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Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament. BAG / BAGD / BDAG , Louw & Nida , Abbott-Smith , Liddell & Scott by Wayne Slusser October, 2002 NT-2, Seminar in Greek Studies. What is a Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament BAG / BAGD / BDAG , Louw & Nida , Abbott-Smith , Liddell & Scott by Wayne Slusser October, 2002 NT-2, Seminar in Greek Studies
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Page 1: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

BAG / BAGD / BDAG , Louw & Nida , Abbott-Smith , Liddell &

Scott

by Wayne Slusser October, 2002

NT-2, Seminar in Greek Studies

Page 2: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

What is a Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament?

• A volume of reference work that assists the student of the New Testament in obtaining an English definition and/or translation gloss, (one word equivalents in the target language that suggest how the particular Greek word might be translated.)

• It also provides other valuable information

Page 3: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Information in a Greek-English Lexicon

• The Volume:– Foreword and/or

introduction– Bibliographic info.– Abbreviation lists– 100’s to 1000’s of

entries of words– Possible indices

• The Entry:– The word– Part of speech– Definition or English

gloss– Passage(s) where it

is found– Early Christian

literature info.– Modern author info.

Page 4: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

A Greek-English Lexicon compiled by Henry G. Liddell & Robert Scott

Revised by Henry Stuart Jones and Roderick McKenzie.Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1968

Page 5: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• The Lexicon of Passow 1819, was the basis for the LS lexicon. – Special studies of Early Epic Poetry, Ionic

Prose of Herodotus and Hippocrates, Attic dramatists, and Attic Prose writers

– There was a second & third edition (1825, 1827).

– His fourth and final edition (1831) is what LS used to start their run of “8” editions.

Page 6: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• LS went through “8” editions (1843-1897)

• Delegates of the Clarendon Press were invited to consider the revision of the Lexicon (1903).– This was to incorporate newly discovered

texts on stone and papyrus.

• H. Stuart Jones took over the revision in 1911. He acquired several scholars in different areas of study to aid in the revision.

Page 7: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Areas of specialized study ranged from Medicine to Astronomy & Astrology.

• Also included were large tracts of literature– Papyri fragments– Literature proper – Vocabulary of Epicurus– Vocabulary of the later Platonists– Post-classical Greek literature

Page 8: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Procedure of revision:– notes in margin (alterations and

additions)– editing for publication

• Etymological information should be reduced to a minimum

• Exclusion of both Patristic and Byzantine literature

Page 9: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance

• Wallace’s comments:

– “It is a crucial tool to rid us of our 20th century presuppositions about the usage of words in the NT. The student ought to beware, however, that LS does not cover only classical Greek. It actually covers the Greek language from c. 900 B. C. to c. A. D. 600.”

quote taken from NT Lexicography notes; Grace Theological Seminary, Spring 1983.

Page 10: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sample Entry: Liddell and Scott

Occurs in supplement in back

Page 11: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Abbreviation lists are quite extensive:

– 30 pages of “minute type”– Authors and Works– Epigraphical Publications– Papyrological Publications– Periodicals– General list and signs– Supplement: Incorporated new material

from inscriptions and Papyri (found after printing).

Page 12: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament

G. Abbott-SmithEdinburgh: T. & T. Clark,

1937

Page 13: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• Moulton and Milligan’s aim was not to provide a lexicon of NT Greek. Rather, they offer a select vocabulary of NT words illustrated from papyri.

• This is when Abbott-Smith came on the scene.

Page 14: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• There has arisen a need for the collection and arrangement of words in a convenient form.

• Also a systematic revision of the vocabulary of the NT in light of more research.

• Abbott’s caution is the possibility of exaggerating the influence of the Septuagint.

Page 15: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance

• The work is not comprehensive, although is far more accurate than Thayer.

• The book is a quick reference and introduces features not included in Bauer.– Frequent etymologies– Usage in the LXX with underlying Hebrew

word– Citation of synonyms

Page 16: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sample Entry: Abbott-Smith

Word / Entry Definition All occurrences in the NT are cited.

Not foundin the LXX

Not found inGr. Writers of classical period

Page 17: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Other abbreviations could include:

– Books of Bible, OT & NT

– Ancient writers

– Modern writers

Page 18: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains

Johannes P. Louw and

Eugene A. Nidaeditors

New York: United Bible Societies, 1988

Page 19: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• The first lexicon of the New Testament dedicated to a thorough expression of modern linguistic theory.

