Texts
- The new Oxford annotated Bible.
- New Revised Standard Version. Good introductions.
- JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh : the traditional Hebrew text and the new JPS translation.
- Hebrew text side-by-side with the English translation.
- Bible in English.
- Online resource. 20 different versions of the English Bible from the tenth to the twentieth centuries.
- Torah Shelemah = The Complete Torah.
- In Hebrew. 42 vols.
- Tanach : the Torah, Prophets, Writings : the twenty-four books of the Bible, newly translated and annotated.
- Text in Hebrew; translation and commentary in English.
1. Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
- The Anchor Bible dictionary (1992) - David Noel Freedman
Call Number: 220.3 AN21
ISBN/ISSN: 0385193602
6 volumes. "A major undertaking and it has been admirably executed. A wide range of scholars has contributed impressive and important articles [...] In general all contributors seem to have produced judicious and well-balanced essays. Even writers known to be partisan have written fair assessments of the state of a question [...] a fresh, innovative and authoritative compilation that will serve as a reference book for years ahead" (from the Novum Testamentum review by J. K. Elliott). See also the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Walter Harrelson, the Choice review by K. Moll, and the Christian Century review by Robert L. Brawley and Edward E Campbell. - The HarperCollins Bible dictionary (1996) - Paul J. Achtemeier
Call Number: 220.3 H231
ISBN/ISSN: 0060600373
"The articles contained in the dictionary are useful, relevant, and up-to-date [...] The language is generally nontechnical, and the content accessible to nonspecialists [...] the best comprehensive one-volume Bible dictionary on the market, and is sometimes superior to much larger (and more expensive) dictionaries on minor topics" (from the Review of Biblical Literature review by D. Rudman). - The Oxford companion to the Bible (1993) - Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan
Call Number: 220.3 OX2
ISBN/ISSN: 0195046455
"By and large, the inquisitive laypersons to whom this book is directed should find it both informative and entertaining. Most readers will consult it for information about biblical books, characters, places, institutions, and themes, and the Companion supplies such information in abundance. Scholars will naturally find errors of omission, commission, and interpretation in their areas of specialization, but will have to acknowledge that most of the articles are judicious and reliable" (from the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by Alan Cooper). See also the South Atlantic Review review by James M. Kee, the Vetus Testamentum review by Katharine J. Dell, and the Novum Testamentum review by J. K. Elliott. - The Oxford guide to people & places of the Bible (2004) - Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan
Call Number: 220.903 Ox22 2004
ISBN/ISSN: 0195176103
"Intended for general readers, this work derives from the more comprehensive Oxford Companion to the Bible (see above)" (from the Choice review by G. Holloway). - The Oxford guide to ideas & issues of the Bible (2001) - Bruce M. Metzger, and Michael D. Coogan
Call Number: 220.3 Ox26
ISBN/ISSN: 0195149173
"Articles are concerned with the biblical evidence and perhaps even more so with the Bible's contribution to the modem world and present discussions [...] emphasis is less on what the Bible has to say of its own accord, and more on what has been done with it and can be done with it today. An emphasis is placed on how scholars, churches and others have interpreted biblical traditions. In addition, it contains articles on all kinds of issues surrounding the Bible, its transmission, present function and significance for the present day" (from the Religion & Theology review by Christoph W. Stenschke). - Harper's Bible dictionary (1985) - Paul J. Achtemeier
Call Number: 220.3 H234
ISBN/ISSN: 0060698632
"179 members of the Society of Biblical Literature have collaborated to produce what may be the best single-volume bible dictionary currently available. Estimations of the worth
and utility of Bible dictionaries are apt to vary considerably, depending on the orientation of the reader or reviewer, and there are dictionaries with conservative constituencies and those that appeal to liberals. However, it is unlikely that another 1-volume Bible dictionary will soon come along that rivals Harper's Bible Dictionary in the undeniable authority of its scholarship and in its broad appeal to religious liberals and conservatives alike" (from the Journal of the American Academy of Religion review by Stephen E. Robinson). See also the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by David Marcus, the Journal of Biblical Literature review by M. de Jonge, and the Journal of religion review by John S. Hanson. - Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible (2000) - David Noel Freedman
Call Number: 220.3 Ee72
ISBN/ISSN: 0802824005
"Nearly 5,000 articles in this significant new reference book [...] The book is well laid out and contains illustrations, maps and archaeological charts. Many of the entries have bibliographies to suggest further reading. The standard of scholarship is high and ensures that the information is up-to-date. The contributors draw on the latest scholarship and discoveries in archaeology, as well as insights from literary, historical and sociological approaches" (from the Vetus Testamentum review by P. J. Harland). See also the Journal of Semitic Studies review by George J. Brooke, the Evangelical Quarterly review by Paul Ellingworth, the Heythrop Journal review by Richard Briggs, the Review of Biblical Literature review by N. Clayton Croy, the other Review of Biblical Literature review by A.H. Konkel, the Novum Testamentum review by J.K. Elliott, the Concordia Journal review by Reed Lessing, the Scottish Journal of Theology review by Simon J. Gathercole, the Bibliotheca Sacra review by Matthew S. DeMoss, and the Review & Expositor review by David M. May. - Mercer dictionary of the Bible (1990) - Watson E. Mills
Call Number: 220.3 M534
ISBN/ISSN: 0865543739
