Aaron

Elder brother of Moses and first high priest of Israel. Spokesman before Pharaoh.

Abednego

Also known as: Azariah

One of Daniel's three companions in Babylon. Stood firm in faith against the golden image decree.

Abel

Second son of Adam and Eve. A keeper of sheep whose offering pleased God. Slain by his brother Cain.

Abigail

A woman of wisdom and beauty who prevented David from shedding innocent blood. Later became David's wife.

Abraham

Also known as: Abram

Father of the faithful, called by God to leave Ur. Received the covenant promise that through his seed all nations would be blessed.

Absalom

Third son of David who rebelled against his father and seized the throne. Known for his handsome appearance and long hair.

Adam

The first man, created by God from the dust of the ground in the Garden of Eden. Father of all humanity.

Ahab

King of Israel who married Jezebel and promoted Baal worship. Confronted by the prophet Elijah.

Amos

A shepherd and fig-tree dresser from Tekoa called by God to prophesy against social injustice in Israel.

Andrew

Brother of Simon Peter and one of the first called apostles. Originally a disciple of John the Baptist.

Apollos

An eloquent Jewish man from Alexandria, mighty in the Scriptures. Instructed by Priscilla and Aquila.

Aquila

A Jewish tentmaker from Pontus. Husband of Priscilla and fellow worker with Paul in Corinth and Ephesus.

Asher

Eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah. His tribe was blessed with abundance and rich food.

Barabbas

A notable prisoner released by Pilate instead of Jesus, as the crowd demanded.

Barnabas

Also known as: Joseph called Barnabas, Son of Encouragement

A Levite from Cyprus who sold his field and gave to the apostles. Traveled with Paul on the first missionary journey.

Bartholomew

Also known as: Nathanael

One of the twelve apostles. Jesus said of him, 'Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.'

Bathsheba

Wife of Uriah the Hittite, later wife of King David. Mother of Solomon.

Benjamin

Also known as: Benoni

Twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. His mother died giving birth to him.

Boaz

A wealthy landowner of Bethlehem who became the kinsman-redeemer of Ruth. Great-grandfather of King David.

Caiaphas

The high priest who presided over the trial of Jesus and declared it expedient that one man should die for the people.

Cain

Firstborn son of Adam and Eve. A tiller of the ground who slew his brother Abel.

Caleb

One of two faithful spies who trusted God's promise to give Israel the land. Given Hebron as his inheritance.

Dan

Fifth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah. His tribe settled in the northernmost territory of Israel.

Daniel

Also known as: Belteshazzar

A young Hebrew exile in Babylon who remained faithful to God. Interpreter of dreams, survivor of the lion's den, and receiver of apocalyptic visions.

David

Also known as: The Sweet Psalmist of Israel

The shepherd boy who slew Goliath and became Israel's greatest king. A man after God's own heart, he united the kingdom and established Jerusalem as the capital. Author of many Psalms.

Deborah

A prophetess and the only female judge of Israel. Led Israel to victory over Sisera and the Canaanites.

Delilah

The woman who enticed Samson to reveal the secret of his great strength, leading to his capture by the Philistines.

Dinah

Daughter of Jacob and Leah. Her story in Shechem led to the vengeance of Simeon and Levi.

Eli

High priest and judge of Israel who mentored the young Samuel. His sons' wickedness led to judgment upon his house.

Elijah

Also known as: Elias

One of the greatest prophets of Israel. Confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Elisha

Prophet of Israel and successor of Elijah. Received a double portion of Elijah's spirit and performed many miracles.

Elizabeth

Also known as: Elisabeth

Wife of Zacharias and mother of John the Baptist. A kinswoman of Mary who was filled with the Holy Ghost.

Enoch

Son of Jared who walked with God and was taken up without seeing death.

Ephraim

Younger son of Joseph, blessed by Jacob with the greater blessing over his elder brother Manasseh.

Esau

Also known as: Edom

Firstborn twin of Isaac and Rebekah. Sold his birthright and became father of the Edomites.

