Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, Second Edition [Hardcover]

Karel van der Toorn (Editor), Bob Becking (Editor), Pieter W. van der Horst (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0802824919 | ISBN-13: 978-0802824912 | Publication Date: May 30, 1999 | Edition: Revised 2nd

The Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, co-published by Eerdmans and Brill, is the only major reference work describing the gods, angels, demons, spirits, and semi-divine heroes whose names occur throughout Scripture. First published in 1995 and named by Choice as an Outstanding Academic Book of 1996, this volume has now been extensively revised. Thirty articles appear in this second edition for the first time, while more than 100 articles have been brought up to date with the latest research. Written by 100 leading international scholars, the more than 400 articles in this comprehensive work cover every deity found in the Hebrew and Greek scriptures, including the Apocrypha. Each article includes discussion of the meaning of the deitys name, its religio-historical background, the relevant biblical passages, and up-to-date bibliographical information. Extensive indexes and cross-references provide easy access to the rich information found in the dictionary.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The previous edition of this dictionary (Brill, 1995) was the first such reference work on the subject, and this second edition retains that distinction. It is an authoritative resource, an exhaustive catalog of supernatural beings whose names appear in the Bible (that is, the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, and the New Testament). However, some readers who turn to this work based on its title are in for a few surprises. Along with the anticipated articles on angels, Baal, cherubim, Dagon, Elohim, and Yahweh, they will also find ones on Esau, Jacob, Leah, Rachel, Moses, and Mary. Given the criteria established by the editorscandidates are those whose name contains that of a deity (Hebrew or otherwise) and humans who later achieved divine statustheir inclusion makes sense. Despite the inclusiveness of their criteria, the editors admit the inclusion of [some] deities often is more a tribute to scholarly ingenuity than an accurate picture of the religious situation in biblical times. The articles are full of transliterated ancient words, linguistic terminology, and parenthetical references that may make wading through them an investment not worth the return for general readers. Recommended for academic collections, though public librarians should evaluate what it offers against the needs of their users.Craig W. Beard, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 960 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Revised 2nd edition (May 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802824919
• ISBN-13: 978-0802824912
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in its element, March 22, 2006

By 

Preston Halcomb "Silver Fox" (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, Second Edition (Hardcover)

This book is excellent for what it is. The book has been invaluable to me in helping to research various biblical / judeo-christian myth cycles. It is well worth the price, especially with the hefty discount given by Amazon (paid full price for mine in 1999).

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable reference tool, December 30, 2009

By 

Esther Brown - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, Second Edition (Hardcover)

As long as you approach the DDD with the right expectations, it's an unsurpassed guide to its subject. Specifically, it's a reference to those deities and demons who appear in the Bible, written by and for mainstream scholars. Its scope is truly impressive; even deities who only appear in shadowy allusions receive significant coverage. Frankly, because of its rich trove of otherwise-unobtainable information, I consider it one of my most valuable books in Biblical scholarship. The articles are written by the top experts in their field, and they summarize available scholarship in a concise and helpful format.

That said, don't buy this book if:
- You want an accessible, beginner's guide to Biblical mythology. (Try Wikipedia.)
- You want a reference that includes deities throughout the world or the Ancient Near East.
- You'll be offended by the kind of academic approach that's the norm in any mainstream university or Biblical journal. (Yes, it draws from the schools of historical criticism; no, they're not the main focus. It's hardly a liberal extreme of scholarship.)

I'm sad about all the negative reviews for this wonderful text, because most of them seem to be the result of people wanting the text to be something it's not.

9 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible, Second Edition (Hardcover)

for anyone wanting to dive into the world this is a must have. The depth that it discusses this topic is very well done, and the goals the book sets forth it thouroghly accomplishes. The knowledge it presents is thourough and makes excellent points.