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Creative Bible Study
BIBLE DICTIONARY
A Bible dictionary lists words of the Bible in alphabetical order and explains the meaning of each word. A Bible dictionary is not the same as a regular word dictionary. A regular dictionary gives the meanings of words as they are now used. A Bible dictionary gives the definitions of Bible words as they were used in the original context of Scripture. Here is a sample listing from a Bible dictionary:
| BEARD (berd), with Asiatics a badge of manly dignity in contrast to the Egyptians, who usually shaved the head and the face. As a sign of mourning, it was the custom to pluck it out or cut it off. The Israelites were forbidden to shave off the corners of the beards, probably because it was regarded as a heathenish sign (Lev. 19:27). To compel a man to cut off his beard was to inflict upon him a shameful disgrace (II Sam. 10:4) |
The following are recommended Bible dictionaries:
Unger's Bible Dictionary by Merrill Unger. Published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary by Merrill C. Tenney published by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.
WORD STUDY BOOKS
Word study books go beyond the basic Bible dictionary in defining words used in the Bible. They provide the Greek or Hebrew word and various meanings given to the same word. A word study book also provides the references in a which word is used. Here is an example from a word study book:
| AXE: From AXINE, an axe, kin to agumi, to break, is found in Matthew 3:10 and Luke 3:9 |
This listing shows the Greek Word, tells it is related to another word ("agumi"), explains the meaning of the word, and tells where the word is used in the Bible. The following word study books are suggested:
An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and An Expository Dictionary of Old Testament words, both by W.E. Vine published by Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey, U.S.A.