1 Chr
1 Chronicles
The thirteenth book of the Old Testament, retelling Israel's history focusing on Judah.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: I Chr, 1Ch
1 Chr is the common abbreviation in academic contexts.
Reference Library
Christian Reference Work Abbreviations
A curated abbreviation index for Bible books, Bible versions, ancient sources, lexicons, grammars, theological dictionaries, commentary series, journals, textual criticism, church history, and scholarly literature.
271 entries currently included.
271 entries shown.
Bible Book Abbreviations
1 Cor
First Epistle to the Corinthians
Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: 1 Co, I Cor
1 Cor is the standard abbreviation; Roman numeral I is also used.
1 John
First Epistle of John
Letter attributed to the Apostle John.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: I John
1 John is standard; I John uses Roman numeral.
1 Kgs
1 Kings
The eleventh book of the Old Testament, covering Israel's monarchy after David.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: I Kgs, 1Ki
1 Kgs is the preferred abbreviation in academic works.
1 Pet
First Epistle of Peter
Letter attributed to the Apostle Peter.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: I Pet
1 Pet is standard; I Pet uses Roman numeral.
1 Sam
1 Samuel
The ninth book of the Old Testament, narrating the life of Samuel and Saul.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: I Sam, 1Sa
1 Sam is the standard abbreviation; numeral precedes book name.
1 Thess
First Epistle to the Thessalonians
Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: 1 Thes, I Thess
1 Thess is standard; I Thess uses Roman numeral.
1 Tim
First Epistle to Timothy
Paul's first letter to Timothy.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: I Tim
1 Tim is standard; I Tim uses Roman numeral.
2 Chr
2 Chronicles
The fourteenth book of the Old Testament, continuing the history of Judah.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: II Chr, 2Ch
2 Chr is standard in scholarly works.
2 Cor
Second Epistle to the Corinthians
Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: 2 Co, II Cor
2 Cor is standard; II Cor is a Roman numeral variant.
2 John
Second Epistle of John
Second letter attributed to John.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: II John
2 John is standard; II John uses Roman numeral.
2 Kgs
2 Kings
The twelfth book of the Old Testament, continuing the history of Israel and Judah.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: II Kgs, 2Ki
2 Kgs is standard in scholarly literature.
2 Pet
Second Epistle of Peter
Second letter attributed to Peter.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: II Pet
2 Pet is standard; II Pet uses Roman numeral.
2 Sam
2 Samuel
The tenth book of the Old Testament, focusing on King David's reign.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: II Sam, 2Sa
2 Sam is the standard scholarly abbreviation.
2 Thess
Second Epistle to the Thessalonians
Paul's second letter to the Thessalonian church.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: 2 Thes, II Thess
2 Thess is standard; II Thess uses Roman numeral.
2 Tim
Second Epistle to Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: II Tim
2 Tim is standard; II Tim uses Roman numeral.
3 John
Third Epistle of John
Third letter attributed to John.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: III John
3 John is standard; III John uses Roman numeral.
Acts
Acts of the Apostles
Narrative of the early church after Jesus' resurrection.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Ac
Commonly abbreviated as Acts or Ac.
Amos
Amos
The thirtieth book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic oracles.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Amos is typically not abbreviated further.
Col
Epistle to the Colossians
Paul's letter to the church in Colossae.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Co
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Col is standard; Co is less common and can be ambiguous.
Dan
Daniel
The twenty-seventh book of the Old Testament, featuring visions and stories.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Dan is the standard abbreviation.
Deut
Deuteronomy
The fifth book of the Old Testament, featuring Moses' speeches and laws.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Dt
Deut is the preferred abbreviation in scholarly works.
Eccl
Ecclesiastes
The twenty-first book of the Old Testament, reflecting on life's meaning.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Eccles
Eccl is the standard abbreviation in academic works.
Eph
Epistle to the Ephesians
Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Ep
Eph is standard; Ep is less common.
Esth
Esther
The seventeenth book of the Old Testament, telling the story of Queen Esther.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Est
Esth is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Exod
Exodus
The second book of the Old Testament, recounting Israel's departure from Egypt.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Ex
Exod is the standard abbreviation in scholarly works.
Ezek
Ezekiel
The twenty-sixth book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic visions.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Eze, Ezk
Ezek is the preferred scholarly abbreviation.
Ezra
Ezra
The fifteenth book of the Old Testament, describing the return from exile.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Ezra is usually abbreviated as Ezra without shortening.
Gal
Epistle to the Galatians
Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Ga
Gal is the common abbreviation; Ga is less frequent.
Gen
Genesis
The first book of the Old Testament, describing creation and early history.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Ge, Gn
Commonly abbreviated as Gen in Protestant Bibles.
Hab
Habakkuk
The thirty-fifth book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic dialogues.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Hab is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Hag
Haggai
The thirty-seventh book of the Old Testament, a prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Hag is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Heb
Epistle to the Hebrews
Letter to the Hebrews, authorship traditionally uncertain.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Heb is the standard abbreviation.
Hos
Hosea
The twenty-eighth book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic messages.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Hos is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Isa
Isaiah
The twenty-third book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic writings.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Is
Isa is the standard scholarly abbreviation.
