This is the most authoritative, accessible, and up-to-date dictionary of the Bible available in paperback. As well as providing helpful information about important places and personalities, it is particularly concerned to expound the themes and doctrines of the Bible and to indicate their status in the light of modern scholarship. With entries ranging from earthquakes,and mice to feminism,and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the dictionary is a lively and absorbing reference work for all readers of the Bible. Over 2,000 entries from Adam to Zechariah Clear explanations of technical terms, methods of interpretation, and critical analysis, as well as notes on leading biblical scholars and their contributions Broad coverage includes the books of the Bible, people and places, customs, religions and worship, history, and theology Takes into account the work of Christian scholars of all denominations and Jewish scholars 'characteristic qualities of lucidity, conciseness and objectivity ...There are some masterly compressions. To write a history of God in 900 words, and to make it both interesting and significant, requires considerable skill.' John Habgood, THES 'Should send you scurrying to the Good Book if you don't have it to hand already. Theology, history, textual criticism, names and place-names in both Testaments, it's all there.' Nicholas Bagnall, Sunday Telegraph 'ideal for the vicar, the curate, the Readers and all other interested people.' Canon John Fenton, Door