Dictionary of the Bible

It is excellent! I have relied on McKenzie's Dictionary of the Bible since I got it in 1995. The notes and materials in the introductory articles in the bible I had the time did not satisfy me. They sometimes did not inspire confidence--for example, the note on John 11:33-36 opined that he must have wept out of vexation at Mary and Martha's not understanding who He was and why He was there! At present I have two study bibles, the Catholic NAB and the NIV. They are both good but, still, I am frequently left unsatisfied and will refer to McKenzie's Dictionary. It is not a line-by-line reference like the text in the study bibles, but the articles are so good, taking in the known issues thoughtfully and without evident bias, that I always come away feeling that I have a better understanding. In dealing with things like the actual authors of NT materials, he assesses the scholarship, giving thumbnail sketches of the various views--and then states the probabilities as he sees them. He is by no means dogmatic or radical (the nihil obstat for its publication was issued in 1965). I am not a professional user. My reading becomes consistent and intensive only when I decide to go into something again. The binding is still in very good condition. The print is readable. Dictionary Of The Bible

This edition is a paperback using 'perfect binding' which means it is glued in single sheets. It will last well provided it is handled carefully. The paper is moderately thick and nicely opaque. The print is fairly good and large enough to read without strain. For production I rate this as 3 or 4 stars. The content of this dictionary is truly excellent. John L McKenzie writes succinctly, clearly, and accurately on the topics he addresses. His coverage of topics is very good indeed. For content I rate this as 5 stars.

A consise; well written dictionary that answers all the questions that you could ever think to ask. It is so complete that I am amazed at Fr. McKenzie's ability to author such a huge body of work. Surely it was with Divine Intervention. This book deserves a place in the book case of every Catholic.

For twenty years, this book has been a constant source of information for me. I first purchased my original copy while studying for the priesthood in the early 1980s. It has since received a new cover and its pages are enscribed with notes and highlights, but seldom do I write anything on scripture without referring to one or more of its entries.Whether you are a lay person in the pews who wishes to know more or an academic who sometimes forgot just where you read that interesting biblical insight, McKenzie's work is for you. The topics are myriad and in-depth, but are also very readable. They cover every possible angle of biblical interest, including history, ritual, individual persons, and even biblical criticism. Once you have familiarized yourself with this dictionary, it will become a constant and invaluable companion.

As somewhat of a collector of such books, and frequent user, I've found this dictionary to be one of the very best. I had the 1965 edition, and replaced it with the 1995 Touchstone edition because the first book became worn. These "dictionaries" are often part dictionary and part encyclopedia. That is certainly true of this one. Many of the articles are much more information-packed than articles on the same subjects in other dictionaries. The print is very clear. There are not many pictures in the 954-page book, and the few that are included are not in color. But that's okay with me. I'm after the written information, and this book is packed. If you need a Bible dictionary for children, and want a visually attractive book with colored photos rather than a very scholarly work, stay away from this book. Though written by a Jesuit, this book should definitely NOT be viewed as for Catholics only. Christians from any denomination would find this book very valuable. You won't go wrong with this book. I don't know how they can sell it for that price.