Jas
Epistle of James
Letter attributed to James, brother of Jesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Jam
Jas is standard; Jam is less common.
Jer
Jeremiah
The twenty-fourth book of the Old Testament, featuring the prophet Jeremiah.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Je, Jr
Jer is the common abbreviation in academic works.
Job
Job
The eighteenth book of the Old Testament, exploring the problem of suffering.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Job is typically not abbreviated further.
Joel
Joel
The twenty-ninth book of the Old Testament, a prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Joel is usually not abbreviated further.
John
Gospel of John
The fourth Gospel, highlighting the divinity of Jesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Jn
Abbreviated as John or Jn; Jn is frequent in scholarly texts.
Jonah
Jonah
The thirty-second book of the Old Testament, telling the story of the prophet Jonah.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Jonah is usually not abbreviated further.
Josh
Joshua
The sixth book of the Old Testament, describing the conquest of Canaan.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Jos
Josh is the standard abbreviation in Protestant Bibles.
Jude
Epistle of Jude
Letter attributed to Jude, brother of James.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Jude is typically abbreviated as Jude without shortening.
Judg
Judges
The seventh book of the Old Testament, covering Israel's early history under judges.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Jdg, Jg
Judg is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Lam
Lamentations
The twenty-fifth book of the Old Testament, poems mourning Jerusalem's destruction.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Lam is the standard abbreviation.
Lev
Leviticus
The third book of the Old Testament, containing laws and priestly rituals.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Lv
Lev is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Luke
Gospel of Luke
The third Gospel, emphasizing the universal message of Jesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Lk
Abbreviated as Luke or Lk in references.
Mal
Malachi
The thirty-ninth book of the Old Testament, the last prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Mal is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Mark
Gospel of Mark
The second Gospel, focusing on the ministry of Jesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Mk
Abbreviated as Mark or Mk; Mk is common in Bible references.
Matt
Gospel of Matthew
The first book of the New Testament, recounting the life and teachings of Jesus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Mt
Commonly abbreviated as Matt or Mt in scholarly works.
Mic
Micah
The thirty-third book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic messages.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Mic is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Nah
Nahum
The thirty-fourth book of the Old Testament, a prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Nah is the standard abbreviation.
Neh
Nehemiah
The sixteenth book of the Old Testament, focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Neh is the standard abbreviation in scholarly works.
Num
Numbers
The fourth book of the Old Testament, detailing Israel's wilderness wanderings.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Nm
Num is standard in academic contexts.
Obad
Obadiah
The thirty-first book of the Old Testament, a short prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Ob
Obad is the standard abbreviation.
Phil
Epistle to the Philippians
Paul's letter to the church in Philippi.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Php, Pp
Phil is standard; Php is also used in some contexts.
Phlm
Epistle to Philemon
Paul's letter to Philemon.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Phm
Phlm and Phm are both used; Phlm is more explicit.
Prov
Proverbs
The twentieth book of the Old Testament, containing wise sayings and teachings.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Prv
Prov is the common scholarly abbreviation.
Ps
Psalms
The nineteenth book of the Old Testament, a collection of religious songs and prayers.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Pss
Ps is the standard abbreviation for Psalms.
Rev
Book of Revelation
Apocalyptic book attributed to John.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Re, Rv
Rev is standard; Re and Rv are less common variants.
Rom
Epistle to the Romans
Paul's letter to the Christian community in Rome.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Alternate forms: Ro, Rm
Rom is standard; Ro and Rm are less common variants.
Ruth
Ruth
The eighth book of the Old Testament, telling the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Ruth is usually abbreviated as Ruth without shortening.
Song
Song of Songs
The twenty-second book of the Old Testament, a poetic love dialogue.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Song of Solomon, SOS
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Song is the common abbreviation; also called Canticles.
Titus
Epistle to Titus
Paul's letter to Titus.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - New Testament
Titus is typically abbreviated as Titus without shortening.
Zech
Zechariah
The thirty-eighth book of the Old Testament, containing prophetic visions.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Zech is the standard abbreviation in scholarly literature.
Zeph
Zephaniah
The thirty-sixth book of the Old Testament, a prophetic book.
Category: Bible Book Abbreviations - Old Testament
Alternate forms: Zep
Zeph is the standard abbreviation in academic works.
Bible Versions and Textual Editions
ASV
American Standard Version
An early 20th-century American English Bible translation, literal in style.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Important for textual comparison; basis for RSV.
BHQ
Biblia Hebraica Quinta
Ongoing critical edition of the Hebrew Bible, successor to BHS with updated textual notes.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Biblia Hebraica Quinta
Used increasingly in advanced Hebrew Bible scholarship.
BHS
Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
Critical edition of the Hebrew Bible based on the Leningrad Codex with Masoretic notes.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia
Standard scholarly edition for Hebrew Bible textual studies.
CEB
Common English Bible
A recent English Bible translation aiming for clear, contemporary language.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Produced by a broad coalition of scholars and denominations.
CSB
Christian Standard Bible
A modern English Bible translation balancing accuracy and readability.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Popular in evangelical circles; successor to HCSB.
