Biblical Allusions for AP Literature

A set of flashcards covering key biblical allusions important for AP Literature.

Abraham

The patriarch of Judaism who had a covenant with God to have numerous descendants; known for his faith.

Adam and Eve

The first man and woman in the Garden of Eden, known for committing original sin by eating from the tree of knowledge.

Antichrist

An antagonist of Jesus who will bring destruction on the world before Jesus’s Second Coming.

Babylon

Capital of the Babylonian empire, symbolizing moral corruption and spiritual exile.

Cain and Abel

The first sons of Adam and Eve, representing sibling rivalry and the consequences of jealousy.

Daniel

A Hebrew prophet known for his unwavering faith and survival in the lion’s den.

David

Young shepherd who became king after defeating Goliath; known for his complex morality.

The Divine Comedy

An Italian narrative poem by Dante Alighieri that depicts hell, purgatory, and heaven.

Eden

The garden where Adam and Eve lived, symbolizing innocence and ultimate loss.

Gideon

An ancient Israelite judge known for leading a victorious battle against the Midianites.

Goliath

A giant defeated by David, symbolizing the triumph of the underdog over a powerful adversary.

Good Samaritan

A character from Jesus’s parables demonstrating true compassion across social divides.

Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament telling the story of Jesus’s life and teachings.

Herod

First-century ruler known for his cruelty and involvement in the deaths of innocent children.

Holy Grail

The cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper, symbolizing ultimate spiritual goals.

Jacob

Son of Rebekah and Isaac, known for tricking his brother Esau and wrestling with God.

Jesus Christ

The central figure of Christianity known for his teachings on love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

Job

A righteous man who endured great suffering but remained faithful to God.

John the Baptist

The prophet who prepared the way for Jesus and performed baptisms.

Jonah

An Israelite prophet who initially refused God’s command and was swallowed by a giant fish.

Joseph

The son of Jacob who rose to power in Egypt and forgave his brothers.

Judas Iscariot

One of Jesus’s disciples known for betraying him for thirty pieces of silver.

Lazarus

Friend of Jesus who was raised from the dead, symbolizing hope and resurrection.

Lucifer / Satan / Beelzebub

Names associated with the devil, representing evil and rebellion.

The Magi

Wise men who visited Jesus at birth, symbolizing divine recognition and homage.

Mary and Joseph

Parents of Jesus, symbolizing faith and obedience.

Mary Magdalene

A devoted follower of Jesus who witnessed his resurrection.

Moses and Aaron

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt while Aaron served as his spokesman.

Noah

Directed to build an ark to survive the flood, symbolizing obedience and survival.

Paradise Lost

An epic poem by John Milton about the fall of man and the nature of evil.

Paul

A devout Jew who converted to Christianity and wrote many New Testament letters.

Peter

Close disciple of Jesus who denied him three times but became a leader in the early church.

Prodigal Son

A parable about forgiveness and grace in the face of waywardness.

Rachel and Leah

Sisters married to Jacob, representing themes of favoritism and family rivalry.

Samson and Delilah

Samson’s downfall due to betrayal, symbolizing strength and vulnerability.

Sinai

Desert where the Israelites wandered and where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Sodom and Gomorrah

Wicked cities destroyed by God, representing moral depravity and divine justice.

Solomon

Son of David known for his wisdom and judgment.

Thomas

One of Jesus’s disciples known for his skepticism about Jesus’s resurrection.

Tower of Babel

A structure built to challenge God, resulting in confusion and division of languages.