The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism

The Dictionary of Early Judaism is the first reference work devoted exclusively to Second Temple Judaism (fourth century b.c.e. through second century c.e.).

The first section of this substantive and incredible work contains thirteen major essays that attempt to synthesize major aspects of Judaism in the period between Alexander and Hadrian. The second ― and significantly longer ― section offers 520 entries arranged alphabetically. Many of these entries have cross-references and all have select bibliographies. Equal attention is given to literary and nonliterary (i.e. archaeological and epigraphic) evidence and New Testament writings are included as evidence for Judaism in the first century c.e. Several entries also give pertinent information on the Hebrew Bible.

The Dictionary of Early Judaism is intended to not only meet the needs of scholars and students ― at which it succeeds admirably ― but also to provide accessible information for the general reader. It is ecumenical and international in character, bringing together nearly 270 authors from as many as twenty countries and including Jews, Christians, and scholars of no religious affiliation.

John J. Collins is Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation Emeritus at Yale Divinity School. He has served as editor of the Anchor Yale Bible series and president of the Society of Biblical Literature. In 2019, he was awarded the Burkitt Medal for Biblical Studies. His many publications include Apocalypse, Prophecy, and Pseudepigraphy; Beyond the Qumran Community; The Bible After Babel; and Apocalypticism as a Worldview in Ancient Judaism. 

Daniel C. Harlow is professor of New Testament and Early Judaism at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.