Concordances. Bible Atlases Should provide maps sufficiently detailed Should provide maps...

ConcordancesConcordances

Bible AtlasesBible Atlases

Should provide maps sufficiently Should provide maps sufficiently detailed detailed – To accurately plot historic sitesTo accurately plot historic sites– To give the names as they appeared To give the names as they appeared

in Bible timesin Bible times– To show ancient roads & highways & To show ancient roads & highways &

places of importance.places of importance.


Should clearly mark geographical Should clearly mark geographical features, but not so as to crowd features, but not so as to crowd the text on a given page.the text on a given page.

Longitude and latitude should Longitude and latitude should show the location of places in show the location of places in terms of degrees from the terms of degrees from the Equator and the Prime Meridian.Equator and the Prime Meridian.


By means of an atlas you will be By means of an atlas you will be able toable to– Locate as nearly as possible the Locate as nearly as possible the

placesplaces made famous by those living made famous by those living in Bible timesin Bible times

– Trace the Trace the movementsmovements of peoples of peoples and armiesand armies

– Understand the significance of Understand the significance of eventsevents mentioned in the Bible mentioned in the Bible


The Zondervan NiVAtlas of the Bible by Carl G. The Zondervan NiVAtlas of the Bible by Carl G. Rasmussen (1989) is a work with many excellent Rasmussen (1989) is a work with many excellent features. Replete with colorful maps by Carta of features. Replete with colorful maps by Carta of Jerusalem, the reader soon becomes aware of the fact Jerusalem, the reader soon becomes aware of the fact that this work is in reality an historical geography of that this work is in reality an historical geography of the lands of the Bible. This does not detract from its the lands of the Bible. This does not detract from its value, but only serves to warn the beginning Bible value, but only serves to warn the beginning Bible student that not everything with the word “atlas” in student that not everything with the word “atlas” in the title is in reality an atlas.the title is in reality an atlas.

The biblical text used throughout this atlas is the New The biblical text used throughout this atlas is the New International Version (MV), but this does little to International Version (MV), but this does little to improve the overall worth of this work. The value of improve the overall worth of this work. The value of what Rasmussen wrote lies in his eye-witness report what Rasmussen wrote lies in his eye-witness report of the geographic features of the Holy Land coupled of the geographic features of the Holy Land coupled with a masterful description of different historic events with a masterful description of different historic events that took place at these sites. The result is an “atlas” that took place at these sites. The result is an “atlas” that lends itself to being read through from cover to that lends itself to being read through from cover to cover. Used in this way, the benefit to the user will be cover. Used in this way, the benefit to the user will be great.great.


The Macmillan Bible Atlas was edited by Y. Aharoni The Macmillan Bible Atlas was edited by Y. Aharoni and M. Avi-Yonah—two Jewish scholars of international and M. Avi-Yonah—two Jewish scholars of international repute. The revised third edition (1993) is the work of repute. The revised third edition (1993) is the work of A. F. Rainey and Z. Safrai. MBA is a work of rare A. F. Rainey and Z. Safrai. MBA is a work of rare excellence, containing maps identifying biblical sites excellence, containing maps identifying biblical sites and events; and inasmuch as it follows the chronology and events; and inasmuch as it follows the chronology of the Bible (though some of the dating is of the Bible (though some of the dating is questionable), it may be used to good effect when questionable), it may be used to good effect when ever one is studying an historical book of either the ever one is studying an historical book of either the Old or New Testa ment. Concentration is on the Holy Old or New Testa ment. Concentration is on the Holy Land, and so it evidences a lack when it comes to Land, and so it evidences a lack when it comes to treating the expansion of the early Church. In spite of treating the expansion of the early Church. In spite of this limitation, MBA quickly grows on the user until it this limitation, MBA quickly grows on the user until it becomes one of the first sources (if not the first) the becomes one of the first sources (if not the first) the researcher reaches for whenever trying to locate researcher reaches for whenever trying to locate where an event took place.where an event took place.


The Moody Atlas of the Bible by Barry J. The Moody Atlas of the Bible by Barry J. Beitzel (1985) is a work of considerable Beitzel (1985) is a work of considerable erudition. It begins appropriately with erudition. It begins appropriately with an extensive section on “The Physical an extensive section on “The Physical Geography of the Holy Land,” and this is Geography of the Holy Land,” and this is followed by informative discussions of followed by informative discussions of “The Historical Geography of the Holy “The Historical Geography of the Holy Land” and “The History of Biblical Land” and “The History of Biblical Mapmaking.” Colored maps, plates and Mapmaking.” Colored maps, plates and pictures further enhance this excellent pictures further enhance this excellent work. Coverage extends to both work. Coverage extends to both Testaments, the Old as well as the New.Testaments, the Old as well as the New.

