Analyzing the Greek-English
Lexicons of the New Testament
BAG / BAGD / BDAG , Louw & Nida ,
Abbott-Smith , Liddell & Scott
by
Wayne Slusser October, 2002
NT-2, Seminar in Greek Studies
What is a Greek-English Lexicon
of the New Testament?
• A volume of reference work that assists the
student of the New Testament in obtaining
an English definition and/or translation
gloss, (one word equivalents in the target
language that suggest how the particular
Greek word might be translated.)
• It also provides other valuable information
Information in a Greek-English
Lexicon
• The Volume:
– Foreword and/or
introduction
– Bibliographic info.
– Abbreviation lists
– 100’s to 1000’s of
entries of words
– Possible indices
• The Entry:
– The word
– Part of speech
– Definition or English
gloss
– Passage(s) where it is
found
– Early Christian
literature info.
– Modern author info.
A Greek-English Lexicon
compiled by Henry G. Liddell &
Robert Scott
Revised by Henry Stuart Jones and
Roderick McKenzie.
Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1968
1.) History and Development
• The Lexicon of Passow 1819, was the basis
for the LS lexicon.
– Special studies of Early Epic Poetry, Ionic
Prose of Herodotus and Hippocrates, Attic
dramatists, and Attic Prose writers
– There was a second & third edition (1825,
1827).
– His fourth and final edition (1831) is what LS
used to start their run of “8” editions.
• LS went through “8” editions (1843-1897)
• Delegates of the Clarendon Press were
invited to consider the revision of the
Lexicon (1903).
– This was to incorporate newly discovered texts
on stone and papyrus.
• H. Stuart Jones took over the revision in
1911. He acquired several scholars in
different areas of study to aid in the
revision.
• Areas of specialized study ranged from
Medicine to Astronomy & Astrology.
• Also included were large tracts of literature
– Papyri fragments
– Literature proper
– Vocabulary of Epicurus
– Vocabulary of the later Platonists
– Post-classical Greek literature
• Procedure of revision:
– notes in margin (alterations and additions)
– editing for publication
• Etymological information should be
reduced to a minimum
• Exclusion of both Patristic and Byzantine
literature
2.) Usage and Importance
• Wallace’s comments:
– “It is a crucial tool to rid us of our 20th century
presuppositions about the usage of words in
the NT. The student ought to beware,
however, that LS does not cover only classical
Greek. It actually covers the Greek language
from c. 900 B. C. to c. A. D. 600.”
quote taken from NT Lexicography notes;
Grace Theological Seminary, Spring 1983.
Sample Entry: Liddell and Scott
Occurs in supplement in back
• Abbreviation lists are quite extensive:
– 30 pages of “minute type”
– Authors and Works
– Epigraphical Publications
– Papyrological Publications
– Periodicals
– General list and signs
– Supplement: Incorporated new material from
inscriptions and Papyri (found after printing).
A Manual Greek Lexicon of the
New Testament
G. Abbott-Smith
Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1937
1.) History and Development
• Moulton and Milligan’s aim was not to
provide a lexicon of NT Greek. Rather,
they offer a select vocabulary of NT words
illustrated from papyri.
• This is when Abbott-Smith came on the
scene.
• There has arisen a need for the collection
and arrangement of words in a convenient
form.
• Also a systematic revision of the
vocabulary of the NT in light of more
research.
• Abbott’s caution is the possibility of
exaggerating the influence of the
Septuagint.
2.) Usage and Importance
• The work is not comprehensive, although
is far more accurate than Thayer.
• The book is a quick reference and
introduces features not included in Bauer.
– Frequent etymologies
– Usage in the LXX with underlying Hebrew
word
– Citation of synonyms
Sample Entry: Abbott-Smith
Word / Entry
Not found
in the LXX
Not found in
Gr. Writers of
classical period
Definition
All occurrences in the NT
are cited.
• Other abbreviations could include:
– Books of Bible, OT & NT
– Ancient writers
– Modern writers
Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament: Based on Semantic Domains
Johannes P. Louw
and
Eugene A. Nida
editors
New York: United Bible Societies, 1988
1.) History and Development
• The first lexicon of the New Testament
dedicated to a thorough expression of
modern linguistic theory.
• It focuses on the related meanings of
different words with the goal of finding
appropriate translational equivalents.
• Procedures employed in the
development of this lexicon:
– Semantic Domains: The editors have organized the
lexical entries in semantic domains, not in
alphabetical order.
