1. Lexicons

2. Lexicons Lexicon—a dictionary, especially of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew Lexicon—a dictionary, especially of Greek, Latin, or Hebrew From Gk lexikon, wordbook From Gk lexikon, wordbook A lexicon may be described as a “wordbook or dictionary of a specific language, or the vocabulary of a particular people.” A lexicon may be described as a “wordbook or dictionary of a specific language, or the vocabulary of a particular people.”

3. Lexicons A lexicon is compiled to describe in succinct terms the meaning(s) of a given word. A lexicon is compiled to describe in succinct terms the meaning(s) of a given word. The etymology is traced through the successive stages of the history of the language. The etymology is traced through the successive stages of the history of the language.

4. Lexicons (Hebrew) F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament –Often referred to as BDB. –BDB translated Thesarus philologicus- criticus linguae Hebraeae et Chaldaeae Veteris Testament (1829- 1858) –This work completed posthumously.

5. Lexicons (Hebrew) F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament –Was companion volume to Wilhelm Gesenius, Hebraisches-deutsches Handworterbuch uber die Schriften des Alten Testaments (2 vols.; 1810- 1812) –BDB first appeared in 1907 and was last revised in 1962.

6. Lexicons (Hebrew) F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament –It depended heavily on comparative linguistics and readily translated similar terms in a variety of Near Eastern languages. –Value of BDB lies in fact editors were sensitive to the nuances or shades of meaning of Classical Hebrew.

7. Lexicons (Hebrew) F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament F. Brown, S. R. Driver and C. A. Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament –This gave their work an enduring quality that is not to be found in other, more recent, lexicons that lack flexibility when assigning specific meanings to words.

8. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –Has never attained stature of BDB. –Provided a Hebrew/Aramaic German/English explanation of words and their meanings and was based on the 3 rd ed. of Rudolf Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica.

9. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –The order of the words is strictly alphabetical and not by root as in BDB. –Usage is also made of Ugaritic sources not available to BDB. –K-B has now been revised by Baumgartner and J. J. Stamm, and is in the process of being translated and edited by M. E. J. Richardson (1994-).

10. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –The new edition is being issued under the title Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. –so far, four out of five promised volumes have been published. –This revision makes full use of Ugaritic materials and information from the Dead Sea Scrolls.

11. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –A feature that makes this new edition more usable to students of Biblical Hebrew is the fact that words from other cognate languages are transliterated. –Only Hebrew and Greek words are written in their own alphabets.

12. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –A far as can be ascertained, this new edition of K-B has special value in the area of etymological research and in tracing hapax legomena.

13. Lexicons (Hebrew) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (2 vols.; 1951-1953) –Though the meanings assigned different words are often influenced by critical considerations, the conclusions offered can always be checked against BDB. –Advanced students will find valuable information in the bibliography.

14. Lexicons (Hebrew) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) –Scheduled for 8 vols., this lexicon is in many respects the first entirely new work to be published in many years. –Others, such as BDB and K-B were based upon earlier works. –DCH follows a strictly alphabetical order for the entries as they appear in sentences (as opposed to BDB where words are placed under the tri-lateral root).

15. Lexicons (Hebrew) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) –No cognates from other Semitic languages are mentioned, but inscriptional evidence down to A.D. 200, together with data from Qumran and Ben Sira, has been included. –As a result DCH does not provide information about connections with other Semitic dialects and it does not classify usages as figurative or literal.

16. Lexicons (Hebrew) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) –Related words, synonyms, and antonyms are listed at the end of the treatment of a word. –Emendations proposed by BDB and K- B are listed, but without any critical evaluation.

17. Lexicons (Hebrew) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) –DCH gives promise of being a valuable tool for the scholar. –It strength lies in its semantic examination of each word, syntagmatic listing of every usage with its meaning, and paradigmatic listing of synonyms and antonyms.

18. Lexicons (Hebrew) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (1993-) –It concludes with an English-Hebrew index, and an English translation of every Hebrew word or phrase. –Though avant-garde and highly commendable, its projected size and cost will place it beyond the reach of the average student of the biblical languages. –It is unlikely, therefore, to replace BDB for practical usefulness.

