Biblical Studies and Computer Concordance

The article “Something new under the sun: Computer concordances and bible study” by Ralph W. Klein (Christian Century 114 N 12 1997, pp 1034-1037) which focus on four positive arguments on what computer concordances do.

1. They help people read the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible … users of these programs (Bible Works, Bible Windows, Gramcord, Logos Bible Software) can maintain and even improve their skills in the original languages. Parsing verb form is also easier using one these programs.
   
2. Electronic concordances enable users to make fresh word studies while vastly reducing the tedium and the time required to assemble the basic data.
   
3. These electronic computer programs produce impressive handouts for adult forums or other educational programs. It allows users to print out passages.
   
4. These programs may become your dog-cared Bible because they allow users to add notes to specific chapters or verses.

In addition to these four positive reasons, Klein also mention other developed software like the Parsons Hebrew Tutor and the Parsons Greek Tutor. Klein also mentions a number of discussion groups on the bible and the ancient world and hundreds of Web sites that provide exegetical, archaeological or other helps.

• www.christusrex.org/
• www.luthersem.edu/learnet/biblepro
• www.uky.edu/ArtsSciences/Classics/gender.html