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Ryken's Bible Handbook
This book gives students of the Bible a quick overview of every book in the Bible. Leland Ryken's distinctive trait is a literary approach to the Bible―understanding the Bible as literature. The three authors help shed light on understanding the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as literature by looking at the Bible's different literary poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, story, parables, and more.
672 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2005
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Leland Ryken
106 books142 followersDr. Ryken has served on the faculty of Wheaton College since 1968. He has published over thirty books and more than one hundred articles and essays, devoting much of his scholarship to Bible translations and the study of the Bible as literature. He served as Literary Chairman for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible and in 2003 received the distinguished Gutenberg Award for his contributions to education, writing, and the understanding of the Bible.
He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken
He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 19, 2017
Resources for studying the Bible are a dime a dozen, today. Every popular pastor or gifted teacher has his own study Bible or commentary set. Teacher’s handbooks, small group study guides, commentaries of all kinds, and big thick dictionaries abound. Many of these resource tools aren’t all that helpful, and some are outdated. Others are too bulky to be accessible, or too compact to be worth one’s time.
Enter, Ryken’s Bible Handbook (Tyndale). This handy, manageable volume stands apart in both its convenience and its worth. A wide variety of helpful material is arranged and presented in an attractive and accessible format.
Following the Bible handbook pattern, the information is arranged book by book through all 66 books of the Bible. The stress is on how best to read and understand the content of each particular book. Articles on Bible narratives, wisdom literature, prophecy, parables and more are placed at important positions throughout the handbook. And the book also cross-references these helpful articles often enough to ensure they remain useful (and not forgotten).
A fact sheet with information about the author, audience and special features of each book sets the stage. This is followed by an outline and a discussion of literary forms, key characters, doctrines and themes, and tips for reading or teaching the book. Next the flow of the book is traced so one can catch a sense of the whole. Interspersed throughout are helpful charts and a collection of quotes from Bible teachers and pastors. A discussion of the challenges to reading the book, and a guide to applying it are also included.
The handbook excels at keeping things simple yet providing real help. It manages to remain neutral on most theological controversies, aiming to equip one to read the Biblical book rather than actually teaching a theological position drawn from specific passages.
I found the article on parables to be particularly well done. That section makes the point that parables hint at something “alongside”. “It is untrue that you can find only one theme or ‘point’ in a parable. Most parables employ multiple themes or ideas.” (pg. 447) This emphasis for me is especially important as I’ve seen other books on reading the Bible stress the opposite, which seems to contradict Christ’s own interpretation of parables and leans to heavily on rationalistic scholarship.
Even if you disagree in a few places with the book, that won’t take away from it’s overall usefulness. Sunday school teachers, Bible students of all ages, pastors and parents will find this book very helpful. I heartily recommend it.
See an expanded version of this review, with additional content and resources, at CrossFocusedReviews.com.
This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Enter, Ryken’s Bible Handbook (Tyndale). This handy, manageable volume stands apart in both its convenience and its worth. A wide variety of helpful material is arranged and presented in an attractive and accessible format.
Following the Bible handbook pattern, the information is arranged book by book through all 66 books of the Bible. The stress is on how best to read and understand the content of each particular book. Articles on Bible narratives, wisdom literature, prophecy, parables and more are placed at important positions throughout the handbook. And the book also cross-references these helpful articles often enough to ensure they remain useful (and not forgotten).
A fact sheet with information about the author, audience and special features of each book sets the stage. This is followed by an outline and a discussion of literary forms, key characters, doctrines and themes, and tips for reading or teaching the book. Next the flow of the book is traced so one can catch a sense of the whole. Interspersed throughout are helpful charts and a collection of quotes from Bible teachers and pastors. A discussion of the challenges to reading the book, and a guide to applying it are also included.
The handbook excels at keeping things simple yet providing real help. It manages to remain neutral on most theological controversies, aiming to equip one to read the Biblical book rather than actually teaching a theological position drawn from specific passages.
I found the article on parables to be particularly well done. That section makes the point that parables hint at something “alongside”. “It is untrue that you can find only one theme or ‘point’ in a parable. Most parables employ multiple themes or ideas.” (pg. 447) This emphasis for me is especially important as I’ve seen other books on reading the Bible stress the opposite, which seems to contradict Christ’s own interpretation of parables and leans to heavily on rationalistic scholarship.
