Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible - 2nd Edition by Van Der Toorn & Pieter W Van Der Horst & Bob Prof Dr Becking (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible is the single major work of reference on the gods, angels, demons, spirits and semi-divine heroes whose names occur in the biblical books. First published in 1995 and chosen by "Choice" as Best Reference Work of 1996, and then in an extensively revised edition in 1998. Arranged in the order of the Latin alphabet, the more than four-hundred names are those found in the books of the Hebrew and the Greek Bible, Old and New Testament, including the Apocrypha. Extensive indices and cross-references provide easy access to the rich information of the dictionary. The Dictionary of Deities and Demons is the fruit of a common effort of a group of more than a hundred international scholars from a variety of traditions.

Book Synopsis

The Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible is the single major work of reference on the gods, angels, demons, spirits and semi-divine heroes whose names occur in the biblical books. First published in 1995 and chosen by "Choice" as Best Reference Work of 1996, an extensively revised edition was published in 1998. Arranged in the order of the Latin alphabet, the more than four-hundred names are those found in the books of the Hebrew and the Greek Bible, Old and New Testament, including the Apocrypha. There are entries on divine names recognized as such by the biblical authors; divine names in theophoric toponyms and anthroponyms; secular terms which occur as divine names in neighbouring civilizations, conjectural divine names, at times based on textual emendation, proposed by modern scholarship; and humans who acquired a semi-divine status in tradition. A typical entry contains a discussion of the pertinent name, its meaning, the religio-historical background, relevant biblical passages and an up-to-date bibliography. Extensive indices and cross-references provide easy access to the rich information of the dictionary. The Dictionary of Deities and Demons is the fruit of a common effort of a group of more than a hundred international scholars from a variety of traditions.

Review Quotes

"'This unique source is a grand scholarly achievement whose depth, breadth, and contemporaneity will make it useful to scholars and graduate students in religion and ancient cultures, Highly recommended for any library supporting programs in religion.'
D. Bourquin, "Choice, 1996.
"'...this is a fine work, and DDD" will not fail to become a household term of scholars. The editors - and not to forget the publisher - can be congratulated on their achievement.'
"Internationale Zeitschriftenschau f]r Bibelwissenschaft und Grenzgebiete, 1995.
'..".an excellent resource on the religious background of the Bible...an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the religious background of the Bible.'
Rich Johnson, "Southwestern Journal of Theology, 1998.
'"It is an authoritative resource, an exhaustive catalog of super-natural beings whose names appear in the Bible (that is, the Hebrew Bible, The Septuagint, and the New Testament)...Recommended for academic collections...'
Craig W. Beard, "Library Journal, 1999.
'"Every serious student of the Bible and its ancient setting must have this important tool near his or her desk.'
"Internationale Zeitschriftenschau f]r Bibelwissenschaft und Grenzgebiete, 1999.
'"The result is much more valuable and interesting than anything I have read in its field - in English- for a long time.'
David Ridgway, "The Times Higher Education Supplement, 2000.
'"magnificently producedThis work is invaluable for the beginning and competent reseracher.'
Linda L. Lam-Easton, "American Reference Books Annual, 2000.
'"For all libraries.'
Tammi J. Schneider, "Religious Studies Review, 2000.