What is Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible?

Definition and Purpose

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible is a comprehensive index of every word contained in the text of the traditional English Bible (originally keyed to the King James Version). Compiled by Professor James Strong and first published in 1890, this resource correlates each English term to the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word behind it, assigning a unique reference number (commonly called a “Strong’s number”) to each original-language term. It aims to help readers locate any verse in Scripture by its English words, while also providing a gateway for deeper study of the biblical languages.

Historical Background

James Strong (1822–1894) taught theology at Drew Theological Seminary. In the late 19th century, he worked with a team to catalog the Hebrew and Greek words found in the Bible, intending to give pastors, scholars, and laypeople alike the ability to conduct in-depth word studies. He sought to provide a tool that could be used without requiring extensive knowledge of the original languages.

When the concordance was published, it was considered a groundbreaking achievement due to its completeness. “Exhaustive” in the title signifies that every significant English term appearing in the traditional version has an index entry, directing readers to every verse where it appears. From its original print publication, various reprints and digital versions have evolved, but the foundational numbering system remains a cornerstone for biblical word studies.

Structure and Format

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is organized primarily in alphabetical order by English words. Under each English term, every verse reference is listed. Alongside each reference, the corresponding Strong’s number appears, directing the reader to a section at the back that contains dictionaries of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words.

1. English Word Entries: Each root English word is alphabetized, offering a quick lookup.

2. Verse References: All occurrences in Scripture are listed in canonical order (Genesis through Revelation).

3. Strong’s Numbering: Each occurrence is linked to a word entry in the Hebrew or Greek dictionary, helping users study the definition and basic lexical information of the underlying term in its ancient language.

4. Language Dictionaries: The Hebrew-Aramaic dictionary (for the Old Testament) and the Greek dictionary (for the New Testament) comprise brief definitions, transliteration, pronunciation, and part-of-speech data.

Usefulness in Biblical Studies

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance has become a staple for those who wish to study Scripture at a deeper level. By assigning a number to each distinct Hebrew or Greek term, readers can:

• Identify nuances in meaning that may not be evident in an English translation.

• Compare how a single original-language word is rendered across different verses.

• See patterns in word usage throughout the biblical text.

For example, if one desires to understand the rich meaning behind the Greek term ἀγάπη (agapē, Strong’s Greek #26) related to love, the concordance can show every New Testament passage where that specific term appears. By reading these references in context, students of Scripture gain a fuller picture of the theme.

Contribution to Personal Study and Devotion

Many people find Strong’s Concordance helpful for personal devotions, sermon preparation, and Bible study groups. Because it highlights every instance of a word, it allows quick comparisons of related verses, fostering a better grasp of thematic connections.

Beyond word studies, the concordance can also function as a ready reference to locate a passage. For instance, if you recall that Scripture says the righteous “are like a tree planted by streams of water” but cannot recall the location, looking up a key word such as “planted” quickly directs to Psalm 1:3, which reads: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.”

Alignment with the Reliability of Scripture

Tools such as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance can serve to underscore the consistency and accuracy of the Bible’s message. By systematically mapping hundreds of thousands of English words and their references, the resource highlights the remarkable unity of Scripture. As it is written: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Strong’s numbers enable readers to trace themes from Genesis through Revelation, gleaning increased confidence in the Bible’s cohesive testimony.

Modern Updates and Digital Versions

Since its original publication, many printings and digital formats have been produced. Modern versions sometimes adapt Strong’s system for use with various translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible (NASB), and others. Computer and mobile applications integrate Strong’s numbering, making search functionalities both rapid and user-friendly.

Limitations and Considerations

While Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is invaluable, it is beneficial to remember that it:

• Focuses on the word usage in the King James Version (though updated editions may vary).

• Provides concise definitions in the dictionaries, which may require supplementary linguistic and cultural studies.

• Considers the base form of Hebrew and Greek words, so understanding grammar and syntax might necessitate advanced tools or commentaries.

Still, with these points in mind, Strong’s remains a trusted and widely used starting place for biblical word study and verse location.

Conclusion

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible stands as a monumental work that continues to support students, teachers, pastors, and anyone devoted to in-depth Scripture study. Its hallmark is the robust numbering system that bridges the gap between English translations and the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, thus opening the door to richer understanding.

In conjunction with prayer, study, and the guidance of reliable commentaries, this concordance brings forth a more profound view of both the diversity and the harmony spanning the pages of Scripture, fulfilling the promise revealed to all who seek to understand the Word: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law” (Psalm 119:18).