Even if you disagree in a few places with the book, that won’t take away from it’s overall usefulness. Sunday school teachers, Bible students of all ages, pastors and parents will find this book very helpful. I heartily recommend it.
See an expanded version of this review, with additional content and resources, at CrossFocusedReviews.com.
This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
April 13, 2010
You will eventually figure out that , I enjoy discovering new ways to read and come to understand the Bible. For me, not just reading the Bible, but learning to unearth the layers upon layers of comfort, encouragement and coming closer to our Heavenly Father, is part of the joy and exercise of spending daily time reading the Bible.
It is like exercising, when you stop reading the Bible, you notice be it gradually or immediately, the effects and when you start reading the Bible, its about learning good habits and overcoming bad habits that may have happen.
One of the most popular reasons for not reading the Bible is the average person expresses a lack of understanding how, and Leland Ryken's book, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" is an encouraging and in depth but written at layman's terms, that provide the needed guide map to reading the Bible.
No handbook is ever meant to be a subsitute, and different styles of handbook, may appeal to different people, but this particularly handbook, has a very comforting, conversational style, filled with helpful side notes and maps at the ends, to help both new and maturing Christians in their walk.
It's often hard to find cons in Bible handbooks, because like travel guides, different people are looking for different things, but like all guides, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" provides a very indepth look at each individual book of the Bible.
Another plus about this, is that it is very compact, so it wouldn't take much space in your backpack or tote bag or even say a medium purse (hey these things are important when you're on the go).
This is something I strongly recommend for the newbie to the growing Christian to have one hand, both for the compactness of the book to the in depth, but conversational and easy to understand reading.
It is like exercising, when you stop reading the Bible, you notice be it gradually or immediately, the effects and when you start reading the Bible, its about learning good habits and overcoming bad habits that may have happen.
One of the most popular reasons for not reading the Bible is the average person expresses a lack of understanding how, and Leland Ryken's book, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" is an encouraging and in depth but written at layman's terms, that provide the needed guide map to reading the Bible.
No handbook is ever meant to be a subsitute, and different styles of handbook, may appeal to different people, but this particularly handbook, has a very comforting, conversational style, filled with helpful side notes and maps at the ends, to help both new and maturing Christians in their walk.
It's often hard to find cons in Bible handbooks, because like travel guides, different people are looking for different things, but like all guides, "Ryken's Bible Handbook" provides a very indepth look at each individual book of the Bible.
Another plus about this, is that it is very compact, so it wouldn't take much space in your backpack or tote bag or even say a medium purse (hey these things are important when you're on the go).
This is something I strongly recommend for the newbie to the growing Christian to have one hand, both for the compactness of the book to the in depth, but conversational and easy to understand reading.
February 23, 2011
Good, well written chapters.
June 20, 2013
The best reference tool for quick but profound help in studying the Bible. Best for book-by-book study and for advice on genre. Written from a conservative evangelical viewpoint.
September 3, 2018
Someone gave me a copy as a "Thank You" for speaking to their group. I started to shove it into a nook in my library, but then thought I'd look it over instead. And I'm glad I did! This glossy 675 page handy hardback is ideal for Bible studies, preaching and personal enhancement. Leland Ryken, professor of literature at Wheaton College, Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, and James Wilhoit, professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College, have teamed up in "Ryken's Bible Handbook: A Guide to Reading and Studying the Bible". It is a work meant to "help Christian readers of the Bible to understand the Bible better, and teachers of the Bible to teach it more effectively" (x).
This handbook works through all sixty-six writings in the Sacred Scriptures. Much of the work is "attuned to the literary forms of writing that comprise the Bible" (ix). Therefore, the authors stay with the specific genre and style of each specific biblical book, guiding the readers to receive the biblical material in the way it is presented: poetry, prophecy, polemics, or prose. With judicious charts (not too much detail or too little detail), break out sections, fact sheets, and summations of main themes, each chapter lends itself to outfitting the reader with a better understanding of Scripture. And then to top it all off, each chapter includes a thoughtful analysis of how that particular biblical book fits into the flow of God's story that culminates and climaxes in Christ.
