Includes names, places, and subjects of the Bible, plus maps, charts, tables, and photographs.

The Bible –– sacred scripture, literary classic, historical document. No matter how it is viewed, it remains the basis of much of Western culture. This fully revised edition of the HarperCollins Bible Commentary is the most up–to–date reference book of its kind for understanding and interpreting the meaning of the Bible. The accessible and highly readable format sets a new standard for excellence. The Commentary covers all of the Hebrew Bible, as well as the books of the Apocrypha and those of the New Testament, and thus addresses the biblical canons of Judaism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. its innovative format covers the books of the Bible in three ways: General essays setting the literary, cultural, and historical context for the entire Bible Articles introducing major sections of the Bible Commentaries on the individual books themselves by the finest contemporary biblical scholars The HarperCollins Bible Commentary is unprecedented in its clarity, organization, and insight into the Bible. Helpful cross–references to its companion, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, mean that readers will have all they need to explore the riches of the Scriptures for years to come. Every section of the Commentary offers concise and authoritative guidance that will enable the reader to return to the text equipped to understand and appreciate the Bible more fully. Each of the eighty–three contributors to this splendid volume is a leading expert in his or her field and a member of the Society of Biblical Literature. They have produced a volume that belongs in homes, schools, houses of worship, and libraries –– wherever there is a Bible. General editor James L. Mays is the Cyrus McCormick Professor of Hebrew and the Old Testament Emeritus at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He has served as president of the Society of Biblical Literature and is a widely respected author and editor.

The product of dozens of this country's finest biblical scholars, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary is the most complete, up-to-date, and accessible guide for the study of the Bible available today. This newly condensed edition makes that acclaimed resource available in an easy-to-use size. Perfect for church Bible study groups, home schools, high schools, colleges, or personal study, this edition contains all the important names, places, and subjects that make Bible study come to life, including the patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets, and the world of the New Testament and the early church. Other significant topics include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Library, the archaeology of the biblical world, and the history of the English Bible. The condensed HarperCollins Bible Dictionary includes: Over 3,000 lively, informative, and easy-to-use entries A helpful pronunciation guide More than 50 detailed maps Informative charts, graphs, and timelines Hundreds of photos and illustrations

Setting a new standard with its innovative and highly readable format, Harper's Bible Commentary features individual commentaries on each of the 84 books of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha. 16 pages of color photos, 16 pages of color maps, and more.