19. Lexicons Walter Bauer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (translated and edited by W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich [1957-1958], and revised and augmented by F. W. Gingrich and F. W. Danker [1979]). Walter Bauer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (translated and edited by W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich [1957-1958], and revised and augmented by F. W. Gingrich and F. W. Danker [1979]). –At one time referred to as “Arndt and Gingrich,” B’s lexicon is based upon an extensive examination of Greek literature, including NT words still in use in Byzantine times.

20. Lexicons Bauer Bauer –A vast amount of material was mastered and then reduced to succinct, descriptive statements defining the usage of each word and giving its meaning during different eras of Greek literary history. –True value of the work can only be appreciated when one reads through the prefatory material, and particularly the introduction by Bauer.

21. Lexicons Bauer Bauer –Excellent coverage –Meanings given are judicious –Grammatical hints are significant –References to literature outside the NT have been well-chosen and are representative of the usage of the same word in other sources. –The volume is indispensable.

22. Lexicons J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-literary Sources (1929) J. H. Moulton and G. Milligan, Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-literary Sources (1929) –Important source of philological illumination comes from papyri discovered in Egypt. –The terminology found in papyrus fragments, letters and ostraka, parallels the Greek of the NT. –Thus, much of it may be used to add new insights into meanings of words employed by writers of the NT.

23. Lexicons M-M M-M This work is based upon articles published in The Expositor (1908-1911). This work is based upon articles published in The Expositor (1908-1911). Following Moulton’s death in 1917, Milligan carried on the work alone, finally finishing in 1929. Following Moulton’s death in 1917, Milligan carried on the work alone, finally finishing in 1929. Contains numerous parallels to the terminology of the NT. Contains numerous parallels to the terminology of the NT. Investigation of the source material offered in the concise format of M-M will not only enrich study but also provide many illustrations of word usage in the language of the people of the NT period. Investigation of the source material offered in the concise format of M-M will not only enrich study but also provide many illustrations of word usage in the language of the people of the NT period.

24. Lexicons G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) –Work based on the material contained in Migne’s Patrologia Graeca. –Object is to make available the theological and ecclesiastical vocabulary of the Greek Christian authors from Clement of Rome to Theodore of Stadium, so that researchers can trace easily and efficiently the development of Christian thought. –Informative coverage is given terms like apostolos, episkopos, presbuteros, ….

25. Lexicons G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) Values of such a lexicon are many. Values of such a lexicon are many. –1) As far as the development of doctrine is concerned, we can trace by e.g. as well as precept either the early church’s adherence to “sound doctrine” or its departure from it. –The reasons for the latter frequently parallel trends in our own time. –Human nature remains the same.

26. Lexicons G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) Values of such a lexicon are many. Values of such a lexicon are many. –2) In the course of history, changes in the usage of words and their meaning were inevitable. “Disciple” in the Gospels used of one who had counted the cost of following Christ. “Disciple” in the Gospels used of one who had counted the cost of following Christ. In the era of the early church it came to be applied to those whose manner of life would permit this term to be connected with their name. In the era of the early church it came to be applied to those whose manner of life would permit this term to be connected with their name.

27. Lexicons G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) G. H. W. Lampe, Patristic Greek Lexicon (1961) Values of such a lexicon are many. Values of such a lexicon are many. Often death by martyrdom was regarded as the criterion for calling one a “disciple.” Often death by martyrdom was regarded as the criterion for calling one a “disciple.” Lampe begins with a list of authors and their writings. Lampe begins with a list of authors and their writings. Each of the references can be traced to the Loeb Classical Library. Each of the references can be traced to the Loeb Classical Library.

28. Lexicons H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) –A revised and updated edition was prepared for publication by H. S. Jones with the assistance of R. McKenzie (1940) and a Supplement by E. A. Barber was issued in 1968. –Provides access to the classical period of Greek literature. –An index to Greek authors and their works is found in the introductory materials.

29. Lexicons H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) –While this work is of value primarily for the access it provides to the classical period, literature is also cited through to the 6 th c. A.D. (including the Septuagint and Apocrypha). –Obviously, the closer the reference is to the NT era, the greater will be its bearing on the meaning of the word in the language of the NT.

