Bible Concordance: Is it Necessary? Plus, Overlooked Benefits

I remember purchasing my first Bible concordance and wondering how necessary it was. But I was getting a degree in Biblical Studies, so it was pretty necessary. But what about for the average Bible Study?

A Bible concordance is not a must have tool for Bible study. A concordance lists words used in the Bilbe and references where they can be found. Thus, it can be helpful in deeper Bible study. With the rise of technology a Bible concordance is not always necessary, but can still be beneficial.

If a bible concordance is not always necessary for Bible study, then how can it still be beneficial? There are quite a few overlooked benefits that make obtaining a bible concordance worthy of consideration.

A Bible Concordance is Not a Must Have Bible Tool

A Bible concordance is a resource tool used in serious Bible study that lists words in the Bible and verses where they are used. This shows the reader where a particular verse is found in the Bible and can be used to determine what the original Greek or Hebrew word is without learning an entirely new language.

I have found, in my personal case, that I don’t really use my concordance all that much. In fact, it’s probably the BIble Study resource that I use the least. The last time I used it was years ago in college while doing a study on a particular word.

Whether or not a concordance is necessary for you will depend on what method of Bible study you use, how deep you want to study, and how often you think you will use it. If you are doing a SOAP Bible study, then a concordance isn’t necessary. Though, it would be helpful in an inductive Bible study.

As a general rule, the deeper you want to go in Bible study, the more resources are helpful. So, if your Bible study routine is hit or miss or primarily devotional, then a bible concordance is not necessary for your study.

However, if you anticipate or desire more regular and in-depth exploration of Scripture, then owning a physical concordance can be a wise investment.

That said, there is a growing list of online and digital tools that still make owning a physical copy of a concordance almost unnecessary.

Alternatives to a Good Concordance

With the rise of technology, a physical concordance isn’t all that necessary. In today’s digital age, how we use and engage with Bible study tools has changed. So, while a physical copy of a concordance is still valuable. Digital resources bring a new convenience and usability to concordances.

Often times a concordance is used to find a particular verse in the Bible when you only know a little bit. But Google and search features on Bible apps makes that process a whole lot easier.

There are also Bible study softwares and websites that contain a concordance feature that makes getting and learning to use a physical copy, almost not worth it. Places like, Bible Gateway and Bible Hub, which have free online commentaries, makes them a go to resource for bible study.

Often times, these digital websites and resources are more user-friendly, simplifying the process of Bible study, and making in-depth study easier than ever before.

Then you have Bible Study Software like Logos, WORDSearch, and others that have free features and resources including free concordances. Plus, the advanced technological features and search capabilities of these softwares make a much simpler alternative to a physical copy of a concordance.

Overlooked Benefits of a Concordance

Most people will use a concordance to look up a verse that they only remember a few words of. That’s great, but technology is making that part of using a concordance obsolete. There are, however, other often overlooked benefits of a concordance.

First, a concordance gives the user access to the original Hebrew or Greek without having to know those languages. This is a huge benefit as knowing a Greek or Hebrew word can bring a deeper understanding to a particular passage or verse.

For example, take the English word “Love”. There are several Greek words that are translated “love” including: agape (unconditional love), phileo (brotherly love), and eros (romantic love). Depending on what word is used can change the nuance of a passage.

Second, a concordance helps the reader see unity in Scripture. For example, a believer can trace the theme of grace throughout Scripture. By looking up the word grace in a concordance, they can read every verse and the unified story of grace throughout Scripture.

Third, a concordance can lead to deeper Bible engagement. Using a concordance requires Christians to slow down, analyze a verse or word of Scripture and engage with that particular word. As such, we spend more time meditating and pondering God’s word.

In conclusion, a Bible concordance may not be a necessary tool in your biblical journey. But that will depend on the methods you use, the depth of study you are looking for, and honest evaluation of how often you think you may use it.

While not indispensable for all, a concordance is a beneficial tool that can significantly enhance your experience and engagement with the God’s Word. If you’ve decided that a concordance is necessary for you, here are some great practical tips for choosing the perfect concordance.