Encyclopaedia Biblica: A Critical Legacy of Biblical Scholarship
The Encyclopaedia Biblica, formally titled Encyclopaedia Biblica: A Critical Dictionary of the Literary, Political and Religion History, the Archeology, Geography and Natural History of the Bible (1899), stands as a monumental achievement in the field of biblical studies. Edited by Thomas Kelly Cheyne and J. Sutherland Black, this critical encyclopedia provides an exhaustive analysis of the Bible and its traditional Apocrypha.
Often abbreviated as Enc. Bib. or referred to as Cheyne and Black, the work is distinguished by its sheer scale and academic rigor. It serves as a comprehensive reference for every name, place, and book found within the biblical texts, extending its reach to improper nouns and general subjects such as music and tents.
Key Facts
- Editors: Thomas Kelly Cheyne and J. Sutherland Black.
- Scope: Covers names, places, books, and general subjects in the Bible and Apocrypha.
- Scale: Approximately 20 million words (roughly 190 MB in PDF plain text).
- Linguistic Detail: Includes spellings from the Masoretic Text (the authoritative Hebrew text of the Tanakh) and the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament).
- Availability: Now in the public domain and available online.
Comprehensive Scope and Influence
The depth of the Encyclopaedia Biblica is evidenced by its massive entries. For instance, the article on the Gospels exceeds half a million words. This level of detail made it a primary source for other prestigious works of its era, including the 11th Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica and the Catholic Encyclopedia. Even the Jewish Encyclopedia quoted sections of it nearly verbatim in certain entries, such as the one on marriage.
Because of its wide adoption, the work has indirectly influenced modern digital resources, including various articles on the English Wikipedia regarding Judaeo-Christian religion.
Academic Contributors
The encyclopedia was authored by a prestigious assembly of scholars, many of whom held the Doctor of Divinity (the highest academic qualification in theology) or senior professorships at world-leading universities. Notable contributors included:
- Anthony Ashley Bevan: Lord Almoner's Professor of Arabic, Cambridge.
- Cornelis Petrus Tiele: Professor of Comparative History and Philosophy of Religion, Leiden University.
- George Adam Smith: Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis, Free Church College, Glasgow.
- Theodor Nöldeke: Professor of Semitic Languages, University of Strasbourg.
- Samuel Rolles Driver: Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford.
- M. R. James: Fellow and Dean of King's College, Cambridge.
The Jerahmeelite Theory
While the work is highly respected, it is also known for the controversial theories of its editor, Thomas Kelly Cheyne. Most notably, Cheyne proposed a "surprising" theory regarding the Jerahmeelites. While mainstream scholars viewed them as a Judean clan, Cheyne argued they were a powerful north-Arabian tribe that significantly influenced Israel's origin, religion, and history.
Cheyne suggested that many biblical names were corruptions of "Jerahmeel." He claimed that terms like "Amalekites," "Ephraim," and even the description of Jericho as the "city of palm-trees" were actually misreadings of "Jerahmeel." He further posited that "Mizraim" did not refer to Egypt, contrary to standard interpretation.
Modern scholars and the Jewish Encyclopedia have rejected this thesis as arbitrary. However, because Cheyne typically included mainstream views alongside his own, the articles remain valuable to researchers as long as the Jerahmeelite theory is treated as a historical curiosity rather than fact.
Summary of the Work
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Editors | T. K. Cheyne & J. Sutherland Black |
| Total Volume | ~20 million words / 190 MB (PDF) |
| Key Focus Areas | Literary, Political, Religious, Archaeological, and Natural History |
| Major Versions Cited | Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and other ancient versions |
| Current Status | Public Domain / Available Online |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Encyclopaedia Biblica still relevant today?
Yes, it remains of value and interest to modern scholars and Islamic writers. However, some sections are now obsolete due to advancements in archaeological research and updated interpretations of ancient materials.
What is the Jerahmeelite theory?
It is a theory by T. K. Cheyne suggesting that a north-Arabian tribe called the Jerahmeelites was the primary influence on early Israel, and that many biblical names are corrupted versions of "Jerahmeel." This theory is generally rejected by modern academia.
How large is the work?
It is an extremely large work, estimated at nearly 20 million words. The article on the Gospels alone is over half a million words long.
Who were the main contributors?
The contributors were some of the most respected biblical scholars of the late 19th century, including professors from Oxford, Cambridge, Leiden, and Berlin, many of whom held Doctor of Divinity degrees.
Where can I access the Encyclopaedia Biblica?
Since it is no longer restricted by copyright, the work is available online, including copies hosted at the Internet Archive across four volumes (A–Z).