Bible AtlasesBible AtlasesBy means of an atlas you will be able to locate as By means of an atlas you will be able to locate as

nearly as possible the places made famous by nearly as possible the places made famous by those living in Bible times (e.g., Shechem, those living in Bible times (e.g., Shechem, Bethel, Shiloh, Mizpah, Zion, Ephesus, Troas Bethel, Shiloh, Mizpah, Zion, Ephesus, Troas [ Troy], Athens, Corinth, Rome, and the islands [ Troy], Athens, Corinth, Rome, and the islands of the Mediterranean visited by the Apostle of the Mediterranean visited by the Apostle Paul during his travels), and trace the Paul during his travels), and trace the movements of peoples and armies (e.g., the movements of peoples and armies (e.g., the mute of the Exodus, the settlement of the mute of the Exodus, the settlement of the twelve tribes in Canaan, and attacks upon twelve tribes in Canaan, and attacks upon Jerusalem by Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Jerusalem by Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyp tians, Romans). And you will also come to Egyp tians, Romans). And you will also come to understand the significance of events understand the significance of events mentioned in the Bible (e.g., the routing of mentioned in the Bible (e.g., the routing of Sisera’s army, Judges chap. 4; the location of Sisera’s army, Judges chap. 4; the location of Joppa, Tarshish and Nineveh in the Bookof Joppa, Tarshish and Nineveh in the Bookof Jonah; the close proximity of Bethpage and Jonah; the close proximity of Bethpage and Bethany to the Mount of Olives, Luke 19:29), Bethany to the Mount of Olives, Luke 19:29), and a host of other details.and a host of other details.

Bible AtlasesBible Atlases While you need accuracy for your own While you need accuracy for your own

study, be aware of aids that can assist you study, be aware of aids that can assist you in your communication of this kind of in your communication of this kind of information to Bible classes.information to Bible classes.

– Manna Bible Maps (Power Point)Manna Bible Maps (Power Point)– Then and Now Bible Maps (also have a Power Then and Now Bible Maps (also have a Power

Point version)Point version)


Use and MisuseUse and Misuse 1) To locate a verse in the Bible.1) To locate a verse in the Bible.

– Not a misuse, but there are far more Not a misuse, but there are far more valuable uses of the tool.valuable uses of the tool.

2) To collect disconnected 2) To collect disconnected statements statements which without which without discrimination are discrimination are arbitrarily arbitrarily woven into a doctrinal woven into a doctrinal framework.framework.– At best is an abuse of the purpose of At best is an abuse of the purpose of

the tool.the tool.


Proper UsesProper Uses 1) To determine the true meaning of 1) To determine the true meaning of

words.words.– May be done more surely by May be done more surely by

concordance than by lexicon; word concordance than by lexicon; word meanings are to be determined more meanings are to be determined more through usage than definition.through usage than definition.

– A foreign student, wishing to pay high A foreign student, wishing to pay high respect to an American teacher, respect to an American teacher, addressed him in a letter, “August and addressed him in a letter, “August and awful Sir!”awful Sir!”


Proper UsesProper Uses Dictionary definitions on which he Dictionary definitions on which he

depended may have contained the depended may have contained the desired meaning, but usage gives desired meaning, but usage gives those words an entirely different those words an entirely different connotation.connotation.

An illustration of this principle in a An illustration of this principle in a study of the term “Son of man.”study of the term “Son of man.”– Obvious meaning would seem to be Obvious meaning would seem to be

the true humanity of Jesus.the true humanity of Jesus.

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses An illustration of this principle in a An illustration of this principle in a

study of the term “Son of man.”study of the term “Son of man.”– Study of term by means of concordance, Study of term by means of concordance,

however, revises this original conception however, revises this original conception and replaces it with a messianic and replaces it with a messianic meaning.meaning.

– Term is J’s favorite designation of Term is J’s favorite designation of himself, used with far greater frequency.himself, used with far greater frequency.

– Further, in the Gospels it is used by Further, in the Gospels it is used by Jesus only (one exception when enemies Jesus only (one exception when enemies ask what he means by it).ask what he means by it).


Proper UsesProper Uses An illustration of this principle in a An illustration of this principle in a

study of the term “Son of man.”study of the term “Son of man.”– Many of passages in which Jesus uses Many of passages in which Jesus uses

the title are those in which he is the title are those in which he is making exalted claims for himself.making exalted claims for himself.

– Is used only 3 times outside the Is used only 3 times outside the Gospels—in Acts by Stephen with Gospels—in Acts by Stephen with messianic meaning and twice in messianic meaning and twice in Revelation where it has exalted Revelation where it has exalted significance.significance.


Proper UsesProper Uses An illustration of this principle in a An illustration of this principle in a

study of the term “Son of man.”study of the term “Son of man.”– Where did it come from? Where did it come from?

Concordance takes you back to the Concordance takes you back to the Psalms, Ezekiel and Daniel.Psalms, Ezekiel and Daniel.

– NT usage suggests a strong affinity to NT usage suggests a strong affinity to Daniel’s usage, where the one with Daniel’s usage, where the one with this title is given an “everlasting this title is given an “everlasting dominion” that “all the peoples, dominion” that “all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve nations, and languages should serve him.”him.”

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses 2) For the enriching of word 2) For the enriching of word

meanings.meanings.– II Cor. 5:14 Paul writes that “the love of II Cor. 5:14 Paul writes that “the love of

Christ constraineth us.”Christ constraineth us.”– Strongest lexical meaning given for Strongest lexical meaning given for

“constrain” is “to urge, impel.”“constrain” is “to urge, impel.”– Survey of usage elsewhere in NT points Survey of usage elsewhere in NT points

to a richer meaning.to a richer meaning.– The seizure of a dread disease (Lk. 4:38)The seizure of a dread disease (Lk. 4:38)– The overwhelming force of the pressure The overwhelming force of the pressure

of a great throng of people (Lk. 8:45).of a great throng of people (Lk. 8:45).


