Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance — Valid Bible Study Aid … or not?
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, like Dr. James Strong, its author, comes under more or less heavy criticism in certain theological circles. Make no mistake about it; you’ll read a fair bit of negativism about this duo I have. And I agree, just as you can smash your fingers with a misplaced hammer blow, so can you be misled by misusing Strong’s concordance.
(Origin of the Universe chapter 3.5)
On the other hand, a carpenter wouldn’t go anywhere without a hammer and knows that it’s an integral part of their toolkit. Just like one needs training and experience in the use of a hammer, so it is with Strong’s. However, you’ve got to have the right trainer and the correct apprenticeship.
There are other concordances/tools available for Bible study, and they all have their positive and negative points, like hammers and putters. I have chosen Strong’s because it is one of the oldest and because it is simple to follow for Bible students not acquainted with Hebrew or Greek. In saying it’s simple to use, I don’t mean that Strong’s is simplistic in its approach. Many detractors don’t know how to use Strong’s to reveal its full potential in helping students progress with their Bible study.
Now, if you just happened to click on a link that brought you to this page, you…
