I'm a big lover of Bible Software, indeed I am dependent upon it. I've already done a length review of BibleWorks and Joel has done a thorough review of Accordance. But now it's time to complete the trifecta and do a review Logos 4 Platinum Edition. I trialed using Logos 4 for some lecture prep on "Doctrine of God", sermon prep on 1 Corinthians, and some research on 1 Esdras.
The first big thing I should say about Logos 4 (platinum) is what you get in the library. There are some gems here:
- Transcriptions of MSS: Phil Comfort & David Barrett, The Text of the Earliest Greek Manuscripts - including P46, 66, 52.
- Editions of the Gk NT including: NA26, UBS4, Tischendorf and Westcott & Hort.
- Translation of the DSS (Martini) and transcriptions of the Cairo Geniza Targumic Fragments.
- Aramaic Papyri: A. Cowley
- B. Metzger, Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament
- K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels
- Lexical Resources: BDAG, EDNT, TDNT, and Louw-Nida.
- Church History: Ante-Nicene, Nicene, and Post-Nicene Fathers.
- Apostolic Fathers: editions by Michael Holmes and K. Lake.
- Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: editions by R.H. Charles
- Texts: editions of LXX, Peshitta, Vulgate
- E. Tov's interlinear Hebrew and Greek of the LXX
- Reference works: Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, Harper Bible Dictionary, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, The Encyclopedia of Christianity (4 vols.), The Context of Scripture (3 vols.).
- A selection of Paternoster Biblical Monographs.
- Full commentary series:BECNT, NIGTC, NAC, Pillar NTC.
- Philo and Jospehus - in English but only Philo is available in Greek.
- I should also add that there is an array of resources available on their pre-pub site that has some classics, out of print resources, new books, commentaries, and monographs.
Even better the entire library is searchable.
Second, I like the Logos interface (though it took some getting used to). I really liked the idea of typing in a biblical reference like "Revelation 22" and then being only one click away from the commentaries by Beale (NIGTC) and Osborne (BECNT) that cover those verses. Also instantaneously available are pre-written handouts, list of OT quotations in the NT, media resources, and link to sermon audios!
Third, the exegetical guide (that's a tab in Logos) includes instantaneous links to the apparatuses of critical editions, grammars, lexical info, interlinears, and more. Quite a sweet suite!
Fourth, the right-click on Greek words opens a whole host of available info including various forms, semantic domains, occurrences of the word in the NT, etc.
I found that Logos is well suited to those engaging in academic study, esp. given the sheer mass of resources in its library. But it is perhaps best suited to those doing serious Bible study, sermon prep, or preparing lessons for ministry, more so if they already have a divinity degree and need some resources and tips to help them get back into the grove of serious Bible study without a a prof to prod them along. If I had to make additions to Logos 4 it would be English and Greek editions of the NT Apocrypha, Lampe's Patristic Lexicon, and texts from Migne (though some are available for individual purchase at the pre-pub site).
4 comments:
Great software.
Not cheap.
How does the price compare to Accordance and Bible Works?
google it.
I've been using Logos Software since 2001 so fortunate enough to have built up library and spread the cost over that time. Expensive to jump on board now but if you want a good all-round package this is well worth considering, even if you start off with a low end package and build it up over time.
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