OT: ESV Paper Concordance

Mark Smith
Mark Smith MVP Posts: 11,822
edited November 2024 in English Forum

This might not be news but I just got an email from Crossway promoting the ESV Complete Concordance in print. It lists for $55 but can be had for about $36.

Just when you think the days of print exhaustive concordances are over, Crossway publishes a brand new one. Paper publishing has not died!

Personally I haven't used a print concordance in so long I can't remember when the last time was. Logos took care of that years ago.

Here's to Crossway! I hope they can make some money on it.

Pastor, North Park Baptist Church

Bridgeport, CT USA

Comments

  • David Taylor, Jr.
    David Taylor, Jr. Member Posts: 4,386 ✭✭✭

    I was just reading the same email. Quite interesting.  Last time I used a paper concordance was when one was required for my hermeneutics class.  I cannot imagine ever going back to that system, but I do hope that Crossway does well with it. Highly respect their organization and the ESV is my preferred translation.

  • Bruce Dunning
    Bruce Dunning MVP Posts: 11,149

    I can't imagine that the days of the paper concordances are numbered.

    Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God

  • Mark Smith
    Mark Smith MVP Posts: 11,822

    I can't imagine that the days of the paper concordances are numbered.

    Can't or can? With free Bible apps that allow searching, one of the big uses of a paper concordance (any concordance) is unneeded by millions of people. That's got to cut revenue and eventually made them unprofitable to create and print. We'll see.

    Pastor, North Park Baptist Church

    Bridgeport, CT USA

  • Bruce Dunning
    Bruce Dunning MVP Posts: 11,149

    Can't or can?

    Oops. How careless of me. Let me say it positively. The days of the paper concordance are numbered.

    Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God

  • John Duffy
    John Duffy Member Posts: 591 ✭✭✭

    The days of the paper concordance are numbered.

    Hi Bruce,

    I was surprised to read a few years ago that young people prefer paper books to ebooks. They prefer the aesthetics of handling a paper book. I don't remember where I read it, though. But it ties up with my observation since then too. They are especially fond of nice covers too. In contrast older folk like ebooks partly because they can make the font bigger to read more easily. The point is, that I was surprised when a teenager I know recently wanted to get a complete ESV concordance, not only because paper was preferred, but also because it meant that their devotional time did not require a phone or tablet which could distract them. My argument that electronic searches are more versatile and can be done anywhere you have a phone or tablet didn't stand a chance against their main reason to avoid using electronics. Having purchased the concordance they use it regularly. It might only be a niche market, but it has its advantages.

  • David Taylor, Jr.
    David Taylor, Jr. Member Posts: 4,386 ✭✭✭

    The days of the paper concordance are numbered.

    Hi Bruce,

    I was surprised to read a few years ago that young people prefer paper books to ebooks. They prefer the aesthetics of handling a paper book. I don't remember where I read it, though. But it ties up with my observation since then too. They are especially fond of nice covers too. In contrast older folk like ebooks partly because they can make the font bigger to read more easily. The point is, that I was surprised when a teenager I know recently wanted to get a complete ESV concordance, not only because paper was preferred, but also because it meant that their devotional time did not require a phone or tablet which could distract them. My argument that electronic searches are more versatile and can be done anywhere you have a phone or tablet didn't stand a chance against their main reason to avoid using electronics. Having purchased the concordance they use it regularly. It might only be a niche market, but it has its advantages.

    Honestly for straight reading I also prefer a paper book. When doing Bible Study I still have my paper ESV with me and I preach from it as well.

  • Bruce Dunning
    Bruce Dunning MVP Posts: 11,149

    The days of the paper concordance are numbered.

    Hi Bruce,

    I was surprised to read a few years ago that young people prefer paper books to ebooks. They prefer the aesthetics of handling a paper book. I don't remember where I read it, though. But it ties up with my observation since then too. They are especially fond of nice covers too. In contrast older folk like ebooks partly because they can make the font bigger to read more easily. The point is, that I was surprised when a teenager I know recently wanted to get a complete ESV concordance, not only because paper was preferred, but also because it meant that their devotional time did not require a phone or tablet which could distract them. My argument that electronic searches are more versatile and can be done anywhere you have a phone or tablet didn't stand a chance against their main reason to avoid using electronics. Having purchased the concordance they use it regularly. It might only be a niche market, but it has its advantages.

    I guess time will tell what people will do and perhaps there will always be a market for paper books. Unless there is no other option I won't be part of that group.

    Using adventure and community to challenge young people to continually say "yes" to God