30. Lexicons H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) H. C. Liddell and R. Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (1897/1996) Note of caution: Note of caution: –Do not buy an abridged edition. –An abridgement is valuable only to the student of classical Greek. –An abridgement is valueless for NT study.

31. Lexicons Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886) Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886) –A translation of Wilke-Grimm’s 2 nd ed. (1879). –A corrected edition appeared in 1889 and made Thayer a standard name in the English speaking theological world until 1957. –Followed the comparative philology school with its proportionately greater emphasis on etymology as compared with more recent approaches.

32. Lexicons Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886) Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1886)

33. Use of Lexicons Primary purpose—to bring together within convenient range the evidence for making a judgment concerning the precise meaning of a term. Primary purpose—to bring together within convenient range the evidence for making a judgment concerning the precise meaning of a term. What types of evidence can be found in a lexicon? What types of evidence can be found in a lexicon? –1) Identification of word forms –2) Etymology –3) Classification of usage –4) Discrimination of synonyms

34. Use of Lexicons 1) Identification of Word Forms 1) Identification of Word Forms One of first tests of the beginner in learning a new language is his ability to identify word forms correctly. One of first tests of the beginner in learning a new language is his ability to identify word forms correctly. Whenever one encounters new or unfamiliar words, recourse to the lexicon is necessary. Whenever one encounters new or unfamiliar words, recourse to the lexicon is necessary. While the structural form of words is treated by a grammar, the lexicon provides a useful index to word forms. While the structural form of words is treated by a grammar, the lexicon provides a useful index to word forms.

35. Use of Lexicons 1) Identification of Word Forms 1) Identification of Word Forms Since most irregularities occur in the verb, the lexicon provides clues to such irregular forms by citing the principal parts of the most important, or the most irregular, verbs; these forms are usually supplied at the head of the particular article being consulted. Since most irregularities occur in the verb, the lexicon provides clues to such irregular forms by citing the principal parts of the most important, or the most irregular, verbs; these forms are usually supplied at the head of the particular article being consulted.

36. Use of Lexicons 1) Identification of Word Forms 1) Identification of Word Forms Once the correct form has been identified, it remains to complete the process of analysis of the function of the verb in a particular instance; several factors assist in the analysis. Once the correct form has been identified, it remains to complete the process of analysis of the function of the verb in a particular instance; several factors assist in the analysis. –1) The verb root; this will indicate the meaning of the verbal idea. –2) Tense force; this will identify the kind of action involved, whether durative, punctiliar, or completed.

37. Use of Lexicons 1) Identification of Word Forms 1) Identification of Word Forms –3) The relation of the verb to the context, that is, the connection between the verb and the other parts of the sentence.

38. Use of Lexicons 2) Etymology 2) Etymology Word roots have the power to create pictures in the mind and so to vivify the reading of the Gk NT. Word roots have the power to create pictures in the mind and so to vivify the reading of the Gk NT. The lexicon shows, for instance, that the word translated “to fear” comes from a root meaning “to run”; the word “soul” stems from a root meaning “to breathe”; the root meaning of the word for “life” (zoe) is reflected in our Eng. word “vitality.” The lexicon shows, for instance, that the word translated “to fear” comes from a root meaning “to run”; the word “soul” stems from a root meaning “to breathe”; the root meaning of the word for “life” (zoe) is reflected in our Eng. word “vitality.”

39. Use of Lexicons 2) Etymology 2) Etymology Words are not like disconnected atoms; they grow from roots and they form clusters in families. Words are not like disconnected atoms; they grow from roots and they form clusters in families. So, words, like people, have ancestors and display family relationships. So, words, like people, have ancestors and display family relationships. The lexicon serves as an index to derivation by enabling the reader to trace family relationships to their source wherever possible. The lexicon serves as an index to derivation by enabling the reader to trace family relationships to their source wherever possible.

