About biblical symbolism. Orthodox symbols - symbols of Christianity and their meaning Symbols in the Bible

The first Christian symbolic images appear in the paintings of the Roman catacombs and date back to the period of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. During this period, the symbols had the character of secret writing, allowing fellow believers to recognize each other, but the meaning of the symbols already reflected the emerging Christian theology. Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann notes:

The early Church did not know the icon in its modern dogmatic meaning. The beginning of Christian art - painting of the catacombs - is symbolic in nature (...) It tends to depict not so much a deity as the function of a deity.

Active use in ancient Church L. A. Uspensky associates various symbols, rather than iconographic images, with the fact that “in order to little by little prepare people for the truly incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation, the Church first addressed them in a language more acceptable to them than a direct image.” Also, symbolic images, in his opinion, were used as a way of hiding Christian sacraments from catechumens until the time of their baptism.

So Cyril of Jerusalem wrote: “everyone is allowed to hear the gospel, but the glory of the gospel is given to only the sincere Servants of Christ. To those who could not listen, the Lord spoke in parables, and to the disciples in private he explained the parables.” The oldest catacomb images include scenes of the “Adoration of the Magi” (about 12 frescoes with this plot have been preserved), which date back to the 2nd century. Also dating back to the 2nd century is the appearance in the catacombs of images of the acronym ΙΧΘΥΣ or the fish symbolizing it.

Among other symbols of catacomb painting, the following stand out:

• anchor - an image of hope (an anchor is the support of a ship at sea, hope acts as a support for the soul in Christianity). This image is already present in the Epistle to the Hebrews of the Apostle Paul (Heb. 6:18-20);
• dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit; · phoenix – symbol of resurrection;
• the eagle is a symbol of youth (“your youth will be renewed like an eagle” (Ps. 102:5));
• the peacock is a symbol of immortality (according to the ancients, its body was not subject to decomposition);
• the rooster is a symbol of resurrection (the crow of a rooster awakens from sleep, and awakening, according to Christians, should remind believers of the Last Judgment and the general resurrection of the dead);
• the lamb is a symbol of Jesus Christ;
• lion is a symbol of strength and power;
• olive branch - a symbol of eternal peace;
• lily is a symbol of purity (common due to the influence of apocryphal stories about the presentation of a lily flower by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation);
• the vine and the basket of bread are symbols of the Eucharist.

Characteristics of the 35 main symbols and signs of Christianity

1. Chi Rho- one of the earliest cruciform symbols of Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the Greek version of the word Christ: Chi=X and Po=P. Although the Chi Rho is not technically a cross, it is associated with the crucifixion of Christ and symbolizes his status as Lord. It is believed that Chi Rho was the first to use it at the beginning of the 4th century. AD Emperor Constantine, decorating it with a labarum, a military standard. As the 4th century Christian apologist Lactantius notes, on the eve of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. The Lord appeared to Constantine and ordered to put the image of Chi Rho on the shields of the soldiers. After Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the Chi Rho became the official emblem of the empire. Archaeologists have found evidence that Chi Rho was depicted on Constantine's helmet and shield, as well as his soldiers. Chi Rho was also engraved on coins and medallions minted during the reign of Constantine. By 350 AD images began to appear on Christian sarcophagi and frescoes.

2. Lamb: a symbol of Christ as the Paschal sacrificial lamb, as well as a symbol for Christians, reminding them that Christ is our shepherd, and Peter ordered to feed his sheep. The Lamb also serves as a sign of St. Agnes (her day is celebrated on January 21), a martyr of early Christianity.

3.Baptismal cross: consists of a Greek cross with the Greek letter "X" - the initial letter of the word Christ, symbolizing rebirth, and therefore it is associated with the rite of Baptism.

4.Peter's Cross: When Peter was sentenced to martyrdom, he asked to be crucified upside down out of respect for Christ. Thus, the inverted Latin cross became its symbol. In addition, it serves as a symbol of the papacy. Unfortunately, this cross is also used by Satanists, whose goal is to “revolutionize” Christianity (see, for example, their “Black Mass”), including the Latin cross.

5.Ichthus(ih-tus) or ichthys means “fish” in Greek. The Greek letters used to spell the word are iota, chi, theta, upsilon and sigma. IN English translation This is IXOYE. The five Greek letters named are the first letters of the words Iesous Christos, Theou Uios, Soter, which means “Jesus Christ, son of God, Savior.” This symbol was used primarily among early Christians in the 1st-2nd centuries. AD The symbol was brought from Alexandria (Egypt), which at that time was a crowded seaport. Goods traveled from this port throughout Europe. That is why sailors were the first to use the ichthys symbol to designate a god close to them.

6.Rose: Holy Virgin, Mother of God, symbol of martyrdom, secrets of confession. The five roses united together represent the five wounds of Christ.

7. Jerusalem cross: Also known as the Crusader Cross, it consists of five Greek crosses that symbolize: a) the five wounds of Christ; b) 4 Gospels and 4 cardinal directions (4 smaller crosses) and Christ himself (large cross). The cross was a common symbol during wars against Islamic aggressors.

8.Latin cross, also known as the Protestant cross and the Western cross. The Latin cross (crux ordinaria) serves as a symbol of Christianity, despite the fact that it long predates the founding christian church he was a symbol of the pagans. It was created in China and Africa. His images are found on Scandinavian sculptures of the Bronze Age, embodying the image of the god of war and thunder, Thor. The cross is considered magical symbol. It brings good luck and wards off evil. Some scholars interpret the rock carvings of the cross as a symbol of the sun or a symbol

Earth, whose rays indicate north, south, east and west. Others point out its resemblance to a human figure.

9.Pigeon: symbol of the Holy Spirit, part of the cult of Epiphany and Pentecost. It also symbolizes the release of the soul after death, and is used to call Noah's dove, a harbinger of hope.

10. Anchor: Images of this symbol in the cemetery of St. Domitilla date back to the 1st century, they are also found in the catacombs in the epitaphs of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, but there are especially many of them in the cemetery of St. Priscilla (there are about 70 examples here alone), St. Calixtus, Coemetarium majus. See Epistle to the Hebrews 6:19.

11.Eight-pointed cross: The eight-pointed cross is also called the Orthodox cross or the cross of St. Lazarus. The smallest crossbar represents the title, where it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” the upper end of the cross is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, which Christ showed. The seven-pointed cross is a variation of the Orthodox cross, where the title is attached not across the cross, but on top.

12. Ship: is an ancient Christian symbol that symbolized the church and each individual believer. Crosses with a crescent, which can be seen on many churches, just depict such a ship, where the cross is a sail.

13.Calvary Cross: The Golgotha ​​cross is monastic (or schematic). It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ. Widespread in ancient times, the cross of Golgotha ​​is now embroidered only on the paraman and the lectern.

14. Vine: is the gospel image of Christ. This symbol also has its own meaning for the Church: its members are branches, and the grapes are a symbol of Communion. In the New Testament, the grapevine is a symbol of Paradise.

15. I.H.S.: Another popular monogram for the name of Christ. It's three letters Greek name Jesus. But with the decline of Greece, other, Latin, monograms with the name of the Savior began to appear, often in combination with a cross.

16. Triangle- symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each side personifies the Hypostasis of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All sides are equal and together form a single whole.

17. Arrows, or a ray piercing the heart - an allusion to the saying of St. Augustine in Confessions. Three arrows piercing the heart symbolize Simeon's prophecy.

18. Skull or Adam's head is equally a symbol of death and a symbol of victory over it. According to Sacred Tradition, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha ​​when Christ was crucified. The blood of the savior, having washed Adam’s skull, symbolically washed all of humanity and gave him a chance for salvation.

19. Eagle- a symbol of ascension. He is a symbol of the soul that seeks God. Often - a symbol of new life, justice, courage and faith. The eagle also symbolizes the evangelist John.

20.All-seeing eye- a symbol of omniscience, omniscience and wisdom. It is usually depicted inscribed in a triangle - a symbol of the Trinity. Can also symbolize hope.

21. Seraphim- angels closest to God. They are six-winged and carry fiery swords, and can have from one to 16 faces. As a symbol, they mean the purifying fire of the spirit, divine heat and love.

22.Bread- This is a reference to the biblical episode when five thousand people were fed with five loaves. Bread is depicted in the form of ears of corn (sheaves symbolize the meeting of the apostles) or in the form of bread for communion.

23. Good Shepherd. The main source of this image is the Gospel parable, in which Christ Himself calls Himself this way (John 10:11-16). Actually, the image of the Shepherd is rooted in the Old Testament, where often the leaders of the people of Israel (Moses - Isaiah 63:11, Joshua - Numbers 27:16-17, King David in Psalms 77, 71, 23) are called shepherds, but it is said about the Lord Himself - “The Lord is my Shepherd” (The Psalm of the Lord says, “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Ps 23:1-2). Thus, Christ in the Gospel parable points to the fulfillment of prophecy and the finding of consolation for the people of God. In addition, the image of a shepherd also had has a clear meaning to everyone, so that even today in Christianity it is customary to call priests shepherds, and laity the flock. Christ the Shepherd is depicted as an ancient shepherd, dressed in a tunic, in shepherd's laced sandals, often with a staff and a vessel for milk; in his hands can hold a reed flute. The milk vessel symbolizes Communion; the rod - power; the flute - the sweetness of His teaching (“No one ever spoke like this man” - John 7:46) and hope, hope. This is the mosaic of the early 4th century basilica from Aquileia.

24.Burning bush is a thorn bush that burns but is not consumed. In his image, God appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. The burning bush is also a symbol Mother of God touched by the Holy Spirit.

25.a lion- a symbol of vigilance and the Resurrection, and one of the symbols of Christ. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Mark, and is associated with the power and royal dignity of Christ.

26.Taurus(bull or ox) - symbol of the Evangelist Luke. Taurus means the sacrificial service of the Savior, his Sacrifice on the Cross. The ox is also considered a symbol of all martyrs.

27.Angel symbolizes the human nature of Christ, his earthly incarnation. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew.

28. Grail- this is the vessel in which Joseph of Arimathea allegedly collected blood from the wounds of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. The history of this vessel, which acquired miraculous powers, was outlined French writer beginning of the 12th century by Chrétien de Troyes and a century later in more detail by Robert de Raven, based on the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. According to legend, the Grail is kept in a mountain castle, it is filled with sacred hosts that serve for communion and give miraculous powers. The fanatical search for the relic by the crusading knights greatly contributed to the creation of the legend of the Grail, processed and formalized with the participation of many authors and culminating in the tales of Parsifal and Gilead.

29.Nimbus is a shiny circle that ancient Greek and Roman artists, depicting gods and heroes, often placed above their heads, indicating that these were higher, unearthly, supernatural beings. In the iconography of Christianity, the halo from ancient times became an accessory for images of the hypostases of the Holy Trinity, angels, the Mother of God and saints; often he also accompanied the Lamb of God and animal figures serving as symbols of the four evangelists. At the same time, for some icons, halos of a special kind were installed. For example, the face of God the Father was placed under a halo, which initially had the shape

triangle, and then the shape of a six-pointed star formed by two equilateral triangles. The Virgin Mary's halo is always round and often exquisitely decorated. The halos of saints or other divine persons are usually round and without ornaments.

30. Church In Christian symbolism, church has several meanings. Its main meaning is the House of God. It can also be understood as the Body of Christ. Sometimes the church is associated with the ark, and in this sense it means salvation for all its parishioners. In painting, a church placed in the hands of a saint means that this saint was the founder or bishop of that church. However, the church is in the hands of St. Jerome and St. Gregory does not mean any particular building, but the Church in general, to which these saints gave great support and became its first fathers.

31.Pelican, A beautiful legend is associated with this bird, existing in dozens of slightly different versions, but very similar in meaning to the ideas of the Gospel: self-sacrifice, deification through the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. Pelicans live in coastal reeds near the warm Mediterranean Sea and are often subject to snake bites. Adult birds feed on them and are immune to their poison, but chicks are not yet. According to legend, if a pelican chick is bitten by a poisonous snake, it will peck at its own breast in order to give them blood with the necessary antibodies and thereby save their lives. Therefore, the pelican was often depicted on sacred vessels or in places of Christian worship.

