A Bible concordance is an alphabetical list of words and phrases found in the Bible, with chapter and verse references where they can be found. Concordances are useful tools for studying the Bible more in-depth by allowing you to quickly find passages about a topic or word you want to examine further.
The main purpose of a concordance is to make word searches easier. By looking up a word, you can find every instance of where that word appears throughout the Bible. This allows you to analyze how a word or topic is discussed in different contexts.
Here are some key things to know about Bible concordances and how to use them effectively in your study:
Types of Bible Concordances
There are two main types of Bible concordances:
- Exhaustive concordances – These list every single word that appears in the Bible and where each word can be found. The most popular exhaustive concordance is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance which lists over 400,000 word references with Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek dictionaries for precise meaning.
- Concise concordances – These condense the content to only major words that occur frequently. They do not contain every word but are handier for quick word searches. Popular concise concordances include The New Strong’s Concise Concordance of the Bible and Nave’s Topical Bible.
Key Features of a Bible Concordance
Here are some of the key features and components of most Bible concordances:
- Word index – The concordance contains an alphabetical index of words found in the Bible. Looking up a word will give you verse references.
- Context – The concordance often provides a short snippet of the verse to give you context around that word.
- Cross-references – Many concordances link to other verses that are related to key themes and topics.
- Dictionary – Some concordances, like Strong’s, have dictionaries to look up the original Hebrew/Greek word meanings.
- Topical index – Some concordances have topical indexes to look up and study concepts and themes.
How to Use a Bible Concordance for Word Studies
One of the most common uses of a concordance is doing word studies to gain deeper understanding. Here is a simple process for using a concordance for word studies:
- Identify an important word you want to study further. For example, “faith.”
- Look up that word in your concordance’s word index and browse the verse references.
- Look at 2-3 example verses and write down key insights about that word from its context.
- Look up the original language meaning for greater depth if your concordance has dictionaries.
- Follow any cross reference links to other relevant verses about the topic.
- Summarize what you learned overall about this word through your study.
Doing even a simple process like this can uncover deeper meaning and connections around biblical words and concepts.
How to Use a Concordance for Topical Studies
In addition to studying words, a topical Bible concordance is great for studying themes and topics throughout Scripture. Here is a process for topical study:
- Select a topic you want to study, like “love” or “hope.”
- Look up that topic in your concordance’s topical index, if it has one.
- Browse through the verse references under your topic.
- Look up 10-15 of the most relevant verses and write down key insights.
- Pay attention to overlapping themes and related topics in these verses.
- Summarize what you learned about this biblical topic through your study.
This topical study method enables you to see what the whole Bible says about a concept, not just a single verse.
Tips for Using a Concordance Effectively
Here are some helpful tips to use a Bible concordance effectively in your personal study:
- Look up key words when you come across an unclear or complex verse.
- Study the context around verse references, not just isolated words.
- Use concordance study to complement other Bible study methods.
- Look up various forms of words, not just the root word. For example, look up “love,” “loves,” “loved,” etc.
- Follow cross-reference links to related passages that provide more insight.
- Use a concordance alongside Bible commentaries for greater understanding.
- Look up key words in their original language for precision.
- Keep a journal to record insights and summary conclusions from your concordance studies.
Benefits of Using a Bible Concordance
There are many benefits to using a Bible concordance in your personal Scripture study:
- Quickly look up verses on topics you are studying
- Do word studies to gain deeper meaning
- See how words are used in different contexts
- Discover connections between related topics
- No need to read cover-to-cover to find mention of words or topics
- Easily cross-reference related verses
- Access meaning of original Hebrew/Greek words
- Launching point for deeper topical study
Concordances open up many avenues for Bible study all in one handy tool!
Limitations of a Concordance
While an invaluable tool, Bible concordances also have some limitations to be aware of:
- Does not provide full context around verses
- Must look up different forms of words separately
- Does not interpret verses or provide commentary
- Easy to take verses out of context
- Does not account for multiple meanings of same word
- Should be paired with other study resources for full understanding
- Does not include non-English words if studying English concordance
The key is to use a concordance as a starting point for study, not an end point. Take time to read verses in context and consult commentaries to round out your understanding.
