Review of Biblical Literature, March 2003
Logos Bible Software Series X - Original Languages Library
(Libronix Digital Library System 1.1a)
Bellingham, Wash.: Logos Research Systems, 2001.
Software. $399.95. ISBN 1577990765.
Reviewer: Jan van der Watt, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Reviewing the Original Languages Library of Logos Research Systems felt like a dream come true. In the eighties of the previous century there were dreams of carrying one’s library along and having access to all these books within seconds. (I remember vividly how my colleagues and myself dreamed like this in the staff room of our faculty). This is exactly what I experienced after loading the Original Languages Library on my laptop computer. In the documentation accompanying the Original Languages Library, it is often stated that this program is like a personal assistant gathering material from the most important books related to the original languages of the Bible and making them available in a digestible way within seconds. This is no sales talk—it is reality.
This review focuses on three parts: (1) claims made in the documentation; (2) technical aspects (evaluated from the perspective of someone who is not an expert and just wants the program to work properly; the aim of this review is therefore not to get bogged down in technical detail); (3) the content of the package. Evaluative remarks will be made through the different stages of the review.
Claims made about the program in the accompanying brochures
Logos Bible Software Series X offers “revolutionary technology that does all the work for you.… You will be doing your first Bible study within seconds.… it will reduce the tedious, time-consuming lookup and preparation tasks associated with Bible study.” The two characteristics frequently emphasized in the documentation are, first, that due to full automation the user has a powerful and the most productive computer program on the original languages, linked to easy-to-use technology and, second, that getting what one needs will take only seconds. The “research assistant” looks up relevant articles, organizes content around a specific passage or topic, automatically collects material (in places where the user did not even think to look), and generates reports. These reports appear on a screen divided into thirds, each section representing a small screen on its own, which one can navigate. Apart from that, the user has a choice of asking for parallel versions, an overview of all versions, and a word-study guide that helps the user to study the Greek and Hebrew without necessarily having knowledge of these languages. The morphology, lexicographical information, and word studies are available in the “exegetical” section. It is also possible to search the entire library. If you are unsure what to do, technical support is available by phone, Web, or fax. It is also promised that free updates of the Libronix Digital Library will be made available, making sure that there will always be compatibility with the newest Windows operating systems. (While I was still reviewing this software, I had already received the first update!)
Previously, Logos Library System (LLS) partnered with many publishers to release their own titles for the LLS standard. This was done actively, even in places such as South Africa and in languages such as Afrikaans. The advantage of Logos Bible Software Series X is that it offers a large variety of books that are easy to access and the material in these books is effectively processed and presented. This Series X software is built on the Libronix Digital Library System, a technology used to deliver digital libraries of books and interactive study tools. Books from multiple publishers are automatically integrated into a single digital library on the user’s system. This means that it is easy to expand the existing library. Presently there are apparently 2,500 books available, obviously not all offered with the package. The system of unlocking books you want as extras works well. Reading this made me excited but also a bit hesitant: Would it really work to load all my books (even those bought for the older Logos system) on my computer and then process it with Libronix? I have been using Logos for several years and have already acquired a good number of electronic books, such as the Word Biblical Commenatry, Anchor Bible Dictionary, the InterVarsity Press CD with a series of dictionaries, and the like. I then followed a very simple procedure (with a pop-up screen telling me exactly what to do) and loaded all my books on my hard disc (it took 1.5MB of space). This was done without any problems, since a pop-up screen evaluates the status of the books to be transferred to the hard disk, giving one a chance to choose which books one wants to load and then loading them. This means that one really has a whole library at one’s disposal.