32. Chrism is a monogram made up of the first letters of the Greek word “Christ” - “Anointed One”. Some researchers mistakenly identify this Christian symbol with the double-edged ax of Zeus - “Labarum”. The Greek letters “a” and “ω” are sometimes placed along the edges of the monogram. Christianity was depicted on the sarcophagi of martyrs, in the mosaics of baptisteries (baptisteries), on the shields of soldiers and even on Roman coins - after the era of persecution.

33. Lily- a symbol of Christian purity, purity and beauty. The first images of lilies, judging by the Song of Songs, served as decoration for the Temple of Solomon. According to legend, on the day of the Annunciation, Archangel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary with a white lily, which has since become a symbol of Her purity, innocence and devotion to God. With the same flower, Christians depicted saints, glorified by the purity of their lives, martyrs and martyrs.

34. Phoenix represents the image of the Resurrection associated with ancient legend about the eternal bird. The Phoenix lived for several centuries and, when the time came for him to die, he flew to Egypt and burned there. All that was left of the bird was a pile of nutritious ashes in which, after some time, new life. Soon a new, rejuvenated Phoenix rose from it and flew away in search of adventure.

35.Rooster- This is a symbol of the general resurrection that awaits everyone at the Second Coming of Christ. Just as the crowing of a rooster awakens people from sleep, the trumpets of angels will awaken people at the end of time to meet the Lord, the Last Judgment, and inherit a new life.

Christianity color symbols

The most significant difference between the “pagan” period of color symbolism and the “Christian” period lies, first of all, in the fact that light and color finally cease to be identified with God and mystical forces, but become their

attributes, qualities and signs. According to Christian canons, God created the world, including light (color), but it itself cannot be reduced to light. Medieval theologians (for example, Aurelius Augustine), praising light and color as manifestations of the divine, nevertheless point out that they (colors) can also be deceptive (from Satan) and identifying them with God is a delusion and even sin.

White

Only White color remains an unshakable symbol of holiness and spirituality. Particularly important was the meaning of white as purity and innocence, liberation from sins. Angels, saints, and the risen Christ are depicted in white robes. White robes were worn by newly converted Christians. Also, white is the color of baptism, communion, the holidays of the Nativity of Christ, Easter, and Ascension. IN Orthodox Church white is used in all services from Easter to Trinity Day. The Holy Spirit is depicted as a white dove. The white lily symbolizes purity and accompanies images of the Virgin Mary. White does not have negative meanings in Christianity. In early Christianity, the positive symbolic meaning of yellow prevailed, as the color of the Holy Spirit, divine revelation, enlightenment, etc. But later, yellow takes on a negative meaning. In the Gothic era, it begins to be considered the color of treason, betrayal, deceit, and jealousy. In church art, Cain and the traitor Judas Iscariot were often depicted with yellow beards.

Gold

Used in Christian painting as an expression of divine revelation. The golden radiance embodies the eternal divine light. Many people perceive the golden color as starlight descending from heaven.

Red

In Christianity, it symbolizes the blood of Christ, shed for the salvation of people, and, consequently, his love for people. This is the color of the fire of faith, martyrdom and the passion of the Lord, as well as the royal triumph of justice and victory over evil. Red is the color of services on the feast of the Holy Spirit, Palm Resurrection, during Holy Week, and on the days of remembrance of martyrs who shed blood for their faith. The red rose indicates the shed blood and wounds of Christ, the cup that receives the “holy blood.” Therefore, it symbolizes rebirth in this context. Joyful events dedicated to Christ, the Mother of God and the saints were marked in red on the calendar. From church calendar We have come to a tradition of highlighting holiday dates in red. Easter of Christ in churches begins in white vestments as a sign of Divine light. But already the Easter Liturgy (in some churches it is customary to change vestments, so that the priest appears each time in vestments of a different color) and the entire week is served in red vestments. Red clothes are often used before Trinity.

Blue

This is the color of heaven, truth, humility, immortality, chastity, piety, baptism, harmony. He expressed the idea of ​​self-sacrifice and meekness. The blue color seems to mediate the connection between the heavenly and the earthly, between God and the world. As the color of air, blue expresses a person’s readiness to accept for himself the presence and power of God, blue has become the color of faith, the color of fidelity, the color of desire for something mysterious and wonderful. Blue is the color of the Virgin Mary, and she is usually depicted wearing a blue cloak. Mary in this meaning is the Queen of Heaven, covering

with this cloak, protecting and saving believers (Pokrovsky Cathedral). In the paintings of churches dedicated to the Mother of God, the color of heavenly blue predominates. Dark blue is typical for depicting the clothes of cherubs, who are constantly in reverent reflection.

Green

This color was more “earthly”, it meant life, spring, the flowering of nature, youth. This is the color of the Cross of Christ, the Grail (according to legend, carved from a whole emerald). Green is identified with the great Trinity. On this holiday, according to tradition, churches and apartments are usually decorated with bouquets of green twigs. At the same time, green also had negative meanings - deceit, temptation, devilish temptation (green eyes were attributed to Satan).

Black

The attitude towards black was predominantly negative, as the color of evil, sin, the devil and hell, as well as death. In the meanings of black, as among primitive peoples, the aspect of “ritual death”, death for the world, was preserved and even developed. Therefore, black became the color of monasticism. For Christians, a black raven meant trouble. But black has not only such a tragic meaning. In icon painting in some scenes it means divine mystery. For example, on a black background, signifying the incomprehensible depth of the Universe, the Cosmos was depicted - an old man in a crown in the icon of the Descent of the Holy Spirit.

Violet

It is formed by mixing red and blue (cyan). Thus, violet color combines the beginning and end of the light spectrum. It symbolizes intimate knowledge, silence, spirituality. In early Christianity, purple symbolized sadness and affection. This color is appropriated to the memories of the Cross and Lenten services, where the suffering and Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of people are remembered. As a sign of higher spirituality, combined with the idea of ​​the Savior’s feat on the cross, this color is used for the bishop’s mantle, so that the Orthodox bishop, as it were, is fully clothed in the feat of the cross of the Heavenly Bishop, whose image and imitator the bishop is in the Church.

Brown and gray

Brown and gray were the colors of the commoners. Their symbolic meaning, especially in the early Middle Ages, was purely negative. They meant poverty, hopelessness, wretchedness, abomination, etc. Brown is the color of earth, sadness. It symbolizes humility, renunciation of worldly life. Gray color (a mixture of white and black, good and evil) is the color of ash, emptiness. After the ancient era, during the Middle Ages in Europe, color again regained its position, primarily as a symbol of mystical forces and phenomena, which is especially characteristic of early Christianity.

Sources

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_symbols http://www.ancient-symbols.com/russian/christian_symbols.html

For our readers: biblical symbols and their meaning with detailed description from various sources.

25 main Orthodox symbols

One can come to an understanding of Christianity by deciphering its symbols. From them one can trace both its history and the development of spiritual thought.

1. Eight-pointed cross

The eight-pointed cross is also called the Orthodox cross or the cross of St. Lazarus. The smallest crossbar represents the title, where it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,” the upper end of the cross is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven, which Christ showed.
The seven-pointed cross is a variation of the Orthodox cross, where the title is attached not across the cross, but on top.

2. Ship

The ship is an ancient Christian symbol that symbolized the church and each individual believer.
Crosses with a crescent, which can be seen on many churches, just depict such a ship, where the cross is a sail.

3. Calvary cross

The Golgotha ​​Cross is monastic (or schematic). It symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ.
Widespread in ancient times, the cross of Golgotha ​​is now embroidered only on the paraman and the lectern.

4. Grapevine

The vine is the gospel image of Christ. This symbol also has its own meaning for the Church: its members are branches, and the grape bunches are a symbol of Communion. In the New Testament, the grapevine is a symbol of Paradise.

Ichthys (from ancient Greek - fish) is an ancient monogram of the name of Christ, consisting of the first axle boxes of the words “Jesus Christ God's Son Savior". Often depicted allegorically - in the form of a fish. Ichthys was also a secret identification mark among Christians.
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Also – a symbol of peace, truth and innocence. Often 12 doves symbolize the 12 apostles. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are also often depicted as doves. The dove that brought an olive branch to Noah marked the end of the Flood.

The Lamb is the Old Testament symbol of Christ's sacrifice. The Lamb is also a symbol of the Savior himself; this refers believers to the mystery of the Sacrifice of the Cross.

The anchor is a hidden image of the Cross. It is also a symbol of hope for the future Resurrection. Therefore, the image of an anchor is often found in burial places of ancient Christians.

Chrisma is a monogram of the name of Christ. The monogram consists of initial letters X and P, on the sides of which letters are often written α And ω . Christianity became widespread in apostolic times and was depicted on the military standard of Emperor Constantine the Great.

10. Crown of thorns

The crown of thorns is a symbol of the suffering of Christ, often depicted on crucifixes.
IHS is another popular monogram for Christ. These are the three letters of the Greek name for Jesus. But with the decline of Greece, other, Latin, monograms with the name of the Savior began to appear, often in combination with a cross.

12. Triangle

The triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each side personifies the Hypostasis of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All sides are equal and together form a single whole.
Arrows or a ray piercing the heart - an allusion to the saying of St. Augustine in Confessions. Three arrows piercing the heart symbolize Simeon's prophecy.
The skull or Adam's head is equally a symbol of death and a symbol of victory over it. According to Sacred Tradition, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha ​​when Christ was crucified. The blood of the savior, having washed Adam’s skull, symbolically washed all of humanity and gave him a chance for salvation.
The eagle is a symbol of ascension. He is a symbol of the soul that seeks God. Often - a symbol of new life, justice, courage and faith. The eagle also symbolizes the evangelist John.

16. All-seeing eye

The Eye of the Lord is a symbol of omniscience, omniscience and wisdom. It is usually depicted inscribed in a triangle - a symbol of the Trinity. Can also symbolize hope.

17. Seraphim

Seraphim are the angels closest to God. They are six-winged and carry fiery swords, and can have from one to 16 faces. As a symbol, they mean the purifying fire of the spirit, divine heat and love.

18. Eight-pointed star

The eight-pointed or Bethlehem star is a symbol of the birth of Christ. Over the centuries, the number of rays changed until it finally reached eight. It is also called the Virgin Mary Star.

19. Nine-pointed star

The symbol originated around the 5th century AD. The nine rays of the star symbolize the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The bread is a reference to the biblical episode when five thousand people were satisfied with five loaves of bread. Bread is depicted in the form of ears of corn (sheaves symbolize the meeting of the apostles) or in the form of bread for communion.

21. Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd is a symbolic representation of Jesus. The source of this image is the Gospel parable, where Christ himself calls himself a shepherd. Christ is depicted as an ancient shepherd, sometimes carrying a lamb (lamb) on his shoulders.
This symbol has deeply penetrated and become entrenched in Christianity; parishioners are often called the flock, and priests are shepherds.

22. Burning Bush

In the Pentateuch, the Burning Bush is a thorn bush that burns but is not consumed. In his image, God appeared to Moses, calling him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. The burning bush is also a symbol of the Mother of God, who was touched by the Holy Spirit.

The forest is a symbol of vigilance and the Resurrection, and one of the symbols of Christ. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Mark, and is associated with the power and royal dignity of Christ.
Taurus (bull or ox) is a symbol of the Evangelist Luke. Taurus means the sacrificial service of the Savior, his Sacrifice on the Cross. The ox is also considered a symbol of all martyrs.

The angel symbolizes the human nature of Christ, his earthly incarnation. It is also a symbol of the Evangelist Matthew.

The most complete dictionary of Biblical symbols (symbolism) and their meanings. The symbols are arranged in alphabetical order in the table. We recommend studying the school of dreams and visions, lesson 01, lesson 02, lesson 03.

