BDAG or? For more in depth study?

BDAG is the gold standard Greek Lexicon, I am aware. But sometimes I am confused about what those definitions/glosses mean in context to Bible verses. For example, BDAG gives no definition and one gloss for the word Kardia in Greek, "heart." With one gloss that cannot possibly capture this Greek meaning in English, as heart normally is emotions in English, and I know in Greek, heart is far more expansive. I don't understand what BDAG means. Granted, BDAG lists a good amount of subsections for the word (a,b,c) and so on, but these are not the definition, gloss, or translation. So, for entries like this, where am I going wrong since this is considered the "gold standard"?

My only option is to ask for another top-tier resource rec by scholars, aka Lowu Nida or NIDNTTE perhaps? Or am I missing something in BDAG?

Thanks, Lora

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Allen Browne

@Lora_Smart said: "My only option is to ask for another top-tier resource rec by scholars, aka Lowu Nida or NIDNTTE perhaps? Or am I missing something in BDAG?"

Lora, the multi-volume lexicons do provide mcuh more detail than the single-volume BDAG. BDAG is first stop for listing the range of meanings a word had. Lowu Nida identifies the semantic domain applicable in a particular text. NIDNTTE provides more detail. TDNT gives the background usage of the word in secular Greek and in Jewish texts (including Septuagint).

I use them all, but my first stop (before BDAG) is to right-click the word, choose the Lemma, and then Search | Bible. That lists how the word is translated every place it's used in the NT, giving you not only the range of meanings but the frequency and brief context for those meanings. (You need enough grammar to know how some meanings cannot apply in some contexts.)

All lexicons contain opinions. Sometiems I disagree with Lowu Nida regarding a specific domain. Sometimes TDNT reflects a bias from its time (Germany before WWII). Sometimes NIDNETTE is bent towards a more Evangelical perspective. Sometimes I use EDNT (Exegetical Dictionary of the NT) for insights others missed.

Hope that helps.

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DMB

No … BDAG is an NT commentary along a tradition(s) perspective. Rarely use it.

Actually lexicons are backgrounding; use a wide-set of discussions.

NichtnurBibelleser

@Lora_Smart You could go to Factbook for starters or a Word Study. They lead to quite substantial Lexicon entries, though I don't know if you read German:

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/256572/bdag-or-for-more-in-depth-study

The DBL Series for Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek provides contextual meanings and glosses. The Outline Formatting available makes it even more readable with words that have several meanings (below). You can gain a more complete understanding of Greek words in conjunction with the Louw-Nida Lexicon, as the meanings come from that source.

Allen Browne

@Lora_Smart said: "My only option is to ask for another top-tier resource rec by scholars, aka Lowu Nida or NIDNTTE perhaps? Or am I missing something in BDAG?"

Hope that helps.