Lexicons. Lexicons Lexicon—a dictionary, especially of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew Lexicon—a...

LexiconsLexicons

LexiconsLexicons

Lexicon—a dictionary, Lexicon—a dictionary, especially of Greek, Latin, or especially of Greek, Latin, or HebrewHebrew

From Gk From Gk lexikonlexikon, wordbook, wordbook A lexicon may be described as A lexicon may be described as

a “wordbook or dictionary of a a “wordbook or dictionary of a specific language, or the specific language, or the vocabulary of a particular vocabulary of a particular people.”people.”

LexiconsLexicons

A lexicon is compiled to A lexicon is compiled to describe in succinct terms the describe in succinct terms the meaning(s) of a given word.meaning(s) of a given word.

The etymology is traced The etymology is traced through the successive stages through the successive stages of the history of the language.of the history of the language.

Lexicons (Hebrew)Lexicons (Hebrew)

F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, Briggs, A Hebrew and English A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old TestamentLexicon of the Old Testament– Often referred to as BDB.Often referred to as BDB.– BDB translated BDB translated Thesarus Thesarus

philologicus-criticus linguae philologicus-criticus linguae Hebraeae et Chaldaeae Veteris Hebraeae et Chaldaeae Veteris Testament Testament (1829-1858)(1829-1858)

– This work completed This work completed posthumously.posthumously.


F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, Briggs, A Hebrew and English A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old TestamentLexicon of the Old Testament– Was companion volume to Was companion volume to

Wilhelm Gesenius, Wilhelm Gesenius, Hebraisches-Hebraisches-deutsches Handworterbuch uber deutsches Handworterbuch uber die Schriften des Alten die Schriften des Alten Testaments Testaments (2 vols.; 1810-1812)(2 vols.; 1810-1812)

– BDB first appeared in 1907 and BDB first appeared in 1907 and was last revised in 1962.was last revised in 1962.


F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, Briggs, A Hebrew and English A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old TestamentLexicon of the Old Testament– It depended heavily on It depended heavily on

comparative linguistics and readily comparative linguistics and readily translated similar terms in a translated similar terms in a variety of Near Eastern languages.variety of Near Eastern languages.

– Value of BDB lies in fact editors Value of BDB lies in fact editors were sensitive to the nuances or were sensitive to the nuances or shades of meaning of Classical shades of meaning of Classical Hebrew.Hebrew.


F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, Briggs, A Hebrew and English A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old TestamentLexicon of the Old Testament– This gave their work an enduring This gave their work an enduring

quality that is not to be found in quality that is not to be found in other, more recent, lexicons that other, more recent, lexicons that lack flexibility when assigning lack flexibility when assigning specific meanings to words.specific meanings to words.


L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosLibros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) (2 vols.; 1951-1953)– Has never attained stature of BDB.Has never attained stature of BDB.– Provided a Hebrew/Aramaic Provided a Hebrew/Aramaic

German/English explanation of German/English explanation of words and their meanings and was words and their meanings and was based on the 3based on the 3rdrd ed. of Rudolf ed. of Rudolf Kittel’s Kittel’s Biblia HebraicaBiblia Hebraica..


L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosLibros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) (2 vols.; 1951-1953)– The order of the words is strictly The order of the words is strictly

alphabetical and not by root as in BDB.alphabetical and not by root as in BDB.– Usage is also made of Ugaritic sources Usage is also made of Ugaritic sources

not available to BDB.not available to BDB.– K-B has now been revised by K-B has now been revised by

Baumgartner and J. J. Stamm, and is in Baumgartner and J. J. Stamm, and is in the process of being translated and the process of being translated and edited by M. E. J. Richardson (1994-).edited by M. E. J. Richardson (1994-).


L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosLibros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) (2 vols.; 1951-1953)– The new edition is being issued under The new edition is being issued under

the title the title Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.of the Old Testament.

– so far, four out of five promised so far, four out of five promised volumes have been published.volumes have been published.

– This revision makes full use of This revision makes full use of Ugaritic materials and information Ugaritic materials and information from the Dead Sea Scrolls.from the Dead Sea Scrolls.


L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosLibros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) (2 vols.; 1951-1953)– A feature that makes this new A feature that makes this new

edition more usable to students of edition more usable to students of Biblical Hebrew is the fact that Biblical Hebrew is the fact that words from other cognate words from other cognate languages are transliterated.languages are transliterated.

– Only Hebrew and Greek words are Only Hebrew and Greek words are written in their own alphabets.written in their own alphabets.


