What is a Bible concordance, and how do I use it?

Answer

A Bible concordance can be a useful tool for studying the Bible. It contains an alphabetical index of words found in the Bible along with the main Bible references where each word appears. This tool is valuable for locating specific passages in the Bible. If you can recall just one word from a verse, you can often locate the desired passage.

Most Bible publishers include a brief concordance at the back of the Bible. More comprehensive concordances, like Young’s Analytical Concordance, can be purchased separately. An exhaustive concordance, which includes every word in the Bible (even small ones like “a,” “an,” and “the”), is known as an “exhaustive” concordance. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is a well-known example of this type.

Numerous Bible concordances are accessible online for free. Alternatively, physical copies of most concordances can be purchased. Each word entry in a concordance is accompanied by a list of references where the word is found. For instance, in the NIV Study Bible concordance, references for the word “warrior” include Exodus 15:3, 1 Chronicles 28:3, and Proverbs 16:32. Each reference is followed by a brief excerpt from the verse containing the word. For example, next to the entry for Exodus 15:3, you will find the phrase “The Lord is a w.” (with “w” being an abbreviation for “warrior”).

Concordances are specific to particular translations; therefore, different concordances are based on different Bible translations. A concordance for the NASB will not be helpful for the ESV because these translations use distinct English terms. A parallel Bible, such as the KJV-NIV, typically includes two concordances at the end – one for the KJV and one for the NIV.

A quality concordance can also aid in original language research. For instance, in Strong’s Concordance, each English word is linked to a number that corresponds to the original Greek or Hebrew word. The Old Testament…t (Hebrew) words are numbered 0001—8674; the New Testament (Greek) words are numbered 0001—5624. Strong’s includes Hebrew and Greek dictionaries at the back of the concordance, enabling you to easily look up the meaning of the original word behind every word in the Bible.

Why use a concordance?

• A concordance is a useful tool when conducting a word study. By using an exhaustive concordance, you can locate every instance of the word in the Bible and gain valuable insight into its meaning.

• A concordance is beneficial for learning the definitions of Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic words.

• A concordance is handy when trying to find a Bible verse but unable to recall the chapter and verse.

How does a Bible concordance function? Perhaps you recall a verse about Noah discovering grace in the eyes of the Lord, but you can’t remember where it is located. You can search for grace in a concordance to find the reference. Here is an excerpt from the entry for grace:

GRACE

Genesis 6:8, But Noah found g. in the eyes of the… H2580

Genesis 19:19, Behold now, thy servant hath found g.… H2580

Genesis 32:5, my lord, that I may find g. in thy sight… H2580

You identify the verse you are seeking as Genesis 6:8, the one mentioning Noah. While doing so, you can explore other occurrences of the same Hebrew word translated as “grace.” Note that Genesis 19:19 and Genesis 32:5 share the same reference number in the right column. These two verses utilize the same Hebrew word (numbered H2580).

Subsequently, you can refer to the definition of the Hebrew word translated as “grace” by utilizing the reference number. Towards the end of the concordance, you will encounter this entry for H2580:

“H2580 chēn from H2603 chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective (kindness, favor) or Objective (beauty): — favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.”

A Bible concordance, whether online or in print, is a valuable resource.

It is an essential resource for any Bible student. This tool is fundamental and is frequently one of the most utilized in Bible study.