Customer Reviews

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (2 Volume Set)

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This is the easiest lexicon to use for general translation work, and the fastest one to look things up in. Most lexicons try to give you a feeling for the different kinds of meanings that a word might have, then point you to examples which illustrate each meaning. To really understand them, you have to digest the examples carefully. This lexicon gives fewer examples and more complete definitions, which makes it much easier to grasp the meaning quickly. It also lets you look up words in English and translate them into Greek, which can be useful for exercises that require you to write Greek. To use this lexicon, always start with the second volume and look up the word in the alphabetical list. If you don't, you will never figure out how to use it. For more reviews on lexicons, grammars, and textbooks, see "http://www.mindspring.com/~jwrobie/littleGreek.html".

Only the domains are included in this book. This is Volume 1. Volume 1 is essentially useless without the indexes which is Volume 2. Buy the books as a set, ISBN: 0-8267-0343-7

As one review already noted, Volume 1 is useless without the supplement. Unfortunately, I had already submitted my order before finding out this information.

The only review which touched upon what makes this work significant gave it unecessarily critical remarks. This lexicon was met with critical acclaim by scholars of the New Testament. It broke away from the alphabatized pattern of lexicons and used semantic domains. Semantic domains allow one to see all the words available to convey an idea or object ect. and compare the nuances and differences between options. The second significant contriubtion lay in the use of actual definitions instead of glosses. Glosses had dominated NT lexicography since the Complutensian Polyglot, glosses being one word equivalents. It should be noted Louw and Nida did not do their own lexicographical research for this dictionary (on a large scale anyway). They basically used Barclay Newman's little dictionary, authorized by the United Bible Society to accompany its Greek New Testament, as their lexical semanitic foundation. Louw and Nida created lengthy definitions from Barclay's glosses. The authors had in view Bible translators around the world and the difficulty of translating ideas and concepts found in the Bible in to other cultures and languages. You can see this clearly in the definitions for "God". So basically this lexicon does for Greek what has been done for English and other modern languages, namely providing actual definitions instead of synonyms. Nida was a proponent of thought for thought translations, which judging by one of the previous reviews is still controversial. He challenged the paradigm which says the Bible should be translated literally and then the preachers and teachers should make it intelligible to the masses. I refer to Nida because I am familiar with his scholarship. I do not feel comfortable speaking for Louw. Nida was a pioneer and utilized modern linguistics to the benefit of the community of New Testament students. I thought it needed to be said, exactly what this work IS and why it is significant. This work is not a replacement to Bauer-Danker but a great compliment.

In my study of Greek, I use two main lexicon aids: BDAG and Louw & Nida.

BDAG serves as a better source of word definition and for all uses of the word in the Bible and other literature, but Louw & Nida serves as a superb, current pointer to synonyms and antonyms. This is not the only use for this lexicon, but this is the way I use it. It is superb for word study, as a single English word may be translated from many Greek words that have different meanings. For instance, Louw & Nida has led me to over 30 words translated as 'argue', 'disagree', 'strife' and 'struggle.'

Louw & Nida must be used with the index. Without the index, it will be virtually impossible to find any word you are seeking, as they are organized according to semantic domains. The index has a Greek index, Scripture index, and topical index. These are extremely helpful in word studies, as they point to so many words and their general use.

The introduction of Louw & Nida states that this is not a traditional lexicon, but is intended to help in translation. It provides some interesting aids in this sort of definition that is not always given in BDAG. The definitions are based on current scholarship, but only list one or two instances of use in Scripture, whereas BDAG gives every instance.

If you are looking for a lexicon to supplement BDAG, BAGD, or BAG, this is a great selection to consider.

I have found this lexicon useful because it is somewhat like Trench's Synonyms, but has much wider scope. It also includes antonyms so when considering the meaning of a word similar words and their different shades of meaning can be taken into account as well as the opposites. I would still recommend the use of another lexicon, like Bauer's to check some the definitions given.

I purchased the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (2 Volume Set)through Amazon.com. The 2- volume book was received in a few weeks and it has proven to be more than what I expected. As a Bible Study Fellowship teacher, I have other Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias but this set is excellent. It gives a more detailed meaning of the word according to how it is used in the passages. It has enhanced my study of God's Word especially when it comes to defining a term of word in a passage. It allows me to present a more clear, concise lesson to the class of students. This is one purchase I highly recommend to those who are interested in grasping the definition of biblical words. Be sure to purchase the 2-volume set.

Volume 1 is a quick guide & referral to Volume 2 which is one of the best "related" word meaning & explanation lexical guides.

Add this set to your other Lexicon and Greek study book library if you are serious in studying & learning NT Greek.

Read through Volume 2 then use it as a reference - it will help you learn NT Greek by the domain feature. Good printing on heavy paper.

Greek scholars are hard to come by. My friend happens to be one. He used this lexicon to pen his grammar book and had to go to a Christian library to get this book. It's retail price is $44.95. But it can usually be found for around $29.99.

For the brand new Biblical Greek student, this lexicon will provide you with an easy font and easy reading with basic definitions. However, this should be a secondary lexicon for general translation (you should familiarize yourself with BDAG, as found here: A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd Edition]).

Although this one is handy in a pinch, you'll likely rarely open it if you have a BDAG handy.

For the advanced Biblical Greek students and scholars, Louw and Nida are invaluable for referencing other words in the semantic domain for research or clarification.

The book is bound very well. One copy will last a lifetime of a pastor's use (you may need a few for a scholar). Its contents are comprehensive and any possible future revision would likely be minor.

If you study and translate Biblical Greek at all, this needs to be in your library. For everyone else, I would not recommend this book.