Bible Words Starting with I

Welcome back to our exciting series, "Bible Words from A to Z"! Bible Words Starting with I is the focus of this post and each list of words comes with brief meaning and several bible verses.

Every word listed here are all extracted from the Bible across multiple translations. My aim is to help you spend time studying each word on a daily basis.

Bible Words Starting with I

People & Prophets

• Isaiah: Isaiah was a major prophet who prophesied about the coming Messiah and wrote one of the longest books in the Old Testament. (Isaiah 6:8, Isaiah 53:5, 2 Kings 19:2)
• Isaac: Isaac was Abraham and Sarah's promised son, the child of miracle, and father of Jacob and Esau. (Genesis 21:3, Genesis 22:2, Genesis 26:24)
• Ishmael: Ishmael was Abraham's son through Hagar, who became the father of twelve princes and a great nation. (Genesis 16:15, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 21:18)
• Israel (Jacob): Israel was the name God gave Jacob after he wrestled with the angel, meaning "he struggles with God." (Genesis 32:28, Genesis 35:10, Exodus 3:6)
• Issachar: Issachar was Jacob's ninth son whose tribe was known for understanding the times and knowing what Israel should do. (Genesis 30:18, 1 Chronicles 12:32, Genesis 49:14)
• Ichabod: Ichabod was the grandson of Eli, named at birth meaning "the glory has departed" after the ark was captured. (1 Samuel 4:21, 1 Samuel 4:22)
• Ithamar: Ithamar was Aaron's youngest son who served as a priest and whose descendants continued the priestly line. (Exodus 6:23, Exodus 38:21, 1 Chronicles 24:4)
• Ira: Ira was one of David's mighty warriors, a priest who served as David's personal advisor. (2 Samuel 20:26, 2 Samuel 23:38)
• Ibzan: Ibzan was a judge of Israel who ruled for seven years and had thirty sons and thirty daughters. (Judges 12:8, Judges 12:9)
• Immer: Immer was a priest whose family served in the temple and became prominent in post-exilic Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 9:12, Ezra 2:37, Jeremiah 20:1)

Places & Locations

• Israel (Nation): Israel was the nation descended from Jacob, God's chosen people through whom the Messiah would come. (Exodus 4:22, Deuteronomy 7:6, Romans 11:26)
• Iconium: Iconium was a city in Asia Minor where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel despite persecution. (Acts 13:51, Acts 14:1, 2 Timothy 3:11)
• Idumea: Idumea was the Greek name for Edom, the region south of Judah inhabited by Esau's descendants. (Mark 3:8, Isaiah 34:5)
• Ijon: Ijon was a city in northern Israel captured multiple times during conflicts with Syria and Assyria. (1 Kings 15:20, 2 Kings 15:29)
• Illyricum: Illyricum was a Roman province on the Adriatic coast where Paul preached the gospel during his missionary journeys. (Romans 15:19)
• Inner Court: The inner court of the temple was the area reserved for priests containing the altar and the laver. (1 Kings 6:36, Ezekiel 8:16, 2 Chronicles 4:9)
• Italy: Italy was the region containing Rome where Paul was taken as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar. (Acts 18:2, Acts 27:1, Hebrews 13:24)
• Ibleam: Ibleam was a Canaanite city where King Ahaziah was mortally wounded while fleeing from Jehu. (2 Kings 9:27, Judges 1:27)
• Izhar: Izhar was a region associated with the Levitical family descended from Kohath who served in the tabernacle. (Numbers 3:19, 1 Chronicles 6:38)
• Inn: An inn was a lodging place for travelers where there was no room for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. (Luke 2:7, Luke 10:34, Exodus 4:24)

