The analysis tools and other resources are helpful for anyone who desires to get into the text. While knowledge of the original languages will certainly help users take advantage of all of the BibleWorks features, one does not need them in order to make use of this software. Lexical questions related to the grammar are answered with a click of the mouse! As you mouse over words in the Browse Window, the Hebrew or Greek definitions appear, along with other lexical information, in the Analysis Window.
When I first started using BibleWorks, the most important tool that I used was the analysis window. Here’s an example of how Leedy diagrams John 3:16 (click image to enlarge): Diagramming can be a lot of work at first, but the process is well worth the investment of time and BibleWorks makes that process quite simple.
It’s something every elementary student learns when studying English grammar and every seminarian is reacquainted with when taking first year Greek.īibleWorks has a diagramming module that allows you to easily diagram a verse or passage of Scripture while also including a “how to” guide and some examples from Leedy. This helps one understand how the verbs relate to nouns and how adjectives modify nouns, etc. Diagramming is an important step when doing critical exegesis of Scripture and is extremely helpful when trying to analyze the flow of the text or the author’s argument by way of giving you a visual diagram. One of the best features that BibleWorks offers is related to diagramming.
Once I installed, I downloaded all of the latest updates to the various modules, etc.
When I installed, I did a custom install because I simply did not need the Bible in all of the languages that BibleWorks offers, but I’m sure missionaries or people who can read a wide variety of languages might install all of them! I did, of course, install the Swahili, Latin, and Spanish versions since I might use them in the future. I think it took me about 20 minutes to have it fully functioning. The installation is very quick since I was using the DVD install disk.
Here’s a breakdown of the features, along with what I’ve found helpful with the software for my uses… I appreciate the substance that BibleWorks provides because it enables detailed exegesis to take place quicker and easier than what would take much longer using actual books. Along with the Scriptures in the original languages, BibleWorks places a variety of lexicons, dictionaries, and other resources right at your finger tips, allowing your time to focus on the text! The software gives you the ability to dig deep and to move beyond the surface level in order to come to terms with arguments found in the original text. BibleWorks 8 is great for serious study of the Scriptures.
Before I offer some detailed observations and explanations regarding why I strongly recommend that every pastor (and theologian/scholar) purchases a copy, let me just summarize my review for those who are interested in the basics. This is the third version of BibleWorks that I have used and I must confess that I have been a fan from the first initial instal.