Dictionary Of The Bible [Paperback]

John L. Mckenzie (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0684819139 | ISBN-13: 978-0684819136 | Publication Date: October 1, 1995

An excellent, single-volume Catholic dictionary of the Bible written by respected Catholic Biblical scholar John L. McKenzie S. J. and originally published in 1965. Fr. John L. McKenzie, S.J., (1910-1991) was an acclaimed Catholic Scripture scholar who wrote numerous books and was the first Catholic scholar on the Divinity School faculty. He was at one time president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America and president of the Society of Biblical Literature. His Dictionary of the Bible is the best one-volume orthodox Catholic Bible dictionary available in the English language—it’s an essential reference tool that should be on the shelf of every good Catholic library.

     A standard reference work, providing concise descriptions of biblical characters, terms, and places, as well as pertinent illustrations and charts, this is “one of the most up-to-date and reliable dictionaries of the Bible in any language.…Magnificent in scholarship, ample in learning, frank and unhesitating in facing all the difficulties and problems, sympathetic with the varieties and diversities of other views” (Religious Education).

Product Details

• Paperback: 976 pages
• Publisher: A Touchstone Book (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684819139
• ISBN-13: 978-0684819136
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Religion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the very best - A great bargain., March 31, 2000

By 

George J. Desnoyers - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary Of The Bible (Paperback)

As somewhat of a collector of such books, and frequent user, I've found this dictionary to be one of the very best. I had the 1965 edition, and replaced it with the 1995 Touchstone edition because the first book became worn. These "dictionaries" are often part dictionary and part encyclopedia. That is certainly true of this one. Many of the articles are much more information-packed than articles on the same subjects in other dictionaries. The print is very clear. There are not many pictures in the 954-page book, and the few that are included are not in color. But that's okay with me. I'm after the written information, and this book is packed. If you need a Bible dictionary for children, and want a visually attractive book with colored photos rather than a very scholarly work, stay away from this book. Though written by a Jesuit, this book should definitely NOT be viewed as for Catholics only. Christians from any denomination would find this book very valuable. You won't go wrong with this book. I don't know how they can sell it for that price.

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tons of Resource Information at Your Fingertips!, May 23, 2000

By 

Abelard Spring - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary Of The Bible (Paperback)

For twenty years, this book has been a constant source of information for me. I first purchased my original copy while studying for the priesthood in the early 1980s. It has since received a new cover and its pages are enscribed with notes and highlights, but seldom do I write anything on scripture without referring to one or more of its entries.

Whether you are a lay person in the pews who wishes to know more or an academic who sometimes forgot just where you read that interesting biblical insight, McKenzie's work is for you. The topics are myriad and in-depth, but are also very readable. They cover every possible angle of biblical interest, including history, ritual, individual persons, and even biblical criticism. Once you have familiarized yourself with this dictionary, it will become a constant and invaluable companion.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good Basic Bible Dictionary, March 12, 2005

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dictionary Of The Bible (Paperback)

John McKenzie's DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE is a resource that has been a true friend to me over the years. I first purchased this volume when I taught seventh and eighth graders at a Catholic school in the mid-1980's. Like many Catholics, my knowledge of the Bible was limited and I needed a quick resource to use to answer questions. This easy to use work served the purpose rather well, especially when questions about people, places, events, and words regarding scripture came up in class. I also found it had good background information and enough information to answer most basic questions. For this reason, I can attest that this volume will be very helpful for a teacher who needs a quick and easy reference for the Bible.

This volume will probably appeal most to the person who wants a bit of in depth or extra information about the Bible. It is written in clear and understandable language that will make accessible to anyone with an interest in scripture. One note to potential buyers: this reference tool is neither the newest nor the most up to date resource available, so it may not be the best tool for a student or for research purposes. Either Harper Collins or Anchor would probably be a better choice for students and research. However, I still look to this resource when I need quick and accurate information regarding scripture, and since my copy is well worn, I have referred to it many times and have certainly got my money's worth.