The Holman Concise Bible Dictionary is an essential tool that helps me gain a better understanding of the people, places, and practices mentioned in Bible passages. I actually consider it a mini-encyclopedia, given the detail provided about the entries. Most descriptions include scripture references where the term in question can be found – like in a concordance.

Scripture quotations are from a wide assortment of versions -- KJV, NIV, NRSV, JB, GNB -- to name a few. Included among the 2,800+ entries are brief summaries of each book of the Bible. A good study Bible will include this; but it’s always nice to have an alternate source.

The dictionary also contains entries on contemporary topics such as abortion, birth control, career, dinosaurs. It’s a very useful 21st century study reference.

(1997, 694 Pages, $15.00) ( )