A Dictionary for the Bible? And Other Bible Dictionary Questions
Have you ever been reading the Bible and came across a topic or place that you wanted to know more about? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a brief explanation of that topic without having to search through commentaries? That is where a Bible dictionary can help.
A Bible dictionary is a Bible study resource that provides definitions, explanations, and background information on specific topics, places, people, and events found within the Bible. As such, it serves as a valuable resource for individual Bible study, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Let’s explore more to discover what exactly makes a Bible dictionary both a valuable and unique resource among popular Bible study tools.
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A Dictionary For the Bible
A Bible dictionary is a dictionary for the Bible. It provides basic explanations and definitions of key concepts, places, and people within the Bible. The entries are typically clear, concise, and free from jargon, making a Bible dictionary an ideal resource for beginners in Bible study.
Like regular dictionaries the entries in a Bible dictionary are in alphabetical order. However, not only does a Bible dictionary offer a definition of key terms, people, etc., they also offer historical, cultural, theological, and geographical context related to the specific term.
In that way they are much more than just a dictionary, almost more like an encyclopedia.
An illustrated Bible dictionary will also offer numerous maps, photos, illustrations, and charts to provide visual context to the locations, timelines, and archeological findings. This helps you better grasp key concepts, places, and images in your mind, and makes the Bible come alive.
One of my favorite features in my Bible dictionary is the timeline. It covers from creation to 2000 AD. It provides a broad overview of Biblical, world, and church history. So, I can see how they overlap which is amazing!
Did you know that Nehemiah was a contemporary of Ezra, Malachi, Socrates, and only a few decades later than Buddha and Confucius? That just fascinates me.
Anyway, as you can see a dictionary for the Bible, a Bible dictionary, is a great resource to have so let’s see all the different ways that we can use it. Besides, just looking at the timeline.
Uses of a Bible Dictionary
A Bible dictionary can be used for a variety of reasons, all with the goal of aiding Bible study. For example, you can use a Bible dictionary for,
Definitions and Interpretations
Bible dictionaries often offer clear and concise definitions of words and phrases found in the Bible. This can be helpful in a variety of instances like when you encounter an archaic or culturally specific word or when you want a clear understanding of a specific theological concept.
For example, say you are reading about David’s interactions with the priest and the word “ephod” comes up. What on earth does that mean? Well, we can use a Bible dictionary to see what it says,
“Priestly garment connected with seeking a word from God and used in a wrong was as an idol. The exact meaning and derivation of the term “ephod” are not clear…”
Daniel B. McGee, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
The article goes further to explain instances of and stories involving the ephod in the Bible.
Theological and Thematic Explortation
Another helpful way to use a Bible dictionary is by looking up theological terms. For example, the Bible dictionary has a lengthy article on atonement that begins by stating,
“Biblical doctrine that God has reconciled sinners to Himself through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. The concept of atonement spans both Testaments, everywhere pointing to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for the sins of the world…”
Russel D. Moore, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Historical Context and Background
Another way that you can use a Bible dictionary is to better understand the historical, cultural, and geographical context and backgrounds of a particular passage of Scripture. This allows readers to better grasp the setting and circumstances around that story.
For example, the Bible dictionary will describe what political events were going on during the ministry of the prophet Isaiah.
Or it will discuss the climate, terrain, and significance of places found in the Bible. So, if you are studying the Exodus, you can read the entry not only on the exodus, but also on Egypt as well. This can help you get a better grasp of what life may have been like for the Egyptian slaves.
Another useful way to use a Bible dictionary is to look up a particular place where a story takes place. For instance, if you are reading the book of Ephesians, you can look up and read about the city of Ephesus in the Bible dictionary. This may give a clue as to why Paul wrote some of the things he did.
Character Profiles and Biographies
A Bible dictionary can also be a great resource if you want to do a character study on a particular person found in the Bible. Why? Because a Bible dictionary offers biographical profiles and information on significant biblical figures.
Often these profiles can include their roles, achievements, and passages where they are found. For example, then entry on King David includes the following sub-sections,
- Selection as King
- In Saul’s Court
- Independent Warrior
- King of Judah
- Kingo of Israel
- A Sinner
- Family Intrigue
- Prophetic Hope
- New Testament
This entry provides a clear and concise look at the life of David, highlighting key events as well as his significance to the big picture story of the Bible.
Scriptural Cross References
Lastly, a Bible dictionary can be a resource you use as a quick cross reference to other parts of the Bible. Many entries will include references to relevant Bible passages. This can aid you in further exploring related Biblical passages to the topic you are investigating.
For example, the entry on atonement mentioned earlier lists numerous Scripture references that you can go to and read from the Bible to learn more about atonement. This is great because it encourages you to get back into God’s word. And that’s what all Bible study resources should do.
Using a Bible Dictionary in Bible Study
Using a Bible dictionary is just as simple as using a regular dictionary. It’s just Bible specific topics. So, here is a quick step by step look at how to use a Bible dictionary and get the most out of it.
- Identify the Term or Concept: First you’ll want to identify the term or concept. So, as you are reading your Bible and you come across a word, phrase, person, place, or concept that is unfamiliar to you, take note of it. That’s what you’ll want to look up in the Bible dictionary.
