Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance: In the context of the Bible, "reference" pertains to the act of directing attention to specific passages, events, or teachings within the Scriptures. It involves the use of cross-references, footnotes, and concordances to deepen understanding and provide clarity on biblical texts. References are crucial for biblical study as they help to connect various parts of Scripture, revealing the unity and coherence of God's Word.
Biblical Usage: The Bible itself is a rich tapestry of interconnected themes and narratives. References within the text often point to earlier events or prophecies, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises and the consistency of His message. For example, the New Testament frequently references Old Testament prophecies to affirm the messianic identity of Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 1:22-23 , it states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."
Cross-Referencing: Cross-referencing is a method used to link related passages across different books of the Bible. This practice is essential for understanding the full scope of biblical teachings. For instance, the concept of faith is explored throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see," while
James 2:26 emphasizes that "faith without deeds is dead." These references together provide a comprehensive view of the biblical understanding of faith.
Concordances and Study Tools: Concordances are invaluable tools for biblical reference, allowing readers to locate specific words or themes throughout the Scriptures. They facilitate deeper study by providing a systematic way to explore how particular concepts are developed across different books and authors. For example, a concordance entry for "love" would guide a reader to passages such as
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , which describes the attributes of love, and 1
John 4:8 , which declares, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
Theological Significance: References within the Bible underscore the theological continuity and divine inspiration of the Scriptures. They highlight the unfolding of God's redemptive plan from Genesis to Revelation. The use of references affirms the belief in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, as each part of Scripture is seen as contributing to the whole. This interconnectedness is evident in the way the New Testament writers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, interpret and apply Old Testament texts to the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application: For believers, understanding and utilizing biblical references is essential for personal growth and effective ministry. By engaging with cross-references and study tools, Christians can gain a more profound comprehension of God's Word, enabling them to apply its truths to their lives. As
2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work."
Conclusion: [Omitted as per instructions]
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of referring, or the state of being referred; as, reference to a chart for guidance.
2. (n.) That which refers to something; a specific direction of the attention; as, a reference in a text-book.
3. (n.) Relation; regard; respect.
4. (n.) One who, or that which, is referred to.
5. (n.) One of whom inquires can be made as to the integrity, capacity, and the like, of another.
6. (n.) A work, or a passage in a work, to which one is referred.
7. (n.) The act of submitting a matter in dispute to the judgment of one or more persons for decision.
8. (n.) The process of sending any matter, for inquiry in a cause, to a master or other officer, in order that he may ascertain facts and report to the court.
9. (n.) Appeal.
Greek
2596. kata -- down, against, according to... 2596 (a preposition, governing two grammatical cases) -- properly, "down from, ie
from a higher to a lower plane, with special
reference to the terminus (end
...1019. braduno -- to retard, to be slow
... Cognate: 1019 -- loiter, be unduly slow. "The word implies, besides , the idea of
withreference to an appointed time" (M. Vincent). See 1021 ()....
3952. parousia -- a presence, a coming
... 3952 () is a "technical term withreference to of a king or some other official,
'a royal visit' " (Souter) -- "hence, in the NT, specifically of the or of...
3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people
... When is subsequently referred to in narrative or by some speaker, thereference
is always in the plural, whether verb or pronoun , etc., except Rev 7:9 where...
4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be...
... It only occurs in Ro 15:32 inreference to the Roman Christians coming alongside
Paul to "struggle together" against those opposing his important mission to...
3340. metanoeo -- to change one's mind or purpose
... an-o-eh'-o) Short Definition: I repent, change my mind Definition: I repent, change
my mind, change the inner man (particularly withreference to acceptance of...
4002. pente -- five
... [This is derived from the collocations (associations) that "" has when used in
reference to the Tabernacle, Temple, etc.]. Word Origin a prim....
2963. kuriotes -- lordship
... lordship, domination, dignity Definition: (a) abstr: lordship, (b) concr: divine
or angelic lordship, domination, dignity, usually withreference to a...
1519. eis -- to or into (indicating the point reached or entered...