"Ryken's Bible Handbook" is truly a handy hardback. I've already been using it as I prepare to preach through Joel, and through Job! And my wife is using it as she gets ready for her Women's Bible Study. Here is an ideal gift for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and "Thank Yous". Bible teachers should own a copy. Theology tutors for Christian Schools and Co-ops ought to have one as well. Anyone who is interested in the Sacred Scriptures needs to snatch up a copy and pour over it. And for my fellow ministers, this book is a must! If you can't tell, I highly recommend the book.
This handbook works through all sixty-six writings in the Sacred Scriptures. Much of the work is "attuned to the literary forms of writing that comprise the Bible" (ix). Therefore, the authors stay with the specific genre and style of each specific biblical book, guiding the readers to receive the biblical material in the way it is presented: poetry, prophecy, polemics, or prose. With judicious charts (not too much detail or too little detail), break out sections, fact sheets, and summations of main themes, each chapter lends itself to outfitting the reader with a better understanding of Scripture. And then to top it all off, each chapter includes a thoughtful analysis of how that particular biblical book fits into the flow of God's story that culminates and climaxes in Christ.
"Ryken's Bible Handbook" is truly a handy hardback. I've already been using it as I prepare to preach through Joel, and through Job! And my wife is using it as she gets ready for her Women's Bible Study. Here is an ideal gift for Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and "Thank Yous". Bible teachers should own a copy. Theology tutors for Christian Schools and Co-ops ought to have one as well. Anyone who is interested in the Sacred Scriptures needs to snatch up a copy and pour over it. And for my fellow ministers, this book is a must! If you can't tell, I highly recommend the book.
May 20, 2025
Perfect family resource and a fantastic gift for your junior high/high school student. Just enough meaningful content to inspire and equip without overwhelming the student who is becoming more serious in their personal Bible study.
July 18, 2016
While there are plenty of people who do not know about the Bible and do not care to know, there are many who really want to read the Bible and understand what it is saying. Many such persons experience difficulty when trying to make sense of the Bible-- it seems to be a foreign book to people in the twenty-first century. Many others labor under misunderstandings and misapprehensions about the nature of the Bible and the various books contained therein.
There is value, therefore, in having resources available that are easily accessible and yet clear about the nature of the Bible and the individual books that comprise it. Ryken's Bible Handbook, written by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James Wilhoit, is one such resource. The work presents an introduction to the Bible, a discussion of each individual book of the Bible, articles on issues related to the message of the Bible, a one year Bible reading plan, and many helpful maps.
Bible handbooks are nothing new, but Ryken's Bible Handbook is especially valuable because it focuses on the literary aspects of the Bible. The introduction explores how we got the Bible, why it was written, its form, its characters, and its overarching story. The discussion of each book features a general outline of the book, a fact sheet about the book, points of overview of the book, a short description of the substance or events of the book and how they flow and work together, suggestions on how to read, apply, and teach the book, and "perspectives" on the book-- quotes from various people regarding the book.
Thus, Ryken's Bible Handbook is a helpful accessory for Bible study-- it does present historical and contextual material, like other Bible handbooks, but the literary analysis and approach is rather unique and extremely beneficial for proper understanding of the various books of the Bible, how they are to be understood, and how they all work together.
The book suffers from some challenges. The authors promote Protestant and Calvinistic doctrines-- faith only, Augustinian-Calvinist views on predestination and election, and a lack of clarity about covenant distinction. Leland Ryken worked on the translation of the English Standard Version (ESV), and it is quoted in many places, but the main translation that is used is the New Living Translation because it is published by Tyndale. The ESV is preferable for its greater fidelity to the original Hebrew and Greek.
Yet there are other praiseworthy elements of the book. The authors recognize the dual nature of fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament, and advocate and practice contextual interpretation before finding Christological or soteriological interpretations of passages. The Psalms are recognized as presenting a range of human emotions that may go beyond what God specifically wills. While the authors promote the "Olivet Discourse" of Matthew 24-25/Mark 13/Luke 21 as referring to the "end times," their discussion of Revelation is bereft of dispensational premillenialism, instead focusing on the symbolic nature of the work and the use of the symbols therein, and declaring that at least part if not most of what John saw in the vision has taken place and/or continues to take place in cyclical patterns.
