The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew | DCH (8 vols.)

by David J. A. Clines

Publishers:

Sheffield Academic Press; Sheffield Phoenix Press

, 1993–2011

Overview

The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew is a completely new and innovative dictionary. Unlike previous dictionaries, which have been dictionaries of biblical Hebrew, it is the first dictionary of the classical Hebrew language to cover not only the biblical texts but also Ben Sira, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Hebrew inscriptions. This dictionary covers the period from the earliest times to 200 CE. It lists and analyses every occurrence of each Hebrew word that occurs in texts of that period, with an English translation of every Hebrew word and phrase cited.

Key Features

• Completely new and innovative dictionary
• Covers the period from the earliest times to 200 CE
• Covers the biblical texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Hebrew inscriptions

Among its special features:

• A list of the nonbiblical texts cited (especially the Dead Sea Scrolls)
• A word frequency index for each letter of the alphabet
• A substantial bibliography (from vol. 2 onward)
• An English–Hebrew index in each volume

Top Highlights

“This Dictionary marks an important departure from the tradition of Hebrew lexicography, and” (Volume 1, Page 7)

“user a greater control over the material than previous dictionaries” (Volume 1, Page 7)

“easily imagine what writing an article for a learned journal on” (Volume 1, Page 7)

“writing a Hebrew dictionary is very much like that, repeated thousands of times” (Volume 1, Page 7)

“preparation of a Hebrew dictionary involves research” (Volume 1, Page 7)

Endorsements

The praise of BDB in 1892 may be repeated for this new dictionary. It is indeed ‘a landmark and a glory for the generation which produced [it].’

—C. S. Rodd, editor, Expository Times

Sheffield is to be congratulated on a remarkable achievement. Volume one proves beyond doubt that The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew is going to combine the strengths of the Gesenius-BDB tradition—thoroughness, comprehensiveness, meticulous ‘old-fashioned’ textual scholarship—with impeccable twentieth-century linguistic theory.

—J. F. A. Sawyer, Society for Old Testament Study Book List

If there is anything sensational about the contemporary study of ancient Hebrew, then one must say: It is in book form, and the book is called the Sheffield Dictionary of Classical Hebrew. Absolutely indispensable!

—Bernhard Lang, editor, Internationale Zeitschrift für Bibelwissenschaft und Grenzgebiete

Product Details

• Title: The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew
• Editor: David J. A. Clines
• Publisher: Sheffield Phoenix Press
• Volumes: 8
• Pages: 5,653

About David J. A. Clines

David J. A. Clines concentrated his studies on Hebrew lexicography and contemporary literary approaches to the Hebrew Bible. He studied classical languages in Sydney, Semitic Languages in Cambridge, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Amsterdam.

Clines was emeritus professor of biblical studies at the University of Sheffield where he previously served as head of the department for seven years. Clines also served as president of the Society for Old Testament Study, publisher and director at Sheffield Academic Press for 25 years, and president of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Clines authored and edited several publications including Interested Parties: The Ideology of Writers and Readers of the Hebrew Bible, On the Way to Postmodern, Esther Scroll: The Story of the Story, and The Dictionary of Classical Hebrew.