The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible gathers nearly 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles that thoroughly yet clearly explain all the books, persons, places, and significant terms found in t
The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible gathers nearly 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles that thoroughly yet clearly explain all the books, persons, places, and significant terms found in the Bible. The Dictionary also explores the background of each biblical book and related writings and discusses cultural, natural, geographical, and literary phenomena--matters that Bible students at all levels may encounter in reading or discussion.
Nearly 600 first-rate Bible authorities have contributed to the
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Intended as a tool for practical Bible use, this illustrated dictionary reflects recent archaeological discoveries and the breadth of current biblical scholarship, including insights from critical analysis of literary, historical, sociological, and other methodological issues. The editorial team has also incorporated articles that explore and interpret important focuses of biblical theology, text and transmission, Near Eastern archaeology, extrabiblical writings, and pertinent ecclesiastical traditions--all of which help make the
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible the most comprehensive and up-to-date one-volume Bible dictionary on the market today.
—Walter Brueggemann
"The quality of scholarship in this dictionary is superb, with contributions from the most senior scholars in the field and from some of the rising young scholars who will greatly impact the field. There is no doubt that this dictionary will take its place as the most valuable and most used among those currently available."
—Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J.
"The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible is an outstanding one-volume companion to the Bible for every serious reader of the written Word of God. David Noel Freedman, along with a dozen well-known consulting editors and about 600 contributors, has made this dictionary an extraordinary compilation of data about the biblical books and their archaeological, geographical, and historical backgrounds. Many of the articles give good leads to further reading on the topics they discuss. Highly recommended for pastors, teachers, college and graduate students, and general readers."
—Patrick D. Miller
"Comprehensive and filled with rich treatments of large and important topics as well as the lesser names and places that any such book has to include, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible is as good as one can expect from a one-volume Bible dictionary."
—Elizabeth Achtemeier
"The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible sets forth a vast amount of data useful to any Bible reader. Its distinctiveness lies in its frequent supply of theological material along with its scholarly and critical information."
—Peter Machinist
"The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible 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 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."
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David Noel Freedman (1922–2008) was a prolific, influential biblical scholar and the longtime holder of an endowed chair in Hebrew biblical studies at the University of California, San Diego.
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