DRB
Douay-Rheims Bible
An English translation of the Latin Vulgate used by Catholics before the 20th century.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Alternate forms: Douay-Rheims
Important in Catholic tradition; predecessor to modern Catholic translations.
ECM
Editio Critica Maior
Comprehensive critical edition of the New Testament based on extensive manuscript evidence.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Editio Critica Maior
Highly detailed apparatus used in advanced textual criticism.
ESV
English Standard Version
An essentially literal modern English translation published in 2001.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Widely used in evangelical scholarship and churches.
GNT
Good News Translation
A simple English Bible translation originally called Today's English Version.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Alternate forms: TEV
Used for easy reading and outreach.
HCSB
Holman Christian Standard Bible
A predecessor to the CSB, known for clear contemporary English.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Replaced by CSB but still referenced in some works.
KJV
King James Version
A classic English Bible translation completed in 1611, known for its majestic style.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Alternate forms: Authorized Version, AV
Widely used in traditional Protestant contexts; often cited in older literature.
LEB
Lexham English Bible
A literal English Bible translation designed for digital study and interlinear use.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Used mainly in academic and digital Bible study contexts.
LXX
Septuagint
Ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, widely used in early Christianity.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Septuagint
Commonly cited in biblical studies for Old Testament textual comparisons.
MT
Masoretic Text
Traditional Hebrew text of the Old Testament preserved by the Masoretes.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Commonly compared with the Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, Samaritan Pentateuch, and other witnesses.
NA27
Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 27th edition
Previous edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament text.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Nestle-Aland 27
Still cited in many scholarly works though superseded by NA28.
NA28
Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition
Current critical edition of the Greek New Testament text with apparatus.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Nestle-Aland 28
Widely used in New Testament textual criticism and translation.
NASB
New American Standard Bible
A highly literal English Bible translation known for accuracy to original texts.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Preferred in academic and conservative evangelical contexts for study.
NET
New English Translation
A modern English translation notable for extensive translators' notes.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Valued for transparency in translation decisions and textual notes.
NIV
New International Version
A popular dynamic-equivalence English Bible translation first published in 1978.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
One of the most widely read modern English Bibles worldwide.
NKJV
New King James Version
A modern update of the KJV preserving its style with contemporary language.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Popular among those who prefer KJV style with modern readability.
NLT
New Living Translation
A dynamic-equivalence English Bible translation emphasizing readability.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Popular for devotional reading and teaching.
NRSV
New Revised Standard Version
An ecumenical English Bible translation known for inclusive language.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Widely used in academic and liturgical settings.
OL
Old Latin
Early Latin translations of the Bible before Jerome's Vulgate.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Old Latin, Vetus Latina
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Used interchangeably with Vetus Latina in some contexts.
Pesh.
Peshitta
Standard Syriac version of the Bible used by Syriac-speaking churches.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Peshitta
Important for textual comparison in Semitic biblical studies.
RSV
Revised Standard Version
A mid-20th century English Bible translation updating the ASV.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Predecessor to the NRSV, still cited in scholarship.
SBLGNT
Society of Biblical Literature Greek New Testament
Open-access critical edition of the Greek New Testament published by the SBL.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: SBL Greek New Testament
Popular for academic use due to free availability and modern formatting.
Syr.
Syriac Versions
General abbreviation for various Syriac biblical texts including Peshitta and others.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Syriac
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Used when the specific Syriac version is not specified.
THGNT
Tyndale House Greek New Testament
Recent critical edition of the Greek New Testament from Tyndale House, Cambridge.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Tyndale House GNT
Noted for its textual decisions and modern apparatus.
TR
Textus Receptus
Printed Greek New Testament tradition underlying the King James Version New Testament.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Often discussed in textual criticism and Bible version debates.
UBS4
United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, 4th edition
Earlier edition of the UBS Greek New Testament text.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: UBS 4
Still referenced in some older scholarly literature.
UBS5
United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, 5th edition
Critical Greek New Testament edition designed for translators and scholars.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: UBS 5
Preferred by many translators for its textual apparatus and clarity.
Vet. Lat.
Vetus Latina
Collection of Old Latin biblical texts predating the Vulgate.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Old Latin
Important for studying early Latin biblical transmission.
Vulg.
Latin Vulgate
Jerome's late-4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, standard in Western Christianity.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - Ancient Versions and Textual Editions
Alternate forms: Vulgate
Frequently referenced in textual criticism and historical theology.
WEB
World English Bible
A public domain English Bible translation based on the American Standard Version.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Used in open-source and digital projects.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation
A very literal English Bible translation by Robert Young from 1862.
Category: Bible Versions and Textual Editions - English Bible Versions
Valued for literalness but often awkward English.
Ancient Primary Sources
First Epistle of Clement
An early Christian letter traditionally attributed to Clement of Rome.
Early Christian letter to the Corinthian church.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: 1 Clement
Frequently cited in early Christian studies.
Hymns Scroll
A Dead Sea Scroll containing hymns and psalms.
Qumran hymnal manuscript.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Hodayot
Used in studies of Jewish worship and theology.
War Scroll
Dead Sea Scroll describing eschatological war.
Qumran text on apocalyptic battle.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Milhama
Important for apocalyptic studies.