... ever* (2), forever* (1), forward* (3), leading (2), leads (1), mine* (1), never*
(1), next* (1), onto (2), over (1), perpetually* (1),reference (2), regard (3...
1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer
... overseer, supervisor, ruler Definition: (used as an official title in civil life),
overseer, supervisor, ruler, especially used withreference to the...
Library
Reference Table
... LYRICSREFERENCE TABLE. The Volumes of the Modern Reader's Bible referred to
in the Table are as follows: Wisdom... Prophets.REFERENCE TABLE....
Of the Persons inReference to the Notional Acts (Six Articles)
... OF THE PERSONS INREFERENCE TO THE NOTIONAL ACTS (SIX ARTICLES). We now consider
the persons inreference to the notional acts, concerning...
Reference to the Saying of Paul About Crucifixion with Christ.
... Book XII. 25.Reference to the Saying of Paul About Crucifixion with Christ.
Moreover in regard to the saying, "Let him deny himself...
List of Abbreviations Used inReference to Rabbinic Writings...
... LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED INREFERENCE TO RABBINIC WRITINGS QUOTED IN THIS WORK....
But the reader can have no difficulty in understanding thereference....
Reference to the Processes of Digestion and Nutrition.
... Chapter V."Reference to the Processes of Digestion and Nutrition. But it
appears to me that such persons, in the first place, are...
A BriefReference to the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke their...
... Chapter XXVI."A BriefReference to the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke
Their Agreement with St. John, in Respect to the Distinct...
Whether Sins Differ Specifically inReference to their Causes?
... OF THE DISTINCTION OF SINS (NINE ARTICLES) Whether sins differ specifically
inreference to their causes? Objection 1: It would...
Reference to the "Retractations. "
... A Treatise on the gift of perseverance, Chapter 27."Reference to the
"Retractations.". Finally, in the first book of the Retractations...
The Pardon of Sin HasReference Chiefly to the Future Judgment.
... Chapter 66."The Pardon of Sin HasReference Chiefly to the Future Judgment. Now
the pardon of sin hasreference chiefly to the future judgment....
Judgment must haveReference Both to Soul and Body: There Will...
... Chapter XVIII."Judgment Must HaveReference Both to Soul and Body: There
Will Therefore Be a Resurrection. The arguments I just...
Thesaurus
Reference (23 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of referring, or the state of being referred;
as,
reference to a chart for guidance.
...Reference (23 Occurrences).
...Vault (2 Occurrences)
... The latter is the usual interpretation, but in either case thereference is rather
to the strength of the structure than to its form; the word implying...
Zur (9 Occurrences)
... Phinehas. Joshua 13:21 describes him as one of the princes of Sihon, but the
reference there is regarded as a gloss. (2...Reference Bible.
Kain (2 Occurrences)
... There is, too, apparently areference to this place in Numbers 24:21, 22: "And he
looked on the Kenite, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy...
Vashti (10 Occurrences)
... overthrow. She was, accordingly, divorced and dethroned. There is no known
reference to Vashti outside of Esther. The...Reference Bible.
Kadesh (30 Occurrences)
... ideal boundary of Israel at the sources of the Jordan, would read "Hermon" for chodhshi,
but the conjectures of Thenius and Hitzig of areference to the...
Kenites (8 Occurrences)
... upon their name, which resembles the Hebrew ken, "a nest," prophesying their
destruction although their nest was "set in the rock"-possibly areference to Sela...
Keys (2 Occurrences)
... authorities admit that the Fathers generally understood the keys to signify the
power of forgiving sins, and that they seldom make anyreference to the...
Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... ages, or (2), according to the Targum, because it was "the torrent in which were
shown signs and wonders to Israel of old;" or (3) probably thereference is to...
Kidron (11 Occurrences)
... Very different from these earlier scenes is the last Scripturalreference (John
18:1), when Jesus "went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron" for His...
Resources
What is the Scofield Reference Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow to cite GotQuestions.org articles in an academic setting. | GotQuestions.orgIs there meaning in tragedy? | GotQuestions.orgReference: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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