L. Koehler and W. L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Baumgartner, Lexicon in Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosVeteris Testamenti Libros (2 (2 vols.; 1951-1953)vols.; 1951-1953)– A far as can be ascertained, this A far as can be ascertained, this

new edition of K-B has special new edition of K-B has special value in the area of etymological value in the area of etymological research and in tracing research and in tracing hapax hapax legomenalegomena..


L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti LibrosLibros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) (2 vols.; 1951-1953)– Though the meanings assigned Though the meanings assigned

different words are often influenced different words are often influenced by critical considerations, the by critical considerations, the conclusions offered can always be conclusions offered can always be checked against BDB.checked against BDB.

– Advanced students will find valuable Advanced students will find valuable information in the bibliography.information in the bibliography.


D. J. A. Clines, D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Dictionary of Classical HebrewHebrew (1993-) (1993-)– Scheduled for 8 vols., this lexicon is in Scheduled for 8 vols., this lexicon is in

many respects the first entirely new many respects the first entirely new work to be published in many years.work to be published in many years.

– Others, such as BDB and K-B were Others, such as BDB and K-B were based upon earlier works.based upon earlier works.

– DCH follows a strictly alphabetical DCH follows a strictly alphabetical order for the entries as they appear in order for the entries as they appear in sentences (as opposed to BDB where sentences (as opposed to BDB where words are placed under the tri-lateral words are placed under the tri-lateral root).root).


D. J. A. Clines, D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Dictionary of Classical HebrewClassical Hebrew (1993-) (1993-)– No cognates from other Semitic No cognates from other Semitic

languages are mentioned, but languages are mentioned, but inscriptional evidence down to A.D. inscriptional evidence down to A.D. 200, together with data from Qumran 200, together with data from Qumran and Ben Sira, has been included.and Ben Sira, has been included.

– As a result DCH does not provide As a result DCH does not provide information about connections with information about connections with other Semitic dialects and it does not other Semitic dialects and it does not classify usages as figurative or classify usages as figurative or literal.literal.


D. J. A. Clines, D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Dictionary of Classical HebrewClassical Hebrew (1993-) (1993-)– Related words, synonyms, and Related words, synonyms, and

antonyms are listed at the end of antonyms are listed at the end of the treatment of a word.the treatment of a word.

– Emendations proposed by BDB Emendations proposed by BDB and K-B are listed, but without and K-B are listed, but without any critical evaluation.any critical evaluation.


D. J. A. Clines, D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Dictionary of Classical HebrewClassical Hebrew (1993-) (1993-)– DCH gives promise of being a DCH gives promise of being a

valuable tool for the scholar.valuable tool for the scholar.– It strength lies in its semantic It strength lies in its semantic

examination of each word, examination of each word, syntagmatic listing of every syntagmatic listing of every usage with its meaning, and usage with its meaning, and paradigmatic listing of synonyms paradigmatic listing of synonyms and antonyms.and antonyms.


D. J. A. Clines, D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Dictionary of Classical HebrewHebrew (1993-) (1993-)– It concludes with an English-Hebrew It concludes with an English-Hebrew

index, and an English translation of index, and an English translation of every Hebrew word or phrase.every Hebrew word or phrase.

– Though avant-garde and highly Though avant-garde and highly commendable, its projected size and commendable, its projected size and cost will place it beyond the reach of cost will place it beyond the reach of the average student of the biblical the average student of the biblical languages.languages.

– It is unlikely, therefore, to replace BDB It is unlikely, therefore, to replace BDB for practical usefulness.for practical usefulness.

LexiconsLexicons Walter Bauer, Walter Bauer, Greek-English Lexicon Greek-English Lexicon

of the New Testament and Other of the New Testament and Other Early Christian LiteratureEarly Christian Literature (translated (translated and edited by W. F. Arndt and F. W. and edited by W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich [1957-1958], and revised Gingrich [1957-1958], and revised and augmented by F. W. Gingrich and augmented by F. W. Gingrich and F. W. Danker [1979]).and F. W. Danker [1979]).– At one time referred to as “Arndt and At one time referred to as “Arndt and

Gingrich,” B’s lexicon is based upon an Gingrich,” B’s lexicon is based upon an extensive examination of Greek extensive examination of Greek literature, including NT words still in literature, including NT words still in use in Byzantine times.use in Byzantine times.

LexiconsLexicons

BauerBauer– A vast amount of material was A vast amount of material was

mastered and then reduced to mastered and then reduced to succinct, descriptive statements succinct, descriptive statements defining the usage of each word and defining the usage of each word and giving its meaning during different giving its meaning during different eras of Greek literary history.eras of Greek literary history.