Proper UsesProper Uses 2) For the enriching of word 2) For the enriching of word

meanings.meanings.– The inescapable ring of force which The inescapable ring of force which

closes in on a besieged city (Lk. 19:43).closes in on a besieged city (Lk. 19:43).– The tight clutch with which a prisoner is The tight clutch with which a prisoner is

held (Lk. 22:63).held (Lk. 22:63).– What did it mean for P. to be What did it mean for P. to be

“constrained” by the love of Christ? It “constrained” by the love of Christ? It meant he was caught up by a mighty meant he was caught up by a mighty energy equal to those described above.energy equal to those described above.

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses 3) To distinguish the fine shades of 3) To distinguish the fine shades of

meaning in synonyms translated by meaning in synonyms translated by the same English word.the same English word.– A reader of the KJV might be perplexed A reader of the KJV might be perplexed

by Paul’s statement in Gal. 1:6-7 about by Paul’s statement in Gal. 1:6-7 about “another gospel, which is not another.”“another gospel, which is not another.”

– Without Greek knowledge, he could Without Greek knowledge, he could determine (e.g., from Young’s Analytical determine (e.g., from Young’s Analytical Concordance) that two different words Concordance) that two different words are translated by the English word are translated by the English word “another.”“another.”

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses

– Following the two words through the Following the two words through the concordance, he would find that in many concordance, he would find that in many cases no distinction in meaning is made.cases no distinction in meaning is made.

– But where they are used in But where they are used in juxtaposition, or with distinct meanings, juxtaposition, or with distinct meanings, one means “another of a different kind” one means “another of a different kind” whereas the other means “another of whereas the other means “another of the same kind.”the same kind.”

– Translations may help, but the meaning Translations may help, but the meaning may be made even clearer by tracing may be made even clearer by tracing shades of meaning through the shades of meaning through the concordance.concordance.

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses 4) For studying the distinctive truths 4) For studying the distinctive truths

of any particular book of the Bible.of any particular book of the Bible.– One can readily discover the importance One can readily discover the importance

which any great truth assumes in any which any great truth assumes in any book by noting the relative frequency of book by noting the relative frequency of the occurrence of the words which the occurrence of the words which express it.express it.

– The idea of faith in the Gospel of John is The idea of faith in the Gospel of John is an example.an example.

– One might be surprised to find the noun One might be surprised to find the noun “faith” is not found, but the verb “to “faith” is not found, but the verb “to believe” is used 100 times.believe” is used 100 times.

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses 4) For studying the distinctive truths 4) For studying the distinctive truths

of any particular book of the Bible.of any particular book of the Bible.– In comparison with 19 occurrences of In comparison with 19 occurrences of

both noun and verb in Matthew, 20 in both noun and verb in Matthew, 20 in Mark, and 20 in Luke, John’s 100 uses of Mark, and 20 in Luke, John’s 100 uses of the word show how important belief is in the word show how important belief is in his gospel.his gospel.

– The exclusive use of the verb tells us The exclusive use of the verb tells us that to John faith is an activity, not a that to John faith is an activity, not a concept.concept.

– To understand it better, one studies the To understand it better, one studies the context of each passage listed.context of each passage listed.


Proper UsesProper Uses 5) To trace the growth of an idea 5) To trace the growth of an idea

through the Bible.through the Bible.– Would involve tracing the word which Would involve tracing the word which

best conveys the idea, and related best conveys the idea, and related words, first through the OT, and then words, first through the OT, and then through the NT.through the NT.

– An involved process.An involved process.– An example of this: J. B. Lightfoot’s An example of this: J. B. Lightfoot’s

“On the Meaning of Pleroma,” in “On the Meaning of Pleroma,” in Saint Saint Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemonto Philemon..


Proper UsesProper Uses 6) To make a character study.6) To make a character study.

– Nearly every concordance has a Nearly every concordance has a section which lists all the leading section which lists all the leading characters of the Bible in each instance characters of the Bible in each instance where their names are mentioned.where their names are mentioned.

– To spot those instances, to study the To spot those instances, to study the circumstances surrounding each one, circumstances surrounding each one, to survey the interrelations of other to survey the interrelations of other characters, makes Bible characters characters, makes Bible characters come to life.come to life.


Proper UsesProper Uses 7) To interpret the significance of 7) To interpret the significance of

outstanding place which for one outstanding place which for one reason or another became the reason or another became the centers of outstanding events.centers of outstanding events.– Places sometime assume more than Places sometime assume more than

geographical importance; they geographical importance; they become symbols of spiritual become symbols of spiritual significance.significance.

– For example, trace references to the For example, trace references to the city of Shechem.city of Shechem.

ConcordancesConcordances Proper UsesProper Uses

– There Abraham raised his first altar.There Abraham raised his first altar.– There Jacob rededicated himself to God There Jacob rededicated himself to God

upon his return to Canaan.upon his return to Canaan.– There Joseph had gone to find his There Joseph had gone to find his

brothers when he was sold into slavery.brothers when he was sold into slavery.– There that the Israelites stopped and There that the Israelites stopped and

held a solemn ceremony after entering held a solemn ceremony after entering the promised land.the promised land.

– Is it any wonder that Joseph instructed Is it any wonder that Joseph instructed that his bones be buried there?that his bones be buried there?


For independent, first hand Bible For independent, first hand Bible study, a good concordance may be study, a good concordance may be the most indispensable tool.the most indispensable tool.

Questions answered by Questions answered by concordance use—concordance use—– What is the relative frequency or What is the relative frequency or

infrequency of a word or idea?infrequency of a word or idea?– In what areas of the Bible is it used In what areas of the Bible is it used

most frequently?most frequently?– What are the interrelations of thought What are the interrelations of thought

which gather around it?which gather around it?