Ryken's Bible Handbook is a useful resource in working to interpret the Bible, and has value for students, teachers, and preachers. As long as one is mindful of the Protestant perspective of the authors, one can find a lot of structures and ideas that make the message of the Bible make sense. If you have found it challenging to understand the nature, purpose, structure, and literary methods of the Bible, or find it challenging to teach regarding such matters, Ryken's Bible Handbook will be of great value to you!
*- book received from Tyndale as part of an early review program.
There is value, therefore, in having resources available that are easily accessible and yet clear about the nature of the Bible and the individual books that comprise it. Ryken's Bible Handbook, written by Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken, and James Wilhoit, is one such resource. The work presents an introduction to the Bible, a discussion of each individual book of the Bible, articles on issues related to the message of the Bible, a one year Bible reading plan, and many helpful maps.
Bible handbooks are nothing new, but Ryken's Bible Handbook is especially valuable because it focuses on the literary aspects of the Bible. The introduction explores how we got the Bible, why it was written, its form, its characters, and its overarching story. The discussion of each book features a general outline of the book, a fact sheet about the book, points of overview of the book, a short description of the substance or events of the book and how they flow and work together, suggestions on how to read, apply, and teach the book, and "perspectives" on the book-- quotes from various people regarding the book.
Thus, Ryken's Bible Handbook is a helpful accessory for Bible study-- it does present historical and contextual material, like other Bible handbooks, but the literary analysis and approach is rather unique and extremely beneficial for proper understanding of the various books of the Bible, how they are to be understood, and how they all work together.
The book suffers from some challenges. The authors promote Protestant and Calvinistic doctrines-- faith only, Augustinian-Calvinist views on predestination and election, and a lack of clarity about covenant distinction. Leland Ryken worked on the translation of the English Standard Version (ESV), and it is quoted in many places, but the main translation that is used is the New Living Translation because it is published by Tyndale. The ESV is preferable for its greater fidelity to the original Hebrew and Greek.
Yet there are other praiseworthy elements of the book. The authors recognize the dual nature of fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament, and advocate and practice contextual interpretation before finding Christological or soteriological interpretations of passages. The Psalms are recognized as presenting a range of human emotions that may go beyond what God specifically wills. While the authors promote the "Olivet Discourse" of Matthew 24-25/Mark 13/Luke 21 as referring to the "end times," their discussion of Revelation is bereft of dispensational premillenialism, instead focusing on the symbolic nature of the work and the use of the symbols therein, and declaring that at least part if not most of what John saw in the vision has taken place and/or continues to take place in cyclical patterns.
Ryken's Bible Handbook is a useful resource in working to interpret the Bible, and has value for students, teachers, and preachers. As long as one is mindful of the Protestant perspective of the authors, one can find a lot of structures and ideas that make the message of the Bible make sense. If you have found it challenging to understand the nature, purpose, structure, and literary methods of the Bible, or find it challenging to teach regarding such matters, Ryken's Bible Handbook will be of great value to you!
*- book received from Tyndale as part of an early review program.
November 25, 2010
I had trouble deciding how to review this book, since it's not necessarily meant to be read cover-to-cover, but used alongside the Bible as a study guide. Flipping through the pages, it's apparent that nearly every aspect that I can think of regarding the Bible is addressed in the text, such as format, author, audience, theme, writing style, timeline, purpose, cast of characters, both general and specific topics highlighted in the Bible, flow, places, definitions, historical references, and even tips for reading and studying the Bible. Each book is addressed separately, quotes from other sources are scattered across the pages, and interesting factoids are made mention of in the margins. A One Year Bible Reading Plan is also found at the end of the handbook, followed by multiple maps and charts that correspond to information addressed in the handbook.
It is important to note that the Bible version that the writers use when quoting scripture is the English Standard Version (ESV), which I think is poor form. Bible versions now adays are a dime-a-dozen, and everyone thinks that their version is the best and easiest to understand. If a person is going to put out something of this nature, that claims a certain authority in the interpretation of Biblical scripture, they should either be willing to use a wide variety of Bible versions or stick with the version that servived centuries before this modern era of multiple Bible versions - the King James Version (KJV). Bible versions is a hot topic, so I'm not going to dwell on this.
