Glossary of Terms - B
All terms listed herein are defined according to their usage within the context of the SCJ Bible Study.
Babylon (Figurative) Figuratively represents Satan’s kingdom, a place of falsehood and spiritual corruption. It is described as a dwelling for demons and impure spirits, influencing all nations with maddening wine (false teachings). It is a spiritual grave from which God’s people must come out in the Second Coming. Historically, Babylon was a nation that destroyed God’s chosen people. It is also referred to as the “sea” where Satan rules and has captured God’s people. Revelation 18:2-4, Jeremiah 51:7, Revelation 17:1-5, Matthew 24:15-16, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 18:4, Revelation 20:2, 1 John 5:19, Luke 4:5-7. Referenced Lesson: 98, 102, 103. Learn More: Babylon.
Balaam and Balak Old Testament figures who caused the Israelite people to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality. In Revelation, they appear figuratively, representing new individuals who exhibit similar characteristics, misleading God’s servants into spiritual sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. Jezebel is identified as the same as Balak. Numbers 22, Revelation 2:14, Revelation 2:20. Referenced Lesson: 102.
Banquet (Feast) A figurative term for a spiritual gathering or celebration, often referring to the wedding banquet of the Lamb. Revelation 19:6-9.
Barn Represents heaven, specifically Mount Zion, where the good wheat (God’s children) are gathered at harvest time to create a new nation. Matthew 13:30, Matthew 13:37-39. Referenced Lesson: 1, 19.
Bartholomew One of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
Battle (Spiritual) The ongoing conflict between God and Satan, fought primarily with words and doctrines. This spiritual war is between Jerusalem (God’s chosen people) and Babylon (Gentile churches influenced by demons). Revelation 12:16, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-17, Revelation 12:11, John 8:44.
Battleground (Satan’s) Satan’s primary area of operation is in churches, where he targets believers, causing strife and arguments, and attempting to lead people astray with false teachings. 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Matthew 13. Referenced Lesson: 5.
Beast In Revelation, a figurative beast with seven heads and ten horns represents a false pastor or a person who does not understand God’s Word. It acts on instinct, lacks hope, cannot speak truth, and destroys. Beasts appear as entities involved in betrayal, destruction, and salvation. Revelation 13:1-4, Daniel 7:3, Proverbs 30:2-4, Psalms 49:20, Jude 1:10. Learn More: Beast.
Beast (from the earth) The second beast in Revelation, specifically representing Mr. Oh, a false pastor from the Tabernacle Temple. He appeared like a lamb but exercised the authority of the first beast. He is likened to Star Wormwood and uses false doctrines (fire from heaven) from the pulpit to deceive the congregation. Revelation 13:11-17.
Beast (from the sea) The first beast in Revelation, specifically representing Mr. Tak, the king of the locusts and a destroyer. He emerges from the “sea” which symbolizes Babylon, the Stewardship Education Center. He had characteristics of a lion, leopard, and bear, symbolizing his destructive nature. He was responsible for bringing the mark of the beast to the chosen people. Revelation 13:1-10, Daniel 7:3-17.
Beast (with 7 heads and 10 horns) Represents destroyers, specifically seven pastors and ten authority figures who invade the tabernacle and destroy its occupants. It also refers to Mr. Tak and his organization, the Stewardship Education Center. Bible Verses: Revelation 13:1-2, Revelation 17, Revelation 12. Referenced Lesson: 98, 103, 115.
Betrayal One of the three main events of Revelation, occurring when God’s chosen people turn away from Him. It also refers to the act of a spirit leaving a physical body due to sin. Bible Verses: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. Referenced Lesson: 98.
Believers Those who accept and follow God’s Word.
Bereans People in Acts 17:11 who were of noble character for eagerly receiving the message and examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. They serve as an example for discerning truth. Acts 17:11.
Betrayal (Rebellion) The first event prophesied to occur in the Second Coming, where those who once belonged to God turn against Him, leading to judgment and destruction. This era occurred before the 42 months of destruction. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Matthew 7:6, 2 Peter 2:22.
Bethlehem The prophesied birthplace of Jesus, fulfilling Micah 5:2. Micah 5:2.
Bible (The Word) The inspired Word of God, authored by God Himself through human writers who were carried along by the Holy Spirit. It serves as a source of truth, life, and instruction. The Bible is a book of covenants, war, prophecy, and fulfillment, categorized into history, moral teachings, prophecies, and fulfillments. It is the true standard of truth, likened to a mirror, water, and food. It contains solutions to parables within itself and is self-explanatory. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 1:1-5, John 6:63, Psalms 119:105. Referenced Lesson: 8, 9.
Bible History (Eras) The progression of God’s work throughout different periods, characterized by a repeating cycle of creation and recreation. These eras include Genesis, Exodus and the Law, Judges, Kings, Prophets, Gospel of Adam (First Coming), Apostles, and Revelation (Second Coming). It provides examples and warnings for believers to learn from, showing behaviors and mindsets to emulate or avoid. 1 Corinthians 10:11. Referenced Lesson: 69.
Birds (Figurative) Represent Holy Spirits. Also, the “birds of the air” can refer to evil spirits that gather around spiritually dead “carcasses.” Matthew 24:28.
Birth Pains Figurative term for persecution and tribulation that occur before the Second Coming. Matthew 24:8, Romans 8:22.
Blessings Promises from God for those who obey His covenant, including the ability to overcome challenges. It means going to heaven and living eternally, and receiving the promises of God, with Jesus Himself.
Blindness (Spiritual) The inability to understand God’s Word or discern spiritual truth, even when it is presented clearly. This can affect those who have eyes but cannot see, or ears but cannot hear, due to hardened hearts or reliance on human understanding. It signifies a lack of understanding despite seeing the word. Isaiah 43:8, Isaiah 42:18-20, Isaiah 29:9-13, Matthew 15:14, Matthew 13:15, John 6:45, Revelation 3:18.
