEVITI (EBR. LĒWĪ, PLUR. LĒWĪJĪM; GR. LĒWĪJĪ, PLUR. - AI))
LEVITES (Heb. Lēwī, pl. Lēwījīm; Gr. Lēwījī, pl. -ai). -ai). - Professional name of those charged with the Hebrew cult, subordinate to the… -
Leviticus (LEVITICO)
LEVITICUS. - Third book of the Pentateuch (v.), called by the Palestinian Jews from its opening word voajiqra'; by the Alexandrian Jews… -
Licia
LICIA. - A peninsular region of southwestern Asia Minor, consisting in the interior of a rugged plateau with a sparse population, and on… -
Lilith (LİLİTH)
LILITH. - A female demon, named only once in the Bible (Isa. 34:14), together with the monsters and animals that will inhabit the earth on… -
Literary Genres (in the Bible) (GENERI LETTERARI (NELLA BIBBIA))
LITERARY GENRES (IN THE BIBLE). - Sacred exegesis, whose "supreme norm is to discern and establish what the writer intends to say"… -
Lithostrotos (LITHÓSTROTOS)
LITHOSTROTOS. - A Greek term ("stone pavement," "paved area") to which corresponds the Aramaic Gabbatha ("elevated place," "height") by… -
Loch, Valentin
LOCH, VALENTIN. - Catholic theologian and exegete, b. at Bamberg on 24 Sept. 1813, d. there on 14 June 1893. He pursued theological studies… -
Loggia (LOGIA)
LOGGIA. - Greek term (λόγια) that normally indicated in profane literature "sayings, divine oracles" (Herodotus, VIII, 60, 3; Thucydides,… -
Loisy, Alfred
LOISY, ALFRED. - Modernist exegete, b. at Ambrières (Haute-Marne) on 28 Feb. 1857, d. in Paris on 6 June 1940. In 1874 L. entered the major… -
Lot
LOT. - Son of Haran of the Tharchite lineage and nephew of Abraham (v.), together with whom he emigrated from Haran in Mesopotamia to the… -
Lucifer (LUCIFERO)
LUCIFER. - Latin name (lucifer) of the planet Venus or "morning star," which in the Vulgate > (from Herrada of Landsberg, Hortus… -
Lucius (LUCIO)
LUCIUS. - Console romano ricordato in I Mach. 15, 16-24 come autore di una lettera al re d'Egitto, Tolomeo, in cui informa che il sommo… -
Lucius of Cyrene (LUCIO DI CIRENE)
LUCIUS OF CYRENE. - Christian mentioned in Acts 13:1-3 among "the prophets and teachers" who laid hands on Barnabas and Saul. The attempts… -
Lunatic (Σεληνιαζόμενος, from Σελήνη "Moon") (LUNATICO (ΣΕΛΓΝΙΑΖΌΜΕΝΟΣ, DA ΣΕΛΉΝΗ «LUNA»))
LUNATIC (Σεληνιαζόμενος, from Σελήνη "Moon"). - The ancients called "lunatics" those afflicted with epilepsy (the falling sickness, the… -
Luzah (Hebrew Láz "Almond", Septuagint Ἀουζά) (LUZA (EBR. LÁZ « MANDORLO », SETTANTA ἈΟΥΖΆ))
LUZAH (Hebrew Láz "Almond", Septuagint Ἀουζά). - Original name of a Canaanite locality, about 17 km north of Jerusalem, to which the name… -
Luzzatto, Mosè HaJaim (LUZZATTO, MOSÈ HAJIM)
LUZZATTO, MOSÈ HAJAIM. - Jewish poet and Kabbalist, b. in Padua in 1707, d. in Palestine in 1746. Already as a child he composed Hebrew… -
Lycaonia (LICAONIA)
LYCAONIA. - An inland region of Asia Minor, consisting of a vast plateau (1000 m above sea level), bounded to the east by the mountains of… -
Lydda (Hebr. Lâdh; Gr. Λάδω) (LIDDA (EBR. LÂDH; GR. ΛΆΔΩ))
LYDDA (Hebr. Lâdh; Gr. Λάδω). - A city of Palestine, 20 km. from Jaffa and 44 from Jerusalem. It is mentioned among the cities conquered by… -
Lydia (LIDIA)
LYDIA. - 1. Heb. Lâdh, Gk. Λάδω (Gen. 10:22; 1 Chron. 11:17; 1 Macc. 8:8): a region of western Asia Minor on the coasts of the Aegean,… -
Lydia
LYDIA. - Name, or nickname, of a woman converted by St. Paul during the third apostolic mission, at Philippi (v.), near the Gangites, where… -
Lysanias (LISANIA)
