Wafer (Hebrew: RAKIK ). A thin cake made of flour or leaf-like bread ( Exodus 16:31), and used in various offerings, anointed with sweet oil. Wages (Hebrew: MASKORETH, SACHAR; Greek: misthos, opsonia ). The law was very strict in requiring daily payment of wages ( Leviticus 19:13). The employer who refused to give his laborers sufficient food was censured ( Job 24:11), and the withholding wages was denounced ( Jeremiah 22:13). The rich oppressed the poor in the later times, and called down Malachi’s denunciation ( Malachi 3:5).

Wagon (Hebrew: AGALAH ). .

Wall 1. Walls, supporting terraces on side hills, were made from the loose stones gathered on the side hill, either with or without mortar. These walls, ruined or entire, are found all over the hill country, and are especially noticeable at Bethlehem and Gibeah, northwest of Jerusalem. This custom doubled the capacity of the hillsides in its power of producing grain or supporting trees, for the soil was washed down by the heavy rains, if not terraced. Walls were built around sheepcotes, in the open country, for the protection of the flock at night, and many such are still to be seen in the desert south of Palestine. . The ancient walls of temples and forts were sometimes built of very large stones, laid in a channel cut in the solid rock (see ). The style of rebated faces of blocks in a wall (called also beviled) is the mark of great antiquity, and almost always of Phoenician origin. The Hebrews followed this style in the temple-wall, and in some parts of the city wall of Jerusalem, as appears in the remains of the temple-wall at the wailingplace, and underground, lately examined by the Palestine Exploration, and at the Damascus Gate, David’s Tower, etc. Many other specimens are found at Hebron, in the mosque over Machpelah, at Paneas, Tyre, etc. The Assyrians often faced a wall of some coarse material (earth, loose stones, etc.) with slabs of marble, or bricks.

Walls of houses were made of dirt, clay, bricks (sun-burnt or fire-kilned), and of stone, rough or dressed.

Where a common highway ran through a vineyard, it was often walled on both sides ( Numbers 22:24). War In war the custom of the Israelites resembled that of surrounding countries. . Their first object in war was conquest; and then, when in Canaan, their defense against enemies. They consulted the Urim and Thummim or the prophet, before going to war, or into battle. The Hebrews were almost always at war, with others or among themselves generally on account of neglecting the true worship, when Jehovah punished the nation by the means of other people sent against them.

Washing the Hands and Feet As no knives or forks were used at the table, washing of the hands before and after meals was necessary ( Matthew 15:2). Because of the dust and heat of the Eastern climate, washing the feet on entering a house was an act of respect to the company, and of refreshment to the traveler ( Genesis 18:4). When done by the master of the house it was an especial mark of respect and honor to the guest.

Watch A division of the night. .

Watcher A figurative designation of heavenly things, apparently angels, as seen by Nebuchadnezzar in his dream ( Daniel 4:13,17-23).

Watchmen Are of as early a date as cities, robbers, and wars ( Exodus 14:24). Jerusalem and other cities had regular guards night and day ( Song of Solomon 3:1-3,5,7). When danger is apprehended they are required to call to each other every few minutes. They were stationed at the gate of a city and in the adjacent tower ( 2 Samuel 18:24-27); and their responsible office required great vigilance and fidelity ( Jeremiah 6:17). Water (Hebrew: MAYIM; Greek: hudor ). To the ancient Hebrews water was of inestimable value ( Exodus 15:22). It is an emblem of the spiritual blessings or , which God bestows upon his people ( Isaiah 55:1). . Water-gate ( Nehemiah 12:37 ). A gate of Jerusalem. Water of Jealousy Holy water mixed with dust from the floor of the Tabernacle, given in the case where a wife was suspected by the husband, on whom had fallen “the spirit of jealousy;” described in Numbers 5:11-31. In such a case an offering had to be brought by the husband ( Leviticus 2:2). Water-pot (Greek: hudria ). A large vessel of stone in which water is kept standing, also for carrying water ( John 2:6,7).

Wave-offering (Hebrew: TENUFAH ). The breast of every , the Passover sheaf, loaves and lambs at Pentecost, etc., were to be “waved” before the Lord, and were hence called wave-offerings ( Exodus 29:24-28). Wax (Hebrew: DONAG ). Mentioned in Scripture as easily melted by heat ( Psalm 22:14; Exodus 22:24).

Way (Hebrew: DERECH, Greek: hodos ). A road, track, path or ( Genesis 16:7); in Acts 9:2 applied to the Christian religion.

Weasel (Hebrew: CHOLED ) Is identical with the Arabic chuld and the Syriac chuldo , both words signifying a mole; and therefore that the unclean animal mentioned in Leviticus 11:29, is not a weasel but a kind of mole. Several varieties of weasels and moles are found in Palestine.

Weaving Was practiced by the ancients, and exhibited on the ancient monuments of Egypt ( Genesis 41:42). It was usually performed by women ( Kings 23:7). The distaff, the shuttle, and the weaver’s beam and pin are mentioned in Judges 16:14; 1 Samuel 17:7; Job 7:6. Week (Hebrew: SHABUA ). .

Weights and Measures The notices of weights and measures in the Bible are few and incomplete, and we have to supply the wanting information from other sources; chiefly from the systems of ancient nations, following the chain from Rome up through Greece, Egypt, and Phoenicia, to Babylon, the origin. The system was nearly uniform everywhere, but varied from one age to another, Layard found at Nineveh the weights used by the Babylonians, which were in the form of lions and of ducks, with rings for handles, of different sizes, in a certain system, the lightest weighing about 4 oz., the heaviest about pounds.

Well (Hebrew: BEER ). The necessity and demand for water in a hot climate has rendered it a possession of the greatest importance ( Judges 1:15; Genesis 21:30,31). So that, in war, the wells were often filled in by the enemy ( <120301> Kings 3:19). Wells in Palestine have generally to be sunk through limestone; sometimes they are descended by steps ( Genesis 24:16). A curb or low parapet-wall encircles their mouths; sometimes they were furnished with stone covers ( Exodus 21:33). Christ sat on the curb of the well when he conversed with the woman of Samaria ( John 4:6). The water was hoisted by a rope attached to a bucket, water-skin, or stone jar ( Genesis 24:14-20; John 4:11). Also a wheel was used upon which was slung an endless belt, on which jars to hold the water were attached at intervals, The well-swing was of ancient use, being a beam balanced upon a pivot, with a rope and bucket at one end and a stone balance-weight at the other. Women were usually employed to fetch water. Many places are named in relation to wells, such as Beersheba, Beer-Elim, Rehoboth, etc.

Wen (Hebrew: YABBAL “flowing” ), ( Leviticus 22:22). A tumor which is movable, pulpy, and often elastic to the touch.

Wench Maid-servant ( 2 Samuel 17:17, only).

West (Hebrew: YAM (“sea” ). MAARAB ( Isaiah 45:6). MAARABAH The place where the sun sets. Greek: dusme, the setting of the sun, the quarter of the heavens or earth which lies toward the setting sun, or opposite the east ( Genesis 12:8). EAST (Hebrew: KEDEM , KADIM , KIDMAH , KADMON , KADMONI , before, or in front of, a person), ( Job 23:8,9). Hebrew: MIZRAH , the place of the sun’s rising ( <19A312> Psalm 103:12). NORTH (Hebrew: ZAFON , Greek: borrhas ). That quarter of the heavens or earth, or that direction which is at the left hand of a person who faces the east ( Genesis 13:14). SOUTH (Hebrew: DAROM “bright, sunny”. TEYMAN What is on the right hand of a person facing the east ( Genesis 12:9). Whale (Hebrew: TAN or TANNIN, “sea-monster, dragon” ). “Even the sea-monsters (TANNIN ) draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones” ( Lamentations 4:3). Here the whale is evidently alluded to. Probably the fish which swallowed Jonah was some large kind of shark, or a fish especially provided ( John 1:17; Genesis 1:21; Matthew 12:40). Wheat (Hebrew: DAGAN, RIFOTH, CHITTAH ). In the account of Jacob’s sojourn with Laban occurs the first mention of wheat ( Genesis 30:14). Egypt was celebrated for wheat; of the bearded and also of the seven-eared kind ( Genesis 41:22), known now as mummy-wheat, from being found encased in the mummies: if such grain be planted it will yield. Wheat was plentiful in Syria and Palestine ( Psalm 81:16; 147:14, etc.). The common kind would produce sometimes one hundred grains in the ear ( Matthew 13:8). The wheat was planted in the winter, and reaping commenced toward the end of April, in May and in June. .

Whirlwind (Hebrew: SUFAH ), ( Job 27:9). Storm ( Job 21:18); SAAR, “tempest” ( Psalm 55:8). A violent wind or hurricane. Sometimes the desert storms lift vast quantities of dry, hot sand into the air, darkening the sun at noon-day, and burying several feet deep any object in their course, even a whole caravan, with thousands of animals and travelers ( Job 1:19). The Arabs name this sand-cloud “Efreet,” the bad one. Houses, trees, and even great rocks, are moved by these terrible wind storms, which are sudden in coming, and are soon over.