– Definitions: Each lexical entry includes a
definition. Before Louw & Nida, it was common
practice to provide English translations (glosses)
for words.
– Final editing: The editors used cross referencing
and indexing, as well as proofreading in order to
ensure its accuracy.
• Significant features:
– (1) It is based on semantic domains
The editors have organized the Greek vocabulary
into a hierarchy by grouping words into classes or
semantic domains. The basis for this grouping is
the related meaning (semantic features) which
each of the words share. [see example next slide]
A group of words that share related meaning.
Louw & Nida: Semantic Domain
Semantic domain number
Note: The top portion of the table is from page 288; the bottom from page 289.
– (2) Irregular forms are noted if these are
in any way connected with meaning.
– (3) Each distinct meaning is clearly
marked by a superscript letter of the
alphabet.
– (4) Meanings are indicated by definitions
and not simply by glosses.
– (5) Contains suggestions which may be
relevant for translators.
• Significant reasons:
– (1) The inadequacy of most existing
dictionaries.
– (2) Some dictionaries have an
unsystematic manner in which meanings
are treated.
– (3) The necessity of bringing together
meanings that are closely related (range of
meanings tend to overlap)
2.) Usage and Importance
• Because of the hierarchical organization of the
lexical entries, accessing information in “Louw &
Nida” involves a different strategy from other
lexicons or wordbooks.
• The first volume contains the lexical entries,
while the second contains indices. To access
lexical information, the interpreter must begin
with volume two to find the semantic sub-domain
number. The editors have cross-referenced the
semantic sub-domain number with volume one.
• How to use the Louw & Nida lexicon
– Accessing Lexical Information:
• Step One: Begin with the indices to access the
sub-domain number (vol. 2).
• Step Two: Use the sub-domain number to
access the lexical entry and its information
(vol. 1).
• Step One: Accessing the sub-domain number.
There are three indices in volume (2).
• Greek Word Index: This index contains all of
the Greek words that occur in the New
Testament.
• English Word Index: This index lists all
possible English words.
• Scripture Index: All references listed inside the
lexical entries occur in the Scripture index.
Greek Word Index:
– Each entry may contain grammatical information,
meaning(s), and idiom(s).
– For example, some words like qeo/pneustoj (“inspired
by God”) have one meaning. Other words, like qeo/j
(“God”), have more than one meaning or idiom. It
is necessary, therefore, for the interpreter to
decide which meaning or idiom best corresponds
with the passage under consideration.
• Cautions with the Greek-word index:
– It is a mistake when dealing with the meanings
of Greek words to assume some kind of oneto-one correspondence in meaning in English.
– sa/rc = has the following index:
• flesh; body; people; human; nation; human nature;
physical nature; life
• These glosses should not be understood as definitions,
they are only clues to various areas of meaning
– Each meaning/idiom is associated with a subdomain number. For example, the word qeo/j can
mean “God,” referring to the true God, or “god,”
referring to a false god. If the first meaning best
corresponds with the passage under consideration,
you will use the sub-domain number 12.1 to access
the lexical entry. However, if the second meaning
best corresponds with the passage, you will use
12.22. [see example next slide]
Louw & Nida: Greek Word Index
Number to be used
later
Sub-domain number
Meanings of qeo/j
Idioms: Units with
the term qeo/j
English Word Index:
– The English Word Index is different from the
Greek Word Index. First, not all possible English
words are listed. In addition, the editors may
assign more than one sub-domain number to a
given English word. Under such a circumstance, it
is difficult to know which number is appropriate
for the passage under consideration.
– Because of these differences, it is best for one to
use the Greek Word Index. It is possible,
nonetheless, to use the English Word Index.
– Each entry contains an English word with its subdomain number(s). Some words contain a single
sub-domain number. Others have two or more.
The index does not provide sufficient information
for you to discriminate between sub-domains. It is
necessary, therefore, for the interpreter to consult
each sub-domain.
– English words that are semantically related are
listed as part of the same entry. For example, both
insolent and insolence are in the same entry.
– [see example next slide]
Louw & Nida: English Word Index
Sub-domain Number(s)
Scripture Index:
– The Scripture Index is also different from the
Greek Word Index. First, not all possible Scripture
references are listed. In addition, the editors may
assign more than one sub-domain number to a
given reference. Under such a circumstance, it is
difficult to know which word is referenced in the
entry.
