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Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible

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Like many major modern reference works, the 'Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible' is a significant accomplishment of scholarly teamwork. Under the direction of David Noel Freedman, professor of Hebrew biblical studies at the University of California San Diego, two assistant editors and 12 consulting editors marshaled 600 scholars to work on this comprehensive achievement. The authors come from a wide range of backgrounds academically and theologically, but all are committed to the increasing importance of multiple interpretations and interdisciplinary pursuits.

Freedman explains something of the scope of this book in the preface, by beginning the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible by defining both the terms 'bible' and 'dictionary' -- for Bible, the works referenced in this volume include the Hebrew Bible, the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical books, and the New Testament. For Dictionary, Freedman describes the different kinds of dictionaries of the Bible available -- multi-volume sets such as the Anchor Bible Dictionary, and single-volume editions such as the subject of this present review. The multi-volume sets, Freedman states, should more appropriately be called encyclopedias. 'A one-volume Bible dictionary is intended to be a rapid-response reference work.' Containing much the same information in briefer form, this kind of text serves most needs handily.

Another important use of one-volume Bible dictionaries is to provide a guide to further research by bibliographic information. As the majority of people cannot afford the multi-volume sets, one-volume dictionaries such as the 'Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible' fill an important, affordable role for the 'average' person, who is unlikely to invest in the more expensive works.

This dictionary represents scholarly views from all major denominational and scholarly viewpoints in Judaism and Christianity. Published in the year 2000, it provides up-to-date research and scholarship, drawing on the latest archaeological finds and interpretations from literary, historical, sociological and linguistic sources.

This dictionary has approximately 5000 entries. Among them, one will find all persons and places named in the Bible, as well as political, cultural, language and natural topics that relate to biblical stories and narratives. Additionally, specific and significant articles on archaeology, theology, the history of the Bible, extra-biblical writings beyond the apocryphal/deuterocanonicals, and particular developments within ecclesiastical traditions fill out the articles in the text. Each article is signed by the contributor, and the list of contributors is in the front of the book, with basic biographical information. All major articles include bibliographic information that includes pertinent books, articles, and journals for further research.

A few examples of how entries are treated will show how they are developed in this volume. I have selected a biographical entry, a geographical entry, and a topical entry.

The entry for Aaron
This entry begins with basic biographical information -- descendant of Levi and brother of Moses (with the appropriate biblical citations for source -- Exod. 6.20; Num 26.59; 1Chr 6.3). The article then proceeds to speak of Aaron's role as High Priest (in Exodus-Numbers, and in Chronicles). Following this, references to Aaron beyond these in the Hebrew Scriptures is developed, both in priestly and non-priestly portrayals. Then, Aaron as figure referenced in the New Testament is explored. Finally, the entry gives a summary of the character of Aaron, and concludes with bibliographic information which includes three books and one article.

The entry for Chaldea
This entry begins with basic geographical information -- where is Chaldea? This is a region in southern Babylonia near the Persian Gulf; the word 'Chaldea' became synonymous over time with 'Babylonia' after a Chaldean royal family took over Babylon. The entry for Chaldea then has two major sections -- one that describes the Land and People and one that describes the History of the land. Part of the discussion of the Land and People includes an etymological exploration of the names of the people and places in Chaldea. The History of Chaldea is described as falling into two major periods, which includes the connections Chaldeans have had with the story of the development of Israel. This entry also concludes with a bibliography, which includes reference to five books.

The entry for Lord's Supper
This entry begins with the basic information -- 'a meal celebrated in honour of Jesus Christ commemorating his last meal with his disciples'. A discussion of the terms 'communion' and 'eucharist' is included in the introduction to this topic. The major headings for the development of this entry include Paul (for his writings are the earliest in the New Testament, and from which the standard wording of communion/eucharistic prayers are derived), Synoptic Gospel traditions, other traditions, and a conclusion. For those who think there is a consistent picture of the way communion is done in the New Testament, articles such as these are indeed an eye-opener; the diversity present in the New Testament helps to explain the different practices among denominations.

Included among the articles are dozens of charts and photographs, which include paintings, sculptures, artifacts, people and places. Throughout there are black-and-white maps, and at the back, the book includes colour maps, with maps of all the major periods in biblical history, as well as modern maps showing the current geography of the area, as well as one that highlights major archaeological sites. The end-plates include transliteration tables for Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, to aid with pronunciation.

I have the 'Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible' at home on the shelf next to the 'Harper Collins Bible Dictionary', another one-volume ready-reference of comparable quality and scope. (My six-volume Anchor Bible Dictionary is kept in my office at the seminary.) Either of these volumes will serve well as a companion to reading the Bible. The Eerdmans, being more recently published, is somewhat more up-to-date, but I have found the combination of the two volumes provides most of my needs when reading and preparing for homilies and presentations.

