How to do a Word Study
A word study is the study of an original language word (e.g., agapao, Elohiym, or zoe). The primary tool for a word study is an Interlinear Bible. Of course, the Interlinear Bible serves as a "jumping off point" to word definitions, Englishman's Concordance, and the Commentary reference works.
(Note: The following description is one possible way to conduct a topical study using the tools available in the OneTouch® library. There are literally hundreds of variations. Bottom line: become familiar with the tools that are available to you and use them to explore!)
Open an Interlinear Bible window to the desired passage. Remember, the Interlinear Bibles are grouped with the Greek-Hebrew Study Tools .
Use the Strong's numbers in the interlinear display to access their associated word definitions--simply double-click the desired Strong's number and the definition will be displayed in a Lexicon pane. When viewing a definition, pay close attention to any embedded Strong's numbers. These indicate relationships that this word has with other words. Sometimes the definition will note the root word(s) that the current word is derived from. Other times it will compare (what is the same) or contrast (what is different) this word with other words. Double-click any of these embedded Strong's numbers to display their definitions in a Lexicon pane. Each time you do this the "Level" indicator on the lower toolbar will increase by 1. Click the button (located on the Main Toolbar) to go back one level at a time.
Also, with a Strong's definition open, use the button (located on the lower toolbar) to launch an Englishman's Concordance search. The Englishman's Concordance will find every occurrence of the current Strong's number throughout the Old or New Testament. You can then use the search results from that search to examine other instances where the word you are studying was used. Was it translated the same? If not, note the different "shading" of meaning that the word can take on in different contexts. How many times was the word used? Was it commonly or rarely used? Was it used primarily in a single book or by a single author? (Note: The articles in the Word Study tools will contain some of this information, in case you are finding it difficult to "unearth.")
Once you have examined the Strong's definitions, look towards the other reference works. Single-click a Strong's number of interest, then note the Smart Reference™ items that are active--particularly the Word Study tools, which contain articles that specifically address original language issues.
Finally, consider opening a Commentary or two to the current passage. Frequently the commentary authors will highlight important original language words in a way that will provide additional "illumination" to your word study!
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