Proximity Search for Greek Words

Normally I try to address as many people as possible in my Monday blogs. Today, however, is an exception as I pass along a very specific Greek tip that I e-mailed a Logos user in response to his question:

I was wondering if there was a way to search for something like a Greek word within a parsed form of another Greek word.  In particular, I wanted to search for the Greek word en, within four words, of the Greek letter omega with an iota subscript.

I’m happy to report here’s one way to do just that:

  • Click the Search icon
  • Select Bible as the search type (1)
  • Select from the drop down list a Greek text like Nestle Aland 27th Edition (2)
  • Select from the drop down list a range like New Testament (3)
  • Type g:en in the Find box (4)
  • Select the Greek word ἐν from the drop down list (5)
  • Type WITHIN 4 words after ἐν in the Find box (6)
  • Type g:w after WITHIN 4 words in the Find box (7)
  • Select the Greek word from the drop down list (8)
  • Notice the complete search query in the Find box ἐν WITHIN 4 words ᾧ (9)
  • Press the Enter key to generate the search results

ProxSearch1.jpg

ProxSearch2.jpg

ProxSearch3.jpg

ProxSearch4.jpg

Typing g: alerts Logos that we’re going to type the transliteration of a Greek word which is why the program lists all of the Greek words matching the transliteration. WITHIN 4 words is the command for a proximity search which locates the two Greek terms when they occur within 4 words of each other in the same verse. To disregard the verse restriction and find the two Greek terms within 4 words of each other even if they’re in different verses, select Basic as the search type.

These types of power features that are a little off the beaten path are among the many subjects covered in Camp Logos 2 Live DVD training, which is still available to pre-order!

How has your study of the original languages enhanced your understanding of scripture?

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Written by
Morris Proctor

Morris Proctor (1961–2023) was a certified trainer for Logos Bible Software and founder of MP Seminars. Morris trained thousands of Logos users at his two-day Camp Logos seminars, and his team continues to provide many training materials.

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Written by Morris Proctor
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