"A major 1-volume dictionary of the Bible, written by members of the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion [...] 64 pages of color maps and illustrations, along with a plethora of black and white photographs, drawings, charts, and tables. It is aimed primarily at college, university, and seminary students engaged in biblical studies" (from the Interpretation review by Jeffrey S. Siker). - Dictionary of Judaism in the biblical period : 450 B.C.E. to 600 C.E. (1996) - Jacob Neusner
Call Number: Q. 296.0901 D561
ISBN/ISSN: 0028972880
2 volumes. "it will prove an invaluable tool for scholars and students, especially in regard with the early Rabbinic Judaism. From that point of view and for many other aspects of Biblical Judaism in general, the Dictionary will be an indispensable complement to the existing biblical dictionaries" (from the Biblical Archaeologist review by Paul-Hubert Poirier). See also the Expository Times review by Paul Foster, the Journal of Theological Studies review by C.T.R. Hayward, the Reviews in Religion & Theology review by Gerard Norton, and the Choice review by D. Kranzler. - Dictionary of deities and demons in the Bible (1999) - Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, and Pieter W. van der Horst
Call Number: 220.3 D5612 1999
ISBN/ISSN: 0802824919
"This superb volume is as valuable to scholars of the entire ancient Near East as it is to those more narrowly focused on the Bible" (from the Journal of Near Eastern Studies review by Robert D. Biggs). See also the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research review by Gary A. Rendsburg, the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by Jack M. Sasson, the Jewish Quarterly Review review by Victor Avigdor Hurowitz, and the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Bart D. Ehrman. - The Zondervan pictorial encyclopedia of the Bible (1975) - Merrill C. Tenney
Call Number: 220.3 Z76
5 volumes. "Runs to just under 5,000 pages of text, interspersed with many illustrations in black and white and accompanied by colored plates in each volume and also a set of Rand McNally maps in the final volume. Among the illustrations special mention must be accorded to the quite superb set of 71 photos in color of Biblical coins" (from the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society review by I. Howard Marshall). - The Interpreter's dictionary of the Bible : an illustrated encyclopedia identifying and explaining all proper names and significant terms and subjects in the Holy Scriptures, including the Aprocrypha... (1962) - George Arthur Buttrick
Call Number: 220.3 IN82
4 volumes. "This dictionary has only to a limited extent made a break with the planning conceptions of the dictionaries of fifty years ago. The writing of the individual articles, however, shows many signs of wholesome development beyond earlier scholarly fashions: greater flexibility, the use of literary criticism without being imprisoned in it, an adequate sense of self-criticism in many directions [...] this is a work everyone is going to be using, and using with gratitude, for the next generation" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review by James Barr). See also the Journal of Bible and Religion review by Shemaryahu Talmon. - Illustrated dictionary and concordance of the Bible (1986) - Geoffrey Wigoder
Call Number: Q. 220.3 IL6
ISBN/ISSN: 0029163803
"Author has kept the text to a single column, has used quite large type, and has selected a type of paper that enhances color photographs, maps, and illustrations [...] no other Bible dictionary has more maps and photographs of the countries and the topography of the Bible [...] treatment of the archaeological material is superb. Not everyone will agree with some of the views and conclusions, but everyone will benefit from the profuse illustrations, from the careful presentations of the evidence and from the emerging picture of how richly archaeological finds do illustrate, and help to make comprehensible, the Biblical record" (from the Biblical Archaeology Review review by Walter Harrelson). - Biblical errancy : a reference guide (2000) - C. Dennis McKinsey
Call Number: 220.1 M216b
ISBN/ISSN: 1573928089
See also the Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy. "Arranged alphabetically by broad topics (e.g., abortion, baptism, cannibalism, history, ignored teachings, Peter, profanity). Bible verses that support or fail to support these topics are listed in scriptural order, Old Testament to New, making the book a broad topical concordance. Most citations are listed with no explanation and very little interpretation [...] Although flawed, this guide can be used as a concordance to the themes the author selects" (from the Choice review by D. D. Siles). - Theological dictionary of the Old Testament (1974- ) - G. Johannes Botterweck and Helmer Ringgren
Call Number: 221.3 B65tEw
"Unabridged translation of the Theologisches Worterbuch zum Alten Testament [...] continues to be a most valuable resource for the study of Hebrew Scripture. On the first page of the Editors' Preface in vol. 1 of the series, it is stated that the purpose of TDOT is to analyze the Hebrew Bible's 'religious statements with the aid of all accessible resources and to present them in their peculiarity, in order to shed as much light as possible on the connections of the content of Old Testament thought in a given text, tradition, or institution.' This is an ambitious undertaking, to be sure, and the editors and contributors are to be congratulated for the significant achievement in that regard which this series represents" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Robert J. V. Hiebert ). See also the Journal of the American Academy of Religion review by Gene M. Tucker. - The Oxford handbook of biblical studies (2006) - J.W. Rogerson and Judith M. Lieu
Call Number: 220.6 Ox22
ISBN/ISSN: 0199254257
"The range is impressive and embraces a number of ancillary disciplines, such as Egyptology, rhetorical criticism, and 'Jewish Interpretation of the Bible' [...] all readers, however expert in their own areas, will find at least some parts of it helpful" (from the Journal of Theological Studies review by A.E. Harvey). See also the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament revew by H. Kraus, the Journal for the Study of the New Testament review by Angus Paddison, and the Modern Believing review by Hywel Clifford.
2. Atlases
For a good overview of the available resources, see the review article "Bible Atlases: Which Ones are the Best?" in the Biblical Archaeologist.