– True value of the work can only be True value of the work can only be appreciated when one reads through appreciated when one reads through the prefatory material, and the prefatory material, and particularly the introduction by Bauer.particularly the introduction by Bauer.

LexiconsLexicons

BauerBauer– Excellent coverageExcellent coverage– Meanings given are judiciousMeanings given are judicious– Grammatical hints are significantGrammatical hints are significant– References to literature outside the References to literature outside the

NT have been well-chosen and are NT have been well-chosen and are representative of the usage of the representative of the usage of the same word in other sources.same word in other sources.

– The volume is indispensable.The volume is indispensable.

LexiconsLexicons

J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, Vocabulary Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, Illustrated from of the Greek Testament, Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-literary the Papyri and Other Non-literary SourcesSources (1929) (1929)– Important source of philological illumination Important source of philological illumination

comes from papyri discovered in Egypt.comes from papyri discovered in Egypt.– The terminology found in papyrus The terminology found in papyrus

fragments, letters and ostraka, parallels the fragments, letters and ostraka, parallels the Greek of the NT.Greek of the NT.

– Thus, much of it may be used to add new Thus, much of it may be used to add new insights into meanings of words employed insights into meanings of words employed by writers of the NT.by writers of the NT.

LexiconsLexicons M-MM-M This work is based upon articles This work is based upon articles

published in published in The ExpositorThe Expositor (1908-1911). (1908-1911). Following Moulton’s death in 1917, Following Moulton’s death in 1917,

Milligan carried on the work alone, Milligan carried on the work alone, finally finishing in 1929.finally finishing in 1929.

Contains numerous parallels to the Contains numerous parallels to the terminology of the NT.terminology of the NT.

Investigation of the source material Investigation of the source material offered in the concise format of M-M will offered in the concise format of M-M will not only enrich study but also provide not only enrich study but also provide many illustrations of word usage in the many illustrations of word usage in the language of the people of the NT period. language of the people of the NT period.

LexiconsLexicons G. H. W. Lampe, G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Patristic Greek

LexiconLexicon (1961) (1961)– Work based on the material contained in Work based on the material contained in

Migne’s Migne’s Patrologia GraecaPatrologia Graeca..– Object is to make available the Object is to make available the

theological and ecclesiastical vocabulary theological and ecclesiastical vocabulary of the Greek Christian authors from of the Greek Christian authors from Clement of Rome to Theodore of Clement of Rome to Theodore of Stadium, so that researchers can trace Stadium, so that researchers can trace easily and efficiently the development of easily and efficiently the development of Christian thought.Christian thought.

– Informative coverage is given terms like Informative coverage is given terms like apostolos, episkopos, presbuteros, ….apostolos, episkopos, presbuteros, ….

LexiconsLexicons

G. H. W. Lampe, G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Patristic Greek LexiconLexicon (1961) (1961)

Values of such a lexicon are many.Values of such a lexicon are many.– 1) As far as the development of 1) As far as the development of

doctrine is concerned, we can trace doctrine is concerned, we can trace by e.g. as well as precept either the by e.g. as well as precept either the early church’s adherence to “sound early church’s adherence to “sound doctrine” or its departure from it.doctrine” or its departure from it.

– The reasons for the latter frequently The reasons for the latter frequently parallel trends in our own time.parallel trends in our own time.

– Human nature remains the same.Human nature remains the same.

LexiconsLexicons


Values of such a lexicon are many.Values of such a lexicon are many.– 2) In the course of history, changes in 2) In the course of history, changes in

the usage of words and their meaning the usage of words and their meaning were inevitable.were inevitable. ““Disciple” in the Gospels used of one who Disciple” in the Gospels used of one who

had counted the cost of following Christ.had counted the cost of following Christ. In the era of the early church it came to In the era of the early church it came to

be applied to those whose manner of life be applied to those whose manner of life would permit this term to be connected would permit this term to be connected with their name.with their name.

LexiconsLexicons


Values of such a lexicon are many.Values of such a lexicon are many. Often death by martyrdom was regarded as Often death by martyrdom was regarded as

the criterion for calling one a “disciple.”the criterion for calling one a “disciple.”

Lampe begins with a list of authors Lampe begins with a list of authors and their writings.and their writings.

Each of the references can be traced Each of the references can be traced to the to the Loeb Classical LibraryLoeb Classical Library..