Objects & Symbols

• Image: An image refers to likeness or representation, with humanity made in God's image and idols being false images. (Genesis 1:27, Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15)
• Idol: An idol is a false god or object of worship that takes the place of the true God in people's hearts. (Exodus 20:4, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 John 5:21)
• Incense: Incense was a fragrant substance burned in worship, symbolizing prayers ascending to God's throne. (Exodus 30:7, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8)
• Ink: Ink was used for writing on scrolls and parchments, with God's law written on hearts rather than tablets. (Jeremiah 36:18, 2 Corinthians 3:3, 2 John 1:12)
• Iron: Iron was a strong metal used for tools, weapons, and symbolically represented strength and judgment. (Deuteronomy 3:11, Proverbs 27:17, Revelation 2:27)
• Ivory: Ivory was a precious material from elephant tusks used in palaces and luxurious items, symbolizing wealth. (1 Kings 10:18, Amos 3:15, Psalm 45:8)
• Inscription: An inscription was text written or engraved on objects, including the title above Jesus' cross. (Matthew 27:37, Acts 17:23, Mark 12:16)
• Instrument: Instruments were tools or musical devices used for work, worship, and warfare throughout Scripture. (Psalm 150:4, Romans 6:13, 2 Chronicles 7:6)
• Innkeeper: An innkeeper managed lodging establishments, including the one who had no room for Mary and Joseph. (Luke 10:35)
• Incense Altar: The incense altar was the golden altar in the Holy Place where priests burned incense daily before the Lord. (Exodus 30:1, Luke 1:11, Hebrews 9:4)

Spiritual Concepts

• Immanuel: Immanuel means "God with us," the prophetic name for Jesus emphasizing God's incarnation among humanity. (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 8:8)
• Inheritance: Inheritance is the spiritual possession believers receive through Christ, including eternal life and God's kingdom. (Ephesians 1:14, Colossians 1:12, 1 Peter 1:4)
• Intercession: Intercession is praying on behalf of others, with the Holy Spirit and Jesus interceding for believers. (Romans 8:26, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25)
• Inspiration: Inspiration is God's supernatural influence on Scripture writers, making the Bible His authoritative Word. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
• Imputation: Imputation is crediting righteousness to believers' account through faith in Christ's finished work. (Romans 4:6, Romans 4:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Idolatry: Idolatry is worshiping anything other than the true God, placing created things above the Creator. (1 Corinthians 10:14, Colossians 3:5, 1 John 5:21)
• Immortality: Immortality is the quality of never-ending existence, which God alone possesses inherently and grants believers. (1 Timothy 6:16, 1 Corinthians 15:53, 2 Timothy 1:10)
• Iniquity: Iniquity is moral crookedness or perversity, a deep-seated tendency toward evil that requires God's cleansing. (Psalm 51:2, Isaiah 53:6, Psalm 32:5)
• Instruction: Instruction is teaching and training in God's ways, essential for spiritual growth and godly living. (Proverbs 1:8, 2 Timothy 3:16, Deuteronomy 11:19)
• Indwelling: Indwelling refers to the Holy Spirit residing permanently within believers from the moment of salvation. (1 Corinthians 3:16, Romans 8:11, John 14:17)

Actions & Practices

• Intercede: To intercede is to plead on behalf of another, standing in the gap through prayer before God. (1 Timothy 2:1, Genesis 18:23, Ezekiel 22:30)
• Inherit: To inherit is to receive possession or blessing, whether earthly property or spiritual promises from God. (Matthew 25:34, Hebrews 6:12, Psalm 37:29)
• Inquire: To inquire means seeking God's guidance and wisdom through prayer, prophets, or His Word. (1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Chronicles 18:4, Psalm 27:4)
• Instruct: To instruct is to teach and train others in God's truth, wisdom, and righteous living. (Psalm 32:8, Matthew 28:20, Colossians 3:16)
• Invite: To invite means calling others to come, particularly inviting people into relationship with God and His kingdom. (Matthew 22:4, Revelation 22:17, Luke 14:23)
• Impart: To impart is to give or share something with others, including spiritual gifts and blessings. (Romans 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Luke 3:11)
• Incline: To incline means to bend or turn toward something, particularly turning one's heart toward God's commandments. (Psalm 119:36, Psalm 141:4, Joshua 24:23)
• Increase: To increase means to grow or multiply, whether in number, faith, knowledge, or spiritual fruit. (Luke 2:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:10, Colossians 1:10)
• Invoke: To invoke is to call upon God's name in prayer, worship, or appealing for His help. (Genesis 4:26, Psalm 116:4, Acts 2:21)
• Illumine: To illumine means to give spiritual light and understanding, which God does through His Spirit and Word. (Ephesians 1:18, Psalm 119:130)