Community Rule
A key Dead Sea Scroll text outlining the rules of the Qumran community.
Qumran sectarian rule text.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Serekh HaYahad
Important for understanding Qumran community life.
Second Epistle of Clement
An early Christian homily traditionally attributed to Clement of Rome.
Early Christian homily attributed to Clement.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: 2 Clement
Used in studies of early Christian literature.
Against Apion
Josephus's defense of Judaism against anti-Jewish polemics.
Josephus's apologetic work defending Judaism.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Against Apion
Cited in discussions of Jewish self-defense and Hellenistic context.
Antiquities of the Jews
A historical work by Josephus covering Jewish history from creation to the Jewish War.
Josephus's comprehensive history of the Jewish people.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Antiquities
Commonly cited in biblical studies for historical context.
Babylonian Talmud
The Babylonian edition of the Talmud.
Babylonian Talmud text.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Bab. Talmud
Most commonly studied Talmudic text.
Epistle of Barnabas
Early Christian epistle attributed to Barnabas, not the apostle.
Early Christian letter called Barnabas.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Used in studies of early Christian thought and allegory.
CD
Damascus Document
Dead Sea Scrolls text containing community rules, legal material, and admonitions.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Damascus Document, Cairo Damascus Document
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
In biblical-studies contexts CD often means Damascus Document; in modern theology it may mean Barth's Church Dogmatics.
Didache
An early Christian treatise containing teachings and church order.
Early Christian manual of teaching and practice.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles
Valuable for early Christian liturgy and ethics.
DSS
Dead Sea Scrolls
Ancient Jewish manuscripts discovered near the Dead Sea, including biblical and sectarian texts.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Qumran Scrolls
Important for Old Testament textual criticism and Second Temple Jewish background.
The Shepherd of Hermas
An early Christian literary work of visions and parables.
Early Christian allegorical text.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Shepherd of Hermas
Important for understanding early Christian ethics and church order.
Ignatius of Antioch
Letters of Ignatius, early Christian bishop and martyr.
Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Ignatius
Important for early Christian theology and ecclesiology.
The Jewish War
Josephus's account of the Jewish revolt against Rome (66–70 CE).
Josephus's narrative of the Jewish-Roman war.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Jewish War
Often cited for historical background on the first-century Jewish context.
Life of Josephus
Autobiographical work by Josephus describing his life and career.
Josephus's autobiography.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Vita
Provides personal background on Josephus, useful for understanding his perspective.
Mishnah (tractate)
Abbreviation for a tractate of the Mishnah.
Specific tractate in the Mishnah.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: m
Used in citations of Mishnah sections.
Mishnah
The first major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions.
Core text of Jewish oral law.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Fundamental for rabbinic Judaism and biblical interpretation.
NHC
Nag Hammadi Codices
Collection of early Christian and Gnostic texts discovered near Nag Hammadi, Egypt.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Nag Hammadi Codices
Often cited in studies of early Christian diversity and Gnostic literature.
Epistle of Polycarp
Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians, an early Christian text.
Letter from Polycarp to Philippians.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Polycarp
Valuable for early Christian history and theology.
Pseudepigrapha
Ancient Jewish writings falsely attributed to biblical figures.
Non-canonical Jewish writings.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Important for understanding Jewish thought outside the Bible.
Talmud
Central text of Rabbinic Judaism, combining Mishnah and Gemara.
Rabbinic legal and interpretive text.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Essential for Jewish law and biblical exegesis.
Tg.
Targum
Aramaic translation or paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Targ., Tgs.
Used for Targum references; specific Targums may have more precise abbreviations.
Jerusalem Talmud
The Jerusalem edition of the Talmud.
Jerusalem Talmud text.
Category: Ancient Primary Sources - Jewish, Greco-Roman, Rabbinic, and Early Christian Sources
Alternate forms: Yerushalmi
Less extensive than Babylonian Talmud but important for study.
Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries
BAGD
Bauer-Arndt-Gingrich-Danker Greek-English Lexicon
Earlier edition of BDAG, a key Greek-English lexicon for NT studies.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Predecessor to BDAG, still cited in scholarship.
BDAG
Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich Greek-English Lexicon
Standard modern Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and early Christian literature.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Bauer Lexicon
Widely used for detailed meanings of Greek NT words.
BDB
Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
Classic Hebrew-English lexicon for the Old Testament Hebrew language.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Standard lexicon for biblical Hebrew, especially classical OT Hebrew.
BDF
Bauer-Danker-Friedrich Greek Grammar
Standard grammar of New Testament Greek.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Bauer Grammar
Widely used for NT Greek syntax and morphology.
DCH
Dictionary of Classical Hebrew
Comprehensive dictionary of classical Hebrew language.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Focuses on Hebrew outside the biblical text, including inscriptions and literature.
DJG
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Dictionary focused on Jesus and the Gospels in biblical studies.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Useful for specialized study of Jesus and Gospel topics.
DNTB
Dictionary of New Testament Background
Dictionary providing cultural and historical background for NT studies.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Helpful for understanding social and cultural context of NT texts.
DPL
Dictionary of Paul and His Letters
Dictionary focused on Paul and the Pauline epistles.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Specialized resource for Pauline studies.
