Word Studies

Overview

After you have done your own investigation, you are ready to consult the work of others by looking up your word in a theological dictionary or lexicon. Do not skip the work of your own investigation, because the most important data is what you have gathered looking at the biblical text yourself.

There are many excellent theological dictionaries available to consult, some of which require the user to know Hebrew/Greek. This guide will take you through the process for using one of the options available for the Old Testament or New Testament. Consult the QuickBib below to discover other resources.

Old Testament

If you are working in the Old Testament, look up your word in the New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis. Follow these steps:

1. Convert the Strong's number to a G/K number* (use the conversion table found in vol. 5, page 761)
2. Find your article using the G/K number

*G/K Numbers (Goodrick/Kohlenberger) are an alternative system of classification from Strong's.

Having Trouble?

• Sometimes your word is covered in another article (such as with derivatives). Check the articles nearby.
• Some major articles are listed under an English title in vol. 4 (see the pictures below which illustrate how one would look up tora, or "law")

New Testament

If you are working in the New Testament, look up your word in the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology & Exegesis. Follow these steps:

1. Convert the Strong's number to a G/K number* (use the conversion table found in vol. 5, page 370)
2. Use the Greek Word Index (vol. 5, page 340) to find where your word is discussed (often a word may be discussed under an article on a different word)
3. Locate the article in vols. 1-4 (they are in order using the G/K number)

*G/K Numbers (Goodrick/Kohlenberger) are an alternative system of classification from Strong's.