Attributes & Titles of God

• Infinite: Infinite describes God's unlimited nature in every attribute—power, knowledge, presence, and perfection. (Psalm 147:5, 1 Kings 8:27, Job 11:7)
• I AM: I AM is God's self-revealed name to Moses, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and sovereignty. (Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, Revelation 1:8)
• Invisible: Invisible describes God's spiritual nature, unseen by human eyes yet clearly revealed through creation and Scripture. (Colossians 1:15, 1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 11:27)
• Immutable: Immutable means unchanging, describing God's constant nature that never varies or diminishes through time. (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17)
• Incomparable: Incomparable emphasizes that no one and nothing can be compared to God in power, glory, or worth. (Exodus 15:11, Psalm 89:6, Isaiah 40:25)
• Intercessor: Intercessor describes Jesus who continually pleads for believers before the Father's throne. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1)
• Immortal: Immortal describes God's eternal nature, existing without beginning or end, never subject to death. (1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:16)
• Impartial: Impartial emphasizes God's fairness in judgment, showing no favoritism based on external factors. (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Deuteronomy 10:17)
• Incorruptible: Incorruptible describes God's unchangeable purity and perfection that cannot decay or be contaminated. (1 Peter 1:23, Romans 1:23)
• Indescribable: Indescribable emphasizes that God's gift of salvation surpasses human ability to fully express or comprehend. (2 Corinthians 9:15, 1 Peter 1:8)

Spiritual Beings & Forces

• Israel (Church): Spiritual Israel refers to all believers—both Jew and Gentile—who are God's people through faith in Christ. (Romans 9:6, Galatians 6:16, Philippians 3:3)
• Israelite: An Israelite was a descendant of Jacob (Israel), member of God's chosen nation under the old covenant. (John 1:47, Romans 9:4, 2 Corinthians 11:22)
• Idolater: An idolater is one who worships idols or places anything above God, facing divine judgment. (1 Corinthians 6:9, Revelation 21:8, Ephesians 5:5)
• Inherit Kingdom: Those who inherit the kingdom are believers who will receive eternal life in God's presence. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Matthew 25:34, James 2:5)
• Impenitent: The impenitent are those who refuse to repent of sin and remain hardened against God's grace. (Romans 2:5)
• Infidel: An infidel is an unbeliever who rejects the faith, worse than unbelievers if they neglect family responsibilities. (1 Timothy 5:8)
• Imitators: Imitators are believers who follow godly examples, particularly imitating Christ and mature Christians. (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:6)
• Impure: The impure are those morally contaminated by sin, needing cleansing through Christ's blood. (Ephesians 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:7)
• Innocent: The innocent are those free from guilt, particularly referring to Jesus who was sinless yet suffered. (Matthew 27:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Inner Man: The inner man is the spiritual, regenerated nature of believers being renewed daily by God. (2 Corinthians 4:16, Romans 7:22, Ephesians 3:16)

Biblical Events

• Incarnation: The Incarnation was God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ, divinity taking on human nature. (John 1:14, Philippians 2:7, 1 Timothy 3:16)
• Isaac's Sacrifice: Isaac's near-sacrifice by Abraham tested faith and foreshadowed God's sacrifice of His own Son. (Genesis 22:9-12, Hebrews 11:17)
• Israel's Exodus: Israel's Exodus from Egypt was God's mighty deliverance from slavery, establishing them as His people. (Exodus 12:41, Exodus 14:30, Deuteronomy 4:34)
• Isaiah's Vision: Isaiah's vision of God's holiness in the temple transformed him and commissioned him as a prophet. (Isaiah 6:1-8)
• Israel's Rebellion: Israel's rebellion in the wilderness resulted in forty years of wandering before entering the Promised Land. (Numbers 14:33, Psalm 95:8-11)
• Idolatry (Golden Calf): Israel's golden calf idolatry occurred while Moses received the law, provoking God's anger. (Exodus 32:4, Exodus 32:19, Psalm 106:19)
• Isaac's Birth: Isaac's birth fulfilled God's promise to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, demonstrating God's faithfulness. (Genesis 21:2-3, Romans 9:9)
• Israel Divided: Israel divided into northern and southern kingdoms after Solomon's death due to Rehoboam's harsh policies. (1 Kings 12:16, 1 Kings 12:19)
• Inscription on Cross: The inscription "King of the Jews" was placed above Jesus' cross in three languages. (John 19:19-20, Matthew 27:37)
• Invasion by Sennacherib: Sennacherib's invasion of Judah was thwarted when God's angel destroyed the Assyrian army overnight. (2 Kings 19:35, Isaiah 37:36)