LYSANIAS. - Tetrarca dell'Abilene (v.), ricordato da Lc. 3, 1 nell'anno 15º dell'imperatore Tiberio. D. F. Strauss (Leben Jesu, I, 4ª ed.,… -
Lysias, Claudius (LISIA, CLAUDIO)
LYSIAS, CLAUDIUS. - Roman military tribune who commanded the garrison of the Antonia tower in Jerusalem. He saved Paul from lynching:… -
Lysias (Δυσίας) (LISIA (ΔΥΣΊΑΣ))
LYSIAS (Δυσίας). - A Syrian general, a nobleman in the service of the Seleucids. When Antiochus IV Epiphanes (v.) set out for the war… -
Lysimachus (LISIMACO)
LYSIMACHUS. - Fratello del sommo sacerdote Menelao (v.). Quando questi, con Sostrato, fu citato da Antioco Epifane (v.) a consegnargli le… -
Lystra (Lystra) (LISTRA (VOLG. LYSTRA))
LYSTRA (Lystra). - City of Lycaonia, visited by Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, after they had escaped stoning in… -
Maachah (MAACHA)
MAACHAH. - Biblical name of nine figures, of both sexes, from the first of whom a branch of the Arameans (v.) took its name. The principal… -
Maasia
MAASIA. - Of the numerous persons of this name, about twenty, mentioned in the Old Testament, the principal ones are: 1) A Levite of the… -
Maccabees (Greek Μακκαβαῖοι, Vulgate Machabaei) (MACCABEI (GR. ΜΑΚΚΑΒΑΙ͂ΟΙ, VOLG. MACHABAEI))
MACCABEES (Greek Μακκαβαῖοι, Vulgate Machabaei). - With the nickname "Maccabeus" given to Judas, the principal hero of the Jewish revolt… -
Macharontes (MACHERONTE)
MACHARONTES. - A mountain fortress east of the Dead Sea, built by Alexander Jannaeus (Fl. Josephus, Bell. Iud., VII, 6, 2) and razed to the… -
Machmas (Hebrew Mikmās and Mikmās; Greek Μαϊζᾶζ; Arabic Muḥmās) (MACHMAS (EBR. MIKMĀS E MIKMĀS; GR. MAYZĀZ; ARABO MUḤMĀS))
MACHMAS (Hebrew Mikmās and Mikmās; Greek Μαϊζᾶζ; Arabic Muḥmās). - A village 13 km north of Jerusalem, famous for the valorous deeds of… -
Magdala
MAGDALA. - A locality whose location is disputed, in the surroundings of the lake of Gennesaret. In the critical text of the Gospels the… -
Mageddo
MAGEDDO. - Once a powerful city of Palestine (Heb. Mëghiddō[n]; Septuagint Μαγεδώ or Μαγεδδών; Egyp. M'ktj; el-'Amärnah Makiddu; Assyrian… -
Magi
MAGI. - Figures who came from the East to Jerusalem, guided by a star, to adore the King of the Jews. Sent by Herod to Bethlehem, they find… -
Magnificat
«MAGNIFICAT». - Canticle of praise to God uttered by the Virgin Mary during her visit to Elizabeth (v.), who, inspired, had greeted her as… -
Mahanaim (Hebrew "Two Armies" or "Two Camps") (MAHANĀIM (EBR. « DUE SCHIERE » O « DUE ACCAMPAMENTI »))
MAHANAIM (Hebrew "Two Armies" or "Two Camps"). - A locality in Transjordan. The name was given by Jacob when, on his way back from Laban,… -
Mahzor (Mahazor) (MAHZÔR (MAHÂZÔR))
MAHZOR (MAHAZOR). - Synagogal ritual for the annual festivals (literally "cycle," from hâzar "to return periodically," originally an… -
Maier, Adalbert
MAIER, ADALBERT. - Catholic exegete, b. at Villingen (Baden) on 26 Apr. 1811, d. at Freiburg im Breisgau on 29 July 1889. From 1840 he… -
Maimonides (Mosheh ben Maimon) (MAIMONIDE (MÖŠEH BEN MAJMÖN))
MAIMONIDES (Mosheh ben Maimon). - Rabbi, philosopher, known by the abbreviation Rambam (R.M. B.M.), b. on the eve of the Jewish Passover… -
Makhpelah ("Double Thing") (MAKHPĒLĀH (= « COSA DUPLICE »))
MAKHPELAH ("Double Thing"). - A plot of land with trees and a cave, situated opposite Mamre and precisely at Hebron (v.). It belonged to… -
Malachi (MALACHIA)
MALACHI. - Prophet, the last in the canon of the Old Testament, and therefore called the "seal of the prophets." He prophesied after the… -
Malachy, Saint (MALACHIA, SANTO)
