Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias. General Reference General Reference Bible Encyclopedias Bible...

Bible Dictionaries Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopediasand Encyclopedias

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias General General

ReferenceReference Bible Bible

EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Bible DictionariesBible Dictionaries AtlasesAtlases ConcordancesConcordances

Special Resource Special Resource ToolsTools

Books, monographsBooks, monographs Periodical Periodical

DatabasesDatabases Electronic Electronic

resourcesresources BibliographiesBibliographies Unpublished Unpublished

materialsmaterials

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias

Begin with general reference Begin with general reference works.works.– These resources provide an These resources provide an

overview of the material.overview of the material.– Once this information has been Once this information has been

mastered, it is comparatively easy mastered, it is comparatively easy to move on to specific resources as to move on to specific resources as you gather additional data.you gather additional data.


Task number one is to become Task number one is to become familiar with a few proven general familiar with a few proven general reference works—e.g., reference works—e.g., encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.—encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc.—that are designed by their that are designed by their arrangement and treatment to be arrangement and treatment to be consulted for definite items of consulted for definite items of information.information.


These resources give an overview of the These resources give an overview of the subject.subject.

Once you have defined the parameters of Once you have defined the parameters of your topic, you can enlarge your your topic, you can enlarge your understanding by reading more understanding by reading more specialized monographs.specialized monographs.

This done you will be in a position to read This done you will be in a position to read with greater understanding the kind of with greater understanding the kind of information contained in journal articles.information contained in journal articles.


As you begin to evaluate general As you begin to evaluate general reference works, you should focus on reference works, you should focus on the following specifics:the following specifics:– AccuracyAccuracy– AuthorityAuthority– ScopeScope– Currency of the informationCurrency of the information– Arrangement (including ease of use)Arrangement (including ease of use)– Special featuresSpecial features


As you use the general tools—As you use the general tools—– Take note of the writer’s and observe Take note of the writer’s and observe

how he unfolds the subject matter.how he unfolds the subject matter.– Learn about those who have Learn about those who have

contributed in one way or another to contributed in one way or another to the body of knowledge that has grown the body of knowledge that has grown up around the subject.up around the subject.

– Plot the topic’s historic development.Plot the topic’s historic development.


As you use the general tools—As you use the general tools—– Ascertain the limitations and scope Ascertain the limitations and scope

of your topic.of your topic.– Check the bibliography at the end of Check the bibliography at the end of

the article. (Is it impartial?)the article. (Is it impartial?) Learn the representative works on this Learn the representative works on this

topic.topic. Note Note when when these contributions were these contributions were

made.made.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias ““Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?”Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?” Checked the index volume of James Checked the index volume of James

Hastings’ Hastings’ Encyclopedia of Religion and Encyclopedia of Religion and EthicsEthics..– There found a lengthy article on There found a lengthy article on

“Monasticism” with an entire section “Monasticism” with an entire section devoted to the founding of the Cluniacs.devoted to the founding of the Cluniacs.

– This article, together with other resources This article, together with other resources located through the bibliography, took located through the bibliography, took only a few moments to locate.only a few moments to locate.


““Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?”Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?” The The Encyclopedia of Religion and EthicsEncyclopedia of Religion and Ethics

(often cited as (often cited as HEREHERE), edited by James ), edited by James Hastings ( 12 vols. plus index; 1908-27), Hastings ( 12 vols. plus index; 1908-27), is a comprehensive work with long, is a comprehensive work with long, scholarly, signed articles dealing with scholarly, signed articles dealing with “all the religions of the world and all the “all the religions of the world and all the great systems of ethics,” together with a great systems of ethics,” together with a wide variety of theological and wide variety of theological and philosophical topics.philosophical topics.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias ““Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?”Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?” It incluces a discussion of religious beliefs and It incluces a discussion of religious beliefs and

customs, and moral practices. Also to be found customs, and moral practices. Also to be found within these volumes is data on anthropology, within these volumes is data on anthropology, folklore, mythology, biology, psychology, folklore, mythology, biology, psychology, economics, and sociology—and the people and economics, and sociology—and the people and places connected with a variety of diverse places connected with a variety of diverse events or practices. Extensive, though now events or practices. Extensive, though now dated, bibliographies conclude most articles. A dated, bibliographies conclude most articles. A comprehensive index, together with a list of comprehensive index, together with a list of articles titles and an exhaustive subject index articles titles and an exhaustive subject index conclude the work.conclude the work.

R BL31 .E44


““Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?”Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?” ““Cluniacs” or “Cluny” or Cluniacs” or “Cluny” or

“Monasticism” not found in “Monasticism” not found in International Standard Bible International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Interpreter’s Encyclopedia, Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible Dictionary of the Bible or or Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bibleof the Bible..


““Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?”Who are the ‘Kluniaks’?” If you cannot get to a larger took like If you cannot get to a larger took like

Hastings with an index, consult tools like:Hastings with an index, consult tools like:– The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian ChurchThe Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church– The New International Dictionary of the The New International Dictionary of the

Christian ChurchChristian Church– The Wycliffe Biographical Dictionary of the The Wycliffe Biographical Dictionary of the

ChurchChurch– Who Was Who in Church HistoryWho Was Who in Church History


Encyclopaedia of Religion and EthicsEncyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics, edited by , edited by that master cataloguer James Hastings, assisted that master cataloguer James Hastings, assisted by John A. Selbie, et. al., 13 vols. (New York: by John A. Selbie, et. al., 13 vols. (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1908-12) has given way Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1908-12) has given way to a revision under a new title, to a revision under a new title, The Encyclopedia The Encyclopedia of Religionof Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, 15 vols. and index , ed. Mircea Eliade, 15 vols. and index vol. (New York: Macmillan, 1987). Abbreviated vol. (New York: Macmillan, 1987). Abbreviated EnRelEnRel, this work concerns itself with almost , this work concerns itself with almost every conceivable topic germane to the religions every conceivable topic germane to the religions of the world and should be consulted on of the world and should be consulted on theologically significant biblical terminology. theologically significant biblical terminology. “Baptism,” for example, is treated in its Hindu, “Baptism,” for example, is treated in its Hindu, Jewish, Moslem, and Polynesian contexts, to Jewish, Moslem, and Polynesian contexts, to mention but a few. (Danker, 157)mention but a few. (Danker, 157)

RBL 31.E46

RBL31.E46

RBL31.E461987

ISBE “Atonement”ISBE “Atonement”

IDB “Atonement”

IDB “Atonement”

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias DictionaryDictionary Technically a Bible dictionary is an Technically a Bible dictionary is an

alphabetical arrangement of the alphabetical arrangement of the words found in the Bible with words found in the Bible with definitions or explanations definitions or explanations attached.attached.– By definition it should be limited to By definition it should be limited to

biblical terms only.biblical terms only.– Are many terms not strictly biblical, Are many terms not strictly biblical,

but closely related—canon, but closely related—canon, millennialism, typology, versions, etc.millennialism, typology, versions, etc.


alphabetical arrangement of the alphabetical arrangement of the words found in the Bible with words found in the Bible with definitions or explanations definitions or explanations attached.attached.– Such topics may be covered in an Such topics may be covered in an

appendix or additional volume.appendix or additional volume.– By including such topics in spite of By including such topics in spite of

the definition.the definition.– By calling the work an encyclopedia.By calling the work an encyclopedia.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Encyclopedia (instruction in a circle)Encyclopedia (instruction in a circle) A series of articles embracing the A series of articles embracing the

whole range of a discipline, usually whole range of a discipline, usually in alphabetical order.in alphabetical order.

Religious encyclopedias deal mainly Religious encyclopedias deal mainly with theological terms, ecclesiastical with theological terms, ecclesiastical and exegetical history, the history of and exegetical history, the history of religion, patristics, biography and religion, patristics, biography and other general themes with little other general themes with little reference to purely biblical details.reference to purely biblical details.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Encyclopedia (instruction in a Encyclopedia (instruction in a

circle)circle) Bible encyclopedias by definition Bible encyclopedias by definition

treat biblical material and topics treat biblical material and topics directly related to the Bible directly related to the Bible completely and thoroughly.completely and thoroughly.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias How do I decide which to consult?How do I decide which to consult? For quick reference or basic For quick reference or basic

information (e.g., I am working on information (e.g., I am working on another topic, but encounter a another topic, but encounter a term I am not that familiar with term I am not that familiar with and need quick information) go to and need quick information) go to a Bible dictionary.a Bible dictionary.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias How do I decide which to consult?How do I decide which to consult? For--For--

– 1) probing the parameters of a topic;1) probing the parameters of a topic;– 2) finding very specific information;2) finding very specific information;– 3) ascertaining who the leaders are 3) ascertaining who the leaders are

(were) in contributing to the growth of (were) in contributing to the growth of knowledge in a particular area.knowledge in a particular area.

Consult an encyclopedia.Consult an encyclopedia.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Factors in deciding which tools to Factors in deciding which tools to

use.use. 1) Size.1) Size.

– The average Bible student may The average Bible student may not need the large four- or five-not need the large four- or five-volume encyclopedia.volume encyclopedia.

– On the other hand, the teacher On the other hand, the teacher and preacher cannot get along and preacher cannot get along with a one-volume dictionary.with a one-volume dictionary.


use.use. 2) Date.2) Date.

– Authors and editors of smaller works Authors and editors of smaller works are more likely to put out new are more likely to put out new editions in order to keep up with the editions in order to keep up with the rapid advance of knowledge.rapid advance of knowledge.

– This is a much more difficult This is a much more difficult undertaking for the larger works.undertaking for the larger works.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Factors in deciding which tools to use.Factors in deciding which tools to use. 2) Date.2) Date.

– But be careful about making the date of But be careful about making the date of publication too important.publication too important.

– ““Even though a century has passed since Even though a century has passed since the first volume was published, many the first volume was published, many articles in these pages are still superior articles in these pages are still superior to, and more comprehensive than, to, and more comprehensive than, articles on the same subjects appearing articles on the same subjects appearing in any other similar work.” Wilbur M. in any other similar work.” Wilbur M. Smith in the Introduction to the1968-70 Smith in the Introduction to the1968-70 reprint of M’Clintock and Strong.reprint of M’Clintock and Strong.


use.use. 3) Signed articles.3) Signed articles.

– Articles in the larger encyclopedias (and Articles in the larger encyclopedias (and sometimes the smaller dictionaries) have sometimes the smaller dictionaries) have been written my many different authors.been written my many different authors.

– Their names or initials appear at the end Their names or initials appear at the end of the articles.of the articles.

– This is important for your citation of the This is important for your citation of the article.article.

– This may also help you to judge the This may also help you to judge the general trend of the article.general trend of the article.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Factors in deciding which tools to use.Factors in deciding which tools to use. 4) General trend of the work with regard 4) General trend of the work with regard

to theology and biblical criticism.to theology and biblical criticism.– How to determine? Analyze key articles.How to determine? Analyze key articles.– Look at the article on Isaiah in Look at the article on Isaiah in Encyclopedia Encyclopedia

BiblicaBiblica; T. K. Cheyne the editor and also the ; T. K. Cheyne the editor and also the author of the article.author of the article.

– ““It is too bold to maintain that we still have It is too bold to maintain that we still have any collection of Isaianic prophecies which any collection of Isaianic prophecies which in its present form goes back to the period in its present form goes back to the period of that prophet.” (Vol. 2, p. 2193)of that prophet.” (Vol. 2, p. 2193)


use. (Barber’s answers)use. (Barber’s answers) 1) Is it authoritative? Is the editor 1) Is it authoritative? Is the editor

a person of repute? Have the a person of repute? Have the articles been signed (the articles been signed (the assumption being that if a person’s assumption being that if a person’s name concludes the article, he or name concludes the article, he or she will have taken extra special she will have taken extra special care in writing it)? Are the care in writing it)? Are the contributors people of established contributors people of established reputation?reputation?


use. (Barber’s answers)use. (Barber’s answers) 2) Why was this work written (i.e., 2) Why was this work written (i.e.,

what need did the editor seek to what need did the editor seek to meet), and for whom? (This meet), and for whom? (This information is generally found in information is generally found in the Introduction or Preface.)the Introduction or Preface.)


use. (Barber’s answers)use. (Barber’s answers) 3) What is its scope? (i.e., is the 3) What is its scope? (i.e., is the

coverage comprehensive?) Are coverage comprehensive?) Are the articles long or short? Is the the articles long or short? Is the thrust biblical or theological, thrust biblical or theological, denominational (e.g., Roman denominational (e.g., Roman Catholic, Mennonite, Reformed, Catholic, Mennonite, Reformed, etc.), inter-faith, national or etc.), inter-faith, national or international?international?


use. (Barber’s answers)use. (Barber’s answers) 4) How up to date is it? Is it an 4) How up to date is it? Is it an

entirely new work, or has it been entirely new work, or has it been based on an earlier edition with based on an earlier edition with the same or a different title? How the same or a different title? How reliable are the maps, charts, reliable are the maps, charts, money conversions, et cetera?money conversions, et cetera?


use. (Barber’s answers)use. (Barber’s answers) 5) What are the recognizable 5) What are the recognizable

strong points? What features strong points? What features make this work superior to any make this work superior to any others? Does it have any others? Does it have any weaknesses or acknowledged weaknesses or acknowledged limitations?limitations?


alphabetical arrangement of the alphabetical arrangement of the words found in the Bible with words found in the Bible with definitions or explanations definitions or explanations attached.attached.– Such topics may be covered in an Such topics may be covered in an

appendix or additional volume.appendix or additional volume.– By including such topics in spite of By including such topics in spite of

the definition.the definition.– By calling the work an encyclopedia.By calling the work an encyclopedia.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Why should I own or at least Why should I own or at least

regularly consult several?regularly consult several? For serious work I cannot be For serious work I cannot be

satisfied with partial evidence.satisfied with partial evidence. Libraries keep a vast range of books Libraries keep a vast range of books

because no one book contains all the because no one book contains all the information one needs or desires.information one needs or desires.

Especially true of dictionaries; need Especially true of dictionaries; need the up-to-date for latest discoveries; the up-to-date for latest discoveries; need the old ones for quality.need the old ones for quality.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Why should I own or at least Why should I own or at least

regularly consult several?regularly consult several? Using a variety of tools helps one Using a variety of tools helps one

to learn to judge the quality of to learn to judge the quality of evidence he finds; that is part of evidence he finds; that is part of the maturation process as a the maturation process as a student and scholar.student and scholar.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias The use one may make of these volumes will vary The use one may make of these volumes will vary

from time to time. Perhaps one of their chief from time to time. Perhaps one of their chief values, in addition to the capsuling of values, in addition to the capsuling of information, is the select bibliographies the larger information, is the select bibliographies the larger works offer on most subjects. These must, of works offer on most subjects. These must, of course, be brought up to date, but not all the course, be brought up to date, but not all the standard works of yesteryear are antiquated in all standard works of yesteryear are antiquated in all their parts, and the supplementary volumes will their parts, and the supplementary volumes will help keep one abreast. To save time in research, help keep one abreast. To save time in research, it is wise to go directly to any index or index it is wise to go directly to any index or index volume appended to the work. If the dictionary volume appended to the work. If the dictionary includes an index of Greek terms, additional includes an index of Greek terms, additional resources are opened. Thus one can readily find resources are opened. Thus one can readily find Benjamin Warfield’s article on “Little Ones,” Benjamin Warfield’s article on “Little Ones,” HDCG, vol. 2, which illumines such passages as HDCG, vol. 2, which illumines such passages as Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42; and Luke 17:2. Most Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42; and Luke 17:2. Most commentaries carry only a few lines of commentaries carry only a few lines of explanation. Warfield expends almost six columns explanation. Warfield expends almost six columns in an effort to demonstrate that the phrase has in an effort to demonstrate that the phrase has reference to the humble disciples of Jesus.reference to the humble disciples of Jesus.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias It is wise to keep in mind the varying accents It is wise to keep in mind the varying accents

of the different dictionaries and encyclopedias. of the different dictionaries and encyclopedias. If, for example, the subject is “Baptism;’ it If, for example, the subject is “Baptism;’ it might be well to get the general picture out of might be well to get the general picture out of one of the standard Bible dictionaries, but for one of the standard Bible dictionaries, but for specific Jewish considerations JE should be specific Jewish considerations JE should be consulted. For an exalting religious experience consulted. For an exalting religious experience as well as an unanticipated exegetical reward as well as an unanticipated exegetical reward James Cooper’s article on “Nunc Dimittis,” James Cooper’s article on “Nunc Dimittis,” HDCG vol. 2, should be read, but for liturgical HDCG vol. 2, should be read, but for liturgical fortunes CE is the work to check.fortunes CE is the work to check.


