Right Click Thematic Study

As an expository preacher, I primarily preach-teach through paragraphs in the Bible. I explain the context, word meanings, and the author’s original intent and of course suggest modern application. Within many biblical paragraphs, however, are topics or themes discussed elsewhere in Scripture. Understanding the entire Scriptural concept certainly sheds light on the individual piece of the puzzle contained within a specific passage of the Bible. For example, redemption is a biblical theme discussed in Ephesians 1:7, but that’s just one verse out of many commenting on the subject. Seeing the whole picture leads to better comprehension of the individual pieces.

Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes, contained in most Logos collections, assists us in grasping the big picture of a biblical topic. Here are some suggestions for using the resource:

First, make sure it’s in the top five of prioritized, topical books (Bible dictionaries, English dictionaries, topical Bibles, etc.)

  • Open the Library
  • Click Prioritize (1)
  • Type title:Zondervan in the Library’s Find box (2)
  • Drag Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes to the Prefer these resources list on the right (remember to place it in the top five of prioritized, topical books) (3)
  • Close the Library

Logos 4: Right Click Thematic Study (1)

After prioritizing the book, use your right click menu to open it:

  • Open an English Bible to a passage such as Hebrews 4:9, which mentions the biblical theme of rest (4)
  • Right click on the word rest (5)
  • From the right menu click Selection rest and then the title of the resource Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes (6)(7)

Logos 4: Right Click Thematic Study (2)

The book opens to a brief comment about the theme (5056). Underneath the comment notice:

  • 5057 rest, physical
  • 5058 rest, spiritual
  • 5059 rest, eternal

Within each section you’ll see hyperlink cross references as well as See also directing you to related themes.

Logos 4: Right Click Thematic Study (3)

After looking up many of these cross references, you’ll begin to understand the theme of rest!

I also encourage you to read the Introduction and How to use this book sections of this resource. Here the editors explain the organization of the book. This will be quite helpful if you’ve never used this book.

What are your favorite themes in the Bible? Is it grace, forgiveness, mercy, love, redemption, etc.?

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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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