What do you think?
Rate this book
The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance
How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages--signs that would have been obvious to the original readers? From the tree of life to Noah's ark, from circumcision to animal sacrifice. From the feasts, the Passover lamb, and the manna in the wilderness to the furniture in the tabernacle and the visions of prophets. From the Lord's Supper to baptism and from the cross to the empty tomb.
Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness. This illustrated resource will help readers understand key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth. Each entry includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages. Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.
Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness. This illustrated resource will help readers understand key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth. Each entry includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages. Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
71 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Neil Wilson
206 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 1, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through Goodread's First Reads.
The book contains approximately 130 signs and symbols found throughout the Bible. It's goal is to explain their meaning and significance as it relate to God and his Kingdom. The book is filled with beautiful color photos on glossy pages.
While the book is not complete or comprehensive, it does an excellent job of explaining the signs and symbols that were chosen for the book. Each subject is detailed with both photos and easily read explanations, but also contains both Biblical key verses and outside commentary by religious scholars and authors.
What disappointment I had is due to the limited number of subjects. For me, the title was a bit misleading... A to Z simply means that the subject matter is alphabetical, not comprehensive.
I do think that it is a good book to have among other reference books in my collection. It stands out among my collection for it's beautiful photos. It is a very good illustrative guide. If you are looking for an affordable reference book for a beginners interest, this book is perfect. If you have more comprehensive books already in your collection, I would pass on this.
Happy Reading.
The book contains approximately 130 signs and symbols found throughout the Bible. It's goal is to explain their meaning and significance as it relate to God and his Kingdom. The book is filled with beautiful color photos on glossy pages.
While the book is not complete or comprehensive, it does an excellent job of explaining the signs and symbols that were chosen for the book. Each subject is detailed with both photos and easily read explanations, but also contains both Biblical key verses and outside commentary by religious scholars and authors.
What disappointment I had is due to the limited number of subjects. For me, the title was a bit misleading... A to Z simply means that the subject matter is alphabetical, not comprehensive.
I do think that it is a good book to have among other reference books in my collection. It stands out among my collection for it's beautiful photos. It is a very good illustrative guide. If you are looking for an affordable reference book for a beginners interest, this book is perfect. If you have more comprehensive books already in your collection, I would pass on this.
Happy Reading.
February 14, 2015
Is there anything better than a book in the mail?
The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols landed in my mailbox last Saturday, and I was immediately drawn by its glossy weight. Everything about the book, particularly its colorful images, said “quality.” Opening to the introduction, I learned that a symbol’s job is to represent while a sign points. Symbols are pictures that denote an object while signs are clues. The authors, Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor, urge their readers to enjoy the book beside an open Bible. As I read through the Table of Contents, I thought, “Yes, I could use this book,” and thus began a week of signs and symbols in which I challenged myself to be conscious of the presence of biblical signs and symbols in my regular study — not simply to go looking for items from the table of contents, but, instead, to bring an awareness of these clues and pictures, pointers and representations to my regular encounters with the Scriptures. I began immediately:
Saturday – Last minute details of preparation for my Sunday school class on Nehemiah led me to examine the entry for gate. All of Nehemiah chapter three is devoted to the rebuilding of the wall around the city of Jerusalem with special emphasis on its gates; and there on page 110 was a picture of the Eastern Gate. Jesus spoke of metaphorical gates, and described Himself as a Gate, the entrance to the heavenly city. Obviously, for Nehemiah and his stalwart crew of builders, gates represented a secure future for their nation-state.
Sunday – In the mini-van, on the way to church, I heard a re-broadcast of a 1987 sermon from Matthew 12 by Billy Graham. Ironically, the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign, and He gives them only the sign of Jonah. I also noted the use of three and was pleased to find it also had an entry. I learned that there are other parallels between Jonah and Jesus besides the “three days and three nights” which spell the believer’s deliverance. Here I also noted the presence of a significant quote in each entry that sheds further light on the sign or symbol. Philip Graham Ryken gave further clarification: “Jonah was the illustration; Jesus is the resurrected reality.”
Monday – My devotional reading of the Psalms of Ascent took me to Psalm 120 where the disgruntled and alienated psalmist informs the liars who have harmed him that their reward will be burning coals from the juniper tree. It turns out that the image of a tree being cut down is bad enough (being felled), but in this case the tree is reduced to charcoal.