This dictionary is the best on the market. The articles are indepth and provide a wealth of information. At the same time, the style is understandable and easy to use. The contributors respresent a wide range of Christian backgrounds and give the book an excellent scope of views.

If you are interested in getting a better understanding of the Bible, a good Bible dictionary is a must -- and this is the best one to have.

Dictionary Of The Bible is a weighty reference which provides a new tool for reading and studying the Bible, offering nearly 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles explaining all the books, people and terms of the Bible. Accompanying discussions of cultural, geographic and literary influences provide Bible readers with a wider range of insights than most, with nearly 600 Bible authorities contributing their articles and insights.

This book is an essential resource for the serious Bible student as well as for the casual reader. I purchased this book as well as the Commentary on the Bible by the same author, after countless times of looking up words found in the Bible, but not in the dictionary! This book is comprehensive and clear as to the meaning of words and phrases, descriptions of people, places, events, including explanations of concepts and words NOT found in the Bible, such as "Trinity." It also contains photographs, maps, practices and customs, and so much more. This book is a must-have and should be part of eveyone's Bible library.

After reading dozens of reviews on Bible dictionaries, I settled on Eerdmans to add to my graduate-student library. Later, I found that two of my professors in my graduate program were contributors. I found this to be an excellent resource; I used it for a number of exegesis papers (biblical interpretation, etc., etc.) and found the entries to be both adequate and concise. For a one-volume dictionary (as opposed to the New Interpreter's series...part of which is forthcoming), this is a very fine choice. In fact, a fellow student who had access to several reputable dictionaries except for this one asked me to look several things up for her: none of her sources had entries, but Eerdmans did. So, whether you are looking for one main dictionary for your library or another addition to add to your collection, this is an excellent choice.

Excellent one volume bible dictionary. Treats a tremendouse amount of topics from books of the bible to people, places and things in the bible, and more. Probably the best one volume bible dictionary available. Very up to date research backs the articles, pespectives range from moderate to conservative.

This is indeed a great resource, but I find the print a bit to small. The print should have been a bit bigger. I use this volume alongside my New Internation Bible Dictionary and Wycliffe Bible Dictionary. They are all good.

But I value the most recent scholarship in Eerdmans. A great buy!

The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible is a good resource for all of us looking to dig a bit deeper into the biblical text. It can be scholarly at points, but in general is an appropriate tool for both pastors, teachers and the intelligent Christian congregant. As per the title, one won't find too many extrabiblical entries, but it does contain some, and it also includes entries for the Apocryphal material (depending upon which Bible a person uses, this may or may not come as a surprise). I have found it to be useful on may occasions, but as with all dictionaries, some entries will undoubtedly leave readers hungry for more.

What I also appreciated about this dictionary is that it does not bend the evidence to fit any particular, preconceived theological positions. For example, the entry on the "Flood" acknowledges pagan flood narratives that pre-date the Noah's Ark story and that there is no scientific or geologic evidence to support a truly universal deluge, but that even so, the morality play is not emptied of its power because it grants faithful readers insight into the relationship between themselves and God. This was refreshing given the paucity of such honesty in many evangelical reference works. Also, on the on the rare occasions when the dictionary leans towards a specific theological stance, the editors usually make sure that readers know that there are other positions afoot as well. I would have liked to seen this done more consistently, but I'll take what I can get.

A final handy feature of this dictionary is that Amazon offers an electronic version on-line for those who purchased a paper copy. The e-version is only a few dollars and allows people to access and search the dictionary through the Amazon website. If you do research on the fly, this is a great tool.

Thanks for reading,
-CL

I think I have just found my favorite one-volume dictionary! I highly recommend this dictionary, but it may be too much detail and at too high of a reading level for many. There are some great entry level dictionaries out there, this is NOT one of them. This dictionary is aimed at those who study Scriptures deeply, or seminary students, or scholars.

Many recommend the Anchor-Yale Bible DictionaryThe Anchor Bible Dictionary 6-Volume Prepack: (contains one copy of each volume The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary) as the premiere Bible dictionary (it is in 6 volumes and it is much more an encyclopedia than a dictionary). The AYBD is wonderful (again, for serious study), but this Eerdman's one volume dictionary is EXCELLENT, and it is much more accessible and more concise than AYBD. The price is great... but there are some used volumes that are a steal (poor figure of speech!).

Yes, the print is not as large as I would like, but at the same time, I wouldn't want the dictionary to be significantly larger than it already is. You are not going to be disappointed in this dictionary, unless you were looking for an entry level dictionary like Unger's or Zondervan's. Just make sure you are getting the right dictionary for your needs.
JJ

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible

The "Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible" by David Noel Freedman, in my experience, is an excellent resource for Bible scholars. I have been a Judeo-Christian Bible scholar for 40 years and can appreciate the scope and research that this dictionary represents. Although a scholarly reference book, it is non-the-less easy to read and is not pretentious in any way. I find it invaluable in my studies and research.