Categories of Christian Books

Definitions

A Logos user e-mailed me explaining that he loves to study and teach the Bible but that he is not familiar with all of the different categories of Christian books. What is a lexicon? A Bible introduction? A critical commentary?

I developed the following brief definitions to help explain some of the many categories of Christian books.

Just click on a category in the right column to jump to a definition.

Enjoy, Morris


Analytical Lexicon

Definition: In addition to providing definitions for Hebrew or Greek words, an analytical lexicon examines the various forms of words used in the original texts. In other words, it not only provides definitions for the lemmas (root words), it also offers information about the inflected or manuscript forms of the Hebrew or Greek words used in the Bible. The analytical lexicon is arranged alphabetically according to the Hebrew or Greek words.

Example: Analytical Lexicon of the Greek NT

Application: Imagine coming to the word “logos” in your study of John 1:1. You notice the word is used as a subject of a sentence but you’re curious if the word is ever used in a different case as a direct object. An analytical lexicon will get you well on your way to discovering the answer. back to top>>


Apologetics

Definition: Apologetics is the area of theology which seeks to defend and support the claims of Christianity. An apologetics book then contains these defenses of The Faith. This book would answer questions such as “Is the Bible reliable?” or “Did Jesus rise from the grave?” Some apologetics books are arranged topically according to subject matter while others are more of free-flowing narrative.

Example: Handbook of Christian Apologetics

Application: If someone were to ask you: “How can you be sure Jesus rose from the dead?” What proof can you give me the Bible is trustworthy?” Then turn to an apologetics book for answers. back to top>>


Archaeology, Biblical

Definition: A biblical archaeology book details archaeological discoveries that are pertinent to biblical history or Christianity. This book is normally arranged topically according to specific locations such as Jericho or the Dead Sea.

Example: Archaeological Encyclopedia of the Holy Land

Application: While you are reading about Jericho in Joshua 7 or Ephesus in Acts 18, if you wonder about discoveries recently made in these areas, then an archaeology book is where to go. back to top>>


Atlas (Bible)

Definition: A Bible atlas contains maps pertaining to the events that occurred in the Bible. A Bible atlas would include maps about the placement of the twelve tribes of Israel or the travels of Paul.

Example: Logos Deluxe Map Set

Application: As you read in John 4 about Jesus having to go through Samaria, an atlas will help explain the significance of the passage. back to top>>


Bible (Chronological)

Definition: The contents of the Bible are not recorded for us like a story from start to finish in chronological order. A chronological Bible rearranges the events in Scripture placing them in the order they actually occurred in time.

Example: So That's Why Bible

Application: Imagine doing a study on the life of Jesus from the four gospel accounts. You have to read a little in Matthew then jump to John then back to Luke and so on to read then events as they actually occurred. A chronological Bible places theses events on the page as they actually occurred so you can read about the life of Jesus from start to finish. back to top>>


Bible (Dynamic Equivalent)

Definition: The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Our English Bibles are based on the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Some English Bibles, rather than translating word for word from the original language, will translate thought for thought. The translators will get the main idea from the Hebrew or Greek passage and then express the same idea in English words.

Example: The New International Version

Application: If you just want to get the big idea of a passage, a Bible like the NIV can be helpful. back to top>>


Bible (Expanded)

Definition: The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Our English Bibles are based on the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Some English Bibles are referred to as expanded translations. An expanded translation usually “contains” a literal translation of the original manuscripts but the translators “expand” on the words. That is, the translators build right into the text the meaning or “amplification” of the words. For example, if the Greek text says “Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for sin”, the expanded translation may say “Jesus came to give His life as a ransom, a payment, the highest bid to buy the freedom of a slave off of the slave block.” An expanded translation should be read as a commentary rather than a strict translation of the Bible.

Example: Wuest's NT: An Expanded Translation

Application: If you want to get a head start on word study, even as you are reading a passage, the Amplified Bible or Wuest’s NT: An Expanded Translation can assist you. back to top>>


Bible (Literal)

Definition: The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Our English Bibles are based on the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. A literal translation of the Bible seeks as much as possible to give a word for word translation from Hebrew or Greek to English. Literal translations of the Bible should be when conducting more serious Bible study.

Example: English Standard Version

Application: If you are not familiar with original languages, but want to do serious Bible study getting as close as possible to the original meaning of the text with an English Bible, then you want to rely on literal translations like the ESV, KJV, NKJV, or NASB. back to top>>


Bible (Paraphrase)

Definition: The Bible was originally written in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Our English Bibles are based on the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Some English Bibles are called paraphrases rather than translations. In a paraphrase the author attempts to put the meaning of the text in simple, modern language. A paraphrase should be read and viewed as a devotional commentary rather than a translation of the Bible.