Questions answered concordance Questions answered concordance use—use—– Is there any discernible growth in the Is there any discernible growth in the

idea?idea?– How does it point forward to Christ?How does it point forward to Christ?– What light does Christ cast back on it?What light does Christ cast back on it?


AdviceAdvice– Avoid an abridged concordance.Avoid an abridged concordance.– Use a concordance based on the Use a concordance based on the

translation you are using.translation you are using.– All modern concordances owe a debt All modern concordances owe a debt

to the past; it is helpful to have an to the past; it is helpful to have an understanding of the leading tools of understanding of the leading tools of the recent past so as to be aware of the recent past so as to be aware of the strengths upon which the strengths upon which contemporary compilers have relied.contemporary compilers have relied.


AdviceAdvice– Important to understand that Important to understand that

publishers occasionally display some publishers occasionally display some semantic elasticity in hawking their semantic elasticity in hawking their concordance wares.concordance wares.

– The three principal terms are The three principal terms are “analytical,” “exhaustive,” and “analytical,” “exhaustive,” and “complete.”“complete.”


AnalyticalAnalytical– An analytical concordance is one in An analytical concordance is one in

which the words of the translated which the words of the translated Bible are presented alphabetically, Bible are presented alphabetically, with passages in which each term with passages in which each term occurs being apportioned under the occurs being apportioned under the respective Hebrew or Greek words respective Hebrew or Greek words underlying the term.underlying the term.

Young’s Analytical


ExhaustiveExhaustive– An exhaustive concordance is one An exhaustive concordance is one

that lists passages in sequence under that lists passages in sequence under a headword, without classifying under a headword, without classifying under the various original terms and in the various original terms and in some way accounts for every some way accounts for every occurrence of a word in the occurrence of a word in the translation, including the word “if” translation, including the word “if” and other frequently used and other frequently used conjunctions, relatives, and particles.conjunctions, relatives, and particles.


CompleteComplete– A complete concordance is one in A complete concordance is one in

which every word is cited and at least which every word is cited and at least one passage is indicated for a word, one passage is indicated for a word, as is the case especially for words as is the case especially for words that occur hundreds or thousands of that occur hundreds or thousands of times.times.

– When in doubt, read the preface.When in doubt, read the preface.– In the case of reprints that lack In the case of reprints that lack

detailed editorial information, detailed editorial information, caveat caveat emptoremptor, “buyer beware.”, “buyer beware.”


Young’s Young’s Analytical Concordance to Analytical Concordance to the Biblethe Bible– Based on text of the AVBased on text of the AV– Form of the different Greek & Hebrew Form of the different Greek & Hebrew

words accompany the English wordwords accompany the English word– Provides ready reference to each Provides ready reference to each

passage in which that word appears, passage in which that word appears, making it easy to study words like making it easy to study words like “faith,” “love,” and “obedience.”“faith,” “love,” and “obedience.”


Young’s Young’s Analytical Concordance to Analytical Concordance to the Biblethe Bible– The arrangement also show how The arrangement also show how

different Heb & GK words have different Heb & GK words have translated by a single English word translated by a single English word (e.g., “lord,” “sleep,” “son,” “will.”(e.g., “lord,” “sleep,” “son,” “will.”

– The flexibility as well as the precision The flexibility as well as the precision of the original languages is thus of the original languages is thus readily evident.readily evident.

– Included at the end is a handy lexicon Included at the end is a handy lexicon to words appearing in the Old & New to words appearing in the Old & New Testaments.Testaments.


Strong’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of Exhaustive Concordance of the Biblethe Bible– Also based on the AVAlso based on the AV– Format established by Strong has set a Format established by Strong has set a

standard of excellence for accuracy standard of excellence for accuracy and completeness.and completeness.

– Unique feature: against each entry Unique feature: against each entry there is a number directing the there is a number directing the researcher to a Hebrew or Greek index researcher to a Hebrew or Greek index at the back that contains information at the back that contains information about the word used and its about the word used and its meaning(s).meaning(s).


Strong’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Exhaustive Concordance of the Bibleof the Bible– E.g., under “offering” a number is E.g., under “offering” a number is

indicated: 4503. Lower down, another indicated: 4503. Lower down, another number is given: 8641.number is given: 8641.

– References to 4503 & 8641 in the References to 4503 & 8641 in the “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary” at “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary” at the back will give you the meaning(s) the back will give you the meaning(s) of each word.of each word.

– Greek words can be traced in the Greek words can be traced in the same way.same way.


Strong’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Exhaustive Concordance of the Bibleof the Bible– what this means is that with little what this means is that with little

technical knowledge of the biblical technical knowledge of the biblical languages, you may have access to languages, you may have access to the learning of others.the learning of others.

– Tools like the Tools like the Theological Wordbook Theological Wordbook of the Old Testamentof the Old Testament and the Logos and the Logos Library System on CD-ROM have been Library System on CD-ROM have been coded to Strong’s coded to Strong’s ConcordanceConcordance..

ConcordancesConcordances R. L. Thomas, R. L. Thomas, New American New American

Standard Exhaustive Concordance of Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Biblethe Bible– Patterned after Strong’sPatterned after Strong’s– Illustrative of the new works available Illustrative of the new works available

todaytoday– Lists every word which may be used to Lists every word which may be used to

locate a verse in the NASB & also notes locate a verse in the NASB & also notes the Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek word from the Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek word from which the English is translated.which the English is translated.

– 10 yrs of work went into the work & 10 yrs of work went into the work & computers were used to compile an computers were used to compile an alphabetical listing of words and alphabetical listing of words and frequencies.frequencies.


