James Strong was an American academic, biblical scholar, lexicographer, Methodist theologian and professor, best known for being the creator of Strong's Concordance.
I have a wicked old Strong's from the beginning of the 20th century that is completely impossible to read, heavy, and falling apart. When I did some research on the new Strong's that are out there, I had to go with the New Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Don't be fooled into buying any imitation, or even the previous Strong's for this reason: This is truly exhaustive because of the Vine's dictionary included in the text as well. Not only does it have every word, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, in the Old and New Testement (King James Version), but it also has an expanded dictionary in the back with great references that allow the reader to not get a skewed version of some specific passage.
Another plus is that the font is the perfect size to read so as to not make it too bulky, or too small. Also, it's completely lightweight! I picked it up when it first arrived and was shocked about how lightweight it was and easy to carry! I am so enthusiastic about this Strong's, it truly is the best one out on the market, and the one you need to buy. I just started some research on theophany, and I have been doing other research on Sheol, Hades, Tartarus, and Gehenna, and their applied context. Obviously this is not a book to read cover to cover, since it is a reference text; nevertheless, this tome is a must have. For the theological to the layman, any serious scholar of the Bible has Strong's sitting on his bookshelf. -Brent McCulley (5/20/2012)
"The ultimate Bible reference tool, this is the only concordance that includes the best of Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. You'll also find original-language lexicons with three times more word study information than other editions; cross-references from leading dictionaries; words of Christ in red; and a complete topical index of the Bible. 2000 pages, hardcover from Nelson." Christianbook.com
Obviously not read cover to cover, but I've used it extensively and found it a valuable companion to the Bible. This updated version and the original are no longer as indispensable as they once were. Can't find a specific Bible verse? With an exhaustive Concordance you can look up a word or two & you'll find all verses containing those few words. Enter the same thing into Google and instantly receive chapter and verse in multiple translations. Hate to say it, but the newest Stongs may belong to antiquity.
A fabulous reference work. Since it lists every occurance of a particular work it is very useful for locating a passage for which only a few words are springing to mind, but the Hebrew and Greek dictionaries at the end of the volume are very useful for understanding the words themselves. Of course, one must remember that like a standard dictionary they include all the possible meanings of the word and that in a specific passage only one of the meanings may be exhibited. For this reason a good lexicon like Brown-Driver-Briggs and Thayer's is suggested as well. However, I like this one as it acts as a superb concordance.
NOT for the faint of heart in Bible study...but REALLY COOL if you've never been to seminary or theology classes a day in your life and want to find a bible verse really fast! It's also a great way to discover the richness of the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic language when you can see how many ways a word was used compared to our limited language. Yes, you can find this information online, but sometimes the old-fashioned paper in your hands just can't be beat!
Invaluable tool for studying the Bible. I even have an original edition from the very first printing in 1890. Don't settle for the translations of others. Check it out yourself with a Strong's Concordance.
Unlike many who possess this book, I am not an academic Bible scholar. I generally don't need to translate exact meanings from Greek or Hebrew. However, I would not be without this book.
1. Ever thought 'I know it comes in the Bible somewhere, but I can't remember where?' If so, then you need this book. 2. Need Biblical maps? They are in this book. 3. Need to know about the Hebrew calendar, or weights and measures? There is a section. 4. Not quite au fait with the chronology? Strong's has it covered.
In short, a Biblical concordance is for anyone who wants to do self-directed Bible study - not just the professionals - and this is a good one.
As others have said, Strong's is based on the King James Version of the Bible, so works best when used with that version. However, my primary Bible is The NKJV Study Bible: Second Edition and that works just fine for my purposes.
For those interested in a deeper understanding and a fuller, richer Bible study, a concordance is a must. Strong's is the standard. The ability to see the root meaning of a word in its native language and to apply that to scripture helps to get over some of the cultural and time barriers that can cause confusion or at least a less full understanding of what the scripture was actually saying. Tracing a word from its first instance in the Bible to every time it was used in the scripture, and what different forms of the word mean is very valuable to any student or teacher. Many of the best illustrations Bible teachers have used have come from seeing the real meaning of a verse through interpreting the various forms in a Strong's word search. A classic resource.
This is a good resource for finding words in the bible. If you know a single word from a verse you can locate that verse. Also of use is finding where else the word is used and how. Because the bible was written in Hebrew and Greek it is by nature a translation and so left to the judgment of translators to find the proper word equivalents. It can be very instructive to find other words translated from the same and different words in the original languages.
Can any reader say they have "read" Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible? If reading means using it as a regular tool in Bible study, relying on it time and time again, trusting that it will lead me to just the verse I need when I need it, then I am reading it, have read it and will continue to read it, without a finish date. What a necessary book this is in my library!
A fabulous resource for the researcher, student, and enthusiast. An all-in-one literary masterpiece. - found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
I wish this was in another translation than the KJV. It is helpful for reverse engineering for Inductive Bible Study or exegesis, but make sure you have a copy of the KJV on hand.
Having a concordance completely changed my faith. I stopped putting faith in translation, and put faith in meaning. And yes, 'meaning' is up to the individual, and I'm fine with that.
Strong's Concordance remains the choice reference for theological students and laymen. You cannot go wrong choosing Strong's when looking for a concordance.