Example: The Message

Application: If you want some ideas about wording or applying the text to your class or congregation a paraphrase of the Bible is very helpful. back to top>>


Bible History

Definition: A Bible history book presents the history of time periods covered in the Bible itself. Such a history book would detail the events as recorded in the Bible but would also tell you about events happening elsewhere in the world at the same time that would have bearing on the biblical events. For example, a history book covering the period of Israel’s kings would describe the events as recorded in the Bible but would also discuss what was concurrently happening in Assyria or Persia. Theses details of course would be discovered through extra-biblical sources. A Bible history book is usually a narrative divided into chapters with each covering a specific time period.

Example: Bible History: Old Testament

Application: If you are reading the book of Jonah you may ask yourself why Jonah was so reluctant to go to Nineveh. A Bible history book will shed light on the question. back to top>>


Church History

Definition: A church history book simply does what its name implies; it presents the history of the church. Just as an American history book presents the history of America, a church history book presents the history of Christianity or the church. A church history book may be a survey of all of church history or it may focus on a specific time period such as the reformation period. A church history book is usually a narrative that is arranged chronologically according got the time period it is covering.

Example: History of the Christian Church

Application: As you read along in commentaries and theology books, the authors constantly make reference to events and people in church history. To fully understand their message you have to know these historical facts and figures. A good church history book can help you. back to top>>


Commentary, Critical

Definition: A commentary, whether a single volume or multi-volume set, contains the author’s analysis, thoughts and “comments” about a Bible passage. A critical commentary focuses primarily on technical issues related to the Greek or Hebrew text and its interpretation.

Example: International Critical Commentary

Application: Does the phrase “in love” in Ephesians 1:4 modify what comes before it or after it in the paragraph? A critical commentary examines such issues. back to top>>


Commentary, Devotional

Definition: A commentary, whether a single volume or multi-volume set, contains the author’s analysis, thoughts and “comments” about a Bible passage. A devotional commentary tends to be a “lighter” treatment of the text giving a brief explanation but emphasizing its practical application.
Example: Life Application Commentary

Application: You want your Bible teaching to be very practical for the needs of your listeners. This week you are having difficulty applying John 15. A devotional commentary will offer some suggestions for you. back to top>>


Commentary, Exegetical

Definition: A commentary, whether a single volume or multi-volume set, contains the author’s analysis, thoughts and “comments” about a Bible passage. An exegetical or pastoral commentary focuses on explaining the text. Most exegetical commentaries use historical, geographical, and cultural information as well as discussions of the original languages to explain the text.

Example: Baker NT Commentary

Application: As you exegete (study) a passage you want to pay close attention to the original author’s intended meaning for his audience. For example, what were the trials James’ readers were experiencing in James 1? An exegetical or pastoral commentary can help you uncover that meaning. back to top>>


Concordance (Exhaustive)

Definition: An exhaustive concordance lists every English word in the Bible and every verse where that word occurs. Obviously a concordance is needed for every different English Bible because the words are different in each Bible. This book is arranged alphabetically according to the English words. For example, the concordance would list an English word like “grace” and then list the Bible references for all the occurrences of the word.

Example: New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance

Application: Let’s say you want to do a topical study on peace. An exhaustive concordance lists every place the word peace occurs in the Bible so you could examine multiple passages about this subject. back to top>>


Critical Apparatus

Definition: Our English Bibles are based on Hebrew and Greek texts. These Hebrew and Greek texts are based on various manuscripts and fragments from antiquity. Simply put, a critical apparatus is the set of notes detailing the specific manuscripts and fragments from which the Hebrew and Greek text are derived. These notes also offer reasons for selecting those specific manuscripts or fragments. In short, the critical apparatus is the rationale behind the Hebrew and Greek texts.

Example: Nestle-Aland: NTG Apparatus Criticus

Application: Imagine you come to Mark 16:9-20 as you are doing some very in depth Bible study in the book of Mark. You discover that some early manuscripts do not contain this passage. You have some questions as to whether it should be included in the Bible or not. A critical apparatus can supply some answers. back to top>>


Cross Reference

Definition: A biblical cross reference is a verse that deals with the same subject matter as the passage you are currently reading. A cross reference book then is simply a book that lists numerous biblical cross references. This book can be arranged topically or according to the books of the Bible (versified). A topical cross reference book lists a topic like “hope” and then lists numerous verses dealing with hope. A versified cross reference book is organized according to the books of the Bible. It lists a passage like Psalm 23 and then gives cross references for verse 1, verse, 2, verse 3, and so on.

