Concordances of the bible

Achievement in Bible study. We often say context is king in Bible study, and a concordance gives you a bird's-eye view of how a word is used throughout Scripture. This broader perspective can prevent us from reading our assumptions into the text and help us grasp the true intent of the biblical authors, leading to a sense of accomplishment in our study.A concordance is like a master key, unlocking doors to deeper understanding, richer teaching, and more accurate interpretation of God's Word. It's a tool that can elevate your Bible study from casual reading to serious exploration, revealing the intricate tapestry of themes and ideas woven throughout Scripture.Types of Concordances: Choose Your WeaponNot all concordances are created equal. Here are the main types you'll encounter:· Exhaustive Concordances: These bad boys list every word in the Bible. They're comprehensive but can be overwhelming for beginners.o Examples: Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible; The New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible· Analytical Concordances: These link words to their original Hebrew or Greek forms. They are perfect for looking into the nuances of the original languages.o Examples: The Englishman's Greek Concordance of the New Testament; The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance of the Old Testament; New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries· Topical Concordances: Instead of individual words, these organize verses by themes or topics. They are great for thematic study or sermon prep.o Examples: Nave's Topical Bible; Torrey's New Topical TextbookIf you’re interested in purchasing physical copies of these concordances, click here – this is an affiliate link; if you purchase something, I will receive a small commission.How to Use a Concordance: A Step-by-Step GuideAlright, let's get practical. Here's how to wield your concordance like a pro:1. Choose your word: Pick a word you want to study.

Let's say we're curious about "love."2. Look it up: Find "love" in your concordance. You'll see a list of every verse where it appears.3. Narrow it down: Most concordances will give you a snippet of the verse. Scan these to find the most relevant ones to your study.4. Dig deeper: Look up the full context in your Bible for each relevant verse.5. Check the original: If you use an analytical concordance, look at the Hebrew or Greek word. You might find that different English words come from the same original word or vice versa.6. Connect the dots: As you study, look for patterns, themes, or changes in how the word is used across different books or authors.Online Concordances: The Digital RevolutionFear not, digital natives – the internet has got your back. Online concordances like Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway offer all the benefits of a traditional concordance with some extra perks: instant search results, multiple translations available, integrated dictionaries and commentaries, and the ability to copy and paste verses easily.Here are some of the most popular digital resources:· Logos Bible Software· Accordance Bible Software· Blue Letter Bible (website and app)· Bible Gateway (website and app)Just remember, while these tools are incredibly convenient, there's something special about flipping through the pages of a physical concordance. It's like the difference between scrolling through Instagram and flipping through an old photo album – both have their place, but the tactile experience can sometimes help you slow down and absorb more.Pitfalls to Avoid: Don't Fall Into These TrapsAs powerful as concordances are, they come with potential pitfalls that every Bible student should know. One common trap is the word-study fallacy, where we might assume a word carries the same weight or meaning every time it appears. Remember, context is king, and the significance

You'll find the resources for doing a word study in the box to the right. For in-depth instructions on how to do a word study, click here for an online guide, or view/print the document below. Concordances in Stamps Library The following concordances can be found in the reference section of Stamps Library. Online Concordances The Blue Letter Bible provides several Bible study tools, including concordances for several translations of the Bible. To obtain Strong's numbers, search either the KJV or NASB translations. The Bible Gateway doesn't have as many Bible study tools, but it has many more translations of the Bible, all of which are searchable.Bible GatewaySelect a Bible translation in the drop-down menu on the right, enter a word in the search box, and click 'Search.'Blue Letter BibleIn the 'BLB Searches' section on the right, enter an English word in the top box, and choose the translation in the drop-down menu. Look in the 'Concordance' section for results. What is a Concordance? A Bible concordance is an alphabetical list of the principal words used in a particular translation of Scripture, along with their immediate contexts (i.e. the passages in which they appear). Those using a numbering system will also include a number that coordinates with a Hebrew-to-English or Greek-to-English dictionary in the back of the concordance. The dictionaries in the back include brief definitions of Hebrew and Greek words, but there are other reference tools that will provide much more information for each term.Use the list below to find an appropriate concordance (or more than one). All of the ones listed include either Strong's numbers or G/K numbers, and have dictionaries in the back. Bible Translation Title/Author Call Number Numbering System AEV/REV Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible J. Strong Theo Ref BS425 S8 1890 Strong's KJV Strong's Exhaustive