Customer Reviews

Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint (Greek Edition)

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The preparation of a modern lexicon dedicated to the vocabulary of the LXX is most welcome. Yes, one can find all the words in the unabridged Liddell & Scott A Greek-English Lexicon, Ninth Edition with a Revised Supplement, but the latter volume is not very portable, and it has far more information than a reader of the LXX will need.

A more important difference, though, is that the present volume addresses many matters of lexical meaning that are peculiar to the LXX. Many senses given are followed by verse references. An exceptionally helpful feature, and one which I am sure took much time to develop, is the inclusion of hypotheses about how certain odd-looking translations in Greek may have been derived from the Hebrew text. This may be due to a different assumed voweling, a slightly different consonantal text or a simple misunderstanding by the Greek translators.

Words unique to the LXX and literature based on it are marked, as are words found in the NT. Corrections to Rahlf's Septuaginta, to which this is a companion volume, are also indicated.

While my overall impression of this volume is very good, there are a few desiderata I have for a subsequent edition:

1. Many of the translations are rather old-fashioned, and some are positively obsolete. I burst out laughing when I found "conjure" as the translation of *exorkizo*, which means 'to put under oath'. The fact that this gloss is found in Liddell & Scott suggests that the authors depended too much on its quaint 19th-century and earlier vocabulary, rather than giving modern English equivalents in all cases.

2. Occasionally an additional gloss is needed. For example, *elegcw* (elenkho) needs the gloss 'to prove to be' for Wisdom 2:11.

3. This lexicon has extremely few cross-references for unexpected or irregular forms. A few more would be highly desirable as an aid to students. Among them are *arnos* referring to *amnos* 'lamb, sheep' and *qhmwnia* (themonia) referring to *qimwnia* (thimonia) 'heap'.

I do not regularly read the Septuagint, but there are times when a passage from it is helpful for work in the New Testament. At such times the last thing one wants is to encounter an unfamiliar vocable or a vocable that has a twist in meaning different from the usual New Testament meaning. Such words are not likely to be found in other Greek lexicons. For such times this work is very helpful. It is not exactly a concordance to the Septuagint, but does give several passages where the word is used, sometimes indicating the list is complete for all occurences. It is spendy, but a very good resource. Put it on a wish list and wait for someone to buy it for you.

This is the companion to Stuttgart's Septuaginta. It is an excellent lexicon. It has the highest quality Greek font. It is very informitive. And is nicely bound. Another fine book out of Stuttgart, made like books used to be made.

This has been one of the best business experiences ever. Courteous service, timely delivery, product in excellent condition. The latter, an indispensable resource for biblical research. The word that captures the essence of the experience is: Spectacular!