The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies Book Review

SUMMARY:  CLEAR, CONCISE, AND ACCURATE DEFINITIONS OF MORE THAN 500 BIBLICAL TERMS AND TOPICS.
     When it comes to the realm of biblical studies, students of the Bible are often overwhelmed, both with the sheer volume of information and with all of the unfamiliar terms, concepts, and topics. Like any other field of study, the serious study of the Bible has developed a specialized vocabulary. The key terms in this important field are defined in The Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies. It provides clear, concise, and accurate definitions to help students of the Bible make sense of the specialized language of biblical studies.

REVIEW:  If you want to learn more about the bible but are intimidated with all the resources out there and the sizes of the books available (some of them are HUGE!!!), this might be the book for you.  The authors have defined common, and not so common words, used by Christian theologians, pastors and bible studies leaders.  Scholars of the Old and New Testaments and other men and women who have shaped how we study and interpret scripture are noted along with their contributions to the study and understanding of the bible.  Also included are words not found in the bible but are used to help understand the culture, times and customs of the Old and New Testaments.  It's nice to have something I can throw in a bag with my bible and notebook that can help me in my pursuit of a better understanding of God and His Word.  If you want to expand your knowledge, this would be a great place to start.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without any compensation.

Tremper Longman, III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.  He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament and How to Read Proverbs.

Mark L Strauss (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary.  He is the author of several books, including Distorting Scripture? and Four Portraits, One Jesus.