LexiconsLexicons

H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-Greek-English LexiconEnglish Lexicon (1897/1996) (1897/1996)– A revised and updated edition was A revised and updated edition was

prepared for publication by H. S. prepared for publication by H. S. Jones with the assistance of R. Jones with the assistance of R. McKenzie (1940) and a Supplement McKenzie (1940) and a Supplement by E. A. Barber was issued in 1968.by E. A. Barber was issued in 1968.

– Provides access to the classical period Provides access to the classical period of Greek literature.of Greek literature.

– An index to Greek authors and their An index to Greek authors and their works is found in the introductory works is found in the introductory materials.materials.

LexiconsLexicons

H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-Greek-English LexiconEnglish Lexicon (1897/1996) (1897/1996)– While this work is of value primarily While this work is of value primarily

for the access it provides to the for the access it provides to the classical period, literature is also cited classical period, literature is also cited through to the 6through to the 6thth c. A.D. (including c. A.D. (including the Septuagint and Apocrypha).the Septuagint and Apocrypha).

– Obviously, the closer the reference is Obviously, the closer the reference is to the NT era, the greater will be its to the NT era, the greater will be its bearing on the meaning of the word bearing on the meaning of the word in the language of the NT.in the language of the NT.

LexiconsLexicons

H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-Greek-English LexiconEnglish Lexicon (1897/1996) (1897/1996)

Note of caution: Note of caution: – Do not buy an abridged edition.Do not buy an abridged edition.– An abridgement is valuable only to An abridgement is valuable only to

the student of classical Greek.the student of classical Greek.– An abridgement is valueless for NT An abridgement is valueless for NT

study.study.

LexiconsLexicons

Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886)English Lexicon (1886)– A translation of Wilke-Grimm’s 2A translation of Wilke-Grimm’s 2ndnd ed. ed.

(1879).(1879).– A corrected edition appeared in 1889 A corrected edition appeared in 1889

and made Thayer a standard name in and made Thayer a standard name in the English speaking theological the English speaking theological world until 1957.world until 1957.

– Followed the comparative philology Followed the comparative philology school with its proportionately greater school with its proportionately greater emphasis on etymology as compared emphasis on etymology as compared with more recent approaches.with more recent approaches.

LexiconsLexicons

Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886)English Lexicon (1886)

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons

Primary purpose—to bring together Primary purpose—to bring together within convenient range the within convenient range the evidence for making a judgment evidence for making a judgment concerning the precise meaning of a concerning the precise meaning of a term.term.

What types of evidence can be What types of evidence can be found in a lexicon?found in a lexicon?– 1) Identification of word forms1) Identification of word forms– 2) Etymology2) Etymology– 3) Classification of usage3) Classification of usage– 4) Discrimination of synonyms4) Discrimination of synonyms


1) Identification of Word Forms1) Identification of Word Forms One of first tests of the beginner in One of first tests of the beginner in

learning a new language is his ability learning a new language is his ability to identify word forms correctly.to identify word forms correctly.

Whenever one encounters new or Whenever one encounters new or unfamiliar words, recourse to the unfamiliar words, recourse to the lexicon is necessary.lexicon is necessary.

While the structural form of words is While the structural form of words is treated by a grammar, the lexicon treated by a grammar, the lexicon provides a useful index to word provides a useful index to word forms.forms.


1) Identification of Word Forms1) Identification of Word Forms Since most irregularities occur in Since most irregularities occur in

the verb, the lexicon provides the verb, the lexicon provides clues to such irregular forms by clues to such irregular forms by citing the principal parts of the citing the principal parts of the most important, or the most most important, or the most irregular, verbs; these forms are irregular, verbs; these forms are usually supplied at the head of the usually supplied at the head of the particular article being consulted.particular article being consulted.


1) Identification of Word Forms1) Identification of Word Forms Once the correct form has been Once the correct form has been

identified, it remains to complete identified, it remains to complete the process of analysis of the the process of analysis of the function of the verb in a particular function of the verb in a particular instance; several factors assist in instance; several factors assist in the analysis.the analysis.– 1) The verb root; this will indicate the 1) The verb root; this will indicate the

meaning of the verbal idea.meaning of the verbal idea.– 2) Tense force; this will identify the 2) Tense force; this will identify the

kind of action involved, whether kind of action involved, whether durative, punctiliar, or completed.durative, punctiliar, or completed.


1) Identification of Word Forms1) Identification of Word Forms– 3) The relation of the verb to the 3) The relation of the verb to the

context, that is, the connection context, that is, the connection between the verb and the other parts between the verb and the other parts of the sentence.of the sentence.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons 2) Etymology2) Etymology Word roots have the power to Word roots have the power to

create pictures in the mind and so create pictures in the mind and so to vivify the reading of the Gk NT.to vivify the reading of the Gk NT.