• It focuses on the related meanings of different words with the goal of finding appropriate translational equivalents.

Page 20: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Procedures employed in the development of this lexicon:

– Semantic Domains: The editors have organized the lexical entries in semantic domains, not in alphabetical order.

– Definitions: Each lexical entry includes a definition. Before Louw & Nida, it was common practice to provide English translations (glosses) for words.

– Final editing: The editors used cross referencing and indexing, as well as proofreading in order to ensure its accuracy.

Page 21: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Significant features:

– (1) It is based on semantic domains

The editors have organized the Greek vocabulary into a hierarchy by grouping words into classes or semantic domains. The basis for this grouping is the related meaning (semantic features) which each of the words share. [see example next slide]

A group of words that share related meaning.

Page 22: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Semantic domain number

Sub

-dom

ai n

s

First su

b-d

om

ai n

Note: The top portion of the table is from page 288; the bottom from page 289.

Louw & Nida: Semantic Domain

Page 23: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

– (2) Irregular forms are noted if these are in any way connected with meaning.

– (3) Each distinct meaning is clearly marked by a superscript letter of the alphabet.

– (4) Meanings are indicated by definitions and not simply by glosses.

– (5) Contains suggestions which may be relevant for translators.

Page 24: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Significant reasons:

– (1) The inadequacy of most existing dictionaries.

– (2) Some dictionaries have an unsystematic manner in which meanings are treated.

– (3) The necessity of bringing together meanings that are closely related (range of meanings tend to overlap)

Page 25: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance

• Because of the hierarchical organization of the lexical entries, accessing information in “Louw & Nida” involves a different strategy from other lexicons or wordbooks.

• The first volume contains the lexical entries, while the second contains indices. To access lexical information, the interpreter must begin with volume two to find the semantic sub-domain number. The editors have cross-referenced the semantic sub-domain number with volume one.

Page 26: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• How to use the Louw & Nida lexicon

– Accessing Lexical Information:

• Step One: Begin with the indices to access the sub-domain number (vol. 2).

• Step Two: Use the sub-domain number to access the lexical entry and its information (vol. 1).

Page 27: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Step One: Accessing the sub-domain number.

There are three indices in volume (2).

• Greek Word Index: This index contains all of the Greek words that occur in the New Testament.

• English Word Index: This index lists all possible English words.

• Scripture Index: All references listed inside the lexical entries occur in the Scripture index.

Page 28: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Greek Word Index:

– Each entry may contain grammatical information, meaning(s), and idiom(s).

– For example, some words like qeo/pneustoj (“inspired by God”) have one meaning. Other words, like qeo/j (“God”), have more than one meaning or idiom. It is necessary, therefore, for the interpreter to decide which meaning or idiom best corresponds with the passage under consideration.

Page 29: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Cautions with the Greek-word index:

– It is a mistake when dealing with the meanings of Greek words to assume some kind of one-to-one correspondence in meaning in English.

– sa/rc = has the following index:• flesh; body; people; human; nation; human nature;

physical nature; life

• These glosses should not be understood as definitions, they are only clues to various areas of meaning

Page 30: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

– Each meaning/idiom is associated with a sub-domain number. For example, the word qeo/j can mean “God,” referring to the true God, or “god,” referring to a false god. If the first meaning best corresponds with the passage under consideration, you will use the sub-domain number 12.1 to access the lexical entry. However, if the second meaning best corresponds with the passage, you will use 12.22. [see example next slide]

Page 31: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sub-domain number

Meanings of qeo/j

Idioms: Units with the term

qeo/j

Louw & Nida: Greek Word Index

Number to be used later

Page 32: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

English Word Index:

– The English Word Index is different from the Greek Word Index. First, not all possible English words are listed. In addition, the editors may assign more than one sub-domain number to a given English word. Under such a circumstance, it is difficult to know which number is appropriate for the passage under consideration.

Page 33: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

– Because of these differences, it is best for one to use the Greek Word Index. It is possible, nonetheless, to use the English Word Index.

– Each entry contains an English word with its sub-domain number(s). Some words contain a single sub-domain number. Others have two or more. The index does not provide sufficient information for you to discriminate between sub-domains. It is necessary, therefore, for the interpreter to consult each sub-domain.

Page 34: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

– English words that are semantically related are listed as part of the same entry. For example, both insolent and insolence are in the same entry.

