Bible verse topic, idea, and doctrine searching (video)

It’s a common problem: how do you do a Bible search based on an idea or a specific doctrine, when you don’t know what Bible words to use?

Today’s video quick tip shows one way SwordSearcher can help you with this, using the main search bar.

As you type a word into the search bar, the suggestion list will tell you how many verses contain the word even before you start your search. If you realize there are no verses, you can just move down to the Topic and Verse Guide search option instead, where you can explore various topical guides and dictionaries for the term you’re searching.

One thing that’s not shown in this video, but might be useful depending on the book, is that you can right-click inside the book or commentary panel and select “Load All Referenced Verses” to view all of the verse links inside of a verse list panel.

Right-click menu in books panel, showing "Load all Referenced Verses" option.
Right-click menu in books panel, showing “Load all Referenced Verses” option.

How to use the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK) is a time-tested Bible help that avoids exposition and interpretation in favor of straightforward comparison of Scripture with Scripture. The TSK can be thought of as the most exhaustive collection of margin cross-references available, but it goes well beyond merely listing additional verses to read: it helps you define words and phrases from within a Bible verse using the Bible itself. In my opinion, if one were required to choose only a single written work in addition to the Bible for studying, the TSK would be the best option.

At first glance, the TSK can appear cryptic. However, once you understand the basic structure, it is quite easy to use, and with a little bit of time will help you define a coherent theology on just about any Bible subject.

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