Example: The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Application: As you are studying Psalm 23 about the Lord being your shepherd, you want to see other places in the Bible that discuss shepherding. If you open a cross reference book you will find those verses. back to top>>


Dictionary (Bible)

Definition: A Bible dictionary defines and discusses the people, places, and terms mentioned in the Bible. It contains topical articles arranged alphabetically. Examples are articles about Paul, Ephesus, and adoption. A Bible dictionary is the same as a Bible encyclopedia.

Example: Eerdman's Bible Dictionary

Application: In Revelation 3 Jesus spoke to the Laodiceans about “hot and cold”. Is there anything about the city of Laodicea itself that would influence Jesus to use these words? A Bible dictionary will tell you all about that ancient city. back to top>>


Dictionary (Language)

Definition: A language dictionary for Hebrew or Greek functions much like an English dictionary like Webster’s does. It first and foremost defines the Hebrew or Greek word. Some dictionaries go beyond the definitions by providing morphological data (is the word a noun, verb, etc) and extra biblical uses of the word. That is it tells how the word was used outside of the Bible. The dictionary is arranged alphabetically according to the Hebrew or Greek word.

Example: Complete Word Study Dictionary

Application: In Joshua 1:8 God told Joshua to “meditate” on the law. Knowing the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and not English you want a definition of the Hebrew word translated “meditate”. A Hebrew dictionary is the place to go for the meaning. back to top>>


Encyclopedia (Bible)

Definition: A Bible encyclopedia defines and discusses the people, places, and terms mentioned in the Bible. It contains topical articles arranged alphabetically. Examples are articles about Barnabas, Jerusalem, and redemption. A Bible encyclopedia is the same as a Bible dictionary.

Example: Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

Application: As you study Jesus’ arrest and trials you discover He was put before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate. Who were these men? A Bible encyclopedia will tell you. back to top>>


Englishman’s Concordance

Definition: An Englishman’s Hebrew or Greek concordance lists every Hebrew or Greek word in the Bible and every verse where that word occurs. It is arranged alphabetically according to the Hebrew or Greek word. This book would list the Hebrew word "bara" or Greek word "logos" and then list the Bible references for all the occurrences of the word.

Example: The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the NT

Application: As you study Luke 6:32-36 you notice the word usually translated “thank” or “benefit”. Since the New Testament was written in Greek you are curios about every occurrence of the Greek word translated “thank”. You turn to the Englishman’s concordance for your results. back to top>>


Figures of Speech

Definition: In English we say “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse”. No one really thinks we’re going to bar-b-que Mr. Ed. We know that is a figure of speech meaning very hungry. Every language, including Hebrew and Greek, contains figures of speech. A figures of speech or idioms book explains the meanings of the figures of speech in the Bible.

Example: Figures of Speech Used in the Bible

Application: In Matthew 23:24 Jesus told the Pharisees you strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. What in the world does that mean? A figures of speech book may help with the answer. back to top>>


Grammar

Definition: While determining the meaning of Hebrew and Greek words is a necessary step for Bible study it is just that, “a step”. To determine the meaning of a passage, words must be examined in their morphological and syntactical contexts. In other words, “What is the form of the word? (Is it a noun or verb?) and “How is the word used in relationship to other words in the sentence? (Is it the subject or direct object?). Grammars offer definitions and explanations for the various parts of speech and usages of those parts in Hebrew or Greek. The grammar is usually arranged according to topics such as verbs, nouns, prepositions, adjectives, and so on.

Example: Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics

Application: In your Bible study you learn the verb “filled” in Ephesians 5:18 is passive voice. That’s well and good but what’s the significance of passive voice? That’s what a grammar will tell you. back to top>>


Handbook (Bible)

Definition: A Bible handbook provides both background information and commentary about each book of the Bible. It first answers the introductory who, what, when, and where questions for each book as then gives brief explanations about its contents. The handbook is arranged in the order of the books of the Bible.

Example: Hayford's Bible Handbook

Application: In Psalm 24 David says to “Lift up your heads, O Gates”. Who or what is he referring to? A Bible handbook has the answers. back to top>>


Harmony

Definition: Some events in the Bible are written in more than one place. For example, the Ten Commandments are recorded in two different spots. The temptations are mentioned in three separate locations. When multiple passages contain basically the same content we refer to them as parallel passages. A harmony is a book that groups together these parallel passages so you do not have to flip back and forth in your Bible.

