BISHLAM to BITUMEN

BISHLAM

-A Samaritan who obstructed the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem Ezr 4:7-24

BISHOP

an overseer. In apostolic times, it is quite manifest that there was no difference as to order between bishops and elders or presbyters (Acts 20:17-28; 1 Pet. 5:1, 2; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1 all).

The term bishop is never once used to denote a different office from that of elder or presbyter. These different names are simply titles of the same office, "bishop" designating the function, namely, that of oversight, and "presbyter" the dignity appertaining to the office. Christ is figuratively called "the bishop (episcopos) of souls" (1 Pet. 2:25).

(An overseer, a supervisor) Php 1:1; Ac 20:28; 1Ti 3:2-7; Tit 1:5-11

A TITLE OF JESUS 1Pe 2:25 .

See ELDER

BIT

the curb put into the mouths of horses to restrain them.

The Hebrew word (metheg) so rendered in Ps. 32:9 is elsewhere translated "bridle" (2 Kings 19:28; Prov. 26:3; Isa. 37:29). Bits were generally made of bronze or iron, but sometimes also of gold or silver. In James 3:3 the Authorized Version translates the Greek word by "bits," but the Revised Version by "bridles."

Part of a bridle Ps 32:9; Jas 3:3

BITHIAH

Daughter of Pharaoh 1Ch 4:18

BITHRON

the broken or divided place, a district in the Arabah or Jordan valley, on the east of the river (2 Sam. 2:29). It was probably the designation of the region in general, which is broken and intersected by ravines.

A district bordering on the edge of the Jordan River 2Sa 2:29

BITHYNIA

a province in Asia Minor, to the south of the Euxine and Propontis.

Christian congregations were here formed at an early time (1 Pet. 1:1).

Paul was prevented by the Spirit from entering this province (Acts 16:7).

It is noted in church history as the province ruled over by Pliny as Roman proconsul, who was perplexed as to the course he should take with the numerous Christians brought before his tribunal on account of their profession of Christianity and their conduct, and wrote to Trajan, the emperor, for instructions (A.D. 107).

A Roman province in Asia Minor Ac 16:7; 1Pe 1:1

BITTER HERBS

-Eaten symbolically with the Passover meal Ex 12:8; Nu 9:11

BITTER WATER

At Marah Ex 15:23 A ceremonial water used by the priest Nu 5:18-27

BITTER

Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the "bitter and hasty nation" (Hab. 1:6). The "gall of bitterness" expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A "root of bitterness" is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).

The Passover was to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were any bitter herbs obtainable at the place and time when the Passover was celebrated. They represented the severity of the servitude under which the people groaned; and have been regarded also as typical of the sufferings of Christ.

BITTERN

is found three times in connection with the desolations to come upon Babylon, Idumea, and Nineveh (Isa. 14:23; 34:11; Zeph. 2:14).

This bird belongs to the class of cranes. Its scientific name is Botaurus stellaris. It is a solitary bird, frequenting marshy ground. The Hebrew word (kippod) thus rendered in the Authorized Version is rendered "porcupine" in the Revised Version.

But in the passages noted the kippod is associated with birds, with pools of water, and with solitude and desolation. This favours the idea that not the "porcupine" but the "bittern" is really intended by the word.

A species of heron Isa 14:23; 34:11; Zep 2:14

BITUMEN

Gen. 11:3, R.V., margin, rendered in the A.V. "slime"), a mineral pitch. With this the ark was pitched (Gen 6:14. See also Ex. 2:3.)

(See SLIME

(Margin R. V., slime)

An inflammable mineral Gen 11:3; 14:10; Ex 2:3

See PORPOISE