Dictionary of Biblical Imagery
| Ryken Wilhoit & Longman III
An Encyclopedic Exploration of Imagery used in the Bible
This book was given to me before I started studying and I have loved it ever since.
Let me quote the back cover to explain to you what this book does:
“Every reader of the Bible has encountered the powerful, comforting and sometimes puzzling imagery of Scripture. These concrete pictures with their hidden forces have struck sharp and lasting impressions in our minds…. The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is the first contemporary reference work dedicated to exploring the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors and literary patterns found in the Bible… Here is a Bible dictionary with a difference – an inviting, enlightening and indispensable companion to the reading, study and contemplation and enjoyment of the Bible.”
When you find an image in the Bible you can look up that image in this incredible book and it will give you the Biblical definition of the image as well as where that image is used in other sections of the Bible. Even down to ‘Happiness’ ‘Laying on of Hands’ ‘Order’ ‘Rest’ ‘Sacrifice’. I have used this text in my preaching and teaching, to give me a fuller understanding of the concepts in the Bible. It is a little pricey but a great investment that you will use over and over again as you read your Bible.