Review: Fascinating, well-explained, and nicely laid out Bible dictionary
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 21, 2013
Author Stan I. S. Law points out that what we have in the Bible is a flow of Hebrew words, arranged on a page, and all the rest is interpretation. Some Christians might say the words were placed in precisely that order by God. As we read our favorite version in our favorite language, some of us claim the words and translation are both guided and designed by our Creator. Still others trust in God and turn to Him for interpretation of what cannot be fully known. Stan I. S. Law looks at what he calls the "inexorable demise" of organized religion, views the Bible and related books through lenses of symbols, science and history, and offers his dictionary to children of an Age of Individualization.While my personal interests lie in the real (historical and scientific) world of the Bible, filled with real people, loved by a real God, I enjoy the author's allegorical interpretations. I delight in symbols. I love parables. And as stories and words repeat, reflect and refract, I love the timelessness of interlocking meanings.But how do you "use" a dictionary when reading in translation? The author offers an intriguing introduction with Biblical passages quoted around bracketed alternative words. Footnotes remind the reader of symbols--"son" as "consequence," "10" as "executive power," "land" as "bare ground," and more. Moving from Exodus, through Isaiah, to Revelation, Old Testament to New, comparing faith with knowledge, and inviting question, the author shows how his dictionary can be used.And then he provides a truly comprehensive dictionary. Place names, people's names, names of nations and more are interspersed with common (and uncommon) nouns and verbs, all with their various options and meanings displayed. The format's plain and simple (and dictionary-like), and the result is truly intriguing.While new translations of the Bible look for literal accuracy, and modern interpretations seek original meaning in the light of historical culture, this author looks for symbolic accuracy, repeated (and timeless) ideas, and internal structures reflecting the heart of individualism. Even if your interests are different from the author's, this book is a pleasing and helpful way to find out more from the Bible's words.Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy of this dictionary by the author and I promised my honest review.