Customer Reviews

Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament

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The "Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament" is a shorter version of that excellent "A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature" or simply "BDAG." This shorter version is quite excellent if you just need New Testament definition of the Greek word. In review:
1. The defintions are short, simple and concentrates on the meaning of the NT words itself. This book excludes the words from Apostolic Fathers and other early Christian literatures.

2. The book includes "English words derived from Greek terms." This element helps readers to gain more insight to the word and remember the words better.
3. The typeset is better than its first edition. Fonts are clear and crisp, therefore they are easy on your eyes.
4. The book is small, light, and portable. This is great! If you cannot carry that big and heavy BDAG.

In sum, if you cannot afford 3rd edition of BDAG and intimadated by its huge size, then this shorter lexicon is just right for you! Even though I own 3rd ed of BDAG, I use this shorter lexicon for portability when I am out. Recommended heartily.

During my first year of Greek study I was required to use the shorter lexicon for definitions of words as our class worked through I John. Over the past few years I have learned a few of the strengths and weaknesses of the work. On the one hand, the work has the value of clear and modern Greek fonts. The student does not have to worry about old typesets or other difficulties found in other lexicons. The portability of the shorter lexicon is another advantage of the book. The size naturally lends itself to the classroom environment; even the binding supports the wear and tear of school life. Also, the beginner will find non-root forms of some of the more difficult words as entries that point to the root word. This feature is also very helpful. The main drawback that I have found with the book is the dynamic (non-literal) approach it takes to some words. Occasionaly the definitions (esp. certain verse specific definitions) are merely the idea of the word rather than the pure definition of the word itself. With that in mind, the student can still work through the text literally, but must proceed with caution.

This lexicon follows up on Gingrich's original, bringing Fred Danker's insights and editorial skills from the Third ed. large lexicon into a convenient student-portable tool that doesn't scrimp on translation value. I have BDAG at home, and commute to seminary by mass transit, so backpack space is at a premium. Schlepping BDAG around has become unnecessary, as with a lexicon the size of the NA27, both fit conveniently into the front pocket of my bag -- saves table space at pericope studies, too. At home, I run studies first with the small lexicon, and then go to the large lexicon for clarification or extension of meaning. The speed enhancement is significant. It is very nice to have a new copy to replace my old, busted, binder's-taped, much-used and much-loved Gingrich 1st ed.

I have used this volume for the last 40 plus years. My copy is almost worn out. This lexicon contains some of the same features and layout found in the larger Bauer; Arndt & Gingrich Greek-English Lexicon (I do not have the Danker revised version.), although in abbreviated form. There are vocables difficult to decipher that are not included in the listings in this shorter lexicon. Over the years I have written these in the margins while reading the entire Greek New Testament cover-to-cover several times. I also added a thumb indexing system to make using this easier and faster. I like the listing of several passages to indicate where a vocable is used in that particular context, which is the difference between a dictionary and a lexicon. In the case of difficult forms, this feature also helps confirm that you have found the correct lexicon entry. Its size makes it easier to handle than some of the very thin dictionaries, and yet it is small enough to be easy to carry anywhere. Even though there is a newer edition with revisions, this is still a very useful tool.

Although it was ordered from Japan, it si derivered so fast to purchase a book very conveniently.