Customer Reviews

Richard's Complete Bible Dictionary

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By far the best Bible dictionary available.
The facts are clear and very interesting to read. He includes
many areas you don't usually find in a Bible dictionary. It almost reads like a good book -- it's hard to put down.
The illustrations are especially beautiful.
I'm particular about the reference works I buy and this is
the best. Don't let this one pass you by.

If the Lord told me he was going to put me on a remote island and I had the choice of one bible and one other book, this would be it hands down. I have looked through several bible dictionary's and none of them are as simple to read or more importantly as thorough as this one. He constantly uses OT & NT applications both where available, for every word as well as any Hebrew or Greek words and definitions. He also demonstrates any applications to the Christian faith as evident in his definitions for the words grace and law.
More simply put if money were no object I would buy a whole case to give away as gifts and every true Christian should have one of these on their shelves.

Although the heading of this review would suggest that I have read (at least) all existing bible dictionaries, this is not the case. But this one must be at the top of its class. It is like a "regular" dictionary, but then referring to events and places related to the bible, extensively and beautifully illustrated on nice smooth paper.
A few remarks: the book is called "Richards Complete Bible Dictionary", not Richard's, etc. The man who wrote and edited the book is called Lawrence O. Richards, without an apostrophe. So Angie Peters is not the author.
It may be that in 1998 the publishers were Thomas Nelson, but my 2002 edition comes from World Bible Publishers, who in 2003 were acquired by Thomas Nelson. This dictionary is no longer mentioned on Tomas Nelson's site. Instead they offer an "Illustrated Bible Handbook", by Lawrence O. Richards and Angie Peters, in a hardcover edition as well, however, with 864 pages, not the 1156 pages of the Bible Dictionary. I have not seen the Illustrated Bible Handbook, but I assume that it does not hold the same amount of information.

Bible dictionaries are one of the best resources for personal Bible study. They help us better understand the world of the Bible and the people who grace its pages. Bible dictionaries can also clarify words we use in our doctrine (such as salvation and justification), include graphics which bring the words of the Bible to life (What is a millstone?), and give short biographies on the people who live and breath across the pages of God's Word. That's why it's important you purchase one that will meet your needs and not just fill your shelf. If you just want a book that will cover the basics, then a concise dictionary will do. But if you want a book that has the basics and more, a Bible dictionary such as Richard's Complete Bible Dictionary will be the most helpful to you. I bought my first copy of this book when I was working in a Christian bookstore becasue the pictures on the cover attracted my attention. But I quickly realized it would become one of my most used books other than the Bible itself. I am now teaching and have purchased several copies for my classroom. The photos and illustrations in this dictionary are done extremely well. The articles explain and describe the subject in clear and understandable language. Added features in articles on Bible books are the Spiritual application section and chapter outlines. Biographies on Biblical people such as Elijah and Peter include a section entitled "What We Can Learn From The Life of...". This is one of the best Bible dictionaries in print and I highly recommend it.

This is a wonderful dictionary filled with everything you need to know about the Bible. It has great pictures and is something my husband and I will use alot. We bought one for a friend who has recently become a Sunday school teacher. There are so many things in the Bible that we just look at and wonder what they are. This will explain them to you so you will actually want to find other things that you are curious about.
A great book and a great gift for those interested in the Bible.

Use this all the time in my studies. Had to buy a second one because my husband wanted to use it as well.