GKC
Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar
Classic grammar of biblical Hebrew by Wilhelm Gesenius.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Gesenius
Standard reference grammar for biblical Hebrew morphology and syntax.
HALOT
Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament
Comprehensive lexicon covering Hebrew and Aramaic of the OT.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: HALOT
Modern lexicon often preferred for nuanced Hebrew and Aramaic meanings.
IBHS
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax
Introductory textbook on biblical Hebrew syntax by Bruce K. Waltke and M. O'Connor.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Widely used for learning Hebrew syntax in biblical studies.
LN
Louw & Nida Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
Abbreviation for Louw-Nida semantic domain lexicon.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Louw-Nida
Same as Louw-Nida; used interchangeably.
Louw & Nida
Semantic Domain Lexicon of New Testament Greek
Lexicon organizing Greek NT words by semantic domains.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: LN
Useful for studying semantic relationships in NT Greek vocabulary.
LSJ
Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon
Comprehensive lexicon of classical Greek language.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Liddell-Scott-Jones
Standard lexicon for classical Greek, often used alongside BDAG for NT Greek.
NIDNTTE
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis
Comprehensive dictionary of NT theology and Greek terms with exegetical notes.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Useful for theological and exegetical study of NT Greek words.
NIDOTTE
New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis
Comprehensive dictionary of OT theology and Hebrew terms with exegetical notes.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Useful for theological and exegetical study of OT Hebrew words.
TDNT
Theological Dictionary of the New Testament
Multi-volume theological dictionary of NT Greek words.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Kittel
Standard theological lexicon for NT Greek, often cited in scholarly works.
TDOT
Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament
Multi-volume theological dictionary of OT Hebrew words.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Alternate forms: Botterweck
Standard theological lexicon for OT Hebrew, widely used in biblical studies.
Wallace
Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics
Intermediate to advanced grammar of New Testament Greek by Daniel B. Wallace.
Category: Lexicons, Grammars, and Theological Dictionaries - Greek, Hebrew, Grammar, and Theological Reference
Popular modern grammar focusing on syntax and exegesis of NT Greek.
Commentary Series
AB
Anchor Bible
A major critical and historical commentary series on the Bible.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Alternate forms: Anchor Bible Series
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Often cited in academic biblical studies.
ACCS
Abingdon Classic Commentaries Series
A series of classic evangelical commentaries reprinted by Abingdon Press.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Focuses on classic evangelical scholarship.
AOTC
Apollos Old Testament Commentary
An evangelical commentary series focused on Old Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Alternate forms: Apollos
Often cited in evangelical Old Testament studies.
Apollos Commentary Series
Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series
An evangelical commentary series on Old Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for evangelical theological perspective and accessibility.
AYB
Anchor Yale Bible
A comprehensive critical commentary series covering the entire Bible.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Alternate forms: Anchor Yale Bible Series
Known for scholarly depth and critical approach.
BECNT
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
A scholarly evangelical commentary series focused on New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for detailed exegesis and theological reflection.
BST
Black's New Testament Commentary
A concise evangelical commentary series on the New Testament.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for clear exposition and theological insight.
EBC
Expositor's Bible Commentary
A widely used evangelical commentary series covering the whole Bible.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Balances scholarly detail with practical application.
EGGNT
Expositor's Greek Testament
A classic critical commentary on the Greek New Testament.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Valued for detailed linguistic analysis of the Greek text.
Hermeneia
Hermeneia Commentary Series
A critical and historical commentary series with emphasis on original languages.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Highly regarded in academic biblical scholarship.
ICC
International Critical Commentary
A classic scholarly commentary series with critical and historical focus.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Highly respected for historical-critical scholarship.
NAC
New American Commentary
An evangelical commentary series on the entire Bible.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Popular in evangelical circles for accessible scholarship.
NICNT
New International Commentary on the New Testament
A scholarly evangelical commentary series on the New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Commonly cited in evangelical and academic New Testament studies.
NICOT
New International Commentary on the Old Testament
A scholarly evangelical commentary series on the Old Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Widely used in evangelical scholarship for detailed exegesis of OT texts.
NIGTC
New International Greek Testament Commentary
A scholarly commentary series focused on the Greek New Testament text.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for detailed linguistic and textual analysis.
NIVAC
NIV Application Commentary
An evangelical commentary series focusing on applying biblical texts.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
Pillar Commentary
Pillar New Testament Commentary
Alternate name for the Pillar New Testament Commentary series.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Alternate forms: PNTC
Commonly abbreviated as Pillar in evangelical contexts.
PNTC
Pillar New Testament Commentary
A concise evangelical commentary series on New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Balances scholarly depth with readability.
REBC
Revised Expositor's Bible Commentary
An updated edition of the Expositor's Bible Commentary series.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Incorporates recent scholarship and revisions.
THNTC
Tyndale House New Testament Commentary
A concise evangelical commentary series on New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Balances scholarly rigor with accessibility.
TNTC
Tyndale New Testament Commentary
A concise evangelical commentary series on New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Widely used for introductory and intermediate study.
TOTC
Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
A concise evangelical commentary series on Old Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Popular for accessible Old Testament scholarship.
WBC
Word Biblical Commentary
A critical and technical commentary series covering the entire Bible.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for detailed linguistic and textual analysis.