– [see example next slide]

Page 35: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sub-domain Number(s)

Louw & Nida: English Word Index

Page 36: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Scripture Index:

– The Scripture Index is also different from the Greek Word Index. First, not all possible Scripture references are listed. In addition, the editors may assign more than one sub-domain number to a given reference. Under such a circumstance, it is difficult to know which word is referenced in the entry.

– Because of these differences, it is best for one to use the Scripture Index along with the Greek Word Index.

Page 37: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

– Each entry contains one or more sub-domain number(s). The editors have not listed specific words with the sub-domain numbers.

– At the same time, you should assume that any reference listed in the Index contains information that will facilitate your interpretation of that passage. It is recommended, therefore, that you consult all sub-domain numbers.

– [see example next slide]

Page 38: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sub-domain number(s)

References are from 2 Timothy.

Louw & Nida: Scripture Index

Page 39: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Step Two: Using the sub-domain number.

• Linking volumes 2 and 1: The sub-domain numbers link volumes 2 and 1. Once you have identified the sub-domain number from the indices (vol. 2), you will use that number to access the lexical entry in volume 1. The editors have organized the lexical entries in numerical order, beginning with sub-domain 1.1.

• [see example next slide]

Page 40: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Step 2: Access lexical entry 33.261 in

volume 1.

Step 1: Look up qeo/pneustoj in the Greek Word Index.

Identify corresponding semantic domain

number.

Louw & Nida: Linking volumes 2 & 1

Page 41: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Content of lexical entry: Each entry contains: (1) grammatical information, (2) a definition, and (3) a discussion of specific passages. The entry may also include a discussion concerning how one might translate the word into a non-Indo-European language.

• [see example next slide]

Page 42: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Grammatical Information

Definition

2 Timothy 3:16

Translation in non-

Indo-European language

Note: The lexical entry qeo/pneustoj (33.261) is part of semantic sub-domain <T>.

Louw & Nida: Lexical Entry

Page 43: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

3.) The Value

• “Very instructive for all students of the Bible because it delineates subtle differences between words related in meaning. . . The various features of definitions and illustrative translations counter the tendency to seek a one-to-one correspondence between words of different languages.”

Gignac, Francis T., Catholic Biblical Quarterly 53.2 (April 1991): 334-35.

Page 44: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature [BAG]

From Walter Bauer’s fourth revised and augmented

edition, 1952by

William F. Arndt & F. Wilbur Gingrich

Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1957.

Page 45: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• Prior to Bauer’s work, Joseph H. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, was considered the front runner in NT lexicography (1889).

• Thayer’s work was an excellent service to scholars of the NT. However, it was misfortunate to have come out just before the papyrus discoveries of 1890 and beyond.

Page 46: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• The first dictionary to appear after the epoch-making discoveries of the papyri was Erwin Preuschen’s Greek-German lexicon of 1910.

• Upon his death in 1920, the revision of his lexicon became Walter Bauer’s privilege.

• When the revision appeared in 1928, it was described as the best in its field! Another rev. in 1937 also appeared, this time with Bauer’s name alone on the title-page.

Page 47: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Bauer completed a fourth edition in 1952. It was this edition that we are fortunate to have in English today.

• Bauer accomplished a systematic search in Greek literature down to Byzantine times for parallels to the language of the NT.

• F. Wilbur Gingrich comes on the scene to persuade the U. of Chicago Press to translate the German work to English.

Page 48: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• A substantial amount of money came from the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to begin the project.

• The manuscript, about 24 thousand hand written slips of paper, was finally finished in January of 1955. Published in 1957.

• The title page included Bauer’s name because of his incredible contribution.

Page 49: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance

• Improvements and additions to the Bauer’s 4th edition took place.

• Inclusion of words not found in Bauer, fragments of Papias.

• Notations and references to M-M (Moulton & Milligan)

and B (CD Buck’s Dict. Of Synonyms in the Indo-European Lang.).• References to scholarly periodical literature

have been brought up to the latter part of 1954.

Page 50: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sample Entry: BAG

Word entry

Referenced inMoulton and Milligan

Writers of antiquity.Plutarch (I-II AD)

Page 51: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Other Abbreviations could include:

– NT, the Apostolic Fathers, other Early Christian Lit.

– OT and Apocrypha– Published collections of inscriptions and

Papyri – Periodicals, Collections, Modern

authors, and literature

Page 52: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

3.) The Value

• “Bauer, in both German and English dress, unquestionably presents the pastor and the student with the very latest, most comprehensive, and undeniably efficient aid to New Testament Bible study. . . The standard lexicon of its time.”

quote taken from Wallace’s NT Lexicography notes;

Grace Theological Seminary, Spring 1983.