- Oxford Bible atlas (2007) - Adrian Curtis
Call Number: 220.91 M45o 2007
ISBN/ISSN: 0191001589
"Orients to land, history, and critical reading, and serves as a ready reference. Scholarly, accessible content, quality maps and photos, uncluttered format, and flat, sturdy binding create a resource that can be trusted" (from the Choice review by F. R. Ames). - The sacred bridge : Carta’s atlas of the Biblical world (2006) - Anson F. Rainey and R. Steven Notley
Call Number: Q. 220.9 R135s
ISBN/ISSN: 965220529X
"Presented as the successor to The Macmillan Bible Atlas [...] The breadth of learning and the range of scholarly literature cited in the References is indeed impressive. The many excursus sections in particular provide most helpful summaries of well-known problems of biblical history and geography. The colour-coded citation of texts in the original language, with transliteration and translation where required, the full provision of source references, and the presentation of toponyms in both Arabic and Hebrew forms for the sake of clarity, demonstrate the effort put into the project by authors, editors and publishers alike" (from the Bulletin of the Anglo-Israel Archaeological Society review by John R. Bartlett). - Tübinger Bibelatlas : auf der Grundlage des Tübinger Atlas des Vorderen Orients (TAVO) = Tübingen Bible atlas : based on the Tübingen atlas of the Near and Middle East (2001) - Siegfried Mittmann and Götz Schmitt
Call Number: F. 220.91 T79
ISBN/ISSN: 3438060221
"A selection of the 27 maps most relevant for Biblical studies from the magesterial Tübinger Atlas des Vorderen Orients [...] The maps are of the best quality in design, preciseness, print and paper quality the present reviewer has ever come across in a Bible atlas [...] a brilliant tool for intensive detailed study, not for quick reference!" (from the Religion & Theology review by Christoph W. Stenschke). See also the Zeitschrift für Antikes Christentum review by Achim Lichtenberger, and the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society review by Carl G. Rasmussen. - The Macmillan Bible atlas (1993) - Yohanan Aharoni and Michael Avi-Yonah
Call Number: Q. 220.91 AH1M 1993
ISBN/ISSN: 0025006053
"Since its original publication in 1968, this work has been rightly recognized as a standard reference tool in the realm of biblical geography. An insightful and eminently readable text surrounds some 264 two-color maps of Canaan and adjacent lands from early antiquity through the second century of the Common Era. They are punctuated with more than 135 graphics, a chronological timeline, and various indexes" (from the Biblical Archaeologist review by Barry J. Beitzel). - The essential atlas of the Bible (1999) - David Girling
Call Number: Q. 220.95 Es74
ISBN/ISSN: 0281052751
"Lavishly produced, large format visualisation of the principal events of the Bible, with double-page spreads that interpret topics from the Creation through Old Testament history [...] Many of the maps are three-dimensional 'relief' pictures. There are also many reconstructions of significant buildings (especially the various temples in Jerusalem) and a profusion of other illustrations" (from the Times Educational Supplement review by David Self). - Holman Bible atlas (1997) - Thomas C. Brisco
Call Number: Q. 220.91 B774h
ISBN/ISSN: 1558197095
See the Master's Seminary Journal review by Keith Essex. - Holman quicksource Bible atlas : with charts and biblical reconstructions (2005) - Paul H. Wright
Call Number: 220.91 H731
ISBN/ISSN: 0805494456 - The Harper atlas of the Bible (1987) - James B. Pritchard
Call Number: Q. 912.122 H231
ISBN/ISSN: 0061818836
"This is the American edition of an atlas published in Britain as the Times Atlas of the Bible [...] a good Bible atlas which could be better. Its text is well written. Its cartography is generally well conceived and visually stimulating" (from the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by Joseph Coleson). See also the Geographical Journal review by Catherine Delano-Smith.
3. Factbooks
For a good overview of the available resources, see the review article "The Use and Abuse of Archaeology in Current Bible Handbooks" in The Biblical Archaeologist.
- Almanac of the Bible (1991) - Geoffrey Wigoder
Call Number: 220.0202 W661A
ISBN/ISSN: 0130268992
"A valuable reference work [...] Data is sorted out between 6 large categories: the ancient Near East (peoples, religion, and languages); the world of the Bible (geography, chronology, weights and measures, animals and plants); the Old Testament; the intertestamental period; the New Testament and early Church; and the Bible in civilization [...] names of the editors assure impartial, accurate scholarship" (from the Bible Today review). - The Bible almanac (1980) - James I. Packer, Merrill C. Tenney, and William White, Jr
Call Number: 220.3 B472
ISBN/ISSN: 0840751621
"The lack of historical-critical treatment (by whatever name) seriously flaws the discussion of virtually every subject and leads to a complete confusion between the nature of the historical record and ideological stance. In this reviewer's opinion the entire work is obscurantist and tendentious. Could one say, 'At least it won't do any harm?' No, it will. Not recommended" (from the Catholic Biblical Quarterly review by J.A. Rimbach).