White (“purity” ) ( Isaiah 1:18). . Widow (Hebrew: ALMANAH Greek: chera ). The Mosaic dispensation made no provision for the maintenance of widows. They were left dependant upon their friends, especially the firstborn or oldest son, whose birthright or extra share of the property imposed such a duty upon him. The widow was commended to the care of the community ( Exodus 22:22). The widow, when left childless, was to marry the brother of her deceased husband ( Deuteronomy 25:5,6). The high priest was forbidden to marry a widow ( Leviticus 21:14). Poor widows were cared for, among others, in the early Church (Acts 6; James 1:27). Wilderness 1. SIN . . 2. Of the Wandering. The district over which the Israelites wandered between the two visits to , for about 38 years is not certainly known. The probability is that it was what is now called Et Tyh, the Wandering. . It is a high, limestone plateau, affording good pasture in the rainy season, and is not a desert at any time except in a few isolated patches. It may be divided into the sandy plain along the seashore, the wadies (dry river valleys), and the high tableland. There are mountain peaks. The shore of the Mediteranean is bordered by a low sandy plain, grassy where watered, which extends, in the Wady El Arish and its branches, far inland, and is full of hills and shifting sand. The only really barren waste, like the Nefood, or the Dahna (red waste), of Arabia, occurs only here and there, where the springs have dried up from the loss of trees, and sand has been brought by the winds. Above the plain rise low tablelands, covered with a hard, white soil, which on the more elevated plateaus is displaced in places by gravel. Everywhere there are dry, treeless watercourses, green with herbage in the rainy season, furnishing good pastures but no tillage. The highest plateau is covered with a light, rich soil, with a few springs and wells, and brooks which are permanent for a mile or two only, where there are trees and plants, and evidences of a greater extent in the past. The remains of large trunks of trees scattered over this region indicate a more copious rainfall, and the existence of groves, if not of forests, in some past age. Evidences of a former state of cultivation are found in stone walls all over the district, and, wherever there is water, flowers, herbs, grasses, and groves of acacia, tamarisk, and other trees. This region is now capable of supporting immense flocks and herds, and, under more favorable conditions of forest and rain, might have given support to the tribes of Israel for ages, independent of any miraculous supply. There are very few names even now, in the district, and none which can be traced to the time of the Exodus. , . Wilderness of the Wandering and .

Willows (Hebrew: ARABIM.) Were used for making booths at the Feast of Tabernacles ( Job 40:22), also giving shade to ( Isaiah 44:4); a common tree which grows in marshy places ( Job 40:22) with a leaf much like the olive ( Leviticus 23:40). The “weeping willow” memorable in connection with the mourning Hebrew captives ( <19D702> Psalm 137:2), is a native of Babylonia. The “Brook of the Willows,” (Hebrew: NAHAL ), ( Isaiah 15:7), on the south border of Moab, flows into the southeast extremity of the Dead Sea ( Numbers 21:19). .

Wills Two instances are recorded in the Old Testament under the Law, of testamentary disposition. 1. Effected in the case of Ahithophel ( 2 Samuel 17:23). 2. Recommended in the case of Hezekiah ( 2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1).

