Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible: Second Extensively Revised Edition

by Pieter W. van der Horst and Karel van der Toorn

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9004111190
• ISBN13: 9789004111196
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Brill
• Length: 1000 Pages
• Weight: 4.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 7.4" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

A helpful resource for students of the Bible

One reviewer notes that this book is highly liberal (ie, its theology tends to minimalize the text of scripture, biblical historicity is challenged, etc.), which may be a fair crop in many cases. This work is multi-authored and edited. Having said that, varying opinions will arise in some of the articles. Without too much criticism, I feel this book is helpful for conservatives AND liberals. Liberals can feel free to glean what they may from the majority of the articles herein, as one reviewer states here, without too much 'gut-wrenching conservatist interpretation.' However, the articles in this book are helpful for the conservative in that they allow him/her to engage the deities and demons of the bible from a centrist to leftist perspective, which is helpful when developing a working hypothesis in research. Why? Because good students and/or scholars are ones that can amalgamate opinions from all opinions to arrive at a sound conclusion. DDD helps both sides of the theological spectrum come together and gain access to some of the traditions of interpretation of virtually all the deities/demons of the Bible under one cover. Due to its liberal swing, I would argue that DDD **HEAVILY** relies on archaeological interpretation and critical examination of textual information--as these tools are most commonly employed by theological liberals (often times to the point of exaggeration) in their arguments. The previous reviewer seemed to distance himself/herself from liberal viewpoints to the extent that he/she doesn't even know or recognize their more common methodologies and presuppositions. I find DDD a very helpful tool if I need quick information on beings such as 'Ishtar,' 'Isis,' 'Baal,' etc. Entries such as 'El Shaddai,' 'YHWH,' and 'Elohim' will most surely carry a leftist perspective, which, as I state above, can be hated (as one reviewer noted), or taken into careful consideration. The other reviewer sites ABD as a better source for the information presented in this book. This may come as a shock to him/her, but ABD is not only missing key terms that should have been included (where's the entry for 'wine-making' or oenology?), but ABD suffers from a vast array of various thinkers within the theological spectrum. For example, the article written on 'Abortion' was written by a 7th-Day Adventist and the articles '(OT) Holiness' and 'Unclean and Clean' and 'Laying on of Hands (OT)' and others were written by an individual who was a Mormon at that time (thereby representing at least two denominations mostly distrusted by orthodox Christians). Furthermore, ABD is a six-volume set (and very expensive)?one advantage of DDD is the wealth of information it provides under one cover. I wonder if the previous reviewer's opinion regarding ABD and/or DDD would change considering some of these facts. I recommend DDD for any serious student of the Bible.

Principalities and rulers of this world

An excellent guide to the unseen world as presented in Scripture. This is a guide that deals with real supernatural beings and the traditions/beliefs of a number of past civilizations. It is intended for the serious biblical scholar, bible student or those wanting a better understanding of near east demon/deity belief history. The cross references relate back to specific passages of scriptue. NOT for an audience outside of these descriptions ie. The Dungeons & Dragons type role player etc.

A great reference.

The Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible (DDD) is a masterpiece of scholarly knowledge. The book is simple to read with cross referencing material readily accessible. All acceptible Biblical and apocryphal individuals are listed. Thus, extending the borders of information included in it's pages. If you are in search of a book containing ancient gods and semi-gods in Mesopotamia, then this book is an excellent chose. It is a must for any Ancient Near East mythology library. Of all the mythological publications I have ,and/or reviewed, this is by far the best for reference.

excellent

for anyone wanting to dive into the world this is a must have. The depth that it discusses this topic is very well done, and the goals the book sets forth it thouroghly accomplishes. The knowledge it presents is thourough and makes excellent points.