The lexicon shows, for instance, that The lexicon shows, for instance, that the word translated “to fear” comes the word translated “to fear” comes from a root meaning “to run”; the from a root meaning “to run”; the word “soul” stems from a root word “soul” stems from a root meaning “to breathe”; the root meaning “to breathe”; the root meaning of the word for “life” (zoe) meaning of the word for “life” (zoe) is reflected in our Eng. word is reflected in our Eng. word “vitality.”“vitality.”


2) Etymology2) Etymology Words are not like disconnected Words are not like disconnected

atoms; they grow from roots and they atoms; they grow from roots and they form clusters in families.form clusters in families.

So, words, like people, have So, words, like people, have ancestors and display family ancestors and display family relationships.relationships.

The lexicon serves as an index to The lexicon serves as an index to derivation by enabling the reader to derivation by enabling the reader to trace family relationships to their trace family relationships to their source wherever possible.source wherever possible.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons 3) Classification of usage3) Classification of usage Since one word may be used in a Since one word may be used in a

variety of ways, the NT lexicon offers variety of ways, the NT lexicon offers an attempted classification of usage.an attempted classification of usage.

Here the lexicographer must play the Here the lexicographer must play the role of an interpreter and state what role of an interpreter and state what appears to him to be the specific appears to him to be the specific meaning of the word in a given meaning of the word in a given passagepassage

He then cites other instances of He then cites other instances of identical or similar usage under a identical or similar usage under a single heading.single heading.


3) Classification of usage3) Classification of usage The student must learn always to The student must learn always to

exercise the greatest care and not exercise the greatest care and not to infer without examination that all to infer without examination that all the passages cited are exactly the passages cited are exactly similar.similar.

He should regard what the lexicon He should regard what the lexicon presents as an index to evidence, presents as an index to evidence, and the classification of usage as and the classification of usage as one specialist’s opinion based upon one specialist’s opinion based upon that evidence.that evidence.


3) Classification of usage3) Classification of usage He must then weigh this evidence He must then weigh this evidence

for himself in the light of the for himself in the light of the specific contexts where the word specific contexts where the word occurs.occurs.


4) Discrimination of synonyms4) Discrimination of synonyms One of the most rewarding uses of One of the most rewarding uses of

the NT lexicon is the discrimination the NT lexicon is the discrimination of those words which occasionally of those words which occasionally may be used interchangeably.may be used interchangeably.

The lexicon shows why in certain The lexicon shows why in certain cases one would be appropriate cases one would be appropriate and the other not.and the other not.

For e.g., a person can be tested or For e.g., a person can be tested or tried in many ways.tried in many ways.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms4) Discrimination of synonyms James (1:12) declares that the man James (1:12) declares that the man

who endures temptation is blessed, who endures temptation is blessed, “for when he is tried, he shall “for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.”receive the crown of life.”

““Temptation” and “tried” cannot be Temptation” and “tried” cannot be interchanged here without doing interchanged here without doing violence to James’ meaning.violence to James’ meaning.

The fine shades of meaning inherent The fine shades of meaning inherent in Greek synonyms are not always in Greek synonyms are not always made explicit in English translations.made explicit in English translations.


4) Discrimination of synonyms4) Discrimination of synonyms In Eng., one word sometimes is used In Eng., one word sometimes is used

to translate several words in Greek.to translate several words in Greek. Typical examples of such words in Typical examples of such words in

NT vocabulary are “love,” “fear,” NT vocabulary are “love,” “fear,” “labor,” “power,” “know,” “send,” “labor,” “power,” “know,” “send,” “ask,” “tempt,” “gift,” and so on.“ask,” “tempt,” “gift,” and so on.

Lexicons may attempt to provide a Lexicons may attempt to provide a basis for distinction by means of basis for distinction by means of special notes at the ends of articles.special notes at the ends of articles.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms4) Discrimination of synonyms The notes may indicate the most The notes may indicate the most

important contexts in which the important contexts in which the synonyms occur together.synonyms occur together.

When these passages have been When these passages have been located, insights into their meanings located, insights into their meanings may be provided by observing may be provided by observing instances of their use in classical instances of their use in classical and Septuagint Greek as well as in and Septuagint Greek as well as in Koine, and by considering other NT Koine, and by considering other NT contexts in which they occur.contexts in which they occur.


Old Friends (known words)Old Friends (known words) Every beginning Gk student knows Every beginning Gk student knows

o;nomao;noma, name; why bother to use the , name; why bother to use the lexicon.lexicon.

