Question
Gramps,
Is the Bible dictionary considered revelation and how do I get to it and just read it without searching for a particular subject?
Bill
Answer
Dear Bill,
No, the BIble Dictionary is not considered revelation. From its own introductory text, it is primarily information from scripture and Bible scholars. It is not intended to represent official Church doctrine.
In case you’re interested, my research shows that the Bible Dictionary was added to the first edition of the King James version of the Bible published by the Church in 1979 (Church newsroom article and History of the Scriptures).
There are many ways you can get to the Bible Dictionary:
- In a web browser, go to the Church website. Using the menu options, navigate to the scriptures or gospel library and then the scriptures (because the site changes frequently, these links or menu options may change). Once you’ve found the scriptures, go to “Study Helps” and then “Bible Dictionary“.
- In the “Gospel Library” (sometimes just “Library”) app, go to Scriptures, then Study Helps, then Bible Dictionary.
- In paper scriptures printed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Bible Dictionary is located at the back of the Bible, between the Topical Guide and the Joseph Smith Translation.
The Bible Dictionary is organized into entries by word or name, so except for the introduction, it doesn’t read like a manual or other book, but rather, like the dictionary it is.
While not directly related, the three part BYU series about the Bible is both educational and inspiring. I hope this answers your question and that you enjoy your study of the entries in the Bible Dictionary – I have found it a very helpful tool in my studies.
Gramps