4. Biographies
- Who’s who in the ancient Near East (1999) - Gwendolyn Leick
Call Number: 939.40099 L532w
ISBN/ISSN: 0415132312
"Brief material on the lives and contributions of a great many people of the ancient Near East, not only rulers but scribes, exorcists, and businessmen [...] There tends to be emphasis on
ancient Mesopotamia [...] has the advantage of making accessible in English a good deal of information culled from sources in a number of languages" (from the Journal of Near Eastern Studies review by Robert D. Briggs). See also the Vetus Testamentum review by Robert P. Gordon. - Who’s who in the Bible (1988) - Peter Calvocoressi
Call Number: 220.922 C139W 1988
ISBN/ISSN: 0140512128
"Profiles, ranging in length from a sentence to several pages, of some 450 biblical characters. It is unusual in discussing the literature, visual arts, and music associated with many of these characters" (from the Library Journal review by Richard S. Watts). - Who's who in the Jewish Bible (2007) - David Mandel
ISBN/ISSN: 0827608632
"An exhaustive biographical dictionary of 3,000 personalities from the Hebrew Bible [...] based exclusively on information contained in the Bible itself [...] the work does not take a theological approach and is 'based on a literal reading of the text'" (from the Choice review by L. E. Jorbin). - Who's who in the Bible (1980) - Joan Comay
Call Number: 220.922 W62 1980
ISBN/ISSN: 051732170X
"Summary biographies for some 3,000 Old Testament figures. A separate section treats personages of the deuterocanonical (apocryphal) books. A brief introduction to the Old Testament along with chronological charts is also provided" (from Old Testament Abstracts by Christopher T. Begg). - Men and women of the Bible : a readers guide (2002) - Nancy M. Tischler
Call Number: 220.92 T523m
ISBN/ISSN: 0313317143
"Descriptive catalogue of 100 biblical characters arranged alphabetically [...] each entry contains brief discussion of the name and its possible etymology, a synopsis of the biblical material (read as literature) in which the individual occurs, a brief description of the historical context and some of the archaeological evidence which might illuminate some features of the Biblical narrative" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by G.J. Brooke). See also the Booklist review. - Historical dictionary of prophets in Islam and Judaism (2002) - Scott B. Noegel and Brannon M. Wheeler
Call Number: 296.0922 N68h
ISBN/ISSN: 0810843056
"The central portion of the work, the dictionary, is sandwiched between a comprehensive introductory chapter on the history of prophecy in the Near East and nineteen extensive bibliographies on a variety of topics [...] The major section of the book consists of an alphabetically arranged list of prophets, major as well as minor, each with a brief description/identification made up of relevant information taken from biblical, Qurªanic, and later Jewish and Islamic traditions" (from the Journal of Near Eastern Studies review by Shari L. Lowin). See also the Journal of Semitic Studies review by Josef Meri, the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by Victor H. Matthews, and the Review of Biblical Literature review by Aaron Hughes. - Prophecy and the prophets of the Old Testament (1987) - John F.A. Sawyer
Call Number: 224.06 SA97P
ISBN/ISSN: 0192132504
"Written for a general readership. The author first goes into general aspects of prophecy: the phenomenon of prophecy, types of prophetic literature, and the message of the prophets. Then, he systematically surveys the prophets from Moses to Malachi in the biblical (Christian) sequence [...] Although of necessity selective and compact, the book masterly expounds the most important issues concerning prophecy (from the Journal for the Study of Judaism in the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman Period review by Eibert Tigchelaar). See also the Expository Times review by Cyril Rodd). - All the men of the Bible : a portrait gallery and reference library of more than 3000 Biblical characters (1958) - Herbert Lockyer
Call Number: 220.92 L81A
See also All of the women of the Bible (1955) by Edith Deen. - Women in scripture : a dictionary of named and unnamed women in the Hebrew Bible, the Apocryphal / Deuterocanonical books, and the New Testament (2000) - Carol Meyers
Call Number: 220.92082 W842
ISBN/ISSN: 0395709369
"This massive volume provides us with a thorough and comprehensive list of named and unnamed women in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Deuterocanonical and Apocryphal literature. The entries on each woman have been written by leading scholars in these respective fields, and though brief, they provide solid information as well as additional sources for further reading" (from the Hebrew Studies Journal review by Esther Fuchs). See also the Nashim review by George Savran, the Catholic Biblical Quarterly review by Hagith Sivan, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by Janet Tollington, the Concordia Journal review by Timothy Maschke, and the Vetus Testamentum review by Katharine J. Dell.
5. Introductory Works
- Essential Torah : a complete guide to the five books of Moses (2006) - George Robinson
Call Number: 222.1061 R562e
ISBN/ISSN: 0805241868
"Packs an amazing amount of information into 1 volume [...] While there is no index, the book does contain a timeline, glossaries, and bibliographic references. It is versatile enough to be used as a ready-reference book or to be read straight through [...] author does a good job discussing historically divisive topics in an inclusive and objective way" (from the Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter review by Suzanne Smailes). See also the Library Journal review by David B. Levy, and the Publishers Weekly review. - Introducing the Old Testament (2001) - R.J. Coggins
Call Number: 221.61 C656i2001
ISBN/ISSN: 0198700636
"Rather than treating individual books in the manner of a conventional introduction, it describes and evaluates the different methods by which scholars seek to understand the O.T. (textual and historical criticism, archaeology, sociology, anthropology, liberation theology, women's studies, and the new literary criticism), while the two concluding chapters deal more synthetically with religion and theology. No prior knowledge is assumed" (from the Vetus Testamentum review by H. G. M. Williamson). - The Bible : a very short introduction (2000) - John Riches
Call Number: 220.61 R399b
ISBN/ISSN: 0192853430
"Not an introduction to the individual books of the Bible, and, although it does discuss how the Bible was written and the making of the Bible, it majors on what people have done with the Bible, whether as believers or critics, and how the Bible has affected and been used in the post-colonial world, culture, and politics" (from the Evangelical Quarterly review). - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (2004) - John J. Collins
