1919 Strong's Concordance Explained

The 1919 edition of Strong’s Concordance, also known as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, is an exhaustive Cross-Reference concordance that provides a comprehensive alphabetical index of every word in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This seminal work, compiled by James Strong, has become an indispensable resource for biblical scholars, theologians, and students of the scripture.

Background and History

James Strong, a Methodist theologian and scholar, began working on the concordance in the late 19th century. After years of meticulous research and collaboration with other scholars, the first edition of Strong’s Concordance was published in 1890. However, it was the 1919 edition that gained widespread recognition and became the standard reference for biblical studies. This edition has undergone numerous revisions and updates, with the most recent edition being published in 2009.

The Concordance System

Strong’s Concordance employs a unique system of numbering and cross-referencing, which allows users to quickly locate any word or phrase in the KJV Bible. Each word in the concordance is assigned a distinct number, known as the Strong’s number, which corresponds to the word’s Greek or Hebrew equivalent in the original languages. This system enables users to:

1. Look up words: Find any word in the KJV Bible and identify its corresponding Strong’s number.
2. Analyze word meanings: Examine the Greek or Hebrew word behind the English translation, providing insight into the word’s original meaning and context.
3. Cross-reference: Discover related words, phrases, and verses throughout the Bible, facilitating a deeper understanding of scripture.

Key Features and Enhancements

The 1919 edition of Strong’s Concordance includes several notable features:

1. Hebrew and Greek dictionaries: Comprehensive dictionaries of Hebrew and Greek words, providing definitions, grammatical information, and cross-references to related words.
2. Appendices: Additional resources, such as a list of proper nouns, a table of weights and measures, and a harmony of the Gospels.
3. Index of Scripture references: A detailed index of every verse in the KJV Bible, allowing users to quickly locate specific passages.

Applications and Benefits

Strong’s Concordance has become an essential tool for various groups:

1. Biblical scholars: Aids in exegetical research, linguistic analysis, and textual criticism.
2. Theologians: Facilitates the development of systematic theology and biblical doctrine.
3. Pastors and ministers: Enhances sermon preparation, Bible study, and counsel.
4. Students: Supports academic research, paper writing, and biblical studies.
5. Devotional readers: Deepens personal Bible study, devotion, and spiritual growth.

Conclusion

The 1919 edition of Strong’s Concordance is a monumental achievement in biblical scholarship, providing an unparalleled resource for understanding the Bible. Its unique system of numbering and cross-referencing has empowered generations of scholars, theologians, and students to delve deeper into the scripture, fostering a more profound appreciation for the richness and complexity of the biblical text.