Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

84 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Use of Reference Tools for Interpreting the Bible Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

Cross-Reference Aids and Topical Concordances To associate different texts together on a given subject, theme, or issue

Bible Dictionaries, Bible Atlases, and Customs References To provide background on the history, culture, social customs, and/or life of the biblical periods

Theological Workbooks, Dictionaries, and Studies

To provide an understanding of the meanings of a word or phrase in light of its theological significance Understanding the Original Situation and Finding Biblical Principles 1. Attribute the verse or passage you are studying with a particular theme. 2. Find the word or concept you would like to research. 3. Read on the background of the word in the reference or dictionary 4. Associate your text with the theme, gleaning what is helpful and discarding what is not relevant for the purpose of your study Thorough scholarship on the various theological usages and meanings of a particular Bible word, wording, or phrase

Purpose

Stage Where Most Beneficial

Finding Biblical Principles

Understanding the Original Situation

1. Find the reference you want to check. 2. Look up the other texts associated with passage in the reference. 3. Associate the verse with a particular theme. 4. Check the theme against those citations given.

1. Select an item, theme, issue, or custom you need help in understanding. 2. Check the item in the reference text provided. 3. Make note on the background of the issue, and factor the new information in your overall account of the passage.

Procedures

Find texts on same subject throughout the Bible Outlines provided to

Wealth of information given on the various sociology, anthropology, historical accounts, customs, society, geography and data on the original situation

Benefits

help digest all Scriptures on a different subject

Dig deeply into the text BEFORE you begin to look at other similar materials

Do not be confused by the VARIETY of usages and meanings of a theological idea

Stay focused on the meaning of the text and not merely its CONTEXT

Key Caution

Reliability

Good

Very Good

Excellent