ZECNT
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament
A detailed evangelical commentary series on New Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Emphasizes exegesis and theological reflection.
ZECOT
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament
A detailed evangelical commentary series on Old Testament books.
Category: Commentary Series - Old Testament, New Testament, and Whole-Bible Commentary Series
Known for thorough exegesis and theological insight.
Journals and Academic Periodicals
BBR
Bulletin for Biblical Research
Journal publishing research in biblical studies with evangelical orientation.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Includes articles on biblical languages, archaeology, and theology.
Bib
Biblica
International journal of biblical studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes articles on biblical texts, history, and interpretation.
BZ
Biblische Zeitschrift
German journal for biblical studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes scholarly articles on biblical texts and theology, primarily in German.
CBQ
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
Journal publishing biblical scholarship from a Catholic perspective.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Includes articles on biblical exegesis, theology, and archaeology.
DSD
Dead Sea Discoveries
Journal publishing research on the Dead Sea Scrolls and related topics.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Focuses on Qumran studies, Second Temple Judaism, and early Christianity.
ExpTim
The Expository Times
Journal of biblical and theological studies with a focus on exposition.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Covers biblical interpretation, theology, and preaching.
HTR
Harvard Theological Review
Interdisciplinary journal covering theology and religious studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes research on biblical studies, history of religions, and theology.
JBL
Journal of Biblical Literature
A leading scholarly journal publishing research in biblical studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Widely cited in biblical scholarship, covers Old and New Testament studies.
JETS
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Academic journal publishing evangelical theological research.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Focuses on evangelical perspectives in biblical and theological studies.
JQR
Jewish Quarterly Review
Scholarly journal focusing on Jewish studies and biblical literature.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Includes research on Jewish history, literature, and religion.
JSHJ
Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus
Journal dedicated to research on the historical Jesus.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes scholarly articles on Jesus in historical context.
JSJ
Journal for the Study of Judaism
Academic journal specializing in Jewish studies and Second Temple literature.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Focuses on Jewish history, literature, and religion in antiquity.
JSNT
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Academic journal focusing on New Testament studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes critical and theological research on the New Testament.
JSOT
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
Scholarly journal dedicated to Old Testament research.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Covers historical, literary, and theological studies of the Old Testament.
JSPS
Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha and Related Literature
Journal focusing on pseudepigraphal and related ancient texts.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes research on pseudepigrapha, apocrypha, and related literature.
JTS
Journal of Theological Studies
Academic journal covering theology and biblical studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes articles on biblical texts, theology, and church history.
NovT
Novum Testamentum
International journal for New Testament research.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes articles on New Testament texts, history, and theology.
NTS
New Testament Studies
Leading journal for scholarly research on the New Testament.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Covers historical, literary, and theological studies of the New Testament.
RBL
Review of Biblical Literature
Online journal publishing reviews of biblical studies literature.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Provides critical reviews of books in biblical studies and theology.
SBJT
Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Journal publishing Southern Baptist theological scholarship.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Focuses on evangelical and Southern Baptist theological issues.
Them
Themelios
Evangelical theological journal publishing scholarly articles and reviews.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Focuses on evangelical theology and biblical studies.
TynBul
Tyndale Bulletin
Journal publishing biblical and theological research from an evangelical perspective.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Alternate forms: TynB
Published by Tyndale House, Cambridge; covers biblical studies and theology.
VT
Vetus Testamentum
International journal specializing in Old Testament studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes research on Hebrew Bible and related fields.
WTJ
Westminster Theological Journal
Journal publishing evangelical theological and biblical scholarship.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Known for conservative Reformed theological perspectives.
ZAW
Zeitschrift für die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft
German journal specializing in Old Testament studies.
Category: Journals and Academic Periodicals - Biblical Studies, Theology, and Related Academic Journals
Publishes scholarly articles on Old Testament and related fields.
Reference Works and Encyclopedias
Anchor Bible Dictionary
Anchor Bible Dictionary
Comprehensive six-volume Bible dictionary with scholarly articles on biblical topics.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: Anchor Bible Dict.
Widely cited in biblical scholarship for detailed entries on biblical terms, people, places, and themes.
AYBD
Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary
Major Bible dictionary/reference work, often associated with or cited alongside ABD.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: ABD
Use context to distinguish older ABD references from Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary references.
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments
Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments
Dictionary covering the New Testament and early Christian developments.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Focuses on the New Testament period and subsequent theological developments.
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch
Dictionary focused on the Pentateuch books of the Old Testament.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Useful for detailed study of Genesis through Deuteronomy.
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings
Dictionary covering Old Testament wisdom literature, poetry, and writings.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Focuses on Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and related texts.
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible
Comprehensive dictionary with scholarly articles on biblical topics, published by Eerdmans.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: Eerdmans Dictionary
Highly regarded for its scholarly yet accessible articles.
EDBT
Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology
Evangelical reference work focused on biblical theology themes across Scripture.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Often associated with Baker reference works and evangelical biblical-theology study.