MALACHIA, saint - Beginning of the prophecies of pseudo M. according to the edition of Venice 1595; the continuation will be found at plate… -
Malaleel
MALALEEL. - Patriarch mentioned in Gen. 5:12-13, and represented in one of the medallions of the cycle of patriarchs painted on the walls… -
Malchus (Mellyoc, Malchus, from Semitic Malk = "King") (MALCO (MÉLLYOC, MALCHUS, DAL SEMITICO MALK = «RE»))
MALCHUS (Mellyoc, Malchus, from Semitic Malk = "King"). - Servant of the high priest Caiaphas (v.). Having gone to the garden of Olives to… -
Mallon, Alexis
MALLON, ALEXIS. - Jesuit, orientalist and biblical scholar, b. at La Chapelle-Bertin (Haute-Loire) in France on 8 May 1875, d. at Jerusalem… -
Malvenda, Tomás
MALVENDA, TOMÁS. - Dominican exegete and philologist, b. at Játiva near Valencia in May 1566, d. at Valencia on 7 May 1628. He made his… -
Mambre (Hebrew Mamre) (MAMBRE (EBR. MAMRE))
MAMBRE (Hebrew Mamre). - Name of an oak tree located near Hebron (v.). There Abraham settled, raising an altar there (Gen. 13:18), where he… -
Mammon (MAMMONA)
MAMMON. - Term (Μαμωνάς, Aramaic māmōnā', Neo-Hebrew māmōn, "money", "gain"), which occurs 4 times in the New Testament on the lips of… -
Manasseh (MANASSE)
MANASSEH. - 1. Eldest son (Heb. Mēnašēh, probably Mēnašēh-el = "God makes one forget" [one's sorrows]) of Joseph and Asenath (Gen. 41:51),… -
Mane, Thecel, Phares
MANE, THECEL, PHARES. - Mysterious signs, read by the prophet Daniel, that appeared on the wall in the hall of the great banquet, at which… -
Manetho (MANETONE)
MANETHO. - Learned Egyptian priest (Μανεθὼς and Μαναθών, from the original Egyptian composed with the name of the god Thoth), of the time… -
Mangenot, Joseph-Eugène
MANGENOT, JOSEPH-EUGÈNE. - Exegete, b. at Gémonville (Meurthe-et-Moselle, France) on 28 Aug. 1856, d. at Moutrot on 19 March 1922. After… -
Maniacoria, Nicola
MANIACORIA, NICOLA. - Deacon of the church of S. Lorenzo in Damaso in Rome at the time of Lucius II (1144-45). Later he became a Cistercian… -
Manna (Hebrew: mān; Septuagint: Mánna) (MANNA (EBR. MĀN; SETTANTA ΜΆΝΝΑ))
MANNA (Hebrew: mān; Septuagint: Mánna). - Food with which the Hebrew people were nourished for 40 years in the desert (Ex. 16:35). The… -
Maon
MAON. - A city of the tribe of Judah. Mentioned together with Carmel and Ziph in Josh. 15:55, it is commonly identified with present-day… -
Mara (Hebrew: mārāh; Septuagint: Mérra Pikría) (MARA (EBR. MĀRĀH, SETTANTA ΜΈΡΡΑ ΠΙΚΡΊΑ))
MARAH (Heb. Mārāh, Septuagint Μέρρα "bitterness"). - A spring of bitter water in the desert of Shur (v.), where the Israelites stopped on… -
MaranaTha
MARANATHA. - An Aramaic phrase, used by St. Paul in the closing of 1 Corinthians (16:22). He does not translate it for his Greek… -
Marcellinus the Evangelist (MARCELLINO EVANGELISTA)
MARCELLINUS THE EVANGELIST. - Franciscan preacher (secular name Lorenzo Gerbi), so called from S. Marcello Pistoiese, born there on 2 Nov.… -
Maresa
MARESA. - City of Judea (Josh. 15:44) fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chron. 11:8). In Greek times it was inhabited by Edomites and known under… -
Mari
MARI. - Capital city on the middle Euphrates, today Tell el-Hariri. It had three different periods of flourishing, as appears from the… -
Mariamme
MARIAMME. - Daughter of Alexander Asmoneus and of Alexandra, daughter of Hyrcanus II. She was married by Herod the Great (v.) in 37 B.C. in… -
Marini, Marco
MARINI, MARCO. - Regular canon of the Congregation of the Most Holy Savior, a noted Hebraist, b. at Brescia around 1542-43, d. there in… -