R. L. Thomas, R. L. Thomas, New American New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance Standard Exhaustive Concordance of the Bibleof the Bible– As with Strong’s, the Hebrew-Aramaic As with Strong’s, the Hebrew-Aramaic

and Greek dictionaries are included at and Greek dictionaries are included at the back.the back.

– They have been arranged in such a They have been arranged in such a way that those lacking a knowledge way that those lacking a knowledge of the original languages may of the original languages may nevertheless be appraised of the root nevertheless be appraised of the root form of the word, the frequency of its form of the word, the frequency of its occurrence, and its meaning(s).occurrence, and its meaning(s).


George V. Wigram, George V. Wigram, The The Englishman’s Hebrew and Chaldee Englishman’s Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance of the Old TestamentConcordance of the Old Testament– Arranged by Hebrew word, this work Arranged by Hebrew word, this work

lists passages in the OT containing lists passages in the OT containing the term with its translation in the KJVthe term with its translation in the KJV

– Because it is the usage of the word Because it is the usage of the word that determines its meaning, and that determines its meaning, and because language is always changing, because language is always changing, by using a concordance you will be by using a concordance you will be able toable to


George V. Wigram, George V. Wigram, The The Englishman’s Hebrew and Chaldee Englishman’s Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance of the Old TestamentConcordance of the Old Testament– By using a concordance you will be By using a concordance you will be

able toable to Assess the general meaning of a given Assess the general meaning of a given

wordword Tie in its usage with different writers Tie in its usage with different writers

and/or eras of history (e.g., Mosaic and/or eras of history (e.g., Mosaic period, united or divided monarchy, early period, united or divided monarchy, early or later prophets)or later prophets)


Solomon Mandelkern, Solomon Mandelkern, Veteris Veteris testamenti concordantiae testamenti concordantiae Habraicae atque ChaldaicaeHabraicae atque Chaldaicae– Contains citations according to sense, Contains citations according to sense,

proper placement of entries proper placement of entries misplaced under false roots, misplaced under false roots, corrections of grammatical corrections of grammatical confusions, and the addition of confusions, and the addition of hapax hapax legomenalegomena omitted in previous works. omitted in previous works.

– If beginning student only uses the If beginning student only uses the biblical references at side of each biblical references at side of each citation, study will be enhanced.citation, study will be enhanced.


Solomon Mandelkern, Solomon Mandelkern, Veteris Veteris testamenti concordantiae testamenti concordantiae Habraicae atque ChaldaicaeHabraicae atque Chaldaicae– For more advanced student, this tool For more advanced student, this tool

will not only give the accuracy that will not only give the accuracy that thorough research requires, but will thorough research requires, but will also enable him to study words in also enable him to study words in relationship to important grammatical relationship to important grammatical distinctions.distinctions.


Gerhard Lisowsky, Gerhard Lisowsky, Konkordanz Konkordanz zum hebraischen Alten Testamentzum hebraischen Alten Testament– Photographically reproduced from L’s Photographically reproduced from L’s

handwritten manuscripthandwritten manuscript– With emphasis placed on nouns and With emphasis placed on nouns and

verbs, this work is particularly helpful verbs, this work is particularly helpful to the student engaged in word to the student engaged in word studies.studies.


Edwin Hatch and Henry Redpath, Edwin Hatch and Henry Redpath, Concordance to the SeptuagintConcordance to the Septuagint– Includes the Apocryphal booksIncludes the Apocryphal books– Zealous student will wish to compare Zealous student will wish to compare

the Greek words used to translate the Greek words used to translate their Hebrew equivalent.their Hebrew equivalent.

– Each Gk word in the canonical and Each Gk word in the canonical and apocryphal books is listed with its apocryphal books is listed with its Hebrew counterpart in a Hebrew counterpart in a corresponding numerical sequence.corresponding numerical sequence.


Edwin Hatch and Henry Redpath, Edwin Hatch and Henry Redpath, Concordance to the SeptuagintConcordance to the Septuagint– Because the usage of a given word is Because the usage of a given word is

crucial in determining its meaning(s), crucial in determining its meaning(s), the inclusion of the Apocrypha is the inclusion of the Apocrypha is important.important.

– Were this not the case, we would Were this not the case, we would have needed another concordance to have needed another concordance to the non-canonical writings.the non-canonical writings.


The Englishman’s Greek The Englishman’s Greek Concordance to the New Concordance to the New TestamentTestament– Arranged in the same way as its OT Arranged in the same way as its OT

counterpart.counterpart.– Based on the text of AV and cites in Based on the text of AV and cites in

alphabetical order by the Gk word the alphabetical order by the Gk word the Biblical references together with a Biblical references together with a brief quotation.brief quotation.

– Is relatively easy, therefore, to Is relatively easy, therefore, to determine the meaning(s) assigned a determine the meaning(s) assigned a word by the translators of the KJV.word by the translators of the KJV.


The Englishman’s Greek The Englishman’s Greek Concordance to the New Concordance to the New TestamentTestament– Included in this large work is a Included in this large work is a

complete index of the words of the complete index of the words of the English text with the Greek words English text with the Greek words from which they are translated.from which they are translated.

– From this index the student will find, From this index the student will find, for example, a listing of the 27 for example, a listing of the 27 different English words used to different English words used to translate translate “logos”“logos” (“word”). (“word”).