40. Use of Lexicons 3) Classification of usage 3) Classification of usage Since one word may be used in a variety of ways, the NT lexicon offers an attempted classification of usage. Since one word may be used in a variety of ways, the NT lexicon offers an attempted classification of usage. Here the lexicographer must play the role of an interpreter and state what appears to him to be the specific meaning of the word in a given passage Here the lexicographer must play the role of an interpreter and state what appears to him to be the specific meaning of the word in a given passage He then cites other instances of identical or similar usage under a single heading. He then cites other instances of identical or similar usage under a single heading.

41. Use of Lexicons 3) Classification of usage 3) Classification of usage The student must learn always to exercise the greatest care and not to infer without examination that all the passages cited are exactly similar. The student must learn always to exercise the greatest care and not to infer without examination that all the passages cited are exactly similar. He should regard what the lexicon presents as an index to evidence, and the classification of usage as one specialist’s opinion based upon that evidence. He should regard what the lexicon presents as an index to evidence, and the classification of usage as one specialist’s opinion based upon that evidence.

42. Use of Lexicons 3) Classification of usage 3) Classification of usage He must then weigh this evidence for himself in the light of the specific contexts where the word occurs. He must then weigh this evidence for himself in the light of the specific contexts where the word occurs.

43. Use of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms 4) Discrimination of synonyms One of the most rewarding uses of the NT lexicon is the discrimination of those words which occasionally may be used interchangeably. One of the most rewarding uses of the NT lexicon is the discrimination of those words which occasionally may be used interchangeably. The lexicon shows why in certain cases one would be appropriate and the other not. The lexicon shows why in certain cases one would be appropriate and the other not. For e.g., a person can be tested or tried in many ways. For e.g., a person can be tested or tried in many ways.

44. Use of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms 4) Discrimination of synonyms James (1:12) declares that the man who endures temptation is blessed, “for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” James (1:12) declares that the man who endures temptation is blessed, “for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” “Temptation” and “tried” cannot be interchanged here without doing violence to James’ meaning. “Temptation” and “tried” cannot be interchanged here without doing violence to James’ meaning. The fine shades of meaning inherent in Greek synonyms are not always made explicit in English translations. The fine shades of meaning inherent in Greek synonyms are not always made explicit in English translations.

45. Use of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms 4) Discrimination of synonyms In Eng., one word sometimes is used to translate several words in Greek. In Eng., one word sometimes is used to translate several words in Greek. Typical examples of such words in NT vocabulary are “love,” “fear,” “labor,” “power,” “know,” “send,” “ask,” “tempt,” “gift,” and so on. Typical examples of such words in NT vocabulary are “love,” “fear,” “labor,” “power,” “know,” “send,” “ask,” “tempt,” “gift,” and so on. Lexicons may attempt to provide a basis for distinction by means of special notes at the ends of articles. Lexicons may attempt to provide a basis for distinction by means of special notes at the ends of articles.

46. Use of Lexicons 4) Discrimination of synonyms 4) Discrimination of synonyms The notes may indicate the most important contexts in which the synonyms occur together. The notes may indicate the most important contexts in which the synonyms occur together. When these passages have been located, insights into their meanings may be provided by observing instances of their use in classical and Septuagint Greek as well as in Koine, and by considering other NT contexts in which they occur. When these passages have been located, insights into their meanings may be provided by observing instances of their use in classical and Septuagint Greek as well as in Koine, and by considering other NT contexts in which they occur.

47. Use of Lexicons Old Friends (known words) Old Friends (known words) Every beginning Gk student knows o;noma, name; why bother to use the lexicon. Every beginning Gk student knows o;noma, name; why bother to use the lexicon. The big lexicon sketches the vivid associations made by the ancients between the name and the qualities possessed by a person or thing. The big lexicon sketches the vivid associations made by the ancients between the name and the qualities possessed by a person or thing. It details the implications of all phrases involving the name of God and Christ. It details the implications of all phrases involving the name of God and Christ.

51. Use of Lexicons Old Friends (known words) Old Friends (known words) The word o;noma, does not itself mean all the things suggested. The word o;noma, does not itself mean all the things suggested. But the lexicon invites consideration of contexts in which the word takes on meaning beyond the its mere dictionary meaning. But the lexicon invites consideration of contexts in which the word takes on meaning beyond the its mere dictionary meaning.

