HarperCollins Bible Dictionary [Hardcover]

Paul J. Achtemeier (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0060600373 | ISBN-13: 978-0060600372 | Publication Date: September 27, 1996 | Edition: Rev Upd Su

The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary puts the latest and most comprehensive biblical scholarship at your fingertips. Here is everything you need to know to fully understand the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the New Testament. An unparalleled resource, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary explains every aspect of the Bible, including biblical archaeology, culture, related writings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Bible‘s influence on Western civilization, biblical history, theological concepts, modern biblical interpretations, flora nad fauna, climate and environment, crafts and industry, the content of individual books of the bible, and more.

The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary features:

• Contributions by 193 noted experts on the Bible and the ancient Near East

• More than 3700 entries covering the Bible from A to Z

• Outlines for each book of the Bible

• 590 black–and–white photographs

• 53 color photographs

• An updated pronunciation guide

• 72 black–and–white maps

• 18 color maps

• Dozens of drawings, diagrams, and tables

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

For the maps alone, this book is worth it. Following 1,250 pages that describe and explain the people, places, terms, and events of the Bible from Aaron to Zurishaddai, the 16 spectacular maps detail the political entities and boundaries of biblical times, bringing the historic times to vivid life. A fascinating book, an impressive collection of scholarship, and a possession to cherish, the 188 contributors and five editors show what can be produced if you don't cut corners on excellence.

From Library Journal

In the field of biblical studies, the past ten years have seen continuing archaeological discoveries, new trends in biblical criticism, and the release of the full corpus of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Thus, it is entirely fitting that a new edition of a standard Bible dictionary appear. The first edition of The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (under the title Harper's Bible Dictionary, LJ 1/96) was well received by scholars, students, and lay readers. This edition has been expanded and revised, with approximately 25 percent of the material either new or updated. The number of contributors has also increased, from 179 to 193. The work has retained the two-column format, with 16 single-column articles interspersed throughout (including "Art in the Biblical Period," "Jesus Christ," and "The Temple"), and it is well illustrated. Many of the longer articles include a brief bibliography (most of which have been updated from the first edition). Though not a flawless work (e.g., the article "Manasseh" treats only the 14th king of Judah but neither the patriarch nor the tribe of Israel that also bear that name), it is outstanding in terms of scholarship and writing. All biblical studies collections should have this new work (balanced by New Bible Dictionary, InterVarsity, 1996. 3d ed., which represents current evangelical scholarship), even if they already own the previous edition. Browning's (New Testament studies, Cuddleson Coll., Oxford) dictionary is different in several ways. It is the work of one person. Few of the articles are more than a page long (though "Jesus" merits two and a half pages). The only illustrations are four two-page black-and-white maps at the end of the volume, and the bibliography is limited to a one-page select list of titles. The tone of the writing is at times casual, and Browning makes rather blunt statements. For instance, he declares the Bible's report of the number of Israelites who left Egypt in the exodus?600,000 men plus women and children, according to the book of Exodus?"unbelievable." Browning is certainly knowledgeable regarding the Bible and biblical studies, and he offers some interesting observations: "Paul's converts were often on the margin of society...and women were attracted by being valued as persons." A good choice for libraries that need to round out a comprehensive collection.?Craig W. Beard, Univ. of Alabama Lib., Birmingham
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1280 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; Rev Upd Su edition (September 27, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060600373
• ISBN-13: 978-0060600372
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A complete source for researching Biblical topics, February 4, 2000

By 

J. Hering (Albuquerque, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Hardcover)

I became aware of this volume while leading a Disciple II Bible study group. This volume is an excellent source for familiarizing yourself with almost any topic of interest from the Bible. I have been checking other sources and have not yet found another to be as helpful and readable as the Harper Collins Bible Dictionary. We have made it a part of the resource library for our congregation's youth church school class.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, October 29, 2005

By 

J. Lindner (Gem Lake, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Hardcover)

This Bible dictionary is a one volume source for nearly everything associated with or found in the Bible. It covers the Bible cover to cover with personalities, places, themes, concepts, etc. Anyone who needs a resource for Bible studies or just for general knowledge will want to own this book. Church libraries should have it available for library users. This is an excellent resource.

The editors chose authors who can write succinctly and clearly when they write on their subjects. Readers will appreciate the thoroughness as well as the readability of this book.

I can't emphasize it enough. This book is a must have for anyone interested in the Bible.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Tools For Bible Study Available, June 2, 2004

By 

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

I have a number of reference books that I use rather frequently for scripture study. Without a doubt, the two volumes I refer to most are THE HARPER-COLLINS BIBLE DICTIONARY and HARPER BIBLE COMMENTARY. I find these two volumes to be the most helpful tools for Bible study and homily preparation. The dictionary is set up like any standard dictionary, but the entries are based on people, places, and books of the Bible. The entries give a detailed explanation of the person, place, event, or book of the Bible. Each entry is written by a biblical scholar and many of the names are among the best known names in Biblical studies. Many of the entries also have small bibliographies so that readers can get more detailed information if need be. The Harper-Collins Bible Dictionary is an indispensable tool for students of Biblical studies, people involved in preaching and teaching of scripture, and anyone interested in a more in depth look at the Bible.