– Because of these differences, it is best for one to
use the Scripture Index along with the Greek Word
Index.
– Each entry contains one or more sub-domain
number(s). The editors have not listed specific
words with the sub-domain numbers.
– At the same time, you should assume that any
reference listed in the Index contains information
that will facilitate your interpretation of that
passage. It is recommended, therefore, that you
consult all sub-domain numbers.
– [see example next slide]
Louw & Nida: Scripture Index
References are
from 2 Timothy.
Sub-domain number(s)
• Step Two: Using the sub-domain number.
• Linking volumes 2 and 1: The sub-domain
numbers link volumes 2 and 1. Once you have
identified the sub-domain number from the
indices (vol. 2), you will use that number to
access the lexical entry in volume 1. The editors
have organized the lexical entries in numerical
order, beginning with sub-domain 1.1.
• [see example next slide]
Louw & Nida: Linking volumes 2 & 1
Step 1: Look up qeo/pneustoj
in the Greek Word Index.
Identify corresponding
semantic domain number.
Step 2: Access lexical
entry 33.261 in volume 1.
• Content of lexical entry: Each entry contains:
(1) grammatical information, (2) a definition,
and (3) a discussion of specific passages. The
entry may also include a discussion concerning
how one might translate the word into a nonIndo-European language.
• [see example next slide]
Louw & Nida: Lexical Entry
Grammatical Information
Definition
2 Timothy 3:16
Translation
in nonIndoEuropean
language
Note: The lexical entry qeo/pneustoj (33.261) is part
of semantic sub-domain <T>.
3.) The Value
• “Very instructive for all students of the Bible
because it delineates subtle differences
between words related in meaning. . . The
various features of definitions and illustrative
translations counter the tendency to seek a
one-to-one correspondence between words of
different languages.”
Gignac, Francis T., Catholic Biblical
Quarterly 53.2 (April 1991): 334-35.
A Greek-English Lexicon of the
New Testament and Other Early
Christian Literature [BAG]
From Walter Bauer’s
fourth revised and augmented edition,
1952
by
William F. Arndt & F. Wilbur Gingrich
Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1957.
1.) History and Development
• Prior to Bauer’s work, Joseph H. Thayer’s
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament,
was considered the front runner in NT
lexicography (1889).
• Thayer’s work was an excellent service to
scholars of the NT. However, it was
misfortunate to have come out just before the
papyrus discoveries of 1890 and beyond.
• The first dictionary to appear after the
epoch-making discoveries of the papyri
was Erwin Preuschen’s
Greek-German lexicon of 1910.
• Upon his death in 1920, the revision of his
lexicon became Walter Bauer’s privilege.
• When the revision appeared in 1928, it was
described as the best in its field! Another
rev. in 1937 also appeared, this time with
Bauer’s name alone on the title-page.
• Bauer completed a fourth edition in 1952.
It was this edition that we are fortunate to
have in English today.
• Bauer accomplished a systematic search in
Greek literature down to Byzantine times
for parallels to the language of the NT.
• F. Wilbur Gingrich comes on the scene to
persuade the U. of Chicago Press to
translate the German work to English.
• A substantial amount of money came from
the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to
begin the project.
• The manuscript, about 24 thousand hand
written slips of paper, was finally finished
in January of 1955. Published in 1957.
• The title page included Bauer’s name
because of his incredible contribution.
2.) Usage and Importance
• Improvements and additions to the Bauer’s
4th edition took place.
• Inclusion of words not found in Bauer,
fragments of Papias.
• Notations and references to M-M (Moulton &
Milligan) and B (CD Buck’s Dict. Of Synonyms in the Indo-European Lang.).
• References to scholarly periodical literature
have been brought up to the latter part of
1954.
Sample Entry: BAG
Writers of antiquity.
Plutarch (I-II AD)
Word entry
Referenced in
Moulton and
Milligan
• Other Abbreviations could include:
– NT, the Apostolic Fathers, other Early
Christian Lit.
– OT and Apocrypha
– Published collections of inscriptions and
Papyri
– Periodicals, Collections, Modern authors, and
literature
3.) The Value
• “Bauer, in both German and English dress,
unquestionably presents the pastor and the
student with the very latest, most
comprehensive, and undeniably efficient aid
to New Testament Bible study. . . The
standard lexicon of its time.”
quote taken from Wallace’s NT
Lexicography notes; Grace Theological
Seminary, Spring 1983.
