Most biblical dictionaries define a term (e.g., "Blood") by its linguistic roots and historical usage. Léon-Dufour goes further. Each article is a miniature theology essay. For instance, the entry on "Flesh" ( sarx ) does not just parse Greek grammar; it traces the concept's evolution from the Old Testament concept of human frailty to Paul's theology of justification and the Johannine understanding of the Incarnation ("The Word became flesh").

Understanding the role and structure of the Church as portrayed in scripture.

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for a specific sermon or lesson.

The Dictionary of Biblical Theology is structured for efficient and profound study. Its core is an alphabetical arrangement of topics, making it a straightforward reference work.

Understanding the value of the Dictionary of Biblical Theology begins with a look at its creator. Xavier Léon-Dufour was born in Paris on March 7, 1912. After deciding to become a priest at just 17, he went on to become a French Jesuit, a renowned biblical scholar, and a theologian. He was a professor of the Bible at the Centre Sèvres in Paris, and his scholarly career was decorated with significant roles, including serving as a consultor for the Pontifical Biblical Commission in Rome and becoming president of the international New Testament society, Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, in 1980.