A lexicon is a dictionary or vocabulary of words used in a particular language or field of study. In biblical studies, a lexicon refers to a dictionary or glossary of words and phrases from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible. Lexicons provide definitions, etymologies, grammatical forms, and usages of biblical words to help us better understand the meaning of Scripture.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Hebrew was the language of ancient Israel and the Old Testament, with some portions written in Aramaic after the Babylonian exile. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the eastern Mediterranean world at that time.
Since most Bible readers today do not know these ancient languages, scholars have compiled lexicons to help uncover the nuances and richness of meaning behind the original words. A good biblical lexicon looks at how a word is used across Scripture, providing examples and allowing readers to examine the range of possible definitions.
Some key Hebrew and Greek lexicons used by Bible students include:
– Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon – A standard Hebrew lexicon covering all Old Testament words referencing ancient manuscripts.
– Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance – Assigns a number to each original word for keying to Hebrew and Greek dictionaries.
– Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary – Key New Testament words with usages and meanings.
– Thayer’s Greek Lexicon – Definitions and usages for New Testament Greek words.
– Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) – In-depth look at Greek terms across ancient literature.
– Theological Lexicon of the Old Testament (TLOT) – Major Hebrew terms linked to Semitic languages.
Using a lexicon is an important part of biblical exegesis – drawing meaning from the text in its original languages. Lexicons help in several ways:
1. Defining words – A lexicon provides the range of established definitions for each word based on uses in the Bible and other literature. This helps correct inaccurate or anachronistic definitions that arise from changes in language over time.
2. Understanding meaning – The meaning of a word depends greatly on context. A lexicon looks at how a word is used across various biblical passages to give a full sense of its meaning.
3. Grammatical uses – The grammar of biblical languages is complex. A lexicon clarifies verb tenses, cases, moods and functions for each term.
4. Cultural background – Lexicons may provide historical and cultural notes that illuminate the context for a word’s meaning.
5. Word study – Tracing a word through every usage in Scripture can yield treasured insights. A lexicon helps identify each occurrence.
Some examples where a lexicon sheds light on specific words:
– The Hebrew word “hesed” has a much richer meaning than simply “mercy” or “kindness”, including notions of loyal love and unfailing devotion within relationships.
– “Metanoia”, often translated “repentance”, implies an active change of mind and direction, not just sorrow for sin.
– The Greek “agape” elevates love to a self-sacrificing commitment to the well-being of others.
– Yeshua (Jesus’ name in Hebrew) means “The Lord Saves” – a concise statement of His mission.
So in summary, a biblical lexicon is a specialized dictionary focused on the original text languages of Scripture. It seeks to clarify vocabulary and grammar to uncover the fullest meaning intended by the authors. Using a lexicon is one step in the larger process of biblical exegesis – drawing out the richness of the Word for deeper understanding and application.
Here are some key reasons to use a biblical lexicon:
– Gain a precise, nuanced definition of the original words. Avoid distorted meanings that come from changes in language over time.
– Examine how a word functions in varying contexts across Scripture to discern its full range of meaning.
– Understand grammatical functions, cases and tenses. The grammar provides cues to meaning.
– Uncover cultural, historical and linguistic insights that shed light on the context of key terms.
– Do effective word studies by identifying each occurrence of a term across all of Scripture.
– Move beyond surface readings to discern deeper implications and connections related to word meanings.
– Appreciate rhetorical techniques like alliteration, wordplay and repetition that build meaning.
– Minimize theological bias by going directly to the source words rather than interpretations.
– Catch important nuances lost in translation from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into contemporary languages. Gain confidence that key terms are understood correctly.
– Facilitate word-based topical study by identifying all verses where a word appears.
Some common pitfalls to avoid when using a lexicon:
– Don’t assume only one definition. Most words have a range of meaning depending on context.
– Avoid extreme literalism. Word meaning is affected by figures of speech, genre, literary style and cultural context.
– Don’t read later theological controversies back into terms. Let context determine meaning.
– Don’t assume modern linguistic concepts align with ancient languages. Meaning is time-bound.
– Don’t determine meaning from etymology alone. Word origin provides helpful background but usage reveals meaning.
– Don’t simply seek definitions. Examine how words function in context for fuller meaning.
– Don’t let concordance depend too much on lexicon. Use lexicon to clarify what a concordance identifies.
– Don’t equate lexicon with commentary. Lexicon provides linguistic data to aid interpretation.
For enriched Bible study, the judicious use of lexicons is recommended in balance with other tools and methods. Lexicons help lift the veil from original terms to see more clearly what biblical writers sought to communicate. Approached carefully and prayerfully, lexicon study can open up fresh vistas of insight from Scripture.
In summary, here are five key steps for effectively using a biblical lexicon:
1. Identify the original language word(s) you want to study, using a concordance or Bible software.
2. Look up the lexical form of that word in a lexicon to find its essential meaning.
3. Note any insights on etymology, grammar, usage, derivatives etc. that add shades of meaning.
4. Examine how the word is used in immediate context as well as broader contexts.
5. Synthesize lexical information with your contextual study to discern the fullest, most accurate meaning.
Some additional tips:
– Consult multiple lexicons to get a well-rounded perspective.
– Use lexicons prepared for your target audience (layman vs. scholar).
– Beware of imposing theological bias – let context clarify.
– Balance lexicon study with other approaches for a holistic interpretation.
– Consider word frequency, repetition and peculiarity as cues to meaning.
– Keep word meaning bound to the passage at hand to avoid tangents.
With some thoughtful effort, lexicons can take Bible study to exciting new levels. Tracing words to their source opens up new lines of meaning and application. The Spirit uses our diligent study to help the Word come alive.