William F. Moulton & Albert S. Geden, William F. Moulton & Albert S. Geden, Concordance to the Greek TestamentConcordance to the Greek Testament– Is now complete with full citations Is now complete with full citations

including particles.including particles.– Has become one of the basic reference Has become one of the basic reference

tools for students of the NT.tools for students of the NT.– Familiarly known as “Moulton and Familiarly known as “Moulton and

Geden.”Geden.”– Based on the text of Westcott and Hort.Based on the text of Westcott and Hort.– Contains quotations of Scripture that Contains quotations of Scripture that

are longer than in most concordances of are longer than in most concordances of its kind.its kind.


William F. Moulton & Albert S. William F. Moulton & Albert S. Geden, Geden, Concordance to the Greek Concordance to the Greek TestamentTestament– Replete with Replete with

grammatical hintsgrammatical hints the usage of the word in the LXX and the usage of the word in the LXX and

ApocryphaApocrypha citations in Hebrew (if the passage in citations in Hebrew (if the passage in

question happens to be a quotation from question happens to be a quotation from the OT).the OT).


Computer concordance to the Computer concordance to the Novum Testamentum Novum Testamentum Graece/Computer-Konkordanz zum Graece/Computer-Konkordanz zum Novum Testamentum GraeceNovum Testamentum Graece– Indispensable to the study of specific Indispensable to the study of specific

Greek words used in the NT.Greek words used in the NT.– Based on the 26Based on the 26thth edition of the edition of the

Nestle-Aland text and the 3Nestle-Aland text and the 3rdrd edition edition of the United Bible Societies’ of the United Bible Societies’ Greek Greek New TestamentNew Testament..

– Lists every word appearing in NT with Lists every word appearing in NT with the frequency of occurrence.the frequency of occurrence.


Computer concordance to the Novum Computer concordance to the Novum Testamentum Graece/Computer-Testamentum Graece/Computer-Konkordanz zum Novum Testamentum Konkordanz zum Novum Testamentum GraeceGraece– as a general rule, words are arranged in as a general rule, words are arranged in

accordance with their root formaccordance with their root form– In case of some irregular verbs, however, In case of some irregular verbs, however,

the word is also listed under the different the word is also listed under the different forms.forms.

– Words occurring in pericope are included Words occurring in pericope are included with an asterisk following each entry.with an asterisk following each entry.

– An appendix lists the appearance of An appendix lists the appearance of conjunctions, particles, et cetera.conjunctions, particles, et cetera.

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances One of the primary uses of a One of the primary uses of a

concordance is, of course, to help the concordance is, of course, to help the user find in a moment the location of user find in a moment the location of any passage, if only a leading word is any passage, if only a leading word is recalled. recalled.

If, for example, one has forgotten where If, for example, one has forgotten where Paul’s extensive treatment of marriage Paul’s extensive treatment of marriage occurs, one can look up the word occurs, one can look up the word “marry” in a concordance. “marry” in a concordance.

A cluster of references to 1 Corinthians A cluster of references to 1 Corinthians 7 will be readily apparent. 7 will be readily apparent.

But to limit the concordance to this But to limit the concordance to this function is to sacrifice its magnificent function is to sacrifice its magnificent interpretive possibilities.interpretive possibilities.

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances SYSTEMATIZERSYSTEMATIZER For serious Bible students a For serious Bible students a

concordance of the original language is concordance of the original language is indispensable, but even for them a indispensable, but even for them a concordance based on a version or concordance based on a version or translation can be of great assistance.translation can be of great assistance.

Consider these themes: The Disastrous Consider these themes: The Disastrous Tree, The Inevitable Tree, The Tree that Tree, The Inevitable Tree, The Tree that Lived on Borrowed Time, The Murder Lived on Borrowed Time, The Murder Tree, The Resurrection Tree. Tree, The Resurrection Tree.

A preacher in desperate search for a A preacher in desperate search for a sermon series could do worse. These sermon series could do worse. These were all suggested by a brief glance were all suggested by a brief glance down the RSV/NRSV concordance down the RSV/NRSV concordance column marked “tree.” column marked “tree.”

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances LINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTIONLINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTION For workers in the original languages, the For workers in the original languages, the

use of concordances can prove to be a use of concordances can prove to be a departure for an excitingly new departure for an excitingly new interpreter’s world. interpreter’s world.

Shaking off the shackles of dependence on Shaking off the shackles of dependence on commentaries is akin to a revival commentaries is akin to a revival experience. In a lexicon a word is like a experience. In a lexicon a word is like a friend in a coffin; a concordance restores friend in a coffin; a concordance restores him to life. him to life.

Take the word Take the word parakale,wparakale,w as an example. as an example. The lexicon BAGD includes as primary The lexicon BAGD includes as primary

“meanings” (a) summon, (b) appeal to, “meanings” (a) summon, (b) appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage, (c) request, urge, exhort, encourage, (c) request, appeal to, entreat, implore, (d) comfort, appeal to, entreat, implore, (d) comfort, encourage, cheer up. encourage, cheer up.

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances LINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTIONLINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTION The editors refer 2 Cor. 1:4b to the The editors refer 2 Cor. 1:4b to the

passages under “d.” passages under “d.” This passage speaks of “God, who This passage speaks of “God, who

comforts us in all our affliction. comforts us in all our affliction. But it is the concordance that loads this But it is the concordance that loads this

word in its context with real meaning. word in its context with real meaning. There is more here than a cosmic There is more here than a cosmic

handholding. handholding. We see from a comparison with other We see from a comparison with other

passages that the word is used primarily passages that the word is used primarily of the will — not the emotions — and of the will — not the emotions — and that the alleged lexical “meanings” are that the alleged lexical “meanings” are in fact glosses on the word. in fact glosses on the word.

