1. Find the word in a concordance
It must correspond to the Bible translation/version you are using. NU faculty recommend this one:
The NIV Exhaustive Bible Concordance
Available in print.
To the right of the scripture citation will be a number. Depending on the version of the concordance, it will be either a Strong’s number or a G/K number. (NIV = G/K, Strong’s KJV=Strong’s) Verify which number this is; do NOT just rely on the title of the book.
In the back of the concordance are two things:
- A Greek or Hebrew dictionary which corresponds with the number. There you will find the Greek or Hebrew word, the transliteration and the terms that word has been translated into.
- A chart which corresponds the Strong’s number to the G/K number and vice versa.
2. Locate the appropriate dictionary of theology
General
Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words
Available in print.
Each entry is organized by the translated English word. It includes the word in its original language, transliteration, and corresponding G/K and Strong’s numbers, along with a theological definition of the word. This dictionary does not contain an entry for every G/K or Strong’s number, so if you cannot find yours, try a more specific dictionary.
Old Testament
New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis
Available in print.
Each entry is organized by G/K number to the Hebrew word, and it includes a transliteration as well as a theological definition.
New Testament
NIV Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words
Available in print.
Each entry is organized by G/K number to the Greek word, and it includes a transliteration as well as a theological definition. This is an abridgement of the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (listed below), and it doesn’t have an entry for every G/K number, so you may have to use Brown by word.
The Concise New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis
Available in print.
Look up the English translation of the word in the main part of the dictionary, which is organized alphabetically. You still need to use the concordance to find the transliteration of your Greek word so that you know which part of the dictionary entry refers to your word.
