Sermon codes and paragraph numbers
What a code such as 57-0325 and a mark such as ¶33 mean, where they show, and how to find, cite and copy a passage with them.
On this page
Every sermon has a code built from its date, and every paragraph has a number. Together they point to one passage, which is why each citation in an answer, a search result or a copied quote gives both.
How a code is made
A code is the year, the month and the day, two digits each: 57-0325 is March 25, 1957. When more than one sermon was preached on a day, a letter follows the date, M for the morning, E for the evening, A for the afternoon, and a few sermons carry another letter.
| Written as | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| A code | 57-0325 | The sermon of March 25, 1957 |
| A code with a letter | 64-0830M | The morning sermon of August 30, 1964 |
| A paragraph | ¶33 | Paragraph 33 of a sermon |
| Several paragraphs | ¶33–35 | Paragraphs 33 to 35 |
| A citation | 57-0325 ¶33 | Paragraph 33 of the sermon of March 25, 1957 |
A sermon keeps its code in every language and every version of its text, so a citation to one code always means the same sermon. See Languages and versions.
Where you see them
- Under the title at the top of a sermon, and in the bar that stays on screen once you scroll.
- In the index, under each title.
- In search results, at the right of each result, with the paragraph: 57-0325 ¶33.
- In an answer, a chip after each point gives the sermon’s title and ¶, and the Sources tab adds the date and the code.
- At the top of the screen while a passage is selected, after Selected:.
What a paragraph number is
Paragraph numbers are the ones printed in the text of a sermon, so anyone who reads it can find the same place. Every citation names one, so that it takes you to the passage rather than to the top of a sermon that runs an hour or more.
Most are plain numbers. A few sermons print them another way, such as E-35, 117-5 or 12a; use them as written.
Each version of a text has its own numbers. French and English do not always divide a sermon into the same paragraphs, so paragraph 19 in one is not always paragraph 19 in the other. A citation opens the version it was made from, and side by side lines up the two texts by meaning.
Find a sermon from its code
- Open Browse, then Search.
- Type the code, with the paragraph if you have one: 57-0325 33 or 57-0325 ¶33.
- Tap the first line, Open the sermon 57-0325 ¶33. The sermon opens at that paragraph.
To find a sermon by part of its title, or by its date written as a code, use the box of the index. To hold an answer to certain sermons, choose them by title or code: see Chosen sermons.
Cite a passage
Web
- In the sermon, click a sentence, or drag across several with the mouse.
- Choose Copy in the row of icons that appears.
- Paste it where you are writing.
App
- In the sermon, tap a sentence, or hold one a moment and slide across several.
- Tap Copy in the row of icons at the foot of the screen.
- Paste it where you are writing.
What you paste has the number of each paragraph before its text, then a line with the sermon’s code, its title and the paragraph, then his name and a link that opens the passage. Share and Copy link sit in the same row of icons: see Copy and share a passage.
Why does a sermon have a letter after its date?
More than one sermon was preached that day: M is the morning, E the evening and A the afternoon. A few sermons carry another letter.
Where do I find the code of the sermon I am reading?
Under the title at the top of the sermon, and in the bar that stays at the top once you scroll.
A link says a paragraph is no longer in this text. What happened?
The paragraphs of that sermon were renumbered after the link was made, so its number no longer matches. Open the sermon and search for the words, or write to us with the sermon and the paragraph.
English and French give different numbers for the same passage. Which is right?
Both, each for its own text, because the two do not always divide a sermon the same way. Cite the number with the version it comes from; side by side shows which sentences face each other.
I found a mistake in a text. What do I do?
Write to us with the sermon’s code and the paragraph number, and we will correct the text.
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Related articles
- Browse the index of every sermonOpen the index of every sermon, list it by date, title, length, series or place, find one by name and open it.
- Sources and follow-up questionsOpen the sermon passages behind an answer, move between answers, and ask a follow-up that narrows the answer or starts a new subject.
- Copy, share and link a passageCopy a passage with its reference, share it, or send a link that opens the sermon at that paragraph. Also how to share a quote of the day or a plan.