Rating: 
Summary: You don't have a dictionary until you have this one!
Review: If you want a clear understanding of words in the Bible with a Non Denominational point of view, this is the Dictionary for you. The Strong's Dictionary bring words to meaning. But the Nelson's Illustrated Version brings words to life. Both Dictionaries serve a tremendous purpose.I also ordered Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners & Customs : How the People of the Bible Really Lived. The two of these books together have an AMAZING Insight on how people not only lived but how they spoke! This gives you better understanding of why certain things were said in the Bible and clears up a some of the theological questions you may have. Take for example if I said, "This is a really cool book". 1000 years from now you would think I was saying this book is very cold. But really I meant this book is very useful, neat, or exciting. These Two Nelson books go hand in hand. My wife and I can not put these books down. They are just so useful and really do bring the Bible to life.
Rating:
Summary: A Comprehensive Look at the Bible
Review: This is an excellent resource for anyone who desires a one volume, comprehensive dictionary of all things biblical. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order and cover nearly every theme and topic imaginable. The book has those one would expect (e.g. Trinity, Jesus), as well as information that is more specialized (e.g. a 5-page entry on biblical minerals). If something is mentioned in the Bible then it should be here. After all, there are over 7,000 entries and many are several pages long. It contains entries on non-biblical topics too (e.g. Philo and Josephus). My favorite articles are those on the books of the Bible (primarily the Protestant canon, although there is an entry on the apocrypha). They examine such issues as authorship, dating, content, and theology. All of the entries are scholarly, informative, and for the most part, written in "layman's terms." Many famous scholars have contributed, including F.F. Bruce and Daniel Wallace. There are cross-references to the major bible translations including the NIV, KJV, NRSV, and REB. The notes are non-denominational and usually well balanced and are written from an evangelical, conservative Protestant standpoint. For readers interested in a more critical approach, I would recommend the Oxford Companion to the Bible. There are other reasons to buy this book too. The introduction explains how best to use the dictionary and includes a good survey of biblical history and theology in chart form. There are hundreds of full color maps, pictures, and photographs to illuminate the written words. For example, under the entry for Pontius Pilate there is a photograph of an inscription from a Roman theater bearing his name. There is a section containing maps too. Also, the type size is enlarged for easier reading. Overall, this is a great resource, especially for Christians who want to know more about the people, places, things, and doctrines of the Bible.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent study guide
Review: This is fantastic to have while doing Bible study or if you need to find ANYTHING in the Bible.
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