Example: A Simplified Harmony of the Gospels
Application: As you are studying the life of Jesus you discover His temptations are recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It sure would be nice to see all three records at once side by side. A harmony of the gospels will do just that. back to top>>


Hermeneutics

Definition: Hermeneutics is the branch of theology that deals with the principles of Bible interpretation. Generally speaking then a hermeneutics book is any book that addresses the issue of biblical interpretation. The subject matter of these books can range from simple Bible study methodology to technical issues such as contextualization or syntactical analysis. A hermeneutics book is usually arranged topically according to the subject matter of each chapter.
Example: The Hermeneutical Spiral

Application: Rather than just opening the Bible to a random place and start reading every day you want to develop a disciplined, methodical method of Bible study. A hermeneutics book will help chart the course for you. back to top>>


Homiletics

Definition: Homiletics is the field of study covering the preparation and delivery of sermons. A homiletics book then is any book that deals with aspects of the construction or preaching of sermons. A homiletics book is usually arranged topically according to the subject matter of each chapter.

Example: The Preacher as Storyteller

Application: Having thoroughly researched Romans 8 you now want to organize your findings into an interesting and Biblical lesson. How do you go about it? A homiletics book offers some valuable assistance. back to top>>


Illustration

Definition: An illustration book contains stories, quotes and antidotes about a numerous subjects. It is usually arranged alphabetically according to the subject matter. For example, the book would contain a section called “Forgiveness” and then list various illustrations about that subject.

Example: Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations and Quotes

Application: You’ve studied the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 and organized your lesson. You just need a modern day story of forgiveness as the final touch to the lesson. An illustration book may contain what you’re looking for. back to top>>


Interlinear Bible

Definition: An interlinear Bible contains the original Hebrew and / or Greek text along with study aids placed inline with the text. These study aids may include an English literal translation, Strong’s numbers, lemmas, and morphological data.

Example: Lexham Hebrew-English Interlinear Bible

Application: As you read James 5:14-15 you see the same word sick in both verses. You wonder, however, if both of these represent the same Greek word. When you read the passage in an interlinear Bible you’ll discover the answer. back to top>>


Introduction (Bible)

Definition: A Bible introduction primarily examines the background information for the books of the Bible from a critical viewpoint. That is, it first answers such questions as: Who wrote the book? When was it written? Why was it written? It doesn’t, however, just answer the questions; it also gives the reasons or justification for the answers. It presents Biblical, archaeological, historical, and extra-biblical support for the answers. In addition, an introduction usually presents alternative answers to the questions and the author supports his view as most accurate. An introduction book is usually organized according to the books of the Bile it is covering such as “introduction to 1 Corinthians” or “introduction to Philemon”. Inductions tend to be more detailed and technical as compared to surveys or Bible handbooks.

Example: New Testament Introduction

Application: As you embark on a study of 1 and 2 Corinthians you quickly discover Paul kept referring to previous correspondence he had with the Corinthians. Keeping track of all of this letter writing becomes a bit confusing. A Bible introduction will help clear the way. back to top>>


Lexicon

Definition: Some people draw a distinction between a lexicon and dictionary. Others view them as synonymous. This article treats them as synonymous. A lexicon, therefore, like a dictionary, provides definitions for Hebrew and Greek words. As with dictionaries some go beyond the definitions also detailing morphological information (the form of the word) and extra biblical usage. The lexicon is arranged alphabetically according to the Hebrew or Greek words.

Example: A Greek-English Lexicon of the NT and Other Early Christian Literature

Application: In Philippians 1.27 Paul told the saints in Philippi to “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel. What does the Greek word translated “strive” mean? A lexicon has the answer. back to top>>


Manners and Customs

Definition: A manners and customs book describes the culture and lifestyles of people in biblical times. This book is usually arranged topically according to subject matter such as clothing, occupations, and housing.

Example: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs

Application: 1 Peter 1:13 says to gird up our loins for action. This may have been common in the first century but we don’t do much loins girding today. What does he mean? A manners and customs book will shed light on the darkness. back to top>>


Parallel Bible

Definition: A parallel Bible is just several Bible in one. It displays the text of two or more Bibles in parallel columns on the page.

Example: The Essential Evangelical Parallel Bible

Application: As a good Bible student when you study the Beatitudes you read them in different Bible versions to get a good feel for the passage. It would be nice though to see these different Bibles at the same time side by side. That’s what a parallel Bible does for you. back to top>>


Reverse Interlinear

Definition: In a traditional Hebrew or Greek interlinear the main line of text is the Hebrew or Greek manuscript. Study aids, which usually include an English literal translation, are then placed inline with the original language text. In a reverse interlinear the main line of text is an English Bible such as the ESV or NRSV. The study aids, including the Hebrew or Greek text, are then placed inline with the English text. Hence, the lines of text are “flip flopped” or “reversed”.