A Greek-English Lexicon of the
New Testament and Other Early
Christian Literature [BAGD]
A translation and adaptation of the
fourth rev. and aug. edition, 1952
2nd edition by
F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W.
Danker
Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1979.
1.) History and Development
• William Danker was asked to serve as coeditor with Gingrich in this revision.
• Danker was a former student of Arndt.
• The primary purpose of this 2nd edition was
to not lose touch with modern
developments.
2.) Usage and Importance/Value
• Many errors were corrected.
• 20% more information than BAG. (words
never before entered in any NT lexicon,
other parsed forms, ref. to new Papyri and
Qumran documents, ref. to secondary
literature, and more extensive bibliographic
data.)
• Many words also have undergone
significant revisions.
• Additional ref. to classical and early
Christian literature.
• “Improved typography made this
edition a more handy tool than the
previous one.”
Quote taken from Blomqvist, Jerker. Journal
of Biblical Literature 120.4 (Winter 2001):
780-84.
A Greek-English Lexicon of the
New Testament and Other Early
Christian Literature [BDAG]
Revised and Edited by
Frederick W. Danker. 3rd ed.
Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 2000.
1.) History and Development
• The 2nd edition, BAGD, was based on
Bauer’s 5th ed. The 6th edition of the
Worterbuch was edited by the Alands and
Viktor Reichmann.
• This 3rd ed. builds on the preceding English
editions, the 6th German edition, and
Danker’s own work.
Information taken from paper written by Rodney J.
Decker, Th.D., Prof. @ Baptist Bible Seminary, Fall 2001.
2.) Usage and Importance
• 2 excellent changes for this new edition:
– (a) The inclusion of actual definitions
rather than English glosses.
– (b) The improvement of typography.
• These extended definitions were a lot of
extra work, but well worth it. This is an
important improvement and the hope is
that other authors of Greek lexicons will do
the same.
• Another change is the increase in non-NT
citations, and the abbreviations list has
been reworked.
• The bibliographic info. has been updated.
Sample Entry: BDAG
Majority of what is new in this
3rd. edition, quite significant!
Periodicals,
Collections, and
Modern Authors
• Other abbreviations include:
– NT, Apostolic Fathers, Selected Apocrypha
– OT and Intertestamental/Pseudepigraphical
Literature
– Inscriptions
– Papyri/Parchments and Ostraca
– Writers and Writings of Antiquity
– Periodicals, Collections, Modern authors
3.) The Value
• This 1-volume work is the standard New
Testament lexicon. The editors organize the
Greek words in alphabetical order.
• Each entry in “BDAG” includes (1) references
from extra-biblical Greek literature, (2)
definition of the Greek word, (3) discussion
and translation of specific examples in the
New Testament, and (4) bibliography.
Concluding Thoughts
• 1.) Lexicon work is never over. The process
continues and we must be aware of this.
• 2.) Our work is never over. This
presentation proves that we are indebted to
these men. Let us make our contributions.
• 3.) God’s work is never over. The
continuation of the study of His word is a
must. Let us not become lazy!
Bibliographic Information
Abbott-Smith, G. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament.
Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1937. {v-ix}
Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and
Other Early Christian Literature. by William F. Arndt and
F. Wilbur Gingrich. Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1957. {v-viii}
Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and
Other Early Christian Literature. 2nd. ed. Revised and
augmented by F. Wilbur Gingrich and Frederick W. Danker.
Chicago: U. of Chicago Press, 1979. {ix-xxviii}
Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and
Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd. ed. Revised and
edited by Frederick W. Danker. Chicago: U. of Chicago
Press, 2000. {v-xi}
Bibliographic Information, cont.
Blomqvist, Jerker. Book review of BDAG, Journal of Biblical Literature 120.4
(Winter 2001): 780-84.
Danker, Frederick W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Revised &
Expanded edition, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
Decker, Rodney J. Paper on BDAG, Baptist Bible Seminary, Fall 2001.
Gignac, Francis T. Book review of Louw & Nida, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 53.2
(April 1991): 334-35.
Liddell, Henry George, and Scott, Robert. A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised by
Henry Stuart Jones and Roderick McKenzie. Oxford: Clarendon Press,
1968. {iii-xiv}
Louw, Johannes P. and Nida, Eugene A. Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. 2nd. ed. New York: United
Bible Societies, 1988. {vi-xx}
Wallace, Daniel B. Class notes from New Testament Lexicography class, Grace
Theological Seminary, Spring 1983.