Martha, Saint (MARTA, SANTA)
MARTHA, Saint. - Sister of Lazarus (v.) and of Mary of Bethany. The name in Aramaic means "lady." She is mentioned for the first time by… -
Martin, Paulin
MARTIN, PAULIN. - Orientalist and biblical scholar, b. at Lecam (Lot, France) on 20 July 1840, d. at Amélie-les-Bains (Eastern Pyrenees) on… -
Mary, Most Holy (MARIA, SANTISSIMA)
MARY, most holy - Mother of Jesus Christ, Son of God made man. M. in Masoretic Hebrew is Mirjām; Aramaic form: Marjām (Syriac and… -
Masada
MASADA. - Fortress on a rocky hill in the Judaean desert west of the Dead Sea. The original construction, according to Flavius Josephus… -
Masora
MASORA. - The body of critical observations on the original text of the Old Testament. Transmitted in part orally in the rabbinic schools… -
Maspah (Heb. Mīspāh "Watchtower") (MASPHA (EBR. MĪSPĀH « VEDETTA »))
MASPAH (Heb. Mīspāh "Watchtower"). - Name of various localities in the Holy Land. 1. Given by Abraham to a heap of stones, north of the… -
Massacre Of The Holy Innocents (INNOCENTI, STRAGE DEI SANTI)
INNOCENTS, MASSACRE OF THE HOLY. - I. SACRED SCRIPTURE. - After the flight into Egypt, Mt. 2:16-18 describes the vengeance of Herod the… -
Maṣṣebhāh (MAŞŞEBHĀH)
MAṢṢEBHĀH. - A pillar, a large upright stone (from the verb nāṣab "to set upright"; Septuagint: στήλη, λίθος σκοπός, ὑπόστασις, Ez. 26, 11;… -
Mattaniah (MATTANIA)
MATTANIAH. - Name of various Israelites mentioned in the Bible (Heb.: Mattañāhu and Mattañāh; contracted Matnaj, in Ezra 10:33, 37; Neh.… -
Mattathias (Hebrew Mattiñāh [ä] "Gift of Yahweh"; Septuagint Mattanāh; Vulgate Mathathias) (MATTATIA (EBR. MATTIÑĀH [Ä] « DONO DI JAHWEH »; SETTANTA MATTAÑĀH; VOLG. MATHATHIAS))
MATTATHIAS (Hebrew Mattiñāh [ä] "Gift of Yahweh"; Septuagint Mattanāh; Vulgate Mathathias). - A priest of the line of Jehoiarib who began… -
Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist, Saint (MATTEO, APOSTOLO, EVANGELISTA, SANTO)
MATTHEW, Apostle, Evangelist, Saint. - Author of the first Gospel. I. THE APOSTLE. - From the New Testament few particulars are known about… -
Matthias, Apostle (Maththiās is an abbreviation of the Hebrew Mattanjāh = "Gift of Yahweh"; also Matthatias; Syriac Tolmaj) (MATTIA, APOSTOLO (ΜΑΘΘΊΑΣ È ABBREVIAZIONE DELL'EBR. MATTANJĀH = « DONO DI JAHWEH »; ANCHE ΜΑΤΘΑΘΊΑΣ = EBR. MATTITHJĀH; SIR. TOLMAJ))
MATTHIAS, APOSTLE (Μαθθίας is an abbreviation of the Hebrew Mattanjāh = "Gift of Yahweh"; also Ματθαθίας = Hebrew Mattithjāh; Syriac… -
Matthias of Linköping (MATTIA DI LINKÖPING)
MATTHIAS OF LINKÖPING. - Swedish ecclesiastic who lived in the first half of the 14th century. He took part in Magnus Eriksson's crusade in… -
Mazzocchi, Alessio Simmaco
MAZZOCCHI, ALESSIO SIMMACO. - A most learned biblical scholar, philologist and archaeologist, b. at S. Maria di Capua on 22 Oct. 1684, d.… -
Māʾēl (MĂŠĂL)
MĀʾĒL. - Term used 39 times in the Bible, with the original meaning of "comparison" (cf. Assyrian and other Semitic languages: D. Buzy [v.… -
Mēghillôth, Hāmēš (« Five Scrolls ») (MĒGHILLÔTH, HĀMĒŠ (« CINQUE ROTOLI »))
MEGHILLOTH, HAMESH ("five scrolls"). - A designation that arose around the time of St. Jerome, derived from the synagogue liturgy, to… -
Meistermann, Barnabé
MEISTERMANN, BARNABÉ. - Palestinian scholar, missionary and architect, Franciscan, b. 27 March 1850 at Pfaffenheim (Alsace), d. at… -
Mekhiltha' (Aram. « Measure ») (MEKHILTHA' (ARAM. « MISURA »))
MEKHILTHA' (Aram. « Measure »). - Midrash (v.), a collection of interpretive and methodological material concerning the Pentateuch, of a… -
