Dictionary of Bible Themes
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The Dictionary of Bible Themes contains over 2,000 thematic articles with an explanation of the theme, key Bible references, and cross-references to related themes. Comparable to the venerable Nave’s Topical Bible in scope, the Dictionary of Bible Themes stands apart in its unique, nine-level classification of themes that brings related biblical and theological concepts together.
Now you can access entire fields of information, saving time and increasing your thoroughness. The entire Bible is referenced for a host of themes—doctrinal, ethical, historical, and cultural—grouped under nine key categories. Produced by the outstanding editorial team of Martin Manser, Alister McGrath, J.I. Packer, and Donald Wiseman, this book provides a superb tool for topical studies.
Top Highlights
“A thematic approach is based on related ideas; a lexical approach is based on individual words.” (source)
“entered the Most Holy Place Heb 9:24 On the Day of Atonement the” (source)
“Ge 18:19 As the following references show, Abraham did not discharge” (source)
“A word-based approach would be limited to identifying biblical passages in which words such as ‘assure’ or ‘assurance’ appear. A thematic approach, however, goes far beyond this and explores all the basic elements of the theme. It identifies its basic ideas, its presuppositions and its consequences, in order that the theme in all its fulness can be unfolded to the reader.” (source)
“Scripture makes clear that all human beings are subject to temptation. It provides examples of individuals who have faced and yielded to such influences.” (source)
MANAGING EDITOR
Martin H. Manser is an honours graduate of Languages and Linguistics from York University, Martin H. Manser has worked as a freelance reference book editor since 1980. He has compiled and edited a wide range of English language dictionaries and books of quotations, including the Lion Book of Bible Quotations, Bloomsbury’s Good Word Guide and Pan’s Dictionary of Contemporary Idioms. Martin was also Managing Editor of the NIV Thematic Study Bible published in 1996 to great acclaim and on which this dictionary is based.
GENERAL EDITOR
Alister E. Mcgrath is Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. In addition to his work at Oxford, McGrath is Senior Research Fellow at Harris Manchester College, Oxford, President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and serves as associate priest in a group of Church of England village parishes in the Cotswolds. Dr. McGrath was the key influence in the editorial stage of producing the Thematic Database from which this volume was derived.
CONSULTANT EDITORS
J. I. Packer (PhD, Oxford University), acted as Consultant Editor and was a great enthusiast for thematic Bible study.
Donald J. Wiseman, Emeritus Professor of Assyriology, University of London, was a Consultant Editor with a vital contribution to the cultural themes.
ASSISTANT CONSULTANTS
J. Gordon McConville (PhD, Queen’s University, Belfast), was Assistant Consultant Editor specializing in the Old Testament.
Stephen H. Travis (PhD, University of Cambridge), was Assistant Consultant specializing in the New Testament.
Martin H. Manser was an honours graduate of Languages and Linguistics from New York University. Martin H. Manser has worked as a freelance reference book editor since 1980. He has compiled and edited a wide range of English language dictionaries and books of quotations, including the Lion Book of Bible Quotations, Bloomsbury’s Good Word Guide and Pan’s Dictionary of Contemporary Idioms. Martin was also Managing Editor of the NIV Thematic Study Bible published in 1996 to great acclaim and on which this dictionary is based.
Alister E. McGrath, Principal of Wycliffe Halt, Oxford and Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, has been the key influence in the editorial stage of producing the Thematic Database from which this volume was derived.
J. I. Packer Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, acted as Consultant Editor and is a great enthusiast for thematic Bible study.
Donald J. Wiseman Emeritus Professor of Assyriology, University of London, is also Consultant Editor with a vital contribution to the cultural themes.
Reviews
13 ratings
David Anfinrud
12/13/2025
I find this a good way to study concepts and ideas as taught in the Bible. I get aspects I had not thought about. It is go to for a person like me that has no Greek or Hebrew understanding. I can read the word definitions. But the theme and usage helps me get a clearer view of a big picture easier to share with others.David Anfinrud
12/13/2025
I find this a good way to study concepts and ideas as taught in the Bible. I get aspects I had not thought about. It is go to for a person like me that has no Greek or Hebrew understanding. I can read the word definitions. But the theme and usage helps me get a clearer view of a big picture easier to share with others.Renold Burke
6/11/2025
The Dictionary of Bible Themes by Martin H. Manser is a total game-changer for anyone digging into Bible study or prepping sermons. It’s super helpful, guiding you through key themes across Scripture, making your study sessions or sermons way richer. For Logos users, this thing’s a must-have—it hooks right into the platform, letting you zip through cross-references and other tools like a breeze. It lays out themes clearly, helping you connect the dots across the Bible and pull together solid, heartfelt messages. Whether you’re a pastor working on a sermon or just love diving deep into Scripture, this tool makes it easier and amps up your study big time!AnonymousUser123
10/2/2024
According to Logos' "Passage List" video, this used to be listed as a tool under interactive media. No more. I wonder why?
Stephan Thelen
11/1/2022
A really helpful resource that I use often and enjoy using to get started on a biblical topic.Yronrohi Senoc
8/27/2021
Rwothomio Robert
6/25/2021
Mike Measley
3/28/2021