This brings us to the next question: Which titles are included in the Original Languages Library package? (1) Several English Bibles (e.g., KJV, New American Standard Bible, NRSV, International Standard Version) are included; (2) Greek texts include Textus Receptus, NA27, Byzantine/Majority Text, Westcott-Hort, and a few others. There is also a Greek-English interlinear. (3) The Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia is the Hebrew Bible in this package, while the Septuaginta (Alfred Rahlfs) offers the Greek translation of the First Testament. (4) The Biblia Sacra Vulgata is included for those who are interested in the Bible in Latin. (5) As can be expected, there are lists of lexicons in Greek and Hebrew. These include the Greek-English lexicon of Louw and Nida, the Greek-English Lexicon of Bauer et al., Liddell and Scott’s Intermediate lexicon, the “Little Kittel” (TDNT), the Unabridged Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, and a few others. These represent the best lexicons available. Hebrew lexicons include Brown, Driver, and Briggs; Theological Workbook of the Old Testament; and Dictionary of Biblical Languages (Aramaic and Hebrew). (6) There are analytical concordances for both Hebrew and Greek, apart from the powerful search engine, which is part of the Libronix software. (7) There are also grammars available (such as Biblical Hebrew Reference Grammar, Greek New Testament Insert, Hebrew Bible insert). (8) The New Bible Dictionary forms part of the package. (9) Commentaries include the New Bible Commentary and Matthew Henry’s commentary. (10) As added value there are the Logos deluxe map set, Willmington’s Book of Bible lists, Archaeological Encyclopaedia of the Holy Land, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Amarna Letters and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Charles Hodge’s Systematic Theology, Calvin’s Institutes, the works of Josephus and Philo, and a History of the Christian Church are all part of the package. These books are well chosen and indeed enable one to study the original languages on the highest level. The good quality dictionaries even enable one to move beyond linguistics. The lack of good, reliable commentaries, however, prevents this package from being called a “full-blown” exegetical package.
An ideal—mentioned in the accompanying pamphlets—that a person who does not know Greek or Hebrew might be able to study the original languages with the use of this program is, I think, a bit overoptimistic. Granted, there is a treasure of very good information available, but reading, interpreting, and understanding a language is more than merely having such material available. I do not think this program is a wonder replacement for a thorough study of Greek and Hebrew, but once one has a basic understanding of the original languages, this program is an invaluable tool.
Remarks on basic technical aspects: In other words, does the program work as it should?
I will try to resist the temptation of becoming too technical. I must, however, mention the following. The brochures specify the following system requirements:
- Computer/processor: 486'66MhZ or faster (Pentium processor recommended)
- CD-ROM drive
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 95 or later (will run on Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0 (SP3)/2000/XP)
- Memory: Windows 95/98/Me/NT—32 MB; Windows 2000/XP—64 MB
- Hard drive space: 60 MB minimum
- Screen resolution: 800x600 or higher
I used a Pentium IV with enough RAM to handle the program with ease. A “bigger, faster” machine produces better results, as can be expected. (Out of curiosity I have also tested the program on a Pentium II with 64 RAM and did not experience any problems).
I will not go into more technical detail. For the purpose of this review I will describe my impressions on the effectiveness of the technology; in other words, I will focus on the user-friendliness of the program. Is it really true that things will happen in “seconds” and that data will be available on a reliable, well-processed, and easy-to-understand way? Simply put, could one buy this product and expect immediate results without taking a “course” on how to use the program, and does the technology really “work for you”?
Let’s start with the installation. The installation was problem free. Clear guidelines are provided, and they worked perfectly. For registration, several options are offered: online, mail, or phone. I used the phone. My particulars were taken, and within 10 minutes my call was returned with the necessary codes. Feeding these codes into the computer completed successful installation. (Remember, this installation took place in Africa; it could only be easier in the United States or Europe.)
The first “test drive” was pleasant: the screen opened with a word of welcome and the Bible-study starter. Two search options were given, namely, for a passage study or a topic study. The “passage study” provides five options: a passage guide, exegetical guide, word-study guide, Bible and commentary option, and an option for Bible only. I chose the passage guide and typed in John 1:1. Several things happened simultaneously. The text appeared in Greek on the right side of my screen; on the left side a list of books appeared, all related to John 1:1. There was even a list of topics related to John 1:1. All these references were active. Clicking on any option took me to that source in a fraction of a second. The information from that particular source appeared on the right bottom quarter of the screen, so that I could read the source while the Bible text (on the right top quarter) was still visible. There are even further options. When I clicked on “passage in parallel versions” or on “passage in all versions” (or even on “exegetical guide” or “word study guide”), the related information (i.e., versions of the Bible) appeared in the lefthand quarter of the screen so that the different “blocks” of information remained visible. It was like having all these books open on my desk simultaneously, except that I did not need to look for the relevant pages myself. It was done for me—the book was opened at the appropriate place. There are constant possibilities for further links (for instance, if one has John 1:1 in a particular translation listed on the screen, a simple “click” takes one to the whole context in that particular translation). What I saw is really impressive, to say the least.