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances

LINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTIONLINGUISTIC CONTRIBUTION There are not really four different There are not really four different

“meanings” to the word. “meanings” to the word. The lexicographer considers the The lexicographer considers the

way a word is used and takes way a word is used and takes snapshots from various angles. snapshots from various angles.

A concordance helps one do what A concordance helps one do what the lexicographer does but permits the lexicographer does but permits its user to look anew at the its user to look anew at the evidence. evidence.


GRAMMATICAL USEGRAMMATICAL USE Concordances are useful for unveiling the Concordances are useful for unveiling the

nuances of grammatical constructions. nuances of grammatical constructions. A simple case in point is the A simple case in point is the mh. klai/emh. klai/e of of

Luke 7:13, where the NRSV renders, “Do Luke 7:13, where the NRSV renders, “Do not weep.” not weep.”

A glance in Moulton-Geden leads the eye A glance in Moulton-Geden leads the eye to a similar prohibition in Luke 8:52. to a similar prohibition in Luke 8:52.

There it is quite evident that the There it is quite evident that the prohibition is aimed at an act in progress, prohibition is aimed at an act in progress, and that more accurately it should be and that more accurately it should be rendered, “Stop your weeping.”rendered, “Stop your weeping.”


GRAMMATICAL USEGRAMMATICAL USE In 7:13, then, Luke’s Jesus is In 7:13, then, Luke’s Jesus is

undoubtedly saying to the woman, undoubtedly saying to the woman, “Dry up your tears now.” “Dry up your tears now.”

He calls her to an exercise of her He calls her to an exercise of her faith. It is as though he consoles faith. It is as though he consoles her: “There is really no need for her: “There is really no need for tears, for I am here:’ tears, for I am here:’

Use of ConcordancesUse of Concordances THEMATIC AND TOPICAL CONTRIBUTIONTHEMATIC AND TOPICAL CONTRIBUTION Look up the word Look up the word VIsrah,lVIsrah,l. . A glance in Moulton-Geden shows that the A glance in Moulton-Geden shows that the

concentration lies in Matthew, Luke, Acts, concentration lies in Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans. Romans.

The reader has learned to expect this in The reader has learned to expect this in Matthew and Paul, but Luke-Acts comes as a Matthew and Paul, but Luke-Acts comes as a surprise in view of its apparent interest in surprise in view of its apparent interest in Gentiles. Gentiles.

Indeed, the concordance reveals that the Indeed, the concordance reveals that the references to Israel in Luke-Acts outnumber references to Israel in Luke-Acts outnumber those in Matthew and Romans taken together. those in Matthew and Romans taken together.

For an understanding of the purpose and For an understanding of the purpose and objective of the two-volume work this discovery objective of the two-volume work this discovery is of compelling significance, and it is of compelling significance, and it reverberates with theological overtones.reverberates with theological overtones.

Case StudyCase Study The preceding examples illustrate a few of the many The preceding examples illustrate a few of the many

possible advantages accruing to diligent users of possible advantages accruing to diligent users of concordances. But it has been our experience that concordances. But it has been our experience that beginners in a more serious type of Bible study, when it beginners in a more serious type of Bible study, when it comes to working on their own, are as bewildered as comes to working on their own, are as bewildered as high school freshmen on their first theme. Where do I high school freshmen on their first theme. Where do I start? What do I look for? There is no rule of thumb one start? What do I look for? There is no rule of thumb one can follow, but an illustration of how one might proceed can follow, but an illustration of how one might proceed may be useful. Suppose my text is Luke 16:19-31. There may be useful. Suppose my text is Luke 16:19-31. There are no special problem words. All appear quite simple. are no special problem words. All appear quite simple. The story revolves, though, around a rich man and a The story revolves, though, around a rich man and a poor man. Here I begin the probe. I note that this Gospel poor man. Here I begin the probe. I note that this Gospel suggests a revolutionary approach to the matter of suggests a revolutionary approach to the matter of poverty and riches. Therefore, the word poverty and riches. Therefore, the word ptwco,jptwco,j would would seem to merit further investigation. I take down Moulton-seem to merit further investigation. I take down Moulton-Geden. Under Geden. Under ptwco,jptwco,j l find Luke 4:18; 6:20; 7:22; and l find Luke 4:18; 6:20; 7:22; and others. It is the poor who are the chosen recipients of the others. It is the poor who are the chosen recipients of the messianic benefits. But why? I go to Hatch and Redpath. messianic benefits. But why? I go to Hatch and Redpath. There are more than one hundred references. I cannot There are more than one hundred references. I cannot possibly look at all of them. But the heaviest possibly look at all of them. But the heaviest concentration is in the Psalms. A study of these passages concentration is in the Psalms. A study of these passages reveals that the “poor” are the people in Israel who reveals that the “poor” are the people in Israel who depend on the Lord. They are the ones who look to God depend on the Lord. They are the ones who look to God for salvation (see Ps. 70:6 [ 69:6 [ Rahlfs]). for salvation (see Ps. 70:6 [ 69:6 [ Rahlfs]).