№ Symbol Place Meaning Bible 1. Lamb Ex. 12:3 Christ John 1:29 2. Lamb of God John. 1:29 Christ John 1:29 3. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13:8 Christ 1 Peter. 1:18-20 4. A lamb as if slain Rev. 3:6 Christ 1 Peter. 1:18-20 5. Hagar Gen. 16:1 condemnation Gal. 4:24-31 6. Hell, Sheol Tue. 32:22 grave Ezek. 31:14 7. Alpha and Omega Rev. 1:8 Christ Rev. 1:8 8. Amen Rev. 3:14 Christ John 14:6 9. Angel of the Abyss Apollyon the Destroyer Rev. 9:11 Satan Ezek. 28:14-17 10. Angel The Lord Zach. 3:1 Christ the Little 3:1-2 11. Angel preparing the way Mal. 3:1; Small 4:5.6 John the Baptist Matt. 3:1-3 12. Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3:1 Christ Hagg. 1:10-11 13. My angel is before the face of Mal. 3:1 John the Baptist John 11:7 14. Antichrist John. 2:22 devil John. 4:3 15. Crimson sky Matt. 16:3 bad weather Matt. 16:3 16. Scarlet Is. 1:18 blood as a symbol of murder Isa. 1:15 17. Water bath Eph. 5:26 sanctification through the gospel Ps. 118:18 18. Leopard with bird wings Dan.7:6 Greece Dan. 7:4-6; Avv. 1:8 19. Leopards Hab. 1:8 horses of the Chaldeans (speed) Hab. 1:8 20. Thigh Ps. 44:4 belt – strength Isa. 11:5 21. Jacob's time of trouble Jer. 30:7 end-time trials Rev.16 22. Beginningless 1 John. 2:14 Christ John 8:58 23. White garments Rev. 7:9 the righteousness of Christ Jer. 7:13-14 24. White horse and rider with a bow Rev. 6:2 Christ Rev. 19:9-16 25. The demonic prince Mk. 3:22 Satan Mark. 3:23 26. Scourge Is. 28:15 God's judgments Isa. 10:5 27. He who smites Israel Isa. 8:13 God Isa. 9:13 28. Incense Ezek. 20:41 sincere service to God Ezek. 20:41 29. Thanksgiving Matt. 15:36 prayer Jer. 30:18-19 30. Graceful Luke. 1:28 Mary, mother of Jesus Lk. 1:28 31. Blessing Gen. 12:2 the good fruits of righteousness Deut. 28:1-14 32. Human blessing 2 Sam. 7:19 life abundantly 1 Chron. 17:16-17 33. Blessed Mark. 14:61 God Gen. 14:20 34. Fornication, fornication Num. 15:39 spiritual betrayal, infidelity Jer. 3:1 35. God of this age 2 Cor. 4:4 Satan Matt. 4:8-9 36. Mighty God Isa. 8:6 Christ John 20:18 37. Blaspheme Matt. 9:3 not being God:
1) make yourself one;
2) forgive sins 1) Matt. 26:63-65;
2) Mk. 2:5-7 38. The hidden God Isa. 45:15 Christ Jer. 33:3 39. Watch Matt.25:13 keep the faith IKop. 16:13 40. Watchful Dan. 4:10 God Ps. 120:3-4 41. God's field 1 Cor. 3:9 people of God 1 Cor. 3:9 42. God's hand of Judgment. 2:15 God's punishing power 1 Sam. 5:6 43. Side Ezek. 34:21 aggressiveness Ezek. 34:21 44. Great horn of the shaggy Goat Dan. 8:5 first king of Greece Dan. 8:21,46 45. Great Red Dragon Rev. 12:3 Satan Rev. 12:9 46. Large crocodile Ezek. 29:3 Egyptian Pharaoh Ezek. 29:3 47. Marriage Rev. 19:7,9 union of Christ and the church Rev. 19:7,9 48. Wedding clothing Matt. 22:11 righteousness Rev. 19:8 49. Wedding feast Matt. 22:2 kingdom of heaven Matt. 22:2 50. Bremen Gal. 6:2 problems, hardships Deut. 1:16 51. Razor Isa. 7:20 King of Assyria Isa. 7:20 52. Shave the beard 2 Sam. 10:4-5 1) shame;
2) sorrow 1) 2 Sam. 10:4-5;
2) Is. 15:5 53. Fermenting wine Hab. 2:5 arrogant man Hab. 2:5 54. Armor Eph. 6:14 1) righteousness;
2) faith, love;
3) truth 1) Eph. 6:14;
2) 1 Thess. 5:8;
3) Isa. 59:17 55. Throw dust to the sky Job. 2:12 1) sorrow;
2) indignation 1) Job. 2:12;
2) Acts. 22:22-23 56. Guardian of souls 1 Peter. 2:25 Christ 1 Peter. 2:21 58. Tower of Babel Gen. 11:1-9 the pride of apostate humanity Gen. 11:4 59. Widow Lamentations 1:1 Destroyed Jerusalem Lamentations 1:1, 7 60. Century Lk. 1:70 beginning, time of Ps. 54:20 61. Belial 2 Cor. 6:15 Satan Jn. 14:30 62. Grand Duke Mikhail Dan. 12:1 Christ Rev. 12:7 63. Great Priest Heb. 10:21 Christ Heb. 10:19 64. Crown Ps. 131:18 reward Prov. 12:4 65. Crown of twelve stars Rev. 12:1 guarded by angels Matt. 2:2; OK. 2:13-14 66. Faithful and True Rev. 19:11 Christ John 14:6 67. Libra Job. 6:2 judgment 1 Sam. 2:3 68. Branches Job. 18:16 children of God Rom.11 69. Wind Rev. 7:1 war Jer. 3:11-16 70. Old clothes Matt. 9:16 the evil nature of man Isa. 50:6, 9 71. Old wineskins Matt. 9:17 past sins Ps. 118:83 72. Ancient of days Dan. 7:9 God Heb. 12:22 73. Evening and morning Gen. 1:5 day Gen. 1:5 74. Wolves of the evening Hab. 1:8 1) horses of the Chaldeans;
2) the wicked of Jerusalem 1) Hab. 1:8;
2) Soph. 3:3 75. Wine Matt. 26:27 Blood of Christ Matt. 26:26 76. Wine (fornication), see fornication Rev.14:8 false teaching Rev. 14:8 77. Vinedresser John. 15:1 God the Father John. 15:1 78. Vine Os. 14:8 abundance Hos. 14:8 79. Vineyard Matt. 20:1 house of Israel Matt. 28:19-20 80. Fine fine linen Rev. 19:8 righteousness of the saints Rev. 19:8 81. Whirlwind of Nahum. 1:3 1) the glory of God;
2) God's judgments 1) Nahum.1:3;
2) Jer. 30:23 82. Ruler in Israel Micah. 5:2 Christ Lk. 13:34 83. Lord of lords Dan. 8:25 Christ 1 Tim. 6:15 84. Ruler of all the earth Micah. 4:13 God Ps. 23:1 85. Water Gen. 7:11-12 1) flood;
2) the gospel, eternal life;
3) Patriarch Reuben;
4) cowardice;
5) helplessness;
6) court;
7) past;
8) cleansing 1) Gen. 7:11-12;
2) In. 7:38;
3) Life. 49:4;
4) Nav. 7:5;
5) 2 Sam. 14:14;
6) Am. 5:24;
7) Job. 11:16;
8) Ezek. 16:14 86. Broken cisterns Jer. 2513 pagan gods, idols Jer. 2:11 87. Desired Country Zech. 7:14 Palestine Zach. 7:7 88. Leader Matt. 2:6 Christ Matt. 2:4 89. The captain of the army of the Lord is Joshua. 5:13-14,6:1 Christ Ex. 3:5 90. Captain of salvation Heb. 2:10 Christ Heb. 2:9 91. My Beloved Isa. 5:1 Christ Mark. 1:11 92. Ascend into heaven 2 Kings. 2:1 to be taken into heaven without seeing death Heb. 11:5 93. Make war 1 Tim. 1:18 to believe in temptations, to preach prophetic truth in contrast to errors 2 Tim. 2:3 94. Heavenly host(s) Lk. 2:13-14 1) angels;
2) stars 1) Luke. 2:13-14;
2) Jer. 8:2 95. Wave (goat hair) Isa. 1:18 absolute purity, whiteness Dan. 7:9 96. Cry Gen. 18:20 1) blasphemy against God, the power of sin;
2) prayer to the Lord about oppression 1) Rev. 18:5;
2) Lamentation of Jer. 2:18 97. Question the teraphim Ezek. 21:21 guessing Ezek. 21:21 98. Gate, square Ruth 4:1 place of judgment and public meetings Am. 5:15 99. He who raised Jesus 2 Cor. 4:14 God 1 Cor. 6:14 100. Enemy Matt. 13:25 devil Matt. 13:39 101. Gates of Hell Matt. 16:18 death, grave Acts. 2:31 102. Time of visit to Jer. 51:18 God's judgments Ex. 32:34-35 103. Difficult times Dan. 12:1 time of trouble before the coming of Christ Rev. 16 104. Sackcloth Gen. 37:34 1) grief;
2) humility Gen. 37:34 105. The Rider on the Pale Horse Rev. 6:8 death Rev. 6:8 106. Almighty Rev. 1:8 Christ Rev. 1:8 107. Second Man 1 Cor. 15:47 Christ 1 Cor. 15:47 108. Entry, Exit Ps. 120:8 birth, death Job. 1:21 109. High and Exalted Isa. 57:15 God Heb. 1:2-4 110. The heights of the earth Isa. 58:14 revelations of God 2 Cor. 12:2-4 111. A nail in a hard place Isa. 22:23 support Isa. 22:24 112. Gehenna Matt. 5:22 fire, destruction 2 Thess. 1:8 113. Saying Ezek. 2:2 God Ezek. 1:3 114. Eyes of Eccl. 2:14 intelligence Eph. 1:18 115. The voice of one crying in the wilderness Isa. 40:3 John the Baptist Isa. 3:1-3 116. Clay Isa. 64:8 1) creation;
2) person;
3) dilapidation 1) Isa. 64:8;
2) Jer. 18:6;
3) Open 2:27 117. Stupid pigeon Os. 7:11 Tribe of Ephraim Hos. 7:11 118. Speaking Ezek. 2:2 God Ezek. 1:3 119. Head of Isa. 9:14 old and noble Isa. 9:15 120. Brand from the fire of Am. 4:11 saved at last minute Zach. 3:1-7 121. Famine Am. 8:11 thirst for the word of God Am. 8:11 122. Voice of the Lord, word of the Lord 1 Chron. 3:7 visions and dreams the prophets receive from God Ezek. 1:1,3 123. Dove Matt. 3:16 Holy Spirit Matt. 3:16 124. Bare teeth Am. 4:6 famine Am. 4:6 125. Mount Ps. 30:4 1) God;
2) the dwelling place of God;
3) Zion (heavenly abode);
4) the place where God resides;
5) power 1) Ps. 30:4;
2) Ps. 120:1;
3) Ps. 47:3;
4) Isa. 14:13;
5) Ps. 75:5 126. Mount Carmel Am. 1:2 fertility and prosperity Isa. 35:2 127. Bitterness of Am. 6:12 lawlessness Am. 6:12 128. Bitterness in the belly Rev. 10:9 despondency, disappointment Lamentation. 3:5 129. Above, above Job 21:22 spiritual Col. 3:1 130. Potter Jer. 18:4 God Jer. 18:6 131. Mountains of Israel Ezek. 6:3 Israelite people Isa. 40:3-4 132. Mountains dripping with wine Joel. 3:18 abundance Isa. 55:1 133. Bitter herbs Ex. 12:8 The bitterness of sin Lamentation. 3:1-16 134. Bitter root Heb. 12:15 heresy Heb. 12:16 135. Hot Open. 3:15-16 zealous in serving God Acts. 18:24-25 136. Burning lamps Dan. 10:6 1) the eyes of God;
2) salvation 1) Dan. 10:6;
2) Is. 62:1 137. A burning lamp among the sheaves Zech. 12:6 The princes of Judah Zech. 12:6 138. Thunderous voice Rev. 6:1 voice of God Jn. 12:28-29 139. He who comes in the name of the Lord Matt. 21:9 Christ Matt. 21:9 140. His threshing floor Matt. 3:12 people of God Matt. 13:38 141. Caterpillar, locust, worms, beetles Joel. 1:4 judgments of God Am. 4:9 142. David Eze. 34:24 Christ Isa. 9:7, Jer. 33:7 143. The two rods of Zech. 11:7 favor and bonds Zech. 11:7 144. Two horns like a lamb Rev. 13:11 pseudo-Christian character of power Acts. 8:32 145. Two witnesses, two lamps, two prophets Rev. 11:3, 4, 10 Old and New Testaments Ps. 118:104 146. Door of Faith Acts. 14:27 grace, salvation Rev. 3:20 147. Door to the sheep Jn. 10:7 Christ John 10:7 148. Virgin Rev. 14:3 spiritual purity Ezek. 23:1-5 149. Lucifer, son of the dawn Isa. 14:12 Satan Isa. 14:11-15 150. Day (in prophecies) Rev. 2:10 Ezek. 4:6 151. The day of His wrath, the day of the Lord Rev. 6:17; Joel 1:15 second coming of Christ Mal. 3:1-2 152. Tree of Isa. 10:19 people Isa. 56:3 153. A tree that does not bear good fruit Matt. 3:10 false Christian John. 15:8 154. Holder of the seven stars Rev. 2:1 Christ Rev. 1:13 155. Ten virgins Matt. 25:1 Christians Matt. 25:1 156. Wild ass Os. 8:9 Israel Hos. 8:8-9 157. Good seed Matt. 13:24 sons of the kingdom Matt. 15:38 158. Good land Matt. 13:8 true Christians Matt. 13:23 159. Rain (early and late rain) Joel. 2:23 1) outpouring of the Holy Spirit;
2) the truth of God 1) Joel. 2:23,29 Acts 2:4, 14-21;
2) Os. 10:12 160. Valley of Jehoshaphat Joel. 3:2 Valley of Judgment (Armageddon) Joel. 3:14, Rev. 16:16 161. House on the rock Matt. 7:24 true believer Matt. 7:24-25 162. House on the sand Matt. 7:16 outward godliness Matt. 7:26-27 163. House of the unclean spirit Matt. 12:44 man without God Matt. 12:43-45 164. Master of the House Matt. 13:27 God Acts. 4:24 165. Daughter of Babylon Isa. 47:1 backslidden churches Rev. 17:5 166. The ancient serpent Rev.12:9 Satan Rev.12:9 167. The tree of life Prov. 3:18 wisdom, understanding of good and evil Prov. 3:13 168. Other slaves Matt. 22:4 Gentiles Isa. 65:1 169. Another Comforter John. 14:16 Holy Spirit John 14:26 170. Breath of Job 7:7 Holy Spirit John. 20:22 171. Spirit Gen. 2:7 1) the breath of life given by God;
2) the spirit of someone: inclinations, habits, nature;
3) atmosphere, mood 1) Life. 2:7, Eccl.12:7;
2) Ezra. 1:1;