The big lexicon sketches the vivid The big lexicon sketches the vivid associations made by the ancients associations made by the ancients between the name and the qualities between the name and the qualities possessed by a person or thing.possessed by a person or thing.

It details the implications of all It details the implications of all phrases involving the name of God phrases involving the name of God and Christ.and Christ.


Old Friends (known words)Old Friends (known words) The word The word o;nomao;noma, does not itself , does not itself

mean all the things suggested.mean all the things suggested. But the lexicon invites But the lexicon invites

consideration of contexts in which consideration of contexts in which the word takes on meaning beyond the word takes on meaning beyond the its mere dictionary meaning.the its mere dictionary meaning.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons Old Friends (known words)Old Friends (known words) Almost everyone associates the Almost everyone associates the

expression “wait on tables” (Acts expression “wait on tables” (Acts 6:2) with food.6:2) with food.

A look at BAGD under A look at BAGD under tra,pezatra,peza raises the very strong possibility raises the very strong possibility that the apostles were entangling that the apostles were entangling themselves in time-consuming themselves in time-consuming bookkeeping.bookkeeping.

The apostles are then rejecting their The apostles are then rejecting their role of bankers and not simply that role of bankers and not simply that of butlers.of butlers.


Local Color (understanding the Local Color (understanding the environment of words)environment of words)

One ought not only remain open to One ought not only remain open to new and increased appreciation of new and increased appreciation of old friends.old friends.

It is equally rewarding to It is equally rewarding to understand their environment.understand their environment.



It is also rewarding to understand It is also rewarding to understand the environment of words.the environment of words.

The primary function of Moulton-The primary function of Moulton-Milligan is to recreate the world in Milligan is to recreate the world in which the NT vocabulary was which the NT vocabulary was employed.employed.

M-M is not a comprehensive lexicon M-M is not a comprehensive lexicon a discriminating selection of words a discriminating selection of words that shed fresh light on the NT.that shed fresh light on the NT.



In Acts 20:30 Paul views with concern In Acts 20:30 Paul views with concern the inevitable arrival of false teachers.the inevitable arrival of false teachers.

The word The word avpospaw,avpospaw, translated “entice” translated “entice” is found in a papyrus of the 3is found in a papyrus of the 3rdrd c. B.C. c. B.C.

““You wrote me not to withdraw the You wrote me not to withdraw the gang (of workmen engaged in the gang (of workmen engaged in the copper mines) from Philoteris before copper mines) from Philoteris before they had finished their work.”they had finished their work.”



““Withdraw” in the sense of “breach Withdraw” in the sense of “breach of contract” is found in numerous of contract” is found in numerous formal documents.formal documents.

Between the lines of Acts 20:30 we Between the lines of Acts 20:30 we may find the suggestion that the may find the suggestion that the disciples were under contract to disciples were under contract to serve the Lord and that false serve the Lord and that false teachers will urge them to break the teachers will urge them to break the contract.contract.



No new definition is attached to No new definition is attached to the word, but the word undergoes the word, but the word undergoes rejuvenation and suggests to the rejuvenation and suggests to the expositor an appropriate expositor an appropriate contemporary legal illustration.contemporary legal illustration.



In Rom. 15:28 Paul tells the In Rom. 15:28 Paul tells the Romans that he intends to Romans that he intends to complete the collection he has complete the collection he has undertaken and will stop by on his undertaken and will stop by on his way to Spain after he has made way to Spain after he has made delivery to the saints in Jerusalem.delivery to the saints in Jerusalem.

The word here used for “making The word here used for “making delivery” is delivery” is sfragi,zw.sfragi,zw...



The papyri suggest customs similar The papyri suggest customs similar to the sealing of railroad boxcars.to the sealing of railroad boxcars.

In one papyrus a shipmaster is In one papyrus a shipmaster is instructed to write a receipt for instructed to write a receipt for grain shipped on a government grain shipped on a government transport, and he is to “seal a transport, and he is to “seal a sample” to prevent the grain from sample” to prevent the grain from being tampered with during transit.being tampered with during transit.



In another a merchant writes: “If In another a merchant writes: “If you come, take out six you come, take out six artabaeartabae of of vegetable seed, sealing it in the vegetable seed, sealing it in the sacks in order that they may be sacks in order that they may be ready.”ready.”

