A version of this article first appeared in ChristianWeek on April 9, 2010 (Vol. 24, No. 2)
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A couple of years ago, I surveyed the field of Bible study software packages for a column called Wise Reader that I write for ChristianWeek, highlighting some of the better known programs then available.
At the time, I was using eSword for English language study and Gramcord for help with Greek and Hebrew, finding them to be quite sufficient for my purposes. However, I often looked longingly at the Logos system, but always resisted switching because the price seemed so high. Packages run from $265 – $1690 USD.
Recently, due in large part to the urging of a friend teaching Greek at Toronto Baptist Seminary, I purchased a Logos 4 package. He convinced me that I would save hours of research using the Logos system. Though I am still learning how to harness the amazing potential of this software, viewing the extensive, and growing, number of publisher-provided training videos and articles, I have already realized significant savings in ministry preparation time. In fact, watching a few of these videos will give you a glimpse into the power and potential available in this resource.
I bought the Scholar’s Library (LE), a mid-level package containing nearly 500 titles. My collection holds approximately 40 English Bibles and interlinears, 20 original languages texts along with nearly 50 grammars, lexicons and other original language tools. Along with many excellent commentaries, there are high-quality maps, photos and other media resources, plus 30 books on practical ministry themes including preaching, teaching, illustrations and quotations. I also have a ministry resource library numbering more than 70 titles.
Logos ranks among the most expensive Bible study software programs on the market today, but I am now convinced that it also provides the greatest array of useful tools, particularly for those responsible for preaching and teaching within the church.
In the Fall of 2009, Logos announced a major partnership with Zondervan Publishing, to incorporate 87 volumes of their most popular reference titles into the Logos 4 system. Some of the titles included in the 87 volumes will be the 12-volume Expositor’s Bible Commentary, the 2-volume abridgment of the Expositor’s series, the NIV Application Bible Commentary series (currently 20 volumes for the NT and 8 volumes for the OT), the popular 4-volume New International Dictionary of NT Theology and the New International Dictionary of OT Theology and Exegesis (5 volumes), the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (OT – 5 volumes, NT 4 volumes), and the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible. Every day it seems the Logos crew brings new resources to market. Though I would not recommend it, one could conceivably have a lifetime of preaching and teaching, using this Bible study software exclusively, never once purchasing a print resource.
Now, it is one thing to have a great number of resources your disposal, and quite another thing to effectively make use of them. In fact, I used to think that having hundreds of electronic texts in a study package would be unhelpful because they would never be used since they cannot be “seen” in the way one can see books on a shelf. But it is precisely at this point that the Logos 4 software becomes so valuable.
For example, entering a Bible reference in the search box will, within seconds, provide the specific location where that text is discussed in every single resource in my Logos library. This same can be done with words and phrases.
Another exciting tool in this software is the Reverse Interlinear for both Testaments – English-Greek (NT) and English-Hebrew (OT). Currently this tool is available for the ESV, KJV, NASB95, NKJV and NRSV, and will soon include the NIV and NLT. Any word on which you place your cursor in the text will take you to the Greek or Hebrew, and along with a full parsing of the word, you will be provided with lexical definitions. Anyone who has used print-based lexicons and grammars will immediately see the value of this tool.
Because every volume in the Logos 4 system is indexed, users of the program can rest assured that they have missed nothing of value, whatever text or theme they are exploring. So extensive is the integration of resources that you can place your cursor on any word in any resource that is opened and be provided with dictionary and lexical definitions of the term.
While I still prefer reading print-based books, magazines and journals, I find myself surprised (and delighted) with the awesome power of this Bible study software. Properly used, systems like Logos 4 are invaluable tools for busy preachers and teachers of God’s Word. Why not take a look at what Logos could do for your ministry?
I have tried numerous Bible Study programs ever since Online Bible came out with their freeware. Then I acquired a basic Logos package, took the plunge and upgraded to Platinum and have never looked back. Nothing compares to this program. And I am just scratching the surface of its capabilities.
Werner
Oy Vey! Platinum, eh!!??
If I had not already invested so much money in my library of nearly 2000 books, I would have gone for Platinum. There is no question but what that is the absolute best value going in Logos.
Are you using Logos 4? Last Fall I purchased version 3, then discovered version 4 came out within three weeks of my purchase. They made it very, very easy for me to move up to Logos 4.
And like you, I’m just scratching the surface – indeed, I may be just “nicking” it!
Yup. Logos 4. Love it.
In one fell swoop, I have tripled the size of my library.
I have 1000 volumes on my bookshelves, and 2000 in my computer..
Now all I need is the ability to read and retain like Spurgeon.
Wouldn’t we all like to have that amazing ability to retain what we read! But, as long as we have Logos, we can quickly find what we need – really an awesome tool for ministry.