3) 1Kop. 5:5 172. Spirit of grace Heb. 10:29 Holy Spirit Matt. 12:31-32 173. The Spirit is in the sons of Ephesus. 2:2 Satan 1 Peter. 5:8 174. disobedience Spirit of the Lord Judgment. 14:6 Holy Spirit 1 Peter. 1:10-11 175. Spirit of truth John. 14:17 Holy Spirit John 14:26 176. My Spirit Joel. 2:28 Holy Spirit Acts. 2:4; 16 177. The Spirit of your Father Matt. 10:20 Holy Spirit John 14:26 178. Spirit of wisdom Ephesus. 1:17 Holy Spirit John 14:26 179. Spirit of glory 1-Peter. 4:14 Holy 1 Peter. 4:14 180. Thy Spirit Ps. 138:7 Holy Spirit Joel. 2:28-29 181. Spirit of Christ 1 Peter. 1:10-11 Holy Spirit 2 Peter. 1:21 182. Soul Gen. 46:15 1) person;
2) human nature;
3) life;
4) mind 1) Life. 46:15;
2) Life. 2:7;
3) Ezek. 17:17;
4) Luke. 1:46 183. Daughter of the hordes Micah. 5:1 Church of God Song. Songs 6:10 184. Daughter of Zion Lamentations Jer. 2:1 church Jer. 8:19 185. Smoke from the well Rev. 9:2 apostasy, false teaching Isa. 5:1-5 186. Hagg's leaky wallet. 1:6 gain in vain Hag. 1:6,9 187. Plagues of Egypt Ex. 7:12 plagues on the wicked before the coming of Jesus Christ Rev. 16 188. Daily sacrifice Dan. 8:11 sacrifice of the lips - prayer Heb. 13:15 189. Anointing oil Ex. 29:7 guidance of the Holy Spirit 2 Cor. 1:21,22 190. Immanuel Isa. 7:14 Christ Matt. 1:21-23 191. Ephah Zech. 5:6 repository of iniquity Zech. 5:8 192. Harvest Matt. 13:30 end of the age Matt. 13:39 193. Rod Ps. 44:7 1) power;
2) punishment;
3) care 1) Ps. 44:7;
2) Lamentation of Jer. 3:1-5;
3) Jer. 10:16 194. Rod of the almond tree Jer. 1:11 the power of God's prophecy Jer. 1:12 195. The Rod of His Inheritance Jer. 10:16 Israel Jer. 10:16 196. Rod from Israel Num. 24:17 Christ Mark. 15:2 197. The rod of the mouth Isa. 11:4 justice for sin 2 Thess. 2:8 198. Desired by all nations Hag. 2:7 Christ Rom. 8:17-23 199. Iron Shins Dan. 2:33 Roman Empire Dan. 2:40-41 200. Iron pillar Jer. 1:18 Prophet Jeremiah Jer. 1:18 201. Pearl, pearl Pr. 8:1-11 1) truth;
2) kingdom of heaven 1) Ave. 8:1-11;
2) Matt. 13:46 202. The Harlot Woman Rev. 17:3 backslidden church Jer. 3:1 203. The woman clothed with the sun Rev. 12:1 faithful church Rev. 19:7 204. Groom Matt. 25:5 Christ Rev. 19:7 205. The woman in the middle of the ephah Zech. 5:8 wickedness itself is the apostate church Rev. 17:1-5 206. Millstone thrown into the sea Rev. 17:21 the destruction of iniquity Matt. 18:6 207. He who lives forever Dan. 12:7 God 1 John 2:14 208. Living in the temple Matt. 23:21 God Hab. 2:20 209. My granary Matt. 13:30 Kingdom of God Matt. 13:43 210. Reapers Matt. 13:30 angels of God Matt. 13:39 211. Funny singer Ezek. 33:32 unrecognized prophet Ezek. 33:32 212. The curtain of the tabernacle Ex. 26:31 body of Christ Heb. 10:20 213. Sourdough, leavened IKop. 5:7-8 1) sin;
2) kingdom of heaven 1) 1Kop. 5:7-8;
2) Matt. 13:33 214. The leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees Matt. 16:6 legalistic heresy of the Pharisees and Sadducees Matt. 16:12 215. Law and revelation Isa. 8:20 Word of God Ps. 118:105, 106 216. Law and prophets Matt. 22:40 Old Testament Luke. 16:16 217. Lawgiver James. 4:12 God Isa. 33:22 218. The Law of Freedom James. 2:12 Law of God Deut. 30:15-19 219. The royal law James. 2:8 Law of God James. 4:12 220. Covering your head Esther 6:12 1) sorrow;
2) humiliation 1) Esther. 6:12;
2) Luke. 22:64 221. Covering the face Esther. 7:8 1) humility;
2) death sentence 1) Isa. 6:2;
2) Esther. 7:8-9 222. Harnessed to four chariots Zech. 6:2,3 four spirits of heaven Zech. 6:5 223. The stained garments Zechariah. 3:3 human righteousness Isa. 64:6 224. Intercessor Deut. 32:18 Christ Isa. 53:4-5 225. Star of Job38:7 angel Rev. 1:20 226. Star from Jacob Num. 24:7 Christ Rev. 22:16 227. Beasts of the field Isa. 53:9 Gentiles Dan. 4:17-19 228. The scarlet beast Rev. 17:3 satanic power Rev. 17:5 229. A terrible and strong beast Dan. 7:7 Roman Empire Dan. 7:7, 23 230. Healthy and sick Matt. 9:12 righteous and sinners Matt. 9:13 231. The apple of His eye Zech. 3:1 Christ the Little 3:1-2 232. Green cypress Os. 14:9 God Hos. 14:9 233. Earth Matt. 5:35 1) God's footstool;
2) deserted place 1) Matt. 5:35;
2) Open 13:11 234. Unclean land Am. 7:17 The territory of Ezra, defiled by paganism. 9:11 235. The land of Shinar Zech. 5:11 Mesopotamia, Babylon Dan. 1:1-2 236. Earthly Sanctuary Ex. 25:8 heavenly sanctuary Heb. 8:1-2, 9:24 237. Grains in the sieve Am. 9:9 spiritual sifting of the faithful remnant before the coming of Christ Am. 9:9-10 238. Mustard seed Matt. 13:31 1) Kingdom of heaven;
2) measure of faith 1) Matt. 13:31;
2) Matt. 17:20 239. Evil generation Matt. 12:45 Israel who did not accept Christ Lk. 13:34-5 240. Serpent Gen. 3:1 Satan Rev 12:9 241. Sign Matt. 24:30 appearance Matt. 24:30 242. A banner for the nations Isa. 11:10 God Ex. 17:15 243. Golden Head Dan. 2:2 Babylon Dan. 2:37-38 244. The golden seven-branched candlestick Zechariah. 4:2-3 Holy Spirit Zech. 4:6 245. Gold, frankincense, myrrh Matt. 2:11 gifts to the king 1 Kings. 15:18-19; Is. 60:1-6; Ps. 44:1-9 246. Idol of jealousy Ezek. 8:3 God's zeal for the Temple Ps. 68:10 247. Jehovah Gen. 22:14 Jehovah Ex. 3:14 248. Jezebel ZKi. 17:29-30 spiritual retreat Rev. 2:20 249. Deliverer Ps. 143:2 God Ps. 90:2-3 250. Excess of the heart Matt. 12:34 desire to evangelize Matt. 12:40 251. Burning lime Am. 2:1 God's judgments Isa. 33:12 252. Drunk Ezek. 22:18 The wicked sins of the people of God Jer. 6:29-30; Ps. 118:119 253. Elijah 1 Kings. 18:17-18 John the Baptist Matt. 11:14 254. Having the power of death Heb. 2:14 Satan Heb. 2:14 255. Peter who has to judge. 4:5 Christ Rom. 2:16 256. Jonah in the belly of the whale Jonah. 2:1 Christ in the tomb Matt. 12:46 257. Tempter Matt. 4:3 Satan Matt. 4:5 258. Hyssop (herb) Ex. 12:22 cleansing from sin Ps. 50:9 259. Truth Jer. 10:10 1) God the Father;
2) God the Son;
3) God the Holy Spirit;
4) God's Law;
5) Word of God 1) Jer. 10:10;
2) In. 14:6;
3) 1Jn. 5:6-7;
4) In. 17:17;
5) Ps. 118: 142 260. True Rev. 3:7 Christ Rev. 1:13 261. Seeker and Judge John. 8:50 God Rev. 11:17-18 262. Stone with seven eyes Zechariah. 3:9 omniscience God's Zach. 4:10 263. Cedars of Lebanon Isa. 1:13 pride, self-confidence Ezek. 31:10 264. Slanderer of our brethren Rev. 12:10 Satan Rev. 12:9 265. Key Isa. 22:22 knowledge of Luke. 11:52 266. Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt. 16:19 knowledge of the truth Matt. 11:25 267. Prince of the power of the air Eph. 2:2 Satan Matt. 4:8-9 268. Shaggy goat Dan. 8:5 Greece Dan. 8:21 269. Scapegoat Lev. 16:10; 21 Satan Lev. 16:8; 21:21-22 270. Wheels Ezek. 1:15, 16 the incomprehensible harmony of God's government Ezek. 1:15 271. Root of David (root of Jesse, root and descendant of David) Rev. 5:5; Is. 11:10; Open 22:16 Christ Rev. 22:16; Rome. 15:9 272. Basket of ripe fruits Am. 8:1 the limit of the measure of iniquity Am. 8:2 273. Baskets of figs Jer. 24:1 The Jewish exiles in Babylonian captivity Jer. 24:5 274. Cornerstone (head of the corner) Job38:6 Christ 1 Pet. 2:5-7 275. Foreskin of the heart Jer. 4:4 spiritual conversion Deut. 10:16 276. Fortress, protection Ps. 143:1 God Ps. 90:2 277. Blood Gen. 9:4 Soul Lev. 17:10-14 278. Wings Ps. 16:8 1) God's protection;
2) speed 1) Ps. 16:8;
2) Ps. 23:5 279. Hooks and hooks Am. 4:2 enslavement, captivity Ezek. 29:4 280. Smoking, incense Ps. 140:2 prayer Ps. 140:2 281. Leo Pr. 30:30 power Ps. 30:30 282. Lion with eagle wings Dan. 7:4 Babylon Jer. 4:19, 22 283. A lion among the beasts of the forest Mic. 5:8 the remnant of Jacob Mic. 5:7 284. Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev. 5:5 Christ Rev. 10:3 285. Ladder from earth to heaven Gen. 28:12 Christ John. 14:6 286. The flying scroll of Zech. 5:1,2 the curse of sin on the whole earth Zech. 5:3 287. Rain on the grass Micah 5:7 remnant of Jacob Micah. 5:7 288. The Face of the Lord Deut. 32:20 blessing, mercy of God Num. 6:25 289. Vine In. 15:1 Christ John 15:1 290. Evil one Matt. 13:19 Satan 1 John. 3:12 291. Lovers Jer. 3:1 Idols, false gods Jer. 13:36 292. Oil for lamps Matt. 25:3-4 Holy Spirit Zech. 4:2,6 293. My mother and my brothers Matt. 12:48 people of God Matt. 12:48-50 294. Bear with three fangs Dan. 7:5 Medo-Persia Dan. 8:3 295. Brass serpent Num. 21:1,9 symbol of Golgotha ​​John. 3:14-15 296. The bronze belly and breast of the image Dan. 2:32 Greece Dan. 2:39 297. The abomination of desolation Dan. 9:27 retreat in the church Matt. 24:15 298. Copper rope 2 Kings. 21:13 measuring the measure of iniquity Isa. 34:11 299. Messiah Jn. 1:41 Christ John 1:41 300. Sword of Eph. 6:12 1) Word of God;
2) war 1) Eph. 6:12;
2) Ref. 18:4 301. Merciful Jonah 2:9 God Jonah 2:8 302. Infants Matt. 11:25 spiritual purity Matt. 5:3 303. Many waters Rev. 17:1 nations Rev. 17:15 304. Milk and honey Job 20:17 abundance Isa. 55:1 305. Threshing Mic. 4:13 spiritual harvest Matt. 3:11-12 306. Sea and land Rev. 10:2 universality Rev. 14:7 307. Man of sorrows Isa. 53:3 Christ Heb. 4:15 308. Publicans and harlots Matt. 21:31 rejected by the world 1 Cor. 1:26-9 309. The Hope of Israel Acts. 28:20 God Ps. 61:6 310. Nazirite Num. 6:1-22 separation for special service Judgment. 13:3-5 311. Scum Ezek. 24:6 sinfulness Ezek. 24:12-13 312. Mentor (The beginning and the end, The beginning of God's creation, The head of life) Matt. 23:10; Open 1:8; Open 3:14; Acts 3:15 Christ Matt. 23:10; Rev.1:8; Open 1:13; Acts 3:13 313. The mark of the beast, the name of the beast, or the number of his name Rev. 13:17 six hundred and sixty-six Rev. 13:18 314. The little horn of Dan. 7:8 apostate spiritual authority (papacy) Dan. 7:21-25; 8:10-12, 23-25 ​​315. Seine Matt. 13:47-48 preaching the Gospel Matt. 13:47-56 316. The unfruitful fig tree Luke. 13:6-9 Christian in name only Luke. 13:1-5 317. Foolish virgins Matt. 25:2 Christians named Hos only. 4:6 318. Poor in spirit Matt. 5:3 those who trust in God Prov. 3:5 319. The feet of the image Dan. 2:33 European states formed after the fall of the Roman Empire Dan. 2:41-42 320. Jephthah's vow Judg. 11:30-31 promises and plans without the blessing and approval of God John. 15:5 321. Cover with mud Ezek. 13:10 False prophecy Ezek. 22:28 322. Circumcision Gen. 17:11 1) righteousness by faith;
2) those who trust in God 1) Rom. 4:11;
2) Phil. 3:3 323. Ram with two horns Dan. 8:3 Medo-Persia Dan. 8:20 324. Sheep and goats Matt. 25:33 righteous and apostate Matt. 25:34-45 325. Tongues of Fire Acts. 2:3 outpouring of the Holy Spirit of Acts. 2:4 326. Fire Ex. 21:26-28 1) God;
2) God's punishment;
3) War;
4) Symbol of purification;
5) Court;
6) Destruction of sinners by God;
7) The Coming of Christ;
8) Presence of God;
9) Prophetic word 1) Deut. 4:24;
2) Second. 32:23-25;
3) Ref. 21:26-28;
4) Isa. 4:4;
5) Heb. 10:27;
6) Open 20:9;
7) Isa. 66:15;
8) Ref. 19:18;