Paul will take all steps to ensure Paul will take all steps to ensure proper delivery of the collection and proper delivery of the collection and eliminate any cause for scandal.eliminate any cause for scandal.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the Local Color (understanding the

environment of words)environment of words) The problem of disorderly people or The problem of disorderly people or

loafers in the Thessalonian loafers in the Thessalonian congregations is sharpened by the congregations is sharpened by the material under material under avtakte,wavtakte,w in M-M. in M-M.

In a papyrus dated A.D. 66 a In a papyrus dated A.D. 66 a contract of apprenticeship stipulates contract of apprenticeship stipulates that the father must make good any that the father must make good any days during which his son “plays days during which his son “plays truant” or “fails to attend.”truant” or “fails to attend.”



Similarly a weaver’s apprentice must Similarly a weaver’s apprentice must make up any days he is absent owing to make up any days he is absent owing to idleness or ill health beyond the 3-week idleness or ill health beyond the 3-week vacation and sick leave allowed during vacation and sick leave allowed during the year.the year.

These papyri parallels to 2 Thess. 3:11 These papyri parallels to 2 Thess. 3:11 suggest that some Thessalonian suggest that some Thessalonian employers were fuming at a message employers were fuming at a message which in their judgment was capsizing which in their judgment was capsizing the economic order.the economic order.



Primary function of Moulton & Primary function of Moulton & Milligan, Milligan, The Vocabulary of the The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, illustrated from Greek Testament, illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-Literary the Papyri and Other Non-Literary SourcesSources, is to recreate the world in , is to recreate the world in which the NT vocabulary was which the NT vocabulary was employed; is not a comprehensive employed; is not a comprehensive lexicon but a selective list of words lexicon but a selective list of words that shed fresh light on the NT.that shed fresh light on the NT.



MMMM attempts to make the world of attempts to make the world of the NT come alive—the world of the NT come alive—the world of shopkeepers, of lonely widows, of shopkeepers, of lonely widows, of traveling salespeople, of the traveling salespeople, of the lovelorn, of bankers, of merchants, lovelorn, of bankers, of merchants, of politicians.of politicians.



And because it is the same And because it is the same workaday world as that of our own workaday world as that of our own century, with names and places century, with names and places changed, changed, MMMM is a volume that is a volume that more effectively than many others more effectively than many others can bridge the chasm between can bridge the chasm between pulpit and pew.pulpit and pew.


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) Words are like people; to know them Words are like people; to know them

well one must meet them on their well one must meet them on their own level, in their own environment; own level, in their own environment; in different circumstances they react in different circumstances they react differently; like a face they take on differently; like a face they take on varying expressions.varying expressions.

Some of them move from place to Some of them move from place to place; some never return to their place; some never return to their earlier surroundings.earlier surroundings.


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) But to know their past is to know a But to know their past is to know a

little better what makes them act little better what makes them act as they do in the present.as they do in the present.

BAGD is not intended to be a BAGD is not intended to be a historical survey of NT Greek.historical survey of NT Greek.

MM deals only with the papyri, and MM deals only with the papyri, and to some extent with inscriptions.to some extent with inscriptions.


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) To see the family portrait one can To see the family portrait one can

go to the Liddell-Scott, go to the Liddell-Scott, Greek-Greek-English LexiconEnglish Lexicon (LSJM), a lexicon of (LSJM), a lexicon of classical Gk literature.classical Gk literature.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) Some understanding of LS’s Some understanding of LS’s

usefulness may be gained from the usefulness may be gained from the study of a word such as study of a word such as kakoh,qeia,kakoh,qeia,..

Paul uses the word in a catalog of Paul uses the word in a catalog of sins in Rom. 1:29.sins in Rom. 1:29.

BAGD offers the glosses “malice, BAGD offers the glosses “malice, malignity, craftiness.”malignity, craftiness.”

BAGD offers Aristotle’s definition, BAGD offers Aristotle’s definition, “___ means always to assume the “___ means always to assume the worst.”worst.”


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) But LS under the adjective form But LS under the adjective form

notes that it is especially used in notes that it is especially used in the sense of “thinking evil, prone the sense of “thinking evil, prone to put the worst construction on to put the worst construction on everything.”everything.”

Would this not be more helpful Would this not be more helpful than “malignity” in Moffatt and the than “malignity” in Moffatt and the RSV, or “craftiness” in the NRSV?RSV, or “craftiness” in the NRSV?


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) Common word Common word amartano amartano (sin) (sin)

provides an example.provides an example. In the In the IliadIliad 5.287 is used of a spear 5.287 is used of a spear

missing its mark; in general it is missing its mark; in general it is used of failure to achieve one’s used of failure to achieve one’s purpose.purpose.

