“Both enlightening and inspiring . . . a helpful resource for both Jews and Christians, conservatives and liberals, religious leaders and social reformers.” —Peter J. Paris, the Elmer G. Homrighausen Professor of Christian Social Ethics, emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary In The Meaning of the Bible: What the Jewish Scriptures and Christian Old Testament Can Teach Us, preeminent biblical scholars Douglas A. Knight and Amy-Jill Levine deliver a broad and engaging introduction to the Old Testament—also known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible—offering a wealth of compelling historical background and context for the sacred literature that is at the heart of Judaism and Christianity. John Shelby Spong, author of Why Christianity Must Change or Die writes, “Levine and Knight have combined to write a book on the Bible that is as academically brilliant as it is marvelously entertaining. By placing our scriptures into their original Jewish context they have opened up startling and profound new insights. This is a terrific book.” “A winsome, accessible introduction to the theological thought of the Hebrew Bible. This sort of irenic, thoughtful linkage of criticism and interpretation within a confessing tradition is exactly what we most need in Scripture reading.” —Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary “From its superb introduction to its perfectly worded conclusion, this book does it all. Whether your interest in the Bible is historical or literary, specific texts or broad themes, this book has it—and conveys its relevance for today.” —Richard Elliott Friedman, author of Commentary on the Torah “More than random facts about the Hebrew Bible . . . more than a historical overview . . . they are aiming for true understanding of the life, culture, and practices of the ancient Israelites.” —Booklist

Containing every biblical name and its Hebrew or Greek nuances, your own relationship with God will be enriched as you gain an in-depth understanding of their meanings.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

A guide for the nonspecialist to the original meaning (as defined by Scripture) of the Hebrew and Greek words behind the English words of the Bible. Originally published as Expository dictionary of Bible words (Regency Reference Library, 1985). Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul, discerning the thoughts of the heart. So proclaims te Epistle to the Hebrews. Yet for many persons the biblical Word of God is less a sharp sword than a crutch, supporting rather than piercing them. Interpreted as they have "always" heard it, scripture tells them exactly what they want to hear. Modern critical investigation of the Bible can change that radically, for now Christians and the churches are being told that the biblical authors did not always mean what they were thought to have meant when read through the spectacles of later interests. Because of its approach, some Protestants and Catholics believe the new biblical criticism is impious. Raymond Brown, a Catholic priest who is Auburn Professor of Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, argues strongly to the contrary. Critically interpreted, the Bible is all the more critical to Christians and the Church. The challenge of the scriptures is unleashed, "piercing to the division of soul, discerning the thoughts of the heart." - Back cover.

Recovering the strangeness of scripture for the life of the church-- These essays reveal the consistency and integrity of a master exegete, New Testament theologian, and churchman. Stendahl brings to the biblical text a constant concern to discover what was meant by a particular biblical passage, as free as possible of the doctrinal or cultural preoccupations of intervening centuries, but also to reflect on what the text means to us today, ever alert to the ways scripture has fueled anti-semitism, the subordination of women, and other forms of prejudice and injury. The combination of respect shown here for the diversity of meanings in scripture and the urgency of reflecting--critically and faithfully--on our contemporary responsibilities in light of scripture is irresistible. The collection is a testament to the wide range of Stendahl's interests and the depth of his perception. "The hard eyes Stendahl turns upon scripture also have a glint in them, sometimes reminding his audience of a vision yet larger than scripture, to which scripture is intended to point. . . ." --Frederick H. Borsch, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia "Our answers to [the issues with which Stendahl deals] will not always be the same as his. Yet our own convictions will be clarified even more than they will be challenged by the thoughts of this giant among New Testament scholars." --John Howard Rhys, School of Theology at Sewanee "There can only be admiration for the candor with which [Stendahl] pokes holes in the pompous balloons of pious zealotism. His minimalism pushes toward the acceptance of finiteness and creatureliness--yes, even for theologians!" --Robin Scroggs, Chicago Theological Seminary "Do not miss this thought-provoking collection form one of the church's outstanding biblical scholars." --David Rhoads, Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago Krister Stendahl was Andrew W. Mellon Professor Emeritus and former Dean at Harvard Divinity School, and Bishop Emeritus of Stockholm. Among his many writings is Paul among Jews and Gentiles (Fortress Press, 1976) and Final Account (Fortress Press, 1995).

"The fruit of many years of loving labor," Scottish Presbyterian minister Matthew George Easton's Illustrated Bible Dictionary has become a classic reference for those studying the Bible. Originally published in 1897, three years after Easton's death, it contains almost 4,000 entries and dozens of illustrations and maps. Readers will find definitions of terms ranging from Alpha to Zuzims. In between they'll find entries both obscure and common, such as Emims (a warlike tribe of giants), Hagar (Sarah's handmaid), immortality, meekness, Pentecost (the feast of harvest), seventy weeks (a prophetic period of time before the coming of the Messiah), sling (what David used to slay the giant), and Zorah (Samson's birthplace).

A simple guide for middle-grade students to get the meaning and message of the scriptures, this edtion uses graphical representations to aid in learning in ways that appeal to this age group.

The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible gathers nearly 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles that thoroughly yet clearly explain all the books, persons, places, and significant terms found in the Bible. The Dictionary also explores the background of each biblical book and related writings and discusses cultural, natural, geographical, and literary phenomenae matters that Bible students at all levels may encounter in reading or discussion. Nearly 600 first-rate Bible authorities have contributed to the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Intended as a tool for practical Bible use, this illustrated dictionary reflects recent archaeological discoveries and the breadth of current biblical scholarship, including insights from critical analysis of literary, historical, sociological, and other methodological issues. The editorial team has also incorporated articles that explore and interpret important focuses of biblical theology, text and transmission, Near Eastern archaeology, extrabiblical writings, and pertinent ecclesiastical traditions - all of which help make the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible the most comprehensive and up-to-date one-volume Bible dictionary on the market today.