Should I Prioritize LSJ in my Library?

Nathan Parker

In my library for Greek lexicons, I currently have prioritized:

BDAG (my main lexicon)

TDNT (I use this heavily)

EDNT

Vines (I'm thinking of swapping this out for Mounce and picking up Mounce on sale)

I read this blog post last night:

https://blog.logos.com/2016/09/how-learned-love-lexicons/

And I'm thinking of swapping out EDNT with LSJ in the list. Is this a good idea?

Thanks!

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

Garrett Ho

It is a standard reference for Classical Greek. If that is what interests you, then definitely include it!

GregW

Hi Nathan - it probably depends what you're trying to accomplish. If you're writing academic papers and are going to have to trace the development of a word's usage over time, it might be a good idea. If you're using it mainly for sermon preparation, you're probably better off with what you've got. I mainly do sermon preparation, and have LSJ on my priority list, but lower down. I don't use Vine's as it is somewhat dated and (in my view) ventures into opinion and devotional thoughts rather than giving me the information I need to do my own exegetical work.

Nathan Parker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850383#Comment_850383

Sounds good. I'm more going to be writing academc papers versus sermon prep (only sermons I'll mainly be writing are for seminary), so LSJ sounds like a tool I'll really use. Thanks for the info!

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850427#Comment_850427

Adding to the discussion, depends, as noted, on even academic use:

- I put Logos's largest greek analytic lexicon in 5th place. For a while, it was Rick's LXX one, but I think his NT one is equal. This gives you a good chance a greek word of interest will have a popup, even if not a lemma. 5th place since if a lemma, you'd want a 'real' lexicon to pop up.

-Then academically, you'd arrange relative to period. Just my own, if I'm in the first century or after, I put MM first ... has nice example usages from the papyri, followed by Sophocles (Roman/Byzantine), and then LSJ. If earlier, then my Attic, plus LSJ.

As mentioned, BDAG is theological with assigned usage, but good side notes. TDNT is tricky ... depends on how picky your prof is. TLNT has far more depth, but less coverage. When just doing Bible stuff, I use in order, MM, TLNT (to catch its more limited coverage), LSJ (for 2nd Temple), then BDAG and an analytic.

Basically, we're just talking seconds of time ... usually I look at several, since one just hints. So, I use a full window of lexicons/apparatus already open and linked.

Justin Gatlin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850446#Comment_850446

I thought I should point out that there are notable problems with Kittel for academic use, many of which are resolved in the NIDNTTE, which is currently on sale for 60% off.

Nathan Parker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850449#Comment_850449

Thanks everyone for the added discussions! A few other tidbits I'll add:

1. It's true about the seconds of time, and these are just the ones I prioritize. I generally access more if I'm knee-deep in word study and really want to fully research a word.

2. BDAG is the standard my seminary requires us to go to/use first, so I definitely use it in all assignments as my main source.

3. Generally my professors allow the use of TDNT (Big Kittel) as long as I balance the discussion with others (such as NIDNTTE). I do have access to NIDNTTE (just not in Logos), and I'm generally comparing TDNT and NIDNTTE together. My professors will allow use of certain sources like that if I can compare with other sources and show that I'm thoroughly researching my word studies and not just blindly parroting off the dictionaries and reach conclusions. I know some colleges that completely ban TDNT though.

Kevin Wang

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850463#Comment_850463

My word studies typically start off with my "trifecta": BDAG, L&N, and LSJ

This starting point is recommended by the institution I study at.

Nathan Parker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/850466#Comment_850466

My word studies typically start off with my "trifecta": BDAG, L&N, and LSJ

This starting point is recommended by the institution I study at.

BTW, I figured out I have the "room" to prioritize both LSJ and EDNT, so might as well. :-)

I love BDAG and need to try using LSJ more. I haven't given it enough attention.

I also want to do more with L-N. My seminary didn't really show us how to make the most of it, which is a little sad because I wanted to go further with this. I do have John Fallahee's webinar on L-N and may re-watch it to get some more ideas on how to use it.