Esther

Also known as: Hadassah

Jewish queen of Persia who risked her life to save her people from genocide planned by Haman.

Eve

Also known as: Woman

The first woman, created from Adam's rib. Mother of all living.

Ezekiel

A priest and prophet who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Known for vivid visions including the valley of dry bones.

Ezra

A priest and scribe who led the second group of exiles back from Babylon and restored the study of God's Law.

Gad

Seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah. His tribe settled east of the Jordan.

Gideon

Also known as: Jerubbaal

A judge of Israel who defeated the Midianite army with only 300 men, using trumpets and torches.

Goliath

The giant Philistine champion of Gath, over nine feet tall. Slain by the young David with a sling and a stone.

Habakkuk

Prophet who questioned God about injustice and received the answer that the just shall live by faith.

Hagar

Egyptian handmaid of Sarah who bore Ishmael to Abraham. Encountered the angel of the Lord in the wilderness.

Haggai

Post-exilic prophet who urged the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and put God first.

Ham

Son of Noah. Father of Canaan and ancestor of many nations including Egypt and Cush.

Hannah

Mother of Samuel the prophet. Prayed fervently for a child and dedicated him to the Lord's service.

Herod Antipas

Son of Herod the Great and tetrarch of Galilee. Beheaded John the Baptist and mocked Jesus during His trial.

Herod the Great

King of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth. Ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem to eliminate the newborn King.

Hezekiah

Righteous king of Judah who restored temple worship and trusted God during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.

Hosea

Prophet commanded by God to marry the unfaithful Gomer as a living parable of God's love for wayward Israel.

Isaac

Son of promise born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. The child of laughter through whom the covenant continued.

Isaiah

Also known as: Esaias

The greatest of the writing prophets. Prophesied during the reigns of four kings of Judah and foretold the coming Messiah in extraordinary detail.

Ishmael

Son of Abraham and Hagar. Father of twelve princes and a great nation, as God promised.

Issachar

Ninth son of Jacob, born to Leah. His tribe was known for understanding the times.

Jacob

Also known as: Israel

Son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin of Esau. Wrestled with God and received the name Israel. Father of the twelve tribes.

James brother of Jesus

Also known as: James the Just

Half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. Author of the Epistle of James.

James son of Alphaeus

Also known as: James the Less

One of the twelve apostles, distinguished from James the son of Zebedee.

James son of Zebedee

Also known as: James the Greater

Brother of John and one of the inner circle of three apostles. First apostle to be martyred, killed by Herod Agrippa.

Japheth

Son of Noah. Ancestor of the Indo-European peoples who spread across many coastlands.

Jephthah

A judge of Israel and mighty warrior who delivered Israel from the Ammonites. Known for his tragic vow.

Jeremiah

Also known as: The Weeping Prophet

Called as a prophet before birth, he warned Judah of coming judgment for forty years. Wept over Jerusalem's destruction.

Jeroboam

First king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Led the ten tribes in rebellion and set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel.

Jesus

Also known as: Christ, Messiah, Immanuel, Son of God, Son of Man, Lamb of God

The Son of God and promised Messiah. Born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. Lived a sinless life, taught with authority, performed miracles, was crucified for the sins of the world, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended to heaven.

Jezebel

Phoenician princess and wife of King Ahab. Promoted Baal worship and persecuted the prophets of God.

Job

A righteous and wealthy man of Uz who endured immense suffering yet maintained his faith. God restored him doubly.

Joel

Prophet who used a devastating locust plague to warn of the coming Day of the Lord and promise the outpouring of the Spirit.

John the Apostle

Also known as: The Beloved Disciple

Brother of James, son of Zebedee. Part of Jesus' inner circle. Author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.

John the Baptist

Also known as: The Forerunner

The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Baptized in the Jordan River and proclaimed repentance. Beheaded by Herod.

Jonah

Also known as: Jonas

The reluctant prophet who fled from God's call to preach to Nineveh. Swallowed by a great fish for three days.