Tuesday – Pulling my notes together for an evening Bible study on the life of Lydia (Acts 16), I found two symbolic items. Lydia was baptized in water, and, sure enough, there was a section on baptism in the entry for water. I learned that the symbolism of baptism “harks back to the ancient thought of water as the abyss, a symbol of death.” which certainly enhanced my understanding of the act of coming up out of the water being equated with new life. Paul and his team encountered Lydia and the other ladies worshiping on the Jewish Sabbath, fitting because the day was set apart to call to mind the “promise God had made to preserve and save his people.” Ironically, it was a Gentile woman who responded to Paul that day, entering into the promised rest of Jesus’ New Covenant.
Wednesday – Reading a book in preparation for Lent (A Glorious Dark by A.J. Swoboda), my focus was on Friday, the day of the cross. It was not until the 4th century that the cross became a symbol of Christianity. Each entry in the book also has a key verse, and I Peter 2:24 serves to remind the reader that the cross frees us from our sins. “His wounds have healed you.” It is a symbol of death, but also a powerful symbol of radical discipleship and a surrendered life.
Thursday – To enhance my understanding of the Psalms of Ascent, I turned to Isaiah 2:3 and 30:29 and found mountain in both verses. The presence of the mountains, “visible for miles around, . . . reminded [Israel] of God’s presence among them and above them.” The pilgrims ascending to worship on Mount Zion direct our minds to the future, where the mountain symbolizes redemption and communion with God.
Friday – Having mined all my teaching passages, my devotional reading, and even the radio, I wondered if I would find a sign or symbol for this last day in my Week of Signs and Symbols. At 5:30 a.m. I flipped the page in my 20+ year old daily calendar of Elisabeth Elliot wisdom, and knew that I was ready to finish the week. Featuring Proverbs 18:10, which is also the passage that the authors used for the key verse, Elisabeth delightfully fleshed out the symbolism of the tower: “He is our Refuge when we are afraid, our Strength when we are weak, our Helper when we cannot cope.” A tower offers protection and security here, but is also used in Scripture to symbolize careful planning, design, or even arrogance as in the Tower of Babel.)
Having convinced myself of the usefulness of The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols, I was further encouraged by the authors’ humble spirit of caution in approaching the topic. Each of the biblical signs and symbols in the book (over 125 in all) are arrows to point out where God is at work and images to promote a greater intimacy with God and His unique Book.
This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my unbiased review.
The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols landed in my mailbox last Saturday, and I was immediately drawn by its glossy weight. Everything about the book, particularly its colorful images, said “quality.” Opening to the introduction, I learned that a symbol’s job is to represent while a sign points. Symbols are pictures that denote an object while signs are clues. The authors, Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor, urge their readers to enjoy the book beside an open Bible. As I read through the Table of Contents, I thought, “Yes, I could use this book,” and thus began a week of signs and symbols in which I challenged myself to be conscious of the presence of biblical signs and symbols in my regular study — not simply to go looking for items from the table of contents, but, instead, to bring an awareness of these clues and pictures, pointers and representations to my regular encounters with the Scriptures. I began immediately:
Saturday – Last minute details of preparation for my Sunday school class on Nehemiah led me to examine the entry for gate. All of Nehemiah chapter three is devoted to the rebuilding of the wall around the city of Jerusalem with special emphasis on its gates; and there on page 110 was a picture of the Eastern Gate. Jesus spoke of metaphorical gates, and described Himself as a Gate, the entrance to the heavenly city. Obviously, for Nehemiah and his stalwart crew of builders, gates represented a secure future for their nation-state.
Sunday – In the mini-van, on the way to church, I heard a re-broadcast of a 1987 sermon from Matthew 12 by Billy Graham. Ironically, the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign, and He gives them only the sign of Jonah. I also noted the use of three and was pleased to find it also had an entry. I learned that there are other parallels between Jonah and Jesus besides the “three days and three nights” which spell the believer’s deliverance. Here I also noted the presence of a significant quote in each entry that sheds further light on the sign or symbol. Philip Graham Ryken gave further clarification: “Jonah was the illustration; Jesus is the resurrected reality.”