The rich man, by contrast, is representative The rich man, by contrast, is representative of Israel’s self-sufficient element. This of Israel’s self-sufficient element. This thought in turn suggests that I look up the thought in turn suggests that I look up the simple word simple word path,rpath,r,, which appears three which appears three times in this pericope. I know that it will be times in this pericope. I know that it will be impossible to consider all the passages in impossible to consider all the passages in which such a common word occurs. which such a common word occurs. Therefore I stay with Luke and let my eye Therefore I stay with Luke and let my eye wander down the list of passages in Moulton-wander down the list of passages in Moulton-Geden. No bells ring until I reach Luke 3:8. Geden. No bells ring until I reach Luke 3:8. This reference is especially resonant because This reference is especially resonant because VAbraa,mVAbraa,m is mentioned. I could find no better is mentioned. I could find no better commentary than this. !t is the rich man’s commentary than this. !t is the rich man’s purely formal religious association that has purely formal religious association that has cost him his soul and the fellowship of God. It cost him his soul and the fellowship of God. It is equally evident that the point of the story is equally evident that the point of the story is not a plea for slum clearance. Following is not a plea for slum clearance. Following these leads! concentrate on such important these leads! concentrate on such important terms as terms as evlee,wevlee,w (16:24) and (16:24) and metanoe,wmetanoe,w..

““But how can I possibly look up every word if, as you But how can I possibly look up every word if, as you suggest, even a common word like suggest, even a common word like path,rpath,r may be richly may be richly significant. There is no need to make a panicky dash to significant. There is no need to make a panicky dash to the bookshelf marked theological tranquilizers (i.e., “Best the bookshelf marked theological tranquilizers (i.e., “Best Sermon Helps of the Year”). This is like tackling troubles. Sermon Helps of the Year”). This is like tackling troubles. Tussle with one at a time. Move out of strength, not Tussle with one at a time. Move out of strength, not weakness. The first time around on a particular text, work weakness. The first time around on a particular text, work on two or three words. File the data in your computer on two or three words. File the data in your computer under some such rubric as “Searches, Concordance.” The under some such rubric as “Searches, Concordance.” The next time you meet the text brood over it a little more, next time you meet the text brood over it a little more, and check on a few other possibilities. Detectives and check on a few other possibilities. Detectives sometimes sift 100 false leads. But number 101 may nail sometimes sift 100 false leads. But number 101 may nail the crook. The nuggets no longer lie on the surface of the the crook. The nuggets no longer lie on the surface of the biblical text. It takes a deal of panning to get a single biblical text. It takes a deal of panning to get a single grain. But what a thrill when the discovery is made! And it grain. But what a thrill when the discovery is made! And it makes no difference if later on you find it buried in an old makes no difference if later on you find it buried in an old commentary. Have no regrets over what appears wasted commentary. Have no regrets over what appears wasted effort. There comes from study such as this a conviction effort. There comes from study such as this a conviction wrought by the impact of truth, a feeling of intellectual wrought by the impact of truth, a feeling of intellectual ownership that only personal contact can give. ownership that only personal contact can give.

In hope that this study may prove to be stimulating In hope that this study may prove to be stimulating especially to seminarians beginning their exegetical especially to seminarians beginning their exegetical studies, the following summary and supplementary studies, the following summary and supplementary exhortations (recall the word exhortations (recall the word parakale,wparakale,w are are submitted:submitted:

1.1. When preparing the exegesis of a particular passage, When preparing the exegesis of a particular passage, begin your use of the concordance with the less-begin your use of the concordance with the less-common words. Then think in terms of possible common words. Then think in terms of possible thematic or theological implications, always thematic or theological implications, always remembering, of course, that it is the writer’s thought, remembering, of course, that it is the writer’s thought, not some later theologian’s idea that you are not some later theologian’s idea that you are endeavoring to discover and understand. Try to endeavoring to discover and understand. Try to establish associations with what you have previously establish associations with what you have previously extracted and learned from Scripture. This procedure extracted and learned from Scripture. This procedure will alert you to the significant in the insignificant. Look will alert you to the significant in the insignificant. Look up the word in the author you are working with. Branch up the word in the author you are working with. Branch out into other authors, beginning with those that have out into other authors, beginning with those that have the fewest references. Pass up those passages that the fewest references. Pass up those passages that evidently have little or nothing to contribute to clarity. evidently have little or nothing to contribute to clarity. Despite Jerome’s warning, you must run some hazards.Despite Jerome’s warning, you must run some hazards.

3. Proceed to check the word in Hatch and 3. Proceed to check the word in Hatch and Redpath. Find either the heaviest or the Redpath. Find either the heaviest or the lightest area of concentration, and begin lightest area of concentration, and begin there. If you still have time and find that the there. If you still have time and find that the Septuagint renders several Hebrew words with Septuagint renders several Hebrew words with one Greek word, give yourself a real treat and one Greek word, give yourself a real treat and follow the same process in Mandelkern. follow the same process in Mandelkern.

4. Keep in mind that the New Testament relies 4. Keep in mind that the New Testament relies heavily on Psalms, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Key heavily on Psalms, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Key concepts can usually be traced to these concepts can usually be traced to these particular Old Testament writings. Wade particular Old Testament writings. Wade directly into these sections if the listings are directly into these sections if the listings are heavy elsewhere.heavy elsewhere.

5. Note cognates and track them down. Learn to 5. Note cognates and track them down. Learn to know the whole word family. Again, don’t let know the whole word family. Again, don’t let the staggering possibilities keep you from the staggering possibilities keep you from doing something. Even God used up a week to doing something. Even God used up a week to make the world. Try one word-family at a time. make the world. Try one word-family at a time. Work on another the next time you treat the Work on another the next time you treat the text.text.

(Danker, 19-21)(Danker, 19-21)

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