What is a lexicon?

Answer

A lexicon is a linguistic resource similar to a dictionary as it contains an alphabetical listing of words in a language, typically with definitions. A Bible lexicon provides the meanings of original-language words found in Scripture. A Hebrew-Aramaic lexicon focuses on the words in the Old Testament, while a Greek lexicon deals with the words in the New Testament. Lexicons are valuable tools for Bible study and conducting word studies from passages.

Bible lexicons assist students of Scripture in comprehending the etymology and original meaning of Hebrew or Greek words. They also aid in exploring the context and culture surrounding the words. The nuances and connotations of the original words are not always easily translated into English. For instance, the Greek word Logos, translated as “the Word” in John 1:1, carries a much deeper significance than the typical understanding of a “word.” A lexicon helps to unravel this complexity.

Various Bible lexicons are available in print, and there are online resources for Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic lexicons. Websites like Bible Study Tools and Study Light provide free access to searchable Bible lexicons. Examples of Greek and Hebrew lexicons include A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer, William Arndt, F. Wilbur Gingrich, & Frederick Danker; Liddell and Scott’s Greek-English Lexicon by H. G. Liddell and R. Scott; The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon by Francis Brown, C. Briggs, and S.R. Driver; and The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament by Ludwig Kohler, Walter Baumgartner, and Johann Stamm.

A lexicon can offer valuable insights to Christians as they delve into God’s Word. An effective way to use a Greek or Hebrew lexicon is in conjunction with other resources such as a concordance, dictionary, or commentary. Notably, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance includes aGreek and Hebrew lexicon in one volume with the concordance.

As an illustrative instance of how a Greek lexicon can be beneficial, we can refer to Revelation 1:8: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” By utilizing a lexicon, we discover that alpha (A) is the initial letter of the Greek alphabet and omega (Ω) is the final letter. Therefore, we are presented with an explanation of God’s essence: He is the commencement and conclusion of all things. He exists from eternity with no one preceding Him, and He endures into eternity with none after Him cf: Revelation 22:13.

Lexicons can aid the Bible student in comprehending the source and significance of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic terms in their authentic settings. Naturally, we can grasp the Bible in our native language, and we possess numerous commendable translations that accurately represent the original text. However, when we desire to explore more profoundly, a Bible lexicon proves to be a valuable resource.