Wimple (Hebrew: MITPAHATH ). A mantle or shawl ( Ruth 3:15; Isaiah 3:22). Wind (Hebrew: RUAH or RUACH ). Wind from the north, south, east, and west, was expressed as of the “four quarters” or “four winds” ( Ezekiel 37:9; Daniel 8:8; Matthew 24:31). The cold wind of the north is appealed to in Song of Solomon 4:16. The northwest wind lasts from the autumnal equinox to the beginning of November, and the north wind from June to the equinox. As the east wind passes over the sandy wastes of the Arabian desert before arriving in Palestine, it was called the “wind of the wilderness” ( Job 1:19; Jeremiah 13:24). The south wind after passing over the Arabian peninsula acquires great heat ( Job 37:17; Luke 12:55). The west and southwest winds reach Palestine in a humid state acquired from the Mediterranean. The sea of Genesaret was subject to squalls of wind ( Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23). The wind spoken of, figuratively, as in Jeremiah 18:17, typical of the waste of war; as transitory, in Job 7:7; Psalm 78:39, etc. It represented the operations of the Holy Spirit in John 3:8; Acts 2:2. Window (Hebrew: HALLON or CHALLON ). The windows were apertures closed in with latticework, called in Hebrew: ARUBBAH ( Ecclesiastes 12:3). Although there were windows looking into the street they, for the most part, opened into the inner court ( Judges 5:28; Proverbs 7:6). . Wine The word “wine” is the translation of ten Hebrew and two Greek words: 1. Hebrew: YAYIN , that which yields wine, in Micah 6:15. 2. TIROSH , vintage-fruit ( Micah 6:15), new wine. 3. ASIS , grape-juice ( Song of Solomon 8:2). 4. SOBE , or SOVE , boiled must, syrup (wine in Isaiah 1:22; literally, thy SOBE circumcised with water). 5. HEMER , pure red wine ( Deuteronomy 32:14), or HAMAR ( Ezekiel 6:9; 7:22), the pure blood of the grape, red wine in Isaiah 27:2 ( Psalm 75:8, meaning “desirable vineyard?”). 6. MIMSACH , mixed wine; MEMSACH , mixed wine ( Proverbs 23:30). 7. MESECH , mixture (mingled her wine, in Prov 9:2; wine is red, in Psalm 75:8). 8. MEZEG , spiced wine, in Song of Solomon 8:2; liquor, in Song of Solomon 7:2. 9. SHEKAR , “strong drink” (strong wine in Numbers 28:7; “SHEKAR shall be bitter to them that drink it,” in Isaiah 24:9). Occurs 21 times in the New Testament (Arabic: [^sukkar, sugar). 10. HEMEZ , vinegar; vinegar (HOMEZ , in Numbers 6:3); (homez of yayin , and homez of shekar ). Thine sour wine ( Ruth 2:14); as the posca (Greek), which the Roman soldiers gave to Jesus on the cross ( John 19:29,30, etc.); ASHISHAH , a cake of dried raisins; flagons of wine, in 2 Samuel 6:19; Song of Solomon 2:5, etc.; SHEMARIM , “winelees”. 1. Greek, poses . 2. gleukos , new wine in Acts. 2:13, now called “must”. 3. oinos . Put young wine (oinos neos ) into new skins (bottles in Matthew 9:17); not to ferment, as that would burst the bottles or skins, new or old, but into new ones, to avoid the refuse of the old wine, which may be sour. Wine-press, the (PURAH, GATH ). Is of the highest antiquity, and is drawn on the walls of the Egyptian temples and tombs. Remains of winevats are found in many parts of Palestine, cut in the solid rock. Some were very large, as that in which Gideon threshed ( Judges 6:11). Wine has always been in use, and the Scriptures only condemn its excessive use. Grain, wine, and oil are special gifts of Providence. It was the usual drink-offering ( Exodus 29:40) to be presented among the first-fruits ( Leviticus 23:13). The priests were prohibited from the use of wine and strong drink before service in the Temple ( Leviticus 10:9), and the Nazarite during his vow ( Numbers 6:3). The wine-cup was handed round four times during the Paschal Feast, especially after the Captivity. Jesus speaks of the wine used as the fruit of the vine ( Matthew 26:29). Wine is generally mixed with water (warm; see Justin Martyr, Apol. i. 65). Those holding office in the Church were not to be given to wine ( 1 Timothy 3:3), or to much wine ( Timothy 3:8), or a slave to much wine ( Titus 2:3). Paul once recommends its use (to Timothy, 1 Timothy 5:23).

Wit, to To know ( Genesis 24:21; 2 Corinthians 8:1).