9) Jer. 5:14 327. Oholah and Oholibah Ezek. 23:4 Samaria and Jerusalem Ezek. 23:4 328. Decree of the Lord Jer. 8:7 prophecy, the will of God Job 38:8-11 329. Weapons of righteousness 2 Cor. 6:7 fruit of the Spirit 2 Cor. 6:11-18 330. Your house is left empty Matt. 23:38 depriving Jerusalem of God's presence (God's blessings) 1 Sam. 4:21 331. Sharp sickle Rev. 14:14 spiritual harvest Joel. 3:13-17 332. From the beginning He is John. 8:25 Christ John 8:25 333. Take away the mercy of Kings. 7:15 to lose God's protection Ps. 76:9 334. Offspring, branch Isa. 53:2; Zach. 3:8 Christ Heb. 3:6; Zach. 3:8 335. My servant Isa. 42:1-4 Christ Isa. 12:15-21 336. Eyes in front and behind Rev. 4:6 constant watchfulness Dan. 4:10 337. Graze the wind Os. 12:1 trust in man (not God) Hos. 12:1 338. Chief Shepherd, Shepherd, High Priest, First and Last 1 Peter. 5:4; Is. 40:11; Heb. 9:11; Open 1:10 Christ Heb. 8:1-2; 9:11; In. 10:14; Open 1:10 339. First love Rev. 2:4 special, sincere devotion to God Matt. 22:37 340. Ashes Esther 4:1 expression of sorrow Jer. 6:26 341. Sand Hab. 1:9 multitude Gen. 13:6 342. Seal P. Song. 8:6 1) Sealing;
2) Memory;
3) Collateral, proof;
4) Hiddenness 1) Rev. 7:3;
2) P. Song. 8:6;
3) 1 Cor. 9:2;
4) Open 5:1 343. Foot and Horse Jer. 12:5 faith under ordinary conditions, and in times of trial Am. 2:15 344. Letter of Christ 2 Cor. 3:3 godliness of believers 2 Cor. 3:2-3 345. Rachel's lament for her children Jer. 31:15 beating of infants by Herod Matt. 2:16 346. Tares Matt. 13:25 sons of the evil one (Satan) Matt. 13:38 347. Baldness 2 Kings. 2:23 shame, disgrace Isa. 3:23 348. Fruit of Ps. 57:12 1) Renewed character traits;
2) Reward;
3) Child;
4) Result 1) Gal. 2:22;
2) Ps. 57:12;
3) Mich. 6:7;
4) Rome. 1:13 349. Flesh and blood Matt. 16:17 human understanding Jer. 17:5 350. He who overcomes Rev. 2:7 a true believer, a person completely devoted to God 1 John. 5:4 351. Field of Matt. 13:38 peace Matt. 13:38 352. Midnight Matt. 25:6 Lately 2 Peter 1:19 353. The foundation laid 1 Cor. 3:11 Christ 1Kop. 3:11 354. Brood of vipers Matt. 12:34 hypocrites Matt. 12:34 355. Messenger, Last Adam Rev. 3:1; 1 Cor. 15:45 Christ Rev. 3:1; 1 Cor. 15:47 356. Feast of the Day of Atonement Lev. 16 1) God's judgment in heaven;
2) Investigative judgment before the second coming of Christ - removal of sins from the sanctuary Lev. 16:21,22; Open 14:7 357. Feast of Tabernacles Lev. 23:34 1) Crossing the desert;
2) Kingdom of God 1) Lev. 23:43;
2) Zech. 14:6 358. Feast of Passover Ex. 12:11 1) Christ;
2) Communion 1) 1 Cor. 5:7;
2) Mk. 14:12-25 359. Feast of Purim Esther. 9:26 God's deliverance of His people Esther. 9:26 360. Dust Gen 3:14 1) Punishment;
2) Man;
3) Humility 1) Gen. 3:14;
2) Life. 3:19;
3) Life. 18:27 361. Deliver to Satan 1 Cor. 5:5 exclude from the church 1 Cor. 5:13 362. Sheol Ezek. 31:14 grave Ezek. 31:14 363. Unleavened bread Ex. 12:8 symbol of Christ 1 Cor. 5:7-8 364. Cleave Gen. 2:24 enter into close proximity Gen. 2:24 365. Curse Gen. 27:12 consequences of sin Deut. 28:15-68 366. Prophet from Nazareth, Prophet from among your brothers Matt. 21:11; Deut. 18:18-19 Christ Matt. 21:11 367. Prophesy 1 Kings. 22:5-23 1) Proclaim the will of God;
2) Predict the future 3 Par. 22:5-23 368. Opponent Titus. 2:8 Satan 1 Peter. 5:8 369. The way of the shadow of death Job. 3:5 the life path of a person Ps. 22:5 370. Wheat is its own Matt. 3:12 people of God Matt. 13:38 371. Spot P. Song. 4:7 unfaithfulness, defilement by sin Eph. 5:27 372. My servant Isa. 53:11 Christ Rom. 6:22 373. Workers in the vineyard Matt. 20:1 ministers in the church Matt. 28:19-20 374. Servants of God Dan. 9:10 prophets of Am. 3:7 375. Servants of the householder Matt. 13:27 Angels of God Matt. 13:29 376. Rainbow Gen. 9:13 sign of the covenant between God and the earth Gen. 9:13 377. Torn clothes 1 Sam. 4:12 1) mourning;
2) strong anger or protest 1) 1 Sam. 4:12;
2) Acts. 14:11-15 378. Wise virgins Matt. 25:2 true believers Job 28:28 379. Consider the liver Ezek. 21:21 guessing Ezek. 21:21 380. The parting of the water of the Red Sea Ex.14 victory of the faith of the people of God Heb. 11:29 381. Idols made with hands Ex. 20:4 affections, favorite sins that a person places above God 1) Isa. 44:10-19;
2) Heb. 10:26-2 382. Fish of every kind Matt. 13:47-48 true and false Christians who are in the visible church of God Matt. 13:48 383. The Roaring Lion 1 Peter. 5:8 Satan 1 Peter. 5:8 384. Locusts Rev. 9:3 foreign invaders Rev. 9:3 385. Light, Witness, Witnessing, Holy One of God, Holy One of Israel, He Who Sits on a Horse, Seed of the Woman John. 1:7; Job 16:19; Open 22:20; Mk. 1:24; Is. 60:9; Open 19:21; Life 3:15 Christ John 1:9; Open 1:5; Open 22:20; Mk. 1:24; Acts 4:12; Open 19:13; Gal. 3:16 386. Lamp of Zechariah. 4:2-6 1) Holy Spirit;
2) The Word of God;
3) Church 1) Zech. 4:2-6;
2) Ps. 118:105;
3) Open 1:20 387. Light of the world Matt. 5:14 godliness of the people of God Matt. 5:20 388. Light on the path Ps. 119:105 Word of God Ps. 118:105 389. Saints 1 Peter. 1:15, 16 1) True Christians;
2) Angels 1) 1 Peter. 1:15, 16;
2) Zech. 14:5 390. Northern kingdom Isa. 14:13,14 Babylon Isa. 14:13, 14 391. Seat 1 Sam. 1:4 1) Sitting;
2) Symbol of royal power (throne) 1) 1 Sam. 1:4;
2) Matt. 23:2 392. Seven heads of Rev. 17:9 seven mountains Rev. 17:9 393. Ax Matt. 3:10 the judgment of God (the tree is a symbol of man) Matt. 3:10 394. Seven stars, angels of the seven churches Rev. 1:16, 20 ministers of the church Heb. 1:13-14 395. The seven golden lampstands of Rev. 1:12 seven churches Rev. 1:20 396. Seed of Luke. 8:5 Word of God Luke. 8:11 397. Seed of the serpent Gen. 3:15 opponents of God John. 8:42-44 398. Heart of stone Ezek. 11:19 disobedience to the work of the Holy Spirit Heb. 3:7-11 399. The silver arms and breast of the image of Dan. 2:32 Medo-Persia Dan. 2:39 400. He who sows good seed, He who sits on a horse, The Word, The Word of God, The Word of life, The Counselor, The Sun of righteousness, Who created in the beginning, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water, Judge of the living and the dead, Judge of Israel, Son of David, Son God, Son of the owner of the vineyard, Son of Man Matt. 13:24; Open 19:21; In. 1:2; Rev. 19:13; 1-John 1:1; Is. 9:6; Small 4:2; Matt. 18:4; Open 14:7; Acts 10:42; Mich. 5:1; Matt. 12:23; Matt. 13:33; Matt. 21:37; Matt. 10:23 Christ Matt. 13:37; Open 19:13; In. 1:1-3; In. 1:14; In. 15:5; Matt. 11:14; In. 1:1-3; In. 1:1-3; Acts 13:32; Open 11:15-18; Matt. 12:23; Matt. 13:31-33; Matt. 11:27; Matt. 17:9 401. Sower Matt. 13:3 preaching the word of God Lk. 8:11; Rome. 10:14 402. Sit on your leaps Soph. 1:12 not wanting to part with your sins (leaven is a symbol of sin) Ps. 74:9 403. The powers of heaven will be shaken Matt. 24:29 strong earthquake Matt. 24:29 404. The Tabernacle of God with men Rev. 21:3 heavenly Jerusalem Rev. 21:2 405. Scepter Gen. 49:10 authority Isa. 14:5 406. Scorpios Ezek. 2:6 apostates Ezek. 2:3 407. The sweetness of the book of Rev. 10:9 knowledge of the truth Ezek. 2:3; 3:4 408. Milk of the Word James. 2:2 knowledge of the first fruits of Christ's teaching Heb. 5:12; 6:12 409. Tempted Matt. 13:21 depart from the truth Matt. 13:21 410. Straw Matt. 3:12 false Christians Ps. 82:1-14 411. Salt 2 Kings. 2:20 purification, abiding in the truth 2 Kings. 2:20 412. Song Ying. 11:11 death John. 11:13 413. Vessels of Wrath Rom. 9:22 unbelievers Ps. 16:4 414. Vessels of mercy Rom. 9:23 people of God Rom. 9:24 415. The pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3:15 true church of God 1 Tim. 3:15 416. Watchman, watchman Isa. 21:11 prophet of God Ezek. 33:7 417. Fear of God Gen. 20:11 hatred of evil Prov. 8:13 418. Arrows of the evil one Ephesus. 6:16 temptations Jer. 9:8 419. Judgment and truth Gen. 18:19 acts of love Eph. 2:10; Jacob 4:17 420. Sons of the bridal chamber Matt. 9:15 disciples of Christ Matt. 9:14 421. The mystery of iniquity 2 Thess. 2:7 spread of apostasy Rev. 17:5 422. The mystery of godliness 1 Tim. 3:16 the incarnation of God (Jesus Christ) into human flesh 1 Tim. 3:16 423. Talents Matt. 25:15 gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12:7-1 424. Solid food 1 Cor. 3:2 depths of the Gospel teaching Heb. 5:12; 6:2 425. Stronghold, rock Ps. 143:1 God Ps. 61:3 426. Body of Christ 1 Cor. 12:27 true church 1 Cor. 12:27 427. Quiet wind 1 Kings. 19:22 transformative work of the Holy Spirit John. 14:26 428. Weave a web Isa. 59:5 conspiracy, villainy Isa. 6:8 429. The winepress of wrath Rev. 14:19 destruction of sin Isa. 63:2 430. The Lord's Table Mal. 1:7 showbread (symbolizes the Word of God) Mal. 1:7 431. Three unclean spirits like toads Rev. 16:13 demonic spirits (papacy, spiritualism, apostate Protestantism) Rev. 16:14 432. Three fangs (of a bear) Dan. 7:5 Babylon, Egypt, Lydia (conquered by Medo-Persia) Dan. 7:5 433. Trumpet Matt. 6:2 make known to everyone Matt. 6:2 434. Trumpets, sound of trumpets Num. 10:1-10 1) Danger signal;
2) Court signal 1) Am. 3:6;
2) Jer. 19:21 435. Shake the arrows Ezek. 21:21 guessing Ezek. 21:21 436. Darkness 1 Sam. 2:9 1) Death, grave;
2) Spiritual darkness, spiritual death;
3) Infinity (uncountable multitude);
4) Lack of light or form 1) 1 Sam. 2:9;
2) 1Jn. 1:5;
3) Dan. 7:10;
4) Life. 1:2 437. Refuge, refuge Ps. 143:1 God Ps. 60:4 438. An inheritance from all nations Ex. 14:5 the remnant of the end times (faithful children of God) Rev. 12:17 439. Horror, pit and noose Jer. 48:43 judgments of God Jer. 48:40-43 440. Clean lips Soph. 3:9 righteousness Isa. 6:5-7 441. Pharisee Luke. 18:11-12 Christian hypocrite Matt. 16:6 442. Tail of the Dragon Rev. 12:4 Satan's deception of the third part of the angels (the star symbolizes the angel) Rev. 1:20 443. Bread Matt. 26:26 body of Christ Matt. 26:26 444. Intercessor for criminals, Intercessor of the New Testament, Master of the harvest Isa. 53:12; Open 12:24; Matt. 9:38 Christ 1 John. 2:1; Open 12:24; Matt. 28:19 445. Hills flowing with milk Job 1:18 abundance Isa. 55:1 446. Temple of God 1 Cor. 5:16 human body 1 Cor. 6:19 447. Keep your clothes Rev. 16:15 keep yourself from sin Isa. 47:2-3 448. The fragrance of Christ 2 Cor. 2:15 godliness of believers 2 Cor. 2:14-15 449. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Matt. 12:31-32 intentional ongoing sin Heb. 10:26-29 450. Great King, Eternal King, King of the Jews, King of Saints, King of Kings and Lord of Lords Mal. 1:14; Jer. 8:10; Mk. 15:2; Rev. 15:3; 1 Tim. 6:15 Christ Jer. 10:10; 1John 2:14; Mk. 15:1; In. 12:14-15; Is. 9:16 451. Four workers Zech. 1:20 the powers through which God restores the true worship of Am. 9:11 452. The four winds of the earth Rev. 7:1 the whole planet Mark. 13:27 453. Pure in heart Matt. 5:8 godliness of the people of God Ps. 72:1 454. Helm Eph. 6:17 hope of salvation Thess. 5:8 455. Shield of Nahum 2:3 1) God;
2) God's Law;
3) Faith;
4) Militancy 1) Gen. 15:1;
2) Ps. 90:4;
3) Eph. 6:16;
4) Jer. 46:9 456. South, southern kingdom of Dan. 11:43 Egypt Ex. 5:2 457. Berries Mic. 7:1 the fruit of the Spirit is a reflection of the character of Christ in His followers Micah. 7:2 458. Poison, poison Am. 5:7; 6:12 lawlessness Am. 5:7 459. Gentiles Ps. 105:35 unbelievers, enemies of the people of God Matt. 18:17 460. The Pagan and the Publican Matt. 18:17 excommunicated Matt. 18:15-17 461. Dishes Heb. 13:9 various foreign teachings Heb. 13:9 462. Language Job 12:11 1) adverb;
2) people (linguistic community) 1) Gen. 11:1;
2) Open 14:6

Signs and symbols have existed on earth for a long time. They depict an attitude towards a certain culture, religion, country, clan or thing. The symbols of Christian Orthodox culture emphasize belonging to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, through faith in the Holy Trinity.

Orthodox Christians express their faith with Christian signs, but few, even those who are baptized, know their meaning.

Christian symbols in Orthodoxy

History of symbols

After the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior, persecution began against Christians who believed in the coming of the Messiah. In order to communicate with each other, believers began to create secret codes and signs to help avoid danger.

Cryptogram or secret writing originated in the catacombs where early Christians had to hide. Sometimes they used long-known signs from Jewish culture, giving them new meaning.

The symbolism of the early Church is based on man's vision of the Divine world through the hidden depths of the invisible. The meaning of the emergence of Christian signs is to prepare early Christians to accept the Incarnation of Jesus, who lived according to earthly laws.

Secret writing at that time was more intelligible and acceptable among Christians than sermons or reading books.

Important! The basis of all signs and codes is the Savior, His Death and Ascension, the Eucharist - the Sacrament left by the Mission before His crucifixion. (Mark 14:22)

Cross

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ, its image can be seen on the domes of churches, in the form pectoral crosses, in Christian books and many other things. In Orthodoxy there are several types of crosses, but the main one is the eight-pointed one, on which the Savior was crucified.

Cross: the main symbol of Christianity

A small horizontal crossbar served for the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The hands of Christ are nailed to the large crossbar, and His feet to the lower one. The top of the cross is directed to heaven, and the Eternal Kingdom, and under the feet of the Savior is hell.

Fish - ichthys

Jesus called fishermen as his disciples, whom he later made fishers of men for the Kingdom of Heaven.

One of the first signs of the early Church was a fish; later the words “Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior” were written into it.

Fish - Christian symbol

Bread and vine

Belonging to the Eucharist or the Sacrament of Communion is expressed through drawings of bread and grapes, and sometimes wine or grape barrels. These signs were applied to sacred vessels and were understandable to everyone who accepted faith in Christ.

Important! The vine is a type of Jesus. All Christians are its branches, and the juice is a prototype of the Blood, which cleanses us during the reception of the Eucharist.

In the Old Testament, the vine is a sign of the promised land; the New Testament presents the vine as a symbol of paradise.

The vine as a symbol of heaven in the New Testament

A bird sitting on a grape vine symbolizes rebirth to new life. Bread is often drawn in the form of ears of corn, which is also a sign of the unity of the Apostles.

Fish and bread

The loaves depicted on the fish refer to one of the first miracles performed by Jesus on earth, when He fed more than five thousand people who came from afar to listen to the preaching of the Mission with five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:13-14).

Jesus Christ - in symbols and codes

The Savior acts as the Good Shepherd for his sheep, Christians. At the same time, He is the Lamb slain for our sins, He is the saving cross and anchor.

The Ecumenical Council of 692 banned all symbols relating to Jesus Christ in order to shift the emphasis not on the image, but on the Living Savior, however, they still exist today.

Lamb

A small lamb, obedient, defenseless, is a prototype of the sacrifice of Christ, who became the final sacrifice, for God became displeased with the sacrifices made by the Jews in the form of slaughtering birds and animals. The Most High Creator wants Him to be worshiped with pure hearts through faith in His Son, the Savior of mankind (John 3:16).

Symbol of Lamb with Banner

Only faith in the saving sacrifice of Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, opens the way to eternal life.

In the Old Testament, the lamb is a type of the blood of Abel and the sacrifice of Abraham, to whom God sent a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac.

The Revelation of John the Theologian (14:1) speaks of a lamb standing on a mountain. The mountain is the universal Church, the four streams - the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which nourish the Christian faith.

Early Christians in secret writing depicted Jesus as the Good Shepherd with a lamb on his shoulders. Nowadays priests are called shepherds, Christians are called sheep or flock.

Monograms of the name of Christ

Translated from Greek, the monogram “crisma” means anointing and is translated as a seal.

By the blood of Jesus Christ we are sealed to His love and salvation. Hidden behind the letters X.P is an image of the Crucifixion of Christ, God Incarnate.

The letters "alpha" and "omega" represent the beginning and the end, symbols of God.

Monograms of the name of Jesus Christ

Little-known encoded images

Ship and anchor

The image of Christ is often conveyed by signs in the form of a ship or an anchor. In Christianity, the ship symbolizes human life, the Church. Under the sign of the Savior, believers in a ship called the Church sail towards eternal life, having an anchor - a symbol of hope.

Pigeon

The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove. A dove landed on Jesus' shoulder at His baptism (Luke 3:22). It was the dove that brought the green leaf to Noah during global flood. The Holy Spirit is One of the Trinity, Who was from the beginning of the world. The dove is the bird of peace and purity. He flies only where there is peace and quiet.

The symbol of the Holy Spirit is a dove

Eye and triangle

The eye inscribed in the triangle means the all-seeing eye of the Most High God in the unity of the Holy Trinity. The triangle emphasizes that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are equal in Their purpose and are one. It is almost impossible for a simple Christian to understand this. This fact must be accepted by faith.