Popular Bible Concordance Resources
Here are some of the most widely used and trusted Bible concordance resources:
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – The most comprehensive concordance with over 400,000 references. Includes Hebrew/Greek dictionaries.
- New Strong’s Concise Concordance – A shorter, simplified version of Strong’s in one convenient volume.
- Nave’s Topical Bible – Features over 20,000 topics with supporting verses and cross-references.
- Englishman’s Greek Concordance – Greek concordance keyed to Strong’s numbers and the KJV translation.
- Englishman’s Hebrew Concordance – Hebrew concordance keyed to Strong’s and KJV.
- Crossway Bibles ESV Concise Concordance – Concordance with over 35,000 references for key ESV Bible words.
- Holman Concise Topical Concordance – Over 3,000 biblical topics with references from the HCSB translation.
- The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance – Based on the Strong’s model but using the NIV translation.
Various publishers also make concordances specific to popular translations like NIV, ESV, NLT, etc. Look for a concordance that best fits your preferred Bible translation.
How Bible Software Improves Concordance Study
Bible software programs greatly enhance and simplify concordance study by making searching and cross-referencing seamless. Benefits of using Bible software include:
- Instantly search entire Bible for any word or phrase
- See all verse references grouped together
- No need to manually look up words
- Click verse references to read passages instantly
- Powerful search capabilities like proximity searches
- Easily flip between English and original languages
- Follow hyperlinked cross-references within text
- Customizable interface for easy word and topic research
- Available for computer, mobile, and web access
Programs like Logos Bible Software, Accordance, and Olive Tree Bible Software provide robust digital concordances for streamlined Bible study from anywhere.
How to Choose the Best Concordance
With various concordance options available, here are tips for choosing one that fits your needs:
- Consider your budget. Large exhaustive concordances cost more.
- Choose your preferred Bible translation. Many concordances are keyed to specific translations.
- Evaluate size. Larger concordances have more content but are bulkier to handle.
- Assess special features like dictionaries and topical indexes that aid study.
- Determine your experience level. Comprehensive concordances work better for advanced students.
- Check publisher reputation. Look for a known publisher of Bible study resources.
- Choose format. Digital offers advanced features, while print is accessible anywhere.
- View sample pages online to test ease of use before you buy.
Finding your ideal concordance depends on factors like budget, translation, and study habits. Evaluate options to select the right tool for your needs.
How to Use a Concordance Alongside Other Resources
For the best Bible study results, use a concordance in combination with other resources for deeper understanding. Ways to use it with other tools include:
- Read Bible commentary on the same passages you look up in the concordance for added insight.
- Consult a Bible dictionary when you encounter unfamiliar terms while using a concordance.
- Use a concordance to find additional verses on topics covered in a Bible atlas about geography.
- Look up words in an original language lexicon after finding verses in your concordance.
- Cross-reference concordance findings with what you highlight during Scripture reading.
- Verify concordance topics against a Bible encyclopedia for broader context.
- Let concordance verse references supplement what you learn from Bible study curriculum lessons.
Surrounding your concordance with other solid Bible study resources enhances your understanding and opens up deeper connections between passages you research.
A Concordance is an Essential Bible Study Tool
A Bible concordance is an invaluable tool for enriched Scripture study. It serves as a reference index to quickly find verses, do word studies, and research biblical topics. While not exhaustive on its own, a concordance sparks deeper study by connecting you to cross-references and original language meanings.
Learning how to use a concordance takes your Bible study potential to a new level. Instead of relying on just favorite familiar passages, you can rapidly access Scriptures you didn’t even know existed on a topic. Exposing yourself to more verses expands your biblical knowledge and understanding of theology.
Add a concordance to your Bible study toolkit if you want to graduate to the next level. Combine it with other resources for a powerful Bible research platform that will equip you for deeper study and application.