Monday – My devotional reading of the Psalms of Ascent took me to Psalm 120 where the disgruntled and alienated psalmist informs the liars who have harmed him that their reward will be burning coals from the juniper tree. It turns out that the image of a tree being cut down is bad enough (being felled), but in this case the tree is reduced to charcoal.
Tuesday – Pulling my notes together for an evening Bible study on the life of Lydia (Acts 16), I found two symbolic items. Lydia was baptized in water, and, sure enough, there was a section on baptism in the entry for water. I learned that the symbolism of baptism “harks back to the ancient thought of water as the abyss, a symbol of death.” which certainly enhanced my understanding of the act of coming up out of the water being equated with new life. Paul and his team encountered Lydia and the other ladies worshiping on the Jewish Sabbath, fitting because the day was set apart to call to mind the “promise God had made to preserve and save his people.” Ironically, it was a Gentile woman who responded to Paul that day, entering into the promised rest of Jesus’ New Covenant.
Wednesday – Reading a book in preparation for Lent (A Glorious Dark by A.J. Swoboda), my focus was on Friday, the day of the cross. It was not until the 4th century that the cross became a symbol of Christianity. Each entry in the book also has a key verse, and I Peter 2:24 serves to remind the reader that the cross frees us from our sins. “His wounds have healed you.” It is a symbol of death, but also a powerful symbol of radical discipleship and a surrendered life.
Thursday – To enhance my understanding of the Psalms of Ascent, I turned to Isaiah 2:3 and 30:29 and found mountain in both verses. The presence of the mountains, “visible for miles around, . . . reminded [Israel] of God’s presence among them and above them.” The pilgrims ascending to worship on Mount Zion direct our minds to the future, where the mountain symbolizes redemption and communion with God.
Friday – Having mined all my teaching passages, my devotional reading, and even the radio, I wondered if I would find a sign or symbol for this last day in my Week of Signs and Symbols. At 5:30 a.m. I flipped the page in my 20+ year old daily calendar of Elisabeth Elliot wisdom, and knew that I was ready to finish the week. Featuring Proverbs 18:10, which is also the passage that the authors used for the key verse, Elisabeth delightfully fleshed out the symbolism of the tower: “He is our Refuge when we are afraid, our Strength when we are weak, our Helper when we cannot cope.” A tower offers protection and security here, but is also used in Scripture to symbolize careful planning, design, or even arrogance as in the Tower of Babel.)
Having convinced myself of the usefulness of The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs and Symbols, I was further encouraged by the authors’ humble spirit of caution in approaching the topic. Each of the biblical signs and symbols in the book (over 125 in all) are arrows to point out where God is at work and images to promote a greater intimacy with God and His unique Book.
This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 21, 2015
When you read the Bible, have you ever noticed how certain signs and symbols are used throughout and wondered what significance they had to their original audience?
Have you wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of certain biblical concepts than the footnotes in your Bible allow but weren’t sure where to turn for accurate information?
If so, then The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols – Understanding Their Meaning And Significance by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor will be a welcome addition to your biblical reference bookshelf!
The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols provides readers with explanations to over 100 key signs and symbols found in Scripture. The entries are alphabetized like a dictionary and printed on glossy paper with two-page entries that include color photos and illustrations, contextualized background information and key Bible verses, and interesting quotes from well-known Christian leaders.
The study of symbolism has always fascinated me, and I found this book particularly suited for those new to the field. The book’s Introduction is invaluable. Here, you’ll find information on the differences between signs and symbols – the rules for interpreting signs and symbols – and Bible signs and symbols today and in prophecy.
What I like most about The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols is that, no matter how much you know about Scripture, there is bound to be something new that you learn from reading this book! What I'd like to see in future editions is an expanded version of this book containing additional signs and symbols!
I highly recommend this book to you.
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Have you wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of certain biblical concepts than the footnotes in your Bible allow but weren’t sure where to turn for accurate information?
If so, then The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols – Understanding Their Meaning And Significance by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor will be a welcome addition to your biblical reference bookshelf!
The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols provides readers with explanations to over 100 key signs and symbols found in Scripture. The entries are alphabetized like a dictionary and printed on glossy paper with two-page entries that include color photos and illustrations, contextualized background information and key Bible verses, and interesting quotes from well-known Christian leaders.
