9 reviews for Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible

1. 

   webmaster – December 21, 2016:

   Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible

   Review on The Masters Serminary

   By David Noel Freedman, gen. ed.
   Grand Rapids : Eerdmans (2000). xxxiii + 1425, 16 plates Pages.

   Reviewed by Dr. Michael Grisanti
   12.1 (Spring 2001) : 105-106

   Freedman and the other editors offer this volume as “a tool for practical Bible use, reflecting recent discoveries and the breadth of current biblical scholarship, including insights from critical analysis of literary, historical, archaeological, sociological, and other methodological issues” (xxiii). It contains approximately 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles that identify all persons and places mentioned in the Bible as well as cultural, natural, geographical, literary, and theological issues of relevance. Although the editors initially intended simply to revise and update the 1987 edition of the Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, this volume represents an entirely new reference work. Unlike multi-volume Bible dictionaries (perhaps more properly regarded as encyclopedias), Freedman regards this volume as a “rapid-response reference work” (xxi). The entries range in length from one sentence to multiple pages. Several entries conclude with a brief bibliography (the editors did not encourage the writers to include lengthy bibliographies). In addition to the sixteen maps at the end of the volume, four maps and a relatively small number of photographs and drawings appear throughout the body of the text.

   In light of the breadth and size of this work, it offers helpful information to anyone who uses it. Obscure topics as well as significant issues receive attention. Students of the Bible should have at least a solid one-volume Bible dictionary in their library. However, even though this reviewer and the seminary librarian, Dennis Swanson, contributed articles to the work, it is probably not the best one-volume Bible dictionary on the market for evangelical readers. Most of the major articles are written from a non-evangelical perspective. For example, the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch is discounted, Isaiah and Zechariah both involve two distinct sections by two different authors, Daniel was written in the Maccabean period, the Pastorals were not written by the apostle Paul, nor was 2 Peter written by the apostle Peter. Although evangelicals should not necessarily limit their library to volumes written by evangelicals or books that totally agree with an evangelical position, it would be helpful if a reference work of this kind would at least present the evangelical option as a credible option (something that rarely happens in this volume). If a student of the Bible is able to own more than one single-volume Bible dictionary, the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible deserves consideration. It will provide its reader with an overview of the current position in biblical scholarship on a number of issues. However, this reviewer would not recommend it as the first or only Bible dictionary a diligent student of the Bible should own.

2. 

   webmaster – December 21, 2016:

   Book Review of Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, by David Noel Freedman, ed.
   by Ranko Stefanovic, Andrews University

   Finally, I would like to see the articles on the books of the Bible follow a standard form or outlíne dealing with, for instance, authorship and date, composition, contents, and major themes. It appears that each author follows his or her own outline.

   In spite of the above criticisms, I find Eerdmans Dictionary ofthe Bible to be an excellent mine of information for a Bible student. Its quality speaks for itself. The dictionary does not claim to contain all the answers pertaining to the Bible» and it would be unrealistic to have such expectations of any one-volume diaionary on the Bible.

   Ranko Stefanovich, Andrews University
   https://works.bepress.com/ranko_stefanovic/6/

3. 

   webmaster – December 21, 2016:

   Beginning with biblical reference books I have on hand, the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible gave me an outstanding place to start, not only because of the eclectic list of outstanding biblical scholars who contributed to this massive work but also because of the awards for “Outstanding Reference Source” and “Outstanding Academic Title” by the American Library Association.

   With over 1400 pages, this hefty volume (yes, it’s heavy!) defines and discusses approximately 5,000 entries on such subjects as the influence of archeology and extra-biblical writings. As you might expect, the A to Z topics also include virtually all of the people and places mentioned in the Bible with references, too, to pertinent cultural events, literary features, and geographical concerns… you’ll surely find information you’ll be glad to know. I certainly did.

   ©2013, Mary Harwell Sayler
   http://www.biblereviewer.blogspot.com

4. 

   webmaster – December 21, 2016:

   Review by Choice Review

   Not simply a revision of The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, ed. by A.C. Myers et al. (CH, Dec’87), but an entirely fresh production, this highly useful compilation reflects current scholarly opinion on a vast variety of biblical topics and is characterized by thoroughness and clarity. The roster of contributors includes some 600 persons and cites their position and school or church affiliation. They constitute a wonderful mix of liberal and somewhat conservative scholarship, Protestant and Roman Catholic, and range from established scholars (e.g., E.P. Sanders, Duke, who writes the entry “Jesus Christ”) to ministers and PhD candidates. The 5,000 entries, arranged alphabetically by subject, range in length from one or two sentences to two or three pages. The work includes insights from “critical analysis of literary, historical, archaeological, sociological, and other methodological issues.” Unsigned entries by the editors tend to be brief (e.g., on Saph, a giant who fought for the Philistines). Signed articles end with excellent current bibliographies, mostly books but sometimes including periodical articles. Entry subjects include all persons and places named in the Bible, biblical events, every biblical book (including deuterocanonical literature), even words reflecting the smallest details (e.g., “Marble”). The small font allows an enormous amount of material to be covered. Articles on controversial subjects are treated evenhandedly, citing a variety of scholarly opinion. Longer articles consistently cover all the essential points. The front and back endpapers provide transliteration and pronunciation charts for Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek and a chart, “The Archaeological Periods of Palestine.” A set of 16 colored maps includes one on archaeological sites. The Oxford Companion to the Bible, ed. by B.M. Metzger and M.D. Coogan (CH, Ju1’94), has a more international group of scholars and longer articles but covers far less material. A marvelously thorough resource, of great use in both academic and public libraries. D. Bourquin; California State University, San Bernardino

   Copyright American Library Association.
   https://www.buffalolib.org/vufind/Record/1102387/Reviews

5. 

   webmaster (verified owner) – January 2, 2017:

   AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
   Academy of Parish Clergy, Top Ten Books of the Year (2001)
   Choice Magazine, Outstanding Academic Book (2001)
   American Library Association, Outstanding Reference Source by the Reference and User Services Association (2002)

6. 

   webmaster (verified owner) – January 2, 2017:

   Elizabeth Achtemeier

   “There are several reliable Bible dictionaries on the market. For reasons of space, none of them is exhaustive. But this is a fine addition that sets forth a vast amount of data useful to any Bible reader. Perhaps its distinctiveness lies in its frequent supply of theological material along with its scholarly and critical information.”

7. 

   webmaster (verified owner) – January 2, 2017:

   Peter Machinist

   “In a sea of Bible dictionaries, the Eerdmans is a standout. It may just be the most comprehensive and wide-ranging of the one-volume dictionaries available. It more than fulfills editor David Noel Freedman’s promise to provide ‘a rapid-response reference work’ that covers, in each of its entries, all the basic data, together with a concise, balanced, and up-to-date orientation to the issues. Indeed, a number of its articles offer fresh and authoritative, even provocative assessments by leading scholars in their fields. This is a dictionary that all serious readers of the Bible will want constantly by their side.”

8. 

   webmaster (verified owner) – January 2, 2017:

   Library Journal

   “Far surpasses such comparable works as The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and New Bible Dictionary in the number of contributors and of articles, and it ranges more broadly across the theological spectrum. Up-to-date, comprehensive, and well written, the EDB is highly recommended.”

9. 

   webmaster (verified owner) – January 2, 2017:

   Various Reviews

   Choice

   “This highly useful compilation reflects current scholarly opinion on a vast variety of biblical topics and is characterized by thoroughness and clarity. . . A marvelously thorough resource, of great use in both academic and public libraries.”

   Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly

   “This volume should be considered by pastors who are looking for a high-quality, up-to-date, one-volume Bible dictionary.”

   The Expository Times

   “Splendid in scope, reliable on facts, clear and easy to use.”

   Theological Book Review

   “The dictionary will be an invaluable tool for theological students and deserves a place in all theological libraries. It will also whet the appetite of the general reader for further biblical, theological and historical research.”

   Bibliotheca Sacra

   “The breadth of entries, the level of scholarship, as well as the helpful pictures, charts, and color maps make this an excellent choice for a one-volume Bible dictionary.”

   America

   “Ideal both for ‘spot’ reference and for opening up areas for further study. . . It is a valuable resource for students, pastors, professors, editors and all who study the Bible in a serious way. . . The authors present an enormous amount of information reliably and concisely.”

   Review of Biblical Literature

   “Eerdmans Dictionary fulfills the need for a one-volume dictionary about as well as can be done. . . Friendly, helpful, and well worth the investment.”