Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index [Hardcover]

W. E. Vine (Author), Merrill F. Unger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 1996

A Nelson exclusive. Study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages-without spending years learning Greek or Hebrew. This classic reference tool has helped thousands dig deeper into the meaning of the biblical text. Explains over 6,000 key biblical words. Includes a brand new comprehensive topical index that enables you to study biblical topics more thoroughly than ever before.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 848 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785211608
• ISBN-13: 978-0785211600
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.6 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Religion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

109 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent NT Greek tool for ALL believers, May 15, 2003

By 

J. Oh "aletheia67" (Auburn, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index (Hardcover)

There are numerous Greek NT (New Testament) tools out there, but very few are helpful for lay believers who do not have the knowledge of the Greek. But Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary (VCED) is perfect for ALL believers. I have used it for 16 years thus far and still use it! Here are reasons for high recommendation:
1. You do NOT need Greek knowledge to use this book. It is that simple and arranged that way, using KJV of the Bible as the main text.
2. It explains KJV word in an original Greek in context. It provides the meaning of the word in a proper context of Greek background. For example: In English Bible, there is only one word for "love" but in NT Greek, there are four (two being used the mostly). Therefore VCED fills the gap between English Bible and Greek NT nicely and effectively.
3. It provides the definition of a word (KJV word) more accurately than the English dictionary because it uses Greek use of the word. For example: The word, "godliness (1Tim. 2:2)" in Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary is defined as "1: Divine 2: pious, devout -" but in VCED, it defines it as " 'to be devout,' denotes that piety which characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him." It provides fuller meaning of the word by explaining how the word is used in the NT.
4. It can be used with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Every word is numbered with Strong's number so you can use it more efficiently.
5. This edition includes OT Dictionary as well. Although not written by Vine himself, it still is helpful, but is not as complete as Vine's NT.
6. This edition is clear in typeset (modernized). Previous editions were bad to read because of its old typeset.

Some Tips:
(a) If you want to use this book, you must have KJV of the Bible alongside VCED. All entries are given in KJV word.
(b) To save a step, you might want to consider using, "The New Enlgishman's Greek Concordance and Lexicon (Hendrickson Publisher)." It is also coded with Strong's number and uses KJV renderings of the verse.

All in all, it is an excellent tool for Bible Study. I heartily recommend it to all believers.

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible foundation, December 11, 2000

By 

Kyle Maxwell (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: With Topical Index (Hardcover)

This is a classic, essential reference, right there with Strong's, and with good reason. If you don't have an expository dictionary of Bible words from the original languages, then you should start with this one. Some terms are discussed in depth, others more sparsely, but it gives you a good feel for the meaning of important terms.

As you become more comfortable with examining the meanings of the original Hebrew or Greek words, you may find yourself wanting more, and so there are other, more in-depth dictionaries available. But this is quite accessible and an excellent starting point. Vine's is also fairly denomination-neutral, being careful not to expound too much on opinion, but sticking to the business of objectively defining the word.

If you're looking for an expository dictionary and don't have one, this is the place to start.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book......but understand it is not the final end., July 1, 2000

By 

Glenn Davis [e-mail] (Plantersville, MS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Word Study) (Hardcover)

I am a student of New Testament Greek. Researching in the Greek is one of my favorite things to do. My library is small, but includes some good research books. I must say at first that I thoroughly enjoy my Vine's.

I use Vine's everytime that I do research. It is a good resource and full of information. But I must caution those who intend to use this book w/out any knowledge of Greek, that you will have to put forth some effort into this book. At times there are words that come across, such as "passive use, middle intensive, conditional clause", which will only make sense if the reader understands Greek. I know of an English teacher who has a hard time w/ Greek...mainly because, for example, an infinitive in Greek is not the same as an infinitive in English. So understand that the labeling of words in Vine's is from a Greek standpoint.....not English.

In my studies I have discovered that many times Vine's is unable to ascertain the meaning/definition of the use of a word. It's use to me that is it has logically grouped words together, and summarizes (at best) the usage of the words in the New Testament. In my corresponding research w/ Kittel's and Colin Brown, I have found the groupings of Vine's to be somewhat consistent.

When I need a quick look at a word, I always go to Vine's. If I need in-depth study, I pull my other books out.

This book will be a huge benefit for anyone who serious studies the New Testament. I believe that those who do casual study will not gain the full use of this book.

For those who are looking for in-depth insight and knowledge into the use of Greek words and language will not find much benefit from this book. Those who do want to see the "richness" of the original text will need to embark on a life-long study of New Testament Greek.