Provides a description of the element or image, shows examples of how it is used in the biblical text, and presents photographs and maps that further illustrate the ideas.

A Christianity Today 1999 Book of the Year Every reader of the Bible has encountered the powerful, comforting and sometimes puzzling imagery of Scripture. These concrete pictures with their hidden force have struck sharp and lasting impressions on our minds. Their imprint has etched itself on the language and grammar of Christian faith and Western culture. Why then do traditional Bible dictionaries and reference works offer so little help to explorers of the Bible's galaxy of verbal pictures? They excel in describing the climate, borders and location of Galilee or Sinai. But they are often blind to the artistic expressions and deaf to the musical meanings that echo from within the world of the biblical text. The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is the first contemporary reference work dedicated to exploring the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors and literary patterns found in the Bible. More than that, it examines the Bible's universal archetypes or master images--including the plot motifs and character types that recur throughout life, literature and the Bible. This unique dictionary explores the dazzling variety in which the Word of God comes dressed in clothes of everyday life. It traces the trail of images from Eden to the New Jerusalem. It captures the plotted patterns of biblical narrative. It surveys the imaged texture of each book of the Bible. In short, The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an inviting, enlightening and indispensable companion to the reading, study, contemplation and enjoyment of the Bible.

Who were the Pharisees? What did Samson and John the Baptist have in common? Does an altar really have "horns?" Turn to the Zondervan Bible Dictionary and find out. It has the answers to these and hundreds of other questions you're likely to wonder about as you read the Bible. Condensed from the New International Bible Dictionary, this unique volume actually offers three books in one: • A Dictionary—for easy-to-find, practical information on thousands of topics • A Topical Index—for detailed study of nearly 150 larger topics, listing all articles in the dictionary that relate to a given topic • A Survey—providing an introductory overview of the Bible, biblical history, and biblical culture. Concise, readable, and informative, the Zondervan Bible Dictionary is ideal for use at home, in study groups, and in schools. It will help you clear up the who, what, where, why, and how of the Bible so you can better appreciate the depth of its wisdom and its relevance for you today.

This dictionary is designed to assist pastors and laypeople who use commentaries and other popular works on theology in understanding the technical and semi-technical theological terms that tend to creep into these books. The 1,800 definitions are far more helpful and easy to locate than what might be found in a general Webster's type dictionary.

The Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes contains over 2,000 thematic articles with an explanation of the theme, key Bible references, and cross-references to related themes. --From publisher's description.

This Bible dictionary is a readable fact and picture-filled guide to the arts, cultures, geography, geology, theologies, philosophies and life styles of Biblical times. It also vividly illuminates and enriches individual understanding of the greatest stories ever told.