Biblical Interpretation: Search Tips for Online/Databases

In the Online Catalog, conduct a basic SUBJECT (use the drop down menu to the right of the dialog box and choose subject) search by entering your search in one of the following formats:

BIBLE. O.T. group of books
BIBLE. N.T. group of books

Examples of SUBJECT searches for books ABOUT the Bible:

BIBLE. O.T. APOCRYPHA Also use the subject heading: APOCRYPHAL BOOKS

BIBLE. O.T. HISTORICAL BOOKS
BIBLE. O.T. MINOR PROPHETS
BIBLE. O.T. PENTATEUCH
BIBLE. O.T. POETICAL BOOKS
BIBLE. O.T. PROPHETS

BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES
BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES OF JOHN
BIBLE. N.T. EPISTLES OF PAUL
BIBLE. N.T. GOSPELS

In the Online Catalog, conduct a basic SUBJECT search by entering your search in one of the following formats:

BIBLE. O.T. book
BIBLE. N.T. book

Examples of SUBJECT searches for books ABOUT the Bible:

BIBLE. O.T. APOCRYPHA. MACCABEES, 1ST

BIBLE. O.T. GENESIS 
BIBLE. O.T. KINGS, 1ST
BIBLE. O.T. KINGS, 2ND

BIBLE. N.T. MATTHEW
BIBLE. N.T. CORINTHIANS, 1ST
BIBLE. N.T. CORINTHIANS, 2ND

• Use Boolean Search techniques
  • Skip the words "a" "of" and "the"
  • Single key word, e.g. Transfiguration
  • Phrase search - when two or more terms are always used together, put them in quotes e.g. "New Testament"
  • Very broad term = a single term, e.g. Scriptures
  • Broader yet = add the term OR between synonyms, e.g., Scriptures OR Bible
  • More refined = add the term AND between terms to focus your topic, e.g. Gospel AND Luke AND Emmaus
  • More refined = use NOT, e.g., Mary NOT Magdalene

• Limit searches to full text articles.  

• Good Keywords include:

  • Bible
  • Bible people
  • Bible, study editions
  • Bible resources, children
  • Bible, study and teaching
  • Bible survey, adult
  • Bible Topics, adult
  • Biblical archaeology
  • Biblical women
  • Biography
  • Books of the Bible (see specific book)