The study of symbolism has always fascinated me, and I found this book particularly suited for those new to the field. The book’s Introduction is invaluable. Here, you’ll find information on the differences between signs and symbols – the rules for interpreting signs and symbols – and Bible signs and symbols today and in prophecy.
What I like most about The A To Z Guide To Bible Signs & Symbols is that, no matter how much you know about Scripture, there is bound to be something new that you learn from reading this book! What I'd like to see in future editions is an expanded version of this book containing additional signs and symbols!
I highly recommend this book to you.
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 26, 2015
The subtitle of this book is "Understanding Their Meaning and Significance," and therein lies the beauty of this book. It is certainly not the easiest book to just pick up and read, from page 1 through the end, but I think it is an important book for every Christian's shelf.
Very few of us have the calling to attend seminary (or the desire to sit and read commentaries), so our understanding of the meaning and significance of the signs and symbols in the Bible is limited to sermons presented by our pastors who have done the studying. And, because there is so much to get from those Sunday or midweek sermons, we run short on time to truly soak in the significance of a symbol or a sign found scattered throughout the Bible. That leaves most of us with little to no knowledge of what was packed into the Scripture--things that will enrich not only our understanding of God's word for us but also our faith.
Enter The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols. Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor have compiled a user-friendly resource rich with examples and references from the Old Testament to the New Testament. From the cross to darkness to quail to wind--and everything in between--Wilson and Ryken Taylor break down the sign or the symbol, explain its significance (either positive or negative), and challenge the believer to learn from its inclusion. I'm thrilled to have this reference on my bookshelf to enhance my personal devotions, and I recommend it for everyone who wants to dig a bit deeper.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Very few of us have the calling to attend seminary (or the desire to sit and read commentaries), so our understanding of the meaning and significance of the signs and symbols in the Bible is limited to sermons presented by our pastors who have done the studying. And, because there is so much to get from those Sunday or midweek sermons, we run short on time to truly soak in the significance of a symbol or a sign found scattered throughout the Bible. That leaves most of us with little to no knowledge of what was packed into the Scripture--things that will enrich not only our understanding of God's word for us but also our faith.
Enter The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols. Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor have compiled a user-friendly resource rich with examples and references from the Old Testament to the New Testament. From the cross to darkness to quail to wind--and everything in between--Wilson and Ryken Taylor break down the sign or the symbol, explain its significance (either positive or negative), and challenge the believer to learn from its inclusion. I'm thrilled to have this reference on my bookshelf to enhance my personal devotions, and I recommend it for everyone who wants to dig a bit deeper.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
February 14, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
The book itself is gorgeous. Each Biblical symbol that is explained has two pages devoted to it with beautiful full color photographs on it. The authors take the time to explain the symbol as it is presented in its various contexts in the Bible, then follows up with a key verse from the Bible.
Some symbols are combined with others (e.g. mountain and hill, eagle and vulture) where the original language translated can be construed either way depending on the context. Other symbols were left out, ones that I was looking for clarification on especially. I found the symbols and signs in the book that were presented were pretty comprehensive, at least for a lay person. This would be a book that you could refer to if you get stumped over why this particular symbol is used. However, the book is not presented as comprehensive nor authoritative. I find it to be a great jump-off point, and I would love to see a book further down the line with more signs and symbols of the Bible.
Overall, this is a beautiful book to add to your Biblical library, but it definitely shouldn’t be the only book in your library that you refer to for Biblical signs and symbols.
The book itself is gorgeous. Each Biblical symbol that is explained has two pages devoted to it with beautiful full color photographs on it. The authors take the time to explain the symbol as it is presented in its various contexts in the Bible, then follows up with a key verse from the Bible.
Some symbols are combined with others (e.g. mountain and hill, eagle and vulture) where the original language translated can be construed either way depending on the context. Other symbols were left out, ones that I was looking for clarification on especially. I found the symbols and signs in the book that were presented were pretty comprehensive, at least for a lay person. This would be a book that you could refer to if you get stumped over why this particular symbol is used. However, the book is not presented as comprehensive nor authoritative. I find it to be a great jump-off point, and I would love to see a book further down the line with more signs and symbols of the Bible.