- Alphabetical Lookup: Bible dictionaries work just like other dictionaries. As such, they are arranged alphabetically. So, simply look up the term or concept you are looking for.
- Read Carefully: Next you’ll want to read the entry carefully and thoroughly. Pay attention to the definition, historical context, and other information provided. Does it answer you questions? Raise more questions you may have?
- References and Cross-links: Pay close attention to Scriptural references in the entry as you read. Consider consulting them in the Bible as you read the entry. This can help you better grasp what the Bible has to say on the topic. Also, some entries will recommend other entries that shed more light on the topic, consider reading those as well.
- Study Aid and Continual Reference: Use the Bible dictionary as you prep for teaching if you are a Sunday School teacher or pastor. Using it as a continual reference for personal study will help you become more familiar with key events in the Bible.
Overall, a Bible dictionary can become a great and useful resource for Bible study.
Bible Dictionary vs. Bible Encyclopedia
In general, in regards to the world of Biblical studies, a Bible dictionary and Bible encyclopedia are pretty much the same thing. They both present articles on the people, places, events, and themes found within the Bible. Typically, though, encyclopedic entries will be longer and more in depth.
| Aspect | Bible Dictionary | Bible Encyclopedia |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focused on specific terms, people, places, events, and concepts in the Bible. | Covers a wide range of topics related to the Bible, including people, places, events, theology, and more. |
| Format | Entries are organized alphabetically. | Articles can be organized alphabetically or thematically by topic. |
| Depth | Provides detailed information about individual entries with an emphasis on clarity and specificity. | Offers in-depth articles that provide comprehensive coverage of each topic. |
| Use | Ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of specific words, names, or concepts within the Bible. Suitable for those looking for explanations of biblical terms and their cultural and historical context. | Valuable for conducting extensive research on a wide range of biblical topics. Particularly useful for scholars, theologians, and those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and related subjects. |
As you can see Bible dictionaries and Bible encyclopedias are similar. Often the two terms are used interchangeably. A quick search on Google or Amazon will reveal just how interchangeable they are.
Personally, I have found a Bible dictionary to be sufficient for my needs in Bible study. And don’t have a need for a Bible “Encylcopedia.” That said, the most interesting Bible encyclopedias I’ve found are on specific topics like Bible characters or Bible difficulties.
Bible Dictionary vs. Lexicon
In general, a Bible dictionary focuses on explaining terms and concepts in the Bible, whereas, a Bible lexicon is more concerned with the original languages and their meaning. As such, lexicons are more useful when doing word studies or studies of the original Hebrew and Greek languages.
| Aspect | Bible Dictionary | Bible Lexicon |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Focuses on explaining and defining specific terms, people, places, events, and concepts found in the Bible. | Primarily concerned with the study of the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and the meanings of individual words. |
| Format | Entries are typically organized alphabetically. | Organized by the original language of the Bible, and often grouped by the specific word or term being studied. |
| Depth | Provides detailed information about individual entries, including historical and cultural context. | Offers in-depth analysis of the meanings, etymology, and usage of specific words within the Bible. |
| Use | Ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of specific biblical words, names, or concepts, along with their historical and cultural context. | Valuable for linguistic and scholarly research, particularly for those interested in the precise meanings, usage, and context of individual words in the original biblical languages. |
A lexicon is ideal for those interested in the original languages of the Bible, especially, their meaning and how they are used in the Bible. As such, a lexicon is a more advanced BIble study resource than a Bible dictionary.
For beginners in Bible study a Bible dictionary will be more useful than a lexicon. A Bible dictionary aims to provide detailed information including historical and cultural context as well as linguistic context when necessary. As such, it is more than sufficient for the average Bible study.
Popular Bible Dictionaries
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary is one of the best selling Bible dictionaries available today. It offers over 6,500 entries on various topics, people, places, etc. of the Bible. As such, it is often a go-to resource for Bible students.
This is the Dictionary that I have and use. It is often one of the first Bible study resources that I go to after the Bible. And probably the one I use most frequently. I have found the entries to be exactly what I needed, information wise. They are readable, concise, and yet comprehensive.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary
The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary is a condensation of the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. That said, it still boasts over 7,200 entries. As such, it is ideal for beginners in Bible study.
This dictionary is based on the NIV translation of the Bible, with cross references to the KJV. It includes over 500 pictures, illustrations, charts, and maps to help the Old and New Testaments come alive. Overall, it is a great resource that helps not only make the Bible accessible, but brings it to life as well.
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary is a revised and updated edition of the original Unger’s Bible Dictionary first published in 1957. This dictionary boasts an impressive 6,700 entries. Like the other dictionaries it offers entries on the concepts, themes, people and places of the bible.
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary well known for its rigorous scholarship and theological depth. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone doing Bible study, from beginners to professionals.
Overall, a Bible dictionary is a great tool for those wanting to get into Bible study for the first time. They will find a Bible dictionary helpful in providing concise and clear definitions and explanations of key concepts, people, places, and topics related to the Bible.