Page 53: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature [BAGD]

A translation and adaptation of the

fourth rev. and aug. edition, 19522nd edition by

F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker

Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1979.

Page 54: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• William Danker was asked to serve as co-editor with Gingrich in this revision.

• Danker was a former student of Arndt.

• The primary purpose of this 2nd edition was to not lose touch with modern developments.

Page 55: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance/Value

• Many errors were corrected.

• 20% more information than BAG. (words never before entered in any NT lexicon, other parsed forms, ref. to new Papyri and Qumran documents, ref. to secondary literature, and more extensive bibliographic data.)

Page 56: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Many words also have undergone significant revisions.

• Additional ref. to classical and early Christian literature.

• “Improved typography made this edition a more handy tool than the previous one.”

Quote taken from Blomqvist, Jerker. Journal of Biblical Literature 120.4 (Winter 2001): 780-84.

Page 57: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature [BDAG]

Revised and Edited byFrederick W. Danker. 3rd ed.Chicago: U. of Chicago Press,

2000.

Page 58: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

1.) History and Development

• The 2nd edition, BAGD, was based on Bauer’s 5th ed. The 6th edition of the Worterbuch was edited by the Alands and Viktor Reichmann.

• This 3rd ed. builds on the preceding English editions, the 6th German edition, and Danker’s own work.

Information taken from paper written by Rodney J. Decker, Th.D., Prof. @ Baptist Bible Seminary, Fall 2001.

Page 59: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

2.) Usage and Importance

• 2 excellent changes for this new edition:

– (a) The inclusion of actual definitions rather than English glosses.

– (b) The improvement of typography.

Page 60: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• These extended definitions were a lot of extra work, but well worth it. This is an important improvement and the hope is that other authors of Greek lexicons will do the same.

• Another change is the increase in non-NT citations, and the abbreviations list has been reworked.

• The bibliographic info. has been updated.

Page 61: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Sample Entry: BDAG

Majority of what is new in this3rd. edition, quite significant!

Periodicals, Collections, andModern Authors

Page 62: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

• Other abbreviations include:

– NT, Apostolic Fathers, Selected Apocrypha

– OT and Intertestamental/Pseudepigraphical Literature

– Inscriptions– Papyri/Parchments and Ostraca– Writers and Writings of Antiquity– Periodicals, Collections, Modern authors

Page 63: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

3.) The Value

• This 1-volume work is the standard New Testament lexicon. The editors organize the Greek words in alphabetical order.

• Each entry in “BDAG” includes (1) references from extra-biblical Greek literature, (2) definition of the Greek word, (3) discussion and translation of specific examples in the New Testament, and (4) bibliography.

Page 64: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Concluding Thoughts

• 1.) Lexicon work is never over. The process continues and we must be aware of this.

• 2.) Our work is never over. This presentation proves that we are indebted to these men. Let us make our contributions.

• 3.) God’s work is never over. The continuation of the study of His word is a must. Let us not become lazy!

Page 65: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Bibliographic InformationAbbott-Smith, G. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New

Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1937. {v-ix}

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and

Other Early Christian Literature. by William F. Arndt and

F. Wilbur Gingrich. Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1957. {v-viii}

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and

Other Early Christian Literature. 2nd. ed. Revised and augmented by F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W.

Danker.Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1979. {ix-xxviii}

Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and

Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd. ed. Revised and edited by Frederick W. Danker. Chicago: U. of

Chicago Press, 2000. {v-xi}

Page 66: Analyzing the Greek-English Lexicons of the New Testament

Bibliographic Information, cont. Blomqvist, Jerker. Book review of BDAG, Journal of Biblical Literature

120.4 (Winter 2001): 780-84.

Danker, Frederick W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Revised & Expanded edition, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.

Decker, Rodney J. Paper on BDAG, Baptist Bible Seminary, Fall 2001.

Gignac, Francis T. Book review of Louw & Nida, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 53.2 (April 1991): 334-35.

Liddell, Henry George, and Scott, Robert. A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised by Henry Stuart Jones and Roderick McKenzie. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1968. {iii-xiv}

Louw, Johannes P. and Nida, Eugene A. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. 2nd. ed. New York: United Bible Societies, 1988. {vi-xx}

Wallace, Daniel B. Class notes from New Testament Lexicography class, Grace Theological Seminary, Spring 1983.


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