Melchia (Heb. Malkijjah[ū] «My King is Yahweh») (MELCHIA (EBR. MALKIJJAH[Ü] «MIO RE È JAHWEH»))
MELCHIA (Heb. Malkijjah[ū] «My King is Yahweh»). - Name of several figures of the Old Testament. 1. A priest, zealous collaborator of… -
Melchizedek (MELCHISEDEC)
MELCHIZEDEK. - King of Salem, probably Jerusalem (cf. Ps. 76 [75], 5), and priest of God (called 'El-'elyon; cf. Num. 24, 16; Deut. 32, 8).… -
Mello
MELLO. - A grandiose masonry work (Heb. Millò), which appears in the list of Solomonic constructions (1 Kings 9:15-24), and occasioned the… -
Menahem (Hebrew Mēnahēm) (MANAHEM (EBR. MĒNAHĒM))
MENAHEM (HEBREW MĒNAHĒM). - Son of Gadi, sixteenth king of Israel after the separation from the Kingdom of Judah and founder of the VII… -
Menelaus (MENELAO)
MENELAUS. - High priest of Jerusalem, who unlawfully succeeded Jason, himself an intruder in place of his brother Onias III, the last… -
Menocchio, Giovanni Stefano (MENOCHIO, GIOVANNI STEFANO)
MENOCCHIO, GIOVANNI STEFANO. - Jesuit theologian and exegete, b. in Pavia in Dec. 1575, d. in Rome on 4 Feb. 1655. He taught biblical… -
Merab (Heb. Mērabh = « Multitude », « Increase ») (MEROB (EBR. MÉRABH = « MOLTITUDINE », « INCREMENTO »))
MERAB (Heb. Mērabh = « Multitude », « Increase »). - Daughter of Saul (I Sam. 14:49), promised in marriage to the victor over Goliath… -
Merari
MERARI. - Third son of Levi (Heb. Merari: Gen. 46:11; Ex. 6:16, 19). His descendants (1 Chron. 5:27; 6:1-4, 29-34 [Vulg. 6:1, 16-19,… -
Merk, Augustin
MERK, AUGUSTIN. - Exegete, b. at Achern (Baden) on Sept. 11, 1869, d. in Rome on Apr. 3, 1945. After completing his gymnasium and lyceum… -
Merom (Hebrew Mērom) (MEROM (EBR. MĒRŌM))
MEROM (Hebrew Mērom). - A locality in northern Palestine. By the waters of M. (= mē-Mērōm, Josh. 11:5, 7) Joshua defeated the enemy… -
Mesha (Hebrew Mēša', 2 Kings 3; Stele: Meša') (MESA (EBR. MĚŠA', II REG. 3; STELE: MEŠA'))
MESHA (Hebrew Mēša', 2 Kings 3; Stele: Meša'). - King of Moab, son of Kēmōš [bānāh?], a native of Dibon; enterprising and tenacious, he is… -
Messina, Giuseppe
MESSINA, GIUSEPPE. - Jesuit, Iranist and historian of the religions of the Ancient East, b. at S. Cataldo (Caltanissetta) on 6 Jan. 1893,… -
Methuselah (Hebrew Mēthāšēlāh or Mēthūšēlāh) (MATHUSALA (EBR. MĒTHĀŠELĀH O MĒTHĀŠELĀH))
METHUSELAH (Hebrew Mēthāšēlāh or Mēthūšēlāh). - Son of Enoch and father of Lamech; he is the eighth in the series of antediluvian… -
Micah (Hebrew Mikhah) (MICHEA (EBR. MIKHAH))
MICAH (Hebrew Mikhah). - Prophet of Judah, a native of Moresheth, in the Shephelah (Mic. 1:14), south of Beit Guvrin. A contemporary of… -
Micah (Hebrew Mikhāh, abbreviation of Mikhāyāh « Who [is] like Yahweh? ») (MICHA (EBR. MIKHĀH, ABBREVIAZIONE DI MIKHĀJĀH « CHI [È] COME JAHWEH? »))
MICAH (Hebrew Mikhāh, abbreviation of Mikhāyāh « Who [is] like Yahweh? »). - An Ephraimite (sometimes also called Micah) from the time of… -
Michael, Archangel (MICHELE, ARCANGELO)
MICHAEL, ARCHANGEL. - I. IN SACRED SCRIPTURE. - M. (Heb. Mīkhā'el, "Who [is] like God?") appears four times in the Bible. In Dan. 10:13, 21… -
Michael (Hebrew Mikhā'el « Who [is] like God? ») (MICHAEL (EBR. MIKHĀ'EL « CHI [È] COME DIO? »))
MICHAEL (Hebrew Mikhā'el « Who [is] like God? »). - Name of an archangel (v. MICHELE) and of several figures of the Old Testament. 1.… -
Michal (Hebrew Mikhāl: « Who is powerful? » [?]; « The Almighty » [?]; « Who like God? » [?]) (MICHOL (EBR. MIKHĀL: « CHI È POTENTE ? » [?]; « L'ONNIPOTENTE » [?]; « CHI COME DIO ? » [?]))