Example: The ESV English-Greek Reverse Interlinear

Application: In Matthew 22.32 Jesus said God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He went on to say God is not the God of the dead but the living”. This text seems out of place until you read it in the reverse interlinear focusing on the morphological study aids placed inline. back to top>>


Study Bible

Definition: A study Bible is a “mini Bible handbook”. It contains introductory material for each book of the Bible as well as brief comments on selected verses.

Example: The Reformation Study Bible



Application: As you’re following a Bible reading plan you come to the book of Numbers. Before you launch into this big, “history” book, you think to yourself, “What’s the story line of Numbers? What’s it all about?” The introductory material at the beginning of Numbers in a study Bible has the answers. back to top>>


Survey (Bible)

Definition: In general, a Bible survey book gives a “bird’s eye view” of biblical content. It is the “Reader’s Digest” version of the Bible if you well. Survey books focus on the content of the Bible while introduction books focus on the background information (authorship, date of writing, etc.) for the books of the Bible. A survey is usually organized topically according to the time period it is covering such as “survey of the Old Testament” or “survey of the Judges period”.

Example: OT Survey Series: The Minor Prophets

Application: You know some Bible stories like, “The Tower of Babel”, “The Battle at Jericho” or “Daniel in the Lion’s Den”, but how do all of theses events fit together? What is the big picture of the Bible? That’s what a Bible survey book is all about, the big picture. back to top>>


Synonyms

Definition: The Bible was originally recorded in the Hebrew and Greek languages. Like all languages these two contain different words that have similar meanings which we call synonyms. A synonyms book groups together synonyms and gives definitions for each.

Example: Synonyms of the New Testament

Application: As you read through Jesus’ and Peter’s conversation in John 21, you discover John uses two different Greek that are both translated “love”. What are the differences between these two words. A book of synonyms will tell you. back to top>>



Theology, Biblical

Definition: Technically speaking theology is the study of God. It is also, however, the word used to describe the study of and the synthesis (putting together) of various doctrines or teachings in the Bible. So we speak of the “Doctrine of Salvation” or “Dispensational Theology”.

One strand of theology is called biblical theology which seeks to discover and articulate a doctrine as understood by a biblical author or in a specific time period. So we speak of a “Theology of Matthew” or a “Theology of the Minor Prophets.” A biblical theology book then contains the “theologies” of a biblical author or from a distinct time period and the book is organized according to these various “theologies”.

Biblical theology is contrasted with systematic theology which articulates a subject as it is discussed in the whole of Scripture.

Example: A Biblical Theology of the New Testament

Application: As you read John’s writings you realize he wrote a lot about “life”. What is John’s understanding of “life” or “eternal life?” A Biblical theology book will have focused attention on John’s teachings. back to top>>


Theology, Systematic

Definition: Technically speaking theology is the study of God. It is also, however, the word used to describe the study of and the synthesis (putting together) of various doctrines or teachings in the Bible. So we speak of the “Doctrine of Last Things” or “Covenant Theology”.

One strand of theology is called systematic theology which seeks to discover and articulate a doctrine as understood in the whole of Scripture. We, therefore, speak of the “Doctrine of Man” or the “Doctrine of Angels”. A systematic theology book then contains these various “doctrines” as they have been discovered and unified from the whole of revelation. Most systematic theology books are then organized according to these systematized doctrines.

Systematic theology is contrasted with biblical theology which articulates a subject as it is understood by a specific biblical author or in a particular time period.

Example: Chafer's Systematic Theology

Application: In Genesis you read about God’s making animal coverings for Adam and Eve. In Hebrews you read about the mercy seat being sprinkled with blood? In Revelation you read about the “blood of the lamb”. How do all of these writings about covering, mercy seat, and blood fit together? A systematic theology books pulls together all of these passages into a harmonious whole. back to top>>


Topical Bible

Definition: A topical Bible is a book of Bible cross references that is arranged alphabetically according to topic. For example, this book would have an article called “heaven’ and then list a lot of verses about heaven.

Example: The MacArthur Topical Bible

Application: Let’s say you want to do a character study on the man Barnabas? Where do you begin? You can lookup up the word “Barnabas” in a topical Bible and discover numerous verses about him that you can study. back to top>>