52. Use of Lexicons Old Friends (known words) Old Friends (known words) Almost everyone associates the expression “wait on tables” (Acts 6:2) with food. Almost everyone associates the expression “wait on tables” (Acts 6:2) with food. A look at BAGD under tra,peza raises the very strong possibility that the apostles were entangling themselves in time-consuming bookkeeping. A look at BAGD under tra,peza raises the very strong possibility that the apostles were entangling themselves in time-consuming bookkeeping. The apostles are then rejecting their role of bankers and not simply that of butlers. The apostles are then rejecting their role of bankers and not simply that of butlers.

54. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) One ought not only remain open to new and increased appreciation of old friends. One ought not only remain open to new and increased appreciation of old friends. It is equally rewarding to understand their environment. It is equally rewarding to understand their environment.

55. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) It is also rewarding to understand the environment of words. It is also rewarding to understand the environment of words. The primary function of Moulton- Milligan is to recreate the world in which the NT vocabulary was employed. The primary function of Moulton- Milligan is to recreate the world in which the NT vocabulary was employed. M-M is not a comprehensive lexicon a discriminating selection of words that shed fresh light on the NT. M-M is not a comprehensive lexicon a discriminating selection of words that shed fresh light on the NT.

56. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) In Acts 20:30 Paul views with concern the inevitable arrival of false teachers. In Acts 20:30 Paul views with concern the inevitable arrival of false teachers. The word avpospaw, translated “entice” is found in a papyrus of the 3 rd c. B.C. The word avpospaw, translated “entice” is found in a papyrus of the 3 rd c. B.C. “You wrote me not to withdraw the gang (of workmen engaged in the copper mines) from Philoteris before they had finished their work.” “You wrote me not to withdraw the gang (of workmen engaged in the copper mines) from Philoteris before they had finished their work.”

57. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) “Withdraw” in the sense of “breach of contract” is found in numerous formal documents. “Withdraw” in the sense of “breach of contract” is found in numerous formal documents. Between the lines of Acts 20:30 we may find the suggestion that the disciples were under contract to serve the Lord and that false teachers will urge them to break the contract. Between the lines of Acts 20:30 we may find the suggestion that the disciples were under contract to serve the Lord and that false teachers will urge them to break the contract.

58. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) No new definition is attached to the word, but the word undergoes rejuvenation and suggests to the expositor an appropriate contemporary legal illustration. No new definition is attached to the word, but the word undergoes rejuvenation and suggests to the expositor an appropriate contemporary legal illustration.

59. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) In Rom. 15:28 Paul tells the Romans that he intends to complete the collection he has undertaken and will stop by on his way to Spain after he has made delivery to the saints in Jerusalem. In Rom. 15:28 Paul tells the Romans that he intends to complete the collection he has undertaken and will stop by on his way to Spain after he has made delivery to the saints in Jerusalem. The word here used for “making delivery” is sfragi,zw.. The word here used for “making delivery” is sfragi,zw..

60. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) The papyri suggest customs similar to the sealing of railroad boxcars. The papyri suggest customs similar to the sealing of railroad boxcars. In one papyrus a shipmaster is instructed to write a receipt for grain shipped on a government transport, and he is to “seal a sample” to prevent the grain from being tampered with during transit. In one papyrus a shipmaster is instructed to write a receipt for grain shipped on a government transport, and he is to “seal a sample” to prevent the grain from being tampered with during transit.

61. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) In another a merchant writes: “If you come, take out six artabae of vegetable seed, sealing it in the sacks in order that they may be ready.” In another a merchant writes: “If you come, take out six artabae of vegetable seed, sealing it in the sacks in order that they may be ready.” Paul will take all steps to ensure proper delivery of the collection and eliminate any cause for scandal. Paul will take all steps to ensure proper delivery of the collection and eliminate any cause for scandal.

62. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) The problem of disorderly people or loafers in the Thessalonian congregations is sharpened by the material under avtakte,w in M-M. The problem of disorderly people or loafers in the Thessalonian congregations is sharpened by the material under avtakte,w in M-M. In a papyrus dated A.D. 66 a contract of apprenticeship stipulates that the father must make good any days during which his son “plays truant” or “fails to attend.” In a papyrus dated A.D. 66 a contract of apprenticeship stipulates that the father must make good any days during which his son “plays truant” or “fails to attend.”

63. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Similarly a weaver’s apprentice must make up any days he is absent owing to idleness or ill health beyond the 3-week vacation and sick leave allowed during the year. Similarly a weaver’s apprentice must make up any days he is absent owing to idleness or ill health beyond the 3-week vacation and sick leave allowed during the year. These papyri parallels to 2 Thess. 3:11 suggest that some Thessalonian employers were fuming at a message which in their judgment was capsizing the economic order. These papyri parallels to 2 Thess. 3:11 suggest that some Thessalonian employers were fuming at a message which in their judgment was capsizing the economic order.

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

65. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) MM attempts to make the world of the NT come alive—the world of shopkeepers, of lonely widows, of traveling salespeople, of the lovelorn, of bankers, of merchants, of politicians. MM attempts to make the world of the NT come alive—the world of shopkeepers, of lonely widows, of traveling salespeople, of the lovelorn, of bankers, of merchants, of politicians.

66. Use of Lexicons Local Color (understanding the environment of words) Local Color (understanding the environment of words) And because it is the same workaday world as that of our own century, with names and places changed, MM is a volume that more effectively than many others can bridge the chasm between pulpit and pew. And because it is the same workaday world as that of our own century, with names and places changed, MM is a volume that more effectively than many others can bridge the chasm between pulpit and pew.

67. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) Words are like people; to know them well one must meet them on their own level, in their own environment; in different circumstances they react differently; like a face they take on varying expressions. Words are like people; to know them well one must meet them on their own level, in their own environment; in different circumstances they react differently; like a face they take on varying expressions. Some of them move from place to place; some never return to their earlier surroundings. Some of them move from place to place; some never return to their earlier surroundings.

68. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) But to know their past is to know a little better what makes them act as they do in the present. But to know their past is to know a little better what makes them act as they do in the present. BAGD is not intended to be a historical survey of NT Greek. BAGD is not intended to be a historical survey of NT Greek. MM deals only with the papyri, and to some extent with inscriptions. MM deals only with the papyri, and to some extent with inscriptions.

69. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) To see the family portrait one can go to the Liddell-Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (LSJM), a lexicon of classical Gk literature. To see the family portrait one can go to the Liddell-Scott, Greek-English Lexicon (LSJM), a lexicon of classical Gk literature.

70. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) Some understanding of LS’s usefulness may be gained from the study of a word such as kakoh,qeia,. Some understanding of LS’s usefulness may be gained from the study of a word such as kakoh,qeia,. Paul uses the word in a catalog of sins in Rom. 1:29. Paul uses the word in a catalog of sins in Rom. 1:29. BAGD offers the glosses “malice, malignity, craftiness.” BAGD offers the glosses “malice, malignity, craftiness.” BAGD offers Aristotle’s definition, “___ means always to assume the worst.” BAGD offers Aristotle’s definition, “___ means always to assume the worst.”

71. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) But LS under the adjective form notes that it is especially used in the sense of “thinking evil, prone to put the worst construction on everything.” But LS under the adjective form notes that it is especially used in the sense of “thinking evil, prone to put the worst construction on everything.” Would this not be more helpful than “malignity” in Moffatt and the RSV, or “craftiness” in the NRSV? Would this not be more helpful than “malignity” in Moffatt and the RSV, or “craftiness” in the NRSV?

72. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) Common word amartano (sin) provides an example. Common word amartano (sin) provides an example. In the Iliad 5.287 is used of a spear missing its mark; in general it is used of failure to achieve one’s purpose. In the Iliad 5.287 is used of a spear missing its mark; in general it is used of failure to achieve one’s purpose. The concept of actual wrongdoing and indiscretions committed against the gods appears in the Iliad 9.501. The concept of actual wrongdoing and indiscretions committed against the gods appears in the Iliad 9.501.

73. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) In Biblical documents the implications of “sin” are more clearly defined, but the original idea of failure to achieve one’s purpose sharpens the contrast between moral expectations and actual achievements. In Biblical documents the implications of “sin” are more clearly defined, but the original idea of failure to achieve one’s purpose sharpens the contrast between moral expectations and actual achievements.

74. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) Amartano by itself does not “mean” all these things, and there is nothing specifically “theological” about the term. Amartano by itself does not “mean” all these things, and there is nothing specifically “theological” about the term. But when a given context indicates awareness of divine interests, the student searches for resources in the receptor language that will express the meaning in a specific passage. But when a given context indicates awareness of divine interests, the student searches for resources in the receptor language that will express the meaning in a specific passage.

75. Use of Lexicons Pedigree (word families) Pedigree (word families) That the word parrasia (boldness) is composed of two words, pas and rasis and literally means “saying everything” might not be recognized without the help of LSJM (the components are entered in parentheses). That the word parrasia (boldness) is composed of two words, pas and rasis and literally means “saying everything” might not be recognized without the help of LSJM (the components are entered in parentheses). The references to Athenian love of free speech help accent the type of fearlessness displayed by the apostles in Acts 4. The references to Athenian love of free speech help accent the type of fearlessness displayed by the apostles in Acts 4.

76. Use of Lexicons A Notable Asterisk A Notable Asterisk The more comprehensive a lexicon becomes, the more complete is its listing of words. The more comprehensive a lexicon becomes, the more complete is its listing of words. Koehler-Baumgartner signals the occurrences of certain words and forms with numbers in parentheses. Koehler-Baumgartner signals the occurrences of certain words and forms with numbers in parentheses. BAGD simply places a single asterisk at the end of articles in which all occurrences in the NT and apostolic fathers has been noted and a double asterisk when only the NT passages are listed in full. BAGD simply places a single asterisk at the end of articles in which all occurrences in the NT and apostolic fathers has been noted and a double asterisk when only the NT passages are listed in full.

78. Use of Lexicons A Notable Asterisk A Notable Asterisk So the student is spared the need for checking in an additional tool, in this case a concordance. So the student is spared the need for checking in an additional tool, in this case a concordance. For e.g., one can see at a glance that mathetria occurs only once in the NT (Acts 9:6). For e.g., one can see at a glance that mathetria occurs only once in the NT (Acts 9:6). No other woman in the NT is described by this term. No other woman in the NT is described by this term.

79. Use of Lexicons Reference and Resource Material Reference and Resource Material One of the most valuable incidental features of BAGD is the bibliographical data found at the end of many of the articles. One of the most valuable incidental features of BAGD is the bibliographical data found at the end of many of the articles. If you were writing a paper, would find a bibliography of journal articles, books, chapters in books, etc. If you were writing a paper, would find a bibliography of journal articles, books, chapters in books, etc.

81. Use of Lexicons Practical Note Practical Note Special signs and abbreviations are necessary (for saving space) to a lexicon’s system of communication. Special signs and abbreviations are necessary (for saving space) to a lexicon’s system of communication. Some time spent pondering the introductory pages will save the user time and frustration. Some time spent pondering the introductory pages will save the user time and frustration. Same advice holds for use of other reference tools as well. Same advice holds for use of other reference tools as well.

82. Use of Lexicons A study of material referred to in a concordance precedes the consultation of a lexicon. A study of material referred to in a concordance precedes the consultation of a lexicon. After tracing the sources mentioned in a concordance and studying the usage of the word in light of the context, a lexicon can be consulted to either validate or correct the work you have done. After tracing the sources mentioned in a concordance and studying the usage of the word in light of the context, a lexicon can be consulted to either validate or correct the work you have done.

83. Use of Lexicons Because lexicons synthesize material, you may uncover something passed over by the editors due to the fact that they were dealing with broader issues then the one you have been researching. Because lexicons synthesize material, you may uncover something passed over by the editors due to the fact that they were dealing with broader issues then the one you have been researching. A knowledge of the use of concordances and lexicons will prepare you for engaging in one of the most exciting of biblical pursuits—word studies. A knowledge of the use of concordances and lexicons will prepare you for engaging in one of the most exciting of biblical pursuits—word studies.