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  Language This icon identifies the information as a language-based tool for further exploration of the Scripture selection. This could include syntactical information, word studies, popular or additional uses of the word(s) in question, additional contexts in which a term appears, and the history of a term's translation. All foreign terms are transliterated into the appropriate English characters.
This Icon introduces further comment on contextual or cultural details that shed light on the Scripture selection. Describing the place and time to which a Scripture passage refers is often vital to the task of biblical interpretation. Sidebar items introduced with this icon could include geographical, historical, political, social, topographical, and economic information. Here, the reader may find an excerpt of an ancient text or inscription that sheds light on the text. Or, one may find a description of some element of ancient religion such as Baalism in Canaan or the Hero cult in the Mystery Religions of the Greco-Roman world.
Sidebars that appear under this icon serve a general interpretive function in terms of both historical and contemporary renderings. Under this heading, the reader might find a selection from classic or contemporary literature that illumines the Scripture text or a significant quotation from a famous sermon that address the passage. Insights are drawn from various sources, including literature, worship, theater, church history, and sociology.
Here, the reader finds a convenient list of useful resources for further investigation of the selected Scripture text, including books, journals, websites, special collections, organizations, and societies. Specialized discussions of works not often associated with biblical studies may also appear here |
The Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series features helpful icons that appear in color-coded sidebars that link to a word or phrase of the same color with the text. These icons provide the reader with visual links to the type of materials that is explained in each sidebar. Throughout each commentary, these four distinct icons provide useful links in an easily recognizable design. The volumes sidebars, or special interest boxes provide a wealth of information on such matters as:
• Historical information (such as chronological charts, lists of kings or rulers, maps, descriptions of monetary systems, descriptions of special groups, descriptions of archaeological sites or geographical settings). • Graphic outlines of literary structure (including such items as poetry, chiasm, repetition, epistolary form). • Definition or brief discussions of technical or theological terms and issues • Insightful quotations that are not integrated into the running text but are relevant to the passage under discussion. • Notes on the history of interpretation (Augustine on the Good Samaritan, Luther on James Stendahl on Romans, etc.). • Line drawings, photographs, and other illustrations relevant for understanding the historical context or interpretive significance of the text. • Presentation and discussion of works of fine art that have interpreted a Scripture passage |
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