Mother of God star

At the birth of Jesus, the Star of Bethlehem, which in Christianity is depicted as eight-pointed, lit up in the sky. In the center of the star is the bright face of the Mother of God with the Child, which is why the name Mother of God appeared next to Bethlehem.

In its four corners are visible images in the form of a man, an eagle, a lion and a calf, under which the four Gospels are encoded.

Theotokos eight-pointed star

The Evangelist Mark is represented by a lion, praising the power and royal dignity of Jesus. The calf symbolizes the Evangelist Luke, who in his message emphasized the sacrifice of Christ, after which the calf became a prototype of the martyrs.

Jesus in human form is described by the Evangelist Matthew, he is the angel or man depicted in the upper left corner.

John the Evangelist is symbolized by the eagle, which represents the Holy Spirit and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Star of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Among Christian signs, a nine-pointed star is often found, each end of which signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:8-11)

Nine-pointed star as a symbol of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit left nine gifts to people:

• Word of Wisdom;
• Word of knowledge;
• Faith;
• Gift of Healing;
• Miracle;
• Prophecy;
• Discerning Spirits;
• Speaking in other tongues;
• Interpretation of tongues.

Important! There are many signs in Christian culture, however, for all Orthodox believers the main symbol of faith remains prayer and confession of the Holy Trinity.

Video about Orthodox prayer

We all know that if the main symbol of Islam is the crescent, then the sign of Christianity is the cross. But at the same time, any religion is filled with dozens of signs. Some are well known to our generation, others are so old that only frescoes or mosaics on ancient cathedrals can remind us of the times when such signs were considered sacred. In this article we will try to put them together, and at the same time talk about the meaning of each.

Early Christian Creeds

Early Christians were often mercilessly executed, so they hid their faith. However, many wanted to somehow identify their brothers, so symbols were created that at first glance did not resemble the Son of God, but in fact somehow related to His life. These early Christian symbols are still found in the shelter caves that served these people as their first temples. However, they can sometimes be found on ancient icons and in old churches.

Or “ichthys” - this is how this word sounds in Greek. He was revered for a reason: the word was an acronym for the popular phrase among Christians “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” (it sounded like “Jesus Christ Feu Ios Sotir”).

Also, do not forget about the miracles of the Savior, in which fish appeared. For example, about the Sermon on the Mount, for which many people gathered, and when they wanted to eat, He multiplied 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish for everyone (therefore, in some places the fish was depicted along with the bread). Or about the Savior’s meeting with the Apostle Peter, a fisherman - Jesus then said: “As you now catch fish, so will you catch men.”

People wore this sign on themselves (on the neck, like we now have a cross), or depicted it on their houses in the form of a mosaic.

• Anchor

This is a sign of the firmness and reliability of the church (after all, the anchor could hold a huge ship in place), as well as hope for resurrection from the dead.

On the domes of some ancient churches you can see a cross that looks more like an anchor. There is an opinion that this sign means “the cross defeats the crescent,” that is, Islam. Although other historians of religion are sure: this is an anchor.

• Pelican

According to legend, adult birds were not afraid of snake venom. But if a snake crawled into the nest and bit the pelican chicks, they could die - to prevent this from happening, the bird tore its own chest with its beak, giving the chicks its blood as medicine.

That is why the pelican became a symbol of self-sacrifice, bloody communion. This image was more often used during services.

• Eagle soaring over the city

Denotes the height of faith.

Nowadays it has been transformed into a bishop's eagle (an attribute of a solemn divine service).

• Phoenix

In the old days, they believed that the phoenix lived for 2-3 centuries, after which it flew to Egypt and died there, burning. From these ashes a new, young bird rose.

Thanks to this legend, the creature became a sign of eternal life.

• Rooster

A sign of the resurrection of all people. This bird sings loudly early in the morning, and all people wake up. The trumpets of the angels will sound just as loudly in the last hour of the earth, and the dead will rise for the final judgment.

• Peacock

A symbol of heavenly life that awaits the righteous on the other side of death.

• Chrism

This is a monogram of two Greek words, “Anointed One” and “Christ.” It is often decorated with two more letters - “alpha” and “omega” (that is, “beginning” and “end”, which means Lord).

Where can I see this christian sign? At baptisms, sarcophagi of martyrs. And also on military shields and ancient Roman coins (when the persecution of Christians ended and this faith became the state).

• Lily

Many people know that this is a royal heraldic sign, but first of all it is a symbol of purity and purity (which is why even on modern icons the Virgin Mary is depicted with such a flower in her hands). By the way, it can also be seen on icons of martyrs, martyrs and saints, revered for their especially righteous lives. Although this sign was revered back in Old Testament times (for example, lilies decorated the Temple of Solomon).

When Archangel Gabriel came to the Virgin Mary to inform her that she would soon give birth to the Son of God, this flower was in his hand.

Sometimes the lily was depicted among thorns.

• Vine

As we know, Jesus said: “I am the vine, and my father is the vinedresser.” The topic of wine is often mentioned in Christianity, because this is the drink used during communion.

Temples and ritual utensils were decorated with images of grapevines.

In addition to the signs described above, there were others that were used by ancient Christians:

• dove (Holy Spirit),
• a cup of wine and a basket of bread (there is enough food, faith and the Lord’s blessings for everyone),
• olive tree branch,
• spikelet, ears of corn, sheaves (apostles),
• ship,
• Sun,
• house (or one wall made of brick),
• lion (the power and strength of God, the church),
• calf, ox, bull (martyrdom, service to the Savior).

Symbols known to modern believers

• Crown of thorns. Roman soldiers jokingly “crowned” Jesus with it as they led him to execution. This is a sign of suffering voluntarily brought for someone (in this case, for all of humanity).
• Lamb. A sign of the Savior's sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Just as young lambs or doves were laid on the altar as a sacrifice to God at that time, so the Son of God became a sacrifice for the sake of all people.
• Shepherd. This is how they designate Christ, who worries about the souls of people faithful to him, like a good shepherd about his sheep. This image is also very ancient. The first Christians painted an image of the Good Shepherd in their sanctuaries, since there was no “sedition” in it - it was difficult to immediately guess that this was the image of the Son of God. By the way, the image of the Shepherd was first mentioned in the Psalter, in the 22nd Psalm of King David.
• Pigeon. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity (Lord, His Son and the Holy Spirit). People still honor this ancient sign (like the Easter images of the Lamb).
• Nimbus. Means holiness and drawing closer to the Lord.

Orthodox signs

• Eight-pointed cross. Also known as "Orthodox", "Byzantine" or "St. Lazarus Cross". The middle crossbar is where the Son of God was crucified, the top one is the same tablet on which they cynically wrote “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The lower crossbar, according to church historians, was also nailed to the very cross on which Jesus offered his sacrifice.
• Triangle. Some people mistakenly consider it a sign of the Masons. In fact, this is a symbol of the trinity of the Trinity. Important: all sides of such a triangle must be equal!
• Arrows. On icons they are often placed in the hands of the Mother of God (just remember the “Seven Arrows” icon). This sign signifies the prophecy of Simeon the God-Receiver, who declared that Jesus is the Son of God almost immediately after His birth. In the prophecy, he told the Mother of God: “A weapon will penetrate your soul, and the thoughts of many people will be revealed to you.”
• Scull. Adam's head. At the same time a sign of death and resurrection. One legend says: on Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, there were the ashes of the first man Adam (that’s why on icons this skull is placed at the base of the cross). When the blood of the Savior was shed on these ashes, it symbolically washed all humanity from sins.
• All-seeing eye. This eye of the Lord is a sign of His wisdom and omniscience. Most often this symbol is included in a triangle.
• Eight-pointed (Bethlehem) star. Symbol of the birth of Jesus. She is also called the Mother of God. By the way, in ancient centuries the number of its rays was different (constantly changing). Let's say in the 5th century there were nine rays, they meant the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• Burning bush. More often - a burning thorn bush through which the Lord spoke to Moses. Less commonly, it is a sign of the Mother of God into whom the Holy Spirit entered.
• Angel. Means the earthly incarnation of the Son of God.
• Seraphim. The six-winged angel is one of those closest to the Lord. Wears a fire sword. It can have either one face or many (up to 16). This is a sign of the Lord's love and cleansing heavenly fire.

And besides these symbols, there is also a cross. Or rather, crosses - a great variety of them were created in the Christian (as well as pre-Christian) tradition, and each carries some meaning. This video will help you understand the ten most popular ones, although in reality there are many more:

And of course, we couldn’t help but talk about how the Orthodox cross differs from the Catholic one. And although it is believed that it does not matter what kind of crucifix you wear, but faith is important, you should not violate the tenets of your religion with a cross on your body. Tips for choosing this is not jewelry, but a powerful amulet and a sign of conscious choice life path- Here.

All Orthodox symbolism is the personification of the life of Christ the Savior: his crucifixion, resurrection, ascension.

Initially, the symbols were used as secret writing, which helped Christians recognize each other during periods of hostile persecution.

Later, the images acquired a deep philosophical meaning. Each sign has its own history of origin, its own meaning.

Why fish is a symbol of Christianity

ICHTIS (fish) is an abbreviation that appeared when translating the expression “Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior” from Greek by adding the first letters.

Next to Jesus there were many apostles - fishermen. He called them “fishers of men,” and associated himself with Alpha and Omega (the beginning and end of all life). By depicting fish, Christians preached their faith and recognized fellow believers.

According to some sources, the fish became a symbol due to its ease of availability.

What does an anchor symbolize?

The sign appeared at the beginning of our era. In Greece it was depicted on coins as hope for a bright future. IN Ancient Rome- personified the return home after long travels.

The amulet with the image of a dolphin and an anchor was very famous: the dolphin is a sign of speed, the anchor is a sign of restraint.

Saints sign

The attributes of the saints were clothes, animals, and various objects depicted nearby.

The holy martyrs were painted with the instrument of their torture or execution, or with the animals that appeared to them in their dreams.

Some saints were depicted differently in different paintings. This is explained by the fact that there could be many stories and legends about one saint.

Christian symbol of the Trinity

Many people confuse the concepts of “Trinity” and “Three-Faced”. How are they different?

God is one, but has 3 persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. And the Holy Trinity is a single fusion, where one smoothly turns into three, and three becomes one.

Previously, the symbol was a circle with a triangle inside it. The same sides of the figure meant trinity and eternal life. Sometimes the image was in the form of three hares, whose ears were connected into a triangle. The modern sign of the Trinity is an ornament woven into a circle.

Dove in Christianity

There is a story about how a dove flew to Noah during the global flood, holding an olive branch in its paws. Having announced God's mercy, the bird became a symbol of peace and goodness.

Another legend says that evil spirits can dress in anyone except a dove. Therefore, it symbolizes purity and hope, truth and integrity.

Values:

• a bird with an olive branch - new life that has come to know Jesus Christ;
• a flock of doves - believers;
• white dove - a saved soul that has gone through the stages of purification;
• a pair of doves - love and a strong family.

Early Christian symbols

Their number is not as small as it seems: an olive branch, a peacock, a ship, ears of bread, etc. Let's look at the most famous ones.

Cross "Grapevine"

This is an eight-pointed cross with the image of thin branches of grapes. Sometimes the Savior may be depicted in the center.

Grapes are the personification of wisdom and immortality. The ministers of the church are the branches, and the grapes are the sign of Communion. Leaves and berries symbolize Christ's sacrifice of himself for the sake of people. Such a cross will always remind of God’s love for everyone who believes in him.

Biblical symbols

The most common:

• Antichrist is the devil;
• white clothes - the righteousness of Christ;
• to stay awake – to keep the faith;
• throwing dust to the sky - indignation;
• crown - reward;
• wind - war;
• gate - place of judgment;
• clay – man;
• a wallet with holes - a wasted acquisition;
• star - angel;
• serpent - Satan;
• lion - strength;
• flesh and blood - human understanding.

Jesus Christ symbol

The main symbol of Jesus Christ is the “cross”. To atone for the sins of all mankind, Jesus sacrificed himself. The cross is the personification of sacrificial victory over evil deeds.

Non-believers believe that worshiping the cross is worshiping an instrument of execution. But believers know that this is a symbol of life, the salvation of humanity.