Jonathan

Son of King Saul and beloved friend of David. A valiant warrior known for his deep covenant friendship.

Joseph

Also known as: Zaphnathpaaneah

Eleventh son of Jacob and firstborn of Rachel. Sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to become ruler of Egypt under Pharaoh.

Joseph of Arimathaea

A wealthy member of the Sanhedrin and secret disciple of Jesus who provided his own tomb for Jesus' burial.

Joseph of Nazareth

Husband of Mary and earthly guardian of Jesus. A righteous carpenter of the house of David who obeyed God's angel.

Joshua

Also known as: Hoshea

Successor of Moses who led Israel into the Promised Land. Commanded the conquest of Canaan and divided the inheritance among the tribes.

Josiah

Righteous king of Judah who discovered the Book of the Law in the temple and led a great reform.

Judah

Fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. The royal tribe of Israel.

Judas Iscariot

One of the twelve apostles who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Afterward he was filled with remorse and hanged himself.

Jude brother of Jesus

Also known as: Judas

Half-brother of Jesus and author of the Epistle of Jude. Urged believers to contend for the faith.

Lazarus

Brother of Martha and Mary of Bethany. Raised from the dead by Jesus after being in the tomb four days.

Leah

Elder daughter of Laban and first wife of Jacob. Mother of six sons and one daughter.

Levi

Third son of Jacob and Leah. His descendants became the priestly tribe of Israel.

Lot

Nephew of Abraham who chose to dwell in Sodom. Rescued before its destruction.

Luke

Also known as: The Beloved Physician

A physician and companion of Paul. Author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Malachi

The last Old Testament prophet who confronted Israel's spiritual apathy and foretold the coming of the Lord's messenger.

Manasseh

Elder son of Joseph. His half-tribe settled on both sides of the Jordan.

Mark

Also known as: John Mark

Author of the Gospel of Mark. Accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

Martha

Sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. Known for her hospitality and service to Jesus.

Mary Magdalene

A devoted follower of Jesus from whom seven devils were cast out. First witness of the resurrection.

Mary Mother of Jesus

Also known as: The Virgin Mary

A young virgin of Nazareth chosen by God to bear His Son. Favoured among women, she said 'Be it unto me according to thy word.'

Mary of Bethany

Sister of Martha and Lazarus. Sat at Jesus' feet and anointed Him with costly ointment.

Matthew the Apostle

Also known as: Levi

A tax collector called by Jesus to become an apostle. Author of the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthias

Chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles.

Meshach

Also known as: Mishael

One of Daniel's three companions who survived the fiery furnace unharmed by God's miraculous protection.

Methuselah

Son of Enoch and grandfather of Noah. Lived 969 years, the longest-lived person in the Bible.

Micah

Prophet from Moresheth who proclaimed justice and mercy and foretold the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem.

Miriam

Sister of Moses and Aaron. A prophetess who led Israel in song after crossing the Red Sea.

Mordecai

Cousin and guardian of Esther who uncovered a plot against the king. Refused to bow to Haman.

Moses

The great lawgiver and prophet who led Israel out of Egyptian bondage, received the Ten Commandments at Sinai, and guided the people through forty years in the wilderness.

Nahum

Prophet who foretold the fall of Nineveh and the destruction of the Assyrian Empire.

Naomi

Also known as: Mara

Mother-in-law of Ruth. Left Bethlehem during a famine and returned from Moab with Ruth, who showed her great loyalty.

Naphtali

Sixth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah. His tribe settled in upper Galilee.

Nebuchadnezzar

King of Babylon who conquered Jerusalem and took the Jews into exile. Later humbled by God and acknowledged the Most High.

Nehemiah

Cupbearer to King Artaxerxes who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days.

Nicodemus

A Pharisee and ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night. Helped prepare Jesus' body for burial.

Noah

A righteous man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Built the ark and preserved life through the great flood.

Paul

Also known as: Saul of Tarsus

The apostle to the Gentiles. A Pharisee who persecuted the church until his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Authored thirteen epistles and established churches throughout the Roman Empire.

