Biblical studies is a highly technical and diverse field. This authoritative and state-of-the-art survey of original research will therefore be invaluable to scholars and students who need to command linguistic, historical, literary, and philosophical skills. Forty-five original contributions by leading figures in the discipline review and analyze current thinking and work and give critical examinations of the progress and direction of debates. This book: Is a state-of-the-art survey of contemporary Biblical Studies; Represents the diversity found in current scholarship; Is invaluable for both academics and students; Features forty-five specially written contributions by an outstanding international team; Is the most comprehensive and authoritative guide available; Is part of the prestigious Oxford Handbooks series. - Publisher.