The Dictionary of Early Judaism is the first reference work devoted exclusively to Second Temple Judaism (fourth century b.c.e. through second century c.e.). The first section of this substantive and
The Dictionary of Early Judaism is the first reference work devoted exclusively to Second Temple Judaism (fourth century b.c.e. through second century c.e.).
The first section of this substantive and incredible work contains thirteen major essays that attempt to synthesize major aspects of Judaism in the period between Alexander and Hadrian. The second ? and significantly longer ? section offers 520 entries arranged alphabetically. Many of these entries have cross-references and all have select bibliographies. Equal attention is given to literary and nonliterary (i.e. archaeological and epigraphic) evidence and New Testament writings are included as evidence for Judaism in the first century c.e. Several entries also give pertinent information on the Hebrew Bible.
The Dictionary of Early Judaism is intended to not only meet the needs of scholars and students ? at which it succeeds admirably ? but also to provide accessible information for the general reader. It is ecumenical and international in character, bringing together nearly 270 authors from as many as twenty countries and including Jews, Christians, and scholars of no religious affiliation.
Review of Biblical Literature
"An excellent resource. . . . The quality of scholarship and well-organized structure means it is likely to become the first point of reference for all those interested in early Judaism."
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
"An incredibly useful new reference tool. . . . A simply elegant book, which will be of immense and enduring value to scholars, students, and the more general reader."
Southwestern Journal of Theology
"This volume should be the first consult in any research of the Second Temple Period. . . . Any student, faculty, and interested lay person will find this a valuable investment for their library."
Trinity Journal
"It is difficult to overstate how impressive the volume is in terms of scope, quality of scholarship, and number of high-level contributors. . . . A masterful achievement."
Times Literary Supplement
"I do not think there is a better guide to Early Judaism than the Eerdmans Dictionary. . . . It opens a door into a fascinating and compelling world of ideas, texts, and practices."
Bible Today
"A superb resource on a topic of tremendous importance to biblical study."
Biblical Theology Bulletin
"Scholars, students, ministers, and informed readers will find this volume a great and useful addition to their library. I highly recommend it."
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
"A groundbreaking work that is an essential reference tool."
America
"A significant contribution to understanding the culture of the New Testament world."
Choice
"An important and highly useful volume. Highly recommended."
Martin Goodman
— Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford
"This dictionary, containing an immense amount of useful information presented with great clarity by an impressive range of scholars including many leading experts in the field, will be an essential resource for all those interested in studying the late Second Temple period and the Jewish background to the origins of Christianity."
Eric M. Meyers
— Center for Jewish Studies, Duke University
"A welcome, handy reference tool for students of early Judaism. . . Presented in an easily accessible format, it is usable for general readers as well."
Booklist
"The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism is an outstanding reference work that not only introduces this important era but also serves as a status report for scholarly activity in this area over the past few decades. Highly recommended for theological, research, and large public libraries."
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures
"Collins and Harlow are to be commended, as the dictionary will be a standard reference work for years to come, especially because of its uniqueness. The student and scholar working in this time period will no doubt find this dictionary to be the starting point for all their research. . . . Overall, I give my highest recommendation for this dictionary for all interested in Second Temple Judaism."
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