Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity (4 vols.)

by Edwin Yamauchi; Marvin R. Wilson

Publisher:

Hendrickson

, 2014–2016

Overview

The Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity is a unique reference work that provides background cultural and technical information on the world of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament from 2000 BC to approximately AD 600.

Written and edited by a world-class historian and a highly respected biblical scholar, with contributions by many others, this unique reference work explains details of domestic life, technology, culture, laws, and religious practices, with extensive bibliographic material for further exploration. Articles range from 5-20 pages long. Scholars, pastors, and students (and their teachers) will find this to be a useful resource for biblical study, exegesis, and sermon preparation.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Gain insight to help you contextualize the biblical text
• Learn how post-New Testament Jewish rabbis and the Church Fathers debated over the application of biblical laws in their changing world
• Discover how the laws of the Bible compare to the laws of other ancient cultures

Contents

Top Highlights

“There are parallels to Exod 21:22–23 in the Hammurabi Law Code (18th c. BC). Law 209 reads, ‘If a citizen struck another citizen’s daughter and has caused her to have a miscarriage, he shall pay ten shekels of silver for her fetus.’ Law 210 stipulates, ‘If that woman has died, they shall put his daughter to death’ (ANET, 175).” (Volume 1, Page 6)

“Abortifacient drugs that induce miscarriage were known to many ancient cultures, but due to the danger of abortion to the pregnant woman, prior to modern times mechanical methods of intentionally terminating a pregnancy were relatively uncommon. Only in the late Roman Republic and early Roman Empire was abortion widespread. Most other cultures were governed by law codes appointing severe retribution for killing a fetus while it was still in the womb.” (Volume 1, Page 5)

“Ordinarily a year intervened between the betrothal (qîddûšîn, ‘consecration’) and the nuptials (nîśśûʾîn, ‘taking up’).” (Volume 3, Page 240)

“The Hebrews did not have any laws formally regulating adoption” (Volume 1, Page 11)

“Sexual intercourse between a married or betrothed woman and someone other than her husband was regarded in all societies as a serious offense, since it compromised the paternity of any heirs. Sexual intercourse between a married man and a woman who was not another man’s wife was not usually considered adultery.” (Volume 1, Page 18)

Praise for the Print Edition

This wonderful resource is much more than a dictionary. It is a compendium of substantive essays on numerous facets of daily life in the ancient world. I am frequently asked by pastors and students for recommendations on books that illuminate the manners, customs, and cultural practices of the biblical world. Now I have the ideal set of books to recommend.

—Clinton E. Arnold, Dean and Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

This is not your standard Bible dictionary, but one that focuses on aspects of daily life in Bible times, addressing interesting and sometimes puzzling topics that are often overlooked in other encyclopedias. I highly recommend the Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical & Post-Biblical Antiquity and will be giving it ‘shout-outs’ in my classes in the years to come.

—James K. Hoffmeier, Professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern Archaeology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Product Details

• Title: Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical & Post-Biblical Antiquity, Volumes I–IV
• Authors: Edwin Yamauchi, Marvin R. Wilson
• Volume: I–IV
• Publisher: Hendrickson
• Print Publication Date: 2014–2016
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Pages: 1950
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible › Dictionaries
• ISBNs: 9781619704602, 9781619706408, 9781619707276, 9781619707283, 9781496469526, 9781619701458, 9781619708617, 9781683073628, 1619704609, 1619706407, 1619707276, 1619707284, 1496469526, 1619701456, 1619708612, 1683073622
• Resource ID: LLS:DCTDLYLFNTQ4VLS
• Resource Type: Encyclopedia
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-01T23:15:30Z

About the Authors

Edwin M. Yamauchi is a professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Persia and the Bible, Greece and Babylon, The Archaeology of New Testament Cities in Asia Minor, Harper’s World of the New Testament, and Africa and Africans in Antiquity.

Marvin Wilson is H.J. Ockenga Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. He served as the primary scholar for the television documentary Jews & Christians: A Journey of Faith.