MICHAL (Hebrew Mikhāl: « Who is powerful? » [?]; « The Almighty » [?]; « Who like God? » [?]). - Daughter of Saul (v.), younger than her… -
Midian and Midianites (Hebrew Midhjān; Septuagint Μαδιάμ) (MADIAN E MADIANI TI (EBR. MIDHJĀN; SETTANTA MĀŠĪAV).)
MADIAN and MADIANITES TI (Heb. Midhjān; Septuagint Māšīav). Name of a region south of Palestine (Ex. 2:15) and of its inhabitants (Ex. 3:1;… -
Midrash (MIDHRĀŠ)
MIDRASH. - Homiletic interpretation of the Bible, carried out by the rabbis from approximately the 2nd to the 10th centuries. The term… -
Mina (Heb. Mâneh; Gr. Μνᾶ; Lat. Mina or Mna) (MINA (EBR. MÂNEH; GR. ΜΝΑ͂; LAT. MINA O MNA))
MINA (Heb. Mâneh; Gr. Μνᾶ; Lat. Mina or Mna). - A unit of weight, used in biblical times for gold (1 Kings 10:17) and for silver (Esther… -
Minuti, Théophile
MINUTI, THÉOPHILE. - Minim friar, Orientalist and palaeographer, b. at Bras in Provence in 1592, d. at Marseilles on 8 August 1662. He… -
Miphibosheth (MIPHIBOSETH)
MIPHIBOSHETH. - Only son of Jonathan (v.) whose name was originally (v. ISBOSETH) Miphibos' al ("from the mouth of the Lord"). He was five… -
Miraculous Draught of Fishes (PESCA MIRACOLOSA)
MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. - The miracle took place at the lake of Gennesaret, where the Lord, after having taught the crowds from one… -
Misael (Heb. Miṭṭā'ēl « Who [is] that which is God? ») (MISAEL (EBR. MIȚĂ'ĂL « CHI [È] CIÒ CHE È DIO ? »))
MISAEL (Heb. Miṭṭā'ēl « Who [is] that which is God? »). - Name of three figures of the Old Testament. 1. A Levite, son of Uzziel (Ex. 6:22;… -
Mitanni
MITANNI. - A state in upper Mesopotamia between approximately 1500 and 1365 B.C. which, especially under its king Saušatar (ca. 1450),… -
Moab
MOAB. - Son of Lot through incest with his firstborn (Heb. Mō'ābh; in the stele of Mesha m'b; Assyrian Ma'aba, Ma'b, Mu'aba; Egyptian… -
Modena, Leone
MODENA, LEONE. - Rabbi, b. in Venice on 23 April 1571, d. there on 21 March 1648. Highly gifted for poetry, he did translation work and… -
Modin (Seventy ΜΟΔΕΙ͂Ν and ΜΩΔΕΙ͂Ν) (MODIN (SETTANTA ΜΟΔΕΙ͂Ν E ΜΩΔΕΙ͂Ν))
MODIN (Seventy ΜΟΔΕΙ͂Ν and ΜΩΔΕΙ͂Ν). - A city of Judea, birthplace of the Maccabees (1 Macc. 2:1, 15, 23), where Mattathias and his two… -
Modon (Methone)
MODON (METHONE). - In the Peloponnese (Greece), formerly the seat of a Greek bishop and, under Latin rule (1205-1500), also of a Latin… -
Moholi
MOHOLI. - 1. Firstborn of Merari (v.) and grandson of Levi (Ex. 6:19; Num. 3:20; 1 Chron. 6:4, 14 [Vulg. 19, 29]; 23:21; 24:26, 28); he was… -
Moloch
MOLOCH. - Name of a Semitic deity, from the common melekh "king"; the Septuagint, rendering 2 Kings 23:10, 13 as ὁ Μολόχ, caused the… -
Mordecai (Hebrew: Mordhēkhaj) (MARDOCHEO (EBR.: MORDHĒKHAJ))
MORDECAI (Hebrew: Mordhēkhaj). - Cousin and adoptive father of Esther (v.). An Israelite, of the tribe of Benjamin and the house of Kish.… -
Moria
MORIA. - Region ('ereq ham-Mōrijjāh), where Abraham went from Beersheba to sacrifice his son Isaac (v.) on the mountain that the Lord would… -
Moses (Mōšeh, Μω[θ]σῆς, Vulg. MoySES, Ancient Latin Moses) (MOSÈ (MŌŠEH, ΜΩ[Θ]ΣΗ͂Σ, VOLG. MOYSES, ANTICA LATINA MOSES))