I have been studying the Bible for most of my life, so anything that puts a fresh perspective on the text, I appreciate. I especially like the quotes and fact tidbits, since these are things that I won't get from the Bible alone. I will definitely be using this handbook alongside my Bible reading and study, as well as taking advantage of the One Year Bible Reading Plan, though I won't consider this my only source of Bible reference.
It is important to note that the Bible version that the writers use when quoting scripture is the English Standard Version (ESV), which I think is poor form. Bible versions now adays are a dime-a-dozen, and everyone thinks that their version is the best and easiest to understand. If a person is going to put out something of this nature, that claims a certain authority in the interpretation of Biblical scripture, they should either be willing to use a wide variety of Bible versions or stick with the version that servived centuries before this modern era of multiple Bible versions - the King James Version (KJV). Bible versions is a hot topic, so I'm not going to dwell on this.
I have been studying the Bible for most of my life, so anything that puts a fresh perspective on the text, I appreciate. I especially like the quotes and fact tidbits, since these are things that I won't get from the Bible alone. I will definitely be using this handbook alongside my Bible reading and study, as well as taking advantage of the One Year Bible Reading Plan, though I won't consider this my only source of Bible reference.
March 25, 2010
BOOK OVERVIEW:
This book gives students of the Bible a quick overview of every book in the Bible. Leland Ryken's distinctive trait is a literary approach to the Bible--understanding the Bible as literature. The three authors help shed light on understanding the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as literature by looking at the Bible's different literary genres: poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, story, parables, and more.
MY REVIEW:
Can you say "amazing"?
This is the word I would use to describe this wonderful book known as Ryken's Bible Handbook.
All 630 plus pages of this handbook are full of facts, insights, perspectives, colorful maps, articles, charts, and many other resources that will aid you in understanding each book of the Bible. It starts with an introduction to the Bible as a whole and how we got what we have. Then it takes each book of the Bible and gives an overview with elements such as:
Key Doctrines
Key Characters
Tips for Reading or Teaching the particular book
Applying the Book
The Challenges of The Book
The Implied Audience
Things to Look for
And so much more...
I was also very impressed with the simple, yet extremely helpful, maps and charts in the back of this book that are in full color. This section includes current maps as well as OT and NT maps, a time line, guide to the temple, and several more.
The Ryken's Bible Handbook is a resource that I would highly recommend you buy and place within arms reach of where you study your Bible...it will quickly become a favorite!
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.
This book gives students of the Bible a quick overview of every book in the Bible. Leland Ryken's distinctive trait is a literary approach to the Bible--understanding the Bible as literature. The three authors help shed light on understanding the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as literature by looking at the Bible's different literary genres: poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, story, parables, and more.
MY REVIEW:
Can you say "amazing"?
This is the word I would use to describe this wonderful book known as Ryken's Bible Handbook.
All 630 plus pages of this handbook are full of facts, insights, perspectives, colorful maps, articles, charts, and many other resources that will aid you in understanding each book of the Bible. It starts with an introduction to the Bible as a whole and how we got what we have. Then it takes each book of the Bible and gives an overview with elements such as:
Key Doctrines
Key Characters
Tips for Reading or Teaching the particular book
Applying the Book
The Challenges of The Book
The Implied Audience
Things to Look for
And so much more...
I was also very impressed with the simple, yet extremely helpful, maps and charts in the back of this book that are in full color. This section includes current maps as well as OT and NT maps, a time line, guide to the temple, and several more.
The Ryken's Bible Handbook is a resource that I would highly recommend you buy and place within arms reach of where you study your Bible...it will quickly become a favorite!
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.
March 17, 2010
A wonderful resource to have on hand. This handbook is very in depth in it's presentation of the bible. Opening up the meaning and providing great insight for the scholar, student, or individual seeking to better understand and study the word of God. I will be adding this to our resource books and referring to it for homeschool work. I believe it will be an excellent resource for my children as they write history reports and such for their school work.
Thank you Tyndale House for providing this free review copy.
Thank you Tyndale House for providing this free review copy.
February 20, 2018
This is the second book for any library, the first being the Bible. The authors give concise overviews of the whole Bible and of each book of the Bible. While this is a basic and readable book, it will assist everyone who is trying to understand the Bible especially those who teach it. I will be using this as a resource in 2014 for my through the Bible blog at http://ThistleDewFarm.us
August 5, 2015
An excellent resource that I use and benefit from regularly. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews