This is an excellent resource for anyone who desires a one volume, comprehensive dictionary of all things biblical. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order and cover nearly every theme and topic imaginable. The book has those one would expect (e.g. Trinity, Jesus), as well as information that is more specialized (e.g. a 5-page entry on biblical minerals). If something is mentioned in the Bible then it should be here. After all, there are over 7,000 entries and many are several pages long. It contains entries on non-biblical topics too (e.g. Philo and Josephus). My favorite articles are those on the books of the Bible (primarily the Protestant canon, although there is an entry on the apocrypha). They examine such issues as authorship, dating, content, and theology. All of the entries are scholarly, informative, and for the most part, written in "layman's terms." Many famous scholars have contributed, including F.F. Bruce and Daniel Wallace. There are cross-references to the major bible translations including the NIV, KJV, NRSV, and REB. The notes are non-denominational and usually well balanced and are written from an evangelical, conservative Protestant standpoint. For readers interested in a more critical approach, I would recommend the Oxford Companion to the Bible.
There are other reasons to buy this book too. The introduction explains how best to use the dictionary and includes a good survey of biblical history and theology in chart form. There are hundreds of full color maps, pictures, and photographs to illuminate the written words. For example, under the entry for Pontius Pilate there is a photograph of an inscription from a Roman theater bearing his name. There is a section containing maps too. Also, the type size is enlarged for easier reading. Overall, this is a great resource, especially for Christians who want to know more about the people, places, things, and doctrines of the Bible.