DESCRIPTION

In keeping with the tradition of the New Interpreter's. Bible brand, the New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible aims to fulfill the promise of a standard already set for reliable, accurate, insightful, and highest quality biblical scholarship in service of the congregation.

A diverse group of 900 scholars from 40 countries have contributed 7100 fresh new articles with 8400 entries including persons, places, things, theological concepts, and much more. These contributors were selected by the editorial board for their expertise in their field and for the quality of their scholarship in publication. Special care was taken to select authors who could provide a variety of perspectives from different theological traditions (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish), diverse theological trajectory (conservative and liberal), and from the social locations of gender, ethnicity, and race. With inclusivity comes a certain amount of exclusivity: the contributors are instructed to keep in mind a particular audience - the congregation. With every dictionary entry, authors seek to define their topics in such a way that the entries will be relevant and useful to pastors, rabbis,preachers, teachers, and students in preparing to serve the congregation in a variety of ways. Thus the dictionary tries to balance the best in contemporary scholarship with the perceived needs of the congregation. Theological content and thorough discussion of various interpretations is tailored for congregational use.

Topics are listed in alphabetical order from A-Z and evenly divided among the five volumes. The main entry (in bold) includes a pronunciation guide. Hebrew and Greek origins of the entry follow, with transliteration. Longer articles contain an introduction that summarizes the topic and include a helpful outline to guide the reader. Articles conclude with a short bibliography and cross references to related articles. In each definition, authors strive to incorporate as many biblical instances of the term as possible in the given amount of space, and to discuss the theological, social, or ecclesial implications of the topic, so that the definitions are practical aids to the tasks of preaching, teaching, and study of the Bible.