MOSES (Mōšeh, Μω[θ]σῆς, Vulg. MoySES, Ancient Latin Moses). - Founder of Israelite theocracy, lawgiver of Israel, who governed for over… -
Mosollam (Heb. Mēsullām) (MOSOLLAM (EBR. MĒSULLĀM))
MOSOLLAM (Heb. Mēsullām). - Name of various Old Testament figures, especially of the post-exilic period, whose identity it is often… -
Mount Carmel (CARMELO)
MOUNT CARMEL. - A chain of hills (Heb. karmel "orchard," "garden"; Arab. Gebel Karmel or Gebel Mär Eljas), of predominantly limestone… -
Mount of Beatitudes (BEATITUDINI, MONTE DELLE)
MOUNT OF BEATITUDES. - The place where Jesus pronounced the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7) and chose the Twelve for the apostolate.… -
Mount Olivet (OLIVI, MONTE DEGLI)
MOUNT OLIVET. — A hill east of Jerusalem, called in the Bible har haz-Zethim (Zech. 14:4), τὸ ὄρος τῶν ἐλαιῶν, mons Olivarum (Mt. 21:1), τὸ… -
Mount Scandal (SCANDALO, MONTE DELLO)
MOUNT SCANDAL. - Name given by the Christian toponymy of Jerusalem to the hill east of the city, beyond the Kidron, south of the Mount of… -
Muis, Siméon Marotte de
MUIS, SIMÉON MAROTTE de. - Hebraist, b. at Orléans in 1587, d. at Paris in 1644. Archdeacon of Soissons, he held the chair of Hebrew at the… -
Musil, Alois
MUSIL, ALOIS. - Czech Orientalist and explorer, b. at Rychtárov (Moravia) on 30 June 1868, d. at Otryby on 12 April 1946. Ordained a priest… -
Musso, Cornelio
MUSSO, CORNELIO. - Preacher and theologian of the Conventual Friars Minor, b. at Piacenza on 16 April 1511, d. at Rome on 9 Jan. 1574. He… -
Myrrh (Heb. Môr; LXX Αὐωρία; Lat. Myrrha) (MIRRA (EBR. MÔR; SETTANTA ΑΥΏΡΙΑ, LAT. MYRRHA))
MYRRH (Heb. Môr; LXX Αὐωρία; Lat. Myrrha). - A kind of fragrant gum. It exudes spontaneously or through incisions, in liquid form, from a… -
Naaman (Hebrew: Na'aman) (NAAMAN (EBR. NA'ĀMAN))
NAAMAN (Heb. Na'āman). - Name of an Israelite and of the commander of the army of Ben-hadad II, Aramean king of Damascus. The first, in… -
Naas (Hebrew: Nāḥāš «Serpent») (NAAS (EBR. NĀḤĀS « SERPENTE »))
NAAS (Hebrew: Nāḥāš «Serpent»). - Name of two Ammonites, of an Israelite and of a city. 1. King of the "children of Ammon" who, shortly… -
Nabal (Hebrew: «Fool») (NABAL (EBR. = « STOLTO »))
NABAL (Hebrew: «Fool»). - A large owner of flocks in Carmel, southeast of Hebron, of whom 1 Sam. 25 speaks. He had as his wife Abigail… -
Nabopolassar
NABOPOLASSAR. - Founder of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Babylonian Nabû-apal-uṣur = "May Nabû protect the heir son"), who reigned from 625 to… -
Nabuzardan
NABUZARDAN. - General of Nebuchadnezzar (Babylonian Nabū-zēr-iddinam = "Nabū gave me an offspring"; Hebrew Nēbhāzar ādīān) charged with… -
Nachor (Hebrew: Nāhōr) (NACHOR (EBR. NĀHŌR))
NACHOR (Hebrew: Nāhōr). - Son of Terah and brother of Abraham (Gen. 11:26). He was the father of 12 sons, of whom 8 were born to Milcah,… -
Nadab
NADAB. - Name of four biblical figures. 1. Firstborn of Aaron (Ex. 6:23; 1 Chron. 24:1 ff.). He went up to Sinai with Aaron, Abihu and the… -
Nahmanides (NAHMÁNIDE)
NAHMANIDES. - Talmudic rabbi and cabbalist (R. Moses ben Nahman, RMBN, in Spanish Bonastrug de Portu, from the name of his city of… -
