TIP of the day: Why I don't use the Cross-Reference section of the Passage Guide - Part I

MJ. Smith

1. The upper section of the Cross-References simply offers me an opportunity to open NTSK or TSK. Note that in the forums the author has indicated an updated version is in progress.

The bottom portion offers me a consolidated list of the cross-references gleaned from resources in my library. The thread from May 2014 https://community.logos.com/forums/t/84638.aspx shows the resources considered at that time. Perhaps Marks Barnes will provide an updated list (hint, hint). This list offers one useful feature - providing the text of the most frequent cross-references. It also provides the ability to see all the cross-reference texts of the bottom section in my Bible or a Passage List.

2. I'll chose Save as Passage List to illustrate my problem with this section. First there is no indication whether the reference is given for a word, phrase or larger unit - in this case for a group of three verses. Second there is no indication that Mark 1:40-44 is the reference given in all but the NKJV.

3. For this verse the ESV accounts for 4 entries. However, there are many definitions of cross references so that different resources point to different verses for different reasons. Not knowing the resources that generated the entry limits my information for actually using the cross-reference which is the whole point of the exercise.

4. To illustrate the variety of ways cross-references are classified, I provided an introductory post TIP of the day: from the blogs, etc. - types of cross-references which is summarized and expanded in this chart:

5. In my mind, the information I wish to capture regarding a cross-reference is:

• the shared or contrasted element
• the biblical reference
• the relationship of the references (type of cross-reference)
• what this cross-reference adds to my understanding

Note Automate Logos (Notes) with Powershell may be a useful way to implement this. Historically I have used tables of 3-5 verses which can be embedded in Bible study worksheets or notes.

I lean towards the NTSK use of cross-reference which leans towards any type of intra-/inter-textual relationship but given my particular interests there are some relationships I consider that are not in the NTSK:

• deuterographs which may be considered a subset of parallel passages
• shared images
• shared liturgical use

5. What I do instead of using the Cross Reference section varies by type of reference. For parallel passages I use:

• the Parallel Passages section of the Passage Guide
• Deuterographs by Robert Baker Girdlestone

Note this does not pick up parallels as given as examples in SUGGESTION: Simplified, shared harmonies - Abraham in this example

6. Note that I can save the Parallel Passages Section as a Passage Guide although I do not have the option of opening a Bible with just the referenced passages.

7. I can also check the NTSK for parallel passages although it is not comprehensive. In this case there are no parallel passage entries. Note that the NTSK also lacks the deuterocanonicals which limits its usefulness.

<continued in subsequent posts ... each going through another type of cross-reference>