Blind and Deaf (Figurative) Spiritual blindness means having eyes but not being able to see or understand God’s word. Spiritual deafness means having ears but not being able to hear or comprehend God’s word. This condition is often due to a hardened heart. Bible Verses: Isaiah 43:8, Isaiah 42:18-20, Isaiah 29:9-13, Matthew 15:14, Matthew 13:15. Referenced Lesson: 28.
Blood (Figurative) Jesus’ words of life, which give eternal life. It also represents the testimony about judgment. Symbolizes the words of Jesus, specifically His teachings that give spiritual life and cleanse from sin. It is a sign of the New Covenant and is consumed by listening to and accepting Jesus’ words. It is the weapon used to overcome. John 6:51-56, John 6:63, Luke 22:19-20, Revelation 1:5-6, Revelation 5:9-10, Hebrews 9:28. Referenced Lesson: 100, 106, 87.
Blueprint (Revelation as) The book of Revelation serves as a blueprint for re-creation, specifically the recreation of God’s kingdom on earth. Like a blueprint for a home, it represents a vision or outline of the final product. Genesis 1 also serves as a blueprint for how God creates and recreates.
Body (Figurative) In spiritual contexts, refers to people or the physical body.
Book of Life (Lamb’s) A critically important concept in Revelation, mentioned 6 times in the book. It is the church registry of heaven, containing the names of those who are righteous. Only those whose names are written in it will be saved. Names can be removed if one does wrong. Revelation 3:5, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 20:12, Revelation 20:15, Revelation 21:27, Philippians 4:3, Psalm 69:27-28, Psalm 87:5-6.
Born Again To be born of imperishable seed, which is the living and enduring word of God. It means a person’s spirit is cleansed and recreated by God’s word. It is a necessary step to see and enter the kingdom of God. A continual process of spiritual transformation where one receives God’s Word (imperishable seed), resulting in a renewed spirit and the ability to see and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is through “water and the Spirit,” both representing the Word, that this rebirth occurs. It means to pull out the old and plant the new, to destroy the old house and make a new house, representing new wine, new education, new seed, and the beginning of new creation. 1 Peter 1:23, John 3:3-6, John 6:63, Deuteronomy 32:2, John 1:1. Referenced Lesson: 1, 16, 65, 80.
Bow (Figurative) Represents the word of judgment, a figurative representation of God’s judgment carried out through the word. Used by the first living creature in Revelation 6, Lamentations 2:1-6. Referenced Lesson: 107.
Bowls (Container/Article/Vessel/Cup) (Figurative) Represents a person or a person’s heart, formed and refined by God’s word to be useful. Those who overcome become God’s bowls of wrath to judge betrayers and destroyers. On a larger scale, it can represent a church that contains many smaller “bowls” (people). A bowl (person) is formed and refined by the word so it can be used. It is made by a Potter (God) from clay (dust) + water (the word) + fire (the word). There are noble bowls (cleansed by the word, useful to the Master) and encrusted bowls (defiled by Satan’s teachings, leading to curses). Revelation 15:7, Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 5:14, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Matthew 23:25-26, Luke 6:45, Ezekiel 11:3. Referenced Lesson: 20.
Bowls of Wrath Figurative representations of people used by God to pour out judgment on betrayers and destroyers. These are one of the three distinct sets of divine judgments outlined in Revelation. Revelation 15:7, Revelation 16.
Branches Disciples who are connected to Jesus (the true vine) and bear fruit by spreading the Word and bringing others to Him. Their task is to bear much fruit. John 15:5, John 15:1.
Bread (Daily) Figurative spiritual food, representing God’s Word needed for eternal life, especially the revealed word at the proper time. It is also called “hidden manna” or “food at the proper time.” Matthew 6:11, Deuteronomy 8:3.
Breastplates (spiritual) Symbolically represent Satan’s word serving as armor which prevents people from receiving the truth. Described in Revelation 9:17 as colored fiery red, dark blue, and yellow on horses and riders. Lion’s teeth and breastplates are used for false teachings. Revelation 9:17.
Breath (Figurative) Represents the Word of Life. To have breath means to have spiritual life, and to give breath means to speak or deliver the life-giving Word to others. The cessation of breath signifies spiritual death. The Spirit and the Word give life. John 6:63, John 1:1-4, Ezekiel 37:1-10, John 5:24-25, 28. Referenced Lesson: 33.
Bride (Representative) New John, who teaches others how to become brides. The brides are the 12 tribes of New Spiritual Israel, including the 144,000 and the great multitude. Bible Verses: Revelation 22:17. Referenced Lesson: 78.
Bride (Figurative) Represents the “flesh” or people who receive the “seed” (Word) from the “Groom” (Spirit) and bear spiritual children (new believers). The Bride of the Lamb is prepared with fine linen (righteous acts). Satan also has a “bride” (false churches) that produces children of falsehood. New John is the representative bride. Hosea 2:19-20, Galatians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Revelation 19:6-9, Revelation 22:8, 16-17.
Bridegroom (Figurative) In spiritual marriage, represents Christ. Hosea 2:19-20, Jeremiah 31:31-32, Galatians 4:19, Matthew 3:16, John 10:30, Matthew 22:1-4, Revelation 19:6-9.
Brides (Qualifications for) Preparing the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes.
Bronze Basin An item in the tabernacle made of mirror-like material, where priests washed their hands, symbolizing cleansing through the Word. James 1:21.
Busan A city in South Korea, part of the 1600 stadia distance in Revelation 14:20. Revelation 14:20.