Customer Reviews

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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This is a terrific book. It is different from any other biblical studies resource I have seen. It covers ground that is not really treated in such depth in other aids.

You do still need to use standard bible dictionaries and commentaries, in my opinion. But, used in conjunction with them, it is going to really open up the Bible for you.

I am disappointed that the editors decided that they would not let you know who wrote the various articles. Their argument is that their editorial work has not left the research done by the various contributors unchanged, and that it would be misleading to append a given contributor's name to an entry, when they have often extensively revised that entry. I feel they should have let us know about their editorial work, AND shown the contributors' names at the end of each entry.

The articles dealing with the imagery in each biblical book are very helpful. Here is an example of what you will find:

The article on Colossians gives some insights into the purpose of Paul's letter, the image of the cosmic Christ, the motifs of knowledge and fullness in Colossians and the metaphorical use of circumcision.

Many of the images referred to in each article on Bible books are also given more in-depth treatment in individual articles.

This book is one of the most interesting aids to biblical study I have seen. Highly recommended.

If you would like to purchase the work at a bargain price, Amazon also sells the Essential IVP Reference Collection CD ROM, which contains this great work, and 17 other helpful biblical resources. In some ways, the electronic version is more useful than the book.

This is a very extensive, yet concise topical dictionary that explores the countless metaphors and images so prevelant in the Bible. It is amazing how much God used symbolism to represent Himself or His promises, and most people (including the OT Jews) never caught it.

One point of interest to me was the meaning behind the lampstand God had Moses contruct. Most people overlook the details God gave concerning it's construction and what it referred to, but not this book...

If you are a fan of the IVP series that includes such volumes as "Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels," "Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Developments," "Dictionary of Paul and His Letters," you will thoroughly enjoy this reference book.

Put your commentaries at the bottom of the pile. Put your study Bibles (God's Word with man's opinions presumptiously slipped in with it) with your commentaries. Here is a book that uses the Bible to interpret the Bible (which commentaries rarely do). This book is an objective approach to Bible interpretation, using scriptures throughout the Bible in their context to determine the meaning of Bible words as the Bible defines them--Scripture defining Scripture. The book deals with figures of speech, figures of association, metonymy, synechdoche, metaphors and similies, cultures, writing techniques, and far more. It is written clearly and concisely, with much detail. It reads dynamically and even devotionally. It is written at a level for any person who wants to study the Bible seriously and correctly without being a heavy theological work. This book is not written as a commentary on Bible texts, but is a resource to help you let the Bible be it's own commentary. When I use this book which, again, uses scripture to explain scripture, I rarely use a commentary. With this book, I can study the Bible on my own (which is what God primarily intends) and use the book as a scripture resource to help determine what concepts are imbedded in the text by the use of certain words and writing techniques. Commentaries are okay when one gets stuck in their thought processes or when they need a nudge of what a text may be saying. Commentaries can help us think in new directions and think "out of the box." But commentaries must only be used to spur one on. They must not be used to just lift an answer from someone and just blindly use it, thus taking the easy way out and putting blind trust in someone else just because they have an education. But this dictionary isn't a commentary. It reads very openly and is self discerning because it is so Bible based. It recognizes that the first rule of Bible interpretation is the Bible contexts themselves. Buy one. Use it. You won't be needing your commentaries too much because you'll have a major tool that will help you seek God for yourself and what He is saying in His Word to you, not what someone else thinks you need to hear. This book allows you to be personal with God in His Word. So open your Bible, place this help with you, and learn more easily what God is saying.

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is one of the most masterful works in helping students see beyond what ordinary meanings and text of the bible. This exegetical work will aid students, teachers, and those seeking further light and knowledge to know what some of the obscure passages in the bible are saying. The symbolisms are explained using simple, everyday relationships that will cause you to wonder why you didn't see it so clearly before. As one reviewer above noted, there are hardly any interpolations of men, the editors mostly employ other verses in the Bible to explain itself. The only complaint I have is that once in a while the editors interject doctrines which may not be acceptable across all faiths, but these instances are few and far between. Excellent book; I recommend it to everyone.

As the previous reviews suggest, if you wish to own only one Bible dictionary or commentary, do get this book. This volume covers all aspects of the Bible and presents informative articles/entries on almost all conceivable Biblical topics. A fine reference for the average person as well as for the Bible scholar, preacher, Sunday school teacher, etc. A wonderful work!

So often we are limited in our inspiration from the Bible because of following only the literal meanings of its stories, passages and admonitions. By understanding the symbolical meanings we can go higher in our inspiration. This book helps to do just that. For example, Ephesians 6:10-17 would be ridiculous if taken literally, but taken spiritually it is powerful and uplifting.

Great job IVP. My only complaint is this should have been sold in two volumes with larger type and more words to explore!!!

a tremendous work of explaining the imagery found in the bible. The range of subjects are vast in scope. A must have reference resource for serious bible study. Goes a long way towards helping one to understand the various levels and ways that symbolic and picturesque meaning is used and construed in the bible. Deals with individual concepts, broad ranging themes, people, places, books of the bible, events and more. Top notch resource!!!

This book was one of the most unusual presents I have ever received. It was given to me by an individual who had enjoyed my teaching and thought I would find it helpful. It has proven to be an indispensible aid to Bible study and the understanding of deeper underlying themes of the symbolism which are so prevalent in the scriptures if you have the eyes to see them. The reader/researcher will find the material easy to use and well refrenced with historical and theological explanations. Although the Dictionary is written from a Protestant viewpoint, seekers of wisdom from a variety of different experiences will benefit from the insights and cultural revelations which can aid in unfolding deeper meaning through the symbolism, stories and pictures of the Bible.

This is one of the greatest investments I've made toward my personal Bible-study life. This tool provides incredible insight into the imagery used in the Bible that lead to many "ah ha" moments. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to get more out of their study of the Bible at an accessible level.

I just received this book last month and it is already one of my favorite resources for Bible study. You can look up information by topic or scripture reference. The writers do a great job of connecting topics throughout the bible. For example, if you want to know the significance of Jesus using bread to represent his body, just look up bread and the article gives you a complete picture of the use and importance of bread throughout the bible. Great book! I highly recommend it.