Using Concordances, Lexicons, and Software Tools

Practical Resources for Word Studies in Scripture

Introduction

Thus far we’ve looked at the exciting but delicate task of Hebrew and Greek word studies. We began by considering the importance of studying biblical words, then explored the concept of semantic range and the dangers of common word fallacies. Now we move to the practical side: what tools can we actually use to study biblical words responsibly?

Christians throughout history have longed to understand the words of Scripture in their original languages. For centuries, access was limited to scholars with specialized training in Hebrew and Greek. But today, through concordances, lexicons, and Bible software, these tools are available to anyone who wants to study carefully.

This article will explain what each tool is, how it should be used, and how students can avoid misusing them. We will also explore how traditional resources (like printed concordances and lexicons) complement modern digital tools, and why using these resources with humility and care is essential for faithful hermeneutics.

1. Concordances

1.1 What Is a Concordance?

A concordance is an index of words used in the Bible, showing where they occur. Early concordances were compiled for the King James Version, but today they are available for many translations.

The most famous is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890), which assigns numbers (now known as Strong’s Numbers) to every Hebrew and Greek root word. These numbers allow English readers to trace where a given word occurs in the original languages, even without fluency in Hebrew or Greek.

1.2 How to Use a Concordance

Suppose you want to study the word “love” in the New Testament. Using Strong’s Concordance, you would discover that several different Greek words are translated as “love”:

• Agapē (Strong’s #26) — divine, self-giving love.

• Philia — brotherly affection..

• Storgē (rare) — familial love.

The concordance helps you see which Greek word stands behind the English translation and where else it occurs.

1.3 Strengths of Concordances

• Accessible to beginners.

• Provides a map of word usage across Scripture.

• Bridges the gap between English translations and original languages.

1.4 Limitations of Concordances

• They do not explain nuance or semantic range.

• They can tempt students into word fallacies (e.g., assuming every occurrence of a word carries the same meaning).

• Strong’s definitions are often overly simplistic.

Concordances are a starting point, not the final word.

2. Lexicons

2.1 What Is a Lexicon?

A lexicon is essentially a dictionary for biblical languages. Unlike English dictionaries, lexicons are specialized for ancient usage, often providing examples from both biblical and non-biblical texts.

Key lexicons include:

• For Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB), and the more advanced Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (HALOT).

• For Greek: Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG), widely considered the gold standard.

• Theological Dictionaries: Such as Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT), which explore theological significance as well as linguistic meaning.

2.2 How to Use a Lexicon

Lexicons give you the semantic range of a word, showing its possible meanings and offering examples. For example, BDAG lists multiple meanings of dikaiosynē (“righteousness”), including:

1. The quality of being upright.

2. Justice in a social sense.

3. The state of being made right with God.

By comparing passages, you can discern which nuance fits a given context.

2.3 Strengths of Lexicons

• Provide scholarly research and historical depth.

• Highlight semantic ranges and usage in different contexts.

• Distinguish between common, rare, and specialized meanings.

2.4 Limitations of Lexicons

• They can be intimidating and technical.

• They may overwhelm beginners with too much information.

• They are only as useful as the interpreter’s ability to apply them responsibly.

A lexicon does not “solve” interpretation but provides evidence for the student to weigh.

3. Software Tools

3.1 Digital Concordances and Lexicons

Modern Bible software integrates concordances and lexicons, allowing rapid searches and easy cross-referencing. Examples include:

• Logos Bible Software — highly comprehensive, with integrated lexicons, commentaries, and word-study guides.

• Accordance Bible Software — popular among scholars for original language study.

• BibleWorks (discontinued, but once influential).

• Online Resources — such as Blue Letter Bible, Step Bible, and BibleHub, which provide free access to concordances, lexicons, and interlinear texts.

3.2 Benefits of Software Tools

• Accessibility: Even beginners can quickly trace words across the Bible.

• Speed: Searches that once took hours now take seconds.

• Integration: Software often links word studies to commentaries, theological dictionaries, and grammar resources.

3.3 Risks of Software Tools

• Temptation to skip careful reasoning: Software may produce results without requiring the student to understand the process.

• Overreliance on digital summaries: Quick definitions may encourage superficial study.

• The “illusion of expertise”: Having powerful tools does not guarantee sound interpretation.

Students must learn to use software as a servant, not as a shortcut.

4. Putting the Tools Together

4.1 A Step-by-Step Example

Suppose a student wants to study the word “righteousness” (dikaiosynē) in Romans.

1. Start with a concordance. Look up “righteousness” and note where it occurs. Identify the Strong’s number (1343).

2. Trace the word across Scripture. Observe its use in Romans, the Gospels, and the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament).

3. Consult a lexicon. BDAG shows the semantic range: moral uprightness, justice, covenantal righteousness.

4. Use software to compare. Search for all uses of dikaiosynē in Romans. Note patterns (e.g., God’s righteousness vs. human righteousness).

5. Interpret in context. In Romans 3:21–22, Paul speaks of “the righteousness of God revealed apart from the law.” Context suggests covenantal faithfulness and forensic justification.

Through this process, students move from raw data to thoughtful interpretation.

4.2 Balancing the Tools

• Concordances help find passages.

• Lexicons provide meanings and nuance.

• Software speeds the process and integrates resources.

Each tool has strengths and limitations, but together they form a powerful framework for word study.

5. Hermeneutical Implications

5.1 Respecting Authorial Intent

By using these tools carefully, students stay grounded in what the biblical authors meant. This protects against subjective or fanciful interpretations.

5.2 Avoiding Word Fallacies

Concordances, lexicons, and software can reinforce mistakes if used carelessly. But when approached with discipline, they prevent fallacies by highlighting context, semantic range, and real-world usage.

5.3 Equipping the Church

When students learn to use these tools, they can serve others by teaching responsibly. Pastors, teachers, and lay leaders can strengthen their communities by grounding interpretation in the actual words of Scripture.

6. Encouragement for Students

Some students may feel intimidated by Hebrew and Greek tools. That is normal. Remember: you do not need to master these languages to use the tools effectively. Think of a concordance as a map, a lexicon as a guidebook, and software as a vehicle. With practice, you will learn to navigate these resources confidently.

The purpose is not to impress others with linguistic knowledge, but to hear God’s Word more clearly. As with all hermeneutics, the goal is obedience and transformation.

Conclusion

Concordances, lexicons, and software tools are essential aids for anyone who wants to study Scripture deeply. Each tool plays a role: concordances trace words, lexicons explain meanings, and software integrates resources for modern readers. When used responsibly, these tools empower students of this course to handle the Word of God with greater clarity, accuracy, and reverence.

Remember that tools do not replace careful interpretation — they equip it. With humility, diligence, and faith, these resources become pathways to hearing the God who still speaks through His Word.

References

Bauer, W., Danker, F. W., Arndt, W. F., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Brown, F., Driver, S. R., & Briggs, C. A. (1906). A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Kittel, G., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964–1976). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (10 vols.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Strong, J. (1890). Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon.

Vermes, G. (2011). The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English. London, UK: Penguin.