A random comparison of entries suggests A random comparison of entries suggests the importance of making use of more the importance of making use of more than one dictionary. For example, ISBE than one dictionary. For example, ISBE not only contains specific entries on Bible not only contains specific entries on Bible commentaries and Bible dictionaries but commentaries and Bible dictionaries but also lists outstanding commentaries at also lists outstanding commentaries at the end of each article on a biblical book, the end of each article on a biblical book, whereas ABD offers no such detailed whereas ABD offers no such detailed information in these two categories. information in these two categories. Although the number of volumes in ABD Although the number of volumes in ABD exceeds those in ISBE, the latter has exceeds those in ISBE, the latter has eleven columns in the entry “Apostolic eleven columns in the entry “Apostolic Council,” and ABD only three under Council,” and ABD only three under “Jerusalem, Council of.” (Danker, 151)“Jerusalem, Council of.” (Danker, 151)

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias A certain amount of ingenuity must be held in A certain amount of ingenuity must be held in

reserve to tap these catalogued treasures. A reserve to tap these catalogued treasures. A case in point, when looking for older material case in point, when looking for older material on concordances I had no difficulty in finding on concordances I had no difficulty in finding an excellent treatment under “Concordances” an excellent treatment under “Concordances” in M’Clintock and Strong, but I had to go to in M’Clintock and Strong, but I had to go to “Greek Language” to check on older editions “Greek Language” to check on older editions of New Testament grammars and lexicons. of New Testament grammars and lexicons. Sometimes the encyclopedia is itself Sometimes the encyclopedia is itself inconsistent. Schaff.Herzog, for example, inconsistent. Schaff.Herzog, for example, carries an article on New Testament lexicons carries an article on New Testament lexicons but none on New Testament grammars. Such but none on New Testament grammars. Such differences in the selection and arrangement differences in the selection and arrangement of material can be most frustrating.of material can be most frustrating.

Bible Dictionaries and Bible Dictionaries and EncyclopediasEncyclopedias Caution must be observed at all times in Caution must be observed at all times in

adopting views and conclusions that adopting views and conclusions that may have been antiquated by more may have been antiquated by more recent findings— and most works are recent findings— and most works are obsolete even before they are publishedobsolete even before they are published— but a Bible dictionary and related — but a Bible dictionary and related works judiciously used can greatly works judiciously used can greatly enrich one’s knowledge and extend enrich one’s knowledge and extend one’s intellectual and spiritual horizons.one’s intellectual and spiritual horizons.


But is it really necessary to know about so many works? But is it really necessary to know about so many works? Needs vary, but for serious work one cannot be satisfied Needs vary, but for serious work one cannot be satisfied with partial evidence. Among the reasons a library has with partial evidence. Among the reasons a library has for maintaining an inventory of a vast range of books in for maintaining an inventory of a vast range of books in a specific category is the fact that no one book contains a specific category is the fact that no one book contains all the information one needs or desires. This is all the information one needs or desires. This is especially true of Bible dictionaries. Be not entranced by especially true of Bible dictionaries. Be not entranced by dates, nor let the old be subject to disdain. To cite but dates, nor let the old be subject to disdain. To cite but one further example as invitation to vigilance: The one further example as invitation to vigilance: The Grant-Rowley revision of HDB (see above) distinguishes Grant-Rowley revision of HDB (see above) distinguishes thirteen Eleazars, whereas one will search in vain in one thirteen Eleazars, whereas one will search in vain in one or another dictionary for even a mention of the name. or another dictionary for even a mention of the name. On the other hand, Grant-Rowley contains only a few On the other hand, Grant-Rowley contains only a few bibliographies (see, e.g, entry “Jesus Christ”). The bibliographies (see, e.g, entry “Jesus Christ”). The manner in which data are perceived and managed in manner in which data are perceived and managed in the mind spells much of the difference between the old the mind spells much of the difference between the old and the new productions. But the quantity of basic and the new productions. But the quantity of basic information differs from book to book. And learning to information differs from book to book. And learning to judge the quality of evidence as marshaled in a given judge the quality of evidence as marshaled in a given book is part of one’s maturation as a scholar.book is part of one’s maturation as a scholar.

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