Lectionary Calendar

Thursday, October 31st, 2024
the Week of Proper 25 / Ordinary 30

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Bible Dictionaries

Choose from the 26 Bible dictionaries freely available online at StudyLight.org for sermon, Bible study, and Sunday school preparation.

A dictionary (also called a wordbook, lexicon or vocabulary) is a collection of words in one or more specific languages, often listed alphabetically, with usage information, definitions, etymologies, phonetics, pronunciations, and other information; or a book of words in one language with their equivalents in another, also known as a lexicon. According to Nielsen (2008) a dictionary may be regarded as a lexicographical product that is characterised by three significant features: (1) it has been prepared for one or more functions; (2) it contains data that have been selected for the purpose of fulfilling those functions; and (3) its lexicographic structures link and establish relationships between the data so that they can meet the needs of users and fulfill the functions of the dictionary.

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1910 New Catholic Dictionary

This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary ( W.W. Rand )

Although written in 1859 by William Rand, this dictionary of the Bible from the American Tract Society is still relevant today.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology ( Editor - Walter A. Elwell )

Collected from many noted, contemporary theologians, this resources is a necessary addition to any library. If you are unsure of what "sensus plenior" is, or unsure of what Aquinas said about angels, or who the pelagians were- this is the book to find the answers. It also discusses well known issues such as predestination, salvation, attributes of God, etc.

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary ( Don Fleming )

The "bridge" element in the title reflects the aim of all Bridgeway books, which is to bridge two gaps at once - the gap between the word of the Bible and the world of today, and the gap between the technical reference works and the ordinary reader.

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary ( Charles Buck )

Despite a stated reliance on the plain meaning of the Bible and the dictates of common sense, Buck's Theological Dictionary, first published in London in 1802, seeks to provide a textual basis for the evangelical community. By combining brief essays on orthodox belief and practice with historical entries on various denominations, Buck provided an interpretive lens that allowed antebellum Protestants to see Christianity's almost two millennia as their own history.

Easton's Bible Dictionary ( Matthew George Easton )

Easton's Bible Dictionary was written by Matthew George Easton, who lived from 1823-1894. This Scottish Presbyterian's other significant literary achievements were his English translations of two of Franz Delitzsch's commentaries. The nearly 4,000 entries cover material from Aaron to Zuzims!

Fausset's Bible Dictionary ( Andrew R. Fausset )

From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.

Holman Bible Dictionary ( Editor - Trent C. Butler )

The product of over 6 years of work by hundreds of people, the Holman Bible Dictionary manages to be readable and easy to use, yet take advantage of the finest modern Bible scholarship without heavy technical language. The over 6,600 entries includes extensive cross-referencing of related articles, and quotes from 6 different Bible translations.

Hitchcock's Bible Names ( Roswell Dwight Hitchcock )

This dictionary is from "Hitchcock New and Complete Analysis of the Holy Bible," written by Roswell D. Hitchcock in 1869. It contains more than 2,500 Bible and Bible-related proper names and their meanings.

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary ( Robert Hawker )

Written as an appendix to his "poor man's commentary", this classic stands the test of time, helping to explain in layman's terms over 1,500 topics, names and places from the Bible.

Heresies of the Church Thru the Ages

Presented is a list of 50 heresies condemned by the Church. While not exhaustive, these heresies represent false teaching through the ages.

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible ( James Hastings )

Complete and trustworthy, Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible is a thorough reference (5,915 entries) for all readers of the Bible. For nearly a century, lay people and scholars alike have valued the authoritative contents and the convenient format of this one-volume work.

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament ( James Hastings )

Originally written as two different dictionaries, this complete dictionary/encyclopedia of the New Testament, written by James Hastings, is a thorough look at Christ and the Apostolic Church.

King James Dictionary

The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.

Morrish Bible Dictionary ( George Morrish )

Originally published with the title A New and Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish (London), the Morrish Bible Dictionary is more than a dictionary of Bible words.

People's Dictionary of the Bible ( Edwin Wilbur Rice )

With more than 1,500 subjects and proper names defined and analyzed, this dictionary, authored by Dr. Edwin Rice, will provide unique insites into the Bible as it has since its introduction in 1893

Smith's Bible Dictionary ( William Smith )

More than 4,500 subjects and proper names are defined and analyzed with corresponding Scripture references. Bible students have used "Smith's Bible Dictionary" since its introduction in the 1880s, making it a trustworthy classic.

Spurgeon's Illustration Collection ( Charles Haddon Spurgeon )

A compilation of illustrations from the observations of Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest preachers ever to fill the pulpit. These illustration were collected by Spurgeon over the course of his ministry and servers today to give greater insight into his thinking.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words ( William Edwy Vine )

With over 400 entries, this timeless classic is THE reference guide to Old Testament Hebrew words for English readers. It explains the meaning of the original Hebrew with the added dimension of the context of the word.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words ( William Edwy Vine )

With over 3,400 entries, this timeless classic is THE reference guide to New Testament Greek words for English readers. It explains the meaning of the original Greek with the added dimension of the context of the Greek word.

Wace's Dictionary of Early Christian Biography ( Henry Wace )

Designed to render to a wider circle, alike of clergy and of laity, the service which, as is generally admitted, has been rendered to the learned world by The Dictionary of Christian Biography, Literature, Sects, and Doctrines, published under the editorship of Dr. Wace and the late Dr. Wm. Smith, about twenty years ago, in four large volumes.

Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary ( Richard Watson )

Richard Watson was one of the greatest theologians the Methodist Church has ever known. His dictionary has proven to be a highly valuable resource even today.

Webster's Dictionary ( Noah Webster )

A timeless resource no serious scholar should be without. With more than 75,000 entries, if it is a word used in the Bible, you are sure to find it defined here.

Whyte's Dictionary of Bible Characters ( Alexander Whyte )

Alexander Whyte's Dictionary of Bible Characters delves into the lives and history of both prominent and little-known characters of the Old and New Testaments. Drawing directly from both the Bible and referencing works of other notable scholars, Whyte's skillful paints an informative and illuminating picture of these men and women.

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types ( Walter Lewis Wilson )

Bible typology is the systematic classification of Bible terms, concepts, and people that have common characteristics or traits. A Dictionary of Bible Types examines over 1,000 types, shadows, signs, symbols, pictures, figures, and patterns in the Bible with topics ranging from "Aaron" to "Yoke." This useful resource for teachers, study groups, and pastors provides explanations for over 6,000 different Scripture passages.

Bible Dictionary of Animals, Plants and other Objects

The Bible reflects the agrarian society of its authors, mentioning over 120 animal species and 130 plants from ancient Palestine. Animals like the camel and ostrich highlight the region's biodiversity, while plants like olives, figs, and grapes reflect agricultural priorities. The Bible's focus on the natural world shows an empirical understanding of the environment rather than scientific classification.