Icon painters often paint the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist near the cross. The skull at the foot is a sign of death. The image is filled with grace-filled power; by honoring it, a person praises God.

Symbols of the apostles

Each apostle is depicted with a specific attribute.

For example, the Apostle Peter is depicted with keys in his hands.

They were given by Jesus and open the gates of the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul is depicted with the instrument of his execution. Bartholomew, a preacher of Christianity, was tortured in one of the cities of Armenia - they flayed his skin, then crucified him. Attributes: own skin and a knife.

James the Elder is a disciple of Christ who lost his life in Jerusalem. Coming to his grave, pilgrims took shells with them. This meant that they had reached their goal. So they began to depict him with a staff, a hat and a shell.

Thomas - drawn with the spear with which he was pierced. Judas holds a bag of money in his hands. He helped the poor, but was greedy. He is depicted with a red beard - this is the color of cowardice and betrayal.

Temple symbolism

Each fragment of the temple has a specific meaning.

Temple shape:

• cross - salvation from the devil, entrance to heaven;
• circle - the inviolability of the Church;
• The eight-pointed star is the salvation of the human soul.

Dome shape:

• helmet-shaped - the Church’s fight against evil;
• in the form of an onion - a candle flame.

Dome color:

• gold - dedicated to Christ;
• blue with stars - to the Blessed Virgin Mary;
• green - Trinity.

An Orthodox church is a collection of many sacraments, the meaning of which can only be understood by a true believer.

Answered by Vasily Yunak, 06/11/2007

485. Sergei Nikolaevich (Sh@???.vyborg.ru) writes: “I completely agree with you about the ambiguity of biblical symbolism and the possibilities of speculation on it, however, you must agree that without at least some understanding of it it is impossible to advance beyond a literal understanding ". For example, the concepts of food and clothing, husband and wife can be more or less understood, and this alone significantly expands the understanding of Scripture. However, with each new answer, more and more questions appear and asking them all at once, of course, is impossible. Therefore, if you help me at least with several, I will be very grateful to you.
1st question - what is FISH? It is intuitively felt that this is close to righteousness, wisdom, grace, your opinion is interesting. In this regard, the meaning of the number 153 fish ()
2nd question - WATER in different shades (differences between sea, rivers, waters)
3rd question - SALT
The 4th question is the meaning (not literal) of feeding FIVE THOUSAND men with FIVE (namely barley, which John specifically clarifies) loaves and TWO fish, after which the remains were collected in TWELVE FULL BOXES. And when FOUR thousand were fed with SEVEN loaves of bread and SEVERAL (without specifying the number!) fish, they collected SEVEN BASKETS. There is no doubt in my mind that EVERY word and number has meaning."

Speaking about the symbolism of the Bible, I would first like to say that many make a serious mistake by trying to interpret the Bible using any arbitrary methods. First, we must remember that the Bible never intended to present anything in such a coded form that it would require the powers of learned men to decipher it. In the Bible we read: “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are mighty, and God has chosen the base things of the world and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, so that no flesh boasted before God" ().

God made His Word understandable to the child, the illiterate, the old man, and the scholar. That is why biblical symbolism only reveals great truths for the common man, presenting them in common language.

And one more thing: when we open the Bible, we approach it with a certain predisposition: pagan religions seemed mysterious and hidden because they needed to keep people in obedience and enslavement. Bible teaching about a loving God is completely different. The God of the Bible desires to save every person from sin and death. God does this because He loves His creation, for the sake of which He did not spare His Son: “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” ().

How then can this loving God, who wants every person to find salvation, try to hide his message of salvation from man under all kinds of codes and symbols, making it almost impossible to detect them? After all, if those who only with the help of computers and complex mathematical calculations determine the secret writings hidden in the Bible are right, then the Bible itself, which speaks about the love of God, is wrong: “At that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said: I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You hid this from the wise and prudent and revealed it to babes. Her, Father! For such was Your good pleasure" ().

But the Bible still has symbols. Only the Bible immediately interprets these symbols itself. For example, speaking about the symbols of prophecy, we find a mandatory interpretation of the symbols, if not in the same, then in the neighboring prophecy: “And the ten horns mean that ten kings will rise from this kingdom” (Dan 7:24) or “the waters that you saw Where the harlot sits, they are people and nations and tribes and languages" (). Or the symbols of the parables of Jesus Christ: “And what was sown among thorns signifies the one who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word” ().

Numbers in the Bible are not as important as people give them. Yes, the numbers 7 and 12 to some extent express completeness, but this is not specifically stated anywhere. The only mention of the meaning of the number we find in Revelation about the number of the name of the beast “666” (; 15:2). And even then, it is not presented as important for understanding the truth, but only as an additional factor that can be used by some who have sufficient knowledge.

As for the fish, in a symbolic form it was used as a symbol of catching a person in a positive or negative sense. Christ compares his disciples to “fishers of men” (; also). And the Old Testament prophecies spoke about this in a negative sense ( and ). Just as a man catches a fish, so Satan catches a man in a net or on a hook, and God gathers people into His Kingdom. But nowhere are we given any hint that fish could signify any quality of character.

Salt has certain properties that determine its significance. Salt is an antiseptic, salt is a preservative, salt is a flavoring additive. It is these qualities that Christ reflects in his parables: “Salt is a good thing; but if the salt is not salty, how will you season it? Have salt in you, and have peace among yourselves” (). Compare with the following statements: “Do they eat tasteless things without salt” (), “at your birth, on the day you were born, your navel was not cut off, and you were not washed with water for cleansing, and you were not salted with salt, and you were not wrapped in swaddling clothes midwife" (), "Let your word always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you know how to answer everyone" (). It is not surprising that Christ called His followers the salt of the earth ().

Question about the loaves: “Jesus said to them: Look, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And they thought within themselves and said: This means that we have not taken the bread. Having understood this, Jesus said to them: Why do you think in yourselves, O you of little faith, that there is no bread? did you not take it? Do you still not understand and remember about the five loaves for five thousand people, and how many baskets did you pick up? or about the seven loaves for four thousand, and how many baskets did you pick up? How do you not understand that it was not about bread that I said to you: beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Then they understood that He was telling them not to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees" ().

As you can see, the Bible interprets itself and does not need any special reference books. But most importantly, this is a different symbolism - the temple service in the Old Testament symbolized the ministry of Jesus Christ for our redemption. The book of Hebrews shows this very clearly. At the same time, the main symbolism of the Bible is the sacrificial lamb, which represented Jesus Christ, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (). At the same time, in order to correctly understand all the symbolism of the Bible, it is necessary to understand the difference in the thinking of the Jews, to whom the Bible was first written, from the thinking modern society influenced by Greek thought. And in this I recommend that you read my book good friend and colleagues Alexander Bolotnikov “The Gospel in the Old Testament Sanctuary” (Zaoksky: publishing house “Source of Life”, 2001), an unedited version of which can be found on the website http://xlib.narod.ru, and a printed version can be ordered through the website http:/ /www.7knig.ru or by writing to [email protected].

Read more on the topic "The Bible. About the Book of Books":

Signs and symbols have existed on earth for a long time. They depict an attitude towards a certain culture, religion, country, clan or thing. The symbols of Christian Orthodox culture emphasize belonging to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, through faith in the Holy Trinity.

Orthodox Christians express their faith with Christian signs, but few, even those who are baptized, know their meaning.

Christian symbols in Orthodoxy

History of symbols

After the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior, persecution began against Christians who believed in the coming of the Messiah. In order to communicate with each other, believers began to create secret codes and signs to help avoid danger.

Cryptogram or secret writing originated in the catacombs where early Christians had to hide. Sometimes they used long-known signs from Jewish culture, giving them new meaning.

The symbolism of the early Church is based on man's vision of the Divine world through the hidden depths of the invisible. The meaning of the emergence of Christian signs is to prepare early Christians to accept the Incarnation of Jesus, who lived according to earthly laws.

Secret writing at that time was more intelligible and acceptable among Christians than sermons or reading books.

Important! The basis of all signs and codes is the Savior, His Death and Ascension, the Eucharist - the Sacrament left by the Mission before His crucifixion. (Mark 14:22)

Cross

The cross symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ; its image can be seen on the domes of churches, in the form of crosses, in Christian books and many other things. In Orthodoxy there are several types of crosses, but the main one is the eight-pointed one, on which the Savior was crucified.

Cross: the main symbol of Christianity

A small horizontal crossbar served for the inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The hands of Christ are nailed to the large crossbar, and His feet to the lower one. The top of the cross is directed to heaven, and the Eternal Kingdom, and under the feet of the Savior is hell.

About the cross in Orthodoxy:

Fish - ichthys

Jesus called fishermen as his disciples, whom he later made fishers of men for the Kingdom of Heaven.

One of the first signs of the early Church was a fish; later the words “Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior” were written into it.

Fish is a Christian symbol

Bread and vine

Belonging to a group is expressed through drawings of bread and grapes, and sometimes wine or grape barrels. These signs were applied to sacred vessels and were understandable to everyone who accepted faith in Christ.

Important! The vine is a type of Jesus. All Christians are its branches, and the juice is a prototype of the Blood, which cleanses us during the reception of the Eucharist.

In the Old Testament, the vine is a sign of the promised land; the New Testament presents the vine as a symbol of paradise.

The vine as a symbol of heaven in the New Testament

A bird sitting on a grape vine symbolizes rebirth to new life. Bread is often drawn in the form of ears of corn, which is also a sign of the unity of the Apostles.

Fish and bread

The loaves depicted on the fish refer to one of the first miracles performed by Jesus on earth, when He fed more than five thousand people who came from afar to listen to the preaching of the Mission with five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:13-14).

Jesus Christ - in symbols and codes

The Savior acts as the Good Shepherd for his sheep, Christians. At the same time, He is the Lamb slain for our sins, He is the saving cross and anchor.

The Ecumenical Council of 692 banned all symbols relating to Jesus Christ in order to shift the emphasis not on the image, but on the Living Savior, however, they still exist today.

Lamb

A small lamb, obedient, defenseless, is a prototype of the sacrifice of Christ, who became the final sacrifice, for God became displeased with the sacrifices made by the Jews in the form of slaughtering birds and animals. The Most High Creator wants Him to be worshiped with pure hearts through faith in His Son, the Savior of mankind (John 3:16).

Symbol of Lamb with Banner

Only faith in the saving sacrifice of Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, opens the way to eternal life.

In the Old Testament, the lamb is a type of the blood of Abel and the sacrifice of Abraham, to whom God sent a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac.

The Revelation of John the Theologian (14:1) speaks of a lamb standing on a mountain. The mountain is the universal Church, the four streams - the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which nourish the Christian faith.

Early Christians in secret writing depicted Jesus as the Good Shepherd with a lamb on his shoulders. Nowadays priests are called shepherds, Christians are called sheep or flock.

Monograms of the name of Christ

Translated from Greek, the monogram “crisma” means anointing and is translated as a seal.

By the blood of Jesus Christ we are sealed to His love and salvation. Hidden behind the letters X.P is an image of the Crucifixion of Christ, God Incarnate.

The letters "alpha" and "omega" represent the beginning and the end, symbols of God.

Monograms of the name of Jesus Christ

Little-known encoded images

Ship and anchor

The image of Christ is often conveyed by signs in the form of a ship or an anchor. In Christianity, the ship symbolizes human life, the Church. Under the sign of the Savior, believers in a ship called the Church sail towards eternal life, having an anchor - a symbol of hope.

Pigeon

The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove. A dove landed on Jesus' shoulder at His baptism (Luke 3:22). It was the dove that brought the green leaf to Noah during the flood. The Holy Spirit is One of the Trinity, Who was from the beginning of the world. The dove is the bird of peace and purity. He flies only where there is peace and quiet.

The symbol of the Holy Spirit is a dove

Eye and triangle

The eye inscribed in the triangle means the all-seeing eye of the Most High God in the unity of the Holy Trinity. The triangle emphasizes that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are equal in Their purpose and are one. It is almost impossible for a simple Christian to understand this. This fact must be accepted by faith.

Mother of God star

At the birth of Jesus, the Star of Bethlehem, which in Christianity is depicted as eight-pointed, lit up in the sky. In the center of the star is the bright face of the Mother of God with the Child, which is why the name Mother of God appeared next to Bethlehem.