New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters: (Zondervan's Understand the Bible Reference Series)

New International Encyclopedia of Bible Characters It has great detail of the characters. It covers both men and women.

I was very pleased to find that this book far exceeded my expectations for providing background information on the major characters in the bible. It really helps in the study of the Bible because it adds background information about major events and links them to the characters and their roles in the events.

Since I bought this book, I have not been able to put it down! This easy to use reference lists every person (including all those listed in Chronicles!) named in the Bible and gives a description of the character based on the Scriptures. All entries are cross-referenced to their location(s) in the verses. While nothing can replace the original Bible for discovering the men and women of God, this books pulls together all the information under each character into one crisp, flowing summary. There are over 40 major characters that receive extended articles from Abraham to the Woman at the Well. Under Paul's article, there are entries for specific events in his life, his missionary journeys, and the themes that run through his writings and teachings. Additional articles also give an overview of certain groups, such as the Judges, Kings, and Prophets. The only drawback to this book is the lack of a pronunciation guide (you'll have to look that up in the Bible Dictionary of the same series) but the meanings of names are given when known. This minor oversight is negligible for such a great reference work. Whenever I am studying the Bible or preparing a lesson, this book will always be in reach.This book is part of Zondervan's six-volume "Understand the Bible" Reference Series. The other titles are New International Bible Commentary, N.I.B. Dictionary, N.I.B. Concordance, New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words, and the N.I.E. of B. Difficulties. Be sure to check those out also.

I have often referred to Encyclopedia of Bible Characters when preparing Bible study lessons or for my own personal study.The book contains valuable information (Bible verse reference, contribution, significance, etc.) of each person mentioned in the Bible. Knowing more about a particular will enhance your Bible study as you realize that the people of the Bible were much like we are today, strengths and weaknesses!A highly recommended buy, the title will be a valuable aid for the reader in learning more about the many colorful characters in the Holy Bible!