With, Withes (Hebrew: YETHARIM ), ( Judges 16:7-9), “a cord or rope”. A with or withe is, probably, a flexible twig for binding. Wisdom of Solomon, the Witness The law was very careful to provide and enforce evidence for all its infractions and all transactions bearing on them ( Numbers 15:39,40. Two witnesses, at least, are required to establish any charge (35:30). A false witness was punished. Women and slaves were not admitted to bear testimony ( Joshua 4:8). In the New Testament the original notion of a witness is in the special form of one who attests his belief in the Gospel by personal suffering ( Acts 22:20). Wolf (Hebrew: ZEEB; Greek: lukos ). A fierce and rapacious animal ( Genesis 49:27) which prowls at night ( Jeremiah 5:6), and especially destructive to sheep ( Matthew 10:16; Luke 10:3). They were very plentiful in Palestine, but are now much less common. It closely resembles the dog. They are cruel but cowardly animals, swift of foot and strong enough to carry off a sheep at full speed, and is now, as of old, the dread of the shepherds of Palestine. They secrete themselves until dark among the rocks, then leap into the fold and seize their victim by stealth. The wolf first tears out the entrails and devours the heart, liver and lungs before the muscular parts. His bite is vigorous and deadly; his mode of attack is by short, rapid snaps. A single wolf is far more destructive than a whole pack of jackals. The Syrian wolf is of lighter color than that of Europe, and larger and stronger. Woman, Women (Hebrew: ISHSHAH, female; Greek: gume, theleia, female ), ( Romans 1:26,27). Is mentioned in the Scriptures as the beloved and honored companion and helpmeet of man ( Genesis 22:23,24). In the East women have always lived in seclusion, not appearing in public unless closely vailed, not seeing the men who visit their husbands and brothers, nor even taking their meals with the men of their own family. They were chiefly engaged in domestic duties (Proverbs 31) The poor gleaned the remnants of the harvest ( Genesis 29:9; 24:15-20). Oriental women are never regarded or treated as equals by the men. This is seen on all occasions. They pronounce women to be weak and inferior in the most absolute terms. Even in polite society the gentlemen, must be served first. So the husband and brothers sit down and eat, and the wife, mother, and sisters wait and take what is left. If they accompany their female relatives anywhere, they walk before, and the women follow at a respectful distance. It is very common to see small boys lord it over their mothers and sisters in the most insolent manner and they are encouraged to do so by the father. They literally use the rod upon them. Instances are not rare in which the husband kills the wife outright, and no legal notice is taken of the murder. She is confined closely, watched with jealousy, and everything valuable is kept under lock and key; necessarily so, they say, for the wife will not hesitate to rob her husband if she gets an opportunity. The Arabs have a word — “ ajellack” — by which they preface the mention of anything indelicate or unclean. Thus, ajellack, a donkey, or dog, or my shoes; so, when compelled to speak of their women, they say.” ajellack, my woman,” or simply, “the woman is so and so.” These and similar customs enable us to understand why it is that acquaintance before marriage is ordinarily out of the question, it is considered quite immodest for an unmarried lady to manifest any special regard for her future husband. The birth of a son is always a joyful event in a family; but that of a daughter is often looked upon as a calamity. If the first wife bas no children the husband marries another or takes a slave. The whole system is productive of evil, and that only, to the individual, the family, and the community. Wool (Hebrew: ZEMER ; Aramaic: amar; Greek: erion). Wool was an article of the highest value among the Jews ( Leviticus 13:47). The “fleece” (Hebrew: GEZ, GIZZAH ), is mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:4. The wool of Damascus was highly prized in Tyre ( Ezekiel 27:18). Wool is an image of purity ( Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9). Garments made of woolen and linen were prohibited by the law; the cloth bore a peculiar name (Hebrew: SHAATRUZ ), “thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts” ( Deuteronomy 22:11). Josephus (iv. 9, sec. 11), says the reason for the law against wearing a garment woven of linen and wool was that such were worn by priests alone.

Word (Hebrew: EMER, OMER, IMRAH, DABAR, MILLAH, etc.; Greek: logos and rema.) “Word” is applied to the Lord . . World (Hebrew: EREZ ), ( Isaiah 23:17 ). “Earth”. Hebrew: HEDEL, “place of rest”, region of the dead. Hebrew: HELED, “this world”. Hebrew: OLAM ( Psalm 73:12), “world without end.” Hebrew: TEBEL, the earth fertile and inhabited. Greek: aion, “eternal” ( Matthew 12:32). . Worm (Hebrew: SAS ), ( Isaiah 51:8, only ). Evidently, denotes the caterpillar of the clothes-moth. Hebrew: RIMMAH and TOLEAH are used in various passages together, and more generally for the maggots or caterpillars of insects than for the earthworm ( Exodus 16:20-24). The worm is also named in the Old Testament and New Testament as a symbol of the gnawing pain of eternal punishment ( Isaiah 66:24; Mark 9:44, etc.). Wormwood (Hebrew: LAANAH; Greek: apsinthos ) A bitter plant, a symbol of whatever is nauseous and destructive ( Deuteronomy 29:18; Jeremiah 9:15). Different species are found in Palestine. It was used by the Romans as a stomachic infusion in wine. Diffused in alcohol, it is now used to an alarming extent in France and Switzerland. The Jews put it in their wines, probably for tonic purposes. The word occurs frequently in the Bible, and generally in a metaphorical sense ( Amos 5:7). Worship, Worshiper .

Worth Used as now to indicate value or equality in value ( Genesis 23:9,15; Ezekiel 30:2).

Wot, to To know; to have knowledge ( Genesis 21:26). .