root words for Greek lemmas
I found out that Logos incorporates the root words for Greek lemmas in English Bibles using the reverse interlinear. How may these root terms be applied in genuine Bible study? I would like to begin with a few definitions of my own. A manuscript is a form of a term that relates to the word used by the Biblical author. The lemma or lexical form of a word relates to how it is "looked up" or referred in a classical dictionary or lexicon. The word that gives rise to the lemma is known as the root. The root word is a basic word from which other words are developed. Root words are usually verbs and functional adverbs. Simply put, manuscript forms are generated from lemmas, which in turn are derived from roots.
Comments
-
Fundamentally, studies based on roots help you hone in on the meaning of an element common to several closely related words e.g. act would in "act" in actor, action. activate, active ...
If you understand the relationships between root-lemma-stem, have a basic understanding of historical linguistic (language changes over time), and are comfortable breaking Greek words down into their morphemes, you will know the answer; otherwise you may have some gaps to fill. I could show you techniques for utilizing particular resources. Beekes and Mounce referred to in another thread are my usual go to's. What resources would you start with?
Root words are usually verbs and functional adverbs.
In Indo-European languages the standard estimate is 60-70% of the roots are verbs; 30-40% are nouns. I don't know the breakdown for specific languages.
Simply put, manuscript forms are generated from lemmas, which in turn are derived from roots.
I would add and element: root --> lemma --> stem --> manuscript form
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
0 -
I normally use my Reverse Interlinear, The Greek Testament Roots by George Knox Gillespie, BDAG, and Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek, 2nd ed by Bruce M. Metzger. Are these not good? I do not own Beekes or Mounce. I would love to see your techniques for utilizing particular resources.
0
