Best Christian Bible Dictionaries & Encyclopedias Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Christian Bible Dictionaries & Encyclopedias Books are essential resources for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. These books provide detailed explanations and definitions of biblical terms, characters, and events, as well as historical and cultural context that can help readers better comprehend the text. Some of the most popular Christian Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias include The New Bible Dictionary, The Anchor Bible Dictionary, and The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Whether you're a scholar, student, or simply a curious reader, these books are a valuable addition to any library.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Cover #TOP 1
The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Cover #TOP 2
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Cover #TOP 3
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Christian Bible Dictionaries & Encyclopedias Books

The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Strong, James
Thomas Nelson
Apr 11, 2010
The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Cover
The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

The New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is a valuable tool for anyone interested in word study. This edition includes every word of the Bible indexed, with Hebrew and Greek dictionaries that have three times more information than any other edition. The book also features definitions from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, a topical index, and cross-references to standard Bible dictionaries and lexicons. The author, Dr. James Strong, was a former president of Troy University and professor of exegetical theology at Drew Theological Seminary. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible.

Brand, Chad
Mitchell, Eric
Holman Reference Editorial Staff
Holman Bible Publishers
Nov 1, 2015
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Cover
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary is a comprehensive and concise reference resource for anyone seeking to better understand and interpret the Scriptures. With over 6,500 articles covering everything from Aaron to Zuzite, this third edition includes up-to-date archaeological information that illuminates the biblical text. The dictionary is structured to begin with a concise definition followed by a thorough development of the topic, and is enriched with 700 full-color photos, maps, reconstructions, and charts. Written by Chad Brand and Eric Mitchell, this book is an excellent tool for lay Bible students, teachers, pastors, academic courses, and libraries.

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

Vine, W. E.
Thomas Nelson
Sep 22, 1996
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Cover
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words is an essential resource for anyone looking to study biblical words in their original languages. With over 6,000 key biblical words, this dictionary provides a comprehensive understanding of word frequency, usage, and meaning. It also serves as a commentary and topical concordance, making it a valuable tool for students and pastors alike. The introduction provides helpful information on the history of the languages in which the Bible was written, making this an all-in-one resource for understanding the biblical text. The fact that it is the most affordable complete edition of Vine's famous Old and New Testament dictionaries available makes it a must-have for any serious Bible student.

Diccionario Bíblico Ilustrado Holman | Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Spanish Edition)

B&H Español Editorial Staff
B&H Español
Oct 1, 2017
Diccionario Bíblico Ilustrado Holman | Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Spanish Edition) Cover
Diccionario Bíblico Ilustrado Holman | Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Spanish Edition)

The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Spanish Edition) is an award-winning resource for those seeking quick information or in-depth study of hundreds of biblical topics. It includes comprehensive definitions of people, places, things, events, and theological concepts, along with summaries and outlines of each book of the Bible. The dictionary also features over 600 full-color photographs, illustrations, and graphics, as well as exclusive drawings and reconstructions of biblical places and objects based on meticulous archaeological research. The alphabetical labeling allows for easy and quick location of information. Overall, this is an excellent reference tool for anyone who desires a better understanding of the Word of God.

Ultimate Bible Dictionary: A Quick and Concise Guide to the People, Places, Objects, and Events in the Bible (Ultimate Guide)

Holman Bible Publishers
Holman Bible Publishers
May 31, 2019
Ultimate Bible Dictionary: A Quick and Concise Guide to the People, Places, Objects, and Events in the Bible (Ultimate Guide) Cover
Ultimate Bible Dictionary: A Quick and Concise Guide to the People, Places, Objects, and Events in the Bible (Ultimate Guide)

The Ultimate Bible Dictionary is a quick and concise guide to the people, places, objects, and events in the Bible. It provides carefully researched and accessible definitions, which are further enhanced by colorful maps, photos, and reconstructions of biblical objects. The concise trim size of the book makes it easy-to-carry and use for personal or group study. This valuable resource is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the Bible. The Ultimate Bible Dictionary is a must-have for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of the Bible.

#TOP 6

Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary

Bryant, T. Alton
Zondervan
Jun 1, 2001
Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary Cover
Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary

Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. The book covers a wide range of subjects, including arts, cultures, geography, and theologies of biblical times. It contains concise definitions of persons, places, objects, events, and concepts, as well as summaries of the books of the Bible, archaeological finds in the Holy Land, hundreds of illustrations, and maps of the ancient world. The scholarship is conservative and comprehensive in scope, making it ideal for laypersons, students, teachers, and pastors.

Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Larger Print Edition, The

Kohlenberger III, John R.
Zondervan
May 1, 2002
Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Larger Print Edition, The Cover
Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Larger Print Edition, The

The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Larger Print Edition is a valuable tool for anyone studying the Bible, from ministry professionals to students. The book, created by John Kohlenberger and James Swanson, is built from James Strong's classic concordance tool and includes thousands of research hours, custom computer technology, and an exclusive database perfected over twenty years. This larger print edition features computer-verified accuracy, Strong's numbering system, and up-to-date Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those seeking a great depth of scriptural knowledge.

The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Strong, James
Thomas Nelson
Feb 28, 2010
The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible Cover
The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is a comprehensive and readable concordance that puts generations of biblical research at your fingertips. This large print edition retains the best of the original version while adding new strengths and enhanced accuracy for all who seek to discover the full riches of God's Word. It features every word of the King James Version of the Bible indexed, variant spellings of proper names, scripture references listed next to Strong's reference numbers, and a comprehensive Hebrew and Greek dictionary. With its corrected and enhanced Main Concordance, this classic tool is now much easier to read and use, making it an ideal choice for pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible.

#TOP 9

Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series)

McKnight, Scot
Cohick, Lynn H.
Gupta, Nijay K.
Apr 11, 2023
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) Cover
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series)

The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a comprehensive reference work that offers a wealth of information on Pauline theology, literature, background, and scholarship. This thoroughly revised and updated second edition features new topics and fresh expressions of old ones, making it an indispensable companion for those pursuing further research on particular subjects. The book bridges the gap between scholars and pastors, teachers and students, and all interested readers who want a thorough treatment of key topics in a summary format. Overall, this book is a unique presentation of the fruit of biblical studies that maintains dialogue with both contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the field.

#TOP 10

Tyndale Bible Dictionary (Tyndale Reference Library)

Elwell, Walter A.
Comfort, Philip W.
Tyndale House Publishers
Jan 1, 2008
Tyndale Bible Dictionary (Tyndale Reference Library) Cover
Tyndale Bible Dictionary (Tyndale Reference Library)

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary is a comprehensive guide to the people, places, and important words of the Bible. Featuring the work of 139 Bible scholars in more than 1,000 informative articles, this single-volume Bible dictionary is the principal book in the Tyndale Reference Library and an essential addition to any Bible reference collection. With thousands of cross-references and hundreds of pictures, maps, and illustrations, this book brings God's words to life, making the Bible meaningful and understandable for anyone. Overall, the Tyndale Bible Dictionary is an excellent resource for preparing a sermon, planning a Bible study, or enhancing personal Bible reading.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a Bible dictionary and a Bible encyclopedia?

Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias are basically the same thing. The both present articles that are related to the cultural, historical elements of the Bible. There are articles about people, places, events and customs. Some articles/entries may include a bibliography for further research.

2. Which one is the best Bible dictionary?

Top Christian Bible Dictionaries & Encyclopedias Books. Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary: New and Enhanced Edition.Zondervan's Compact Bible Dictionary.Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary.Biblical Hebrew Laminated Sheet.The Encyclopedia of Lost and Rejected Scriptures.Gran diccionario enciclopédico de la Biblia.

3. What is a Bible dictionary called?

A Bible dictionary is a reference work containing encyclopedic entries related to the Bible, typically concerning people, places, customs, doctrine and Biblical criticism. Bible dictionaries can be scholarly or popular in tone.

4. Is there such a thing as a Bible dictionary?

With over 90.000 biblical entries, The Bible Dictionary® will guide your understanding of the word of God and His son Jesus Christ. A required reference app for any serious study of the Old and the New Testament. † Over 90.000 dictionary, encyclopedia and concordance entries.

Editor's Notes

During our christian bible dictionaries & encyclopedias book research, we found 1,200+ christian bible dictionaries & encyclopedias book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 46,710 customer reviews through our big data system to write the christian bible dictionaries & encyclopedias books list. We found that most customers choose christian bible dictionaries & encyclopedias books with an average price of $22.68.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.