Seeking Advice On a New Dictionary
Hey everyone! I ordered the Scholar base package a couple of weeks ago and have yet to order any supplemental dictionaries. I've done some searching through these forums and it seems the most popular picks are:
1. AYBD
2. IVP Collection + OT Dictionaries
3. ISBE
4. NIDB (though not available yet)
I'm not in seminary (actually just graduated with a Civil Engineering degree), but now have more time in the evenings to focus on studying the Bible and would like to know your opinions on these dictionaries.
The NIDB looks attractive since it is on Pre-Pub currently for $139, but wasn't sure how it compared to the AYBD or the others? It seems that some of these will be good supplements to each other depending on the topic so I will probably end up getting a couple of them at some point (can't spend too much money at once!).
In summary, I'm looking for which of these would make the best "starter" dictionary.
Thank you all for your help!
Comments
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I very much like the AYBD and the IVP Collections. Some would say that you get a liberal bias in the AYBD, whereas the IVP volumes are more "conservative." I like both personally.
I like the volume and breadth of books that you get with the IVP collections. I like the IVP background commentaries for quick background, which I often even use in church service on my iPad. The actual dictionaries are wonderful. It seems to me that you would get more bang for your buck with the IVP sets.
Disclaimer: I hate using messaging, texting, and email for real communication. If anything that I type to you seems like anything other than humble and respectful, then I have not done a good job typing my thoughts.
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The IVP set has most up-to-date scholarship, is very readable, with an eye toward textual relevance. It includes the New Bible Dictionary, which has 2,000 entries. Plus, collection is a super bargain for all that you get!
The second set I would suggest is ISBE. Though it is older (1979
revised, I believe), it covers all the bases and goes into sufficient
depth. It's orientation is orthodox, conservative.While the ABD viewpoint is critical and liberal, it provides many unique insights. This set goes on sale regularly and for that reason, I would wait to purchase it.
Another dictionary is Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible. 5,000 entries. Revised with pictures. Pricey. Similar to ISBE in my opinion.
You likely have this book in your Scholars package, but I've found the Tyndale Bible Dictionary to be an excellent source of succinct information--basic, yet not simplistic.
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Andrew said:
Hey everyone! I ordered the Scholar base package a couple of weeks ago and have yet to order any supplemental dictionaries. I've done some searching through these forums and it seems the most popular picks are:
1. AYBD
2. IVP Collection + OT Dictionaries
3. ISBE
4. NIDB (though not available yet)
Of those listed I would recommend the AYBD. I would also recommend the Dictionary of Demons and Dieties. Not dealing with the bible, but also very worthwhile is the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. While the AYBD is directed more toward scholars, it is quite understandable by the average person.
george
gfsomselיְמֵי־שְׁנוֹתֵינוּ בָהֶם שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה וְאִם בִּגְבוּרֹת שְׁמוֹנִים שָׁנָה וְרָהְבָּם עָמָל וָאָוֶן
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Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible is one of the most up to date Bible dictionaries out there, it had the same general editor as the Anchor and is usually my first stop looking anything up. Then I go to NIDB or anchor, unless is is a more lexical curiosity, which ISBE works best on.
-dan
PS: Of the ones you mentioned AYBD is the most in-depth of them… NIDB is great too though.
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As George mentioned the AYBD is a no-brainer; you'll eventually get it. It's just how long you want to procrastinate.
But the other one (Deities/Demons) he mentions is a very interesting dictionary. I DID procratinate for several years; I thought it was the usual middle eastern religions or such (yawn).
But it's tied directly to the Bible, very in-depth discussion of the languages, and impact on the OT and 2nd Temple period. If you can 'slide it in', you'll enjoy it. Indeed just today the other thread on angels would have benefited from this dictionary. Doesn't present a theology; only background.
"If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes." B. Lincolm 1999.
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Wow thanks for all the great advice! I think I may end up getting the ISBE initially and wait till AYBD and IVP go on sale.
Does anyone recommend getting the NIDB since it is at such a great price right now?
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For me, AYBD is top on my list, but you will need to have more than one dictionary because no dictionary has everything in it.
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Ted Weis said:
The IVP set has most up-to-date scholarship, is very readable, with an eye toward textual relevance. It includes the New Bible Dictionary, which has 2,000 entries. Plus, collection is a super bargain for all that you get!
The second set I would suggest is ISBE. Though it is older (1979 revised, I believe), it covers all the bases and goes into sufficient depth. It's orientation is orthodox, conservative.
While the ABD viewpoint is critical and liberal, it provides many unique insights. This set goes on sale regularly and for that reason, I would wait to purchase it.
Another dictionary is Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible. 5,000 entries. Revised with pictures. Pricey. Similar to ISBE in my opinion.
You likely have this book in your Scholars package, but I've found the Tyndale Bible Dictionary to be an excellent source of succinct information--basic, yet not simplistic.
They must have removed the Tyndale Bible Dictionary from the Scholar Package, I'm not seeing it anymore. Thanks for the help though!
Any other opinions on the NIDB?
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Andrew said:
Any other opinions on the NIDB?
I feel it is less in depth than Anchor, but at the same point it wonderful. http://ancienthebrewpoetry.typepad.com/ancient_hebrew_poetry/2009/08/a-review-of-the-new-interpreters-dictionary-of-the-bible.html
Gives a good review not pulling punches but basically declaring it to be the best one available at the moment.
-Dan
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Thanks for the link Dan. Knowing myself I'll probably end up getting all of them at some point, but I don't want to pass up on an opportunity when the price is low for the NIDB. I was thinking I could just get the NIDB and pass on the AYBD, but it seems the AYBD would still be an excellent addition.
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I think the original list is pretty good. I would start with AYBD and ISBE both are excellent and they help balance. Then add the IVP OT and NT sets. NIDB is also excellent, but since it is still gathering interest you could add some of the others before its released.
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