EDT
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology
Major evangelical theological dictionary associated with Walter A. Elwell and later editors.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Commonly cited in evangelical theological study; distinguish from similarly titled dictionaries if a bibliography gives a different expansion.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Classic multi-volume Bible encyclopedia with detailed articles on biblical subjects.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: ISBE Revised
Often used for historical and theological background on biblical topics.
IVP Bible Dictionaries
IVP Bible Dictionaries
Series of Bible dictionaries published by InterVarsity Press covering various biblical topics.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: IVP Bible Dicts.
Popular evangelical resources for biblical reference.
New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
Dictionary focusing on biblical theology topics and themes.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Useful for theological studies grounded in biblical texts.
NIDB
New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible
Major multi-volume Bible dictionary used in biblical studies and theological research.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Do not confuse with shorter or similarly named 'New International' Bible dictionaries; in scholarly bibliography NIDB commonly refers to New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible.
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology
Multi-volume dictionary focusing on New Testament theology.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Alternate forms: NIDNTT
Standard reference for theological terms in the New Testament.
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Lexical and theological dictionary of Old Testament Hebrew words.
Category: Reference Works and Encyclopedias - Bible Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, and Companion Reference Works
Valuable for Hebrew word studies and theological meanings.
Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations
Codex Alexandrinus
Codex Alexandrinus
A 5th-century Greek manuscript of the Bible, important for New Testament textual criticism.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Commonly abbreviated as A in critical apparatus.
add.
added
Indicates that a word or phrase is added in a manuscript or version.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Shows presence of text not found in other witnesses.
al.
alii/aliae
Latin for 'others', used to indicate other manuscripts or witnesses.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Commonly used to refer to additional sources not listed individually.
Armenian
Armenian version
The Armenian translation of the Bible, dating from the 5th century.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Used as a textual witness in biblical studies.
Codex Vaticanus
Codex Vaticanus
A 4th-century Greek manuscript of the Bible, highly valued in textual criticism.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Standard siglum B denotes Codex Vaticanus in apparatus.
Byz
Byzantine text tradition
Greek New Testament textual tradition associated with the Byzantine manuscript stream.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: Byzantine
Often contrasted with Alexandrian, Western, Majority Text, or critical-text readings.
Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus
Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus
A 5th-century Greek manuscript of the Bible, a palimpsest with biblical texts.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Abbreviated as C in textual apparatus.
Coptic
Coptic versions
Early Egyptian translations of the Bible in Coptic dialects.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Valuable for textual criticism of the New Testament.
Codex Bezae
Codex Bezae Cantabrigiensis
A 5th-century Greek-Latin manuscript of the New Testament, notable for its distinctive text.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Siglum D refers to Codex Bezae in apparatus.
Ethiopic
Ethiopic (Ge'ez) version
The ancient Ethiopian translation of the Bible in Ge'ez language.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Important for textual criticism and history of the biblical text.
Georgian
Georgian version
The Georgian translation of the Bible, used as a textual witness.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Valuable for comparative textual studies.
lac.
lacuna
A gap or missing portion in a manuscript or text.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Indicates where text is lost or unreadable in manuscripts.
Maj
Majority Text
Greek New Testament textual tradition based on the majority of later manuscripts.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: Majority Text
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Do not confuse with majuscule manuscripts; in many New Testament textual contexts, Maj refers to the Majority Text.
ms
manuscript
A single handwritten document or codex.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Used to refer to one manuscript witness.
mss
manuscripts
Plural of manuscript; multiple handwritten documents or codices.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Used to refer to multiple manuscript witnesses.
om.
omitted
Indicates that a word or phrase is omitted in a manuscript or version.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Used in textual notes to show absence of text in a witness.
Q
Codex Guelferbytanus B / Q (026)
Greek uncial manuscript of the Gospels designated Q or 026 in New Testament manuscript classification.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: 026
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
In manuscript lists Q can designate Codex Guelferbytanus B. In other contexts Q may mean the hypothetical Synoptic source or appear inside Qumran cave sigla such as 1Q.
Syriac
Syriac versions
Early translations of the Bible into Syriac, including Peshitta and others.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Important witnesses to the biblical text in the East.
text
text
Refers to the text or wording under discussion.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Used in apparatus to indicate the textual reading.
Vulgate
Latin Vulgate
The Latin translation of the Bible largely completed by Jerome in the late 4th century.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Often cited as a major version in textual criticism.
vid.
videlicet
Latin for 'namely' or 'that is to say', used to clarify or specify.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Common in scholarly apparatus to introduce examples or clarifications.
Codex Washingtonianus
Codex Washingtonianus
A 4th or 5th-century Greek manuscript of the Gospels.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Abbreviated W in textual apparatus.
Codex Koridethi (Theta)
Codex Koridethi
A 9th-century Greek manuscript of the Gospels, symbolized by the Greek letter Theta (Θ).
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: Theta
Theta (Θ) is the standard siglum for this manuscript.
Codex Athous Lavrensis (Psi)
Codex Athous Lavrensis
A 9th-century Greek manuscript of the Gospels, abbreviated by the Greek letter Psi (Ψ).
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: Psi
Psi (Ψ) is the siglum used in apparatus.
Aleph (א)
Codex Sinaiticus
A 4th-century Greek manuscript of the Bible, one of the oldest complete copies of the New Testament.