Call Number: 221.6 C712
ISBN/ISSN: 0800629914
"Both teachers and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels will benefit from the author's well-organized research [...] will be an excellent resource, either as a sole classroom text, or as supplementary material" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by Elizabeth Hayes). See also the Catholic Biblical Quarterly review by Philip R. Davies. - An introduction to the Bible (2005) - J.W. Rogerson
Call Number: 220.61 R633i 2005
ISBN/ISSN: 184553039X
"Talks about what is meant by the Bible, the many versions of the Bible, how they came to be composed, the events that led to its canonization, how the Bible is studied, and so on. One might think this book is for beginners since it is concerned with basic information. Be that as it may, beginners should at least be familiar with the contents of the Bible before delving into the issues discussed in Rogerson's book. It is more suited for advanced students of the Bible" (from the Teaching Theology & Religion review by Gemma T. Cruz). See also the Journal for the Study of the New Testament review by Anne O'Leary, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by J. Middlemas, and the Expository Times review by James Harding. - The Bible : landmarks of world literature (1991) - Stephen Prickett and Robert Barnes
Call Number: 220.61 P931B
ISBN/ISSN: 052136759X
See the Vetus Testamentum review by R.P. Gordon. - The Cambridge companion to the Bible (2008) - Bruce Chilton
Call Number: 220.9 C144 2008
ISBN/ISSN: 0521869978
"A 1-volume encyclopedia on Jewish and Christian biblical literature. Supplies readers with knowledge of the cultural contexts and main themes of the biblical writings, including the history, languages, and guiding beliefs of the writers and their audiences [...] makes excellent use of maps, illustrations, color plates, and offset boxes for definitions and special descriptions" (from the Choice review of the 1st ed. by P. K. Moser). See also the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by C.H. Knights, and the Contemporary Review review of the 2d ed. - The Old Testament : a historical and literary introduction to the Hebrew scriptures (2006) - Michael D. Coogan
Call Number: 221.61 C77o
ISBN/ISSN: 0195139119
"A very attractive and readable introduction to the OT [...] Its manner of presentation, with lots of illustrations (both black-and-white as well
as coloured), subheadings, boxes, questions for review, fairly brief bibliographies,and so on, makes it ideal for use as a student textbook" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by J. Day). See also the Heythrop Journal review by Robert C. Hill, and the Vetus testamentum review by Carmel McCarthy. - Understanding the Hebrew Bible : a reader's guide (2006) - Elliott Rabin
Call Number: 221.6 R113u
ISBN/ISSN: 0881258717
"Intended primarily for the uninitiated in the reading of the Hebrew Bible, and those with limited understanding of its complexities [...] author organizes his presentation around 6 genres of biblical literature: Storytelling, Law, History in the Bible, History of the Bible, Prophecy, Wisdom, and Poetry" (from the Jewish Bible Quarterly review by Dan Vogel). See also the Choice review by H. M. Szpek, and the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by G.J. Brooke. - The Old testament : a brief introduction (2005) - Christoph Levin
Call Number: 221.61 L578a:E
ISBN/ISSN: 0691113947
"This crisp, concise, and lucid introduction to the Old Testament reveals the shape and development of its canon, as well as the editorial history underlying its various parts" (from the Library Journal review by David B. Levy). - The Pentateuch : an introduction to the first five books of the Bible (1992) - Joseph Blenkinsopp
Call Number: 222.1061 B647P 1992
ISBN/ISSN: 038541207X
"Essential reading for all engaged in or informed by critical study of the Hebrew Bible" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review by W. Lee Humphreys). See also the Journal of Religion review by Ronald S. Hendel.
6. Interpretation and Commentary
Browsing Tip: For interpretations and exegeses of the Bible (including the Christian New Testament), begin browsing at 220.6; for general Bible commentaries, begin browsing at 220.7. For interpretations and exegeses of the Tanakh, begin browsing at 221.6; for general Tanakh commentaries, begin at 221.7.
- Handbook of biblical criticism (2001) - Richard N. Soulen and R. Kendall Soulen
Call Number: 220.6 So8h 2001
ISBN/ISSN: 0664223141
"More of a short dictionary than a handbook [...] covers all the major terms in Biblical criticism including much German terminology [...] explanations are balanced, concise, but technically fairly sophisticated" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by E. Harper). See also the Master's Seminary Journal review by Michael A. Grisanti, and the Review and Expositor review by Donald Earl Keeney. - Dictionary of biblical interpretation (1999) - John H. Hayes
Call Number: 220.603 D561
ISBN/ISSN: 0687055318
"Editor has gathered a fine team that cuts across geographic, gender, racial, and confessional boundaries. The topics are likewise inclusive [...] All this gives the work not only a more diversity-conscious and inclusive tone, but this will surely also give it a broader appeal" (from the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research review by J. Edward Wright). See also the Vetus Testamentum review by J. M. Squirrell, the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Larry W. Hurtado, and the Novum Testamentum review by J. K. Elliott. - Dictionary of biblical criticism and interpretation (2007) - Stanley E. Porter
Call Number: 220.3 D5615
ISBN/ISSN: 0415201004
The scope of the project is broad, as it should be, and includes major time periods of biblical criticism and interpretation, a selection of biblical as well as extra-canonical writings, methodologies, and a selection of scholars whose work has been significant. The nature and scope of the project is such that the editor has had to be very selective in his choice of material. However, it is sometimes a little difficult to see the rationale used in the selection process" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by A. Jeffers). - Biblical interpretation (1988) - Robert Morgan and John Barton
Call Number: 220.601 M823B
ISBN/ISSN: 0192132571
