The Anchor Bible Dictionary 6-Volume Prepack: (contains one copy of each volume) (The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary) Hardcover – June 1, 1992

`The Anchor Bible Dictionary', at six (6) rather large volumes, is probably the most authoritative encyclopedia on Christian Biblical matters. And, let us be clear about the fact that it is quite definitely NOT a dictionary in the same sense as the excellent `New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology' edited in its English translation from the German by Colin Brown and `Theological Dictionary of the New Testament', edited in German and completed around 1933 by Gerhard Kittel, and translated into English by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, which has 10 huge volumes filled with a wealth of information. Both of these are true dictionaries, dealing with Greek terms and their meanings in ancient Greek literature, Hebrew scriptural translations into Greek, and New Testament Greek.The Anchor volumes are far more like the single volume `HarperCollins Bible Dictionary' which is also a misnamed encyclopedia. Whether you purchase the Anchor or the HarperCollins may depend (aside from financial resources) on whether you plan to use the book `on the road', as in a Sunday Bible Study class. Another reason for passing on the Anchor volumes is if you happen to live within walking distance or easy driving distance of a good library, or even a modest library dedicated to Christian study, as you may find in a local church. Every municipal, college, and church library I have seen has a copy of `The Anchor Bible Dictionary'.To state the obvious, the Anchor clearly has more information in it than HarperCollins, as it is literally six times longer. Among other things, this means that for `Torah', for example, you get a bit over one and a half pages in HarperCollins, while you get eighteen (18) pages, or about nine times as much information, plus a very good bibliography, which is absent from the HarperCollins article. And, for each book of the Bible, you essentially get a thumbnail commentary and outline, probably good enough for most, unless you intend to study that book in detail. This does not mean the HarperCollins has no bibliographies. It does, but it is not with every long article.On smaller articles, the Anchor also tends to be a bit better than the HarperCollins. I have run across many minor (single occurrence) proper names in the New Testament which are simply not in HarperCollins, but which are in the Anchor. There may not be much to say, but at least you may get an etymology and a proper pronunciation.I know there are other reputable Bible `encyclopedias' available, but I am fairly sure these two are the best. And, in the end, it may all come down to your wallet. Both are good choices, but the Anchor is unquestionably more complete and better for many purposes.

One of the Best Dictionary sets I've ever had. I thank you for having them. And helping a library to get funds for other things are one of mine hearts.

This volume was the most difficult to find and buy. It has valuable information and is used daily.

Amazing dictionary! Always wanted this dictionary! Bought it used. Great set!

Good reference dictionary, but not for the faint of heart. it presents all views on the topic, so if you are a newbie to bible study this is not for you, not too many picture.

I like everything about this but,It looks new

Great historical reference; insightful.

This is the second volume I have purchased on this series. The book was used and a fraction of the cost new. Arrived in excellent condition. I purchased this as a reference library and it does not disappoint. Excellent references throughout that provides an understandable framework for the commentary. It's more than a dictionary, but if you want to use it as one, it has great depth. Each section has an extensive Bibliography that let's you find sources and go deeper if your study requires. Finding myself using these everyday, and have purchased an entire set for less than $200 in excellent/new condition from Amazon sources.