Category: Textual Criticism and Manuscript Abbreviations - Witnesses, Manuscripts, Versions, and Apparatus Terms
Alternate forms: Aleph
Symbol א (Aleph) is standard siglum for Codex Sinaiticus in textual apparatus.
Theological and Church-History Abbreviations
Ante-Nicene Fathers
Ante-Nicene Fathers
Collection of early Christian writings from before the Council of Nicaea.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Common abbreviation in patristic and church-history citations.
Book of Concord
Book of Concord
Collection of Lutheran confessional writings.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Common in Lutheran confessional and church-history literature.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Official catechism summarizing Roman Catholic doctrine.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Common in Catholic theology and comparative doctrinal literature.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
Online digital library of Christian texts.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Often used for public-domain Christian classics and historical theology texts.
Enchiridion Symbolorum
Denzinger / Enchiridion Symbolorum
Collection of creeds, definitions, and doctrinal declarations in Roman Catholic theology.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Alternate forms: Denz., Enchiridion Symbolorum
Often cited by editor/name and edition; exact numbering can differ by edition.
Early Church Fathers
Early Church Fathers
General abbreviation referring to early Christian writers and writings.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
This is a broad category abbreviation; use the precise work or edition when available.
Institutes of the Christian Religion
Institutes of the Christian Religion
John Calvin's major theological work.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Usually refers to Calvin's Institutes when used in Reformation-theology citations.
London Baptist Confession of Faith
London Baptist Confession of Faith
Historic Baptist confession of faith, commonly referring to the 1689 confession.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Alternate forms: 1689 LBCF
Common in Reformed Baptist theological and confessional literature.
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers
Collection of Christian writings from the Nicene and post-Nicene periods.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Common abbreviation in patristic and church-history citations.
Philip Schaff
Philip Schaff
Church historian and editor associated with major patristic and church-history collections.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Often appears in references to Schaff-edited or Schaff-associated church-history works.
Westminster Confession of Faith
Westminster Confession of Faith
Historic Reformed confession of faith from the Westminster Assembly.
Category: Theological and Church-History Abbreviations - Patristic Collections, Confessions, and Historical Theology
Common in Reformed theological and confessional literature.
General Scholarly Abbreviations
ca.
circa
Approximately (used with dates or numbers).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Alternate forms: c., circa
Indicates an approximate date or quantity when exact information is unknown.
cf.
confer
Compare (used to refer readers to other material for comparison).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Commonly used in scholarly writing to suggest comparison with another source or passage.
ch.
chapter
Chapter (division of a book).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to indicate a chapter number in a book or document.
chs.
chapters
Chapters (plural).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to indicate multiple chapters.
contra
against
Used to indicate opposition or contrast with a previous statement or source.
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Common in theological or scholarly debate to signal disagreement or opposing view.
e.g.
exempli gratia
For example (introduces examples).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to introduce one or more examples but not an exhaustive list.
ed.
editor or edition
Editor (person) or edition (version of a work).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Context determines whether it refers to an editor or a particular edition of a book.
eds.
editors
Editors (plural).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used when multiple editors are responsible for a work.
et al.
et alii
And others (used for multiple authors).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used when citing works with multiple authors to avoid listing all names.
fol.
folio
Folio (leaf or page number in manuscripts).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to cite folio numbers in manuscripts or early printed books.
fols.
folios
Folios (plural).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to cite multiple folios in manuscripts or early printed books.
i.e.
id est
That is (used to clarify or restate).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to clarify or specify a statement more precisely.
ibid.
ibidem
In the same place (refers to the immediately preceding source).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used in footnotes or endnotes to refer to the same source as the previous citation.
idem
the same
The same author or source as previously mentioned.
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to indicate the same author or source in citations without repeating full details.
l.
line
Line (single line reference).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to indicate a specific line in a text, often in poetry or manuscripts.
ll.
lines
Lines (multiple lines).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to indicate multiple lines in a text.
ms.
manuscript
Manuscript (single handwritten or original document).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Refers to a single manuscript source.
mss.
manuscripts
Manuscripts (plural).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Refers to multiple manuscript sources.
n.d.
no date
No publication date given.
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used when the date of publication is unknown or not provided.
n.p.
no place or no publisher
No place of publication or no publisher given.
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Used when the place of publication or publisher is unknown or not stated.
p.
page
Page (single page reference).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to cite a single page in a work.
pp.
pages
Pages (multiple pages).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Used to cite a range or multiple pages.
repr.
reprint
Reprint (a later printing of a work).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Indicates that the work is a reprint of an earlier edition.
s.v.
sub verbo
Under the word (used in reference works).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Refers to an entry under a specific word or term in dictionaries or encyclopedias.
trans.
translator or translated
Translator or translated (indicates translation).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Context note: This abbreviation may have more than one meaning.
Used to indicate the person who translated a work or that the work is a translation.
vol.
volume
Volume (part of a multi-volume work).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Refers to a single volume within a set or series.
vols.
volumes
Volumes (plural).
Category: General Scholarly Abbreviations - Citation, Latin, Bibliographic, and Editorial Abbreviations
Refers to multiple volumes of a work.
Machine-readable data
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