"At their best, the authors shed a much-needed light on the interaction of general intellectual history and the particular disciplines of biblical studies and biblical theology. At their worst, however, they seem overanxious lest they leave someone out, so that too many books pass by too fast, especially in the discussions of contemporary figures. At times this tendency toward summary judgments results in unfortunate consequences [...] Despite these reservations, it must be judged an important discussion that deserves notice by both theologians and biblical scholars and has substantial appeal as a textbook at the advanced level" (from the Journal of Religion review by Jon D. Levenson). - How to read the Jewish Bible (2007) - Marc Zvi Brettler
Call Number: 221.61 B8458
ISBN/ISSN: 0195325222 - How to Read the Bible : history, prophecy, literature-- why modern readers need to know the difference, and what it means for faith today (2005) - Steven L. McKenzie
Call Number: 220.6 M459h
ISBN/ISSN: 0195161491
"An effective and indeed thought-provoking book on how to read biblical literature critically" (from the Reviews in Religion and Theology review by Peter Kalve). - In the beginning : critical concepts for the study of the Bible (2000) - Jamew W. Aageson
Call Number: 220.61 Aa31b
ISBN/ISSN: 0813366208
"Both helpful and frustrating. There are some good discussions and illustrations of critical techniques, such as likening redaction criticism to the process of film editing, and the description of how to get 'from a hunch to a hypothesis' using the two-source theory of Gospel origins as an example. Other parts, such as the discussion on canon, are less satisfying because they are rather too superficial [...] Overall, a good but not outstanding addition to the stock of introductory literature" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by D. Rooke). - Oxford Bible commentary (2001) - John Barton and John Muddiman
Call Number: 220.7 Ox22
ISBN/ISSN: 0198755007
"An international, interfaith group of scholars is responsible for this rich, far-reaching commentary [...] Generous coverage of the full gamut of critical and postcritical approaches to the Bible characterizes the many fine introductory essays, and sensitive attention to theological and literary insights finds ample space in book-by-book commentaries that also do full justice to 'traditional' scholarly concerns relating to history and philology" (from the Choice review by L.J. Greenspoon). See also the Heythrop Journal review by Peter Edmonds, the Religion and Theology review by Christopher Stenschke, the Journal of Theological Studies review by Morna D. Hooker, and the Shofar review by Marvin A. Sweeney. - The HarperCollins Bible commentary (2000) - James L. Mays
Call Number: 220.7 H234 2000
ISBN/ISSN: 0060655488
"Despite its brevity, the writers are remarkably in touch with both literary (e.g., redaction) and social (e.g., feminist) criticism, but under the influence of the Society of Biblical Literature, these scholarly approaches are accessible to general readers. Another strength is the use of authors who have written internationally recognized, full-length commentaries on various books" (from the Choice review by S.A. Sanders). - The JPS Torah commentary (1996- )
Call Number: 222.15077 D489
"Biblical scholars will find that the commentary is conservative in historical orientation [...] and in historical-critical methodology [...] The commentary offers a wealth of exegetical detail on every page, supplemented by lengthy excursuses [...] Readers familiar with recent developments in the field of biblical studies will, nevertheless, notice a large gap that is the product of staying so completely within the methodological bounds of historical criticism" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review of Deuteronomy by Lyle Eslinger). See also the Prooftexts review of the series, the Vetus Testamentum review of Leviticus, and the Vetus Testamentum review of Numbers. - The Torah : a modern commentary (2005) - W. Gunther Plaut
Call Number: 222.1077 T63
ISBN/ISSN: 0807408832
"Each of the 5 books of the Torah has its own introduction and an essay on its place in ancient Near Eastern literature [...] The bulk of the book is the Torah in Hebrew, the English translation in the middle, and notes explaining the meaning of the passages at the bottom of the page [...] written from a Reform Judaism perspective" (from the Library Journal review of the 1st edition). - Masters of the word : traditional Jewish Bible commentary from the first through tenth centuries (2006- ) - Yonatan Kolatch
Call Number: 222.106088296 K83m
ISBN/ISSN: 0881259365
"Adheres to strictly Orthodox, even sometimes fundamentalist, religious notions, and categorically rejects biblical criticism and secular scholarship. Nevertheless, he demonstrates a close acquaintance with the historical, linguistic and literary problems that faced generations of exegetes and with the wide range of solutions proposed for them. Those willing to accommodate themselves to an educational philosophy that they may not share (and to forgive bibliographical inaccuracies and curiosities) will undoubtedly obtain many useful insights and will certainly benefit from the sound translation and detailed analysis of a large number of interesting texts" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by S.C. Reif). See also the Jewish Bible Quarterly review by Dan Vogel, and the Review of Biblical Literature review by Alex Jassen.
7. Special Topic: Qumran Community
Browsing Tip: Begin browsing, on the shelf or in the catalog, at 221.44 and also at 296.155 for Dead Sea Scrolls and the Qumran Community.
See also the Lawrence A. Schiffman article in Religious Studies Review, "New Tools for the Study of the Dead Sea Scrolls": v.20 (1994), 112-16.
- Dead Sea Scrolls Online Edition.
Slow loading--please be patient! - The Dead Sea scrolls on microfiche : a comprehensive facsimile edition of the texts from the Judean Desert - Emanuel Tov
Call Number: MFICHE 296.155 D3405
ISBN/ISSN: 9004102884
Includes a Companion volume. See the Dead Sea Discoveries review by Michael A. Knibb, the Vetus Testamentum review by E. D. Herbert and D. K. Falk, the Journal of Biblical Literature review by John J. Collins, and the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by Stephen A. Kaufman. - The Dead Sea scrolls translated : the Qumran texts in English (1994) - Florentino García Martínez and Wilfred G. E. Watson
Call Number: 296.155 D344
ISBN/ISSN: 9004100482
"The most comprehensive translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls now available [1995], and it should rapidly become a standard textbook. In addition to its comprehensiveness, it has one outstanding feature that sets it apart from all previous translations of the Scrolls. The different fragments of the same documents are translated separately and in full. So, for example, we are not given a single text of the Community Rule with a list of variants, but each fragment is presented individually, while its place in the whole document is noted. This feature makes this translation especially attractive for classroom use, as it enables the student to wrestle with the compositional history of these texts" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review by John J. Collins). See also the Dead Sea Discoveries review by Joseph M. Baumgarten, the Dead Sea Discoveries review of the 2d edition, by George J. Brooke, the Novum Testamentum review by J. K. Elliott, and the Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha review by James VanderKam, - The Dead Sea scrolls : a new translation (2005) - Michael O. Wise, Martin G. Abegg, Jr., and Edward M. Cook