Overall, this is a beautiful book to add to your Biblical library, but it definitely shouldn’t be the only book in your library that you refer to for Biblical signs and symbols.
February 22, 2015
According to Kostenberger and Patterson in their book Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, a symbol is a "type of metaphor in which the vehicale, as well as the tenor, is broadly suggestive in itself." In this modern world where we see thousands of images every day, symbols which are native to us can be fairly easy to understand, hence their effectiveness.
Scripture contains many symbols throughout its stories and teachings. Unfortunately, given our cultural and linguistic removement from the original context, it can be quite difficult to grasp their meanings and how they might shape our interpretations.
The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor is a great aid for lay people who want to deepen their knowledge of how Scripture utilizes different symbols. It is a user-friendly book, featuring great illustrations (for the most part) and concise explanations which everyone can understand.
Scripture contains many symbols throughout its stories and teachings. Unfortunately, given our cultural and linguistic removement from the original context, it can be quite difficult to grasp their meanings and how they might shape our interpretations.
The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor is a great aid for lay people who want to deepen their knowledge of how Scripture utilizes different symbols. It is a user-friendly book, featuring great illustrations (for the most part) and concise explanations which everyone can understand.
April 10, 2015
This book was fascinating! It covers some of the most well-known signs and symbols and each topic was two pages. There are color photographs, a key verse and sidebars with facts or quotes from books or hymns. The topics' literal meanings or uses are talked about along with their symbolism or use as a sign. There are especially many Bible verses or references given where the topic is talked about. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll probably be pretty well acquainted with these topics, but there was still a lot of interesting background or cultural information I didn't know. They were also good reminders for what I did already know. You could almost read this as a devotional with the spiritual insight it gives and how the sign or symbol should impact your faith and walk. It was easy to read and kept me engaged. I would highly recommend it!
I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2016
From the reading of the introduction of this book it has explained something I've long wondered about. The difference between sign (point or draw attention), and symbol (represent). This book has such life-like photos and they are simply breath-taking. It has an eye catching cover, but the best is inside. It goes into detail to explain the sign and what it means and the scriptures where it is found. Words we read or hear the pastor preach about, like "altar". What was its use and purpose? Where was it used? When were they used? Why were they used? Or what was the importance of the "Ark Of The Covenant"? Why is Babylon so prominent in the bible and what does her sign or symbol mean? You will have many hours of informative reading and reflecting. Good Reading!
March 1, 2015
I win this book as part of a First Reads Giveaway, but any opinions are mine alone.
This is a great book for anyone studying the Bible, looking for answers to questions they may have while reading the Bible, or just for reading about the Bible. This book is about the most common signs and symbols that are in the Bible, and what they mean, their significance, how they are applied to the Bible. I like the simplicity and earnestness in how this book is written, for the layman to the most knowledgeable.
This is a great book for anyone studying the Bible, looking for answers to questions they may have while reading the Bible, or just for reading about the Bible. This book is about the most common signs and symbols that are in the Bible, and what they mean, their significance, how they are applied to the Bible. I like the simplicity and earnestness in how this book is written, for the layman to the most knowledgeable.
February 19, 2015
This is a handy book to use in preparation for a Bible study or class, or when just enhancing your own knowledge. It is useful when reading to help with understanding and to enhance what you are reading with additional knowledge. I liked the explanation and background knowledge that led to the book and knowing the perspective it was written from. I also liked how it connected things that you might not have otherwise made the connection to.
This is a good book to help supplement your understanding.
I received this book free from the publisher to review.
This is a good book to help supplement your understanding.
I received this book free from the publisher to review.
March 26, 2015
This is a very helpful resource to assist readers of the Bible in their interpretation and understanding of signs, symbols, and other terms used in figurative speech that the modern-dayt reader may not fully understand. Full review is here - http://joevalenti.me/?x-portfolio=the...
April 21, 2015
What I like about this book is the pages are loaded with symbols and their meanings along with history and scripture. Interesting reading, enough info to make you want to dig deeper into the Scriptures. Very well presented, attractive, and meaningful.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2015
A good, short summary of many topics in the Bible, and would be especially good for a person just getting into Bible study. Occasionally, though not very often, the authors would throw in theology instead of analysis, and it would be a little too fundamentalist for my tastes.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews