HarperCollins Bible Dictionary

by Mark Allan Powell

Publisher:

HarperCollins

, 2011

Overview

The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, revised and updated edition, is the most complete, up-to-date, and accessible guide for the study of the Bible available today. With more than 4,000 lively, informative, and reader-friendly entries, this essential reference book provides all the information you need to understand the Bible.

Whether you are a pastor, layperson, or a student of scripture, you will find every important name, place, and subject that makes Bible study come to life. From Aaron to Zurishaddai, here are all the people, events, and ideas of biblical times.

This third edition continues in the rich tradition of its predecessors but has been thoroughly updated and revised by a new editorial team under the direction of the premier international scholarly body, the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). More than half the articles in this book are new, and several dozen charts and tables have also been added as well as updates on recent archaeological discoveries.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Modein (moh´deen), the home of the Hasmonean family, about twenty-three miles northwest of Jerusalem (1 Macc. 2:1), where the Maccabean revolt began (2:15, 24–35). See also Hasmoneans; Maccabees.” (Page 646)

“Magdala (mag´duh-luh), a fishing town (modern Migdal, called Tarichaeae in Josephus) on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee between Capernaum to the north and Tiberias to the south. It appears to have been larger than nearby Capernaum. Excavations have uncovered fishing implements like hooks, anchors, and net weights as well as a small synagogue, whose date is disputed. The site appears to have followed a more regular grid pattern than most villages, and construction techniques indicate a somewhat wealthier town than Capernaum or Chorazin. Mary ‘from Magdala’ figures among Jesus’s women disciples (Luke 8:2) and is reported to have been one of the first witnesses to his resurrection (Matt. 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; 20:1, 18).” (Page 587)

“Hasmoneans (haz´muh-nee´uhnz; Heb., ‘descendants of Hashmon’), a Jewish family that included the Maccabees and the high priests and kings who ruled Judea from 142 to 63 bce. The term is not used in the Bible. See also Maccabees.” (Page 365)

“Jashar (jay´shuhr; Heb., ‘upright, righteous’), book of, a source apparently containing heroic songs, cited twice in the Bible: in the account of Joshua’s battle at Gibeon, when ‘the sun stood still’ (Josh. 10:13), and again in David’s lamentation for Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam. 1:18). A third possible citation from this source is 1 Kings 8:12–13, where the lxx adds, ‘is it not written in the book of songs.’ The Book of Jashar was apparently a collection of archaic poetry that, though well known in ancient Israel, has not survived.” (Page 430)

Product Details

• Title: The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated)
• Author: Mark Allan Powell
• Edition: Third Edition
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible › Dictionaries
• Resource ID: LLS:HCBBLDICT
• Resource Type: Encyclopedia
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:56:50Z

About Mark Allan Powell

Mark Allan Powell was Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio until his retirement in 2018. He is editor of the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and author of numerous books on the Bible including the widely used textbook, Introducing the New Testament. Powell has served as Chair of the Matthew Group and of the Historical Jesus Section for the Society of Biblical Literature.