General Reference works are useful for provoking ideas and providing context. Use these texts critically, however. They do not offer the last definitive word on a given topic.
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary by David Noel FreedmanThe most extensive Bible dictionary ever created: - The first major Bible dictionary to be published in America in 30 years - 6 volumes of approximately 1,200 pages each - More than 6,000 entries - More than 7,000,000 words - Nearly 1,000 contributors -all the biggest names from around the world - Multicultural and interdisciplinary in scope - An unprecedented interfaith exploration of the Bible - Illustrated throughout with easy-to-find references - Endpaper maps of the Near Eastern world keyed to text for quick location of archaeological and biblical sites - Extensively cross-referenced for comprehensive coverage of topics - Easy-to-read article and chapter headings for speedy location of material - Full bibliographic references following all major entries Inside you'll find: - Exciting articles on pseudepigraphic and apocryphal texts, Nag Hammadi tractates, and individual dead Sea Scrolls-including the very latest on the most recently published sectarian Dead Sea Scrolls - "Minor entries" on personal and place-names that go well beyond the one- or two-sentence descriptions found in other Bible dictionaries - Outstanding summaries of the latest research on the historical Jesus - Fascinating new articles discussing the growing reappraisal of early Christianity's relationship with Judaism (was Christianity an "offspring" or "sibling" of rabbinic Judaism?) - Many articles illustrating the literary artistry of the biblical text - Intriguing discussions of everyday life in Bible lands-including articles that help us to understand health and disease, the role of animals and plants in the ancient ecosystem, and the demographics of human settlement in ancient Palestine - A richness of information unequaled in the history of biblical studies Edited by David Noel Freedman Editorial Consultants: Hans Dieter Betz-Greco-Roman Religin James H. Charlesworth-Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha Frank More Cross-Old Testament William G. Dever-Archaeology A. Kirk Grayson-Mesopotamia and Assyriology Peter Machinist-Bible and Ancient Near East Abraham J. Malherbe-New Testament Birger A. Pearson-Early Christianity Jack M. Sassoon-Bible and Ancient Near East William R. Schoedel-Early Christian Literature
A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs by David Bercot (Editor)A compendium of quotations culled from the ten volume Ante-Nicene Fathers and arranged by subject for quick reference. The quotes include comments on 700 theological, moral, and historical topics from prominent figures such as Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Clement of Rome, and Hippolytus. Some entr
Call Number: Reference BR66.5 .D53 1998
ISBN: 9781565633575
Publication Date: 1998
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels by Joel B. Green (Editor)ECPA Christian Book Award Winner Readers' Choice Award Winner Biblical Foundations Award Winner Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference The second edition of the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels is a thoroughly reconstructed and revised version of the critically acclaimed 1992 first edition. Since that groundbreaking volume was published, a wave of Jesus and Gospel scholarship has crested and broken on the shores of a new century. Jesus has been proposed as sage, shaman, revolutionary, marginal Jew, Mediterranean peasant or a prophet of Israel's restoration. The non-canonical Gospels have been touted, examined and reassessed. There are revised understandings of historiography, orality, form criticism, empire and more. The second edition of the DJG amply weighs and assess the gains and shortcomings of this new scholarship. Here is a self-contained reference library of information and perspective essential to exploring Jesus and the Gospels. This volume bridges the gap between scholars and those pastors, teachers, students and interested readers who want thorough treatments of key topics in an accessible and summary format. Articles cover each Gospel, major themes in the Gospels, key episodes in the life of Jesus, significant background topics, as well as issues and methods of interpretation. Among other benefits, it allows multiple opportunities for each of the Gospels to be weighed and heard in its own voice. Bibliographies are full and up to date, putting readers in touch with the best work in the field. All of this allows the articles to serve as launching pads for further research. When the first edition of the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels was published, it was immediately recognized as an innovative reference work. By taking a particular corpus of biblical books and exploring it with in-depth articles written by specialists in the field, it refashioned a staple reference genre. This dictionary model has now been applied to each segment of the biblical canon in successive volumes. Those who have enjoyed and benefitted from the wealth in the first edition will find the second edition an equally indispensable companion to study and research. Over ninety percent of the articles have been completely rewritten, and the rest thoroughly revised and updated. Here is the doorway into a reliable and comprehensive summary and appraisal of the last twenty years of Jesus scholarship. A new generation of scholars has opened the way to make this a Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels for the twenty-first century. Reference volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible, encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.
Call Number: online
ISBN: 9780830824564
Publication Date: 2013
Dictionary of New Testament Background by Craig A. Evans (Editor); Stanley E. Porter (Editor)ECPA Gold Medallion (Reference Works) The Dictionary of New Testament Background joins the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments as the fourth in a landmark series of reference works on the Bible. In a time when our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world has grown by leaps and bounds, this volume sets out for readers the wealth of Jewish and Greco-Roman background that should inform our reading and understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Dictionary of New Testament Background takes full advantage of the flourishing study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and offers individual articles focused on the most important scrolls. In addition, the Dictionary encompasses the fullness of second-temple Jewish writings, whether pseudepigraphic, rabbinic, parables, proverbs, histories or inscriptions. Articles abound on aspects of Jewish life and thought, including family, purity, liturgy and messianism. The full scope of Greco-Roman culture is displayed in articles ranging across language and rhetoric, literacy and book culture, religion and cults, honor and shame, patronage and benefactors, travel and trade, intellectual movements and ideas, and ancient geographical perspectives. No other reference work presents so much in one place for students of the New Testament. Here an entire library of scholarship is made available in summary form. The Dictionary of New Testament Background can stand alone or work in concert with one or more of its companion volumes in the series. Written by acknowledged experts in their fields, this wealth of knowledge of the New Testament era is carefully aimed at the needs of contemporary students of the New Testament. And its full bibliographies and cross-references to other volumes in the series will make it the first book to reach for in any investigation of the New Testament in its ancient setting. Reference volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible, encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.
Call Number: online
ISBN: 9780830817801
Publication Date: 2000
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments by Ralph P. Martin (Editor); Peter H. Davids (Editor)Academy of Parish Clergy Top Ten Books of the Year Christianity Today's Books of the Year ECPA Gold Medallion The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments offers a summa of New Testament studies. Designed to bring students, teachers, pastors, and general readers up to date and up to speed, this one-of-a-kind reference volume presents more information than any other single work--dealing exclusively with the theology, literature, background, and scholarship of the later New Testament and the apostolic church. In-depth, comprehensive articles focus on theological themes, methods of interpretation, background topics, and various other subjects specifically related to the study of New Testament theology and literature. Expert contributors include Darrell Bock, George R. Beasley-Murray, I. Howard Marshall, Ben Witherington III, and James D. G. Dunn. Wide-ranging articles span from the books of James and Jude to household codes, from the Roman emperor cult to gnosticism and docetism, questions of canon to second-century church leaders like Ignatius and Polycarp. The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments takes its place alongside the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels and Dictionary of Paul and His Letters in presenting mature evangelical scholarship--committed to the authority of Scripture, utilizing the best of critical methods, and maintaining a dialogue with contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the church. Reference volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible, encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.
Call Number: BS2625.5 .D53 1997
ISBN: 9780830817795
Publication Date: 1997
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters by Scot McKnight (Editor); Lynn H. Cohick (Editor); Nijay K. Gupta (Editor)A One-of-a-Kind Resource on Paul's Writings, Now Revised and Expanded The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a one-of-a-kind reference work. No other resource presents as much information focused exclusively on Pauline theology, literature, background, and scholarship. This second edition is a thoroughly revised and updated version of the acclaimed 1993 publication. Since that groundbreaking volume was published, developments in Pauline studies have continued at a rapid pace, with diverse new scholars entering the conversation, new ideas and methods gaining attention, and fresh expressions of old topics shaping the present discussion. Those who enjoyed and benefited from the wealth in the first edition will find this new edition an equally indispensable and freshly up-to-date companion to study and research. The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters offers: Careful treatment by specialists in their fields of classic topics such as Christology, justification, hermeneutics, and book studies of individual epistles, New topics to this edition, including Paul and politics, patronage, and interpretations from various historical and cultural perspectives that expand the volume's breadth and usefulness, An expansive selection of articles, over 95% of which have been written specifically for this edition, and much more! This work bridges the gap between scholars and pastors, teachers and students, and all interested readers who want a thorough treatment of key topics in a summary format. In curating and compiling these articles, the editors have sought to make them comprehensive, accessible, and useful for those pursuing further research on particular subjects. Each article's bibliography, in addition, will serve a new generation of readers for years to come. The updated Dictionary of Paul and His Letters takes its place alongside the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, 2nd ed., and the other volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series as a unique presentation of the fruit of biblical studies--committed to Scripture, using the best of critical methods, and maintaining dialogue with both contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the church. The reference volumes in the series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.
Call Number: online
ISBN: 9780830817856
Publication Date: 2023
HarperCollins Bible Commentary - Revised Edition by James L. MaysThe Bible -- sacred scripture, literary classic, historical document. No matter how it is viewed, it remains the basis of much of Western culture. This fully revised edition of the HarperCollins Bible Commentary is the most up-to-date reference book of its kind for understanding and interpreting the meaning of the Bible. The accessible and highly readable format sets a new standard for excellence. The Commentary covers all of the Hebrew Bible, as well as the books of the Apocrypha and those of the New Testament, and thus addresses the biblical canons of Judaism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. its innovative format covers the books of the Bible in three ways: General essays setting the literary, cultural, and historical context for the entire Bible Articles introducing major sections of the Bible Commentaries on the individual books themselves by the finest contemporary biblical scholars The HarperCollins Bible Commentary is unprecedented in its clarity, organization, and insight into the Bible. Helpful cross-references to its companion, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, mean that readers will have all they need to explore the riches of the Scriptures for years to come. Every section of the Commentary offers concise and authoritative guidance that will enable the reader to return to the text equipped to understand and appreciate the Bible more fully. Each of the eighty-three contributors to this splendid volume is a leading expert in his or her field and a member of the Society of Biblical Literature. They have produced a volume that belongs in homes, schools, houses of worship, and libraries -- wherever there is a Bible. General editor James L. Mays is the Cyrus McCormick Professor of Hebrew and the Old Testament Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He has served as president of the Society of Biblical Literature and is a widely respected author and editor.