Nahum (Hebrew: Naḥûm «Comforter») (NAHUM (EBR. NAHÛM «CONSOLATORE»))
NAHUM (Hebrew: Naḥûm «Comforter»). - Seventh of the minor prophets in the canon of the Vulgate. He was from 'Elqōš (Nah. 1:1), which St.… -
Naim
NAIM. - Village of Galilee (in Lk. 7:11, Naïv), where Jesus raised the widow's son. Although the distance given by the Onomasticon (141, 5)… -
Nallino, Carlo Alfonso
NALLINO, CARLO ALFONSO. - Arabist and Islamicist, b. in Turin on 16 Feb. 1872, d. in Rome on 25 July 1938. Having graduated in letters in… -
Nanni, Remigio
NANNI, REMIGIO. - Dominican theologian, b. in Florence in 1522, d. there ca. 1580. A religious in the Convent of S. Maria Novella, where he… -
Naomi (NOEMI)
NAOMI. - Wife of Elimelech, from Bethlehem, mother-in-law of Ruth (v.); in Hebrew No'ōmī "gracious," an appellation that occurs in the poem… -
Naphtali (Hebr. Naphtālī) (NEPHTHALI (EBR. NAPHTALĪ))
NAPHTALI (Hebr. Naphtālī). - Second-born of Jacob, born of Bilhah, Rachel's slave. His name is interpreted in Gen. 30:8 as "contest," an… -
Narcissus (NARCISSO)
NARCISSUS. - A figure from whom a group takes its name that St. Paul greets in Rom. 16:11: "those of the household of N. (τοὺς ἐκ τῶν… -
Nash, Papiro
NASH, PAPIRO. - Hebrew papyrus that around 1902 W. L. Nash (secretary of the "Society of biblical archeology") purchased in four fragments… -
Nathanael («God Has Given») (NATHANAEL (« DIO HA DATO »))
NATHANAEL («God Has Given»). - One of the first disciples of Jesus, to whom he was brought by Philip, N. was at first reluctant (but St.… -
Nathan (Hebr. Nāthān «[God] Has Given») (NATHAN (EBR. NĀTHĀN « [DIO] HA DATO »))
NATHAN (Hebr. Nāthān «[God] Has Given»). - Prophet who, around 1000 B.C., appeared suddenly when David asked his opinion about whether or… -
Nathaniah (Hebrew: Netanyah and Netanyahu = «Gift of Yahweh») (NATANIA (EBR. NETHANJAH E NETHANJAHU = « DONO DI JAHWEH »))
NATHANIAH (Hebrew: Netanyah and Netanyahu = «Gift of Yahweh»). - Name of five Israelites. 1. Son of Elishama (Jer. 41:1) and father of… -
Nathan of Rome (NATAN DA ROMA)
NATHAN OF ROME. - Jewish lexicographer, lived in Rome in the 11th century, d. in 1106. He was a contemporary of the Talmudist Isaac of Fez… -
Nathinei (Hebr. Nēthānīm; Septuagint Nēthānīm, rarely Nēthānīm and Nēthānīm; Vulg. Nathinae) (NATINEI (EBR. NĒTHĀNĪM; SETTANTA NĒTHĀNĪM, RARO NĒTHĀNĪM E NĒTHĀNĪM; VOLG. NATHINAEI))
NATHINEI (Hebr. Nēthānīm; Septuagint Nēthānīm, rarely Nēthānīm and Nēthānīm; Vulg. Nathinae). - Ministers assigned to the most menial… -
Nazareno (Nazorean) (NAZARENO (NAZOREO))
NAZARENO (NAZOREAN). - Title attributed to Jesus and to Christians in the New Testament. The form N. (Ναζαρηνός) is read in Mk. 1:24;… -
Nazareth
NAZARETH. - City of Galilee, where Jesus led the hidden life with Mary Most Holy and St. Joseph. The name is written and interpreted in… -
Nazirite (NAZIREATO)
NAZIRITE. - The profession of "nazirite" (Heb. nāzīr, from nāzar, in the passive "to set oneself apart" and "to abstain"), translated… -
Nebo
NEBO. - Mountain and city of the Abarim range (v.), situated east of the Dead Sea. The mountain (Heb. har Nèbbô; Septuagint Naβaô) is…