Details, Analysis and Graphs

[Dewayne Davis]

I am interested in how others use the details window in their study. I have been using it to find items of interest in large passages such as repeated words and themes through the text, location and density of verb usage by mood, etc... Can you give a little explanation or direction as to the algorithms used for Importance and Uniqueness of words in the Analysis windows. Does this really prove useful to others? I think it does to me. But want to hear others' use of the tool as well.

[mikes]

I find myself asking the same question... BDAG just doesn't work to well in my instant details

[Timothy Jenney]

I think one question concerns the "Details" Window, the other the "Instant Details" box. [Don't worry, when I'm tired I confuse them too!]

 

Anyway, the various graphs and analyses are great for establishing frequency and distribution of a word or phrase. An especially common word in one author may indicate a theme or interest of his (or his audience), while an extremely rare word may indicate an unusual metaphor, domain or context. For example, in my own work on the Feast of Sukkoth [Tabernacles], I was able to identify a number of passages that related to the feast by comparing the relative distribution of a number of words related to the rituals of the feast [palm branches, pitcher/bowl, dancing, grapes]. Another example would be to compare frequency of the use of various liturgical objects, places and actions [e.g. altar, trumpet, temple, libation, sacrifice] in Revelation vs. the rest of the New Testament.

 

As to the Instant Details box, I've now made mine as large as possible. It's probably 1/3 the size of my main workspace! That's more than enough to tell me whether the article [accessed via command-cursor] is worth the "trouble" of triple-clicking and opening another pane to read the entire thing. [Yep, I've truly become that lazy, er, ah, "efficient." ;-)]

[William B]

I have to say even as a really new user I find this feature pretty helpful. I ran it for the word 'redemption' and was amazed how much this word occurs in Leviticus of all places, that the book of the law promoted an act of grace such as it. That little fact was used in my sermon.