Hebrew & Greek Terms

• Imago Dei: Imago Dei is Latin (from Hebrew) meaning "image of God," describing humanity's creation in God's likeness. (Genesis 1:26-27, James 3:9)
• Iesous: Iesous is the Greek form of Jesus' name, meaning "Yahweh saves" or "the Lord is salvation." (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12)
• Ischuros: Ischuros is Greek for "strong" or "mighty," describing God's power and believers' strength in Him. (Luke 1:49, 1 Corinthians 1:25)
• Isos: Isos is Greek meaning "equal," used to describe Christ's equality with God the Father. (Philippians 2:6, John 5:18)
• Ish: Ish is Hebrew for "man" or "husband," used throughout the Old Testament for males. (Genesis 2:23, Genesis 3:6)
• Imah: Imah is Hebrew for "mother," used to describe maternal relationships and motherly care. (Proverbs 1:8, Exodus 20:12)
• Ioudaios: Ioudaios is Greek for "Jew" or "Jewish," referring to descendants of Judah or practitioners of Judaism. (John 4:9, Romans 1:16)
• Ichthus: Ichthus is Greek for "fish," used as an early Christian symbol and acronym for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." (Matthew 4:19)
• Iktinos: Iktinos is Greek for "kite" (bird), mentioned in Levitical dietary laws as an unclean bird. (Leviticus 11:14)
• Idios: Idios is Greek meaning "one's own" or "private," used to describe personal possession or relationship. (John 1:11, Acts 1:25)

Covenants & Promises

• Inheritance Promised: God promises believers an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven that cannot fade or be stolen. (1 Peter 1:4, Ephesians 1:11, Acts 20:32)
• Immanuel Promise: God's promise that He would be with His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' incarnation. (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20)
• Isaac's Covenant: God's covenant with Isaac reaffirmed the promises made to Abraham about land and descendants. (Genesis 26:3-4, Genesis 26:24)
• Israel's Election: God chose Israel as His treasured possession to be a kingdom of priests and holy nation. (Deuteronomy 7:6, Exodus 19:5-6, 1 Peter 2:9)
• Indwelling Spirit: God promises that His Spirit will dwell within believers, empowering and transforming them. (Ezekiel 36:27, John 14:17, Romans 8:11)
• Incorruptible Crown: God promises an incorruptible crown of glory to faithful believers and ministers. (1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Peter 5:4)
• Immovable Kingdom: Believers receive an immovable kingdom that cannot be shaken, established forever by God. (Hebrews 12:28, Daniel 2:44)
• Inexpressible Joy: God promises believers joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory through faith in Christ. (1 Peter 1:8, John 16:22)
• Israel Restored: God promises to restore Israel, regathering them from all nations in the last days. (Jeremiah 30:3, Ezekiel 37:21, Amos 9:14-15)
• Increase Without Measure: God promises to give His Spirit without measure and increase His blessings abundantly. (John 3:34, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 3:20)

What’s Next?

I want you to spend time reflecting on some of these words and how they impact your life. Meditate on them day and night so you can grow in the knowledge of Christ.

Share these words with your friends and family members so they too can discover the life-transforming power of God's Word. Consider choosing one I word each week to study in depth perhaps starting with Immanuel, Inheritance, Intercession, or Inspiration and see how God uses it to speak into your circumstances.

Stay tuned for the next letter in our Bible words starting with J! and don't forget to bookmark this page for easy reference. Which I word impacted you the most? Share in the comments below!