Call Number: 221.44 D34:EW 2005
ISBN/ISSN: 006076662X
"A rather readable presentation of a large portion of the nonbiblical scrolls, which commends itself to the general reader. The book is less suited to the student or specialist, whose work will be hampered by the misleading impression of a high degree of coherency among fragmentary manuscripts. For these readers, the combining of evidence and the reordering of fragments and line numbers make the translation less reliable" (from the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Monica L. W. Brady). See also the Dead Sea Discoveries review by James C. VanderKam, and the Journal of Semitic Studies review by Jonathan Campbell. - The complete Dead Sea scrolls in English (1997) - Géza Vermès
Call Number: 296.155 D343V
ISBN/ISSN: 0713991313
"This work is of greatest value to the general reader and to high school and college teachers using the book for introductory courses. Vermes is widely respected as a scholar and translator. Although several of his renderings have recently been challenged, the general reader can be confident of the competency of his translation [...] the best choice when opting for a single edition" (from the History Teacher review by Joseph Gerics). See also the Dead Sea Discoveries review by John R. Levison, the Journal of Religion review by Michael O. Wise, the Journal of Semitic Studies review by Martin G. Abegg, Jr., the Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha review by James C. VanderKam, the Journal of Jewish Studies review by Sebastian Brock, and the Commentary review by James Kugel. - The Dead Sea scrolls : a very short introduction (2005) - Timothy H. Lim
Call Number: 296.155 L628d
ISBN/ISSN: 0192806599
"Certainly neither a book for scholars nor even for students. But among the huge number of popular books on Qumran—many of them full of mistakes or even absurdities—this is one of those to be recommended" (from the Dead Sea Discoveries review by Stefan Krauter). See also the Expository Times review by Geza Vermes, the Journal of Jewish Studies review by Charlotte Hempel, and the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by E. Hayes. - Encyclopedia of the Dead Sea scrolls (2000) - Lawrence H. Schiffman and James C. VanderKam
Call Number: Q. 296.15503 En192
ISBN/ISSN: 0195084500
2 vols. "The standard reference on the subject" (from the Choice review by G. Holloway). See also the Journal of Near Eastern Studies review by Dennis Pardee, the Shofar review by David S. Williams, the Journal for the Study of Judaism in the Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman Period review by Eibert Tigchelaar, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by J. Campbell, the Religious Studies Review review by Sidnie White Crawford, the Journal of Semitic Studies review by Dwight Swanson, and the Vetus Testamentum review by J. M. Squirrell. - The Dead Sea scrolls : a short history (2006) - Weston Fields
Call Number: 296.155 F46d
ISBN/ISSN: 9004157603 - A bibliography of the finds in the desert of Judah 1970-1995 : arranged by author with citation and subject indexes (1996) - Florentino García Martínez and Donald W. Parry
Call Number: 016.296155 G165B
ISBN/ISSN: 9004105883
See also A classified bibliography of the finds in the desert of Judah 1958-1969 by B. Jongeling and Bibliography of the Dead Sea scrolls, 1948-1957. - A guide to the Dead Sea scrolls and related literature (2008) - Joseph A. Fitzmyer
Call Number: 016.2961 F557g
ISBN/ISSN: 0802862411
"Encyclopedic in scope, this well-organized, reliable reference work gives greater access to the Dead Sea Scrolls. It can serve as a beginning for those doing research on the Scrolls and their importance for early Judaism and Christianity" (from the Choice review by D. B. Levy). - The Orion Center bibliography of the Dead Sea scrolls (1995-2000) - Avital Pinnick
Call Number: 016.296155 P656o 2001
ISBN/ISSN: 9004123660
Updated by The Orion Center bibliography of the Dead Sea scrolls and associated literature (2000-2006) by Ruth A. Clements and Nadav Sharon.
8. Special Topic: Archaeology and History of the Biblical World
- The New encyclopedia of archaeological excavations in the Holy Land (1993) - Ephraim Stern
Call Number: Q. 933.003 EN87:E
ISBN/ISSN: 0132762889
4 vols. "Represents the work of an international body of experts [...] It is an extremely valuable resource that gives access to material remains that provide evidence of the daily lives, including religious observance, of Western Semitic peoples, Jews, Christians, and Muslims over several millennia" (from the History of Religions review by Adela Yarbro Collins). See also the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research review by Walter E. Rast, the Biblical Archaeologist review by Donald H. Wimmer, the Choice review by M. R. Dittemore, the Restoration Quarterly review by Dale W. Manor, and the Religious Studies Review review by David I. Owen. - Archaeological encyclopedia of the Holy Land (2001) - Avraham Negev and Shimon Gibson
Call Number: 913.33 N31a 2001
ISBN/ISSN: 0826413161
"Provides neither extensive details about excavations nor analyses of issues involved in the interpretation of sites or types of objects. With regard to these two items, it is unlike The New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land (1993), a large-format, 4-volume work edited by E. Stern. This is its advantage. However, whereas The New Encyclopedia provides a detailed bibliography that enables readers to work back into the literature that interests them, A rchaeological Encyclopedia does not, and therein lies what I consider its major disadvantage. Readers looking up a site such as Ekron or Jericho are not directed to any other source" (from the Shofar review by Ziony Zevit). See also the Choice review by L. J. Roccos, the Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) review by D. J. Wiseman, the Journal of Semitic Studies review by Stuart Campbell, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by Philip R. Davies, and the Expository Times review by Alan Millard. - Archaeology of the land of the Bible (1990-2000) - Amihai Mazar
Call Number: 220.93 M456a
ISBN/ISSN: 038523970X