There was, however, a small problem: my Greek and Hebrew texts did not appear immediately. This was before I loaded the books onto the hard disk. I was not “told” onscreen to search for these books on one of the other CDs, with the result that I did not know where to find the material. This gave me a chance to test Logos’s “help line.” I contacted Logos, and they were as effective as their program. I was helped immediately. This gave me peace of mind that if something should go wrong, help is a phone call or an e-mail away; this is not just talk, as I experienced firsthand.
Digging deeper, going thorough the programs and books was like opening Christmas presents—surprises around every corner. An extensive network of links between books and functions are built into this program. Words and passages are tagged in the different documents so that cross-referencing becomes easy. Apart from that, a powerful search tool is part of the program. One indeed has the material at one’s fingertips. In some cases it took a few seconds to search the library, but the results were worth the wait. One should, however, be careful not to double-click on any source listed, because then one gets the source as well as a search on the word on which the cursor stood at that moment.
It is obviously impossible to give a full description of every aspect in a review such as this, but let us take the “exegetical guide” as an example. If one types John 1:1 into the dialogue box, two things happen immediately: the Greek text opens on the right of the screen, and on the lefthand a window opens with the Greek words of John 1:1 listed. Under each word a list of sources appears listing more information on that particular word (these sources are only dictionaries; to choose how many to display or to add other sources, a dialogue box following a right click provides that search option). Clicking on one of these sources takes one to the relevant material in that source. The window opens on the righthand corner below the Greek text. One is even told on which page of the original (printed) document the information may be found. Moving the cursor over the Greek text reveals an analysis of the words at the bottom of the screen. A right click opens a dialogue box with a range of possibilities, which include printing, copying, adding notes, doing searches, and the like. A lemma search, for example, creates a list of sources where one can find more information on that word as well as a full list of places where that particular word may be found in the Bible. These words are divided into groups according to their grammatical characteristics. To learn how many subjunctives of a particular verb are used in the New Testament and where they are used, this search will provide the answer in a second.
In the case of the “Bible and commentary” option, a commentary appears below in the righthand corner with the Bible text above it. There is a button offering parallel sources (other commentaries available). This function will become more and more powerful as the number of books (commentaries) is increased on one’s computer. In the case of a topic search (the second option on the “HOME” dialogue box), the user has several options, but the basic function is to find and list all the sources containing that particular topic. In some cases there are so many books that it becomes a bit overwhelming. It might even be frustrating in the end to have such a vast amount of knowledge at one’s disposal if one is only looking for one simple fact. I wanted to know the date of death of a church father. Lists of references to the church father were offered, but it took some time to get to the “right spot.”
Now, a practical question: money! For $399.00 this is more than worthwhile. A problem, however, remains: the package contains books one will never use for which one pays. Apart from that, one must pay the full amount at once (which can be difficult, especially for students in poorer countries). However, by offering different versions (containing different libraries) this problem is solved to some extent. I think Logos plans their libraries better now than previously. In the beginning their mixture of good and “less good” books was frustrating, especially knowing that one paid for all these books. Logos has given attention to this, and their packages are organized much better, judging on what is included in the Original Languages Library.
This was a difficult and easy review to write. It was difficult because I was so excited about what I saw. I had to remind myself constantly not to become too excited because it might start sounding untrustworthy. It was at the same time easy—also because I was so excited. There are so many things to report on that one needs not wonder what one is going to say.
I have only one question left: Where are we going next? True, the material presented by Libronix will always have to be interpreted by the user. Everything cannot be done for the exegete or person who studies the Bible—he or she can only be helped up to a point. This will always be the case. That is why I have the question: What more can be done? Apart from more books or more speed, I am unsure. This is as close to a dream of having a workable library at one’s fingertips as one can get. Any other substantial developments or improvements will be a surprise to me and will exceed my dreams.
© 2002, Society of Biblical Literature. Used by permission.