The IVP New Testament Dictionary Set, 4 Vols. A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship
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The Most All-Around Useful NT Dictionary Set
I have provided two reviews for multi-volume sets â the "ISBE" and the IVP Dictionary of series. This review is very similar to ISBE one because I feel that both would be wise purchases and each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
I got this set prior to starting seminary and it was very helpful in writing papers and doing research. I continue to use it in writing sermons and in other theological endeavors. There are numerous Bible dictionaries that exist â from the one volume starters to the multi-volume works like this one. If you are a student, a pastor or a lay-person who wants to know the Bible more and are looking for a very useful and somewhat inexpensive all-around set, this would be a wise purchase for your library.
There are useful one-volume works and while they are helpful starts, these wonâÂÂt be as in-depth as something like this. My main problem with this set is the way they are organized. They are arranged by Biblical section (Jesus, Paul, Later NT) instead of alphabetical, so they are slightly harder to find the section you want. Plus if you want the whole Bible, you need to buy 8 volumes, so itâÂÂs a bit costlier. However, the formatting is great and itâÂÂs easy to focus in on the longer articles or jump to a section that is more pertinent to what you are looking for. But like the ISBE, itâÂÂs a great set and would make for a wonderful addition to your individual or churchâÂÂs library.
October 3, 2012
These dictionaries are wonderful. They cover just about everything you want, or need, to know about the Bible for personal Bible study, for preparing for small group discussion, all the way up to and including research for courses in college.I recommend these dictionaries to anyone who will listen. They have helped me in my study of the Bible which has led a better understanding Scripture which has in turn deepened my faith in Christ.IVP is also covering the OT in 4 vols. Two of which are now out- one on the Pentateuch (Genesis to Deut.) and a second on the Historical books (Joshua to Esther).Thank you IVP!!
August 13, 2006