The concept of actual wrongdoing The concept of actual wrongdoing and indiscretions committed against and indiscretions committed against the gods appears in the the gods appears in the IliadIliad 9.501. 9.501.


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) In Biblical documents the In Biblical documents the

implications of “sin” are more implications of “sin” are more clearly defined, but the original clearly defined, but the original idea of failure to achieve one’s idea of failure to achieve one’s purpose sharpens the contrast purpose sharpens the contrast between moral expectations and between moral expectations and actual achievements.actual achievements.


Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) AmartanoAmartano by itself does not “mean” by itself does not “mean”

all these things, and there is nothing all these things, and there is nothing specifically “theological” about the specifically “theological” about the term.term.

But when a given context indicates But when a given context indicates awareness of divine interests, the awareness of divine interests, the student searches for resources in student searches for resources in the receptor language that will the receptor language that will express the meaning in a specific express the meaning in a specific passage.passage.

Use of LexiconsUse of Lexicons Pedigree (word families)Pedigree (word families) That the word That the word parrasiaparrasia (boldness) is (boldness) is

composed of two words, composed of two words, paspas and and rasisrasis and literally means “saying and literally means “saying everything” might not be everything” might not be recognized without the help of LSJM recognized without the help of LSJM (the components are entered in (the components are entered in parentheses).parentheses).

The references to Athenian love of The references to Athenian love of free speech help accent the type of free speech help accent the type of fearlessness displayed by the fearlessness displayed by the apostles in Acts 4.apostles in Acts 4.


A Notable AsteriskA Notable Asterisk The more comprehensive a lexicon The more comprehensive a lexicon

becomes, the more complete is its listing becomes, the more complete is its listing of words.of words.

Koehler-Baumgartner signals the Koehler-Baumgartner signals the occurrences of certain words and forms occurrences of certain words and forms with numbers in parentheses.with numbers in parentheses.

BAGD simply places a single asterisk at BAGD simply places a single asterisk at the end of articles in which all occurrences the end of articles in which all occurrences in the NT and apostolic fathers has been in the NT and apostolic fathers has been noted and a double asterisk when only the noted and a double asterisk when only the NT passages are listed in full.NT passages are listed in full.


A Notable AsteriskA Notable Asterisk So the student is spared the need So the student is spared the need

for checking in an additional tool, for checking in an additional tool, in this case a concordance.in this case a concordance.

For e.g., one can see at a glance For e.g., one can see at a glance that that mathetriamathetria occurs only once in occurs only once in the NT (Acts 9:6).the NT (Acts 9:6).

No other woman in the NT is No other woman in the NT is described by this term.described by this term.


Reference and Resource MaterialReference and Resource Material One of the most valuable One of the most valuable

incidental features of BAGD is the incidental features of BAGD is the bibliographical data found at the bibliographical data found at the end of many of the articles.end of many of the articles.

If you were writing a paper, would If you were writing a paper, would find a bibliography of journal find a bibliography of journal articles, books, chapters in books, articles, books, chapters in books, etc.etc.


Practical NotePractical Note Special signs and abbreviations are Special signs and abbreviations are

necessary (for saving space) to a necessary (for saving space) to a lexicon’s system of lexicon’s system of communication.communication.

Some time spent pondering the Some time spent pondering the introductory pages will save the introductory pages will save the user time and frustration.user time and frustration.

Same advice holds for use of other Same advice holds for use of other reference tools as well.reference tools as well.


A study of material referred to in a A study of material referred to in a concordance precedes the concordance precedes the consultation of a lexicon.consultation of a lexicon.

After tracing the sources After tracing the sources mentioned in a concordance and mentioned in a concordance and studying the usage of the word in studying the usage of the word in light of the context, a lexicon can light of the context, a lexicon can be consulted to either validate or be consulted to either validate or correct the work you have done.correct the work you have done.


Because lexicons synthesize Because lexicons synthesize material, you may uncover material, you may uncover something passed over by the something passed over by the editors due to the fact that they editors due to the fact that they were dealing with broader issues were dealing with broader issues then the one you have been then the one you have been researching.researching.

A knowledge of the use of A knowledge of the use of concordances and lexicons will concordances and lexicons will prepare you for engaging in one of prepare you for engaging in one of the most exciting of biblical the most exciting of biblical pursuits—word studies.pursuits—word studies.

Date post:	22-Dec-2015
Category:	Documents
Upload:	rebecca-daniel
View:	290 times
Download:	3 times

Lexicons. Lexicons Lexicon—a dictionary, especially of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew Lexicon—a...

Documents