Customer Reviews

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, Volume 3

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This six volume set is a treasure trove of Biblical and Historical scholarship. The contributors are all well regarded in their respected disciplines. Virtually ALL aspects of Biblical scholarship is treated in a cogent manner. The writing and layout of the set is excellent. Topics ranging from prehistory to the Temple layout to the destruction of the Second Temple and numerous other details are explained in a superb manner. The scholarship is top notch.

I have owned this set since 1994 and find myself frequently looking something up in these volumes. Just pick up one of the volumes and turn to a topic at random. Chances are you'll be hooked. Do not let the title dissuade you from getting this set. Even if you are not into Biblical scholarship this set will give you a lifetime of fulfilling study.

If you are a serious student of the Jewish and/or Christian Bible then this set is a must. If you are a history buff this set will be a valuable addition to your library.

What a treasure!

`The Anchor Bible Dictionary', at six (6) rather large volumes, is probably the most authoritative encyclopedia on Christian Biblical matters. And, let us be clear about the fact that it is quite definitely NOT a dictionary in the same sense as the excellent `New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology' edited in its English translation from the German by Colin Brown and `Theological Dictionary of the New Testament', edited in German and completed around 1933 by Gerhard Kittel, and translated into English by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, which has 10 huge volumes filled with a wealth of information. Both of these are true dictionaries, dealing with Greek terms and their meanings in ancient Greek literature, Hebrew scriptural translations into Greek, and New Testament Greek.
The Anchor volumes are far more like the single volume `HarperCollins Bible Dictionary' which is also a misnamed encyclopedia. Whether you purchase the Anchor or the HarperCollins may depend (aside from financial resources) on whether you plan to use the book `on the road', as in a Sunday Bible Study class. Another reason for passing on the Anchor volumes is if you happen to live within walking distance or easy driving distance of a good library, or even a modest library dedicated to Christian study, as you may find in a local church. Every municipal, college, and church library I have seen has a copy of `The Anchor Bible Dictionary'.
To state the obvious, the Anchor clearly has more information in it than HarperCollins, as it is literally six times longer. Among other things, this means that for `Torah', for example, you get a bit over one and a half pages in HarperCollins, while you get eighteen (18) pages, or about nine times as much information, plus a very good bibliography, which is absent from the HarperCollins article. And, for each book of the Bible, you essentially get a thumbnail commentary and outline, probably good enough for most, unless you intend to study that book in detail. This does not mean the HarperCollins has no bibliographies. It does, but it is not with every long article.
On smaller articles, the Anchor also tends to be a bit better than the HarperCollins. I have run across many minor (single occurrence) proper names in the New Testament which are simply not in HarperCollins, but which are in the Anchor. There may not be much to say, but at least you may get an etymology and a proper pronunciation.
I know there are other reputable Bible `encyclopedias' available, but I am fairly sure these two are the best. And, in the end, it may all come down to your wallet. Both are good choices, but the Anchor is unquestionably more complete and better for many purposes.

This book presents a wealth of information about all areas of biblical scholarship. It is truly a stunning work and will be of benefit to all serious students not only of the Bible, but of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world in general. Highly recommended.

As a Catholic priest in parish ministry, I am always keen to keep up my study of Scripture and this Bible Dictionary hepls me to do that. I am also interested in the scholarly views of a broard range of contributors which this Dictionary provides and I enjoy the in depth way in which the articles explore each entry.

I am Fuler Student, and the Anchor is for me one of the best bible dictionary ever seen.

It's very advanced, well edited and complete dictionary. This is the first resource for any theologian or seminary student.

I am a very conservative bible believer, i.e. holy roler bible thumper, but this is absolutly the best bible dictionary that I have yet to lay my hands on. I have found so much information in there, that I am ready to re-read it straight through again.

The books were in excellent shape and they were shipped and received almost immediately. I have used the books on numerous occassions and decided to purchase a set for my personal library. This is without a doubt a must for every pastor's library. The shipping was immediate and the books were wrapped individually and packed carefully as to avoid damage. Thanks, Charles

This is the dictionary to get if you want a lot of information about any specific topic related to biblical studies. It is a standard reference text, and is quite valuable. Unfortunately it is so large that I often fail to consult it. It is also available in CD-ROM which makes it much more accessable.

I am please with the dictionary and the services render throughout the whole process.
Excellent service, fast delivery and accurate description of the item. Definitely would buy from this seller again. Thank you.

Although not received yet, The Anchor Bible Dictionaries are exellent resource for studying and working with the bible, correctly.
I have three of this collecction and I recommend it!

Regards,
Eric