2 vols. "Not since the publication of W. F Albright's The Archaeology of Palestine (last revised in 1960) and of Kathleen Kenyon's Archaeology in the Holy Land (first published in 1960 and only very modestly revised in later editions through 1984) has such a comprehensive and well balanced treatment been available in English" (from the Biblical Archaeologist review by Joe D. Seger). See also the American Journal of Archaeology review by William G. Dever, and the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research review by Burton MacDonald, the Heythrop Journal review by Robin Duckworth, the Journal of Jewish Studies review by P.R.S. Moorey, the Restoration Quarterly review by Dale W. Manor, the Interpretation review by Andrew Dearman, and the Expository Times review by John Bartlett. - The Oxford encyclopedia of archaeology in the Near East (1997) - Eric M. Meyers
Call Number: Q. 939.4 OX2
ISBN/ISSN: 0195065123
5 vols. "There are many points in these volumes where the biblical scholar and student of ancient religion might wish for a fuller treatment. But these points are easily overshadowed by the sheer wealth of information that is provided over a huge range of material" (from the Journal of Religion review by John J. Collins). See also the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research review by Walter E. Aufrecht, the Journal of Biblical Literature review by Baruch Halpern, the Ars Orientalis review by Margaret Cool Root, the Journal of Near Eastern Studies review by Robert D. Biggs, the American Journal of Archaeology review by Norman Yoffee, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by L.L. Grabbe, and the Restoration Quarterly review by Dale Manor. - The Oxford history of the biblical world (2001) - Michael D. Coogan
Call Number: 220.95 Ox2
ISBN/ISSN: 0195139372
"As implied in its title, its perspective is wider than the usual biblical histories, yet the reader is neither overwhelmed by detail nor distracted by a lack of focus. This is a significant contribution to the field, and will be very helpful for students of biblical studies, and for others who seek an up to date and comprehensive 'history of the biblical world'" (from the Journal of Religious History review by Joseph Sobb). See also the Review & Expositor review by Terry Eddinger, and the Reviews in Religion & Theology review by Yvonne Sherwood. - A history of ancient Israel and Judah (1986) - J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes
Call Number: 933 M615H
ISBN/ISSN: 0664223583
"Students and others will find the book helpful, and it will doubtless and deservedly become a standard text-book" (from the Vetus Testamentum review by J. A. Emerton). See also the Biblical Archaeologist review by Paul E. Dion, the Journal of the American Oriental Society review by John van Seters, the Journal of Biblical Literature review by James W. Flanagan, and the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by J. Day. - The illustrated guide to the Bible (2008) - J.R. Porter
Call Number: 220.61 P834i 2008
ISBN/ISSN: 019534233X
"Provides an analysis that emphasizes the biblical narrative, its meaning and historical context.The guide also features over 300 full-color reproductions, photographs, maps, charts, tables and family trees, including boxed sidebars that provide additional detailed information" (from Old Testament Abstracts). - The Old Testament world (2005) - John Rogerson and Philip R. Davies
Call Number: 221.9 R633o 2005
ISBN/ISSN: 0567084884
"Focus is helpfully maintained both on the world out of which the OT arose and the world evoked by its texts. The OT is primarily treated as a cultural text, but occasional brief comments usefully point to ways in which theological and religious significance may be found in the texts. This new edition will doubtless and rightly prolong the work’s use as a textbook" (from the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by K.N. Beech-Grüneberg). See also the Review of Biblical Literature review by Zvi Brettler, and the Journal of Theological Studies review by Deborah Rooke. - The biblical world (2002) - John Barton
Call Number: 220.61 B4713
ISBN/ISSN: 0415161053
2 vols. "Succeeds for the most part in explaining things from first principles, so that it should well serve its purpose for those coming to the Bible with enquiring minds, if not necessarily for the first time, yet at least for the first time with serious questions about the history and nature of this remarkable work. They will need to be intelligent to follow all that is on offer [...] and not to be looking in particular for guidance on how to read the Bible from a standpoint of faith. Students may therefore find it helpful, though they should soon outgrow it; if by academics is meant biblical scholars they too should not really need this--though some in related religious disciplines might find it helpful" (from the Journal of Jewish Studies review by H.G.M. Williamson). See also the Religion & Theology review by Christoph Stenschke, the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament review by R.B. Salters, the Interpretation review by Walter Harrelson, and the Heythrop Journal review by Robert C. Hill.
9. Special Topic: Book History of the Bible
This section is a guide to the history of the Bible as a book: its transmission and publication history.
- In the beginning : bibles before the year 1000 (2006) - Michelle Brown
Call Number: Q. 220.4074753 In16
ISBN/ISSN: 1588342409 - The book : a history of the Bible (2001) - Christopher De Hamel
Call Number: 220.09 D365b
ISBN/ISSN: 0714837741 - Whose Bible is it? : a history of the Scriptures through the ages (2005) - Jaroslav Pelikán
Call Number: 220.09 P363w
ISBN/ISSN: 0670033855 - How the Bible became a book : the textualization of ancient Israel (2004) - William M. Schniedewind
Call Number: 220.1 Sch59h
ISBN/ISSN: 0521829461
"Carefully rehearses the examples of Hebrew writing, both in and outside the Bible. It demonstrates that the earlier passages of the Bible are oral in their orientation, while the later prophets and the books of Deuteronomy and Chronicles regard writing as part of everyday life, even retrojecting it into the distant past. This book adds a new angle to the discussion of the origins of the Bible—that of writing itself. The author succeeds at this even while trying to accommodate both popular and scholarly audiences" (from the Shofar review by Ely Levine). - The Oxford illustrated history of the Bible (2001) - John Rogerson
Call Number: 220.09 Ox22
ISBN/ISSN: 0198601182 - Let it go among our people : an illustrated history of the English Bible from John Wyclif to the King James Version (2004) - David Price and Charles C. Ryrie
Call Number: 220.52009 P931L
ISBN/ISSN: 0718830423 - A dictionary of the English Bible and its origins (2000) - Alec Gilmore
Call Number: 220.52003 G42d
ISBN/ISSN: 1841270687 - La Bible au moyen âge : bibliographie (1989) - André Vernet
Call Number: 016.22067 V595B
ISBN/ISSN: 2222043433
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