Pharaoh's Daughter

The Egyptian princess who rescued the infant Moses from the Nile and raised him as her own son.

Philip the Apostle

One of the twelve apostles, from Bethsaida. Brought Nathanael to Jesus.

Philip the Evangelist

One of the seven deacons who preached in Samaria and baptized the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza.

Pontius Pilate

Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus. Though finding no fault in Him, delivered Jesus to be crucified.

Priscilla

Also known as: Prisca

Wife of Aquila and co-worker with Paul. Together they instructed Apollos more perfectly in the way of God.

Rachel

Younger daughter of Laban and beloved wife of Jacob. Mother of Joseph and Benjamin.

Rahab

A harlot of Jericho who hid the Israelite spies and was saved when the city fell. Ancestress of David and Jesus.

Rebekah

Also known as: Rebecca

Wife of Isaac, chosen by God's providence at the well. Mother of twins Esau and Jacob.

Rehoboam

Son of Solomon whose harsh rule caused the kingdom to split into Israel (north) and Judah (south).

Reuben

Firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Lost his birthright due to his transgression.

Ruth

A Moabite woman who showed steadfast loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi. Married Boaz and became great-grandmother of King David.

Samson

A Nazirite judge of Israel blessed with supernatural strength. Fought the Philistines and died destroying their temple.

Samuel

The last judge and a great prophet of Israel. Anointed both Saul and David as kings over Israel.

Sarah

Also known as: Sarai

Wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Laughed at God's promise of a son in her old age, yet believed.

Saul

First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. A tall Benjamite who began well but fell through disobedience and jealousy of David.

Seth

Third son of Adam and Eve, born after Abel's death. Through his line came Noah and eventually the Messiah.

Shadrach

Also known as: Hananiah

One of Daniel's three companions who refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image and was thrown into the fiery furnace.

Shem

Eldest son of Noah. Ancestor of the Semitic peoples and the line through which Abraham descended.

Silas

Also known as: Silvanus

A leading man among the brethren in Jerusalem. Accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey and was imprisoned with him in Philippi.

Simeon

Second son of Jacob and Leah. Joined with Levi in avenging their sister Dinah.

Simon Peter

Also known as: Cephas, Simon bar Jonah

A fisherman of Galilee and leader among the twelve apostles. Confessed Jesus as the Christ. Denied Christ thrice but was restored. Became a pillar of the early church.

Simon the Zealot

Also known as: Simon the Canaanite

One of the twelve apostles, distinguished by his zeal. Little is recorded of him in Scripture.

Solomon

Also known as: Jedidiah

Son of David and Bathsheba. The wisest king of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem. Author of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.

Stephen

One of the first seven deacons and the first Christian martyr. Full of faith and the Holy Ghost, he was stoned to death.

Tamar

Daughter-in-law of Judah who disguised herself to ensure the continuation of her husband's line. Ancestress of David and Jesus.

Thaddaeus

Also known as: Judas son of James, Lebbaeus

One of the twelve apostles, also called Judas (not Iscariot). Asked Jesus why He revealed Himself to disciples but not the world.

Thomas

Also known as: Didymus, Doubting Thomas

One of the twelve apostles who initially doubted the resurrection but confessed 'My Lord and my God' upon seeing the risen Christ.

Timothy

Also known as: Timotheus

A young disciple of Paul from Lystra, son of a Jewish mother and Greek father. Paul's trusted co-worker and recipient of two pastoral epistles.

Titus

A Greek convert and trusted companion of Paul. Appointed to organize the churches in Crete.

Zacharias

Also known as: Zechariah (father of John)

A righteous priest and father of John the Baptist. Struck mute for doubting the angel Gabriel's announcement.

Zebulun

Tenth son of Jacob, born to Leah. His tribe settled along the coast of northern Israel.

Zechariah

Post-exilic prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the temple through apocalyptic visions and Messianic prophecies.

Zephaniah

Prophet of royal descent who warned of the Day of the Lord's judgment and promised joy for the faithful remnant.