Call Number: Reference BS491.2 .H37 2000
ISBN: 9780060655488
Publication Date: 2000
HarperCollins Bible Dictionary - Revised and Updated by Paul J. AchtemeierThe newly revised and updated HarperCollins Bible Dictionary is the most complete, up-to-date, and accessible guide for the study of the Bible available today. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary puts the latest and most comprehensive biblical scholarship at your fingertips. Here is everything you need to know to fully understand the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament), the Apocrypha, and the New Testament. An unparalleled resource, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary explains every aspect of the Bible including biblical archaeology, culture, related writings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Scriptures, the Bible's influence on Western civilization, biblical history, theological concepts, modern biblical interpretations, flora and fauna, climate and environment, crafts and industry, the content of individual books of the Bible, the history of the English Bible, and more. Perfect for church Bible study groups, home schools, colleges, seminary or personal study, this edition contains all the important names, places, and subjects that make Bible study come to life. From Aaron to Zurishaddai, here are all the people, events, and ideas of biblical times--whether it's the ages of the patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets, or the world of the New Testament and the early church. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary includes: * Over 4,000 lively, informative and easy-to-use entries * A helpful pronunciation guide * Over 90 detailed maps * Informative charts, graphs and timelines * 600 photos and illustrations The product of dozens of this country's finest biblical scholars, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary will become an invaluable resource to understand the Bible.
Call Number: Reference BS440 .H235 1996
ISBN: 9780061469060
Publication Date: 1996
The Oxford Classical Dictionary by Antony Spawforth (Editor); Esther Eidinow; Simon Hornblower (Editor)A Booklist 2012 Editors' Choice Selection For more than half a century, the Oxford Classical Dictionary has been the unrivaled one-volume reference work on the Greco-Roman world. Whether one is interested in literature or art, philosophy or law, mythology or science, intimate details of daily life or broad cultural and historical trends, the OCD is the first place to turn for clear, authoritative information on all aspects of ancient culture. Now comes the Fourth Edition of this redoubtable resource, thoroughly revised and updated, with numerous new entries and two new focus areas (on reception and anthropology). Here, in over six thousand entries ranging from long articles to brief identifications, readers can find information on virtually any topic of interest--athletics, bee-keeping, botany, magic, religious rites, postal service, slavery, navigation, and the reckoning of time. The Oxford Classical Dictionary profiles every major figure of Greece and Rome, from Homer and Virgil to Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great. Readers will find entries on mythological and legendary figures, on major cities, famous buildings, and important geographical landmarks, and on legal, rhetorical, literary, and political terms and concepts.
Women in Scripture by Carol Meyers (Editor); Toni Craven (Editor); Ross Shepard Kraemer (Editor)Available here for the first time in paperback, Women in Scripture is a landmark one-volume reference work exploring all the women mentioned in the Bible, named and unnamed, well known and heretofore not known at all. The book comprises more than 800 articles, written by the finest scholars in the field, that examine the numerous women who have often been obscured by the androcentric nature of the biblical record and by centuries of translation and interpretation that have paid little or no attention to them. The women of scripture are remarkably varied--from prophets to prostitutes, military heroines to musicians, deacons to dancers, widows to wet nurses, rulers to slaves. Here are familiar faces, such as Eve, Judith, and Mary, seen anew with the full benefit of the most up-to-date biblical scholarship. But the most innovative aspect of the book is the section devoted to the many women who in the scriptures do not even have names. In both scope and accessibility, Women in Scripture is an exceptional work. Combining rigorous scholarship with engaging prose, these articles on women in the Hebrew Bible, the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books, and the New Testament will inform, delight, and challenge all readers interested in the Bible.
Call Number: Reference BS575 .W593 2001
ISBN: 9780802849625
Publication Date: 2001
Women's Bible Commentary by Carol A. Newsom (Editor); Sharon H. Ringe (Editor); Jacqueline E. Lapsley (Editor)The Women's Bible Commentaryis a trusted, classic resource for biblical scholarship, written by some of the best feminist scholars in the field today. This twentieth anniversary edition features brand new or thoroughly revised essays to reflect newer thinking in feminist interpretation and hermeneutics. It comprises commentaries on every book of the Bible, including the apocryphal books; essays on the reception history of women in the Bible; and essays on feminist critical method. The contributors raise important questions and explore the implications of how women and other marginalized people are portrayed in biblical texts, looking specifically at gender roles, sexuality, political power, and family life, while challenging long-held assumptions. This commentary brings modern critical methods to bear on the history, sociology, anthropology, and literature of the relevant time periods to illuminate the context of these biblical portrayals and challenges readers to new understandings.